''How can this be happening? Have I lost the gift of ''sight''? Have I done something THAT wrong that even Nuriel stopped speaking to me?''
''First came this young assasin that joined Roxanne's family and house. Then his flirt, well love, with young Suzan. Then came her miraculous pregnancy followed by her unfortunate and unfair death in the hands of Roxanne's enemies. Then came Roxanne's sudden friendship with this bitch Maria Mendes and their more sudden trip together. After that it was Maria's return with tales of Roxanne's demise to the flames of a flamethrower during a fight in Athens and now Sarah was left with this young assassin as her only family.''
''To make things worse, Paul had already committed the worst crime in vampire society, he had cannibalised his own creators. Sure he had been caught in the middle of a war that wans't his to fight and sure the beast does things noone wants and everyone regrets but still his soul was tainted with the crime. But there she was, on a bed, in a dark room, in the basement of an uknown house where this young assasin had taken her to protect her from Roxanne's enemies.''
He had no obligation yet he had done it.
Sarah was sure the young assasin had regretted cannibalising his creator but he had not regretted fighting them to save himself and his bond with Suzan. She was also sure that Paul had loved Suzan truly and her death had been the epitaph of his humanity. She was able to see him lose his humane traits day by day.
He couldn't stop blaming himself, he was the sheriff of this city after all and his job was to keep this city safe, safe for Suzan, safe for Roxanne, safe for every other vampire of the city and the day Suzan died he had failed in his job.
''Well that was not true, noone had expected that attack especially during daytime and noone had accused him of incopetence, not even Roxanne.''
Of course Sarah would never accuse him but for only one thing, having put Suzan in that weird position with her pregnancy.
Not that he knew or that he was ever going to find out, Sarah had promised herself and Suzan to never reveal that secret especially now that this young assassins's sanity was on the verge of breaking.
Sarah was sure that if she were to tell him this secret Paul would go insane from guilt and he already had enough guilt burdening his soul for the murder of his creators.
And what about her vision? She was sure Roxanne was her destiny or maybe Suzan was after that revelation about her pregnancy and she had failed them both as she had failed her creator Nuriel centuries ago.
And now? What was it that she had to do from now on? Hide in a basement? Mourn her failures for an eternity? Maybe surrender to her fate, her clan's fate and go meet her destiny in the hands of her enemies?
NO!!!
She had to stay. Liza was dead, Suzan was dead and even Roxanne was dead but this family had one more person, that young assassin and Sarah had to protect him now as she had protected and guided the rest of her family.
''You will fail him like you failed the others'' She kept reminding herself...
''Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell and in the end everyone has to die one day but until that day comes for me I will continue to do what I do best. This young vampire needs me more than ever and I will not fail him by leaving him alone during this hard time in his life.''
So Sarah stayed by his side each night just after the sunset and each day just before the sunrise. The few hours Paul stayed at home she would tell him of ages past, of ancient wars, of honor, of justice, of duty but mostly she spoke to him about the ways to keep his sanity and humanity.
Each passing day she was waking him up earlier than he used to so that he would learn not to miss any of his precious nocturnal nights and she kept him awake until the very first sun rays hit the earth.
Each passing day she reminded him of humane things to do and say.
And each passing day she almost forced him to eat! Not blood but human food.
Yes vampires can eat cooked food, though it's pretty hard for one to re-learn how to do this since drinking blood is much easier.
After all, their long dead bodies were not made to digest cooked food but blood.
But with effort, practise and patience one was able to re-learn how to eat.
Not that normal food could sustain one of the damned forever or quieten his beast but if needed it was an emergency source for sustenance and a brilliant way to look and be a lot more like a human.
And although Paul was on the verge of insanity from his losses and guilt he proved to be a good student, eager to learn, eager to improve.
So there she was that night in the small kitchen of the basement preparing a nice meal for her and Paul who was already up, not by her but by his own will and he was taking a bath before his nightly affairs in the city. From the few news he was sharing with her, after that monster Vorg more bad things were happening and to if she were to be honest Sarah could feel them spreading through the city like a virus trying to infect everyone, even her.
-Good evening Sarah! Paul interrupted her thoughts.
-Master Paul! Good evening to you too. How are you feeling today?
-Do not call me master, ever! Please? I am feeling quite hungry, what smells so good?
-I have to call you master, remember? I have to pretend I am your ghoul in case we are being watched.
-To be honest I no longer care who's watching me or you...I have told you many times that with Vorg dead I've pleased Prince James so much that as he told me I have been granted a favor from him as a reward. I could ask him to accept you and you will never have to hide and fear anymore.
-My dear Paul do you really believe that Roxanne couldn't have done the same arrangement for me all these years?
-Then why hasn't she?
-To protect me!
-Sometimes, Sarah, I can't understand you at all.
-My clan is extinct, it was hunted down and only a few of us remain and our enemies will never cease hunting us. That's why I should not reveal myself.
-And you think someone would defy Prince James and attack you? This someone should be insane to even try it.
-No, not from this city but news tend to spread and many headhunters would defy your precious Prince and come here to kill me.
-Do not mock Prince James, he knows damn well how to govern this city.
-Oh you are so enthralled by him, aren't you?
-I am enthralled by the power he exhibits in controlling this city, by his patience and clear mind during difficult moments and by the generocity he shows even to his enemies.
-Then why is the city in turmoil? Even I who am hidden here, burried below the earth, can sense it.
-His enemies are stirring and he is waiting. That's what he does best, wait and prepare and when the time comes he strikes with full force, that's all I can tell you.
-I hope your faith in this Prince of unknown bloodline is not misplaced young Paul.
-Enough talk about politics, serve this delicious meal and tell me a nice story before I go hunt more monsters threatening my city.
-Well, tonight I will tell you about Nuriel, my creator, the reason I am what I am, as a reminder for the respect we should have about our creators and elders.
-......Paul couldn't say anything, he felt his guilt rising once again.
Later that night Sarah was left alone in this small basement as usual, watching television or pretending to watch since her mind was not there.
Her mind was travelling to a dark cave centuries ago when she had risen from a long sleep after Nuriel's death and she was feeling helpless and alone.
Back then Nuriel's voice had appeared and guided her.
''I have reached a level of power that even in death I can unite my soul with yours so you will never be alone young Sarah''
Those had been her words back then.
Now after centuries Sarah had knowledge of this power too.
But could it work on others or could it only be used on herself?
''What am I thinking? If I can ressurect someone? This is blasphemy. Only our lord and savior rose from the dead giving everyone a chance on ressurection, who am I to challenge this?''
''Is it really blasphemy though for someone to desire to bring his loved ones back from the dead? Which lord and savior could judge such a desire?"
''And even if this power worked who should she bring back? Suzan or Roxanne?''
And how? She had no focus, no body or spirit.''
-Am I going mad? Am I really wondering if I can ressurect them? It is impossible!
''Or is it? For a vampire fathering a child was also considered impossible but Suzan was pregnant with Paul's child. How was that possible?''
''And what would the cost of this ressurection be? Nuriel had to die to use this power...''
-Well if my life is the price for the life of my loved ones so be it!!! Sarah caught herself almost scream those words.
''Still I have no focus, no body, nothing to anchor a dead spirit.''
-I'd be damned! If I am to try such a thing I am going to need help, help so weird as the task I am about to undertake!
She picked up the phone and dialed the number of a mobile phone.
-Theophilos speaking, who is it? said a male voice.
-Good evening Theophilos, I am sorry to bother you this late at night.
-Who is it please?
-Names do not matter over the phone, I am a friend of Roxanne's, maybe you remember her?
-Of course I remember lady Roxanne but I thought...
-Sorry to interrupt again but maybe you remember a friend of hers that helped you with some wounded clanless from time to time?
-Dear lord of course I remember. How could I forget such kindness? Are you still in town? It's been long since the last time I saw you.
-I am and this time I am in need of your help.
-By all means I will help you, I owe much to you and Roxanne.
-Can we meet tonight?
-Tonight? Sure, where and when?
-At the hospital ''Panagia'' in about an hour, at the morgue, if it is ok with you.
-At the morgue? This sounds interesting, I will be there of course.
-Thanks and goodbye for now.
''Next step''
Sarah dialed another number this time and a female voice answered.
-''Panagia'' hospital morgue, this is Dr. Marcela Giovanni speaking, who is it?
-Hello doctor, how is your night?
-Busy and boring but who is it?
-Is this line secure?
-I want to believe it is, will you tell me who it is?
-I am Sarah, Roxanne's friend, do you remember me? I helped give peaceful death to some of your subjects.
-Damn Sarah you are still alive, I was afraid that with Roxanne's dea...well dissapearance the warlocks had gotten you too.
-Well no, not yet, are you really busy tonight?
-Well yes, but tell me, how can I help you?
-I am in need of your unique powers this time.
-My powers? Sounds interesting...
-Can I come over in about an hour?
-Of course I am very curious of the reason you need my powers.
-Can I bring one more person? You probably already know Theophilos.
-This clanless? Why? Well screw that come and explain to me face to face.
-Thank you, see you in an hour.
''Second step complete. Now begins the hard part...''
Fiftyfive minutes later Sarah was standing at the hospital's entrance waiting for Theophilos who came right on time.
-Good evening, he greeted her.
-Good evening Theophilos, glad you could come.
-Are you kidding me? Some of my friends owe their lives to you and they don't even know about it.
-That's for their own good and I hardly ever ask anyone to repay me.
-Then I am glad this one time you asked I can help you, said a smiling Theophilos.
-Let's go find this Italian doctor then.
-Marcela? Damn this shit must be really bad if it includes an Italian necromancer, sorry for the language though.
-No offence.
Soon they reached the morgue and they found Dr. Marcela sitting at her desk drinking a glass of frozen blood as Sarah could recognise from the smell.
-Good evening Doctor, Sarah said.
-Welcome to my humble palace, said Marcela with an Italian accent.
-I believe you two know each other and I know you are busy people so I have something to ask of you both. The sooner we get it over with the better it will be for us.
-Come on then Sarah, tell us. From the moment you called me I've been wondering what could have happened that you decided to venture outside and even ask us for a favor, Dr. Marcela said in a teasing voice.
-Well something happened but many days ago. Tonight I just want to try an experiment.
-An experiment? Of what sort? Theophilos asked.
-To bring someone back to life, Sarah said bravely.
-To do what? Theophilos was surprised.
-Do you feel like God tonight Sarah? Marcela asked almost ironically.
-No I am not God and I do not know if I can do it that's why I spoke of an experiment.
-Sarah, I know the tales about Roxanne's demise and I know that you propably feel upset right now but...
-It is not about me feeling upset. It is about trying to help those I care for, Sarah interrupted the Italian doctor.
-Apart from the fact that I know of noone that has actually ressurected anyone, how do you plan to do it?
-Well that's why I needed help from both of you.
-Alright tell us and if you convince me it's worth a try you will have my help, Theophilos said, more out of compassion rather than real hope.
-Me too, agreed Marcela.
''Alright Sarah, here is your shot, are you really willing to go through with this scheme? And also the hard part, who should you try to bring back from the dead, Roxanne or Suzan?''
Sarah stood silent for some moments lost in her thoughts again.
''Well it was Roxanne's choise to follow that bitch Maria Mendes and Roxanne after a millenia of fighting was more than capable to defend herself.''
''Is this the real reason? Or are you still curious about this miracle in Suzan's womb?''
''Maybe it is so. After all Suzan was a mortal girl in love with a man and carrying his child. If I can bring back one of them then it should be Suzan.''
-So Sarah?
-Alright, Marcela is there any chance you kept the ashes of Suzan's corpse? I recall Roxanne saying that you burned her body.
-You are going to ressurect a ghoul and not Roxanne?
-Roxanne made her mind and walked to that fight willingly, Suzan was not supposed to die, not such a terrible death at least.
-Still I thought Roxanne was your friend...
-She was and I am sure she would prefer it that way if she were alive!
-I doubt that, Marcela said, but anyway I still have her ashes. I thought that maybe Roxanne or our young sheriff might one day request them. What else?
-Is there any chance you have a body noone will miss? I mean the dead body of a girl.
-In fact I do, a young girl, propably at the age of the ghoul, well the mortal age at least, that died from poisoning because of bad family relationships. The parents didn't even want the body, they donated it to the hospital.
-How lucky for us?
-What else?
-Okay here is the plan, Marcela I would like you to try and contact Suzan's spirit from the world of the dead. Once you have her we will move to the next step that includes your help Theophilos. You will take the dead body of this unlucky girl and mould her to look like Suzan, I know you have this power and that you are actually a master in flesh shaping.
-Damn Sarah, that's not common knowledge, he said looking at Marcela.
-Don't worry clanless, tonight we are part of this conspiracy together and I am deeply afraid that if it succeeds we won't be able to tell anyone either way.
-Alright then, yes I can make the dead body look like Suzan but there is a problem here, a very unique problem.
-What is it?
-To make someone look like someone else I need to know about them from head to toe and to be honest I have never seen Suzan naked, said Theofilos with a teasing smile.
-Hmmm, alright then, fortunately I have and I can send you a mental picture if you let me contact your mind.
-Alright but what happens after we reshape the body?
-Then the experimental part starts. Marcela using her necromancy and the ashes will try to anchor Suzan's soul to that body...
-And we will get a nice Suzan looking zombie, interrupted Marcela finishing Sarah's sentence.
-No, God help us no. At that same moment I will try to give life to this body and with her ashes as focus the body will become hers so we will have a whole person and not a zombie.
-Sorry to say that Sarah but this thing you propose will never work. Worst case scenario is that we bring back Suzan and she wakes as a zombie and we will have tormented her soul for no good reason.
-I am willing to take that risk if there is any chance to bring her back, Sarah said with a sudden burst of determination.
-Well....Marcela started.
-Let's get to work, Theophilos said, I really don't expect anything more than a zombie Suzan but for all the times you helped me I am willing to try.
-Me too Sarah, I respected Roxanne and I owe you for your help so lets try it.
-One more thing, no one, under no circumstances will ever find out about tonight. Can I trust you both on this?
-Well the warlocks will make a million jokes about me if I ever say anything like this, said an ever-teasing Marcela.
-Who is going to believe a clanless after all?
-And if we succeed we will say that the body you got months ago was not Suzan's and that Roxanne had sent Suzan away to tend to some business and stay safe.
-Fine by me.
-Lets start already, then.
Sarah focused and reached for Theophilos' mind, she then shared her visual memories of Suzan's body to the very last detail. She really hoped she remembered her well enough.
At the same time Marcela lit some weird black candles and focused her powers on the spirit world to reach Suzan's spirit if it still existed.
Fifteen minutes later...
-I have her, Marcela almost screamed, she is in shock, she doesn't even know how or why she became a ghost. It must have been a very violent death.
-Nice and I believe I know each and every detail about her. I hope the young sheriff won't kill me for having seen his girlfriend naked, Theophilos tried to joke.
-How about that body?
Marcela opened a huge fridge for corpses and dragged a female body.
-Here she is.
Sarah reached for the body and touched it. She focused her cleansing and healing powers on that touch so that Suzan's new body won't have anything left from its past.
-It is ready, she said to Theophilos, do your magic now and please do it well.
-My ladies the art of flesh shaping is disturbing to new observers so I will request that you avert your eyes, I will inform you when I am done.
Thirty minutes later...
-I believe I did a fine job, Theophilos announced sounding almost tired.
Sarah turned to the body, she would swear it was Suzan's body .
-Excellent job, Theophilos!
-Not bad for a clanless, he said looking at Marcela.
The woman looked back at him with a smile on her face.
-Not bad at all Theophilos, though you are not a common clanless, isn't that the reason our beloved Prince made you their leader after all?
-Lets focus on the plan, Sarah said in order to change the subject.
-What now?
-Marcela I want you to spread the ashes all over the body, try it in a way that almost all of the body will be covered with them.
Marcela did as she was told. At the same time Sarah focused her will.
''If there was any point in my life and if my existence has any meaning it would be a nice time to prove it. Nuriel, my creator, my teacher, MY MOTHER if there is any hidden meaning in your return from the dead let it be now.''
Sarah started to pray silently.
''My lord, eternal life-giver and you the most fair judge please hear my pray, give this poor girl her life back and whatever the price is ,I am ready to pay it.''
Silence. No response.
''So be it, let's do this!''
Sarah opened her third mystical eye as she reached for the still cold, dead body and funneled all her power, will and love through that touch.
At the start nothing happened when suddenly she felt it, a stream of power and feelings rushing through her hand into the cold body.
Then Sarah heard a very familiar voice in her mind.
''Oh my young Sarah how could you ever think I let you?''
''Nuriel? Is that really you? Where have you been?
''Some times everyone has to stay alone though it was not actually my choise to be silent. You see my little Sarah I always told you to live with no regrets and during this period you were blaming yourself. It was not me going away from you but you going away from what you are.''
''I am sorry Nuriel, I really am but now I feel fine, with you by my side I am sure I can make this happen. I am sure I can bring young Suzan back to life.''
''You know that very few vampires have ever tried something like this and succeeded? We are creatures that avoided death and giving life is not part of our powers.''
''But you came back, after death you came back for me...''
''Well it is not the same, I am a voice in your head, a living memory and not a ressurected person.''
''You are telling me there is no way to bring her back?''
''I am telling you there are great chances you won't succeed.''
''Well if anything was true about your teachings and if love and fairness get rewarded some day that day is today!!!''
''Even if you do it the price will be too high to pay. Are you ready for it?''
''I would give my life and my immortality if that was the way to bring her back.''
''You are ready then, goodbye Sarah.''
''Goodbye? You are leaving me? Why?''
''You do not need me anymore and this will be a part of the price you will have to pay. Consider it as my last gift and teaching to you.''
''Nuriel...''
''Be well my little Sarah, you will always be the little girl I saved that night at that village. Do not ever lose that girl, promise me!!!''
-I....promise! Marcela and Theophilos heard Sarah say.
And then it happened, she felt empty and weak like a human after a hard day of work. She felt tired and for the first time her inner beast stirred from hunger.
-In the name of the lord!!! Theophilos shouted!
-For Christ's sake, did she really blink her eyes? Marcela shouted those words almost scared.
Sarah opened her eyes, the third was gone already. She saw the now warm body in front of her. She saw Suzan's chest moving up and down. She could hear her breath.
-Suzan? Is that really you? Can you hear me? Please, say something, anything...
The girl stirred, she fought to open her eyes, she opened her lips to speak.
-Saaaa....Sarah? What has happened? Where am I?
-Oh my god she did it!!! Marcela shouted, She ressurected her!!!
-Sarah? said the girl with a weak voice.
-I am here my child, Sarah grasped Suzan's hand.
-Sarah I had a weird nightmare, I was tortured and then the whole world became grey and I was alone in pain and despair.
-Calm down my girl you are here among friends now.
-Paul? Where is he?
-He will be here soon, don't worry.
-And the ba....
-Shush my child, rest, we will have all the time to speak later.
-Does he know? Did you tell him?
Sarah touched her belly, nothing was inside. She may have ressurected Suzan but the baby was gone.
''I destroyed a miracle'' she thought and suddenly felt so tired like her real age weighted on her shoulders.
-There is nothing to tell him Suzan, I am afraid what happened is now gone.
-What do you mean? And where is Roxanne?
-Roxanne is....Sarah started.
Suddenly cold thick shadows entered the morgue covering everything.
Everything went dark and even Sarah with her superanatural vision could not pierce those shadows.
Suzan managed to scream but only once.
A strange voice filled the room and almost made their ears bleed.
And then as suddenly as the shadows had entered the room they disappeared.
Suzan was gone, only the ashes remained on the bed.
-What in Hell's name was that? Marcela screamed.
-And where is the girl? Theophilos wondered.
Only Sarah remained silent, she stood there with a small smile on her face.
-Sarah what happened?
-I have no idea, but our work here is done!
-Done? The girl is gone Sarah!!!
-It is not in our hands anymore, she is where she belongs.
-How can you even say that?
-Well didn't you hear what the voice said?
-I didn't recognise that speech, Theophilos said.
-It said: STAY AWAY FROM MY FAMILY, Sarah said and smiled even more.
-Family?
-That thing was...Marcela started
-Well whatever it was Suzan is with it and it is where she belongs, Sarah finished. Thank you both for making all this possible tonight.
''She is alive! Both of them are! Now I do not mind whatever the price may be.''
''First came this young assasin that joined Roxanne's family and house. Then his flirt, well love, with young Suzan. Then came her miraculous pregnancy followed by her unfortunate and unfair death in the hands of Roxanne's enemies. Then came Roxanne's sudden friendship with this bitch Maria Mendes and their more sudden trip together. After that it was Maria's return with tales of Roxanne's demise to the flames of a flamethrower during a fight in Athens and now Sarah was left with this young assassin as her only family.''
''To make things worse, Paul had already committed the worst crime in vampire society, he had cannibalised his own creators. Sure he had been caught in the middle of a war that wans't his to fight and sure the beast does things noone wants and everyone regrets but still his soul was tainted with the crime. But there she was, on a bed, in a dark room, in the basement of an uknown house where this young assasin had taken her to protect her from Roxanne's enemies.''
He had no obligation yet he had done it.
Sarah was sure the young assasin had regretted cannibalising his creator but he had not regretted fighting them to save himself and his bond with Suzan. She was also sure that Paul had loved Suzan truly and her death had been the epitaph of his humanity. She was able to see him lose his humane traits day by day.
He couldn't stop blaming himself, he was the sheriff of this city after all and his job was to keep this city safe, safe for Suzan, safe for Roxanne, safe for every other vampire of the city and the day Suzan died he had failed in his job.
''Well that was not true, noone had expected that attack especially during daytime and noone had accused him of incopetence, not even Roxanne.''
Of course Sarah would never accuse him but for only one thing, having put Suzan in that weird position with her pregnancy.
Not that he knew or that he was ever going to find out, Sarah had promised herself and Suzan to never reveal that secret especially now that this young assassins's sanity was on the verge of breaking.
Sarah was sure that if she were to tell him this secret Paul would go insane from guilt and he already had enough guilt burdening his soul for the murder of his creators.
And what about her vision? She was sure Roxanne was her destiny or maybe Suzan was after that revelation about her pregnancy and she had failed them both as she had failed her creator Nuriel centuries ago.
And now? What was it that she had to do from now on? Hide in a basement? Mourn her failures for an eternity? Maybe surrender to her fate, her clan's fate and go meet her destiny in the hands of her enemies?
NO!!!
She had to stay. Liza was dead, Suzan was dead and even Roxanne was dead but this family had one more person, that young assassin and Sarah had to protect him now as she had protected and guided the rest of her family.
''You will fail him like you failed the others'' She kept reminding herself...
''Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell and in the end everyone has to die one day but until that day comes for me I will continue to do what I do best. This young vampire needs me more than ever and I will not fail him by leaving him alone during this hard time in his life.''
So Sarah stayed by his side each night just after the sunset and each day just before the sunrise. The few hours Paul stayed at home she would tell him of ages past, of ancient wars, of honor, of justice, of duty but mostly she spoke to him about the ways to keep his sanity and humanity.
Each passing day she was waking him up earlier than he used to so that he would learn not to miss any of his precious nocturnal nights and she kept him awake until the very first sun rays hit the earth.
Each passing day she reminded him of humane things to do and say.
And each passing day she almost forced him to eat! Not blood but human food.
Yes vampires can eat cooked food, though it's pretty hard for one to re-learn how to do this since drinking blood is much easier.
After all, their long dead bodies were not made to digest cooked food but blood.
But with effort, practise and patience one was able to re-learn how to eat.
Not that normal food could sustain one of the damned forever or quieten his beast but if needed it was an emergency source for sustenance and a brilliant way to look and be a lot more like a human.
And although Paul was on the verge of insanity from his losses and guilt he proved to be a good student, eager to learn, eager to improve.
So there she was that night in the small kitchen of the basement preparing a nice meal for her and Paul who was already up, not by her but by his own will and he was taking a bath before his nightly affairs in the city. From the few news he was sharing with her, after that monster Vorg more bad things were happening and to if she were to be honest Sarah could feel them spreading through the city like a virus trying to infect everyone, even her.
-Good evening Sarah! Paul interrupted her thoughts.
-Master Paul! Good evening to you too. How are you feeling today?
-Do not call me master, ever! Please? I am feeling quite hungry, what smells so good?
-I have to call you master, remember? I have to pretend I am your ghoul in case we are being watched.
-To be honest I no longer care who's watching me or you...I have told you many times that with Vorg dead I've pleased Prince James so much that as he told me I have been granted a favor from him as a reward. I could ask him to accept you and you will never have to hide and fear anymore.
-My dear Paul do you really believe that Roxanne couldn't have done the same arrangement for me all these years?
-Then why hasn't she?
-To protect me!
-Sometimes, Sarah, I can't understand you at all.
-My clan is extinct, it was hunted down and only a few of us remain and our enemies will never cease hunting us. That's why I should not reveal myself.
-And you think someone would defy Prince James and attack you? This someone should be insane to even try it.
-No, not from this city but news tend to spread and many headhunters would defy your precious Prince and come here to kill me.
-Do not mock Prince James, he knows damn well how to govern this city.
-Oh you are so enthralled by him, aren't you?
-I am enthralled by the power he exhibits in controlling this city, by his patience and clear mind during difficult moments and by the generocity he shows even to his enemies.
-Then why is the city in turmoil? Even I who am hidden here, burried below the earth, can sense it.
-His enemies are stirring and he is waiting. That's what he does best, wait and prepare and when the time comes he strikes with full force, that's all I can tell you.
-I hope your faith in this Prince of unknown bloodline is not misplaced young Paul.
-Enough talk about politics, serve this delicious meal and tell me a nice story before I go hunt more monsters threatening my city.
-Well, tonight I will tell you about Nuriel, my creator, the reason I am what I am, as a reminder for the respect we should have about our creators and elders.
-......Paul couldn't say anything, he felt his guilt rising once again.
Later that night Sarah was left alone in this small basement as usual, watching television or pretending to watch since her mind was not there.
Her mind was travelling to a dark cave centuries ago when she had risen from a long sleep after Nuriel's death and she was feeling helpless and alone.
Back then Nuriel's voice had appeared and guided her.
''I have reached a level of power that even in death I can unite my soul with yours so you will never be alone young Sarah''
Those had been her words back then.
Now after centuries Sarah had knowledge of this power too.
But could it work on others or could it only be used on herself?
''What am I thinking? If I can ressurect someone? This is blasphemy. Only our lord and savior rose from the dead giving everyone a chance on ressurection, who am I to challenge this?''
''Is it really blasphemy though for someone to desire to bring his loved ones back from the dead? Which lord and savior could judge such a desire?"
''And even if this power worked who should she bring back? Suzan or Roxanne?''
And how? She had no focus, no body or spirit.''
-Am I going mad? Am I really wondering if I can ressurect them? It is impossible!
''Or is it? For a vampire fathering a child was also considered impossible but Suzan was pregnant with Paul's child. How was that possible?''
''And what would the cost of this ressurection be? Nuriel had to die to use this power...''
-Well if my life is the price for the life of my loved ones so be it!!! Sarah caught herself almost scream those words.
''Still I have no focus, no body, nothing to anchor a dead spirit.''
-I'd be damned! If I am to try such a thing I am going to need help, help so weird as the task I am about to undertake!
She picked up the phone and dialed the number of a mobile phone.
-Theophilos speaking, who is it? said a male voice.
-Good evening Theophilos, I am sorry to bother you this late at night.
-Who is it please?
-Names do not matter over the phone, I am a friend of Roxanne's, maybe you remember her?
-Of course I remember lady Roxanne but I thought...
-Sorry to interrupt again but maybe you remember a friend of hers that helped you with some wounded clanless from time to time?
-Dear lord of course I remember. How could I forget such kindness? Are you still in town? It's been long since the last time I saw you.
-I am and this time I am in need of your help.
-By all means I will help you, I owe much to you and Roxanne.
-Can we meet tonight?
-Tonight? Sure, where and when?
-At the hospital ''Panagia'' in about an hour, at the morgue, if it is ok with you.
-At the morgue? This sounds interesting, I will be there of course.
-Thanks and goodbye for now.
''Next step''
Sarah dialed another number this time and a female voice answered.
-''Panagia'' hospital morgue, this is Dr. Marcela Giovanni speaking, who is it?
-Hello doctor, how is your night?
-Busy and boring but who is it?
-Is this line secure?
-I want to believe it is, will you tell me who it is?
-I am Sarah, Roxanne's friend, do you remember me? I helped give peaceful death to some of your subjects.
-Damn Sarah you are still alive, I was afraid that with Roxanne's dea...well dissapearance the warlocks had gotten you too.
-Well no, not yet, are you really busy tonight?
-Well yes, but tell me, how can I help you?
-I am in need of your unique powers this time.
-My powers? Sounds interesting...
-Can I come over in about an hour?
-Of course I am very curious of the reason you need my powers.
-Can I bring one more person? You probably already know Theophilos.
-This clanless? Why? Well screw that come and explain to me face to face.
-Thank you, see you in an hour.
''Second step complete. Now begins the hard part...''
Fiftyfive minutes later Sarah was standing at the hospital's entrance waiting for Theophilos who came right on time.
-Good evening, he greeted her.
-Good evening Theophilos, glad you could come.
-Are you kidding me? Some of my friends owe their lives to you and they don't even know about it.
-That's for their own good and I hardly ever ask anyone to repay me.
-Then I am glad this one time you asked I can help you, said a smiling Theophilos.
-Let's go find this Italian doctor then.
-Marcela? Damn this shit must be really bad if it includes an Italian necromancer, sorry for the language though.
-No offence.
Soon they reached the morgue and they found Dr. Marcela sitting at her desk drinking a glass of frozen blood as Sarah could recognise from the smell.
-Good evening Doctor, Sarah said.
-Welcome to my humble palace, said Marcela with an Italian accent.
-I believe you two know each other and I know you are busy people so I have something to ask of you both. The sooner we get it over with the better it will be for us.
-Come on then Sarah, tell us. From the moment you called me I've been wondering what could have happened that you decided to venture outside and even ask us for a favor, Dr. Marcela said in a teasing voice.
-Well something happened but many days ago. Tonight I just want to try an experiment.
-An experiment? Of what sort? Theophilos asked.
-To bring someone back to life, Sarah said bravely.
-To do what? Theophilos was surprised.
-Do you feel like God tonight Sarah? Marcela asked almost ironically.
-No I am not God and I do not know if I can do it that's why I spoke of an experiment.
-Sarah, I know the tales about Roxanne's demise and I know that you propably feel upset right now but...
-It is not about me feeling upset. It is about trying to help those I care for, Sarah interrupted the Italian doctor.
-Apart from the fact that I know of noone that has actually ressurected anyone, how do you plan to do it?
-Well that's why I needed help from both of you.
-Alright tell us and if you convince me it's worth a try you will have my help, Theophilos said, more out of compassion rather than real hope.
-Me too, agreed Marcela.
''Alright Sarah, here is your shot, are you really willing to go through with this scheme? And also the hard part, who should you try to bring back from the dead, Roxanne or Suzan?''
Sarah stood silent for some moments lost in her thoughts again.
''Well it was Roxanne's choise to follow that bitch Maria Mendes and Roxanne after a millenia of fighting was more than capable to defend herself.''
''Is this the real reason? Or are you still curious about this miracle in Suzan's womb?''
''Maybe it is so. After all Suzan was a mortal girl in love with a man and carrying his child. If I can bring back one of them then it should be Suzan.''
-So Sarah?
-Alright, Marcela is there any chance you kept the ashes of Suzan's corpse? I recall Roxanne saying that you burned her body.
-You are going to ressurect a ghoul and not Roxanne?
-Roxanne made her mind and walked to that fight willingly, Suzan was not supposed to die, not such a terrible death at least.
-Still I thought Roxanne was your friend...
-She was and I am sure she would prefer it that way if she were alive!
-I doubt that, Marcela said, but anyway I still have her ashes. I thought that maybe Roxanne or our young sheriff might one day request them. What else?
-Is there any chance you have a body noone will miss? I mean the dead body of a girl.
-In fact I do, a young girl, propably at the age of the ghoul, well the mortal age at least, that died from poisoning because of bad family relationships. The parents didn't even want the body, they donated it to the hospital.
-How lucky for us?
-What else?
-Okay here is the plan, Marcela I would like you to try and contact Suzan's spirit from the world of the dead. Once you have her we will move to the next step that includes your help Theophilos. You will take the dead body of this unlucky girl and mould her to look like Suzan, I know you have this power and that you are actually a master in flesh shaping.
-Damn Sarah, that's not common knowledge, he said looking at Marcela.
-Don't worry clanless, tonight we are part of this conspiracy together and I am deeply afraid that if it succeeds we won't be able to tell anyone either way.
-Alright then, yes I can make the dead body look like Suzan but there is a problem here, a very unique problem.
-What is it?
-To make someone look like someone else I need to know about them from head to toe and to be honest I have never seen Suzan naked, said Theofilos with a teasing smile.
-Hmmm, alright then, fortunately I have and I can send you a mental picture if you let me contact your mind.
-Alright but what happens after we reshape the body?
-Then the experimental part starts. Marcela using her necromancy and the ashes will try to anchor Suzan's soul to that body...
-And we will get a nice Suzan looking zombie, interrupted Marcela finishing Sarah's sentence.
-No, God help us no. At that same moment I will try to give life to this body and with her ashes as focus the body will become hers so we will have a whole person and not a zombie.
-Sorry to say that Sarah but this thing you propose will never work. Worst case scenario is that we bring back Suzan and she wakes as a zombie and we will have tormented her soul for no good reason.
-I am willing to take that risk if there is any chance to bring her back, Sarah said with a sudden burst of determination.
-Well....Marcela started.
-Let's get to work, Theophilos said, I really don't expect anything more than a zombie Suzan but for all the times you helped me I am willing to try.
-Me too Sarah, I respected Roxanne and I owe you for your help so lets try it.
-One more thing, no one, under no circumstances will ever find out about tonight. Can I trust you both on this?
-Well the warlocks will make a million jokes about me if I ever say anything like this, said an ever-teasing Marcela.
-Who is going to believe a clanless after all?
-And if we succeed we will say that the body you got months ago was not Suzan's and that Roxanne had sent Suzan away to tend to some business and stay safe.
-Fine by me.
-Lets start already, then.
Sarah focused and reached for Theophilos' mind, she then shared her visual memories of Suzan's body to the very last detail. She really hoped she remembered her well enough.
At the same time Marcela lit some weird black candles and focused her powers on the spirit world to reach Suzan's spirit if it still existed.
Fifteen minutes later...
-I have her, Marcela almost screamed, she is in shock, she doesn't even know how or why she became a ghost. It must have been a very violent death.
-Nice and I believe I know each and every detail about her. I hope the young sheriff won't kill me for having seen his girlfriend naked, Theophilos tried to joke.
-How about that body?
Marcela opened a huge fridge for corpses and dragged a female body.
-Here she is.
Sarah reached for the body and touched it. She focused her cleansing and healing powers on that touch so that Suzan's new body won't have anything left from its past.
-It is ready, she said to Theophilos, do your magic now and please do it well.
-My ladies the art of flesh shaping is disturbing to new observers so I will request that you avert your eyes, I will inform you when I am done.
Thirty minutes later...
-I believe I did a fine job, Theophilos announced sounding almost tired.
Sarah turned to the body, she would swear it was Suzan's body .
-Excellent job, Theophilos!
-Not bad for a clanless, he said looking at Marcela.
The woman looked back at him with a smile on her face.
-Not bad at all Theophilos, though you are not a common clanless, isn't that the reason our beloved Prince made you their leader after all?
-Lets focus on the plan, Sarah said in order to change the subject.
-What now?
-Marcela I want you to spread the ashes all over the body, try it in a way that almost all of the body will be covered with them.
Marcela did as she was told. At the same time Sarah focused her will.
''If there was any point in my life and if my existence has any meaning it would be a nice time to prove it. Nuriel, my creator, my teacher, MY MOTHER if there is any hidden meaning in your return from the dead let it be now.''
Sarah started to pray silently.
''My lord, eternal life-giver and you the most fair judge please hear my pray, give this poor girl her life back and whatever the price is ,I am ready to pay it.''
Silence. No response.
''So be it, let's do this!''
Sarah opened her third mystical eye as she reached for the still cold, dead body and funneled all her power, will and love through that touch.
At the start nothing happened when suddenly she felt it, a stream of power and feelings rushing through her hand into the cold body.
Then Sarah heard a very familiar voice in her mind.
''Oh my young Sarah how could you ever think I let you?''
''Nuriel? Is that really you? Where have you been?
''Some times everyone has to stay alone though it was not actually my choise to be silent. You see my little Sarah I always told you to live with no regrets and during this period you were blaming yourself. It was not me going away from you but you going away from what you are.''
''I am sorry Nuriel, I really am but now I feel fine, with you by my side I am sure I can make this happen. I am sure I can bring young Suzan back to life.''
''You know that very few vampires have ever tried something like this and succeeded? We are creatures that avoided death and giving life is not part of our powers.''
''But you came back, after death you came back for me...''
''Well it is not the same, I am a voice in your head, a living memory and not a ressurected person.''
''You are telling me there is no way to bring her back?''
''I am telling you there are great chances you won't succeed.''
''Well if anything was true about your teachings and if love and fairness get rewarded some day that day is today!!!''
''Even if you do it the price will be too high to pay. Are you ready for it?''
''I would give my life and my immortality if that was the way to bring her back.''
''You are ready then, goodbye Sarah.''
''Goodbye? You are leaving me? Why?''
''You do not need me anymore and this will be a part of the price you will have to pay. Consider it as my last gift and teaching to you.''
''Nuriel...''
''Be well my little Sarah, you will always be the little girl I saved that night at that village. Do not ever lose that girl, promise me!!!''
-I....promise! Marcela and Theophilos heard Sarah say.
And then it happened, she felt empty and weak like a human after a hard day of work. She felt tired and for the first time her inner beast stirred from hunger.
-In the name of the lord!!! Theophilos shouted!
-For Christ's sake, did she really blink her eyes? Marcela shouted those words almost scared.
Sarah opened her eyes, the third was gone already. She saw the now warm body in front of her. She saw Suzan's chest moving up and down. She could hear her breath.
-Suzan? Is that really you? Can you hear me? Please, say something, anything...
The girl stirred, she fought to open her eyes, she opened her lips to speak.
-Saaaa....Sarah? What has happened? Where am I?
-Oh my god she did it!!! Marcela shouted, She ressurected her!!!
-Sarah? said the girl with a weak voice.
-I am here my child, Sarah grasped Suzan's hand.
-Sarah I had a weird nightmare, I was tortured and then the whole world became grey and I was alone in pain and despair.
-Calm down my girl you are here among friends now.
-Paul? Where is he?
-He will be here soon, don't worry.
-And the ba....
-Shush my child, rest, we will have all the time to speak later.
-Does he know? Did you tell him?
Sarah touched her belly, nothing was inside. She may have ressurected Suzan but the baby was gone.
''I destroyed a miracle'' she thought and suddenly felt so tired like her real age weighted on her shoulders.
-There is nothing to tell him Suzan, I am afraid what happened is now gone.
-What do you mean? And where is Roxanne?
-Roxanne is....Sarah started.
Suddenly cold thick shadows entered the morgue covering everything.
Everything went dark and even Sarah with her superanatural vision could not pierce those shadows.
Suzan managed to scream but only once.
A strange voice filled the room and almost made their ears bleed.
And then as suddenly as the shadows had entered the room they disappeared.
Suzan was gone, only the ashes remained on the bed.
-What in Hell's name was that? Marcela screamed.
-And where is the girl? Theophilos wondered.
Only Sarah remained silent, she stood there with a small smile on her face.
-Sarah what happened?
-I have no idea, but our work here is done!
-Done? The girl is gone Sarah!!!
-It is not in our hands anymore, she is where she belongs.
-How can you even say that?
-Well didn't you hear what the voice said?
-I didn't recognise that speech, Theophilos said.
-It said: STAY AWAY FROM MY FAMILY, Sarah said and smiled even more.
-Family?
-That thing was...Marcela started
-Well whatever it was Suzan is with it and it is where she belongs, Sarah finished. Thank you both for making all this possible tonight.
''She is alive! Both of them are! Now I do not mind whatever the price may be.''
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