Awakening
As the light turned green, Amanda twisted the handlebars, gunning forward toward her new assignment. She had two battle-axes strapped to her back in preparation for the monster she would be facing. She was already terrified, but it wasn’t because of the demon that was reported. Standing almost 10 feet high, the Verpine Beast weighed almost 5 tons and was covered head to foot in thick armor. Morgan had insisted the two enchanted axes would make short work of the creature, and Amanda didn’t dispute that, she was confident she could kill the thing.
The thing that scared her was where it was located. Religion itself had terrified Amanda ever since that fateful confrontation with the First’s servant Caleb in the vineyard in Sunnyvale. There she had witnessed the death of her friend Molly at the evil preacher’s hand. Since then she hadn’t even thought about entering a church, for irrational fear that there were more like him around; and now she had to.
The Verpine Beast was reported to be causing a disruption in a local church. It was Tuesday, so there were not many people in the church, but still, Amanda wanted no part of entering the structure after the frightening experience with Caleb. She privately hoped that the church had been destroyed already and the creature had moved on, so she wouldn’t be forced to enter the church to face it. If she saw one more person with a Priest’s collar… Amanda shook her head at the thought.
She parked the bike at the steps of the Catholic Church and dismounted. She pulled off her helmet and tossed her braided hair out of her eyes with a shake of her head. She was wearing a black blouse and a pair of tight leather pants that some of the female gang members insisted she wear, saying it would make her look more “bad-ass.” She didn’t know if she agreed with that, but did concede that they were comfortable. She also wore black leather boots.
She took her weapons in both hands and turned to the church, noticing the double doors at the church’s entrance had been torn off their hinges and lay in pieces all up and down the stairs. The beautiful stain glass windows had been shattered and there was some sort of red slime everywhere that looked like blood. On closer inspection, she saw that it was not blood, at least not human blood. She frowned and stepped inside.
The inside of the church looked no better than the outside with pews torn from the floor and thrown asunder. She could now easily see the source of the problem: A huge, brown and dark purple monster stood in the middle and it looked like he was attacking someone. It was a priest! Just my luck. Wasting no time, Amanda sprinted toward the center of the church to engage the demon.
She was several feet too late and although the demon had swung, the bulky, heavily muscled monster fist did not hit the man. It stopped short, as if it had hit an invisible wall. In fact, it looked like the creature was miming, striking repeatedly and stopping short at the same spot. It was as if the air itself had formed an impenetrable barrier. The demon roared in frustration and stepped back, preparing a much stronger blow. The priest dropped one hand and held the other in a strange gesture, fingers down except for the index and middle, which were thrust straight up. He swung the hand through the air far short of the monster.
Amanda’s eyes widened as the demon suddenly went crashing back into the far wall, howling in pain. The priest took several casual steps over to the fallen demon and raised both hands in the air, as if he were grabbing something invisible. Suddenly, a flaming sword appeared in his grasp. He lowered it and brought it around, as the monster started to raise its head. He swung one blow that knocked the demon back down. The creature howled in protest on its back, as the priest climbed up on top of it and flipped the sword over in his hands. He plunged it deep into the creature’s body and jumped away as it started to let out an unearthly scream.
As Amanda watched, eyes wide, the demon started to shake violently and then dissolve into a pile of the red slime Amanda had seen strewn around the place. The man sighed, retrieved the flaming blade and turned around, facing Amanda. Amanda gasped when she finally saw his face. Caleb!
Terrified, she started to take a step back as the man raised the blade and flung it in her direction. She hit the church floor, belly first to avoid it, but then saw there was no need. The flaming sword would not have hit her, as it was thrown high above her and Amanda was surprised when she heard another pained growl behind her. She turned and saw another Verpine Beast standing a few feet from her, the flaming blade sticking out of its shoulder.
Amanda hopped to her feet and as she faced the demon, she twirled the ax in her right hand around and threw it into the demon’s head, and then, after transferring the other axe to her right hand, did the same with that one. Not being able to take the pain, the demon fell flat on its back while Amanda raced over to pull her weapons out of the creature’s head. It was still moaning softly so Amanda used both axes in conjunction to break under the demon’s hide and destroy its heart. The demon let out a final growl of anger and then became like its mate.
Still holding both axes in a ready position, Amanda turned toward the Caleb look-alike. “Don’t come another step!” She shouted.
The man gave her an odd look but stayed where he was. “Are you all right, sister?”
“I’m no sister of yours! Why did you come back? Why are you here?” Amanda exclaimed, still holding her weapons at the ready.
“Come… back? Do we know each other?” The priest said, taking a few steps toward her, his hands out in front of him in a compassionate gesture.
“I SAID DON’T COME ANY CLOSER!!” Amanda screamed, trembling. The image of Caleb gutting Molly dominated her mind.
“All right, I’ll stay right here.” The priest said, holding his hands up in a surrendering posture.
Amanda took a few steps forward, studying the priest. As she was a bit closer, she noticed he didn’t quite look like Caleb. Some of the features were similar, and he spoke with the same southern dialect Caleb had, but this man was much younger, and had much darker, more neatly cropped hair. He also wore a brown goatee.
“Who are you?” She demanded.
“I am Father Joshua. I was given power from God Himself to slay demons and-“
“I just asked your name, thanks.” Amanda interrupted. “Do you… were you once called Caleb?”
The man’s eyes widened. “Caleb?? My older brother is named Caleb, but I have not seen him in some years, he turned away from the faith and joined some dark order.” His eyes narrowed on Amanda. “Now may I ask who you are?”
Amanda began to let her guard down, the man was very soft spoken and polite, nothing like Caleb. Perhaps he was telling the truth. “I am Amanda, a Vampire Slayer.”
“A Vampire Slayer? I thought there was only one?” Father Joshua said.
“Yeah… there was this whole… thing…” she started, not really wanting to tell the whole story to this man who looked like a murderer she was well acquainted with. “Now there are a lot of us.”
“I see.” Joshua nodded. “Tell me, have you seen my brother?”
Amanda nodded. “Yeah, I saw him. I saw him murder several innocent girls and make a pact with the oldest evil the world has ever known. He’s dead now.” She said bitterly, but when she saw the pain in his eyes she added: “It was quick…”
Joshua shook his head. “No, no, I am sure it was the only way. There was a rumor he was responsible for a series of murders in our home in the south, all were young women. I suppose I didn’t want to believe…”
“Why are you here?” Amanda cut off his recollections, the anger and fear in her voice being traded for quiet compassion.
“I’ve been searching for a girl the past few weeks who was terrorizing folks in Orange County…” he started.
“A girl?” Amanda said, curious as to why this man, who was supposedly Caleb’s brother, was also chasing a girl, “Why? What has she done?” she demanded.
Joshua shook his head. “It’s not what you think, little lady. This little missy has some very unnatural powers, and has been apparently summoning demons. I followed her into this church this morning when those two big beasties attacked. I imagine she brought them here.” Joshua held out his hands. “So, are you going to keep interrogating me, or what?”
Amanda sighed and lowered the two axes. “No, I guess not. Maybe we can help each other. What does this girl look like?”
Joshua lowered his hands. “’Bout 5’11”, blonde, petite and scrawny thing. To be honest, I haven’t gotten a very good look at her, she’s quite fast.” They were interrupted by a crash from the back of the church. “And perhaps she’s still here!” Joshua said and turned toward the back of the church.
Amanda followed and both stepped through the back door at the same time. Amanda reacted out of reflex as a flash appeared out of the corner of her eye. A young girl, perhaps a bit younger than Amanda, leapt from their right. Amanda swung one axe but the girl blocked it, grabbed her axe arm, held it still, and launched a foot into her gut and Amanda’s eyes widened in surprise as the pain made her drop the axe.
The girl ducked under Amanda’s left arm as it swung to strike her, then launched a quick one-two punch into her belly, slamming Amanda against the wall of the church. Joshua created another flame blade and swung it at the girl as she danced away. Missing wide, Joshua tried to arc the blade back at his opponent, but the girl did a standing flip kick that knocked Joshua through a stain glass window like a rag doll. The girl turned and ran back through the church. The entire fight had lasted less than ten seconds.
Recovering almost immediately, Amanda charged into the church after the girl. She stopped briefly to check on Joshua, who was getting back up, then continued to chase the girl through the church. The blonde tore through the broken double doors at the entrance with Amanda following close behind. The girl ran hard down the street and Amanda mounted her motorcycle and sped after her.
She IS fast… Amanda thought, as she was traveling over 35mph and the girl was still well ahead of her. Amanda punched the gas and began to steadily gain on the girl. She got a good look at her from behind as she ran. She was barefoot with khaki pants and a blue tank top with long blonde hair flowing out from behind.
Amanda was only a few yards away from her when the blonde turned made a sharp turn and ran down an alley. Amanda compensated, though she nearly slid her bike in the process. Amanda smiled as she looked down the alley. There was no way out. The girl made it to the end, stood looking around for a moment as Amanda began to slow to a stop. The blonde jumped straight up.
Amanda gasped as she caught a fire escape for the nearby building and began to climb it. Amanda stopped underneath the ladder, parked the bike, then stood up on the bike’s seat and leapt to the ladder as the girl began running up the stairs. Amanda pulled herself through the metal hatch and looked up at the girl climbing right above her. Amanda stuck her hand through the stairs above her and grabbed the girl’s ankle. The blonde stumbled and fell flat on her face.
Amanda continued to climb the stairs and approached the downed girl who was just than getting up. Amanda tried to grab her but she leapt out of the way and off the stairs, landing back onto the ground. Amanda winced as she heard a sickening crack of a bone breaking in the girl’s leg. Amanda looked over the side of the fire escape and down at the alley floor and was surprised to see the girl limping toward the exit. Her right foot was turned completely to the side.
She was walking on a shattered ankle. How can she stand the pain without fainting? Amanda wondered. She pushed herself down the ladder then jumped gently to the ground. The girl started to pick up speed again when suddenly a red convertible with the roof down sped into the alley and spun to block off the girl’s escape. Amanda saw Joshua leap out.
The girl snarled when she saw him and held both hands out menacingly. Amanda saw fire appear up and down the girl’s arm as she approached Joshua. She threw her hands out and long streams of fire burst toward the young priest. Joshua held out a single hand and the flame vanished in his palm.
“Stand and be judged, creature!” Joshua said with authority in his voice...
“Never, priest!” The girl snarled in return. Two voices came out of her mouth; one was the voice of a young woman, while the other was a deep masculine voice.
Amanda stepped behind her and grabbed her. She put both hands under the girl’s arms and brought them around to press against her head in a full nelson. An inhuman squeal bellowed from the girl in the double-voice she had spoken with earlier.
“What is she Joshua?” Amanda yelled as the girl pulled and struggled against Amanda. It took all her strength just to hold on.
“It’s a girl.” Joshua said, approaching her cautiously. “Though I believe she is possessed.”
“Does that…” Amanda started, reeling as the girl tried to head butt her “Explain the speed and the fact that she doesn’t seem to feel pain?” She finished, getting a better lock on her.
“Depends on the type of spirit that possesses her. Hold her still for a few more moments.” He said as he pulled out a flask of Holy Water. He began to sprinkle some on her head, causing the skin to sizzle. “Unclean spirit, leave this girl immediately! The Power of Christ compels you!”
Amanda nearly lost her grip again as the girl squirmed powerfully. “You can’t make me leave God-boy!” She yelled once again in the double-voice. “This girl let me in, so she’s mine!”
“Let’s see what she has to say about that…” Joshua continued.
“She wants me! She’ll tell you!” The girl laughed.
“Quiet spirit! Let the girl speak! In the name of God be silent!” Joshua commanded. The girl’s mouth immediately closed.
It then opened again. “What… what’s happening? My leg… what happened? Please! Get this thing out of me!” She cried.
“That’s what I thought.” Joshua nodded. “Spirit, the power of Christ compels you to leave, NOW!” He ordered.
The girl’s back arched in Amanda’s arms and a hideous scream echoed out of her mouth as her eyes flashed several different colors. After several moments, the scream finally ended and the girl fell limply into Amanda’s arms.
Amanda heard a snarl behind her and turned, seeing a small, skinny demon covered in bony spikes. It was climbing to its feet. Amanda lowered the girl to the ground and approached the demon.
“You were inside her, weren’t you?” Amanda accused it.
The demon snarled in response. “Filthy Slayer! That girl was mine! She was a gift from Armand!!”
“Armand, eh? Does everything supernatural in this town revolve around this ‘Armand’?”
The demon smirked in response.
“Well, I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me where he is, so I suppose I’ll just have to kill you.” Amanda said, taking a step toward the demon.
“You can try!” The demon laughed and leapt up to the fire escape Amanda had just climbed. It started scampering up the ladder as fast as its little legs could carry it. Amanda reached down and picked up a large led pipe from the ground. It was rusted and had several holes in it already, but Amanda didn’t mind. She threw it at the demon. As it reached the top of the building the pipe smashed into its skull with a crack. It fell from the top of the building and landed in a heap at Amanda’s feet.
She was about to finish it off when it disappeared in a cloud of smoke; it had been destroyed when it had hit the ground. Amanda shrugged and bent down to retrieve the girl. She easily lifted her in both arms and carried her to Joshua’s car.
“Can you take her to the hospital? Someone should probably look at that leg.” Amanda said, laying her gently into the back seat.
“Of course.” Joshua said, nodding and climbing into the convertible.
“I need to check in, let me know when you’re done; we need to talk, about you… and this girl.” Amanda said, picking up her motorcycle, which had fallen over during the fight.
“Oh?” Joshua asked, raising an eyebrow at her. “I think she’ll be all right, now that you’ve killed the demon.” Joshua said, starting up the engine.
“No, it’s more than that. I felt it as I was fighting her. She’s not just an ordinary girl; she’s a Slayer, like me.” Amanda said, starting the engine of her bike. “Call me when you’re done.” She rode over to Joshua’s car and handed up a card. “Address and number’s on there.”
“That old abandoned hotel?” Joshua asked curiously.
“Yup.” Amanda nodded. “That’s our current place.” She started to ride down the alley past Joshua, than looked back. “One more thing, Joshua, I’m doing this because I trust you. I’m trusting you with our secret hiding place. Please don’t betray that trust, or you’ll be dead like your brother.” She said, than sped off.
Joshua watched her leave, then looked at the card, and smiled.
“So you just let him take the Slayer?” Morgan asked. “We don’t know him Amanda! He may take her back to this ‘Armand.’”
Amanda shook her head. “I know, but I didn’t have much choice, she needed medical attention and I wasn’t able to bring her there myself. Would have been kind of awkward on my bike.” She shrugged. She had only been back a few minutes and Morgan hadn’t liked what she had done. Fortunately, the fact that Amanda had doubled back and retrieved the two enchanted axes from the church before returning had brightened the Watcher’s mood.
Morgan sighed. They were sitting in the makeshift conference room in one of the upper rooms of the hotel. “I don’t like this.”
“He could be useful if he turns out to be trustworthy.” Amanda said.
“I agree, but did you have to give him the location of our safe house?” Morgan said with a concerned voice. “If he does works for Armand there could be an army of vampires here by nightfall.”
Amanda shook her head. “It was a test, to see if he’s really loyal. Besides, I think Armand already knows where we are. I think he’s known for a while.”
“Are you certain of this?” Morgan asked with her mouth agape.
“Yeah,” Amanda nodded. “Like I told you before, he sometimes visits my dreams. He knows who I am. This town is not very big and his influence is everywhere. If he hasn’t discovered us by now, then, well he’s probably not the enemy we think he is.” She smiled.
“I suppose you’re right.” Morgan agreed. “But I still wish you had consulted me before taking such a risk.” She sighed again. “Anything else to report?”
Amanda shook her head. “No, was there something you wanted to show me today?”
Morgan grinned. “Ah, yes, but not here, get dressed in your workout clothes and meet me in the training room.”
Ten minutes later, Amanda was dressed and standing in the workout room while Angelica Morgan looked over three different weapons she had assembled. From what Amanda could see, she had a strange but deadly looking spear, which was leaning against the wall, a sheathed sword that was resting on the table, and an axe that resting right next to it.
“Haven’t I already trained with these weapons?” Amanda asked.
“No, not these weapons.” Morgan said, turning to her and smiling. “An old friend of mine by the name of Philip Mensk from the Watcher’s council, though he was a researcher, not a Watcher, discovered these three weapons on digs in Africa, Egypt, and China. Since the council was destroyed before his excavations were complete, he sent them to me once we made contact again two weeks ago.” Morgan smiled. “The internet is wonderful tool.”
“Ah, so that’s what those crates you were wheeling in this morning were for…” Amanda asked.
“Yes.” Morgan beamed proudly. “I was hoping to show you this morning, but had to postpone that until the Verpine Beasts were taken care of.”
“Soo…” Amanda began walking toward the weapons and looking them over. “Anything specifically special about these weapons?”
Morgan looked shocked. “Any speci- young lady, you need to put your head in a book more often!” She chuckled. “I’ll introduce you.” Turning back to the table she lifted the axe and handed it to Amanda. Looking it over, Amanda noticed large metallic eyes on both sides of the axe, where the handle met the blade. The axe was blue and double bladed. The middle struck upward with a pointed blade.
“This is Blademourne, the Golem crusher. Now, I’ll doubt you’ll be facing many Golems in the coming years, but this is still an astounding find!” Morgan grinned, pulling up a clipboard full of notes. “Mensk’s notes say that Blademourne was built in the early tenth century for use by some order of Holy Paladins, for use during a war involving a sorcerer who specialized in creating Golems to do his bidding. The man himself is not named, only that this axe was used during the final fight against his fortress and the wizard was slain when Blademourne slew one of his guards and the Golem fell on top of it’s creator. Found in Egypt.”
“Weird name…” Amanda said, taking a few practice swings with the weapon.
“Though your lack of enthusiasm for this awesome find astounds me, I agree, it is a rather strange name.” Morgan shrugged.
“What’s a Golem?” Amanda asked, putting the axe back down on the table.
“A fair question, a Golem is something a sorcerer can create using the foulest magics. It is basically a collection of material wrapped around a demonic spirit. Typically stone or clay or even mud. Golems have not been seen in nearly a thousand years, not since the war described here actually, but that doesn’t mean a wizard couldn’t go ahead and make one.”
“Strange, I would have thought something that was apparently powerful enough to warrant the creation of a weapon specifically created to destroy it would be used more often.” Amanda said, sounding bored, though a little more interested now.
“I agree. Perhaps this weapon broke some sort of spell.” Morgan cleared her throat and walked over to the spear. “Anyway, we should continue. This is a weapon I want you to become familiar with…”
Amanda examined the spear for a moment and then took a step back. The shape of the blade was deadly, one large pointed blade with several smaller blades surrounding it, and a ring of spikes pointing horizontally out from around the other blades. That wasn’t what made her hesitate, but what was painted around the spear. There were several large very detailed designs of dragons. They were long and snake-like, resembling Asian dragons. Two actually opened their mouths at the top of the spear, as if they were swallowing the blade.
“This…” Morgan said, picking up the blade and handing it to Amanda, who took another step back. “Is Dragonbane, oh come now Amanda! It is just a spear! It will not bite!” She thrust it into Amanda’s hands, which reluctantly took it.
“Dragonbane was found in China. Mensk’s notes state it was forged around 2000 B.C. to slay a dragon that was terrorizing the ancient kingdom. Since then, it has found its way into the hands of many warriors’ throughout the millennia. Including quite a few Slayers. It was last seen in the mid 15th century, during a siege in China involving a dragon. It is interesting to note, this weapon traveled to almost every major country on earth before returning to China, and then here, 500 years later.”
Amanda didn’t practice with the blade as she had done with Blademourne; she just stared at it silently.
“Amanda,” Morgan sighed. “You have to get over this fear. I honestly do not see how a movie could have traumatized you that much.”
Amanda swallowed and nodded silently. “I’m okay.” She whispered and Morgan took the spear from her hand, which she graciously gave up. Amanda kept her eyes on the weapon until Morgan rested it back to its place. Finally, she lifted the sheathed sword though she seemed to have great difficult doing it.
“Please take this Amanda, it is quite heavy.” Morgan gasped. Amanda grasped it and easily held it up, though she could feel it still weighed a fair amount.
“Very good,” Morgan said as Amanda unsheathed the blade. The blade itself was thick and double-edged. Etched in it were scenes of battle, though each seemed to have a similar theme: A young woman battling a monster. In one image it was a vampire, in another it was a horned demon, and in others beasts Amanda did not recognize. Looking at the hilt, Amanda saw more images of the same young woman, though surrounding her were dozens of crosses build into the blade. At the very bottom she seemed to be praying.
“This, Amanda, is called the Lamia Caedo, the Vampire Killer.” She grinned as she said its name. “It has also been known as The Flame of Heaven, Demonbane, Slayer’s Fury, and Starburst. Forged in 12th century France, for Slayers, by a Slayer.” At Amanda’s confused look she continued. “Karen Faithguard was an average Slayer, but she was a brilliant weapon smith. She forged this blade and had it blessed by Priests. She had many victories with this blade until her death 15 years later. She lived quite a long life for a Slayer, mostly thanks to this blade. She left instructions for it to be given to ‘Her sisters,’ as she called the future Slayers, after her death. It was last seen in the 17th century in Africa, where a very young Slayer named Kiden wielded it. Kiden was 11 when her calling began and she retrieved the sword, though she died two years later in battle with a demon.” Morgan finished, becoming very solemn. “The blade has not been seen since, until recently of course.” Morgan finished.
Amanda took several swings more swings of the blade before turning back to Morgan. “13, huh? That’s kinda young…”
Morgan nodded. “Yes, at that time another violent Culling resembling the atrocities you so recently experienced, had taken place. A great evil had killed dozens of Slayers, and hundreds of Potentials. Kiden was the last one killed. The new Slayer of that age managed to stop the Culling and the Slayer line was allowed to continue. Though this sword was lost.”
“Until now…” Amanda said, looking intently at the blade.
“Until now.” Morgan nodded. “This is a great responsibility Amanda. I have already informed the new Slayers Council of my acquisition of these weapons, and though he first demanded that I send them to him immediately, Rupert eventually agreed to our point of view.” She gave a wicked smile.
“And what would be our point of view?” Amanda asked.
“That the Slayer Council is well, the Slayer Council and has an army of Slayers to back it up, while you and I are all the way out here by ourselves. Besides, Philip sent them to me, not to him, so, there,” Morgan said.
“And he accepted that?” Amanda said.
“Well, not so much accepted as he hung up angrily…” Morgan said.
“Ah, I see…”
“Anyway, how does it feel?” Morgan asked
“Very… natural, like it’s an extension to my arm, kind of like how the Scythe felt when I used it a few months ago.” She turned and took a few more practice jabs. “It feels like I’m supposed to be holding it, you know?”
Morgan nodded. “I want you to practice with these weapons, especially the sword, which you may call whatever you like. You may notice the carvings along the blade and the hilt. Several of those were carved into the weapon by the Slayers who used it, sort of an inscription honoring that Slayer’s campaign against evil.”
Amanda looked it over again, though this time she noticed several of the crosses on the hilt were surrounded by a kind of righteous fire. “Well, we’re on the West Coast here, and this sword originally came from France, then Africa, which are pretty far away, so how about “Dawn of the West?”
Morgan smiled and nodded. “That’s a good name Amanda, I like it a lot.”
Amanda returned her smile and sheathed the blade.
“I know you don’t want to do this, but I really want you to practice some with Dragonbane. It is unlike other spears you’ve used, and I have a feeling it may be of great use to you in the coming months.”
Amanda nodded slowly. “Okay, whatever.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow at her student’s unenthusiastic response, but decided to not push the subject. A moments silence past between them until a loud jingle sounded out from Morgan’s side, breaking the through the quiet. She reached down and removed her cell phone. “Yes? Oh really? Very well then, we shall be right there.” Morgan said, turning off the phone and returning it to her pocket. “Looks likes you’re friend Joshua has arrived.”
“Alright, than let’s go meet him.” Amanda said as the two turned and climbed the stairs.
A few minutes later they had arrived at the gang’s entrance, where Amanda spotted Joshua’s red convertible parked. The young priest was standing amongst several other men, much younger than he, talking intently. As Amanda approached, she noticed it looked as if they were interrogating him.
“Hey guys, its okay, he’s cool.” Amanda said as she approached them. At least I hope he does…
The guys glared at her. “Gideon says he needs to be checked out.”
“I’ll deal with Gideon, leave him alone.” Amanda said.
One snorted. “Whatever you say, Slayer.” He said, then turned and walked away with the others following him.
“Charming folks you live with,” Joshua said.
“Sorry about that.” Amanda said, and then glanced at his red car as if noticing it for the first time. “Pretty nice car, do priests really make that much?”
Joshua shrugged. “It was a gift.”
“Really? From who?” Amanda said, honestly curious.
“Brother I worked with a few months ago, was killed by some demons, left me his car. Miss him terribly…” Joshua said with real sorrow in his voice.
“Brother?” Amanda said, surprised.
“Err, spiritual brother, I meant.” He shook his head. “Anyway, I dropped the gal off and waited with her until she woke up; she was in quite a bit of pain… who is this?” He asked, motioning toward Morgan.
“Oh, sorry, Joshua, this is my Watcher, Angelina Morgan, Ms. Morgan, Joshua.” Amanda said, gesturing between them.
Joshua thrust out his hand immediately, which Morgan took cautiously. “How do’ya do ma’am?”
Morgan raised a brow. “Fine… for the moment. Now what is it you were saying?”
“Right,” Joshua smiled. “Anyway, I waited ‘till she woke up. Told me her name is Claudia Zander, and she’s from L.A. Didn’t say much, as I said, she was in quite a lot of pain, but from what I gathered, she’s never heard of a Slayer, but has been wondering why she had suddenly seemed to have gained super-powers.” Joshua chuckled. “She says she is 16 years old, and spent the last several years in some sort of demonic cult, wasn’t quite clear on that.” He shrugged. “Rather young to be livin’ in a cult…”
Amanda nodded. “Maybe she’ll talk more when she’s better.”
“I hope so, I think the cult is where she received the demon, but I won’t know for sure until she wakes again…”
“Well, we don’t need to know how she got it; it sounds like she could be a powerful ally…” Morgan began.
“Beggin' your pardon ma’am, but I would have to disagree with that assessment. “ Joshua interrupted.
“Oh?” Morgan began to get a nasty look on her face. “And why would that be?”
“It is very important that we know how the demon arrived in the girl, so it can not do so again.” Joshua said.
“True, but Amanda said she destroyed the demon, did she not?” Morgan looked at Amanda, and Joshua looked at her too. Feeling on the spot, Amanda smiled sheepishly.
“Y-yes! It’s dead, you saw it die, right Joshua?” Amanda finally sputtered after a moment.
“Yes, yes, my dear, you did indeed destroy its body, but its spirit still remains intact. If the girl is not protected, the demon will return to her seven times as powerful…” Joshua began.
“Oh, and where did you learn this?” Morgan said, smirking.
“Why, in the Good Book of course, have you not read it?” Joshua said, confusion in his eyes.
“For research purposes only, I assure you. I think you are very foolish to believe in such fairy tales.” Morgan said, chuckling.
“Pardon me ma’am, but those ‘fairy tales’ are what give me the power I currently wield,” Joshua argued.
“Yes, of course it does,” Morgan said in a patronizing voice, as if she was speaking to a young child.
“All I’m saying is that I worry about the girl’s eternal soul if such a power could possess her—” Joshua said.
“Fine, try to talk her into believing your way if you must, my Slayer and I will do it the proper way,” Morgan said. “Please let me know when this ‘Claudia,’ awakens, until then, I bid you good day and wish you the best of luck on your… quest.”
Joshua sighed in defeat. “Very well, I shall return to the hospital and pray. I will inform you when the girl awakens.”
“You do that. Come along Amanda.” Morgan said, turning her back on Joshua and returning down into the hideout. Amanda shrugged apologetically to Joshua before following Morgan down the stairs.
Once they were out of sight, Morgan chuckled. “Quite a friend you found there, Amanda. A tad mad I would say though…”
“It’s just what he believes in; you should give him more credit. I saw him fight and exorcise the demon, he handled himself pretty well.” Amanda shrugged.
“My dear naïve’ Amanda,” Morgan laughed, much louder this time. “You will learn that many creatures on this plane possess powers beyond their own understanding. They call it many things, psychic powers, natural powers, evolution, and most commonly, power from some sort of god. This Joshua is simply one of those. He doesn’t understand his own power so he gives his ‘God’ credit for bringing them into being. He is to be pitied, nothing more. Understand Amanda?”
Amanda nodded slowly. “I suppose so.”
“Good! Now come, Gideon wishes to speak with you.” Morgan said.
Several hours later, after the sun had collapsed over the horizon, Joshua lay dozing in a chair at Claudia’s bedside. He had spent several hours praying over her, sprinkling Holy Water on her head, and sometimes reading scripture to her. He was exhausted now, so he slumbered quietly.
A quick rustle of noise woke him. He opened his eyes and yawned and was startled slightly to see Claudia awake and sitting up in the bed.
“Wow, you scared me, Claudia” he chuckled. “How are you feeling?”
“Help…” She whispered. “Help!” She said louder as her body started to shake.
“I’ll call the nurse,” Joshua said, standing.
“No time… it’s coming…. IT’S HERE!!” she screamed and Joshua rushed to her side.
“Leave her alone!” He cried as her body convulsed violently. “In the name of-“
His words were cut off as the girl’s hand shot out and grabbed him around the throat, lifting him in the air as she got out of bed. She laughed insanely in a voice that was not her own.
“I’m back,” she said in a deep masculine voice. “Did you miss me?”
Joshua began to black out from the strangling grip. The last thing he saw was the girl’s glowing eyes.
To be continued…
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