The Gothic Trio

The Event's in this story are all fictional. Nothing like this has never happened.

This is how I rate my story. 1. It's rated R
2. Very Violent
3. Love scenes
4. Drama

Info

It is the Dark Age. The Age of darkness and fear. Three young strangers named Gangrel, Edge, and Christian are constantly wondering village to village. They all have long blond hair. Gangrel is the leader of the group. Edge is the tallest of the three and Christian is the shortest. The awesome trio, have great agility, speed, coordination, and power. Very little is known about these men until they realize that they're in one of the worst places. Evil lurks everywhere in Belthorn. Now, this is where the adventure begins. This story is dedicated to the Brood, because I am a huge fan of theirs.

The Gothic Trio By: Melissa O'Brien

Episode 1

The fierce wind stirred the treetops of Belthorn. It is midnight. Outside of an ancient temple, a group of druids are carrying a young pure hearted woman. After they carried her, they placed her on a rack. She was twisting and turning, because she was afraid to die. She exclaimed, "Cyton, please don't kill me. I'll do anything you want as long as you don't kill me. Please, I beg you!" Cyton grinned at her. "Prepare for the ritual! Soon her soul will perish!" "No! Somebody, please help me!" She cried out hysterically. The druids raised their knives menacingly. They are about to kill her.

Suddenly a group of hooded men assailed them. One of the hooded men jumped on a druid. "Get off of me!" The druid demanded. The hooded character bit one of the druids on the neck. He began to drink the blood from the druid's bite mark. He appeared to be a vampire and he had stains of blood on his white shirt. The woman lied on the rack shuddering with fear. The other hooded men were chasing the other druids. Cyton was the only druid that survived from their violent attacks. The vampire took the shackles and chains off of the woman. "Thank.....you." The woman said in a low trembling voice. "You're welcome! Now, get out of here woman, before you get yourself killed!" He told her. The other hooded men strode over to them.

One of them grabbed the woman's arm. "Oh god, please don't hurt me. I've been through enough purgatory for one night." the woman pleaded. She did get a good look at the man's face. "Christian, let her go! Remember the rules, we do not kill innocent women." The vampire decreed. Christian immediately set her free. "Thank you for helping me." She told him as she ran off. Christian watched her leave. After she left, they removed the hoods away from their handsome faces. "Edge and Christian listen to me. We are in Belthorn. The place where my parents disappeared. I don't know if they're alive or dead. I know what we do seems to be evil according to others. We have to do it in order to survive." "We understand Gangrel. We will always remain loyal to you." Edge told him.

Meanwhile in a gloomy castle, Cyton stood next to his leader that was sleeping. He tapped his leader on the shoulder. He woke up angrily and said, "Cyton, this better be important." "Byron, my lord, we have a problem. A group of men attacked me back at the old temple. They also wiped out my men. I'm the only survivor of the druids. My rituals may not last much longer if those men attack me again. I'm telling you, the woman that I wanted to kill was very innocent and pure hearted. Their leader wasn't human. I saw him with my own eyes drink the blood of one of my druids." "You disturb my rest, just to tell me this. Tell me this in the morning."

Christian had gray cross symbols on his pant legs. Edge was the only one that didn't wear a white collar shirt. Instead, he wore a long black overcoat. "Gangrel, can we go to the bar east of here? I'm very thirsty." Edge asked. "I was just about to tell you both to go there with me. Yes, I'm getting quite thirsty myself." So they decided to leave the religious place. They walked through the dark weary forest. The sounds of owls and crickets were heard. Several minutes later, they entered the bar. As they walked in a gang of people turned around and glared at them. A tall muscular bald man tottered toward them. "Hey, look what we have here. Newcomers aren't allowed here. So I suggest you get the hell out of here." He demanded boldly.

The owner of the bar went over to him. "No Scorpio. Leave them alone. I own this bar and you cannot forbid people from coming here, even if they're new here." The bald man sat down in his seat and watched them very carefully. Christian stood next to Edge. Edge asked the bartender politely, "Can we please have fresh drinks of water?" "That's all? All right. I will not charge you anything, because you both seem to have manners." The bartender complimented them as he poured the water into their cups. "We thank you." Edge said as he took a sip of water. Gangrel sat down at a table waiting for Edge and Christian. As they strode over to Gangrel they saw the same exact woman that they had freed earlier from the druids. Edge gazed at the other young women that were being treated terribly.

The bald man grabbed the woman and demanded, "Hey bitch! Stop avoiding me, damn it!" "Scorpio, take your hands off of me. You're drunk." She told him contemptuously. He slapped her across the face angrily. Then he clutched her arm and started to kiss her like an animal. He was doing it against her will. After he kissed her, she let out a mournful cry. His men laughed as he grabbed her again. "Hey, I'm not through with you yet! You silly bitch." Christian couldn't bear watching him smack the woman around anymore. Christian went over to him in a rage. For once Christian spoke aloud, "Leave her alone!" "Well, well. It's one of the newcomers. I'd love to beat the living hell out of all three of you. I suppose you're going to stop me. I can easily take you. You're smaller than I am. You're nothing." He laughed out maniacally. Then he pushed Christian. Christian frowned at him.

Gangrel got up from his chair, because the bald man had caught his attention. Edge followed Gangrel. "Hey, you touch my brother again. I swear we'll have to kill you." Edge threatened him. Edge was 2 feet taller than the man. The bald man swung at Edge and missed. Edge grabbed him angrily and did his special move known as the Downward Spiral on him. The man fell to the ground throbbing in agony. He yelled out, "You son of a bitch, I think you broke my bones!" Christian and Edge prevented Scorpio's gang of men from hurting the woman. There was something about the woman that attracted Christian. Gangrel picked up the bald man by his shirt. "In a few minutes, you will pay!" Gangrel told him. "Let me go, you statistic bastard." "Why would I do that? I'm going to enjoy watching you suffer."

The bald man's gang hit Gangrel in the back with a chair. The chair broke. Gangrel turned around and sneered at them. He opened his mouth. They saw his sharp teeth. "Hey man, we'll leave you and your friends alone. We don't want to mess with you anymore." "I will spare your pathetic lives, only if you leave!" Gangrel threatened. "No, you fools. I command you to kill him." "No Scorpio, get other people to join you. We will not lead ourselves to a death sentence." One of his gang members said as they left. "You fools! When I get out of the hole that I'm in I will kill you all!" "Who says that you're going to survive?" Gangrel queried sarcastically as he dragged him out of the bar.

The young woman gazed at Christian's face. "You! I remember you. You're one of the hooded men that I saw earlier. Your vampire friend told you to let go of me. Who are you and why did you and your companions save me from that drunk bully? Every man here hasn't had the courage to stick up for any woman, because they think that women are vain and that they are used as slaves to serve the men. Only depraved men come here. I don't understand why the three of you decided to risk your lives for me. Why?" Edge budged in front of Christian. "We did it, because we don't like seeing women get hurt. We love women. Oh, by the way, I'm Edge and he's Christian. Our vampire leader is Gangrel." Edge explained to her. "Well, I appreciate help from fine young gentlemen such as yourselves. Thank you."

Meanwhile Gangrel had the bald man outside. He held a stake in his left hand. He pierced his teeth into the man's neck. Shrieks of agony were heard. After Gangrel drank the blood from his open neck wound, he plunged the stake into the man's heart, so that the man couldn't become a vampire. Then he threw him in the lake. Edge ran out of the bar looking for Gangrel. He called, "Gangrel, are you there?" Gangrel ran over to him. "Oh, there you are. I was worried about you." "Where's Christian?" Gangrel questioned him. "He's inside with the lady that we salvaged earlier. Do you want me to get him?" "Yes, it will be dawn soon and we will die if the sun touches us. Including Christian." "All right. I'll send for him."

Christian kept listening to the woman talk to him about how bad the men used to treat the women. She had also told him her name. He was totally attracted to her. Edge interrupted, "Excuse me Christian, we must leave here right now. Gangrel says that it will be dawn soon." Edge informed him. "Wait Christian, will we ever see each other again?" She questioned him. "I don't think so." Edge interrupted again as he took a hold of Christian's arm and left the bar. Gangrel noticed that something was bothering Christian. "Christian, what's troubling you?" Gangrel asked with concern. "For once, I'll have to say I think that I'm in love. I've never felt such passion for a woman before. I must see her at least one more time." Edge tapped his brother on the shoulder. "Christian, what's the matter with you? The people here aren't our kind nor would they care for us, because we're outsiders. You can see her again later. First of all, you, Edge, and I need a place where the rays of the sun don't hit us." Gangrel explained. Christian found a helmet on the ground. He put the helmet on and tucked his long blonde hair in his shirt.

Edge spotted a cave. A few seconds later they entered the cave. It was dark and dull looking. Nothing lived there, except bats and bugs. "Edge, thank you. Now, you can see the woman Christian, but get back here before daytime. It's a terrible risk." Gangrel told them. Christian didn't need anyone with him. He was strong enough to take care of himself. "Gangrel, I'm going to rest in this cave with you, because I'm extremely tired too." "All right Edge, just don't interrupt my beauty sleep, unless something terrible happens to one of us." "You've got it Gangrel." Christian made his way to the bar and it was still dark outside. A group of thieves sat down next to the woman that Christian was in love with.

"Hey, how much money is this wench? She has good looks." The lead thief asked. "Hey, five gold coins will do." The bartender replied. The thief paid him. "Hey wench, give us a kiss." The thieves laughed out simultaneously. "I'd rather die." She remarked. The lead warrior placed his hand under her chin. "Be nice or we'll smack you around." He threatened viciously. The woman couldn't believe the amount of bad luck she's been having for the past few hours." "You will not take her with you or harm her. I won't allow it." A low voice rang out. "Come out of the shadows coward. We know you're there." The lead thief grabbed her face. The man came out of the shadows. No one knew that it was Christian. Not even the woman. Christian fought the thieves courageously. They were no match for him. He was too fast and potent. They fled without any hesitation. Christian kissed the woman's hand. "Madam, will you be here tomorrow night?" "Yes, I will be. Why?" After she said, "Yes," he was already gone. The cave was very close to the bar. Christian went into the cave to rest. Edge and Gangrel were deep into their sleep. Christian was so tired that he just lied on the ground. The ground was very cool and it was hard as a rock.

The following day Byron woke up and saw Cyton guarding him. "Cyton, don't ever stay here again. When I rest I want it to be private!" "All right my lord. I'm sorry. What are we going to do about the three men?" "Leave them alone. Whenever we cross them, they will die, but for now, I want money from the peasants. I don't believe that there's three strong men. You probably killed them yourself. No one in this kingdom is stronger than my army. You're the strongest druid and I'm the strongest leader of Belthorn." "All right my lord. I will do as you say." "Good. Now, do your task." Cyton left the castle with several guards and went to one of the villages. The peasants paid their taxes. They didn't want Byron to kill anymore peasants. Cyton and the guards went back to the castle. Cyton had a grin on his face when he entered the castle.

"My lord, the peasants paid their taxes already." "Excellent. Everyone in Belthorn fears me and my army. We soon shall rule other provinces in Belthorn." "Excuse me sir, I wouldn't say everyone. Those three men are very powerful." Byron banged his fist on the arm of his throne angrily. "Silence! I will not be haunted by your fixation with these characters. If they exist, we will crush them. No one survives against my army and lives. If you tell me about them again, I will have you put in prison or I'll kill you! Do I make myself clear?" "Yes sir, you have my word." "Good. Now, leave me. I need time alone so that I can plan our next attack." Cyton bowed his head and left the room.

That night Gangrel, Edge, and Christian awoke. "Did you see her last night?" Gangrel questioned Christian. "Only for a minute, because it was almost dawn. Please, let me see her again." Christian replied. "Yes. You're most welcomed. We're going there anyway, because Edge and I are getting thirsty for blood. You must have the same craving. I know what you want. You want to drink the blood from the woman's neck that you're in love with. Don't you?" Gangrel asked. "I...don't know." "Don't know! She can become one of us and that means she'll be with you a lot longer. How about it?" "Yes, I will do it." "Good, lets go." Gangrel commanded. Edge had a smirk on his face. A few minutes later they stride into the bar with determination. As soon as the people saw them they moved away from them.

The woman had her back turned to them. She is in the process of talking to the owner of the bar. Christian slowly walked over to her. She didn't know that he was sitting next to her. A few seconds later, she turned around and saw him. "Christian, you scared me. What are you doing here?! I thought that I'd never see you again." She asked nervously. "Look, I cannot resist leaving you here with these animals. I came back here only for you, because I love you. If you come with me, I promise you that you'll live a much better life. You'll have strength like never before. Please come with me and let me worship you in my arms. Every man here has treated you like a slave. You deserve to have me at your side." "Look Christian, there's someone else that I met last night that redeemed me from a group of bandits. I don't know who to love. It's a tough decision to make."

Christian bent down on his knees. "Please, join me. I can give you anything that your heart desires." "Give me more time to make my decision." He kissed her hand. Her skin was soft as velvet. "I must tell you the truth. I was the man that saved you from the thieves. I wore the helmet so that I can disguise myself as another man. I only did it for love. All I wanted to know was if you were going to be here the following night. I meant no wrong. I'm under strict orders. My leader wouldn't have giving me another chance to see you again. I made a deal with him and he agreed to let me see you again. You're very precious to me Isabel." "I'm used to doing work here and if I get out of here, nothing will be as good as it used to be. Although, I despise most of the men here." "I understand." Christian said as he made an attempt to leave. As he walked forward he lowered his head sorrowfully. She thought about what he had told her for a moment.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Wait Christian! I'll come with you." Edge gave Christian his usual insane smile. Gangrel laughed as they left the bar. Gangrel and Edge stood outside waiting for troublesome victims. She noticed that something was annoying Christian. "Christian, what's troubling you? Aren't you glad that I'm with you?" "Nothing else can make me happier." "So where do you and your friends live?" She questioned. "Actually we don't live anywhere. We travel like gypsies. We hardly settle in one place for a while. Recently, our resting place has been in there." Christian pointed to the cave. "A cave? Oh, my god, those landowners are really mean as hell." "Landowners? What landowners?" "There's a man in Belthorn called Byron and he has an assistant named Cyton. Cyton was the man that almost had me killed on the rack the other night. Thank god, your friend saved me. Cyton belongs to a cult. They sacrifice families and mainly women."

"Why do they hurt women? If they ever lay a hand on you, I'll kill them. They also made Gangrel's family disappear. They will pay for everything that they've done. We might be wondering place to place, but this time we're staying, because we want to defeat them." "Christian, you're going to get yourself killed. Then, I'll be in a mess. Please you must give in to their demands." "I will not! My friends and I have strength that no one can ever dream of, unless they're like us. I'm sorry for raising my voice a little. I didn't mean to upset you in any way." "That's quite all right Christian. Christian, believe it or not, you have such a handsome face and such beautiful long hair. I never have seen a man in Belthorn that has upright morals, love for women, nor a man as attractive as you are. You have it all. That is hard to believe. You look very much like your friends. Are any of you related?"

Christian drew his hair back. "Yes, Edge is my brother. Gangrel is the one who reunited us as a group. I never thanked him for it. I should though, sometime in the future. We will beat Byron and his army." She touched the side of his face, "Please, don't. I don't want to lose you Christian." Christian moved closer to her and gave her a kiss. She laid back and allowed him to kiss her more. He made his way down to her neck. "Eternity is going to flow through your blood and veins." He whispered. "Christian, what did you say?" He quickly bit her on the neck and drank some of her blood. "Forgive me." He told her. He held her in his arms and caressed her hair. She looked as if she was unconscious.

Gangrel and Edge returned to the cave with smirks on their faces. "Did you get what you wanted?" Christian queried. "Yes, we are full. We need to sit down and relax." Gangrel responded. Edge questioned in a low voice, "How about you Christian?" "I received enough blood. Tomorrow night she will be one of us." He replied dryly. They sat down on a huge rock. "Christian, you know this is very humorous. You find the love of your life and I find no woman that will even go near me." Edge sighed. "Don't worry dear brother, you might find the right woman. If not, it's their loss. Just remember one thing, trash attracts trash." "But I love women!" Edge added. "Enough Edge! It's almost dawn again. Lets all go to sleep." Gangrel laid down against the rock and Edge laid against the other side of the rock. Christian wrapped his muscular arm around Isabel and laid his head next to hers. Edge was restless. The others went to sleep. He had so much thoughts going on in his mind.

Meanwhile outside of the bar, a group of thieves that paid for Isabel are in the process of chasing a beautiful woman. Her hair was a little below shoulder length. Her hair was also dark brown. She had blue eyes and she was young. "Hey wench, you cannot hide from us. We are well experienced thieves." She hid on the left side of the cave. Eventually they caught her. She let out a loud screech. Edge heard the shriek. He immediately got up from the rock. "Well, we finally have the wench where we want her. Hold her down. I'll be the first one to get what I want from her." The leader of the thieves told his cohorts. "Let go of me, you bastards!" She demanded. "Oh, the little bitch has backbone, but not for long." She spit in their faces with extreme disgust. She kept yelling out, "Let go of me!" They were trying desperately to strip her clothes off. She began to weep loudly. "Please don't." She pleaded.

As they began to try to rip her clothes off Edge makes a lunge at them. His eyes glowed with rage. "People like you shall suffer from our wrath! We are the princes of darkness!" Edge said as he quarreled with them. The thieves tried to confront Edge. There was no luck for them. He snapped their necks like twigs. The young woman thought that he was on a rampage. She was petrified of him, because of his ruthless actions. He squatted down next to her. She said in a low frightened voice, "Please, don't hurt me. I beg you. Those maniacs were trying to violate me." She begged. Edge touched the side of her face softly. He easily detected that she was scared of him. "Don't be afraid of me. I don't harm women. Actually, I've waited a very long time to meet a gorgeous woman. I think that I met one right now." She smiled at him. "You're quite handsome yourself. You're new here aren't you? God, I don't know why most of the women here are attracted to the men in the bar. In my opinion, the men are ugly and toothless. Don't tell anyone that I said this to you. I can get into deep trouble."

"You have my word of honor. I can't stay out here too much longer." "Why?" "I can't tell you. It's personal." "Come on, tell me. I have nothing else better to do." "Listen lady, I cannot tell you. It's a secret." "Look, I don't want to stay out here alone. I'm afraid of the thieves in the bar. If they catch me, they'll try to rape me again. I'd do anything to get out of the hole that I'm in with the people here." "Even if it means to be with me in the cave? I can calm your fears and make you become a happier woman." "Fine, I'll do it. As long as I'm away from danger." He carried her into the cave abruptly. "Your arms are so muscular and strong. Do you realize how much women here would love to have you as a husband?" He cocked his head and replied, "No, I didn't notice it. All of the women in the bar have been neglecting me. What do they think? Do they think that I'm unattractive?" "Probably, because you're an outsider. They think that you're far too decent for them. They're so much used to living with men that get intoxicated. Another words, you're too much of a gentleman for them to handle. Believe me, I know how these people are. Oh, by the way, what's your name?!"

"I am Edge. Lower your voice, because I have three individuals in here that are resting. My leader will probably get infuriated with me, because you're in here. Don't worry. I'll protect you. What's your name?" "I'm Maria." Gangrel opened his eyes and growled at Edge. "Edge! How dare you bring in an outsider?! She's not one of us! She belongs to the people of Belthorn. Get her out of here! Now!" The loudness of Gangrel's voice woke Christian up. "Wait Gangrel, give me time to explain. A group of thieves in the bar were going to violate her and I saved her from them. She isn't like them. She's different. Please Gangrel, all I ask is for this one favor. Come on, you gave Christian a chance. How about me?" "Damn it Edge, that's your biggest problem! You are always salvaging women and trying to get them to fall in love with you. Listen up woman, Edge has been with other women before. Why would you want to be with him?"

"Fine, I'll leave. I guess I fit in better with the people in the bar." "Good, go to your hell hole. We don't need you!" Gangrel said angrily. Edge stopped her from leaving. "Please Maria, don't leave. Gangrel is just grumpy, because he hasn't gotten enough rest." "No Edge, you're kind isn't any different from mine. So don't waste your time trying to get me to come back to you. It won't work." As she left Edge fell to his knees. He extended his arms out and let out a loud yell. Christian felt sorry for him. "Gangrel, how could you do this to me? She was pure hearted and very beautiful. Later on, I could've married her." "Edge, not another word. Remember, I'm the one who gives the orders around here." Gangrel told him strictly. Edge lowered his head sadly and then he nodded his head in a negative manner. It was almost morning. They were asleep.

The next morning Byron had figured out another brilliant plan. "General Kaon!" He called. Kaon strode over to his fearless leader. "I want you and several of my warriors to increase the taxes. We'll see if the villagers reject our demands. If so, bring their mayor to me and if you want, pillage the towns." "What about the bar?" "Don't go to the bar yet. You'll tax the bar last. By then, it will be dusk." "Sir, that's quite late." "Hush, not another word Kaon. You will do as I say." "Whatever you say master." Koan said as he bowed his head. Byron grinned with determination as Kaon left the castle. Kaon plundered some of the villages, some of his men violated the women, and they struck fear into the northern villages. Kaon and the warriors came home a little later than Byron expected. "Sorry sir, we're a little behind time." "Apology accepted Kaon. As long as you did what I told you. Did you?" "Yes, of course your lordship. We plundered some villages and executed several villagers too." "Excellent. You will take Cyton's place from now on, because you’re a lot worthier than him."

In the cave, Christian was the first one to wake up. The other two weren't awake yet. He lighted torches and placed them against the rocky walls. Christian heard a low moan behind him. He turned around abruptly. He saw Isabel walking toward him. She was a vampire. "You are one of us now." Christian said. She had difficulty walking straight. Christian helped her walk. "What has happened to me? I feel cold." She questioned. Christian replied, "You're a vampire, just like all three of us. Eternity flows through your veins." "You mean I'm going to live forever?" "Yes my love. Not only that, you and I are entwined. My love for you is beyond eternity. The only things that can kill us are sunlight, wooden stakes, and possibly crosses through our hearts. We all have great strength. No one knows how potent we are." "Christian, I don't want to die." "Don't worry I'll be at your side." He told her as he gave her a hug. Gangrel and Edge woke up.

Edge was still upset over last night. "Edge, come here!" Gangrel commanded. Edge went over to him. "Listen up, I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. I thought about it and you deserve an opportunity to see her again. In fact, we'll go to the bar right now." Edge smiled happily. "Thank you so much Gangrel!" Edge said with excitement. A few minutes later, they entered the bar. They saw General Kaon and his warriors breaking glasses and beating on drunk men, and pushing women around. "Hey, stop it!" Gangrel yelled out to Kaon and his men. Kaon quickly turned around. "Well, do we have more people that want to challenge us? You either pay our taxes or die. It's your choice." Gangrel hissed at him. "You don't know what you're up against. You impudent mortal." Gangrel threatened. "Guards, seize them!" One of his guards stuck his sword through Gangrel's chest. Gangrel pulled the sword out of his chest. He threw it down and then assailed the guard. Edge was wearing his black overcoat.

Edge picked the sword up. He swung it around and smacked two of Kaon's guards. The strongest guard threw Christian down. Christian's reflexes were very quick. He did a nip up. The people in the bar were astounded. They couldn't believe the power that they had against Kaon and his guards. Gangrel fought Kaon. Every time Kaon swung at him, he'd miss. Kaon and his guards managed to flee from them. Gangrel was angry, because he couldn't catch Koan on time. Maria was in a corner hiding. She didn't know that Edge was in the room. She just kept her head down and trembled with tremendous fear. Edge found her in the corner concealing from everyone. He squatted down and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Maria, it's all right. The warriors are gone. My friends and I clashed with them. The warriors fled. Are you all right?"

She gazed into his hazel eyes. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." Edge helped her get up. One of the bartenders said, "Look, if there's anything we can give you and your companions, we'll give it to you." Gangrel answered in a nasty manner, "We don't want anything from you, except blood!" "I have raw steaks for you and your friends to drink the blood from. Please, don't hurt me." The bartender pleaded. Christian kneed the bartender in the stomach. "Hey, what the hell was that for?" The bartender queried. "That's what you get for selling Isabel to the thieves. I don't forget that easily." Christian responded in a low angered voice. A group of men in the bar got up angrily. They thought about hitting Christian. "Wait, everyone. I know one of these men. This man in the black overcoat risked his life for me the other night. A group of thieves were going to hurt me and he stopped them. There's no reason to despise them. They aren't bad men. Can't you see Byron and his army are our rivals instead? I say we confront Byron together." "We all agree with you Maria!" The people yelled out simultaneously.

"Byron? That filthy swine! He's the reason why we entered Belthorn. We want him dead along with his allies. We're going to destroy Byron without your help humans!" Gangrel demanded. Isabel placed her head upon one of Christian's shoulders. Edge interrupted, "Gangrel, for once I'll have to say that you're wrong. These people are willing to help us. Are you sure you want to take that route?" "Okay Edge, you're right. We're allied for now humans, but don't expect help from us after the war. We cannot fight when the sun is shining. We'll have to do it at night." Gangrel explained. "We'll need supplies. Everyone lets go to Borus the Blacksmith. Then tomorrow morning we'll contact every village in Belthorn and tell them to join us in the war." The mayor commanded. "We cannot stay here for long. If the sun hits us we'll die." Gangrel told everyone. "Fine, but remember to help us tomorrow night." The mayor informed them.

"Edge, looks like you convinced your leader to help us confront Byron. I thank you for risking your life for me last night. I'm sorry that I ran off. I should've stayed with you." "It's all right Maria. It's not your fault. Hey, if I had to deal with the same situation I would probably do what you did. Our leader just needs time to change his bad attitude. His family disappeared on him. Byron, and Cyton are responsible for it. That's the reason why he gets mad easily. I wanted to come back here just to see you. Will you stay with me tonight?" "Yes, as long as Gangrel doesn't get angry." "I think he knows that I'm in love with you." "In love with me? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" "Well, I knew that you needed time to get over your anger. So I decided to wait." "Edge, there you are again. The man with upright morals and the man that respects women." "Hey, that's the best way to be." Edge added. "Hey, are you two coming with us?" Gangrel asked. "Of course." Edge replied.

Several minutes went by. They walked into the cave happily. Christian gave Isabel a kiss before they went to sleep. Gangrel fell asleep without any hesitation. Edge sat next to Maria. "So what do you want to talk about Maria?" "I don't know Edge. I'm very restless and nervous." "Don't be nervous. Would you like to get married after the war ends?" "I'd love to. The only problem is will we survive the war? If we are fortunate, I'd love to marry you. Just in case we don't make it through the war, I think that we should express our emotions now." "All right, anything you say." Edge said as he kissed her on the lips. As they kissed Edge took off his overcoat. "Maria, would you like to become one of us?" "What do you mean?" "If you become one of us, you will live eternally, but there are a few things that can kill us. Don't worry though, because the weapons aren't found here too much. It's up to you. It's your decision."

"Since you didn't force it upon me, I will become what you are, but under one condition." "And that is?" "Don't do it now. I'm not ready yet." "That's perfectly fine with me." She waved her hand down his muscular arm. "Maria, I will always love you." "I love you too Edge." They made love to each other for a while. After they made love, Maria wanted Edge to make her become a vampire. So he bit her on the neck. Later on, she would become a vampire. Meanwhile General Kaon and his men entered Byron's castle. "Byron, we failed you. There are three powerful men that nearly wiped us out. I'm telling you those men weren't human." Byron slapped him across the face. "Lord Byron, I plunged my sword right through one their chests and it didn't even phase him. We're telling you the truth. They were like demons from hell." "All right, enough of this fabrication. Tomorrow night we desecrate the helpless village that keeps eluding us. I'm going to sleep. Everyone get out of my room."

The following day the villagers in the bar went village to village seeking for help. Some of the villages agreed to help them against Byron and his army. They all gathered around the bar and prepared themselves for the attack. The mayor that was in the bar knows Byron's methods of attacking. Every time a villager or several villagers win over his men, he would attack them the following night. That's what the mayor knew about him. Everyone was prepared for the attack. That night Gangrel and his companions joined forces with them. It was a long bloody agonizing fight. Many people died. Byron and his whole army were wiped out. There were only 10 survivors. These were the following survivors, Gangrel, Christian, Isabel, Edge, Maria, the mayor, the bartenders, the owner of the bar, and Cyton. Gangrel and his followers gave themselves a new name. They are known as the Brood. Everyone thought that Cyton was dead. Cyton conceals from everyone and whispers under his breath, "There will always be a hunter. I will follow the Brood everywhere. I will hunt them down. First, I have to build a clan and get information on how to kill those monsters. Time will tell." The Brood left Belthorn happily.

Cyton will always be a thorn at their side. Christian got married to Isabel and on his word of honor Edge married Maria. Very little is known about these men. No matter where they wonder no one will know who they are, except Cyton. Cyton believes that he'll be the one to put an end to the Brood. The Brood doesn't know that Cyton is alive. The question is will the Brood survive or will Cyton survive? No one really knows. Everything else in this story is left to everyone's imagination. Others want the Brood to live and others don't. Everyone has different opinions. My opinion would be to let the Brood live and let Cyton be the one to die. I leave everything else to the people's imagination. Let them think what they want. Although, my opinion would be different to those who want the Brood to die. Once again, will the Brood live eternally or will Cyton find information on how to kill them? Gothic Lifestyle By: Melissa O'Brien

Episode 2

It is the age of Renaissance, the age when Gothic art was created. A young man with long hair led the Brood to his castle. He has a swarthy complexion. As they walk in they admire the paintings, and sculptures. They are the only one's in the castle with the exception of the man that owned the castle. "Lads and lasses, welcome to my castle. These paintings and sculptures are all mine. I did everything by hand. As you can see I work on Gothic art. My name is Ethan." He explained to them as he lit the torches on the wall. All of the Brood members recognized the symbols on the walls. Most of the symbols were crosses and chalices. There was something about Ethan that made him look like he'd fit in with them. He wore black leather pants, a long red collar shirt, and black straight-laced boots. Ethan noticed Gangrel's fangs every time he smiled. "Young lad, I hate to be bring this up, but you're a vampire just like me. It's good to see that our kind isn't extinct. If you'd like, you can live here with me. My castle is huge. There are 8 rooms in the castle. You are most welcomed to live here. I only had one visitor so far. She was so beautiful and we were lovers. Her name was Gabrielle. One night I was going to make her become a vampire, but that was impossible. A villager took her away from me, because he knew how mysterious I was. She refused to marry him, because she loved me. Later on he killed her, because of her rejection to his marriage. The villager was the only one that could've killed her. My heart was broken when I found her lying on the ground dead. It took a while for me to get over it. The largest drawing on the wall is her portrait."

"What was the villager's name?" Gangrel queried. "His name was Wilmont. He was a very selfish man. He had no respect for nature. He had very little respect for women too. The things that he did to women were very atrocious." The Brood hissed at the sight. "No respect for nature and women, you should've killed him while you had the chance." Gangrel stated. "Wait a minute here, if he had little respect for women, why would he want the woman that you embraced?" Christian interrupted. "He violates women. There was no way that I could've gotten to him. He was already sentenced to prison." Edge stood next to Maria. "Sir, we would love to live in such a glamorous place, but our problem is that we live in the wilderness most of the time. That's only at night though. We usually find caves or very dark places to rest." Christian told him as he drew back his long blond hair. "You can still live here. You're forgetting that I'm also a vampire. I have the same exact problem as you all do. I'll make sure that the sun never hits the castle. Don't worry, you'll be safe here." "Agreed, how much money do you want per night?" Gangrel asked. "I don't want money. If you're living here with me, I expect all of us to stick up for each other." "You mean like a family or a clan?" Edge queried. "Precisely, we all risk our lives for each other. Every time we bring in food, we will share it, unless there's only enough for one individual. Do we agree on this?" "Certainly." Gangrel answered happily.

Ethan took out his harp. He began to play music. The Brood grew fascinated with his music. Christian began to dance with Isabel, Gangrel is swaying to the music, and Edge and Maria also began to dance together. Maria interrupted, "Excuse me sir, you're music is great. Where did you learn to play that good?" "Young lass, before I came here, I used to play the harp for a group called Bacchi. Believe me, I had a leader called Bacchus. We were a happy group of species until a group of humans killed every Bacchi. I wasn't a Bacchi, but I am a vampire." "Why don't you move somewhere else? You have great skills in art, architecture, and music." Gangrel queried. "I don't want too much people to recognize me. If they do, they'll hunt me down. I'm afraid of that. My life is more important than my skills. Believe me, life is very precious to me." "We understand. Ok, I say we go to a restaurant around here. We're very thirsty for blood and food." Gangrel told them. "I'll stay here, I want to make sure that my home is safe." "Okay Ethan, we must leave now. We'll come back later for some food." Gangrel said as he closed the door. They went for food.

Ethan waited for their return. When they returned, they saw him sitting down in his seat. "The food has arrived." Gangrel laughed out maniacally. Everyone eat their steaks. It was a peaceful repast. "Throughout this whole day, I forgot to ask all of you what your names were. I'm sorry." Ethan apologized. "I'm Gangrel, he's Christian, he's Edge, and the two ladies are Isabel and Maria." "Interesting names. Now, I will safely escort you to you're new rooms. It's near dawn." "How do you know?" Isabel asked. "My clock on the wall over there. You see it?" "Oh yeah." Edge chuckled. Edge and Maria were the first one's to get escorted to their room. Then came Gangrel. Gangrel's room was the smallest. The last one's that were escorted were Christian and Isabel. They all thanked him for giving them rooms. Before Ethan went to his room to sleep, he secured the place and locked the doors.

Christian knew that something was bothering Isabel. "Isabel, what's troubling you?" "Christian, it's about the man downstairs." "What about him? He seems like a nice man." Suddenly they hear knocking on the door. "Who's there?" Christian queried. "It's me." Ethan replied as he came in. Christian opened the door slowly. "I must have a word with Isabel. It's personal." Ethan told him. "Listen here, she's my wife and you better not try anything with her." "No, there's something that I must tell her. It's personal. I think that it would be better if Christian leaves." Christian eyes widened with anger. "Oh no, I'm not going anywhere. I don't trust you with her!" Christian said angrily.

"Whoa, take it easy Christian. Isabel, this won't be easy for you to hear." "What is it Ethan?" "Well, you're my.….sister." Christian's eyes widened with astonishment. "If you really are my brother, why didn't you save me from the druids?" Christian clutched him by his shirt. "You left her to die?! For that you should die." "Look, I couldn't save her, because I was kidnapped by a vampire-like group called Bacchi. Please you must believe me. Believe me, I would've helped her if I wouldn't have been in danger. I'm sorry Isabel. Please forgive me." "Christian put him down." Christian let him out of his grasp. "I will forgive you only if you promise to risk your life for all of us and help us when we're in danger. We will do the same for you if you need help. Do we have a deal?" "Yes madam." "Good, please leave Ethan. We'd like to get some rest." Christian told him.

Gabrielle was pronounced dead, but she isn't. A few weeks later, after her death, she becomes a part of one of the most ominous groups in Decia. There are several minorities in Decia. The following groups are the main minorities in Decia. The first one's are the Gallants. The Gallants are the only Decians that aren't bad at all. They preserve the law and try to catch criminals. Whoever was guilty of a crime, the Gallants made sure that the murderers would face their retribution. There's another group called Bacchi, they're vampire-like species. Because of Wilmont, the Bacchi group no longer exists. Very few vampires live in the village of Decia. The only vampires in Decia are Ethan, Edge, Maria, Christian, Isabel, and Gangrel.

In a dark prison, there were a lot of druids. Cyton happened to be their leader. "Tomorrow night we will sacrifice some Gallants. Once the Gallants are out of our way, then we will kill Ethan. Patience Wilmont, time will tell. Ethan thinks that no one knows where he lives. He also thinks that Gabrielle is dead. Thanks to my loyal servant Wilmont, I know where the freak lives. Ethan's former lover Gabrielle resides with us. We will slay every innocent victim in Decia. I am and ever will be the true purity of darkness. Let's rest now. Remember, tomorrow night is our first sacrifice in Decia." Gabrielle is still under Cyton's power. Cyton's dark servants bowed their heads and left the room. They slept in their rooms. A spiritual figure called out Cyton's name aloud. Cyton bent over and asked, "What can I do for you Master Zygon?" "I want you to eliminate the Gallants. They are a huge threat to me." "My lordship, have patience. We will destroy the Gallants." Cyton told him. "Fine, I will wait, but do not make me wait a very long time." "Yes my lord, you will get your wish."

The following night Cyton and his druids enter a restaurant. Cyton assailed practically all of the Gallants. After they chose their next sacrifice, they left the restaurant. Cyton and his druids grinned with determination ever since they killed almost all of the Gallants. Several minutes later, the Brood entered the restaurant with the exceptions of Christian and Ethan. "Hello, is anyone there?" Edge queried. One of the Gallants strode over to them nervously. "Hey, if I were you, I'd get the hell out of here. Some kind of a cult came here earlier." One of the Gallants exclaimed. "Take it easy, what cult? Who's their leader?" Gangrel questioned. "I heard some of his druids call him Cyton or was it Cyron? I don't remember? You must get out of here before it's too late. They'll come for you too." "Arrghh, we don't deter from danger. You will come home with us." Gangrel told him as he smiled.

"What the hell are you talking about?" The Gallant queried. "Edge, Maria, and Isabel, find the other Gallants. I'll take care of this one." Gangrel commanded. They found four Gallants hiding in the corner. They had the Gallants in their grasp. "What are you doing? Please don't hurt me?" The Gallant pleaded. "You and your other Gallants are going to become what we are. Together we will defeat Cyton." "Look mister long teeth, I don't want to become a beast." Gangrel's eyes widened with extreme anger. He got so mad that he punched the Gallant in the stomach. "How dare you call us beasts?" Gangrel questioned angrily. Edge, Maria, and Isabel made the other Gallants become vampires. The other Gallant had no choice, but to become a part of the Brood. The Gallants were unconscious. Moments later, they leave the restaurant.

While that took place, Cyton and his cult members are about to attack Ethan and Christian. Gabrielle approached Ethan. "Gabrielle, you're alive?" Her smirk was like the grin of the devil. Ethan knew that something was wrong with her. "What happened to you?" Ethan queried. "Ethan, aren't you glad to see me?" She asked. "Well, yes, but I'd like to know what has happened to you." "I'm fine. Ethan, come to me." Ethan slowly walked over to her. Christian had watched them. Suddenly Cyton and his men hit Christian from behind. A group of the druids kept pounding on him. Ethan made an attempt to help Christian. Gabrielle and two of Cyton's druids held Ethan back. Cyton began to punch Ethan several times until he fell to the ground. Five druids are still beating on Christian. Christian took a severe beating. As soon as they saw the other Brood members heading toward the castle they decided to flee.

The Brood didn't see Cyton and his druids escape. As they went into their castle they saw Christian on the ground knocked out. Ethan had just gotten up. The Brood ran over to Christian. Gangrel placed the unconscious Gallants on four benches. Gangrel questioned, "Ethan, what happened?" "A huge group of druids jumped us. Just to make things worse, they had Gabrielle with them. She was alive. I swear." "I believe you. Right now, let's see what we can do to help Christian." Gangrel told him.

Edge and the others were trying to wake Christian up. They couldn't, because he was out cold. "Everyone, get away from him. There's only one way that we can help him. I have to throw blood on him so that he wakes up." Gangrel commanded. Gangrel filled his gray chalice with blood. The blood poured all over Christian. Christian woke up holding his ribs. He was about to get up, but Gangrel stopped him. "No Christian, relax. I will carry you upstairs." Gangrel told him. Gangrel carried him to his room. Isabel followed his lead. Gangrel placed him on the soft bed. "I will stay with him." Isabel told them. "We only have one problem. We need a healing potion and we also need a physician." Gangrel said nervously.

"A physician? I have healing skills. I also have a spare healing potion in my drawer." Isabel told them. Gangrel tapped her on the shoulder. "Good, if he should somehow collapse, call me." "It's all right Gangrel, he won't. My healing potion will work like a charm. There's nothing to be worried about. He'll be all right." "Okay thank you Isabel, I'm going downstairs for a while." Gangrel said as he closed the door behind him. Edge asked with deep concern, "How is he?" "Isabel told me that he'll be fine. She has a spare healing potion. She says that it will work like a charm. She also told me that there's nothing to worry about." "Good." Edge, Ethan, and Maria said simultaneously. The Gallants woke out of their trance. Gangrel approached them with a smirk on his face. "I am the leader of Clan Gangrel. I am also the one who created all four of you." Gangrel told them. They bowed before Gangrel and said, "We will serve you master." "All right, tomorrow night we will find more humans in order to build a clan. Right now, we all need to rest. It's almost dawn. If the sun hits us, he can possibly die." Gangrel told them.

Isabel helped Christian slip off his white Gothic shirt. Then Isabel rubbed the potion all over Christian's chest. She sat next to him on the bed. "Do you feel better?" She asked. Christian replied, "Yes, it's working. My only problem is that I cannot relax." "I can help you relax." "How?" "Lay back and relax." She told him as she began to caress his shoulders. "Oh Isabel, you're so beautiful. I love you." He held her in his arms and started kissing her on the lips. She loved to feel the softness of his lips against hers. Their hearts were elated. After they made love to each other, Isabel lied her lead against his chest. Several minutes later, they fell asleep.

The following afternoon, Cyton, Wilmont, and Gabrielle entered the Gothic castle. The Brood were aware of their presence. Their instincts told them that. They woke up and went after them. Cyton, Wilmont, and Gabrielle stood in their doorway. Ethan eyes began to fill with rage. "You bastards, what have you’ve done to her?" Cyton laughed out maniacally, "If you want her you’ll have to catch us." Ethan growled at them. He made a lunge at them. They strode outside abruptly. "Ethan, no! The sun is brutal! It can kill you!" Gangrel warned him. Ethan went after them anyway.

The rays of the sun reflected against his body. It didn’t even phase him. Cyton’s eyes widened with fear. "Let’s get out of here! We don’t know what kind of beings these monsters are!" Cyton commanded. No matter where they ran, Ethan would be in front of them. "Change her back to normal or I’ll have to kill the both of you. Especially you Wilmont!" "Here, she’s all yours. She’s futile to me anyway." Cyton said as he pushed her into Ethan. Ethan held Gabrielle back. Wilmont swung at Cyton. "You promised that we’d keep her with us!" "Promises don’t last forever Wilmont." Cyton said as he snapped his neck. Ethan allowed Cyton to flee from him.

"You’re holding me too tight. Let go of me!" Gabrielle told him. Ethan brought her inside. Gangrel’s eyes widened. "The rays of the sun didn’t even phase you. You’re not a vampire, you’re pretending to be one! We don’t like liars! You’ve been setting us up all along, haven’t you? Everything you told us was a lie. All you wanted was to get Gabrielle back. Am I right?" Gangrel questioned him angrily. Christian watched every move that Ethan made. Isabel glared at her brother. "You’re nothing, but a coward Ethan. Once a coward, always a coward!" Isabel told him. "I will prove to all of you that I’m not a coward!" Ethan yelled out.

"Enough said, I’m going back to sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss everything." Gangrel commanded. Everyone went back to their rooms with the exception of Ethan and Gabrielle. The Gallants had a sneaky plan. They planned on killing Ethan. They were successful. The following night they found Ethan lying on the ground dead. A yellow ribbon was wrapped around Ethan’s neck. The Brood recognized the ribbon. Gangrel told Edge and Christian to search for the Gallants.

They decided to look for the Gallants, they weren’t found anywhere. The Gallants had become new adversaries to the Brood. Christian and Edge went back to the castle. "Did you find any of them?" Gangrel asked. "No, they’re nowhere to be found, unless they’ve joined forces with Cyton." Edge replied. Tears rolled down Isabel’s eyes. Christian touched the side of her face gently. "Are you all right, my love?" He asked with deep concern. She exclaimed, "I hope so. I know that we were very mad at Ethan, but we wouldn’t have killed him. He wasn’t a bad brother. When we were younger, we used to banter around a lot and we had a lot of fun together. Actually, he was the one that brought me up. I didn’t have a family, except him." Christian gave her a hug. "It’s all right Isabel, calm down. I understand how you feel."

Meanwhile the Gallants strode through the weary morbid forest. "Listen up, we are not considered as Gallants anymore. We are the enforcers. I will be the leader of the group. From here on, you are my dark servants, and you will call me Lord Gullen." They bowed their heads to him. "We will serve you, no one else." One of his servants told him. "Excellent. Cyton and the Brood are rivals. As much as they despise each other we despise them the same. We shall build an army and become the conquerors of Decia. Come my great followers, we have a lot of work to accomplish. Let’s move on." Gullen explained to them. The Enforcers

Episode 3

In a dark morbid castle, there were several men. "Lord Gullen, what do you want us to do with the slave? She will not tell us about Cyton or the Brood?" One of his soldiers told him. Gullen got up from his throne and told him, "Walter, bring the slave to my chamber. She will give me answers that I’m looking for." The woman sneered at him. Walter escorted her to the chamber. Gullen commanded, "Walter, leave us. Anything that occurs when I’m not there, you are second in command. Not only that, you’re responsible for what takes place. Now go and make me proud." "Yes my lord." Walter said as he left. "Look woman, all I want are answers. If you can give me answers, I will reward you. Not only reward, but you will become a part of us. You won’t be treated like a slave, you’ll have power and you’ll be glad to be a part of our army. If everything works out well, I may accept your hand at marriage. So, can you tell me about the Brood or Cyton?"

"I know nothing of the Brood, but I do know about Cyton. He sacrifices as much people as he can to obtain power. Rumor has it that he sacrifices people for an even greater power than himself. His druids are loyal servants to him. This is all I know of him. Please, don’t hurt me." The woman explained nervously. "Since you know more than I do about him, your role is to find out about him and use this robe to disguise yourself. Once you come back with info on Cyton without anyone’s help, you’ll be qualified to become an enforcer. Otherwise, you’ll end up as one of my slaves." She took a deep breath and said, "All right, I will do as you ask. Whenever you’re ready." "Excellent. I want you to go to the temple east of here and find out as much as you can about Cyton. If you ever run away from me, I will sacrifice you. Is that understood?" "Yes my lord." She replied.

Edge and Maria brought Gabrielle downstairs. Gabrielle had shackles and chains around her arms and legs. "All right, unchain her." Gangrel commanded. They took the shackles and chains off of her gently. "You’re free to roam anywhere you’d like as long as you’re not with Cyton." Gangrel told her. "Cyton? Why would I join him? I don’t even know why I’m here. Well. Anyway, I’d like to thank you all for letting me roam around freely." Gabrielle told them as she opened the front door. Edge watched Gabrielle. "Take care Gabrielle." Edge told her giving her a huge smile. Gabrielle smiles back at Edge. "I will Edge, don’t worry. Bye my great handsome admirer Edge." Maria’s eyes widened with extreme jealousy as Gabrielle left. Edge places his hand upon Maria’s shoulder while Gabrielle leaves. Maria takes his hand off of her shoulder angrily.

Edge turns to her giving out a concerned look on his face. "Maria, what’s the matter?" He queried. "Leave me alone Edge and don’t touch me. I need time alone." Edge shrugs not understanding why she’s angry. She goes to her room. Meanwhile in the interim, Christian and Isabel are talking to Gangrel. Edge draws back his long blond hair. He sits down behind Maria’s door. He feels upset. Christian heads upstairs and notices Edge with his head lowered. "Edge dear brother, what’s the matter and where’s Maria?" "Inside. I don’t know what her problem is. She just automatically gets angry toward me. I don’t know why she’s angry. I wish I knew." Christian taps him on the shoulder. "Don’t worry brother, I’m sure that she’ll get over whatever is troubling her." "I hope you’re right Christian." Gangrel and Isabel stride up the steps laughing. Christian looks at them, "Well, what are you two laughing about?" "Gangrel just told me about the time when Edge accidentally scared himself." Isabel chuckled. Christian began to laugh too in a joking manner. Edge gets up and heads downstairs angrily.

Gangrel follows Edge down the stairs. "Edge, come on it was only a joke." Gangrel told him. "Well, I don’t want to joke around now. I’m not in the mood for jokes. Maria is angry at me and I don’t know why. Please just don’t bother me now, okay?" "Okay Edge, I’m sorry to hear that’s she’s angry with you. Well anyway, I’m going upstairs with Isabel and Christian." "Gangrel, thank you for not getting angry." "No problem Edge. Now, I’m going upstairs." As Gangrel went up the stairs Edge smiles slightly. Isabel knocks on Maria’s door. "Go away Edge!" Maria yells out loudy. "I’m not Edge. It’s me Isabel." "Well Isabel, go away! Leave me alone!"

Cyton and his druids find where the enforcers are located. They sneak into the castle listening to the lead Enforcer’s plans. "Carla come, I want you to go to where Cyton lives and I want you to sneak into the temple. Figure out what he’s up to." The woman bows her head, "Yes my lord." Cyton and his druids come out of the shadows. "Its too late Gullen. We’re already here." Carla laughed out maniacally. "Attack them!" Gullen told his men imperiously. They clashed for a while. The enforcers were winning until Cyton put a commanding spell on them. He made them attack their leader Gullen. Gullen was outnumbered greatly. There was nothing that he could’ve done to defend himself.

Cyton placed his knife against Gullen’s throat. Gullen tried to get out of his grasp, but he couldn’t. He punched Gullen hard and Gullen fell to the ground unconscious. "Excellent the gallants are under my control now! Let’s go back to the temple." They made their way back to the temple.

Edge went upstairs. It is near dawn and it’s time for the Brood to rest. Christian and Isabel were already asleep. Gangrel stood near his door thinking about something. Edge went into Maria’s room making a slight squeak as he opened the door. She got up out of bed. "What do you want Edge?" She questioned him angrily. "Maria, you’re still mad at me. Why? What did I do that was so wrong? Please tell me, I’d like to know." She slaps him across the face. "You should know why I’m mad, you big goof." "But I don’t, please tell me." She shakes her head at him. "I thought I told you to leave me alone. You know, I don’t think it was a great idea for us to get married." Edge’s eyes widen with shock, "Why?"

"Why? That’s the problem. Now Edge, I saw how you looked at Gabrielle. Don’t you lie to me, she even pointed out that you admire her and that you’re handsome. You seemed to like that very much. Didn’t you?" "Very little, but come on. You know I love you Maria." "Yeah right Edge, you’re just saying that to make me feel better. You can sleep if you’d like, stay away from me. If you even dare to come near me while I sleep, I’ll never talk to you again." Edge lowers his head sadly. "I think it’s better if I leave the room." "No one’s stopping you Edge." Edge shut the door behind him as he left. He slept in the darkest part of the hallway.

Gangrel had just made his way up the steps. He noticed that Edge was sleeping in the hallway, so he woke him up. Edge lifted his head. "Edge, why aren’t you with Maria? Oh, I forgot she’s mad at you. Do you know why yet?" "Yes, she despises me now, all because she thinks that I’m in love with Gabrielle instead of her. All I did was smile at Gabrielle wishing her good luck. I don’t know where Maria got her delusion from." Gangrel placed his hand upon Edge’s shoulder. "Relax Edge, it’ll be all right. I’ll talk to her tonight." "You will? Well, good luck. I know for a fact that she’ll frustrate you." Edge gives Gangrel a hug. "Thank you Gangrel, I appreciate this. I should talk to her on my own though. It’s my own responsibility." Gangrel lets go of Edge. "How about this, you try again, and if you don’t succeed, I’ll talk to her." "Okay Gangrel, it feels good to have a great leader that cares for his people. Gangrel, I love you like a brother."

At the Temple, Cyton had the three enforcers in front of him. "Bow before you’re new master. I can rid you of your pains from being Gangrels. All you have to do is bow before me and do as I say. Will you do this?" "Yes you’re our new master, we will do anything you want, but please take the curse off of us. We do not want to be any part of Gangrel." "As you wish my faithful followers. You are not the enforcers anymore, you are my servants now." Cyton uses his magic on them. They notice that they’re not vampires anymore. Cyton laughs out loudly, "Welcome to the Ministry my new servants! Ha, ha, ha!"

The following night the Brood ran down the stairs chasing each other with the exception of Edge. Maria chased Isabel all around, and Gangrel chased Christian. Edge woke up, because he heard their footsteps loudly as they ran around. Edge walks over to Maria and Gangrel decides to listen to their conversation. "Maria, we need to talk." Maria glares at Edge while replying, "I don’t want to talk to you now. Leave me alone." He places his hand upon her shoulder, "Please talk to me." Her eyes widen with a deep hatred. "Take your hands off of me, if you continue to annoy me, I’ll never talk to you again." She goes up to her room angrily.

"I have you now my dear Isabel." Christian teases her as he kisses her on the lips. She pushes him to the ground lying on top of him. "You may have me, but I’m the one who has you now." She runs her hands down his shirt while kissing him." She banters playfully. "Isabel come on, you know that I don’t like doing this unless we’re alone." "I know, you have to chase me up the steps." She strides up the stairs and he chases her. He eventually catches her. "Okay Isabel, I have you now and I’m bringing you into our bedroom." "Oh Christian, hurry. Take me."

Gangrel goes over to Edge. "Edge, it’ll be all right. I’ll talk to her." "I hope you’re right Gangrel. It’s been a hell for me. Why does she hate me so much? How come she cannot have the heart to forgive me? Actually it wasn’t me, I was only being friendly towards Gabrielle. There was nothing between Gabrielle and I, except friendship." "I know it hurts Edge, but you must give her time." "Yes, you’re right Gangrel. I will do so."

Suddenly they hear knocking on their door. The manly voice behind the door says, "Please help me, I beg you. I have nowhere else to go." They open the door and see Gullen. Their eyes widen with anger. "What do you want? You killed Isabel’s brother. We should kill you on the spot." Gangrel queried. Edge’s eyes widen with rage as he sees Gullen. "Please, Cyton has all of my men under his control. I’m the only one left and I want revenge on him. Please don’t kill me, I’d rather join all of you than join that bastard Cyton. Please do this for me, I’ll do anything you ask as long as we’re together against Cyton. Do you accept my offer?" "It depends on you Gullen, if you’re playing a trick on us, I swear that you’ll die. If you’re telling the truth, we will accept your offer, but do expect Isabel to show anger and hate towards you. That we cannot change. Either live by our code, or die. It’s your choice." Gangrel told him. "I will do as you command as long as I get revenge on Cyton." "Very well then. Edge help me take care of him."

Maria knocks on Isabel’s door. "Can you two keep it down in there? You’re becoming a nuisance to me. Shut up, please." "All right Maria, we’ll tone it down a lot, we were just having fun and we were excited." "Whatever you say Christian. Stupid brother of Edge." Maria mutters. Maria runs down the stairs abruptly. She sees Gullen and Gullen gives her a smile. "Gangrel, what is Gullen doing here?" She queried. "Well, he’s here to help us stop Cyton. I know this is going to be hard for Isabel." "Hello madam, my name is Gullen. It’s nice to meet a fair lady such as yourself." Gullen told Maria as he bowed his head to her. "Thank you Gullen, what a gentleman you are." Edge notices how they look at each other. "Excuse me Gullen, she’s my wife. Stay away from her." Maria shakes her head at Edge and runs upstairs.

"I am sorry, Edge is it?" Gullen apologized as he extends his hand out to Edge. Edge pulls his hand away from Gullen angrily giving him the look as if he doesn’t want to be touched or bothered. "Take it easy Edge, now Gullen come over here with me, you’ll be safe with me. Edge take it easy now, he’ll stay away from you. He’s my responsibility now and remember that I’m the leader." "Of course Gangrel, I’d never take that away from you or betray you. I will remain loyal to you." Edge reassured him.

Christian lies next to his wife. "What’s the matter Christian, are you worn out already?" Isabel teases. He gives her a mischievous grin. He moves on top of her and kisses her on the neck deeply. "Oh Christian, that feels great, keep it up." As he kisses her he unbuttons her bra. She gives him more access to her. He slowly slips off her bra and shirt. She kisses him on the lips deeply, "Oh Christian this so romantic. Please keep it up." He grins at her, "Of course I will, now that you’ve made it loud and clear." They continue to make love to each other.

Edge knocks on Maria’s door. "Excuse me Maria, may I come inside with you?" She opens the door and slaps him across the face. "Get out of here Edge! I told you to leave me alone, but I guess it’s hard for you to understand English. Go with Gabrielle, she probably suits you better." "No come on Maria, you know perfectly well I love you, no one else. Can you find somewhere in your heart to show compassion towards me or is that too much?" She slams the door in front of his face. Edge knocks on Isabel’s door.

"Yes, who’s there?" Christian questioned. "It’s me Christian." Edge replied sadly. Christian opens the door for him. "Hey, what’s wrong brother? Are you all right?" "No Christian, my wife hates my guts. I have nowhere to sleep, unless I use the hallway again." Edge makes his way out the door. "Wait Edge, you can sleep in that single bed over there. We don’t mind your company Edge." Isabel told him. Christian nodded his head in agreement with Isabel. Edge smiled at them. "Christian and Isabel, I appreciate your kindness. Thank you so much." Edge went to the free bed. He hopped into bed, covered himself, and fell asleep.

Gullen knocked on Maria’s door. Maria got angry. "Edge, I told you to leave me alone, damn it." "It’s not Edge, it’s Gullen. Can I come in?" She opens the door. "Sure, come in. It’s very late, soon it will be morning. What do you need?" Gullen gazes into her eyes giving her that, I want you look. She sits on her bed blushing. Gullen places his hand upon her shoulder gently, "Hey, how are you and Edge getting along?" "Terrible, don’t even mention Edge to me. I want to divorce him right away." "Why what did he do?" "He flirted with a another woman." "Oh, I see. Well, I wouldn’t do such a harsh thing to a lady such as yourself." She looks into his eyes. "That’s good. I’ve always looked for that in a man." "Maybe you already have." He gives her a kiss on the lips. She doesn’t seem to care, she allows him to kiss her. "I think I’m in love with you Maria." "Really, I think I’m gaining the same feeling towards you. If so, let’s continue." Gullen kisses her on the neck deeply and makes an attempt to undress her. "Go ahead, undress me and give me a great feeling." Gullen grins at her, "Okay." He begins to mate with her. "Oh Gullen, don’t stop." Meanwhile in the interim, Gangrel has been listening to everything that’s been occurring. He listened behind their door. His eyes glow with rage and whispers under his breath making sure that no one can hear him, "Maria you harlot? I cannot tell this to Edge now. It’ll really break his heart. I’ll tell him tomorrow night."

"Oh Gullen, can you take me out of here? I don’t want to be here." "Yes Maria, I can do that for you, but not yet. I want to marry you first." "Of course Gullen, I’ll divorce Edge. I’m sick of him anyway." Gullen continues to kiss her on the neck. Her eyes close as he kisses her. The following night Edge wakes up sadly thinking about the love that he shared with Maria. Christian is still asleep. Isabel has her head on Christian’s chest sleeping. Edge sees how close together they are. He wishes that Maria would be that close to him. Gangrel knocks on their door.

Edge opens the door. "What is it Gangrel?" Edge asks. "I have terrible news, I don’t know if you can bear with it." Christian and Isabel woke up. Christian holds her gently as they listen to the news. "Tell me Gangrel, please." "Okay Edge, I feel so sorry for you. I heard Gullen and Maria last night. They actually told each other that they were in love. They are together now. I think that Maria plans on divorcing you. I only heard part of it, I couldn’t hear the rest, because I was too drowsy." Edge’s eyes widened with fury. "No, how could she do this to me? That filthy swine has taken her as his own. I say we should kill him. Lets do it!"

"Whoa, wait a minute. Did I hear the word Gullen? That bastard killed my brother. He deserves to die. Gangrel, I say we should kill him. I despise him." "No Isabel, we will leave him alone for now. Heed my advice. He wants to kill Cyton too. That’s why he’s with us." "But Gangrel, he already took possession of my wife." "Silence everyone, I know what I’m doing. Please, you have to trust me on this." "Okay we trust you." They all said simultaneously. Gullen comes down the stairs with a huge smirk on his face. Edge is so infuriated that you can see the cold rage in his eyes. He makes a lunge at Gullen. "You bastard, what have you’ve done with my wife? I demand an answer."

"Edge stop it, let the fool go." Christian told him. Edge pushed Gullen out of his way. Maria walked down the steps with an innocent look on her face as if nothing happened last night. "Hello everyone." No one responded to her, they were too busy watching Edge let out his rage and anger towards Gullen. "Edge, stop it, don’t hurt him. Have you’ve gone completely out of your mind?" "No more games Maria, I know for a fact that you slept with Gullen. I will not let him go until I get an explanation from you or better yet the truth. How could you hurt me like this?" A look of guilt entered Maria’s face.

"I tell you what, I’ll sign a divorce just to make you and Gullen happy. Then you both get the hell out of here. I hope that makes you happier Maria. I never cheated on you, you’re the one who cheated on me all along, haven’t you?" Maria burst out into tears. "Shut up Edge, leave her alone. You think what you did to her didn’t make her upset. I heard that you flirted with Gabrielle. So you’re the one to blame even more." Isabel frowned at Gullen. "You shut up, you bastard! You killed my brother." Gangrel shakes his head at them all. "I told all of you to leave Gullen alone. Stop it right this instant." They weren’t oblivious to Gangrel’s words. "Okay agreed, Maria I just cannot believe what you’ve done to me. Go ahead leave with Gullen and divorce me. I don’t care anymore. Just don’t come crying to me if you’re pregnant or if you need me to love you. No more will I love you, I’ve loved you so much, but now that this has occurred, I feel betrayed. So just stay away from me as much as you can." Edge explained to her as he lowered his head sorrowfully.

A couple of days later, they were divorced. Gullen and Maria moved to another place. Edge’s heart was broken. One night, Gangrel knocked on Edge’s door to wake him up. "Edge, its time to get up." "Okay, give me a chance." Edge snapped. Christian stood next to his lover. "Oh Christian, I am so glad we’re together and that nothing can ever tear us away from each other, unlike your poor brother. I love you Christian." Christian kisses her on the lips deeply while saying, "I love you, you know that everything I do is for you. I am truly happy too."

Edge got dressed. He opened his door. "Edge, what is it with you lately? You’ve shown nothing but an attitude lately. What’s with that?" "I’m sorry Gangrel, I think the separation between Maria and I hurt me more than I thought. Please you must forgive me." "I understand Edge, there’s no need to feel bad. Now, you must move on with your life." "That I will Gangrel. Thanks for sticking at my side through this all. I also have to thank everyone here." "There’s no need for that Edge, we all understand and we all should always stick together as a family through thick and thin. I guess you and Maria weren’t meant to be." "Please Gangrel, that’s a very emotional subject to bring up. Please don’t bring it up again." "I won’t."

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