The Other Home

Chapter 12

Bryan

I read the underground's daily paper near the healing spring behind my family's temple.[ King Daniel had escaped from prison and was on the run. David had put a price on his head.] Vampires are such savages, I thought as I read further. [The underground is rounding up its best warriors in anticipation of war with Demon territory.] I could have choked on the tea I so happened to be sipping. My hairs stood up as I heard a quieted rustle of footsteps behind me. I turned to glance behind me immediately locking eyes with Spike. Surprised, I dropped my tea and the newspaper as I jumped to my feet and held out my staff. "Don't come any closer, you are trespassing on Spirtlan territory." I threatened.

He chuckled as he continued to come closer, "Oh calm yourself, I could have taken this territory over, remember? I didn't though; I spared it, you, and your little friend." He dramatically started looking around, "Where is he by the way?"

The thought of Aquarius and how long he has been Missing squeezed at my heart. I frowned down at the ground. Spike smiled as he sensed my soft spot; he took another step towards me. I looked back up at him and held out my staff, "I'm serious, stay back!"

Spike held his hands up in defense. "Listen I think I'm in a transition of being a better man, but see all my minions and Shapeshifters aren't on the same page. I want to give them something that would permanently take away their shape shifting abilities, the problem is I still want them to keep their powers for.. Um... Self-defense purposes."

I pushed back up my glasses that were sliding down the bridge of my nose. So that's who Joseph was getting those viles of potions for, Spike. I should have known it, when was Joseph ever a consistent student in his work and studies. I groaned as I shook my head "And what makes you think I would help you?!" I couldn't, I thought, I wouldn't! If I felt I had a chance, I would have already attacked Spike.

"Well" Spike looked up at the floating willow trees that glided past us, "I do want to be a better person, but with no help, it makes it just a little harder when I have a territory of Shapeshifter that want to create havoc. If I take away the shapeshifting they will see I'm serious."

I stared at him, trying to find the glimpse of a lie. I knew that this man was never to be believed or trusted. He has hurt so many people in his wake, I'd hate myself if I ever assisted someone with such evil in their character. I considered what I read in the underground paper and smirked at the idea of Spike and Demon territory being no more.

"Whats so funny?" Spike grimaced

"I assume it's already too late now. We are on the cusp of a full territorial war. The underground has been taken over by a new king and rumor is they are out for revenge." I chuckled. Spike blinked in disbelief, looking down at the fallen newspaper. Did he know? He seemed caught off guard, as if he was just finding out. He took a step back with a disgusted look washing over his face. He held out his hand and before I knew it a black smoke had whirled out wrapping around my body and lifting me off the ground. I struggled within the hold of his power "I see the truth always comes out when it comes to your types." I spit as I continued kicking hoping my desprete movement would weigh me down.

Spike chuckled brushing his fingers through his black hair, "You're quite cheeky yourself, whatever happened to the teachings of submission around here?" Spike sarcastically asked as he tightened the hold on me.

I gritted my teeth as breathing became more difficult, "You killed the teachers."

Spike smiled and stepped closer to me, "I didn't kill you... Don't you think some gratitude is in order?"

"Never" I gasped.

Spike looked pissed at my stubbornness to submit to him. His eyes darkened as I questioned whether today would be the day I died by his hands. He brought his fingers to his lips as he let out a loud whistle. Following behind was high pitch shrills that traveled with the incoming winds. Shadows seem to dance on the floor of the surrounding Forrest. A shadow demon came dragging a small girl with it. "Miya" I gasped.