Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Chapter 2: Disturbia


"What in the hell are you doing Spade?" Aurora hissed, stepping down from the loft to glare at her older cousin.

"I'm getting ready for class." Spade laughed softly. She loudly set he hair dryer on the bathroom counter.
"And yes I am being obnoxiously loud on purpose to wake you up. You don't need to be late on our first real day."

"It's seven in the mourning, Spade. My first class isn't until eleven in the morning for a reason." She sighed, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
"And no mind reading. We've talked about this."

"I honestly didn't need it. Your tone said everything."

Aurora sighed, falling back on couch. She picked up her cellphone, mindlessly staring at the screen as Spade continued to get ready.

"Why aren't you going back to bed if you're so annoyed." Spade asked, setting a glass of juice on the coffee table in front of Aurora.

"I know there's no point in trying until you're gone." She glared at her cousin, her eyes slits.
"I'd burn your hair off right now if I had more control over it, just so you know."

"Why do you think I did it?" Spade winked at her, taking a bite from her bagel.

"Why are you even awake this early?" Aurora groaned, laying down on the couch.

"I sighed up for an early morning boxing class." She spoke through her bagel as she picked up her bag.
"I'll be back around eight or nine, and you'd better be awake."


Aurora groaned loudly. Spade's laugh echoed slightly as she made her way out the door and down the hall.

"How did she not wake you up?" Aurora glanced in Willow's direction. She stood up and walked over to where she lay sleeping.

Willow wasn't actually related to her or Spade, being Sabbith and Warren's daughter, but their mother's had raised the three girls so closely together that they felt like family and called each other cousin regardless.

She smiled softly before making her way into the bathroom. Aurora glanced at her reflection and her father's jade eyes stared back at her.

For a moment her eyes welled with tears at the thought of being so far away from her family, but she quickly shook her head.

She quickly rummaged through the make up on the counter, giving up on sleep now that the thoughts of her family had crept into her mind.

She sighed softly, exiting the bathroom after she'd finished and made her way into the small kitchen. She grabbed a post-it note off the counter, quickly scribbling down a note for Willow.

Aurora took the steps to her loft two at a time, getting dressed quickly and sliding down the railing. She hesitated as her fingertips felt the cold brass of the door knob.


A settled into her stomach, but she quickly brushed it aside and opened the door.

It was the first day of college. What was the worst that could happen?
...

“Lenore Caine?” the instructor’s voice boomed in the small gym. Spade looked up from her seat on a bench, towel over her shoulders; face drenched in sweat.

“Over here.” her voice held a somewhat chipper tone, as it usually did after a good workout. “Did I do something wrong?” she questioned standing up as he approached her.

“The exact opposite actually,” he smiled. “I just think this class might be to easy for you, we have an earlier intermediate class if you’re interested.”

“That would actually be really nice, thank you!” Spade beamed, quickly reaching out her hand to shake his.


“Hey you earned it. Why did you bother signing up for the beginner class to begin with? You clearly have experience.” Spade noted his eyes drifting down her figure.

“Just some judo, krav maga, karate, high school wrestling and having two younger brothers.” she slightly winced thinking of her brothers, part of her actually missing them. 

“Wow, sounds like my kind of woman-”

“Yeah, my girlfriend says the same.” she smiled, holding back her laughter as she watched his train of thought crash a burn. 

“Anyway, I have to run home and change before my next class. So 6:30am for the intermediate class?” 

“Wha- oh yeah, wait when did I-” 

“It’s posted on the window when you walk into the building.” Not entirely lying about where she got the information, 

“See you in two days.” she smiled, looking back and waving at him; silently cursing herself for having read his mind. 

Once outside she was greeted by blinding sunlight and a sea of students. The campus was still in slight chaos, it only being the first week of the semester. 

Freshman frantically studying the map of the school, upperclassmen standing out of the way laughing at their stress. Spade sighed as she fished through her bag for much needed sunglasses and quickly found a detour around campus that would take her back to their dorm. 

She hopped over a fence with ease, taking her to a series of alleys that cut through to the neighborhood behind where she lived with her cousins. 
Her pace was brisk, as she zigzagged through the few back alleys trying to ignore the slow churning in the pit of her stomach. Her face began to flush and her mind grew fuzzy.

“Fuck....” she muttered out loud, regardless of having visions for over half her life; she still had yet to master how to block the physical toll they took. She fell to her knees,

fuck this is gonna be a big one. 

 A kaleidoscope of images and sounds began to erupt in her mind; none making complete sense, but all still seeming to be related. Tall man, orange hair, fire, a run down house riddled with dirt bags; and worse of all, the piercing scream of Aurora ringing in her ears through the entirety of the premonition.


“Hey,” a rugged voice broke through her vision; 
“are you okay?” 

A slight European accent carried in his voice. Spade quickly shot her head up, face slightly sweaty and flushed, and took in the presence of the black and midnight haired boy. 

She quickly made contact with his golden almond shaped eyes, a clear indication that he had one thing in common with her. He wasn't human.
  She quickly attempted to read his mind; nothing. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly and she shook her head, blaming it on being weak after her premonition.

“What? Oh, yeah, I’m fine.” she mumbled reaching for her bag that had fallen next to her on the floor. 
“I probably should’ve just waited a bit longer at the gym before running home.” she reassured, forcing herself to stand.

“Maybe you shouldn’t get up just yet;” his voice was hesitant as he lowered himself, 
“here at least let me help you up.” 

he weakly smiled offering his hand. 

Spade nodded slightly, taking the opportunity to get a guaranteed read off of him. Her eyes widened as she stood up; nothing, again. She quickly pulled back her hand and looked him up and down, trying to assess the male demon. 

He watched her eyes, his posture never changing; no fear, not even a sign of offence taken to her sudden draw back.

“I’m fine, really.” Spade kept her voice calm, making sure to never break eye contact.

“Okay, take it easy. Try not to faint in any more alleys, it’s not exactly safe in this around here.” 
He shrugged slightly putting his hands in his pockets, turning to walk away with no hesitation. 

Spade bit the inside of her lip briefly, tentative of the next move she would make. 

“Wait!” she nearly barked, taken back by her own outburst. She watched him casually turn half way, not quite facing her; eyebrow raised. 
“What’s your name?”


This time is was he who was uneasy, she could see behind his offhand mannerism his guard was rising.

“Ezekiel, you?” he questioned, nodding his head in her direction.

“Spade, thanks for looking out.” 

“Yeah, see you ‘round Spade.” Spade watched warily as he turned back around and continued on his way, both hands still relaxed in his pockets.
She sighed heavily and shook her head once he was out of her sight. 

“Well fuck.” she muttered grabbing her gym, taking off in a sprint home.
...

“Aurora!” Spade howled nearly breaking the door in her urgency to enter the dorm. She dropped her bag and ran through the dorm in a frantic search for her slightly younger cousin.

“Spade?” Willow questioned with concern as she entered the room. 

“Spade!?” she questioned again seeing the canine clearly fixated on something. Unable to get her attention she finally grabbed the other girls wrist, immediately breaking her hyper focus.


“Where is Aurora?” Spade questioned harshly.

“She’s in the bathroom doing her make up, what is going on?” Willow questioned, trying to lead her older cousin to the couch to sit. 
“Try to calm down and explain what the heck has you so worked up.” 

Spade finally sat down, sighing heavily, trying to regain control of herself.

“This is the second time I’ve had a vision since we got here that wasn’t good. This is a big one, something really bad is going to happen to Aurora.” she did her best to keep her voice steady as she rested her chin against her knuckles. 

“The first one was just her screaming, the second one was so intense I couldn’t gather much...but I think she’s going to be taken Willow.” 

“Spade, I know you’re scared, but isn’t there a chance; if you are right; that it won’t happen?” she asked calmly, gently resting her hand on the canine’s shoulder. 
“I mean, you’ve even said that you’re visions aren’t always right, and especially at times when they’re a mess you can misinterpret them.” 

Spade felt a growl forming in her chest as she spoke, 

“I mean, you had that vision as a kid of your mom dying and she’s still alive and well.” Willow inhaled sharply after her last comment, knowing what a tender topic she chose to tread on. 

Spade clenched her eyes shut, sinking her fangs inside her own cheek, her mouth filling with the warm copper taste. It had been easily ten years since that vision, but not a day had gone by since that it didn’t linger in her inner psyche. 

“I’m sorry to bring that up, but this could be another situation like that.”

“I know,” Spade sighed softly, tilting her head back and running her fingers through her hair; 
“I just can’t shake this-” 

she stopped abruptly, hearing the clack of what she only assumed were 4 inch pumps coming down the stairs. 

“There you are!” Spade barked jumping up from her seat on the couch.


“Yeah? Here I am, what’s the emergency?” Aurora questioned sarcastically.

“I had a vision Aurora-”

“Oh here we go.” the feline sighed rolling her eyes.

“Please just listen to me, I think something really bad is going to happen to you; and honestly I think it’s going to happen today.” her voice was slightly shaky as she reached for her cousin’s hand. 

“Spade, calm the fuck down, nothing is going to happen to me.” Aurora attempted to assure her.

“This is the second vision that’s involved you in trouble, and that’s just while we’ve been out here; it’s going to happen.” she stared into her jade eyes, pleading for any sign of belief in her words.

“Or, you’re just freaking out because you miss your family so you’re clinging to me and becoming paranoid.” Aurora pulled her hand away, clearly becoming annoyed with the topic.

“Come on Aurora, when have I ever been wrong?” Spade’s voice began to rise.

“Well you’re stupid mother is still alive!” Aurora hissed, watching her cousin flinch as though physically wounded. 

Spade stood silent for a moment, eyes wide and full of hurt; she took a slight step back and straightened her posture, eye lids falling to their relaxed state.

“You’re right, I’m just being irrational.” her voice remained calm. She turned around, headed for her part of the dorm.

“Look Spade, I'm sorry but you seriously need to calm down.”

“It’s fine Aurora, you’re probably right about me just missing my family. I’ve gotta shower and change before class, so I’ll just see you later.” her voice faded and ultimately stopped as she shut the door to the bathroom behind her. 

The room was silent as Aurora looked over at Willow who began to speak.


“Well, she’s probably pissed.”

“No,” Aurora sighed shaking her head, 
“She’s not mad, she’s just afraid, she always gets like this when she has a vision that involves someone she loves in a potentially bad situation.”

“Well, how often is she wrong though?” Willow questioned optimistically.

“She doesn’t always get the details exact, but; outside of her mother; never.” Aurora said hesitantly, 
“But, she’s also never been this far from her family; and she may not talk about it but she can’t be handling it well.” her eyes focused to the bathroom door, guilt tugging at her insides.

“I’m sure it’s just the stress messing with her powers.”

“Yeah, I’m sure that’s it.” Aurora smiled confidently, eyes still lingering toward the bathroom door.
~~~~~~~

The professor’s voice drawled on about the basics of physics; his monotone words slurring together almost seeming to put himself to sleep along with the rest of his class. 

Spade stared blankly, aimlessly doodling in her notebook in a hopeless attempt the movement would keep her awake through the class. 


She looked at her phone briefly, 3:37; she still had about 20 minutes left to sit through this. 

“I’m definitely switching this class.” she muttered softly, feeling herself starting to nod off. She let her eyelids fall shut, and let the professor’s voice fade out. 

Her body felt like lead, and suddenly a sharp pain shot through out her head; like lightning shocking every brain cell at once. 
The vision crashed through her mind, a tidal wave of vivid events occurring in chronological order. 

Aurora screaming as a man knocked her unconscious and three more grabbed her, speeding to the run down house she had seen before; the place it was likely she would be kept. 
Finally the orange haired man, burning crimson eyes, a scar across his left cheek; a demon with an affinity for fire.

Spade gasped sharply and jumped in her seat. 

All eyes of the class were on her but she was blind to it as she raced up the stairs of the room to the door; ignoring the professors threats of dropping her from his class.


 She sprinted through the campus to the parking lot, thanking herself for actually choosing to drive rather than jog. 
The engine roared as she shifted into gear, tires screeching as she peeled out the lot; desperately scouring through her memories from the visions to find out where to find her. 

Praying, she wouldn’t be too late.
~~~~~~~

Aurora winced as she was shoved down onto the cold floor, the weeds sticking out of the concrete scratching her skin. Men snickered around her, congratulating each other as the made the way out of the room.

She hissed violently as they left. She struggled relentlessly against the ropes that bound her, pausing when she was alone. 
She snapped her finger, struggling to spark a flame as she had seen her mother do so many times. The growl in her throat ebbed to a small groan as her affinity for flame failed her.

She jumped at the sound of something being slammed against the wall outside. She forced herself to stay calm, focusing on what sounded like shouting from beyond the room.

A man slammed the door open, his orange hair shining in the dim light and crimson eyes burning with fury. He carried behind him a man she recognized from earlier. Her eyes widened, struggling to move away from the man as he approached her.


The man with orange hair dropped the other in front of her. His nose was bleeding and misshapen now and his right eye was pink and beginning to swell.

"Well? What do you say?" The orange haired one snarled, kicking the man in the head.

"I- I'm very sorry for the trouble we caused you M'am." He stuttered, flinching away from both of them.

"Trouble you caused me?" Aurora hissed despite herself. 
"Are you fucking kidding me? Trouble you caused me? I should kill you as soon as I get out of here!"

"That can be arranged if you'd like." The orange haired one grinned, lowering himself to her view point. Her breath caught in her throat. 

His crimson eyes shone brightly against his rough and weathered exterior. He tilted his head slightly, watching her as she watched him. His hair fell away from his face, revealing a scar under his left eye.

He stood abruptly, grabbing the other man by the back of the neck, ignoring his screams of pain. 

"Next time you think you've got a clever fucking idea, you clear it with me first." He shouted, throwing the man out of the room and closing the door again. 

He made his way back to Aurora, kneeling at her side. She felt his hands on her back.
She hissed loudly, shoving herself away from him. Shock filled her as the ropes that had bound her fell harmlessly from her form.

"Are you okay?" He asked, taking a seat on the floor. He made no attempt to move closer.

"I'm just fine." She spat, moving further away from him.

He stayed silent; his crimson eyes watching her every movement. Aurora glanced at him occasionally, his gaze intimidating though it didn't frighten her.


"Do you want to go home?" He asked, breaking the silence.

She swallowed, eyes shifting around the room. Her lower lip quivered as she thought of how to answer, what he meant by his question.

"Does it really matter what I want?" She choked out, her jade eyes lifting to his crimson ones.
"I imagine being kidnapped means you try to do whatever you want."

He grinned, shaking his head as a soft sigh escaped his lips. 
"I'm not going to do anything to you, nor do I plan to let anyone else."

He stood up and made his way towards her, pausing as she began to back up. He hunched over slightly, stretching his hand out to her.

"Let's get you home. You've had quite the hectic day."

Aurora glanced at the door and back at him.
"Are you serious?"

He laughed, a surprisingly soft laugh from someone so hardened.

"Well it's refreshing to meet someone who isn't so naive, but I'm actually serious." He gestured to the hand he stretched out towards her.
"This has all been a huge misunderstanding."

She glared at him, but took his hand. The warmth of his hand surprising her, just like everything he did seemed to.

"What sort of misunderstanding leads to someone being kidnapped?"

"Basically there's a guy who owes us money. He's got a daughter with black hair and green eyes." He shrugged his shoulders. He helped her to her feet and took a step back.
"I told them not to involve his family. So not only did they disobey me, but they didn't even get the right girl which makes no sense to me."

"And why's that?" Aurora questioned, brushing the dust off of her arms.

"I don't understand how they confused you for her." There was a smirk on his lips as he took a step forward.
"You're much prettier than she is."

"You're disgusting." Aurora hissed at him, despite the rising warmth of her cheeks.

"Let's go." He turned around, opening the door for her to step through.
"I'm sure you have friends or family that are worried about you."

"Why should I trust you?" She took a step back. Her jade eyes locked on his crimson ones.
"How do I know this isn't just an act to lure me into a false sense of security?"

"I'm not saying you should trust me." His smile, the warmth in his eyes vanished and his face itself seemed to harden.
"I am saying you don't exactly have another choice though."

Aurora hesitated, straightening her posture. She inhaled deeply and stepped forward past him and through the door.
She grimaced at the sight around her. There were men everywhere sitting around what looked to be a filthy abandoned house.

"What is this place?" Her voice so quiet she hardly hear herself.

"This is home." He kept up with her pace, walking alongside her. She watched carefully as some of the men glanced up at her, eyeing her like meat.
Until their eyes fell on the man beside her and quickly darted away.

"They're afraid of you."

"They respect me." He corrected.
"They're only afraid of me when I get pissed off. They know I'm usually fair."

"Boss!" A smalled man ran up the them. Falling to his knees in front of them. Tears filled his eyes, his entire body trembling as he looked up.
"I didn' mean none of this. Honest. It was Wes's idea. He said you was goin' soft. That we had to step up. I only wen to try to tell the others to stop."


Dagger grinned sweetly at him before grabbing him by the head and slamming his face into the wall.

"You fuckers think I've gone soft? That's what this bullshit is about?" He laughed, but it carried none of the warmth from before.
"I say don't involve a teenage girl in her father's debt and I've gone soft? No women or children. That has always been the rule, even before I took up the reigns from my father,
No women or children."

There was silence. All eyes were on his, all shone with the smallest trace of fear.

"I want everyone involved in the capture of this woman outside and waiting for me." He snarled, gesturing briefly towards Aurora.
"Anyone who hides is getting burned."

Aurora stood frozen with shock as she watched everyone nod, a few of them standing and already making their way outside. Her heart was racing, almost panicked as she watched everyone slowly return to their business prior.

The touch of his hand was warm and gentle against her arm.

"I'm sorry for the delay." His voice carrying the same warm as his touch.
"Let's get you out of here."

He quickly led her outside and down the way, finding several dozen cars parked on the grass.
He sighed softly, shaking his head as he pulled keys out of his pocket.

He opened the passenger door before stepping around to the other side of his car. Aurora didn't move. She watched him unlock his car, taking a step back as he looked up at her.

"I'm not going to hurt you."

Aurora shook her head, stepping back. Her heart was racing, her breath short and struggling to get the air in her lungs.

"I just want to get you back home safe okay?"

"I can get home myself." She hissed, turning and walking away.

"This place is over fourteen miles out of where you were picked up, and I don't know how far you were from where ever you live." He ran up to her, gently grabbing her hand.


"It's not safe for a woman to be out this late at night alone."

"Apparently it's no safer during the day." She hissed pulling her arm from his touch, The edges of her sight were darkening, and she struggled to breathe.

"That was a mistake I am trying to fix." His voice hardening.
"Just get in the car, Princess."

His hand reached out to her once more.

"Don't touch me." She curled her hand into a fist, quickly swinging her arm around and hitting him in the jaw.

He was thrown back slightly from the force. His eyes were wide as he stared at her, his hand slowly lifting to touch his reddening jawline.

"I can take care of myself."

"Clearly." He hissed, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her back to the car.

"Get the fuck off of me!" Aurora screamed, struggling to reach back and him him. She struggled to kick him, tried to even bite him once before he tossed her into the passenger seat of his car.
"You're nuts if you think I'm staying put!"

She pulled on the door handle, hissing loudly as it didn't move. She struggled with it hitting it and screaming as he sat down behind the steering wheel.

"Child safety lock, Bitch." He grinned.

She glared at him over her shoulder, his crimson eyes shinning as he glanced at her before turning the key in the inition.

"Let me out."

"No. I'm at least dropping you off in town." He glared at her as he kicked the dashboard of his car with her heel.
"Look you punched me in the face and all I did was pull you into the car so I can get you at least in the direction of where you live. I am not going to be so kind if you hurt my baby."

"Why do you even care?" She huffed, slumping in the seat and leaving her feet on the dashboard.

"It may not seem like it, but I care a lot about what's right and what's wrong. You being taken is wrong, and I intend to make it right." He exhaled softly, his shoulders relaxing as they reached the main road.
"Also you might just be the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on, and I feel like treating you poorly isn't a good way to secure a date with you."

"Oh you have got to be kidding me!" Aurora scoffed, a soft shuckle escaping her lips.
"Why would I ever date you of all people? Your little 'gang' kidnapped me."


"And I saved you." He winked at her.
"I'm a bad boy with a small chance of redemtion, just enough to make you think you can change me. I'm irresistable."

"You are unbelievable is what you are." She rolled her eyes, glaring out the window as they pulled into a parking lot.
"I don't even know your name."

He laughed, a warm, full laugh, and shut off the car and stepped out.

"The name's Dagger." He responded as he opened her door for her, letting her step out.

"Dagger?" She almost laughed.
"That's not a real name."

"Perhaps not, but it's mine." He chuckled, pulling a cigarette out of his pocket. He placed it against his lips, tilting his head as he watched her.
"What's your name? Or should I just call you gorgeous?"

"Call me whatever you want. You're going to be dead soon if I don't get back to my dorm." Aurora sighed, glancing around.

She had to get home as quickly as possible. Spade was already likely to be losing her mind, and it would only get worse the longer she took.
Unfortunately Dagger was looking like the only option at this point.


"You got it." He whispered under his breath.
"Scourge."
...

Spade slammed on her breaks, barely missing Dagger’s car. She could care less, all she could see was his smug face from her vision. She jumped out of the car, not even taking the time to close the door, much less kill the engine.

“You should try to run now.” Aurora said blandly to Dagger who was more focused on his car.


“What the fuck is your problem you stupid bitch?” he snarled running to the front end of his car. He was stopped by a hand around his throat, slamming him to the ground.

“I would bite your fucking tongue if I were you.” Spade growled, dropping her knee straight into his chest. She saw the thoughts in his mind forming, right hand about to swing. 
“Don’t even think about it.” 

she snarled pinning his right hand with her left foot.

“Get off.” he struggled to hiss as his flow of oxygen began to dissipate.

“Give me one damn good reason to do that!” the grip of her left hand tightened.

“Spade! His other hand!” Aurora shouted seeing him spark a flame in his left hand. 

“Shit.” Spade grumbled feeling the flame make contact with her throat briefly. She quickly put her other hand around his throat, trying to ignore the burning. 

She lifted his head and slammed it back on the ground, causing the flame to stop and his mind to be dazed.

“Don’t kill him...” Scourge whispered, watching his eyes slowly start to roll back. Spade loosened her grip on his neck allowing him to gasp for air.

“I won’t kill him,” she grumbled, 
“but I will have him begging for death when I’m done with him.” 

her voice was cold. She removed her right hand from his neck, forming it into a fist, swiftly making contact with his nose. 

She couldn’t help but slightly smile watching his head bounce off the pavement. 

“That’s it.” Dagger snarled, throwing his right arm up with all his strength, ruining her balance. 
He took that moment to slam his fist into the side of her face, throwing her off him and onto the ground. 

“Now fucking stay down, Bitch!” he hissed getting up to his feet. 
“I should fucking kill you!” he looked over his shoulder back at Aurora, 


“But you’re lucky I’ve already fucked up enough with her.” he went to look back at the canine on the ground, but was knocked off his feet by an uppercut to the jaw.

“You think I can’t take a punch?!” she howled charging after him as he stumbled to get back on his feet. She aimed for his waist, tackling him to the ground, quickly pinning his arms with her knees. 

She began to pummel him with her fists, confident he wouldn’t be getting back up.

She was wrong. She felt his legs suddenly wrap around her neck, pulling her forcefully onto the ground; making the tables turn in his favor. 

She could feel the blood dripping out the back of her head, but ignored it, locking her ankles behind his neck as he attempted to sit up. 

Without hesitation she flipped over onto her stomach, managing to slam his face into the ground with her legs. Scrambling on to her feet, she charged again, this time kicking him square in the chin, causing him to fall back flat on his back. 

“Get up! I’m not done with you yet.” she snarled as she walked toward him. He had managed to roll over, struggling to get past being on all fours, coughing up blood.

“I don’t care anymore, no chick is worth this, you’re fucking dead.” he choked getting onto his feet.

“Shut the fuck up.” she snarled charging him a third time, her fist was aimed for his face, but he managed to catch it, bringing his right fist straight into her solar plexus. 

She did her best to ignore the pain, slamming her heel into his foot, bringing her close enough to headbutt his face. 

She threw all her weight into the headbutt, jumping back as soon as his grip on her hand loosened. Before he could fall to the ground, she was throwing punches to his face and temples, not caring if he lived anymore. 

She could see he was faltering, and took the opportunity to step her right leg behind his left; landing a final punch straight for his teeth throwing him back over her leg and onto the ground. She scoffed, picking him up by his shirt, headbutting him again and dropping him.

“Spade that’s enough!” Aurora screamed running over and grabbing her arm. She looked over at Dagger who was amazingly enough struggling to roll over. 


“He can still move, I’m not done.” Spade said sternly, struggling to catch her breath.

“Yeah, that’s right- run away.” Dagger coughed barely getting onto all fours.

“Are you brain damaged?!” Aurora hissed spinning around to look at him. She felt Spade’s hand on her shoulder, softly pushing her to the side so she could walk forward.

“This asshole is the reason you were taken, and hurt.” Spade growled lowly.

“Who said I was-” Aurora paused, 
“Read his mind.”

“Why? I know enough.” The dog protested, keeping her eyes on Dagger who was barely able to stand.

“No you don’t! Even you’ve said you don’t always see the whole picture. Read his mind and you’ll see he wasn’t behind any of it.” Aurora said sharply grabbing Spade’s full attention. 

She watched the canine hesitate with her own thoughts, but eventually let her shoulders relax; Spade’s sign of defeat.

“Fine.” Spade sighed walking over to the beaten feline. She easily dodged his weak swing for her face; backing up so he couldn’t fall onto her. 

She shook her head and growled flipping him on to his back with her foot. 

She crouched down, lightly placing her hand over his eyes.

“Get...yer...” he struggled to speak, all the trauma to his head finally slowing him down.

“Shut up, I don’t trust you and physical contact ensures I don’t miss anything.” she mumbled closing her eyes, diving into all his conscious memories. After a few moments she growled and stood up. 

“Get up, you’re half demon that shouldn’t have killed you.” 

“How do you-” Dagger began to protest forcing his body to sit up despite the world seemingly spinning.

“I read your mind, or as much of it as I could in such a short amount of time.” Spade spoke calmly, 
“I have to admit, I’m surprised you lasted so long; most people don’t make it past the second hit.” she took a few steps back as he stood up. 

“You must train a lot… or you’re just a fucking idiot who doesn’t know when to quit.” she raised her eyebrow watching his anger quickly spike. 
“Don’t do something stupid, our fight is over, leave.” 

“What the fuck-” he was cut off again.

“Seriously dude?!” Aurora hissed walking past Spade, inches away from Dagger. 

“You do realize that she can; would have; killed you if I didn’t stop her! Shut the fuck up, and just listen to her or she’s gonna find a new reason to kill you!” 

Spade tilted her head slightly as she watched the two. She smirked, noticing the shock in his eyes and his aura slightly calm.

“Huh.” Spade muttered to herself, softly shaking her head. 

“She couldn’t have killed me.” Dagger scoffed crossing his arms, trying to glare into the felines jade eyes.

“You’re a fucking idiot.” the girls remarked in unison.

“Whatever, who the fuck are you anyway? There’s no way you’re not her girlfriend or something.” Dagger snarled looking over at Spade.


“Oh she’s much worse than that.” Aurora hissed walking back over to Spade, linking arms with her. 
 “She’s my cousin.”

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Chapter 1: Sugar, We're Going Down

Scars-TS3 Generation 2
Mellifluous


"Aurora, you up here?" Takado asked as he walked up the steps to his daughter's room.

She sighed heavily, falling back onto her bed, her ebony and scarlet hair sprawled out around her.
"Yeah, I'm here Dad."

"What's the matter Princess?" Takado smiled at her. He took a seat at the edge of her bed, their jade eyes meeting.

"I'm just... Nervous about college I guess." She glanced out her window, frowning as she watched her aunt's car pull up.
"It's gonna be weird to be so far away from home."

Takado ruffled her hair, getting a glare that could kill from his eighteen year old daughter.
"You know if you need me, I'll catch the first possible plane to you."

"I know, Daddy." She sat up, wrapping her arms around her father.
"I'm gonna miss you and mom... maybe Damien."

"I'm gonna miss you too, Princess." Takado squeezed her in his arms, kissing the top of her head.
"But you're going to own that school, just like you did this one. You're going to be amazing."

Aurora smiled, relaxing in her father's arms before her mother's voice made both of them sigh.

"Takado, I thought you were bringing her downstairs, not hiding up here with her." Kitty glared at her husband when she reached the top of the stairs.
"Spikes, Vince and the kids are already here."

"Sorry, Sweetheart." Takado stood up. He quickly kissed Kitty's nose as he began to step down the stairs.
"Aurora was just complaining about how much she's going to miss home."

"Dad, shut up!" Aurora groaned, throwing a pillow at his head, narrowly missing.

Kitty smiled, stepping forward and hugging her daughter.
"You can have a few more minutes if you need, but then come down, okay?"

"It's fine Mom." Aurora stood from her bed, taking a moment to stretch.
"I don't need Aunt Spikes thinking she's important enough that I'd try to hide from her."

Aurora quickly went down the steps, leaving her mother to frown alone.

She quickly made her way into the backyard, grinning as she spotted two of her cousins.


"Hey Aurora, have you seen Spade?" She stiffened as she turned around, eyes locking on her aunt.
"She left before us, so I assumed she would have beaten us here."

"Aren't you her mom? Why do you expect me to know more than you?" Aurora hissed, glaring down at her four inches shorter aunt.
"And if you knew anything about your kids, you'd know she's probably picking up Abigail."

Spikes opened her mouth to speak, but Aurora had already began to walk away.

"You're never going to get along with Mom, are you?" Elijah asked as he approached.

"You two fight like cats and dogs." Hamish added, stepping forward.

"That is the worst example you could give in this family." Aurora rolled her eyes, pulling Elijah into a hug. She raised an eyebrow at Hamish, holding her arms out to him.
He groaned loudly before stepping closer and hugging her briefly.

"Oh shut up. You're going to miss me and you know it."

"I wouldn't count on it." Damien ruffled her hair as he walked towards them.
"The house is going to be a lot quieter without you around."

"Aren't you going back to school too?" Aurora glared at her brother, lightly shoving him backwards.
"I know you're Mr. Graduated-Early, but last I checked you have at least a year left before you get your degree."

Damien shrugged his shoulders. "I was thinking of taking a semester off."


"I'm glad to be leaving then. It sounds like testosterone hell with all three of you around." The boys chuckled, rolling their eyes.

"It's a shame you two are leaving." Hamish spoke up, startling all the present kids.
"What? Elijah's a wimp compared to my sister. She's way more fun to fight."

"Whatever, Hamish." Elijah glared at him, walking away to where the adults were.

"That's what I'm talking about." Hamish shouted, gesturing towards his brother's retreating figure.
"He's such a wimp. He walks away, whereas Spade would have fought me."

"Seriously Hamish?" Elijah shouted, storming back towards his brother.
"Can't you at least have a little respect towards our aunt and uncle's home? You are so childish."

"At least I don't hit like a girl." Hamish grinned, his face inches from his brother's.

"That's enough you two." Spade groaned, hitting her brother's heads together. Her silver eyes locked on their gold and amethyst ones.
"Elijah's right, and now you're both being stupid."

"What took you two so long?" Aurora huffed, grabbing her cousin's arm, pulling her from her brothers.
"I'd excuse it if you were fucking, but I know you two don't do that."

"Aurora!" Spade nearly screeched, covering the feline's mouth.

"Be nice to mon cher." Abigail chuckled softly, stepped around Aurora to kiss Spade's cheek.
"It's my fault we were late."


"Try not to make a habit of it if you're going to be a regular at family gatherings." Aurora sighed, her eyes cold as they fell on her aunt's small form.
"Whenever Spade isn't here, her mother takes that as an invitation to speak to me."

Abigail raised an eyebrow but nodded, Spade sighing softly beside her.

“Hey little one, come here.” Spikes spoke softly as she walked up to her daughter who’s five inches of extra height made her seem to tower over her.

“I’m not all that little anymore.” Spade chuckled, waving, as her cousin quickly walked away to evade the older demon.

“I know, but you’re still my little one.” Spikes smiled lightly, tucking her daughter’s hair behind her ear. 

“Mom, you can calm down, I’ll be fine.” Spade said sincerely, locking her ice eyes with her mother’s.

“Hey! We talked about this, no reading mine or your father’s minds.” 

“She doesn’t have to, even I can tell how afraid you are.” Vince commented walking up behind his wife.

“I’m not afraid!” Spikes barked, receiving a laugh from both her husband and daughter.

“Right.” Vincent chuckled, kissing her on the cheek, before walking over to his daughter. 

“I’m gonna miss you little moon.” 
He spoke almost sadly as he hugged his daughter tight.

“I’m going to miss you too Dad.” Spade smiled, resting her head on his shoulder, reluctant to release their embrace.


“Hush now Cher, you know your papa can’t handle you being sweet.” Abigail giggled, approaching the demons.

“Yeah... Wait, what does that mean?” Spikes’ cheeks flushed slightly as she tilted her head, desperately trying to understand her slight Cajun slang.

“She means even she can see what a softy dad is and if I hug him any longer we’ll both be in tears...I think.” Spade smiled coyly at her ginger girlfriend.

“Tres bien, Cher!” Abigail exclaimed lightly resting her arm around her mates waist after her father released her. 
“Soon you’ll fit right in back in Vieux CarrĂ©.” 

“Oh no, my baby is already going a fourteen hour drive away for college, you do not get to steal her away to the bayou after.” Spikes jokingly growled at the witch.

“Alohrs pas, we witches don’t come from the bayou, we come from Vieux Carre or the French Quarter as you’d say.” Abigail winked playfully at the older canine, who shook her head softly, suppressing a slightly annoyed growl.

“I’m just playing ma’am, I won’t ever take your honeychile from you.” Abigail spoke softly, releasing her mate and reaching for the older woman’s hands. She focused her chartreuse eyes on the amethyst and gold of Spikes. 
“You have my word.”

“Okay babe, mom isn’t used to your type of promises yet.” Spade weakly chuckled, tugging lightly at her mates arm.

“Oh, sorry ma’am, well you know how we from the south are.”

“It’s fine kid, it shows how serious you are about my daughter.” Spikes smiled up at her.

"Hey Uncle Takado!" Hamish barked, startling almost everyone. He grinned, eyes on his uncle as he raised his fists in front of himself.
"Fight me, I can totally take you this time!"

"Kid, You couldn't take me if you trained everyday for twenty years." Takado chuckled, raising an eyebrow at his nephew.

"I can do it this time!" 

"Hamish..." Vincent sighed softly, about to take a step towards his son. Takado stepped in front of him, cracking his neck as he made his way towards Hamish.


"If I win kid, you clean your mom's entire house." Takado grinned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"If I win, you give me fifty bucks." Hamish retorted, spreading his legs apart to ground himself.

"Kid..." Takado shook his head briefly and laughed.
"I'll give you a thousand dollars if you can even trip me up."

Hamish's eyes brightened, his grin widening as he watched his uncle's movements.

"Come on! I have popcorn, Mom always has some ready." Aurora grabbed Spade by the arm, pulling her away from her mother and to a small bench.
Spade rolled her eyes, chuckling, her eyes falling on Abigail as she sat beside her.

"My brother is an idiot. No one can beat your dad." Spade sighed, leaning back in her seat.

"What do you mean Cher?" Abigail turned to glance at Spade, who merely pointed at her uncle and brother.

"Watch. You'll understand in a moment."

The three girls watched intently as Hamish began to circle around Takado, while he merely yawned. Hamish quickly lunged at Takado, who stepped out of the way without glancing at him.

Hamish quickly ducked down, swinging his leg at Takado's feet, which he easily stepped over.

Hamish growled lowly, still grinning as he lunged at Takado again, turning to punch him as he'd stepped out of the way.

Takado turned around, grabbing Hamish's wrist, and pulled him closer. He grabbed the front of the feline's shirt, tossing him over his shoulder and into the pool behind them.
Takado yawned, crossing his arms as he turned to glance at his nephew swimming to the pool's edge.

"Maybe I was being a bit unfair." Takado chuckled.
"I should have offered you 5,000 if you could even land one hit."

"Seriously Dad?" Damien chuckled from beside his mother.
"Did you have to throw him over your shoulder?"

"You know your father, Damien." Kitty sighed softly, rolling her eyes at her husband.

"Go big or go home." Kitty, Damien, and Aurora all responded in unison.

"I outta throw all three of you into the damn pool." Takado glared at them, wrapping an arm around Kitty's waist.

"Is it always like this here?" Abigail chuckled, standing from the bench alongside Spade.

"Basically-" Spade was cut off by Hamish grabbing her ankle and yanking her into the pool with him.
"I'll fucking kill you, Twerp!"


Aurora laughed, carefully avoiding the two splashing siblings attempting to pummel each other.

"In you go too, Sissy." Hamish laughed, jumping out of the pool briefly only to pull Elijah in with him.

Aurora nearly fell over with laughter, watching her cousins hiss and fight each other in the pool water. Damien walked up behind her her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"You're so mean to our cousins."

"I didn't push them in." She laughed, leaning slightly against his shoulder.

"But you're mean enough to laugh at their misfortune." His hand on her shoulder tightened.
"I think you deserve their fate."

"Don't you dare."

"Come on, Princess." Damien laughed, wrapping his arms around his sister and jumping into the pool with her.

"Dammit, Damien!" She hissed, splashing water at his face.
"I will have my revenge!"

She jumped on top of him, shoving his face under the water and struggling to hold him there.

Kitty chuckled, sighing as she leaned into Takado's embrace. She glanced at Spikes and Vincent standing beside her, and once against at the five kids battling in pool.

"We've got a pretty crazy family." She sighed softly, glancing at Abigail.
"And this isn't even everyone. We're still missing the Hyde's. Are you sure you're ready to be part of this?"


"I am, avec tout mon coeur." She nodded softly. She smiled as she watched Spade splash around with her brothers, while Aurora still attempted to drown hers.

Spade paused for a moment, turning her head so their eyes met. She smiled gently, waving to Abigail before Hamish jumped on top of her, pulling her back into the water.
...

Spade stared up at the stars above them. She inhaled the crisp autumn night air, sending a slight chill down her spine. 
 Her senses filled with her mate’s presence next to her, the sage that lingered in her hair, her homemade lavender mint perfume, she could even smell the honey on her breath from the tea she had been drinking. 
 She closed her eyes softly, inhaling again, keeping her heart calm as a thought formed in her mind. It was new and exciting, and she gently placed her hand over the girl’s next to her.

“What are you doing Spade?” Abigail turned her head, smiling at the canine, her New Orleans accent making her blush.


“I-I want to try something.” Spade spoke softly bringing her hand up against the witch’s cheek, cupping it softly. She lightly rested her forehead against hers, for the first time feeling a fire like desire in her core.

“You don’t have to cher” Abigail whispered, their lips inches apart.

“I want to.” Spade quickly silenced her, her lips meeting hers, melting at the sweet honey taste. She slowly moved her hand behind her neck, entwining her fingers in her curly ginger hair. They fumbled down to the grass, finally breaking their kiss.

“Ferme cher,” Abigail spoke breathlessly staring up at Spade who was propped up on her elbow, only letting half of her weight rest on her mate. “you’ve never kissed me like that before.”

“I told you I wanted to try something.” Spade smiled, slowly brushing away the curls in her face. Abigail smiled softly, closing her eyes for a moment, enjoying their closeness. 

“Cher... I don’t want you to do this just to make me happy, I knew going in, what it meant to be with someone who is pretty much asexual.” she was quieted by Spade’s lips crushing against hers.

“I told you.” Spade smirked as she pulled away. 
 “I want to Abs, it’s different for me, I know; but I suddenly feel like a normal person.” 

she sighed, her ice eyes meeting her chartreuse, tantalizing in a way, playful and curious at her words but still so loving. 

 “Abs... Before I met you, I had no desire at all for a mate; but then I saw you at the bonfire... Suddenly I was nervous, and giddy and a whole bunch of shit I wasn’t expecting to feel ever in my life.” She put her hand on the other girl's waist, swiftly flipping her on top of her. 

 “I desire you Abigail, in ways I’ve only felt in my dreams until now.” she gently rested her back onto the grass.

“You’ve dreamt about me like that?” Abigail smiled, tucking her loose hair behind her ear as she hovered above Spade.

“You and only you.” Spade smiled, gently reaching up and cupping Abigail’s face. She stared up into her chartreuse eyes, complimented by the light freckles on her nose and cheeks, her pink lips curled into the smile that made Spade melt. 
“I love you Abigail.”


“I love you too Spade.” Abigail responded softly leaning down and letting her lips gently meet the demon’s. She slowly moved away, letting her weight onto the demon, nuzzling her head under her chin. 
 “I’m going to miss you, cher,” 

she whispered. Spade wrapped her arms around her, kissing the top of head.

“I’m going to miss you too.” She smiled, looking back up at the stars.

“Cher, I have something for you,” Abigail smiled, cheeks slightly flushed as she sat up. 
 Spade tilted her head, propping herself up on her elbows. She watched curiously as the witch fished out a small pouch from her coat pocket. 

 “You have to close your eyes, and no reading my mind.” she giggled as Spade smirked, sitting up and closing her eyes. 
 She gently took silver eyed girl’s hand in hers, Spade’s skin tingled as the cool metal made contact with her finger; only to immediately fill her with warmth. 

 “Okay, open them.” Spade fluttered her eyelids open, and stared at the simple black and silver ring on her finger.

“I love it Abigail,” she smiled, admiring the ring.
“Why does it feel so...weird?” It almost felt like a pulse wrapped around her finger, warm and soft.

“Protection magick Cher, I spent a very long time on this.” She smiled, holding Spade’s hand in hers. 
“I put my own energy into this, it will keep you safe. If you ever feel afraid, or you miss me; just remember, as long as you wear this; I am with you.” 

 Spade reached over and pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Thank you Abigail,” she whispered, pulling away slightly, pressing her lips gently against her mate’s. “Let’s make the most of the time we have left, tonight is for us.” she lightly nuzzled her face into the witch’s neck.

“I won’t let you go home until morning, you’re mine.” Abigail giggled, feeling Spade’s arms tighten around her.

“Yes I am.”
~~~~~~


Aurora eagerly shoved open the door of Spade's car, stepping out and stretching as she glanced at the school campus. She stretched out her arms, tossing her ebony and crimson hair behind her as she did.

"It's so good to finally be out of that car." Aurora sighed. She had a small smile on her lips as she glanced at the school campus around them.
"I love you girls... but let's not do that again anytime soon."

"I couldn't agree more." Willow commented, crawling out of the backseat.

"Both of you need to stop complaining." Spade stepped out, lifting her sunglasses to glare at both girls.
"Not like either of you did any of the driving."

"You knew what this was, Spade." Aurora stuck her tongue out at her cousin.
"You drive or I fly. Can you open the trunk?"

Spade rolled her eyes, leaning back into her car. Aurora sighed at the sight of the luggage sitting in the back. She glanced around, watching other people exit their cars, hug their parents and say good bye.
She grinned as she caught sight of some upper classmen standing to the side, watching.

"Aren't you going to help carry the stuff up to the dorm?" Willow asked.

Aurora laughed, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she walked away from the car.
"Watch and learn girls."

"Is there something I can help you with?" One of the bigger ones spoke up, crossing his arms as she approached.

"Yeah, actually." Her voice was soft. She reached out grazing the tips of her fingers along the arm of the one who had spoken.
"As you can see I'm such a small, fragile girl. I'd so appreciate if a strong man, like yourself, could help me and my also very pretty cousins get our bags to our rooms?"

"Uh yeah... me and my boys could help you with that." He spoke up, his arms falling at his sides as he stood up straight.


"Thank you so much. I can tell we're in very capable hands." Aurora winked at him and led him over to Spade's car.

She grinned brightly at Willow and Spade's glares. She instructed the boys on what to grab and let them think they were helping the girls find their way.

Willow laughed as she watched them follow and hang onto Aurora's every word. After they'd dropped off the bags in the extra large dorm room the three girls were sharing, Aurora waved them off with false promises of contacting them in the future.

"And that is how it's done." Aurora laughed, sitting down on one of the beds in the room.

"It's amazing how good you are at that." Willow sat down beside her.

"Boys are stupid and I am not." Aurora commented, sighing softly she raised an eyebrow at Spade.
"You can say something if you're so unhappy. Not all of us can read minds."

"I don't see why you couldn't just carry your bags yourself." Spade commented, her arms crossed over her chest.

"I tried to make them carry some of your stuff too." Aurora rolled her eyes at her cousin. She stood up, running her hand along the wall of the room.
"Do you think they'd let us paint the room? I'm sure if I talked to Dad, he could convince them to let us."

"Aurora..." Spade sighed softly, shaking her head.


"I'm gonna set up my stuff in the loft area, you two can choose where ever else is left." Aurora winked, grabbing two of her bags and trotting up the stair case.

"I'm gonna go call my parents. Let them know we got here safe." Willow commented, waving to Spade.

"Tell Sabbith I said hi." Spade replied, sitting down on the only bed that wasn't covered in things. She sighed softly as she began to sift through one of the bags.

She pulled out a small frame containing a picture of her family. It was the furthest any of them had been from home on their own.

She closed her eyes, feeling her cousin's energy upstairs and Willow's right outside the door. Excitement from both of them, but not without some hesitation.

She inhaled sharply as Aurora's screams filled her ears.
Her eyes shot open, breathing heavily. She glanced upstairs at her cousin. She was laughing on the phone, probably talking to her dad.


"It was just a dream..." Spade sighed softly, pulling her knees up to her chest.
She rocked quietly, letting her hair fall over her face.

"Just a bad dream."