Things were beginning to calm down at the cabin as the night sky over Mt. Spokane was slowly being lit up by the sun rising. The werewolves were healing from their wounds thanks to two witches who had called the rest of their group to come up and assist them, with the help of Colleen, Zedd, and Kerri the healing process was doing well. The bounty hunters that came along who were injured were also treated and amazingly no one perished at the cabin despite the many various injuries that were among the group. When Jory did all he could for the wounded he went back outside and set up a ring of candles around Becca's grave then lit them all and sat down infront of it just staring at the dirt that kept her hidden from him. The emotions going through his body at that moment were uncontainable, he was so full of hate yet the depression of losing lives and nearly losing his own on several occasions was starting to over take that hate and it was all he could do not to break down right then and there. It was all his fault Becca died, if he hadn't gone with her to the Queen Mary the first time she wouldn't have been dragged into this mess, Zeddicus would have never tried to have raped her, Earl wouldn't have tried to kill her and Durius wouldn't have ever killed her.
Why was he chosen for this? Why couldn't someone else be sitting here and be sulking over how sucky their life was? There was a reason he was chosen to be the necroscope that would lead an army of warriors against the legions of Hell, but being that he was only mortal he didn't have all the answers nor probably would as long as he was alive, if only he could escape that.
Taking a break from healing the wounded; Colleen, Zedd, Scotty, Craig, and Kerri came out of the cabin to get some air and noticed Jory sitting alone and decided to see if he was ok. It was a long night for everyone involved as each and every one of them came very close to dying this day and everyone was a little on the edge at the moment. They all sat around the grave in one big circle and suddenly an awkward silence fell among them. Jory wasn't expecting the company and was so caught up in his own thoughts that it wasn't until a few minutes after they joined him that he finally realized they were there either looking at him or staring at the grave, all of which with solumn faces.
"How is everyone doing?"
"Everyone is resting now, we've done all we can for everyone and it appears things will go well for them."
"Thats good to hear...."
"Has she come to you yet Jor?"
"No, her spirit is still trying to understand that she is no longer in her body and that she is now apart of the spirit realm."
"I didn't really get to know her much, but she was nice to me for the time we did talk and I'm sorry you lost her, especially like this."
"Thanks Craig, means a lot."
His gift was searching for her, calling out to her, but she was unable to answer. It usually varied from spirit to spirit in how one gets used to their new situation and it seemed Becca wasn't quite yet ready to move on, he would have to wait longer.
"I will try and help you find her bro, if you'd like?"
Kerri has been down about her death as well as Zedd. Kerri was quite fond of Becca and it was difficult for her to come to terms with this loss. She was willing to help Jory in any way possible and he thought maybe this was another reason why they were "twins", they looked out for eachother.
"When the time is right sis, I would appreciate it."
"Of course bro, just let me know."
"I bet its been hard for you too huh?"
"She was a nice girl, it was a shame to have to see her go like that. No one deserves what Durius did to her today...no one."
Jory reached over to his sister and clasped his hand over hers to show that he understood her. She responded with a slight small and squeeze of the hand.
"I feel that this is my fault Jory."
"Why do you say that Zedd?"
"If it wasn't for me she wouldn't have even been involved with this whole entire mess. I dragged her to Gettysburg and helped get her involved with Earl over in Europe, I was the cause of all of this."
Zedd lowered his head and shame then slowly shook it as if trying to fight back the emotions. Zedd was a strong being but even he couldnt escape his past sometimes.
"We were all different people back then Zedd. You were different then, you were unable to control yourself and you were helpless to Hell's demands."
"I wish I could have been stronger Jory, its a shame to me that it took me so long to finally break free of that evil chain and finally grow a conscience of my own. I have regretted the fact that I once tried to ruin your life and all those around you, I really messed up a lot of things."
"Without you Zedd we would not be here and we would not know who we are. You were the one, either good or evil, that always drove us to be better people and though you were a pest when evil, it made me do a lot of things I probably wouldn't have done without you making yourself comfortable in my soul."
"Dont blame yourself Zedd, this is all Durius's fault. It was him that caused all of this..not you."
Durius sat there for a moment letting the words float around in his head, deep inside he knew he was unable to control himself in those days but he still felt guilty over all of the grief it caused..and continues to cause.
"Perhaps you are right, but either way I shall extract my revenge and make it up to all those who I caused harm...especially Becca."
"Tonight was a night we cant let happen again guys, if Durius were to deliver another blow to us like this I'm not sure if we'd be able to make it."
"I wouldn't say that Craig, until that demon has me dead in his hands then I will continue to fight."
"Thats the only thing we can do...fight."
"How do we plan to do that Jory? Just about all of us are too injured to fight at the moment."
He could only sigh at her question. So much was going through him that he felt that right now he just wasn't prepared to answer questions..or lead an army.
"I've spoken with my men Jory, they have told me that the bounty hunters they have brought with them will join us...but for a price."
"A price? Let me guess...money."
"Yes, they do not wish to fight this battle unless they have something in their pockets worth spending afterwards."
"Sounds a bit selfish to me, I would think about my life first before petty money."
"These are bounty hunters we are dealing with..their lives mean nothing to them."
"All the better, they will fight to the death without a concern..just what we need."
"Were still heavily outnumbered guys, is there anyone else who would join us?"
"I believe I know of one who may help, but is a bit of a travel and thats not even the hard part."
"Oh? Whats the challenge on this one?"
"Convincing her to acually join us."
Silence fell on the group of warriors..this was just one thing they didn't need at the moment. So far, Durius has the sword tip to Jory's throat, with any movement proving to be possibly fatal. Jory had to come up with a plan to dodge the bullet and stick it to Durius where it will hurt the most..but how? What could he possibly do to a DEMON that would hurt it? Jory is a mortal..its easy to hurt a mortal, but a demon? Thats a whole different story.
"You seemed troubled Jory, more then just Becca on your mind?"
Her voice broke his thoughts and made him dart his eyes to her. He could see that she was feeling his pain and frustration over the situation, he was hoping he wasn't making that obvious.
"Just thinking of how we will be paying off these bounty hunters, they will want a good sum."
"Lets head inside then and see what their demands are, hopefully we can meet them."
"If not, we will find another way."
"Trust me sis..there is always a way."
While the others rested in their beds or wherever they could find a place to sleep, Jory along with Zedd & his three assassin sat down with the lead assassin whom helped Kain, Vincent, and Cloud out at the bar earlier in the night. Jory couldn't help but be captivated by the sudden beauty of this woman, but looks can be very decieving and he knew this woman could probably slit his throat in a heart beat.
Jory & Zedd sat across a table from her with the three others stood in the darkness, watching for any sign of deceit, it was a bad enough night without having to have everyone murdered in their sleep. Though he had a lot on his mind, Jory had to put that all aside now and try to regroup this army...his failing army.
"First let me say that I appreciate you helping my men at the bar, I am glad that even a demon of Durius's stance can make some mistakes."
"By the looks of it, his bigger mistake was taking you on as an enemy."
Jory was confused at first, but after taking a side glance to a mirror that sat to the left of him he realized what she meant. He looked battle hardened, like a man whos been through and seen everything one person could see and didn't much fear the obstacles in his path...he looked like a tortured soul looking to shed some blood.
"I was impressed with the way you and your people were able to treat the lycans and the hurt bounty hunters, you people are truely gifted."
"Not gifted enough it would seem..."
He was still depressed over the loss of Becca, and added with the huge blow he struck on the others and he didn't really feel much like a leader at that moment.
"Back at the bar, when Durius offered us the money he did to kill you & your friends, I knew you guys HAD to be some tough sons of bitches...as I've never seen that kind of money offered for any job..ever."
"Durius would do anything to off myself & my companions, money means nothing to him."
"Maybe, but I know it could possibly lead to his downfall."
That statement seem to perk both Zedd & Jory up a bit, how would money of all things lead to the downfall of such a powerful demon?
"What do you mean exactly?"
Jory looked over at Zedd to catch an expression on the powerful demon's face that hes never seen before..a smile.
"Granted that its good enough, not only will myself & the remaining bounty hunters help you in your struggle but as you've no doubt already heard...theres a vampire hunter in New York who would be an outstanding member of your struggling team."
The smile widened on Zedd's face at the mentioning of the vampire hunter, Jory's attention has now been grasped.
"This wouldn't happen to be that person you said would be hard to convince to join us would it?"
"That would be the person Jory, and shes right..if the money is right then she would join us in our battle..you'd be surprised at the skill this person has."
"Shes looked upon highly in the bounty hunter community, not many people can kill like she can."
"SHE"...not many women chose a life of bounty hunting, only the very strong would choose such a job. The way Zedd & this bounty hunter spoke of her made chills run down his spine..he had to have her.
"What is her name?"
The bounty hunter turned her attention to Jory and after a few seconds of thinking it over she suddenly got a very confused look on her face."
"I'm not sure acually, alls I know is that they call her "The Black Rose"."
"She owns a comedy club as a day job, but come night time..well...no vampire is safe when shes out on a contract kill."
"That is just the type of person we need to battle Durius..money isn't an issue for me either..I can offer as much as you need."
A broad smile appears on the good looking bounty hunter's face..a smile of victory.
"Before we get into talks, let me acually introduce myself. The name is Samantha..but you can call me Sam."
"Good to meet you Sam, it'd be better though if the situation was different."
Sam gives Jory a teasing smile and sits up.
"If the situation was different Mr. Johnson, we wouldn't be sitting here."
Jory snorted out a small laugh at the comment, and it felt great to finally crack a smile after so much depression..he knew he would like this one.
"Lets get some rest and then talk about the money. I dont know about you..but I know I wont be thinking straight without at least a few hours rest."
Everyone in the room gives a firm nod and walk off to where the other bounty hunters are resting with the negotiations that could end Durius's evil reign of terror looming around in the horizon.
It was a rough night, but everyone was able to good at least a few hours of sleep but it felt like they only got in 5 minutes while sitting around the cabin, the sun finally fully out and shining down on Mount Spokane, watching Jory slowly make his way to the front of the crowd. Jory had called a meeting to have everyone present at the cabin meet him at the front of the building so he could discuss with them their current situation and to let them in on a possible plan that could help them counterattack Durius & his army..obviously the vampires would have to be filled in later. Wearing a blue jean button up shirt that isn't buttoned up, showing off his upper torso, and some baggy navy blue carpenter jeans, Jory stops infront of the small crowd of people with Zedd at his side and takes a good look at the people infront of him.
To his left were the werewolves, who had a very difficult night last night. Jory's old school buddy & Wolf King Colin Smith stood before his down but not out pack and kept his sharp eyes locked on Jory. Colin had suffered some pretty nasty looking gashes during his struggle with the alpha male Durius had sent to take oevr Colin's pack, but because of Colin's position within the pack he was powerful enough to make it through the night and heal up most of his wounds..the witches were going to have to help with the rest.
The witches, including the two that were rescued during the battle with the werewolves, stood in the middle of the group going over ways of helping to heal the last of the wounds. Jory was very appreciative of these women who could have just as well stayed out of this for their own well being, but it made him wonder what kind of power Durius possessed considering it makes these very powerful witches quake in fear of him.
To his right stood the bounty hunters who, after a few minutes of discussions about money, decided to join up with Jory. They looked very menacing and he knew he struck gold with this crew..they would kill and put the fear of God into their victims. Sam stood infront of them, looking very attractive to Jory once more. She had changed out of her bloody clothes into some tight blue jeans and a white tank top that made Jory sweat a little..but he kept his cool.
Scotty, Craig, Colleen, Kerri, & the three assassins stood outside the group so they could survey the area and keep a close eye on the new recruits, even with these people joining Jory he had to be 100% sure that they were infact loyal to him.
"Last night we were dealt a very nasty blow. Durius got the best of us and we lost quite a few of our own in this crazy tumble of a fight. Please, let us bow our heads in a moment of silence for the lost ones."
Obeying Jory's wishes, everyone bows their head in silence in a last tribute of respect for everyone that died only some hours ago.
"I've been fighting this battle for some time now, at least over a year and in that year I've had things happen to me that would put any other person in a padded room at the local nut house. Durius has stolen the spirit of my grandmother, has stolen the life of my former love, has stolen the house that has most of my cherished memories, has made the lives of all those close to me a living Hell, and has done all he can to kill me. I've been able to keep my cool...but now...I'm going to make Durius wish I was in a padded room, because my patience is thin and my anger is brewing..."
The crowd listens quietly as Jory pours out his emotions to his army, hoping it will get them as blood thirsty as he is.
"I tell you these things because it is only going to get worse from here. Durius will not stop in his quest to tear me down..to tear you down, and that includes the torture..or killing..of loved ones and those closest to you. It includes the burning down of your hometown, the raping of your daughters or sisters or any female that has ever been close to you. He will spill the blood of the innocent in spite of us and he will bathe in it with a smile that would make a grown man cry. I've had it with Durius, I've had it with this battle. I'm sick and tired of having to wonder if today is the day I'm going to die, or if today is going to be the end of some guy who doesn't even know that this is even happening. Right here, right now..we are going to give it to Durius like hes never experienced. We are going to slowly bring him & his army down and then when he thinks hes down & out....we only make it worse for him..and then..we kill him."
"Seems like a hell of a plan there Jory, but how do you plan to accomplish this with so little of a group?"
Jory looks over at Craig who is leaning up against a tree near where the wolves are standing and smiles.
"The plan is in steps, but it will work if executed properly. To do so, I will need to go to New York City and talk to a vampire hunter whos skills will be needed to accomplish our goals. I will also need you all to constantly be training for battle whenever you have the chance, I need all of you & this place to be battle hardened. I want weapons, I want food, I want drink, I want anything and everything that will make this army into a tough SOB...and we need to recruit a little more. I want necromancers, I want other werepeople..I want what you can bring me who is willing to fight...we are not going to go down to Durius..he will lose."
The crowd in unison nods at Jory with big grins on their faces.
"I know it will be hard, and some of you will probably perish in this. But your sacrifice will not go forgotten or unrewarded. I know you all have amazing skill and talent and we need to hone those skills & talents, make them sharper then they ever have. Constant training and weakening of Durius's mighty armor will keep you all on your toes and keep you focused on the main goal of our journey: The destruction of Durius."
"You will all be seperated into groups of your specific talent I.E. Wolves will be placed into a group of wolves to be better trained. The witches will train with me, Kerri will train the vampires, and Colleen will train the wolves. Scotty & Craig will join Samantha in the training of the bounty hunters and you all will go out in recruiting sessions to bring in more gifted people to help in our cause. Your training will require you to do more then you'll ever know, including sparring techniques where you will be going up against either your teacher or a fellow member of the team so you can learn from your mistakes and better know the movements of the people around you. Make no mistake about it ladies & gentlemen..this will be no walk in the park."
"I will rejoin you all when I can, I dont know how long it will take to pursuade this vampire hunter to join us...but I will go as quickly as possible."
It takes a few minutes for everyone to swallow what they've been told, but they know whats on the line and accept the duties they have been assigned.
"I must prepare for my departure, I want everyone to get together with their assigned trainer and you will receive your first bits of information from there. For now I wish you all luck and hope that when I return that I can help mold all of you great people into the machines I know you can be."
Everyone wishes Jory goodluck then they all spread out to see their teachers for the beginning of their training..training that will no doubt have them all begging for sleep in no time.
He is on a mission of peace, yet had to dress like he was on a mission of death. After getting in a less then satisfying shower in to wash off last nights fun, Jory slipped into his trademark, but effective battle gear. He kept the blue baggy jeans, slipped on a white wifebeater under the button up shirt followed by the long black leather trenchcoat...then put all the weapons in place. His trusty knives and cleverly hidden short swords went in first..followed by his trusty and most favorite weapon...his sword. The reason the sword was his favorite was because he had infused it with his power..the power of a necroscope..the power of the dead and it made it that much more deadlier, especially to those of the living. If a wereperson or any other living being was unlucky enough to have this blade even so much as grace their skin..the icy cold touch of death would set upon them and kill them..almost like a poison only this was uncurable.
While getting ready, a small tap was heard coming off of his door and when he opened it up there stood Colleen with a small smile on her face. Like Sam, Colleen was enough to make Jory sweat...only Jory found himself a little more attracted to Colleen so it was harder for him to stand there and see her...alone. He felt weird being attracted to a woman who was and in a way still is a demon, but she never looked like one and hey..he has seen her naked before...isn't like he can help it or anything.
Colleen wore a tight white t-shirt and some tight black jeans, clothes she barrowed from his twin sis Kerri...clothes that made him think some things about her that almost made him blush.
"I just wanted to stop by and wish you luck on your journey, its going to be weird not having you around for a while."
"Dont worry, I shouldn't be gone too long."
Jory stepped aside and let Colleen into his room so they could talk more while he finished getting ready. He closed the door behind her and watched as she, in his mind, floated effortlessly over to the edge of his bed and sat down.
"I'm just a little worried, I dont know what could happen to you there or us here."
Jory gave her a reassuring smile before going back to strapping some small daggers to his shins.
"I have complete faith that you, Zedd, Kerri & the others can hold this place together while I'm gone. Afterall, other then Durius & my grandmother...your the only one in this battle so far whos come pretty close to killing me."
Colleen blushed at the memory of her once working for Durius and coming close..twice..to killing Jory.
"Please dont remind me, those were terrible times."
"We still are in terrible times...."
Colleen couldn't help but remember how she came within seconds of ending Jory's life in New Orleans and then helping his grandmother torture him to near death in the backyard of his grandmother's old home where he spent much of his childhood growing up. She knew now that with a clear mind, she could never forgive herself for commiting such an act on a guy who forgave her instantly..how could even a cold hearted demon bring so much pain to a man who only wanted others to live peacefully?
"You seem to have motivated those people out there, I had to practically pry them off of me to come here."
"They had to see the goal ahead of them or they would have died...Durius knows what hes doing, its evident from last night, I cant afford anymore dents in my armor like that."
She understood Jory's reasoning, Durius is a very unpredictable demon with unbelivable abilities, Jory needed an army that could counter that.
"I hope we can pull this off Jory..your face last night when we all sat around Becca's grave was more then enough to drive me into battling Durius & his whole army by myself."
Jory gave her a sad smile and sat down beside her.
"Becca wanted no part of this war, which is why she left me. Durius should have kept her out of this..left her alone.....but he didn't....she was innocent."
Colleen rubbed her hand against Jory's back in a sign of comfort in hopes he wouldn't dwell too much on her death, though tragic he had a job to do. He shook his head after a few moments and stood..looking as dangerous and imposing as ever to her.
"Make sure those wolves are trained extra hard, you know what happened to them because they weren't."
"Dont worry, I'm going to make them even more deadly then their former captors."
He gave a firm nod then closed his eyes and open his hands infront of him. A white pillar of light shot up from the ground after a few seconds that filled the room with a glow simular to the wave of energy he shot out of himself when she was torturing him.
"Tell the others I said bye, and dont worry about me..I'll be back before you know it."
He gave her one last charming smile then walked into the pillar of light. Once inside it dissolved into the air and disappeared from sight..bringing the room back to its dimly lit state. She sat on the bed for a moment thinking of the conversation they just had and smiled..he had a weird way of making her feel warm & toasty inside again...only this time it wasn't an evil brooding rage that was the warm & toasty, she couldn't really figure it out...but she liked it.
"See you later...Jory Johnson."