A Thousand Wyld Nites

[E-Wing]

Chapter 8 A Prisoner of War

Sao spent two days and nights before she was led from the chamber that was no better than a prison cell to the small audience chamber. Vampyres lined the corridors, unsure of what to do or say, and so it was quiet the whole entire walk to the audience chamber. Sao smelled and her clothes were dirty and were beginning to tatter and tare. Things were not looking up for her at the moment. The number of vampires diminished as Sao and her two escorts neared the audience chamber. At the door, the two escorts turned and faced the corridor, which told Sao that she was to enter alone.

“Close the door when you come in,” Viccy said. “I don’t want any lazy ears.”
Sao entered the chamber and closed the door as she did. She did not know what the vampyre wanted from her now. If she wanted information on her friends, Sao was not going to part with it easily. Once Sao’s eyes adjusted to the near darkness of the chamber, she saw Viccy on the throne.

“Do you know why I had you brought here to me?”

Sao shook her head.

“I have been told that you are the most important person outside the clan. I wish for you to join the clan, and I will make you my second in command.”

“What makes you think I will join the clan? Even when you know an all out war will erupt from your little police action.”

“Because your family will be the first ones I kill.”

“You seem so certain of that.”

“I am. Though I would like it if I had one of them. What’s your decision?”

Sao did like her options. But what could she do? She was still a prisoner of the vampires and if she tried to escape, the vampyres would swarm all over her. It was only one thing she could do.

“I’ll join under one condition,” Sao said. “Whichever way this goes, I want my family to be spared.”

“Fine, you’re family’s spared. My oldest daughter is only five years old, so as my second you are the next in line to become matron. But first, you must choose your mat if my first born daughter does not survive.” Viccy snapped her fingers and a vampyre appeared next to her.

“This is Ash. She will take you to your new chamber. There you will change into more."

Viccy looked Sao over, mainly at her clothes. “Suitable clothing. And I highly suggest that you wash up.”

Ash reached the door Sao entered through as the dragon joined the vampyre. Sao did not know what was expected of her, nor what the
“suitable clothing” was like. Ash led Sao through the corridors to one of the better rooms; aside from Viccy’s chamber.

“This will be your chamber,” Ash said as she opened the door. “Hope it’s to your liking. If you need any thing, don’t hesitate to call.”

Sao walked into the chamber before Ash left the door way. The chamber was so well lit, it took her a few minutes to adjust to it. When her eyes did adjust to the light, she saw that it was well kept. The bed’s covers were designed in the vampyric clan designs; both in make and what it bore in designs. A desk was off to a side equipped with paper and writing utensils. A small rug was by the bed so when Sao woke and got out of bed, she was not standing on the could mountain floor. In the closet, there were clothes that were tailored to her own specific body shape. She took one out and studied it. It was a two piece outfit, the top was velvet and it appeared it would keep her modesty and ended just below her breasts; elastic would keep it tight on her body. There were no sleeves on the top, which resulted in a sports bra like top. The pants were the same color as the top, a deep crimson color, but was made of a silk material. It reached to her ankles and the top of the pants were more like hip huggers than a normal pair of pants. Before Sao could look at the other clothes, there was a knock at the door.

“It’s open,” Sao called.

The door opened and Heero walked into see Sao in the room.

“Sao, I didn’t believe it when I heard it,” the former patron said. “What does Viccy want with you?”

Heero closed the door before the two could really begin their conversation. Sao placed the one outfit back into the closet before she sat down on the bed. The bed was much more comfortable than the cot she had to sleep on. Heero took the chair that went with the desk.

“What made you think you could get in and out with Viccy as Matron,” Heero asked. “Do you know what she can do to you if she so wished? Torture to the point of death, or worse; she could make you a vampyre.”

“Not my fault. I never intended to be captured.”

“Nonetheless. Viccy has allowed you to live at her discretion. If you tempt her to a point, she will no doubly kill you. Keep yourself on her good side and you just might see the sun again,” Heero said.

Noises filtered into the chamber, which reminded Heero about something.

“Viccy is holding a party of sorts; it’s a formal thing; so wear something nice,” he said.

Heero stood, bowed slightly, and left the chamber. Sao pushed the chair back in and pulled out the outfit she studied before Heero entered. A crack along the free wall drew Sao’s attention and when she pushed on it lightly, a hidden door opened into a bathroom. Sao stepped in and quickly showered and changed into the outfit. As she left the hidden shower, Sao wondered what to do with her old clothes. She left them on the floor and left her chamber. In the corridor, Sao saw the vampyres that held high ranks in the clan moving to the large audience chamber.

Why am I being invited to this event? Besides the fact I’m their prisoner.

Sao followed the crowed, each of them were talking among themselves; wondering why this event was being held. They heard rumors of a prisoner of war, a mere human, but did not believe them. Each vampyre wore a formal outfit that was the same color as Sao’s, but each was a different style. Sao seemed to get lost in the flow of the crowd, but it did not matter since they were all headed in the same direction. Finally, the general group Sao was in reached the large audience chamber. It was decorated in a light crimson color. There were other vampyres present, but none held the room like Viccy did. Out of the crowd, the matron managed to single out Sao. Though she did not say anything, the matron allowed Sao to act like she was a vampyre; until Viccy revealed her on her own time. There was nothing for Say to do except to walk around and catch bits of conversations.

“I’m getting tired of being on patrol duty in the city. Why can’t some one else do it?”

“So, the prisoner’s human. No surprise seeing how they’re weak any way.”

“We have the right to the city seeing how Lena’s gone. There’s no way she’ll be able to take it back. Especially since we’ve started killing off those who oppose us.”

Sao heard enough, but could not do any thing about it since she had no right to tell the vampyres how to live and behave. Of all the vampyres gathered, Sao’s outfit was the only one that was two pieces. Some of the females outfits appeared to be two pieces, but were connected by some sort of net material. About a half hour passed before Viccy drew attention to herself. In all that time, many of the vampyres gave their pleasantries to the matron. Now, it was time to do so for Sao.

“Brothers and sisters, fellow vampyres. As you may know, we have the first prisoner of war.”

Those gathered cheered so loud, Sao nearly covered her ears from the noise.

“She is the human that bore the triplets and was the one that my disillusioned mother wanted to succeed her. In her final hour, my mother commanded me to purge the city of all those who dare oppose us, beginning with the werewolves. Now, our prisoner will be given a choice, join us in purging the city, di among those being killed, or be bitten and truly become one of us.” Viccy, who knew where exactly Sao was standing, did not stare right at her. The vampires looked around, trying to pick out their prisoner from the crowd. Sao did not bring attention to herself; she wanted to remain alive and as a dragon. If she had those choices, she’d rather die free than help purge the city or be bitten.

“But the prisoner has time to make a choice. But this a party with a special guest of honor. Sao, will you please come up here?”
Sao made her way to where the matron was standing. She knew she may have had just revealed that she was the prisoner.

“This is Sao, our prisoner of war. She is to be treated with respect. She is my second and this party is so she can find herself a partner,” Viccy announced.

Those gathered were taken back by this. They knew that Viccy had solidified her position with her producing her own line. To name a prisoner of war the next in line for matron was simply unheard of. Viccy clapped her hands and some music began. A long table appeared with all sorts of refreshments as the vampires began dancing. Sao still stood next to Viccy and overlooked the dancing servants of the Blood God. She was amazed that they were so civilized.

“We’re not uncivilized as you would think,” Viccy said after she sat down on her throne. “My mother was a devoted servant to the Blood God. True, those who do not understand how we live called us savages; but we’re like everyone else.”

A male vampyre approached the two and bowed. A good build that was respected, black hair that reached his shoulders, but was put up for the event. His eyes were a deep brown and his skin seemed to be that unhealthy pale, but Sao figured it was the light. “This is my high priest Kraya,” Viccy said, introducing Sao to the vampyre.

“I would take you as my own, but I have taken a vow of chastity,” he said with a smile.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Sao said, returning the smile. Kraya bowed again and moved off to speak with a small group of vampyres.

Soon, all of the eligible male vampyres lined up to speak with Sao. Viccy watched from her throne as the prisoner and the vampyres
speak. She hoped by the end of the party Sao would bed down with the vampyre of her choice and add to the vampyric ranks. But Viccy knew she would not make Sao do anything. Half way through the night, and the party, Sao finally started dancing with one of the vampyres she was talking with. Viccy’s hopes rose when she saw the sight. She hoped Sao would connect with at least one of the vampyres. The party went on through the night, and several of the severely drunken vampyres had stolen away into the small audience chamber and had an orgy. As the vampyres left the large chamber as the end of the night, Viccy managed to get Sao off to a side. “It looked like you had a good time,” she said.

“I did; until one of the men I talked to tried to get me into the small audience chamber for the orgy.” “You should have gone.”

“I maybe your prisoner, but I am not a sex object that goes to the highest bidder. If you excuse me, I would like to shower and sleep for a few hours.”

Sao turned to leave, but Viccy grabbed her arm and swung her around.

“I’m Matron, and you will obey me,” Viccy yelled. “For too long I have not bore children, my youngest is three years old. I need some one to add to my line.”

“Then find some one else, because I won’t do it.” Sao turned back around and Viccy allowed her to walk away before she spoke again.

“Your children; they’re your entire life aren’t they,” Viccy asked.

The mention of her children stopped Sao in her path. She knew that Viccy did now know she was a dragon; but if Viccy sent out some vampyres... Sao did not want to think about what could happen.

“Ah. It seems like I got a trump card,” Viccy said with a smile. “You will do what I say, or your children will be the first to die.”

“They’ll fight back.”

“And lose. What makes you think any one can win a fight against a vampyre.”

“They, too, hold a trump card.”

Sao left the spot she was standing at and made her way to her chamber alone. Sao now knew why she was approached by the eligible male vampyres. She wondered why Viccy did not have her bed down with her patron, but was glad that she did not mentioned it. In the corridors, a few vampyres were seen on patrol. Sao reached her chamber and found the vampyre she was leaving the party with laying in a suggestive pose. He knew of Viccy’s plight and was willing to give his seed for his matron.

“Get out,” Sao shouted. “I sleep alone.”

“May I remind you that you are Viccy’s prisoner and are bound to do her bidding? She wishes that you aid her.”

“I will not be a thing of sexual lust; especially for Viccy. I choose when I wish to bed down with some one, and you are not my choice. Now, out!”

The vampyre sat up before he left Sao’s chamber. Sao looked for the clothes she changed out of. She did not find them, but did find some clothes from the closet to change into. It looked like a tee shirt and sweat pants, but was not. Sao had no real choice and changed before she went to bed. She did not like the fact she had to bare Viccy’s children, even if she was a prisoner of war. Sao feel into a deep sleep as thoughts of having vampyre children raced through her mind. Before she knew it, Sao was being awaken by one of the low ranking vampyres.

“Matron Viccy wishes to speak with you,” it said. “She said it was urgent.”

“Thank you.”

They vampyre bowed slightly and left the chamber as Sao dragged herself out of bed. She had little sleep and wanted to sleep more. But after what happened with Viccy, Sao knew better at the time. She found an outfit that was an everyday one. It was reminiscent of a traveler’s outfit from early England. Dark greens and various browns. She slipped on the last boot and made her way to the small audience chamber. There, she hung back until Viccy was done with her business. When she saw Sao, she motioned her forward as the others stepped aside.

“Sao. Have you thought about what I’ve asked of you,” she asked.

“I have, though you gave me little time to do so. And though I don’t like it, I’ll do it.” “Good. I’ll have my patron report to your chamber after the second meal of the day.”

“Is that wise,” Ash asked.

Ash knew of Viccy’s request and had grown to like Sao and did not want to see Sao be used in such away. She was one of the vampyre agents, but stayed behind to over see any events in the base while the others went to the meeting. Ash was one of the younger vampyres and had gained one of the prized spots that was closed enough to gain the matron position. Black hair and light blue eyes, Ash was only ten when she was bitten by a vampyre in Japan; that was nearly a hundred and fifty years ago.

“Having Sao bare your children with Diego.”

“Yes. She has nothing to do, and poses no threat to us in here,” Viccy replied. As the day went on, Sao wondered the corridors aimlessly after she had breakfast. She had nothing to do, and she really did not want to lock herself in her chamber. She hated being used in this way, but she did not see any other way out of it. Before Sao knew it, she was in her chamber; waiting for Diego. Last time something like this happened, Sao was raped. This time, she had to choose between this and her children’s lives. A knock at the door had Sao up from her desk and answered the door. On the other side stood Diego. He was the classic image of the vampyre. Pale skin, brown hair, and wore nothing more than his pants in this situation.

“Matron Viccy sent me,” he said.

Of course she did.

Sao stepped aside and allowed Diego to enter to chamber. Diego looked around the room as he dimmed the lights. The lights were bright enough for Sao to see that Diego was right in front of her, but low enough for Diego to feel comfortable. Though she did not need the light to feel that Diego was moving his hands into her shirt. She allowed him to remove her clothes, wishing the whole time that she did not have to do this. Diego looked at her and sent her a mental message.

“Take my pants off.”

Sao did that as Diego pushed her onto her bed. The last thought Sao had was of her children before she fell into a trance-like state.

[E-Wing]

Chapter 9 A Deal With The Devil

Sao came around and found herself in her chamber nude and alone. She dressed quickly and left her chamber as she put her shirt on. As she walked through the base, she wondered what was expected of her now. She knew there was a good possibility that she was pregnant, but how this would this effect her escape? As she walked through the corridors, Sao felt like the vampires knew what happened; and she did not like it. The male vampyre that Sao connected with approached her as she began her second lap around the base.

“I’m Somina, remember.”

“Yea. You need something.”

“I want out.”

Sao looked around and noticed an empty chamber and motioned him to it. He walked into it, followed by Sao, who closed the door. The chamber was an unused office that had at least an inch of dust on the furniture and floor. Sao faced Somina, who seemed unsure about what he was doing.

“Are you sure about that? Heero told me what could happen if Viccy hears of this. Have you even talked to him about this?” “I don’t want to be an agent against the clan. I want out of it,” the vampyre said. “There are others that want to leave as well.” “Are you sure?”

“Yes. We want to form our own clan.”

Sao wondered why Somina would approach her about this. She was no expert on vampires, but how could she help Somina.

“Please, Sao. This is our chance to strike against Viccy and her clan.”

“I’ll do my best. But first, I know I’m carrying a child.”

“After only a few hours?”

“Yes. I’m a dragon, but Viccy doesn’t know that. I plan on allowing her to have this one and the next child I’m escaping with. We have that long to organize your clan,” Sao said.

“Thank you, Sao. And I promise, no one will know of your secret,” Somina said with a bow.

Sao nodded and motioned for Somina to leave before she did. They left the chamber with only their foot prints in it as a sign of their presence. Somina went his way to inform those who wanted to leave. Sao continued her laps around the base; knowing that Viccy would keep a close eye on her. Days passed into weeks, and Sao was beginning to show she was pregnant. She had been the vampyres’ prisoner for roughly four months and it was surreal for her. She had expected to be treated with little respect, not with as much as Viccy and carrying her child. She wanted to escape this hell, even if she was carrying the next in line to be matron; or patron. She had been secretly meeting with the vampyres that wanted to leave Viccy’s clan; The Blood River. She oversaw the meetings while they organized how their clan would operate. Be began to ponder what this child would be like since it was sired by a vampyre. Eight months into her pregnancy, Sao found herself thinking about the child she was carrying nearly every day. Each passing day, she felt it was neither dragon nor vampyre. One day, as she readied for the day, Ash knocked and entered the chamber.

“Viccy want to see you in the chamber when you’re dressed,” she said.

“Did she say for what?”

“No; just said that she needed to speak with you as soon as possible.”

“Thanks, Ash.”

Ash bowed and left before Sao left the chamber. Sao put on her boots that resembled medieval knee high boots. She laced them up, the bow just below her knee on both legs, and made her way to the small audience chamber. She did not want to have an audience with Viccy, but she continually reminded herself that she was a prisoner and not an honored guest. She reached the audience chamber and saw Viccy and Diego there. Viccy was sitting in her throne and Diego was a step behind, standing in a parade rest position.

“Nearly full term,” Viccy said, seeing how swollen Sao’s abdomen was.

“I’m surprised you did not attempt to escape.” “I’m eight months pregnant; I can’t possibly escape in this condition.”

“True. Diego, leave us.”

Diego turned and walked to a hidden door and disappeared through it.

“I wish to be present when you begin childbirth,” Viccy requested. “You are, after all, carrying my child.”

“I’ll let you be there, but I have a request of my own. Once I give birth to the child, I wish to be released.”

“What makes you think I would release you? Your friends don’t seem to care about you that much”

“Perhaps they do not wish to attack just yet. I will honor your request if you honor mine.”

“You are not in a position to make requests. You are my prisoner.”

“I’m no more than a vessel for your children. If you can’t carry your own children, why force another female, a prisoner, to bare them for you? If you do not honor my request, than I will make sure I will miscarry with the next.”

“You dare not.”

Viccy was shocked that Sao would even say such a thing.

She’s growing bold for one in her position, Viccy thought. Perhaps too bold.

“You will give birth to the child. Do not attempt to escape or miscarry, for you will regret it. Dismissed.”

I’m not one of your vampyres that you can order around,” Sao shouted.

All of a sudden, Sao nearly doubled over with pain. Viccy stood and walked over, worried about this new event. Sao straighten after a
few minutes and the look on her face told Viccy that she just went into labor.

“Diego.”

The male popped back through the door.

“Go get the mid wives.”

Diego nodded and left within seconds. Viccy helped Sao to the birthing chamber just minutes away. Sao forgot what it was like to be in labor and knew that once she was pregnant by Diego again, she will leave with Somina’s clan; the Red Moon. When Sao got situated on the bed, the mid wives arrived and set up. It had taken several hours for Sao to dilated without any medication what so ever. She started to push, even with Viccy there; and within a half hour, the child entered the world. The mid wife that caught the child handed him to Viccy.

“It’s a boy.”

Viccy took the child and made her way from the chamber without a word to Sao as she was being tended by the mid wives. The left her as she drifted off into sleep. She dreamed of having an escape and a city that was what it was before the vampyres took control of it. When she woke some hours later, Sao found herself in her chamber with Ash at the desk.

“Good, you’re up,” Ash said when she saw Sao wake. “You’ve been sleeping for three days.”

“Three days? And what’s happened during that time?”

“Well, Viccy wants you to bare another child for her and Somina and the Red Moon is prepared to separate from The Blood River. Half the River’s going with him; mainly the younger ones.”

“How soon?”

“For Viccy, within the next six months...”

“Impossible.”

“If you’re not nursing, than you will be able to. And for Somina, whenever you’re ready.”

“When I’m ready?”

“They don’t follow Viccy and don’t worship Hadrian. They will follow you. Somina’s the patron and he will follow you.”

Me?

In the audience chamber, Viccy presided over the ceremony that would mark the son Sao bore for her as the next male patron under her two sons. The ceremony took several hours and it was closed to everyone but Viccy and her high priestesses. Sao sat outside the doors and listened to it while she waited for an audience with Viccy. She spent half the day sitting outside the doors. She finally gave up and begun her daily exercise around the base. At day’s end, whatever the time really was, the ceremony finally ended as Sao returned to the chamber. She walked in as Viccy handed the child to one of her priestesses. Sao walked through the small group of priestesses without so much a word between them.

“Ah, Sao. It’s nice to see you up and about,” Viccy said as she sat down. “The son you gave me is beautiful.”

“I wanted to talk to you about that. I don’t want to be baring your children. I don’t care if I am your prisoner. I don’t want to be a child baring woman for you.”

“Women are made to bare children. It’s a fact of life.”

“But I don’t want to for you.”

“I see. Then what do you want?”

“To be released. I’ve been here for nearly nine months and I want to leave.”

“You know this base inside and out. I can’t allow you to leave.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“I’m waging a war against the species that are not worthy to live; here or otherwise. I can’t risk having you run around and attempt to stop us,” Viccy said. “And if I hear of any attempts to escape, it will be your children’s lives I take first.”
Sao sighed.

She had no choice yet again; backed into a corner she was trying to escape from.

“Viccy...”

“Matron.”

“I’ve followed everything you told me. I need fresh air and sunlight. I’m pale past recognition, and I’m thinner than what I was nine months ago.”

“I will not give you a chance to escape.”

“Viccy, I have done what you’ve asked of me. I want to see some sort of outside life; even if it has to be brought in.”

Several minutes of silence pasted. Neither did not know what to say or do. Viccy wanted to restrict to the up most Sao’s stay in the base as a prisoner. Sao wanted to charge at the matron and strike her down with one of her hidden daggers. After all this time, Viccy now had a new found respect for Sao. She saw that her prisoner was bent on ending this war; even it meant risking her own life. Sao saw Viccy as some one just trying to keep her way of life alive. She saw the war as ill-relative and pointless. “I’ll see what I can do,” Viccy finally said.

“You are free to go.”

Sao turned and left the chamber with a smile, glad she gained some ground with Viccy. As the base went into its nightly routine, a silent and shadow like figure left the base. It was Ash and she was risking her life to inform Sao’s friends of her condition. It was just after sunrise and even though vampyres were night creatures, Ash did not run and hide when the sun did finally rise. She knew a potion that would render her vampyric powers useless for several hours. When she reached the Victorian house, the friends were appearing from the house.

“Friends of Sao,” Ash asked.

“Who’s asking,” Rojo asked.

“I’m Ash, from the Blood River clan. I come with information about Sao. She’s find and no bodily harm has been done to her. The only reason she has not returned is of the fear Viccy will kill the triplets,” Ash said. “Also, there are some of us, nearly half the clan, plan on separating and officially declaring ourselves a new clan.”

Ash did not tell them of Sao baring children for Viccy since that was Sao’s business. All Ash was doing was giving information. She hated Viccy and what she did to Sao, and knew that Viccy could kill the prisoner with a simple order.

“Are you sure she’s safe,” Shadow asked.

“Yes. She’s a fighter and she’ll fight to escape even if it meant losing her life.”

There was a silence in the group as each was not sure of what to say.

“I better return to the base. If the patrols notice I’m gone, there’ll be hell to pay with Viccy.”

Ash nodded to the group and headed back to the base. The friends took the news well enough, and wanted to charge in right then. They knew that if the did then, they would risk Sao’s life and theirs. The group went their ways to go about their business.

[E-Wing]

Chapter 10 Escape Into The Night

Several months passed before Sao’s body returned to its hormonal normalcy. Her body was returning to what it was physically as well due to her daily exercise of walking the whole of the base. Viccy had not mentioned anything to Sao about baring any more children with Diego. Nearly a year after being taken prisoner, Sao was treated like a vampyre and had a near run of the place as Viccy’s second. One day, a low ranking vampyre approached, bowed, and handed her a sealed note. She opened and read it;

Sao,
It is time that you and Diego produced another child for me. If you ever wish for your children to live, you will obey my orders. You may be my second, but you are also my prisoner of war.
Viccy

Sao folded the note and put it in her pocket before she turned her attention to the vampyre.

“Tell her to write me for when she wishes for this to happen,” she told her.

The vampyre bowed and made her way down the corridor as Sao continued her rounds. Ever since Viccy removed her mother’s priestesses from their beloved positions, the rank system has more low ranking females than should be allowed. She had begun her escape plans and continued to work on them and hide them all over her chamber. It included the clan she helped form. And she knew that once she was pregnant, Sao and Somina’s clan will make their escape into the night. She returned to her chamber and saw a note on the desk. Curious on who it was from, Sao opened it;

Sao,
I advise you not to take this warning lightly. Do not attempt your escape until you are three months pregnant. I am working with Somina on a potion that you will take before escaping. Lay low until receive my next letter.
Heero

Sao wondered how the old patron knew of her escape plans since only Somina knew of them. She hid the letter under her mattress before she took out a change of clothes and went into the hidden bathroom to shower. It would be a difficult time for Sao, both witch and vampyre agents, and Somina’s clan. After her shower, Sao tossed her clothes in the usual spot before she tossed herself onto her bed for a nap. A few hours later, a knock at the door woke her. She gave a few choice words and curses as she pulled herself out of bed to answer it. When she opened it, Sao saw the same vampyre from earlier. She took and opened the note;

Sao,
Diego will be at your chamber after the evening meal.

Sao nodded and the vampyre took that as an agreement to what was in the note. She left and Sao now knew that in three months, the plans she made will be used. She made her way to the meal room. It was a large chamber that could rival the large audience chamber. It had an arched ceiling with support pillars at the sides, similar to what one could find in European churches and other buildings. The majority of the chamber was taken up by round tables that sat fifteen people. Along the sides of the chamber were long tables with food set on them. All of the vampires could come here without fear of those trying to climb the rank ladder killing them. Sao served herself and sat down at an empty table. She was reminded of a high school lunch when a number of the students would eat together. Sao ate in silence while she thought about when the escape should actually be executed.

In three months; perhaps closer to four, Sao thought.

She finished her meal and sat back so her food could digest a bit before she went back to her chamber. It seemed like the whole base knew of what was going on. She finally stood and made her way back to her chamber. There, she found Diego waiting for her. She sighed as she closed the door, which gave them privacy from the prying eyes of the base.

Devon and Clare were out with two new Elves that had arrived the night before. They had been telling the two about the past fifteen or so years. The two Elves, fraternal twins, Tommy and Lisa, were the only twins in their family’s history. Devon and Clare knew that their older brother Nate had stepped up and took their mother’s position in the large group that continued to grow. Which left the two younger triplets to do as they please.

“You mean this war has been going on for a decade and a half,” Lisa asked.

Lisa was the quiet one of the twins, as Tommy was the loud one. They had a younger sister who would inherit their mother’s throne if they did not return in five years. Lisa was loud when she needed to be, particularly when she attended the council meetings with Tommy. She stood two inches shorter than Tommy. Her brown hair has been cropped short in a boyish fashion, which made her appear as one. Her blue eyes were so deep, they looked purple.

Tommy stood six feet even and even though Lisa’s body was built from sword and other military training, his is even more built; mainly due to the differences he is more built. His hair had been cut to shoulder length and the top and sides were put up into a ponytail. When he had on face paint that was of forest colors, Tommy’s hazel eyes made it appear that his face disappeared when he was out on ambush patrol.

“Yes. We’ve been trying to end it, but we dare not storm the vampyre base,” Clare said.

“Why? What’s wrong with it,” Tommy asked.

“Our mother’s in there. She’s been their prisoner for over a year,” Devon said. “We’ve been told she’s fine, but we’re not positive on what we’ve been told.”

They walked into the local hangout that had a 1950’s malt shop theme. They sat down in a booth as a waitress walked over and took their orders. To the two Elves, Devon and Clare were normal humans.

“So, what caused this war,” Lisa asked.

“The vampyres’ old matron Bara did. It was “a police action”,” Devon said, using air quotes for ‘a police action’. “It soon turned into a war. But no blood has been lost.”

“How is that possible”
“It’s a standstill. But I think it’ll end soon.”
“How soon?”
“Don’t know.”
Their orders arrived and the new friends talked no more of the war. To those who watched them, it appeared that they were the best of friends. No one suspected that the two Elves were runaway royals from Leorena.

Four Months Later

Nearly four months have passed and Sao has begun to show signs of being pregnant. It was the same routine as before. Viccy left her alone as long as Sao did not do anything to upset her. Sao know the time was soon to escape with the Red Moon clan. One night, after Sao packed up several clothes, she made her way to the hidden door that would allow them to escape. There, the whole of the Red Moon clan gathered and waited until the sun completely sat. Under complete darkness, the group made their way to the Victorian house, avoiding the vampyre patrols and guards that have begun to emerge from the main entrance of the base. When they were far enough from the base, Sao changed into her dragon form. The vampyres below felt save with her flying cover. Minutes later, they arrived at the house and Sao changed into her human form before they walked inside. When they walked into the modified ballroom, those gathered stood in shock of the sight.

“Sao, what’s going on,” Brandon asked.

“This is the Red Moon clan. For most of my stay in the base, I’ve help them form the clan you see now.”

“And you’re pregnant,” Hosh said.

“For the second time. Viccy treated me like a vessel for her children since she can’t bare ‘em herself.”

“By whom and what gender,” Rojo asked.

“The patron Diego, and male.”

“So, you’ve separated the only one that could help us.”

“No. This one,” Sao placed a hand on her abdomen. “Was also fathered by Diego.”

“So, what’s going to happen now,” Nate asked.

Now that the children are in their teens, and they have branched out on their appearance, they have been allowed to join the Nites Army. Nate has gone with the casual jeans and tee shirts, mainly dressing for the weather. Devon was into the Gothic clothing and even had a few piercings on his ears and one on his lip. Clare wore camouflage pants and slightly form fitting shirts and has a couple of tattoos. Bobbi was the “girl” of the four children; wearing clothes that in style for girls of her age.

“We need to strike when Viccy lest expects us to,” Ash said.

For the rest of the night, the Red Moon clan and the Nites Army planned actual physical battles against the Blood River clan. Since Sao’s return, she met with Lisa and Tommy and learned more about them than Devon and Clare did. Sao has gone from the young teenager on the very of adulthood to the leader and commander of the Nites Army. As the day time species started to ready for the day, the vampyres went to bed. Sao started her work in the shelter. She appreciated that her friends and children had taken up the slack. As she worked, Sao felt like she was being watched. As the day went on, Sao could not shake the feeling of being watched. She knew that things could get dangerous, especially when Viccy discovered that half her clan and prisoner left. At day’s end, Sao felt safe with Somina’s clan and the Army within minutes away. It was summer and Sao enjoyed the night time air as she stood on the balcony that overlooked the city. This is how she imaged it, a peaceful city and starting a family.

But things turned out differently, Sao thought.

There was a knock at her bedroom door; which brought Sao off the balcony and answered the door. On the other side was Shadow already for bed.

“Hiya, Shadow.”

“Can I talk with you outside.”

“Sure.”

Sao walked with the dragon out into the backyard. Over the years, the yard decor has grown. A garden with a walking bath, a decent sized pond with a handful of Coe fish and two water fountains. The trees varied, from weeping willows to large climbable oaks. The two walked through the forest like garden with a silence between them. Sao did know what to say to Shadow, nor what he wanted.

“The child you had in the base,” Shadow said, breaking the silence. “Do you know what came of it?”

“No, I don’t. I don’t even know what kind of powers he has.”

“You said that a vampyre sired both.”

“Yeah. But I’m worried that both could have dragon powers as well as vampyric powers”

Another silence passed between them as they walked through the garden. Shadow wanted to tell Sao he lover her and when he heard she was a prisoner, he wanted to rush in and save her. They reached the pond and sat down on the bench that faced it.

“Sao, I’ve wanted to tell you the moment we kissed. I love you.”

Sao was taken back by what Shadow said. She did not really see Shadow in that way. In fact, she did not see any of the men she knew as boyfriends. The kiss she and Shadow shared was just that to her, a kiss. What made Shadow think Sao had the same feelings was beyond her. She cared for him, and the others, but she did not see him like that.

“Shadow, I don’t know how to say this, so I’ll just come out and say it. I don’t love you in that way. I care for you, yes, but not in that way,” Sao said.

“I understand. I just hoped you felt the same.”

Shadow was devastated at what Sao told him. It had taken him years to tell So that he loved her only to find out that she did not love him. He had been there with the others and helped raised the children. He stood, walked over to the pond, and watched the fish swim around with his hands in his pockets. He never imaged that this would happen. Sao wondered why the dragon would come out and say he loved her. The kiss they shared showed her that Shadow did love her and that she had popped his love bubble. She joined him at his side and looped an arm in one of his.

“Shadow, I’m sorry. I guess current events has more of my attention than I realized. I thought that I actually found a place that was not in turmoil,” she said.

“We all thought we did. I’ve stood by and helped just like the others. The thing is, I love you and that’s all that matters to me,” Shadow said.

Shadow turned to face Sao. He took his hands out of his pockets and took Sao’s into his. He looked into her eyes and smiled.

“Ever since we met. I fell in love with you. When I heard you were captured, I wanted to go in and rescue you myself. My love for you is never dying, and will die with me,” Shadow asked. They looked at each other, each wondered what will happen next. They both knew the other loved the other. Shadow leaned in and gently kissed Sao’s lips. She kissed back; which resulted in the two kissing for a few minutes before Sao pulled herself away.

“It’s not a right time,” Sao said. “After the child is born and the war is over.”

Sao walked back inside with Shadow behind her. He caught up with her and took her hand in his. It did not matter if the others found out about their love, they knew it was true for them. They were the king and queen in the city’s chess game against the Blood River clan. Sao kissed Shadow before she entered her room. She closed the door and locked it before she went to her bed to turn in for the night. She may be pregnant with her fifth child, but Sao had no choice with her latest two. She laid down on her side and placed a hand on the bump that was the infant growing inside her. Things were defiantly not she had expected.

[E-Wing]

Chapter 11 Help From An Old Friend

The next morning, Sao served everyone with a doze of morning sickness. It was the first in four months, and her friends knew it would not be the last. After she showered and changed, Sao went down the stairs that led into the kitchen. There, she found Hoshand Brandon sitting and talking with a male Elf; a noble by the way he held himself. Casey handed Sao a glass of orange juice as she positioned herself in a place she could be out of harm’s way, but still in a spot to talk.

“Who’s that,” the Elf asked.

“Sao Williams,” Hosh said. “She’s the leader of the Nites Army.”

“So, she’s the one I’ve heard so much about.”

The Elf stood, walked over to Sao and took her free hand and kissed it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Faralea, King of Leorena.”

“It’s an honor to me you as well, highness,” Sao said with a bow of her head. “Aman laí toranle.”

“Indeed.”

“How did you learn the language of the Elves,” Hosh asked.

“I learned it on my travels.”

Hosh and Brandon looked at each other, wondering how Sao knew Elvish. They knew she traveled, but not that much.

“What did you say,” Brandon asked.

“The Moon Goddess smiles on our meeting. I knew Faralea before he became king. It was a few years before I arrived

here,” Sao explained.

“It doesn’t explain how....”

“I stayed in Leorena for some time. I also helped in revealing the true killer during a trial against Faralea.”

“Sao was my Litera; advisor. When I became king, I made her a member of my court,” Faralea said.

“You’ve got some history, Sao,” Hosh said. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I didn’t see the need too.”

“Mom,” they heard one of the arrived children shout.

“In here, Clare,” Sao shouted back.

The four children walked into the kitchen to see some one they did not know. Their favorite snacks appeared on the counter. Each took their snack and relaxed as they wondered who the new Elf was. Faralea noticed that three of the four teenagers shared Sao’s features.

“Faralea, meet the kids,” Sao said. “Nate, Devon, Clare, and Bobbi.”

Each raised a hand when they were introduced.

“The triplets are mine by birth, Bobbi I adopted.”

“Pleased to meet you. Your mother is a honorable person.”

“What’s he talking about,” Nate asked.

“I helped clear his name of a murder before he was king. It’s no big deal.”

“It may be no big deal to you; but it was for me. So much, I made her a member of my court.”

“You’re a lady of the court,” Clare said.

“I am. But it was a long time ago.”

“Can we go there, please mom,” Devon asked, nearly begging.

“Not right now. We’ve got a war going on.”

“A war? Against whom?”

“The Blood River vampyre clan. The matron’s Viccy. She wants control of the city; apparently it was inherited from her

mother,” Brandon said.

“Sao was their prisoner for a year. Viccy wanted her to add her to add to her own live by impregnating her with her

patron.”

“And?”

Faralea wanted to know what happened to his court member. He secretly had a crush on her and wanted to add her to his small harem. The kind knew that Sao was a free spirit when he met her, so doing that would not have helped her.

“Viccy has the first child I had, and I’m about four months pregnant with the second.”

“A human and vampyric hybrid.”

“Not exactly,” Devon said. “She’s been a dragon for several years now.”

“A dragon, huh? But back to the war, has there been any blood shed you know of?”

“Bara died from some sort of illness, but battle wise, none.”

“I could bring in more soldiers,” Faralea offered.

“We don’t have a trained militia. The name of our army’s just that, a name. If your soldiers are to join us, they need to realize that no one here is trained,” Bobbi said.

“They will, don’t worry. I’ll send word to my troops right away. Sao, may I borrow Drake?”
“Yeah. Drake.”

The Red Tail flew into the kitchen and landed on Sao’s arm while Faralea wrote a note and tied it to one of the hawk’s legs.

“Drake, take this to Leorena,” Faralea said.

Drake clicked his beak and flew off.

“Hey mom, why didn’t you stay in Leorena,” Clare asked.

“I was a free spirit when I was thirteen. I was only six when my parents put me into the sword school. Though it was six years, I wanted to leave due to my free spirit. It’s a beautiful place, Leorena, but it was not the place I felt could allow me to be free,” Sao said.

“When I met your mother, she was like a bird,” Faralea picked up. “She was treated with respected and even though I made her a member of my court, she still left. She still has it if she so wishes to return to Leorena.”

Faralea stood about six feet five inched with brown hair and brown eyes. He had a healthy skin pale tone and his clothes, though near royal, were just regular clothes. Nothing about his current appearance made him look at all like a king.

Two days later, Drake returned with a paper tied to his leg. Sao took it and allowed the hawk to leave. She read the note and made her way to the apartment Faralea was staying in. Once there, she handed the king the note as she walked in.

“Two battalions? I thought more will be coming,” Faralea said in shock. “Mare said Leorena could be facing an attack by the Drow.”

“I thought Leorena was so well hidden that no one could find it.”

“Humans can’t. Though those with any sort of magic can.”

“Which explains how I found it.”

Faralea gave Sao a look that told her that he did not know what she meant by it.

“Cursed blessing.”

“Ah, now I remember. All of the stable hands were surprised when they heard you talking with the horses.”

Faralea sighed and sat down in a chair and motioned to Sao to sit on his couch. Silence passed between them as they thought where to begin to fill the other in from years passed.

“Look at you,” Faralea finally said. “Four children, great friends, and a loving husband.”

“About that. I’m not married.”

“Oh?”

Faralea was sure that with her looks, Sao would have found a boyfriend at least. He remembers Sao being free and having nothing to tie her down for a couple of months.

“No husband? Not eve a boyfriend?”

“Like I’d tell you my love life,” Sao said.

“Sao, I’m your first friend and trusted confidante. You can tell me.”

Sao sighed. She did not want to tell Faralea of Shadow, but she knew he would bug her until she told him.

“His name’s Shadow. He’s a Black and I trust him.”

“A Black dragon? They’re as rare as Golds.”

“I know; seeing how I’m the only known Gold in the city.”

“You’re the Gold dragon?! That’s amazing.”

“Consider this, everyone’s been looking to me for guidance through this war.”

“And you’ve earned it. You’ve always had an air of command. Ever since I’ve known you all those years ago.”

Faralea had a look on his face, which showed that he was remembering their time together. They never did make love, but
did make out. He wanted to make out with her again, but it seemed that free spirit he knew was nearly gone.

“I better get going,” Sao said, standing. “There’s a lot to be done, and not enough time to do all things that need to be done.”

“Thanks for bringing the not over,” Faralea said.

“No problem.”

Sao smiled and showed herself out. She walked through the city and wondered why Faralea was offering his help against the Blood River clan. They may have been lovers, but they were friends now. A few hours later, Sao returned home. There was things she needed to do for the war. Once the two battalions arrived, the bloody mess of the physical battles will begin within days; and this war will end no matter who won.

A few months later, the two Elven battalions arrived in the city. They all knew Sao and treated her like she was one of their own. Faralea greeted his troops along side Sao. By nightfall, the backyard of the Victorian house was filled with tents of the troops. On a balcony that overlooked the backyard, Faralea oversaw his troops. Shadow joined him as everyone settled down for the night.

“I understand that you and Sao had some what of a history,” the dragon said.

“She helped me some years ago to clear my name of a murder.”

“She told me you two were lovers. Are there any more children we don’t know about?”

“No. We were lovers, not intimately involved. You should consider yourself lucky to have Sao as your own.”

“I am.”

The two looked down at the Elves who were going about their own business. Shadow found it difficult to believe Sao once lived among them. It seemed like she was more well traveled than she appeared when they first met all those years ago. Now that he saw that the once human had ties with an Elven nation, Shadow fell in love even more with Sao.

“She’s an amazing person, Sao. She’ll get the result many of you want for the city.”

“What made you come here and aid us? Surely you don’t intend on wooing her.”

“No, I don’t. Like I said, she helped me years ago, and I wish to repay her.”

“How?”

“It was nearly twenty years ago, and I was only a prince at the time. Days after Sao arrived, I was accused of a murder.

Nearly everyone thought I did it; even my father believed it. I was allowed to chose my defender and I appointed Sao. She was well versed in murder trials and went right to work. I had to sit back and watch her work. The prosecutor nearly won when Sao came in with Drake,” Faralea said.

“What did Drake know?”

“The real murderer and my whereabouts at the time. I was released and the real killer’s life was taken. A few months later, my father died and I became king; and I made Sao a member of my court and allowed her to keep Drake.”

Shadow could not believe that he was involved with a lady of an Elven court. It appeared that he needed to learn more about Sao. Below, the troops readied for bed with no thought of the two that were watching them.

“I’ll turn in for the night,” Faralea said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Shadow nodded in respect as the king made his way back inside. He started to wonder what is going to happen when this war was over. Will Sao once again pick up and move? Something bothered him more than that was if Sao did leave, will he go with her? Another look to the backyard showed the dragon that the troops were turning in for the night. Shadow sighed and went inside and closed the balcony doors. The others were in bed, but Brandon and Rojo were still up in the kitchen when Shadow came down.

“You will not believe what I found out about Sao,” the Black dragon said, sitting down at the table.

“What?”

“She’s a member of Faralea’s court.”

“But isn’t Faralea kind of Leorena,” Brandon asked.

“He is. Apparently she helped him in a murder trial. The only way that really happened was because Drake knew the real murderer and Sao’s power to talk with animals.”

“That’s cool. Wonder why she never said anything about it before,” Rojo asked.

“Maybe there was no need to. No point in talking about the past.”

“Or that she doesn’t like talking about her past,” Brandon said.

“Maybe; we really don’t know. But now is not the time to be dwelling on others’ pasts,” Shadow said.

Rojo finished his water and headed upstairs; followed by Brandon and Shadow. Each had their own history that they would tell the others, and the history they would keep hidden from others. Each knew that and respected their privacy; though deep down they wanted to learn more about his or her friends. Brandon was first into his room, which looked like a castle chamber full of vials, bottles, and other potion making items. Of course, Brandon kept all of his potion supplies in a separated room.

Brandon liked the idea of a medieval castle chamber, even though he was born in Northern California to two witches; masters of winter and summer forces respectively. The younger of two children, Brandon was expected to have inherited control of the winter forces, while his sister had the summer ones. At the ages of ten, Brandon began showing signs of controlling both seasons’ forces. His parents taught him in both seasons so he could grow accustomed to each power. What he would not tell, even his closest friend, is that he nearly killed his parents. Brandon had discovered that he had more than just season powers. That was the reason he left home and made his way to Wyld Nites. Brandon did not even know his parents current condition if they survived.

Rojo was born and raised in Spain as the patron’s son. His family was made up of the large dragon clan his father led. He was trained from a young age in air, fire, and dragon magic by different members of the clan. The training went on for several hundred years, which included being trained by several karate experts. When his training was finished, Rojo was given the rank as Beta Alpha; which meant he was next in line to lead the clan. So, when his father tried to find a mate for him, Rojo rejected each and everyone one and left for Wyld Nites. He never really had a childhood due to the amount of training he had.

Shadow, on the other hand, has little memory of his family or his childhood. He was abandoned at a very young age with no word on where his family went. He was passed from house to house; not staying for more than a year at each place. Which was possibly the father figure for the triplets and Bobbi. When Shadow was old enough, he went his own way in life. It was a month or two before the friends met in the city when he and Brandon met and became fast friends.

[E-Wing]

Chapter 12 Gaining Knowledge

By now, all of the friends wanted to learn more about their roommates. They felt like the past several years was the time they were just beginning to learn of the others. Of course, it would have worked like that if it was not for the war. Now it was time for the friends to sit down and tell their history; generally speaking. In the dinning room, they sat down at one end with a couple of Elves acting as waiters. The five friends were silently wondering who would speak first. Finally, Hosh broke the silence.

“I guess I’ll start. I’ve kept my secret of being a were tiger for so long was due to the fact I’ve been hunted down for so many years. My family were all different animal shape shifters and were killed for their hides,” she said. “I had moved around so much, I can remember where I began.”

“I bet we’ve all moved around a lot,” Brandon said. “To a point.”

“How about you, Brandon,” Sao asked.

Sao was waiting to be the last one because she knew her past was the most lengthy.

“I grew up in Northern California in a family of winter and summer forces witches. But I discovered that I was a normal spell casting, potion making witch with both seasons’ forces. I don’t know what really happened but I nearly killed my parents. Rojo?”

“Wait a minute; nearly killed your parents,” Sao said. “How?”

“I don’t know. I think I was either making a potion that went awry or a spell back fired. Rojo.”

Rojo took a drink as he went through his history mentally before he began.

“I was born and raised in Spain. I’m the patron’s first born son and after some hundred years of training, I became Beta Alpha. My father tried to get me a mate. I refused and that’s why I left. Shadow?”

“Do I have too?”

Shadow did not want to tell his past since it was full of moving around. But he might as well since Sao still had to tell hers. He sighed before he began.

“I never knew my family since I was abandoned. I’ve been moved around so much, I don’t even remember having a childhood. I was only fifteen when I bought my own train ticket and made my own way in life.”

After Shadow finished, there was a silence between them. They took drinks of their water and wondered about things in general.

“What about you, Sao,” Hosh asked.

“I was only about eight when my parents put me into an all boys school of blades. I spent the rest of my childhood and the first few years of my teen years there. I don’t even know if I have any younger siblings. During my travels, I did end up in Leorena and helped Faralea. I don’t want to talk about what I did with him, but I did spend a good few months there for the trial and just to have a place to relax a bit before I left again. I will tell you this, he has four children since the last time I saw him before now. The twin Elves Tommy and Lisa are two of them,” Sao said.

“They are,” Rojo said, a bit surprised.

“Yeah. They don’t want any one to know, but entrusted me with that knowledge.”

Sao finished her water and it was filled by one of the Elves. Her friends were surprised that she was a good friend of the Elves. They sat in silence and drank their water. The friends knew that their histories have been changed since the day they entered Wyld Nites. All of a sudden, Bane raced into the dinning room out of breath.

“It’s begun,” he said when he had enough breath. “The vampires are on the war path. And they mean to destroy.”

“Now?”

“It appears that Viccy is more than furious about half the clan separating and Sao escaping.”

Bane sat down and one of the two Elves handed him a glass of water. He took it with a bit of uncertainty. He was not used to being waited on; even for the simple thing as a glass of water. It appeared that one of them had a history with Faralea, Bane thought; whom he met a few hours ago. One look around told the tiger that it could be Sao; but he was not sure.

“It’s not safe for you, Sao,” Bane said, voicing his concern. “The mountain caves outside the city seem to be the best place to hide.”

“I may be pregnant, but I’m no coward,” Sao said. “I’ve helped make the Nites Army and I’ve been chosen to lead it. And a leader does not go and hid in times like this. I may be six and a half months pregnant, but I’m leading and fighting.”

No one spoke after Sao said her little speech. They did not expect her to fight in her condition. Even the pregnancy hormones that were running through her body did not sway her emotion nor her position.

“Is that wise? Fighting,” Hosh asked.

“I don’t need to fight now. It’s a too much of a risk to the child. I’ll command from here or a safe house. Go assemble the army.”

The group nodded, stood, and made their way into the city. Sao sat back and idly played with her half filled glass. One of the Elves offered to fill it, but Sao refused. She started to question her standings and morals. Never before had she have to lead some hundred people. She finished her water before she made her way into the backyard. Sao saw it was not the same one she loved. The only thing the two battalions did not tare down as the pool and the garden. Both male and female Elves were bunked down, which took Sao by surprise. Some, Sao recognized, were members of Faralea’s court. As Sao inspected the troops, Ash joined her.

“I just received word that the son you bore for Viccy has begun to show signs of dragonic powers.”

“What?”

“Tony, the son, has begun to show dragonic powers. Viccy has found that out and has kill him. Now she’s out to kill the child you now carry. Or so my source told me.”

“See if you can find out if that’s true about Tony. If not, get him out of there. Vamypre or not, Viccy will not kill an innocent child.”

Ash nodded and headed back to the base. Sao did not officially chose her “generals”, but she figured that they all knew their positions and responsibilities. For unlike Viccy and her followers, each species that made up the army tolerated each other. She finished her general inspection of the troops before she went back inside.

In Rain, the humans that had been apart of the forced exodus got the first whisperings of an army rising up against the vampires. They started to pack up their belongings and began to move back to Wyld Nites. Some believed that they will not sit back and watch the war. Nearly the whole city went to help; which left a near ghost town of Rain. A lone figure sat in a tree and watched the mass movement of people back to Wyld Nites. It sat there for hours until darkness threaten to take the sky. A young teenage male on the verge of adulthood at the age of sixteen, landed on his feet as he jumped down. He heard rumors and stories about a Sao Williams leading her friends and the city against the vampyres. He wondered if this Sao was in anyway related to him. Danny decided to take the chance and find out. He left the base of the tree and began his way home. He was told that he had an older sister and that she “died” and nothing else. Danny stood six feet and his black hair reached past his shoulders. His clothes were more punk with chains and the like, and less Goth. In many ways, Danny was like Sao’s opposite, quiet and withdrawn. Though he would open up to his friends, it would take him quite a while to open up. At his home, Danny walked in and saw his parents watching television like nothing was going on. He took his shoes off at the door before he walked through the house.

“It’s about time they all left,” Chris said without turning his attention from the television. “Rain smelled like a trash can for too long.”

“I’ve been thinking,” Danny began. “Maybe I could go help in Wyld Nites.”

“Why do you want to help those freaks,” Chris asked.

“Because they’re people too, whether you like it or not. I’m going to help, and you can’t stop me.”

Danny went into his room and began to pack his bags. He was not like his parents, Danny accepted everyone, no matter who or what they are. His parents were in the mind set that they were better than everyone else. A hour later, Danny walked through the kitchen and into the garage. He took the keys to the Ford Mustang after he grabbed his shoes and put his bags into the trunk as the garage door opened. He knew his parents could not stop him once he put his mind to something. Around midnight, he arrived in Wyld Nites. Danny slowed down and followed the flow of people to the white Victorian house and pulled over to the curb before he parked and got his bags before he joined those that entered the house. He stayed back by the door of the living room while the others took seats for the meeting. He saw Sao speaking with a number of people, and wondered who they were.

“Alright, people,” Sao said as the ones she spoke with sat down. “I’m sure you’re all aware of the child I had in the base by now. I’ve been informed that a rescue operation is underway before Viccy kills it if she has not already. But we need to end this war before it spreads to other cities. I know we’re not like the Elven help we received, trained to fight and the like, but we need to take our own abilities and use them against the vampyres.”

“There’s more than the vampyres now,” Somina said. “Dark Elves and other vampyres from all over the world has answered Viccy’s call for aid. The Blood River clan and army is growing.”

“Dark Elves,” Bobbi asked.

“Drow; very dangerous Elves. You think being a prisoner was bad; it’s worse with the Drow,” Sao said. “I’ve hidden from several parties before.”

“Oh. How do we deal with them?”

“I don’t know; I’ve never dealt with them directly. Faralea?”

“It’s been years since my people done battle with Drow. But we need to fight them on our terms, not theirs.”

“How can we be sure they won’t come during the night and kill us in our sleep,” one asked.

“They won’t. Even Drow have standards of killing,” Faralea said. “It’s in the unwritten law of wars between any race or species.”

“Thank you, Faralea. Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?”

There was a silence of those gathered; and Sao nodded and all gathered stood and made their way from the house. As they did, Danny made his way over to Sao, who was talking with Somina and Ash. He patiently waited until the two vampyres left. Sao turned her attention to Danny and waited for him to speak first.

“I heard about the war and wanted to help,” he said. “I’m Danny Williams.”

Those still in the room went silent when they heard Danny’s last name. They all knew Sao’s and each were surprised at the similarity. Sao was more surprised, since she had no word about having a younger brother. Memories came back to the day her mother visited her in Rain. Now Sao was kicking herself for not listening to her mother.

*She was trying to tell me I had a brother,* Sao thought.

The triplets walked back in and nearly dropped their school books when they saw the likeness of their mother in the man that faced her. Each wondered if this was the same man that sent them all those gifts for their birthdays and Christmas.

“Mom,” Devon said. “Who’s that?”

“Your uncle, Danny.”

“Uncle? I thought you didn’t have any siblings.”

“I didn’t for a long time. I guess when I first got here was when Danny was born. What brings you here?”

“I want to help; I said that already.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Mom and dad don’t know of my little secret.”

“What’s that,” Clare asked.

“I’m a Shape Shifter; lion.”

“Dragons, a werewolf, and a lion for a family,” Brandon said.

Danny gave the witch a questioning look, not sure what he meant. Brandon smiled a bit before he explained.

“The triplets you seen before you are your niece and nephews by blood and are all dragons. Bobbi was adopted..”

“Who’s....”

The looks Danny got from his sister and Brandon told him that they did not want to talk about who fathered the triplets; nor the child she was carrying. Sao was nearly eight and a half months pregnant and she knew she could go into labor any day now and could be reunited with her second youngest son. Shadow and Bane walked into the living room and stopped in their tracks when they saw the two Williams. They did not know what to make of the new arrival nor how Sao accepted him.

“Sao, who’s this,” Bane asked.

“My younger brother.”

“How young,” Shadow asked.

“Try about nine years,” Danny said.

“Nine years? That means that our parents had you after they put me into that blade school.”

“No wonder they never talked about you. They wanted to forget about you. Do you know why?”

“It’s the curse that’s been placed on me when I was five by a witch. I was mute and signed nearly everything, but could hear just fine. The ability to speak with animals and lose the ability to speak with humans. It turned out to be a blessing. It gave me the ability to speak to both,” Sao explained.

Danny was surprised that his older sister was at one time mute. What surprised him even more was that Sao seemed to be more than what she appeared to be. He knew he had to be filled in on the things that have gone on in Wyld Nites. Though, at this moment, all Danny wanted to do was sleep.

“What’s some one got to do to get some sleep here,” he asked.

“Follow me,” Rojo said, taking Danny’s bags in his hands.

Danny looked at Sao, who smiled. Danny may have ran away from home and looked confident in going to Wyld Nites, he was scared to death. Danny followed Rojo and disappeared from the room. The teenagers went to their own rooms to do their homework, the others went to bed, which left Sao and Bane alone. They looked at each other and Sao smiled. She left the room past Bane with a good shoulder pat. He wanted to help protect her, but he knew ultimately that those in the house would be the first line of defense for her. Bane entered the foyer and watched Sao get to the top of the stairs and into the bedroom hall. He smiled as he left the house and locked the front door as he did. Bane knew Sao could take care of herself, even if it has not been shown in Wyld Nites. Danny was unpacking his bags, some how glad he was there in the haven city. He changed his room into a recreation of the African plain and it really made him fell at home. He found the older sister he had always heard about and wanted to learn more about her. His blood relatives were dragons, but was unsure about his sister and Bobbi. Things may be different, but Danny was willing to face them. A knock at the door stopped Danny from packing.

“It’s open,” he said.

The door opened and Bobbi walked in with her tail and ears showing. When Danny saw this, he figured she was a dog shape shifter or a werewolf; but he decided to chose the latter.

“Hi, Bobbi. What is it?”

“I wanna know about my grandparents.”

“There’s not much to tell; they’re humans who have a thing against those like us. Which is why your mother is so well trained with blades and is so well traveled,” Danny said. “That much I know.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your mother’s been cursed....”

“Oh, now I remember. One more thing, is it okay if I call you uncle?”

“You’re my niece, aren’t you?”

Bobby smiled and left her uncle’s room and went to her own room. Since the teens’ personalities revealed themselves,
Bobbi and Clare gained their own rooms. Bobbi was not happy about the ware, but her werewolf side of her hated the vampyres
and wanted to kill as many as she could. She felt out of place in a home dominated by dragons, but Bobbi knew Ai’letha and her pack was right down the street. She knew deep down that things will become bloody in the next few days.

[E-Wing]

Chapter 13 The War Has Begun

A few days have passed and both armies are finished building. Reports have been filtered to both sides; mainly all false. Finally, the night has come to when bother sides first engage in battle. Sao could not lead the army, but has appointed Faralea as her commander-in-second. Sao watched from the balcony that overlooked the city as the Nites Army massed. Hosh has elected to stay behind in case Sao went into labor. Both wanted to go and fight, but the child’s safety took priority. When the army finally left her eye sight, Sao turned and went back inside, followed by Hosh. Two hours went by before the first sounds of the battle reached the house. Both worried about the ones they loved and cared about. Halfway through the night and battle, Sao began to go into labor. She knew she would be in labor for the rest of the night and into the early morning hours. Sao was helped by Hosh as the sounds of the battle continued to filter into the house. If one listened over the sounds of the battle that had been carried by the wind into the city, they could hear screams of a woman’s pain in labor. By midmorning,
Sao was sleeping peacefully with the infant in a crib not far from her bed. Hosh prepared for the rush of injured and tired fighters. She was worried when the sounds of the battle stopped. An hour later, sounds of the Nites Army return woke Sao. She turned on the baby monitor and took the receiver with her. Down stairs, she found her friends being bandaged up by the healers Faralea brought with him and Hosh.

“Hey, look who’s up,” Shadow said when he saw Sao. “What happened to your spare tire?”

“Gave birth in the early morning hours. It’s a boy,” Sao replied with a smile at the spare tire comment.

“Another? It seems like you wan...”

“Not my choice. It’s all up to nature. How was the battle?”

“Draw. We could have used yours and Hosh’s help.”

“I’ll be out there soon enough. It’s the child that’s taking top priority,” Sao said.

“Thought of a name for the kid,” Rojo asked.

“Nope.”

Sap headed into the kitchen and began looking for something to eat. She had not eaten since about an hour before she went into labor. A plate of hot food that was the previous night’s dinner appeared on the table. Sao sat down and began eating. She did not get ten bites into the meal when she heard her son crying. She sighed and headed upstairs to retrieve her child. Sao looked down at her son and smiled before she picked him up. When she went back into the kitchen, she saw Faralea drinking some water.

“Faralea, can I ask you a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Could it be possible that if any thing happens to me, that you take this one back to Leorena?”

“It is. Why do you ask?”

“If the vampires win, I don’t want this one to end up like his older brother.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Thanks.”

Sao sat down and while she held onto the child, she began eating again. Faralea gave Sao credit, being able to juggle all the things on her plate. It amazed him that after all these years as appearing as a human, she did not look a year over thirty. Though that was now due to the fact Sao was now a dragon. Sao finished her dinner and went into the living room with Faralea behind her. There, the friends were doing their best to be comfortable in their conditions. They all sat up when they saw the infant, now sleeping. “Meet the newest member of the family,” Sao said as she sat down.

They stood and gathered around and looked at the infant. Soon, they were shooting names back and forth for the infant. Each one was shot down by Sao, who was listening for the right name.

“Ben,” Hosh said.

Sao snapped her fingers and said, “that’s it; Ben.”

“Ben it is. The only question now is; will he be like his brother and develop both Vampyric and Dragonic powers,” Rojo asked.

Everyone looked at the others, wondering the same. Things were not going well, even though the first battle ended up a draw. Slowly, one by one, the friends went upstairs and carefully laid down in their beds. The only one that was left with Sao and Ben was Shadow. Sao stood and started for the stairs and Shadow caught up with her. He walked a step behind just for Sao’s safety. When they reached Sao’s room, Shadow entered with her.

“You should get to bed,” Sao said after she placed Ben in his crib. “You’re worse off than I am.”

“I’m...”

“Going to bed. Come on.”

Sao shooed Shadow out into the hallway and walked with him to his room. Shadow laid down as Sao helped to cover him up. Shadow smiled at her before he turned on his side away from her and fell asleep.

Poor Shadow. He and the others fought for so long and it ended in a draw, Sao thought as she made her way back to her room.

Sao stood over Ben and watched him sleep before slumber threaten to drop her where she stood. Things seemed to be moving too fast for Sao. It seemed like it was only a month ago the friends met. Before she knew it, Sao was in bed sleeping. She drifted off into the dream realm and dreamt she was back in the blade school; but dressed in the master’s garb. Sao wondered why she was in the clothes when Devon, Nate, and Ben silently walked by. Now she got the general idea; she was a master swordsman and was training her sons. Sao did not like the fact her sons were here, since she experienced it herself. The three brothers turned a corner and disappeared. Sao decided to wander the school since she did not know why she was there; nor what she did exactly. As she wandered, more and more students appeared like out of thin air.

What’s going on, Sao thought.

Nothing seemed to be out of place, but Sao could not place why she was in a sword master’s garb and the three sons she had in Wyld Nites were at the school.

This has to be a dream; or some sick joke.

Sao hated this school, having had to hide her true gender for a number of years. Though it did give her skills she normally would not have. Her garb gave Sao the powers to go where she pleased. Before she could go where she wanted, Sao drifted from the dream realm. Sao woke to the sounds of Ben crying. She climbed out of bed and checked on him.

Wet and hungry.

Sao changed his diaper and fed him before she headed down stairs with him in her arms. The others were already there, still trying to heal. Danny, who was the lest injured of the group, came up and took Ben from Sao so she could eat. Each one wore in their other forms, so the healing process would not take so long; but they were still sore. Sao wanted to be out there fighting, but did not wanted to kill her child. She walked back in with her meal and sat down next to Shadow. Silence passed between them since they knew these relative peaceful moments will be few and far between. Ash walked in with a limb body in her arms. Each wondered who it could be.

“It’s Tony,” the vampyre said. “Sorry, Sao.”

Sao stood, put her food down, walked over, and took the year old body from Ash.

“This is what happens when innocent lives are thrown into a war,” Sao said.

Hours later, Sao was standing over the spot where her son was buried. There was nothing special about it, just a simple cross with Tony’s name on the horizontal bar. This death has really hit Sao, and she had gone into a depressed state. Not even a game of football would help. Sao stood there for hours, even when it began to ran. Everyone rushed into tent or the house. Shadow watched her from the kitchen window over the sink.

“I hate seeing her like this. I’m worried about her,” he said.

“I think it’s hit her this hard because she did not see the carnage of the first battle. And it was her child,” Hosh said. “You’d be like that if it was your child.”

Hosh was sitting at the table just playing with her magic. It was hard to get past seeing your friends die next to you while you kept on fighting. Everyone who fought and survived has begun to go into different stages of depression; but it seemed like Sao hit rock bottom. Even the surviving Elven troops were depressed.

“Lady Sara,” one said as he walked up to her. “You should go inside before you get sick.”

Sao continued to stare at the tombstone cross like she did not even hear the Elf. She felt like a part of her died with her son. A part of her wanted to die, but another wanted to personally rip the still beating heart from Viccy’s chest. Finally she looked up and turned her head to the Elf.

“You should go inside milady,” he said.

Sao took one last look at the grave site before she turned and went into the house silently. Hosh and Shadow remained silent as she passed through. Sao went up the kitchen stairs without a word to her friends. The two looked at each other, silently debating who should go after her. Shadow sighed and followed Sao’s trail up the stairs as Hosh made her way into the living room to challenge Rojo or Brandon at a video game. Upstairs, Sao looked down at Ben, who was sleeping peacefully in his crib. Shadow opened the partially shut door and walked in. He walked up behind Sao and placed his hands on her shoulders. Sao did not flinch nor shrug the friendly touch off; though she did turn to face Shadow. She looked into his eyes before she started crying uncontrollably. Shadow just held her and tried to comfort his love. He never suffered like she did, but the best he could do was be there. They stood there until Ben woke from Sao’s crying. She turned to take him, but Shadow stopped her.

“I’ll take care of him,” he said.

Shadow walked over to the crib and picked up the infant. He cradled Ben as he walked back over to his mother. He looked and smiled at her as he saw that Ben looked like her. But he also knew that he looked like the vampyre that sired him. The only question that bugged Shadow, was that as Ben grew up, would he want to join the Blood River clan?

“Ben needs you,” he said. “We all know you grieve for the child you lost; but we need you now. The city needs you now.”

Sao looked at Ben, who smiled at his mother. She was still detached over Tony’s death; but deep down, Sao knew she was needed in her full mental capacity. Shadow wondered if Sao was truly ready to take command of the army. Sao still had Ben to raise to at least his teenage years as a mother; and had four other children to be a mother to.

Six months had passed and Ben was a normal six month old. Over the months, there have been a number of skirmishes, but no real battles has taken place since the first. Sao still had yet to take full command from Faralea. That time was soon upon them when reports said that the Blood River clan was on the march again. Sao pulled out her old Elven armor from her closet and wondered if it still fit. She took it to the smithies that were in camp for work. Sounds of the metal smithies working on her armor was heard throughout the city. Sao knew she was taking a risk by stepping into the front lines, but she needed to. By nightfall, the armor was finished and two soldiers began to fit Sao with her armor in her room. Sao wore crimson and gold clothing under the actual armor; which was similar to a Samurai’s armor. When she finally appeared before the army, Sao was wearing gold armor, which was a surprise to everyone. The armor itself was Elven made and was light to carry. Her breastplate was braided and reached just past her waist and hugged her torso. Her arms had on arm braces that had Leorena’s Elven designs on them as did her grieves. The bottom piece was a long skirt and pant mix that doubled as armor for her legs. Her boots, which were Elven, were partially covered by her grieves. Finally, Sao’s helmet was gold to match her armor; and was just as light. She looked like one of the Elves in full armor; minus the pointed ears. Faralea approached Sao when she reached the center. He took his sword, still in its sheath, off and held it horizontal in both hands and presented it to her.

“I give you my sword and the command of the army,” he said.

Sao nodded and accepted the sword. She looked at Faralea, wondering how he would fight.

“Don’t worry, I have another.”

Sao put the sword on in a Samurai fashion over her left scimitar. She was armed to the skin with her blades she has had since she left the blade school. Her scimitars were her main weapons in her human form and she hoped she could remember what she learned. Sao knew she should something to those gathered, but nothing came to mind. It came time for when Sao had to lead the army. She took a spot in the front rank, where everyone could see her. The army marched in silence to the battle field, not knowing what to expect. Everyone who knew Sao personally wondered why she was fighting, but decided against asking. The first attacks were made by the Drown. Sao and a small number of Elves were separated from the main force. Slowly, one by one, the Elves with Sao were cut down until only Sao remained. The Drow who were not cut down were weary of engaging such a formidable opponent. They heard of a human who was as skilled as they were; possibly more so. Luckily, the battle was more of a skirmish than an actual battle. Sao had groups made to scout the surrounding area for more ambushes. As they did, Sao and the surviving Drow eyed each other, waiting for an attack from the other. Sao knew of the Drow race through her time in Leorena and had seen only one in all of that time. She was only a legend to the Drow; a human with Elven speed and skill and the deadliness of a Drow. Ten Drow circled Sao, not sure if they should attack or not. Minutes passed until one of them placed their weapons on the ground and crossed their arms in a sign of being unarmed. Slowly, one by one, the other nine followed suit. Sao waited a minute or two before she too placed her scimitars on the ground and crossed her arms. She knew their skills and did not wish to offend them. Her blade placement on her body was that of a Drow assassin’s.

“Verdi rivvil ilythiiri. Dos truly ph’ uss xuil dosst velven ‘zil l’ legends telanth. Usstan tlun Shal’toa lu’ nindolen ph' fol d' ussta akh d' velg'larns, l' Renor Crows. Weth inbal plynnet pholor l' kaas d' natha khruste yah xor goddess, lu' orn er'griff an'yui ulu nindyn kaaseel.” ((Greetings, You truly are one with your blades as the legends say. I am Shal’toa and these are some of my band of assassins, the Black Crows. Each have taken on the name of a certain god or goddess, and will only answer to those names))

“Verdi ulu dos 'zil al. Usstan usieva Usstan ssrig'luin naut introduce usstan whol dos jal'yur zhaun ussta kaas,” Sao replied." ((Greetings to you as well. I guess I need not introduce myself, for you already know my name))

The one who spoke, as were the others, were taken back. They never knew some one who knew the language of the Drow. The leader, Shal’toa, continued in common.

“We do not. We only recognize you from your fighting described in the stories.”

Sao was surprised that she became a legend in her own right and a part of stories.

How did that happen, Sao thought.

“I’m Sao Williams; leader and commander of the army you ambushed.”

“So, you’re the Sao Williams that ass be called “Tiger’s Fury”. It’s a fitting title for one such as yourself,” Shal’toa complimented Sao.
“Thank you. Though, that’s the first I heard of the title.”

By now, all of them were visibly relaxed; but mentally, each were ready to pick up their weapons and fight to the death. Sounds of various battles told the small group that more ambush groups have been found. Sao grew worried about the Drow once the army regrouped.

“We don’t wish to return to the Blood River clan,” Shal’toa said. “They treat us without respect. Their slaves are treated better than we are. We’ve seen how you treat others and feel we should fight for you.”

Sao was taken back by this. Never before has Drow wanted to change sides; much less in situations like this. The first of the army returning to se Sao sheathing her scimitars. The ten Drow had seemingly disappeared for their bodies were not at her feet, dead. In an hour, the army had remised and were on the march again.

[E-Wing]

Chapter 14 No Rest for the Weary

The night dragged on and the Nites Army broke off into groups that were made up of all the species and patrols. It seemed like all of the Drow disappeared from the vampyric army. The Blood River clan has nearly doubled in size since the arrival of their overseas cousins. Viccy had disposed of Diego and took on a German patron, and had commanded from the base. Everyone wanted to sleep, but fate had other plans for them. When Sao and the others who lived at the Victorian arrived, they saw Shal’toa was waiting for Sao; and it appeared he was alone. Brandon readied a spell, but Sao rested a hand on his shoulder. Brandon absorbed the magic back into his body, but was still ready to fight.

“A wise move, witch,” Shal’toa said. “You would have been dead before you finished the spell.”

“Vel'bol zhah ol, Shal'toa? Nindolen ph' ussta abbilen, abbilen.” ((What is it, Shal’toa? These are my friends, trusted friends.))

The group headed past Shal’toa while Sao remained outside to speak with the Drow. She knew his band was watching them, and wondered what he wanted.

“I heard things about Bobbi while in the base. Things you may not want to hear, but you must.”

“Let me guess, it has something to do with the Blood River clan.”

“It does. Is there a place were we can talk privately?”

“There are rare nowadays. But yeah, I know a place.”

Sao took her armor off and left them by the door. She still wore the clothing that was between her skin tight clothing and the armor. She shifted into her dragon form and hunched down for the Drow to climb on. He did after hesitating and grabbed onto what he could of her thick neck. Sao smiled inside as she flew to the one place she knew no one would eavesdrop.

Sao landed on a cliff about fifty miles outside the city. The city laid in a valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. From the cliff, the city looked like a cluster of lights. Sao was out here once before when she first arrived in the city all those years ago. Shal’toa got off and Sao changed into her human form.

“Now, what about Bobbi?”

“She was a failed experiment of the Blood River clan. How they did that, I don’t know. She’s a vampyre and werewolf hybrid.”

“But all I’ve seen was her werewolf side. How can she be a vampyre hybrid?”

“I’ve been told that one of their scientists were trying to add to the clan. They disposed of her when the first light of the full moon shone on her. Which is why you found her,” Shal’toa said. “She and Ben are special beyond anyone’s belief. They must be protected far better than you are; for Viccy would want them in the future.”

Sao took in this news and looked out over the valley and city. She had a passion hatred for the vampyres; especially with the knowledge of what they did to Bobbi. There was nothing more Sao wanted to do than to kill each vampyre in cold blood. This war had changed her outlook on life and her personality. Sao was about to speak when her cell went off.

The next morning, Sao was working in the shelter with Ben. He was awake and was being watched over by the pack of wolves. The phone rang and Sao picked it up, half covered in grim and animal waste. She hit the speaker button to speak better.

“Sao’s animal shelter, where your pet can...”

“Sao, turn on the news,” she heard Hosh shouted.

Sao ripped a glove off and turned the tv on and turned the news on. She was so taken back by what she saw; scenes of global war. It appeared that the world’s vampyre clans had taken a cue from the Blood River clan. Now Sao knew that their seed vampyre clan needed to be dealt with. To her, having been in the outside world when the devastation of September 11th came about. The attacks of vampyres could be the magical world’s version of that fateful day. She turned the news off before she went back to work. Sao was cleaning out the cages and exhibits. She was getting ready for a class that was due to arrive within the hour. After she finished, Sao changed her clothes and readied for the class. They arrived and piled into the main lobby and talked amongst themselves for a bit. Sao had moved Ben, who was learning to crawl, from the wolves’ exhibit to the tiger exhibit. She knew the wolves would go wild when they saw the class. Tonka would be more watchful of him than the wolves. Sao walked into the lobby and stood behind the desk.

“Welcome to the shelter. Here, I take in abandoned and unwanted animals as well as pets of various species,” she said. “If you follow me, we’ll head into the back here.”

Sao stepped from behind the desk and led the class, thirteen to fourteen year olds, into the area where she kept the dogs, cats, and other animals that were considered to be normal pets.

“This is where I keep the animals that are the most common pets. Many were strays her abandoned; and are up for adoption.”

Sao allowed the class to look at the animals, mainly all sorts of puppies and kittens. She knew that they would need some sort of companionship in the coming months. Sao took not on her clipboard of which pet in which cage each student wanted. She finished her notes and led the group out into the back where the larger animals were kept. Many of the young teenagers did not come up to a foot away from the fence of the wolf enclosure.

“These wolves, and other large animals, are mainly familiars entrusted to my care. Though a number of the animals were abandoned during the war. This wolf pack are the familiars of Ai’letha and her pack.”

Like expected, the wolves were trying to get a good spot at the fence. Sao told them to relax when the first of the teens neared the fence. The class knew Sao’s power and did not question her about it. She smiled and led the class through the maze, telling them about each animal species in the specific enclosure. Finally, they reached the tiger enclosure. Many of the students were shocked to see Ben in there with a number of large adults. To their amazement, when Sao opened the food slot, one of the tigers picked up the six month old and brought him over.

“Most of the tigers here had to leave their respective zoos due to the lack of space,” Sao said when she got Ben. “They have plenty of space here. Any questions?”

She waited for a minute before she led the way back to the shelter where the students could take home their chosen pets. When they last one left, Sao sight and watched Ben crawl around. Hosh’s tiger, Dante, laid down and tolerated Ben’s playful mood. Sao finally close and walked home with Dante at her side and Ben in her arms. Nothing told her that Ben was turning into a vampyre, nor has she seen any signs of surfacing powers. A thing Sao has learned in her time in Wyld Nites is that things were not what they appeared to be; especially in a city like Wyld Nites. When Sao arrived home, one of the healers took Ben from Sao as she was pushed to ready for battle. Sao was still tired from the other night, but she knew there was no rest for the weary army. Sao dressed in the armor’s undergarments before she went down to the Elven camp so she could be dressed in her armor. Her armor was dented and still covered in dirt. She and the army massed in the streets and marched to the battle field where the vampyric army was waiting. Nothing told Sao that the vampyres wanted to attack. Viccy, her patron, and another vampyre came out into the No Man’s Land; Sao, Bane, and Faralea went out to meet them. There was an uneasy peace while the leaders of the Nites Army waited for the negotiations from Viccy.

“These are my terms and conditions,” Viccy began. “You and your army will surrender unconditionally to me and my army. All will be slaves and servants to the army you see before you. Wyld Nites will become Hadrian City.”

“Here is mine,” Sao said. “You will send your army back to the nations from which they arrived and you will disband your clan.”

There was no way Sao would become a slave to a vampyre, not after what she went through. Silence past between the leaders and commanders.

“I will not disband all that I’ve worked so hard to build,” Viccy said. “We will have this city; even if our army is half gone and our enemies utterly destroyed.”

“Than we have no choice than to kill you,” Sao said.

Viccy was about to attack when her patron held her back. He said something in the vampyric language, which Sao understood. What she heard took her back.

She’s pregnant.

“You got ready, Williams,” Viccy said.

Viccy gave the command to her army to retreat. Sao watched them leave before she too gave the order to fall back. The army needed their rest and each wanted to collapse where they stood. Sao and the others with armor had it taken off before turning in to bed. Sao was one of the last ones to turn in. In her room, Sao saw Ben sleeping in his crib and smiled. Sao had her black sweatpants on, which came up to her hips and were still baggy, bare feet, and a sports bra that was soon to be covered with an old shirt when some one knocked at her door.

“It’s open,” she said.

Sao was too tired to really care if she had on a sports bra on her torso to cover her modesty. The door opened and Brandon entered. It appeared that even he did not care to fully dress for bed. All he wore was a pair of comfortable sleeping pants. Sao now saw tattoos she had not seen before. One was who Sao could only think of being his sister; the other appeared to be a tribal tattoo. She could not deny that she found Brandon attractive, but she had love for Shadow.

“What, Brandon?”

“I was wondering if it was possible if I could put a protection spell on Ben?”

“Yeah.”

Brandon nodded and proceeded over to Ben and began the protection spell. Sao watched him and took notes on how the witch did the spell. The hand gestures seemed to be of Elven make and reminded her of the Elven spells she witnessed and the few she knew personally. Ten minutes passed until Brandon finished the spell.

“That should do it. G’night,” Brandon said.

“G’night.”

Brandon smiled and left Sao’s room as she laid down and finally got some sleep.

[E-Wing]

Chapter 15 The Calm Before The Storm

The next day, many of the friends and members slept for much of the day. The last ones to wake in the Victorian were Sao and Danny. Sao splashed some cold water on her face before she slipped on a shirt and headed into the kitchen. There, Danny was sitting down with a big breakfast.

“Care to share,” she asked.

She still has not gotten used to having a brother, much less having him in the house. Sao was used to the two Elf twins around, but definitely not one of her bloodline.

“Sure.”

Sao sat down and served herself. An assortment of breakfast food and drinks were before her. Both wanted to ask the other about their pasts, but neither did. It seemed like they both knew the other’s past without asking. The two siblings sat in silence, eating their breakfast. Danny finished and began to put the things away, but Casey stopped him.

“I’ll take care of that,” the computerized voice said.

Several arms appeared and took care of the food and dishes. The two siblings joined the others in the living room where Brandon and Rojo were playing a video game, Hosh and Shadow were practicing their magic, and the teens were out with Tommy and Lisa. So, that left Sao and Danny to themselves. Ben called the best he could for Sao. She went and retrieved him before she went out into the back with her brother. The Elves were enjoying the nice day and were taking care of their camp and the backyard. The two siblings and six month old walked through the garden. Sao sat Ben down and allowed him to crawl around while she and Danny spoke.

“So, what has our parents done these past years,” Sao asked.

“The same things. Thinking they’re better than everyone else; especially us who live here in Wyld Nites and others like us. Why they got rid of you, I don’t know.”

“I’ve been cursed by a witch when I was five. I was mute and when I returned home that day, mother was the first to realized I spoke. A couple of years later, I was put into the sword school for a number of years. I was twelve when I graduated and began to move around.”

“Where were you before....”

Sao held up a hand and silenced Danny as a couple of Elves passed by. It appeared to the younger Williams that his sister did not want any eavesdroppers.

“Leorena. I helped Faralea in a murder trial. Afterwards, he made me a member of his court.”

“And that explains why he’s helping you.”

“And he would not have one of his favorite court ladies in a war without aid of the Elves.”

“You’re really a court member?”

“Yeah.”

Danny had a hard time believing that his sister was a member of an Elven court; especially since she was born a human all those years before she drank that potion that turned her into a dragon. Danny was nearly overwhelmed by his sister’s past. He never knew about it, nor how she managed to travel before she had the ability to drive. The more Danny learned about his sister, the more he felt connected to her. Danny had found pictures and the like of Sao some years ago; but their parents shrugged off his questions about her. He knew Sao only through these pictures until he left home. Ben crawled over to the two and Danny picked him up. Sao was not worried about Danny holding Ben. She looked up through the leaves to the sky and sighed. Never before has she experienced this peace and quiet; unless one counted her stay in Leorena.

But that was so long ago.

Sao’s attention was taken from the leaves to Ben, who looked like he was in pain. Sao saw two lumps where two wings would appear.

“What’s going on,” Danny asked.

“I think his dragon side is coming out.”

The two watched as Ben finally revealed his wings. He also gained a tail and a number of scales. His tail and wings were that of a six month old and were not in bad shape. What surprised Sao the most was Ben’s Flight.

“Green.”

“Green,” Danny questioned.

“The Green Dragon Flight. They’re the smallest of all the Dragons. Emerald scales, and love fresh meat like the Reds; but are less picky and will scavenge dead carcasses. Their breath weapon is an acidic gas, which is extremely painful; or so I’ve been told.”

“Oh.”

Ben tried to fly, but did not get far from Danny. Both smiled as Rojo joined them. He did not see the change Ben took right away; but was surprised when he did.

“When did this happen?”

“Just now. I feel it’s only time when his vampyric side appears.”

The three watched Ben, who was still trying to fly. They found his attempts funny at best.

1 year later

Ben was now a year and a half and was more better at his flying than walking. Ben’s appearance was different than that of the dragons that lived with him. His wings, tail, and scales, which were in all the stages of forming, were not absorbed into his body. It was like his body was either refusing the Dragon side of him, or it was the vampyric side that was driving it out. After a year of relative peace, it was like Viccy did not want to push her luck against Sao and her army. In that time, citizens of Wyld Nites rebuilt their city and their army. Sao and those who acted as her generals discussed the recent wave of vampyre news that has mysteriously showed up at the house. Sao had her suspicions on who it was, but never expressed them. The four teenagers were going through the awkward stage of dating. Sao was not as involved as she would have liked, but other things held her attention. As the full moon started to rise one night, Sao met with Somina and Ash to discuss Ben’s future; if he had one. This night, Sao wore an Elven night outfit she kept. It was a dark blue, almost midnight blue, two piece outfit. The top piece came down to just touching the top of the pants. The front neck line came down far enough to show some chest. The pants ended at her ankles and began at her waist. Sao walked barefoot through her backyard as she went to meet the Red Moon leaders.

“Where’s Ben,” she heard.

“In bed, sleeping, Somina. As a matter of fact, that’s who I need to talk about.”

“Ben? Why?”

“Because, his two heritages could be fighting for control of his body.”

“Ah,” came the reply.

“And I’m worried that it might kill him.”

“The ultimate worry of any mother,” Ash said.

The two vampyres appeared and formed a circled triangle. They knew that what is discussed in the outskirts of Sao’s property needed to stay there; no matter what. The Red Moon clan grew since it’s separation from the Blood River clan. True, a large number of vampyres has answered Viccy’s call for aid, half of those joined the Red Moon clan.

“There are spells and rituals that could help keep one side submissive,” Somina said. “It’ll take time to prepare if you wish. Though, we have no say in which side is what.”

Sao knew what Somina offered could changed the fate and future of Ben. Of what god, or goddess, the Red Moon clan followed, she did not know. For years, the only two deities she knew were Serenity and Hadrian. Now, it will go up one or more. She nodded, agreeing to what was offered.

“It’ll be done,” Ash said. “We will send some one to bring you and Ben when we’re ready.”

“Okay.”

The three parted ways, and the two vampyres disappeared into the night. Sao walked through the backyard with the silence and grace of an Elf. If it were not for her rounded ears, Sao could have passed as one. Her two piece night clothes allowed her to move without much attention. Her feet became cold from the dew that had condensed on the grass. Sao thought about the past year and wondered if the peace that had gained a foothold would last. The Elves were in their tents; going through their reverie meditative state. She had spent enough time with the Elves to the point where she reached, or nearly reached, that state. No other human could boast of reaching such an enlighten state. Sao reached the house and used the kitchen stairs to the second floor.

Two days passed before a vampyre appeared on the door step about sunset. Sao gathered Ben and made her way out the door. The friends were out having a night out on the town, so there were no questions on her destination. The way the two walked, it seemed like they were hiding something and running to their destination. In reality, the vampyre was using his own power of speed to reach the appointed area. It was a secluded grove deep in a forest Sao did not know of. She wore one of the few Elven outfits she still had. It was a navy blue outfit that faded into black. It had no adornments since it was for night movements. Sao walked silently through the grove due to the Elven boots she wore. The grove was empty save for an altar. Sao’s vampyre escort went off some where, and left Sao with no word. Vampyres appeared dressed in robes that marked them as a priest or priestess of a deity unknown to Sao. After the circle of twelve vampyres took their positions, Ash and Somina appeared wearing robes of a high pries and priestess.

“Have you decided what you wish to be submissive,” Somina asked.

“I have.”

“Than place him on the altar.”

Sao walked over and placed Ben on the altar and stepped aside. She climbed a tree and got comfortable on it as Somina and Ash began the ceremony. Sao was given no attention and she asked for none. Ash knew what Sao wished to happen with Ben. The vampyres began chanting to a goddess, that much Sao gathered, but which one? After a number of hours, the ceremony ended with a loud prayer to the goddess these vampyres worshipped. The vampyres that made up the circle moved out of sight as Sao came down out of the trees. The only ones that remained were Somina and Ash.

“It’s done. We can’t promise anything,” Somina said. “The vampyre power should be submissive and the dragon ones should dominate.”

“Thank you, both of you,” Sao said.

“We’ll keep tabs on him for a while. Contact us immediately if anything happens,” Somina said.

“I will.”

Sao bowed slightly and made her way home. As she did, the first light of the sunrise came over the mountains and bathed the valley in sunlight. She stopped at the cliff edge and looked down into the valley; and the first time in a while, smiled. Ben squirmed a bit, still sleeping. Sao looked down and smiled again. Sao morphed her wings and tail out and took flight. From below, she may have looked like a come-to-live gargoyle. Sao glided down from the cliff and beated her wings only when she needed too. She landed on her room’s balcony, opened the doors, and walked in. She put Ben in his crib before she showered and changed. She could not remember the last time she showered; but it was good to do so. An hour later, Sao dress and went downstairs and joined the others. They all were tired, though they were taking in their choice of caffeine. Sao took out her preferred soda from the fridge before she joined the others. She sat down next to Shadow, who was half asleep. They remained silent while they consumed their drinks.

“Any ideas of what to do later,” Rojo asked. “The triplets and Bobbi are old enough to be left along for a while. And Ben’ll be safe here with the Elves.”

Rojo said the last part to put any worries Sao had at ease.

“Movies,” Hosh suggested.

“We have enough here. A night on the town,” Brandon said.

“Nah. Are we so burned out on this war that we can’t decide how to spend a Friday night,” Shadow asked.

“Guess so. To think we had so much life in us all those years ago,” Sao said.

It was true. When they first arrived, the friends had so much life in them. Now, thanks tot he war, they were too exhausted to do anything. Each had an itch they could not scratch; the moving itch. Sao felt it the hardest of them all since this was the longest she has spent in one area.

“Why don’t we stay in tonight,” Sao said. “As much as I hate saying it; we should.”

As the day went on, everyone tended to what was everyday things. Before they knew it, the friends were watching a movie on the home theater system. The children were out having their fun in the city and were fine. When they returned, the teenagers found their mother and guardians were sleeping with the systems on. Bobbi turned the systems off as the triplets covered the adults up. They went to bed as the dimmed lights turned off. Rojo and Hosh were laying comfortably together on the loveseat. Brandon was in the armchair, and Shadow and Sao were on the couch. It seemed that Shadow and Sao were not the only ones who formed a relationship during the war.

A few days later, the first hints of the dominate specie began to show in Ben. It was not what they were hoping for, but fearing; his vampyric side. It would be difficult to raise a vampyre, but it was a challenge they were willing to take. Sao sent word to Ash and Somina about it and began to wonder how to deal with a growing vampyre. As night fell, Ash arrived at the Victorian. Everyone was doing their own business as Ash and Sao went into the dinning room to discuss what could happen as Ben grew.

“His vampyre heritage will always show, but there are points when a good amount of vampyric powers will emerge,” Ash began. “Puberty is the major point. Up until then, it comes slowly and with the body’s development.”

“So, there’s no real way to predict what’s coming?”

“There’ll be subtle signs that could pass without notice.”

An Elf walked in carrying a tray with two glasses and a pitcher of water. He placed each glass in front of both and filled them.

“As Ben grows, you will have to have a stricter hand than you did with the others. Vampyres are like Drow with rank climbing. Ben will no doubt try to climb past his brothers and the others here. All will have to show Ben his place.”

“You sure?”

“This house holds no vampyre clan. Ben is in a normal family and will have no chance to climb ranks.”

Sao nodded and sipped at her water. There was much she needed to learn about vampyres, despite her time as their prison. Then again, she was not charged with raising vampyre children; just be a vessel for them. Sao knew she would need the Blood Moon clan in the years to come.

“Can I could count on you when the time comes,” Sao asked.

“Of course. No one’s perfect in raising children.”

“Thank you, Ash.”

Another year past and Ben was two and a half years old and was doing his best at walking around the house. It was easy enough for a while, but now that Ben was moving everyone were on the toes with him. Already, he was testing his position in the family; and each member kept their ground. Ben’s powers grew with each passing day as Ash said. And with each passing day, they were brought closer