Little Black Riding Hood

The Returned

Atsuko

CHAPTER 25: THE RETURNED

Blade's POV

The Queen dropped me on the ground but even with the vines off me I still couldn't move. I couldn't believe my eyes. What did I just see? Was that really Atsuko?

"Still think that your mate is not a killer?" The Queen asks. I look up to see her looking at me from her throne. The Princes stood by her side watching the ring. I don't know what to say. I've been dreading and worrying the whole time on Atsuko's safety but I never expected her to kill Juliet much less be so brutal. This is what my mate is.

The Queen stands up and approaches Atsuko. I look to see my mate's dark hollow eyes. Her eyes filled with hunger for another kill. She watches the Queen cautiously.

"I can declare you a winner now but you haven't finished the job yet."

I hear the pack start to go louder. Juliet isn't dead but she is barely breathing. She's conscious though. Her eyes open slightly to see Atsuko towering her. She grits her teeth in frustration.

"J-Just finish me already." Juliet says softly and it sounded more of a whimper. A sword made with ice suddenly appears in the Queen's hands.

"It's your call now." The Queen says as she hands the sword to Atsuko. Atsuko looks from the sword to Juliet. She goes down picking Juliet up by her long hair causing Juliet to wince in pain. I see Klarrissa covering her face and Javier is there comforting her. He's keeping is cool but seeing his eyes I know that he is worried on what will Atsuko do next. Atsuko tosses Juliet outside of the ring that was created for the both of them. The crowd moves away from Juliet as Atsuko approaches. Juliet can't exactly move now with her injuries and since her wolf hasn't returned yet, she's basically vulnerable.

"As much as I hate seeing you with my mate, you don't deserve to die at all." Atsuko says while she bends down to look Juliet in the eye.

"Let's call it a truce, alright? Both of us are equally matched and injured." Atsuko asks. Juliet's eyes widen in shock.

"Why?! Just save me the embarrassment and kill me already!" she shouts.

"Why should I kill you for just falling in love? Your love for him was too strong until it transformed that love to hate and resentment. You were just clouded by your own jealousy. Right now, I'm giving you a chance to live so that you can find your own destined one."

Juliet look at lost for words and so did everyone. Juliet looks down and immediately bursts into tears. Atsuko just smiles and turn to the Queen.

"We forfeit. Let's call it a truce, neh?"

The Queen too broke into a smile. "Very well, guardian."

The ice sword immediately disperses into tiny pieces and there was a strong wind carrying it away. I got up to my feet just in time to see Atsuko wobbling away. I didn't make it in time to catch her collapsing because Javier already beat me to it. He carries her in his arms. He looks at me with killer eyes but hands her to me anyways.

"She loss too much blood. Most of her bones are broken."

"We'll take her to the hospital then!"

"No need." two authoritative voices said. Everyone fell silent as the Kings approach us. They must be here for the Queen. One of them examined Atsuko but I couldn't hold back but to let out a low menacing growl at him for touching Atsuko. He glares back at me with those green eyes which seem to be glowing.

"Watch it, pup. She's not going to make it if you take her to the hospital."

"So you'll help her here?"

"No. You will." his brother said.

"What?"

"Mark her. By marking a human, your healing abilities will be transferred to her and soon she'll be alright by next morning."

"Just make sure to do it in private. Now shoo before she dies. I need her alive." The Queen chimes as she gives one of her mates a hug and a kiss. She doesn't have to say it again because in an instant I'm in my room with my mate in my arms. I can feel her heartbeat getting slower. I have to do it now.

Most of her battle suit is basically torn and her neck is clearly exposed.

"I'm sorry for doing this."

My canines elongated as they graze her soft tender neck. I took a moment to take in her scent and before I know it, Talon pulled me back and he took over. He immediately sank my canines down onto Atsuko's neck. The taste of metallic blood which now turns to sweet cherries enter my mouth. Once I know that my mark is in place, I let go. The tattoo slowly forming on her neck with my name on it. She's mine. She's finally mine.

Her wounds are closing up nicely and I can feel her bones fixing itself. The sensation I'm feeling right now is extraordinary. Atsuko begins to move slowly and I see her opening her eyes.

"Atsuko? Wake up. It's me, Blade." I say softly while kissing her cheeks. She grunts and opens her eyes but suddenly her body arches back and her eyes are completely glowing in purple. Her body starts shaking like something is about to explode inside her. Her mouth hangs open and purple light emerges from there too and it was too blinding. What's wrong with her?!

Akira's POV

"What the hell is that?" Ryan asks as he approaches me.

"It's coming from Blade's room!"

The bright purple light shining brightly and it basically lit up the whole pack house. Jaylen and Raylen knows what is going on and so do I. We stood there watching as it goes brighter and brighter.

"Leave it be. He'll be alright." I said standing there watching the bright lights. I guess the others will sense the reawakening of the dragon soon enough.

"What is going on, Luna?!" The pack's Alpha demands and I stomped on Raylen's foot to keep him from growling at the guy. I just smile and look at the bright light that's giving everyone ease. They should know that her powers won't harm them. I'll explain to everyone once the light dims down.

I put on my shades and watch carefully. This is going to be one hell of a sleepless night.

"The real power of the guardian has finally returned."

Unknown's POV

I jolt up from this feeling I am having. No, this is impossible. This power I am feeling, the surge of energy sends chills down my spine. I clutch my right arm to stop it from shaking. How could this be?! She has already lost her power! It's impossible!

"Are you even listening?" General Kray stood in front of me. I bow my head showing submission to him. It seems that he didn't feel it or chose to ignore it. A vampire as strong as him should have felt that intense power. No, everyone in the room felt it.

"Yes, sir. I am sorry."

He ignored whatever I said and continued on. To have felt this power means that she's here in America. How?! She was supposed to be back in Japan! My arm throbs again and I clutch it even harder than before to keep the pain from spreading. Her power, it's ten times more powerful than before! I've already chose to let her go and I will continue in doing so. I shut my eyes to calm myself.

"Atsuko, anata wa itsumo no yō ni, mada tokubetsudesu ( Atsuko, you're still as extraordinary as always )." I say to myself quietly. I look up to see some of the elders looking at me with annoyance flashing through their eyes. I look away, this is highly embarrassing especially for my maker.

"Will you focus on what's ahead?" my maker scolds. I bow my head in submission to her.

"Yes, mistress."

After all these years, we meet again but I wish we won't cross paths, Atsuko.