LEGEND OF THE VIPER(COMPLETE)

CHAPTER 10

Harold White really felt bad for neglecting his own flesh and blood. He was raised in a family that considered advancement as the best thing that one could do in life. And he did just like that in his life. A great career for himself and he wanted the same for his kids he daughter Haven in particular was always different but he didn't mind at all. She reminded him of how he was like when he was young. Unlike his other children Haven loved sports, anything dangerous she could go for it. She was an adventurous person and because of that she was involve in so m any fights that it became worrisome.

When she landed a group of high school boys in the hospital that was the end of it. How could she just beat guys like that with an intention to probably kill? Ever since that day he grew less fond of Haven, she was expelled from school and ever since then he never really cared what she did as long he just put money in her account so that she won't starve.

It was the same with everyone. They all felt at peace without her around until recently when Haven's girlfriend spilled the beans. He was ashamed and embarrassed about the way he raised his own family and to make it up to his daughter he persuaded her to go to lunch together on a Friday afternoon and she agreed which was surprising considering how she refused every single day.

He waited for her in his hotel restaurant. He had never had a public meal with her before and he wanted that. He checked the time and noticed she was late. Maybe she wasn't coming anymore he thought to himself.

He looked up and saw Haven entering. His baby looked gorgeous and more handsome than pretty. He could see the ladies smiling and glaring at her as if they wanted to eat her up. It seems like his daughter was a bit famous.

She walked towards him and he stood up and pulled a chair for her before they both sat down.

'Sorry for being late. There was an accident in the road,' she apologized.

'Are you okay?' he asked worriedly checking if she was not hurt.

'I will never be hurt again father, don't worry. It was someone else not me,' she explained but he didn't really get what she meant in the beginning.

'As long you are fine that's what matters,' he said.

Their food arrived and they began to eat. Just being with her, watching her like this was just good. He wished if he could have got to know his daughter early and not now.

'You seem to have a lot on your mind. If you have questions just ask. If I can answer them then I will,' she said and he just froze.'

Does his daughter read minds?

'How have you been?'

'I have been doing great. Everything is just perfect,' she answered.

'Are you working and if you are what kind of job are you doing?'

'I do work and I work in a small investment company,' she replied.

'Do you love being there? If you don't you can come and join me,' he said.

'I didn't in the beginning. It was tough and tiring but with time I got used to it and now I just love it. I don't think I can come and work for you, I'm okay where I am.'

The words really hurt but he deserved it. If she was working then it was fine. It would be worrisome if she was jobless and yet she was busy spending her girlfriend's money.

'What's the company you for?'

'Viper Investment Company,' she answered and he froze.

That wasn't a small company at all. So many people in his circle knew about the company. It had so many beliefs and so on. Why was his daughter working for a company like that? It was dangerous and he didn't want her to be mixed with a crowd like that. He was never part of the organization but he used to have a friend who did and he died mysteriously.

'Are you okay father?'

'Yes I am. I really want you to come and work for me though,' he insisted but she turned him down.

'I can tell that you are worried about something but I can take care of myself. It might be dangerous but no one can hurt me or do anything to me. So don't be afraid, I'm a big girl. I promised myself that a long time ago,' she said.

He had a nasty feeling now that his daughter was definitely part of that organization. Why would she join that? If she needed money she could have just asked.

'I couldn't ask for it father, and you know why,' she told him answering the question he just asked himself in his mind.

'How did you...?'

'As you are thinking right now, I did join the organization. I have no family or any loved one so I joined them. They are my family now more than you can possibly know. I know we are trying to catch up but father you need to accept what is there. I'm a Viper and there is nothing you can do about it now. I no longer care what you think of me, you disregarded me a very long time back. If I wasn't part of them I would be bribed somewhere now and you wouldn't even know because you never cared.'

'I'm sorry child but this path...'

'It is something I chose father and accept it. You said you wanted to get to know me and here I am. If you are going to scrutinize every little thing in my life then we might as well go back to the way we were from the beginning,' she told him looking at him with very scary eyes.

It was the first time looking at someone and feel so much fear creeping all over him like that. It was his entire fault; he made his daughter like this. He was even scared of just thinking now since she could hear it. What kind of witchcraft were they performing there?

'The worst you can think of father. If you know about it, you will get your pants. I'm done with my food and I can't possibly continue being around you having such crazy thoughts. Thanks for dinner and please take care of yourself.'

'Can we meet tomorrow?'

'I will be busy the whole weekend, I can't see you,' she said standing up.

'You are leaving?'

'Yes, I am. See you another time,' she said and left.

He took a deep breath and stood up. He didn't want anyone to see just how worried he looked; so he went to his office. He took out a glass and poured himself whisky and gulped it all down in one go.

He was doomed, his daughter was gone and it was his entire fault. It was too late to turn back the time but he was going to make things right somehow, no matter what.

..

Amber was exhausted, classes were hectic and she drove to her home.

Haven was so busy that she wasn't seeing her ever since the night she slept at her place and did nothing except to sleep.

She was bored being inside at night so she decided to take a walk outside. She heard the bushes rustling and something just felt wrong. She ignored it and continued with her walk. It was after a while that she realized that someone was following her. Who would do that in her compound?

It didn't take long before she began to walk back to the house as fast as she can but she was late. She got hit in the back and she fell.

She was still conscious when she got carried away. She could hear men talking. Where were they taking her to?

She got into the car and the drive was just long she didn't even guess where she was before she blacked out.

Amber woke up to find herself tied to a chair and an old man sitting in front of her.

'Who are you?' she asked trying to free herself.

'Don't bother child. I'm someone who is going to gain so much by asking you,' he answered.

'I have money, you can have it all. Just release me,' she said.

'I'm afraid it's not your money I'm after. You are just my bargaining chip.'

'Did my family offend you in some way?' she asked.

'No, but someone you are very close to did. Your woman,' he said.

Haven, what did she do?

'What do you mean? She wouldn't do anything to anyone,' she said and watched the old man laughed.

'You don't know her at all I can tell. Haven is the cruelest person you can ever meet in your life. I was wondering if you are blind and a bad judge of character to fall for such a vicious woman like her.'

'Don't say bad things about her,' she shouted at him.

'I won't say anything but I will let you see it for yourself, how ruthless and vicious she is. She is not all that you know child. See this as me saving you before you meet your maker,' he told her.

Amber couldn't believe a single word the old man was saying. Her Haven wouldn't hurt a fly or an ant. So why was he defaming her like that?

'I know you have questions and doubts but if you look deep inside you will find answers. Just don't be scared of looking for them,' the old man said and left the room.

She heard the door being locked and knew that she was doomed. She wanted to see Haven and make sure she was safe. She was not going to lose Haven just because an old man kept saying rubbish. She trusted Haven so much. She knew she had secrets but she also had her own and she was going to trust her till the end. She was just going to find the perfect time to break free and got back to the love of her life.

She had not seen her in a while and now she was tied to a chair. She began to cry as she thought about something even scarier than not seeing Haven and her family. What if she dies here and never gets to see any of them again? The thought of dying and not having anyone know was just so scary she begun to cry out very loud. She didn't care at all.

                                                                                                 ....

Haven looked at herself in the mirror and didn't smile at all. She was wearing her ceremonial robes. She was wearing a nice tight top with skinny jeans and the robe on top to cover what was inside. She had her two Ignis daggers on her as well as a short gun. This wasn't a normal ceremony like the others but a battle and there were going to be casualties which she was going to try to minimize as possible. Her neck was plastered with a necklace which her predecessors used to wear. It was made of gold, rubies and diamonds. She had the bracelet and anklet she was given the day she became the Viper on.

After being satisfied with her dressing she left her bedroom and went to the living room where her retinue was waiting for her. She looked around and saw her shadow guards. She smiled at them and said, 'let's return together.'

They all nodded in response and she sighed. Why did she have to kill her own people? She couldn't forgive anyone who tries to rebel against the seat. It was custom and had to be followed no matter what. She went outside and they all followed her. Tom opened the door to her car and she climbed in. Gina followed her too. She had tried to convince her not to come but she was stubborn. If she survives this then she was going to promote the little girl.

Her entourage left the grounds and drove to her destination. What was good about her organization was the fact that they had their own private lands and even if something were to happen; the civilians will never know.

When she arrived at the destination, the cars parked. It seemed her children were already there considering the number of cars already parked. Anyone who will come across will just think people parked their cars and left not knowing that the buildings were located underground and not above the ground. They went to the entrance and the guards pressed the button which opened the ground and the elevator to pop upwards. They all got onto the elevator and went down below. When the elevator stopped they all got down and she put on her hood. Even though it was a special night her face was something no one should clearly see.

When she walked in the hall they all stood and bowed as she passed them walking towards her throne; the throne that was going to make a lot of blood to be shed.

She sat down and looked at the crowd.

'You may all sit down,' she said and they did what she said.

She looked at the huge numbered and wondered. Among all these people, a quarter was aware of what was going to happen. Her Oracle was corrupt and was planning to kill her. There were so many enemies that she was even scared of eating the food but there was nothing to worry about. Her people were versed in poisons and poisons couldn't kill her since she consumes them on a daily basis.

Sam stood up and looked at her for permission which she gave.

'We are all gathered here tonight to celebrate and honor those of us who did well and for those who are just joining the family. Welcome all of you and thank you for being patient and being loyal. I hope you all have a great time and have a night that you will never forget,' Sam told the people.

Haven wanted to laugh but she couldn't do it. This old man was very sneaky and crafty. A lot of speeches were made and the ceremony officially began.

There were at least hundred children getting the medals tonight and she had to shake them all. It was very tiring but she kept her composure as she shook each and every child after getting their medal.

After the medal ceremony, it was time to eat and mingle. Everything was done and she knew there was no way they were going to attack right there. Gina brought her food which she ate leisurely and slowly looking around, seeing exactly what they were thinking.

'I need to go to the ladies,' she said standing up.

'I will go with you,' Gina said.

'No, go and be with your man. I will be fine, Lee will be with me,' she said and left.

She had a feeling they would want to attack her alone and that would be for the best. She didn't want any innocent people to die because of her. She saw her corrupt priests and priestess whispering and she knew her time was nearing. She didn't go to the bathroom but rather went to another elevator which took her a further down below the ground. There was another floor below which wasn't being used. It was closed because someone killed herself there. It was the perfect place to kill each other.

She looked at her time and wondered where her baby was now. They had taken her yesterday and she knew there won't hurt her that fast yet. It was better if she saw who she really was now than to hear t from others. She was a bad woman and that was not going to change. When she walked into the hall she felt her. Her baby was close. Because she wanted to protect her she imprinted Amber with one of her poisons. Her blood could easily feel its presence as long as she was near.

She just hoped and prayed that Amber won't abandon her after witnessing such cruel things she was about to do.

'I knew you were not a fool. So you knew?' Sam asked as he appeared in front of her.

'Like you said I'm not a fool. So what do you want?'

'I want you to die and for me to take your place.'

'You think you can become the Viper?'

'I can, the people have chose me. You are a very cruel young woman and you don't deserve anyone's respect or loyalty.'

'Is that so? Since you already know that, why are you playing with fire? I can kill you right now and no one will ever know,' she said.

'I know about that but I have an army with me. I won't be killing you myself but your children will do that,' Sam said and she felt them.

She looked around and saw them approaching. Why were there so many children coming for her? They were holding daggers and guns too. They were professional she could tell. No one in her or his right mind would have guts to confront her like that.

'Let's do this then,' she said and waited for them to attack first.

She had instructed her guards not to interfere until she was in sheer danger.

Amber watched as Haven talked with the old man that had kidnapped her. Haven was dressed weirdly and the robe she had on reminded her of the bed cover she saw at her place. Everyone at this dark place she was all had the Viper tattoos and it seemed like Haven was their leader. Was she really a killer? Amber had her mouth tapped so she couldn't call out as she watched Haven remove her robe and she had daggers as well as a gun on her. She didn't believe that her girlfriend could kill a fly but now it was different.

'Look at her!' the other man said as he pointed at Haven who was now fighting so many people.

Her tears began to fall as she witnessed Haven slashing her opponents on various points. It was the first time she was seeing someone killing so many people and that killer being the love of her life.

Amber watched as Haven threw the daggers, cut deep into the men and women coming after her and shoots the gun that had been on her waist all this while.

'She is a killer and what makes you think she won't kill you too,' he said making sure she really look at Haven as she continuously kill so many people alone.

She didn't know what happened but Haven got cut and she tried to scream but it was pointless. Watching Haven wringing in pain as she suffer from the cut was very hard. She didn't want anyone to hurt her or harm even a single hair on her head.

The fight continued for twenty more minutes before more people came in. At that rate Haven was definitely going to get killed but all of a sudden the place was filled with people she didn't even see coming and some of them were familiar. She had seen their faces whenever she was with Haven but they were always far. Where they following her so that they could kill her too? Why did her girlfriend mad so much enemies? Was this one of the reasons why she never wanted to be with her in the first place? She had so many questions and yet she couldn't even ask a single one.

It became bloodier as the new comers kill the people fighting Haven very ruthlessly and fast. It didn't take long for the people to be finished. It was the old man now standing alone. She smiled and knew Haven won but then the old man looked their way and she found herself being dragged outside.

She didn't hear what the old man said but she only saw Haven alone the time they got inside the hall.

Haven didn't look surprised but glad that she was okay. She knew Haven and that was one of her happy faces. Why was she pleased when she knew that she was caught doing something so bad?

'The two of us can't really fight now. If you don't give up your throne I will kill her,' Sam said.

'Go ahead and kill her Sam, I can just find myself a new girl. I won't give you my throne no matter what!' Haven said.

Amber felt her heart sank. She would even kill her for just a stupid throne that made her a murderer? If she survives this ordeal she was surely going to leave Haven for good and stay away from her as possible.

'How can you be heartless?' Amber asked Haven who was covered in blood and holding the daggers in her hand.

'I am already heartless. Don't pretend as if you don't know princess. You knew I was bad and yet you still came for me. Don't let this shock you, but I will choose myself over anyone,' Haven said.

She could tell Haven meant every single word and it really hurt.

'Fine, I will kill her,' Sam said and began to walk towards her.

This was her last moment and yet Haven looked very calm. Her eyes were fixated on Haven when she saw Haven doing the impossible. Haven threw her dagger straight to her. She opened her eyes very wide as she saw the dagger flying towards her. Sam stopped and the dagger struck her right in the chest and she fell to the ground.

Haven killed her and she wants flinching. Her eyes began to close and she watched the old man dropping to the ground, blood everywhere and she knew Haven had killed him.

Tears were rolling down her cheeks as she felt the pain of the dagger in her when she saw Haven walking towards her. She looked at her and whispered to her, 'I'm sorry but its better this way.'

With those words Amber felt her soul leaving and she knew she was dying and her parents will never know about it.

She regretted ever falling for Haven; only if she could turn back the time.

'Did everyone leave?' Haven asked as she sat on her throne once more.

'Yes, they all did.'

'No one suspected anything?'

'No, they didn't.'

'That's good then. Make sure the bodies find their way to their families, I won't be burying those traitors on Viper land.'

'Yes ma'am, we will see to that.'

'Did you take care of her?'

'Just as you instructed, I sent her to the hospital.'

'That is settled then. Clean this mess up, I'm going home,' she said and stood up.

She began to walk to the elevator. She looked at her hands that had traces of blood. She had killed a lot of people and among them her own girlfriend. The one person she loved so dearly more than life itself. She threw a dagger at her, felt the dagger pierce through that tender body. She watched as Amber fell to the ground, tears on her cheeks, blood flowing out. It was the most painful thing she had ever done but she had a job to do and she couldn't do it while Amber had her eyes open.

She had killed so many people even when she knew that Amber was watching but killing Sam was not to be watched by her at all.

Haven threw a dagger at Sam who caught it by hand not knowing it was laced by her special venom she had been preparing ever since she learnt about the coup. When Sam got paralyzed she walked toward him and drove the dagger deep into his heart. She watched as then old man fell to the ground and she took out the dagger and stabbed him three more times. A traitor was branded by the number of years one had been on the throne. Since she has three years she stabbed him thrice.

After taking care of Sam she went to her dying lover and asked for forgiveness before she closed her eyes.

She shook her head as she got into the car.

'Take me home,' she told Tom who didn't wait any one second but drove her back.

It was quiet till she reached her mansion. She went inside and went straight to her bathroom where she took off her clothes and climbed into the tub where she soaked herself for hours trying to remove the stench of blood all over her.

There were so many busy days ahead and she needed to get her head straight before that.