C9 Obliteration of a Stolen Childhood

Theo’s eyes open, she sits up in her bed, bed sheets a tangled mess about her, bed clothes piled at her legs. Eyes wide, mouth slightly agape. Deep chestnut hair a messy tangle, strands dancing in a breeze.

Her heart pounded in her chest, and the unsettling dream that had plagued her sleep still clung to the edges of her consciousness. Caleb's face, twisted with fear and desperation, haunted her. She bolted upright in bed, her hazel eyes wide with determination.

"Enough," she muttered to herself, running a hand through her long, wavy brown hair. "I have to find him."

With her eyes open she looks about the room, heart racing, palms sweaty. Her eyes rest on the door to her room, it’s closed, and she can see the doorknob from her position. It’s brass, a figure of a lightning bolt.

She couldn't remember if it had been there in the room when she'd stumbled in the night before, too tired to change out of her clothes before crawling into bed.

The daylight wasn't quite up yet, the darkness was almost inky, but her eyes had adjusted, and she could see there was a light, a faint, yellow glow, like a firefly in the dark. As her eyes adjusted, she could see the outlines of familiar shapes of the bedroom around her. A bed, an end table, a lamp by the bed. The clock at her bedside reads 4:42 a.m. The furniture looked old and worn, pine dresser with a mirror, banged up from years of use. She can see the ceiling above her, white paint chipped and peeling revealing pink paint.

Theo swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet hitting the cold wooden floor with purpose. She couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible had happened to her stepbrother, and the thought sent shivers down her spine. She loved Caleb fiercely, despite their differences, and the idea of him in danger was unbearable.

"Alright," she whispered, her voice steady and resolved, "Let's do this."

Theo crossed the room to the wardrobe, flinging open the doors and grabbing her trusty backpack from its depths. She knew she had to be prepared for whatever might come her way, so she set about packing it with essentials. A flashlight, for navigating dark corners; a map of the city, even though she knew every shortcut and alleyway like the back of her hand; and the earthy green dagger, small but sharp enough to defend herself if necessary.

“And it can double as a saber in a pinch.” Her derisive laughter filled the room.

As she rifled through the drawers for other useful items, Theo couldn't help thinking about Caleb. His piercing blue eyes, always so full of life, seemed dull and lifeless in her dream. As much as he tried to keep his emotions hidden behind a stoic façade, Theo knew how deeply he cared for his family, especially his venomous twin sister Catherine. It was one of the things she admired most about him. He loves unconditionally.

"Okay," Theo murmured, zipping up her backpack with finality. "I've got everything I need."

Theo quickly slid her feet into her boots, lacing them up with frantic haste tightly around her ankles, and stood up. After double-checking that she felt comfortable and wasn't hindered by the newly-donned footwear, she reached for the hem of her jeans and lifted it, almost reluctantly, just enough to observe the wound on her leg. She inspected the puncture mark on her leg where the vampire had bitten her. Her heart lurched in her chest as she caught sight of the wound. She braced herself against the bed post with both hands, steadying herself as she looked more closely at the wound. To her surprise it seemed to be healing quite quickly; there was no redness or swelling around it now. "What kind of special healing power am I developing?" She mused to herself in awe and confusion as she touched the area lightly with tentative fingertips; it seemed hard and slightly scaly to touch. All this in only 48 hours. "What would it look like in a few days, a week, a month? What the hell am I turning into?" She sighed deeply.

Theo was still unsure if this was a sign of good or bad luck; either way, there wasn’t much she could do about it now.

Theo shook away these strange thoughts and steeled herself for what lay ahead; she grabbed her coat from its hook by the door, slung the bag over her shoulder and took a deep breath. She swung open the door with a loud 'bang' that echoed through the hallway like an announcement before heading out into the shadows in search of Caleb. All that mattered now was finding him before something else did – alive or otherwise. It was time to find Caleb and bring him home.

"Wherever you are, Caleb," Theo whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "I'm coming for you."

With her heart pounding, her leg throbbing and her determination unwavering, Theo trod on her footsteps echoed through the empty hallways of the home, its once warm and welcoming atmosphere now a cold and eerie shell. She knew she had to keep moving, each step bringing her closer to the answers she so desperately sought. But as she turned the corner into the living room, an unexpected sight stopped her in her tracks.

"Mr. Beaumont?" Theo stammered, her heart pounding as she took in the figure seated comfortably in an armchair. Shock and confusion warred within her as she tried to make sense of his sudden appearance.

"Ah, Theodora," he said, sitting up in the chair, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "You weren't going to leave without me now were you?" He asked placing a book down on the end table next to him.

"Of course not." Theo stammered, gripping the strap of her backpack tightly and looking down at her feet.

"Indeed I see," he replied with a wry smile. "And it seems we have much to discuss."

"Like what?" Theo challenged, her voice wavering despite her attempts to sound brave.

"First," Crawford began, revealing a slightly burned note from his pocket, "I have something for you."

A frown flashed across her face, Theo hesitantly stepped forward and took the note, her fingers brushing against the rough parchment. It was unmistakably her father's handwriting, and she felt a chill run down her spine as she opened it delicately.

"Dad..." Theo whispered, her eyes widening with shock and fear. The note provided very little information because of the severe burn marks but it does mention something about the enemy they were facing – an organization known as The Enforcers. "They were ruthless, powerful, and not to be underestimated."

"Your father left this note for me to give to you," Crawford explained, his eyes never leaving Theo's face. "He wanted you to understand the stakes involved in this fight."

"High stakes," she muttered, her heart sinking as the weight of her father's words settled upon her shoulders. "We must defeat them, no matter what it takes."

"Indeed," Crawford agreed solemnly. "But know that you do not stand alone in this battle. I am here to help you."

“Thanks,” Theo mumbled with a sigh. Her grasp on the note was so tight that her knuckles turned white. "Of course, why wouldn't I have two conflicting versions of the same note?" She scoffed to herself "Is there no one I can trust anymore?" She rolled her eyes with disdain. She knew all too well if it meant finding Caleb and taking down their enemy at the same time, she had no other choice.

"Stay cautious, Theodora," Crawford warned, his voice heavy with concern. "For The Enforcers are armed and dangerous, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals."

"Neither will I," Theo snorted in reply, her tawny eyes flashing with sarcasm. She tucked the paper away in her pocket with an air of secrecy, as if she was playing some game the man couldn't comprehend she gave the man a knowing look. She'd have to wait and see whether he deserved her trust or not.

"Very well," Crawford said with a nod, rising from the armchair. "I have a lead on where to find The Enforcers. They might have taken Caleb."

Theo's heart pounded as she pinned the man with her gaze. Was this some kind of joke? "What else could it be but a trap?" she snarked inwardly. She smirked at the older man.

"Let's take a hop, skip and jump there," she commanded, her voice an interesting combination of appreciation and annoyance.

Crawford scrutinized her closely, his eyes narrowing as if he was trying to see through her. His gaze was piercing and calculating, he was well-practiced in the arrogance of juveniles.

“What else must I do to get your trust? I brought you back home, so you can remember who really are, and who your family is. But I won't be taken for granted.” His frown was severe and his gaze steely. “Do not think that you understand the stakes, Theodora!” The fierce emotion in his voice burned like a fire. "It's not just you that have things to lose if this does not work out." He rubbed his forehead fiercely pacing up and down between Theo and the chair.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Theo said incredulously. “This is supposed to be my home?”

Crawford stopped for a moment and looked at her measuring. "Just that. This is the home you were born in."

Theo gawked in shock, her lips twitching slightly to form words.

"Well, I suppose we should be going now. Don't worry, this riveting discussion is far from over." She headed for the door and flung it open. In front of the doorway stood Way Onyx.

"And you? Were you eavesdropping too?" She spat at him.

He jolted back and manifested a devil-may-care expression. "Your honor, I'm as pure as a baby's bottom!" He bellowed with mirth, the corners of his lips curving into an amused smirk.

Theo's gaze met his with a blank stare, and she slipped her hands into the pockets of her jacket. She passed him in silence and continued on her way.

He gave a nonchalant shrug to Crawford, who simply nodded at him throwing his leather backpack on his back. Without a word, he shut the door to the house and threw his cloak around his shoulders as he walked ahead of Way.

"No love for your trusty sidekick today?" Way joked as he hurried to keep up with them.

Crawford grabbed Theo's arm and pulled her to a halt. She shot him a questioning look and he gestured for her to follow.

"We won't be leaving through the entrance," he said.

"We'll use magic to travel." He twirled his index finger in the air and a portal opened on the wall, shimmering like a pool of glittery water. Theo and Way exchanged glances at one another.

“Ladies first.” He said in a mockingly chivalrous manner.

Theo was not impressed by his theatrics, but before she had the chance to set off into the unknown, Crawford stepped forward.

"Don't worry children, I think it's best if I step through first."

Crawford stepped up to the portal and a wave of energy passed through him. He held out one hand for Theo and she took it cautiously, not sure what to expect. As soon as they both stood in front of the portal, it began to swirl with vibrant colors around them. Way hesitated for a moment before reluctantly grabbing Crawford's free hand.

"Let's go," Crawford said with a mischievous glint in his eye. There was an eternity of anticipation as they stood there, but a second later they were swept away into an alternate dimension.

The journey felt like seconds, though it could have been weeks or even years for all Theo knew. She had no concept of time anymore but simply got lost in the ever-changing kaleidoscope of lights and shapes around her until finally, they emerged into an alley.

Crawford gestured to a tall building and declared, "This is the one."

Without another word, they approached the metal door of the warehouse. Crawford took the lead, his experienced hand turning the handle with practiced ease. As the door creaked open, it revealed a darkness that seemed to swallow them whole.

Stepping inside, the trio was met with an unexpected sight. The warehouse's interior was no ordinary storage space; it had transformed into an ancient castle, its grand hallways adorned with faded tapestries and glimmers of long-lost opulence.

An unassuming warehouse, concealed by a powerful enchantment that shielded its true identity. As they approached, the façade shimmered, revealing an awe-inspiring castle that stretched towards the heavens, its spires reaching for the star-studded night sky.

Theo's hazel eyes widened in wonder and trepidation, the castle's ethereal beauty clashing with the ominous presence it held. The very walls seemed to pulse with an ancient energy, and the air crackled with unseen forces. This was no ordinary warehouse, and they knew they were stepping into the heart of a battle that could decide the fate of Ravensky and its inhabitants.

As they crossed the threshold, the grand hallways unfolded before them like an enchanted maze, each corner hiding a new mystery. Faded tapestries adorned the walls, depicting long-lost tales of forgotten heroes and legendary battles. The castle's stone floors whispered with echoes of past footsteps, hinting at the ancient secrets buried within.

Their senses sharpened, attuned to the faintest of sounds and slightest of movements. Each step brought them closer to the heart of The Enforcers' lair, and with it, the hope of finding Caleb. The stakes had never been higher, for they knew that the missing stepbrother held the key to an ancient prophecy that could reshape the very fabric of reality.

In the heart of the castle, they finally confronted The Enforcers. The masked figures formed a formidable circle, their dark cloaks swaying with the weight of their malevolent power. At the center of their chilling circle stood Caleb, his eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and an unyielding resolve.

Theo's heart clenched at the sight of her beloved brother in danger. She drew upon her supernatural powers, and an aura of light surrounded her like a protective shield. Her eyes glowed with an inner purple fire, fierce determination etched upon her features.

With a wave of his hand, Crawford wove an illusion, creating a diversion that distracted some of The Enforcers and drew their attention away from Caleb.

"Now!" Crawford barked, and the trio launched into action as one. Their movements were fluid and precise, a dance of magic and steel as they fought against The Enforcers with the bravery of those bound by an unbreakable bond.

Theo's power surged through her veins like a river of starlight. She spun, creating a whirlwind of enchantment that left her enemies disoriented. With each movement, she painted the air with arcs of shimmering magic, a symphony of light and shadows.

Crawford moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his staff an extension of his very being. He channeled the power unleashing energy that crackled like lightning.

Way Onyx appeared and disappeared with a ghostly swiftness, his steps leaving trails of shadows that seemed to defy the laws of reality. His attacks were calculated and precise, a testament to the mysterious magic he had mastered.

As the battle raged on, the castle trembled with the echoes of clashing powers. The very walls seemed to bear witness to the epic confrontation, their stones vibrating with the weight of destiny.

Theo and her companions fought with an unwavering unity, their movements a symphony of determination and skill. They were more than allies; they were a force of destiny, bound by a shared purpose that transcended time itself.

With each strike and parry, they pushed back The Enforcers, their enemies' strength waning before the might of their unbreakable spirit. Theo's eyes locked with Caleb's, and in that moment, she saw her twin's faith in her.

Drawing upon that unyielding belief, Theo unleashed a burst of energy that sent The Enforcers stumbling backward. The castle's ancient walls shook with the force, as if recognizing the might of those who sought to protect Ravensky and its people.

But just as victory seemed within reach, the castle itself seemed to awaken, its very essence aligning with The Enforcers' dark intentions. The walls groaned and shifted, as if attempting to swallow the intruder’s whole.

"We must finish this!" Crawford Beaumont's voice rang with urgency, his determination unwavering in the face of the castle's fury.

Suddenly, as if summoned by a higher power, three figures appeared: Buzadu and Pi Stout Along with Lyaanna. They all three wore billowing cloaks that seemed to absorb the light around them. Each carried exotic weapons that glinted with an otherworldly power - a curved blade made of shadows, a staff of white-hot energy, and a bow drawn with a force unseen by mortal eyes. The Enforcers hesitated momentarily, stunned by the unexpected arrival of these powerful new combatants.

With this newfound strength, Theo and her companions advanced on The Enforcers with an unstoppable force.

Finally, their combined power surged, and a brilliant wave of light engulfed The Enforcers, their malevolent forms consumed by the sheer force of their unity.

The castle's rumbling ceased, the echoes of battle fading into a hushed reverence. As the light dissipated, the group stood amidst the aftermath of their victory, their breaths ragged with both exhaustion and triumph.

Theo and Caleb embraced. Way Onyx stood with a quiet reverence, his enigmatic presence a reminder of the destinies intertwined in their journey.

Crawford Beaumont stared at the castle's towering walls, the majesty of them softened by a timeless sadness.

"The battle has been won but the future still feels daunting and unclear." He said stroking the wall lovingly. "The ancient prophecy has been set in motion, and we are mere pawns in the grand design of fate."

"The school can once again be what it was, you just have to have a little faith my friend." Buzadu chimed patting Crawford on the back.

Theo frantically tried to stem the bleeding from Caleb's wounds, her face twisted with terror.

"Are you alright?" Theo asked, tears threatening to burst from her eyes.

"You shouldn't have come!" he cried.

"We're family." She exclaimed in despair as she watched Caleb gasp for air. She squeezed his hand in hers tightly.

"No, you don't understand," He said through clenched teeth, "It was all a ploy to get you here!"

His words shot through the air like bullets. Theo held him close, eyes darting from person to person, panic filling her heart.

"We have to leave - Now!" Crawford commanded, grabbing Theo roughly by the arm.

"Too late." A voice echoed off the ancient stone walls of the castle, piercing through the silence like a blade of ice. Every head whirled in unison towards the far corner of the entrance hall, their eyes searching for the source of the sound. A chill ran down Theo's spine as she realized too late that something otherworldly had joined them in this place.