Swords, Arms & Legs

"Is this really necessary?" You groaned as Daisy combed through your hair with her fingers.

"Oh hush, stay still I'm almost finished."

Daisy was many things, but laid back wasn't one of them. This whole time she'd been shifting you in and out of outfits while trying to match them with her own... although you couldn't complain, watching her get naked over and over again was a blessing within itself.

But after what felt like a Fashion Voyage long at sea, she finally settled on a comfortable pair of torn white jeans, black and white low cut Vans with white cotton sport socks, a plain tee with a tight, black and white striped hoodie that matched well with your round glasses.

Slicking your hair back slightly and then half-tying it at the back, Daisy stood before you in her black and white striped skin-tight bodycon dress that showed off the curves of her body, her wavy blonde hair kissing her bare shoulder as she held her red handbag close at her side, "you have to be the tastiest bachelor in Massachusetts." She bit her glossy lips, you had never met someone who actually managed to look even more angelic with makeup, she was truly a vision... to die for...

I thank god that nobody other than myself has the misfortune of hearing your thoughts

"You... are as pretty as a Daisy.

*Facepalm* "Sigh...."

Daisy looked like she wanted to swallow you whole, darting forward and capturing your lips, her body pressing into yours, harsh, overheated breaths escaping you both as you felt at each other's bodies.

Wrenching away, she skipped in place desperately. "This is bad, this sucks... oh god!" She growled as you paced angrily.

"We can't GO ON LIKE THIS!!" You cried, cursing the gods and Daisy's sister... especially Daisy's sister.

Daisy shifted her legs, pulling her skirt down. "Okay, we need to come up with a plan because if this continues I'm gonna have to pack a change of panties and that is really embarrassing!"

"You're wet?" You asked grimacing.

She nodded, "yeah, I just start gushing when you-" Her eyes widened "I-I mean, I soil my granny panties! that's right, I'm not wearing sexy lingerie, big ol' gross granny panties, totally not sexy!"

"A-And I'm totally not at half chub... and I'm not thinking about you dressed up as a maid and bending over really really low."

Daisy's face flushed with red. "O-Oh... well, that's good. Ground rules, we need ground rules, Okay?"

"Absolutely Okay."

"Right so Rule one: No kissing or heavy petting in public as much as I might want you too. Rule two: no looking at me and doing that sexy smile because I will literally explode, and Finally, Rule three: do not, under any circumstances, let me get too drunk."

You raised an eyebrow "What happens when you get too drunk?"

She lent forward, gripping your shoulders as her eyes became dark "Dark things, Charles... Dark dark things..."

And on that ominous note, you and Daisy called an Uber to the Academy, You needed to pick up some things and it was still only early evening, after that you'd swing by Hilde's... You had a weird feeling about tonight, not only did you not want to go, but there was a clear sensation of danger slowly rising as the sunset outside the Uber's car window.

Rabbit's Journal

It was dark in this apartment, but I always preferred it that way. Since I was a girl I'd favoured shadow and **** over pink bedrooms and frilly little dolls... I was raised as a warrior, born for bloodshed and battle, it is what My Daddy drilled into me, what my mother stitched under my skin.

**** and battle are encoded in who I am, it is my purpose... but not Roman. Roman was curious where I was fierce, Understanding where I was stubborn, and when I let the abyss swallow me... it was his light that pulled me out, every time.

I see that light in the sword in my hands, the steel is warm to the touch, threatening to burst into flame should I remove it completely from its sheath. I see my brother in this sword... as I see him in my nephew.

That same light shines so brightly within the boy, he is kind of heart and gentle of soul... but his flames do not burn like the sun, they smoulder in the abyss, the very same that has consumed me for my entire life. Under the perfect skin of that boy, is a monster, just like mine.

Once I would have celebrated this, to have found one so much like me. But just as with his sister, I find a motherly barrier preventing me from pushing them both into this world of blood and loss.

Diana is a fierce woman capable at once of great evil and unrelenting good... and Charlie, well he is only a boy, but I have never seen such a spark in one so young, it is unimaginable to behold, not to mention (Rommie forgive me) unprecedentedly attractive.

I think that if I were 50 maybe even 60 years younger then I'd pounce on him like a cheetah, our ilk has no need to worry about inbreeding, our genes are always perfectly aligned, there is no room for impurities in a descendant... not that I want... or even could birth any more children.

Neither is it what he needs right now, right now, he needs a teacher, a mentor, and I can only hope to guide him into greatness, rather than dissuade him deeper into my singularity of ruin.

These old bones are brittle, the very flesh and organs continue to fail due to my recklessness during youth, my heart; broken far to many times to pick up the pieces I've lost.

Every day I have to up the dose of healing draft, forcing my body to repair the destruction that Overdrive has wrought... but you can only cheat **** for so long, I hope and pray that I can gift the knowledge of our mighty house before I expire.

At the time of writing these words, an Undead would have left through my door not five minutes before... not just any undead... but an Upir. and not just any Upir... But Rosaria, the King's eye herself, stood in the door after I answered the knock, pregnant with the children of my Chippy... children he does not, and can not, know about.

She asked me strange questions, this legend among monsters. The ultimate prey darkened my door... and against all odds, I let her in. As she asked me about Charlie's complex birth, and discussed with me her part in my brother's ****, I contemplated who I would anger in regards to my actions. Would my mother return from the grave and my father pull himself back into sanity to punish me for breaking our creed in aiding this monstrosity... or would my dearest nephew disown me for carrying out my duty in beheading this foul beast?

But as she spoke, more sincerely and more passionately about her worries for her babies birth, the remorse in her tone for the things she had been ordered to do... I started to see myself in those blue eyes of hers... I saw... my Russie and my beloved Talia in them.

I told her to leave. I made no action, there was no decision. It's what I used to say to my little girl... sometimes there is no right choice, sometimes it is best to not make a decision at all.

I refuse to let a foul monster like the Red Strigga to see me cry, I would shed no more tears for my baby... It's not what she would want from me.

It is obvious to me that I have been alone for far too long. Banishment was easier than **** for what I tried to do, on my own, I could immerse myself entirely in the hunt... but being here now with my family again, brings back the pain that came with it.

Charlie and Diana will not meet the same fate, I don't care if I have to flog it into them, they will be warriors before the end.

Didi spends most of her time with me, even as I write in this journal. I have to keep reminding her of her responsibilities as an attorney, though she seems determined to focus on vampiric lore and training. While I adore the company I do wish that she would not take to these things so adamantly... she's truly her father's daughter.

"You alright to wait, Rakeem?" You asked enthusiastically as a man who could only be described as, the coolest Uber driver to ever live, pulled in to the parking lot behind Remhilde's apartment.

The man's dreadlocks flew aside, a wide smile painted on his brown face, his eyes slightly bloodshot from what you suspected was an abundance of cannabis that could be smelt from him. This man... was oddly kind and intriguing, he was from Africa but sounded Arabian or maybe even Mediterranean, it was hard to place. He spoke warmly and happily, talking about how you and Daisy were a cute couple, the blonde flushing and thanking him more than once.

Still after picking up your phone and some beers to bring to the party, the time came for you to rush into Hilde's... better safe than sorry.

"Of course, my Brudda. Take all the time you need now, I prefer running around friends than boring old customers!" He said enthusiastically.

You were going to say something back but he waved you off "Gowan, my Brudda. Don't keep that beautiful blonde waiting, the sooner you get that southern honey in de bottle, the better your chances are of taking that sweet ass to bed! Gowan now!" You shared a laugh as you left promptly, luckily Daisy didn't hear that one.

Smiling and taking Daisy's hand, you and the blonde walked around the building towards the obscure entrance to the basement apartments, knocking on Hilde's door and waiting for it to open.

You could feel Daisy quivering slightly, gulping as she stared into the door like she expected a monster to jump out of her "C-Can I wait outside?" She asked shakily.

"What? Out here? Don't be weird, you are forcing me to this stupid party, the least you could do is meet my aunt." You chuckled.

"I HAVE ALREADY MET HER! AND SHE'S THE GOD DAMN BLACK RABBIT!" Daisy did not scream, it was more the scratching whisper of an animal hiding in the underbrush, but still you were puzzled at her fear for a moment before the doors swung open.

Daisy's huge form shrunk as she squeaked, trying to hide her titanous form behind you as golden eyes stared from the darkness.

Diana blinked at you from her sweaty face, her black hair with it's single ivory streak tied back... she was wearing exercise gear, black and tight on the skin, she honestly looked like she'd run a marathon. "Charlie? Daisy? What are you doing here? I thought you had that party tonight?" Diana asked breathlessly.

Raising an eyebrow as Daisy flushed at her own cowardice, You peered over Diana's shoulder, seeing Hilde sat on the couch, doodling in a bright pink journal. "You're training without me, shouldn't you be at your office... where you work?" You asked.

She smiled awkwardly, "yeah well... I took the day off, I'm still a little clumbsy with Ymir, the Hammer? I've been trying to master Overdrive." She said candidly before looking you both over suspiciously. "Is there... some specific reason you're here?"

"Oh for god's sake, Diana let them in!" Hilde yelled, making Diana Jolt. the raven-haired beauty spinning around and bowing.

"Yes, Mentor!"

Walking through and closing the door behind you (Daisy still quivering and holding your hand tightly) you moved towards your Aunt Hilde, who continued to write in her bright pink, very old looking journal, humming to herself as Diana went over to the empty space, picking up that same silver hammer from the attack in the alley.

She started to swing and twist around with such precision that it was intimidating to watch. You certainly wouldn't want to be her victim on the battlefield.

"You're woman came here today."

Turning back to Hilde who spoke in a low, bored voice as she continued to write in her journal, you raised an eyebrow as you noticed your father's sword; Lugh, laying across her lap.

"Ummm W-Which one?" It was slightly embarrassing to even have to say that but... you were involved with a fair amount of women now.

"The Upir." Hilde said, "she was worried about her children's birth being as complicated as yours... wanted to know about the process."

You nodded, "she's lucky to at least have us to try and help her through it."

The journal boomed as Hilde snapped it closed, removing her glasses and looking up at you. "She's lucky I didn't rend her head from her miserable body."

As dangerous as Hilde thought she was, and as intimidated by her as Daisy clearly was... you merely smiled, as you saw her fiddling with the locket around her neck... You wondered what memories had tamed her murderous instincts.

"I need a way to take my sword with me to this party..."

Hilde raised an eyebrow. "Expecting trouble?"

"Call it Intuition." You smiled.

Gripping Lugh by the scabbard, the blade roaring as it burst into flames. You flew back but Daisy was not so quick, the red hot blade pressing into the bare skin of her shoulder. "DAISY!" You roared, your face twisting as you looked at Hilde angrily. "What the fuck do you think you're doing--"

Daisy did not reel in pain, she looked more guilty than anything. Because the sword did not pierce her flesh... it had simply been absorbed by the spongey texture, not blade nor it's flame had harmed her... but they had harmed someone.

Hilde grunted through her smile, a hideous patch of burned brown blood opening through her top, the horrible burning thrust of the blade cutting into the flash of her own shoulder, like she's stabbed her own reflection.

Pulling free your sword, Hilde smiled as she sheathed her sword, tossing it to you before pulling down her cardigan's shoulder.

There it was, the cavenous burned, bloody wound, which she patiently and painlessly began to bandage. "So... you are Madam Ostara, the Evergreen. I had suspected it was you, I bet the Strigga wasn't happy to realise it was you." Hilde smiled, as Daisy adjusted her unharmed dress.

"I-I don't... know if you remember but..." Daisy started.

"I remember..." Hilde smiled "We met a long time ago, you were only a child I believe. The Voodoo Queen's ward."

"You two have met before?" You cried in surprise, "but if you met when she was a child.... and Daisy is from the 1950s...."

"I'm an old girl kiddo... so was your father... and your grandfather, that old gargoyle is old beyond reasoning. I met this girl in New Orleans, during my contact with Marie Laveau the Voodoo Queen." Hilde turned her eyes back to Daisy, "you have grown... and you are just as beautiful as I suspected you'd be."

Daisy flushed at that compliment, "oh.... thank you? You literally have barely aged a day... but-"

Hilde nodded coldly, "yes, I am weaker, much much weaker. But I have these two to make up for it."

Daisy scratched her blonde head, "wow... small world."

"Right well, you learn something new every day... literally in my case. Alright then mentor, my almighty mentor, how do I conceal this mighty weapon from the eyes of mortals!?"

Hilde shrugged "I'don'know." She sat back down, sighing and going to light a cigarette *BAM*

The gunshot rang through the air, making both yours and Daisy's ears ring, "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?"

Diana blew the smoking muzzle of black baby, Hilde blinked as the end of her destroyed cigarette hung in her mouth. "I was going to fucking smoke that, you brat." Hilde growled.

Didi merely smiled, "we went over this, no fucking smoking, Auntie?" She asked coyly.

Hilde grumbled "Language." Didi looked ready to speak on Hilde's hypocrisy but the elder beat her to it, "I am the Chief, I am allowed to swear..... Nice shot honey."

Diana holstered her weapon with a wink and continued her practice.

"God you people are crazy." You chuckled, "you have to know someway to hide this thing, you have to have a way to hide those crazy gauntlets and boots of yours?"

Remhilde gave you a strange smile, "I do... but I don't think you are willing to pay the same cost I did for carrying Artemis and Hermes with me at all times."

"Really, what is this fabled cost then?"

You were not prepared for her answer.

Sighing, Hilde grabbed her forearm and whispered, "release." In one fluid motion and a puff of what looked like azure smoke, Hilde twisted her arm and her knee with a fierce and horrible click, both her left and right leg pulling free. The soft texture of her arm and her leg changed as she detached them, the two clearly magical prosthetics oozing into a hard, deep blue crystal, of which she held up coyly, "an arm and a leg. That's the cost."

Frowning, you crouched by her... Y-You had no idea, those prosthetics looked and felt like a real arm and leg, seeing her missing limbs was especially distressing. "Don't look like that, dear. I've had these babies for 70 years, I barely notice them anymore, and within...." She touched both prosthetics and whispered "declanşa"

The prosthetics glowed again, transforming, splitting in two and hardening, sharpening into the insidiously sharp and brutal set of gauntlets and boots, the living weapons shimmering with power only for a moment before she returned them to their prosthetic form and clicked both limbs back on. The crystal oozing back into a soft pinkish texture, layered with her tattoos, you noticed now that the fingers had no wrinkles or fingernails... that explains why she always keeps her hands covered.

"I can't show you everything kiddo, you have to figure somethings out for yourself. Your father used to use Wiccan runes to bind it to his suitcase, but I'm sure you'll come up with something more practical."

Sighing, you nodded, "yeah... fine. Come on Daisy... it's almost 9'oclock, we don't want to keep Rakeem waiting."

"Oh, okay!" Daisy said cheerily, "bye Miss Rabbit. See you later Diana."

Diana paused, "oh... you're leaving already?" She said, walking up to you.

You smiled nodding softly, "yeah, I'm being guilt-tripped into going to this stupid party."

"Don't be such a bitch, Chip, you can handle battle, you can handle giving the illusion that you have at least some social skills." She chuckled.

You scowled, "I hate you."

Diana fluttered her brows, and shot up, kissing you on the left corner of your lips, her eyes amorous and caring, "no you don't."

"Hmf. I'll see you later." You whispered, "bye Hilde!"

"Yeah, yeah, scram, damn brat." She smiled as you led Daisy back to the Uber, and towards the party.