Hope you all enjoy this one… I really enjoyed writing it and hopefully will enjoy reading your reviews… So… REVIEW! Please?

Loved

The tall white haired man stood in the shade of the trees watching the bright-eyed little girl being pushed on the swings by her father. She giggled and kicked her legs forward as she swung back and forth, back and forth. “Higher Daddy! Higher!” Rini giggled and let out a joyous cry as Darien pushed her a little harder on the swing. “Higher!”

“If I push you any higher you’re going to fly off and get hurt.” Darien shook his head with a broad smile gracing his face. He loved this, simple moments in his life put everything in perspective, he’d lived year after year of agonizing hell; no longer. The little girl on the swing was the embodiment of everything he’d ever wanted and loved. She was her mother, but also him, she was happy and joyous, innocent, and trusting. Serena had once been this little girl and he could remember pushing her on a swing. Though he wasn’t as big and strong as the parents pushing their children he’d done the best he could.

As he pushed Rini contently, he let his eyes wander to the seating area where Serena sat chatting with other mothers. She always seemed to be the one talking and everyone always seemed to be listening. He smiled as her eyes shifted to him as she continued to talk, the healthy sparkle in her eyes causing his heart to soar. Truly he was lucky. He had a beautiful and loving wife, a successful son, the most perfect daughter, and an adopted son who had become quite the forerunner of his field.

Of course, with everything that was good, an evil was created to balance it out. Seriah was still alive, though she was safely locked away he couldn’t help but allow his mind to wander to her. He imagined her sitting in a padded white room in a white jumpsuit. Her jet black hair would be unruly and her icy eyes would be fixed on the door hatefully. She hadn’t aged in his mind but the idea of her being a threat had. Every time Peruru talked of his visits with her he felt a sense of danger washing over him, an unspoken fear that threatened to consume his happiness.

Seiya had been the most evil man Darien had ever known. Evil and merciless. Seiya had never given up and Darien just knew that Seriah would be the same way. If she was ever released she would come after him. She would come to kill all of them. It was a sad fact that Seiya had somehow brain washed his daughter. He had most likely started conditioning Seriah since she was too little to remember. Like a programmer imbedding little codes into a program, they’re hidden until activated.

“Daddy! Down! Down!” Rini squirmed in the seat and looked back at her dazed father. “DADDY!” Her frustrated little voice finally reached his ears.

“Sorry Rini.” He apologized and slowed the miniature version of himself and his wife. She nodded her understanding and jumped off of the swing before rushing over to the merry-go-round. “No Rini, not the carousel. They’re dangerous and I don’t want you falling off.” Darien shook his head as she looked at it longingly.

“But Icky let me go on it.” She folded her hands together and looked at her father with the biggest eyes she could muster. Though she was only five she’d discovered that her mispronunciations and big doe eyes could convince her daddy to let her do what she wanted… usually. “Pweeez?” She drawled out her plea and strained her body forward as if pushing the word out would add weight to it. “I didn’t get hurt the other day Daddy.”

“I said no Rini. It’s just too dangerous. I’ve seen little girls lose teeth by flying off those things.” He held up a finger and touched her nose as he usually did when trying to convince her of something. Rini looked at him then to the merry-go-round and back.

“So? They’re going to fall out anyway.” She said quietly and sighed as he laughed a little. How she came up with such a logical argument he wasn’t sure but it was adorable nonetheless. “Then can I spin on the round swing?” Darien looked towards the tire swing and frowned. He didn’t want to ruin her fun but tire swings and carousels were the two most dangerous items on a playground. Children flew off of them and broke limbs, lost teeth, and were sometimes even hit so hard by them that they developed concussions.

“I’m sorry Rini, not while I’m here.” He watched the twinkle fade in her eyes as she let her face lower towards the ground. “Hey! None of that!” He grabbed her suddenly and flipped her up so her stomach was resting on his shoulder, her face by his and her legs dangling down his back. “Hold out your arms like superman and I’ll help you fly.”

“I don’t want to.” She sighed and kept her body limp. He rolled his eyes and put her back on the ground, her small feet connecting with it gently. “Why can’t I Daddy? I’m special, I won’t get hurt.”

“Why would you think that Rini?” He asked with an amused tone. He knew all children thought they were invincible but he’d never heard them say they were special and wouldn’t get hurt.

“Because Mommy says I’m a little angel… and Helios said I was special and he was going to watch me to make sure I wouldn’t get hurt.” The smile on her face alarmed him. The fact that she’d had any conversation with Peruru’s brother alarmed him. The red flags were too many to count. “I like him.” She spun around and giggled.

“When did you talk to him?” He found himself immediately questioning her. He wasn’t entirely sure why her statement scared him but it did. Helios was not a normal man. He was a trained agent, he was capable of many gruesome things and his father was Diamond. “Rini… when did you talk to him?”

“The other day when Icky brought me here… he said I was being followed and that I had to be careful because I was special… but he promised he’d make sure I wouldn’t get hurt. He said all I had to do if I was in trouble was to shout his name… why Daddy?” Darien picked up his daughter and began to walk to where Serena was. “I don’t want to go home! Daddy!”

“Shhh Rini. Serena… let’s go.” He placed a gentle hand on his wife’s shoulder to catch her attention. Serena looked up at him, the group of women instantly devouring him with their eyes before looking at the blond haired woman sitting with them. “Please?”

“What’s wrong?” Serena stood up and looked Rini over before looking into his darkened eyes. Something within them screamed warning. “Sorry girls, we’re going to go home. Looks like something’s up. See you all tomorrow?”

“I’m not sure if we’re coming back tomorrow.” Darien stated flatly and held his hand out for Serena to take it. It had long been established that when he wanted to communicate something in front of her and he wanted her to promise him something without anyone seeing a verbal agreement; he would hold out his hand and if she agreed, if she would make that promise to him, she would take it. Serena looked at his hand, then into his eyes and took his hand with a smile. “Have a wonderful day ladies.” He bid the group goodbye and began to usher his family away from the park.

“What’s going on Dare?” Serena questioned him while trying to look into his eyes. He kept them straight ahead, scanning for any disturbance in the surrounding area. “Dare?”

“Later Serena. Not here… not now.” He assured her while squeezing her hand and marching towards the house.

Helios watched Darien hurry away from the park and felt a frustration build in him. Rini had clearly told him what was said but Darien didn’t seem to understand. So far, no one had understood his mission to keep her safe. Then again he wasn’t really sure if he understood it either. He shifted his eyes to the read head sitting at one of the benches reading the paper. Suddenly she folded the item and slipped it into her purse while staring after the three retreating figures. It was clear, Seriah was after her little sister and now she was sending her grandmother to spy on the innocent blonde. It was wrong in his mind, to use such a beautiful creature against the very people who had brought her into this world. What was even worse was that Seriah clearly had no cares for the child’s safety.

It didn’t matter though; he didn’t care about what others thought. He was going to watch that little girl and make sure she was safe. Nothing was going to stop him and he knew deep down, that he’d do anything to make sure she was protected.

“He was there watching her. He knew I was there too though.” Beryl drawled and tapped her long nails on the counter as Seriah sat at the table seemingly daydreaming. “Will you stop thinking about that boy and remember our mission?” Beryl snapped angrily while glaring at the woman seated quietly. “Don’t forget whose side he’s on. He’s with them, he’s an enemy!” Taiki and Yaten looked up from their work in the kitchen in time to see Seriah’s eyes lock onto her grandmother.

“He is not.” Seriah stated flatly and turned to face Beryl. “You’ve been awfully vocal about all this… why do you think you have any say whatsoever? This is MY mission not OUR mission. I am the one in charge here so let me suggest you shut up and stop questioning my way of doing things!”

“You’re just like your father. Stubborn, and too driven by your hormones. He could have been great you know? Happy, but no! He chased after your whore of a mother and look at where it landed him! He’s dead! Buried in the ground and your mother’s out with that coward of a husband of hers. Now here you are chasing after his worthless son. Don’t you see how pointless this all is? How cyclical?” Seriah listened to her grandmother and felt an overwhelming sense of anger consume her. She hated what Beryl was saying, partially because it was true. She could see the same weaknesses within her as her father had possessed but she didn’t care.

“Shut up.” She warned the tall red head then looked at Taiki and Yaten expectantly. “Where’s my food?” Her icy eyes blazed with anger as she glared at the two. “Well?”

“It’s not done.” Yaten stated firmly and continued with his work. Seriah growled and looked back at Beryl. “It won’t be long though, maybe a half hour.”

“Seriah, I truly think you should forget about that little prick of a boyfriend of yours. He’s just like his father and frankly, you shouldn’t have any romantic involvements.” Beryl added with her arms crossed. Seriah glared at her once again then stood. She was at her wits end with Beryl, the only reason she’d sent her to watch Rini was to get her out of the house.

“Don’t call me that…” Seriah growled then narrowed her eyes. “You know what? I want this house… sign it over to me.” Beryl took a step back and stared at her granddaughter with reservation. “Now or I’ll fucking kill you.” Beryl’s eyes went wide as she regarded the young woman in front of her. She knew all too well what Seriah was capable of.

“What happens to me if I give the house to you?” It was a valid question, one that not many people would think to ask. Seriah smirked and thought about her options. She didn’t want Beryl around any longer but kicking her out would compromise the entire plan. Beryl would run straight to Darien and tell him everything. The plan would be ruined.

“Nothing.” Seriah smiled as she remembered the shackles in the corner of her father’s old strong hold. She could chain the woman up down there and leave her to die. It would be so very easy… of course… it would be easier to kill her. Then again Beryl deserved to suffer a bit for what she’d done in the past. “Nothing will happen to you I just want the house.” Seriah watched as her grandmother stiffly moved out of the room to retrieve the title. “When she gets back watch her. I’m going to get one of the sedatives.” The two men nodded in unison as she walked out and into her father’s office. It had been years since the serums were used and she knew they most likely were past their expiration dates but that was something she didn’t really care about. She grabbed one of the syringes and tucked it into her sleeve before walking back into the dining room where Beryl was filling out the transfer. Seriah watched her fill it out and sign her name.

“Here.” Beryl finished signing it with a flourish and stared at it for a long time. “I’ve lived a long life Seriah… not really one that I’m proud of but… I am your grandmother, and I loved your father very much. I know I never expressed it really but I did.” Her eyes remained on the paper. “Please, if you’re going to kill me… just do it quickly.” She then looked up, her brown eyes watery as she essentially begged for mercy.

“I’ll do my best...” Seriah nodded and stood behind the woman now seated in the chair. She placed her hands on Beryl’s shoulders and extracted the syringe from its hiding place. “You’re going to get what you deserve.” Seriah hissed and stabbed the needle into her grandmother’s vein and pushed the plunger down. Before she even had time to react Beryl’s body suddenly went into convulsions, her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she fell to the ground and continued to flop around like a fish out of water. “This is an interesting development.” Seriah grinned and looked at the syringe.

When Beryl stopped moving, a small trickle of blood left her mouth and pooled on the ground. “What the fuck was that? It’s fucking awesome!” Yaten cried excitedly and rushed around the counter to take stock of Beryl. “I want some of that shit!”

“Yaten, watch your language. There’s no reason to speak with such vulgarity.” Taiki said calmly as usual and pushed a bunch of chopped celery into the simmering pan. Yaten just looked at his partner with a wry look then back at Beryl.

Seriah sighed and knelt next to the woman on the floor. “Pity… I wanted this to last.” She felt Beryl’s neck and paused. “Maybe it will, she’s still alive.” Yaten grinned and looked back at Taiki with glee. “Help me get her downstairs. If she comes to we don’t want anyone hearing her screams.

“We’re pretty secluded though… that’s how your dad got away with so many things.” Yaten scratched his head but agreed to help Seriah drag the older woman into the basement. “Whatever it was, it’s pretty awesome and I think you should hold onto it.” Yaten mused aloud as they managed to get Beryl downstairs and shackled. “It’ll be interesting to see the effects… Taiki’s the scientist between the two of us so he likes to examine things.” Yaten stood back and took the sight in.

“I’m sure… however, I need to eat then head over to my mother’s to spy on them.” Seriah then rushed back up the stairs and grabbed some of the prepared food then rushed out of the house and to her black car. She was overdue as far as spying went and she needed to get into the swing of things. After all, if you want something done right you do it yourself.

She parked her car a block away from the house and walked in. It was amazing really. Darien had picked a perfect location, despite being close to other houses it was very secluded, the driveway in was long, almost an eighth of a mile in length and the whole property was surrounded by thick woods, which made it easy to hide. “Idiot.” She snickered and moved within the trees as she approached the rather large house. It was pitch black outside and as a result she could see all the windows illuminated by the inner lights.

She looked at the driveway and frowned. There were five cars there, two more than was necessary but seeing as one was a van she figured her mother and Darien had the Mercedes and the van. One car she recognized as Derrick’s and the other was Peruru’s but the fifth one was unknown to her. Curious now of who else was there she quickly moved to the car and looked in. It was clearly a female’s vehicle; it had the astronomical sign for Pluto hanging from the rearview mirror and in the back was a feminine looking duffle bag. In the back window was a sticker that read: Harvard Medical School. Clearly it was that woman Derrick was friends with at the hospital. Who was this woman?

“Thanks for having me over!” Seriah heard the foreign femal voice sound. She looked towards the front door and saw the woman stepping out onto the front deck with everyone right behind her to bid her farewell. “Next time I’ll bring my moms over.” Everyone laughed and Seriah had a chance to get away from the car. She could see her mother holding Rini on her hip and Darien standing next to her with his arm protectively around her shoulder. Peruru was standing in front and to the side, and then Derrick was walking the woman to the car.

“Sorry about them. They think we’re dating or something.” Derrick shrugged and looked back at the house. “My dad of all people ought to know better.”

“Yeah…” Trista sighed and opened her car door. “I’m on their side.” Seriah felt her inners twist as she continued to speak. “I know we’ve talked about this and you love that girl but… just know that I love you and I’ll be here if you decide to change your mind.” Seriah scanned Derrick for any sign of reaction but he was surprisingly stoic. “I mean… you don’t know her anymore Derrick… the way she glared at me that day…”

“Trista… please stop. I’m not my dad… and I’m not going to do what he did.” Trista nodded and got into her car. She looked up at him sadly then shut the door and started it before driving away leaving Derrick standing there feeling guilty. He then turned back to the house and began to walk inside, his feet dragging along the pavement. Darien and Serena had taken Rini inside but Peruru remained.

“You’re an idiot Derrick. Seriah is nothing but trouble but that woman… Trista loves you and you just throw her aside. I know you think you’re doing the right thing but your not. You are doing what Darien did. You’re leading her on and not taking action while you chase after someone else.” Peruru shook his head and walked into the house. Derrick simply balled his fists and followed behind.

Seriah was furious! Who was Peruru to say anything like that to him? She moved around the house and peeked in on of the side windows to the living room and saw Rini run from down stairs and jump on Serena who was sitting on one of the loveseats listening to Darien play the piano. Much like the night she’d tried to kill him Seriah found herself being entranced by the way the piano sang it melody. It was beautiful and she was thankful that the window was slightly open so she could experience it. “Come on Rini, we need to brush your hair… you know get ready for bed. Would you go and get the brush?” Seriah heard her mother’s voice for the first time in five years and it was so very different. It sounded softer, breathier, and more mature. To hear it brought a calming peace over her.

“Okay Mommy!” Rini sang and rushed around the house to find her brush. When she returned she was holding it in her hand much like one would hold a hand mirror. “Here it is Mommy!”

“Thank you sweetie.” Serena smiled and took the brush from her daughter while turning sideway on the love seat and waiting for Rini to jump up and face the same way. It was with a certain jealous hatred that Seriah watched her mother brush her younger sister’s hair. Each stroke was followed by Serena’s free hand with a petting motion. Rini’s eyes were closed as a small smile played upon her lips. She was loved, pure and simple; and Seriah hated it. She couldn’t remember her mother brushing her hair, not once. If she ever had it hadn’t been with such tenderness. With each stroke she felt her anger and hatred growing and after one hundred, well practiced strokes Serena stopped and braided Rini’s long golden hair into a single braid going down her back. “Okay Daddy, she’s ready for story time!” Serena smiled at her husband. Darien nodded and ended the song he was playing then turned towards Rini.

“What should we read tonight?” His deep voice had an even more appealing tone to it now. Seriah found herself examining him more closely. He was more attractive than she remembered him. Everything about him drew her to him… but that wasn’t what she was here to do. She was here to kill him… yet she couldn’t help but entertain the thought of experiencing him for at least once.

“I would like to hear the twelve dancing princesses Daddy.” Rini almost whispered with a smile. Seriah grinned, no doubt Rini wanted to hear all the princess stories she could, since she believed that there was a princess Nehelenia.

“Another princess story? Okay.” He chuckled and swung the small girl into his arms and carried her to the library where he plucked the book from the shelf and sat in a large rocking chair. Rini climbed into his lap and lay her head on his chest as he began the story:

“There was a king who had twelve beautiful daughters. They slept in twelve beds all in one room; and when they went to bed, the doors were shut and locked up; but every morning their shoes were found to be quite worn through as if they had been danced in all night; and yet nobody could find out how it happened, or where they had been.

Then the king made it known to all the land, that if any person could discover the secret, and find out where it was that the princesses danced in the night, he should have the one he liked best for his wife, and should be king after his death; but whoever tried and did not succeed, after three days and nights, should be put to death.

A king’s son soon came. He was well entertained, and in the evening was taken to the chamber next to the one where the princesses lay in their twelve beds. There he was to sit and watch where they went to dance; and, in order that nothing might pass without his hearing it, the door of his chamber was left open. But the king’s son soon fell asleep; and when he awoke in the morning he found that the princesses had all been dancing, for the soles of their shoes were full of holes. The same thing happened the second and third night: so the king ordered his head to be cut off. After him came several others; but they had all the same luck, and all lost their lives in the same manner.

Now it chanced that an old soldier, who had been wounded in battle and could fight no longer, passed through the country where this king reigned: and as he was travelling through a wood, he met an old woman, who asked him where he was going. ’I hardly know where I am going, or what I had better do,’ said the soldier; ’but I think I should like very well to find out where it is that the princesses dance, and then in time I might be a king.’ ’Well,’ said the old dame, ’that is no very hard task: only take care not to drink any of the wine which one of the princesses will bring to you in the evening; and as soon as she leaves you pretend to be fast asleep.’

Then she gave him a cloak, and said, ’As soon as you put that on you will become invisible, and you will then be able to follow the princesses wherever they go.’ When the soldier heard all this good counsel, he determined to try his luck: so he went to the king, and said he was willing to undertake the task.

He was as well received as the others had been, and the king ordered fine royal robes to be given him; and when the evening came he was led to the outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie down, the eldest of the princesses brought him a cup of wine; but the soldier threw it all away secretly, taking care not to drink a drop. Then he laid himself down on his bed, and in a little while began to snore very loud as if he was fast asleep. When the twelve princesses heard this they laughed heartily; and the eldest said, ’This fellow too might have done a wiser thing than lose his life in this way!’ Then they rose up and opened their drawers and boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and dressed themselves at the glass, and skipped about as if they were eager to begin dancing. But the youngest said, ’I don’t know how it is, while you are so happy I feel very uneasy; I am sure some mischance will befall us.’ ’You simpleton,’ said the eldest, ’you are always afraid; have you forgotten how many kings’ sons have already watched in vain? And as for this soldier, even if I had not given him his sleeping draught, he would have slept soundly enough.’

When they were all ready, they went and looked at the soldier; but he snored on, and did not stir hand or foot: so they thought they were quite safe; and the eldest went up to her own bed and clapped her hands, and the bed sank into the floor and a trap-door flew open. The soldier saw them going down through the trap-door one after another, the eldest leading the way; and thinking he had no time to lose, he jumped up, put on the cloak which the old woman had given him, and followed them; but in the middle of the stairs he trod on the gown of the youngest princess, and she cried out to her sisters, ’All is not right; someone took hold of my gown.’ ’You silly creature!’ said the eldest, ’it is nothing but a nail in the wall.’ Then down they all went, and at the bottom they found themselves in a most delightful grove of trees; and the leaves were all of silver, and glittered and sparkled beautifully. The soldier wished to take away some token of the place; so he broke off a little branch, and there came a loud noise from the tree. Then the youngest daughter said again, ’I am sure all is not right–did not you hear that noise? That never happened before.’ But the eldest said, ’It is only our princes, who are shouting for joy at our approach.’

Then they came to another grove of trees, where all the leaves were of gold; and afterwards to a third, where the leaves were all glittering diamonds. And the soldier broke a branch from each; and every time there was a loud noise, which made the youngest sister tremble with fear; but the eldest still said, it was only the princes, who were crying for joy. So they went on till they came to a great lake; and at the side of the lake there lay twelve little boats with twelve handsome princes in them, who seemed to be waiting there for the princesses.

One of the princesses went into each boat, and the soldier stepped into the same boat with the youngest. As they were rowing over the lake, the prince who was in the boat with the youngest princess and the soldier said, ’I do not know why it is, but though I am rowing with all my might we do not get on so fast as usual, and I am quite tired: the boat seems very heavy today.’ ’It is only the heat of the weather,’ said the princess: ’I feel it very warm too.’

On the other side of the lake stood a fine illuminated castle, from which came the merry music of horns and trumpets. There they all landed, and went into the castle, and each prince danced with his princess; and the soldier, who was all the time invisible, danced with them too; and when any of the princesses had a cup of wine set by her, he drank it all up, so that when she put the cup to her mouth it was empty. At this, too, the youngest sister was terribly frightened, but the eldest always silenced her. They danced on till three o’clock in the morning, and then all their shoes were worn out, so that they were obliged to leave off. The princes rowed them back again over the lake (but this time the soldier placed himself in the boat with the eldest princess); and on the opposite shore they took leave of each other, the princesses promising to come again the next night.

When they came to the stairs, the soldier ran on before the princesses, and laid himself down; and as the twelve sisters slowly came up very much tired, they heard him snoring in his bed; so they said, ’Now all is quite safe’; then they undressed themselves, put away their fine clothes, pulled off their shoes, and went to bed. In the morning the soldier said nothing about what had happened, but determined to see more of this strange adventure, and went again the second and third night; and every thing happened just as before; the princesses danced each time till their shoes were worn to pieces, and then returned home. However, on the third night the soldier carried away one of the golden cups as a token of where he had been.

As soon as the time came when he was to declare the secret, he was taken before the king with the three branches and the golden cup; and the twelve princesses stood listening behind the door to hear what he would say. And when the king asked him. ’Where do my twelve daughters dance at night?’ he answered, ’With twelve princes in a castle under ground.’ And then he told the king all that had happened, and showed him the three branches and the golden cup which he had brought with him. Then the king called for the princesses, and asked them whether what the soldier said was true: and when they saw that they were discovered, and that it was of no use to deny what had happened, they confessed it all. And the king asked the soldier which of them he would choose for his wife; and he answered, ’I am not very young, so I will have the eldest.’–And they were married that very day, and the soldier was chosen to be the king’s heir.”

By the end of the story Rini was sleeping peacefully in the warm comforts of her father’s arms. It was both beautiful and sickening. Seriah had wanted that! What little girl wouldn’t want the life Rini was living? The girl had beautiful parents who loved her, a great older brother, and an adopted brother who was very fond of her. Why? Why did this little girl get everything Seriah ever wished for?

Darien carefully closed the book and scooped Rini into his arms and carried her out to the living room where Derrick and Peruru took turns kissing her forehead. Then everyone went upstairs, the boys to their rooms and Rini taken to her room by her parents. Seriah just imagined what the scene was like. The room would be a soft pastel pink accented with white. Darien would wait for Serena to pull back the covers and would then place her in the bed. The covers would be drawn up to her chin and tucked around her lovingly as they both kissed her goodnight and walked downstairs. When they did come back down her mother and Darien were silently turning off the lights then moved through the library to their room where they shut the door.

Curiosity got the better of her and Seriah moved around so she was spying on them through one of the large windows. Sure enough the couple was standing in the middle of the room kissing. Darien’s hand’s were around her mother’s delicate waist and Serena’s hands were grasping at the collar of Darien’s dark blue button up shirt. She watched and listened through the slightly opened window as they continued on, their breathing beginning to get labored.

As if something had possessed him, Darien suddenly grabbed Serena, picking her up so her legs were around his waist. He then carried her to the bed and lowered her to it, his torso still against hers and his feet still planted on the ground.

Though she wanted to Seriah couldn’t seem to pull her eyes from them, not even as clothes started to be discarded. She wasn’t sure if was the fact that she was insanely attracted to Darien, or if it was just that she was still a virgin but she wanted to see this. She had to watch them, it was like a drug… and a very sick addiction. Seriah felt her heart skip a beat as her mother pulled Darien’s shirt open and violently started pulling it from him. His muscles hadn’t diminished a bit, quite the feat for someone who in her opinion, was staring to get on in years. She was even impressed by the way her mother looked as well, both of them looked like they were years younger, perhaps a curse that was cast upon them both.

She wondered what it felt like to be in her mother’s place at the current moment. So far they had just been kissing and removing clothes and she wondered if any of that felt nearly as good as they made it look. Then, with a little bit of movement on Darien’s part Seriah saw her mother arch her back and tilt her head so that her neck was exposed. A cry erupted from her mouth and suddenly Seriah could see her mother’s fingers tangled in Darien’s black locks.

“You do that to torture me… I know you do.” She heard her mother whisper then bit her lip as Darien chuckled and nodded before taking her lips with his. Seriah felt liberated but dirty as she watched the pair make love to one another.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” The sound of a deep, breathy voice startled her. She turned while swinging her leg in a powerful kick that was caught. She stared at the figure in a completely black jumpsuit which now had her leg safely held against it’s side. She tried to see who it was but was frustrated when she couldn’t tell. Without warning the figure began to pull her away from the window and because whoever it was had one leg she soon found herself crashing to the ground and being drug towards the woods. She fumbled for the gun that was on her belt and found it missing, the knife two. “Don’t bother I have them.” The person was clearly male, his deep voice was laced with anger.

It wasn’t until they were a ways into the woods that he dropped her leg and pinned her to the ground, he held himself in such a way that she couldn’t move and as a result, for once in her life she was impressed. No one had ever pinned her so successfully and only her father had ever rendered her immobile. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“I should ask you the same. If you hate them so much… why are you so intently watching them make love?” The man pulled the black ski mask off to reveal Helios. “I told you to stay away from them. Then again I knew you wouldn’t listen.”

“You’re on the wrong side.” Seriah hissed and glared at him. “I will kill them. Derrick will be mine, and the rest, dead. If you want my sister you have to join me to get her or else I’ll make sure she suffers a slow death.” Seriah couldn’t help but feel angry about Helios’s interruption. So far he’d been quite good at interrupting her and she hated him for it. Especially since he’d pulled her away from the window as everything was getting really good.

“Seems to me… like I’m the one winning here. How can I be on the wrong side when I’m the one in control? You’re helpless right now… I took your guns, your knives, even my father’s signature serum here. You didn’t even know I did it!” Helios’s smirk was staring to get on her nerves. “I could kill you right now.”

“Then do it.” Seriah dared him. If he thought he was going to stop her then he had better do it now. “Well?” He pulled out her sharp dagger and pressed it against her neck puncturing it a bit. A small trickle of blood started to flow then Helios was suddenly pulled away from her by four surprisingly strong arms. “Thank you boys.” Seriah brushed herself off and looked at Helios with a smirk. “You’re a thorn in my side Helios.” With that Yaten hit him in the back of the neck knocking him out. “Let’s lock him up with Beryl. I’m sure she’d love a male friend.”