My Beloved (27 page)

Wendy

Gritting her teeth, Wendy tried to fight the invisible hold that Serryline had on her. It was useless however, like a candle trying to stay lit during a hurricane. “Please! You don't need to do this! Why can't you let it go?!” she asked, trying to fight the tears of frustration that threatened to spill. She hated feeling this weak. She had just gotten used to feeling strong, and now it was stripped away from her.

Serryline let out an incredulous laugh as she took out a small red velvet pouch from inside her jacket.

“Let it go? Let it go?! No! Because of Vincent's selfish ways, my sister lost all her heart! Was forced to retreat within herself until she killed herself! So no, I am not going to 'let it go.' I'm going to bring her back, let her have her fun like she deserves and then kill him. Simple, really. Now hold still. Oh wait, you can't move.” She finished off with a laugh.

Wendy wanted to bang her head as the feeling of helplessness surrounded her.

“This should be over quickly. Don't worry. After a while you'll grow weaker, then eventually fade. Won't even hurt.” Serryline finished off with a wink.

Wendy glared at her with hate-filled eyes. “So everything, everything in our... my childhood with you was a lie? You made it all up? Put memories that don't exist in my head and into everyone else's?!” Wendy grew angry at the betrayal that seized her heart. Her mind sifted through all the 'memories' with her 'best friend' like a flip book.

“Cool, huh? Got to say that took a lot more magic than I was used to. Had to kill quite a few people to accomplish it, too. Let me say if 'Jamie' did exit, then she would not be friends with someone as boring as you. I mean, holy crap, girl, watching paint dry was more exciting than talking to you for the last five years!”

Wendy's fangs slid down as the anger she was feeling left a bitter acid taste in her mouth. “Screw you!” she yelled, making Serryline tsk her in mock disappointment.

Opening the velvet bag, she brought out a white powdery substance. “It's not drugs if that's what you're thinking.” She paused and gave her an evil grin. “It's baby's bone pressed into fine dust. Not cheap, mind you.” Wendy gagged as she thought of what the witch was playing with. It made her stomach roll. “Close your eyes,” Serryline instructed but when Wendy refused, she huffed and snapped her fingers, forcing the helpless vampire to shut her eyes. Wendy felt Serryline blow in her face. Without meaning to, she inhaled sharply as an instinctual reaction took over. Her mind wanted her to throw up when she knew the witch just blew the powdery bones in her face. “Good girl,” Serryline mocked when Wendy started to cough violently.

'Vincent!' she tried to reach him again through her mind but it was no use. All she heard in her mind was static. “What did you do to them?!” Wendy asked, still unable to open her eyes.

She heard her chuckle darkly. “I simply put them on pause. It will wear off soon enough. Which is why we need to get a move on it!” she spoke with enthusiasm. Wendy felt herself being slowly lowered to the floor until she was lying down. She felt a rag being put over her mouth so she couldn't talk right. It smelled sickly sweet and soon she was dizzy. “Just a hint of Moon's powder, again I say not cheap, quite an expensive little plant, but I've learned it works on vampires like chloroform works on humans! So just relax. It will be over soon...” Her voice faded as Wendy fought to stay conscious, but it was no use.

*****

Blinking her eyes, she looked around in confusion. She was in a dark cold room and the only light was coming from an intricate-looking large mirror. “What? Sister? Is that you?” Wendy was shocked to hear her voice speak but she wasn’t doing the talking! ‘Oh my God! Serryline did it!’ Wendy thought on baited breath. She wasn’t in her body anymore. She saw the young witch grin at her.

“Yes, dear sister. I brought you back from the dead.”

Wendy wanted to pull her hair out with feeling so frustrated. Concentrating, she tried to give her the will to move her body but it wouldn’t work. She knew they were hugging when all she saw was Serryline’s red hair.

“Whose body is this?” Serryfine asked, looking down at the feet and inspecting. It was even more annoying because Wendy realized she could only see what her body was seeing.

Serryline smirked. “It is Vincent’s Beloved’s body. Here, I think you’ll need this.” Serryline then proceeded to put the necklace back on Wendy’s body.

She heard herself gasp. “You didn’t! Oh my goodness, this is… this is wonderful!”

Screaming out in anger, Wendy wanted to trash whatever room she was in but found there was nothing to trash.

“Get out of my body!” Wendy screamed and saw with satisfaction when Serryfine grasped her head with a hiss. “She is a lively one, isn’t she?” Wendy heard her ask.

Serryline didn’t look bothered. “Don’t worry, she’ll fade soon enough. Now, I’m going to go over how she acts since I was her ‘best friend’ for years. Then by that time everyone else should unfreeze. Here’s the plan though: You can have your time with Vincent, but in the end we will kill him for all the things he’s put you through, alright? This would’ve happened sooner if that stupid tattoo had faded more quickly.”

Wendy wanted to bash both their faces in for thinking of such cruel thoughts.

She only half-listened as Serryline listed Wendy’s different traits. Sinking to the ground, Wendy pulled her knees up and cried. She’s never felt so helpless and knowing they were going to hurt her loved ones made her heart ache.

Vincent

“Like I was saying, my intentions are good for your sister. Now can you stop pouting like an insolent child? She needs you right now.” Vincent growled at Markus, feeling his frustration reach new heights. Markus shrugged but stalked out of the room to see his sister. “Wendy? Your brother has something to say if you’re done with Jamie.”

He heard them walk out of his room and turned to face them. His eyes scanned over Jamie again, still feeling like he should know her somewhere. Shaking his head, he bent forward and placed a small kiss on Wendy’s lips.

She surprised him however when her arms snaked up to his neck and held him there, deepening the kiss. There was a slight niggling in the back of his mind but he pushed it away and enjoyed this brazen side to his Firefly. “As much as I enjoyed that, you might want to settle down for your brother’s sake.”

She smiled up at him but nodded. “Yes, right, my brother.” She spoke almost reluctantly and Vincent understood. He hugged her and then proceeded to lead her to the living room where Markus was sitting.

“I know you’re scared he’ll be angry, but he’s better. Just remember that he’s your brother.”

Wendy nodded and looked down at Markus with a small smile. “Can you forgive me?” she asked with her arms open for a hug.

Markus rolled his eyes but stood up and hugged his sister. “I’m still pissed, but yeah, I forgive you. I’m just glad you’re okay for the most part.”

Vincent looked at the clock and frowned. “That’s odd,” he murmured, catching everyone’s attention. Wendy held his hand but winced subtly. “I could’ve sworn it was eight not too long ago. Now the clock says it’s twelve.”

Wendy gave him a small peck on the cheek. “Blame it on old age.” She winked, making him playfully growl.

“I am not old. Well, not physically.” He felt the niggling feeling at the back of his brain again, but Wendy stood up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

“So, Jamie, what’s your take on this?” Markus asked her with an eyebrow raised.

The red head shrugged innocently and blew out a breath. “I don’t know. I think it’s all kind of cool.”

Wendy looked confused and glanced up at Vincent. “Cool? I don’t get it how can it be cold?”

Jamie let out a nervous laugh but it made Vincent chuckle as he tapped her nose. “Very funny,” he said, remembering how he said that to her when they first met.

“Right… ow!” She winced and grabbed her head.

Vincent looked at her concerned and rubbed her back. “Are you alright, Firefly?” he asked, but she only nodded and seemed better.

“Yes … just stress. How about you and I lie down for a while?” she trailed off suggestively, making her brother groan.

“So I did not need to hear that. I think I need to sleep for a week.”

Vincent ignored him and took her hand, feeling heat flash between them. “I would love nothing more. It has been a tiring day.” He scooped her up, making her giggle as they flitted to the room.

Wendy

“No, no, no, no!!” she screamed and hit the walls when she saw through the mirror that Vincent placed Serryfine on the bed. Her heart cracked but anger pushed her forward. She let her anger go as she tried to blast her way out. She heard the witch scream as she grabbed her head.

“Wendy?! Wendy?! What’s wrong?!” Vincent looked at her in alarm, but it was like he really was looking at Wendy through the mirror. She ran at the mirror as tears of anger and frustration flowed and tried to hit it but fell through when she felt a surge of determination run through her.

She opened her eyes and looked down to see her body again. It was all so confusing but she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip. Gripping Vincent’s hand, she winced when she felt Serryfine rage within her trying to get control back. Wendy knew she was going to succeed in just a few moments, but all Wendy needed was a few moments. “Vincent! Please, I need your help! Serryfine is taking over my body! It wasn’t me you kissed. It was her! J-Jamie i-is not J-Jamie! I-It’s S-Serryl-line!” She gasped before slipping back under and she was back in the room with the mirror.

“No!” she screamed but listened intently and looked at Vincent since Serryfine opened her eyes.

“Just kidding. I wanted to see the look on your face.” The giggle sounded wrong and if Wendy closed her eyes, she could swear she could feel the anger and fear coming from the witch.

“Oh… okay. Not a very nice joke, but effective. You stay here. I need to grab Darcy and ask about that vampire in the woods.”

Wendy felt her heart break when she saw Vincent leave the room, seemingly undeterred by what happened. She gripped her hair, feeling drained. She had to use a lot of her energy for that little stunt and knew it was slim to none she would ever be able to do it again. Wendy saw she was suddenly looking at herself and realized Serryfine was looking into a mirror with a glare.

“Try something like that again, and I will be sure to bed Vincent and make you watch! You little snake! How dare you try to toss my and my sister’s plans?! Just shut up and enjoy being alive while you still are.” She finished with a sneer.

Rage burst through her veins but Wendy was still too drained to do anything drastic, so instead she tried to blast the walls again, making Serryfine shriek and grab her head. “You little cow!” She hissed but straightened up when Vincent walked back in with Darcy.

“Darcy has a theory,” Vincent started and turned her around to face him directly. She saw her mirror tip as 'Wendy' cocked her head.

“Do tell,” she urged Vincent but hissed and turned around quickly. Wendy gasped as she saw Darcy standing there with an empty syringe. “W-What?” she heard Serryfine slur drunkenly.

Vincent spun her around and glared. “Serryfine, get out of Wendy's body or so help me-”

She cut him off with a dizzy laugh. “You'll what? Hit me? Go ahead! You'll just hurt her, too! Serryline!” she yelled but was only met by Darcy's dark chuckle.

“You think I had only one of these bad boys lying around? Your sister is detained for now. I know you won't get out willingly so you just go to sleep while we figure out a way.”

Wendy saw her mirror dimming and before it completely blacked out, she heard Serryfine say, “I will get you all.”

It was completely dark then. Like she was in a large box.

“Oh why, this is pleasant.”

Wendy whipped around and saw flames engulf the ceiling while a tall red headed woman stood there looking at her with a sneer. Seeing the resemblance of Serryline, Wendy knew who she was. Squaring her shoulder, Wendy stood up, ignoring the heat that threatened to weaken her more.

“Serryfine,” she hissed.

The witch smirked. “Wendy,” she said in turn.

It was quiet for a moment before Wendy charged at her with an angry yell. Serryfine began to run as well, both intending to hurt the other.

Wendy

Wendy’s hand flew up and settled with a satisfying smack across Serryfine’s face. The witch fell to the ground as the fire began to grow. She was going to kick the evil woman’s face but was flung back and hit her shoulder painfully on the wall behind her. Flames licked at Wendy’s skin, making her hiss and lunge back at Serryfine.

“Give. Me. My. Body. Back!” She paused at every punch that connected with the witch’s face. Spitting out blood, Serryfine kicked Wendy’s legs out from under her, causing her to fall. Wendy coughed when Serryfine’s foot pressed on her throat. It seemed as though Wendy was significantly weaker than normal, thanks to being stuck in her head for this long.

“I don’t think so!” Serryfine growled out and pressed harder.

Wendy’s thoughts began to dim from lack of air as she tried to think of a way out. Having an epiphany, she brought her hands up and used her power. Serryfine was flung backward so hard you could hear the crack of the wall behind her. If Wendy could use her full power, she would’ve been able to blast her to pieces but because her energy is quickly depleting, it only knocked her back.

“You’re going to pay for that!” Serryfine shrieked and ran at Wendy who was still on the ground trying to regain her breathing. She felt as though she hadn’t slept in weeks and she just ran a marathon. Everything in her was fading. The heat was too much, and it made her realize that they were both going to die if one didn't leave. Her body wasn't made for two souls even if Serryfine's was blackened.

Barely able to side-roll out of the way before the witch stomped on her, she got up on shaky legs. “You need to leave now! We're both going to die if you don't!”

Serryfine's labored breathing was proof of that but the evil red head cackled like a crazed woman. She looked more terrifying with the flames behind her.

“I know. At least I can take you with me!” She screamed before kicking Wendy in the stomach.

Wendy struggled to breathe as the wind was knocked out of her. Concentrating on the blurry figure in front of her, she used her power again. This time was even weaker but still managed to knock Serryfine off her feet and next to the dancing flames. Wendy coughed and hobbled over away from the witch to regain some sort of energy. The fire had yet to touch the wall with the mirror as she held herself up with it, trying to breathe. Her mind felt dizzy as if she drank far too much while her skin felt overheated and she knew she didn't have much longer. Her thoughts shifted to Vincent and her loved ones. No. She couldn't give up, not without a fight.

“That was cute, but I'm stronger!” Serryfine cackled hatefully and then charged at Wendy once more.

Wendy was prepared for that however and sidestepped the witch before grabbing her shirt and slamming Serryfine against the mirror, making it break into shards. Seeing an opportunity, Wendy bent down as quickly as she could and grabbed a large jagged piece before holding it up to Serryfine's neck. Breathing hard as blood trickled from her lip, she bared her fangs at her. “I warned you,” she hissed and sliced the witch's neck open.

Serryfine tried to gasp but only could cough up blood. Stepping back, Wendy threw the shard to the side and wiped her mouth with her hand. She watched as the life drained out of Serryfine's eyes.

She cried out when she felt burned on her arms. Looking around, she saw the only place not engulfed in flames was in front of her where Serryfine laid. Her eyes drifted upward and saw the ceiling was completely on fire.

“Help! Vincent! Please!” she screamed, trying to will him to hear her. 'C'mon wake up! Wake up!' she thought frantically and tried to see a way out. There was a boom before the walls started to crumble. Blinding white light peeped through the cracks. It scared her as a splitting headache began to form in her head, which she deduced to what was happening around her a large factor. Her nose began to bleed from the strain she was under. Wiping it away, she collapsed next to Serryfine, feeling like she was going to die any moment.

The ground beneath her shook like an earthquake as the rest of the walls fell down. And the blinding light brought her darkness as she passed out.

Vincent

“Do something! She's burning up!” Vincent felt like he was losing his mind as he watched his Firefly literally fight for her life. He couldn't do anything to help her either. Darcy had told him she needed to do this herself otherwise she'd never get her body back.

He turned around and punched through a wall as she cried out again. He could slowly feel his eyes going red as his rage took over. He felt so foolish to believe it was his Wendy for even a moment! His tortured eyes looked over to where she lay and had to grit his teeth when she took in a ragged breath. Flitting over to her, he took her hand and kissed her forehead. “You can do this. Please, you have to do this.” He begged her to keep fighting but had to flip over a side table when she whimpered.

“I should’ve killed her when I had the chance!” He was going to storm out when Darcy asked him where he was going. “I’m taking my anger out on someone who I can hurt,” he spoke darkly and flitted to the holding room where Serryline was chained up and gagged.

Anya looked up startled but then silently walked out, knowing he needed to do this. His eyes burned holes into hers. She glared at him defiantly but he ignored that as he stalked closer. Grabbing her chin, he made sure she was listening.

“I’m going to make you wish you never messed with my Beloved.” His voice was a deadly calm as he turned around to see the table off to the side filled with various sharp devices. He had to restrain from snapping her neck when she laughed behind her gag. They placed it on her so she couldn’t say any spells. Picking up a knife that had sharp teeth on the edge, he turned around and brought it to her eye. “You won’t be laughing after this. You’re going to find out why I was so feared in my time.”

*****

Closing the door behind him, he saw Anya waiting outside. While wiping off the blood with a rag on his hands, they had a silent conversation where he told her not to go in there if she wanted to keep her lunch. “When this is all over, send Darcy in there to clean up. She should be dead by then if she isn’t already.”

He was walking away when she asked him what he did. Her voice was curious but he could detect the slight tremor as though part of her didn’t want to know. Before opening Wendy’s room, he looked back at her. “I taught her what ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ really means.”

Anya’s eyes widened but she stepped away from the door so she wouldn’t be tempted to look. Vincent walked in and flitted to Wendy’s side where she whimpering, still growing hotter. “Has there been any improvement?” he asked his friend desperately.

Darcy shook his head sadly as he monitored her. “Her temperature keeps rising. Anymore and she just might combust. If she were still human, she would’ve died a while ago.”

That news didn’t sit well with Vincent as he growled. “I can’t lose her.” His voice was quiet but anyone who heard him could hear the grief.

“I know. I’m going to get some more ice,” Darcy said and grabbed the tub that was filled with ice but now was lukewarm water.

When Darcy shut the door behind him, Vincent broke down. He could hear her brother pacing back and forth out in the living room while Wendy’s breathing was raspy at best. Taking her fiery hand, he kissed the back of it. “Please,” he begged but the only response he got was a struggled breath. He took a blood bag and slowly fed her to give her strength but the help from it was minimal at best.

He froze however when he saw her eyes flutter but then yelled out for Darcy when her heated skin reached an all-time high. He knew if she had a heartbeat, it would be skyrocketing.

Suddenly her breathing stopped all together. Freezing, he stared down at her as his world crashed around him. “No. No, no, no, no, NO!!” he screamed as Darcy came in with a bucket of ice. He dropped it and flitted to Wendy’s side.

Seeing her lifeless state, he looked sorrowful at his friend. “I’m so sorry-”

Vincent cut him off as he looked at him with blood red eyes and shaking rage. “Get out!” he roared. Darcy knew not to mess with him and he quickly got out of there. A few moments later, anyone could hear the cry that came from her brother, but Vincent was too enraged to care. He tore up the bedroom until all that was left were cracked walls and the very bed Wendy was now still lying in.

Sagging in defeat, he kneeled next to her and lay his head down on her stomach to cry. Something he hasn’t done in a very long while. ‘Why her?!’ he thought bitterly but staggered back when she suddenly inhaled loudly with a gasp and sat up. Her eyes were unfocused before she fell back with lack of energy. Vincent couldn’t believe it! Taking her hand, he grabbed her attention as she struggled to breathe properly.

“V-Vincent?” she stuttered and he let out a breathy relieved laugh before kissing her soundly on the lips, but he suddenly pulled back.

“This is you, right?” he asked and looked into her eyes. He saw nothing but pureness there that only belonged to Wendy. She coughed and nodded.

“Yes, it’s me. I kicked her ass.”

He laughed again, which made Darcy come in to question his sanity but he stopped short when he saw Wendy alive.

“So glad you could rejoin us,” he joked but knew he needed to give these two some time together. He left to give Markus the good news but stopped short when Asher walked up, looking slightly dazed.

“What the hell happened?” Looking into the room, he frowned at the broken state it was in and looked back at Vincent and Wendy. “Redecorating? Not a look I would go for, but then again, I’m not a vampire,” he joked groggily before patting his stomach. “Why does it feel like I haven’t eaten in forever? What the hell happened?”

Darcy shook his head and steered him out of the room. “C’mon, let’s get you some food and we’ll explain just what you missed.”

They left both of them alone, making Vincent look back at her.

“How are you feeling? Do you need anything?” he asked with worry lacing his tone.

She still looked pretty weak but stronger than she was. “I’m just incredibly tired. I thought I was going to die there for a second,” she uttered through barely parted lips.

He shook his head and chuckled humorlessly. “You did there for a moment. God, I thought I lost you. Please, never do that to me again.”

She raised her hand and placed it on the side of his face. “Believe me, I never want to go through it again. Where’s Jamie- I mean Serryline?” she asked with a frown.

“Taken care of. There is no way those two can hurt you again, alright? I’m so sorry I didn’t realize sooner! I should’ve realized it wasn’t you.” The shame in his voice spoke volumes, making her shake her head.

“It’s none of our faults except for them. They tricked and played us. I’m just glad it’s all over.”

He kissed her again softly on the lips, causing her to sigh softly. “Lie with me for a while?” she asked weakly. He was helpless but to comply as he got into bed next to her and carefully situated her so she was half lying on his chest. He kissed the top of her head with a relieved smile on his face. It was funny to think all of the emotional toil he’s gone under in the last fifteen minutes alone, but nothing could compare to the bliss he was in now, knowing his Beloved was now safe.

“I love you,” he spoke as he took her hand. Lifting it to his mouth, he kissed the inside of her wrist and let his fangs scrape gently against her skin, making her shiver.

“I love you, too,” she said with a tired sigh and let a more peaceful sleep take her.

The End