The Immortal 5 The Beginning: Rena's Story

Rena's decision

Rena’s Decision

They proceeded to the curb outside the emergency exit of the hospital where the taxies stood waiting for fares. Rena was the first to slide into the cabs interior. Adrian slid in next to her, Rena could feel how cold he was through her clothes and shivered.

“Are you cold?”

She shook her head saying that she wasn’t.

“Then why did you shiver?”

She looked rather pointedly at him.

“Because you’re cold as ice and I’m not wearing a lot here. So of course I am going to shiver.”

He smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He moved closer to the door allowing more space between them. Once all were in the cabs the cabbie asked.

“Where to?”

Adrian gave him the address and within minutes they were on their way. Rena knew since Kali was in the other car she was given a small reprieve from the barrage of ‘are you oks?’. At least the ones that rode with her allowed her some piece.

“Rena?” She looked into Omri’s eyes.

“Yeah?” She could tell he didn’t know quite how to put what he wanted to say.

“I guess you should know, this is not coming out right, that all the paper work was destroyed by the blast.” She didn’t seem fazed by his announcement.

“Don’t worry about it. Keith always keeps backups in case something happens. It’s a safe guard.” she could see that Omri’s been shocked and knew he knew it showed on his face. When it dawned on him what she said she could see it in his eyes.

“So we can get copies from him at any time?” it was more of a question then a statement. She nodded her affirmation. She then chose to look out the window. This was a part of Seattle she had not been to before. For the first time in a long time she felt a real shiver of fear go down her spine.

“Rena don’t worry nothing is going to happen to you. You are completely safe as long as you stay near Xander or me. Vampyres run this neighborhood.” He spoke softly to where she was the only one who could hear what he said also low enough not to spook the cabbie. As soon as he stopped speaking the cab rolled to a stop in front of a fairly recently built house. It was dark and slightly dreary looking. Once the car was completely stopped Rena stepped from it. Looking at the house she saw that there were heavy looking curtains in the windows. The house reminded her of the one in New Orleans. The home was along the same lines as the other one but it was more modern. She guessed that Xander must have had this one built when they located her here in Seattle. She turned as the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Something wasn’t right.

“Rena what’s wrong?” Kali asked as she came to stand by Rena’s side. She felt the others tense, already on the defense should anything happen. Rena made a casual observatory glance around. As she did so she spotted him. She silently took in his height

which was around the same as hers. He was average in build almost feline like in his grace. But there was something very, very familiar about him.

“Rena, what do you see?” Riley asked as he came to her side watching as she stared at the stranger.

“There is that guy over there just off that blue house. He seems to be watching us with such intensity. He also seems very familiar to me.” She seemed to sense rather than see Xander disappear once she was done speaking. The others moved closer into a protective circle around Rena. Before they could completely surround her the man flung himself into her arms. His weight knocked her unbalanced but didn’t knock her over on her bottom.

“What the hell?” Rena was in shock, it couldn’t be she thought. He was supposed to be dead.

“No, it couldn’t be” she whispered. Grey eyes came into contact with her own violet eyes. But it was true he was alive.

“Well, honey you certainly know how to drive a man into your arms.” Breanna snickered which in turn earned her a dirty look from Rena. She could feel the hostility radiating from the guys.

“My god, you’re really alive.” At his nod she allowed herself to return his embrace.

“By the gods above Max, I have missed you so much.” She felt Max stiffen; she drew back and saw weariness in his eyes.

“They won’t hurt you.” she whispered but she knew he didn’t believe her.

“Try telling them that dove.” Max countered. Rena turned and saw the open hostility in their eyes. She was slightly taken aback by it.

“This is Max aka Maxim De Luca. My dear friend since I left New Orleans. We met on my voyage to Europe. Which was not long after I left the tragedy of my parents’ murder behind me. About fifty years I thought I lost him.” This didn’t seem to pacify any of the men in her life. But she didn’t care right now.

“Where have you been all this time?” She asked with her eyebrow raised waiting for his response.

“I’ve been getting clean, dove. My death was to get my dealers and that bastard Anton off my back.” Rena’s face went white her whole body tensing.

“Why did you need to get him off your back?’ Riley asked. Max took his time answering him.

“I was doing so well at getting myself back on track. You would have been so proud of me, dove.” Rena smiled “It had been about three years after I disappeared, somehow he knew who I was, where to find me. The next thing I knew I ended up locked away. That bastard, Anton had me drugged and at his mercy. For forty-five years that s.o.b kept me locked up and drugged completely out of my mind. Good thing I’m the way I am.

Rena’s anger was palpable. It vibrated thru the air, just as it reached the others they noticed a group of vamps heading their way. Something about them made the hair on Rena’s neck stand up, their eyes weren’t normal they were completely red. Not just

any red but blood red. Before either Xander or Adrian could react Rena took all her anger out on the new vamps. She watched as they bent into a crouch that spoke volumes of their intentions and as soon as they lunged Rena braced herself and let all of her anger and frustration out on them. It came out in a visible sonic wave. The vamps and the wave collided with a bang loud enough to make the others cover their ears. As the wave connected with the vamps it sent them flying backwards into a wall. One rose unsteadily to his feet, staring in disbelief at Rena.

“What in the hell are you?” he growled in a heavily accented voice. Rena took note of the raspiness in his voice.

“Someone you don’t want to mess with.” she replied in a distinctly cold voice.

“But cara mia you smell so appetizing.” he returned and she scowled at the endearment he used for her.

“Do not cara mia me, you don’t know me.” he vampire laughed at her response. During their interaction Adrian had moved behind Rena, she knew what he was doing. Intimidation was his game, a game he played very well.

“Oh cara mia, you seem to have a big bad boy coming to your rescue. Oh how romantic. His death will be poetic justice.” Rena’s gazed hardened, as she took a step forward a restraining hand landed on her shoulder.

“He isn’t coming to me to my rescue.”

“Oh he is making sure you do not get hurt?” She felt Adrian stiffen.

“Actually, if you must know, I am holding her back from killing you.” with his deceptively quiet the vamp sobered. All the amusement vanished from his face as it hardened.

“She cannot kill me, she is a mere mortal. Easily disposed of and a very satisfying snack.” he said hauntingly. Somewhere from behind Rena she heard someone snicker.

“I am a fifteen hundred years old immortal, born in the year 519 ad therefore I can not die but you can.” the vampire’s face showed disbelief before it was a stone cold mask again.

“You cannot be.” he said incredulously.

“Oh but I am, so don’t think your glamour will work on me, nor the use of my native language.” the vamp looked surprised.

“Then, pray tell cara mia, why do you travel with mortals?” Rena laughed.

“They are not mortals, five are immortals like me and the other two are vampires. Bet you cannot guess which the vampires are.” she taunted. This caused the vampire to look more closely at the others. Disbelief mirrored in his blood red eyes.

“The possessive one behind you is a vampire, and the one with the long blond hair.” Rena smiled.

“You are right about him but wrong about the blond one. He isn’t a vampire, he is just a friend. The one next to him is a vampire though, I thought all vampires could detect vampires?” that was when the vamps gaze went to Xander and something changed about him.

“You travel with elders.” She nodded; she also noticed that Adrian’s grip got a little firmer.

“How?” That simple question was loaded with meaning and it didn’t go unnoticed by any of them.

“I married one of them.” the look of astonishment was amusing.

“You married one?” she nodded again.

“It’s no wonder you have no fear towards me. Living with elders has made you compliant.” Rena kept her face blank.

“I fear no one.” was all she said.

“Perhaps you should have some fear. Well, cara mia, since you are under the protection of the elders. You are free to roam as you please, but I caution you not all vampires are as nice as we are. They won’t ask questions before they attack you or afterwards.” with that they were gone. Once they were out of sight Rena relaxed and Adrian finally let go of her shoulder. Rena turned as he moved away.

“Adrian.” The way she said his name made him stop and look at her. She pointed to the sky his gaze flickered upwards, before she could say anything further both vampires where gone the only sign that they left was the front door was wide open.

“What is going on?” Kali asked when Rena moved next to her. Rena looked up at the sky as she spoke.

“The sun is rising, sunlight and vampires do not mix very well.”

“Oh I see.” Kali whispered. Slowly they moved into the house, which was dark but became even darker when the door closed behind them.

“Omri?” Kali whispered. Rena waited patiently, neither Xander nor Adrian spoke. She wasn’t very happy to be left in the dark.

“Adrian, I suggest you stop playing games.” she said determinedly.

Still nothing came from either one. Which was making Rena extremely angry.

“Damn it, this is no longer funny!” out of nowhere arms wrapped around her, startling her for just a moment just until he spoke.

“Quiet little one, calm yourself.” she sagged in relief allowing her body to lean in to his. She knew the instant he felt her relax. He tightened his grip for a moment.

“I am sorry that I caused you distress, but I needed you in my arms for just a moment.” Xander confessed in a whisper and then just abruptly he let go of her. She felt the loss immediately but only to be blinded when the lights came on. She shook her head to clear her vision and her head.

She moved from the entry way to the living room it was spacious, the others were already in the living room having felt their way along the entry way.

“Well took you long enough to get in here.” Xander said from his corner acting as if nothing had happened just moments ago. She hated his acting ability.

“I have to be difficult now and then.” that got a reaction from him. Something flashed in his eyes, what she couldn’t tell because it was gone as quickly as it came.

The exchange between them caught both Breanna’s and Kali’s curiosity. But both were wise to keep quiet. All though Adrian didn’t catch on.

“Reminds me how I owe you for New Orleans.” this earned looks from the girls.

“What happened in New Orleans?” Kali asked, you could hear the curiosity in her voice.

“Rena kicked my ass.” Rena smiled smugly at his description. Riley thought it was hilarious because he couldn’t seem to stop laughing.

“Well its true, Omri saw half of the ass whopping I got.” All heads turned towards Omri for confirmation. He nodded to tell them Adrian was telling the truth.

“That’s rich.” Riley laughed. Earning him a pointed look from Rena.

“I am tired. Where am I going to sleep?” Adrian moved towards the door as if to show her the way but was stopped by Xander.

“Adrian, you need to feed. I will show them where they will sleep.” Adrian looked like he was going to argue but thought better of it. Xander was right he did need to feed or he would not be helpful to anyone.

“Follow me.” was all Xander said. They followed him out in the hallway and towards the stairs. Xander stopped to make sure everyone was following him. He seem to float up the stairs. All were quiet as they headed up the stairs. Xander stopped at the door just off the stairs.

“This room is for Omri and Riley. There are two full size beds in this room, we had to downsize when we moved in here.” Riley and Omri went in, bidding goodnight as they went. Xander moved to the door on the other side of the hallway opening the door he beckoned to Breanna and Kali “This will be your room; it has the same beds as the other room. I hope you ladies have a restful night.” Kali spoke as soon as Xander began to move away.

“Where is Rena going to sleep?” Xander turned towards Kali and when he spoke her fears were alleviated somewhat.

“Rena will be in that room,” he pointed to the room next to the room both Riley and Omri occupied, “My room is next to it and across from it is Adrian’s room. She is quite safe I assure you.” Once that was said Kali bid Rena a good night and followed Breanna in the room closing the door behind her.

“This is your room little one.” Xander opened the door for her and followed her in. Rena was so tired she barely noticed the décor. Which was much like her room in the house they once shared together. She moved to the bed and sat down. Xander had moved to the foot of the bed watching her as she sagged in exhaustion.

“Rena, what’s wrong?” he asked, concern coloring his voice. Belying how much he really cared for her.

“I am just getting sick of this.” Xander knew better then to push her in to talking.

“There are things I wish I hadn’t been cursed with. Immortality is the main thing. My father was right; this is a curse that I shouldn’t have to bear. If only I had dies that night with my family. None of this would be happening and no one would be in danger. I would finally have the peace I crave.” Xander was stunned; she had never opened up to him like this before.

“Do not give me that crap Rena. This curse you speak of is not a curse at all. But a blessing. Do you think I go around saying that I wish my life had ended the night I was changed into this monster that I am. The living dead, feeding off humans to sustain the hunger I feel daily. If I had ended my life when I became what I am I would not have met you. Besides there are four other people depending on you in this very house. So stop

with the self-pity.” With that he left the room. Rena lay on the bed and tried to sleep. When she tried to sleep it was restless. She awoke just before sunset; she laid there for a minute trying to clear the webs of sleep from her head. She tossed back the comforter and climbed out of bed. She listened no one else was awake yet. She pulled on her shoes and exited her bedroom quietly as possible. Stopping in front of Riley and Omri’s room, listening she heard only the sounds of them both snoring. She moved to the stairs and moved quickly down them. She stopped at the bottom only to listen to see if anyone had stirred. Thankfully no one had. She knew that either Xander or Adrian could be awake and just waiting for the sound of movement to come out of their rooms. Though she still didn’t hear anything, making her way to the front door she paused the lock would make some kind of noise. Which would alert the sleeping vampires that someone was leaving. But thankfully it was only the bottom lock that was locked and not the deadbolt. Once outside she breathed a sigh of relief. Now she only had to put her plan into action.

She knew that her leaving would cause them to be angry with her but this was the only way she could think of to keep them safe. A few blocks down the road she stopped at a pay phone. She made the easiest phone call first to Keith asking him to meet her. She then dialed Xander’s number, it rang only once before she heard Xander say hello.

“I know your angry,” that was all she got out before he interrupted her.

“Angry? Now what would give you that impression? The fact that you are not here and left at some point while we were all sleeping?” she could feel the anger on his voice.

“I needed some fresh air. I figured you would be awake by now and thought I would call to let you know that I am okay.” That didn’t seem to make him any less angry with her.

“Where are you? We are coming to get you.” She couldn’t let them stop her.

“No” was her only response. Which seemed to anger him even more.

“Did you just tell me no? We are coming to get you and whatever you have planned in the pretty little head of yours, you can forget it.” he bellowed into the phone. Considering in all the years she has known him, Xander had never once raised his voice in her presence. She had to hold the phone away from her ear. She could tell that someone was trying to calm him down because he wasn’t yelling at her anymore. Suddenly Breanna’s voice.

“Rena?”

This can’t be good, she thought.

“Yeah Bre?” She could tell that Breanna was having a problem saying what she needed to say.

“Don’t do this.” She could hear the desperation in her voice and sighed.

“I have to.” was all Rena said.

“Why?” Bre’s voice shook when she spoke. It was time to be honest.

“Because I can’t lose any one of you. I’m done standing on the side lines watching this bastard try and destroy everything and person I care about.” Breanna’s voice was quiet when she spoke next.

“Rena, I had a vision and the outcome was not in your favor. I made the mistake

of telling the family. They, as you can tell, are not happy. Please let us come get you. Don’t do this alone.” she almost gave in.

“No Bre, I have to do this. No one is going to interfere with this.” She knew that Bre was going to speak again.

“Goodbye Bre, I love you.” and with that she hung up the phone. She leaned her head against the booth for a second to get a hold of herself. Opening the door she stepped out into the cool night air. She straightened her shoulders and strengthened her resolve. She had a job to do and nothing was going to stop her. The moon was making its way up the sky as she made her way towards her destiny. She found a bench at the park where Keith was supposed to meet her.

“You know it’s not safe to sit by yourself?” a velvety voice came from her left. She turned her head to see who spoke, when she made eye contact with the man who spoke. She kept her expression blank when she replied.

“Who said I was by myself?” Just then Keith made his appearance from behind her.

“Shove off buddy.” was all Keith said. The deadly violence in his voice made the man take a few steps back. He looked from Rena to Keith. Then without a comment he walked off. Keith sat down next to her and placed his elbows on his knees.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you didn’t tell the others that you had a death mission? Because I had to cover my ass when I got a phone call from Adrian saying you took off without a word. He was very angry. They all were.” Rena sighed.

“I didn’t tell them because I have to keep them safe.” he nodded in understanding.

“This is everything you asked for.” he said as he handed her the package he carried as well as a backpack. She pulled out the file with Anton’s name on it and opened it. She scanned through the file for an address.

“This is where he is right now?” she asked without looking up.

“He’s been there for a while now.” Keith stated. He watched as she closed the file and stuffed it into the backpack.

“Be careful Rena.” she looked up at Keith and saw the concern in his eyes.

“I will. Hey Keith, if anything should happen and I don’t make it. Would you make sure my family gets everything I own?” he nodded. He only agreed because he knew there was a possibility that she wouldn’t make it out of this alive. She smiled at him, touched his arm and got up from the bench. As she walked away she called over her shoulder to him.

“Thanks Keith for everything and goodbye.” Keith watched as her figure slowly disappeared from his sight. It was only then did he pull out his cell phone and dial Xander’s number.

“I gave her what she wanted and she left.” he waited for a response.

“No she didn’t say where she was going. All she told me was that if anything happened to her, like if she didn’t make it back alive, I was to make sure her family got everything she owned.” he heard through the phone as the message was relayed what he had said wasn’t what people wanted to hear. “I have a feeling she might be going somewhere to get ready to fight Anton.” He listened for a few minutes more than

disconnected the call. He hoped Rena succeeded; otherwise Anton’s future looked very grim.