The Call of War: The Watchers Chronicles

Chapter 3

     The new landing space is pretty cool, and much like the hover plane is, it looks like a docking station for a drone.  The hover plane can land like a helicopter, so straight up and down to some degree. When it’s all clear for us to get off, we walk out onto a platform and waiting there is Kane and Kya.

“Finally you’re here! Welcome to Chateau Bellevue!” Kane says giving me a hug and he even shakes Helix’s hand. “I am glad you called, we checked in with what Helix told Crystal. You were right man, we were able to find phone recorders, text messages, and emails detailing what they had in store for Ianna. My best suggestion, kill the b***h and we'll take care of Mr. Knighting.” Kane says while we walk into a car lobby.

“Helix, I got you upgraded at the Hilton. So your entire stay you don’t have to worry about anything. I also got an order in for O negative blood for you, fresh too. I wasn’t sure what you would prefer, as we never saw you as a troublemaker, so we didn’t keep strict tabs on you.” Kya says, and I can see the pride Helix has in being a ‘play by the rules’ kind of guy.

“So where can I find this guy Knighting? So I can beat the f**k out of him and then bring it against Franny at the council meeting.” I ask as Kevin pulls up with the car. He gets out and runs around to open the doors for Kane and Kya, while Helix got the other door for him and I.

“No worries about that. The Watcher Council also called, they received word from Marcus and decided to push your meeting to tomorrow morning. Leader Maxum and his group will have their meeting separate tonight and will be confronted with the information against them.  I got a hold of a Dr. Thaddeus, he said his grandson has already spoken to you, but if you could come see him immediately then he would appreciate it. He also said to bring the sword in the stone. Whatever that means.” Kya says with a puzzled look.

“Kane do you have that replica made?” I ask looking to the demi-god.

“It was finished in the laser printer this morning, why?” He smiles and then shock hits him, “Wait what replica? I have no idea what you are talking about!” He tries to cover, and Kevin laughs at him.

“I figured you would be planning to steal the Atlantean weapons from the museum. We both know what it could mean if something were to happen to them.” I say snickering at his expression.

“I never did ask Ianna, what does happen if they are bound to you and someone steals them?” Kya asks looking concerned.

“They turn to dust. First you have to get them off her, once bound they never come off until the threat is eliminated. I have seen men try and fail; one guy even cut her arm off to get the brace. As soon as he did, the brace went dead. The ejector wouldn’t work anymore, and the dagger basically became a stick. It was brutal because the guy still left Zoe alive.” Kevin says looking at me in the rearview mirror with sadness washing over him..

“Was that when you were alive during the war against the Persians?” Helix asks looking like he is about to cry.

“Yes, but what Kevin doesn’t know, is that one of the Amazonian Warriors gave me a warriors death to honor my title. They weren’t apart of the battle, but the tribe was traveling through at the time.” I say giving both of them some peace.

“That in itself is an honor. I know my sisters didn’t do that too often for someone outside of our tribes.” Kya says with a small smile.

“You were an sss warrior?” Helix asks shocked. Kya smiles and nods. “Wow it is such an honor to meet you.” He says shaking her hand.

“Kya, the conspiracy around Helix is he's General Octavian. You know the man I told you about that made sure I learned more about combat from others that could be ally or enemy.” I say. Again Helix just smiles and shakes his head at me.

“Wait you're the person who took her to meet Atlantean Weapons Master Arreon! Where she got her blade and brace from.” Kya says getting excited and high pitched for a small space like a car.

“He didn’t give them to me, I had to train and be able to beat him in a battle of brains and strength. The damn thing took me over a year to do it too. I got my ass handed to me so many times, I honestly think he thought I was never going to get them.” I say laughing remembering Arreon for the strong man he was. He too said that the ultimate weapon was a woman strong in both brains and body. He is someone I have thought of often, but I honor him in remembering his teachings and repairing my weapons with the same devotion he gave to me in training.  

     The car ride was short, and Kevin made sure to get Helix taken care of at the Hilton across the street. Helix asked if I needed him to accompany me to the museum, he's always worried something is going to happen to me. I said yes to put his nerves at ease. It’s part of the reason I think he's Octavian, as soon as I told him of what happened to Hyda, he became overprotective and took me with him into war. What I didn’t tell him is, that the men I killed on the ship were some of the soldiers they were waiting for during the battle. Just like then, I haven’t told Helix everything. Like Theron is trying to activate my weapons and he is up to something. Just like Helen started the Trojan war, I think Theron's trying to start a war between everyone, humans and supernatural’s.

     I walk up to the front desk with Kane and Kya, the receptionist gives me a look of disgust and continues her work. I know Kane's watching closely, but Kya's the one to take care of me, so I'm not too worried yet. While I wait for Kya to confirm that Tara and Charlotte are done getting my favorite toys out, I look around the front lobby. I immediately notice three demons and a male Watcher having a small discussion in the sitting area near a large circular fireplace, it’s not common for demons to be here, so I make a mental note.  Helix joins me after about 5 minutes, and his expression tells me s**t has hit the fan.

“What's the matter Helix? Am I in trouble?” I ask, I already know I'm in trouble with the coven leader, but for the sake of my safety and to gain my weapons, I need to put distance between them and myself.

“No, well I don’t know … Leader Maxum said they're heading straight to the Watcher’s meeting. A decision was made on your Uncle’s request. I have a bad feeling about this Ianna, if it’s the request I heard them talking about a few months ago then it’s not good for you.” Helix says, causing Kya to give us a quizzical look.

“Tell me once we get into my room, then I'll tell you what's actually going to happen today.” I tell him while giving a reassuring smile. They think I don’t know about my Uncle requesting my termination from the Watchers for the purpose of marrying me to another lord for a higher position, but I do know because it would work better for him. Problem is I have prior responsibilities that take precedence to his power driven needs and that I have proof against him, Leader Maxum and Franny that'll result in their designation to arbitrator, which is a title no Watcher wants.

     Kya leads us to the private elevator that takes us to the top three floors, which are held for prominent clients. So someone like Lucifer, Gabriel, Dante or even Vlad the Impaler, though he doesn’t do much of that anymore. You can take the regular elevator to these floors, but you need to know how to access them from the rest of the common hotel rooms. I notice the snobby receptionist is watching us as we get into the elevator and head to the top floor.

“Your receptionist today doesn’t like me, hopefully it won’t result in her death.” I say to Kya, while Helix looks at me shocked.

“She’s been here for 4 years now and is in love with Kane. She probably thinks your competition, so if need be go ahead and kill her. You won’t hear complaints from Kane or I.” Kya says. I arch an eyebrow at her permission to kill a Hunter. Something is off today definitely.

“Who does she belong to?” I ask and Kya starts to smile, while Helix voices his concern.

“Is it wise to kill one of Artemis’s children? I have never known her to be forgiving in that area.” Helix says and his concern is showing through.

“She isn’t one of Art’s Hunters, she's a plant. Her task is to gather intel on the clients of Chateau Bellevue and report back to someone else. I would say she was kicked out by the Hunter Guild, and she's now working independently. My guess she's working for Soren Thaddeus and is the reason Kane knew about the weapons being found before I did.” I tell Helix just as the elevator doors open. Stepping out into the hall, Kya leads me down to room 1253 and unlocks the door. As I step in I'm immediately ambushed by a staff and whip. I dodge the staff with ease and knock the wielder to the floor, but the whip lands a punishing snap on my thigh, spits my pant leg, and draws blood. Helix is on Tara immediately and has her on her knees effortlessly.

“Oh My GOD! You need to keep your guard up girl!” Charlotte says coming over to heal my leg. Charlotte's a powerful healer and Tara communicates with the wilds. But she is still a badass when it comes to weapons.

“I was expecting the boys to do that not you two shits!” I say and Tara laughs once Helix let’s her up.

“You do have to give her some credit Char, I have heard that only Aretha has been brought back. Zoe and Diana are still lost in that void she calls a brain.” She says getting up from her knees and smirking at Helix … “Hey kid,  glad to see you aren’t as closed off as usual when being re-awakened.” Tara says giving me a hopeful smile and a hug.

“What do you mean closed off? Ianna's very loving and fierce when it comes to protecting those closest to her.” Helix says looking scared.

“In past lives when the process of awakening her memories started, she closed off pretty much right after Aretha came out. She doesn’t let others in so she has no one her enemy can use against her as a weakness. She became that way right after her first life when Hyda died.” Eli says coming from the balcony. He must have been doing a perimeter check. “Hey girl, glad you're finally home!” He says wrapping his big arms around my waist and lifting me off the floor to bear hug me.

“Agathon, it’s been awhile. Last time if I'm correct you tried to take my head off my shoulders.” I say when Eli finally puts me down.

“WHAT?!?” everyone in the room yells.

“To be fair, she stole his uniform, weapons and his horse so he couldn’t go into the Battle of Pydna in 148 BCE. Of course it was near the end of the battle, but it was the bloodiest part too. Everyone was slaughtered.” Tanner says coming in with a smile. “Hey girl, missed you these last few years.” He to picks me up to give me a bear hug. Would never have known these two idiots were my brothers in 161 BCE.

“Kya, Charlotte, Tara and Helix, Tanner and Eli are my brothers from a previous life. They knew me as Charis, and they learnt very quickly that I was battle driven. I spent much of my childhood traveling with them under the leadership of Quintus Caecilius Metellus. So don’t be too hard on them, at the time Agathon thought I had become a traitor, when really I was keeping them safe.” I tell them and see everyone visibly relax.

“Well that's like 5 lives standing in this room right now. Something big must be going on for all of us and who knows how many more to be brought back all at once. I think we need to go see Dr. Thaddeus now.” Kya says showing her worry. I know it can’t be good if she's showing her emotions, it usually means something very bad is coming.

“Not today, I would like to know the outcome of Coven Leader Maxum’s meeting with the Council. Mine is tomorrow morning, so I don’t doubt they will let me know.” I tell my friends. It’s weird to see some of them at the same time, because I know they never meet in their first lives.

“Well then, since you are going to put off meeting the doctor at the museum for tonight, may I ask what you are going to do with your free time mean while?” Tara asks with an amused look on her face.

“Food, research, more food and maybe kill a few people. You know the usual.” I say laughing at Eli’s expression. I think I caught him off guard with the last bit.

“Ok then, why don’t we go out for dinner then. We can catch up on what happened after our first life with you in it, and then we hit the gym for training! You are really out of practice!” Charlotte says looking at me with a “don’t even” look.

“That actually sounds like a solid plan, make sure you check in with me every hour, and I will come and get you tomorrow morning then Ianna. I don’t think you need me with all these hunters around and I would like to get something to drink also. Take full advantage of Kya’s “All Inclusive” deal for being a decent vampire and staying out of trouble.” Helix says laughing. We all start laughing because go figure Helix would like that part best.

“Ok I will see you tomorrow then. I will call and check in with you also, but I am not doing it every hour. I will check in with you after dinner, before we leave for training and when I come back from training.” I say to Helix, who is give me the dad look.

“And before you leave for dinner too young lady!” Helix warns, causing Kane to laugh as he walks into my suite.

“I don’t think I have ever seen anyone handle Aretha like that before. It takes a special kind of person to tame this kitten down.” He says and laughs when I punch him. “You really do need to train.” He finishes.

“Oh f**k off!” I grumble back at him while I pout.

“Helix before you leave to go enjoy the perks Kya scored for you, I need to speak with you for a moment. I also need your contact information if anything happens, and s**t goes down. I would prefer not to have a pissed off vampire on my hands too.” Kane says leaving with Helix. After the guys left Tara, Charlotte, Kya, and I all decide The Raven Bar & Grill is the best choice to go for dinner at 6pm.

     Once the girls leave my phone starts to go off, with text messages. There are three from Dede, seven from Marcus, one from Matthias and four for an unknown number. So I check Marcus’s messages first.

Marcus: Hey have you made it there yet?

Marcus: Seriously are you ok? I haven’t heard from Helix in over two hours.

Marcus: If you don’t answer me, I will send a team looking for you!

Marcus: Damn it Ianna just text me back already. 

     There were three more messages just the same, he is stressing out badly. So I decide to put him at ease before he sends the secret service out looking for me.

Ianna: Hey Marcus, I am fine. We were talking and getting settled. Sorry my phone was on silent that’s why I didn’t text you back. I am going out with Hunter friends for dinner and catch up on old times. I will explain after you get to the Hilton and had your meeting with the Council. Ok?

Marcus: I am not going to the meeting, neither is Franny or Matthias. This meeting is strictly for Leader Maxum and your Uncle Stephan. I have a meeting with them tomorrow morning, I believe we both do.

Ianna: Is Matthias and Franny going to it as well? The meeting tomorrow morning that is.

Marcus: Matthias is, Franny is not. She has a meeting with her betrothed.

Ianna: Wait!! What?!?! She is arranged to marry someone. How is that going to work with her being your father’s lap dog? …. Sorry wrong choice of words. I play dumb talking to Marcus about it, just incase someone goes snooping through his phone.

Marcus: Oh no it’s totally ok, we all know they are sleeping together. I have no idea, from what I heard though it could mean a lot of trouble for the coven, because of who it is.

Ianna: Who is it so I can keep an eye out and stay on their good side if I have to not kill Franny to do so.

Marcus: Demon King Roglan of Milthgar.

Ianna: s**t! Ok I will try my hardest not to kill Franny.

Marcus: Good idea, ok enjoy dinner and let me know when you get back. We are going to be another 3 hours due to traffic.

Ianna: OK will do. Safe travels Marcus.

I get another ping and it’s Matthias.

Matthias: Thank you!!! Now he will stop driving me bat s**t crazy!! See you soon Ianna.

     I start to laugh and delete the messages from Marcus and Matthias. I went to check Dede’s next but don’t get the chance when I see the time. I need to get ready, or the girls will have a s**t fit. I go to the wardrobe and pick out a tight pair of dark wash jeans, a black tank that I pair with an open front army green sweater and of course my mid-calf biker boots. I take the clothes over to the bathroom and set them on the counter. I turn on the shower realizing they renovated my suite recently. The walk in shower is now all glass incased and it has a rainfall shower head. The floor tile has all been replace with granite and the countertop too, the walls are all done in white porcelain. It actually looks really sharp and something I would totally pick for my own bathroom in my home. I get my shower done and dry my hair; I am going to leave it down for the night. I get dressed and apply very little makeup, foundation, eyeliner, and mascara.

     Just as I finish there is a knock on my door. The girls said 6, but it’s only 5:23 pm. Something isn’t adding up here. None of us are drinkers, so it’s not like they are coming to pre drink, especially when we are training afterwards. There is another know and this time it sounds more impatient than the last one, so I go to the door and look out the peep hole. Standing there is a tall man with brown hair, I haven’t seen his face because he turned to see if anyone is coming down the hall. I take it this is Mr. Knighting, and he is here for other purposes.

“Who is it?” I call stepping back away from the door, so that he won’t know I saw him.

“Room Service” The person says, and I know that is a load of bullshit.

“I think you have the wrong room. I didn’t order room service and I didn’t authorize it on my account either.” I say back as I pretend to reach the door.

“I have a the special ordered for Miss Ianna Foster. I even have an authorization number too.” He says through the door. I can hear him trying to get the key and coder to work, but they aren’t. Guess that was why the girls gave me a coder. The little device gives me a new code to put in every time. The code never stays the same.

“Again you have the wrong room, and without an authenticator you won’t get in. Those you have to get from Kane himself, so have fun dumbass!” I yell back through the door. I walk back into my suite from the corridor and open the panel of weapons. The girls really did go all out for me. I grab three throwing knives and a 9mm Pistol with silencer already on. I put the magazine in, chamber a round and switch the safety off. This guy is here for a reason and if he is using a lie like room service to get in, then it can’t be for anything good.