Demon Hunter
Chapter 1
         I sigh heavily as I walk up the steps of Blackwood Academy. I did not plan on attending when I came home but things never seem to go as planned. No surprise really. I shake my head sharply as I step inside. Starting down the hallway I close my eyes briefly praying for tolerance as the hall falls practically silent. Ever eye is on me as I head towards my first class.
         My combat boots thud against the floor loudly with every step, my black sleeveless trench coat, which I am wearing over a dark gray tank top and black jeans, swishes as I walk. The line of silver bracelets along my arms jingle as I move as well. Each one has a separate design on it and stands for something. There are fifty in total, twenty-five on each arm. That with the tattoos on my upper arms, rings on my fingers, and the dragon earrings that curl around the outer edges of my ears must not be a sight they are used to.
         I hitch my bag higher on my shoulder repressing the urge to snap at the fools starring. Its rather annoying. People shrink away from me, falling out of my path as go by. At least it seems they are intelligent enough to read the signs that scream stay away. I step into my English class and head to the back of the classroom. I drop down into a desk draw out my notebook and a pen before dropping my bag beside my chair.
         I then prop my feet up on my desk, flip my notebook open and begin scratching out sketches. As everyone files into the room I get more stares. They all take seats towards the front leaving a no mans land of two desks all the way around me. Good. I don't like people. I note with amusement though that several are seated on the floor.
         A few seconds after everyone settles a young kid bursts into the room. He purposeful breaches the ring of empty seats around me and slides into the desk right beside me. He pulls out his books before turning to face me.
         “Hi! You must be new. I haven't seen you before. I am Sorin. What's your name?” He asks cheerfully. I cut my eyes sideways to stare at him. I know for a fact that my eyes are not kind, hell most people say my eyes are cold. Its something I used to my advantage in the past but even so when I stare people in the eye its been enough to make stone cold killers piss their pants, yet here this kid sits oblivious to it as he waits me answer.
         He is young, younger than my twenty-one years. He has a open face framed by sandy brown hair and highlighted by bright kind green eyes and a charming smile. He continues to wait patiently for my answer. I return my attention to my sketching and find that I have draw a Asphodel flower. I stare at it a moment with bitter amusement. Fitting. The Asphodel flowers meaning is my regrets follow you to the grave.
         “Annannatarel.” I answer flatly just as the professor walks in. I can see the kid beam at me from the corner of my eye.
         “It's a pleasure to meet you! I don't think I can pronounce your name properly so can I call you Anna?” He asks. I can't help but twitch. My hand clenches my pen so hard that it snaps. I force my hand to loosen and toss the remnants of my pen in the trash. This kid is so oblivious to the antisocial leave me alone attitude I am broadcasting. I don't answer him instead I take out another pen and start another sketch.
         Thankfully the professor begins class, diverting his attention from me. I take notes and listen to the discussions but I don't participate. I keep silent in the back. After the professors first attempt to draw me in he wisely gave up. As class is dismissed I pack up my bag and head for the door. I am out first and I head towards my next class. Philosophy.
         Once again entering the class room I head to the back and take a seat. Propping my feet up again I draw out my notebook and flip it open to my drawings. The second sketch I did in English turned out to be a Bellflower, meaning loss. I begin a new sketch absently scratching out lines on the paper.
         “Hi Anna!” I close my eyes for a long moment before glancing sideways. Sure enough once again the kid, Sorin I think his name was, has breached the empty seats around me and is sitting beside me. Seriously? I ignore him and turn back to my drawing. As it progresses it takes on a likeness of ivy. Ivy means endurance. I tap my pen against my ear as I stare at the three sketches on the page.  Asphodel, Bellflower, and ivy. Regrets that follow you to the grave, loss, and endurance. I pinch the bridge of my nose. Today is one of those days I can only draw things that reflect me.
         I shut my notebook and lean my head back against the wall and close my eyes. Zoning out the class I slip into a almost sleep.
         I m jarred from it by Sorin shaking my shoulder.
         “Hey class is over.” He says seeing my eyes open. I stare at him with a expressionless face. “I noticed you fell asleep so I took a set of notes for you. Here you go! Bye Anna!” He says placing the papers on my desk and rushing out the door. I stare after him a long moment before looking at the neatly written notes in front of me.
         I blink slowly before placing them and my notebook in my bag and standing. That kid is strange, not many normal people like being around me yet he acts as if I am like everyone else. I shake my head and exit the room. Its lunch right now. I am not hungry so intend to find somewhere quiet to spend the time.
         As I pass a hallway I catch the sounds of muted voices followed by the sound of fists striking flesh and a grunt. The grunt is followed by a crash. I pivot on my heel and turn down the hallway. Rounding the corner I see the kid is surrounded by six men dressed in blacks and grays and leather jackets. I frown as I recognize them. Looks like Jazz decided to move back after all and brought his crew as well.
         Sorin is on the ground what must have been his lunch tray scattered across the floor. As I watch he rises to his feet and wipes a line of blood from the corner of his mouth.
         “Look I am not aware if what I have done to you. I apologize for it, but please refrain from violence.” He says calmly. I arch an eyebrow he is being foolish if he thinks that will work. As one of the guys laughs cruelly and reaches out to grab him I watch mildly surprised as he dodges it grabs his arm and shoves him several feet away from him so that he face plants the floor.
         Foolish yes, but capable of self-defense. What do you know? I walk forward until I stand at the kids shoulder. The men who had started to close in stop and fall back a step as I sweep my cold hard silver eyes over them in a glare.
         “Annannatarel.” One states with a grimace. I incline my head slightly in acknowledgment. “Boss said you would be around.” I smirk slightly my eyes flashing. He swallows hard. I jerk my head motioning them to move on, which they do.
         “Thanks Anna!” Sorin exclaims. I give him a long look. He doesn't seem at all troubled that he was just targeted by six cold blooded thugs. Foolish. I turn on my heel and walk away. I spend what little time is left of my lunch hour wandering the halls. My next class, western civilization passes quickly and I am glad to find that Sorin is not in this class so I get to be alone finally.
         Once its over I head towards my last, and only class I am remotely looking forward to-Archery. Entering the building I drop my bag and wander over to the wall of bows. The class is a elective. There is a instructor but I already spoke with him before hand. He says I can work on my own after giving him a demonstration. I select a longbow. Testing its string I decide it will do. It is no where near on par with my personal longbow but it will do.
         I take a quiver full of arrows and pad to the advanced shooting range. I take a position and focus allowing myself to slip into my thoughts. Archery is my element. I can do it second nature and I use it as a form of meditation. Breathing deeply and evenly I begin firing. I empty the quiver all twenty-four hitting there targets. All but five hitting center.
         “Wow Anna that was amazing!” I glance over my shoulder and see Sorin standing there staring at me with his jaw hanging open. I raise a eyebrow and he looks at the ground. “Sorry its just I've always wanted to learn archery but the teacher never explains so I understand.” I go and retrieve my arrows. Placing them back in my quiver I glance at him again and sigh.
         “Explanation has nothing to do with it. Its all up to you. Its a feeling between you and the bow. The bow isn't a tool its a extension of yourself. Feel it. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Feel the air around you.” I answer quietly before going back to my own practicing.
         He stands there a moment before he takes a stance and I see him watching me. After a few more shots he raising his bow and begins trying the great majority of his arrows go wide but slowly as he shifts his stance and how he holds the bow the arrows get closer to their targets until they are just thudding into the outer ring.
         As class ends I gather my arrows and return my equipment to the proper places before grabbing my bag and heading out. I walk down the road away from the Academy towards where I left my motorcycle. No more than ten yards down the road I hear a voice shouting after me.
         “Anna! Anna!” I almost groan as the kid rushes up to fall into step beside me. He is a little breathless from his run but he grins at me when I glance his way. “I just wanted to thank you for the tip in archery. It really helped.” He says. I nod once. He walks beside me as we near my bike.
         “So where did you come here from? Where are you staying?” He asks curiously.
         “Everywhere and somewhere.” I answer. He looks at me confused. Reaching my bike I drop my bag into the storage bin beneath my seat. He stares at the bike.
         “Wait this is yours?” He asks. I nod again.
         “Anna-” He stops talking as the air is filled by several hisses. I tense as I recognize the sound. Turning around I watch as three lesser demons stalk from the trees lining the road. Sorin takes a step placing himself in front of me. “Anna get out of here.” He says urgently. I stare at the back of his head for the longest time.
         He is really trying to protect me. Foolish, yet admirable. I take a step back and grab my bow from my bike. I step forward even with Sorin and raise it pulling the string back.
         “Uh Anna you don't have a arrow-” Sorin starts but stops.
         “Circlet of the Owl. Ancient secrets of the forest oracle.” I murmur. One of the bracelets on my right arm begins to glow and warm brown color. As it does a arrow appears notched on my string. I draw the string back and release. As I draw it back again another arrow appears. I fire it and another in rapid succession. Each arrow sinks deep into the demons and vines sprout from the shafts to encompass them.
         The lesser demons burst into a cloud of ash in moments. I lower my bow and allow the connection between me and the circlet of owl to fade. Sorin is staring at me.
         “How did you do that?” He asks a lot calmer than I expected. Before I answer I feel the presence of another demon though this is no lesser demon. Its a greater demon. My heart pounds against my ribs and I swivel to face the man dressed in black approaching me. I can sense his power and I fight the urge to shudder. I raise my bow slightly but Sorin rushes forward to stand between us.
         “Stop!” He shouts spreading his arms wide and glancing between the two of us. I do as he says though I keep a wary eye on the demon. “Anna this is Ash. Ash this is Anna. Anna just moved here and she helped me out with some thugs, my archery, and these lesser demons. Ash is a friend of mine.” He explains looking back and forth between the two of us.
         My lips twist into a frown and I spin around and head to my bike. Placing my bow back in its personalized spot I swing onto the bike.
         “Anna?”
         “Watch your back kid. Those lessers were scouts. More will come.” I tell him before starting my bike which rumbles to life with a purr. I rev the engine before peeling out. I need to get away from that greater demon. I speed down the roads not giving any thought to the speed limit. I feel my annoyance rising the farther I get from them.
         Turning onto the gravel driveway I frown as I pass through the wrought iron gates. My barriers have been tripped. Once I have covered the mile long driveway that is wooded on both sides I pull up it front of a large house. It was actually a boarding house of sorts in the past though now its rarely used. Killing the engine I step of my bike and grab my bow and bag.
         Walking towards the front steps I pause with one booted foot resting on the first step. Tilting my head sideways I release a heavy sigh. I seem to being doing that a lot today.
         “You better have a good reason for coming here Jazz. I am really not in the mood.” I call out. I hear a chuckle and then Jazz drops down from the roof where he had been hiding.
         “Nothing ever gets by you Demoness does it?” He comments walking towards me. I glare at him sharply as he calls me that.
         “Rarely.” I respond. “What do you want?”
         “Always straight to the point and what's with that look Annie? What happened to us being good friends?” He asks with a pout. I glare at him levelly.
         “You fucked and became the bitch to the demon that destroyed my family.” I answer flatly. He raises a had to his chest in mock heartbreak.
         “So harsh Annie-”
         “Call me that again and I will feed you to Itzal.” I say cutting him off. He smirks.
         “As you wish Demoness.” I press my lips into a firm line but don't comment.
         “Jazz I really am not in the mood. Either tell me why you are here or go the hell away.”
         “Always the straightforward one.” He says walking around me. I don't turn my head to keep him in sight, he hasn't fallen so far as to attack while my back is turned, yet at least. “Fine I am here to propose a duel. You against me. You win this land will be considered sanctuary. No demon under my mistresses command will attack you here.” He offers.
         “And if you win?” I inquire. He is suddenly right behind me breathing in my ear.
         “Why you will owe me a favor, of course.” He says reaching up to caress the side of my face. No sooner do his fingers brush my skin than I speak.
         “Circlet of fire.” I say sharply. Jazz leaps away from me with a hiss as flames burst up around me. I pivot around to face him. He is sucking on his burned fingers though his eyes dance with amusement. I clench my hands into fists.
         “Careful Demoness wouldn't want you to lose your temper.” He taunts.
         “Why make the offer? Wouldn't your mistress want to kill me herself?” Jazz puts his hands in his pockets and shrugs.
         “She won't be happy but she will go along with it cause this is what I want.” This isn't on his mistresses order?
         “Why do you want this?”
         “We haven't fought in awhile I miss it. Besides you owing me a favor is very tempting.”He purrs. I resist the urge to gag in disgust.
         “Save the seduction for your demon whores.” I snap. He raises a eyebrow.
         “There was a time when you welcomed said seduction.”
         “That time is long gone and its never coming back.”
         “Are you sure?”
         “Deadly.” I respond as I feel the skin on my back begin to itch as Itzal and the others grow restless.
         “We shall see...so are we going to dance or not?” He asks staring at his nails with feigned disinterest. I close my eyes briefly weighing the pros and cons.
         “Unless of course you are afraid to fight me?” I open my eyes as pure rage floods through me. He takes a slight step back so that he has sunken into a fighting stance as he sees my eyes, which I can only assume are glowing.
         “If it is a dance of death you want then a dance of death we shall have.” I answer my voice filled with barely checked anger.
         “Excellent. What do you say here Friday evening?” He asks edging backwards.
         “Yes. Now get out of here.” I answer turning around to head into the house.
         “Aw but Demoness-” He starts. I spin around shooting out a hand towards him and fire races across the space between us.
         “LEAVE!!” I roar angrily. He gives me a mocking salute before disappearing. I take several deep breaths before ending the connection with the fire circlet. Feeling exhausted I enter the house and place the wards up before heading for the kitchen. Dropping my bag on the island I pull down a glass and the bottle of vodka.
         Padding through the house I descend the stairs to the lowest level-The Sanctuary. I push open the heavy iron and wood doors and step inside. They shut behind me and I am standing in total darkness for a short time before with a whoosh the candles and torches scattered around the room spring to life. The room is illuminated revealing my haven.
         It is a huge circular chamber with many arched doorways leading to different rooms. The main room is the common. The common is mostly empty space though it has a section that is lower than the rest of the floor and its floor is sand not stone. That is the fighting ring. This room is not completely in the dimension seeing as there is no way that a room this size could be beneath this house.
         The domed ceiling is many dozens of feet above my head. All around the outer edge of the common is a moat like thing through which crystal clear water rushes. Directly across from the entrance is a large man made waterfall that empties into a small pool. The walls are covered in vines and there is even a large tree to the right of the room.
         The many archways lead to my training room, archery range, armory, storage, blacksmith, workroom, alchemy room, library, study, archives, personal chambers, and prison. I spent a lot of time and effort creating this place and very few people have set foot in it. I walk across the large room to the tree under which there are several couches and a table.
         I set my glass and vodka down before shedding my coat which I drape over the back of the couch. I then place my bow of the table. Sitting down I pour myself a glass and lean back sipping it as I stare into the trees limbs. I lose my self in thoughts of the past. I don't know how long I sat there but when I pull myself from past memories I find that the bottle of vodka is almost empty. I set down my glass and sigh as I drop my head into my hands.
         Great now I am going to have a hangover in school tomorrow. I force myself to my feet and make my way across the room and through the archway that leads to my personal chambers. I pause in the doorway and leaning against the frame for support pull off my boots. Trudging across the soft black carpet I toss myself into my king sized bed.
         It doesn't take long for me to fall asleep, though it is by no means a peaceful sleep. I toss and turn all night. I wake once and for all when I sit bolt upright with a sharp gasp. My heart is pounding in my chest so fast and hard that it hurts. I am drenched in sweat and it takes me a moment to realize where I am. Once I do I release a shaky breath and drop my head into my hands.
         Another nightmare. I turn my head slightly and glance at my clock. 5:48am. I sigh. School starts a seven. Might as well get up. I swing my legs off the edge of the bed but pause before standing. This nightmare wasn't my usual one. This one was about Jazz. I clench my hands into fists. Damn him and his serpent like ways screwing with my head. I shake my head sharply but immediately regret it as my hangover makes itself know. My head throbs and I grimace in pain.
         I stand up and grabbing my clothes for today; a red and black tie died tank and dark gray jeans, I head for the bathroom. Setting my clothes on the counter I look at my reflection in the mirror. There are black circles under my eyes and my face looks haunted, which I am. I remove my rings and bracelets, setting them on the counter with soft clinks.
         Once they are off my arms feel bare. One thing I love about my bathroom is that though is has a shower and huge bathtub it also has a natural hot spring. I strip and enter the scalding hot water. Settling down I let out a long sigh of appreciation. I relax letting the hot water take away some of my worries. After a time I grab my soaps and scrub myself clean.
         Getting out I dry off and don my clothes before placing my rings and bracelets back on. Once that is done I glance in the mirror again. I look better, not as haunted. My short razor cut black hair hangs in damp strands around my pale face. For a moment the eyes in the mirror glow silver and I know that it is Itzal's and the others way of showing they are there.
         I turn away from the mirror and reenter my bedroom where I don my boots before entering the common. I head across the room to the couch where I grab my trench coat and put it on. I then take up my bow- Grave Lullaby. It is made out of black ebony wood inlaid with veins of silver. It is as tall as I am. I exit my Sanctuary and head upstairs where I make myself a breakfast of toast, water, and four Advil. I hope the Advil eases my pounding head. I take up my bag and head out the door.
         I reinforce the wards around the place before I get on my bike and head towards the school. As I pull up and park where I did yesterday I find Sorin waiting for me.
         “Good morning Anna!” He says happily. Far to happily for the pounding in my head. I glare at him. His smile falters. “Is something wrong?” I sigh heavily.
         “Hangover.” I answer swinging off the bike and collecting my keys and bag.
         “How do you have a hangover?” He asks as we start walking. I shoot him a withering look.
         “R-right. Sorry.” I grunt in answer. Passing into the Academy I see Jazz's crew watching. I glance at the kid again. He isn't stupid he knows they won't mess with him if he's with me. He catches my look and smiles apologetically. I take a seat in English prop my feet up and promptly go to sleep. Sorin wakes me up when class is over, hands me a set of the notes he wrote for me, and walks with me to Philosophy where I once again go to sleep. Once again he wakes me up and hands me notes.
         “You don't have to write me notes.” I tell him as I put them away.
         “But I want to. You aren't feeling good and after all you helped me out yesterday.” I am not going to argue with him. I shrug and head out the classroom. He follows me to the cafeteria where we grab lunch and then he follows me outside where I sit on a picnic table. We eat in silence and I end up giving him me peaches and he gives me his apple.
         I munch on it until lunch is over.
         “Bye Anna! See you in Archery!” He says waving before walking off. I toss the apple core in the trash and follow him. He turns around confused.
         “I'm going this way too.” I answer flatly. I can tell he knows I am lying but he doesn't call me on it. Instead we walk in silence until he reaches his classroom.
         “Bye Anna!” He says waving. I incline my head before spinning on my heel and heading to the opposite side of campus. I shove my hands in my pockets as I walk down the hallway. I pause at the entrance to a storage room that is cast in shadow.
         “Leash your cronies or lose them Jazz.” I say flatly before walking on. I hear his chuckle but I don't look back. The professor glares at me when I come in late but I ignore him to. I once again nap though class. I wake up to the sound of books being shoved in bags. I sit up and stretch before making my way to archery.
         Sorin once again joins me in the advanced shooting range and I give him a few pointers on his stance before I zone him out and practice. Once class is over I put away my equipment and head down the street. Sorin catches up a few minutes later and walks with me to my bike.
         “Thanks for the pointers today.” He says as I get on my bike. I nod. “See you tomorrow Anna.” He says waving.
         “Later.” I respond before peeling out. The rest of the week follows the same pattern minus the hangover. Sorin follows me all over the place and talks constantly about this and that. I don't talk much but he doesn't require much to keep him talking. He has become adept at understanding my silences for what they mean, as well as my grunts and sighs. The kid even made me chuckle once when he dead on said what I was thinking about a guest speaker.
         He's not that bad to be around surprisingly. He's the only kid in the school I don't have the urge to kill. Box his head a few times yes, kill no.
         When Friday arrives I don't go to school instead I stay home and practice with my archery and alter the main hall of the house into the fighting field. Jazz doesn't make a appearance until seven in the evening. I open the door to find him leaning against the frame with a cocky grin. I glare at him.
         “Happy to see me Annie?” He asks winking at me. Itzal surges forward causing my eyes to glow silver.
         “I told you not to call me that Jazz.” I snap  struggling to rein Itzal in. He is by far the most temperamental of the three.
         “My apologies Demoness. Are you going to invite me in or not? Its rather rude to leave a guest standing on the doorstep don't you think?”
         “Not at all.” I comment stepping to the side and holding the door open. He saunters past making sure his shoulder brushes mine. I catch his smirk as he passes and slam the door with unnecessary force.

Chapter 2
       “Nice house. Doesn't seem to have changed much since the last time we were here.” He says looking around.
       “The house may not have changed but everyone that was in it has.” He tilts his head towards me as he runs his fingers along the frame of a painting.
       “I don't think dying is considered changing but hey-” He hisses in pain as one of my small throwing knives pins his arm to the wall. He looks over at me as he pulls it free. “Oh? Did I touch a nerve?” He asks cruelly.
       “Bastard.” I hiss.
       “There's no need for name calling dear Demoness.” He admonishes. I shed my trench coat and toss it in another room before taking up my bow. Jazz watches me with a leering grin before shedding his own leather jacket and stepping into the fighting area. “I see you are eager to get started.”
       “Enough with the games. You came here to fight so lets fight.” I snap losing my patience. Jazz brings out all my anger. Something he was good at doing even before he became a demons bitch.
       “Fine.” He says before drawing his own weapons, twin katanas. He spins them once in his hands before raising a eyebrow. “Ladies first.”
       “Circlets of the elements: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water.” I chant as I notch an arrow and loose. He dodges and charges. The different elements circle me forming barriers as I fire arrows rapidly at him. “Circlet of the Mountain Lion. Ethos of the solitary hunter.” I chant. The bracelets glow brightly on my arms. The air ripples as the Mountain Lion comes forward into this dimension and attacks Jazz. I put distance between me and him and rain arrows down on him.
       “Beads of underlings.” He shouts. Shadowy inky creatures appear and rush me. I send out a wave of fire as I move around the room. Jazz is suddenly in front of me. I block one of katanas with my bow and twist around to avoid the other but it slices through my tank and leaves a gash across my lower back. I roll away from him and come to my feet sending out a rush of air that sends him flying.
       “Circlet of Scorpion. Supreme focus of intent.” I chant. I feel the air around me slow as I fire another arrow that sinks deep into Jazz's shoulder, able to get past his shields. He hisses in pain as he staggers back some more.
       “Damn Annie.” He says jerking it free. “Beads of trapping.” He chants at me and suddenly I find myself in a pitch black room. I hear the sound of his approach and attempt to dodge it but I feel his blade sink into my side. I cry out it pain. I hear Jazz's laugh.
       “Circlet of Marmot. Bring the truth to light. Circlet of Dragonfly. Break free of illusions.” I chant quickly. The darkness evaporates in time for me to leap away from Jazz's next swing. The atmosphere is interupted by the ringing of the doorbell. Jazz and i both freeze and regard each other. He straightens slowly and inclines his head towards the door.
       “You seem to have guests.” He says. I don't take my eyes off him.
       “So it seems.” I answer.
       “Shall we take a respite?”
       “If you wish.” He nods and edges towards the wall. I straighten adn head towards the door. As i reach it the doorbell rings again. I wrench it open and glare at whoever is on the otherside. I then blink as i first recognoze Sorin and then Ash. I tense as i see him.
       “Anna!” Sorin practically screams and i wince.
       “What?!” I shout back.
       “You're bleeding!” He shouts gaping at me. I glance down and grimace. Placing a hand over the wound on my side I attempt to staunch the blood flow.
       “What are you doing here Sorin?” I ask,
       “What am I doing here? You are covered in blood and want to know why I am here?!” I reach out and smack him across the face. He blinks at me in shock.
       “Get ahold of yourself kid. Yes I am bleeding. We have established that now why are you here?”
       “You didn't come to school today so I wanted to see if you were okay. Which you aren't!” I heave a sigh.
       “Why did he tag along?” I ask shooting a look at Ash.
       “What's wrong with Ash?”
       “Long story short. His kind and mine don't get along.”
       “His kind? Your kind?”
       “Demons and Demon Hunters don't get along. Now what do you need? You are interupting something.”
       “Demon hunter?” I hit my head against the door in agrivation.
       “Ugh. Come in and stand  by the door. Do NOT move from here no matter what happens.” i sigh. Sorin edges inside and Ash steps in behind him. I flinch away from him before shuttign the door and turning around only to gasp in agony as a katana sinks into my gut. I double over, barely remaining on feet.
       “Anna!”
       “Stay out of it Sorin!!!” I snap before raising my head and glaring at Jazz.
       “You fucking traitorous bastard!” I hiss letting my fury have free rein. I jerk the katana from my body and toss it across the room. I feel my eyes glowing and the skin of my back crawls and burns like a thousand needles are piercing me.
       “Iztal. Nagendra. Izotz. Familiars of mine. I summon you.” I hiss glaring at Jazz.
       “What the hell Annie you can't summon all three-”
       “DON”T CALL ME THAT!!” I shout as the room is filled with deafening roars. The ground trembles and three large forms appears in the room. Iztal's crimson adn black scales reflect the light of the flames he baths Jazz in. Nagendra spews a cloud of poison gas the same color of his scales at him. Izotz releases a stream of ice at him as well.
       “Dammit! Falrion familiar of mine. I summon you!” Jazz shouts. A large serpent appears and lashes out at Itzal. With another deafening roar Itzal turns on him.
       “Circlets of Bird's Foot Trefoil and Hydrangea. Revenge and Heartlessness.” I chant.
       “Annannatarel how the hell are you summoning this many circlets and have you familiars activly present!!!!” Jazz shouts at me.
       “Things have changed Jazz. I ain't the same little girl that got her heart broke by you.” I hiss. I raise my bow and a arrow blazes into existance on the string. I draw the string back as far as it will go and release it. Just before the arrow strikes him a explosion of black light fills the room and he and Falrion disappear.
       I curse under my breath as i drop to my knees.
       “Circlets of Powers end connection.” I chant and the bracelets on my arms stop glowing. I am hit by a wave of dizziness that almost causes me to lose consciousness.
       “Itzal. Nagendra. Izotz. Return to your domain.” I murmur. One by one the dragons filling the room shimmer from existance. I sprawl out on the floor on my back and stare at the ceiling.
       “Anna! Anna!” I open my eyes and glance towards him. Ash is holding him back. “Anna can we help?! Please!”
       “You may move from that spot but you cannot really help me.” I answer. I feel so very drained. Sorin appears at my side and stare at me in horror.
       “Anna-”
       “Relax Sorin I am not going to die.” I dredge up the last remnant of my energy and focus.
       “Circlet of Bloodstone. Cleanse and heal mind, body, and spirit.” I chant. Dropping my head back against the floor I cling to consciousness. Sorin's eye grow wider and wider as my flesh knits back together. I hold out as long as i can but soon the blackness rears up and takes me under. I am not going to resurface for a long time.

    I slowly claw my way out of the clutches of sleep. Peeling my eyes open I find myself staring up at the ceiling. I blink slowly as I realize that I am not on the floor but a bed. I slowly sit up groaning as the many points of pain flare to life. My entire body ache's bone deep. I always get like this if I push myself to my limits. I run a hand through my hair tiredly.
   I hear the rustle of fabric. Glancing towards the sound my entire body tenses as I see Ash sitting in a chair in the corner. My senses go on high alert as I scan the room for a weapon or a way out. Its one of the guest rooms on the first floor so I haven't been in here in awhile.He shifts again so that he is sitting with his elbows on his knees. We stare at each other niether of us blinking for a tense seconds.
 “Relax I am not a threat to you.” He says breaking the silence. I can't help but stare at him disbelieving. I cough slightly to clear my throat.
 “Forgive me if I am skeptical. I don't exactly have the best history with your kind.”
 “That is something we have in common.” He states and i blink in confusion.
 “Excuse me...what?” He leans back in the chair and i notice the massive greatsword leaned against the wall beside it.
 “Have you heard of the Volvian Line?” He inquires. My eyes grow hard at the mention of the name.
 “More than you can imagine. What of them?”
 “So you know that they are the ruling line, but do you know anything about the one before it?”
 “I wasn't aware this was a test of my intel on demon history.” I mutter with a frown but he just sits there waiting for an answer. I sigh. “I have the largest and most indepth and informative archives amongst hunters. Yes I know of the line before the Volvian Line. The Norasthcos Line. The Volvian Line is are newbloods in terms of ruling the demon realms, they have just recently come into power. They have only sat on the demon throne for around a century and a half. Before their current positions they were the well respected and feared personal guards of the ruling line. They came into power by betraying the Norasthcos Line, the very people they were supposed to protect and serve. After the intitial betrayal and murder of the overlord there was a 'cleansing' in the demon capitol. They slaughtered the vast majority of the Norasthcos Line even those only distantly related as well as their followers. Though they did keep and enslave the children of the Norasthcos Overlord.” I finish and glance at him. He seems slightly surprised.
 “You...know more than I thought you would.”
 “Should I be proud?” I ask sarcastically as I meet his black and red eyes.
 “Yes actually.” He answers and I look away. When I think about how exactly I know most of this information I wish I didn't.
 “Well I don't.” I murmur softly hoping he doesn't hear. He doesn't seem to have.
 “I am Ashieron Norasthcos. Fourth oldest of the overlords sons. I am not loved by my kind in any way. Thanks to the Volvian's there is a price on my head and many of my family is locked away in chains.” He informs me. As soon as he stated his name I snapped my head towards him and literally gaped at him. Ashieron...Ash. How could i have not put it together. There aren't that many greater demons with the name Ash, but I am not certain.
 “Wait so you mean to tell me that you are a Norasthcos?” I think about what I know of them, “....the fourth oldest son...that means you were the leader of the elite southern hordes.” He tilts his head to the side.
 “Yes. You are extremely well informed...far more than I would have thought you would be.”
 “Why's that?”
 “Well most hunters don't get concrete facts and history on our kind until they have gotten older, far older than you...well those that make it to that age at least. Or if they are part of a guild or brotherhood. You are niether old nor does it seem you are part of a guild. Also there's the fact that you are a woman.” I narrow my eyes on him.
 “Careful demon you just walked onto thin ice. Many a demon has regreted calling out my gender.” I warn. He laughs actually laughs not a evil sund but a amused one and I stare at him like he's grown to heads. He stops laughing.
 “What?” I shake my head frowning.
 “Nothing just never heard your kind laugh before.”
 “Anyways I wasn't calling you out on you gender its just that I have never seen any women hunters before.”
 “Not many choose this life.” I respond evasively. “Not that my gender has anything to do with my Intel.”
 “It doesn't but its still surprising that you know so much.”
 “I can be persuasive. Many of the volumes in my archives have be filled by the confessions of demons I've tortured. Its where I got a lot of my information.”
 “A lot, but not all?”
 “No.”
 “Are you going to elaborate?” I frown.
 “Do I have to? I still don't know why we are talking in the first place.”
 “No I was simply trying to have a civil conversation with you.”
 “That is the part I don't get. Okay so you are a Norasthcos, other demons don't like you, but that doesn't have anything to do with you killing me.”
 “I already told you I have no intention of harming you. I have more reasons to want you alive than I do to want you dead.”
 “Such as?”
 “One-You do not seem to care for the Volvian Line.” I clench my hands into fists. “Which leads me to believe you will do what you can to bring them down. Two-you have done nothing personal to me so why risk my life to kill you. Three-Sorin would not be pleased with me.” I blink at him.
 “You had me until the Sorin part. Are we talking about a demon or the kid that follows me like a lost puppy at school?”
 “The kid.”
 “Why would you care whether or not he would be pleased about that? Why the hell are you friends with a human kid anyways?” I ask. This has been bugging me for awhile.
 “Sorin has the potential to be a vessel.” I shrug.
 “So? A lot of humans have the potential to be vessels. They are not that rare and not in that much danger.”
 “Sorin is. He is the potential vessel of one of the Volvian's. Jaguaris to be exact. Jaguaris is evil incarnate and if he were to get his hands on Sorin he could potentially bring about a full scale war between demons and humans.” I stare at him for a long time processing. Closing my eyes I flop back onto the bed with a groan.
 “You have got to be fucking shitting me. I am having a conversation with a demon and everything I am learning is just getting better and better.” I massage my forehead as I feel the start of a headache.
 “So let me get this straight. You Ashieron Norasthcos are hanging around Sorin aka Jaguaris Volvian's potential vessel to keep said demon from getting him. Said demons family enslaved you and I take it you got away, I am curious about that by the way, but wouldn't hanging around a vessel they want increase the chances of you being recaptured or...I don't know? Killed?” I comment staring at the ceiling.
 “Yes and yes. I will tell you the story if you wish later. Yes it is more likely but they also fear me.”
 “Why?”
 “You fear me.” I sigh.
 “I fear all greater demons, you ain't anything special. I mean why fear you enough to be wary about coming after you?”
 “I was involved in the death of one of their strongest.”
 “That might do it.” I shake my head slightly wondering why fate decided this should happen. “So about the vessel thing. Does Sorin know?”
 “Yes. When I found him he was younger and a pair of demon hunters were keeping a eye on him. They did a good job until they were jumped by medium level demons on the night of a blood moon. They were massacred. I stepped in and saved the kid. The hunters had told him he was a vessel and that’s why he was being targeted. I told him whose vessel he was and explained a little more.”
 I sit up and stare at him again.
 “The hunter pair. Was it a father and son? Red heads? The father used a staff and the son throwing stars?”
 “Yes. Why?”
 “So they really are dead. They disappeared and I heard through the hunter grapevine that there bodies were never found. It was controversial whether they were dead or not. I kinda hoped they were alive.”
 “Did you know them?” He asks. I nod as I swing my legs over the edge of the bed.
 “Yea. The father was one of my mentors and his son was a friend as well as a fellow pupil.” I answer standing. I sway slightly at first and he stands up taking a step away forward. I raise and hand and point at him.
 “No you don't.” I warn. He sighs heavily. “We may have established you don't plan on killing me, but that doesn't mean I trust you.” He steps back and I head towards the door. Using the walls for support I head through the house to the kitchen. Passing the main hall where the fight took place I grimace at the damages. My familiars are not small and it seems they practically demolished half the house.
 At least I put up dimensional wards which means when I lower them the house will revert to its non damaged state. Entering the kitchen I grab pain killers and the bowl of fruit and sit down at the island. Ash enters a few minutes later and leans against the fridge across the island from me.
 “So where is Sorin?”
 “School.” I blink.
 “So that means I've been out all weekend?” He shakes his head slightly.
 “Five days. Today's Wednesday.” I scowl at the news.
 “You've been here all this time?”
 “Mostly. My staying here is the only way I got him to agree to go to school. He is extremely worried about you.” I sigh.
 “He is something else. You would think with what he witnessed Friday he would have left screaming and never came back. Ash shifts.
 “Speaking of Friday. What was that?”
 “A minor quarrel between someone I knew.”
 “Minor?”
 “What do you want me to say as a hunter I have become used to this shit. If I wake up without any missing limbs and I am intact then I consider it minor.”
 “I can see where you are coming from.” He turns and begins examining my cabinets. “Can I make coffee?” He asks over his shoulder. I stare at him blankly.
 “I do drink coffee Anna and eat for that matter to.” I jump when he uses my name.
 “I know that.” I mutter. “Fine so long as you make enough for me as well.” He goes about putting on the coffee. I occupy myself with consuming the grapes. I am hungry.
 “So the guy you knew? A old friend?” I mutter curses under my breath.
 “Something like that.”
 “Are you going to elaborate on this?”
 “You ask a lot of questions.”
 “Just trying to be civil.”
 “Jazz was a an friend, a fellow hunter, and my lover up until he betrayed us and became a man whore for a demon bitch under Volvian thumbs.”
 “Sorry for pressing.” I shrug. After awhile he pours two cups of coffee and moves to sit across from me. He slides one mug to me before sipping his own. I pick it but pause with it halfway to my mouth. A humorless chuckle escapes me. Ash gives me a questioning look.
 “Here I am sitting in my kitchen having a conversation and drinking coffee with a greater demon. Hell my ancestors are turning over in their graves right about now.” I muse but take a large swallow of the scalding liquid. “Who would have thought to predict this?”

   We sit in silence long enough to consume two cups of coffee each. I set my cup second cup down now that its empty and stand up. I head towards the main hall and stop once again to survey the damage. I scratch the back of my head as i think about how pissed mom would have been, Dad would have just laughed it off.  Of course thinking about that brings up unpleasant memories and my heart aches in my chest. I clutch my shirt right above my heart willing the pain to go away.
 A throat clears behind me and I straighten as I glance over my shoulder to see Ash leaning against the wall.
 “Do you need help cleaning this up?”
 “No.” I snap sharply, defensive that he saw me moment of being weak. Another part of me reminds me he saw me weak when he saw me unconscious for days, but i ignore that. I walk across the ruined main hall until I find where I passed out. My bow lays where I dropped it. Picking it up I examine it making sure that it is not damaged in any way. Satisfied I slide it over my shoulder and move to the front door.
 Placing a hand flat against the wood I focus. Tapping into my wards I rewrite them so that the protective wards are enhanced and the dimensional ward is removed. Turning around I watch as the room shimmers and buckles before the damage slowly disappears leaving the room as it was before the fight.
 “Dimensional wards?” Ash inquires. I dislike the way he is looking at me.
 “Yes.”
 “You are a demon hunter with three familiars, dragons no less, which you summoned at the same time. If my guess if right you can use power circlets, more than one at a time actively. You can create and place wards, both physical and dimensional.” He informs watching me.
 “Are you going somewhere with this demon?”
 “You are not a ordinary hunter.”
 congratulations demon. Anything else you want to point out?”
 “I have a name you know.”
 “And?”
 “Why don't you call me by it instead of demon?”
 “I am not in the habit of calling demons by name, just I am sure you are not in the habit of talking to a hunter.” I mutter.
 “Its not something new.”
 “What?”
 “Talking to a hunter. I've done it before.”
 “Whatever. I am going to go to my place. You are not allowed to come. Stay here if you want but don't burn the house down.” I order as i head for the stairs. I need to unwind and the only place I can do that is my sanctuary.
 “I was here for several days without burning the house down you know. Why would I start now?” He calls after me. I ignore him. Descending the stairs to the lowest level I step into the Sanctuary. The doors close and seal behind me and the lights flare to life. I let out a relieved sigh as I relax.
 “Iztal. Nagendra. Izotz. Familiars of mine. I release you.” I chant. The skin of my back prickles before the air around the room shimmers and my three dragon familiars appear in the room. This room was designed so that they could appear here.
 Iztal swivels his massive head around to glare at me as smoke billows from his nostrils. A low roar rumbles in his chest.
 Anna.
 I cringe at the anger in his voice in my head.
 “It's no big deal Itzal. Relax.”
 No big deal?! Anna-
 Knock it off Itzal. Izotz interrupts swinging his tail around to whack Itzal in the head. Itzal snarls at him.
 She was unconscious with a greater demon watching over her and then she has coffee with the thing!!!
 And? Nothing happened. He kept his distance and was not threatening.
 But-
 Itzal. Izotz. Anna is capable of defending herself and besides he was no threat. Nagendra speaks up cutting them off. I cast the poison green dragon a grateful look. He is laying sprawled on the right of the room head on the floor eyes closed, wings tucked close.
 Nagendra. You got a reading on him? Izotz asks surprised. Nagendra grunts.
 Yes. While the two of you were arguing right after she feel unconscious.
 Why didn't you tell us.
 Neither of you listened.you were too busy trying to kill each other.
 “Seriously guys? I know fire and ice naturally don't get along but come on.” I admonish. Izotz has the grace to look repentant while Itzal simply grumbles to himself. I sigh as I walk over to the tree and flop down on the couch. Closing my eyes I close my eyes.
 Anna.
 I crack open my eyes and turn my head to the side to see Nagendra watching me.
 “What's wrong Nagendra?”
 You need to review the archives.
 “Was this one of your premonitions?” I ask. Nagendra is the oldest of my familiars. They are all ancient, living centuries before I was born. They became my familiar when I killed the greater demon that held the keys to their realms. Nagendra is as old as time itself and he occasionally gets premonitions or visions. They are not something to ignore and so far they have never been wrong.
 Yes. He nods his head gold eyes serious.
 “All right.” I answer sitting up. I run a hand through my hair before standing and walking across the room. I trail a hand over Izotz's scales as I walk around him to enter the archives. The room is large with many bookshelves laiden with leather bound volume behind glass cases. The entire back wall covered in banners recovered over the years.
 Many of them are from Demon armies defeated, others were found, and a few are of hunter insignias. Scattered around the room are cases with artifacts in them. All of this i have gathered and inherited from my father. I test myelf to see if I have the energy, satisfied that I believe I do i proceed.
 “Circlet of the Bobcat. Perceive hidden messages. Circlet of the Snake. Teach the mysteries of subtle energies.” I chant. I let myself focus and open up to the powers. Something guides me forward and I walk across the room following the invisible string that tugs me along. When it stops I open my eyes and find myself before some of the many volumes I wrote myself. Scanning the shelves I see a brown snake coiled around one of the smaller volumes. Reaching up I grab the volume and gently pull it from the shelf. The snake disappears as soon as I touch the book.
 “Circlet of Bobcat and Snake end connection.” The bracelets cease to glow and I move to sit at my desk where I write in this volumes. Sitting down I prop my feet up and crack open the volume. I hesitate as I read the title page.
The Life of a Hunter
The Story of Reyes Cazador.
Deadly Hunter
&
Loving Brother
(Recorded by Annannatarel Cazador upon request of Reyes)

 I start at the words I myself wrote. I remember the day he asked me I had just got back from a from a hunter meeting and he was waiting for me in the small hut I was living in at the time. I almost put an arrow in him. He was acting strange that night. He was worried or conflicted about something. Many times he started to tell me something but would then change his mind at the last minute.
 Finally after hours of meaningless conversation he came out and asked me to write for him. The look on his face was so haunted that I didn't think to deny him. I didn't even press him for answers why. Sure a lot of hunters get their life story recorded in volumes so that others may learn from them or remember them, but most write it themselves. We had started that night he talked and I recorded his words on paper for hours on end. Then as soon as the sun was rising he gave me a hug and wished me good day. He appeared randomly several times over the next year and we did the same thing, until he no longer came again. Not because he lost interest, but because he lost his life.
 I swallow hard as I feel my eyes burn with unshed tears. I loved my brother dearly and if it wasn't for him I would have lost my mind with grief and rage after our parents died. My heart still aches with the pain of his and their loss. I do not want to read this, but Nagendra is never wrong. With a trembling hand I flip the first page and begin reading.
 It takes me several long hours to read through the volume and I learn nothing  I don't already know. I blink hard willing away the tears as I read the last page.
Reyes Cazador:
Born December 25, 1987.
Died April 16, 2014.
Cause of death: unknown.
Body never recovered.
 I clench my hand into a fist so hard that my nails bite into my skin drawing blood. Against my will a tear rolls down my cheek and drops onto the page.
 Anna? Izotz inquires softly sensing my sadness. I wipe my eyes and take a deep breath.
 “I am fine.” I assure them, knowing that they can hear me. I sit up and close the book gently when something catches my eye. I open the book and swiftly return to the last page I wrote and then I flip three more pages and stare in shock. There on the page is my brothers scrawled handwriting. How could I have not noticed this before?
 Inspecting the page I can make out the fading image of a invisibility rune. Runes where my brothers forte while wards were mine. Why would he hide this writing though? I begin to read.

Annannatarel I hope you forgive me for hiding this from you, I just didn't know how to tell you. I started to many times, but I could never go through with it. After everything that happened with our parents and what that demon did to you I did not want to hurt you, but Annie Ever since I asked you to write this I have been working with a Greater Demon.

 I clench the book so hard I fear I may tear it in two. Taking a deep breath I calm myself and continue reading.

He is not like the ones we have hunted. He is different. He is hunted by his own kind and has no love for them because of it. I saved his life and he has saved mine many times in return. Please understand Annie that I would never work with a monster. He is different. I trust him. He is the one I have gotten most of my information from about the demons and such.
Currently he is helping me with a plan of mine. He is vehemently against it but it is a chance that may never come again. I intend to enter the Demon capitol and kill the Overlord Volvian. I hope that I will succeed and I will be sitting beside you as you read this but if I am not then that means I failed and that I am dead. I pray my death was not as hard on you as our parents' were. I love you.
The demon I was working with will have most likely survived if I have anything to say about it. Because of this I have placed a rune on him that if ever you two should come into contact you will not be able to feel all of the fear and hate you do for most demons. I ask that if you discover him give him a chance. I trust him and believe without a doubt he is different. He can help us take out the Volvian. He has a reason to want them dead more than most.
I spoke often of you but only as my little sister Annie. He doesn't know your true name or what you look like so if you meet he will not know who you are but he may suspect. His name is Ash.
 
 I stare at the last sentence, reading it over and over again. His name is Ash. Sorin calls Ashieron Ash. Ashieron...Ash. A demon that has a reason to want he Volvian dead more than most. A greater demon I didn't question too much when I discovered him in the same room as me. A wave of pure anger rushed through me. I am on my feet the volume thudding onto the desk as I stride from the Archives.
 As soon as I enter the commons Itzal and the others rise to their feet as they sense my emotions. Itzal flares his wings wide and snarls. Izotz lashes his tail baring his teeth. Even Nagendra is affected by my anger his eyes burn with anger. As I approach the doors to the Sanctuary they fly open with a bang and I storm up the steps.
 Entering the house I search out Ash. I find him in the kitchen washing our coffee cups. He spins around as I enter the room and his eyes widen as I descend on him. Grabbing him by the collar I shove him against the fridge. Beneath me in the Sanctuary my familiars roar. The sound so loud and menacing that the house shakes on its foundation. I glare at Ash meeting his red eyes and finally feeling what I do around all the others of his kind...the intense urge to rip his heart from his chest.
 Cursing under my breath I grab the collar of his shirt and rip it so that his chest is revealed and there resting right above his heart is a rune drawn by a familiar hand. One of my brothers runes. I glare at it willing it away. How the hell could my brother have done this. My anger is so strong and I feel my familiars anger which amplifies mine even more. I close a hand around Ashes throat and glare at him. My glowing silver eyes bore into his daring him to make a move.
 He stares back at me for a long time until suddenly he lowers his eyes and turns his head to the side baring his throat.
 “Go ahead. Kill me. I failed him. Its only fitting I die by the hand of his sister.” He murmurs. Just like that my anger skyrockets, but this time for a different reason. Reyes was right Ash is different and if my brother trusted him I will as well, because I trust my brother though I may not understand him.
 “FOOL!” I snap my voice echoed by the voices of Itzal, Izotz, and Nagendra. Ash snaps his head around to stare at me brow furrowed. I release draw my hand back and punch him hard. I hiss in pain as I feel one of my fingers break with the force. I release him and he staggers sideways hand reaching up to cup his face, before looking at me.
 I shake my hand before cradling it to my chest. I glare at him even as my anger fades.
 “If I know my brother he sent you away so he would face everything on his own. Which means you didn't fail him, but you sure as hell just insulted him by accepting death so easy.” I snap angrily. He blinks at me as he lowers his hand from his face. I note with some satisfaction the left side of his face is bruising sightly and that there is a shallow gash inflicted by my rings.
 “You are not angry?” He asks. I stare at him incredulous.
 “Did you miss what just happened? I am beyond angry I am pissed.”
 “Then why?” I sigh heavily.
 “I may not like the idea but my I trust my brother and if he says you are to be trusted and should be given a chance then I'll give you a chance.” I say feeling exhausted.
 “So then-” He is cut off by the front door slamming open and running footsteps through the house. Ash and I both turn towards the entrance to the kitchen just as Sorin slides to stop. He is breathing hard and is staring at us wide-eyed.
 “All right what the hell is going on?! The ground was shaking all the way at the school!” He exclaims. I shrug my shoulders still cradling my hand to my chest. It is throbbing right now. I raise a eyebrow at him.
 “Damn Sorin I didn't know you cursed.” He flushed slightly but then glares at me.
 “Not the point Anna! What was that?!”
 “My familiars if you must know.”
 “Huh?”
 “Me and them got a little angry.”
 “Okay then. How are you? You were out for five days.” He asks totally switching topics.
 “I am fine aside from being tired, having a headache, and high blood pressure.” I answer flatly.
 “Good! I got the notes from the classes you've missed.”
 “How was school?” Ash asks him as he starts to pull a notebook from his bag. He pauses and stares at Ash for a long time then he glances at me and zeros in on my cradled hand. He crosses his arms and glares at us.
 “Alright what happened to you two?” Ash and I share a look. Ash shrugs with a raised eyebrow. I turn my attention back to Sorin who looks just shy of tapping his foot with impatience.
 “I broke my fingers on his face.” I deadpan. Sorin gives a exasperated snort.
 “What is it with you two?!”
 “Well you did leave a demon and a demon hunter in the same house together. You're lucky we still have all our limbs attached.” I point out. He frowns at me.
 “Seriously?! You both need to ice those injuries. Sit down.” He orders moving past us to get us ice. I sigh heavily but plop down on a stool at the island. Ash sits down beside me. I lean over slightly and whisper in his ear.
 “You and I need to have a talk after he leaves.” Ash nods in understanding.
 “I agree.”

   I sit at the island staring at the granite surface thinking about my brother and Ash and a whole bunch of other things. I sigh heavily only to be elbowed in the side. I snap my head towards Ash and glare at him.
 “What?” I snap. He inclines his head to my other side.
 “Sorin has been saying your name for the past five minutes.” I answers. I turn my head and see Sorin is in fact standing beside me. I clear my throat.
 “My apologies. I was lost in thought. What is it?”
 “Your hand.”
 “What about it?”
 “Let me see it.” He says exasperatedly. I extend my injured hand towards him and he takes it in his hands gently and begins examining it. “Your pinky and ring finger are broken.” He says.
 “I could have told you that.” I say with slight irritation. He glances up at me and frowns. I sigh again.
 “Sorry its been a long day.” He glances from me to Ash then returns his attention to my hand.
 “I am going to realign the bones and then wrap them with gauze. Unless you can do that healing wand thing again?” He asks. I chuckle slightly at his wording.
 “I am afraid I can't use that one again quite yet, I am still recovering. Oh and its more a healing bracelet thing, last I checked I wasn't waving a wand around.”
 “Is it that important to call it by its proper name?” He asks as he gently pushes my bones back into alignment. I grit my teeth while he does before letting out a breath.
 “It doesn't matter to me either way, but some hunters take offense if you belittle their skills.” He wraps my fingers with gauze and then kisses the back of my hand. I stare at him. He flushes slightly when he sees me watching him.
 “Mom always says a kiss makes it better.” He says before scurrying to the sink and grabbing a bag of ice and a rag. He goes to Ash next. “Wipe the blood off and then put some ice on it. You've got a really big bruise.” He tells him. I snicker, earning myself hard looks from both of them.
 “What? Its in my nature to be happy that a got a hit on a demon.” I say defensively.
 “So care to explain the whole Demon Hunter thing?” Sorin asks and I find myself sighing again.
 “As far as I can tell its pretty self explanatory. I am a Demon Hunter, ergo I hunt demons.”
 “Anna!” Sorin complains.
 “Ugh. What do you want to know?”
 “Why hunt demons?” I stare at him like he's lost his damn mind.
 “Demons are blood thirtsy abominations that unless checked would kill us all for the hell of it.” I snap then throw a glance at Ash. “Erm, correct the vast majority are. Would you believe me if I said no offense?” I ask him. He raises a eyebrow at me.
 “Would you mean it?”
 “Not right now.”
 “At least your honest.”
 “I try.”
 “Anna I assumed that though you should be more considerate about Ash.”
 “Hey I said no offense.”
 “Then you said you didn't mean it.”
 “Its the thought that counts.”
 “I am not going to get you to change on this am I?”
 “Probably not.”
 “Fine. Why do you specifically hunt demons? I mean you had a choice didn't you?” He asks and I get off the stool and exit the room. Its far easier to show him at least some of it. In the hallway on the wall is tapestry with all of my family members. I take it down and return to the kitchen. I spread it out on the island and retake my seat.
 “This is my family line. Every name written in black chose the life of a hunter. Every name written in red chose to help those who hunt demons, though not actively hunting they would create new weapons, run safe houses and the like. Every name that has one line through it died of natural causes. Every name that has two line through it died at the hands of demons.” I explain.
 Ash is once again making coffee. Sorin is staring at the tapestry, studying it intensely. Ash waves a empty cup in the air and I nod. He fills two cups and returns to his seat. He hands me the second which I accept and take a large swallow of. The liquid burns my throat but I love it.
 “What about the two names in green?”
 “Those are people who turned their backs on hunting. They left the family refusing to be a part of.”
 “So only two chose not to hunt or be asscociated with hunting?”
 “Yes.”
 “Why is there some consequence if you don't?”
 “No not in the actual sense. Most women chose not to hunt but they still stand by their husbands and kin. In the entire history only two of my family has walked. We are the only hunter family to have such a low number. So it is expected of you to take up the family tradition and there is of course disappointment if you don't but it is the persons choice.”
 “Why is it that your family is the only one that has so few people walk away?”
 “We were one of the first hunting families. Others were founded after ours, but we were the ones that fought in the Dark Wars. Our family was founded in the blood, fire, and destruction of the Demon Wars. Its in our blood to hunt them.”
 “What about the others are they not the same way?”
 “Other families have our beliefs but over time as it became a more hazardous career choice others didn't see the appeal in it. They think that because demons no longer walk down the middle of the street slaughtering innocents like cattle that they aren't a threat anymore which is bullshit.”
 “More hazardous? I would think that with the technology this day and age that you would have more of a advantage over them and therefore have less deaths.” I shake my head taking before taking a drink of my coffee.
 “Most would think that but its not true. Look at the tapestry there are only ten of us that have died of natural causes, everyone else met their ends facing demons. Yes our weapons and our gear has improved a tenfold over a iron sword but as we adapt and evolve to kill them better they adapt and elvolve to kill us better. Its a never ending cycle.”
 “Anna why is your name the only one not crossed out?” I drain my cup and move to the coffee pot and refill it. As I set the pot back down I reach up and clutch my shirt above my heart. My chest is hurting again. I sigh as I return to my seat.
 “My name is the only one not crossed out because I am the last surviving member of my family.” Sorin stares at me and I can see the sadness and concern swimming in his eyes.
 “Anna-”
 “It is not a subject I care to speak of.” I say cutting him off. He swallows what he was going to say with difficulty.
 “So...are all hunters as skilled with the bow as you?” He asks after several beats of silence. I snort.
 “No. Demon hunters are trained from early ages to wield any and all weapons but the ones they use are up to them. I chose the bow as my main weapon, but I also use throwing stars, and staves a lot as well. Other options include, the spears, daggers, mace, swords, katanas, axes, and much more.”
 “What about scythes?”
 “Why do you ask?”
 “Well there's one hanging on the wall and to be honest when I think demon hunter I think cross between ninja and grim reaper.” I choke on the coffee I am drinking. I double over coughing violently. Ash reaches over and hits me on the back repeatedly. Gasping for breath I shoot Sorin a look.
 “You are by far the strangest person I have met that isn't a hunter.” I tell him shaking my head. “Yes a few hunters use scythes. I myself am very skilled with them and used to used them instead of my stave, but they are difficult to conceal. So far no one has been successfully able to make a scythe that is collapsible like a stave. The last thing I need is the police attempting to arrest me when I am hunting so I chose a different weapon.”
 “That's is so amazing that you can fight with so many different weapons.” I shrug.
 “No its not amazing it is a necessity of survival.”
 “So what about those bracelets on your arms? Do all hunters have those as well?”
 “No. Most hunters inherit a specialized talent and skill. That allows them to use powerful techniques. I am different from most because not only am I able to create both physical and dimensional wards. I am can also manipulate certain dimensions. In addition I have also acquired a good many of the circlets of power. Generally most hunters can master two of the old techniques while I have master almost four.”
 “The circlets of power? What are they?”
 “I don't exactly know how to explain as I don't exactly know myself. They are circlet, bracelets, that have the specific name of a plant, animal, element, or stone. If you possess the circlet and it has accepted you as its bearer you must learn the chant that unlocks it. If you know that you can use its two powers. The first is a magic power based on the circlet you use, the second is that you can summon the animal, plant, or stone of the circlet.”
 “That's sounds like a really powerful weapon.”
 “It is but then again it isn't. It's all dependent on the strength of the one using them. Not many can use more than two or three actively at the same time. If you use too many it can lead to a coma like state, or even death if you push your limits too far. I know my limits fairly well and the worst I have dealt with is sleeping for two weeks.”
 “A good many of the circlets of power?”
 “I have the majority of animal and plant circlets. I only have two of the stone circlets meaning that there are a lot of others out there and there are still the mythical circlets that I have only read about.”
 “You mentioned your familiars? What are they? Do all hunters have them?”
 “Familiars are animals that are bound to us. We can summon them to our aid in fights and such. All hunters once they reach a certain age go out and search for a familiar. Any animal can become a hunters familiar if they choose to. Once you make the contract then a image of them will appear on your skin and you can summon them from the realm of familiars at will.”
 “So what are your familiars?”
 “Dragons. Iztal. Izotz. Nagendra.”
 “You have three? Is that normal?”
 “No. It is actually not thought to be wise to hve more than one familiar because it is difficult to summon more than one familiar to your side at a time.”
 “But you can?”
 “With a lot f practice, little care for my own well being, and a high pain threshold, yes.”
 “How did you get three familiars. Dragons? Is that common?”
 “On a hunt I killed a demon that had in his possession three keys. They were the keys to my dragons individual realms in which they had been imprisoned for centuries. I released them and in return they pledged themselves to me as my familiars. Dragons are old creatures they have been around for a long time and there are not as many as there used to be. There are a few hunters out there that have dragon familiars yes.”
 “What are they like? They are the ones we saw Friday right?” I nod.
 “Yes. Iztal is the more temperamental of the three. He is extremely protective and tends to kill first ask questions later. He is a Fire Dragon. He was the one with the red and black scales. Izotz is more rational than Iztal and tends to keep him in check. He is a ice dragon though so there is tension between him and Iztal. They fight constantly but are very reliable. He was the one with the white and light gray scales. Nagendra is the oldest of them. He is calm and down to earth. He is extremely wise and powerful and though it takes a lot to push him if you make him anger gods have mercy on you. He keeps the other two in line. He is a Poison Dragon. He was the one with the poison green and black scales.”
 “Could I meet them?” I choke on my coffee again.
 “Not right now, maybe in the future at some point.” I hedge thinking about how to break it too them that a kid wants to see them. I shudder.
 “Okay!!” He exclaims way to happy. The silence is broken by the ringing of a phone. They both look at me.
 “What its not mine?” I answer and Sorin leaps to his feet and rushes to his bag. He fishes out a phone and answers it quickly.
 “Hello?” He questions. “Yes ma'am. Right away.” He answers after listening for awhile. He puts his phone away and turns to us with a pout.
 “I have to go home.”
 “I'll see you there.” Ash says standing. I fish my keys out of my pocket.
 “You can take him on my bike. If you don't bring it back or if it has a scratch on it I will hunt you down and murder you.” I say cheerfully as I toss him the keys. Ash catches them with a nod.
 “Are you coming to school tomorrow?” Sorin asks.
 “Truthfully? I doubt it.” I answer with a shrug. He frowns at me.
 “I'll think about it though.”
 “Thanks! Goodnight Anna!” He says happily before grabbing his bag and heading out. Ash trails behind him. Once the front door clicks shut I glance through the notes that Sorin got for me before collecting the coffee cups and washing them. My stomach growls and I decide to make some dinner.
 I open the cabinets and stare inside tapping my fingers idly on the door.
 “What to make? What to make?” I ponder out loud. Closing the doors I give up on making something tonight and find my phone. After ordering a pepperoni pizza, I return the tapestry to its place on the wall and move to the living room to wait. Dropping down on the couch I flip the TV on to surf channels while I wait. After about twenty minutes the door bell rings. Tossing the remote on the table I grab some cash from the jar by the lamp and head for the door.
 The doorbell rings again just as I reach it. Pulling it open I arch a eyebrow at the delivery boy. He scowls at me.
 “$16.78.” He says impatiently. I narrow my eyes at him.
 “You should watch your tone.” I comment. He snorts.
 “I should should I?”
 I step into his personal space. Staring him down I allow my eyes to glow slightly. I tuck a twenty into his shirt pocket and take the box of pizza from him.
 “Yes. You should.” I hiss before stepping back into the house and shutting the door. I smirk as I hear him scramble off the porch. I chuckle as I head towards the living room. Sitting down I eat pizza and watch some movie about demon hunters. Ironic.
 After my fourth slice I hear the familiar sound of my bike pulling up outside. There is a knock at the door and I tilt my head back to shout at the door.
 “Come in!” I hear the door open and shut, followed by footsteps.
 “You just let anyone in your house without seeing who?” Ash asks in the entryway. I glance at him with narrowed eyes.
 “Not at all. I know the sound of my bike, and I know the only way anyone other than you would be showing up on it is if you died a very painful death.”
 “Of course.” He says moving to take a seat. He watches a few moments of the movie before scoffing.
 “You're watching a demon hunter flick?” I shrug.
 “Ironic isn't it?”
 “A little.”
 “Pizza?”
 “You are actually offering?”
 “Don't read too much into it. My brothers rune makes me want to treat you like a person.” I say in defense.
 “Really?”
 “If you don't believe why don't you care that rune off your chest and see how long it takes me to go the fuck off on you.”
 “I'll pass.”
 “Thought so. Now shut up and eat the damn pizza.” I snap staring at the tv. I am not really watching the movie what little I catch is quite insulting actually. After awhile of just sitting their in silence Ash shifts in his seat.
 “So.” He tosses out there.
 “So you knew my brother Reyes.” I state.
 “Yes. How did you find out that I knew him?” He asks curious.
 “My brother had me write a volume of his life's story. I reread it and discovered a additional section that he had hidden from me with runes. It gave enough of a description that I had a good idea it was you. I just needed to make sure.”
 “So that's why you ripped my shirt. The rune proved it.”
 “Of course. If you try to make a reference that I was ripping your shirt for another reason I will castrate you rune or no rune.”
 “Wouldn't think of it.” I scoff.
 “He mentioned that you would not know who I was just by seeing me. So why were you not that surprised when I went off on you? You even knew who I was.”
 “I strongly suspected. You remind me of him in a lot of ways. You talk kind of the same. You have the same air about yourself. Then there was the fact that that Jazz person called you Annie.” I twitch. My eye flick from the TV screen to stare into his.
 “Don't. Call. Me. That.” I speak very precisely before turning my attention back to the TV. I take a deep breath before speaking again. “So how did you meet my brother?”
 “I was enslaved to the overlords eldest son and one of the strongest. Your brother somehow infiltrated his lair where he came across me. I was being punished by the Volvian at the time and he made a spit second decision. He freed me and together we fought the Volvian. Your brother made the killing blow.”
 “That's what you meant when you said you were involved in the death of one of their strongest.” He nods.
 “From their we didn't have much options we needed each other to get out of the lair alive and once out we stayed together while we recovered. By then we had begun to trust each other and we talked and got to know each other. Over the next few years I helped him with his hunts and told him some of what I knew about demons, which I deduce he then told you.” Its my turn to nod. “We worked together continuously striving towards the goal of destroying the Volvian's. He knew my reason but he would never tell me his.”
 “Nor will I.”
 “You mean you are against them for more than your brothers death.”
 “Yes.” I massage my temples as I debate whether or not to ask the question. Finally I decide. “How did my brother die?”
 “We were going to infiltrate the Demon capitol using hidden passages that my family created. I got him inside but he changed the plans last minute and slapped a rune on me before ordering me away from the city. No matter how hard I fought against it I had no choice but to obey.” He rakes a hand through his hair sounding angry with himself. “I never stopped fighting it until it suddenly wasn't there anymore. I entered the city and searched for him. What I found was not pleasant.”
 “What did you find?”
 “I don't think you want to know...”
 “What did you find? The hunters could never find or recover his body. Why?” I ask stubbornly.
 “Anna-”
 “Ash.”
 “Fine....the overlord used his powers to rip him apart. His blood drenched the ground and pieces of him lay scattered about.” I suck in a sharp breath. He continues speaking about what he saw but I tune him out. Drawing my feet onto the couch I hug my knees to my chest. Clutching my legs my nails sink through my jeans to bite into my skin. Ash falls silent and the only sound is that of the movie. I stare at it blankly, not really seeing it.
 “Perhaps I should be going?” Ash inquires. I blink before nodding.
 “Yes.” I answer standing and seeing him to the door numbly. I open it and he heads through but pauses halfway through.
 “Anna are you alright?”
 “I am fine. Goodnight.” He doesn't look convinced but he leaves. I shut the door behind him and lean against it for a long time. Sighing I shrug off the door and head for the Sanctuary. I shut off the TV on the way. Descending the steps and entering the Sanctuary I make a beeline for Nagendra who shifts so that I can sit against his side.
 “It hurts.” I murmur.
 Yes it does but now you know and you will survive as you always have. Nagendra says. I look around at Iztal and Izotz who are staring at me with concerned looks.
 “Your right.” I respond before relaxing against him. “But tonight I just want to let myself hurt.”