Caeth: Hmmm. Looks like we have a new face right next door.

Svrok: Yeah. I don’t know Caeth. I’ve been watching him and he seems to have quite a busy schedule.

Caeth: What do you mean?

Svrok: He has quite an awful lot to unpack. From the day he arrived, which was not too long ago, there are always packages being delivered to his place. How much stuff can one guy have/need? Huh.

Caeth: (chuckles) I don’t know. Maybe he likes to be prepared for anything.

Svrok: Yeah, right. See you around later. Remember you are leading the pack tonight. I’d suggest to you that you get there before everyone else.

***************************

Later in the night, Caeth walks past the new guy’s place. He quietly wonders to himself what he could be hiding.

He hears footsteps approaching and hides behind a bush. The new neighbor is actually not even a guy, it’s a young woman. How strange.

Many people thought she was a man because of the dark cloaks that she wore from the first day she arrived. No one had ever seen her in the normal casual wear.

And it seemed like she was carrying weapons. Caeth spotted a utility belt around her waist.

He waited patiently in the bush to see where she was heading. The woman walked past him and she knew that Caeth was hiding in the bush. But she didn’t want to let him know that right now.

She was heading to the Misty forest. There she might finally get some work done out of the town people’s sight. If she was lucky she would also find what she was looking for.

Caeth thought he was being stealthy. He had no idea what he was about to face.

The young woman, Vanessa, ended up by the Misty forest and found a nearby river. She went and waited for her stalker to show his face.

Then she heard a twig snap. Someone was indeed following her. Although, they weren’t doing a really good job at it.

Caeth walked towards Vanessa. He didn’t notice that she knew that he was there. Vanessa turned around and faced Caeth.

Caeth: Who are you? What are you doing here?

Vanessa: I could ask you the same question. It’s late and you don’t have to hide. I know what you are.

Caeth felt his heart start racing. This little person had no idea who she was talking to. Or maybe she did.

Vanessa watched with no shock, as Caeth turned into a giant beast right before her very eyes. She placed her hand steadily on her hidden rifle. Ready to use it if at all her enemy would strike.

Now standing before her was no man, but a creature ready to hunt. It ran towards Vanessa and she quickly drew her weapon, & fired.

BANG.

She never misses a shot when she aims.

The beast cowered in fear and cried in pain. It soon changed back to it’s human form.

Vanessa went back to the river and filled her bottle with water. The moment she went back to the creature’s spot, she found no trace of it there. It had escaped.

Now the chase had began. Caeth was going to have to face Vanessa quite soon. And the next time they met, she was not going to leave any chances for him to easily escape.

Before the break of dawn,

Vanessa begins to yawn...

This town is full of monsters

A pack of hungry creatures...

She has to watch her back,

Carry many weapons in a sack-

Caeth- the new master,

The strongest pack leader.

No time for rest-

The monsters wait in their nest.

Waiting for the New Moon-

Beasts will get stronger soon.

The hunt now set in motion,

Vanessa made a concoction.

She liquefied silver in a kettle-

And waited for the poison to settle.

Caeth was already wounded-

With one powerful shot.

Vanessa never easily rested—

Her target had already lost....

#MonsterHunter

#Achilles’Heel

Vanessa took a deep breath. Her target, Caeth, had fled to the Misty forest. He thought that hiding would work. Well, he was wrong. Now the cat was ready to go find the mouse. No more games of hide and seek.

She placed most of her weapons in her rucksack. And the rest were hidden away underneath her enormous armor. She smiled as she locked the door behind her.

Caeth and his pack were all relaxed. They sat around a campfire. Svrok was by Caeth's side. He wanted his dear friend to regain his strength. This monster hunter was out of control. What did she have against Caeth? Maybe, she just wanted to leave all the monsters in the team without a leader/guide.

Svrok: So, it looks like you are not being hunted anymore.

Caeth: I have a feeling that is not the case. We all have to be on the lookout for this woman. She moves quite fast for a human.

Svrok: Or you never knew how trained she was.

Caeth: Yeah. And right now I do feel much better. But if I was to be shot like before, I am not sure how long I would need to recover.

Svrok: Hey, do not worry. I am that there is no way she will come and try to fight a whole pack of monsters. I mean- it will be what one human against six other beings and their leader.

Caeth: (chuckles) Oh this monster hunter might be too much for the pack to handle.

A short while later, one of the members of the pack was knocked to the ground after being shot with a poison arrow. The other pack member noticed that the buddy was knocked out and scanned his surrounding to check for an intruder. All the time he stood looking around only sealed his fate. He did not see Vanessa drop from one of the trees to the ground. By the time the dropping sound registered in his mind it was too late. He had been struck with a hammer to his head.

Two monsters were out cold, and the rest did not even realize it. They were all focused on protecting their leader- when they could hardly protect, or even defend themselves. Vanessa felt some form of sadness towards the pack. They needed to train more, and not guard their leader like a child.

Caeth turned to face Svrok.

Svrok: What's wrong?

Caeth: She is here.

Svrok: The monster hunter?

Caeth: No- the tooth fairy, of course the monster hunter.

Svrok: Where is she?

Caeth: I can pick her scent from the air. She is not too far from here. In fact, I think we may actually be under attack.

There was a blast after Caeth said his last word. Vanessa had placed semi-toxic paralytic gas bombs around the monster camping site. Svrok's eyes were tearing up. Caeth had a coughing fit. The pack were all loosing their muscle control, and their eyes became really heavy.

After what seemed like a couple of hours, Svrok opened his eyes. The gas had cleared- he turned to his side where Caeth had been. He was gone. There on his spot was a note....

To Caeth's pack-

DO NOT come looking for Caeth. He is now my prisoner.

The Monster hunter,

Vanessa Helsing.

Svrok shook his head. And then froze for a few seconds. That name- Vanessa Helsing. Oh no. This was not good. No wonder why she was really good at hunting monsters. Caeth was doomed. No one messed with Van Helsing. Now it seemed like the same goes for his daughter.

#TheMonsterHunter

#VanHelsing

Vanessa turned on her radio. She was far away from the Misty forest. And now she was in the small village of Ondu. A place that was filled with many great/powerful magicians.

Caeth’s hands were tied behind his back with silver ropes. He was amazed at how many ways this monster hunter could use silver. It made him feel weak, but when used with a combination of other lethal lycan poisons- then Caeth would not be able to see the next full moon.

He wondered what this young woman was upto. Why had she brought him to a place of magical beings? What was going through her head?

Vanessa~ (smiles) Don’t worry. I won’t kill you.

Caeth~ (raises his left eyebrow) Really? So- why am I your captive?

Vanessa sets her captive’s hands loose. Then she hands him a bowl of beef stew.

Caeth~ I am not eating that. You may have poisoned it.

Vanessa~ Look. I need you to help me track down a magician. If you help me- I will not bother your pack again. Just eat now, and we shall go magician tracking.

Caeth was in shock. This was not how he expected his day to go. Never in his lifetime had he ever heard of a lycan & a monster hunter working together.

Vanessa had some of her tasty beef stew. Caeth finished his bowl of beef stew & asked for another serving. It was the best beef stew he had ever tasted.

The area of Ondu was quite busy for a small village. Many travelers passed by looking for spells, charms and potions to help them become rich, healthy and great. Some folks didn’t realize that not all the magicians were good. There were a number of them who were always full of tricks.

Vanessa was looking for one trickster in Ondu. This one magician had asked her for help. He said he needed to use a silver necklace for one time only to cast a spell. But by the time Vanessa went to check on him, his entire stand vanished in a cloud of smoke.

She had lost the precious family necklace. Vanessa hoped that Caeth would help her retrieve it soon.

Caeth looked around. Ondu was a beautiful place. All the flowers were in bloom. Some folks were singing & dancing - they performed in the small square of the village. A few of the visitors and people from Ondu applauded at the end of the performance.

Vanessa heard a familiar voice ahead of them. The same magician was back in business. And this time he asked for someone from his audience to hand him a tiny pouch of gold. Before a young lad could hand it to him, Vanessa stood right infront of the magician’s stand.

The magician stopped his act. He cleared his throat and snapped his fingers.

Vanessa~ Caeth! Stop him.

Caeth charged towards the magician. The magician fell to the ground.

Magician~ How dare you? Do you know who I am?

Caeth~ No. But I think you have something that belongs to her. (He points at Vanessa).

Vanessa~ You thought I’d never find you. (Chuckles) I knew you couldn’t resist coming back to Ondu.

Magician~ Haha. You got me. Now let me go.

Vanessa~ Caeth, do not let go of him.

Caeth lifts the magician and makes him stand up facing Vanessa.

Magician~ What do you want from me? I have done nothing wrong to you.

Vanessa~ Where’s my necklace?

Magician~ Necklace? What necklace?

Caeth shakes him, and the magician screams.

Magician~ Oh, that necklace. I don’t have it.

Vanessa~ You’re lying.

Magician~ I’m not.

Vamessa~ You better hand it back to me. Or you’ll have to face Caeth.

Magician~ (laughs) I’m not afraid of your guard.

Vanessa~ Maybe not in his human form. (Smiles)

Magician~ (nervously) What.... his not- human? (Gulps)

Vanessa~ Nope. No necklace means, you will be my guards snack for the day.

Magician~ (sobs) Snack? (Chuckles) You know what... I actually remember. Your necklace is somewhere in my bag. Let me check really quick.

Caeth releases the magician from his grip. Vanessa keeps her eyes steady on the magician.

Vanessa~ You better hurry with that search. I’m not sure how long Caeth will last not eating any meat all day.

Caeth tries his best not to laugh at this con magician. The monster hunter’s necklace must be worth a lot to her.

As Caeth and Vanessa wait patiently, the magician searches his bag frantically.

Magician~ (in a scared tone) I believe this is your necklace. Please, tell your guard not to eat me. Come to think of it, I may be bad for his health. Look at me, I don’t eat many healthy foods. If he eats me, that will not do his body any good.

Vanessa grabs the necklace from the magician’s hands. She holds the necklace & moves her fingers across the H-letter across the silver heart of the necklace. Vanessa almost lost the Van Helsing family necklace that is passed down from one monster hunter generation to another. One day she would also pass it down to the next monster hunter.

Caeth sees how precious the necklace is to Vanessa. She ended up going through all this steps for one necklace. He didn’t know whether to admire her bravery, or think that she was crazy. It could be a mix of both.

Vanessa thanks Caeth for his help. She leads him back to the guest cabin. There Caeth is told that he can head back to Misty forest.

Caeth~ I hope you won’t lose your necklace. If you ever do need help- ask. No need for monster trapping, hunting or tracking.

Vanessa~ (laughs) Now that I know that you can be trusted- next time I won’t have to hunt you down. And I’m sorry about wounding you.

Caeth~ It’ll heal. Goodbye- I didn’t even catch your name.

Vanessa~ I’m Ms. Vanessa Helsing.

Caeth smiled and shook her hand. With that he was on his way home.

On the way back to Misty forest, Caeth stood and watched the sun set. He recalled the name of the monster hunter- Miss Vanessa Helsing. It was like he had heard that name somwhere before. Vanessa Helsing- no way, Helsing as in Vanessa Helsing... Van Helsing’s daughter. He should have known from seeing that H on the necklace.

#MonsterHunter

#Ondu

On his way home, an old man walks past a hidden cave. He walks into it & hears the crackling sound of a flame.

Old man: Is anyone here?

In one corner he spots a person, and this being’s entire body is on fire.

Old man: (Gasps) Are you alright?

Hothead: No. (Screams) Help me. My whole body is burning.

Old man: How did this happen? Roll on the ground that will hopefully put out the fire.

Hothead: (Rolls towards the old man) Watch out! I’m coming your way.

Old man: Whoa. You nearly knocked me down.

Hothead: I am so sorry.

The Hothead stands to his feet and walks slowly towards the old man.

Old man: Hey?! Aren’t you in pain?

Hothead: (Laughs) Come on old man. How much money do you have in your pocket?

Old man: I don’t have any money. I was on my way home. But then I decided to take a look around here.

Hothead: (Sighs) Big mistake. You should have walked right past and not have tried to help me.

Old man: Please, do not hurt me.

The Hothead raises the heat intensity of his body. He throws flames out of anger towards the old man. The old man’s whole body is engulfed in flames. His skin, bones & other organ all burn to ashes.

Hothead: What do we have here? A gold pocket watch. This is a great prize.

The Hothead stretches his arms. And he looks at the place below the mountain. There isn´t much to see. In the corner of his eye- a small house. Hmmm. Interesting. It looks like his day just keeps getting better.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Heko: So, Vanessa. What are you doing here in Eryv?

Vanessa: Just came to see the mountain view. I needed to get away from Ondu and the magicians for sometime. I would love it if you came exploring with me.

Heko: Of course. Let me just check on my young warriors. Traning the next monster hunters isn’t an easy job. I’ll leave Derwin in charge. He’s my star pupil. A young man full of heart, strength and wisdom.

Vanessa: (clears throat) Ahem. And what am I?

Heko: You were, and still are, the number one most outstanding student I have had.

Vanessa: Why thank you Master Heko.

Heko: Okay. Time for a quick mountain walk. I am glad that you were able to be here with us. It’s been a while.

Vanessa: I have missed this place, the people and the mountains so much.

Master Heko and Vanessa explore the large mountain grounds. Vanessa takes a deep breath of the cold air. The mountain area will always be her favorite place to be.

Vanessa: Master Heko, are there any monsters or creatures around here?

Heko: Not that I’ve heard of anything lately. Why? Do you sense one nearby?

Vanessa: I’m not sure. There seems to be something telling me to be on my guard.

Heko: There could have been a monster that may have passed by. Maybe now it’s already gone.

Vanessa: Yeah. It could also have moved to another spot closeby.

Master Heko walked past a hidden cave. It was covered by mountains on both sides. The entrance was just inbetween two rocky large mountains. If someone didn’t look carefully they would not be able to find it.

Heko: Vanessa? Let’s keep going.

Vanessa: There’s a hidden cave. I’m going to take a look inside.

Master Heko follows the monster hunter into the cave. Vanessa looks around the cave. She finds a pile of ashes. In that pile there lies some pieces of burnt bones.

Heko: Is that someone’s burnt body in ashes?

Vanessa: I’m afraid so. There’s only one main creature that I know that does this.... a Hothead.

Heko: Oh my stars. This is not something I come across everyday. Eryv doesn’t have so many monsters.

Vanessa: This one is smart. It usually attacks, and kills older folk.

Heko stares at Vanessa with fright.

Heko: Older folk you say.

Vanessa: That is the ones who travel alone. I’m sure you’re able to defend yourself. You’re a great monster hunter trainer. The monsters would have to be crazy to beli that they can defeat you.

Heko: Where do you think this Hothead is now?

Vanessa closed her eyes and quickly thought for a brief while. She opened her eyes in a matter of few seconds. And walked towards the hidden cave’s entrance.

From the top of the mountain, Vanessa saw the vast grounds of Eryv. Then she spotted one house that was closest to the hidden cave.

Vanessa: I think I know the whereabouts of our Hothead.

The Master and his student knocked on the door of the cottage. An elderly woman answered the door.

Heko: Greetings. We are only passing through. Do you have room for two strangers right now? We mean you no harm.

Elderly Woman: Hello. I am Mrs. Fletch.

Heko: I am Master Heko, and this is my student Vanessa.

Mrs. Fletch: Nice to meet you two dears. Please, do come in. I seem to be popular in having guests today. My husband went on a walk. He should be back soon. It has been a couple of hours now.

Vanessa: Thank you Mrs. Fletch.

Mrs. Fletch leads her guests into her cozy kitchen. She places a pot of tea on the stove.

Vanessa: You have a lovely home.

Mrs. Fletch: Thank you. I hope you both would like some green tea.

Heko: That would be nice.

Vanessa: Mrs. Fletch, thank you.

Mrs. Fletch: Are two travelling from around here?

Heko: Yes, I am.

Vanessa: I am sort of. But I am here only for a visit. A bit of a wanderer right now.

Mrs. Fletch: That’s what my other guest said too. (chuckles)

Heko: Your other guest?

Mrs. Fletch: Yes. He’s in one of the guest bedrooms right now. He said he had a long day. The poor fellow.

Vanessa: (in a hushed tone) Pfft. He’s going to be one soon. Once he meets his fate.

Mrs. Fletch: What was that dear?

Vanessa: Oh, nothing. I can’t wait to meet him.

Soon the Hothead comes downstairs. He whistles with every step he takes. When he walks into the kitchen he stops, & stares at the two strangers.

Mrs. Fletch: We have two new guests. Meet Master Heko and his student Vanessa.

Hothead: (smiles) Charmed to meet you. (Stares at Vanessa’s necklace).

Vanessa: Nice to meet you.

Heko: And what is your name?

Hothead: I am Sir Flareth.

Vanessa: Sir Flareth, that is an odd name. I mean, kind of unusual. Not quite common.

Hothead: (starts to heat up) I- well, it is a family name.

Heko: You don’t look so well. Do you have a fever?

Vanessa: (smiles) Master Heko. I think he’s alright. Maybe he is not used talking with several people, three could be a crowd for him.

As the Hothead wonders who these two intruders are, the pot of tea boils with a hiss.

Mrs. Fletch: Ah, the tea is ready.

Hothead: Enjoy your tea.

Mrs. Fletch: Wouldn´t you like to have a cup of hot tea?

Vanessa: Do join us.

Hothead: Thank you. But really I’m fine.

Mrs. Fletch serves the tea to her two guests. Later on she shows them to their separate guest bedrooms.

Vanessa: Thank you Mrs. Fletch. You are a marvelous hostess.

Mrs. Fletch: (laughs) I’m glad to have you all as my guests. I am worried about my husband though. He still hasn’t shown up from his walk.

Vanessa: Don’t worry. I’m sure that he will find his way to you always. No matter what happens to him.

After Mrs. Fletch leaves- Vanessa knocks on her Master’s door.

Heko: Vanessa, we have to stop that Hothead. I don’t want to leave the sweet old lady with this monster.

Vanessa: You are absolutely right. Let’s go put out that Sir Flareth.

Heko: Yes.

Sir Flareth walks out of his guest room. He tiptoes past the other guest bedrooms and walks quietly to the living room. He thinks no one is watching him and in less than a minute his body is on fire.

Vanessa watches the Hothead from the kitchen. She peeps from the doorway that leads to the living room. This must be his act. People may easily believe that he is burning and needs help.

Sir Flareth doesn’t know that he’s being watched until he hears the creak of the door.

Hothead: (walks towards the kitchen) Is that you Mrs. Fletch?

Vanessa leaps from the back of the door. She sprays a cooling foam all over the Hothead.

Sir Flareth: What have you done to me? Argh, my body is freezing up now. You’ve messed with the wrong Hothead.

Vanessa stands and faces the Hothead. Sir Flareth forms a now & arrow with his natural flaming heat. The monster hunter dodges all the arrows thrown in her direction.

Sir Flareth: Stay still. I promise that this won’t hurt a bit. If you keep moving, that will make me shoot and aim with greater force.

Vanessa ran out of the kitchen, and out the door. The cooling foam she had thrown at the Hothead was slowly cooling him from the inside. His flames were fading out. Even his steady running pace was gradually becoming like a sloth’s.

Sir Flareth: (groans) Ugh. What’s happening to me? Why are you doing this to me? Tell me.

Vanessa: (faces the Hothead) I found a pile of ashes in a hidden cave.

Sir Flareth: He didn’t hand me his money. The old man had to pay the price.

Vanessa: (shakes her head) I’m afraid you picked the wrong time, & place to lie, steal and kill. Now you’ll have to pay the price of your actions.

The monster hunter backed away from the Hothead. His body started to freeze like a block of ice. The more heat Sir Flareth produced, the faster his body froze.

Vanessa smiled at the Hothead. She placed a few explosives on him, and he blew up into a pile of finely blown up ice.

Mrs. Fletch and Master Heko were back in the kitchen. It was time for dinner.

Heko: Vanessa, dinner will soon be ready. Mrs. Fletch has cooked us a meal fit for a King.

Mrs. Fletch: Have any of you seen Sir Flareth?

Vanessa: Yes, he just left. He said he had to head back home really soon. He’s sorry that he wasn’t able to say goodbye to you.

Heko: Such a shame he won’t be joining us for dinner.

Mrs. Fletch: That’s too bad. Enjoy the meal. More food for you then.

Vanessa: We passed by a hidden cave on our way here. Mrs. Fletch, I think we may have stumbled upon your husband’s remains.

Mrs. Fletch’s clasped her hands over her heart. Tears slowly trickled down her face.

Vanessa: I am so sorry. This is all that’s left of him. (She hands him her husband’s gold pocket watch).

Mrs. Fletch: (in sobs) Oh- ... no.

Master Heko felt so sorry for the elder lady. What a sad day for her.

The next day, Master Heko and Vanessa said their goodbyes to Mrs. Fletch. Vanessa’s job was complete.

Vanessa: Thank you for everything Mrs. Fletch.

Mrs. Fletch: Come visit anytime.

Heko: Thank you. Goodbye.

Back at the traning camp.

Vanessa: Goodbye Master Heko.

Heko: I hope you’ll come visit us here again.

Vanessa: (smiles) Yes. This will always be my home.

Master Heko smiles, and waves- as Vanessa heads to find another place that needs a monster hunter.

#MonsterHunter

#Hothead

Invitations all sent-

Guests faces hidden..............

Vanessa leaves her tent~

She carries her mask, a kitten

No way to know for sure

If these could be humans...

Or monsters true & pure~

Full of evil- bad creatures.

A scream is heard,

In the fog... right by a tree

Vanessa spots a strange bird..

Mask that’s on a killing spree

The victim already devoured,

Monster hunter throws seeds

And the spirit bird mask eats

Vanessa pulls the mask off.

Human freed, and cries out..

She had no control of herself

Who’s to say another masked Human won’t lose control?

No worries for any guests~ For Vanessa would save them

On the party continued——

Masked beings unsuspecting.

The masks they wore had-their own minds & spirits.....

#MonsterHunter.

#ThePossession!

The storm comes...

All people unprepared~

Children back in homes...

Parents truly scared-

Waves move higher...

Crashing so rapidly-

Lightning strikes...

Causing a small fire~

A little boy cries...

He can’t get home~

So alone...

And down he lies-

A winged monst’r spots him-

She carries the child...

He is taken to the wild~

There creatures sing a hymn.

The little boy grows~

He loves his new place...

And he now knows-

What he will have to face.

#MonsterHunter.

#WhatNext?

Monsieur Alu Drac: (coughs) Come closer my dear.

Tarina: My darling. You look so pale. Please, take a bite. You’ll need all your strength.

Mr. Alu Drac sinks his teeth into Tarina’s neck. She closes her eyes as Sir Alu Drac takes a quick bite.

****************************

Vanessa: Time to see what Purth has in his workshop. I need more weapons, and other monster hunting tools. (Vanessa says to herself).

As the Monster Hunter opens the door, the bell rings alerting the workshop owner there’s a customer.

Purth: Oh my stars. Vanessa?!

Vanessa: (smiles) Hey. I need more weaponry.

Purth: Say no more. You’re my number one most valued customer.

Vanessa: (slams a pouch full of gold coins on the counter).

Purth: (whistles) For all these gold coins right here- you’ll receive special new & incredible weapons. Right this way my lady.

Vanessa is led to another room where all the weapons are stored. Purth places the pouch of gold coins in his treasure chest.

Purth: Okay. (Rubs his hands together) Let’s get to business. Let me show you what I got on my table.

Vanessa: Hmm. These all look brand new. I see you’ve been busy.

Purth: But of course Vanessa. A gal like you has to get the best of the best- weapons! (Winks at her).

Vanessa: (Laughs) Thank you Purth. Show me how they work. They look kinda tricky to handle.

Purth: No problemo. Here we have what I like to call the sun beam, one turn of the switch of this & all light sensitive monsters either a- turn to dust, or b- will be completely disintegrated with one mighty blast of the sun beam.

Vanessa: I like the sound of that. And what about this contraption?

Purth: Whoa. You gotta be careful with that one. Now this- (grabs the gadget from Vanessa’s hands), is a special arrow range target device. All you have to do is place the arrow onto the slider, and then pull the tiny lever. Aim at your opponent and it shoots.

Vanessa: What do you call it?

Purth: Uhm...let me see- a crossbow.

Vanessa: Is that all the new merchandise?

Purth: (Chuckles) No, that isn’t it. That was just a tip of the iceberg of weapons I have in store.

Vanessa: There’s more?

Purth: Mhmm. This next one I like to call the wide-range explosive bubble launcher. You just shake it, and throw it at your target. It lands near them, and they think it’s a useless weapon. Then- BOMB!! (Imitates an explosive sound & moves his hands forming hand gestures like an explosion).

Vanessa: (Stares in great wonder) I love explosive devices. One shake is all it takes to bring the monsters down. Purth, you’re a mad weapon genius.

Purth: I mean- I really do love making weapons. (Smiles).

The door bell to Purth’s workshop rings.

Purth: I’ll be right back. Let me go see what my next client needs.

Vanessa: Okey.

Purth heads to the service counter and in a matter of a short time Vanessa is called to the counter.

Old man: I need your help Purth.

Purth: Vanessa, this is your duty.

Vanessa: How can I help?

Purth: This kind old man’s daughter has been missing for a few months now.

Vanessa: Did she leave town?

Old man: No. I believe that she may have been placed in a trance. And abducted. Taken away from this here quiet place.

Vanessa: By who?

Purth: He thinks it was Alu Drac.

Vanessa: (Gasps) I thought he was dead. My father told me he died many decades ago.

Old man: I don’t know. It’s hard to kill such monsters. Maybe he was brought back to life somehow. My daughter needs to be saved, please. Will you help me?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Vanessa stared at Purth.

Purth: Come on. Stop giving me that look. How am I supposed to know where his daughter could be? Is she even alive? I don’t know. I haven’t the slightest clue. I’m not the bad guy, or monster. Trust me.

Vanessa: Think. Where could this Alu Drac be hiding?

Purth: There’s one place that comes to my mind. The strange dark shadow place in the tall hills that are right past the Behingu cascade.

Vanessa: Time for me to try out my latest toys.

Purth: Be safe out there. It’s such a creepy place to be. I’ve never stepped foot there, but I’ve heard that people who go there never return.

Vanessa: I’ll be returning for sure. I will even bring back the missing girl.

Purth: Carry all your weapons. And whatever you do- don’t let Alu Drac get into your head.

Vanessa: He’s going to regret ever coming out of the shadows.

———————————

The further away from Purth’s workshop Vanessa moved, the greyer the sky, & land became. There was less vegetation, and sunlight beyond the Purth’s workshop. Even the Behingu cascade seemed to be really depressing. As the water descended from the top of the cliff, it’s rushing waters sounded like a mix of screams of agonized souls. This was a place of nothing. No one would want to live in such an area. That would be a total nightmare.

Vanessa reaches a vast terrain of hills. Then on one hill, there lies an ancient castle. The castle looks vacant. She walks to the front gate. And the gates open all by themselves. The Monster Hunter walks in. Ms. Helsing takes a look around the castle. On the walls are pictures of one person who seems to never age. That must be Sir Alu Drac.

She walks into the living space. There she sees a shadow move behind the curtains.

Vanessa: Who’s there?

A voice laughs & the room gets frighteningly cold.

Vanessa: I’ve come looking for a young girl. I know that she’s here.

Mr. Alu Drac uses his mind to lead Tarina towards Vanessa. Tarina appears out of the shadows behind the curtains.

Vanessa: I’ve come to save you. Your father is worried about you. He’s been searching for you for months now.

Sir Alu Drac: (Chuckles) She’s not going anywhere my dear.

Vanessa: Stop hiding in the shadows. Come out and face me. How dare you place this girl under your control?

Mr. Alu Drac: Do I know you? Have we met by any chance? You’re a stranger in my home. You just came uninvited.

Vanessa: You may not know me. But you know my father.

Sir Alu Drac: (Laughs) I see the family resemblance. You both like to walk into your own death traps.

Vanessa: My father may be be gone. But he’s spirit still lives on- inside of me. (Vanessa quickly grabbed her crossbow and aimed for the curtains).

The arrow went flying towards Alu Drac. Then Vanessa thought she had injured her enemy. Alas, it was only a dark shadow form.

Vanessa: (Screams) You can’t keep hiding. Sooner or later I will find your physical body.

Mr. Alu Drac: This is my home young Helsing. Try your best and catch me.

Vanessa: Don’t worry. I plan on doing just that. By the way, my name is Vanessa Helsing.

The young Helsing searches all the places, and rooms of the castle. As she does so, Alu Drac keeps toying with her mind. He appears in one spot and when she shoots...the image fades away revealing that it’s not his physical form- only one of his many sneaky tricks.

Vanessa: Stop these silly games Alu Drac.

Alu Drac: I haven’t had this much fun in ages.

Vanessa: (shuts her eyes and opens them).

She focuses on the places of the castle she’s been. She’s been to most of the upper rooms- except the lower & darker spaces. Now was the time for her to act quickly.

Monsier Alu Drac: Where are you running to? Oh no. Don’t tell me you’ve figured out my plan.

Vanessa ignores his words, and rushes to the dungeon.

The door creaks as it gradually opens. There before her very eyes Vanessa finds a coffin. She slowly lifts the lid- it’s empty.

Sir Alu Drac: Ha! The game isn’t over yet Vanessa Helsing. I must say I thought you had it all figured out already.

Vanessa stood and thought of what Alu Drac just said. How did she not see it? There was a greater force at play here. She was going to do her best to save the girl, and also shake off Alu Drac’s control over her.

Alu Drac’s body may have been destroyed, but he found a way to take over someone else’s body. The young girl, Tarina, served as a perfect host.

Vanessa ran back to the living area. Where was the young girl now?

Tarina was hidden in the shadows. Vanessa smiled as she knew what to do. She grabbed one of her new weapons and tossed it toward the curtain. The device had been shaken & now it was ready to release all it’s energy.

Alu Drac laughed when he saw the tiny device. He had control over Tarina’s body and nothing was going to ever change that.

Then out of nowhere there was a bright flash. Vanessa covered her eyes. Alu Drac screamed in pain. The light was blinding. And it was tearing his dark soul away from his host. What kind of sorcery was this?

Vanessa waited for the light to dim. Tarina was freed form Alu Drac’s control.

Ms. Helsing smiled at Tarina, and told her that she came to save her. Tarina hugged her & soon was back in the comforts of her own home.

Guard 1: Don’t die on my watch. (Pokes the prisoner with a stick).

Klari: (Sneezes) Achoo. How dare you poke me.

Guard 1: (Chuckles) You’re trapped. You’ll never escape from here.

Klari: (smiles) We shall sssss (hisses) sss-see about that.

The next day another guard is on duty. He walks to the tiny dark cell of the prisoner.

Guard 2: Hey, wake up. It’s a new day.

No response.

Guard 2: (Goes into the cell).

Klari watches her victim walk right into her trap.

The Guard looks around him, and then sees two glowing chartreuse hungry eyes.

Guard 2: Step back. Don’t make me hurt you.

Klari: (Laughs) That’s funny. I was just about to say the same thing.

The Guard trembles as Klari pounces on him. She pierces her fangs in his neck. The venom rushes in his blood stream, & the Guard falls to the ground.

Klari: (Wipes her mouth) A quick snack for the road.

**************************

Vanessa saw the fear in the peoples’ faces. News about Klari’s escape spread like wildfire in the little town of Prinu.

The folks of the small community were afraid of what would happen to their children. Klari loved to feast on young kids.

Vanessa tried to control her outrage. This Klari would never satisfy her hunger on children ever again.

A little boy bumped into Vanessa.

Little kid: I’m sorry Miss.

Vanessa: That’s alright. It’s time you went on home. The daylight is fading.

Young kid: (Nods his head) Yes. I’m going home right this minute. I wouldn’t want to be eaten by Klari.

Vanessa watches the child. For a small kid he runs really fast.

The Monster Hunter goes to check out the cell that had been Klari’s former home. Vanessa finds a dead body. Klari ended up killing right before she escaped. This Guard was tricked. He must have been lured right into his own trap.

Vanessa studied the ground. There were only footprints from the guard. That was odd. Wait, then she looked at the Guard & she saw that he had been bitten. This Klari must have injected venom into his body.

Another thing Vanessa noticed was the prison. It was pitch black. There was a trail on the ground, but it was that of a snake like creature.

If this was a serpent monster. Then she must be hiding in a cool ‘n’ dark place. Time to go see what was in the nearby caves underneath the deep tree roots.

Vanessa rushed to the nearby forest of Prinu. The trees of this place were mighty tall and green. They were perfect for snake beings to easily blend in.

Klari had found a warm spot in one of the tree’s roots. She slithered in and felt right at home. Her human feast had been the right size to enjoy before her grand escape. The Guard was an easy target.

Vanessa found Klari’s trail. It led to an enormous wide, and beautiful tree.

The tree had flowers that were in full bloom, & so colorful. Each flower had a different color. It was like seeing many rainbows after the rain passed. Even the fruits on the tree looked pleasing to the eyes. It wasn’t one kind of fruit, but a wide selection of various fruits. Some looked like berries, others like peaches. There were some that Vanessa couldn’t quite tell what they were.

Klari set a pile of sticks on the ground. This would be her bed. She saw a spider on the floor & with her tail flicked it into her mouth.

Vanessa saw the whole thing. This creature was crazy. Eating children, & spiders. Yikes.

The monster hunter waited for the moment to strike. Klari soom fell asleep right after tossing and turning on her prickly bed.

Vanessa couldn’t believe that the people who placed her in prison didn’t chain her to the wall. They really thought She would never try to escape? Wow.

Well, here their prisoner was. Now enjoying her short period of freedom.

Vanessa quietly moved towards Klari. She injected Klari with a dose of a sleeping and numbing serum. Klari felt something prick her on her neck. Before she realized what was happening, her eyes failed to stay open, or focus. The slithering creature also felt a losss of control over her entire body. Was she dying? Who was trying to kill her? She only caught a glimpse of a shadow before going back into a deep sleep.

Klari felt cold. She opened her eyes. Someone, or something, had injected her during her slumber.

Vanessa: Rise and shine.

Klari: (Screams) Why am I in chains?!

Vanessa: There is no need to panic.

Klari hissed, while her tongue moved she felt no pointy teeth in her mouth.

Vanessa: (smiles) The look on your face tells me you’ve just noticed that you lost your special teeth.

Klari: Where are my precious teeth? (She said in a sob).

Vanessa: They are in my backpack. Who knows. Your teeth might come in handy to me someday.

Klari: Unbelieveable. How dare you.

Vanessa: By the way, I’m taking you back my dear.

Klari: Taking me back? Where?

Vanessa: Your home. This is not as comfortable as your last one.

Klari stared at Vanessa in horror. This day kept getting worse by the second.

Vanessa took Klari back to her former home. There Klari was chained to the wall.

Klari: (Yells) I’ll find another way out of here Monster Hunter.

Vanessa: If you say so.

#####################

Guard 3: (smiling) Welcome back Klari.

Klari: (Laughs) A time will come when I’ll wipe that smile off your face. (Hisses).

Guard 3: (chuckles nervously) Yeah- right.

Vallia: (sighs) I can sense your anxiety from this end.

Klari: Could you work faster already? I want to get out of here. It’s such a boring place to be.

Vallia: Well, if you tried being at least good for one time only- maybe you wouldn’t be placed in jail.

As Klari checks to see that the cost is clear, her elder sister uses her vine-like hair to bring the back cell walls to the marshy ground.

Vallia always had to help get her sister out of trouble. Even when they were just little monsters. Their parents treated them the same. And that always got under Vallia’s nerves. She was nothing like Klari. Quite the opposite in fact. But their parents must have been too blinded by love to see Klari’s evil acts.

Whenever Klari did something bad, no punishment would fall on her. The only thing that happened was that Vallia had to clean up whatever Klari had done. After all these years, Vallia still kept looking after her sibling.

She did love Klari dearly- even in the craziest & dangerous of situations, like right now.

Klari: Okay! I can see some light coming in. Keep going V.

Vallia: Could you hush? This is supposed to be a quick and silent escape. Don’t shout.

Before Klari could say a word, the walls came tumbling down. Vallia waved her hand at her sister.

Vallia: Come on. Let’s go.

Klari:(Raises her hands) Oh, sweet bright light, & fresh clean air.

Vallia hears the sound of the cell doors opening. It’s one of the guards.

The Guard looks around but thinks everything is normal. Then he goes to check the other areas of the prison.

Klari: How did he not see us?

Vallia: I tapped into his neural brain network, and made his mind focus on the already stored image of the cell in order. Also, he thinks you’re resting in your cell. Now let’s go before he comes back. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to convince him that you have not escaped.

Klari: Where to now? Lead the way. I’ll follow.

Vallia: Really?

Klari:(places her left hand on her heart & raise the other) I promise.

Vallia: I see that you lost your fangs. (Laughs)

Klari: It’s not funny V. I was ambushed- I mean taken by surprise.

Vallia: Who took your fangs?

Klari: Some female monster Hunter.

Vallia: Wait? A female monster hunter? How did she find you?

Klari: She must have been around the moment I escaped.

Vallia: Yeah. I still can’t believe you lost your fangs.

Klari: Oh, I’m going to get them back. That’s for sure. That human will regret taking my fangs from me.

Vallia: You don’t even know who she is.

Klari: I’ll find out exactly who she is, and where she lives. This time I will be the one to have the upper hand. (Hisses and Laughs).

Vallia: Good luck with that. To me it sounds like you don’t know who you’re even dealing with.

Klari: You can help me take her down.

Vallia: (Smiles) Nope. That’s not happening.

Klari: Please. (Frowns) Fine.

Vallia: Where are you going?

Klari: I’m going to find someone else to help me.

***************************

Vallia watches her sister wander off alone. When she sets her mind to something- she never stops till her plan goes through.

Klari slithered further & further away from Vallia. She reached a point where she couldn’t even see V behind her anymore. Maybe this was a bad idea. It was time to just go home.

When she almost turned back, Klari spotted a whistling pei. This was unbelievable. Her tribal ancestors must have heard & noticed her pain.

Klari bent down near the plant. She pulled it gently from the ground. Then she picked the prickly leaves. This was going to be tricky. Now she had to chew on them.

She closed her eyes, and slowly started to chew. To her suprise the leaves prickly tiny thorns felt like nothing when chewed. After chewing on the leaves, she spat them out and then covered the leaves with dirt.

Klari waited, she heard the birds chirp by as they flew to their nests. She felt so relaxed, too calm. Then all of a sudden- her mouth burned.

She felt like her mouth was being torched. Klari hoped the pain would wear away soon.

After what felt like years, the process was a success. Klari hissed and felt much better.

A silver bird flew to her side. It flapped it’s wings so gracefully. The silver bird moved with such beauty.

Klari hissed, and when the bird tried to fly away...it lost control of it’s own body. Her fangs were back and ready to paralyze Klari’s victims just like old times.

#Klari

#Vallia

#WhistlingPei