"Well, its not really as difficult as you might think. The hardest part is adjusting to the thought patters of the creature you inhabit. That's why you will need to start with a creature I can help you with….a panther."
When he said that, I had a flash back to the dream that I had a few nights before, when I saw myself changing from human form to a panther. I'll tell you, in complete honesty, that I was a little scared at that point.
"OK, what do I need to do?"
"Close your eyes and create an image of a panther in your mind. Once, you have it formed, concentrate on fitting your body into that image. You will begin to feel the physical transformation as you see it in your mind. Just relax and let your body flow."
I did as Banya instructed, and slowly I felt a tingle begin in my arm, work its way up my neck and head and back down the other side until it had completely encompassed by entire body. I felt a surge of power explode through my body and when I opened my eyes, I was standing on all fours looking eye to eye with Banya.
I sat there for a minute, adjusting to the feel of my new form, and trying to relate to the new thought patterns running through my head. "This is going to take some getting used to I think. It could be a lot of fun though. Are there any limitations to what I can become?"
"The only limitation, is that you must choose an animal that still exists and is smaller than yourself. No dinosaurs, no elephants. Cats are easiest for the Cithra, but you might try your hand at birds and maybe a reptile or rodent now and then, if the situation warrants it. Just remember that while you are in the form of an animal, you are susceptible to predators."
"OK, I'll bare that in mind. Thanks for the warning. Now how do I change back?"
"Just picture the separation of your body from the image of the panther. You will probably feel similar sensations. The second time around is always easier than the first."
I closed my eyes and pictured my body leaving the form of the panther, and as Banya had said, I felt the same tingle and the explosion of power. When I opened my eyes, I was again standing upright and back to my human form. I stretched my arms and fingers, marveling at the differences between my human form and that of the panther. To be completely honest, although the human form has its advantages, I much prefer the sleek power of the panther to any other form I've tried since.
As I was readjusting to my human form again, I felt a presence in my mind. It was one I had never before felt and it did not seem to be friendly. Almost as soon as I felt it, Kane and Taker both moved closer to me. I could tell by the look on Takers face that something was wrong. I looked up the hill following their line of sight, and saw a man coming down the hill.
I heard Kane and Taker both telling the man that he was too late, that I was already out of his reach. I felt Kane reach back and take hold of my hand and pull me close to him.
"Storm, I don't have time to explain, but we need a doorway now!"
There was no time for them to prepare me for what was about to happen, and I really don't know that there would have been anyway for them to prepare me even if they had all day. All I can tell you is that one minute we were standing in the zoo, and the next minute we were standing in a beautiful garden behind the largest mansion I had ever seen.
Kane still had a hold of me, and Taker was right behind us. There was another woman standing in the Garden looking at me with a little curiosity, but appeared to be friendly. She approached Kane, and it was obvious that there was a different sort of connection with these two, she was obviously concerned about his safety.
"Welcome home Kane, what's going on? Is everyone OK?"
"Yes, Storm, we just had a little run in with some undesirables while we were working on Lashana's training."
She looked at me and smiled.
"So, you must be Lashana. I hope you didn't find that too startling a way of travel. I assume there was no real warning for you."
"Well, after the last couple of days, I didn't think it was possible to startle me anymore, but I think they accomplished that task rather well with that little trip."
She laughed at that, then she saw Taker standing slightly behind us. "How are you? Still bad as ever I presume?"
"Me, bad? Where would you get that idea?"
I got the feeling right away that both of these men felt safe here, and they both had a special attachment to Storm. she seemed to be an honest woman, one who would defend and care for those she loved at a moments notice, no questions asked. I wondered how much she knew about me and what was happening.
"So, will somebody please tell me what just happened here, and exactly where I am."
"I'm sorry Lashana, this was partially my fault. I missed the presence of that underling completely. There was no way for us to avoid him, and you are not ready to deal with him yet. This was the only way to protect you. The mansion is the only place the is totally inaccessible to Kordac'Nols underlings. You will always be safe if you are here."
"I can't stay here, I have a life and a job that I can't just disappear from. People will miss me."
Taker took my hand and looked at me. "Lashana, you have to understand that your safety is of utmost importance to us. We don't want, no we can't, let anything happen to you. Kordac'Nol apparently had a better line to your location than we originally thought, and it is no longer safe for us to complete your training outside of these walls."
"Look, I didn't ask for this. I never wanted to be yanked from my life and certainly didn't need to know that my entire past was made up as some sort of disguise. Why do I have to just accept something that until two days ago didn't even exist in my life. Besides, I assume that this is Storm's home, and we have not even asked her if she has a problem with me staying here."
Storm had been watching this exchange for the last few minutes, and she saw the fear and anxiety in my face, and she could obviously tell that Kane and Taker were having a hard time dealing with the situation. She decided she needed to help out. "Lashana, why don't you and I go for a little walk. I think I might be able to explain some of this a little better than the boys."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to relax a little. "All right."
Taker and Kane headed inside the mansion, and Storm and I started to wonder through the gardens. There was a nice breeze blowing and the sun was out. It was perfect weather for a walk.
"I heard you say that you thought this mansion was my home. And you are right, it is my home, but not to the extent that you might think. This is Kane's Mansion, and all of his Brides, including me either live here permanently or stay here when they need protection, or sometimes when they just need to get away from their lives outside. I am a Bride of Kane, just as you are, so this is as much your home as it is mine."
"Storm, this is all so strange to me. I grew up believing things that were not true. In the past week, I've found out that my parents were not my parents; that I have these talents to do things that normal people don't, no, can't do and worst of all that I'm basically being hunted by some underlings of some nasty god that I had never heard of until yesterday. This Bride thing is just a little difficult to understand for me, and the concept of this Mansion being my home is something that I don't think I can deal with yet. I keep waiting to wake up from this dream and return to my real life."
"I understand, Lashana. What you refer to as your real life will never be quite the same, but once Taker and Kane have completed your training and you can protect yourself, you will return to mainstream living, but you can not return to the life you knew. They told me a while back that you would be joining us, they also told me a little about your past and the evil that threatens you. If you return to your old life, you will endanger those that you love."
"Doesn't that also mean that by being with you and the other Brides that I am also putting you in danger? How can that be any better?"
"All of the Brides are not only linked to Kane, but we are also all linked to each other. Every time one of us is found, it's like we find another piece of ourselves. When you meet your other sisters, you will understand that each of us is willing to give our lives for the protection of each other and Kane."
"OK, so assuming I decide to stay here for awhile, I'm still going to need to get some clothes and stuff from my Apartment. I didn't exactly pack for a trip when I went to the zoo this morning. While I'm there, I can call work and take a leave of absence and let Scotty know what's going on."
"Lashana, this Kordac'Nol apparently knows who you are now. the more contact you have with your loved ones, the more likely he will use it against you by harming them. Let's head inside, we'll have some dinner, talk to Kane and see what we can work out. They really do have your best interests at heart."
"All right, I am feeling kind of hungry anyway."
As we headed back toward the mansion, I heard some laughter in a courtyard off to the right. I wandered over in that direction and peaked inside. There were a couple of young women sitting and talking with another woman. She had her back to us, and I couldn't see her face. They all appeared to be very happy, and enjoying their conversation. I felt Storm walk up behind be and look into the courtyard.
"The little one on the right is Angel and sitting next to her is Danni."
"Who is that with her back to us?"
"You will meet all of them later, right no we need to get inside for dinner."
It seemed a little odd to me that she didn't tell me who that woman was, but my stomach started growling, so I figured I'd track that bit of information down later.
We got to the dinning room, Kane and Taker were sitting there, chatting with a few other women. I assumed that these were more of the Brides. I was beginning to wonder just how many of them there were, and if any of them were like me. They all looked up at us when we entered. I did a quick survey of the room trying to assess the individual reactions to me as best as I could.
There were three other women in the room, and they all seemed to be curious about me, but I couldn't detect any hostility from any of them. This made the entrance into the room a little easier. Storm introduced me one at a time to these women. Sitting next to Kane was Kanike, had dark wavy auburn hair and green eyes that rivaled those of Taker; in contrast, across the table and seated next to Taker was Athena, she had the most beautiful flaming red hair and sea foam green eyes. Prudhoe sat next to Athena, and although she also had green eyes, her hair was a beautiful golden brown that fell in perfect ringlets and appeared to be waist length.
Through conversation at lunch I began to pick up some hints of their personalities. Kanike was quiet through most of lunch, she seemed to prefer to sit back and watch the happening around her and only made comment when she felt it was absolutely necessary. Athena, on the other hand was fairly outspoken. She seemed to have a great wisdom, and although she appeared to be fairly young, I got the feeling that she was an old soul. Prudhoe was probably one of my favorites of the brides that I had met to this point. She was quick witted and had a sharp tongue, but it was obvious that she was fiercely protective of the Brides, Kane and Taker.
Once lunch was over, The other brides headed out to their daily business, and Kane, Taker, Storm and I started to discuss my future.
"I understand that I can't stay in my apartment anymore, and I realize that the more time I spend with my friends and family outside of these walls, the more likely it is that KKordac'Nol will find and kill them to get to me. But you have to understand that I have responsibilities that I can't just walk off and abandon."
Taker looked at Kane, and then said, "We can make one trip, you will have to sever your ties at work, make some explanation to Scotty and deal with what ever you have to with your family and friends. This must be done quickly! The more time it takes, the more danger you will be in."
Once the decision was made that we could return, we had to plan some strategy to prevent any surprises. It was decided that Taker would accompany me in person, because of the two he was the less noticeable. Kane and Storm would both maintain mental contact with us at all times, as well as keeping an eye out on the surrounding areas to prevent any underlings from sneaking up on us at any given point. Should the need arise, both of them could be with us at a moments notice to lend a hand, and with both Storm and I there it would be that much faster for us to return to the mansion if necessary. We decided that the return would take place in the morning after a good nights rest.
It was getting late, and I asked Storm if there was a place I could shower and a change of clothes to sleep in. I felt that laughing vibration from Kane at that and turned to look at him.
"This is your home, Lashana, you have your own room. Storm will show you to it, and you should find everything you need there. If anything is lacking, please let me know and it will be taken care of for you."
Storm led me up the stairs and to my room. When I opened the door, I was stunned. It was a beautifully room decorated in burgundy and hunter green. The focal point of the room was a king size Cherry four poster bed with a beautiful floral bed spread and more pillows than any one person could ever need. There was a Cherry wardrobe, and when I opened it I saw an unbelievable array of clothes, and upon close examination realized that they were all in my size, and pretty much in line with my style. On top of the mirrored dresser on the other side of the room were several pieces of jewelry, all silver and gorgeous. The door to the right of the dresser let to a bathroom with a huge bathtub, marble floor and vanity mirror. Every possible need had been anticipated and met.
I ran a bath, and used a small amount of the Vanilla scented bubbles. I sank into the bath and for the first time in many days, I was able to relax. I thought back over the last few days and realized that I was accepting most of it as commonplace. I had the feeling that things were going to get stranger as time wore on. When the water in the tub started to cool, I climbed out of the tub and put on the fuzzy terry robe that had been hung in the bath room for me. I dug around in the dresser to find something to sleep in, and climbed into the bed.
I lay there for about 10 minutes running over the things I had to get accomplished tomorrow. I dozed off, still thinking about Scotty.
************
woke up slowly, having had the momost peaceful nights rest I'd had in years. I was snuggled down under the comforter and felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. As my eyes adjusted to the light coming in through the window, I turned over and looked around the room. I was stunned, nearly as much as I had been the night before, the room was absolutely beautiful, more so bathed in sunlight than it had been under the pale moon the night before.
I heard a light tapping on the door, and I told the person on the other side to come in. The door opened a crack and the tiny little girl, by the name of Angel, that I had seen in the courtyard the previous evening poked her head in. She was a cute little thing, and appeared to be somewhat shy.
"Good Morning, you're Angel, right?"
She seemed a little surprised that I knew her name, but she nodded and then she spoke, very quietly.
"Storm asked me to let you know that breakfast would be ready in about 20 minutes. She said you needed to get moving cause you have a big day."
"Thanks, Angel, I was just getting up anyway. My name is Lashana, by the way. It's nice to meet you. Would you let Storm know that I'll be down in 15 minutes?"
"Sure thing, it's nice to meet you too. We have been expecting you for sometime now, glad you finally made it."
With that she shut the door and was gone, leaving me to wonder what she meant. I didn't realize that everyone that lived here had already known who I was, and I wasn't sure how much they really knew about me. I was still having problems dealing with the revelations that had been shown to me over the past few days. I did know one thing, most of my friends and family would think I was totally insane if I told them what I now believed to be the truth about myself and my life.
I got up and jumped into the shower, got dressed and headed down stairs as fast as possible. There were things that I had to do today that were not going to be pleasant, and I didn't see any point in putting it off and making it harder than it had to be.
When I got to the dining room, Kane and Taker were no where to be seen, but there were at least fifteen women sitting around the table. I found an empty seat and sat down, scanning the faces around me, trying to remember names of those I had met, and meeting the curious eyes of those I had yet to meet. Breakfast was served, and I realized that I was starving. It was a quiet and very quick meal, because I was fairly deep in thought about the day to come, trying to decide what to tell those I loved. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up into the beautiful green eyes of Taker.
"It's time to go now. The sooner we get out of here the sooner we can have you back here in safety."
As Storm and I made our way out of the dining room, we were wished good luck by all of the other brides sitting around the table and given the "call if you need ANYTHING" order. Kane was waiting in the courtyard for us, the very same courtyard we had arrived in the previous evening.
"Are you ready for this Lashana? It's not going to be easy"
"What's not going to be easy, the trip back or breaking the hearts of all the people I love when I tell them I'm leaving and can't tell them where I'm going? I'm not really sure that I can be ready for either."
Taker took my hand and gave me a sad smile. "Lashana, I know that you still resent this just a little in your heart, being ripped away from the life you know and the people you love. But it is for those people that we do this; the longer you are with them, the more danger they are in. The trip back is the easy part, from there it's all up hill and there is no really easy way to handle it. You just need to trust those you love and know that if they truly love you, they will in time accept your decision. This is not permanent, but there is not telling how long it will be before you see them again."
"I know, and I understand that it is necessary." I looked at Kane and realized that my initial outburst had hurt him. "Kane, I'm sorry I jumped at you, I know this is not your fault and all you want it to make sure I'm safe."
"I know in your heart that you are hurting, but it will get easier with time. Just always remember that you are loved by all who reside in this house…your new home."
Storm piped in at that point and said, "Well, don't you guys think its time we got this show on the road? We are killing daylight hours sitting here getting all mushy over each other."
I smiled at her and said, "well, ok. How do I zap myself back to my truck?"
Taker laughed, "I've never quite heard it put that way. You and I will go back to your truck together and, and as we decided last night, Kane and Storm will watch the winds for signs of danger. Hopefully we'll avoid any close calls like the one we had last night."
"I've already checked the zoo and around your apartment, and saw no sign of the underling, so you should be ok for now. We will be in contact and watching over you at all times, so you need not fear. Just get done what you need to and get back here as soon as possible."
Storm hugged me and Taker and told us to be careful. Taker reached out and took my hand, looked and me and told me to concentrate on returning to my truck in the parking lot at the zoo. I closed my eyes, felt a brief surge of power and when I opened my eyes, I was standing in front of my truck.
Taker seemed a little surprised at the speed of the trip, and when I asked him why, he smile. "It usually takes people a while to learn to do that quickly and easily. You must be stronger than I realized."
"I don't know about that, but I think maybe my desire to get back helped a little."
We got in the truck and headed to my apartment. I needed to gather a few things and page Scotty to meet him and explain my disappearance the night before as well as the vanishing act that I was going to be pulling for the unforeseen future.
I heard Kane in my head, checking in to make sure we made the trip ok.
"Lashana, are you ok?"
"I'm fine, we are heading to the apartment right now and hopefully I'll be able to get a hold of Scotty quickly. He's the only one that I'm concerned about finding. I know where everyone else that I need to talk to works. I still don't know what I'm going to say to him. "
I heard Storm saying "I'm sure you'll find the words when you need them. Just remember we are here for you if you need us."
Taker looked at me, and I smiled. I knew he had heard that conversation, and I knew that it was not hard for any of them to read my thoughts to know that I had serious doubts about the outcome of the conversations I had to have.
We pulled up in the driveway behind the apartment and headed inside. I was saying something to Taker about needed to pack some things before we headed back out as I was unlocking the door. I looked up and headed into the apartment and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Scotty sitting on the couch staring a hole straight through Taker.
"Scotty! What are you doing here? I figured you'd be at work this morning.?" I felt a sickening wave of nausea wash over me as he stood up. The hurt and anger in his eyes burned me to the core.
"Just who in the He** is that? And where have you been all night?"
We were standing nose to nose and he was furious, I had never seen him like that, and for a quick moment I panicked. Taker walked around me, sat down on the couch and folded his arms across his chest, waiting for me to answer.
I glared at him and then turned my attention back to Scotty.
"Honey, baby. It's not how it looks. I ….."
"Not how it looks? It looks like you were out all night with this behemoth of a man and that he just came home with you to pack some clothes. Isn't that what I heard as you came in the door?"
"Well, yes, but…."
"So, when I've been trying to reach you for the last few days and you weren't home, were you with him? Huh? Were you?"
I couldn't believe that this was happening. I knew I couldn't stand there and lie to him, and I also knew that he would never, ever believe anything I came up with to explain my recent absences or the previous nights disappearance.
"Yes, Scotty, I was with him for the last few days, but if you would just let me explain…."
I saw the pain in his eyes just before it changed to rage. I watched almost in slow motion as the only man I had ever loved reared back to do the one thing I never thought he would do. He was going to hit me, and I was going to stand there and let him do it. The blow never came, and when I looked at Scotty's hand there was a much bigger one gripping his wrist.
"Son, I think you better reconsider your options before you try laying a hand on Lashana. Just how stupid are you really?"
Oh, god this was not what I needed. "Taker, please, just let him go. I don't want a fight between you two standing here in my living room."
Taker looked at me and slowly lowered Scotty's hand. The brief moment brought Scotty back to his senses and he was shocked at his own reaction.
"Lashana, baby, I'm sorry. We need to talk about this, but I can't right now. My anger is getting the better of me and I don't want to do something I'll regret later. Can I call you later tonight?"
"Scotty, I won't be here tonight. There is something going on that I can't tell you about right now, for your own good. I have to go away and I'm not sure when I'll be back."
"You're going away with HIM?" The anger was back, full force and he looked at me and then at Taker. "You know, if that's what you want, you got it…"
"Scotty! Wait..." But I was too late, he was out the door and gone before I could catch him. My heart felt like it was going to shatter into a million tiny pieces and all I wanted to do was curl up somewhere in a corner and cry. I knew, however that I had to much to get done to fall apart right then and there, so I shut down every emotion I had.
Taker looked at me when I turned around and was shocked. "Lashana, are you ok?"
"I'm fine, we need to get moving and I need to pack some things and the rabbit up, go to work and let Cheri know that I won't be back."
"Taker, what happened? I've lost all access to Lashana, I can't hear a single one of her thoughts. Is she ok?"
"I don't know, Scotty left and she blocked everything. Hell of a time for her to figure out how to control her thoughts."
"Will you two just let it drop! The poor girl is heart broken, something like that will give you control over things you never had control over before. She knows what needs to be done and she's doing it. Taker, help her get packed and out of there. Kane, why don't you go and check the area around her office and I'll check on her mom's house."
"Storm, is she going to be ok? I have never been this cut off from any of my brides and I don't like the feeling."
"Will you ALL quit talking about me like I'm not here! I'm fine! You kept telling me I needed to control my thoughts, well, I'm controlling them. Now lets get on with this!"
I packed up the few belongings that I needed, and figured I'd tell mom to put the rest of my stuff in storage. I put Thumper in his carrier and gathered up his toys and cage. Taker carried the stuff out to the truck and we were on our way to the office.
I walked in with Taker close behind me and Mini saw me at the door.
"Hey, what are you doing here? You're suppose to be on vacation remember! Who is THAT?"
"Yeah, I know, I need to talk to Cheri about something that can't wait. His name is Taker, he's a friend of mine."
I walked into Cheri's office and shut her door. She looked up and smiled when she saw me, then her smile faded when she saw the sadness in my eyes.
"What the matter?"
"Cheri, I have had something come up that is going to take me out of town for awhile."
"How long is awhile?"
"I don't really know. I feel really bad about not being able to give you any notice, but didn't get any myself and there is really no way for me to change this."
"Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do?"
"Everything will be ok, soon I hope. No, there's not really anything anyone can do but me. I hope that I will be able to come back and visit you all at some point. But I wanted to tell you in person that I was leaving. I didn't think it was appropriate to do over the phone."
"Lashana, I understand. You look very sad right now and I wish there was something I could do to help. You will be sorely missed around here. Do you want me to let everyone know, or are you going to tell them."
"Honestly, I don't think I can handle much more of this today. I'll think about that later. They won't miss me until next week anyway, since I was scheduled to be off the rest of this week."
"What should we do with your last paycheck?"
"Just mail it to my Mom's house. Her address is in my personnel file."
She walked around the desk and hugged me. I thanked her and turned to head out before I fell completely apart. I felt like part of me was dying inside. I was having to leave everything and everyone I had known and loved.
I walked outside and said "see ya later" to Mini and headed out the door. Taker followed behind me watching me with a very concerned look on his face. We got in the truck and I sat there for a minute.
"Ya know, Taker, I don't think I can handle any more of this today. You are all so worried about the underlings of Kordac'Nol, but I'll tell you what. Compared to what I've been through today, I welcome anything they want to throw at me. I just want to go back to the mansion. I'll write letters to everyone else and let them know what happened to me and why I disappeared. I can't take anymore questions and concerned looks."