Chapter Fifty Seven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still clutching her aching ribs, Devin slowly got to her feet and looked at Ashtyn. "I'm not fighting you." She stated quietly, meeting the other woman's eyes. It wasn't because she knew that Ashtyn would kick her ass. She wasn't scared of that. Ashtyn could beat the hell out of her if she wanted, but she wasn't going to lay a finger on Ashtyn.
"You are scared of me?" Ashtyn asked although it came out more of a statement. "You should be. I could snap your pathetic little body in half with one arm tied behind my back. You are weak."
Devin continued to stare at Ashtyn in shock. She really did not understand what was going on. This was not the Ashtyn that she had known and loved...still loved What had happened?
"You can give me any beating that you wish, but I am not fighting you, Asht-" Devin began, but her words were cut off before she could finish them when Ashtyn rushed forward and hit her with a viscous backhand that again sent her flying through the air.
Devin groaned slightly in pain as she picked herself up once more. She gave Ashtyn a look of mixed hurt and disbelief before she turned and slowly began walking away.
"That's right...run away like a scared little puppy. That's all right. I'll catch up with you again, Slayer." Ashtyn called after her, her voice filled with disgust when she said the word 'slayer'. 'Yeah, some slayer you are running away from the fight." Ashtyn muttered to herself as she watched Devin walking away.
*****
Dale and Brett ran into the middle of the cemetery, both of them abruptly stopping dead in their tracks when they saw her. Dale's mouth fell open, his whole body trembling in shock as he stared at her. Much like Devin, he was so overjoyed to see her, that he didn't notice the changes in her. Tears burning his eyes, he slowly began walking toward the woman that he loved more than anything.
Brett moved to follow him, having not noticed the change in Ashtyn either, but stopped again when something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Turning his head fully, his eyes touched on Devin, who was limping and looking like she'd taken a bit of a beating. But more than that, he could feel the vibes coming off of her; sadness, hurt, betray and so much more.
He looked back at Dale, who was getting closer to where Ashtyn still stood staring after Devin. Then he turned back to Devin, who was still walking away. Brett was torn between seeing Ashtyn and going after Devin. He looked back at Ashtyn and made up his mind. He turned and went after Devin, knowing that Ashtyn would understand and would want him to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Fifty Eight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ashtyn was aware of them the moment they started approaching, even before that really. She was getting some strange vibes from then as well. But just like she did with the Slayer, she chose to ignore it.
She frowned when she felt one presence leaving, going after the Slayer and was about to follow herself when she focused on the much stronger presence behind her. Without realizing it, this presence had her heart racing with what seemed to be excitement. She suddenly felt warm, and had the desire to spin around and hold this person, never letting go.
But just like with all the other emotions she�d had since returning, she pushed them aside. She waited, staying perfectly still until she felt the person stop directly behind her. She could feel the person reaching out a hand. Her voice stopped the hand before it reached her. �Touch me, and you�ll be dust before you even realize I�ve just put a stake through your heart.� She promised through clenched teeth.
Without waiting for a response, she spun around, her own eyes going wide when she met the shocked blue ones looking down at her. She hastily backed up a couple steps before planting her hands on her hips, glaring defiantly up at the vampire whose face haunted her dreams.
Her entire body tensed as she glared at him. Oh yes she knew exactly who this vampire was. This was the one who had killed her�literally. Her master had allowed her to see the face of her killer�and she kept having dreams of him leaning over her dying body, grinning down at her triumphantly.
But now he was looking at her with an entirely different look. Shock, surprise, disbelief, longing, denial, happiness and most of all love. Love? She had to be mistaking, that couldn�t be love.
She shook herself mentally, stopping herself from drowning in those eyes. �You.� She hissed softly.
Dale couldn�t find his voice. It really was her. His eyes swept over her, drinking in ever detail. Somewhere deep inside the changes in her registered, but he found he didn�t care. She was alive, that was all that mattered.
�Ashtyn.� He whispered, stepping closer to her. He didn�t even have time to register the move, nor react, when she suddenly moved and had him flat on his back, holding a stake to his heart. He started up at her in even more shock as she straddled him.
�So glad to see you remember me.� She purred, almost seductively as she traced little patters across his chest with the point of the stake. She stopped and looked thoughtful. �You know, taking you down was no problem, so I can�t help but wonder how you managed to beat me before.� She said almost to herself.
She shrugged. �Oh well, doesn�t much matter now does it? Now you get to feel what I did, when you jammed that stake in my chest!�
She was just about to plunge it in when a voice stopped her. �Not yet, little one.�
She and Dale both looked over, Dale�s fear rising even more when his eyes landed on an exact live replica of the picture he had just seen. Ashtyn sprang up from him and smiled softly as she moved to stand beside her lord and master.
She looked up at him questionably. �Why not?� she pouted prettily, obviously not happy with waiting, but willing to do her masters bidding. He grinned down at her, obviously pleased with the chaos she had caused in just less than a half hour.
�It�s not time. I have much planned for the Slayer and her friends, including this one.� He motioned towards Dale who had risen to his feet, unable to tear his gaze away from Ashtyn.
�Ash, what the fuck is going on?� he demanded. She looked at him over her shoulder and gave him a bored look, rolling her eyes, and then looked back at the Lord of Darkness pleadingly.
He chuckled and shook his head. �Patience my little warrior. Soon you can dispose of them all.� He looked over at Dale, his lips curving into an evil smirk as he slid his arm around Ashtyn, resting his hand possessively on her hip, pulling her just a little closer to him. He didn�t miss the way Dale�s eyes darkened at the move. He could feel the rage rolling off the young vampire.
�You have many questions.� The Lord of Darkness said smoothly to him. �They all will be answered in good time. Just know, your undead life has just changed drastically.�
Dale came forward a couple steps, his fists clenched tightly. He knew he�d be no match against this huge demon, but that didn�t stop him from being willing to try. �I don�t know what you�ve done to her, but let her go, mother fucker!� Dale spat, shaking from his anger.
The Lord of Darkness looked down at Ashtyn then back at the vampire who had been the love of her life. �Hmmm. No.� he said simply. �You killed her. Did you really think she would come back and want to pick up where you left off before you killed her? You�re sadly mistaking, boy. You�re one hearts desire will be your greatest down fall.� He smirked again, tightening his grip on Ashtyn, who was staring at Dale silently, trying to ignore her body as it responded to the vampire standing a few feet away, even though she tried desperately not too.
�Tell the Slayer we�ll be seeing her soon.� With those words spoken, the Lord of Darkness and Ashtyn vanished in mid air, leaving Dale starting after them, speechless, with his heart breaking as unnoticed tears streamed down his face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Fifty Nine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett caught up with Devin easily. Gently taking hold of her arm, he turned her around to face him. His heart broke as he looked at her and saw the complete devastation in her eyes.
"Devin?" Brett questioned, his voice breaking a little bit just knowing that she was hurting. It wasn't the physical pain that concerned him. He knew that she would recover easily from that. It was the emotional pain that he saw in her eyes just before she quickly hid it. He watched her eyes turn cold as she glared at him.
"Go away!" She demanded, although her voice came out barely a whisper. But even as it was, it didn't hide the seriousness of her request. Jerking her arm out of his grasp, she turned and began limping away again.
Brett wasn't about to give up so easily though. He knew what she was doing...hiding her pain with anger. But what he didn't know was why...why was she using anger as a cover up to push him away. What had just happened? When he'd first saw Devin, it had looked like she was walking away from Ashtyn. Was she involved somehow?
Catching up with her, Brett again took hold of Devin's arm and spun her around. "Please don't walk away from me, Dev." He nearly pleaded, wanting very badly to take all of the pain inside her away.
Devin continued to glare at him for several moments before she again broke out of his hold and turned again to leave. Brett followed her, not willing to relent and needing to know what had gone on to upset her. She stopped on her own this time when he caught up to her, but she didn't say anything nor did she turn around.
"Devin," Brett pleaded. "Talk to me. What happened?"
If he had been breathing, his breath would have caught when she did finally turn around and he openly saw the distress in her eyes. Brett wanted badly to pull her into his arms and assure her that everything would be fine...even though he still had no idea what had happened. But he kept his distance, offering his support without touching her.
He wasn't prepared for the anguished filled moan that escaped her just a split second before her legs gave out on her and she collapsed against him. Brett caught her easily, but because of the way that things were between them he wasn't quite sure what he should do...should he continue holding her as he was just then or should he let her go and still offer support as he'd bee doing before...not touching her.
The decision was made for him when Devin moved closer to him, seeking the comfort she knew that she would find with him. He wrapped his arms tight around her, moving his fingers soothingly through her hair and over her back as she buried her face against his chest and let the tears fall again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Sixty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cheyanne jumped to her feet, her eyes wide with surprise when Brett walked in the front door, carrying a still sobbing Devin in his arms. �What the hell happened?� she demanded as she rushed over to see if the Slayer was alright. She winced at the bruises she saw forming and could easily see she�d taking quite a beating.
But like Brett, she knew the wounds would heal. What had her most worried was the way Devin was clinging to Brett, hiding her face in his neck, her grip on him surely would have choked him had he needed air to live.
Devin didn�t look at Cheyanne, instead she tried to bury deeper against Brett. Cheyanne looked at Brett who shook his head, still not having any idea as to what was going on. Once Devin had collapsed against him, he had tried numerous times to get her to talk to him, but she never made a sound except the occasional sniffle and whimper.
Brett walked past Cheyanne to the living room and sat down, keeping Devin on his lap. He wasn�t about to let her go anytime soon. He looked up at the other vampires when they walked in. He shook his head, signaling for them not to start questioning about Devin. They got the silent message.
Kevin was the first to speak up. �Um, where�s Dale?�
Brett�s entire body went stiff. Damnit, how could he have forgotten. All his focus had been on Devin and if she was alright that he hadn�t even stopped to think of anything else.
He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked down at Devin, a soft smile touching his lips when he found she was sound asleep, obviously feeling safe enough to let her guard down in his arms.
�Let me put her to bed,� he said, standing up almost reluctantly, wanting any kind of excuse to keep her in his arms. �Then we�ll talk.�
Brett took the stairs carefully, not wanting to wake up Devin. He gently placed her in her bed, then just stood there staring down at her for a few moments. He leaned down and softly brushed his lips across her forehead.
�I�ll protect you.� He swore. �Forever.�
***
�Alright, what is going on?� Jeff demanded as soon as Brett appeared on the stairs. �What the hell is wrong with Devin, where�s Dale and why do you look like you�re in shock?�
Brett shook his head as he sat down, and ran a hand over his face. He really didn�t know how to comprehend any that had transpired earlier, much less try to explain it to anyone else. He decided to go for the direct and blunt approach, not sugar coating anything.
�I think Ashtyn is alive.� He stated, his voice sounding as shocked as the look that crossed everyone else�s faces.
�You wanna repeat that?� Kevin asked in a shaky voice, sitting down when he felt his knees going weak.
Brett looked him dead in the eyes. �You heard me.�
�H-how is this possible?� Carl asked in quiet disbelief. Brett shook his head.
�I have no fucking clue. All I know is we were looking for Devin. Dale sensed Ash before I did, we took off in that direction and there she was�watching Devin walk, or should I say limp away from her.�
�Huh?� The other three vampires said in unison.
Brett again shook his head, rubbing his eyes. �Don�t ask, I don�t understand myself. Anyway, I went after Devin and Dale stayed behind with Ashtyn.�
�Naturally.� Kevin nodded. �My god, she�s alive.�
Cheyanne chose that moment to walk in the room, having been upstairs checking Devin�s wounds, making sure she didn�t need bandaging. �Whose alive?� she asked.
�Ashtyn.� Kevin answered. Cheyanne stopped in her tracks, all the color draining from her face.
�Oh my god. No!� she whispered before turning and bolting back up the stairs. Everyone was still staring after here when she returned a few seconds later with a book in hand, which she was flipping furiously through.
She sank down on the bottom step, the little color that had reappeared in her face gone again. She looked at them all. �After Dale found the demon, I started doing some research on him. I found this just a little while ago, although at the time I didn�t realize what it meant. Now, I think it makes sense.�
�It says here that the Lord of Darkness would awaken the one who would either destroy the world�or help to save it.� She read, then looked up. �That has to be Ashtyn!�
�No!� Kevin said forcefully. �I refuse to believe that. I mean, come on! This is Ashtyn we�re talking about. She gave her life to save all of us�she wouldn�t turn against us like that!�
�But she has.�
Everyone turned to find Dale standing there, looking just as devastated as Devin had. No one had time to really register the fact that she was back when suddenly they were dealing with her being against them, and quite capable of destroying them all.
Before anyone could ask anything he looked at Cheyanne. �How do we defeat the Lord of Darkness? I have a feeling it�s the only way to break what ever hold he has over Ashtyn.�
He knew the odds of defeating the huge demon weren�t good, but damnit he was going to try. Ashtyn�s life quite literally depended on it, and he�d be damned if he was going to let her down again. She had indeed saved all of them with her death, now it was his turn to save her�even if it meant his own death to do so. He would gladly give up his life for her�just as she had for him.
Cheyanne shook her head. �I-I honestly don�t know what there is any known way to defeat him. I strongly believe right now our biggest hope lies with Ashtyn. Somehow we need to get to her, and get her back. And I think our only hope of that is you,� she nodded towards Dale. �And Devin.�
�I�ll do whatever it takes.� Devin said suddenly from the top of the stairs. �One way or the other we will get Ash back. I will not give up on her.� She looked at Dale and read the determination she knew was in her own eyes. Together, they would bring the fallen slayer back to where she belonged.
***
Ashtyn paced the length of the throne room, back and forth time and time again. Her face was void of expression and emotion, but the Lord of Darkness knew she was bothered by what had happened earlier. Soon, she would start asking questions. He could almost feel his hold over her slipping, but he refused to think that way.
Controlling a slayer wasn�t as easy as he thought, but if anyone could do it, it was him, and he knew it. Suddenly she spun around to face him, a sudden anger in her eyes.
�What are you keeping from me?� she demanded, taking a couple steps towards him in a way no creature had ever dared to do before. He pulled the reign on his temper, knowing any kind of hold he had over her would disappear in a heartbeat if he allowed himself to react normally. He needed to be calm�gain her trust completely.
He raised an eyebrow, but didn�t say anything. Her eyes narrowed in frustration and confusion. �You told me the Slayer and her band of friends were evil and only out to destroy me. After all they had done it once before. But yet the people I met tonight didn�t try to attack me once! In fact, aside from being able to knock them over with a feather at the fact that I�m alive, I felt sadness, joy, elation and most of all love coming off the slayer and the vampire.�
�Also, I can�t help but notice that I didn�t get any kind of evil feelings from them. Hell I get more of an evil vibe thing going on from you then all of them put together!�
She tipped her head, crossing her arms over her chest. �Now I want to know why that is! What haven�t you told me?�
�You are right to question, Ashtyn.� The Lord of Darkness said in a deep voice. �But they are only playing you. It�s the exact same thing they did before and you fell for it, hook line and sinker.�
Some of the defensiveness left her as she sank down to the floor, listening closely. �You see,� he continued. �They made you believe they were your friends, that they loved you�and you loved them in return. But it was all a scheme. They knew the power you have, and they needed you eliminated. And what better way to do it than to gain your trust then betray you? And, Ashtyn, that�s what they did. Hell one even went so far to have you fall in love with him.�
Ashtyn bit her lip as she thought of the name that had haunted her�then the vampire she met earlier. It fit. �Dale.� She said softly. A look of surprise flashed across the Lord of Darkness� face but he covered it quickly.
�I�m surprised you remember him.� He said softly. Ashtyn shook her head.
�I don�t really. I just have the memory of my death�and for some reason when the Slayer said his name tonight I just knew. Then I met him myself. I-I have this feeling that I loved him very much.� She whispered.
�You did, but they used your love against you. He killed you and did it with a song in his heart. I�m sure he and the Slayer were both hoping you wouldn�t remember any of it, and they could regain your trust. And don�t think they will just give up. They will try everything in the book to get you back, to trust and love them again. They will try to fill you head full of lies, and try to turn you against me.�
�It won�t happen, My Lord.� She swore. He smiled and nodded before one of his henchmen came in and whispered something in his ear. Giving her one last smile he excused himself and left her alone in the room.
She sighed as she started off into space, replaying the night over again in her head. She knew what her master told her, and knew she should believe him. But something just didn�t feel right.
With a muttered curse she got to her feet, trying to shake off all those feelings. Now wasn�t the time for emotions. Emotion made one weak, that was one thing her master taught her. She didn�t have time for weakness�now was the time to start planning the Slayer�s final battle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Sixty One
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett stopped short of walking into the kitchen when he saw Devin in there seated by the table. He leaned against the doorframe, knowing that even if she hadn't had her back to him, she wouldn't have seen him anyway. She was a million miles away. After a few moments he walked into the room, gently placing his hand on her shoulder to alert her of his presence. He nearly jumped out of his own skin when she let out a shriek and bolted out of her chair.
Spinning around, Devin's whole body was tense and ready to attack. An instant later she relaxed as Brett's presence hit her. She sank back down in her chair, looking up into his eyes.
"You scared the shit outta me." She muttered.
"Sorry." Brett apologized He took the seat next to Devin's as she waved off his unneeded apology. He looked directly at her. "How ya doing?"
Devin shook her head, not really knowing herself. "I really don't know, Brett. That last twenty four hours have been a roller coaster to say the least." She looked away for a moment and then met his eyes again.
"Thanks." She told him, her voice sincere. "For being there last night." She clarified at his confused expression. "I really appreciate it." She smiled a little bit at the memory of how warm, secure, and comfortable she had felt within his arms. Without realizing that she was doing so, she reached out and took hold of his hand.
Brett looked down at their fingers which had become intertwined on their own and then back at Devin, waiting for the moment when she would realize what she had done and would snatch her hand away from his. That moment never happened.
Bringing himself back to their conversation, he met her eyes again and smiled genuinely for a moment before it faded. "What happened?" He asked, feeling her grip on his hand tighten almost painfully as she heard his question.
"I think that you already know." Devin replied, her voice barely a whisper. She blinked a couple of times, trying to hold back the tears that had begun stinging her eyes. Her effort though was useless and they fell down her cheeks.
Reaching out with his free hand, Brett gently brushed her tears away, everything inside of his softening further towards this woman before him as she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, a soft, content sigh escaping her.
"Do you want to talk about what happened?" Brett asked, taking his hand away when she opened her eyes again.
Devin shook her head, her eyes blazing with fire and determination. "No. What I want is to know how to kill that big bastard so we can get Ash back!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Sixty Two
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�I don�t want you to die.� He said, his voice cracking with emotion. She sighed and looked away for a second.
�Dale�� she started but he silenced her by placing his finger on her lips. He lead her over to a near by stone bench and they both sat down.
�When I was turned, I felt like my life was over. Hell, even before I was turned I didn�t feel like I was really living.� He told her truthfully. �Nothing was going how I wanted it too, and I was just going through the motions. Even after, when Brett and the guys found me, sure they helped me figure out what was going on, but life as I knew it was done.�
�Even though racing wasn�t going so well for me, that was my life. I grew up around NASCAR, and that was all I knew. Suddenly I wake up one night and fine the one constant in my life is gone.� He said, hanging his head sadly, the pain from not being able to drive anymore still strong.
She reached out and grasped his hand, giving him as much support as she possibly could. He smiled softly at her. �I left that life behind when mine ended. I never said good bye to my friends, family, team, fans�no one. I couldn�t. No one would have understood why I suddenly wanted to quit racing, and I couldn�t very well continue when all but a few races are during a nice bright sunny afternoon.�
�I can see where that would cause for problems.� Ashtyn said. He nodded.
�I�ve been with Fuel ever since, just staying behind the scenes. And no matter how welcome they have made me feel, and they are pretty much my family now, there was still something missing�besides a heart beat.� He said with a wiry grin.
�Then I met you and suddenly everything felt as I always hoped and dreamed it would. I had given up hope on ever finding someone to love because of what I am, but you changed that. You make me feel more alive than I ever did, when I was actually alive.�
Ashtyn bit her lip and looked down at their clasped hands, tears burning her eyes. She took a shaky breath and returned her eyes to his.
�I�ve just found you,� his voice was gruff. �I can�t loose you.�
Ashtyn bolted straight up in bed, clutching the covers to her chest as she struggled to get her breath back. She looked wildly around the room, raising a shaking hand to rub her eyes. She shook her head, feeling even more confused than ever.
For the past several days she�d been having little flashes of memories here and there, but this one had been the most �real�. She knew instinctively that it had happened, and she could easily remember all the emotions she had felt at that time. She also remembered her next words to the vampire.
�I love you.� She whispered to herself. She threw the covers back and jumped out of bed, quickly grabbing her discarded clothes and pulling them on. She needed some time to herself, away from her �master� and all his minions. She needed time to think, clear headed.
She quietly moved through the dark streets, not paying much attention to anything around her. She bit her lip as she thought about the last couple days. The Lord of Darkness had pretty much kept her cooped up inside, not �allowing� her to go out, in fear that she would again run into the Slayer and her friends, saying that she just wasn�t fully prepared for another confrontation.
They had spent the last couple days training and planning the Slayer's demise. But the doubts continued to linger, and grow stronger with each passing moment. Something didn�t feel right, she knew it, but was unable to ignore it any longer. It was almost as if there was something inside her, trying to fight back and get her to trust her instinct instead of her master.
She faultered in her steps when she felt a sudden tightening in her stomach. She spun around and found herself face to face with three vampires. They smiled evilly as they approached.
�Well now boys, I�d heard she was back and didn�t believe it, but looks like it�s true.� One vampire sneered. �You know, used to be that only vampires came back from the dead. Now even that�s being taken away from us!�
Ashtyn looked at them all and crossed her arms over her chest. �Sorry to rain on your parade.� She muttered.
The largest of the vampires stepped forward, his eyes glowing. �This time when you die, we�re gonna make sure you stay dead, Slayer!� It hissed.
Ashtyn took a startled step back. �Slayer?� she whispered. Before she could get over her shock, one of the vampires caught her with a vicious backhand, sending her crashing to the ground. They were all three on her before she had a chance to regroup.
Collecting herself and putting all her strength into it, she threw the three demons off her and quickly got to her feet, grabbing a small tree branch as she did so. She quickly dusted two of the vampires, then turned on the one remaining. She had him pinned up against a tree in no time.
�Now, I�m going to only ask this once.� She hissed in the vampire�s face, easily feeling the fear coming off him in waves. �Why did you call me �Slayer�?� she demanded.
The vampire looked confused, then shocked, then smug before yelling out in pain when she punched him in his face. �Okay, okay!� he howled. �You�re the fallen Slayer!�
Ashtyn�s grip on his throat tightened, and the vampire could only be grateful that he didn�t need air to breath. �I�m not a Slayer!� she spat. �The Slayer is my enemy!�
�You really don�t know do you?� the vampire grinned through his bloody mouth. �This is priceless. If only all the other demons and vampires out there could see you now!� he laughed, only to be cut off when she buried her knee in his stomach.
�Tell me. Now.� Her tone left no room for argument.
Figuring he had no other choice, that he was dead either way, he decided to spill what he knew, just hoping she would end his undead life quickly. �You�re the Slayer. You and your friend were the only Slayers to have worked together the way you did. Together you two were pretty much unstoppable. Where one lacked, the other made up for it and vice versa. All the demons and vampires were intrigued by the two of you. We feared you, yet at the same time we had this overwhelming need to try to destroy you. No one was able to�until your watcher turned evil.� He explained.
Ashtyn tipped her head. �My watcher?�
The vampire sighed. �Look, you�re not exactly my favorite person, if you want all these answers, why don�t you go see the other Slayer? And leave me the hel---� his words were cut off when she drove the stake deep into his heart, a half second later him turning to dust.
Ashtyn watched the dust settle, going over what she had just learned. She also realized just how right it felt to destroy the vampire, not work with them. She nodded slowly before turning and walking in the direction she just knew was the way to Devin�s house.
Question and answer time was about to start.
***
Devin paced the length of the living room, everyone else either watching her or trying to ignore her. She sighed heavily as she looked at Cheyanne.
�It�s been days, and we�ve still got exactly what we had before. Absolutely nothing!� she cried, feeling extremely frustrated. �What the hell are they waiting for?� For two days they had all patrolled cautiously, but there had been no sign of the Lord of Darkness, nor Ashtyn. It was almost as if they had disappeared off the face of the earth, but they all knew better.
Kevin sighed, and glanced at the clock. �Well, it�s about ten minutes to sunrise, I say we all get some sleep. Hopefully we�ll find out something tonight.� He said optimistically, ignoring Devin when she grunted, signaling she didn�t believe that to happen.
Devin kept her eyes on Dale as he got to his feet. Since his encounter with Ashtyn, he�d become withdrawn from everyone, including herself and she didn�t like it. She understood, probably better than anyone, but she still didn�t like it. She had talked to Brett some about Ashtyn, but she felt she really needed to talk to Dale.
She stopped him as he started to walk past her, the dead look in his eyes nearly her undoing. �I�m here when you�re ready to talk.� She said softly. He nodded and gave her a little hug before turning away and heading down the stairs to the basement.
�Give him time.� Brett said from behind her. She turned and nodded but still looked worried.
�I know, but he�s allowing this to destroy him. And I want too as well, but now is the time when we have to stay strong. It�s like he�s given up on Ashtyn�and I can�t do that. I still believe we can get her back.� She whispered, allowing him to put his arm around her and leaning into him.
�We�ll get her back.� Brett promised as he dropped a kiss on her forehead. She looked up at him and smiled, finding herself more and more grateful to have him by her side.
�Good night.� She said softly, watching as he followed the others out of the room before turning and going upstairs to try and get some sleep herself.
***
Devin rolled over, something disturbing her sleep. She couldn�t quite put a finger on what had woken her up, but it was definitely something. She stretched as she yawned, then sat up, rubbing the sleep from her tired eyes. She threw back the covers, thinking she would get a drink or something to help her get back to sleep.
She gasped, her eyes going wide as she froze, seeing a figure standing in the shadows of her room. It didn�t take her long to figure out who it was. She stood up quickly, automatically taking a defensive stance, although she knew she wouldn�t be the one to fight first.
Ashtyn stepped out in the sun light and Devin relaxed a little, frowning when she didn�t see any hostility in Ashtyn�s eyes, nor did she feel like she was in any danger. Yet at the same time the normal warmth wasn�t there either.
�You can relax, Slayer.� Ashtyn said, keeping her distance somewhat. �I�m not here to fight.�
Devin watched as her friend sat down in a chair across the room. �Uh, okay, then why exactly are you here, Ashtyn?� Devin asked hesitantly, sitting down on her own bed, but careful to keep an eye on her once best friend.
Ashtyn looked around the room, feeling a sense of belonging, which only added to her confusion. She was also well aware of the man who was in the basement. She could feel his pain, his heartache and his will to just give up as if it were her own emotions. She had seen him from the window, seen the total look of devastation on his face. Would he really be feeling like that if he were out to kill her and hadn�t really felt something for her?
And there was this need to want to make him feel better that was confusing the hell out of her.
And now, looking at the Slayer, she felt no danger, only a calming peace. Everything was beginning to get a little overwhelming and she wasn�t sure what was the truth and what wasn�t anymore.
But something deep down told her to trust the Slayer, that here is where she would get the answers she was looking for. Now it was time to find out if her instincts were true.
Ashtyn took a deep breath. �I have some questions, and you are the only person who can answer them for me.�
Devin was a little surprised but nodded. �Okay.�
�First and foremost,� Ashtyn began. �Am I a Slayer?�
Devin�s breath caught in her throat and she fought desperately against the tears of happiness that were suddenly stinging her eyes. This was what she had been praying for. The Slayer in Ashtyn was overriding the evil the Lord of Darkness had put in her. It was up to her now to bring her fellow Slayer the rest of the way back.
�Yes.� Devin answered in a choked voice. �You are the Slayer. As I am.� Ashtyn was quiet as she sat back digesting everything. She had a feeling that would be the answer, but knowing it and hearing it were two different things. �What happened when I died?� she asked.
Devin sighed. �It�s a long story.� She whispered. Ashtyn tilted her head and raised an eyebrow.
�I�ve got nothing but time.� She said. Devin couldn�t help but smile a little. She was beginning to see more and more of the old Ashtyn. She took a deep breath and proceeded to tell her everything that had led up to the night Ashtyn died, and the events after.
Twenty minutes or so later, Ashtyn sat back silent, having not spoken a word the entire time. She stood up and went over to the window staring blindly out, not really seeing anything. Her mind was racing, trying desperately to find some memory of what she had just been told. There was none, but even with the darkness that was her memory, she still knew what Devin had told her was the truth.
�Ash?� Devin asked softly from behind her. She moved closer cautiously, yet at the same time knowing Ashtyn wouldn�t hurt her.
Ashtyn turned back around, looking lost and a little scared. �Why can�t I remember any of this? It doesn�t exactly seem like something I could just forget!� she cried, shaking her head. �And some of what you�ve told me fits what I�ve been told, but then some doesn�t. Which means someone is lying!�
Devin took the final step until they were toe to toe, eye to eye. �Who do you think is lying, Ashtyn? You wouldn�t be here now if you trusted him completely. Somewhere deep inside you know he�s been feeding you a load of bullshit. If you were truly under his control, you would have killed me by now.�
Ashtyn closed her eyes, her head starting to pound. �I can�t.�
�What?�
Ashtyn opened her eyes and looked back at the Slayer. �I can�t. I can�t kill you. This entire time he�s been planning and finding the �perfect� way to get rid of you, and each time he�d come to me to plan, I�d find some reason to get out of it.� She sighed and sat back down, her head in her hands.
Devin sat down next to her. �Don�t you think there is a reason you don�t feel you can kill me?�
Ashtyn gave her a sideways glance. �Uh duh!� she responded, earning a laugh from Devin. �I just don�t know what to do.�
�I think you should talk to the guys and Cheyanne as well. They can fill in more blanks. And we can get out books and stuff and try to refresh your memory. I don�t know, maybe there�s some spell we can cast�� Ashtyn quickly cut her off.
�NO!� she nearly yelled. �No more spells. I think we�ve had enough of them.� Devin smiled and nodded.
�You�re right.� Devin stood up and went over to her dresser and pulled something out. �I want you to read this. I think maybe it could help more than anything else. I know it helped me and Dale find our way back from a very dark place�maybe it can help you too.�
Ashtyn looked a little confused but took the envelope Devin handed to her. She opened it and began to read, her eyes widening when she realized what it was. She looked back up at Devin who had tears streaming down her face.
�I-I wrote this.� She whispered. Devin nodded.
�The night you died.�
Ashtyn nodded and looked back down at the letter, rereading it. �So did you follow my advice?� she asked. Devin looked confused.
�Did you work things out with Brett?� Ashtyn clarified. Devin smiled softly.
�We�re working on it, slowly, but things are looking good.� She said. Ashtyn nodded and folded up the letter, handing it back.
�So now what?� Devin asked.
Ashtyn took a deep breath. �Now we talk to everyone else. I know it may take them awhile to trust me�hell I think its going to take me awhile to trust myself�but I have to know the rest.� She said.
Devin understood. �Well, I know there is one vampire downstairs who would like to see you more than anything.� Hope began to rise in her when she saw the way Ashtyn�s eyes softened just a little.
�I�ll give you a moment to get yourself together.� Devin told her moving towards the door. �I�ll go wake everyone up and have everyone assemble in the training room�no windows.�
Ashtyn nodded. �I�ll meet you there in a few minutes.� She watched as Devin slipped out of the room. She paced back and forth, chewing on her lower lip. She knew deep down she was doing the right thing, but she had been right when she told Devin she didn�t trust herself.
She walked back over to the window and leaned her forehead against the cool glass. She knew there was going to be hell to pay when the Lord of Darkness found out she was gone. She shuddered at the thought of it. Not only was she in a hell of a lot of danger, but by being here, she was putting the Slayer and all her friends in danger as well.
But if she left them and went back to the Lord of Darkness, she wasn�t sure she could withstand the pull of his dark power. A lone tear slipped from her eye down her cheek.
�Someone help me.� She whispered, praying to anyone who would listen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Sixty Three
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Okay, wanna explain exactly why you got us all up in the middle of the day to meet here in the training room?� Carl asked with a big yawn.
�Yeah, if you�re planning on us training, I�m thinking I might as well lie down now, cuz I�m too tired, and I�ll get my ass kicked!� Jeff stretched, groaning as he did so.
Devin ignored them and kept looking towards the doorway, wondering if she should prepare the guys or not. She was torn, she wasn�t sure what to do. She was startled when she felt a hand on her arm. She turned and met Cheyanne�s concerned eyes.
�Dev, what�s going on?� she asked softly. Devin took a deep breath.
�Um, I had a visitor today.� She told them all, holding up her hand to halt any questions or outbursts. �It was Ashtyn.� She clarified, looking directly at Dale when she said it. He bowed his head, his shoulders slumping even farther before he lifted his head to look over Devin, looking for signs of something he had never thought Ashtyn capable of.
�Are you alright?� he asked the same time Brett moved closer, his own eyes searching for injury.
Devin nodded and sent both men a smile. �I�m better than I have been in a long time, really. She wasn�t there to fight.�
Brett looked confused. �Then why?�
�Because she wanted answers. Guys, this is the opportunity we�ve been looking for. I strongly believe she�s fighting against the evil the Lord of Darkness has planted into her. Our conversation�was an eye opening experience for both of us. She wanted to know if she was a Slayer.�
�Huh?�
Devin nodded. �That tells me right then and there, what ever this Lord of Darkness demon did to bring her back, he also erased her memory. And judging from some things she said, he�s been filling in her memory with his own version of the truth.�
�That fucking bastard!� Dale roared, his eyes glowing. Devin hushed him.
�Careful, I don�t want to frighten her off!� Devin said, looking towards the door.
Dale�s eyes widened. �She�s still here?� The instant the words were out of his mouth he felt her. He�d been so caught up in his own grief, guilt and shock he hadn�t even felt her presence.
He immediately started towards the door but Devin stopped him, her eyes pleading with him to understand. �Dale, she�s been through a lot. She�s had a lot to digest, and there�s still a lot more. She�s coming down to talk to everyone, and we can�t crowd her. Although I feel I�ve made progress with her, she�s still�� Devin trailed off trying to find the correct words. �Hesitant. She�s definitely closer to being the old Ashtyn, but we still have a ways to go.�
Dale nodded, relaxing a little, struggling with himself to keep himself still. He wanted nothing more than to go to her, hold her, never let her go and make sure everything was alright. But he also knew Devin was right.
Ashtyn slowly made her way down the stairs, her heart pounding harder with each step that took her closer to the training room. How she knew where she was going, she really couldn�t say, she just instinctively knew where everything in the house was.
She paused just outside the door, easily feeling everyone in the room. She took a deep breath and stepped in. All talking ceased, all motion stopped and all eyes were upon her. She bit her lip and looked around the room, never allowing her eyes to rest on any one person, until she met the blue ones that had haunted her dreams.
Her mouth suddenly went dry and she had the urge to run towards him. She caught herself taking a step towards him, inwardly scolding herself. She didn�t know him, she kept reminding herself, although her body and heart were screaming otherwise.
She could easily see the hurt, guilt, pain and many other emotions in his eyes, and she wanted nothing more than to take all the doubt away. Her head jerked around when she felt someone approach, automatically taking a defensive stance.
Cheyanne stopped moving and held her hands up in a peaceful gesture. �It�s good to have you back Ashtyn.� She said softly, as if she were talking to a child, not wanting to spook the resurrected slayer.
Ashtyn studied her quietly for a moment, wracking her brain. �I don�t know you.� She finally stated, her eyes cold. Devin stepped forward.
�Cheyanne wasn�t here long before you died. But you did get to know her, a little.� Devin explained.
Ashtyn nodded then looked at the vampires, who were all still staring at her in silence. She shifted uncomfortably. Brett noticed it and came forward, a soft smile on his lips.
�Ash, words can�t begin to describe how good it is to have you back.� He said, his voice more gruff than usual. She was quiet for a moment, a memory tugging at her subconscious. She tilted her head as she looked up at him. Finally she nodded.
�You look better than the last time I saw you.� She said, without even realizing exactly what it meant. Brett glanced at Devin and Dale seeing hope shining in their eyes.
�You remember the last time you saw me?� Brett asked stepping a little closer, but keeping his voice calm and smooth.
Ashtyn thought hard about it, her forehead creasing in concentration. �Uh�� She trailed off, allowing the memory that was there to wash over her. She suddenly smiled as she looked up at Brett. �It wasn�t around here.� She exclaimed suddenly enthusiastically.
�It was some motel room. A rather nasty one at that.� She commented wrinkling her nose at the memory. �And you�damn, you looked like death!�
Brett raised an eyebrow at her excitement, but unable to hide the smile. �So glad my haggard appearance excites you.�
Ashtyn giggled, the sound brining tears of happiness to all their eyes. �You know what I mean!� She started pacing, searching for more memories. �Okay, if I can remember that, why can�t I remember anything else?� she asked.
Suddenly she stopped and looked directly at Dale. �I do remember something else. At first I thought it was just a dream, but now I think it�s a memory.� She whispered. �You and I were�� she trailed off trying to remember. �In a cemetery, maybe? Anyway, you were telling me about when you were turned, and how your life hadn�t had much meaning even before that. Until you met�� she again trailed off, her cheeks reddening.
�Until I met you.� Dale finished for her, his own voice hoarse from unshed tears and the emotions going through him. Ashtyn nodded then looked down at the ground, not able to handle the intensity she saw in his eyes.
�Uh, yeah.� Ashtyn suddenly looked up, looking rather pissed off. �If all this is true, then why did Mas�� she cut herself off, gritting her teeth together. �Why did the Lord of Darkness do this? Why me?�
�I can answer that.� Cheyanne stepped forward once more. �You know he�s got something big planned. Hell I�m even willing to bet you know exactly what his plans are. But we�ll get to that later. As to why he picked you�he knew if the Slayer fought against him, he would stand a chance of being defeated. You�re Devin�s one weakness, and he prays on weakness. One thing we know about him is he loves mind games. And what better way to mess with someone�s mind that to bring back their best friend and fellow slayer?�
Ashtyn turned away from the group, trying to make sense of everything. She knew they were telling her the truth. But now what in the hell did she do?
Kevin looked at Cheyanne. �What do we do now?�
Cheyanne shook her head. �That�s really not up to us. It�s up to Ashtyn.�
Ashtyn sighed and turned back around. �Alright. There really is only one thing I can do. I have to go back.�
�Like hell!� Dale jumped forward, nearly reaching out for her, but stopping himself just in time. �The last thing you�re doing is going back to that bastard!�
Ashtyn�s whole expression softened as she looked up at Dale. �I have to.� She whispered. �Otherwise none of you are safe. He thinks I�m working for him, we can�t risk him finding out any different. At least this way I can find out what�s going on and warn you guys. Then when the final battle comes, he�ll be in for a little surprise when I don�t exactly fight for his side.�
Dale shook his head. �No, it�s too risky.� This time he did reach out for her, any doubts she had about this man fading the instant his hand touched her arm. Never had anything felt so right. �I won�t lose you again. I barely survived the first time. Ash, please don�t do this.� He begged, and that was nearly her undoing. She was about to give in when Cheyanne stepped in.
Cheyanne put her hand on Dale�s arm. �It�s the best we can do right now. We need to know what he�s planning, and the only way to ensure that is for Ashtyn to keep up with the charade. I don�t want to put Ashtyn at risk either, but we�re putting her even more at risk, and the rest of us if she doesn�t go back. He will come looking for her and can you possibly imagine what will happen when he finds her?�
Devin was next to protest. �I still don�t like it! What if he finds out you�re faking?� she demanded. Ashtyn shrugged.
�I�ll just have to make sure he doesn�t find out.� She said simply.
�He�ll kill you.� Devin whimpered.
�Technically, I�m already dead, right? How much more can he really kill me?� Ashtyn asked, trying to lighten the mood. �Listen, I know it�s a risk, but I�ll find out what I can then come back. I promise.�
�Besides, I�m stronger than him. That was his stupid mistake for giving me his powers.� She grinned evilly. Suddenly her entire body tensed and her breath caught in her throat. �I�ve gotta go now. He�s looking for me, and he�s close.�
She turned but paused and looked back at Dale, trying to ignore the plea she saw in his eyes. She found herself wanting to stay. �I�ll be back, I promise.� She whispered, squeezing his hand before running out the door, knowing she had to hurry if she didn�t want to get caught coming out of the house.
***
�WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?� The Lord of Darkness roared the instant he saw her coming towards them. He was on her in a second, his large hand wrapped tightly around her throat. �You will never disappear like that again, or I will destroy you!�
Ashtyn looked up at him with cold eyes, finding it not so hard to pretend to be evil. She smirked at him, then easily broke his hold on her, shoving him back a couple steps. She saw the surprise in his eyes before he covered it up.
�Don�t ever grab me again.� She said, her tone low and deadly. �As to where I was; I was spying on the Slayer and her friends. I wanted to see what they were up too.�
�Did they see you?� the Lord of Darkness asked, his anger subsiding. He�d been worried when she was gone, but he knew now she was only there to please him.
Ashtyn hesitated a slight second, finding she was having a hard time lying to him. She could feel his power running through her, brining her closer to the dark edge. She sighed inwardly when she felt the Slayer part of her fighting against it.
She shook her head. �No, my lord, I was not seen.� She answered. He nodded and turned. She paused a moment, regaining her composure.
�You can do this.� She said to herself. �You can fight his pull, you�re stronger than that.�
Even after convincing herself of that, she knew she had better find out what he was up too soon, and get the hell away from him, because she wasn�t so sure that the Slayer part of her strong enough to fight off the evilness that was now inside her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Sixty Four
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Where are you going?� Brett asked when Devin walked in the room, dressed and ready to head out, three nights after their visit from Ashtyn. They had yet to hear anything from her, and were all more than a little worried, but had to trust in their friend.
Devin smiled sheepishly. �I can�t just sit around here any longer. I haven�t slayed for two whole nights and it�s driving me insane!�
�Then I�m coming with you.� Brett said, rising to his feet.
�So are we.� Brett and Devin turned to find Dale, Carl and Jeff standing in the doorway. Dale came forward.
�There�s no way in hell we�re letting you go out there by yourself when he could be out there just waiting for you.� He snarled, his temper reaching a dangerous level at the mere mention of the Lord of Darkness. He understood where Devin was coming from completely, he was going crazy himself waiting to hear something, anything from Ashtyn.
�Okay guys. Where�s Kevin?� Devin asked as she grabbed her jacket.
�He�s upstairs with Cheyanne, helping her in her search for any and all information they can get on the LOD.� Carl answered.
Brett grinned. �LOD?� he snickered.
Carl nodded. �Lord of Darkness just sounds too scary and I don�t wanna give him that much credit. LOD just sounds less frightening.�
�Come on guys, I need to kick some ass!� Devin called over her shoulder as she walked out the door.
***
Ashtyn peeked around the corner and breathed a sigh of relief, seeing the hallway was empty. She had been attempting to leave for two days, but it was like the Lord of Darkness had minions everywhere keeping an eye on her. Even though nothing more had been said about the night she disappeared, he would not allow her out of his site.
She crept down the hallway and was almost to the front door when she heard something behind her. �Fuck!� she whispered before leaning casually against the wall, knowing full well who was coming and having to make this look good.
The Lord of Darkness stopped in his tracks his eyes narrowing with suspicion when he saw Ashtyn there. She pushed off the wall and walked forward slowly. �I�ve been waiting for you.� She said, her voice low.
�And why is that?� he demanded, sensing something different about her. He had since the night she had gone to �spy� on the Slayer and her friends.
�Because I�m sick and fucking tired of being stuck in here like a prisoner!� she snapped, her eyes flashing dangerously. �I want to take the Slayer out and I want to do it now! What the fuck are we waiting for?�
The Lord of Darkness smiled with satisfaction. �Then you�re in luck. We finish this tonight.�
Ashtyn hid her shock and panic well. �It�s about damn time!� she hissed and spun around stalking to the door. She had to warn them�somehow she had too�she just didn�t know how.
***
�This can�t be real.� Devin muttered as she looked around, her hands on her hips, her eyes flashing impatiently. �There has never been a night where there were NO vampires or demons to slay. Something is going on.�
�Maybe everyone has run off, scared of you know who.� Jeff offered. Devin shook her head.
�Seems logical, but vampires aren�t that smart.� She said without thinking. She bit her lip to keep in her giggled when she got outraged looks from Brett, Dale, Carl and Jeff. �Sorry, I didn�t mean you guys of course.�
They all stiffened and looked up when they heard footsteps coming towards them very rapidly. �Ash!� Devin exclaimed recognizing her friend immediately. Ashtyn stopped a few feet away, looking at them all.
�Run!� she told them. �Run now, don�t ask questions, just do it!� With that she turned and sprinted back off in the other direction. Devin felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach. She looked at the guys and nodded.
�Let�s go.� She said. Dale shot her a look.
�Like hell!� he roared. �I�m not just leaving her!� Devin whirled around on him.
�Did you not hear her Dale? She knows what she�s doing, and I trust her. Now come on!� she grabbed his arm and pulled him after her as they all took off towards the entrance of the graveyard.
They were almost out when the Lord of Darkness, along with his entire army and Ashtyn appeared before them. �Going somewhere, Slayer?� he purred almost seductively. They all gasped, everyone of them wondering how Ashtyn could have betrayed them like this.
Devin�s eyes immediately went to Ashtyn, who to everyone else looked bored, but Devin could read further. She could see the fear and panic in those green eyes. With that she felt just a little better. Ashtyn hadn�t betrayed them at all.
Ashtyn struggled to keep up appearances. She had gotten back to the Lord of Darkness after warning her friends and he had sent everyone around to the front of the cemetery, exactly where Ashtyn had pointed for them to run. She silently cursed herself, and knew if anything happened to them she would never be able to forgive herself. She would just have to make damn sure that didn�t happen.
�You don�t really think you can win this, do you Slayer?� The Lord of Darkness smirked at the Slayer and her friends, breaking the silence. The Slayer shrugged, smirking a little herself.
�You never know.� She answered, the gleam in her eyes a little too confident for his liking. It was time to bring her down a notch or two. He turned to Ashtyn who was standing a little behind him.
�Kill them. Now.� He commanded. When nothing happened he turned to look at her most closely, his anger rising when he realized she hadn�t moved. �I will not repeat myself.� He said in a low tone.
Ashtyn swallowed hard, her eyes meeting his angry cold green ones. The evil in her was screaming for her to obey the command, but then she turned and met Dale�s blue ones and all the evil was erased. She knew what she had to do. It was time for the charade to end.
She hardened her look, allowing for the first time since being brought back, for the slayer to come to the surface. She looked back at the demon glaring down at her.
�No.� She stated. His eyes widened before he quickly looked at his minions and barked for them to attack, which they did without question, immediately going after Devin and the vampires. Before Ashtyn could even comprehend what had happened, the Lord of Darkness grabbed her and had her pinned up against a tree, holding her above the ground so they were eye to eye.
�You dare to defy me.� He hissed, his fingers tightening around her neck. She struggled briefly then gave up, glaring back at him.
�You�ve done nothing but defy me from the moment you brought me back.� She shot back, lashing out with her foot, catching him in his hard stomach. He dropped her as he tried to regain his footing. He could see all his plans crumbling down around him. He�d lost his hold on her, and how his greatest weapon was his greatest enemy, with the power to destroy him. Unless he destroyed her first.
With a roar he swung, but she ducked and spun, catching him in the middle of his chest, sending him crashing back, taking down a couple of his minions with him.
Not paying any more attention to her �master�, Ashtyn quickly jumped in the fight between good and evil, and soon most of the Lord of Darkness�s minions were dead. The rest were retreating. The Lord of Darkness slowly got to his feet, his icy glare never leaving Ashtyn, who was standing once again reunited with her friends.
He smiled evily. �You think you�ve won.� He then looked at Devin. �You�ve turned her against me. You will pay!�
�No, it was you who tried to turn her against us. You, like most everyone else, underestimated the true power of a Slayer. She fought the hold you had on her from the very beginning.� Devin said proudly, smiling warmly at Ashtyn who returned the smile.
�Now, we will destroy you.� Devin promised, feeling more confident than ever when Ashtyn stepped up next to her, crossing her arms over her chest. It felt just like old times.
The Lord of Darkness laughed maliciously, sending chills down all their spines. �You all don�t know what you�ve done. The only way to defeat me is to kill me.� He grinned.
�Like that�s going to hurt our feelings any.� Dale snapped as he stood behind Ashtyn, needing to be as close to her as possible. When she shot him a grin over her shoulder, he truly felt as if he could defeat the Lord of Darkness himself.
�Actually, it�s funny you said that.� The demon in question laughed. �You see, if you destroy me, you will also destroy what you hold dear.�
Ashtyn stiffened where everyone else looked confused. She had a bad feeling about this, and she knew it was about to be confirmed.
�You�re catching on quick, little one.� He said, looking at Ashtyn. �Let�s catch your friends up, shall we.�
She felt a sudden fear and stepped back into Dale, who immediately put his arms around her. She needed his support right now, more than ever. She turned and wrapped her arms around his waste, holding on for dear life, burying her face in his chest, anything to block out what she knew was coming.
�You see, I brought Ashtyn back with magic. Very powerful black magic.� He said. �You think I�ve lost my hold on her�not entirely. You see, her life�s force is connected directly to me. You destroy me, you destroy the magic�� he paused and they all held their breaths. Ashtyn trembled slightly and felt Dale�s arms tighten around her.
�And you destroy Ashtyn.� He finished triumphantly. Then he turned to what was left of his minions. �Come, we�ll let them chew on that for a little while. We�ll meet again, soon.� He promised before they all vanished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Sixty Five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone stood there in silence for there in silence for several minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. The quiet was broken when Devin let out a cry that was a mixture of anguish and outrage. Before anyone could say anything, she turned and bolted away from the bewildered group.
"Devin, wait!" Brett called after her, but not only did she not stop, she quickened her pace. Muttering a curse, Brett took off after her, knowing that this was not the time for her to be alone. Not only could the Lord of Darkness be lurking around anywhere, but he also knew that she probably wasn't too emotionally stable after hearing what the Lord of Darkness had just told them.
He finally caught up to her near the cemetery entrance where she'd stopped and was leaning against a huge pine tree, her head bent. "Devin?" He asked, his voice yielding as he stepped up to her. When she didn't answer him or even look at him, he hooked a finger around her chin and gently lifted her head until she was looking a him. His eyes searched hers.
"What are you thinking, Dev?" He asked as he soothingly ran his hands over her arms. He felt her relax somewhat almost instantly. But then in the next instant, she tensed up again. He knew that it wasn't because of his presence. It was the current situation that had her wound up tight.
"This is bullshit, Brett!" Devin yelled, causing him to take a surprised step back from her.
"Let's see...what are our options here?" She continued ranting as she moved away from him and began pacing. "We kill that big dark bastard and Ashtyn dies. Or...we let him live and he ends the world as we know it. Oh boy, those are such wonderful choices, I don't know which one to chose." She said sarcastically and then paused and looked him in the eye. "I'll be damned if I'm going to let Ashtyn die again." She promised.
"You didn't let her die, Dev. Ashtyn made that choice for herself." Brett told her, knowing that deep down, she still put blame on herself for Ashtyn's death.
"It should have been me!" Devin nearly screamed. "If it would have gone down like the prophecy stated, none of this would be happening now."
Brett sighed deeply, feeling all of her pain and frustration. "Yes, it would have. Except it would be you where Ashtyn is now."
"That IS how it is supposed to be!" Devin snapped and then immediately apologized when she saw the hurt briefly flicker across his face. "I'm sorry. I know that there is no sense in rehashing the past because it doesn't chance anything. It's just so frustrating. We don't have many...no, we don't have ANY options here."
"We'll figure something out." Brett offered all that he knew at the time. He didn't know how, but he was pretty sure that things would work out. It always did. Didn't it?
"God, my head hurts." Devin muttered as she leaned back against the tree again and lifted her hands to rub her temples with her fingers.
"Here, let me." Brett said as he stepped forward, taking hold of her hands and placing them down at her sides. Devin closed her eyes as she felt his hands on her shoulders, his fingers tenderly kneading the knots of tension in her muscles.
Devin sighed softly as she leaned against him, her arms automatically going around his body. She slowly felt herself relaxing as his fingers worked the strain from her neck. After a few moments she moved back just enough to be able to look at him, their eyes meeting.
"Thanks." Devin whispered. "You always did know just what I needed." She told him, a ghost of a smile curving her lips.
Brett returned her smile as he brushed his fingers across her cheek. God, he loved this woman, and even if things were never the same between them as they had been before, he knew that he would always love her. No one could ever replace her in his heart.
Watching his eyes soften as he gazed down at her, Devin felt her heart begin to race and longing surged through her. Before she was aware of it, she stood up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was tentative at first, but the intensity quickly deepened.
For Brett the kiss could have gone on forever, but Devin eventually needed to breathe. She pulled back only when it was absolutely necessary and when she did, she was completely breathless.
Devin laid her head against his chest, holding him tight as he did her. She really felt like she was where she belonged. "I love you." She told Brett once she got her breath back a little bit.
Brett tightened his hold on her as she buried his face in her hair. "I love you too, Dev. More than anything."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Sixty Six
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ashtyn was aware of Devin running off, and Brett going after her, yet at the same time she wasn�t. She was still pressed tightly against Dale, clinging to him desperately. She knew she should go after Devin as well, but she wasn�t ready to leave the safety of Dale�s arms�and there was no way he was going to let her go.
She had known what the Lord of Darkness was going to say, even without knowing. But having it confirmed�she was shaken to the core. She had willingly sacrificed herself for her friends before, but now being back, back with Dale, Devin and everyone, she honestly didn�t know if she could do it again.
Carl and Jeff looked at each other, silently communicating. They knew Dale and Ashtyn needed time alone now more than ever, just as Devin and Brett did.
�Uh, we�ll just, uh, meet you at the house.� Jeff called then turned and walked away when he didn�t get an answer, really not having expected to receive one. He glanced over at Carl who fell into step beside him.
�This is so fucked up.� Jeff hissed angrily. �What can we do?�
Carl stared straight ahead. �All that we can. We�re gonna get Cheyanne on this and find some way to destroy LOD while keeping Ashtyn here with us, safe and sound.�
Jeff didn�t answer. Deep down he knew not to get his hopes up that they would actually find something, but at the same time, he was willing to do just about anything.
***
Dale closed his eyes as he held Ashtyn. He didn�t even try to speak, knowing full well his voice would fail him. His thoughts were so jumbled at the moment, he couldn�t even form a coherent thought, much less speak a full sentence.
How much time passed, neither could say, but eventually Ashtyn pulled back a little to look up into his blue eyes, the blue eyes she loved with all her heart and soul. It was those eyes that had saved her from the pit of darkness.
Ashtyn studied him for a moment. �Are you okay?� she finally asked, not able to decipher the look in his eyes.
Dale�s lips spread into a smirk as he sighed heavily. �No.� he answered, lifting his hand to gently caress her cheek. �I won�t lose you again.� He swore.
Ashtyn closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, memorizing the feel of his skin against hers. She looked back up at him and smiled. �You never lost me the last time.� She said softly. �You only thought you did, but I was always with you.�
Dale gazed down at the woman who meant more to him than anything ever had. Without saying a word, he dipped his head and captured her lips with his own, their first kiss since her death.
Ashtyn�s breath caught in her throat as his lips moved over hers. She pressed closer, giving up completely to the feelings running wild through her body. It was like kissing him for the first time, yet at the same time she remembered everything about the time they had spent together.
He pulled back when he remembered she needed to breath and the dazzling smile she gave made him weak in the knees. She wanted nothing more than to continue the kiss and hopefully much more. She bit her lip, keeping in the mischievous smirk that was threatening, knowing full well now was not the time. There was too much going on, too much they had to face.
Dale was obviously thinking the same thing as he lead her over to a nearby bench and sat down, pulling her on his lap. He didn�t say anything, content just to hold her in silence. Ashtyn, however, knew there were things to be said.
She sighed as she looked at him, trying to figure out what to say. For once in her life she wanted to be selfish and scream, rant and rave that she didn�t want to die�again. She wanted to live, she wanted a chance to have a future with Dale!
But she knew she couldn�t ever voice her longings, wants and desires. She had to continue to be strong�for them.
�It will be okay.� She whispered softly, reaching up to run her fingers along his jaw as she spoke.
�I can�t do this.� Dale�s voice cracked. �I can�t kill you again.� His arms tightened around her, and had she not been the slayer, he would have crushed her with his strength.
Ashtyn tilted her head, her eyes clouding over a little. �Well, luckily you don�t have too this time.�
Dale looked confused at first, but realization quickly dawned on him. �Devin.� He whispered. Ashtyn nodded.
�Only a Slayer will be able to destroy the Lord of Darkness. Deep down we all know that. I wish I could do it myself, but I�m not sure I can. His power is still running through me, and although I know where I stand, which side I�m on, I don�t think I can�t use his power against him.�
Dale nodded. �I understand.�
�Of course I�ll try!� Ashtyn countered with a grin. �But I have this feeling that it�s Devin who is meant to defeat him. Not me. Hell, I�m not even supposed to be here.� She mumbled.
Dale�s body trembled at her words. �Dale.� She said softly, then took a deep breath to gather her courage. �Devin has to destroy him. We all know that. I-I�ll be fine. My time is up, was up! I�m not supposed to be here, you know that. Devin has to do this, and she�s going to need all of the support she can get.�
Dale shook his head, tears slipping unnoticed from his eyes. He refused to believe that after just getting her back, he was only destined to loose her again. �There has to be some other way.� He growled.
�There isn�t.� Ashtyn sighed. �There is no way he can be allowed to roam the earth, he will destroy it.�
�But then you�ll---� Dale trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
�Then I�ll go back to heaven, where I belong.� Ashtyn stated, although every fiber of her being was screaming in protest.
�NO!�
Both Ashtyn and Dale jumped to their feet, having been caught completely off guard by another presence. They relaxed, somewhat, when they saw Devin and Brett standing there.
�I will find a way around this!� Devin hissed through clenched teeth. She finally had everything in her life to make it complete�and there was no way in hell she was going to loose any piece of it. �Heaven can wait because I won�t do it!�
Ashtyn grinned a little at her friend�s words, yet she could see the panic, fear and pain in the other slayer�s eyes. She came forward until she was standing directly in front of Devin.
�Yes, you will.�
Devin shoulders slumped, leaning back again Brett, so grateful to have him there for her. Without him, she knew there was no way she would make it through all this.
�You�re the Slayer.� Ashtyn�s hands were on her hips as she spoke. �And as the Slayer you will do what needs to be done, no matter how hard it is. It�s what we�ve always done, Dev. You will destroy the Lord of Darkness once and for all.�
