Chapter 10

Here's to you

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

Henry’s words were right as usual. The zombies were stronger and their numbers had decreased again, which she did not understand. Something was seriously up and it was making her filled with worry.

Killing the zombies took some time but they managed to finish it on time before going off to hunt the vampires.

The forest was damp due to the early rain. The ground was muddy and droplets of water were dripping from the leaves occasionally. She walked alone in the forest, silently though readily waiting for them to appear. They had traced their track and she knew she was getting closer to them. She had made a plan with Henry, that is, he was to stay far away from her until she’s in great danger.

She stopped on her tracks when she heard laughter a few metres away from her. She made her way steadily and cautiously to the direction where the laughter was coming from.

There was no moon tonight so it was harder for her to see her enemies but she could at least make out their features and their numbers.

They were five of them. They didn’t look like rogues as she could see that they could control themselves. Ela could make out the dead body she saw laying on the floor and anger spiked in her.

“Well, well, well. Look what we have here boys.” The tallest among them voiced out. He had black hair and dark expressionless black eyes. She could see blood dripping from his fangs which made her hands curled into fists. She also noticed that he seemed as the most dangerous among them.

“If it isn’t the protector.” He spoke as he made his way to her, his eyes running up and down her body, which made her shiver in disgust.

“Well, I must say that I expected a man rather than a little girl.” He added while walking around in circles as he observed her. The fact that he called her a little girl made anger in her boiled even more.

“Listen here, you jock. You killed three innocent people last night and I am going to rip your freaking heads out for that.” She barked, her eyes constantly glancing around her, making sure she capture their every movement.

The tall vampire laughed loudly while the others followed him, laughing as well.

“Ah, but you forgot protector...” He spoke before he vanished and was out her sight, catching her off guard. Seconds later, she felt a strong hand around her neck, choking her.

“You forgot...that we’re vampires...and we’re much faster and stronger than you.” He smirked before he threw her with such strength as she landed her back hard, on a tree trunk.

She coughed for a few seconds and she knew she was coughing out blood. The impact from the vampire’s throw was so strong and it managed to hurt her badly. Her back ached from the impact and she knew she had fractured her scapula but she managed to stand up even though she had to struggle to do so. She wiped the blood on her lips and chin as she lifted her head to search for Henry but couldn’t find him as he was well hidden. However, she knew Henry was watching her, thus, she shook her head, signalling to him not to come just yet.

The vampires laughed in glee as they saw her struggling to stand up. “I admit...that’s a good throw.” She said with a cold smirk as she took out her sword from its sheath.

“But at least I have a better brain than yours, don’t you think?” She pointed out.

She saw their happy faces turned rigid. One of them growl in anger as he ran with inhuman speed to her. Being the protector, her senses were stronger than others. The moment she saw the vampire stop in front of her, his fist close to her face, she swung her sword with a roar of battle and beheaded him.

“And you clearly forgot that I am the protector.” She said with a smirk. Their faces fell when they saw their friend’s body turned into dust.

“Now, who’s next?” She tightened the hold on her Excalibur as she strengthened her stance.

The tallest vampire let out an angry growl that shook the forest. Elektra who was stunned from it was caught off guard when one of the vampires appeared behind her. She turned to fight him off but too late when he grabbed her throat and held her up in the air.

She tried to fight off, kicking him, pulling his arm away but failed. The blond haired vampire smiled coldly at her, his fangs sticking out as he was ready to drink from her. “Not so strong now, are you?” He mocked.

“That’s why she has me.” The vampire’s hand left her throat as he struggled with Henry as he drank from him like an animal and ripped of his head when he was done.

Ela stood there in shock to see so much anger in his eyes that it scared her a little but she knew this was her Henry. He was upset that she made him wait a little longer and the fact that these vampires killed innocent human beings.

“Never let me wait that long again.” He growled.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered.

His face softened a little sensing her fear of him. “If anything had happened to you, I couldn’t forgive myself.” He said.

“Well, look at these lovebirds. A vampire and a protector? Not really a great match.” The tall vampire spoke.

Henry growled inhumanly at him, his eyes turning completely black. “Touch her and you’ll die.” He barked.

One of the vampires appeared next to Ela but before he could attack her, her sword meet his chest as she plunged it into the vampire’s heart.

“That’s for the women you killed last night.” She snarled, pushing the sword further into his heart.

Before they both could get to the other two vampires, they were already no longer in sight. Henry got to his feet, wanting to chase them but stopped when he smelt blood and saw that Elektra’s head was bleeding. Not only that, he could tell that she had broken a scapula.

He rushed to her who was covering the wound on her head.

“Ela.” He called out, his face etched with worry.

“I’m fine, Henry.” She told him.

Henry snorted but the worry in his face didn’t disappear. “You fractured your scapula and your head is bleeding. That is not fine.” He replied. “Looks like you’re going to need to drink my blood again.”

He picked her up in a bridal style despite her protests of drinking his blood and picking her up. “I’m not happy with this, Ela. Not only did you get injured but they got away.” He grunted.

Ela’s complaints quiet down as she looked at him apologetically. “I’m really sorry.” She said softly.

Henry’s face softened as he replied, “I’m not angry at you about them getting away...about you getting injured maybe, yes. You should have called me earlier. I really don’t know what I’d do if I lose you.” He placed a comforting kiss on her temple.

“The tall vampire’s really strong.” She voiced out.

Henry gave her a nod and started running to his house. “He’s not really an old vampire either. He’s dangerous and we need to find him soon.”

“I don’t think he and his friend will be appearing soon after losing three of his members.”

“True.” Henry replied.

They had reached his house and Henry quickly entered his room and placed her on the bed gently before grabbing the first aid kit and a glass of water. He tore of his wrist and let a few drops of blood into the water.

He returned to the bedroom and tended to her wound before forcing her to drink the water. She scolded him, even yell at him but he managed to make her drink the water with his blood in it.

“I hate you.” She barked at him after finishing the whole glass of the water.

Henry chuckled as he sat next to her. “Don’t say that, love. You know you love me.”

Elektra grunted and folded her arms together but not before flinching at the pain on her shoulder. Henry noticed it and he gently took her arm.

“Careful, little one. You’re still healing.” He said as he lied her down on the bed, her head resting on the comfy pillow.

She started to close her eyes while Henry held her hand.

“Henry?” She called out, her eyes still closed.

“Are you disappointed in me?” She asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Henry’s heart melted for the girl. She thought he was that angry with her and that she had disappointed him.

“Love, I don’t think you could ever disappoint me.” He spoke softly, stroking her dark hair. “In fact, I’m really proud of you. You were pretty bad ass out there.” He chuckled.

She smiled, squeezing his hand slightly. She was glad that she didn’t disappoint him. The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint Henry who was more like a brother and father to her. She looked up to him and loved him as if he was her own blood. She wanted to make him proud of her like any daughter would want her father to be.

Soon, she felt tiredness take over her and she let herself fall into it.

“Sleep well, little one.” Henry whispered, pressing a kiss on her forehead before she fell into a deep sleep.

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

His eerie laughter rang in her ears and the cold cruel look on his face shook her body. “Well, little protector, you can’t save your beau now.”

“Leave him alone! I swear, if you lay one finger on him...” She choked out, angry tears were already streaming down her face.

She struggled to break free from the chains that were holding her back from saving him. He didn’t know anything about this. He had nothing to do with this. Why did they have to torture him?

The tall vampire laughed loudly before looking at her with those snake eyes. “A little too late for that, don’t you think, protector?” He sneered.

He let out a cruel laugh before releasing his fangs and sank them into him. His eyes shot open as he screamed in pain, struggling to get away from him but failed.

More tears rolled down her cheeks as she screamed for the vampire to let him go, to leave him alone, to stop it as she tried to break of the chains that were holding her back.

“No!” She cried as she sat up. Two strong arms wrapped around her, comforting her as she sobbed.

Her eyes darted around her and she realized that she was in Henry’s room and that was all a dream. Henry held her tightly, rocking her slightly back and forth, murmuring comforting words to her.

“Blake...” She whispered.

Henry stopped rocking her as he concentrated on her words. “What is it, little one?”

“Blake...they can’t know about him.” She whispered.

Henry’s arms around her tightened as he kissed her temple. “I will not let them hurt you or Blake. I will not let it happen. Blake is safe. You’re safe. I promise.”

“They can’t know about him.” She whispered again while Henry comforted her.

If anything happened to him, she could never forgive herself. Blake was someone special in her life and losing him will be devastating. She couldn’t let them know about him or they’ll use him as bait to get to her.

They can never know.

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

Elektra let out a small sigh as she stuffed her books in the locker. It had been a tiring day. All day long she was avoiding Blake. She needed to keep some space between them because she was afraid that the vampires would capture him and torture him due to her. She didn’t want that. Last night’s dream was a wake up call for her. Blake would be in grave danger if he was with her. The best way to protect him was to put a great distance between herself from him.

Doing it wasn’t easy at all. He was on her track the whole day, searching for her and asking for her but she managed to keep herself hidden. Even in history class, she made small talk with him, not looking at him in the eyes. Thank god the school has finally end.

The fact that she’s already missing him made it harder for her to avoid him. Without him near her, she felt lonely and incomplete somehow. However, this was the only she could think of to keep his safe, even if it breaks her to do so.

She let out another sigh, not happy thinking about the situation she was in now. Why can’t she just be happy?

She slowly slung her bag across her shoulder and closed her locker. A gasp left her when her eyes met an unhappy pair of coffee brown eyes.

She was about to take her leave but he stopped her as he grabbed her arm. “Oh no, you don’t.”

He was about to say something but he stopped when they heard footsteps echoing down the hallway.

He cursed and lifted his head to look around and an idea popped out in his mind as he grabbed her and pushed her into the janitor closet nearby.

Closing the door quickly and standing behind it to block Ela’s way , he turned and found himself meeting her furious eyes.

“What the hell are you doing?” Ela hissed at him.

Blake made sure he blocked the door so that she wouldn’t escape as he bored into her eyes. “You’ve been avoiding me.” He stated.

He sounded unhappy and she could sense pain in his words. It made her heart break to know she’d hurt him.

“No, I haven’t.” She lied, turning her eyes away from his.

Blake snorted, placing his hands on his hips. “You’re lying. You looked away from me.” He already knew most things about her. She was a horrible liar and she would look away every time she tells a lie. Something he picked up when he got to know her.

A sigh escaped her mouth as she rubbed her face before lifting her head but not looking directly at him.

“Look, I’m just busy, okay?”

He didn’t answer and she glanced at him. Her heart shattered even more seeing his face etched with pain.

“What did I do?” He asked, out of the blue.

Shocked, Ela looked at him. His eyes filled with sadness that it made her want to wrap her arms around him.

“What did I do to make you avoid me?” He spoke. “Please, tell me what did I do wrong?” He begged.

Her heart slowly broke hearing his plead. She moved closer to him, slowly lifting her head as he looked at him straight in the eyes.

“It’s for the best.” She said.

Blake frowned in confusion, speechless at her reply and Elektra took that as an opportunity for her to escape. She slipped right through him and exited the janitor’s closet in a hurry, leaving a very frustrated Blake behind. His fist met the wall as he cursed in despair.

“Damn it!”

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

“Are you going to tell me why have you been avoiding him all day?” Chelsea asked.

With a hash brown hanging on her mouth, she turned to look at her. “What?” She said though it sounded muffled.

Chelsea shook her head before stopping her car at the red light. “You’ve been ignoring Blake for the whole day.” She exclaimed.

Ela frowned as she swallowed the food in her mouth. “I did no such thing.” She said.

“You know, you’re really horrible at lying.” Chelsea pointed out as she pressed the gas as soon as the green light appeared.

“I know.” Ela sighed as she leaned the back of her head on the headrest. “It’s just that there’s been a lot going on and I just don’t want him to be burden with my troubles as well.” She said.

“Is this about those bimbos again?” Chelsea frowned.

“Kind of.” She answered, not exactly lying. “It’s for his own good.”

Chelsea parked her car at the side of the road as they reached the daycare. She turned her head to her friend who looked sad like the boy that’s been chasing her around at school today.

“Look, I don’t know what’s going on but don’t you think it’s for him to decide that?” Chelsea asked.

“It’s complicated.” Ela answered with a grunt.

“Honey, life is complicated. I understand that you have problems but you also must know that avoiding him will only hurt him.” Her friend commented, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I just don’t want him to get hurt.”

“Well, you’re not doing such a good job, aren’t you?” Chelsea pointed out. “Seriously Ela, he was heartbroken. He looked like a kid who had just lost his pet.”

“I don’t really know what do. I just hope everything will be okay and fine again.” She replied.

Chelsea gave her a small smile as she patted her shoulder. “Only time will tell.”

Ela smiled and thanked her before getting out of the car and headed to her day job. Chelsea words rang in her mind the whole day. She didn’t want him to get hurt but she already did. What in the world was she going to do?

Later that evening, her heart filled with disappointment when Owen came and picked up Kate instead of Blake. He was angry with her and it made her feel guilty and terribly sad. Her heart squeezed in pain, thinking about him never talking to her again. She didn’t want that but there was no other choice. It was for the best, she thought.

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

The next day, Blake did not come to school. Ela's heart turned gloom. She did not like this. She did not want him to be upset with her. She did not want him to hate her. It pained her to think that he might feel that way. She hoped and prayed that he did not hate her even though she knew they can never be friends again.

When she was at work, Kate did not come to the daycare. Daniel told her that Blake had called in and said that they she would not be there as due to them having something to do. He did not state what though. It left her speechless for a few minutes before she went back to work.

When the night was over, slaying each of the zombies harder and more violently, releasing every ounce of frustration in her heart, she did not go straight to sleep. Instead, she stood awake in the lair, training, punching the black sand filled punching bag violently and repeatedly.

With every punch, she punched harder as the nightmare she had played in her mind like a broken tape. Again and again, making her fire and frustrations rise.

Say goodbye to your beau, the vampire's voice screamed in her head. With a one hard punch, she let out a roar, sending the punching bag flying across the room, hitting the wall, equipments attached to the wall, fell clattering on the ground.

Her breaths came in pants, sweat dripping from her forehead as she stared at the destroyed punching bag.

"What did the punching bag ever do to you, little one?"

She turned her head to find Henry staring at her with worry in his eyes even though his tone was playful.

She turned away, staring at the punching bag once again. Henry could only sigh before he walked across the room to her. He took her hand and led her to the bed, and sat her down before sitting right next to her.

"Ela..."He started.

"I cannot be weak." She said almost in a whisper, looking so helpless and distant. "I have to be stronger. I can't let the vampire attack me or anyone again."

"You're just a young girl, Ela.” Henry spoke softly.

She finally turned her head to her. Henry's  heart clenched when he saw the pain in her eyes. "I am the protector."

"But you're still human."

With his words, she turned her head away once more.

"I promise I will protect you and Blake. It is not for you to worry alone. Your burden is mine as well." He stated. "You're  not alone, Ela." Henry said before he engulfed her in a tight hug.

Ela did nothing to push him away as she silently sobbed into his chest wondering why was her life so complicated? Why couldn't she just be happy, why couldn't she live a life where she doesn't have to worry what her actions might done to others?

"I can't let him get hurt. Not because of me. I already lost so many people in my life. I don’t want to lose him too. Avoiding him is for the best...but I want to be with him. How can I do that, Henry...without bringing him into danger as well?" She cried.

"You can be with him, you know? Who says you can't ? He will be alright. You are the protector and I am a two hundred and twenty years old vampire. We can protect him, can't  we?" Henry smiled.

"I just don't want him to be in danger."

"I know...and we'll do our best to keep him safe, alright? I don’t know what going to happen later on but I promise, whatever happens, I’ll always be here for you.” Henry said softly.  She gave him a soft smile and he returned it before patting her head gently. “Now, stop worrying that pretty little head of yours and go to sleep. Tomorrow is a weekend. Maybe later at noon, we can bring little Darcy to the aquarium? "

She looked at him with love in her heart, wondering how lucky she was to have such an amazing friend and brother by her side. Henry was certainly one of the most amazing man in the world. He brought happiness when her world was crashing down and he was there to love her and take care of her. He was her family.

"Alright." Elektra replied with a smile.

He grinned happily before standing up, pulling her with him and guided her to her bedroom and tucked her into bed.

With Henry words and smile, she knew that Henrywould stick to his words and everything will be okay.

At least she hopes so.

********

The next day Henry took Ela and Darcy to the new aquarium in town.Darcy had so much fun, her lips twitched up in asmile for the whole day. She had fun too, of course but she couldn't help but feel empty knowing that Blake has not contacted her. She missed him dearly and it hurts for her to be apart from him.

Well, that was the price she had to pay for being the protector.

And, sometimes, she really hates her job.

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

“Argh!” Ela yelled out in pain when the zombie’s fingernails sunk into her skin. She pushed it away with the back of her sword before beheading him.

She let out a heavy breath as she looked around. Relief filled in her when she saw there were no zombies left for the night. Henry was right. The zombies had become stronger by the night and their number had decreased. Not only that, they rose even earlier this time. It wasn’t even midnight and they had risen from their graves. It took longer for her to kill them due to their newfound strength but she managed to do her job and killed them.

She slowly fell to the ground, leaning her back against a tree. Henry came a few seconds later with a first aid kit from her bike in his hand. He took a seat next to her as he began to tend her wounds. Her wounds were not critical but they do need tending. Henry was glad to do the job.

“Any news?” She asked while she watched him tend her wounded arm.

“No...Nothing in particular. I still could not find the bastard of a vampire and his friend. I tracked them early this morning but they seemed to disappear.” He answered while tying the bandage around her arm carefully.

“About the zombies?” She questioned.

“Still nothing.” Henry answered in a disappointed tone. “Whatever they’re planning, they’re really good at hiding it.”

“We’ll figure it out soon enough. I just hope we’ll manage to stop whatever they’re doing.” She said as she stood up when Henry was finished tending her wounds.

“We will...and I promise to protect you.” His voice filled with seriousness.

Ela smiled before patting his shoulder. “I know you will.” She confirmed. “Right now, I just want to go home and sleep.” She muttered, checking her watch that told her it was close to one in the morning.

Henry chuckled as they both started making their way out of the graveyard. She got on her bike but not before receiving a kiss on the forehead from Henry.

When she reached the lair, she took of her dirty clothes and took a quick shower before putting on a huge t-shirt and sweatpants. When she reached her bedroom, she jumped to her bed and got under the covers as she let tiredness take over her, falling into a comfortable sleep.

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

In the middle of the night, about an hour after she had fallen asleep, she heard her window being knocked simultaneously. She groaned as she got out from her warm comfortable bed and made her way to the window.

Her eyes grew wide when she saw Blake in the same spot and situation when he climbed into her window for the first time but this time, he had a bouquet of red chrysanthemums in his hand and he was wearing a black suit, which made him look ridiculously handsome.

Elektra quickly opened the window and pulled him into her room before he fell and hurt himself. Once he was in, all she could do was stare at the perfect man in front of her who was standing with a bouquet of her favourite flower in his hand.

Blake cleared his throat, breaking the silence between them. He looked somewhat nervous and his eyes filled with worry and hope. He wiped his palm on his suit and cleared his throat once more as he gazed into her sunset eyes.

“I don’t know what I did wrong...” He confessed, his voice slightly shaky from nervousness. “But I do know that I don’t ever want you to push me away.” He added as he closed the distance between them before continuing.

“Whatever I did to make you avoid me, I’m sorry...You can yell at me, heck, you can even hit me if you like...but please, don’t push me away.” He said softly, his eyes shone with adoration as he gazed at her with a soft smile on his face.

Ela stood there speechless. Her eyes had already begun to water due to his confession. He didn’t even do anything wrong but he still apologized. How perfect and amazing was he? He said the sweetest thing and it made her heart melt in happiness.

Laughing slightly, she jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his torso and hugged him tightly. He almost lost his balance but managed to regain it luckily. He slowly wrapped his arms around her as well and smiled, happy that she was in his arms.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered in his chest, after a few minutes of silence.

Blake smiled. “It’s okay. What’s past is past now.” He spoke before kissing the top her head, inhaling her sweet scent that he had missed so much.

“What’s up with the suit?” She asked, smiling.

“I had a dinner meeting with one of the clients, which is why I was late...and I had to go out of town for a while due to an event and I had to bring Kate with me.” He explained.

“That’s why Kate wasn’t at the daycare.” She said, more to stating it.

“Yes. I just couldn’t leave her on her own. So, I had Owen to pick her up and meet me at the hotel.” He confirmed before burying his nose in her hair.

A smile slowly appeared on her face. It was so him to care about Kate.

“Thank you.” Ela said sincerely, snuggling closer into his chest.

Blake smiled silently, kissing her hair as he stroked them lovingly. His heart silently wishing that time would stop and there’s nothing could tore her away from his arms.

“Anything for you, omorfi.”

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

So...there you go. It's not much but I promise it's getting interesting. The next few chapters will blow your freaking minds! At least that's what I hope for. Once again, thank you for your support. I appreciate it incredibly. I love you guys and thank you.

Oh yeah.. this story is going to be competing in  the watty awards 2013. So, you know what to do. Vote! Thanks! I really really appreciate it.

REALLY. THANK YOU SO FREAKING MUCH.