Alliance With Shadows

Episode 13

This felt like déjà vu for Mercy. She was fighting snake changelings and they were causing three times the damage the changeling she fought that put her out for days. She had her hands full; the once four on three battle went to eight on three. She was fighting three, Luc had three and Teague had the remaining two; the boys were trying their best to kill the ones they had to get to her. This was certainly a lot of darklings in one place to be fighting to get to her; she didn’t think she was that popular. The sweat and blood were blurring her vision making it even harder for her to fight, she could only hope the boys would finish fighting their darklings and come help her. It was taking most of her energy just to keep her weapons and armor from disappearing. Blood was making everything difficult; she didn’t know how much longer she could even hold a blade. She had to at least last long enough for one of the boys, “You boys okay?” Mercy tried to make her voice strong when she asked, but she could hardly breathe. Fighting one darkling was hard enough now she had three on her ass.

            “Doing fine, watch your ass Mercy you’re not looking too good.” Luc was getting to the point his demon wanted to come out. Mercy was on her last stretch of energy, these darklings sure had this planned out. A little too well thought out plan for his liking. He was done with this; Mercy was losing too much blood at this point. “Teague let’s get this done now!”

            “Yes, Lieutenant. I’ve been waiting on the order.” Teague disappeared, this was his secret attack. It took a lot of energy to do so he didn’t do it unless it was important. He watched as the two darklings froze in fear, they had no clue where he went. The look of fear was the most pleasing look on his enemies. He reappeared behind one of the darklings, “Honey I’m home.” Before the darkling could turn around he quickly latched on around the darklings' delicate neck and severed it by the blunt force of his jaws. He had to admit that the feel of the bones crunching like a potato chip in his mouth felt pleasurable, though he wasn’t a hell hound that loved the taste of the metallic blood in his mouth the taste of darkling blood was better than a rare steak. He smiled at the other darkling coming his way and disappeared again. Teague looked over quickly to see that Luc had also had done his disappearing act and killed two of his darklings to his one. Man, he was getting rusty; he reappeared behind his last darkling and severed his head quickly so he could get to Mercy to help. “On my way to help Mercy!”

            “I’ll be over in a few seconds. I’d like to enjoy this last kill.” Luc smiled over at Teague.

            “Don’t forget we have Mercy’s darklings to kill.”

            “Trust me I haven’t forgotten.”

            Teague nodded and raced over to Mercy to find that she still had three darkling’s but there was one was on the ground. He realized that another darkling in the area decided to join the fight. She had finally killed a darkling but gained no leeway in the fight. He realized that the one she had killed sprayed venom on her wings. He raced up behind one of the darklings and bit his neck just enough to dislocate it, he pinned the darkling down, “Why are you here?”

            The darkling smiled, “You will find out soon.”

            “That wasn’t the answer I wanted, try again.”

            “As if I would tell you, it would ruin the plan.”

            “You have one last chance before I kill your pathetic ass. Why are you here?”

            “And as I said before I am not telling you; you disgusting, no good, piece of…”

            Teague had enough; he tore the darklings head off. Next. “So you want to talk?” He had the next darkling pinned to the ground.

            “Sure I’ll talk; I’m a bit curious as to why you are leaving her with two darklings while you boys are having your fun. It doesn’t look like she will last much longer.”

            What the hell two? She should be down to just one. Teague looked behind him and saw that she had hacked off the new darkling’s head. “She can handle herself just fine.” Now she was only down to one.

            “Yes yes, of course, she can. So what is our little prince doing over there then, he seems to be having some troubles.”

            “No, he’s just having fun questioning your other friend over there. Now, why are you guys here?”

            “For your darling little Death Angel over there.”

            “Yeah we figured that one out on our own dipstick, why do you want her?”

            “You only asked why we were here not what we wanted with her. You should be more specific in your questions dog.”

            “Well, I’m asking now.”

            “Yes the big question, what do we want with her. You see Lord Halcyon has figured that she is a bit of a nascence and all considering she is killing all of his darklings.”

            “I find it hard to believe that he would send ten snake changelings just to play around with her, he wants more souls. He doesn’t care about you petty creatures.”

            “We only had eight for the mission, the other two darklings just came to join the fun. And Teague you shouldn’t speak so little of yourself,” the darkling smiled, “we are just pawns yes but that doesn’t mean we are not willing to die to make out Lord happy.”

            “So what is this little suicide mission for anyways?”

            “I see that the little prince didn’t get anything out of my brother, but that doesn’t mean he will get to his precious Mercy in time.”

            “What the f**k is that supposed to mean?”

            “Why don’t you kill me and find out.”

            “My pleasure,” Teague ripped the darklings head off with his paw. He looked up to find Luc looking over the darkling that he killed; he scanned over to see Mercy laying on the ground and the darkling running away. “Luc, Mercy’s down!” He began running towards Mercy. This was not good. He could hear Luc screaming ‘f**k’ as he ran over. “Aren’t you going after the darkling?”

            “I would but he already disappeared.” Luc knelt next to Mercy. He placed a hand over her nose and mouth, good she was still breathing. He continued to look over her and found that there was this bluish-black liquid seeping into her wings and cuts across her body. He ripped off his shirt and tried to dab the nasty looking stuff away but failed, it seemed that it had stained her.  “Do you know what this s**t is Teague?”

            “I have no clue, the darkling wouldn’t say anything.”

            “f**k, guess we need to take her…” Luc was interrupted by Mercy’s glass-shattering scream. “Mercy! What’s wrong?!”         

            “It f*****g burns get it the f**k out of me! Get it out, get it out! I can feel s**t crawling inside of me!” Mercy was panicking, whatever the hell that darkling threw at her made her feel like she was on fire. She felt as if her skin was burning off and bugs were crawling under her skin.

            Luc had no clue what to do, he gathered her into his arms and held her as tight as he could without breaking her, “I’m sorry I can’t get it out. I tried wiping it off but it’s stained into your wings and skin. I’m so sorry I should have been next to you instead of beating useless answers out of that darkling.”

            Mercy took a deep breath, the pain was making her grind her teeth but since she was against his skin the crawling in her skin went away, “It’s not your fault, you two were trying to get answers. Plus we weren’t expecting this many darklings in one place. Did you guys get anything useful?” She looked up at Luc and saw the anger and pain in his eyes. This wasn’t his fault it was her own, she should have paid more attention. Although it probably wouldn’t make him feel better considering they were mates life bound or not, which meant he felt responsible when he couldn’t protect her. She couldn’t judge him too hard she would probably do the same.

            “Well all I found out was that Lord Halcyon had a plan for you, so I’m assuming whatever is running through your system now would be the plan.”

            Mercy laughed then winced at the pain, “Yay nothing like being on the Dark Lord’s hit list.”

            “Well is suppose I need to get you to your parent’s house correct? I remember you saying that you needed to check in with them after a fight.” Luc gathered her up so she could wrap her arms around his neck.

            “Thanks for the lift,” Mercy winked at him earning her a slight smile.

            Luc couldn’t help but give her a grin, she was trying to tell him that it wasn’t his fault and lift his mood, “Your parents correct?”

            “No, let’s go home. I’ll call my parents to come over and also call Xander to give me his famous lecture on how I’m supposed to be careful.”

            “I’m sure he will make an exception considering the number of darlings you had to fight.” Teague piped in, this was an overwhelming amount of darklings for anyone to fight “If he gives you s**t I’ll bite him.”

            Mercy laughed, “Thanks for the backup Teague.”

            “Anytime Mercy.” Teague tapped his nose against her tangling foot. This woman was their first friend; he certainly wasn’t going to leave her side after this incident. The Dark Lord had a plan for her and he wanted to know what it was.

            “Homeward bound it is then. Oh and Teague I would advise you to change back into a normal dog form. You might scare the people around here.”

            Mercy laughed, “Two people walking down the street with a huge dog in armor. I think that would cause more attention than I want. It’s an amusing thought though. Holy s**t it’s a dog on steroids.” Mercy couldn’t stop giggling.

            “I’m not that scary. Mercy seriously stop laughing.” Teague acted like he was pouting but was smiling in his own way. He was glad that she was laughing instead of screaming in pain. He walked beside them as the street lights lit the pathway home.

***

            The darkling finally got to Bane after losing the Prince by disappearing. He was slightly out of breath from running so fast but this was an important mission and he needed to inform Bane as soon as possible that it was a success. “Bane.”

            “How wonderful your life was spared.”

            “Yes I was able to disappear; the Prince was more worried about the Death Angel than catching me.”

            “I see. So if he was worried about her I’m assuming that you were able to infect her then?”

            “Yes, sir. I sprayed it all over her along with my venom when she fell.”

            “She fell?”

            “Yes, sir. It was too much energy for her to fight so many changelings at once even with the Prince and his dogs' help. She fell after all her energy was gone, her armor and weapons disappeared. I was then able to cover her whole body because of this.”

            “Very good I am very happy to hear that the mission was a success. You may be dismissed to go back to the Dark Realm to heal.”

            “Yes, sir thank you.”

            “Oh also the Dark Lord has rewarded you with you with life for your obedience.”

            “Thank you.”

            Bane watched as the darkling entered the portal to the Dark Realm. He supposed it was time for him to go see the Dark Lord and tell him the great news.

***

            There was a knock at his door, “Enter.”

            Bane entered the throne room and knelt in front of Lord Halcyon, “My Lord I am here to report about the mission.”

            Halcyon smiled he had already heard the outcome of the mission, news spreads fast in this realm. “Yes, what was the outcome of my plan?”

            “I am here to report that the mission was a complete success. The eight snake changelings I sent were a great amount to distract your son and his dog while the Dark Angel had to fight three changelings by herself. She was not able to keep her energy up and collapsed in exhaustion.”

            “Why did my son or his dog go to her rescue?”

            “They were distracted by trying to get information out of the changelings they fought instead of keeping an eye on her. One of the changelings was able to spray her with the poison in the vile and she was then infected.”

            “Very good my disciple. What do you wish you reward to be?”

            “My reward has already been fulfilled, my Lord.”

            Halcyon was curious, “What reward is this?”

            “My reward is life, my Lord. I was successful in completing the mission sire and for that, I get to live. That is rewarding enough for me my Lord.”

            Halcyon laughed, this was amazing. His followers no longer needed rewards; their life was a reward to them. “Very well Bane, but I wish to reward you in some way for your loyalty and allegiance to me. How does a pure soul to devour and a night in one of my w***e rooms?”

            “Oh, I couldn’t sire! A pure soul is a very huge honor to devour and a night in a w***e room is for your Valkyrie soldiers.” Bane was surprised by this offer. It was a rare offer, he didn’t feel worthy of this offer.

            “Bane you have been a very loyal and brave soldier today. You have earned this rare opportunity. It would offend me if you didn’t take this reward.” Halcyon didn’t care if the man took this offer or not but he needed to reward the loyal servants he had to make sure they stay servants.

            “I would never want to offend you, my Lord. I will take this reward humbly and graciously.”

            “Thank you for your loyalty, Bane. You may go to one of the rooms and I will have a mistress bring you the soul I have offered you.”

            “Thank you so much, my Lord.”

            Halcyon watched as Bane bowed low to the ground and left the throne room in high spirits, “My people are so easy to please.” He laughed; he was beyond joyful that his plan had worked so flawlessly. It was now time to sit back and watch as the Human Realm fell and the chaos he so desperately wanted rise and drown everything in its path.

***

            The moment she got back to the house she called her mom and dad then immediately called Xander to come over. She told them that they couldn’t use a portal into her house because she didn’t have enough energy to undo her locking spell for them to use a portal. This unfortunately made them extremely worried about her now; she didn’t have the energy to even worry about it. She only hoped Xander would get here first so she wouldn’t have to explain Luc.

            “Would you like me to leave Mercy? I don’t want to cause any problems with your parents.” Luc sat on the couch with Mercy strung out along the couch with her head on his lap.

            “No, you’re fine. If they come first I’ll just have to deal with it then, I just hope Xander comes first then I don’t have to talk at all.” Mercy looked up to find light blue eyes staring at her with worry. She smiled and touched his cheek with her fingers, “It will be fine stop looking so worried.”          

            Luc grasped her hand softly and kissed it, “If you say so.”

            “Do you want me to go upstairs? I’m sure a talking dog will freak everyone out.” Teague sat on the ground by her feet. He didn’t want to go upstairs, but he had to admit a darkling staying with a whiteling was hard enough to grasp. Her parents didn’t need the extra stress of a talking hell hound.

            Mercy looked towards her feet just enough that she didn’t have to lift her head, “Teague you are just fine. You and Luc are a package deal; they will just have to deal with it. Oh, by the way, I don’t think I’ll be getting you that dog food tonight.  

            Teague barked out a laugh, “It’s fine, just means I get to still eat some of your yummy cooking.”

Mercy laughed then winced, “I think you just like the human food, not my cooking but thanks anyway.”

Teague tapped her foot with his nose, “No I like you’re cooking, and the fact that it is human food is just a bonus.” Teague put his head on the edge of the couch. As much as he didn’t want to admit it he was becoming just as attached to her as Luc was. There was a knock at the door and he jerked up in alert.

            “It’s fine Teague. Did you lock the door, Luc?”

            “I didn’t have enough hands to lock the door, plus I figured that was the way everyone was going to come in.”

            “Alright guess I’ll figure out who came first.” She prayed it was her brother, “Come on in!”

            “Guess you’ll just let anyone into your house sis.” Xander laughed as he entered the house.

            Mercy smiled, “I’m glad you were here first.”

            Xander laughed, “Didn’t want to have to explain Luc to mom and dad?” Xander came over and sat on the coffee table in front of the couch. “How are you doing Luc?”

            “I’m doing okay I suppose.” Luc looked up at Xander offered his free hand.

            Xander took and shook it, “I can tell that you’re not emotionally but physically you didn’t take to many blows.”

            Luc nodded, “They weren’t after me so they didn’t try to kill or hurt me. Emotionally I suppose you already know the details on that.”

            Xander sighed, “Yeah I knew you guys were mates the day I meet you.”

            Mercy sat up, wincing a bit as she did, “And you didn’t tell me this why?”

            Xander opened his medical bag, “It’s not something I can tell you, you have to figure it out on your own. Plus would you have even believed me if I told you?” Xander looked up her and laughed, her reply was a grunt as she rolled her eyes. “That’s what I thought. I see that you’re not in your bloody clothes and all nasty.”

            “I decided to help out a bit and take a shower, and before you ask yes I washed off with your antibacterial soap. I figured it would be easier to clean my cuts and wings if I wasn’t all bloody and gross, plus it would be easier on mom.”

            “Well, thanks for making my job easier. So does someone want to fill me in while we wait for mom and dad to get here with the extra anti-venom ointment?” Xander decided to pull up a stool from her kitchen since they had to wait for everyone to get here.

            Teague spoke up, “There were eight snake changelings there to ambush us. Well not really ambush us but to ambush Mercy, we just happened to go hunting with her.” He quickly snapped his mouth shut. s**t, he had answered the question out of habit not even thinking about the fact that her brother had never met him before. This was the reason he had asked if he needed to go upstairs and now he blew it.

            Xander nodded at the dog, “Eight? Really? Wow seems the Dark Lord is upping his game when it comes to you Mercy.”

            Mercy looked at him confused, Teague had just talked and it didn’t surprise him.

            “What?”

            “You aren’t surprised by a talking dog?”

            “He’s a hell hound, right? No, I’m not surprised it’s not my first time talking to a dog you know.” He laughed, “You would be surprised by the number of things I have seen. And don’t expect it to surprise mom or dad they have seen this before too.”

            Teague huffed out a sigh, good he didn’t just ruin everything, “The name is Teague by the way.”

            “Well nice to meet you, Teague, go ahead and continue.”

            “Thank you. There were originally eight darklings there, two others showed up during the fight and started attacking Mercy also. The darklings seemed to try to distract Luc and me enough that they could get Mercy alone and weak. Unfortunately, Luc and I were busy questioning the darklings when Mercy went down, we didn’t notice until it was too late.”

            “Too late? What do you mean by that?”

            Teague looked over at Mercy and lowered his head; he was so ashamed that he couldn’t get to her in time. He felt a soft hand on his head; he looked up to find Mercy smiling at him.

            “It’s alright Teague. I don’t blame you or Luc for what happened you were doing what anyone else would do alright.”

            Luc spoke up, “But we aren’t just anyone else, we are your partners. I am your mate. I am supposed to protect you.”

            Mercy laughed, “Who knew men would be such a handful. I went from an overprotective brother to having an overprotective mate and dog.” She held his hand and continued to pet Teague. “I fell unconscious because I was out of energy; I was fighting three changelings at the same time, then two others showed up while I was fighting the others. I just wasn’t able to make any leeway in the fight, when I would take one down another would show up to take his place. It didn’t help that the loss of blood and snake venom was tapping me out. It wasn’t until Teague came to help me that I was able to kill the ones that I had remaining. It seems that the last darkling infected me with something after I fell unconscious for the lack of energy. I don’t know what it is but I figured you could take some blood samples to figure it out.”

            Xander ran a rough hand through his hair, “Yeah I can see what I can do. But I’ll have to inform the Priestess that you can’t fight for a week or so due to your condition. I won’t tell her everything so don’t worry about losing your job or rank. She will understand your absence if I tell her you were attacked by that many changelings.” There was a knock at the door, “Seems mom and dad are here. Come on in.”

            Mercy held her breath.

            Elijah and Lilly entered the house and found their daughter sitting next to a darkling. Elijah looked at Lilly and nodded, he turned and smiled at his two children, “I have brought the ointments.” He walked up next to Luc and smiled holding out a hand, “It is nice to meet you Lucern. I am glad you are here to protect my daughter.”

            Luc took the hand cautiously and nodded, “It’s a pleasure, sir.”

            “Just call me Elijah.” Elijah nodded and then made his way next to his wife on the loveseat.

            Mercy sat there a bit confused and at the same time relieved. She had expected her house to turn into a shouting match. She looked at Xander who was smiling.

            Xander winked at her, “Guess the examination can begin.”