The Generations: In a corner
by Shay
Chapter 4: In a Corner

A dream so vivid that it was easily recalled in the predawn hours of the morning when Elizabeth was forced awake by a desperate clawing in her stomach.

She quickly rose, searching the room for the cause of her disturbance. As she looked out the small window in her room she saw something that made her stomach clinch in fear. A vampire, outside her window, glaring in menacingly.

Elizabeth knew what she needed to do, she just was unsure of if she had the emotional strength to do it right now.

She grabbed up one of the stakes Geoffrey had given her, and tiptoed outside, so as not to wake anyone. Geoffrey had instructed her to keep the utmost caution when slaying, saying it would be detrimental for the demon populace to find out her identity so soon.

As she opened the door, she stood in the frame for a few moments, knowing that she was safe until she stepped across the threshold and into the vampires domain. Her heart skipped many beats, and then continued, pumping fiercely out of fear and anxiety. She did not know if she could do this. If she could be the Slayer that Geoffrey thought she could be.

But although she was filled with doubt, she stepped into the cold night air, letting the wind lash against her face. She hesitated only a moment before she was upon the beast, sending him a quick kick to the stomach. Geoffrey told her some of her moves would come naturally, but that they still needed to train to perfect her skills.

Another kick landed on the demons shoulder, and he took that opportunity to grab her ankle and twist. She used the momentum created to quickly spring back onto her feet, and she lunged at the unprepared creature, slamming the stake into his heart. He stood perfectly still for a moment, before crumbling to the earth as dust, just like the first one.

Her second vampire. She had killed two vampires in as many days, and she hadn’t even been fully trained yet. Maybe this slaying business wouldn’t be as horrid as she had thought. At least the technique came easily, even if she still couldn’t grasp the history and degradation of the role.

Even as she began to become lost in her thoughts, three other vampires appeared from the foreboding dark surrounding her. She lept slightly at the sight of the new demons, and knowing she did not want to lead them any closer to her home she made a mad dash to the cobblestone street ahead of her.

She looked back only once, and saw the demons following not far enough behind. She led them off the trail, and into a pasture that was currently not being used. She ran towards the safety and cover of the woods, hoping to keep the vampires out of sight of the town. If anyone were to see her, her families remaining shreds of dignity would be in shambles.

The vampires were quickly upon her, as she backed herself slowly against a tree. The tree had broken limbs protruding not far above her head, and she immediately had an idea. She thanked her new Slayer intuitions, and grabbed the vampire closest to her, throwing it into the air, and slamming it against one of the broken branches. The sharp wood pierced the foul demons heart, and it disintegrated, ash flying into her face. She was momentarily blinded, and the remaining two vampires used this time of weakness to gain an advantage.

They backed her into a corner of dense trees, and appeared to laugh evilly at her failure.

“A Slayer.” one of them spoke, Elizabeth had been unsure of their ability to do so.

“Wos beginning to fink they twere nuffin’ more ‘an fairytales.” the other responded in a terrible dialect that Elizabeth could not quite place.

Elizabeth cringed, knowing what was about to happen. It had been inevitable, Geoffrey had told her Slayers had short lives. Why had she expected to be any different? She screwed her eyes closed, not wanting to see the end arrive.

When Elizabeth opened her eyes, she was no longer starring at two terrifying demons, but the concerned face of Geoffrey.

“Geoffrey?” Elizabeth breathed quietly, not wanting to only be imagining him.

“Elizabeth, are you alright?” he replied, concern evident in his tone and posture.

“Barely. And only thanks to you.” she smiled reassuringly.

“I’m sorry about earlier.” Geoffrey immediately stated, surprising Elizabeth slightly.

“I was just confused.” Elizabeth explained, glad to be with Geoffrey again. He always seemed to make things a little better.

“Maybe we should finish a little of the Slayer history?” Geoffrey suggested with a smile. “Start on your training?” he added.

“Tomorrow.” Elizabeth responded, already growing tired from her restless sleep. “For now, we should sleep.”

“Of course.” Geoffrey bowed, letting her walk to his side so he could escort her home.

“How did you know I needed you?” Elizabeth asked. “And where to find me?”

“Watcher instinct. I know when you are in danger.” Geoffrey explained simply, walking a little behind her.

“You probably think I am quite silly after seeing that debacle.” Elizabeth frowned, feeling insecure.

“I saw everything. I saw the quickness of your responses at your cottage, and I saw your ability for improvisation, considering your surroundings.” he smiled, letting her know that he respected her.

“But I closed my eyes like a child when I thought death was coming. I could have fought them.” Elizabeth replied.

“Probably. And you could have won. But you do not trust your abilities yet. You soon will.” Geoffrey consoled her with an air of finality, and she knew that he would help her achieve her best Slaying abilities. She knew she could trust him. And most of all, she knew that she could rely on him to help her rely on herself.


***

I know this is kind of short, but I just wanted to wrap up her unsure feelings, and throw in a short fight scene to go along with her internal struggles. Thanks for reading! -Marissa

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