The Vampire Hunter's Academy: The Darkness (9 page)

Chapter Twelve

Crimson eyes created an eerie contrast in the surrounding darkness as Daemon watched Petronius’s grin widen in satisfaction. Things were going as the leader of The Darkness Organization planned, while his own plans temporarily turned to dust.

“He’s in!” Alex wheezed with rejoice. “I can’t believe we managed to get the tainted spirit of a potential Guardian into The Academy!” The ancient vampire began to cough and sputter up black blood onto the cold, granite flooring of the bottom chambers in the first level of Hell where they would often convene. Little vampire bats rushed in a frenzied formation from the stalagmite rooftops for a taste of the regurgitated fluid, like hairy, airborne piranhas.

“That took a great deal of effort on our part to ensure that the strongest male guardian born would face adversities enough to break his spirit and weaken him to our side,” Petronius replied, leaning forward on the black marble table and folding a tent with his long, deathly pale fingers. “Now that he is in, there is more work to be done. We must continue to put pressure on the backs of those obnoxious Guardians until the time comes for the Slayer to choose. What are your plans in all of this brother?” The oldest vampire of the three examined Daemon, his expression completely relaxed as if nothing was awry in the grand scheme of things.

Daemon took a sip of blood from the gold goblet. “My plans are always for the benefit of the empire Petronius,” he articulated cautiously. He smoothed the lapels of his black business suit and crossed his legs. “What will you have me do?”

“I think you have enjoyed your stay in Rome for far too long brother,” Petronius added coolly. “I need you to remain state side and with the remaining vampires we have at our disposal and whatever demon legions you have aligned yourself with, to put more pressure on the Guardian teams here. There are not nearly enough of them to handle the carnage that we are capable of delivering.”

“Are you insane?” Daemon quickly rose to his feet, his naturally midnight blue eyes blazing in the darkness. “If we draw too much attention to ourselves, we risk angelic intervention. There could be another war between our side and the forces of Light and to be honest, I look forward to surviving another millennium.”

Petronius chuckled. “The war is indeed inevitable; however, I was just testing you brother. But we do need to make sacrifices for the benefit of the empire to draw more Guardian forces out of hiding, perhaps enough to enlist the aid from the Academy Guardians. Then I suggest we strategically place even more pressure on The Vatican, slowly tightening our grip until not only is the Slayer’s spirit weakened, but so is the Guardian strength that surrounds her.”

“That is brilliant!” Alex applauded as he struggled to balance himself upright on his feet.

“It is going to take all of us united to ensure the success of this plan,” Petronius declared, his eyes never leaving Daemon’s unreadable expression.

“It is indeed…” Daemon glanced at his perfectly manicured nails before continuing. “Well, if that is all you wanted to discuss,
brother,
I will return to the states as you requested. I’ve developed a craving for New Orleans cuisine anyways. Besides, I wanted to make it in enough time for Mardi Gras…”

“Very well then brother,” Petronius nodded. “Until we meet again…”

Daemon dematerialized without another word from the cavernous pits of The Darkness Organization’s power center while Petronius and Alex shared a knowing glance.

“Are you going to continue to allow him to play these childish games?” Alex wheezed, returning to his seat.

“It is better for him to hang himself Alex. He is going to have to face The Beast and explain why turn attempts are being made on Guardians when none of that had been sanctioned, and if The Beast doesn’t kill him,” Petronius’ fangs lengthened as he growled, “we will.”

Eve took a seat on Sanaya’s bed when Archer finally left. He was fuming the entire time about the new kid, King, making it crystal clear that the kid was not welcome anywhere near Sanaya for as long as he resided on campus. Sanaya stood there motionless as her Guardian mentor ranted and raved until he received a phone call that forced him to abandon Eve and Sanaya to their own devices. Sanaya attempted to busy herself by pulling out her history book with the hope of distracting herself with much needed studying even though the idea was futile.

Eve opened her mouth to speak, but Sanaya’s silence forced her to take another approach. She waited until Sanaya was seated at the desk before cautiously approaching her. The young woman-child that she is carried a responsibility, which Eve did not want to fathom. Being a Guardian had enough of its own challenges. Hell, being a half breed vampire acting as a Guardian had been difficult. But her heart ached for the young woman that sat at the desk before her. This King kid could potentially be the worst thing that ever happened to her. Or, by Divine intervention, the very best. She gently placed her hand on Sanaya’s shoulder, startling her. Sanaya looked up.

“Yes?” Sanaya asked, closing her book.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Eve asked carefully.

“Talk about what?”

“Everything…” Eve waited for Sanaya to respond, watching her intently. She watched her chest rise and fall, releasing some of the pent up anxiety that she more than likely lived with for most of her life. She smoothed away a few idle, stray hairs from her pretty almond brown face.

Such a lovely girl
, Eve thought to herself.

“I don’t know…everything just seems like too much right now…” Sanaya began with a sigh. “I’m tired of being on lockdown. I am tired of training, training and more training when other girls my age are allowed to go to the movies, hang out and just…have fun! I am tired of being hated for…I don’t even know why the kids hate me!” Sanaya slammed her fist on the table, splintering it. “You see! That is not normal!” She screamed jumping up and freeze framing into the bathroom.

Eve tried to get to her before the door slammed shut, and she listened for the latch to lock, but when it hadn’t, she gently eased her way through the door. Sanaya was crouched on the toilet with her face buried in her hands. Eve detected the soft scent of her tears which tightened the ache in her own heart.

“Do not cry Sanaya,” she cooed as she kneeled beside her. “Please don’t cry…”

“All I am is the fucking Slayer to you people…” Sanaya sobbed. “I was nothing to my own parents which made it difficult to even cry at their funerals.” She wiped her face, revealing a pair of red rimmed eyes and sniffled. “I
hate it
here. My so called best friend is pissed off at me over a guy, a master vampire is tracking me; I’m afraid to go to sleep at night, and I…”

Eve pulled her into an embrace as another torrent of tears overwhelmed the young slayer, her pain a bottomless well that was dangerously close to consuming her spirit. Even the best warriors needed a moment to be human, and Sanaya was no exception.

“You are more than just a Slayer to us,” Eve whispered into Sanaya’s hair. “You are our hope… I did not mourn for my parents either. When I first arrived here no one would touch me with a ten-foot pole. All of them feared me because of what I am. But now…” Eve gently cradled Sanaya’s face in her palms. “I proved all of them wrong, or right in some cases, but the fact remains, most of those people that had a problem accepting me would give their right hand to fight by me.”

Instant understanding flowed between the two, and after a long moment, Sanaya barked out a laugh. “I hadn’t cried since that night I watched my dad kill my mom,” she said wiping her eyes.

“It’s alright,” Eve said soothingly. “You have been carrying that poison with you since you arrived. It’s good that you got it out.”

Eve tore off a handful of toilet paper from the roll and handed it to Sanaya before stepping back out into the bedroom to give the girl some much needed space. She still needed to ask her about what appeared to be blossoming between her and King, but the text message that came in through her phone told her the King conversation would have to wait another day.

Meeting in the war room. Sending Myra and Lois to cover you.

Eve sighed. There were still a couple of hours left before sundown, , and whatever Archer’s plan of attack happened to be, she hoped that he had an effective plan in place. There was only a matter of time before the master sent out human helpers to lay siege on the Academy or worse. In her almost 200 years of existence, she learned a thing or two about master vampires and what they are capable of, and if Sanaya is indeed imbedded deeply into this particular vampire’s radar, then they are going to need more than just a handful of Guardians to stop him. Plus, she could sense the limitless power of one of the ancient members of The Darkness Organization, and she was willing to bet her eyeteeth that he was behind this, which meant that The Guardians had a lot more to worry about. And, what the Guardians seemed to forget was that she, next to Sanaya was their secret weapon into the vampire world. Experience with killing vampires was one thing, but actually being one of them was another.

Sanaya returned to her desk to finish her studies, her mood apparently lifted placing her in a much clearer space, and without a word, Eve gently closed the door so as not to disturb her. She should be fine with the two younger Guardians, at least until she gets back from the meeting.  Myra and Lois were experienced Guardians, and even though their specialty did not reside in all things vampire, they would know what to do, especially if the master attempted another mind lock with the Slayer before the sun sets. Myra, an expert in protection wards and all things dreamscape should be able to handle the situation. Massaging her temples, Eve tried to relax, unsure of where all of the sudden tension was coming from when she detected the presence of Lois and Myra outside of the door.

The two blondes greeted her warmly, with Myra, the shorter of the two, taking a seat on the sectional in the living area.

“So where is she?” She asked excitedly, her blue eyes wide with enthusiasm.

“She is in the room studying. For now, just give her some space. She has had a rough few days.”

Lois and Myra nodded as Eve headed out the door. Despite her understanding that Sanaya was left in the care of good hands, the anxiety of leaving the Slayer alone would not dissipate.

Chapter Thirteen

Sanaya closed her book the moment Eve left and checked her phone to find that there were a dozen text messages from Maya, apologizing profusely for her behavior; and at least three from Trent wanting to know if she was ok. She responded to Maya’s text, figuring that Maya was busy with her own studies when her best friend surprised her with an immediate follow up call.

“ Naya, I am so sorry,” She began, sounding sincere.

“It’s cool…” Sanaya replied, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. “I hope you are over it.”

“I don’t know what came over me.I just, like him so much.”

“But Maya,” Sanaya pleaded. “You don’t even know him. I mean, yeah he is fine and everything but sheeesh…”

“Like I said, I am sorry…”

“Well, you are forgiven…just don’t lose your head over a guy again. I wouldn’t do you like that.”

“I know you wouldn’t,” Maya said softly. “I just wanted him to see me the way that everyone else sees you…”

Maya’s last comment sent a pang of pain right in the center of Sanaya’s chest. Her best friend, her sister just revealed that she felt trapped in her shadow and for that, Sanaya couldn’t stay mad at her. Besides, she had much bigger issues to contend with, but before moving on to that, she had to let Maya know her own truth as well.

“Maya, you are special just because you are you. That’s it. It has nothing to do with your gifts or what people may think your future will hold. You are just you. Trent only likes me because of
what
I am, not who I am, just like everyone else here at this school…”

“I didn’t realize that-”

“No you didn’t. But how could you?”

When Maya did not immediately respond, Sanaya decided it was just time to let it go. Maya was still her friend regardless. Things were tense around The Academy.

“So, who is the new guy that sat at the table with you this morning?” Maya prodded.

“Oh, Maaaaayyyaaa, his name is King and-“

“You like him!” Maya squealed over the phone, making Sanaya cringe.

“Shhhhh! Don’t mention anything about that out loud. I don’t think the Guardians like him too much and…”

Sanaya then gave her friend the rundown on her encounters with the new potential Guardian, negating to mention that they were supposed to meet at the Courtyard tonight at midnight. Some things were just too private and too special for even a BFF to know about.

“Damn girl,” Maya said when she was finished. “I saw you two together and he looked like he was way into you…”

“I know. He is…” Sanaya gushed. She checked the clock and she had a few more hours before she made her escape. She knew the head Guardians would be out hunting tonight, so manipulating the two that were supposed to be watching her should be a breeze, or at least that is what she figured.

“But check it, I got some interesting news to share with you,” Maya added, interrupting her thoughts.

“What is it?”

“I overheard Tia talking to that Guardian brother, Andre, about three of the students that have gone missing,” Maya said quickly. “You see, Elizabeth is one of the few here that are the least gifted and her antics along with the crap she pulled with you the other day has landed her in big trouble with her family. Her father is threatening to pull her out of the school because he feels that she has been an embarrassment to the family name, so now she is desperate. Elizabeth wants to be a Guardian. Her whole future is depending on it, so she sent out three of her flunkies on a mission to dig up some information about the vampire activity taking place around the school for them to bring it back to her so
she
can try to do something about it and make herself look good in front of The Academy.”

“That is so effing stupid of her! And her flunkies! They’re that stupid to risk their lives just to make her look good?” Sanaya exclaimed in disbelief.

“Naya, you forgot Elizabeth has money and so she probably promised them that if they do this for her, she would reward them with some cash or something…you know she likes to floss her parents’ wealth to the rest of us who pretty much have nowhere else to go outside of The Academy.”

“But how did they get out? This place has pretty much been on lock down.”

“The Guardians are stretched too thin here. Most of them are away on secret missions, while the rest are divided between hunting the master, guarding the school and protecting you. Plus, we’ve got some strong seers on this campus, and I’m willing to bet that one of Elizabeth’s flunkies were strong enough to temporarily block the Guardians from knowing their whereabouts until it was too late.”

Sanaya didn’t hesitate when she said, “Maya, we gotta do something. I can’t live like this.”

“I know but what? They are never going to let us fight until they think we are ready,” Maya added pensively.

“Well Maya, we have to prove to them that we don’t have time.”

They wrapped up their conversation with a plan Sanaya could only hope would work, and then checked the time again. Two more hours.

She didn’t care about what she had to do to make it to the courtyard. Maya had given her an idea she hadn’t even considered. She was a strong telepath. Not strong enough to break Archer’s blocks nor set up her own blocks against him; she was almost as strong as Eve, but still needed a ways to go. She gently sent out a mental probe to test the new Guardian’s resistance to her, and when she found none, she knew these Guardians had special skills, but unfortunately was lacking in the Seer department. She could get around them easily.

Besides, if the campus was supposed to be a fortress, then what could possibly go wrong?

Two hours later

King waited patiently underneath the Willow tree in the courtyard, hoping that Sanaya had managed to get away from her caretakers. He just needed a moment with her. Just one. Her presence was enough to make sense of all the stuff that had gone terribly wrong in his world. It wasn’t easy getting passed Congo, however when the Guardian giant left to attend an important meeting, he used that as his opportunity to escape, slipping out of his room with ease and taking the back stairs to circumvent the parking lot, cutting across a narrow path that led to the courtyard. He made sure to dress in all black attire which included sweats and a hoodie, but at some he figured, if he was going to get caught it was going to happen regardless. Just about every person who attended or worked for this school had special abilities without actually having to see him in the dark.

Leaning against the trunk of the tree, he checked the phone Congo gave him. It was two after midnight. He knew she would come. There was determination in her promise that she would be there. The night stood still, and he listened in the surrounding darkness for any signs of movement. There was none, other than the gentle breeze that rustled the Willows hanging branches. After another few minutes, he sensed the familiar energy signature of Sanaya approaching. Like him, she sported the all black look with her perfectly fitted sweats and thin jacket. She looked around anxiously, her guard obviously up and the moment her eyes met his, a slow smile crept along her pretty face.

“Hey pretty girl,” He greeted. “You made it. I thought the Guardians had you on a tight lock down.”

She looked away, still smiling. “I have my ways of getting around those things.” The truth was, she temporarily mind stunned the Guardians so she could slip out. They had no idea what hit them. After that, she crawled through a nearby vent in the hall before exiting out of the building, and making sure to stick to the shadows. When Archer discovers what she’d done, she knew she was in big trouble.

“Looks like you had little trouble making your escape,” She said inching closer to him.

“I can take care of myself,” He replied with a grin.

They stood in awkward silence, Sanaya unsure of what else to say. Instead, she moved in closer, until she stood just inches away from him.

“So where are you from?” She asked finally, folding her arms across her chest.

“Georgia. You?”

“Los Angeles.”

“So tell me about this…”

He didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence when Sanaya sensed the presence of something “otherly” hidden in the shadows, watching them. Raising her finger to her lips, motioning him to remain silent, she stretched out her senses. Her skin began to prickle, her body tensed and she instinctively took a protective position in front of King.

“What is…?”

“Shhhhh…” She silenced him again, so she could listen. This school was supposed to be a fortress: a bastion against the levels of darkness. The school was built on hallowed ground, blessed by every Pope known to man. Where are the Guardians? The all too familiar scent of sulfur caused bile to build up in her throat. Her heart rate increased, fueling her body with adrenaline. Tuning her ears into the surrounding darkness, she heard the soft patter of feet against the pavement off in the distance, closing in.  Vampire. A vampire was on the campus!

She snatched a thick branch off of her favorite tree, snapping it in half, mumbling her own prayer over it, creating her own version of a stake. King stood behind her and did the same thing.

The entity was closing in at full speed, and Sanaya could sense its thirst. Female. Fresh turn. Sanaya’s mental probe determined a familiarity with the vampire.No. This couldn’t be…

Sanaya didn’t have time to finish the thought when Halo appeared, looking half crazed and enraged. Her once beautiful brown skin had an ashen grey tinge to it. She now sported fangs, her slanted eyes now glowed a deep crimson. Her clothes were tattered and ripped, and the gaping wound from where she’d been bitten had yet to heal.

“What the fuck?” King shouted, while Sanaya faced off with Halo.

“Pretty Slayer,” Halo growled. “The Master wants you alive but do not make me violate his orders by killing you.”

Sanaya circled the vampire/former Guardian, her stake held firmly in her grip.

“Tell your Guardians to call off their hunt, otherwise more students will join his army.”

“Who did this to you Halo?” Sanaya demanded. “Tell me the Master’s name.”

Halo smiled, exposing her freshly formed, blood dripped fangs. Sanaya shuddered. Halo had fed and the only thing she could hope was that it was not from any one of the students. Enraged, Sanaya launched a series of hard punches inn Halo’s direction, knocking the vampire back. However, Halo at one point was one of the strongest Guardians at The Academy and it was not long before she had the upper hand, landing a hard swing into Sanaya’s jaw. Sanaya doubled back but would not give up, and when Halo launched into the air in her direction, Sanaya met her with a hard kick to the chest. King tried to assist by landing a couple of punches of his own, however Halo managed to grab him by his hoodie and sent him flying across the courtyard where he crashed into a nearby bench, his body bounced twice before hitting the grass.

Guardians came rushing out, armed with stakes, cross bows and specially calibrated guns with silver bullets, while Sanaya fought Halo with everything she had. She barely missed a swipe from Halo’s talons when she hit her with another punch to the jaw.

“I can’t get a clear shot!” She heard one of the Guardians yell.

“Sanaya!” Came Eve’s voice.

She could hear the Guardians calling for her, but it was too late. This was her kill. Halo lunged for her again, and this time she ended up on the ground, with Halo’s fangs just inches above her neck.

“Ronan will just have to understand,” Halo hissed.

Eve reached her before the other Guardians and yanked Halo by the neck, forcing her off her. Sanaya was on her feet instantly, brandishing her stake and made another run for Halo.

“Sanaya nooooo!” Archer screamed as Sanaya plunged the stake deep into Halo’s chest cavity. However, instead of turning into ash, Halo was on the ground, spewing up blood, her muscles spasming. Sanaya went for her again when she was pulled back by Eve and Congo.

“Why won’t you die!” Sanaya screamed as she struggled against Congo and Eve’s hold.

“Easy sweetheart,” Congo said soothingly. “You did good. Real good.”

At least a dozen Guardians surrounded Halo, weapons drawn. The vampire thrashed about violently, sending a high pitched scream into the night air.

“How the hell did she cross our barriers man?” Another Guardian demanded.

“Take her inside,” Archer commanded grimly, motioning towards Sanaya.

“Come on honey,” Eve said gently, ushering Sanaya and Congo towards the main building.

Sanaya calmed enough to allow herself to be escorted from the violent scene. As her senses normalized, she felt the soul chilling caress brush across her exposed shoulder. She tensed, recognizing immediately the invisible culprit. She clenched her jaws shut. The Guardians were already in over their heads.

“I know you felt him,” Eve whispered to her as they approached the steps. “He is close.”

“Who is close?” Congo demanded.

“The Master,” Eve replied.

Congo cursed as Eve continued. “He won’t breach the school. Something or someone is holding him back. He has already had a taste of our Slayer and the knowledge that she is close is driving him to the point of madness. Halo was sent.” She inhaled deeply, fighting back tears. “Halo was sent to weaken our resolve and our defenses. But, the fact that she didn’t turn to ash even with the stake in her chest means that she wasn’t supposed to turn. She won’t die until we put the master that killed her down.”