I've gone through about one thousand books now and I still can't seem to get any closer to what my sister and... father's true intentions behind their motives were. As I read, I can't help but think back on when things were bright, when things were simple, when we were happy.
"When I was happy?" (Gabriel)
When I say those words out loud, it makes me feel and sound like an immature child. Gross.
Gabriel Chronicler, He was the second child of the previous king who was said to had have wreaked havoc on the vampires that ruled the city for centuries and then closed this city off from the rest of the world. David was once called the blood king, not because of his desire for it but rather because the day when William found him, he was covered in nothing but blood. Blood of the nobles. The very room itself was dyed red. Gabriel blamed him for destroying the peace they had, for tearing the happiness his family and others shared, for the death of his mother. Since his father took the reins, he spent his time in solitude, living at the family estate which was located away from the city. After he reached a proper age, his older sister Elizabeth recommended he go to school in order to learn more about this city and its inhabitants. A vampire at his age would already have the knowledge they needed so school was usually pointless, but he didn't understand her true intentions and eventually graduated early without ever making friends.
The boy would spend his days reading the books his family collected and stored within their forbidden library. The Chroniclers were said to be the keepers of the past, they kept track of all known events and stored them in order to preserve this worlds history. As he learned about the outside world, he couldn't ignore the curiosity to explore but every time Gabriel tried, it felt as if the forest wouldn't allow it. He knew about the spirit even without seeing it for himself and when he yelled for it, no one would appear. He continued on and hit a dead end, where a barrier sat above their city.
"This is my first time seeing but I never thought it would be this strong" (Gabriel)
From afar, it was hard to tell there was even a barrier surrounding the city unless someone got close. Even though it look invisible, people believed it to be true, and it was impossible to actually check out it for yourself. One thing left Gabriel wondering, when he tried to break it with his own strength, nothing would happened. So he asked... Is it just as strong from the outside? With the passing of time, he gave up and decided to be the next person to keep track of the present and record it, a tradition passed down in the Chronicler family. As he spent his time in the library, the past would cross his mind from time to time.
> "Mom, what are you writing?" (Gabriel)
>
> "I'm keeping a record, so future generations can know what happened back in the past." (Arianna)
>
> In the garden of their estate, a pregnant woman with red hair and eye sat beneath a large tree to block the sun's rays. This woman was Arianna Chronicler, and she was the mother of Gabriel, Liz, and Lisa. Next to her was a younger Gabriel who stared with curiosity.
>
> "A record of what?" (Gabriel)
>
> "My life. Everyone in the Chroniclers keeps journals in order to record everything they've experienced." (Arianna)
>
> "Even dad?" (Gabriel)
>
> "Well... He wasn't too keen on the idea, but he got used to it." (Arianna)
>
> "Wow, when can I read it?" (Gabriel)
>
> "When the library decides the time is right." (Arianna)
>
> "What? What does that mean?" (Gabriel)
>
> Gabriel buried his face on her thigh, annoyed by her confusing answer.
>
> "Do you know why it's called the forbidden library? Because the only people allowed in are those who carry our blood. Your father and me. It's imbued with magic, in fact... it' s practically alive and will only reveal itself when you are ready. Until then, you'll be stuck looking for what you want ha-ha." (Arianna)
>
> She laughed while tickling her upset child.
She wasn't wrong, the library did feel alive, but it never revealed itself to me. I searched for my parent's books but could never find them. There were even times when I felt like the books were moving. I kept track of where things were and before I knew it, I found them in another location. Someone was clearly trying to play a prank on me.
Time moved forward and Gabriel was in a forest looking at an abandon town. The sound of a whistles had brought him back to reality.
"Dam, you guys had these other towns here and never tried to rebuild it. What a waste." (Raymond)
"..." (Alphonse)
"Al is right. We never had a reason to restore them. Our population never grew big enough to need them. Although, once our population grows..." (Gabriel)
"And that's exactly why I'm here. The queen wanted me to check them out. So, every domain has a town or 2 nearby, right? This will help for the people who wish to continue farming. What about the soulless?" (Raymond)
"What?" (Gabriel)
"The dead. Do they roam these parts?" (Raymond)
"Of course not. We're still surrounded by the forest and a barrier. The spirit keeps track of it and eliminates them." (Gabriel)
"I see. I thought this barrier was suppose to keep things in, not out but I guess we'll never know if they can't make it this far. I heard Selena was finally planning to investigate the barrier." (Raymond)
"Ridiculous. It was established by the Royal vampires. If there had been a way, we would have been able to leave along time ago." (Gabriel)
"You say that, but your sister got away, right?" (Raymond)
The sound of a ringtone was heard from Raymond's pocket. The very object was new to Gabriel.
"What is that?" (Gabriel)
"A cell phone! I don't usually care about these things, but my daughter said it's about time I got one. They're very popular in my kingdom. We just started selling them here. I get notifications when it involves my queen. See for yourself." (Raymond)
The screen showed Mabel as she talked about herself and the kingdom. After a while, Sophia appeared.
"Sophia... The Magic Queen? That's her? What do you know about this woman?" (Gabriel)
"Everyone knows who she is." (Raymond)
"I think my family were keeping tabs on her... Or at least she was mentioned in some notes. Do you know her history?" (Gabriel)
"And why would I give you information like that? Figure it out yourself." (Raymond)
"What?" (Gabriel)
"I don't trust you; you betrayed your dad. In fact, you just decided not to do anything, but that allowed William to overthrow him. Why would I give any information about anything to someone like that? Don't get me wrong kid, there's no beef between us. But if you are only doing it to satisfy your own curiosity and eventually drop it on William's lap than no thanks. If you really want to know, ask your dad." (Raymond)
He's joking right? I haven't talked to my father since he took the throne and vice versa. Why would he talk to me now?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fast forwarding to the present.
"Good! Everyone's here." (Selena)
In the royal palace, all of the people Selena trusted the most gathered. The reason for this? A broadcast from New Beginning caused a lot of attention. They could no longer be treated as common criminals, so Selena decided to bring in Julie, Allister, Lisa, and Gabriel.
"Do I really need to be here? I've been working with Lisa. She could just fill me in on the details." (Allister)
"Of course, you do. After all, this could involve Chris, and I trust you deeply. I would appreciate your advice." (Selena)
"Who even is this guy?" (Gabriel)
"His name is Allister. He's, our uncle." (Lisa)
Allister? He was mentioned in Liz's notes and he's also our uncle? First this Sophia chick and now him... How long have I been cooped up in the library? (Gabriel)
"Nice to meet you kid. I came here for my own reason, but I also had planned on investigating this barrier everyone's been trapped for Selena. I've been curious about for a while now." (Allister)
Gabriel was speechless.
"I can tell by your face that you have a lot of question Tito but save them for later. The real reason I called you guys here is because of New Beginning." (Selena)
The room got quiet.
"They threatened you and my fiancé. More importantly, they threatened the two kingdoms. Do you plan on ending them?" (Allister)
"Liz was secretly gathering these people over time. I don't know the exact reason, but my godfather told me that it was to prepare for an incoming threat. Something beyond this city. You know who and what they are, don't you Allister?" (Selena)
"Yea, they attacked the Last Frontier. You guys know about the Soulless right? Or the dead if that's the term they use here. These individuals are an evolved form of them. Some demon must have had a part to play in their growth, but you can distinguish them by their white hair and green eyes. Their target? other than to see us fall... is most likely to go after the colors?" (Allister)
"Colors? White hair?" (Gabriel)
"Yea, people who were given power by Sophia. I'd prefer not to give a lecture on this topic, so I'll stop here. These soulless are strong. One of them had the power to destroy the walls of Mabel's kingdom. If me and Liz hadn't been there... It could have ended badly." (Allister)
"You were with my sister? Where is she now? Did she seek you out?" (Gabriel)
"Don't worry about it. What benefit would you gain from knowing anyways." (Allister)
Those words froze Gabriel in his place. They were practically similar to what Raymond told him.
Does he detest me too for not interfering? (Gabriel)
"Don't get the wrong idea bro. He just hates when people ask him to many questions. Wait until later." (Lisa)
"Be nicer to my man." (Julie)
Selena coughed to get everyone's attention.
"Back to our previous topic... So, you believe NB were meant to be soldiers?" (Selena)
"Can't really say for sure... But knowing Liz.... She was probably allowing them to choose their own path. If they escaped and lived among the people, maybe they would gain a different view on life. There's also the factor on how you guys played your cards. You helped some of these half humans and even gave them the option to live freely in other kingdoms. That helped bolster their defenses, even if they don't know it but the others continued to resist and now, they've escalated. In a kingdom where vampires and humans were its only citizens? they'd probably be dead. She forced you guys to integrate with them." (Allister)
"I see... So, what should we do with them? It's hard to track them, but they've been making moves. Most of the gangs here have been telling us the same thing but there's a possibility that they've been providing support but so far, no one has talked. We've even come to a complete stop at capturing them." (Selena)
"If you ask me? It's time we stopped trying to help. We can always offer them a second chance but if they come at me with the intent to kill, then I'll make sure to return the gesture. That's my code after all, a life for a life." (Allister)
Selena sighed; she came to the same conclusion, but she wanted to hear it from someone else. She already figured what everyone's answer would be, but Allister wasn't bound by any one country other than Sophia's to some extent.
"Very well. That's why I've called you all here. I want you all to keep watch over your domains and any conflict that can arise but make sure to keep your vampires and citizens in check. The last thing I need are riots and infighting to occur. Raymond isn't here yet, but I'll make sure to send word for him to watch over my stepmother's domain. These people broke out of the prison within the Chroniclers domain, if they need more helping hands, I wouldn't be surprised if they targeted one of ours. Oh, one more thing. Allister and Lisa, I know Jorge and his friends will try to get involved. I'll leave them to you. If they ask, I'm busy. " (Selena)
"Roger." (Allister)
What? Jorge? He's alive? How am I barely hearing all this for the first time? (Gabriel)
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Gabriel couldn't hide his frustration. All this time, he was keeping to himself. Since he deemed the problems of the city as pointless now, he realized that removing himself from everyone proved to be utter stupidity.
Wait... could he have been the boy I saw from the window? (Gabriel)
"Wait Selena. Who's going to protect you?" (Julie)
"Al will be enough." (Gabriel)
Everyone went their separate ways except for Allister, Gabriel, and Lisa since he chased them down.
"Wait... uncle..." (Gabriel)
"You don't have to force it kid." (Allister)
"Ha. He's just happy because we have more family members now." (Lisa)
"Shut up. I have so many questions to ask you." (Gabriel)
"Now that you mention it... So do I!" (Lisa)
Allister sighed and agreed to give them each 3 questions and any follow-on questions from the things he says will count as 1.
"Take me to this forbidden library, I'm curious to see it." (Allister)
Gabriel was caught off guard on the fact that he knew about such a thing but eventually figured out that Lisa must have told him. Even if he was able to enter because of their father, the library still contained important information. Once they made their way towards their home within the city, Allister smiled. From the outside, the library looked small, placing his hands on the cherry blossom tree at its center, he could feel the magic flowing from within.
"It's similar to the one we had back at our home when we were kids." (Allister)
"How is that possible? it's been in our family for centuries" (Lisa)
"My mother. I think she built hers based off of this library's magic formula. I don't know when she visited though" (Allister)
"This library is complicated." (Gabriel)
"Let me guess... It feels like things have been moving on their own right? They're shy but when the time is right, everything will be revealed to you." (Allister)
"My mother said something similar to me once." (Gabriel)
"Uncle. You can use magic?" (Lisa)
"No, it was sealed but I can still sense it and leak enough to make tags." (Allister)
"Sealed? By whom? Why?" (Lisa)
"The magic kingdom. I didn't want to exorcise the demon inside of me." (Allister)
"You have a demon inside of you?" (Gabriel)
"Yup. She was terrifying at first but now... She's one of my best friends. You'll meet her one day, when she wakes up but anyways, what did you really want to ask me? You each have three." (Allister)
Lisa cut in-between and began to ask her first question.
"No follow-on questions SOOO... I know we have more family members. Are any of them still alive?" (Lisa)
"Well, there's me. Believe it or not, Selena is actually related to us by blood. I don't know how, but I can sense it. There's also my older sister, Elisa. I think she goes by the name... Pirate Queen but I haven't seen her in a few hundred years. Her daughter passed away a while ago, but I've heard different stories. I also have 2 kids of my own. Although they're not related by blood, one goes by Millie and then there's Denise. Chris's mom." (Allister)
"A pirate... Sweet!" (Lisa)
"What about Damien?" (Gabriel)
Gabriel covered his mouth. It just slipped out and he didn't want to use his first question yet.
"Where did you hear that name?" (Allister)
" Liz had your names grouped together in her notes so I figured..." (Gabriel)
"I'll let it slide. He was my older brother, but David was the oldest just beneath Elisa. I don't really know, you should ask your father, he was the last person to see him. We all got split up when we were young... well, except for them." (Allister)
"Well how about this then. Tell us about your lives. I want to know your origins." (Gabriel)
"Sorry, no can do." (Allister)
"What, why?" (Gabriel)
"How long have you lived? And you never asked your dad? I can't be the one to tell you. Ask him yourself or just keep looking in here." (Allister)
Dammit. Here we go again. (Gabriel)
Gabriel looked away in frustration.
"Very well. I saw the magic queen's hair and it looked similar to my sister's eyes. Are they connected?" (Gabriel)
Allister smiled.
"They are. Her abilities were given to her by Sophie. Although it wasn't by choice. She was chosen by the power itself. It doesn't run in our family, but my mother was the one to have the eyes before Elizabeth. My mother's sister was the previous magic queen." (Allister)
That answer given to him didn't help at all. All it did was create even more questions. Allister could tell by his expression that he was confused.
"You don't remember do you? Well, you were both young, but it was the day Sophia awakened as the magic queen. The great fire is what the people called it... Why else would that Al guy wear that mask? Let me guess... Liz told you he was burned during a fight, right? I noticed him instantly when I saw his yellow hair, but you guys don't need to know about that stuff yet." (Allister)
"Oh! Why did you come to this city?" (Lisa)
Gabriel was annoyed, her questions weren't terrible, but they were just genuine questions about him and their family. Things that could be asked later on.
"Truth is... I came to kill my brother. After you guys secluded yourselves and we got word of him killing the elders... The magic kingdom felt threatened but now I have a clear idea of what's going on here." (Allister)
"You said Fiancé! Are you planning on marrying my aunt?" (Lisa)
" Well actually, we were always engaged. We dated a while back, but some stuff happened and we kind of stopped talking but yes. I love her so that is the plan." (Allister)
Lisa screamed with excitement. She no longer had any questions to ask but that was alright with her. Gabriel sighed because he couldn't think of anything else until...
"Who's our real enemy and don't just say the dead. We are beings that far exceed that of normal humans. The only reason we haven't finished them off is because were facing millions, possibly even billions. " (Gabriel)
"I already told you. They're more evolved." (Allister)
He got answer but as someone who couldn't leave the city, they weren't very useful.
"The magic kingdom has been tracking them but there's a Holy Empire across the sea. Eventually they'll be a threat. The animal kingdom has been keeping to themselves so we should be fine." (Allister)
Gabriel and Lisa were dumbfounded. They knew about how big this world was, but they never thought another country would have the resources or better yet, the power to force people to unite. Then again, if their aunt can restore most of the state once known as New York, as well as other major cities in the country, then whose to assume others can't either.
"The Holy Kingdom... Why?" (Gabriel)
"Why else? To rid this world of monsters. They hate our family. The Vasquez have always been a threat. We specialized in many fields and the thing they hate the most... was our ability to use black magic. It was one of the biggest sins of this world, but all knowledge of black magic was eventually lost. Ok that was your last question." (Allister)
"What!?" (Gabriel)
"Look kid. If you want to know the truth, its somewhere in here but then again. You also have the answer waiting under the palace. Ask Selena, I'm sure it'll be fine. Have you gone to visit him, Lisa?" (Allister)
She smiled and nodded. Thinking back at that time, she remembered sitting there in that empty chamber, David's body was never exposed but she knew he was listening. The room was dimly lit but the shadows around felt alive, so it gave her the idea that he was aware. Lisa was the one to do all the talking, it's how she remembered her father. She talked about her school days, new friends, how she was the best at soccer of course, how she eventually quit soccer because people called her a hack and so on. Back in the day when something was wrong, she would find him and go off about this and that but eventually came to a conclusion on how to solve it. David never gave his own opinion, but Lisa assumed that he knew she would figure it out.
I've been avoiding it for so long. I guess I have no choice, I'll visit the old man. (Gabriel)
At the end of the day, I knew things would lead me back to you, father. I tried my best to avoid you... even saying the word father felt distasteful, but destiny wouldn't allow it. Their words lived rent free in my head. Why did I want to know about the past? I never asked before, I stayed ignorant of the truth. I lived my life like a fool and blamed my father for the death of my mother and tearing this city apart. The truth is, he didn't do any of those things. I hated him because I considered him to be the most powerful man in the world and yet when things matter most, he wasn't there to help. Even when they came to overthrow him, he didn't resist. William took me in overtime but I never saw him as a father figure. I didn't hate nor did I love him, but I figured his advice, and teaching would be somewhat beneficial. At the end of the day, I could tell he just craved power. He probably assumed I could live up to his expectation rather than Adrian. Before he left, he offered his blood in order to make me a full-fledged noble, and I agreed.
"I've come... Father." (Gabriel)
Beneath the palace laid a room which imprisoned the man known as David Chronicler/Vasquez. His body was sealed within the walls. thanks to some magic that were brought in from the Last Frontier. Gabriel was given permission from William, but Selena also agreed just to re-assure the guards outside. After he announced himself, the room stayed silent until the shadows all around started to wiggle and meet at one point in front of Gabriel. They combined and formed into a bodylike figure and what came out was the previous king himself. He no longer looked like the homeless man from before but a clean-cut person with eyes that glowed red.
"You smell like William. If you wanted to be a full fledge noble that badly, you could have just asked." (David)
"Of course this wouldn't be enough to trap you. When did you escape?" (Gabriel)
"I can control any shadows that I touch. I'm still trapped but I can at least manifest another body. The last thing I need is someone coming in here and trying to free me. If news of me breaking out were to spread, this city would go crazy and that wouldn't be good." (David)
"Since when did you care about this city. You killed the Elders and took control of it. Then you did nothing but sit back and watch. Allowing another to rule for you." (Gabriel)
"The elders were corrupted. They closed this city from within. If I allowed those weak fools to rule, we'd all be dead. I allowed a human to rule because I deemed it to be the best possible outcome. An immortal king wouldn't help us move towards the future. If the citizens of this city lacked the capability to help themselves, then that downfall would be on them and that goes for humans and the younger vampires that I spared." (David)
"That was your reasoning? No. You had another." (Gabriel)
"This cities barrier was impossible to bring down. We truly were trapped in here and killing them wouldn't help." (David)
"Blood. You needed their blood." (Gabriel)
A smirk appeared on David's face.
"I didn't need them to gift it to me. As long as I was able to get it, I could use magic to handle the rest. Once I carried their blood within me, I thought I would be able to access it, but it was impossible to shut off. Still, we were lucky enough to find a way to slip pass it. We had to time it perfectly until the human known as Jonathan was ready to move forward with his plan to establish connections with the other Kingdoms. your sister also told me Allister would eventually make his way here and that he could help nullify this barrier. In fact... I've been able to sense him since the moment he arrived." (David)
"So, you removed all the elders from the equation and yet William got the last laugh." (Gabriel)
"I cared very little for William. Even if he took the throne, He would still walk the same path." (David)
Gabriel was annoyed. He had the power and did nothing with it.
"Everyone kept telling me that I needed a reason... A purpose for knowing the truth about my family's past but honestly... I couldn't find one. Therefore, give me a reason! Tell me about our history in order for me to know what I should be doing. I rejected you, I rejected everyone, I only did what I wanted." (Gabriel)
"You dislike seeing everyone go about their lives without you. Is that it? Liz left, Lisa fights a bunch of rebels, Jorge lives and is off doing his own thing, Selena is dealing with other cities, and now Allister is here and has probably given you an idea on how big this world really is, right? I guess I'm partly to blame for not telling you guys. It's a past I tried to bury... The truth is, secluding myself from this city in order to allow these humans to fight for themselves wasn't the only reason. When you've seen the things I've seen, you start to realize how ugly humans and monsters can be. Your mother was the only person who kept me sane. I got rid of the elders because they were the most rotten here." (David)
"Then, will you?" (Gabriel)
"No, it would take too long. But my book lies within the library. Show me your resolve. Fight me and everything will be revealed to you." (David)
Gabriel closed his eyes for a second. He was aware that David was powerful but to what extent? After a few seconds passed, Gabriel lunged at his father but was to slow. David had already had his face in the palm of his hands, it looked as if Gabriel was about to be slammed on the ground but instead went through his own shadow and appeared back to the same underground prison. The whole room was painted black and yet there was still light, as David pushed his body to the ceiling, the very ground began to warp and created an opening that took them outside.
I passed through the ground and now I'm back in the city? No. Everything looks different. Like I'm in... (Gabriel)
"Like you're in another world? That's what you're thinking about right? I created this very world from within the shadows. My own little realm." (David)
"Figures. Is there any limit to your powers?" (Gabriel)
"You can control shadows as well, can't you? You should eventually be able to do this. I'd prefer not to make a mess in the real world. With this, we can go all out." (David)
Blood leaked from Gabriel's hand as he extended it while in midair and from the sleeves, a shadow like mass leaked out and formed into multiple birds which he sent towards his father.
"That's useless." (David)
The very floor beneath David's feet began to break apart and gather at his very fingers as they form into a giant bow and arrow made of shadows. Once he released the arrow, it split into many miniature versions of itself which shredded Gabriel's birds to pieces, eventually making its way to him. With the instinct to block it, he never realized David was already behind him, kicking his back and sending him falling to the roof of a nearby building.
"I don't understand." (Gabriel)
David descended upon him, not showing any emotions as his son coughed up blood.
"Don't understand what?" (David)
"I didn't even see you spill blood. Is your speed that great?" (Gabriel)
"I see. I don't have the ability to use blood magic." (David)
"What? But My shadows..." (Gabriel)
"They're similar? That's because they are. Blood magic is only born when a child has one magical parent, but I wasn't born a vampire. I was turned into one by a demon. Surely meeting Allister would have helped deduced that much." (David)
I knew... but I wanted to hear it from him myself. There could have been many reasons why they were family other than just blood but... I knew and yet. (Gabriel)
"You're... You're a royal vampire. Therefore, you only have vampire magic and yet, why did mine come out as blood magic?" (Gabriel)
"Genetics I suppose. When it comes to me and your mother, anything could have happened. The same goes for Elizabeth who can only use it when she pours her blood on her own shadow. It's practically impossible for a noble vampire to inherit both their parent's abilities. Although, it seems you all inherited both of your mom's abilities." (David)
"My mother?" (Gabriel)
"When it comes to blood magic, Elizabeth received the ability to control shadows on top of being able to control blood and crystalize it. Lisa can use the Iron in her blood in order to make weapons and you? You can control shadows, but vampire magic is different because it's inherited. Although I'd say receiving my ability in that way was very lucky and since you, Liz, and Selena can use it... Clearly, it's something to do with being related by blood. The magic you received from your mother was the ability to remember and adapt. That's the gift of the Chroniclers." (David)
"Remember and adapt. I knew that already. That's why we were chosen as the keepers of everyone's knowledge. My aunt was the previous recorder, but she grew tired of it. She was disgusted by the past of the elders, how they would never change, so she fled in order to leave a history others can be proud of. One she could be proud of." (Gabriel)
"You never actually read one of the books that we as Chroniclers wrote, have you? The uniqueness to our ability is that we not only inscribe our past experiences but also our memories. Once you read it, you'll understand but that's beside the point. Your mother had another ability, which was to survive without blood." (David)
"How is that possible? We're vampires." (Gabriel)
"She was more than just a vampire. Don't you remember? What was so different about her?" (David)
He thought back on it. The memory of his mother sitting by a tree writing down her past experiences and then it hit him.
"She had red hair." (Gabriel)
"A gift given to her by the previous Magic Queen. She entrusted your mom with the safe keeping of her magic and made her a color. That was before even my time... Think about it Gabriel. You drink blood but when was the last time you ever actually craved it? Why have you been able to become the next recorder of the Chroniclers without your mind breaking." (David)
For once in his life, he was tired of learning the truth and dashed after David, tackling his body and causing them both to fall off of the roof. David responded quickly by breaking the hold his son had. Using the building made of shadows, he brought it down on him leaving nothing but a giant dust rubble. Although it wasn't cement, the hardening and magic poured into it gave the feeling of an actual cemented building. David used magic in order to release the shadows and saw his son unconscious.
"Elizabeth told me not to get involved with the inner conflicts of this city. Apparently, I was to OP or something like that. She had a plan for the future, but I never expected her to give you guys the blood of your mother's... even if its effect is only temporary. It must have happened when you and Lisa weren't aware of it. Before she left? I wonder. Regardless, I neglected you guys because I felt like I failed for not protecting your mother and yet you all came to visit. Listening to Lisa's story about school was the highlight of my life in this prison and seeing you had grown even stronger made me proud. You have proven yourself to be old enough now to inherit my blood, don't you agree Arianna...?" (David)
When Gabriel came too, he was back at the library. The feeling of something licking him had jolted him up and what he saw was a shadow like kitten but that wasn't all. Many types of animals covered in pure black moved about the library.
"A kitten? I can sense my sister's magic in you... In all of you. Familiars? Have you always been here?" (Gabriel)
Allister's words echoed through his head.
"Can you show me the books that my family wrote?" (Gabriel)
The kitten shook its head up and down and changed into a bird as it circled around Gabriel.
"Time to get to work." (Gabriel)