HellCat: Guardian Of The Gate
by wizardtho
Chapter 13:
When we reached the bedroom, Skylar sniffed around while she made her way into virtually every nook and cranny of the room. Once she found a spot she liked near the fire, she curled up on the floor. I patted her side affectionately.
“I'm just going to show the boys where the weapons are, now that you've officially found your spot,” I offered in German with a chuckle. Her raspy tongue licked my free hand once before she laid her head on her front paws. I knew life would definitely become interesting around here.
I opened my closet doors as I pointed, then said, “Have at it, you guys. Sorry, but having a secret stash of kick ass weapons in my closet is kinda creeping me out.”
Jasper knelt in front of the chest Rose had opened earlier, then paused to look at me. I nodded, offering, “Nothing happened to Rose when she opened it earlier, so I think it's safe. She didn't touch any of the weapons, though, so you're on your own there.”
He chuckled, “I'll consider myself warned, Sugar.”
He opened the lid, then let out a low whistle as Peter whispered an awed, “Fuck me.”
I nodded in full agreement with both reactions as Jasper's brow furrowed, then bent down to show him, since I knew he was trying to figure out how to open the levels. “Here... like this.”
I swung the tray out to the side, revealing the next lined layer of weapons. Jasper noticed all of the smaller knives and the folded five-blade circle, then said as he reached for the circle, “Tell Ali I love her, if this goes south, Brother.”
She chuckled as she stepped in the room to kiss his cheek, “You're good, Jazz. I've seen this. Nothing will happen... and I love you, too.”
He was still hesitant as he touched the circle, but when nothing happened, he let out a breath and picked it up. After flipping it over, he hummed, then pointed to a spot on in the center, saying, “It opens the blades. I would suspect there's a delay, so that the button can be pressed and it released to fly through the air, without the blades hurting the wielder when the button’s pushed. I'd bet there's no more than a few seconds of delay, though, so be careful, Sugar. We’ll have to test it out to be sure.”
He handed it to me as he said, “There's a name on the back, too. This is called 'Dragon's Bane'.”
He picked up the next, which was a knife with a red and black blade as well as a detailed metal handle, then looked at the name. “This one's 'Demon Slayer', and this one's called 'Shiverspine'.”
The last one he picked up was shaped almost like a hollow circle. It had the head and spine of a dragon, with angled blades sticking out of the curved spine facing outward. I mentioned that 'Shiverspine' was a damn good name for it, but didn't even get to finish my sentence before it was suddenly in my hand, giving off an eerie red glow. “Whoa, holy shit!”
I looked at the thing in my hand as the glow faded, then heard a sort of snicker from the doorway. I turned to see Skylar coming to me while shaking her head back and forth, still snickering. I automatically retorted in German, “Well, how the hell was I supposed to know they would come to me when I said their names?”
Peter chuckled as he gently removed Shiverspine from my hand, then Skylar wound herself around my leg, only to start purring to me. After successfully relieving me of the deadly weapon, Peter kissed my throat while explaining, “It's part of bein' who ya are, Hellcat. If the weapon is named and meant for ya, ya have the power to call it to ya. All of these were obviously meant for ya, since they poofed into your closet with all the kick ass clothes. Now... I think we need to make sure ya know how to use these things, before ya go callin' any more of ‘em to ya.”
Jasper slid the tray back after putting Shiverspine back in its original place, then Peter wrapped his arms around me from behind. Jasper didn't tell me anymore names, but there was a scythe-looking thing with jagged teeth that I swear had to be thought up by Hades himself. Jasper said that -technically- it was a great war axe. I told him that technicalities didn't count, because it looked like something the grim reaper should be using.
Then everyone laughed as Alice opened her mouth, but I immediately clamped my hand over it to say, “Alice? So help me, if you say anything to the effect that I'm technically a type of reaper, I'm going to find a way to make you shove those technicalities straight where the sun doesn't shine!”
I started laughing with them after a second, then hugged Alice while saying, “Sorry, Ali. I'm just tense... edgy still. I know we need to get going to find the two that broke out, but I can't help but feel like we shouldn't leave without knowing the gate's secured.”
She nodded, then patted my cheek lightly as she said, “I know. We're all tense right along with you. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to see how you fare with your new weapons. You'll need to be prepared for anything when we go on our search.”
She looked around my closet before gazing at the row of shoes on the floor. She snickered then, saying almost gleefully, “Unless you've moved your sneakers, it looks like they ended up being the payment for the appearance of the new clothes and weapons.”
I gasped, then flat-out growled, “Hades! I swear on all that's holy, if you expect me to go through life without a pair of sneakers, I will kick your Hell-ruling ass myself!”
Of course, I received no response from the man who was turning out to be an ultimate pain-in-my-ass, so I finally said with a sigh, “Just pick me out something that I'll be able to move easily in... and for the love of Prada, don't even think about picking a stiletto.”
She promised, then immediately started rummaging through the contents of my closet. She ended up handing me a black bra and thong set, a pair of black leather pants with attached suspenders, as well as an off-shoulder and slightly see through black top.
When all that was placed in my arms, she grabbed a pair of chunky platform boots with high heels and studded straps, then placed them on top of the pile. I sighed at the heels, but nodded, thinking that it would be a good idea to be able to fight in just about anything.
Alice let out a breath when I didn't fuss, then offered seriously, “We'll let you get dressed and meet you out back in a few.”
She laced her fingers with Jasper's, they both kissed my cheek, then they were out the door.
When I walked out to the yard with Peter, he asked softly, “Ya ready for this? Ya know ya won’t be doin’ this alone, right? Major and I will both teach ya all we know, but ya won’t be goin’ on this search alone. Sorry, but I can’t letcha do that, Beautiful. We’ll all be right there with ya, alongside your new charges. We need to see about what they can do in a fight, too. Is there a way ya can talk to Skylar about practicin’? What that entails, as well as if they could join in without harmin’ us? I don’t really wanna find out what they can do just because she jumps me at the spur of the moment, thinkin’ I’m tryin’ to hurt ya.”
I chuckled, unable to help myself, then bent down to Skylar while saying in German, “We are going to test my battle skills in a type of practice, Sky. Mock combat… do you know that term? It means that we will be acting as if we are in a real fight… hitting, kicking, and punching… but there will be no damage. It’s so that they can find my weaknesses, then show me how to fix the problem.”
Skylar looked at me with a slanted head as I talked, then bowed her head once when I finished. With that, I asked, “Would you or the other Hellhounds like to join in the play fight? Join the practice? You have to make sure not to cause damage. No ripping off limbs, no beheadings. If you can do that, it would help us understand the way you fight, and allow us to gain an understanding of your capabilities. The choice is yours.”
Some of the pups got a bit excited at what I said, I guess, because they started growling and nipping at each other. Skylar let out a growl before snapping her teeth in their direction, then looked to me and nodded while giving me a combination feeling. It was a watch then join type thing, so that’s what I told Peter and Jasper when we made the final steps to them.
Peter had been filling Jasper in about what I was asking Skylar. At his smile to me, I said, “She says they will watch, then join in after a while. The feeling I was getting while explaining things to her, was that she understood the concept, but hadn’t seen it in person. I think the last handler must have truly been alone, if she had no one to help her train, Jazz. I can’t see her mate not trying to help her train, if she had one.”
He nodded sadly, then looked at Alice as he answered me, “Neither can I, Sugar… neither can I. Don’t you worry. We won’t let you end up in the same position.”
Peter hugged me to his side, then I felt a slight change in my chest as his eyes changed to a sparkling black. I nodded in recognition, “Captain,” just as a snarl sounded from Jasper. I looked in his direction, only to drop my eyes when I saw his were just as black as Captain’s. “Major.”
I wasn’t quite sure where I stood with Major, after earlier. He stepped forward with Alice’s hand still in his. With his free hand, he tipped my chin up until our eyes met, then said seriously, “Never. Ever. Hide your eyes from mine, Isabella. I have much to make up for, but I’m determined to make amends by ensuring you can kick even Hades’ ass, should the need ever arise.”
I smiled slightly, then promised, “Never again, Major. It’s good to see the real you again… the you I respect. I’m ready to start when you are.”
They started off slowly, showing me different defensive moves, then had me practice them on both male and female partners. Major wanted everyone to brush up, so each vampire took a turn going against me. The problem was, I felt like I already knew all of this instinctively. There were several times I could have turned an opponent’s move against them, but I never did.
Finally, when the last vampire squared off in front of me, I smiled. It was Edward. I still owed him a bit of payback, so I wasn’t going to hold back on him. He smiled back, “Ready, Isa?”
I smirked, “Bring it, Boy Wonder. Let’s see whatcha got.”
We started out as I had with all the others, and though my movements flowed, I allowed instinct to take over. It was only a quick minute or two before my first opening came. Edward had gone wide with his punch, which put him in the perfect position for me to duck and knock his legs from beneath him in a sweep.
When I finished my circle, I stood and landed my boot toe to his throat, only I didn’t twist and dig my heel into his chest like my gut was telling me to. Major called, “Halt!” right as I heard Captain snickering, “Told ya she’d get bored with that shit, Major. Let her loose. I’m tellin’ ya she’s more than ready.”
Major stopped in front of me as I was still fighting my instinct, then growled, “Now, Isabella. Release your foot from his throat.”
I took a deep breath to calm, then let out a growl as I put all my effort into moving my foot. When it was back on the ground, I saw Major scowling. “Whatever ya got goin’ up there, release it, or you’re gonna end up fuckin’ up.”
He pointed at my temple to make his point, so I backed up and did the only thing I could to get rid of this urge. I stomped my foot, twisted it, then dug my heel into the ground, all in quick succession. The result was a hidden blade popping out of the sole of my boot, right at the toe.
My eyes widened as they snapped to Major, who honestly looked a little scared. “As soon as my foot was at his throat, it was instinct. I wanted to twist and dig the heel of my boot into his chest. The feeling was so consuming, Major. I…”
Major shook his head, then said, “Looks like your instincts are stronger than we all thought, including your mate. I don’t think we need to test your balance while fighting, since your moves were as smooth as glass. For now, let’s do this barefoot, just incase those instincts of your kick in again. You good now, or do you need my help?”
I shook my head while taking another couple of deep breaths, then turned to Edward. “I…”
He shook his head, assuring me, “There is still a lot unsaid between us, Isa. I deserved it. I am grateful you chose to fight your instincts, though, instead of giving into them.”
I nodded as he patted my shoulder, “So am I, Edward… so am I. I think I can understand what you were saying before. When these instincts hit me, they’re almost unbearable. It took all my concentration to move my foot away, even though I knew I didn’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
He nodded thoughtfully, then said, “Get those boots off, and we’ll go again. This time, we’ll actually go blow for blow, to see how far those instincts take you and how fast you can move.”
I looked to Major, since he was taking lead on this practice. He nodded silently, so I dropped down to shed my boots. Once those and my socks were off, I grinned at Skylar, who was watching from next to Captain.
Once in my ready stance, Major called, “No holds barred. Here are the standard kill shot rules. Isa, if his hands get around your neck like he’s going to break it, his lips meet your throat, or his foot meets your spine, you’re dead. Edward, if she reaches a limb and has the chance to take it, that limb is gone for the duration of the fight. Remember that her weapons have the ability to cut through vampire flesh quickly, so all that’s needed is the swipe of her hand to take that limb… or your head. Only swipes that can be felt against the body count for practice. No air swipes. Everyone clear on the rules?”
Edward and I both nod, but neither of us break eye contact to look in Major’s direction. At his call of, “Fight!” we begin circling each other. After a few rounds, he moves in, but I quickly catch on to what he’s attempting. I counteract, flipping over him with a twist, swiping his left hand as my prize before I land facing his direction. He snarls as he rounds to face me, but I smirk as I crook my finger at him, “One hand down.”
For the next ten minutes, both of us trade punches and kicks, but neither of us are able to ‘hurt’ our opponent. Though I know he’s not hitting me at full strength, I can feel his punches when they land. He, on the other hand seems actually surprised by the strength and speed in my jabs. He even mumbles a cursed, “Fuck,” when my right hook causes a crack to form along his jaw.
He doesn’t stop though, and soon we’re right back at it. That is, until a chill runs up my spine. I whirl around as several gasps ring around the yard, calling instinctively under my breath, “Soul Reaver!”
A huge black and gold sword appeared in my hands as I finish my turn, my position perfect to decapitate the form appearing through the black smoke. I can hear the agitation in the prowling hellhounds, while Skylar hisses and snaps her teeth next to me.
I don’t know what I expected, but it was not a replica of my dead mother appearing through the dissipating smoke. Soul Reaver’s blade was held steady at the imposter’s throat, my anger rising to the point of boiling over inside me. I growled menacingly at the figure, knowing who was behind the glamour, “First you burn my hand, you asshole. Then… then you decide to show up here looking like my dead mother?! Turn into someone else, or get the fuck off my property!”
My mother’s voice turns into that of my Grandma Swan as the glamour changes, “Already testing your skills, I see. Good, good. My apologies, Isabella. It is automatic for me to appear as someone you would recognise.”
I let out an unintelligible scream, then hiss, “Now look here, Fucker. I’m training to help your ass fix this damn problem. The least you can do is turn into Kurt Cobain or someone else famous. Don’t you EVER use my family again, or I will shove this fucked up job so far up your ass, you will never see straight again.”
The Grandma Swan replica smirks, then the form changes to Jim Morrison, of all people. I nod in acceptance, right as Captain snickers, “Nice music, Dude… still have several albums.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, then Jim offers, “So do I, Captain. Hell has a special place, just for my collection of albums by The Doors. Now, Isa… if you wouldn’t mind, please lower your sword. I came to discuss a few things with you.”
I lowered my sword, but said seriously, “You turn back into a family member one time, and my sword will again meet your throat. Do we have an understanding, Hades?”
He nodded in acceptance, “Of course, Isa. No family members, and famous people are preferred… though it would be much easier if you were to know the form I took so long ago as human. Ah, maybe next time.”
I snorted slightly, “Yeah… next time. Sorry, but I only plan to see you as much as absolutely necessary. I’m still pissed about the sneakers. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about that. Now, is the gate fixed? I didn’t feel safe leaving to find the breakouts until the gate was secure.”
He grinned, patted Skylar on the head, then looked into her eyes while saying, “Yes, the gate has been fully repaired and magically sealed again. There will be no further breach. Your Mystic is quite persistent, and well deserving of her name.”
He looked to me, then, offering, “You are strong Isa, both in mind and body, which is the reason why your instinct is so in tune. You will not gain much of anything before your turning, combat wise. Learning the feel and name of each weapon will benefit you, though. Flame Viper will not work on Vampires, nor will Demon Slayer work on Werewolves. Carlisle will be able to explain why. Your spellblade will poison any supernatural, as long as the heart is pierced.”
Seeing he had my attention, he continued, “Finally, your heretic weapons, one of which you hold now. Soul Reaver will always be your main weapon, and is imbued with extra boosts to your stamina, strength, and speed. Use it any time there is room for you to move properly. Phantom Strike is imbued with boosts to your accuracy and stealth, as Earthshaker’s boosts will help you inflict the maximum damage per strike. None of your heretic weapons have supernatural restrictions.”
I nodded in relief, finally knowing something useful about my new arsenal, then he continued, “I will have several of my trusted taking rounds protecting the gate from my side while you are on your search. You need not worry that another breach will take place.”
I sighed, “Good, because I have a feeling I will be needing Skylar and all of her named for this journey. If I’m right, the pups might even get a good workout.”
He chuckled, offering as black smoke rose around him, “Right you are, Isa. Safe journey to you all. Oh, and you might want to start in Italy. They need to be knocked down a peg or two, and have information you may be able to make heads or tails of.”
With that, the smoke turned to a blaze of fire, and Hades was gone. I groaned loudly, “Hey, what about my damn sneakers?” but all I got in response was a fading chuckle as the fire poofed out and the last of the smoke dissipated.
When we reached the bedroom, Skylar sniffed around while she made her way into virtually every nook and cranny of the room. Once she found a spot she liked near the fire, she curled up on the floor. I patted her side affectionately.
“I'm just going to show the boys where the weapons are, now that you've officially found your spot,” I offered in German with a chuckle. Her raspy tongue licked my free hand once before she laid her head on her front paws. I knew life would definitely become interesting around here.
I opened my closet doors as I pointed, then said, “Have at it, you guys. Sorry, but having a secret stash of kick ass weapons in my closet is kinda creeping me out.”
Jasper knelt in front of the chest Rose had opened earlier, then paused to look at me. I nodded, offering, “Nothing happened to Rose when she opened it earlier, so I think it's safe. She didn't touch any of the weapons, though, so you're on your own there.”
He chuckled, “I'll consider myself warned, Sugar.”
He opened the lid, then let out a low whistle as Peter whispered an awed, “Fuck me.”
I nodded in full agreement with both reactions as Jasper's brow furrowed, then bent down to show him, since I knew he was trying to figure out how to open the levels. “Here... like this.”
I swung the tray out to the side, revealing the next lined layer of weapons. Jasper noticed all of the smaller knives and the folded five-blade circle, then said as he reached for the circle, “Tell Ali I love her, if this goes south, Brother.”
She chuckled as she stepped in the room to kiss his cheek, “You're good, Jazz. I've seen this. Nothing will happen... and I love you, too.”
He was still hesitant as he touched the circle, but when nothing happened, he let out a breath and picked it up. After flipping it over, he hummed, then pointed to a spot on in the center, saying, “It opens the blades. I would suspect there's a delay, so that the button can be pressed and it released to fly through the air, without the blades hurting the wielder when the button’s pushed. I'd bet there's no more than a few seconds of delay, though, so be careful, Sugar. We’ll have to test it out to be sure.”
He handed it to me as he said, “There's a name on the back, too. This is called 'Dragon's Bane'.”
He picked up the next, which was a knife with a red and black blade as well as a detailed metal handle, then looked at the name. “This one's 'Demon Slayer', and this one's called 'Shiverspine'.”
The last one he picked up was shaped almost like a hollow circle. It had the head and spine of a dragon, with angled blades sticking out of the curved spine facing outward. I mentioned that 'Shiverspine' was a damn good name for it, but didn't even get to finish my sentence before it was suddenly in my hand, giving off an eerie red glow. “Whoa, holy shit!”
I looked at the thing in my hand as the glow faded, then heard a sort of snicker from the doorway. I turned to see Skylar coming to me while shaking her head back and forth, still snickering. I automatically retorted in German, “Well, how the hell was I supposed to know they would come to me when I said their names?”
Peter chuckled as he gently removed Shiverspine from my hand, then Skylar wound herself around my leg, only to start purring to me. After successfully relieving me of the deadly weapon, Peter kissed my throat while explaining, “It's part of bein' who ya are, Hellcat. If the weapon is named and meant for ya, ya have the power to call it to ya. All of these were obviously meant for ya, since they poofed into your closet with all the kick ass clothes. Now... I think we need to make sure ya know how to use these things, before ya go callin' any more of ‘em to ya.”
Jasper slid the tray back after putting Shiverspine back in its original place, then Peter wrapped his arms around me from behind. Jasper didn't tell me anymore names, but there was a scythe-looking thing with jagged teeth that I swear had to be thought up by Hades himself. Jasper said that -technically- it was a great war axe. I told him that technicalities didn't count, because it looked like something the grim reaper should be using.
Then everyone laughed as Alice opened her mouth, but I immediately clamped my hand over it to say, “Alice? So help me, if you say anything to the effect that I'm technically a type of reaper, I'm going to find a way to make you shove those technicalities straight where the sun doesn't shine!”
I started laughing with them after a second, then hugged Alice while saying, “Sorry, Ali. I'm just tense... edgy still. I know we need to get going to find the two that broke out, but I can't help but feel like we shouldn't leave without knowing the gate's secured.”
She nodded, then patted my cheek lightly as she said, “I know. We're all tense right along with you. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to see how you fare with your new weapons. You'll need to be prepared for anything when we go on our search.”
She looked around my closet before gazing at the row of shoes on the floor. She snickered then, saying almost gleefully, “Unless you've moved your sneakers, it looks like they ended up being the payment for the appearance of the new clothes and weapons.”
I gasped, then flat-out growled, “Hades! I swear on all that's holy, if you expect me to go through life without a pair of sneakers, I will kick your Hell-ruling ass myself!”
Of course, I received no response from the man who was turning out to be an ultimate pain-in-my-ass, so I finally said with a sigh, “Just pick me out something that I'll be able to move easily in... and for the love of Prada, don't even think about picking a stiletto.”
She promised, then immediately started rummaging through the contents of my closet. She ended up handing me a black bra and thong set, a pair of black leather pants with attached suspenders, as well as an off-shoulder and slightly see through black top.
When all that was placed in my arms, she grabbed a pair of chunky platform boots with high heels and studded straps, then placed them on top of the pile. I sighed at the heels, but nodded, thinking that it would be a good idea to be able to fight in just about anything.
Alice let out a breath when I didn't fuss, then offered seriously, “We'll let you get dressed and meet you out back in a few.”
She laced her fingers with Jasper's, they both kissed my cheek, then they were out the door.
When I walked out to the yard with Peter, he asked softly, “Ya ready for this? Ya know ya won’t be doin’ this alone, right? Major and I will both teach ya all we know, but ya won’t be goin’ on this search alone. Sorry, but I can’t letcha do that, Beautiful. We’ll all be right there with ya, alongside your new charges. We need to see about what they can do in a fight, too. Is there a way ya can talk to Skylar about practicin’? What that entails, as well as if they could join in without harmin’ us? I don’t really wanna find out what they can do just because she jumps me at the spur of the moment, thinkin’ I’m tryin’ to hurt ya.”
I chuckled, unable to help myself, then bent down to Skylar while saying in German, “We are going to test my battle skills in a type of practice, Sky. Mock combat… do you know that term? It means that we will be acting as if we are in a real fight… hitting, kicking, and punching… but there will be no damage. It’s so that they can find my weaknesses, then show me how to fix the problem.”
Skylar looked at me with a slanted head as I talked, then bowed her head once when I finished. With that, I asked, “Would you or the other Hellhounds like to join in the play fight? Join the practice? You have to make sure not to cause damage. No ripping off limbs, no beheadings. If you can do that, it would help us understand the way you fight, and allow us to gain an understanding of your capabilities. The choice is yours.”
Some of the pups got a bit excited at what I said, I guess, because they started growling and nipping at each other. Skylar let out a growl before snapping her teeth in their direction, then looked to me and nodded while giving me a combination feeling. It was a watch then join type thing, so that’s what I told Peter and Jasper when we made the final steps to them.
Peter had been filling Jasper in about what I was asking Skylar. At his smile to me, I said, “She says they will watch, then join in after a while. The feeling I was getting while explaining things to her, was that she understood the concept, but hadn’t seen it in person. I think the last handler must have truly been alone, if she had no one to help her train, Jazz. I can’t see her mate not trying to help her train, if she had one.”
He nodded sadly, then looked at Alice as he answered me, “Neither can I, Sugar… neither can I. Don’t you worry. We won’t let you end up in the same position.”
Peter hugged me to his side, then I felt a slight change in my chest as his eyes changed to a sparkling black. I nodded in recognition, “Captain,” just as a snarl sounded from Jasper. I looked in his direction, only to drop my eyes when I saw his were just as black as Captain’s. “Major.”
I wasn’t quite sure where I stood with Major, after earlier. He stepped forward with Alice’s hand still in his. With his free hand, he tipped my chin up until our eyes met, then said seriously, “Never. Ever. Hide your eyes from mine, Isabella. I have much to make up for, but I’m determined to make amends by ensuring you can kick even Hades’ ass, should the need ever arise.”
I smiled slightly, then promised, “Never again, Major. It’s good to see the real you again… the you I respect. I’m ready to start when you are.”
They started off slowly, showing me different defensive moves, then had me practice them on both male and female partners. Major wanted everyone to brush up, so each vampire took a turn going against me. The problem was, I felt like I already knew all of this instinctively. There were several times I could have turned an opponent’s move against them, but I never did.
Finally, when the last vampire squared off in front of me, I smiled. It was Edward. I still owed him a bit of payback, so I wasn’t going to hold back on him. He smiled back, “Ready, Isa?”
I smirked, “Bring it, Boy Wonder. Let’s see whatcha got.”
We started out as I had with all the others, and though my movements flowed, I allowed instinct to take over. It was only a quick minute or two before my first opening came. Edward had gone wide with his punch, which put him in the perfect position for me to duck and knock his legs from beneath him in a sweep.
When I finished my circle, I stood and landed my boot toe to his throat, only I didn’t twist and dig my heel into his chest like my gut was telling me to. Major called, “Halt!” right as I heard Captain snickering, “Told ya she’d get bored with that shit, Major. Let her loose. I’m tellin’ ya she’s more than ready.”
Major stopped in front of me as I was still fighting my instinct, then growled, “Now, Isabella. Release your foot from his throat.”
I took a deep breath to calm, then let out a growl as I put all my effort into moving my foot. When it was back on the ground, I saw Major scowling. “Whatever ya got goin’ up there, release it, or you’re gonna end up fuckin’ up.”
He pointed at my temple to make his point, so I backed up and did the only thing I could to get rid of this urge. I stomped my foot, twisted it, then dug my heel into the ground, all in quick succession. The result was a hidden blade popping out of the sole of my boot, right at the toe.
My eyes widened as they snapped to Major, who honestly looked a little scared. “As soon as my foot was at his throat, it was instinct. I wanted to twist and dig the heel of my boot into his chest. The feeling was so consuming, Major. I…”
Major shook his head, then said, “Looks like your instincts are stronger than we all thought, including your mate. I don’t think we need to test your balance while fighting, since your moves were as smooth as glass. For now, let’s do this barefoot, just incase those instincts of your kick in again. You good now, or do you need my help?”
I shook my head while taking another couple of deep breaths, then turned to Edward. “I…”
He shook his head, assuring me, “There is still a lot unsaid between us, Isa. I deserved it. I am grateful you chose to fight your instincts, though, instead of giving into them.”
I nodded as he patted my shoulder, “So am I, Edward… so am I. I think I can understand what you were saying before. When these instincts hit me, they’re almost unbearable. It took all my concentration to move my foot away, even though I knew I didn’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
He nodded thoughtfully, then said, “Get those boots off, and we’ll go again. This time, we’ll actually go blow for blow, to see how far those instincts take you and how fast you can move.”
I looked to Major, since he was taking lead on this practice. He nodded silently, so I dropped down to shed my boots. Once those and my socks were off, I grinned at Skylar, who was watching from next to Captain.
Once in my ready stance, Major called, “No holds barred. Here are the standard kill shot rules. Isa, if his hands get around your neck like he’s going to break it, his lips meet your throat, or his foot meets your spine, you’re dead. Edward, if she reaches a limb and has the chance to take it, that limb is gone for the duration of the fight. Remember that her weapons have the ability to cut through vampire flesh quickly, so all that’s needed is the swipe of her hand to take that limb… or your head. Only swipes that can be felt against the body count for practice. No air swipes. Everyone clear on the rules?”
Edward and I both nod, but neither of us break eye contact to look in Major’s direction. At his call of, “Fight!” we begin circling each other. After a few rounds, he moves in, but I quickly catch on to what he’s attempting. I counteract, flipping over him with a twist, swiping his left hand as my prize before I land facing his direction. He snarls as he rounds to face me, but I smirk as I crook my finger at him, “One hand down.”
For the next ten minutes, both of us trade punches and kicks, but neither of us are able to ‘hurt’ our opponent. Though I know he’s not hitting me at full strength, I can feel his punches when they land. He, on the other hand seems actually surprised by the strength and speed in my jabs. He even mumbles a cursed, “Fuck,” when my right hook causes a crack to form along his jaw.
He doesn’t stop though, and soon we’re right back at it. That is, until a chill runs up my spine. I whirl around as several gasps ring around the yard, calling instinctively under my breath, “Soul Reaver!”
A huge black and gold sword appeared in my hands as I finish my turn, my position perfect to decapitate the form appearing through the black smoke. I can hear the agitation in the prowling hellhounds, while Skylar hisses and snaps her teeth next to me.
I don’t know what I expected, but it was not a replica of my dead mother appearing through the dissipating smoke. Soul Reaver’s blade was held steady at the imposter’s throat, my anger rising to the point of boiling over inside me. I growled menacingly at the figure, knowing who was behind the glamour, “First you burn my hand, you asshole. Then… then you decide to show up here looking like my dead mother?! Turn into someone else, or get the fuck off my property!”
My mother’s voice turns into that of my Grandma Swan as the glamour changes, “Already testing your skills, I see. Good, good. My apologies, Isabella. It is automatic for me to appear as someone you would recognise.”
I let out an unintelligible scream, then hiss, “Now look here, Fucker. I’m training to help your ass fix this damn problem. The least you can do is turn into Kurt Cobain or someone else famous. Don’t you EVER use my family again, or I will shove this fucked up job so far up your ass, you will never see straight again.”
The Grandma Swan replica smirks, then the form changes to Jim Morrison, of all people. I nod in acceptance, right as Captain snickers, “Nice music, Dude… still have several albums.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, then Jim offers, “So do I, Captain. Hell has a special place, just for my collection of albums by The Doors. Now, Isa… if you wouldn’t mind, please lower your sword. I came to discuss a few things with you.”
I lowered my sword, but said seriously, “You turn back into a family member one time, and my sword will again meet your throat. Do we have an understanding, Hades?”
He nodded in acceptance, “Of course, Isa. No family members, and famous people are preferred… though it would be much easier if you were to know the form I took so long ago as human. Ah, maybe next time.”
I snorted slightly, “Yeah… next time. Sorry, but I only plan to see you as much as absolutely necessary. I’m still pissed about the sneakers. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about that. Now, is the gate fixed? I didn’t feel safe leaving to find the breakouts until the gate was secure.”
He grinned, patted Skylar on the head, then looked into her eyes while saying, “Yes, the gate has been fully repaired and magically sealed again. There will be no further breach. Your Mystic is quite persistent, and well deserving of her name.”
He looked to me, then, offering, “You are strong Isa, both in mind and body, which is the reason why your instinct is so in tune. You will not gain much of anything before your turning, combat wise. Learning the feel and name of each weapon will benefit you, though. Flame Viper will not work on Vampires, nor will Demon Slayer work on Werewolves. Carlisle will be able to explain why. Your spellblade will poison any supernatural, as long as the heart is pierced.”
Seeing he had my attention, he continued, “Finally, your heretic weapons, one of which you hold now. Soul Reaver will always be your main weapon, and is imbued with extra boosts to your stamina, strength, and speed. Use it any time there is room for you to move properly. Phantom Strike is imbued with boosts to your accuracy and stealth, as Earthshaker’s boosts will help you inflict the maximum damage per strike. None of your heretic weapons have supernatural restrictions.”
I nodded in relief, finally knowing something useful about my new arsenal, then he continued, “I will have several of my trusted taking rounds protecting the gate from my side while you are on your search. You need not worry that another breach will take place.”
I sighed, “Good, because I have a feeling I will be needing Skylar and all of her named for this journey. If I’m right, the pups might even get a good workout.”
He chuckled, offering as black smoke rose around him, “Right you are, Isa. Safe journey to you all. Oh, and you might want to start in Italy. They need to be knocked down a peg or two, and have information you may be able to make heads or tails of.”
With that, the smoke turned to a blaze of fire, and Hades was gone. I groaned loudly, “Hey, what about my damn sneakers?” but all I got in response was a fading chuckle as the fire poofed out and the last of the smoke dissipated.