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Fallen part 4; Fate

The two Vampires on the floor stopped their wrestling and picked themselves up off the ground to face Richard.
"well look who we have here, the entertainment for tonight," announced Alex sardonically. "He even brought us a snack to enjoy afterwards"
Suddenly a rage swelled within Richard, a rage that dwarfed what he had felt when he had seen Alex stroking Anastasia earlier. in a motion to quick for the human eye he sent the keys to his Lancer which he had still been holding hurling toward Alex’s head. A sonic boom rocked the room as the projectile accelerated past the sound barrier. Mere chance saved Alex. He had seen the flash in Richards in eyes and realized he should get out of the way, still the keys clipped his temple as they passed by and he did a full 360 degree spin before landing back on the couch. his friend wasn’t as lucky. The keys hit him right between the eyes propelling him backwards and smashing his face beyond recognition. Had it been a human this would have certainly have been fatal. A vampire on the other hand can only killed with a wooden stake through the heart. he stumbled around blindly crying out in pain. But as he looked up only seconds later his face was completely normal. Vampires have the power to heal themselves at amazing speed.
the other two vampires reacted to the temporary incapacitation of their friend by hurling themselves at Richard. He managed to dodge the first but the second slammed him backwards into the stone wall behind him. meanwhile Alex had recovered himself and joined the first vampire in a charge to where Richard and the second vampire were struggling. Richard delivered a bone jarring uppercut to the vampires chin, then Alex and his companion were upon them. grabbing Richard arms the two vampires held him, struggling against Richards rage controlled strength.
Alex leered at him, then delivered a bone crunching blow to the gut that cracked at least one rib. Gasping for air Richard struggled to remain conscious despite the black spots that began to appear before his eyes as the beating continued. suddenly as he felt he could take no more it relented. Looking up he was just in time to see a surprised look on Alex’s face as he collapsed to the ground. in his place stood Anastasia a candelabra grasped firmly in both hands. Both vampires were stunned and this allowed Richard a chance to regain his breath. Breaking their trance the two assailants were struck with a moment of uncertainty, who would punch their unlucky victim. Sensing this Richard suddenly went limp. supposing he had finally succumbed to the black comfort of unconsciousness, one vampire, a truly massive brute of a creature, released Richard to tend to Alex.
In another lightning blur of motion, the remaining vampire holding onto Richard was flipped upside-down and slammed through the wooden floor. As the massive creature turned at the sound, he was just in time to receive a spectacular spin kick to the side of the head. a kick with enough power to spin him around twice before he collapsed in the corner. Richard picked himself up and walked over to Anastasia as if nothing had happened.
“are you ok?” worry flickered through his eyes. Anastasia’s gazed back into them, hers confused as if they could not comprehend what just happened.
“Anastasia? Please say something” Richard’s eyes pleaded , slowly she was pulled out of her daze and finally nodded to him.
“yes im fine. What just happened here?” confusion spread through her face.
“ill explain later. Just do me a favor, go up to my room and lock the door alright?” Richard pointed to the second door up the marble staircase. Anastasia could see he was mad and did not dare try fighting against his will. She fallowed his direction and sprinted up the stairs, quickly locking the door behind her.
“get the hell out of my house” Richard growled at Alex and his friends that had now recovered from their titanic fight as if nothing had happened. The only evidence was some dents in the floor and some pools of blood here and there.
“you have no right to be in my house get the hell out”  Richard clenched his hands into fists preparing kill Alex if he had too. He worked out the probability of his success rate. It wasn’t as high as he hoped seeing as Alex had three other friends to help him and Richard doubted Alex would fight fair.
“why do u want us out so bad? Cant u be a good little vampire and share your little delicious snack with us. We only want a sip” Alex leered deviously as he lifted his gaze to the second story, starring at the door to Richard’s room with thirsty eyes. Alex’s friends got the hint and took a step in the direction of the marble stair case.
“GET OUT!!” Richard’s voice shook the house more than the still pounding rock music.
“fine fine! We’re gone! Geezs calm down!” Alex put his hands up in surrender. He walked out of the house with this three friends fallowing at his heels. what dogs Richard thought as he watched them go.
Watching the cars lights disappear into the starless night he quickly turned off the blaring music. Suddenly, slicing through the new found silence as a razor through flesh, a blood curdling scream rang out from the bedroom upstairs. Sprinting up the stone stairs three at a time he propelled himself forward. At lighting speed he kicked his door in and sent it flying to the other side of the vast room. For the third time that day he was frozen were he stood, not because of shock, but fear. Alex was had not left with the car. he had come back for his meal. Richard had thought some shred of common since had remained in Alex’s mind, but at that moment all his hope was lost for this mentor. Alex's arms were locked around Anastasia’s torso as she fought futilely against his power. She squirmed and wriggled trying to get Alex to let go but he just rapped his arms around her tighter like a deadly constrictor, nearly crushing her rips and causing her to gasps for air. All the while leering evilly at her. Strands of her blond hair fell over her eyes, and Alex used one had to push them back revealing her beautiful face and then placed his hand back where it had been.
Richard watched helplessly as she finally gave up the fight. Alex ran one of his hands up her back, loving the petrifaction fear had bestowed upon her, and brought his hand to rest at the back of her head. If he wanted to he could easily snap her neck. Finally Alex tore his gaze away from Anastasia horrified face, to Richard’s shocked one. He gazed into Alex’s eyes which flashed red in the dim light. The kind of look Alex only got right before the kill.
“you didnt really think I would let you have this one did you? Don’t you remember my rule? Whoever sees the person first gets first bite and I did see her first” Alex smiled malevolently at Richard then turned his attention back to Anastasia. Slowly he leaned in, Anastasia thrashed, but Alex tightened his grip on her waist threatening to cut off her air supply, not to mention break her ribs. Richard watched in disbelief as Anastasia’s eyes filled with horror. Alex couldn’t do what he was about to. It just wasn’t possible. Richard always knew he was evil but everyone had some good in them right? At least that’s what everyone says. Apparently that saying doesn’t apply to vampires. Alex could feel Anastasia’s heart pounding as he brought his head down to her neck. He brushed his lips against her soft, fragile neck, watching as the blue vein pulsated rapidly as her pulse rate skyrocketed.
Enjoying himself immensely, Alex wondered how long he would have before she fainted. he rested his razor sharp, ice cold teeth on her now pale skin. Richard, sensing that he needed to do something immediately broke his paralysis. He blasted across the room in a split second, slamming his fist into the side of Alex’s face sending him spinning into the opposite walk. Richard picked Alex up and slammed his fist into his rib cage shattering most of his ribs and causing Alex to scream out in pain as his arms collapsed inwards with no bone structure for support. Furry had blinded Richard for all his attention was focused on making Alex pay by inflicting as much pain as vampiricly possible on his cursed mentor that he had not noticed Anastasia had left the room. Richard slammed Alex into the stone fire place, and he cried out again. Alex went limp as unconiousness took over his body.
Richard stood over Alex’s mangled body, his eyes still starring daggers at his mentor. Taking his hand Richard handcuffed Alex to the railing of his balcony. He didn’t want Alex to go anywhere, he wasn’t finished with him just yet. Richard had gotten enough control of himself to realize that Anastasia was no longer in the room. Something that was bittersweet to him. Richard was glad she did not watch him rip Alex to pieces but at the same time fearful. He had no idea where she had gone off too. Damnit! Richard raced out of the room and looked over the up stairs railing. The front door had been thrown wide open. Well on the bright side she couldn’t have gotten far. he sprinted down the stair case and through the front door.
The rain had stopped falling. Only the opaque clouds above and the pools of rain water flowing to the near by sea proved it had ever been raining at all. Richard splashed through a puddle as he ran in search of Anastasia. The water clung to his pants legs like tar, trying to hider his search in any way possible. To him it seemed like the storm had had a mind of its own firing down it dark furry at his actions, though, thinking back, he agreed that it did match the feeling that had followed him through out his day. Everything seemed to be fighting against Richard. The wind blew, blinding him with its intense cold as it picked up the thick air and push it against him with hurricane like power.
He squinted down the now dark drive way. The wooden gates were closed, shut tight as they sat like boulders refusing to move. Anastasia stood before them looking up at the monoliths with hatred in her, as if cursing them for condemning her to the fate that lay back at the mansion and everything that had just played our in front of her. Richard sprinted up to her.
“Anastasia im so extremely sorry” Richard pleaded as she took a step backwards so that her back was pressed up against the solid wooden gate. Every nerve in her body trembled, scared for her life, horrified at what just went on. His heart sunk. Richard looked at her, scared to death with her back against the wall, searching for refuge but finding none in the solid wood, and the blood spilling down her neck and staining her perfect dress so that it turned a dark pink color. Richard stopped and replayed his last though. . . .the blood dripping down her neck . . . . . .oh god. . . . . . .Alex had bitten her . . . . . Anastasia collapsed to her knees.
“please don’t hurt me!” she crumpled into a ball at his feet crying.
Richard wondered how there could be good in a world that allowed this to happen to such a beautiful being.
“im not going to hurt you. I sore I wouldn’t.” The promise sounded empty to Richard as he looked down at the pain that had been caused upon her. Richard gazed down at the Anastasia with empathy. Wishing that she would have never ended up at Maison de Sang . she did not deserve any of the things that had just happened to her, no one did, but especially not her. He bent down to her level and put his hand on her shoulder. She was shaking with fear and cold and recoiled from his touch. Richard had to get her back to the house.
“will you please come back to the house with me? I wont hurt you and you need warmth. Its below 40. Please?” he quietly spoke to her with the up most sincerity and gazed down at her wishing he could say something that would relieve the fear she fear she felt, wipe all the memories away. Richard waited for an answer as the temperature started to decrease. Having seen no other choice Anastasia stood up and started the long walk up the driveway defeated. Richard walked behind her starring at her neck. Blood still flowed down her shoulder as she left a trail of it leading back to the house. He hoped she would let him fix her, that much blood loss was never good and  she risked bleeding to death. The wind blew cold as Anastasia gazed up at the mansion as she walked up the grand entryway. With the lights on they house was truly breathtaking with its modern deco stale. A lot more warm and inviting than before. But the memories of what had occurred still hung fresh in her mind. Richard lead her through the grand entrance to the marble kitchen with the wooden cabinets that matched the dark floors through out the magnificent house and menacing gates that stood blocking her way out. Tiny lights were hung from the selling and were placed under the wooden cabinets as to illuminate the five star kitchen. They also provided a warm homey feeling that instantly calmed Anastasia. A huge refrigerator stood in the corner and hummed quietly. Richard sat her down at the round chestnut table and pulled the chairs so they were facing each other.
“do I have permission to heal your neck?” his eyes fully of worry in case Anastasia answered no or even not at all. She looked up at him defeated and nodded. Hope sparked in him. For the first time she had shown trust in him.
“alright. I promise it wont hurt.” Richard reached over to Anastasia and laid his hand over the spot where Alex’s teeth had cut her. It was a deep set of scratches but she was extremely lucky Richard had attached Alex when he did. A couple of seconds later Alex would have sunken his teeth into her fragile neck thus injecting her was venom causing her to become a vampire, if he didn’t catch the jugular and drink her blood, killing her before its effects took place. Becoming a vampire was an tremendously painful process. Something Richard wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy. Though is worst enemy was a vampire was not the point. He looked into Anastasia’s eyes. The fear had receded for the first time since he'd met her, and was replaced with acceptance. Again empathy overwhelmed him. He started to concentrate on healing her neck. Anastasia jumped as a sudden wave of heat radiated from his hand as he started to mend the cuts. Her eyes once again were awash with fear and confusion, not knowing what was happening.
“Its okay, I’m almost done.” Richard said tranquilly and smiled reassuringly at her. Fear receded and her eyes changed to the color of the ocean on a bright summer’s day.
“Everything’s going to be okay.” Richard continued to say, not wanting to lose her new found confidence in him.
He removed his hand from her neck. Her skin was as it was before Alex had nearly killed her, perfect.
“See I told you it wouldn’t hurt” he smiled as he leaned back in his chair.
Anastasia lightly touched her neck to make sure he wasn’t lying and sure enough it was like she had never been gashed. She smiled up at him.
“Thank you” her eyes sparkled, this time not with fear but thanks.
They sat in silence for a long moment lessoning to the gentle hum of rain that had started again. The stormed had clamed, no longer throwing down it’s icy furry on them. Now it seemed more forgiving, as the rain gently fell on the metallic roof. Richard got up and opened the refrigerator door.
“do you want anything?” Richard asked as he opened a can of Coke. Anastasia shook her head as she watched him pop it open with a sizzle. The cold air from the refrigerator hit her and she shivered.  Richard looked at her, it took him a few moment to realize she was still wearing the same think white dress that was no stained with blood.
“oh right! We should probably get you some warmer unstained clothes.” Anastasia nodded and an embarrassed look spread across Richard’s face. He felt extremely stupid for not realizing that she needed warmer cloths and equally stupid for allowing her to freeze to death. Richard doubted if Maison de Sang would let him look after her. So far he wasn’t passing with flying colors, if passing at all. He was definitely not skilled for the changes of keeping her safe. Seeing how vampires were drawn to her Richard doubted anyone would be able to reach that goal of her safety. But at least he was trying, unlike every other vampire he had came across. Richard grimaced at the thought of the others. They truly had the power to make him sick to his stomach. He took another sip of the Coke, the only substance other than blood that was worth drinking. Or at least that’s what Richard thought. Turning his attention back to Anastasia, Richard was now faced with a new problem, finding her clothes that she wouldn’t freeze in. Richard thought for a moment.
“well I don’t have any girl clothes but I do have a shirt that would be big on you and some sweatpants. Sound good?” Anastasia nodded. Getting up she fallowed him out of the kitchen and up the grand marble stair case to his room. She stopped after taking five steps into the vast space, her eyes cold as if she remember something she wished she hadn’t.
“are you ok?” he questioned for what seemed like the firth time that day. Her eyes went blank for a moment then hung her head. She kept her eyes on the floor as she responded,
“you might want to check on Alex.” Anastasia’s voice was quiet as if she didn’t want to speak the words. Richard looked at her as if questioning the reason for her comment.
“Alex is fine. I handcuffed him to my balcony. Your perfectly sate. There’s no way he could have gotten away.” he reassured her but she just shook her head sadly.  He turned his head to the double glass doors that head out on to the desk. Sure enough a dark figure still lay handcuffed in the cold starless night. Richard sighed and shook his head.
“alright ill go see if he’s ok.” he could have sworn he hear Anastasia mutter, “no he’s not.” but it was only a whisper and could have been anything. Opening one of the double doors Richard stepped out into the light drizzled the wind still blew cold and there was little light on the balcony. Richard flipped on a light shook over took him. Anastasia was right, Alex was not ok. He sat body limp, head tilted, jaw slacked as the pain mixed with the blood still draining from his chest. Alex was dead a wooden stake driven throw his cold  unfeeling heart. Richard stood there for a moment as the rain slowly made his clothes and hair wet, gently misting over him. He attempted to piece it all together. Anastasia had ran away, but when had she found a stake and killed Alex? Nothing added up. Richard couldn’t think, his beast of a mentor was dead, Maison de Sang was not going to like that. But how had Anastasia had time to stab him? How had she known how to kill him? Or was it all blind luck? Richard had no idea as he walked back into his vast room. Anastasia still stood with her head down, not wanting to see Richard’s expression.
“you . . . . .you staked Alex? How did you stake Alex?” Richard’s mind swirled with questions. Questions that might hold the answer for what she was and why she was here. Anastasia shrugged.
“he wasn’t very nice to you and he wasn’t a very good person . . . . . .I mean vampire. I just . . . . .just . . . . . . Please don’t hurt me! I didn’t mean too!” she squeaked  from across the floor. She was so ashamed of herself, and what she had done. But over all Richard was joyful.  He had hated Alex with a passion and because Anastasia had killed a vampire the Maison de Sang would probably want her to join. It didn’t matter weather she was a vampire or not, she had just single handily killed one of the best vampire assassin the Maison de Sang had. Richard tried to clear these thoughts from his head.  He only wanted her to get back were she belonged. But what if she really didn’t belong  anywhere? What if she never remembered? She could join the Maison de Sang and her could teach her how to kill. They could be a team. Not just a team but the best team the Maison de Sang have ever known! Richard wanted to slam his head into the wall. He wouldn’t think like that. Ever.
“im not mad. If anything im happy. I truly loathed that guy.” Richard glared at the body collecting rain water on his deck. Anastasia looked up and met his gaze, hers was soft, fearful of what he might do to her now that she had staked Alex.
“trust me your going to be fine. Maison de Sang lives to kill. They will probably be impressed by what you just did.” Richard reassured her as he walked over to his closet. He’s walked was relaxed, casual ever though there was a corpse laying on his balcony. Anastasia wondered if that had happened before or if killing so often made a vampire like that. Richard dug throw numerous shirts, all dark black so that night could engulf whoever was wear it. Pulling out an ash grey shirt and black sweatpants he handed them to Anastasia. Compared to what she had on, the clothes looked completely opposed. The only thing that connected them was the dark red crest that matched the one on the menacing gates and blood that now stained her white dress.
“those are going to be really big on you but hopefully will provide more warmth than the dress your wearing.” Richard stowed out of the room and down the hall with Anastasia fallowing close behind. Opening a door he head her into a medium sized room. There was a great stone fire place on one side and across from it lay a king sized bed. The comforter hung over the edge and made the bed looked like it was a cloud. The sheets were white adding to the cloud-like appeal. Anastasia walked over to it and gently touched the pillows that laid at the head of it. They were extremely soft as was the sheets that laid below the fluffy comforter. Richard put her clothes on one of the chairs that were seated next to the grand fire place, then lite a blazing fire to warm the room.
“this is your room, the bathroom is right there,” he pointed to a dark chestnut door that matched the floors, “my room is down the hall, if you need anything just ask.”
The only noise in the elegant room came from the soft crackling of the fire that now blazed alive in the marble fire place. Awkward silence engulfed them as they stood staring at each other not knowing what to say or do.
“well . . . . . . . .good night.” Richard’s words broke the hush.
He quickly walked out of the room before Anastasia even had the chance to wish him a good night as well. Though a good night sleep seemed fairly unlikely with everything that had happened to them that day.
Soon the wooden door was closed tight, the only noise that could be heard came from the crackling of the roaring fire and the soft sound of Richard’s steps receding down the hall. Anastasia was left starring at the dark wooden door through which he had departed moments before. Fear no longer dwelled inside her, something had taken its place. Worry. She thought about what had happened to her at Maison de Sang, what they had told her, and what they intended on doing to her if she didn’t talk. Now she had killed one of their best assassins. There was no doubt in her mind that they wouldn’t be happy about that. Anastasia sighed. It seemed like hope had been washed away from her future by the rain that continued to fall on the beautiful mansion. Anastasia saw no way out of the hellish situation that she had helplessly dropped into. Again the strength of the fire caught her eyes, reminding her that things could be worse, she could be out on the streets, cold and alone, very possibly dead, or even worse still in that horrid interrogation room. Ignoring how she had almost died today and how loneliness engulfed her soul, she changed into the clothes Richard had given her. He was right, the clothes were extremely big on her. The shirt could have been a short dress, and the legs of the sweatpants dragged on the hard wood floor. She turned off the lights. the fire was now the only light source in the room, castings twisting shadows on all the walls as it merrily consumed the wood. the warmth emanating from it was comforting, and Anastasia climbed into the cloud like bed and slowly let sleep overtake her.
Richard stumbled down the hall and into his own room. The day that not gone the way he had planned it too, and that was putting it lightly. His balcony light still cast a ghostly light on Richard’s late mentor. Flinging open the glass door that lead to his deck, Richard walked over to Alex, rain fell lightly against his face. Alex’s body was dripping wet with the mixture of blood and icy rain water. It made Richard think that Alex’s blood really was ice cold, something that he always knew but now was turned to fact. Richard laughed quietly to himself, happy that he was finally rid of his beast of a mentor. There was still one thing that didn’t make sense to him. Upon being staked, vampires turn to ash, but yet Alex’s corpse still sat their lifeless eyes staring into the dark clouds above. Richard reached down and shoved the stake deeper into Alex’s now quiet heart. Sure enough he watched as they body turned into ash before his eyes. Richard couldn’t help but smile as all this happened. The dust of Alex’s body was soon washed away by the light drizzle as were the mental shackles that clung to his ankles and wrists. Soon there was no trace of what had occurred earlier that day. Richard stood up and gazed out at the black stormy night, there was one more thing he had to do and he was really dreading it.
Knowing there was no way out, he walked into this room and picked up his cell phone. Starring at it for what seemed like an eternity, he held it in his hand. Richard had no idea if what he was about to do was the right thing, or if it would end Anastasia’s life. Things couldn’t turn out bad for her, he couldn't let that happen, yet even he couldn’t stop the entire Maison de Sang if they really wanted her dead.
Richard apprehensively pressed speed dial 1 and held the sleek cell phone to his ear. It took the boss of Maison de Sang no more than three rings to pick up. The sinister voice Richard had started his day off hearing picked up, again the same chill went down his spine.
“Hello Richard, did you find out what our little captive has to say yet?” the voice made him feel small, like a bug that, at any moment, could be squashed by the sheer power it held. No wonder the boss was so good at interrogations, he hadn’t shown Richard his full power but already he felt like telling him whatever it was he wanted to know. Maison de Sang had him in the palm of it s bloodstained hand, and Richard loathed that knowledge with every fiber of his being.
“Um about that . . . . . You see I’ve found out nothing about her past, but she did something that might be of interest to the Maison de Sang. If I train her I think she could be a very useful asset to us.” Richard hated himself for saying those words. He was becoming more like them, more of what he swore he would never be. Could he really condemn Anastasia to the same life he himself was chained to? If it was the only way he could keep her alive then he saw no other choice.
“Go on.” a hint of interest sparked in the boss’s usually stoic voice which oozed out of Richard’s cell phone. Richard started to pace back and forth along the shinning hard wood floor that cover his whole room. Anxiety welled up inside of him as he fought to keep it under control.
“Well she . . . . . . . I'm not sure how exactly, . . . . . . .but she managed to . . . . . . . . .,” Richard sighed in frustration as he couldn’t find better a way of wording it. “Anastasia killed Alex.”
There was silence on the other end of the line as the boss tried to comprehend what Richard had just told him.
“Well ok she staked him, but in her defense I don’t think she really meant to do it. I mean she’s a really nice girl and I just cant believe she had it in her to stake him but low and behold she told me she did.”
“Richard,” the voice was firm and broke Richard from his unintentional rambling, “Anastasia staked Alex?”
“Yes sir, she did.” Richard sighed as he realized he couldn’t sugar coat the truth.
“She took out one of our best assassins?” the boss questioned
“That is correct sir.” Richard confirmed his question defeated.
“Well. . . . .in the mean time look out for her. I must consider my options on what her fate should be. Please contacted me if you find out anything about her past.” Richard did not enjoy the word choice or tone the boss had responded in. From where Richard was standing Anastasia’s future didn’t look too bright. He knew she would need a miracle to get out alive.
“Of course, as soon as I find out anything.” the line went dead soon after he was finished. The boss wasn’t very much of a talker Richard supposed. He closed the phone and placed it on the desk that sat in one of the corners of the room. Richard sighed in defeat. It seemed like everything that he had done to keep Anastasia safe was going to be for nothing. The boss would make up his mind soon. Anastasia’s fate was now in the hands of one of the most inhuman monsters the world had to offer, and all Richard could do was hope and pray that he would be merciful.
Richard highly doubted the boss would, as he fell into his mangled bed exhausted. Sleep would not come as worry rushed through his head, but exhaustion soon over took anxiety as he let the darkness of the night engulf his body and once again the somber black took over him mind.

Description
Fallen part 4; Fate

The two Vampires on the floor stopped their wrestling and picked themselves up off the ground to face Richard.
"well look who we have here, the entertainment for tonight," announced Alex sardonically. "He even brought us a snack to enjoy afterwards"
Suddenly a rage swelled within Richard, a rage that dwarfed what he had felt when he had seen Alex stroking Anastasia earlier. in a motion to quick for the human eye he sent the keys to his Lancer which he had still been holding hurling toward Alex’s head. A sonic boom rocked the room as the projectile accelerated past the sound barrier. Mere chance saved Alex. He had seen the flash in Richards in eyes and realized he should get out of the way, still the keys clipped his temple as they passed by and he did a full 360 degree spin before landing back on the couch. his friend wasn’t as lucky. The keys hit him right between the eyes propelling him backwards and smashing his face beyond recognition. Had it been a human this would have certainly have been fatal. A vampire on the other hand can only killed with a wooden stake through the heart. he stumbled around blindly crying out in pain. But as he looked up only seconds later his face was completely normal. Vampires have the power to heal themselves at amazing speed.
the other two vampires reacted to the temporary incapacitation of their friend by hurling themselves at Richard. He managed to dodge the first but the second slammed him backwards into the stone wall behind him. meanwhile Alex had recovered himself and joined the first vampire in a charge to where Richard and the second vampire were struggling. Richard delivered a bone jarring uppercut to the vampires chin, then Alex and his companion were upon them. grabbing Richard arms the two vampires held him, struggling against Richards rage controlled strength.
Alex leered at him, then delivered a bone crunching blow to the gut that cracked at least one rib. Gasping for air Richard struggled to remain conscious despite the black spots that began to appear before his eyes as the beating continued. suddenly as he felt he could take no more it relented. Looking up he was just in time to see a surprised look on Alex’s face as he collapsed to the ground. in his place stood Anastasia a candelabra grasped firmly in both hands. Both vampires were stunned and this allowed Richard a chance to regain his breath. Breaking their trance the two assailants were struck with a moment of uncertainty, who would punch their unlucky victim. Sensing this Richard suddenly went limp. supposing he had finally succumbed to the black comfort of unconsciousness, one vampire, a truly massive brute of a creature, released Richard to tend to Alex.
In another lightning blur of motion, the remaining vampire holding onto Richard was flipped upside-down and slammed through the wooden floor. As the massive creature turned at the sound, he was just in time to receive a spectacular spin kick to the side of the head. a kick with enough power to spin him around twice before he collapsed in the corner. Richard picked himself up and walked over to Anastasia as if nothing had happened.
“are you ok?” worry flickered through his eyes. Anastasia’s gazed back into them, hers confused as if they could not comprehend what just happened.
“Anastasia? Please say something” Richard’s eyes pleaded , slowly she was pulled out of her daze and finally nodded to him.
“yes im fine. What just happened here?” confusion spread through her face.
“ill explain later. Just do me a favor, go up to my room and lock the door alright?” Richard pointed to the second door up the marble staircase. Anastasia could see he was mad and did not dare try fighting against his will. She fallowed his direction and sprinted up the stairs, quickly locking the door behind her.
“get the hell out of my house” Richard growled at Alex and his friends that had now recovered from their titanic fight as if nothing had happened. The only evidence was some dents in the floor and some pools of blood here and there.
“you have no right to be in my house get the hell out”  Richard clenched his hands into fists preparing kill Alex if he had too. He worked out the probability of his success rate. It wasn’t as high as he hoped seeing as Alex had three other friends to help him and Richard doubted Alex would fight fair.
“why do u want us out so bad? Cant u be a good little vampire and share your little delicious snack with us. We only want a sip” Alex leered deviously as he lifted his gaze to the second story, starring at the door to Richard’s room with thirsty eyes. Alex’s friends got the hint and took a step in the direction of the marble stair case.
“GET OUT!!” Richard’s voice shook the house more than the still pounding rock music.
“fine fine! We’re gone! Geezs calm down!” Alex put his hands up in surrender. He walked out of the house with this three friends fallowing at his heels. what dogs Richard thought as he watched them go.
Watching the cars lights disappear into the starless night he quickly turned off the blaring music. Suddenly, slicing through the new found silence as a razor through flesh, a blood curdling scream rang out from the bedroom upstairs. Sprinting up the stone stairs three at a time he propelled himself forward. At lighting speed he kicked his door in and sent it flying to the other side of the vast room. For the third time that day he was frozen were he stood, not because of shock, but fear. Alex was had not left with the car. he had come back for his meal. Richard had thought some shred of common since had remained in Alex’s mind, but at that moment all his hope was lost for this mentor. Alex's arms were locked around Anastasia’s torso as she fought futilely against his power. She squirmed and wriggled trying to get Alex to let go but he just rapped his arms around her tighter like a deadly constrictor, nearly crushing her rips and causing her to gasps for air. All the while leering evilly at her. Strands of her blond hair fell over her eyes, and Alex used one had to push them back revealing her beautiful face and then placed his hand back where it had been.
Richard watched helplessly as she finally gave up the fight. Alex ran one of his hands up her back, loving the petrifaction fear had bestowed upon her, and brought his hand to rest at the back of her head. If he wanted to he could easily snap her neck. Finally Alex tore his gaze away from Anastasia horrified face, to Richard’s shocked one. He gazed into Alex’s eyes which flashed red in the dim light. The kind of look Alex only got right before the kill.
“you didnt really think I would let you have this one did you? Don’t you remember my rule? Whoever sees the person first gets first bite and I did see her first” Alex smiled malevolently at Richard then turned his attention back to Anastasia. Slowly he leaned in, Anastasia thrashed, but Alex tightened his grip on her waist threatening to cut off her air supply, not to mention break her ribs. Richard watched in disbelief as Anastasia’s eyes filled with horror. Alex couldn’t do what he was about to. It just wasn’t possible. Richard always knew he was evil but everyone had some good in them right? At least that’s what everyone says. Apparently that saying doesn’t apply to vampires. Alex could feel Anastasia’s heart pounding as he brought his head down to her neck. He brushed his lips against her soft, fragile neck, watching as the blue vein pulsated rapidly as her pulse rate skyrocketed.
Enjoying himself immensely, Alex wondered how long he would have before she fainted. he rested his razor sharp, ice cold teeth on her now pale skin. Richard, sensing that he needed to do something immediately broke his paralysis. He blasted across the room in a split second, slamming his fist into the side of Alex’s face sending him spinning into the opposite walk. Richard picked Alex up and slammed his fist into his rib cage shattering most of his ribs and causing Alex to scream out in pain as his arms collapsed inwards with no bone structure for support. Furry had blinded Richard for all his attention was focused on making Alex pay by inflicting as much pain as vampiricly possible on his cursed mentor that he had not noticed Anastasia had left the room. Richard slammed Alex into the stone fire place, and he cried out again. Alex went limp as unconiousness took over his body.
Richard stood over Alex’s mangled body, his eyes still starring daggers at his mentor. Taking his hand Richard handcuffed Alex to the railing of his balcony. He didn’t want Alex to go anywhere, he wasn’t finished with him just yet. Richard had gotten enough control of himself to realize that Anastasia was no longer in the room. Something that was bittersweet to him. Richard was glad she did not watch him rip Alex to pieces but at the same time fearful. He had no idea where she had gone off too. Damnit! Richard raced out of the room and looked over the up stairs railing. The front door had been thrown wide open. Well on the bright side she couldn’t have gotten far. he sprinted down the stair case and through the front door.
The rain had stopped falling. Only the opaque clouds above and the pools of rain water flowing to the near by sea proved it had ever been raining at all. Richard splashed through a puddle as he ran in search of Anastasia. The water clung to his pants legs like tar, trying to hider his search in any way possible. To him it seemed like the storm had had a mind of its own firing down it dark furry at his actions, though, thinking back, he agreed that it did match the feeling that had followed him through out his day. Everything seemed to be fighting against Richard. The wind blew, blinding him with its intense cold as it picked up the thick air and push it against him with hurricane like power.
He squinted down the now dark drive way. The wooden gates were closed, shut tight as they sat like boulders refusing to move. Anastasia stood before them looking up at the monoliths with hatred in her, as if cursing them for condemning her to the fate that lay back at the mansion and everything that had just played our in front of her. Richard sprinted up to her.
“Anastasia im so extremely sorry” Richard pleaded as she took a step backwards so that her back was pressed up against the solid wooden gate. Every nerve in her body trembled, scared for her life, horrified at what just went on. His heart sunk. Richard looked at her, scared to death with her back against the wall, searching for refuge but finding none in the solid wood, and the blood spilling down her neck and staining her perfect dress so that it turned a dark pink color. Richard stopped and replayed his last though. . . .the blood dripping down her neck . . . . . .oh god. . . . . . .Alex had bitten her . . . . . Anastasia collapsed to her knees.
“please don’t hurt me!” she crumpled into a ball at his feet crying.
Richard wondered how there could be good in a world that allowed this to happen to such a beautiful being.
“im not going to hurt you. I sore I wouldn’t.” The promise sounded empty to Richard as he looked down at the pain that had been caused upon her. Richard gazed down at the Anastasia with empathy. Wishing that she would have never ended up at Maison de Sang . she did not deserve any of the things that had just happened to her, no one did, but especially not her. He bent down to her level and put his hand on her shoulder. She was shaking with fear and cold and recoiled from his touch. Richard had to get her back to the house.
“will you please come back to the house with me? I wont hurt you and you need warmth. Its below 40. Please?” he quietly spoke to her with the up most sincerity and gazed down at her wishing he could say something that would relieve the fear she fear she felt, wipe all the memories away. Richard waited for an answer as the temperature started to decrease. Having seen no other choice Anastasia stood up and started the long walk up the driveway defeated. Richard walked behind her starring at her neck. Blood still flowed down her shoulder as she left a trail of it leading back to the house. He hoped she would let him fix her, that much blood loss was never good and  she risked bleeding to death. The wind blew cold as Anastasia gazed up at the mansion as she walked up the grand entryway. With the lights on they house was truly breathtaking with its modern deco stale. A lot more warm and inviting than before. But the memories of what had occurred still hung fresh in her mind. Richard lead her through the grand entrance to the marble kitchen with the wooden cabinets that matched the dark floors through out the magnificent house and menacing gates that stood blocking her way out. Tiny lights were hung from the selling and were placed under the wooden cabinets as to illuminate the five star kitchen. They also provided a warm homey feeling that instantly calmed Anastasia. A huge refrigerator stood in the corner and hummed quietly. Richard sat her down at the round chestnut table and pulled the chairs so they were facing each other.
“do I have permission to heal your neck?” his eyes fully of worry in case Anastasia answered no or even not at all. She looked up at him defeated and nodded. Hope sparked in him. For the first time she had shown trust in him.
“alright. I promise it wont hurt.” Richard reached over to Anastasia and laid his hand over the spot where Alex’s teeth had cut her. It was a deep set of scratches but she was extremely lucky Richard had attached Alex when he did. A couple of seconds later Alex would have sunken his teeth into her fragile neck thus injecting her was venom causing her to become a vampire, if he didn’t catch the jugular and drink her blood, killing her before its effects took place. Becoming a vampire was an tremendously painful process. Something Richard wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy. Though is worst enemy was a vampire was not the point. He looked into Anastasia’s eyes. The fear had receded for the first time since he'd met her, and was replaced with acceptance. Again empathy overwhelmed him. He started to concentrate on healing her neck. Anastasia jumped as a sudden wave of heat radiated from his hand as he started to mend the cuts. Her eyes once again were awash with fear and confusion, not knowing what was happening.
“Its okay, I’m almost done.” Richard said tranquilly and smiled reassuringly at her. Fear receded and her eyes changed to the color of the ocean on a bright summer’s day.
“Everything’s going to be okay.” Richard continued to say, not wanting to lose her new found confidence in him.
He removed his hand from her neck. Her skin was as it was before Alex had nearly killed her, perfect.
“See I told you it wouldn’t hurt” he smiled as he leaned back in his chair.
Anastasia lightly touched her neck to make sure he wasn’t lying and sure enough it was like she had never been gashed. She smiled up at him.
“Thank you” her eyes sparkled, this time not with fear but thanks.
They sat in silence for a long moment lessoning to the gentle hum of rain that had started again. The stormed had clamed, no longer throwing down it’s icy furry on them. Now it seemed more forgiving, as the rain gently fell on the metallic roof. Richard got up and opened the refrigerator door.
“do you want anything?” Richard asked as he opened a can of Coke. Anastasia shook her head as she watched him pop it open with a sizzle. The cold air from the refrigerator hit her and she shivered.  Richard looked at her, it took him a few moment to realize she was still wearing the same think white dress that was no stained with blood.
“oh right! We should probably get you some warmer unstained clothes.” Anastasia nodded and an embarrassed look spread across Richard’s face. He felt extremely stupid for not realizing that she needed warmer cloths and equally stupid for allowing her to freeze to death. Richard doubted if Maison de Sang would let him look after her. So far he wasn’t passing with flying colors, if passing at all. He was definitely not skilled for the changes of keeping her safe. Seeing how vampires were drawn to her Richard doubted anyone would be able to reach that goal of her safety. But at least he was trying, unlike every other vampire he had came across. Richard grimaced at the thought of the others. They truly had the power to make him sick to his stomach. He took another sip of the Coke, the only substance other than blood that was worth drinking. Or at least that’s what Richard thought. Turning his attention back to Anastasia, Richard was now faced with a new problem, finding her clothes that she wouldn’t freeze in. Richard thought for a moment.
“well I don’t have any girl clothes but I do have a shirt that would be big on you and some sweatpants. Sound good?” Anastasia nodded. Getting up she fallowed him out of the kitchen and up the grand marble stair case to his room. She stopped after taking five steps into the vast space, her eyes cold as if she remember something she wished she hadn’t.
“are you ok?” he questioned for what seemed like the firth time that day. Her eyes went blank for a moment then hung her head. She kept her eyes on the floor as she responded,
“you might want to check on Alex.” Anastasia’s voice was quiet as if she didn’t want to speak the words. Richard looked at her as if questioning the reason for her comment.
“Alex is fine. I handcuffed him to my balcony. Your perfectly sate. There’s no way he could have gotten away.” he reassured her but she just shook her head sadly.  He turned his head to the double glass doors that head out on to the desk. Sure enough a dark figure still lay handcuffed in the cold starless night. Richard sighed and shook his head.
“alright ill go see if he’s ok.” he could have sworn he hear Anastasia mutter, “no he’s not.” but it was only a whisper and could have been anything. Opening one of the double doors Richard stepped out into the light drizzled the wind still blew cold and there was little light on the balcony. Richard flipped on a light shook over took him. Anastasia was right, Alex was not ok. He sat body limp, head tilted, jaw slacked as the pain mixed with the blood still draining from his chest. Alex was dead a wooden stake driven throw his cold  unfeeling heart. Richard stood there for a moment as the rain slowly made his clothes and hair wet, gently misting over him. He attempted to piece it all together. Anastasia had ran away, but when had she found a stake and killed Alex? Nothing added up. Richard couldn’t think, his beast of a mentor was dead, Maison de Sang was not going to like that. But how had Anastasia had time to stab him? How had she known how to kill him? Or was it all blind luck? Richard had no idea as he walked back into his vast room. Anastasia still stood with her head down, not wanting to see Richard’s expression.
“you . . . . .you staked Alex? How did you stake Alex?” Richard’s mind swirled with questions. Questions that might hold the answer for what she was and why she was here. Anastasia shrugged.
“he wasn’t very nice to you and he wasn’t a very good person . . . . . .I mean vampire. I just . . . . .just . . . . . . Please don’t hurt me! I didn’t mean too!” she squeaked  from across the floor. She was so ashamed of herself, and what she had done. But over all Richard was joyful.  He had hated Alex with a passion and because Anastasia had killed a vampire the Maison de Sang would probably want her to join. It didn’t matter weather she was a vampire or not, she had just single handily killed one of the best vampire assassin the Maison de Sang had. Richard tried to clear these thoughts from his head.  He only wanted her to get back were she belonged. But what if she really didn’t belong  anywhere? What if she never remembered? She could join the Maison de Sang and her could teach her how to kill. They could be a team. Not just a team but the best team the Maison de Sang have ever known! Richard wanted to slam his head into the wall. He wouldn’t think like that. Ever.
“im not mad. If anything im happy. I truly loathed that guy.” Richard glared at the body collecting rain water on his deck. Anastasia looked up and met his gaze, hers was soft, fearful of what he might do to her now that she had staked Alex.
“trust me your going to be fine. Maison de Sang lives to kill. They will probably be impressed by what you just did.” Richard reassured her as he walked over to his closet. He’s walked was relaxed, casual ever though there was a corpse laying on his balcony. Anastasia wondered if that had happened before or if killing so often made a vampire like that. Richard dug throw numerous shirts, all dark black so that night could engulf whoever was wear it. Pulling out an ash grey shirt and black sweatpants he handed them to Anastasia. Compared to what she had on, the clothes looked completely opposed. The only thing that connected them was the dark red crest that matched the one on the menacing gates and blood that now stained her white dress.
“those are going to be really big on you but hopefully will provide more warmth than the dress your wearing.” Richard stowed out of the room and down the hall with Anastasia fallowing close behind. Opening a door he head her into a medium sized room. There was a great stone fire place on one side and across from it lay a king sized bed. The comforter hung over the edge and made the bed looked like it was a cloud. The sheets were white adding to the cloud-like appeal. Anastasia walked over to it and gently touched the pillows that laid at the head of it. They were extremely soft as was the sheets that laid below the fluffy comforter. Richard put her clothes on one of the chairs that were seated next to the grand fire place, then lite a blazing fire to warm the room.
“this is your room, the bathroom is right there,” he pointed to a dark chestnut door that matched the floors, “my room is down the hall, if you need anything just ask.”
The only noise in the elegant room came from the soft crackling of the fire that now blazed alive in the marble fire place. Awkward silence engulfed them as they stood staring at each other not knowing what to say or do.
“well . . . . . . . .good night.” Richard’s words broke the hush.
He quickly walked out of the room before Anastasia even had the chance to wish him a good night as well. Though a good night sleep seemed fairly unlikely with everything that had happened to them that day.
Soon the wooden door was closed tight, the only noise that could be heard came from the crackling of the roaring fire and the soft sound of Richard’s steps receding down the hall. Anastasia was left starring at the dark wooden door through which he had departed moments before. Fear no longer dwelled inside her, something had taken its place. Worry. She thought about what had happened to her at Maison de Sang, what they had told her, and what they intended on doing to her if she didn’t talk. Now she had killed one of their best assassins. There was no doubt in her mind that they wouldn’t be happy about that. Anastasia sighed. It seemed like hope had been washed away from her future by the rain that continued to fall on the beautiful mansion. Anastasia saw no way out of the hellish situation that she had helplessly dropped into. Again the strength of the fire caught her eyes, reminding her that things could be worse, she could be out on the streets, cold and alone, very possibly dead, or even worse still in that horrid interrogation room. Ignoring how she had almost died today and how loneliness engulfed her soul, she changed into the clothes Richard had given her. He was right, the clothes were extremely big on her. The shirt could have been a short dress, and the legs of the sweatpants dragged on the hard wood floor. She turned off the lights. the fire was now the only light source in the room, castings twisting shadows on all the walls as it merrily consumed the wood. the warmth emanating from it was comforting, and Anastasia climbed into the cloud like bed and slowly let sleep overtake her.
Richard stumbled down the hall and into his own room. The day that not gone the way he had planned it too, and that was putting it lightly. His balcony light still cast a ghostly light on Richard’s late mentor. Flinging open the glass door that lead to his deck, Richard walked over to Alex, rain fell lightly against his face. Alex’s body was dripping wet with the mixture of blood and icy rain water. It made Richard think that Alex’s blood really was ice cold, something that he always knew but now was turned to fact. Richard laughed quietly to himself, happy that he was finally rid of his beast of a mentor. There was still one thing that didn’t make sense to him. Upon being staked, vampires turn to ash, but yet Alex’s corpse still sat their lifeless eyes staring into the dark clouds above. Richard reached down and shoved the stake deeper into Alex’s now quiet heart. Sure enough he watched as they body turned into ash before his eyes. Richard couldn’t help but smile as all this happened. The dust of Alex’s body was soon washed away by the light drizzle as were the mental shackles that clung to his ankles and wrists. Soon there was no trace of what had occurred earlier that day. Richard stood up and gazed out at the black stormy night, there was one more thing he had to do and he was really dreading it.
Knowing there was no way out, he walked into this room and picked up his cell phone. Starring at it for what seemed like an eternity, he held it in his hand. Richard had no idea if what he was about to do was the right thing, or if it would end Anastasia’s life. Things couldn’t turn out bad for her, he couldn't let that happen, yet even he couldn’t stop the entire Maison de Sang if they really wanted her dead.
Richard apprehensively pressed speed dial 1 and held the sleek cell phone to his ear. It took the boss of Maison de Sang no more than three rings to pick up. The sinister voice Richard had started his day off hearing picked up, again the same chill went down his spine.
“Hello Richard, did you find out what our little captive has to say yet?” the voice made him feel small, like a bug that, at any moment, could be squashed by the sheer power it held. No wonder the boss was so good at interrogations, he hadn’t shown Richard his full power but already he felt like telling him whatever it was he wanted to know. Maison de Sang had him in the palm of it s bloodstained hand, and Richard loathed that knowledge with every fiber of his being.
“Um about that . . . . . You see I’ve found out nothing about her past, but she did something that might be of interest to the Maison de Sang. If I train her I think she could be a very useful asset to us.” Richard hated himself for saying those words. He was becoming more like them, more of what he swore he would never be. Could he really condemn Anastasia to the same life he himself was chained to? If it was the only way he could keep her alive then he saw no other choice.
“Go on.” a hint of interest sparked in the boss’s usually stoic voice which oozed out of Richard’s cell phone. Richard started to pace back and forth along the shinning hard wood floor that cover his whole room. Anxiety welled up inside of him as he fought to keep it under control.
“Well she . . . . . . . I'm not sure how exactly, . . . . . . .but she managed to . . . . . . . . .,” Richard sighed in frustration as he couldn’t find better a way of wording it. “Anastasia killed Alex.”
There was silence on the other end of the line as the boss tried to comprehend what Richard had just told him.
“Well ok she staked him, but in her defense I don’t think she really meant to do it. I mean she’s a really nice girl and I just cant believe she had it in her to stake him but low and behold she told me she did.”
“Richard,” the voice was firm and broke Richard from his unintentional rambling, “Anastasia staked Alex?”
“Yes sir, she did.” Richard sighed as he realized he couldn’t sugar coat the truth.
“She took out one of our best assassins?” the boss questioned
“That is correct sir.” Richard confirmed his question defeated.
“Well. . . . .in the mean time look out for her. I must consider my options on what her fate should be. Please contacted me if you find out anything about her past.” Richard did not enjoy the word choice or tone the boss had responded in. From where Richard was standing Anastasia’s future didn’t look too bright. He knew she would need a miracle to get out alive.
“Of course, as soon as I find out anything.” the line went dead soon after he was finished. The boss wasn’t very much of a talker Richard supposed. He closed the phone and placed it on the desk that sat in one of the corners of the room. Richard sighed in defeat. It seemed like everything that he had done to keep Anastasia safe was going to be for nothing. The boss would make up his mind soon. Anastasia’s fate was now in the hands of one of the most inhuman monsters the world had to offer, and all Richard could do was hope and pray that he would be merciful.
Richard highly doubted the boss would, as he fell into his mangled bed exhausted. Sleep would not come as worry rushed through his head, but exhaustion soon over took anxiety as he let the darkness of the night engulf his body and once again the somber black took over him mind.