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Elseworld Story: The Gauntlet
By: Coolcat207 Date: December 5, 2025, 6:06 pm
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Prologue
The royal bard of the Kingdom of Tera began playing on his lute,
gathering people around from the middle of the streets. The
knights remain on guard, also listening. This tale has been told
many times and yet, they never grow bored of it. They keep a
sharp eye out for any trouble as their ears listen to the bard.
Bard: Hearken, good folk of the kingdom, and lend your ears to
the tale of Love that conquered Darkness.
Long ago, when the skies wept ash and the earth groaned beneath
a curse, a specter of evil rose. It poisoned the fields, it slew
the beasts, it sent forth hellspawn to torment the innocent.
Armies marched, brave and bold, yet none returned. Hope itself
seemed slain.
But the King, wise in sorrow, called upon two Houses of renown:
The House of Zolnerowich—mortals bound spirits and the beasts
from the realm of Orion to aid them. Their bodies strong, their
hearts unyielding. The House of Darkfire—vampires who walked
beneath the sun, wielders of the elements. Their blades swift,
their wounds ever healed.
From these Houses came two champions:
Natasha Zolnerowich. Known as Aella among her enemies, whose
spirit animal companion was the red deer, swift as dawn’s light.
And Qrow Darkfire. Known as The Black Reaper, whose lightning
struck like judgment, whose sword sang of death to fools who
dare hunt the innocnet with ill intent. Together they marched,
together they bled, together they forged a bond stronger than
steel. And with companions at their side, they faced the specter
in its lair.
The battle raged, long and cruel. Blood was spilled, scars were
carved, yet neither faltered.
At last, with love and trust as their shield, they struck the
specter down. The land was cleansed, the curse undone, and peace
returned to the kingdom.
From victory sprang legacy. The lovely Natasha wed the mighty
Ezekiel Pierce, master of black lightning, and bore
daughters—Maya and Zoe, bright as stars. Qrow found love in
Raven Branwen, a fierce vampire chief whose portals saved them
oft. Though trust was tempered with caution, respect held firm,
and their union brought sons—Kindron, Hei, and Kendrix, heirs of
storm and flame.
The Houses prospered. The Darkfires ruled their demesne with
fairness and fire. The Zolnerowich withdrew to a quiet village,
guardians of spirit and kin. Though paths diverged, their bond
endured, admired even by the King himself.
Yet hear this, children of the realm:
As the King’s breath waned, he spoke a final warning to his
heir:
"If darkness rises again, call upon the Houses of Zolnerowich
and Darkfire. Only united shall the kingdom endure. Stay
vigilant, for evil stirs once more."
And so the King passed, and the young prince took the crown. But
prophecy is a cruel master.
Already the shadows gather, already misfortune creeps.
The bard finish his song with a bow. Cheers and applause
surround him. But before he leaves, he look to the crowd once
more, though more so at the readers.
Bard: So heed my words, ladies and gentlemen. The only way we
can stand together against the darkness is to keep your loved
ones close. Evil lurks everywhere. The only way it can triumph
is if you let it win at the end. Always hold on to hope.
The bard is right. And unfortunately, fate is a cruel b*tch.
Since the first blow shall fall upon the House of Zolnerowich.
This chapter begins with the focus on Maya Zolnerowich and her
homecoming. One she will never forget.
Story Part 1: Homecoming in Ashes:
"Clear skies, children playing, birds singing, and the cool
breeze caressing my face. It's good to be home."
These words were the first thing that came to Maya Zolnerowich
as she heads home. Maya Zolnerowich is the elder of the two
daughters of Natasha and Ezekiel Zolnerowich, the two powerful
spirit users who defeated the evil specter alongside the
Darkfires and many others. Maya has gained her father's
lightning powers along with being skilled in hand to hand combat
while she also being one of the strongest human spirit users in
the world, a power passed down by her mother who taught her how
to wield it properly. She was sent away to go through a course
of being a warrior. Through many trials and errors, Maya managed
to gain a spirit animal: a powerful Thunderbird. She was also
dubbed dame of the kingdom by the young king himself. The young
king kindly stated that his father would be proud of her, which
warmed Maya's heart. Pushing the memories aside, Maya arrived in
the village with her gifted weapons forged by the talented
Smithy himself: Two pairs of spirit gauntlets. Even the undead
would think twice of facing a warrior wielding a weapon capable
of giving a evil spirit a black eye. Well, the smart ones
anyway. One thing is on Maya's mind though: Return home and
surprise her parents. She made her way to the dirt path and
turned her attention to the two children playing with a wooden
stick and sword. This moment made her remember how she and her
sister Zoe were before Maya was sent away. Zoe was the second
and last born of the Zolnerowich family. She remembered one of
the Darkfire members stating that there's something special
about Zoe due to her spiritual power. It was immense, even for a
Zolnerowich. The Darkfires manage to make a necklace that would
help Zoe suppress and control her powers until she's ready to
use it properly. And now, Zoe was also sent out to do the same
thing Maya is doing. But this wasn't the time to have flashbacks
of the past, Maya had a linear task in mind and that is to
arrive at her home with her head up high and announcing to her
parents how she had become a dame and freelancer to the kingdom.
A few miles of walking made Maya wonder how she would spend the
day with her family.
Maya: It's been so long. I haven't even thought of how they
would react to my surprise visit, maybe I could spend time with
dad sparing or hanging out in the backyard. I could help mom
with her art, or maybe I could hang out with Sam---
She paused mid-sentence as she noticed the once clear blue skies
have been replaced by black smoke.
Maya: Smoke?
She wondered, as she trails the source.
She use her enhanced senses to catch a glimpse of where it was
coming from. It was coming from the village. Her home.
Maya wasted no time. She sprinted down the dirt road until she
got to the gate of her village. She came to a halt finally and
trembled in shock.
Maya: Oh God, no...
She whispered as tears run down her cheeks while witnessing the
horrible event right before her eyes. The front wall was heavily
destroyed. The watch tower burns brightly and the flag of the
village along with both the symbols of the Zolnerowich and the
Darkfire flags are scorched. The walls have shown that
explosives and potent magic have been used to make a hole. Maya
quickly rushes inside and sees more horrific scenes. She see the
watchmen and a few residents dead on the ground, some died with
their eyes facing the sky, others are shown to have been hacked
to death and even stabbed and sliced at their necks and backs.
Who could've done this?! This question pound in her skull as she
runs and sees more wreckage from the attack. The horses were
gone from their stables, the water have been polluted due to
ashes and blood, and she saw the crops have been burned and
stomped on. She continued to run further to find any signs of
life. That was when she heard a faint voice crying from a
distance. Maya quickly summon her gauntlets onto her hands with
her spirit powers as she makes her way to the sound. She then
hid behind one of the burning houses and leans over at the
corner. She sees a family on their hands and knees, the father
on the floor swimming in mud as he struggles to shield his
family. The father was badly injured but still defiant enough to
use his spirit powers to shield himself and his family. The
mother, with her head down, hugs both her son and daughter in
her arms shielding them from the enemy. The assailant appears to
be a barbarian, whose body is covered in tattoos and wearing
nothing but a loin cloth and fur boots laughed maniacally as he
raised his axe to try to break the shield with demonic spiritual
powers. Though the axe hit a pair of gauntlets with a loud
clang. The tattooed soldier widened his eyes to see Maya
blocking his attack with one hand.
Warrior: WHO THE HELL ARE YOU--?!
Maya cut off the brute by using her free hand to perform a
devastating liver jab, using her thunder powers to send a small
shockwave to blow a hole through him before smashing his skull.
The mother and her kids quickly helped the father who nearly
collapsed in exhaustion once he lower the shield. Although still
in shock, the mother spoke.
Father: Oh thank you! If you haven't been here, we would've---
Maya stops her from speaking another word.
Maya: It's ok, sir. Your priority now is to get your family out
of here. You have a safe place to go to?
Mother: We were on our way to the underground safe haven during
the attacks. We tried to flee while a woman covered our escape
but they caught up to us.
Maya: That's good to hear. Wait, a woman?
Father: Yes. She's average height, long brunette hair, master
marksman. Think her name was Alisa?
Maya's eyes widen in shock. Alisa Voronin is one of Maya's and
Zoe's godmothers. A powerful spirit users who's spirit animal is
a white tiger. Maya needs to find her fast before it's too late.
Maya: Listen to me. Take your family and go. Do not stop until
you reach safe haven.
Father: Wait! What about you? We can't just leave you!
Especially after you saved our lives. Please, come with us.
Maya: I can't do that, sir. I apologize but I have to go to
check for more survivors. I promise that I'll be careful.
Father: Please do. I believe that those fiends are attacking the
Zolnerowich home. They're strong but even I'm worried.
Maya: Good to know. Now go.
Maya heads forward into the chaos of violence and bloodshed. She
manage to quickly dispatch some barbarians with ease and without
being detected. She then makes a right onto a burning mess hall.
There were at least 5 barbarians cheering and howling at the
debris they created. One cackle at the destruction while the
other boast that only a fool would try to stop them as Maya
manage to form a lightning blade on her gauntlet which she used
to stab the arrogant savage in the back. He yells in pain
attracting the other 4 barbarians. They turn their head and
witnessed their brother-in-arm get brutally stabbed. Maya glares
at them with murderous intent, then proceeds to toss the yelling
barbarian towards their feet with ease as he dies quickly on
impact.
Barbarian: You are either stupid, brave or both to have perform
such a... feat.
He paused as he grabs his two handed axe from his back, his
companions followed by unseathing their axes, swords and shield.
Barbarian: But you do realize that we are four strong ruthless
warriors! And you are but one b*tch with tin foil mittens for
weapons! I can actually think of a better use for those hands.
So tell me, who are you? I would like to know the name of the
person who can give me a good massage... a real good one.
Maya shoot daggers at the barbarian with a disgusted scowl
across her face. He stood twice her size and had minimal armor.
His body is covered in blood, runic tattoos and scars that have
been embossed from long ago which pulse of bad spiritual power.
Maya: Not a fan of introductions really. No point of talking to
a bunch of corpses. But you and your goons greatly screwed up.
My name is Maya Zolnerowich. First daughter of Natasha
Zolnerowich and Ezekiel Zolnerowich. You assh○les have
destroyed this village and stained it with innocent blood. So
you idiots royally f*cked up big time. Especially since the last
thing you want is to be on a Zolnerowich's sh*t list.
Although calm minded while getting into a fighting stance, her
rage was clear when her eyes spark angrily with blue lightning.
Those who know the Zolnerowich family know very well that if a
Zolnerowich's eyes spark greatly with lightning, they're
enraged... which will lead to violence. The barbarians growled
and snarked at her as they slowly approach her. The barbarian
with the Greataxe smiles at her.
Barbarian: Ahh, so you're the Zolnerowich brat! We were always
told that the Zolnerowich family are basically the Darkfire
family's favorite human pets. Which is a shame since you look
like you could be my bride. You may not be royal, but your blood
might be rich enough!
He said as he licked his lips with malicious intent. Maya stills
herself and sees that a whole barbarian army blocks any possible
exit. Good. Time to unleash hell. The first Barbarian with two
axes charges toward Maya but she quickly counters the rushing by
tripping her and quickly neutralize her by using her gauntlets
to form talon like claws and sever the female barbarian's spine
in one swipe. The second and third barbarian wielding swords
tried ganging up on Maya by wildly swinging at her. Maya kept
her defense up, but eventually got the upper hand by pushing
both of them away at a safe distance with her lightning powers.
She then targets the second barbarian and strikes the second
barbarian's diaphragm then turn and counter the third barbarian
by brutally breaking his right hand, making him yell in fear and
agony. She then finishes off the second barbarian with a nasty
left hook, breaking his jaw and killing him instantly by
breaking his neck with a kick. She then rip the throat out of
the third barbarian, thus ending his life as well. Maya stares
down at the fourth and last barbarian of the group. She sees
that one barbarian's hands are shaking violently in fear that
she drops it and sprints away. Before she could get far, the
Barbarian leader twice Maya's size throws an axe and hit the
fleeing barbarian in the back, killing her in the process. The
whole barbarian army then yells and cheers for the Barbarian
wielding the greataxe.
Barbarian: I WILL NOT HAVE ANY OF YOU BASTARDS RUN AWAY LIKE
THAT LITTLE SPINELESS BITCH! I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO A BATTLE IS
WON!
He howls in anger as he raises his axe and opens his arms at his
army as if he were a show man performing theatre arts. He then
faces Maya and growls at her like a wild animal looking for
venison.
Barbarian: I seem to have underestimated your abilities, girl.
You aren't fit for a bride, oh no. You're fit to have your head
up on my wall like a trophy!
He laughs as he and Maya circle around each other.
Maya: How about you shut the hell up for once and fight? Unless
of course you're scared. Would suck if you end up like your men
and look like the ass that you really are.
Barbarian: Oh, I'm gonna have fun with you. When I'm done with
you, I'll drink your blood and cook your innards!
With that, the two begin to clash. The large barbarian was
stronger than Maya thought. And more proficient when it comes to
his weapons. But Maya has dealt with enemies like him before.
This is nothing. They clashed. His greataxe swung with monstrous
strength, each strike shaking the ground. Maya ducked,
countered, her gauntlets ringing against steel. She landed
blows, cutting deep, but the brute only grew more enraged.
Bleeding, he clutched a wolf-shaped amulet. Feral and wild
spirit energy surged. His body twisted, muscles bulging, eyes
glowing with specter’s fury. He howled, a beast in man’s skin.
This also put the barbarian into a berserker state which gave
him abilities of a specter. This shocked Maya. Although she
tries to defend herself, the barbarian's ferocity and animal
like nature was too much, going as far as injuring Maya herself.
Maya tries to tap into her Thunderbird powers but she wasn't
given a chance when she was given a nasty liver shot followed by
a right hook which sent her to the ground. The savages cheer as
Maya tries to get up, only to be put in a bear hug by the
barbarian. Maya was slowly losing her breath, feeling numb and
about to to black out as she is slowly crushed to death by the
bear hug. She struggles so hard to stay awake but it was
difficult.
Barbarian: Say goodnight, princess!
The marauder taunted as he prepares to break her back. Next
thing Maya knows, or so she thought, a loud thud followed by a
squelch happened which dropped Maya on the ground with a thud.
The next thing Maya remember before she black out was screaming,
blood and a figure tearing the bandits apart like a wild animal.
Maya later on woke up with a sharp and pained gasp. She sat up
fast only to groan in pain. A hand gently press on Maya's back,
easing her.
Voice: Take it easy. You're safe.
Maya look at the voice next to her. She notice her godmother
Alisa Voronin by her side. Bruised and a few cuts but in better
condition compared to Maya, who is bandaged up.
Maya: What... happened?
Alisa: That bastard almost snapped you in two. A family came to
me and told me about a young woman saving their lives and
heading deeper into the village. I figured that it has to be you
so I followed with Sergei.
Maya: The... Raiders?
Alisa: Got what they rightfully deserved. Though the situation
is much more complicated than we thought.
She sighs as she find a seat to sit down next to Maya.
Alisa: For starters, a few manage to slip away though unscathed.
We tried to find survivors of the attack. We found some but not
much. Your parents... fought hard. I'm sorry, kiddo.
It took a moment for Maya to process this. Her parents are
gone...?
Maya: And the others?
Alisa: Maxine lost her husband but her daughter Sam is still
alive. Viktor and his wife are also okay.
Alisa place a hand on Maya's arm.
Alisa: Maya, I promise you. Whoever is responsible for this will
not get away with this. Your parents, Sam's father, those
innocent people... they will get justice. Though we do have
another problem.
Maya: What is it?
Alisa: You remember V?
Maya slowly nod her head. Vendetta "V" Zolnerowich is Maya's and
Zoe's cousin from her mother's side. Vendetta's mother, Natalya
Zolnerowich, sister of Natasha Zolnerowich, was known for her
brilliant mind and battle prowess but had some skeletons in her
closet that nearly threatened the relationship between the
Zolnerowich family and the Darkfire family. Luckily, the problem
was solved before things escalated. Although troubled, Vendetta
is a good kid who will help those in need.
Maya: What happened? Is she okay?
Alisa: She's alive and somewhat well. But her current situation
is complicated.
Alisa sighs as she decide to just skip to the point.
Alisa: I know that this sounds crazy as hell, but your uncle
Sergei and I found V going on a rampage and is currently in a
holding cell.
Maya's heart sank. But Alisa quickly continued.
Alisa: Before you have a heart attack, the bodies surrounding V
were the bandits. Sergei and I manage to snap the kid out of it
before things escalated. Up to our knowledge, she didn't harm an
innocent person. But there's a theory that she lost control of
her spirit animal.
Maya and Alisa knows that V's spirit animal is a white wolf. V
is also known for being a very powerful spirit user, gaining
storm abilities from her wolf spirit. V's spirit powers are so
strong, many compare it to a demigod. So the thought of V losing
control of herself and becoming a rabid animal is horrifying.
Maya: We need to get to her.
Alisa: Your cousin Sam and your aunt Maxine are handling it. If
there's any problems, I'll know immediately. For now, you need
to rest.
Maya stubbornly slink back on the medical bed and sigh. As she
does this, Sergei opens the door. He waves hi to Maya silently
yet caring before motioning Alisa to step outside. Alisa kiss
Maya on the forehead and makes a "I'll be back" gesture before
leaving the room. Once Alisa close the door behind her, she goes
from caring godmother to hardened soldier as she look at Sergei
Dragunov, who also took the same expression as they move away
from the door so Maya doesn't hear them. Alisa studies Sergei's
face for a moment before speaking.
Alisa: I know that look. What happened?
Sergei silently point to the room Maya is in, concern about her
injuries.
Alisa: She's roughed up but that Thunderbird of hers should
patch her up ASAP. What's going on?
Sergei: V is in trouble. They got her. We need to hurry.
Alisa: Who got her?
Sergei: Dr. Benedict Ostell.
Sergei answered gravely, which made Alisa's eyes widen in fury
and shock.
Alisa: Ostell? That sadistic bastard is alive?! What the hell is
he doing---?!
Sergei: We don't have time. Go find Max. I will stay with Maya.
Alisa: Are you sure?
Sergei silently nod. Although hesitant for a second, Alisa turn
and head off to go find Maxine. Dr. Benedict Ostell is infamous
for his sociopathic nature against people along with having the
spiritual power of darkness. Whatever he is up to is anything
but good. Alisa needs to hurry before it's too late.
Story Part 2: The Wolf in Chains:
"I... don't remember what happened."
V says, her voice raspy as she look at the female figure from
her cell. Shackled, confused, and scared... The once respected
teenage warrior of The Zolnerowich family awakens from her
blinded rage and sees the tainted blood of those whom she
killed. She turn to a female figure who happens to be Sam
Sampson, best friend and godsister to Maya Zolnerowich and
recently a commander of a special forces group from the kingdom.
Sam: Then tell me what you remembered doing before all of this
happened.
Sam suggests as she readies herself to listen. V lowers her head
and clears her throat.
V: Nightbane... I remember that he told me that he had an
emergency by the demesne of the Darkfire and that he will be
back with his team soon.
She pauses briefly as she holds her head trying to remember.
Sam: Easy, V. Take it slow.
V: I'm trying, Sam. V grumbles before she continues.
V: Then I got a bit bored. Between my little sister Vin
(Vinette) doing her own thing by learning new abilities with her
teacher, Merlin and Nightbane dealing with that, I got a bit
bored... and lonely. I mean, besides Nightbane, no one really
talk to me much. Especially after the shady crap my mother has
done in the past. So, I decided to train to take my mind off of
things. But during my training, I noticed someone else training
with her ice powers. She showed some exceptional skills so I
approached her and found out her real name was Charlotte but it
was changed to Esdeath.
V pauses as she tries to remember.
V: Then, she said that her father who was the Village Chief,
were invited by a Lord to be part of this fighting tournament.
She showed me to her group who were pretty friendly. One even
gave me one of their uniforms and even their spirit amulet. They
said that it was to help strengthen their abilities. V pauses,
then being to slowly tear up. Then I managed to join their
meeting in secrecy. The Chief talked about how he wanted to give
the Lord a grand entrance so we practiced.
Sam: For how long?
V: I... I've been sneaking out for months. No one never noticed
because of how busy they are with the trade, stuff with the
Darkfires, and my family are attending their respective schools
so I never had problems just sneaking out even at after hours.
The guards are always gone and about so it was easy to sneak
passed them. When the day finally came, I was so excited about
it that it's the only thing that I can think about! But then...
all of a sudden there were..."changes" in this tournament.
V stopped and looked down, trauma and guilt burns within her.
Sam: What were the changes? Sam asked, worried
V: ...It's vague, but I remember we went out at night carrying
heavy bags that me and Esdeath believed thag it was just extra
equipment. Once we were close at the gates, I looked up and saw
our banners. I was home. Before I can even ask what the hell was
going on, the gates open and the group began to attack! They
killed people and looted anything they find valuable, our guards
were caught off-guard and were taken out easily. I didn't know
what to think about so I dropped anything I was holding and ran.
I panicked! I can hear the screams and people dying! And I ran
like a coward! I didn't know what to do, so I ran from any
direction to where I couldn't see anyone getting mutilated or
killed! As I was panicking, something strange happened to me. V
looks at her hands I felt a sudden surge of spiritual energy
course through me... and I just blacked out. And then...
silence. V paused for a few seconds The only thing I could hear
was a voice. I thought it was my spirit animal, but this voice
sounded omnious. It told me to do it.
Sam: Do what exactly, V? Is it what I think it is? She asked
with great concern.
V: It just told me to fight. To kill. I tried so hard to fight
it's urges, but the rage was too strong that I couldn't do
anything but give into the temptation despite trying to reach
out to my wolf spirit. Before I know it, I started to grab the
nearest thing I could find and just did what I had to do to save
those people! I didn't know what was happening I just felt that
my body wasn't in my control. All I hear were the repeating
screams of horror, that is until---
Sam: Aunt Alisa and Uncle Sergei manage to snap you out of it.
V: Yes. Wait, how did you know?
The doors unlocks and Maxine stands with a handmaiden beside
her.
Maxine: Because they told me. Sorry about the chains. We had to
take precautions. But once Alisa comes over, we'll try to handle
the situation and get you out of here soon.
Sam smiles for a moment but wears her frown as she turns to V.
To see her younger godsister shackled up like a wild animal
almost made her sick. She had the temptation to unlock her
shackles and take her away from the dungeon. That is until she
hears a set of footsteps fastly approaching their direction. As
the gates swung open, they are approached by the army general
Michael Winre with two of his soldiers.
Winre: So I see. This thing is one of those other fiends who
tainted our town, destroy our homes and slaughtered innocent
families.
His voice echoes around the walls of V's cell. Although calm,
there's a hidden rage behind his tone.
Sam: Damn it, M! It wasn't like that! She didn't murder anyone
at all, she only killed those people who DID the killing!
Winre: Oh? And did this animal tell you this? Are you actually
showing sympathy to her?! May I remind you commander that she
was part of those barbaric bastards?
Sam: If you listened instead of being a hard ass, you would know
that she did not join with the intent to destroy our home! She
was fooled along with other girls her age!
Winre: So she has allied herself with those who've avoid
capture. Guess the apple doesn't fall hard from the tree, huh?
Winre state coldly, comparing V to her heartless mother. Sam was
going to cuss him out but Max sternly intervenes and glare down
Winre.
Maxine: You have no right being here, General Winre. This is my
operation and I'm handling this. So you have less than ten
seconds to explain why you're here before I throw you out
myself.
Winre: That should be simple, General Mumfre. I'm here to give
the people what they want. We may have lost those other girls of
whom she has allied herself with, but at least I can still send
a message to them by placing her head on a pike.
Maxine: Have you lost your damn mind?! This is more barbaric
than the group who destroyed the village! That is a child! My
godchild! Not some damn specter!
Winre: Barbaric?! General, I am doing what must be done! And
that THING is not someone you should associate with. She is a
damn monster!
Sam: Watch it, assh*le.
Winre: Be careful of what you say next, commander. You may have
bested those Raiders, but that doesn't make you a hero.
Sam: Funny. I was gonna say the same thing to you.
Maxine: Michael, for the love of God, just listen. This is
insane, even for you. At least give Vendetta a fair trial. Or a
chance to prove herself innocence.
Before the conversation can continue, a shroud of darkness
floods the room. The soldiers stay together and go on the
defensive. Sam remain next to V, ready to defend her.
Winre: What's the meaning of this, Vendetta?!
V: I have nothing to do with this, assh0le!
The soldiers Winre had with him screams in pain and fear
followed by a brutal crunching sound followed by tearing flesh.
Before Winre can do anything, he is knocked down by Sam who was
sent flying toward him. Sam, Max and M turn to see a shadowy
humanoid figure grab V by the collar of her neck. The three
soldiers recognized the figure and tried to stop him but it was
too late. Both the figure and V melt into the shadows quickly
followed by the dark laughter. The darkness clears to show the
dead bodies of the soldiers and the handmaiden.
Winre: Damn it!
Sam: That's not possible... He's supposed to be dead!
Max: Sam, go find Sergei. Tell him everything that has happened.
We need all of the help that we can get.
Sam: Yes, General.
Sam collect herself quickly and bolt out of the door. Maxine
then turn to Michael Winre.
Max: Whether you believe that this is her doing or not is up to
you. But right now, we have bigger problems now that Ostell is
back. Either you help me get to the bottom of this or get the
hell out of the way. If you try to stop me, this will end in
blood.
Glaring daggers at Maxine, Michael gets up and sternly nod to
Maxine.
Winre: Let's find that bastard.
Meanwhile, with V:
"Let me go! I need to go back! I need to make sure that they're
okay!"
V protest as she tries to break free of her shadow entrapment.
But it was no use. The shadows bind her as she glares at her
kidnapper. Benedict cleans his glasses and put them back on his
face as he ignores the girl. Benedict has her to his study room
which also stores his wine. He casually pour himself two glass
of wine for himself and another person with human blood after
putting his glasses back on.
Benedict: For a bloodthirsty animal, you really are sentimental.
Adorable. Makes you more like a loyal dog to a master than a
wild wolf. Benedict sarcastically chuckled as he take a glass
for himself and take a few sips.
V: When I get my hands on you I'll---
Benedict: You'll what? Choke me, soften me up, gouge my eyes?
Please... Benedict taunted with a almost bored expression. He
then sighs in frustration.
Benedict: If it weren't for that bobolyne, ass brained of a
Raider, this plan would've been flawlessly executed. But instead
at some miracle, he mistakenly trained you. You weren't supposed
to be with them! Benedict hiss in annoyance as he massages his
forehead out of stress.
V: You?! You were part of this?
Benedict lets out an exasperated sigh Benedict: God above they
gave you a brain after all. I feared that only Vinette had one
worth using.
Benedict almost flinched in shock when V nearly broke out of her
entrapment out of pure rage. Lightning sparked violently from
her eyes as she lunge forward to try to attack Benedict but his
nether soldiers barely manage to hold V at bay.
V: You bastard! It was a damn sham all along! What the hell do
you get out of this?! My mother is dead along with most of your
damn team! Anton works for the kingdom now! You have nothing!
Benedict: That's what I thought as well. Until he appeared.
He? Oh no. He doesn’t mean... Benedict noticed the look on V's
face and nod slowly, his expression remaining neutral, as if he
hasn't made a deal with an entity worse than the devil himself.
Benedict: See, your family, mainly your aunt and uncle, were the
heroes of the kingdom alongside the Darkfires. Those vampires
have been given everything from riches to crops, to land and
even royal power. And even though your family refuse a life of
royalty, they still were given decent goods and gifts. But, your
family and those Darkfires lacked one thing: The power to truly
put the fear on our enemies!
Benedict faces to the fireplace where his spear resides next to
it. A weapon Natalya Zolnerowich herself help him create.
Benedict: Those families always believed that there are still
good in people who commited crimes. In second chances to the
point of doing irrational plans such as placing them to these...
recovery process that takes months and call it justice. I never
believed it. Neither did your mother. We and a few others
believed that the only solution to cure these people is to weed
out the weak, the unforgiveable, and the unredeemable. That is
true justice! So what do I get from this? With my new powers
coming to true fruition and the new allies I've made, this power
will be used to rebuild the village, build my own demesne,
create an army and become the most feared scientist and
executioner in the land. Along with helping my allies achieve
their goal of taking over the kingdom.
V: All those people, murdered... you selling your soul to that
twisted specter entity Cordath... just so you can have an ego?
You're a f*cking dead man! V, despite her being pinned manages
to laugh. When everyone hears about this, they'll surely rip you
to shreds!
Benedict: You're right, that's why they won't be hearing
anything from you.
He smiles faintly as the door open. V's blood runs cold as she
recognizes the figure to be Verna Markov, the demonic dhampir
child of the vampire lord Sorin Markov. But how? She was
supposed to be dead!
Benedict: Surprised? Well, so was I. I thought Natasha
slaughtered her entire family. But she also made a deal with
Cordath with a sliver of whatever life she had clinging onto
her. And thus she is reborn as Valentina Casimir.
Valentina takes a glass of blood and wine from the counter and
eyes V.
Valentina: So this is Natalya's child. She looks so much like
her. Too bad she took more from her soft hearted father.
V: Don't speak of him, monster. V growled
Valentina: Ah, you do have some bite. Thought the Zolnerowich
family domesticated you after your mother's death. But Dr.
Ostell is right. You won't have a say in this at all.
In a flash, Valentina appear before V. She use her two fingers
to hit a pressure point, knocking V out cold. She then turn to
Benedict as she takes a sip from her blood mixed wine.
Valentina: Everything is in order?
Benedict: Yes. We'll use the girl to frame her once more. Give
that hard ass general a reason to execute her. Before those
fools even know the truth, it'll already be too late.
Valentina: Good. We need to hurry and grab the others. I already
informed Nightshade. They will be making their move against the
Darkfires soon.
Benedict: Feels like they're going to a death trap. We know how
powerful those Darkfires are.
Valentina: The plan isn't to defeat the Darkfires. The plan is
to keep them busy while we wipe out their human pets. Once the
Zolnerowich are gone and the Darkfires having their hands full,
no one will be able to protect the kingdom. We just need to do
this smart and we need to do it fast. Those spirit users will be
relentless trying to save Vendetta... especially since a few of
them now know that it's you. Nice job by the way. She states the
last part sarcastically
Benedict: A minor setback.
He says with a shrug before turning to the guards.
Benedict: Bring her to my medical room. I'll be there in a
moment.
The nether guards obey and slink into the darkness with V.
Valentina turn to Benedict with a raised eyebrow, but Benedict
casually shrug it off.
Benedict: Got to get her prepared. Like you said, dear
Valentina. We don't have much time.
Valentina's gaze lingered on Benedict, suspicion flickering in
her eyes. But she clinked her glass against his, and together
they drank. The Executioner and the Dhampir. Two monsters bound
by Cordath’s will. And Vendetta Zolnerowich, unconscious in
their grasp, was the key to their war.
To Be Continued...
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