Being a queen is so tiring. I don't know why my father picked me to run this place. All I cared about was drinking and singing. He told me it was going to be a while until he returned and yet it's been almost a year since he left. How annoying, leaving me with all this mess... Luckily Allister and Julie are here with me. Dealing with a rebel group, expanding our kingdom, increasing relations, and now potentially fighting an unknown threat that had enough power to attack the Last Frontier? Give me a break. On top of that, Kelly has been missing for months with no clues of her whereabouts. I sent Julie to find her but nothing.
Selena couldn't help but think of the human that she and her friends befriended. It was during their school years. Their group was small since everyone usually avoided them. Liz, Julie, and Selena were of royal blood. It was Liz who noticed a girl being bullied and one day, she decided to intervene.
> "Hey! It gets pretty annoying watching you guys act all high and mighty. Usually, I'd prefer not to get involved with human affairs but when they have the audacity, nay, the balls to do it in front me? Then I have to do something about it to cleanse my eyes." (Liz)
>
> "Oh shit, Its them..." (?)
>
> The group of kids backed away in fear.
>
> "Them? Don't worry Liz. I'll kill them" (Julie)
>
> "Wait you two! We don't have to go that far." (Selena)
>
> "If you guys don't leave in the next 5 seconds. Julie will kill you. Bye~" (Liz)
>
> After running away, the girls helped the one being bullied. Once she composed herself, they practically started to bully her too, throwing spears about why she just stood there.
>
> "You're pathetic. They're humans too, so just fight back." (Julie)
>
> "She's not wrong. I love your straight forwardness, Julie. It's the cutest thing about you." (Liz)
>
> "Shut up!" (Julie)
>
> As they argued, Selena focused on trying to comfort the scared little girl.
>
> "Sorry, they can be a little annoying. What's your name?" (Selena)
>
> "Kelly..." (Kelly)
>
> "How boring." (Julie)
>
> "So why did they bully you?" (Liz)
>
> "It has to be the freckles or those nerdy glasses." (Julie)
>
> "Those aren't freckles, they're pimples. Idiot." (Liz)
>
> "I can't help it; we have flawless skin." (Julie)
>
> "You're both idiots, now stop or I'll tell auntie Arianna."
>
> Kelly just stared at them.
>
> The way they act... is so... normal. (Kelly)
>
> "Stick with us. We'll protect you." (Selena)
>
> "She's not a pet Selena. You can't keep her." (Julie)
>
> Liz nodded her head in agreement.
>
> "You're one to talk. Liz, why did you even save her?" (Selena)
>
> "Didn't you listen to my speech earlier? Whatever, do what you want." (Liz)
>
> Selena looked at her two best friends and smiled.
>
> "Kelly, I'm sure you already know about us, but we'll introduce ourselves anyways. I'm Selena Bloodress. This is Elizabeth Chronicler and the mean girl over there is Julie Gwendoline." (Selena)
>
> "Sup" (Julie)
>
> "You can call me Liz. Any friend who betrays me will regret it. Keep that in mind." (Liz)
After that day, we all got along well. When Kelly turned 18, we all gave her one wish. She wanted to be a vampire at the age of 21, money, and her own estate. After she and Julie targeted Liz, they both got badly beaten. They asked me to come but I would never fight my friend, so I stayed behind. I wish I could say was busy with other things during that time but that would be a lie. When they were recovering, I never even visited. Julie was the first to heal up since she was a noble and went a few times but apparently, she was asked to leave. Perhaps Kelly hated the fact that Liz punished her more. The Silver she used can damage and even kill our own kind. Our people use them because of the sharpness but we only ever point them at the ones who try to cause chaos. When you cut a vampire, the pain can be excruciating and practically impossible to heal... Let's just say she's lucky that Liz didn't destroy her arm, since regenerating was out of the picture. I wonder where she could be...
"Hey, don't be dozing off. We have an important meeting. Remember?" (Julie)
Within the Royal Palace, Selena and Julie sat around a large table shaped like the Letter U. The conference room held a large screen in front of her as she waited for a call. Usually, other officials would be with her, but she decided to keep her circle small and by small...
"Julie, is this tv on?" (Selena)
"I'm sure that it is. Maybe if we had the others here, they could help figure it out?" (Julie)
"No. The less people, the better." (Selena)
"But it's only me and you..." (Julie)
Their conversation was cut shorts when the screen lit up, revealing Mabel on the other side.
Their answer would have been yes but the way the camara was positioned, left them speechless.
"We... Can hear you loud and clear Aunt Mabel." (Selena)
"I'm assuming this is about New Beginning? My people are handling it." (Selena)
Selena gave and irritated look, since she was right.
"Auntie..." (Selena)
"Well about that..." (Selena)
A vein appeared on Mabel's face. Luckily Selena was able to deter her anger.
"He did mention that you guys were engaged again! He even said that only you would be allowed to turn him into a vampire one day." (Selena)
"Anyways, he's been a big help. Not that the mages you brought haven't been useful, it's just... he has years of experience" (Selena)
"What do you mean?" (Selena)
Selena hesitated on revealing her biggest secret, but she had no choice.
"I tasked him with investigating and analyzing the barrier." (Selena)
"No! Thats not it... It's just... I feel like if he figures out the formula behind it, we could potentially modify it, maybe even expand it." (Selena)
The barrier surrounding the Lost City was casted many centuries ago, around the time the world ended. There were many speculations on how it came to be, but everyone knew it was designed as the city's last line of defense. The only problem was that humans could leave either. They believed that the barriers design was so complex that it needed an expert like Allister and his demon, after all, it was able to tell humans apart from animals which were the only creatures allowed to come and go, that and the spirit who was the first line of defense with magical forest.
The biggest concern for Selena as acting queen was how she was going to handle the increase in it population. She still had abandon towns and camps within the barrier but how long would that last? On top of that, Liz brough in kids with abilities and with know where for them to run, they are now forced to fight Selena within the city. Allister may know his stuff, but it was more than that, Liz led him here so clear she had something in mind when it came to him and whatever role these kids had, even if they wanted to cause chaos.
"He was made... using demon magic. He still looking at the work behind it, but he doesn't know if he can even mess with it. So far, it seems holy magic or the magic queen herself might be the only ones but..." (Selena)
Mabel knew very well that everything her niece did wasn't random. She had an ability to see the future, and maybe it wasn't just a coincidence that Allister would come. She knew his real mission was to talk to David but that was never going to happened anytime soon. Even if this was the case, what if Allister couldn't break the curse that loomed over her old home? Did Liz plan for that as well? and if so, what is her back up plan?
"I'd prefer not dig too deep into Liz's mindset. It will only drive us crazy but they're still our problem and we can't let them escape." (Selena)
Mabel hung up after that without actually going over their plans for dealing with New Beginning.
"She hung up." (Julie)
"Yea... I'm sure she'll call back, I'm sure. She probably forgot after Allister was mentioned" (Selena)
--------------------------------------------------------
"This is so frustrating! How long do I have to keep meditating for?" (Chris)
"Until you get used to the feeling of gathering magic." (Allister)
Allister stared at Chris while she rolled on the ground crying out. It had been days since they started their training, after their conversation, Allister decided to bring her to the Chronicler estate which was away from the city. Even though they would be living there, Allister had meditated within the forest near the barrier. Since school was closed for the time being, Allister didn't want to waste the time they were given. Prior to her being fully committed to this, she had to make sure the old man and Jorge knew. Unfortunately, Jorge hadn't come home since the last time they saw each other, but she figured he must also be training and when the time comes, they'll meet again.
"Why can't you just teach me some new skills?" (Chris)
"Because you aren't ready. Just stick with ice for now. Control and gathering is key. Lately, you been using more than you can handle and that's why your body and mind effects your performance. You're using more than what your body naturally produces. Now, focus." (Allister)
Chris closed her eyes and after a few seconds, started complaining again.
"I can't anymore. What are we even doing here anyways. You've been touching the barrier and writing down random symbols" (Chris)
At first, Chris was amazed since she only ever hears rumor about the barrier, but you could never see it from the city. From the things her gramps talked about and what the school taught on the second day; she still had her doubts.
"Fine, let's take a break. I'll make us something to eat." (Allister)
As they rested, Chris decided this was the perfect time to bug him with questions.
"Grandfather... What is it that you're doing with the barrier?" (Chris)
Studying it." (Allister)
"And those weird symbols you're writing down?" (Chris)
"Ruins. It's what makes magic... Well, magic. You can't see them in yours because you're a guardian, and the gift you have allows you to use magic without symbols." (Allister)
"But I thought they stripped you of yours. How can you possibly do what you do" (Chris)
"I have my ways and besides... Some of these ruins are your normal symbols. There's black magic woven into it. In other words, demon magic and I'm quite familiar with it." (Allister)
"How is that possible?" (Chris)
"My family was very skilled in black magic. It's sort of the reason we were hated and feared by a lot of people. To be honest, I doubt the Royal vampires were skills in this type of magic but one of them had to have been the one who called upon a demon in order to become what they are today. After all, just about every monster was born because of a demon." (Allister)
She liked it when Allister would talk about the history of things. She also tried making a game out of how old he really was since he carried such knowledge, but she figured he was just smart.
"And the magic queen and magic in general? Was that the work of demons?" (Chris)
"No, that was the universe trying to level out the playing field when it came to power." (Allister)
"I don't understand..." (Chris)
"One day you will." (Allister)
She knew what he meant even if her didn't have much to say. Even though she kept say no, Allister would really foot stomp when he told her that she had much to learn at the Magic Kingdom.
"Alright, i have one more question but it's about... my friends, how different are animal shapeshifter compared to the real ones?" (Chris)
"Depends on the person. If they're powerful enough, they might look a little bigger. Why do you ask?" (Allister)
"The person we might fight... He can turn into a bear. I figured an animal is an animal so I can take him on but..." (Chris)
"You also have doubt? You're not wrong, generally if one isn't prepared, they can be taken down by said animal. I've definitely seen my fair share of powerful enemies like that. If they fought people like us, they'd be fools but if they fought with partial transformation then we'd be fools to think it's still an easy win. Strategy is the way to victory my underling, not brute force. Remember that." (Allister)
Chris clenched her fist, that was an obvious thing to know and yet when she fought flare, someone who can use fire when she was water and ice, Chris still could have lost.
"Yes sir... Alright let's get back to training." (Chris)
Chris got serious and continued meditating. As she did, a ring of ice appeared on the ground, circling around her.
--------------------------------------------------------------
While that was going on, Jorge was being pummeled and thrown around like a doll between buildings. After he regained his memories, Gabriel took him to a world of shadows where they can fight without holding back. This wasn't a new ability, Gabriel always had the power to control shadows but after receiving his father's blood, it was as if he leveled up from being a novice. Their goal was to get him used to controlling his powers. Even though in the past, he was able to fight very well and use his abilities to a certain extent, Jorge was never able to use its true destructive force.
"Dam, that really hurts." (Jorge)
"Luckily, you can heal fast enough to get back up, so I don't have to worry too much about killing you. The bad news is that your power is still too strong. Every time you use it, you break another bone. Don't forget you have some of our power. You need to learn to fuse your own gift with the one Elizabeth gave you." (Gabriel)
"Easier said than done. Maybe I need more blood?" (Jorge)
"Most vampires drink blood to stay alive rather than just trying to gain that extra power but then again... I forget you're not a noble... Infact, you aren't really a vampire either. You see, the more we drink, the stronger our life force is but that's only over a period of time. Since you haven't lost any large amounts of blood, you should still be fine. You have to dig deep. I heard your eyes glowed a pinkish color... What was on your mind during that time?" (Gabriel)
"Saving Clarissa." (Jorge)
"I'll say this again. Concentrate. Right now, it's dormant within you, so wake it up." (Gabriel)
Gabriel focused his power in order to gather the buildings around him, creating a shadow like boulder which he sent hurling towards him. Not losing his composure, Jorge closed his eyes and concentrated. Pushing himself off from the ground, he gathered his power in his right hand and released it. When Jorge opened his eyes, they glowed pink as they witnessed his own power destroyed everything in its path, even sending Gabriel back to a nearby building.
"I did it..." (Jorge)
"Not bad. I guess I can get serious now. Don't forget that feeling because I'm about to pay back tenfold." (Gabriel)
"Bring it Bro!" (Jorge)
After a while, they decided to take a break, but Jorge was much like Chris, and their goals were the same which was to know the truth.
"You said I was a vampire earlier and yet I have some similarities... So, what am I?" (Jorge)
"Apparently... you're a familiar" (Gabriel)
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
"What's that?" (Jorge)
Gabriel told Jorge to follow him as they jumped across the building in the other world until a family area came into view.
"The library?" (Jorge)
"I know you don't really care but if you're curious then just ask. This is like a world of shadows; I assume you figured that much out, right?" (Gabriel)
"Of course. I just assumed you inherited your dad Vampire magic?" (Jorge)
"That's the thing... I didn't. He can control shadows, but I didn't inherit it and yet... I kind of did." (Gabriel)
They finally got to the library; Gabriel dragged Jorge with him as the cross back to the normal world.
"I don't understand... Wait, it my teacher here?" (Jorge)
"Al won't be around for a while. He's dealing with other stuff." (Gabriel)
Jorge wasn't all too worried, he just felt guilty not being able to meet him. Jorge's memories would come in pieces and after seeing Gabriel, his face was no longer blurred. The message Liz left him only described the basic thing like the connection with the Chroniclers and how he ended up where he did. The rest was up to him, at least when it came to the tiny details. He only learned of Al because of Lisa but that didn't help clear up his blurred-out face.
"Alright you rascals! Come on out." (Gabriel)
When Gabriel yelled out, shadow from around the library started to come out of the cracks and move. They took shapes of birds, cats, and mice. Some even looked like bugs and it threw Jorge for a loop.
"What the F!" (Jorge)
"These were the creatures that were giving me such a hard time before. They belong to my older sister. It seems she gain the same ability as me. To be honest, I get the feeling she has way more skills than any vampire here. That world we were in was built by my father. He designed it to mimic the Lost City. In a way like a shadow like realm. He left it there for me so I can hone my skills. I thought I could only manifest small shadows but not I believe my power is similar to his." (Gabriel)
"The bloody king... Wait how did you meet him? Did he escape? Was he there watching us?" (Jorge)
"No. He's still sealed but it seems he left a shadow to stand guard. He probably doesn't want New Beginning getting any idea about freeing him or harming the palace wear he is imprisoned." (Gabriel)
"Weird..." (Jorge)
"Anyways, we didn't inherit my father's Vampire magic but rather my mother's. Even still, they're theories but I believe we can use blood magic because of my father." (Gabriel)
Jorge sort of remembered what Gabriel was talking about because of Lisa and Allister but he had practically forgotten the difference between the two. While trying to dig deep, a book came floating down to his hands. It read [Vampiric skills].
"What kind of title is this? It's so plain." (Jorge)
"Who cares. It's not meant to be a story. Now open it to the page with the note sticking out." (Gabriel)
Jorge was curious to see what else was in it but Gabriel was already feeling annoyed. What he saw was the word [Familiar] and drawings depicting sort of ritual.
"We already know Liz turned you into a familiar from the letter she wrote. Clearly, she did it to help repair your fragile body. It might sound awful but, in a way, you're sort of like her pet. It's a master and servant contract but the bonuses are worth it. You get stronger... Which you already are. You age slower, speed increases if you can stop focusing on which power of yours you wish to use... and it comes with healing." (Gabriel)
Jorge agreed, he didn't like being called a pet, but he understood as he read on. They describe familiars as sort of protecters or rather partners. When he flipped the page, there were images of vampires with pets like spiders, snakes and even bats. Clearly Liz was looking for this type of relationship since she didn't take him with her.
"She did because I'm family... Hold on, it says here that a familiar needs the blood of its master if I overuse it. Clearly, I already have the required strength but what if I'm seriously injured." (Jorge)
"Well, that's the thing. When you fought NB, you almost rampage out but who calmed you down?" (Gabriel)
"Lisa did... Are you saying she commanded me?" (Jorge)
"Who knows but it raises the question right? Did Liz create you in order to serve her? Or the family? In the end, there's only one way to find out." (Gabriel)
Jorge love Liz, he respected her but just like everyone else, he couldn't help but wonder what she was planning. Was it for him? or was he just another pawn. Gabriel swiping away the book helped return his focus.
"Anyways, this book also contains abilities vampires can learn. It seems the Royal family in the Lost City weren't the only ones in the world." (Gabriel)
"I'm amazed bro. You've been cooped up in here but you're really finding a lot of useful things!" (Jorge)
"I wish. I was finally able to see things annoying creatures, but they still hide things from me. I wish I could say it's a coincidence that I found book but clearly, I was given it with a purpose mind. Oh well, I'll just keep trying until it's time." (Gabriel)
After Gabriel and Jorge finished their conversation, they jumped back into the other world to continue their training.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside the Lost City, NB was using an abandon mansion as a hide out; an old estate provided by Adrian. Not only was the building occupied but also the surrounding area. Even though the Lost City was quite large, it was still considered normal for its newer residents to set up camp and a community on the outskirts of the city. After all, the barrier still encompassed a large amount of land. In Ivan's case, they were safe since Adrian was a noble, even if their numbers were around a hundred; consisting of escapees, as well as lower class citizens who couldn't make a living. This wasn't everyone though, they still had the gangs they took over and other people with abilities in the Lost city.
"You see this, Alex? These people are happy, and this is just the beginning." (Ivan)
On the roof of the mansion, Alex and Ivan were staring down at their newly established community.
"It's great... June would have loved to see this but, won't the spirit of this forest notice?" (Alex)
"Apparently she avoids this area, a decree passed down by the nobles. Still, she probably sees everything." (Ivan)
"Yea... That totally doesn't give me the chills but that's beside the point. What's the end game here? If our community gets too big..."(Alex)
Ivan put his hand on Alex's shoulder in order to reassure him that everything would be fine. After all, if their organization got bigger than it is now, not even hiding among the populace or Adrian would matter and that would mean war for parts of the city, a home that vampires knew very well. It was inevitable but Ivan had his eyes on one thing, freedom, but if conquering a domain was needed to achieve it, then so be it he thought. He looked at the distant city and then at the sky.
It's this blasted barrier. Getting rid of it... will help us get that freedom. (Ivan)
"I'll be going to the Last Frontier. I plan to attack them. I assume that city plans on sending support here... we'll need to force them to focus on their own affairs." (Ivan)
"What? When? Why now?" (Alex)
"By now, their next plan of action should be closing off the movement between the two cities. We'll use that to our advantage. The attack will start the day after tomorrow. During that time, you will conduct your attack a few hours after mine. We'll go into more details when we gather the leaders. (Ivan)
"How will you get there?" (Alex)
"With this." (Ivan)
Ivan pulled out a tag from his pocket which contained rune like markings on them.
"This is a teleportation marking with a specific location in mind. Each important figure in both cities were given a few of these in case of emergencies. Unfortunately, it's impossible to mass produce without the help of the magic kingdom and it can only be used once." (Ivan)
"Teleportation... Amazing." (Alex)
"Have you ever heard the name, Allister Vazquez?" (Ivan)
"I met someone with the name Vazquez when I was younger." (Alex)
"They were probably related. From what I learned; in the old days, the Vazquez family were said to be one of the most powerful families. Even now in this day and age where monster rule, they're not a force to be reckon with." (Ivan)
"I don't doubt it..." (Alex)
Alex couldn't help but think about the woman he met. How she just walked over water, commanded a kraken and was the leader of a city that sailed across the ocean.
"Allister was said to have created this magic. The formula is so advance that its practically impossible to copy. To make things even worse, it's only capable for one use and based off of who I got it from? They only allow me to move to the Last Frontier." (Ivan)
"My head hurts." (Alex)
"Sorry, I just had to tell someone. Listen Alex, if you ever happen to encounter this person, be careful. Don't fight without a plan." (Ivan)
"Got it." (Alex)
Alex couldn't help but feel that something was different about Ivan. He was ready to leave because of how extreme his ideals were. When June got captured, he had no choice but to stick around and help in order to rescue her but now he was given more responsibility. Even as his positioned changed, he still could get the idea that Ivan was willing to drag everyone into a war in order to topple those in charge until now.
"Listen Alex. When I first met the warden, she told me about my future." (Ivan)
"Your future?" (Alex)
"I had my own community, and we were thriving but then she came and warned me. I hated her for it, she could have helped but then I realized... I was simply weak. I was grateful to everyone who looked up and choose me as their leader, but the truth is, I just wanted my revenge." (Ivan)
"I noticed. Chris knew as well, that's probably why she left." (Alex)
"I still hate the vampires of this city, but I refuse to make the same mistakes as I did in the past. Besides, I feel like were just pieces on a board, a game designed by the warden, and I refuse to do as she foresaw." (Ivan)
Alex didn't know what to think when it came to the warden but there was something ominous about her. He was saved by the pirate and somehow came to this continent. Was it all a coincidence he thought? Or did she foresee this outcome? Or worse, she changed things in order for things to be as they are now. The idea terrified him.
"I'll get my true revenge when the times comes. For now? Let's just try and get our people out of here." (Ivan)
"I agree." (Alex)
----------------------------------------------
"So, it's just you." (Adrian)
"Well, your highness. You didn't expect the others to actually support you or play along, right? Everyone hates you." (Jimmy)
Adrian was sitting in his living room, sipping on a glass containing fresh blood.
"You still came." (Adrian)
"Don't get the wrong idea, I don't care about you either but you're more fun to hang out with." (Jimmy)
"No matter. I already have an idea on how things are going to go. Those twins will play whether they want to or not." (Adrian)
"What is your plan anyways? Is there anything you want me to do?" (Jimmy)
"No. You can go about your life. Join the fight if you wish but if you really want to know... I want to see how bad this city can destroy itself." (Adrian)
"You're supporting NB so they can stand on equal footing with your own kind? I bet they'll lose regardless but I'm sure you don't care about who wins. Aren't you curious about what your sister plans on doing at least?" (Jimmy)
"No, she'll probably stay back since she's acting queen. The same goes for Julie. It's disappointing but understandable. It seems they also brought in some outsider to do their dirty work, but I doubt he'll be strong enough to do anything." (Adrian)
"Wait a minute, where's that lesser vampire who got her ass kicked by Elizabeth?" (Jimmy)
"She's around. I told her not to get involved. Not yet at least. I also turned a few of my henchmen into vampires with the intent of sabotaging them both." (Adrian)
"Oof, what do you gain out of all this?" (Jimmy)
"Intertainment. This city has been at peace for too long. I can't even leave this city because of my sister so I might as well do something fun. I was hunting NB but apparently my methods were a little too gory, so she took me off the case. Since then, I've been locked away here at home as they tried to bring teachers and other vampires to educate me." (Adrian)
"Yes well... You did only just wake up from your deep sleep less than a year ago... and there also the fact that your dad gave you his blood at such a young age. Who knows what it's... Never mind." (Jimmy)
Jimmy may not have looked it, but he was way older than Adrian and Lisa, although the reason for looking so young was another matter.
"I met an interesting boy out the palace today. A human who was friendly enough to shout out the queen's name. I think I'll follow him and see where he takes me. Who knows, might be worth it." (Jimmy)
"A human huh... I did here from NB that they had some traitors. Good luck." (Adrian)
----------------------------------------------------------------
"Honey, I recommend that you don't leave this apartment. This is an order." (Raymond)
"Dad, you can't be serious! What are you hiding from me!" (Clarissa)
Clarissa got a hold of her father's hands and had his memories flow into her. She saw things that didn't really concern her but the moment she heard Selen's voice, she knew the plan.
"Dad. One of Jorge and Chris's friend is a part of that group. Hell, they practically grew up with all of them" (Clarissa)
"Clarissa, when it comes to this fight. You have to stay neutral, or do you wish to choose a side? Your family or them?" (Raymond)
"My friends wouldn't pick a side and neither will I... What about you dad?" (Clarissa)
"I've been tasked to protect the palace, primarily the area where the previous king was imprisoned." (Raymond)
She stood by her words, But Julie and Selena were family but it's not like they would ask her to fight. She didn't want her father involved but this threat even reached the Last Fronter. Obviously, she wouldn't help NB but what if Jorge and Chris did? She was worried but then she remembered the kind of people they were.
"Fine. I'll stay neutral but I wish to give Jorge and Chris a fighting chance. So, I'm going tell them!" (Clarissa)
She ran out the room, leaving Raymond sighing.
"She's matured... I'm glad she finally has friends." (Raymond)
----------------------------------------
"Thats good focus on refining that ice." (Allister)
The next day, Allister had Chris focus on depleting her magic and regaining it after.
"This is so hard." (Chris)
"Come on, your mom went through this training as well. Be glad we're not at the magic academy, they can be very... Someone is coming." (Allister)
Allister turned around to find Clarissa breathing heavily from running all day trying to find them. She collapsed on the ground
"We... Need... to find... Jorge." (Clarissa)
"You idiot. Did you run the whole way here?" (Chris)
After a few minutes of rest, she finally spoke more clearly but was still hesitant since Allister was helping out Selena.
"Sorry it's just... This is top secret information..." (Clarissa)
"You want me to leave?" (Allister)
"It's not like that bestie... It's just..." (Clarissa)
"Don't worry. He knows and he doesn't plan on stopping us." (Chris)
"Oh. In that case, I read my father's memories, and he believes that they plan to attack the prisons." (Clarissa)
"That would make sense since June was taken into custody but... what does Ivan benefit from this?" (Chris)
Allister was thinking to himself and remembered the meeting with Selena. This was different from the one that consisted of just the people she trusted but rather all the vampires in order to give people different locations to protect. She kept it to herself, but she briefly mentioned how each prison scattered all the humans with abilities in order to split up NB's forces. The only problem were the ones they couldn't move. The individuals beneath the prison in the Chronicler domain that held people with abilities that were deemed too powerful. The paperwork Gabriel was able to recover only talked about them to a certain extent, but one ability caught his eye.
"Beneath the prison are others who never escaped. From my nephew's findings, Selena believes they might be too dangerous and that's why they were never allowed to be a part of your group. Your friend Alex was deemed dangerous by Liz or at least he was because of what he is, but they figured with friends... he would be fine." (Allister)
"Grandfather? You..." (Chris)
"Don't worry. I know you were just trying to protect him. That doesn't change the fact that the Chronicler still holds other people with dangerous abilities... It would spell out the end for this city if handled poorly. One document mentions a light user... I won't speak more of it, but don't worry, Selena personally asked me and Lisa to protect it." (Allister)
"I see. In other words, we just need to figure out where June is... Grandfather?" (Chris)
"I don't have a clue. Only Selena and Julie know." (Allister)
"I'd prefer not to cause trouble for them or make our movements known... I know, if we capture one of the NB guys... We can figure out where Alex will be. Clarissa, Lets go find Jorge!" (Chris)
"Yea!" (Clarissa)
"Hold on Chris." (Allister)
Allister stopped and place bracelets on her wrist.
"We need to limit your power. You're still not ready to go all out. Remember, fight smarter, not harder." (Allister)
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"Hey I brought dinner! After we're done eating, it'll be my turn to fight Jorge... Wait where's Jorge?" (Lisa)
Lisa had arrived at the library, only to find Gabriel in torn up clothes as he wiped the sweat off of his body. She looked around endlessly while yelling Jorge's name, but he was nowhere to be seen.
"He left with his friends." (Gabriel)
"What!? Why didn't you tell me sooner!" (Lisa)
"Because it's funny. Every time he's not around, you just assume he's nearby. Besides, what's the big deal?" (Gabriel)
"Well, when is he coming back?" (Lisa)
"He's not. telling by how fast they left this place... it must mean that..." (Gabriel)
Lisa face was red with anger, she knew he was planning to get involved and they approved it, but the problem was Jorge's whereabouts. They wanted to keep tabs on him, so she knew how to better support him from the shadows.
"Don't worry. He'll be fine. We each have our own roles now." (Gabriel)
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After Lisa and Gabriel's conversation, Jorge and the others were making their way through the city by jumping from one roof to another. Jorge had no idea where he was heading but Chris knew, she just didn't want to waste time standing so and eventually had Clarissa explain everything as they moved.
"So, you think Alex is going for June... What if he succeeds and gets her out?" (Jorge)
"Well, then we will help them escape. I'm sure my grandfather can figure something out." (Chris)
"If Alex goes berserk from seeing us, we'll have to beat him down." (Jorge)
"He deserves it for this little stunt he's pulling. You sound pretty confident Jorge but that's not all. I feel like you've changed." (Chris)
" I remember just about everything leading up to my accident, but I promise I'm still me." (Jorge)
Chris smiled; she never doubted it for a second. Jorge would always be Jorge.
"So? where are we going?" (Jorge)
"Home. We need to find gramps." (Chris)
"The old man? Shit, I haven't seen him since we left for school. I can't imagine how angry he'll be... Wait, why him?" (Jorge)
"Didn't I tell you? He knows everything. He'll be able to find some of NB's members" (Chris)
They made their way home where the old man was already waiting. Putting down the pants he was working on.
"It's about time you got here." (Gramps)
Chris ran up to hug him while Jorge looked annoyed, wondering how long he waited to say that. Once Chris regained her composure, she was given papers by the old man.
"Sorry I didn't tell you Jorge, but gramps is actually an information broker." (Chris)
"I go by New Moon. Although lately I've been using other aliases." (Gramps)
"New Moon... New Moon... Wait! You helped find Bomb Blast Jack." (Jorge)
"You were there? Small world... Look, I have old friends who live in the ghetto impersonating the poor. Apparently one of their informants was recruited to fight. A group based out of there." (Gramps)
"NB?" (Jorge)
"You'd think that right?" (Gramps)
"They go by another name." (Chris)
"Yes well... It seems NB took over the gangs in the city and still continued to use their names. The perfect cover up." (Gramp)
After they received the coordinates of this group, they made their way towards their hideout. Jorge was a little saddened since he just found out about what gramps really does but he had no time to waste. When they arrived at their destination Chris instantly checked the surrounding and froze the ground, keeping everyone in place. They figured asking would prove useless, so they had Clarissa look through all their memories.
"The day after tomorrow?" (Jorge)
"Clarissa, any news on where Alex plans on going?" (Chris)
"No. they're just human foot soldiers... Still, they received orders from someone here, they also mentioned some outside supporter as well, guns, and their own location to attack." (Clarissa)
Outside supporter? Someone from this city? A vampire? (Chris)
Chris was thinking about their next move on top of other things. Jorge and Clarissa just waited for orders since she was usually the brains.
Our only option is going to the nearest prison which is the Bloodress Domain. Then again, the Chronicler Domain has their most dangerous prisoners... Would they risk sending the ones they captured back there? If Ivan ordered it, would Alex abandon his mission to save June and prioritize freeing those locked down there? Grandfather said they were a threat... I don't know what to do! I don't... (Chris)
"Hey what going on here? What... What are you guys doing here!?" (?)
Just as everything was starting to feel hopeless, a person Chris and Jorge knew very well, walked into the room. They hadn't seen him since they were locked up together, but they knew that he must have had the answer they were looking for.
"Sloth." (Jorge)
"Hey guys... It's been a while!" (Sloth)
He continued to talk in order to stall them while his hands changed. Fur grew from his back, but the others knew what would happen if this continued.
"Jorge!" (Chris)
"Yea, I know." (Jorge)
Jorge closed the distance between them and threw a quick punch, he made sure to avoid contact but the power release from his fist was enough to imamate an actual punch. The hit to his abdomen was enough to knock him out.
"That was anticlimactic... I don't understand, what was so dangerous about him?" (Clarissa)
"Wait!" (Jorge)
Clarissa was about to place her hand on him, but Jorge quickly grabbed her wrist.
"Wait until he reverts back to a human." (Jorge)
"Sloth has always been a coward so he didn't usually get involved in any fights, but his abilities can be deadly. One touch and his flesh-eating disease will end you." (Chris)
After a while, Clarissa used her ability and got the answer they wanted. All though this was a good, she couldn't help but be worried. Clarissa had a unique ability. She was technically a vampire, but her blood line got smaller and smaller as more of her kind married and had children with humans. She looked human but her aging was still slower, although dying of old age was still a possibility, no one really knew for sure since she was a rare case. The one thing she was born with was a type of blood magic that only required the contact of skin. When she touched people, it allowed her to read their memories as if she was seeing it through their eyes. She hated peeping into people's past but if it was for Jorge and Chris's sake? She would gladly do it.
"He's going to the prison in auntie Julie's domain..." (Clarissa)
"Thats great!" (Jorge)
"But? What aren't you telling us?" (Chris)
"Well just so you guys know, the vampires that work under her are strong. The twins will most likely be there but listen... These guys are no joke. They are very strong. Janet probably won't get involved but if she does, watch out for her. She's too lazy when it comes to fighting but she might be the strongest vampire here." (Clarissa)
"Thanks Clarissa. You've been a big help." (Jorge)
"We're grateful to have a friend like you but it's time you got back. From here on out, thinks will only get dangerous. Leave the rest to us." (Chris)
After they parted ways, Jorge and Chris made Julie's Domain their next destination.
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The next day
"Wow, this is the first time I've been to this city. Amazing!" (Bug)
"Yes, it definitely makes the Lost City look tiny." (Ivan)
The two looked down at the Last Frontier. One day had passed since Jorge and Chris learned about Alex's whereabouts. The night had now taken over the Last Frontier. Ivans plan to attack was about to commence. He promised Alex to wait a few hours, but Ivan couln't wait. After some tthinking, he figured the sooner the better. At least if they attacked at night, they could do more damage until the sun came up.
"So how are we going to do this? we only brought a few of our guys with us." (Bug)
"I've already recruited some people from Tobias. They gave helpful information on which locations to attack." (Ivan)
"How did you pull that off? Wait, aren't their guards up right now? It hasn't even been a year since they were attacked by some unknown group." (Bug)
"No doubt but the question is... Who, what, and where? If the two kingdoms are talking, then they will most likely protect the same things. Did you know that this kingdom has restored other cities where humans used to live a long time ago? They're building some kind of transportation system to help get to these locations faster. They have teleportation capabilities, but they don't want to give any enemies different ways to invade. They can't help it when it comes to the Lost City since the forest hardly lets any one in." (Ivan)
"That's interesting and all but what of it?" (Bug)
"We'll target the new project they're working on, as well as targeting the new teleportation device in order to stop them from interfering in other affairs. There's also that hidden prison with an entrance that change's locations. Tobias's men gave me other places that will affect the queen's inner circle. Information only someone close would know." (Ivan)
"Meaning... you're setting up Tobias? Wait you never answered my question." (Bug)
"I don't care about him or this city. I just can't have them interfering. My initial plan was to take over the Lost Kingdom but if that can't be helped... Then we'll split it up in two. No one really governs the Aster Domain, and the Chroniclers don't have any vampires under them. Remove that family and it's another domain to conquer." (Ivan)
Bug looked at Ivan face and actually felt fear. If anyone else had said it, he would laugh and say they're crazy but hearing it from Ivan? Actually, makes him believe it's possible.
"Controlling 2 cities sounds insane but I believe you can do it. Oh, and the question I mentioned..." (Bug)
"Anyone could be controlled as long as they get paid a good amount or offered immortality." (Ivan)
"What did you do?" (Bug)
"Adrian helped turn some of our guys into vampires, which they helped turn even more people. I just offered that gift to Tobias's men. A war where vampires fight each other." (Ivan)
"Are you insane? I thought our goal was to rid the city of vampires! Besides, they're not nobles. what can they do?" (Bug)
"Relax. It won't be a one-on-one fight. We just need Alex and the others to succeed. I even spread false information on his whereabout incase Chris and Jorge tried to interfere." (Ivan)
"2 steps ahead. as always." (Bug)
"Enough. It's nighttime. Let's begin. I told Alex not to wait on a signal. He starts his attack tomorrow." (Ivan)
Soon the sound of explosions and gun fires would echo throughout The Last Frontier. What Ivan didn't know was that Adrian was also pulling one over him. He learned about what made the prison within the Chroniclers Domain so dangerous as well as the fact that Alex was a werewolf. He pulled strings in order to have June transferred back to the prison that she escaped from which would lead her lover to Allister and the others. Adrian made sure Alex got the information on her whereabout after Ivan left in order to stop him from interfering.