Mad Bloods

Chapter 4 - Witches

Jade opens her carved door to reveal the two persons knocking earlier.

When I saw the doll eyes, wavy hair and signature glossy lips, that's when I remembered. Belle.

After all this time, she still looks and acts the same. That young childish girl we used to play house with.

"Twins, of course." I couldn't help but say out loud.

"Rome!" Belle exclaimed and went forward to hug me.

I caressed her wavy hair and saw Betty right behind her, smiling in greeting.

In contrast with Jade, these two clearly expressed they're glad to see me back. Well, Jade's glad, I'm sure. In her own way.

Betty went to give me a warm welcome of hug when Belle stepped back.

"Where were you?" Betty asked. Simply curious, I sensed.

"Apparently from Olanivan, wherever that was." Jade answered, crossing her arms in front of her.

"Really? That circular form of heaven?" Belle's childish voice exclaimed. I don't know about heaven though.

"I've read about that island in books, although there's not much information about it. It's not very far from here in the archipelago. There's just no transportation, right?"

"That's correct." I confirmed Belle's narrative which earned me another shriek of excitement.

Though I doubt the reality is very far from what she had read about. It's hell on earth for me. That's where I was tortured and I had never felt more vulnerable everytime I was there. Training wasn't easy.

"Then why have you not came back if it's not far?" Jade interrogates once again.

"As I said, there's no transportation, there's literally no sea ports or anything." Belle answered before I could. Jade looked at me irritably and I shrugged.

Belle's not wrong though. I had to hijack a pirate ship and change their route to get here. The government thinks they've got rid of them pirates but, I wouldn't have made it here without them. Kind of thankful for that though. Wherever their soul may be after I killed them to steal their ship.

Jade shrugs but didn't ask furthermore.

I'm sure these two had got a lot of questions too so I prepared myself.

But before they even got to ask, Jade bursted their bubble.

"He's a werewolf."

I shot her with a disappointed look but watched the twins too. I kind of expected them to be surprised but all they both did was nod.

"We knew." Betty nonchalantly said.

Both Jade and I turn to her in shock. Since when?

"Well, it was a theory," Belle kindly explained.

"We weren't sure but we knew." walking towards the window, Betty closed the curtains.

"We were wondering why were you gone and it's the only thing that made sense. Sarangani is practically crawling with vampires. You didn't need to be isolated unless you were a different kind." Belle's calming voice would probably put me to sleep if she wasn't explaining something so smart. And smart it is.

"And you didn't tell me?" Jade's irritation is clear in her voice and the way her eyes squinted reminded me of Elle.

"We didn't know for sure." Betty's deep voice of response was just enough to level with Jade's attitude.

Girl's really got someone to stand up to her level. I'm sure Belle must've felt out of place with these two always in these auras.

"Until today, we didn't really know werewolves exist," Belle sat down next to me and curled my brown hair with her fingers playfully.

"Now you know" Jade rolled her eyes.

It's really hard to read these two.

While Belle is transparent, she's kind when she's in a good mood, and just the same, expresses her anger in a clear but cute manner.

Jade and Betty are on the other side of the spectrum.

Jade is, well, complicated.

Betty is like if heaven and earth collided. She can be either too good but rationally well, or she could rain hell to her enemies. She's straight forward and doesn't filter. I understand that about her.

I wondered if Jade has known about the twin's kind. Even when I had almost forgotten them, I remembered they were magical.

"You two can't be vampires." Jade thought.

"Because we're witches." Betty had said.

"Oh yeah? That's realistic." Jade shrugged sarcastically.

She turned back on us and I looked at the twins, the three of us knowing the truth in it. The doll just raised and lowered her shoulders as if caring less if Jade believes or not. I urged them through switching gaze from Jade and Betty. She shrugged away her barely wavy hair and she just looked bitter and I didn't want to force her if she doesn't want to explain.

I looked to Belle once again and she exhaled in defeat.

"It's true Jade."

Belle's kindness is enough for Jade to look back at us. She knows Belle doesn't lie. But if she needed more convincing, I'm here for that.

"But we're...different." she added.

I nodded to support her. "That's why they were sent away from their families, why they're part of us here." I explained.

The twins were from a family of witches that didn't want them due to their difference, they were sent to human trafficking when Elle saved them and that's how they became part of us in this town.

"All I know is that you two were useless so they sent you away. I didn't question that" Jade shaked her head nonchalantly.

I know it must've hurt them to be reminded how their magical families sent them away. I know because that's what happened to me too.

"That's because we don't possess the same magic they have." Belle looked down and even when she tries to hide it, we all know it makes her sad.

"But we're here now," Betty swallowed. "that's what matters."

Betty may have been hard on the outside, but I could feel her effort hiding her inner child's weeping at the back of her mind. I'm just like her. We can't be so different.

We choose to hide our pain because we don't have another choice. No one's going to understand if we just cry about it and do nothing. We were forced to function everyday as if we're normal. And yet, it really, really hurts.

Belle, by my side, is pouting like a baby. she blinked and looked up to try to hide the tears.

We're going to be fine, little one.

Non-magic witches should never be underestimated. They still have the same ability over herbs and potions and magical objects, it's just a matter of education. Belle is exceptionally smart, she'll figure it out.

"And you're just telling me this now, why?" Jade's annoyance is obvious in her gestures and she feels no need to hide it. She had every right to be mad at us for keeping secrets but it wasn't really our choice.

"It's about time." I managed to say.

"I had just learned that I'm some half-vampire creep and now you're telling me that two of my best friends are witches?"

Belle stood up from beside me but I spoke first, not wanting her to receive Jade's raised voice, protecting her from hurtful words I knew was about to come out of Jade's pink lips.

"I'm sorry, Jade. I didn't know just how much had they kept from you, when I found out, I wanted to tell you right away." And I did. Right after I've got Trina's support, I didn't care what Elle would think of me. She could punish me for all I care but Jade deserves to know.

She's old enough to see her own strengths and I'm guessing she has already figured it out before we even told her. She just needed the confirmation.

"We didn't really feel safe to tell you until we knew what Rome told you." Betty spoke for the two of them while Belle nodded ever so adorably.

Jade sighed before walking to the twins. Sitting alone in her couch, I watched the three of them have their moment of truth in their circle of hugs.

"Thank you for telling me." Jade tells us after a while, her eyes on me. I nodded and smiled a little. If I could only frame this moment of these three beautiful girls, I would.

My new phone vibrated in my pocket and I checked to see a message from Trina.

Downstairs, waiting.

I hate to say her timing really sucks but, I guess I'm going to have to leave these three to have their moment anyway.

"I have to go,"

Their heads synchronously looked at me and even Belle looked grimaced.

"I'm going back for lunch." I assured them.

"It's Trina, isn't it?" Betty asked.

I nodded. Belle nodded too as if understanding. "It's probably for your location. Just a few drops of blood is all, not going to hurt" Belle explained.

"It's so that we can track you in case you get kidnapped," Jade added.

Although I doubt the need for that, I hoped all three of them have had theirs done too, they need it more than I do.

"...or lost, or get magically transported, or attacked..." Jade continues before Belle interrupted.

"We've all gone through it, it's really useful sometimes." her doll face nodded in assurance.

I left the three of them to reunite to their true selves and stepped down the stairs to see Trina waiting. I hugged her right when I reached the end of the stairs. She laughed at first and hugged me back anyway.

"I know modern technology is new to you, but you could go get their numbers too,"

I remained silent to think. What could she possibly mean by that?

"Jade, specifically." she smiled and I looked at her in disbelief.

My beloved mother showing her support isn't really something I appreciate, or I don't know. I cringed at the thought of her wanting for me to talk to Jade in that way.

We made it to one room where a witch was in front of a table with candles. Classic voodoo stuff.

Vis sera portus.

The witch mumbled after we entered. Doors and windows shut as her hand closed into a first. The light blocked from the sun outside making the room even more dimly lit.

"Choose your map."

I looked to the options, and saw no difference in them so I just picked one.

Trina layed it flat on the table revealing the map of the islands.

The witch opened her hand above it, asking for my hand I suppose, so I offered it. She picked my middle finger with a needle tilted my hand so the blood drops to the map.

Phasmatos Tribum, Nas ex Veras, Sequita Saguines

The witch mumbled to herself as we watched the blood moved from the center of the map to our current location. The accuracy would've amazed me if I wasn't being stared at by a creepy woman.

I couldn't hide my feeling of uncomfortableness (If that's a thing)witches has always creeped me out ever since. I've got a long way for adjustment now that I'm living with them.

"Sorry." Trina touched my shoulder and I shook my head no. There's nothing to be sorry about really, I've already felt my finger healed.

"It's just precaution. We're not going to wait for you to disappear for this." Trina explained as she rolled the map and writes my name in it before tying it up and placing it with other maps above the shelves.

I'm guessing that's the others' locator maps. I couldn't hide a smile at this idea. Must be Elle's. She's so smart it's annoying. I waited for them to tell me it's free to go but I didn't gesture or stand up in advance.

"Why the sage, boy?" the old witch asked, her slow tone making it more terrifying when it's not.

I could try to act clueless but it's useless. I knew they would know anyway.

"We've had enough prying eyes on our lives, don't you think?" I shrugged.

"Besides, little privacy won't hurt anyone." I added.

The witch watched me closely like a detective would a criminal. Except I know I did nothing wrong.

"We're just making sure you're not plotting against Elle," Trina explained. Her kind voice in contrast with the witch's intimidating aura is enough to comfort me, slightly.

"No, of course not." I answered truthfully.

The witch took her time to think, nodded after a while and I could tell she believes me. The trail of smoke from the candles still gives me the shivers. I want to get out of here as fast as I can. But I didn't show that.

"Just make sure you behave accordingly, boy. You're no vampire but, you apply to the same rules as everyone." she said seriously.

I nodded. No killing. No bullying. No fighting anyone unless it's for training purposes. I've read all of these before going here. It's basic really, unless you're a newly transitioned vampire you won't have any trouble in this, besides, all it takes is basic human decency, I think.

"Truthfully, I mean no harm."

"So I can see. You are one brave soul for coming here all alone, protect that at all cost."

Trina smiled beside me and the witch side eyed her enthusiasm. Mother you are one sweet woman but I think this is a serious moment and a sacred part of my return. It feels like a college interview as if I could really fail and be kicked out of here.

The color of the smoke changed ever so lightly from suttle dark to a lighter shade. I'm hoping that means good.

"You mean well. But make no mistake, we treat you here just the same as others." the witch declared.

There's no perfect son privilege, she means. But that's no problem of mine, I'm not really one spoiled son. I know the drill in the circle of life.

I could pretend as one rich kid but really, I can live in the woods and survive with sticks and stones. I don't need their reminder that they're not helping me if I ever get in trouble here, I know that when I stepped foot in this town.

"Now run along, I've got work to do" the witches waved her hand shushing us away as she opened her drawers down the table.

I stood up after Trina and let her walk first. Glancing back at the witch, she already had started another spell, and I'm not even trying to guess what was that for. We left her alone in the darkness as I opened the door for Trina and walked out of the room after her.

"Don't let her get to you, she's just doing her job." mother tapped my shoulder before leading the way to the main area.

Before I could ask where Elle is, I realized mother was leading me to her office.

"There's no need to be afraid, my love. She won't bite." Trina assured me before opening the doors.

Elle greeted me with a warmer look in her eyes. As warm as it can get when you're a vampire in hundreds of age.

Her office looked nothing like the witch's. Both have table, shelves and all. But completely different vibes. Wouldn't even guess they're in the same establishment.

"How did she react?" Elle asked.

I blinked. Still, even with the sage, they could hear. No, they couldn't, it's impssible. I don't know how but they just knew.

"Serene." I answered.

I could see Trina's smile from my peripheral vision but I fixed mine on Elle. She looked down to her daylight ring and adjusted it lightly.

"We wanted you to be the one to tell her. It's the only way she won't take it offensively." Trina kindly explained.

I couldn't help a snarl. It's like they needed me to be the one to tell her.

Even they, are not brave enough to face the consequences of their actions. Elle. But I can't possibly be mad at her. Just, it's not fair.

They shouldn't even have hidden the truth from her in the first place.

"She knew you were vampires before I confirmed it."

The surprise isn't evident on Elle but it's there. There's no way she would have thought she could hide it forever, she's smarter than that. Jade's smart.

"Oh my god," Trina, on the other hand, has her honest reaction expressed.

"If you may, I promised the three girls lunch" I gestured to leave.

Elle sit there like a statue in her throne.

Trina shrugged me off and I glanced back at Elle for confirmation. I would walk out but that's offensive, a bit too much even for me.

"Must there be anger, always when a werewolf is present?"

I blinked at Elle's statement. I hate it when she makes generalizations.

But I can't deny the fact that I am, angry.

"If there's a reason for it, don't we all have the freedom to feel?"

"Hey stop it, both of you." Trina articulated.

"You have the right to feel what you feel but act accordingly." she told me.

"You, have no right to blame him. I told you it wasn't a good idea in the first place!"

Elle exhaled sharply but didn't respond.

"When you gave birth, we knew there were risks but you could've stayed. She needed her mother, and you left.

"She was a newborn, Trina"

"Exactly, she couldn't kill you. It wouldn't hurt to stay for a little while and have your moment with her."

"She was a newborn, she wouldn't have remembered it anyway. It wouldn't make a difference."

"But now she's not! She has been for more than a decade. She could understand if you would tell her the truth."

I stopped switching glances from the two of them when I realized I'm not part of this conversation. I'm missing something.

Elle left after the surgery was done.

We all thought about the curse.

The daughter kills her mother.

There's no way one could've predicted when. There were many stories of newborn babies killing their birthgiver even right after birth, impossible as it sounds but it's true. It has happened before. They were trying to prevent it.

I can't say I'm not grateful Elle had left, she wouldn't have found me otherwise.

"She needs a mother, Elle." my beloved mother breathed.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I barged in.

Elle looked at me dead in the eyes before blinking and looking down.

"I may have been an absent parent. But I was here. She had got everything she ever needed to live. I made sure of that."

"Basic needs, Elle. You know it. You're aware of what you're lacking."

I couldn't really understand what they're saying until I thought, I never felt that. I have always felt love because Trina had always been here for me. She may have let me off with my ancient werewolf mentor to become the man I am but, she has never made me feel adopted in any way or form. Trina has always been my mother.

"I'm not perfect, Rome." Elle answered.

That's when I understood.

Elle has never been there for Jade.

She has never truly been a mother besides the name.

?

"Did it hurt?"

Jade pinched my finger before even checking to see if it's still bleeding. What if it was? I rolled my eyes at her before pulling my hand away.

The sign Deli Diner looked different from the last time I remembered it. The seasonal decorations and music in this local restaurant makes it feel like a movie. But the establishment, it looked...smaller. I never realized it was single-level small house type. Could've sworn it had stairs before.

"What, there's no restaurants in the woods?" Jade teased.

"Actually, no."

"What do you eat there, Rome?" Belle's innocent voice asked.

Should I tell her? I'd rather not.

Betty broke the silence when she came with the drinks. I offered but she insisted that I was a guest here. It's obvious she worked here before, although I didn't ask, she'll have her own time telling her story.

Another vampire entered the doors to the diner. I caught the scent easily regardless of their clothing. He tried to act normal but I didn't miss the way he eyed a human waitress delivering trays to the tables.

Jade went to follow my gaze but I spoke so she would look at me instead.

"It didn't hurt."

She turned her head to me. I smiled and she made a face.

Taking the glass to drink some water, she kept her eyes on me and I watched her closely until she felt awkward that she stopped drinking, put the glass down and looked away. I laughed silently then and Belle looked at us confused.