Re: Hunter and The Thief

by questor Tue Apr 24, 2012 3:58 am

"Well old man I will warn you now. Stay clear of my dealings here, or your brotherhood will know much death and bloodshed amongest their ranks. Also like I said earlier, should anything happen to Casha or our child because of you, I will be back and you will suffer an eternity of pain and suffering. Anubis rose from the chair as the door opened and Gabe stood there.

"I have no interest in your dealings, Anubis." He replied flatly, "And if my actions today have caused Casha and my great grandchild any harm, I will suffer long before you take your turn. What interest the Brotherhood has in you, I don't yet know. All I do know is that my treasure, my only grandchild is having a baby and my only wish is to see that happen.".....

He looked at the old man, "I will see if she wishes that. If so you will be brought to the mansion." he said and made for the door. "All yours." he told Gabe. "I didn't kill him."

Gabe stood in the doorway with a raised brow. "You'll forgive me if I don't get up." The old man offered, "I've been shot, I've been stabbed. I've even been speared in my time in service." He laughed emptily, "And yet it is old age and arthritis that is slowly killing me." Gabe entered the room nonetheless and stood before the old man. The old man simply stared back at him and held out his glass. "Let us be done with it. I tire of old age and old ways." Gabe stared at Anubis with total confusion.....

"He is family." Anubis stated. "Casha will be the one to determine his fate, unless his appearance has harmed her or the child." Anubis stood at the door. "You have something to say to him?"

Gabe stood there for a moment, trying to find what he had wanted to say. He'd practiced it over and over on the drive down there, but now stood before the old man, all ability of speech seemed to leave him. With a shake of his head, he walked away and shoved passed Anubis. He left the ranch without a word. The old monk sat there and finished his brandy. "Interesting fellow, that one.".....

Back at the mansion a couple servents were talking in the room where Casha lay. They thought she was a sleep. "Anubis and Gabe have gone after the old man. Both of them were highly pissed. I pitty the fool. Those two will rip him apart."
Anubis followed Gabe back to the car. He looked at Gabe, "Cat got your toung?" he grinned. To the two lycans he motioned to get in the back of the car and he got into the passenger side front."

Casha heard the conversation as though she was standing over them, but she made no sign that she was listening. At that moment, she really didn't care.
Gabe got into the car and slammed the door as Anubis spoke. After a moment, he lifted his head from the steering wheel and stared at Anubis. "He's just an old man." He said quietly, then shook his head, "How.....? I was gonna rip his head off and he...." He laughed then, "Toasted me." he looked across at Anubis before lifting his brow, "At least I know where she gets her balls from, that's for sure. That old guy didn't give a shit!".....

Anubis nodded his head. "I have to agree with you." he told him. "But no matter, he will not like what I will do to him if Casha or the child has been hurt. Lets go home."

Gabe put the car in gear and drove away from the ranch. "Something tells me he'd do worse to himself before you even got your hands on him." He said honestly. "From what Marla told me, he totally turned to mush when he saw Casha's bump. She said he looked like you did when you found out."....

Anubis shook his head. "Well he didn't know he was going to be a great grandfather at the time. We had a talk and the thing is I could relate to him." He leaned his head against the headrest. "I will see if Casha wishes to talk to him and have him there for the birth."

Gabe almost put the car in the wall when he heard that. "Excuse me?" He said sharply, "You could relate to him? How the hell is that possible?!"....

"How he met Casha's grandmother and fell in love. The type you know that she is the one and how she takes your breath away. The birth of his daughter and her loss. The Order stole her away and he was not able to get her back. Yes I can relate to that." he told Gabe

"No shit!" Gabe said quickly, "And you believe him?".....

He looked over at Gabe. "I have had centuries to study humans and their body language. The look in his eyes when he spoke of his wife and daughter, alone told me he was telling the truth.

Gabe shook his head, "If he loved her that fucking much, he should have tried harder!" He snapped....

He raised a brow, "You know the Order, would an outsider stand a chance getting some one back from them."
Lady Raven says:
"I wouldn't know." Gabe said flatly, "I've never tried."...

"From what he said he did, they hid her and I think the chuch could hide someone quite well." Anubis said.

Gabe shook his head, "I sitll don't believe him." He said coldly....

"Well for the moment he is not the threat. Rushford though is another matter. I think having to wait and watch is getting to him. They have someone called the Oracale that foresees things and they go by her guidance. Right now that is to leave us alone and watch."

Gabe shook his head again as he swung the car around a truck and then ducked off the highway. "That;s such bullshit." He said, "Foresight is a myth."....

Anubis chuckled. "You have alot to learn my young friend. I have met a few in my time that was able to tell the future." He grinned, "How do you think I managed to escape a few of the Order's traps. They were forseen some time before and as one told me, they are but what can be if nothing is done to change them. The future is fluid and will change if something is done that could change it."

Gabe snorted back his laughter, "Then explain to me how the hell you missed Casha for so long, hmmm?" He shook his head, "Sorry Boss, but she's what, 28 now? If this so called foresight is real, how come it missed her?".....

"Well he said the Oracale did predict Akasha's return and that kept his hope up, knowing that he would see his granddaughter somehow. As for me, I never thought to ask about it. I didn't think it was possible at the time for Akasha to return." Anubis shugged his shoulders.

"I still say this is one big crock of shit." Gabe said firmly. "And Casha will say the same thing."....

He chuckled. "Well then I guess you will have to be introduced to someone when she gets here. Like alot of abnormals she has been hunted by the Order and has kept one step ahead by reading the future. She will be here in a few days." he looked at Gabe. "You talk to her and then you tell me later if it is a crok of shit."

Gabe looked across briefly at Anubis, "Huh?" He asked, "I thought we were all here now."....

"Old Rachel is making her way here. She had to say good by to a number of people. When she arrives I will take you to her." They finally arrived at the mansion. Anubis got out of the car and immedately went up to the bedroom to check on Casha. He entered and moved to the bed and sat on its edge and looked down at her.

"Old Rachel, eh?" Gabe said, then got out of the car, "Whatever." He went inside and then hunted out the nearest and strongest whiskey he could find. Upstairs, Casha heard Anubis come into the bedroom and then hunted out the nearest and strongest whiskey he could find. Upstairs, Casha heard Anubis come into the bedroom and then felt his weight on the bed. At first, she didn't move. She felt his eyes on her. After several long moments, she finally spoke. "You let him live, didn't you

"Yes. As well as the guards that guarded the place." he told her. "He told me of your grandmother and mother."

Casha tightened her grip on the pillow for a moment and then let it go again. "They told me he was dead. They told me Heather had died giving birth to my mother. They told me Mum had died at the hands of a lycan. everything they told me was a lie, wasn't it.".....

"Yes it was. They wanted full control of you." he caressed the side of her face. "He wants to talk to you more I think. He also wants to be here when our child is born. He wants to she his great grand child. I told him that was up to you."

Casha slowly turned over in the bed and put her back to Anubis. "If he was alive all these years, why didn't he come for Mum and me?" She asked.....

"He said he tried, but the Order had hid your mother and then you." placing a hand on her arm, "The Order didn't want him to find either of you and they seemed to have been good at it. "He can tell you more about your grandmother and mother if you wish.

Casha opened her eyes briefly, "I don't know if I want to anymore." She said quietly...

He nodded. She was not Casha, Akasha reborn. But he felt that she would not forgive herself if she didn't find out all she could. They were apart of her life, even if not Akasha's, still apart of the present life that still had influence on her. "Are you sure. Not knowing and always wondering? It is up to you, but I am thinking he should at least have a chance." he told her. "I know that sounds strange coming from me, but something about him"

"Something about him made you feel like you were there." She said quietly, "In the bistro, it was like he'd always been there and I just hadn't seen him."....

He chuckled. "Sort of. The look in his eyes when he talked of your grandmother spoke volumes of his feelings for her." he moved his hand over her arm. "So what should he be told."

Casha nodded, "I know." She said, "It was like he was looking at me and seeing her. He told me how she would have been proud of me, Mum too. Like he could see them watching over me or something." She felt the baby turn again and sucked in her breath. She gripped the pillow as she rode it out and then relaxed again. "I don't know what to tell him. What do you say to someone you've never known, but knows all about you."....

"Ask him to tell you about himself. It is hard to do I guess. Get to know someone that you have not seen, but was out there. Perhaps he can tell you something you don't know." he had no idea of what else to tell her.

Casha curled her fingers into the pillow, "Did he say why he was here?" she asked.... 4/23/2012 6:36:41

"Because you were. The way I took it, when you escaped the clutches of the Order, he finally had his chance to meet you." he told her.

Casha nodded into the pillow and then carefully sat up. A servant was quick to stuff some pillows against the headboard for her to lean on and then the second quickly brought her a glass from the hot decanter. Casha took it without a word. She drank the blood slowly until it was gone and then handed the glass back before she spoke again. It was refilled and given back to her. "Then I'll speak to him." She said. "Bring him here after dark. I don't want him with any advantage. I want this place crawling with guards, I don't care if they drool or whatever, I want him under close watch the whole time he's here." She looked up at Anubis again, "And I want Gabe with me too, armed to the teeth if you can manage it."....

Lady Raven "I don't think Gabe would have it any other way. Marla I think will want to be here as well." he told her. He would send someone to pick him up and bring him to the mansion. He bent down and kissed her. "How are you feeling now?" he asked her.

She looked down at the empty glass in her hand, "Like a meat lover being fed tofu." She said...

He raised a brow. "Not doing the same as the blood from a human?" 4/23/2012 6:49:18 PM Lady Raven charles Casha half shook her head, "Oh, this is all human blood." She said, "It's kept me strong and everything, but I just feel like...." She put the glass down, "I'm done with the ready meals. I want some steak for a change." She moved from the bed and spied one of the servants. The woman looked to Anubis in worry....

He chuckled, and said, "I think I have what you need." he told her. He helped her to the door. "With my hetic schedule these days I can't always hunt, so I have had some people brought here and held below. People that no one would miss if they disapear, and that the police would not mind seeing dead." He took her down to the lower level of the Mansion where at the moment there were two people there. Both were murderers, a man and woman. They were being hunted by the police but Anubis had found them first.

Casha could smell them the instant Anubis opened the door and she practically salivated as she was led down to them. She could smell the fear and the adrenaline in their blood. That was what she needed. Before Anubis had barely unlocked the cell, she was in there. The woman screamed as Casha took hold of the man and pulled his head right back. Seconds later, her fangs deep in his throat, Casha began to sigh softly in satisfaction and pleasure.....

"Ahhhhhh I see I will have to keep a few around for us." he had fed earlier so he didn't need to feast on the woman. He would let Casha have her as well. She was after all feeding for two now."

Within minutes, the man was dead on the floor of the cell and Casha wasted no time in grabbing the woman. The adrenaline running through her was like honey to Casha and she drank with vigor. The woman screamed and cried in fear and pain, but Casha didn't let up. A few minutes after her cellmate was dead, the woman laid next to him, bled dry. And like magik, Casha's colour returned. Her pale lips became wine coloured, her eyes sparkled and her hair bounced with life again. She left the cell, stopping briefly to wipe her mouth on the collar of a guard's shirt, and then went upstairs without so much as a word....

He nodded to the guards and they knew what had to be done. He followed her back upstairs and smiled. She seemed to be fine now and that made him feel better. As they got back up to the first floor of the mansion he gave orders to have the Old Man brought to the Mansion after dark.

Finally satisfied and not at all guilty as she had believed she'd feel, Casha made her way back to the bedroom and snapped her fingers at her servants. It would be dark soon and she wanted very much to look her best for her supposed Grandfather. She chose a gown that was comfortable, but also showed her pregnancy with pride. Soft pink silk covered her modesty, but left her shoulders and most of her back bare. The skirt fell to the floor in several layers of fine silk. and tied off carefully around her bump and hips. She had the servnats braide her hair in several layers that were then pinned up around her head. The bottom half of the mass was left free. She chose a necklace that Anubis had bought for her, a unique piece in pure gold that covered her lower neck and colarbone. Matching bangles down both arms and delicate earrings finished the piece. The final touch was deep, fine layer of charcoal pencil around her eyes. The blush had returned to her cheeks with the blood and her lips kept their deep wine colour. By the time her servants had finished, Casha looked as though she could have walked right out of Ancient Egypt or Rome. Kat would be proud of me, she thought with a smile. Her pearly white fangs glinted in the fading light and she gave the mirror her very best smile. "There you are." She said to her reflection and then stood up proudly. She would make her grand entrance when her grandfather arrived.....

Dante walked past the bedroom as he was on his way down stairs to grab something to eat and bring something back up for Kat. As he passed the door of the master bedroom he had to stop and take a double take. "Whoa, now that is a killer look." he mumbled as he stared at Casha. He chuckled and said, "You will have to let Kat see you."

Casha turned to face Dante and offered him a warm smile, "I already know what she'll say." She said, "Casha, you have finally arrived." She laughed quietly and then held her arms out for her servants to add any finishing touches...

"Well do let her see and have her say. She will never forgive me if I don't at least try to get you there." he told her.

Casha laughed and nodded in agreement. She held her feet out and her servant put on some soft silk slippers. She then went down the hall to see Kat. The feline could barely contain her excitement when she saw her friend and applauded her with pride. "Casha has finally arrived." She said with a nodding smile. Casha smiled back and hugged her friend, "Thank you." She offered quietly, then moved back a little. "Anubis is bringing the Brotherhood monk here." She said, "And as much as I would love to see you shred him with your claws, I'd like you to stay up here. Can you do that for me?" Kat nodded in understanding and Casha left again. Her grandfather would arrive very soon...

The driver, a lone lycan arrived at the gate to the long drive way up to the ranch. He was stopped and the guards were taking no chances this time. The lycan had to chuckle at all the guns pointed at him. "Tell the Old Man I am here to take him to the Mansion as discussed earlier." Soon enough he had clearence to proceed and he drove up to the house and picked the old man up. The drive back was quiet as the lycan didn't say anything. When they arrived he got out of the car and opened the door for him. Anubis was there to greet him, along with Marla. "She is waiting for you in the lounge." He turned and proceeded the old man and Marla followed behind him a hand on her gun that was in a holster on her hip.

The old man bowed slightly to Anubis and then smiled at Marla. "Nice to see you again, Miss Marla." He offered. He expected the cold shoulder in return and then entered the house. "My, this is grand, isn't it." He said, genuinely impressed. Gabe grunted and scowled at the man as he came towards the living room. The old man smiled anyway and slowly walked into the living room. Everywhere he looked, he could see guards. "Taking no chances, hmmm?" He asked, "It's almost as though I pose some major threat to you, Anubis. Does my presence frighten you that much?"....

Anubis laughed and shook his head. "You do not frighten me." he told the old man. "But when it comes to my love, Casha, I take no chances what so ever. Would you have not done the same if I was to have been there to visit your wife?"

The old man seemed to think on that for a moment, but then smiled and shook his head, "No." He said honestly, "Heather was far more deadly than I could ever be. All she needed to do was look at you and you knew you were fucked." This got a snort of laughter from a few guards, and even Gabe had to bite his lip somewhat. Shortly after that, two more guards arrived, but in their lycan form; Casha stood between them. The old man stood tall now with his jaw hanging open. "Oh my God!" Gabe mouthed almost the same thing, but knew better than to show it. Casha floated into the room and stood stone faced against those familiar eyes....

Anubis moved a hand over and pushed on Gabe's jaw, as he chuckled. "Yeah I have to agree." She looked as Akasha had looked on many occasions. It took his breath away. Marla stared at her as she walked in, even she was surprised. "Well there she is old man."

by LadyRaven Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:39 am

The old monk smiled and nodded before he leaned over on his cane and bowed his head. "You are a vision." He told her lovingly. Casha remained stoic for a moment and then seemed to soften a little. Her shoulders relaxed and she put her hands on her bump. "I've waited a very long time to see this." The old man continued and then moved to a tall chair in the corner of the room. He did this on purpose so he could see everything and everyone in the room, but also to show he wasn't going to run or pose a danger.

"You have answers to my questions." Casha began as she moved forward. The two lycans moved with her, neother one daring to leave her side.
The monk nodded, "Yes, I do." He offered honestly and then waved his hand at a chair so they could sit together. The two lycans growled at the old human and Casha remained where she was. Behind them, Gabe stood as though to attention.
"I don't like this." He said to Anubis, "Not one bit. She's too vulnerable."
"I hope you don't expect me to fold over and be the devoted granddaughter." Casha said coldly.
The old man shook his head, "Not at all." He replied smoothly, "In fact, I'm suprised I'm still breathing. Our previous meeting had some serious repercusions, from what I was told. I am happy to find my assumptions wrong." Casha didn't answer him, so he continued. "I supposed a good meal can heal most what ails you." Again, he was met with silence.
"How long have you known about me?" Casha asked.
"Since the Oracle told me of you." He replied, "Before I met your grandmother."
"What about my mother?"
"She was taken from us." he said sadly, "Stolen from her cradle in the middle of the night."
"And?"
"We tried to find her, begged the help of the Oracle and the Brotherhood, but we failed. It killed Heather in the end." A single tear fell down his cheek and he quickly wiped it away on his handkerchief.
"Why did you give up?"
The old man quickly shook his head, "I never gave up!" He snapped rather sharply, "Not a single day, did I ever give up hope of finding Mary."
Casha firmed her jaw, "How did she really die?"
He shook his head, "I don't know." He looked down, "The rumour was she'd been killed by a lycan. I didn't believe it. I think the Order murdered her to keep you."
"Did you ever look for me?"
"For years. I thought I'd finally found you in Scotland. I sent my most trusted man to steal you away, but the priest said you weren't there. You'd never been there. I learned later you'd been put on a plane to Rome the next morning." He looked up again, his eyes soft and almost lost. "I followed you as close as I could, but they kept you well guarded. I never had a chance. I had no choice but to wait."
"And now?" Casha asked, "Now you think you can just walk into my life and be the doting granddad? Spoil me rotten and shower me in love?"
He shook his head, "No." He told her, "I just needed to know that you were where you belonged and that you were happy." He pointed his cane at her bump, "And now I do know. What you have growing inside you is far more precious than anything I could ever offer and the bond you share with its father...."
Casha looked over her shoulder slightly at Anubis, "Is as strong as what you had with my grandmother."
The old man nodded and smiled, "I don't care what he is, or what he's done. I care only that that you have found each other. Whatever the Brotherhood does or doesn't want to happen after this point, I know that nothing they could force could break that bond. The Oracle sent me here to wait and to watch. I don't know why, though I wonder sometimes if she has meant for me to see this and to find peace in your happiness."
"The Oracle?" Casha asked, "Who is she?"
The old man shook his head, "I don't know who she is." He said honestly, "I've never seen her."
"And yet, you follow her guidance?"
He nodded, "To a degree, yes. She isn't without purpose and she has never been wrong, even when we ignore her foresight. I trust her to know what is best."
"And what does she make of me?" Casha asked carefully, "And my family?"
A glint shone in the old man's eyes, "That is a very good question." He said. "Perhaps one you could someday ask her yourself."
"What has she told you?" She asked.
The old man took a deep breath and thought for a moment, "She believed you would bring about the balance that Anubis had so badly upset after Akasha's death. As her heir and direct descendant, she said it would be you that would finally show him the heart he had lost."
"So I am merely a puppet to history?"
He shook his head quickly, "Oh no, not at all!" he said quickly, "You are no puppet, Casha. Far from it. You are the puppeteer. Your soul, your respect for justice and retribution. You are the linchpin that keeps Anubis and his armies from destroying everything they touch."
Casha narrowed her eyes, "And what if I chose to help him with that?"
The old man smiled softly, "Your lingering respect for life, perhaps. Or the simple fact, you know deep down, he would eventually faila nd fold in on himself. After all, what use is a king without his subjects, or his kingdom, his people? If he'd continued on his path, the world would be overrun with his predators and all life would suffer, even him. As long as you are in his heart, he can hold back that hatred." He looked to Anubis with a raised brow......

by questor Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:11 am

The old man spoke and Anubis listened. He was right in the fact that Casha was the light in the darkness, that kept him steady and filled his heart with something else then pure hatred. She had calmed his savage soul. Why else would he have spared the old man and the Brotherhood guards at the Ranch. In the past he would have simply slaughtered all of them and been done with it. Akasha had done the same in the past when things did not go quite the way Cain or he had wanted with their subjects. It was her that refrained him from slaughtering entire villages because they tried to rebell against Cain.

He moved up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He didn't say anything but he wanted her to know that she indeed was his conscience now.

At that point in time there was the laughter of an old woman at the doorway. "Well now what do we have here? Hunters of the Order, and the Brotherhood, along with the King of the Vampires and his Consort. Who would have thought that a day like this would ever come to be" An old woman, wearing what a gypsy would wear in the old country stood there in the door way. "Well no one but I, I suppose."

Anubis turned his head and chuckled. "Rachel. You finally made it here."

The old woman chuckled and moved into the living room, "Been listening to all of you going on about things here." she said as she moved to a table and poured herself a generous glass of brandy and drank half of it before taking a breath. "Oh I needed that." she said. "She then turned and looked at Casha, smiling. "About time you returned." she told the smile still on her lips. Then she looked at the Old Man, "Like I said, been listening to you all talking." she sipped her drink now reilishing the taste of the brandy, "Mary, your daughter....." she turned her head to Casha, "Your mother.......is not dead." she looked between to two, seeing if what she said sunk in.

by LadyRaven Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:29 am

Casha gave a small smile as she felt Anubis' hands on her shoulders. The old man was right indeed. He smiled warmly and with pride at the sight before him. "Never have two people ever been so perfect for each other." he mused, then leaned back to enjoy the comfort of this mansion for a short while. Then, another presence interrupted the moment.

Casha was the first to turn around and stared at the stranger in a mixture of anger and amusement. Gabe and the old man did much the same. When she helped herself to the expensive brandy, drinking it down like water, Casha lifted an eyebrow. The speech was just as amusing, but then she said something that could have given the old man a heart attack and Casha, well, the same to be honest.

Mary was still alive!

Despite his age, his arthritis, everything, he shot from the chair. "What?!" As for Casha, the once rosey complexion suddenly disappeared. Gabe was the first to notice this and quickly made his way to her. "Breathe!" He demanded quietly. The two lycans guarding her backed off a little, almost frightened of what she might do, but she didn't do anything. Just as Gabe reached her, Casha's eyes turned back in their sockets and she collapsed into Gabe's arms. The old man was quickly to her side also and scowled at the gypsy woman. "What have you done!?"......

by questor Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:16 am

"Do not worry Cardinal, she is alright. If not for her being with child, she would not have easily passed out." she sipped her brandy, "I have seen this and the birth of the child." she smiled. "You will have a very healthy great grand son."

Anubis was there and helped Gabe lower her to the floor. He looked up at Rachel. "She needed to know about her mother, as did the cardinal about his daughter." she told Anubis. She came over and knelt down and took something from a bag at her side and held it under Cashas nose. "Breath it in child, It will give you your strength back.

She waited until some color came back to Casha's cheeks before standing up. "Your daughter is well and very much alive. They tried to kill her because she tried to escape with........ Casha here. That is where her father died. He Broke all the rules of the Order because he truely loved Mary. He fought like a hundred against them but in the end they took Casha, but not before he was able to get Mary to safety."

Rachel sat down on a couch, her body seemed weary. "Having forseen the event I was there to help her complete her escape. She fought like a hell cat to go back and get Casha, but if she had she would surely have died. I have kept her hidden with the Gypsies but she has always been close to her daughter throughout the years, watching but not able to get near her without revealing herself. You see if they knew she was there and killed her, Casha would have known and she would have rebelled against the Order, and her and Anubis would never have come together. Your Balance, Cardinal."

by LadyRaven Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:40 am

There was only so much revelation a person could handle and Casha had reached her limit. It wasn't enough that her grandfather was alive and well, but now her mother too? It just felt like too much. With whatever Rachel had given her bringing her back to her senses, she grabbed at Gabe and one of her lycan guards to help her get back on her feet. Gabe went one step further and literally picked her up in his arms. He cradled her gently as he carried her to the long sofa and then just as carefully, he put her back down again.

For the old monk, he could barely contain himself any longer. "If you knew all this time, why didn't you bring her to me?" He asked sharply, "She was my daughter, my princess! It was my duty to protect her and I would have done. Why did you hide her from me when you knew I was searching for her? For them both!" he struggled to his feet and leaned heavily on his cane.

On the sofa, Casha turned her head slightly and stared into the empty fireplace. The baby inside her turned and wriggled about, causing her acute pain this time. She put both hands on her stomach and began to coo at the infant. Her voice trembled, but it was soft and gentle, barely above a whisper, and eventually, the baby calmed once more. Rachel said it would be a very healthy boy and from what she could feel, she agreed wholeheartedly with the woman. But she did feel embarassed about her demeanor. Casha was strong, powerful, a force to be reckoned with and yet, she fainted at mere words! All the work she put in tonight to be a presence in this grand house and it had all fallen apart with the mention of her mother.

Gabe stayed by her side and motioned for Marla to come and help him make sure she was comfortable. He eyed Anubis with something quite close to anger. He didn't like that this woman, this stranger had toppled his best friend just by talking and Anubis had allowed her to do that. Did he want his beloved to be weak and disturbed like this? Did he gain some kind of pleasure seeing her suffer? Gabe turned his eyes away and focused them on Casha. No, he thought, Anubis couldn't have known what the gypsy would say and do. It's not his fault. Then, taking charge, he stood up and half turned to the rest of the house. His face remained firm, though his eyes showed the worry.

"The party's over." He announced, "Guard?" One turned to face him and he pointed at Casha's grandfather, "Get him out of here and back to his hole." He then snapped his fingers at the servants in the room and looked to her other lycan guard. "Get Casha upstairs and have her put to bed for the night. Make sure she has everything she needs. Marla..." he turned to her with a small smile, "Would you stay with her please? She needs someone close that she trusts." His eyes then turned to Anubis and Rachel. "We three are gonna have a little chat about what the hell just happened, ok Boss?"

by questor Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:57 am

Rachel smiled at Gabe, shaking her head. "Oh no my young hunter. It is not over just yet." she got up and moved over to Casha, and sat down next to her and took her hand. "I am sorry child that my news disturbed you so. But this was the time when both you and your grandfather were together that you needed to be told." She looked up at Gabe, "A true friend, through and through you be young hunter. Come sit and do not be angry." he looked over at Marla and grinned. "Your child and that of Anubis and Casha will be like brothers."

Anubis again moved to be with Casha, looking at her with great concern. He had not expected Rachel to arrive for another couple of days. Her insight and knowledge was quite shocking and he was about to side with Gabe on what was to be done, but the old man needed answeres as did Casha.

"Again she looked at Casha's Grandfather. "The same reason that she had to hide from the Order, she had to hide from the Brotherhood. Casha would have learned that she was alive and again things would not have worked out as they were suppose to. The future is fluid Cardinal, a minor change could alter it and then your Balance would have been lost."

"Now the question is do you wish to see her?" she looked at the old man and then to Casha. She has been waiting for this moment for such a long time, just as you Cardinal, have waited for this time to see your granddaughter."

by LadyRaven Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:13 pm

Gabe growled in frustration, but then blinked dumbly when another child was mentioned. He looked at Marla briefly and lifted an eyebrow, but then his eyes went back to Rachel and then the monk. "I said, party's over." He said firmly. "I think you've both done enough damage for one day, don't you? We can all swing this dick another day. Right now, Casha needs rest, you monk, you need to get back to your damned ranch and you, Rachel, whatever, need to shut your mouth long enough for the rest of us to catch up." He snapped his fingers again at the servant and then nodded to the guard. The lycan nodded back and then backed off to shift to his human form. He got dressed quickly frmo his pack and then came back to the sofa and lifted Casha effortlessly into his arms. With a nod to Anubis, he took the queen to her bed and then left her there with her servants.

Gabe waited until Casha had gone and then quickly went for the brandy. It wasn't his usual tipple, but tonight was far from usual. Downing a shot of it, he put the glass down and looked to Marla. With a smile, he nodded his head towards the stairs. He would be up to watch over her in a while. His eyes then went to the old man with a guard behind him, ready to take him home.

"I want to see her as soon as possible!" He said, "Where is she staying? Will you bring her here? How long has she been here? When can I see her and speak to her?" Now he was the one with the questions.

by questor Tue Apr 24, 2012 3:22 pm

"Oh she is here. Closer then you think." Rachel told him. But the Young Hunter is Right. Tonight has possibly been to much. But the future depends on what happens in the next few days. This is why your oracle has sent you here and has had you wait." She turned to Anubis and smiled, "Again I appologise for the bombshell. But with both Casha and her grandfather here this needed to be brought out. The family must be united, to include you.........." she turned to Gabe, "as well as you Young Hunter, and your lovely companion and the other two." she smiled. "You have all become like family and now Casha needs her present day family to be here as well."

She stood up and stood be fore Gabe. "I take it you are not a beliver in those that can foresee the future." she grinned. She closed her eyes a moment. "Your son as I said will be like a brother to Anubis' son. Together they will fight a great battle. You may want to check with you companion. She might have some news for you."

Upstairs Marla made sure that Casha was made comfortable and had enough security about, then went to her room quickly and got a small box and returned to the master bed room. "It can;t be." she mumbled and went into the bathroom. "I have been taking my pills and everything." She tore the box open and took out the prenency test kit and took a deep breath before she used it. She tapped her right foot as she waited for the results to show. She was sure it would read negative. But it didn't. "Oh shit!" she said licking her lips. She looked at herself in the mirror and asked, "How, how could this have happened." Then she closed her eyes and a growl came from her throat. "KAT!" she said

"Come Cardinal, I will go with you. I know you have many more questions and I will try to answer them for you." The guard escorted the two to the car. "Let Casha know I will be back tommorow and if she wishes to see her mother let me know so I can arrange it." she told Anubis before they left.

Anubis put a hand on Gabe's shoulder. "Do not be to hard on her. She has always been this way, even when she was as young as you, when I first met her." "Also Do not dismiss what she says. I have not seen her be wrong." he gave him a smile, "Like I told you earlier, you will become a beliver." He then hurried up to be with Akasha. He sat down on the edge of the bed and took her hands in his.

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:39 am

After making sure the house was secure, much to the grumblings of some of the guards at their self made new commander, Gabe also made his way upstairs and to the master bedroom. He wanted to check in on Casha before he had a quiet word with Marla. Surely the gyspy was wrong. They had been careful. Marla had taken her pills religiously, he'd even watched a time or two just to make sure. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, he would put his life in her hands if she asked, but he just wanted to make double sure nothing would happen.

As he walked down the hall, the gyspy's words rang in his head, as did Anubis'. His son and Casha's would be like brothers. He would be a believer in foresight. With everyting else that happened that night, he wasn't going to jump on any band wagon just yet. His mother had drummed it into him from an early age. "Anything that looks or sounds too good to be true; it probably is." She would say. Casha's mother being alive and well as well as her grandfather, it just sounded to fantastic, too good to be true. This odd woman had to be playing some kind of angle. Anubis seemed to trust her implicitly, but Gabe would need a lot more convincing before he would.

He made it to the master bedroom and quietly opened the door. Anubis was sat onthe edge of the bed, holding Casha's hand and he heard Marla in the bathroom. She didn't sound happy at all. Feeling his heart sink into his gut, he made his way into the grand bathroom in silence. He saw Marla stood over the sink, staring at a small plastic stick. "Are you ok?" He asked as he made his way over. He saw the packaging and felt his gut throw his heart back up to his throat. Oh no, he thought. He picked up the stick and studied it carefully. He knew what a pregnancy test looked like and how it worked. The women he'd slept with, he'd made sure to know. when he saw the two solid blue lines on the test, he dropped it again and turned to Marla. "How....?" One slight push and he could have hit the deck....

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:51 am

Marla was trembling and angry when Gabe came in. It had been her that had convinced Gabe that they should wait to have a child if and when that day did come. There was only one explaination to why she was pregnant. She had been taking her pills relegiously, insuring that she would not get pregnant. But there was one in the household that was wanting her more then anyone else to get pregnant. That one was a devious little Cat by the name of Kat. Some how she must have switched the pills with something else.

"No I am not alright." she couldn't look Gabe in the face. "How? I will give you one guess on that."

Down the hall, even Dante heard Marla call out Kat's name in anger. He looked at her. "What did you do this time?" It had to of been something really bad if Marla was angry.

In the car going back to the Ranch. Rachel was waiting for the old man to ask more questions. She already knew he wanted to see his daughter and that was already arranged. The limo made a stop before they proceeded out of the city towards the ranch. The door opened and some one got in and sat opposit the old man. The person wore a hooded cloak that obscured the face completely. Once seated, the person pushed back the hood with slim delicate hands. "Hello Father." the woman smiled. She looked almost like Casha but for a few minor things. Tears threatened to begin streaming as she looked at her father.

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:58 am

Without a word, Gabe moved across the bathroom and grabbed Marla. He wrapped his arms tight around her back and held her close. "Whatever you want to do." He whispered, "I'll stand by you, you know that, right?" as he held her, he gently swayed from one side to the other as though to comfort her. He knew she hadn't wanted tihs, not now, not yet.

Down the hall. Kat adjusted the babies slightly as they suckled on her and looked up at Dante innocently, "What did I do now?" She asked quietly.

In the limo. The old man furrowed his brow in confusion when the car stopped and someone else got in. Then, as the person pulled back the hood of the cloak, his heart leapt in his chest. He knew who it was before she spoke. "You look just like your mother!" He cried and pushed his cane away to reach out and grab Mary, "Thank you God, thank you!" He held her close, not daring to let go in case he was just dreaming.....

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:13 am

Tears began to flow from Mary's eyes as she hugged her father back. She clung to him for dear life afraid she would be pulled away again. "Oh how I have waited for this day." she whispered her voice cracking as she cried. Rachel sat back smiling.

"The family must be reunited." she told them both. "Dark days are ahead and you will need all your strengths."

Dante looked at Kat, narrowing his eyes. "Don't play innocent with Me, my love. I have come to know you all to well. Now what did you do to make Marla scream your name in anger?"

In the master bedroom Anubis heard Marla, and saw Gabe come in and go over to the large bathroom and talk to her. He looked at Casha, wondering if she was wanting to see her mother still or not.

Marla felt his arms about her and grunted a bit as he pulled her tightly to him. She chewed her bottom lip as she tried to think. She could always have an abortion, but that was something that she was not really for. The church had drilled that into them all and it stuck with her. She was pregnant and whether they had planned it or not, was ready for it or not, she would have the child. "What is done is done. You ready to be a Daddy?" she asked. She then raised her head to look at Gabe. "Still going to skin a cat, I think. Care to join me." she said.

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:25 am

Tears fell from the old man's eyes too and he held her tight, breathing in her scent so that he could never forget it. "How I have waited too." He whispered, then pulled back just enough to cup her face in his large old hands. "I searched for you. I thought I'd lost you forever." He then pulled her close once more and looked over at the gyspy. There were dark days ahead of them. "I couldn't care less." He announced, "I have my daughter back, my granddaughter, and a great grandchild on the way. I couldn't have dreamt this, let alone live it. Neither hell, nor high water will ever tear us apart again!"

Kat looked back at him and slowly shrugged one shoulder, "I may have been a little sneaky." She admitted, then twirled a lock of honey coloured hair around her finger. "I found her birth control and well.... they'll thank me for it later on." She offered her lover her best smile.

Anubis wasn't the only one to hear the commotion in the bathroom. Casha had been resting, though not asleep. She hadn't moved simply because she really didn't want to talk to anyone right now, not even Anubis. She had to put her head back in order before she could properly digest everything and let it sink in. There was so much to get through. She didn't know if she could face much more, cope with much more. At least the baby had stopped turning somersaults in her belly. Any more of that she might have mistaken the pain for labor!

Gabe held onto Marla a little longer. Was he ready to play Daddy? Well, it was hardly playing, was it! He closed his eyes as he tried to work through everything he'd learned in the last few hours. When she told him what she intended to do, he almost grinned, "Gladly." He said quietly......

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:52 am

"Then if you do not wish that to happen, all of you must be together, for together you will be the strongest and be able to face the Dark Days. The Balance will be once more come undone and old enemies will have to fight side by side against a new enemy."

Dante almost choaked when she told him what she had done. "Thank.....you .....later." he got out, "Before or after they kill you."

Marla untangled herself from Gabe and headed out of the bathroom and master bedroom. She strode down the hall way towards Dante's and Kat's room. Once there she opened the door with out knocking and looked over at Kat, her eyes narrowed and such a look on her face that made Dante flinch.

Back in New YorK City, Lightning flashed over the darken skies and peals of thunder rolled through the city streets, as a downpour of rain came down. On the Docks, in a warehouse a figure stood, his shadow making an erie winged like look on the wall as the lightning lit up the area. He stood there and to the eye, looked to be a large man about 6 feet 6 inches tall, broad of shoulder, black hair and beard, wearing a long black trench coat. Two other men approached and knelt before him.

"The others have begun master. Though it will take years to build up enough to do as you wish."

The big man laughed and smiled evily. "We have waited along time, have hidden ourselves among the humans. A little longer will not matter. After all we have an eternity."

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 9:05 am

The old man nodded in understanding, "The Oracle has foreseen a darkness coming." He said quietly, "Though she wouldn't say exactly how or what it was. For now though, I have nearly 50 years to catch up on." He held onto Mary and hugged her tightly again. "Just wait until you see Casha." he said to Mary, "She's everything the Oracle said she would be and more. And she'll be so happy to see you. You look so much alike."

Kat looked up from her bed and smiled at Marla and Gabe, though the look on Marla's face was plenty enough to turn the tide. She had finished feeding the babies and they were asleep again in their basket. Gabe was the first to speak. "Why?" He demanded, "You knew we wanted to wait. You knew, and you messed with us? What kind of friend are you?"
Kat lifted an eyebrow and then smiled, "I wanted you both to be happy. Like the rest of us." She replied smoothly.
"We were happy!" Gabe suddenly yelled. It woke the babies and Kat quickly went to them.
"Not so loud." She said quietly.
"We were happy." Gabe repeated, but in a more quiet tone, "We were doing just fine. Why do you have to meddle in everything, huh?" he then looked at Dante, "Did you kow about this?"

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 9:35 am

Dante moved to help Kat quiet the little ones, and turned when asked if he knew what Kat had done. He shook his head, "Nope, but I should have guessed she would try something. She has been so adament about everyone having babies. I think it is something in her kind that wants lots of young around."

Marla strode up to Kat and got into her face. "You couldn't wait could you. You......You....." Marla was lost for words. She was angry, yet she knew Kat and how she was and how good a friend she had become, even with her constant pestering about having children. She tried to yell at her but just couldn't. She turned and walked back to Gabe.

Anubis caressed Casha's face. "I know you are awake. It might help if you talk about it." She had a lot on her mind, he was sure of that. Finding out her grandfather was still alive, and now her mother was also alive.

"I want to see her." Mary said. "When can I see my baby." She turned her head to Rachel.

"Soon." she said. "Casha has a lot on her mind now. Especially finding out you two are still alive. That alone has been quite a shock to her and in her condition that is making it harder.

"A grandson." Mary smiled but still had tears running down her cheeks.

They finally arrived at the Ranch and Rushford was there waiting. He didn't know about the two women in the car, and looked very surprised when they emerged. "Who... who are they?" he asked.

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:00 am

At first, Kat thought Marla was going to hit her and prepared herself for it, but then she didn't and Kat lifted her brow slightly as the woman walked back to her lover. Gabe put his arm around her shoulder and leaned down slightly. He kissed the top of her head and moved her to the door. "I'll be out in a minute." He whispered before turning back to Dante and Kat. He believed Dante, the man had no reason to lie to him. Kat on the other hand, he wasn't so sure of anymore. "It's a good job right now, that you're family." He said with warning to Kat, "But I swear to you, interfere like that again, if you dare." Kat nodded back in silence, understanding exactly what might happen.
"It won't happen again." She promised.
Gabe looked at her, then Dante and nodded. "Good. Now see to your own and leave the rest of us to ours, ok?" He offered Dante a small smile, showing that he was actually quite happy with the news, before it faded and he left. Back outside the room, he took hold of Marla again and walked them back to their room. All the way, he had a certain smile on his face, but nothing too obvious, of course.

Casha listened to Anubis speak, but it barely registered. Her head was still swimming. "What is there to talk about?" She asked in whisper. "One day, a freaky monk turns up and tells me he's my long lost grandpa. The next, some bloody gypsy announces that my dead mother is also around." She opened her eyes briefly, "What does one say to something like that? How do you begin to even process that kind of information?" She closed her eyes again. "I tried to imagine so many times what my mother was like. Was she strong and honest? Was she kind? All those things I imagined her to be because I knew she was dead so she wouldn't have to live up to my imagination. How do I even begin to rectify all that? And what would I say to her? 'Hi, thanks for turning up out of nowhere.', or maybe, 'Great, let's go home and be one big happy family.'. What would you do if Cain suddenly turned up again, or your blood family?" She felt lost, utterly and completely lost.

The old monk stepped out of the car with a huge proud smile to Rushford. "I'd like to you meet Rachel." He said, waving his hand at the gypsy. "She's an oracle of sorts. And this wonderful woman here...." He put a proud arm around Mary, "Is my daughter. She's alive, Rushford! Isn't that a marvel?" He couldn't contain his happiness.

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:13 am

Dante turned to Kat, "You know she could have taken your head off, ltterly." he kind of scolded Kat. "I know you want them to have a baby, but you have to leave it up to them to decide when. They are just getting to know each other and find out if they are truly meant for each other." he sighed and pulled her to him and hugged her. He would not tell her that he thought Gabe was highly pleased. That would only fuel more of her mischief.

Anubis smiled down at her. "Well if my real family would show up, I would be surprised, yes, but I would welcome them with open arms. You can not blame your grandfather for what the Order did. He tried, as your mother and father tried to get you out. Be happy that you have found out the truth and that they are indeed alive. Think how hard it has been on them. Knowing that you are out there, and not being able to be with you. Look what losing you did to me, and what finding you again has done." He bent down and kissed her cheek. "See her, give her a chance to return into your life. Even if she does not match what you thought she would be like, she is still your mother and wants to see you."

Rushfords eyes grew big when he introduced his daughter. "But she is dead?" Mary only smiled as she held onto her father. Rachel chuckled and moved past him. "You have a lot to learn as well." she said and grinned know Rushfords future. If nothing interfered, he would be the next leader of the Brotherhood. The Old Leader was getting on in age and he had been watching Rushford and making sure he was ready to assume the mantel of leadership when the time came. But this she would not devulge to him. That might change the future.

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:28 am

Casha gave a small nod of her head as Anubis kissed her cheek. As always, he helped her see things more clearly. She did however, decide there would be no more grand gestures like that night. Clearly, she hadn't been able to hold the presence long enough to make any kind of impact, or so she thought, so she would tone it down a little for her mother. Moving slightly on the bed, she sat up and carefully removed the ornate necklace and then the numerous bangles. She handed them to a servant, who just as carefully, placed them back on the stand. Casha then got off the bed and untied the silk twine from her dress. It all fell loose around her feet and then with a slight shurg, it came away entirely. Her bump seemed ever more pronounced and a slight ripple happened across the skin as the baby moved. It seemed to know she was wanting to sleep.

As Casha laid back down again, she pulled the sheet up to her middle and then turned on her side. She pulled a soft pillow down and pushed it under the bump slightly to support it. Her skin moved a little more before a tiny dome appeared just above her now out-turned bellybutton. It stayed there for a moment and then disappeared, only to reappear a few inches to the left. Casha smiled softly and rubbed her thumb over the dome. "The gypsy is wrong, you know." She offered quietly, "I don't feel like we're having a boy."

The old monk stood with the same proud smile on his face as the information gradually sank in for Rushford. He patted the man on the shoulder and moved past with Mary. "We're going back to the mansion tomorrow." He announced, "Casha, Mary and myself have a lot to catch up on." He half turned his head to the cardinal. "You might even be invited if you can behave yourself?" He then turned to Mary, "I have so many questions for you." He said, "And so much to tell you about Heather. She never gave up, you know, not once, until the day she died."

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:50 am

The old gypsy Rachel grinned more. The future was always something to see. It was never set in stone as so many things could change it. It had not happened so what one saw today might be entirely different tommorow. That was unless certain things were kept constant and that was the trick. That is why her fore mothers before her had begun giving the Brotherhood information. Checks and Balances to keep somethings on track so that they could be when the time came. For one thing that seemed to be certain, even though the future changed alot, a dark time was coming and it would surprise the Order what was in store for them, as well as Anubis and his abnormals.

Anubis watched the little one move inside Casha. "What makes you think that?" he asked when she said she didn't think it was a boy. Rachel had never been wrong before.

Rushford snorted when the old man said he might be invited if he behaved himself. He wanted nothing there unless orders came down to move against Anubis. "This is not wise. We have received no orders to mingle with them. We might receive orders to go against them. What will you do then?"

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:03 pm

The old man seemed to stop and think on that for a moment or two, but then smiled, "If the Oracle had foreseen that, she wouldn't have left us here to our own devices." He said, "She would have stopped me from seeing Casha. I think she has other plans for us here and it would be wise to keep an open mind, Rushford. After all, nothing is truly set until it has happened. Remember, the future is easy, it's the past that is hard." He smiled again and then led Mary further into the house to find her a room for the night. With any luck, things would be wonderful tomorrow and he could enjoy his long lost family, and his new growing one. Rachel had said there were two others in there and he wanted to meet them too. They were all one family under the mansion roof and deep down, he wanted to be a part of that.

Casha looked up at Anubis and tenderly took his huge hand in hers. She then carefully laid it over where the movement was happening. "Does that feel like a boy to you?" She asked. The baby moved more and more, but didn't cause pain like before. Anubis' hand moved with the bump and Casha smiled at him lovingly. "It knows you're there." She whispered. More movement under his fingertips and then a quick kick out, it seemed under his palm. After that, things calmed and there were just waving motions.

Down the hall, Gabe showered quickly and returned to the bedroom. Marla had been sat on the edge of the bed since he'd gone for his shower. "Honey?" He asked as he moved to her. He tucked the towel in a little tighter and then crouched down in front of her, "Anyone home?" He smiled up at her lovingly, "Talk to me, Babe."

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:20 pm

Marla sat there in thought. Yeah she had been selected for the breeding program but had no idea of who she would have been paired with. Surely it would have not been Gabe. Gabe and her had been getting along good. They had mutual things they liked and wanted to do. But having a child was something she was not sure she was ready for, mentally anyways. She was hoping to get some practice in on Kats, children and then Anubis' and Casha's. When Gabe knelt down infront of her she looked up and smiled. "Oh just thinking. "You know we are going to have to get in touch with your mother. From what you have told me of her she will want us married first then be here for that and the birth of her grandchild, or grandson if the old gypsy is right."

Anubis felt the movement and kick of the baby. "Felt like a boy kicking there." he said. "You think it is a girl?" he asked. "What has the doctor said with the ultra sounds?"

Rachel went with the old man and Mary and shooed him out of the bedroom that they had found. "Time enough in the morning. Poor woman has traveled far and long and now needs rest." she told him and closed the door. The next day would be something else for Mary and for Casha. Being reunited after so long, having alot to talk about to catch up on, as did Mary and her father.

by LadyRaven Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:39 pm

Gabe stayed crouched down in front of her and lifted her chin with his finger and thumb, "I emailed her a while ago and told her all about you." He said with a smirk and then shook his head, "It doesn't have to matter if you don't want it to. Besides, Mum's just happy that I'm happy. Mike and Joe too. I don't think Mum will mind if she gets a grandbaby. I think she'd all but given up hope a few years back." He laughed quietly and leaned up to kiss her lips softly. "Now." He mused as he stood up again, "Me and you's gonna get into this bed here and...." He pushed her back and leaned over her, "And celebrate the good news, hmmm?" He grinned and then kissed her again.

Casha gave half a smile and shrugged her shoulders, "Finche says he can't tell. Baby won't let him look, apparantly." She said with a laugh. "Maybe I just want a girl? I don't know. And all the babies in my family so far have been girls. Logic and all that. Don't you want a little princess pestering you?" She realized what she said and suddenly burst out laughing. "Oh wait!" She chortled, "You've already got one of those; Kat!" She kept laughing.

by questor Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:31 pm

Anubis had to laugh as well. Kat acted like a spoiled princess with her shoping and bugging people about this and that. It was good to hear Casha laughing. Things were right again. "Well we will have him come back and try again. "You didn't hear what she said about Gabe's and Marla's son and our son did you?"

Casha chewed her cheek a little, "I heard some of it." She said quietly, "But not all. Garret was carrying me upstairs." She then grunted softly as the baby shifted and forced her to move also....

"She said that their son and ours would be like brothers and fight side by side in a great battle." he told her.

Casha nodded, "Yes, I heard the first part of that. What great battle?"....

He shugged his shoulders. "Something in the future." he said. "Now from what I just heard in the bathroom there, it seems that Marla has confirmed that she is pregnant. Something neither was aware of."

Casha cocked an eyebrow, then the other and then she snorted a laugh, "I should have known." She chortled, "She's been looking pale and run down for a while and she wouldn't eat with me the other day, even though I know she hadn't eaten anything all day. But I thought she was using contraception?"....

He laughed. "Now how do you think it could have happened? Especially to someone that is so well trained that it would be not like her to not take her pills. You heard her call out didn't you?"

Casha nodded again, "Oh yes." She replied, "I heard that cat's name as clear as a bell."...

He laughed again. "Well it looks as if she has gotten her way." A mansion full of little ones, now that was going to be fun. "Where shall we set up the play ground for them?"

Casha leaned back on her mountain of pillows and laughed quietly, "I have no idea." She mused...

"Well then we will have to look around and decide. Jungle gym, swings and things like that." he said. It would be awhile before they would use it but it didn't hurt to have things ready."

Casha smiled and then sucked her fangs with a grin, "Not to mention some very big scratching posts."....

"Ohhhhh yes." he said. It was going to be quite different around the place with little ones. Already the staff that kept the place up were hovering around the three little ones of Kats. When Casha's was born he was not going to have to worry about being taken care of. That day was coming soon, and he was excited about it. "Now you need to rest. I guess your grandfather and your mother will be coming early." he kissed her lips gently and stripped out of his clothes and laid down next to her, covering the lower half of his body.

Casha nodded and then curled up against Anubis before settling down for the night. After a few slight disturbances from the four newborns already in the house, Casha slept peacefully. Though somehoe, she figured Anubis didn't quite. when she woke that morning, he had completely changed his position. She looked down to find his head resting tenderly next to her bump and a hand over her hip. She smiled down at him and sighed softly.....

He had slept a bit restlessly but when he moved down to listen to Casha's stomach he fell asleep. The little one had a calming feeling on him already. When she awoke he opened his eyes and looked up at her. He smiled and streached.

Marla lay curled up with Gabe. She awoke and reached over and grabbed her cell phone. All of them had the doctor's number on speed dial. She called him and told him what they had discovered. The doctor laughed and said he would be right over to check her out and to make sure she was put on a proper diet.

Mary awoke and was up and dressed wanting to go see her daughter. Rachel opened one eye and sighed. "You will see her very soon." she rose and streached her old bones and got dressed herself. Mary nodded and left the room and hunted down the kitchen and began cooking and making coffee.

Casha smiled down at Anubis and then playfully ruffled his hair before she moved from the bed. Whens he stood up, it almost looked as though she had grown overnight, but it was just the baby. It had moved again during the night and stuck its backside or something out. Casha showered and then dressed in a comfortable dress similar to the one she had worn the day before. This one however, was much more modest, covering her clevage and shoulders.
In the bed, Gabe woke to hear Marla on the phone to the doctors and laid back to grin at the ceiling. He was looking forward to telling his mother and brothers the good news.The monk was also up early and was already brewing a pot of coffee when Mary came into the kitchen. He smiled brightly and gave her a loving cuddle, glad he hadn't been dreaming the whole thing.....

Mary hugged her father back and then proceeded to cook grabing a cup of coffee. Rachel soon joined them, taking a seat at the table and taking a cup when she was handed one by Mary. She breathed in its aroma and then sipped it. "Well now," she said as she looked at the entrance of the kitchen. "I think someone should answer the phone." A moment later it rang.Anubis got cleaned up and dressed then placed an arm around Casha and took her downstairs to await the arrival of her family. Marla again bit her lip and said, "I would love to let my father know, but he is still with the Order." It was hard to think of how he would take what was going on. He was a hunter and loyal to the Order.

When the phone rang, the old monk stared oddly at Rachel, then laughed and went to answer it. "Hello?"
Gabe pulled Marla back to the bed and hugged her, "Would you like me to get in touch with Emily?" He asked, "She could get a message to him on the downlow. No details or anything obviously, but the basic info. I'm sure she'd be happy to do it for you." Casha made her way downstairs to find a rather bleary eyed looking Dante in the kitchen and a half bouncy Kat. She snorted laughter, but kept it quiet. The first few nights were the worst, she knew that from visiting friends on the maternity wing in the Vatican. By the breakfast table, the four newborns were sleeping in a large basinet so Kat could make a start on breakfast. They would need a serious boost today.....

Dante Poured himself a very large coffee and began drinking it." He sat down and pulled Kat down to sit next to him as he looked at his four children. "Got to get you four on a better schedule."
Marla nodded. "Yeah that would be good. At least he would know I am well and happy." she smiled and then got up and got dressed. When Anubis entered the Kitchen he grinned at Dante. It was getting to be a regular thing these days, having all of them down in the kitchen having coffee, eating and talking.On the other end of the phone a womans voice was heard. "Rushford is to return to Rome immediately and you are to stay there. There has been a new development that may complicate things. I have seen the future and have seen what will be. But now it seems that they have managed to obsure anything that envolves them. I can not see what the future holds that concerns them. Now if you please can you put my mother on." Right behind him Rachel stood smiling.

The old monk lifted his brow right up and then handed the phone over before leaving the kitchen. He yelled the order to Rushford and then came back with a shrug of his shoulders.Casha laughed quietly and sipped at her coffee when she heard one of the babies stirring. Without a word, she got up and went over to the basinet. It was Amy. She picked up the tiny girl and cradled her carefully on her arm. She cooed at the infant between sips of her coffee and Amy seemed to settle again. Kat smiled at her friend, "You're a natural." She offered.Gabe turned over in the bed and nodded, "I'll get on it today." He promised.....(

"Come on." Marla gave him a slap on the but and made for the door. "I smell breakfest being made and I need some coffee." She headed down and then felt a wave of nasuea. "Maybe skip the bacon and eggs. Stick to toast and coffee." she muttered. Anubis watched Casha take the little one and hold it. She was going to get a bit of practice in before theirs was born. Dante yawned and just smiled as he sipped his coffee.

Gabe laughed quietly and got out of bed. He pulled on some shorts and then made a start for downstairs. Bacon and eggs sounded great. When Marla stopped, he gave her a concerned look and was about to say something when she said she'd skip the beacon and eggs. He nodded with knowing and kissed her shoulder as he slipped past her, "Not me." He said and quickly grabbed whatever was going. He kissed Casha on the cheek as he went. The woman laughed back at him, "Well now, aren't we in a good mood this morning." She told him. He grinned with a mouthful of bacon and sat down with his plate. He peered in the basinet briefly and grinned again. Kat just stood with a wide grin on her face....

"I see the little ones have kept you up most of the night." Gabe said and looked all to wide awake and cheerful. Dante looked at him and grinned. "Your turn will come." By that time Marla entered and went for the coffee. She held the cup with both hands. Anubis just looked on it all shaking his head. Crazy family. Every one made them selves comfortable, and had what ever they wanted. An hour later the limo finally arrived, and was announced

Casha offered a small smile to Marla before she finished her light breakfast. She then put Amy back in her basinet to sleep. "Gabe." She said eventually, "My mother and my grandfather will be here shortly. Would you please go and put some clothes on?" He laughed in return and nodded before disappearing. Casha looked around nervously and made her way into the lounge. There was a chair there that she felt more comfortable in than most. A large bowl shaped contraption that sat on a stand like a pedstal bowl. It was all padded out with cushions and incredibly comfortable for Casha. When the limo arrived, Casha's main guard Garret, nodded to Anubis and shifted to his lycan form. For all want and purpose, the man was a huge guard dog......

Anubis went to greet them. When Mary got out of the car she looked at him with wide eyes. She looked back at Bernard and then at Anubis. Bernard and Rachel had told her about him. She knew he was a vampire and that now her daughter was as well. She took a deep breath and walked up to him and gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. Anubis smiled and took her by the arm and guided her inside. Marla stood by the door and Dante on the other side of the door in the lounge. He looked over at Kat with the bassetnet and their children.

The old monk followed behind and smiled warmly as he watched Mary embrace whom was essentially, her son-in-law. Behind the door and eager to meet the new people, Kat could barely stop bouncing up and down. She clapped her hands at the way the woman greeted Anubis and then quickly stepped forward. "Katarina." She said proudly. Gabe smiled and nodded his head at Mary, unable to stop staring at the similarity between mother and daughter. "Ma'am." He said with respect, "I'm Gabe, Casha's sort of brother, I guess. Nice to meet you." He didn't say anything to the monk, he still didn't trust him. Casha as yet, remained out of sight in the lounge.....

Dante smiled and greeted Mary and Bernard. "I am Dante, and those four little ones are Kats and my children." he would let Kat give their names. Mary nodded to them all. This was all her daughters family in a sence. "Where is she?" she asked.

Gabe nodded and smiled, "She's waiting for you in the lounge, Ma'am." He said before looking to Anubis. At this point, Kat jumped in with a huge playful smile, "Wow, you can tell you and Casha are related." She said brazenly, "Lose the grey and few wrinkles and you'd be twins!" She happily showed off the kittens in the basinet, "The three big ones are our boys, Dante Jnr, Ryan and Stephen. The little one is Amy.".....

Mary stopped and looked at the little ones and then looked at Dante and Kat. "You are the one that is a Changeling." she said to Kat smiling. She then looked back at the four children. "They are adorable. You are a lucky mother to have four such beautiful children." she gave Kat a hug and kissed her cheek, then followed Gabe into the lounge where she spotted Casha. Again tears began Welling up in her eyes as she looked upon her daughter. She lifted her arms to Casha. "My baby." and the tears began falling.

As Mary came into the lounge, Garret started growling, but Casha sat up in the chair. She didn't even need to hear her mother speak to know it was her. It was her smell. She remembered it so well and she quickly got out of the chair. "It's ok Garret, I'm safe." She said before moving forward. Tears filled her eyes and before she knew it, she was running for the older woman and throwing her arms around her. Garret also moved forward and growled again, but nothing more. The baby bump prodded into Mary and then it moved as Casha held her mother tightly. She breathed in deeply and sighed in pure pleasure almost. "I remember that smell." She cried, "Lillies and Jasmine. I never forgot it. God, I've missed you!".....

Mary embrased her daughter and felt the baby bump and the child move. "Oh my sweet and dear little girl." The tears just kept comming as she kissed Casha's cheeks and then stood back looking at her. "I have waited so long for this day."
Anubis looked at Garret and held up a hand. The big lycan backed off. "I am sure that the three of you have alot to talk about. We will let you alone so you can." he said, and motioned for Garret to move to the door and guard it. He figured Gabe and Marla would still be on guard as well. Before Bernard went inside he shook Dante's hand and gave Kat a hug. "So you are the two I missed last night. Glad to meet you two, and these four sweet little ones." he looked down at the four sleeping babies. Then he went in to be with his daughter and grand daughter.

Kat smiled broadly to the old monk and then beamed with pride as he complimented the kittens. Too soon for her liking though, he was gone. Garret came out made to stand guard at the door. He didn't shift, actually liking being this way as the norm. To be honest, he liked being the queen's personal hellhound, but he would never say as much. Inside the lounge, Casha eyed her grandfather cautiously, but then returned her attention back to her mother. "Not so little anymore." She half laughed, half cried, "I never dreamed this could happen." She then looked down at the bump, "Oh, this is um... we don't actually know yet. He or she keeps hiding from the doctor." She put her hands on it lovingly and then hugged her mother yet again.....

Mary moved Casha and her over to the couch and sat down. Then she took Casha's hands, and looked back at the door. "You have to tell me all about him. He is how can one say it...... a hunk." she chuckled. "But first tell me about yourself. I have only been able to catch glimpses of you over the years." she looked up at her father. "All because of what you were suppose to become."

Casha half laughed, half blushed, "Oh, he's definitely a hunk." She chortled, "But he's as soft as warm butter. A bit like the rest of the men in this house. They can be intimidating to look at, but flash them a smile and they'll roll over like puppydogs." She laughed again and made herself comfortable. Servants came and went as she told her story, putting out fresh coffee, juices, fruits and a hot decanter for Casha. She took her time, making sure she was correct in all her details. "And then earlier this year." She said eventually, "I met up with Dante out there and this kinda happened. He saved my life, Mum. I ended up with the fangs and the blood and everything, but I don't regret a single moment. Like a piece of me had been given back and I'll love him forever for it." She smiled lovingly....

Mary smiled and shook her head. "You have had one wild life. So now our family legeacy has finally taken place." she took Casha's face in her hands. "It doesn't matter, you are still my little girl and we are now together. Like your grandfather has said, Nothing is going to seperate us again, I will kill any of those bastards from the Order that try anything like it, and the brotherhood also.

Casha gave a small laugh and nodded before she got to her feet. She poured some coffee for her mother and then some warm blood from the decanter for herself. She poured nothing for her grandfather, but looked at him carefully. Until now, he had remained silent. "Cat got your tongue, Monk?" She asked. He sat forward in his chair and offered an honest smile, "No." He replied, "I have been listening. I would like some coffee though, please." Casha put her glass down and poured the old man some coffee. She handed it over along with her mothers and then collected her glass. Once sat down again, she made to drink it, but then remembered they were both human. "Apologies." She said, "I try not to do this too often, but Baby has taken so much out of me just lately and with everything that's happened, I've needed more than I bargained for."....

"I know you need blood now. Though I have been told that you can also eat regular food. That is quite differnt then any of the vampires I have heard about. That is a good thing as well. So if you need blood do not hesitate to drink it. It will not bother me nor your grandfather."

Casha smiled and nodded as though grateful. She drank the blood back and shivered slightly before she spoke again. "Anubis was sired directly from Cain." She said, "The first immortal. He can walk in the day, eat normal food; make babies, like any living man." That she said with a slight blush. "As for me, Dante isn't a full vampire. He's like a hybrid and doesn't drink blood. With whatever was there before from Akasha and what he gave me in his blood, I guess it made me more like the originals, than a secondary varient. I can eat normal foods and go out in the day, everything a normal person would do."...

"And that we will do." Mary told her. "We have a lot of catching up on that respect. Perhaps one day here we can go downtown and shop."

Casha quickly made a hushing sound as her mother mentioned that fatal word. She quickly shook her head too, "Don't say that again, please Mum, I beg you!" She pleaded quietly. Too late. Kat swung the door open wide, "Did someone say the magik word?" She asked brightly. Casha groaned and closed her eyes before getting to her feet. "Not now, Katarina." She said firmly. She only said her full name when she was annoyed and quickly gave the famous pout. Casha groaned again and poured herself some more of the warm blood. "Mum, Katarina here, is the world's biggest, most expensive and probably the most fatal shopper on the planet. She has good taste, but by Christ, you'll need the money to back it up. Just ask Anubis. The last time we went out, she stung him for $150K.".....

Mary looked at Kat and smiled. "That much on a shopping trip, and Anubis fitted the bill?" she looked back at Casha and chuckled. "A Hunk with money." She looked back up at Kat. "So you like shopping do you? I haven't had a real chance to do that since I have been in hiding." Then back to Casha. "But we can skip it if you want."

Casha shook her head, "Not one trip, Mum." She said, "One store and pretty much two outfits in total." Kat gave a playful grin, "I've never heard Anubis complain." She chided, then skipped over to Mary. "Oh, he's more than just a honeypie with cash." The feline chortled, "Downtown, he's also my beloved darling brother and just mentioning his name opens all kinds of doors you'd love to peek inside of. In fact, we have some unfinished business in Versace with a lovely normal called Kenneth." At this, Casha groaned and drank back her blood. "Well, he was rude." Kat pouted, then grinned in a cheshire style, "Soon changed his tone when I called up dearest brother. Told us we could have the run of the store anytime we liked, didn't he, dear sister." Casha glared at Kat over her glass. In his chair, Bernard couldn't help but chuckle with laughter...

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