New Issues

**Chapter 17**

**New Issues**

Celeste rides through the lands of France heading
toward Mondragon Manor on Anabel's order to return immediately after being awar
for over three days. She returns two days after recieving the message from her
owl, early morning. She's greeted by Inkil at the front door.

Translated in French.

Inkil: Lady Celeste... you've returned...

Celeste: Well yes.... I live here... why wouldnt I?
(saying as she gets off her horse and begins to follow Inkil to the stables)

Inkil: Well things have been... I just thought you
might have been...

Celeste: I hit some rough roads but was not anything
I couldn't handle at all... trust me. (saying as she looks around)

Inkil: (smiles)

Celeste: ... I see... new faces... what's going on
with that?

Inkil: Oh um....the sisters... called in more
debts... so it's a packed place now. (saying as they stable the horse and begin
to take the weapons on the horse off)

Celeste: Interesting (saying as she looks around
helping Inkil with the weapons and grabbing the owl from the cage letting it out).

Inkil: See you two have bonded... (saying as the owl
flies out)

Celeste: We have had the time.

Inkil: And the weapons...they work out well for you?
(saying as he grabs all in his hands)

Celeste: Perfect... here let me help you with that
(saying she attempts to help Inkil)

Inkil: I have it... Mistress Anabel... she
um...asked me to tell you to go see her when you arrived...

Celeste: How'd she know I would be in today?

Inkil: It's an old message... she asked me days ago
"Have Celeste come see me moment she gets back."

Celeste: Sounds more like a command than a
request...

Inkil: Well... you dont work for the Mondragons
without catching some sort of aggression (saying as he walks off to the weapons
vault)

Celeste looks at Inkil curiously then begins to head
to Anabel's room. As she travels through the house she sees many fresh new
faces and very few old ones. When she arrives to Anabel's door it is cracked
but before entering Celeste knocks; interrupting Anabel's self pleasuring.

Knocks.

Anabel: (Gasp)

Translated in English.

Celeste: Sorry.. I.. I didnt mean to disturb you...

Anabel: It's alright... next time... just join me
(saying flirtatiously) next time.

Celeste: .... (slightly embaressed) I um...was told
you wanted to see me soon as I arrived...

Anabel:
(getting up nude from bed) Well of course... where the hell have you
been the last few days? (grabbing her robe) No word from you has come in on a
status of kills or anything.

Celeste: I'm sorry... I got occupied with the
hunt... had to hide out for a few days...then it toook me some time to get back
because of where I was.

Anabel: Care to explain that in better detail?

Celeste: I hunted and...I killed the rakshasa
monster.

Anabel: If that's so then where is it's head.
(saying as she pours her self a goblet of wine)

Celeste looks curiously at the goblet of wine then
says.

Celeste: I had it... but I had to flee (saying as
Anabel begins to circle the room) it...lured me into a wolf nest...

Anabel: It was working with the beast?... Kind of
uncommon for such a creature...

Celeste: I am not sure... but I guess it would make
since... I managed to get away. Just ran... and I hid for three days.

Anabel comes in closer.

Anabel: All by yourself in the woods?

Celeste: A cave actually... I um... some how lost them...
( Anabel walks away) Well by the time I made it back to my horse in town.. I
got the message... headed back.

Anabel pauses and looks at her.

Anabel: (chuckles) Lucky you no one stole your horse
and weapons.

Celeste (smiling) I paid well for the stables to
watch everything (looks around her room strangely)

Anabel: Next time darling...just use your charm...
be surprised what a man will do for what's between your legs.

Celeste: Yes.. I suppose (chuckles)

Anabel: How many beast would you say you killed?

Celeste: Um... seven... maybe eight... I dont really
count... did you do some redecorating? (saying as she looks at the veins all
over the floor and walls)

Anabel: Trying new things... eight kills plus one
rakshasa monster in three days.. I have to say that's not bad for one person...
An actualy vampire would only be able to get three or four.

Celeste: Why is that?

Anabel: Not exactly sure... the theory goes they can
smell us easier making it more difficult for us to hide, run or even hunt
them... your half blood self... it's special. (saying as she walks over to bed)

Celeste: I guess so... would explain how I managed
to lose them... they just stopped chasing me...vanished... however it left me
miles into the woods.

Anabel: It would indeed. (saying as she takes off
her robe and climbs into bed under the sheets). But much unfortunate.

Celeste: Well um...I guess I will go rest... had a
long ride...

Anabel: I'm sure you did (saying as Celeste begins
to exit the room then stops her) but before you do. (Celeste stops and turns
around) It would make a great bit of deal to me if we got our kill numbers up.

Celeste: Well if were possible I...I mean I could
try my best to do ten...

Anabel: Good to hear but to improve your luck I'm
putting together a small hunting party with you as the lead.

Celeste: Are you sure that's best... I mean I
appreciate the help but...

Anabel: It's already been done. Get some rest and
meet me in the main hallway at dusk... now if you'll excuse me. (saying ash she
gets back under the covers to finished her sexual pleasure and Celeste leaves
the room)

A couple of hours pass and Anabel has gotten dressed
and meets her sister Sadie in the war room.

Translated in Vampyric.

Anabel: She's back... in her room asleep, just
checked.

Sadie: Good... It's about time. You sent like five
or six messages ...

Anabel: Was just a matter of time to find the owl we
gave her...but yes... that was unusual.

Sadie: Did she happen to mention where the hell
she's been?

Anabel: She says it was the wolves...cornered her
into a cave after she lost them.. but I think there's more to it... something
she's not saying.

Sadie: Well if she is hiding something there are
ways to get it out of her.

Anabel: One problem at at time... I told her about
the team.

Sadie: And?

Anabel: She didn't agrue... was easier than I
thought.... will keep the little bitch busy while we sort the other stuff out.

Sadie: Not sure about you. (fires her stone stare at
a distance fly from across the room by a candle) But I think I'm good.

Anabel: Wow... (saying as she walks over to the fly
and picks it up by the candle) You've improved in such short time... I'm
impressed.

Sadie: Big to smaller targets.. I'm almost sure I
can stone an ant from where ever.

Anabel: What's the furthest you think?

Sadie: About as far as our sight will allow I've
noticed.

Anabel: So yards... miles even.

Sadie: Right.

Anabel: What triggers it?

Sadie: A variety of things. First it was
frustration...then hate... now it's just a need to fulfill... I see.. I want
(shoots stones stare at bug on a wall across the room) I get. (saying as she
looks at her sister)

Anabel: Very impressive.

Sadie: Any luck with your new gift?

Anabel: It's a type of...healing thing..

Sadie: Kind of ironic to say the least considering
what we and our blood can do alone.

Anabel: Well yes...our blood heals the wounded,
brings people back as one of us... even helps us heal. But this gift...is more
so... constant.

Sadie: I'm not sure what you mean.

Anabel walks over to a window and grabs a bird from
it. Simultaneously burning her hand in the sun.

Anabel: Damn it... (in slight pain)

Sadie: You know there was and easier way to do that.

Anabel: Yes I know did think of it (hand heals
immediately) okay... watch (breaks the birds wing- her hand then glows a dark
aura and heals the birds wing) See (saying as she set the bird free and it flies
out the wind)

Sadie: Ok... well I figured that but I still dont
get what you mean....

Anabel: Watch again. (walks over and kills an
insect- she then uses her healing touch and brings it back to life as it crawls
away)

Sadie: So you heal wounds... and can resurrect the
dead.... that is impressive. However it is a passive power... but then again
could prove very beneficial in profits. Healing people without using the blood.

Anabel: Exactly what I was thinking but there is
this too... (grabs the same bug and heals it again with her touch- it begins to
convulse and squeal)

Sadie: What''s happening?

The bug then explodes in her hand.

Sadie: Fuck! (saying as she wipes aways the bug
entrails)

Anabel: (chuckles) Sometimes that happens sometimes
they just keel over and die like they are drain or something (saying as she
wipes the entrails away)... like I said... it's constant.

Sadie: So the touch can what...over heal something
to the point of death?

Anabel: Yes.... however the after math is shit.

Sadie: Explain.

Anabel: I get... a drunk feeling afterwards.
Sometimes sex fixes it other times...blood.

Sadie: And if you dont fix it?

Anabel: Never tried seeing that.... how about you?

Sadie: Nothing at all... maybe a stench of dry
mouth... that's it.

Anabel: Good to know... I say we are more than ready
for any...family gatherings.... any word on the shipment status?

Sadie: It should be here in another six to seven
years...

Anbel: Sooner than I thought...

Sadie: Little half breed doesnt know that little
route she helped us with push things up another 3 years... once in play
shipments will be coming in and out regulary for years after. No one will even
suspect it.

Anabel: Good news.

Sadie: Any ideas on the team?

Anabel: I selected two slaves... two of our
biggest.. should give her some assistance in the kills...

Sadie: I'm sure that was hard for you...I know how
you like the strong ones.

Anabel: They do taste better... and have good
stamina for humans... but I figured I can manage for a while... especially if
she's as good as she claims.. it's more of a victory.

Sadie: Resisting your urges... awww I'm proud of you
sister.

Anabel: Fuck off Sadie.

Hours into the night as Celeste wakes from a day
sleep. She gets dress and goes to the weapons vault to talk to Inkil. Inkil
sits making more weapons in a black smith manner.

Translated into French.

Celeste: Good evening (shouting over loud machines
and metal)

Inkil says nothing.

Celeste: Good evening... (continues)

Inkil continues to work. Celeste walks up behind him
and taps his shoulder, rendering him in a slight defense stand with a sledge
hammer in his right hand, but stopping when he sees Celeste.

Inkil: Celeste... um... hi... didnt hear you come
in.

Celeste: You seemed busy and pretty into what you
were doing.

Inkil: Sorry.. I kinda of ...go elsewhere in my head
when working...

Celeste: Are you ok? You seemed different since I
got back...

Inkil: Just... alot...alots change... I'm trying to
get use to it.(saying as he begins to work again)

Celeste: You know my mother use to tell me you can
always tell when someone has something on their mind.... they avoid talking
with work.

Inkil stops working.

Inkil: Its just... My day is coming...

Celeste: What do you mean?

Inkil: Because of my...talent...my gift to build
anything I imagine they plan to preserve it... so my mistresses and masters are
set to turn me on the 21st day of my birth.

Celeste: But that's good news isnt it? Youll be one
of us (saying with a smile).

Inkil: You dont understand...see I.... I.... I've
never known anything out of this life... I was raised by them. I want to
experience things before...while... just nevermind..I've said too much.

Celeste: Well how long until the change?

Inkil: The next full moon. (continues to work)

Celeste: Why didn't you tell me before?

Inkil: I figured you knew...being the mistress new
favorite pet and all?

Celeste: I'm not... I mean... I knew...Sadie or
Anabel never said...

Inkil: They wouldnt would they... kind of makes you
wonder what else they havent, right?

Celeste: What does that mean...Inkil do you know
something?

Inkil: ... (continues to work)

Celeste: Inkil... I'm going to...I'm going to fix
this... I dont know how but I will.... (Celeste then turns around to leave as
Inkil continues to work silent in disbelief)

As Celeste heads back to the main hallway where she
is to meet Anabel but she is greeted by Sadie herself.

Translated in English.

Sadie: I heard you were back. Welcome.

Celeste: Thank you...I'm actually on my way to meet
with your sister right now...just was stopping by to see if there were any new
weaponry with Inkil.

Sadie: I like that proactive attitude... keep it up.
I also heard you got 7 kills in 3 days..plus a rakshasa?

Celeste: It could've been more but....

Sadie: First time out alone.. I understand. Was
there myself once... still impressive for someone like you.

Celeste: Someone like me?

Sadie: I'm sorry I am keeping you...please continue
with your evening... my sister awaits you in the main hall. (saying as she
continues to walk pass)

As Celeste arrives in the main hall she is seen by
Anabel and two larger dark skin slaves. Both have long dreaded hair and
physical muscle stature.

Anabel: It's about time... I was starting to think
you forgot.

Celeste: Sorry when I woke I...

Anabel: Never mind that... these are your new
hunting party, Jean...and Renee from a distant land...I called in their debt a
few days ago to replenish those that were...freed from their previous financial
issues. They will join you in you the hunt from now on. They will follow your
lead down to the slimmest detail. Take them to Inkil...get them battle ready and
be out side in half an hour. I will have what you need for transport.

Celeste: I'm sorry mistress but...why just the two?

Anabel: These two were already capable of the task
physcial prime condition and I figured you could teach  them the rest.... is that a problem?

Celeste: Well no offense my lady but I dont want a
bunch of new people who do not know what's going on getting them or me killed
in the process as they figure it out.

Anabel: You have a point... go on.

Celeste: I need someone out out there who knows the
land... the weapons being used... their capabilties...the rules of dealing with
these monsters.

Anabel: Well I am all ears if you have any
suggestions.

Celeste: Inkil (Anabels face loses happy expression)
He is all of that and more than these two combined.

Anabel: I'm not giving you 3 people for this
team...only two...Inkil is not an option. he's too valuable.

Celeste: Well then trade one of them out and put him
in.

Anabel: ....

Celeste: You want this job done right? Effectively?
Fast?

Anabel: Yes.... that would be the best way but...

Celeste: Then I need him out there with me... other
night the bow gun jammed and I wasnt able to use it. In that small hesitant
moment it almost got me killed... if I had him there I am almost positive I
could have cleared 10 maybe even more kills rather than hiding in a cave... let
him come with me and I gurrantee results.

Anabel: I hear your proposal (ponders pacing back
and forward) and even though it goes against my instinct I accept... but if
Inkil is harmed in anyway I am taking it out on you. I cant stress how valuable
he is to the family.

Celeste: I understand my lady.

Anabel: Be back in a week (saying as she walks up
closer to her face) I want you to keep a count of every beast you slay and
anything else in my territory, understood?

Celeste: Understood.

Anabel: Do not fuck me on this.... Go (saying as
Celeste take the one slave, Renee, leaves and the other is dismissed and taken
by another servant by Anabel. Sadie walks up seconds later furious)

Translated in Vampyric.

Sadie: What the hell are you doing?!

Anabel: Starting the plan I told you!

Sadie: I heard nothing about Inkil being part of
that plan at all!

Anabel: What's the big deal he's another slave he
will be fine!

Sadie: May I remind you of Inkil's value to our
clan... he dies we lose our weapons maker to not just the fucking wolves but
everything else out there against our kind!

Anabel: I'm perfectly aware of that, thank you. Just
have to put a little faith in the dhampir... this time at least... like with
the wolves.

Sadie: I take it you are not aware of his siring
ceremony is in less than a month?

Anabel: Fuck! He's turning 21 already? It would have
been nice to know that minutes ago!

Sadie: It is not up to me to make sure you keep up
to date what the hell happens wit hthis family. take some fucking
responsibilty. We are his owners and have say in what happens with him or not.

Anabel: Oh calm yourself Sadie I know all of this.

Sadie: I sure as hell can't see it... (says calmly)
you have to forbid him to go...she can't take him..he dies it's another list of
problems we have to deal with.

Anabel: I can't do that.. I do so she will know
somwthing is up and that can cause more than just a few issues we have now!
(saying as Sadie hands her a message parchment) What's this?

Sadie: Just arrived by falcon right now...

Anabel: "My children we need to talk. Something
dire has come to my attention and needs of discussion. I will be upon you in
two days- Gillian Mondragon" FUCK!

Sadie: Exactly what I said and earlier that day, one
from mother was sent saying similar...

Anabel: (worried look)

Sadie: So what again were you saying about a few
issues?!