{A/N: Look who's back! Oh my God! Anyways, spur of the moment lang po ang pag-update na ito. Please do not expect any active updates until I say so myself. So ayun. Enjoy!}

Flame 35 - A Theatened Coven

D-8 Before the Full Moon

Mula sa masukal na gubat na pumapalibot sa teritoryo ng mga Thompson, isang matandang lalaki na nakasakay sa isang itim na kabayo ang nagmamasid. His eyes were piercing through what looks like, a gathering. Crows fly on top of him and one of them landed on his shoulders. May iniabot ang uwak na iyon sa lalaking nasa kabayo at maririnig ang mahina nitong pagtawa.

"Those kids have no idea who they are up against, but I admire the bravery," he said. He rode his horse and disappeared in the darkness covering the whole forest. The crows followed after the man.

Kinikilabutan namang tumingin sa paligid si Leeroy Nixon nang marinig nito ang ilang mga uwak na nagsiliparan sa paligid ng gubat. He was unaware enough that he frantically held Annielyn Thompson's arms.

"What the hell, Nixon?" Inis na sabi ng dalagang werepanther sa kanya habang papasok sila sa maliit na cabin.

"I-I heard crows!" paliwanag nito. Agad din naman siyang bumitaw sa kanya.

Annielyn rolled her eyes. "I know you're a coward, Leeroy. But I didn't know you're this coward."

Leeroy sighed and finds a seat. Agad namang tumabi sa kanya si Amethyst Ravinch. Annielyn scrunched her nose upon the sight. Nakaupo siya sa kabilang side ng living room nila, habang ang dalawa ay magkatabi sa isa pang couch set. Nagsidatingan na rin sa loob ang iba pa kaya hindi na pinagtuonan ng pansin ni Annielyn ang dalawa.

"So, is this our official headquarters?" Opium Scatterella said as he enters the cabin. His hands on his waist and glides his eyes inside the living room. "It's cozy," he added.

"Scatterella, we are not here for a bonfire, in case you missed it." Katherine Lovell replied as she carries all the papers and folders inside and puts it on top of a long table. She sighs as she looks around the place. "But, yeah. You're right. It is quite cozy," she said.

The cabin is just the right space for about 5-7 people. A few animal head displayed on the walls and some old paintings. The living room has its own fireplace and a small center table. A TV set is also available, two cozy sofa sets, one long dining table at the far right of the living room and the kitchen part at the left.

"Are you sure Earl will not know?" Krauser Vaughaun was the last one to enter the cabin. He came in and closed the door.

Annielyn stood up and went to the sink to prepare some hot choco for everyone. "I'm sure he doesn't have an idea we have this cabin here. But let's put silver barricades and a few witchcraft spells to make sure," she said.

Katherine looked at Amethyst and nodded her head. The two of them head outside to set the barricades. Krauser initiated the conference.

Yes. Krauser and Opium set their first ever Alliance Conference tonight. A night after they went to investigate Upstate and found the Glass Church location.

"Again, we need to be more cautious about our next steps in retrieving back the Assaiah Gate. If we failed to stop Gifford Scatterella, the gateway can open up a whole realm of evil entities that can destroy the existing mortal world. It can also open doors for new dimensions, time frames and such." Krauser stated.

Opium pointed his laser in the TV screen presenting a map of Upstate New Well that has been colonized by the Vampire Coven. "These surrounding areas needed to be retrieved. That way, we can freely guard the gateway without any hassles."

"We need to act fast before they figure out a way to destroy the silver barricade that Katherine put around the Glass Church to keep it protected." Krauser added.

"I'll gather the wolves and talk this out. We can plan out an attack by tomorrow night so we can retrieve the northern parts of the target territories," Leeroy said and put a wolf sticker on top of the red marked map parts.

"You'll need someone to come along with you," Opium said.

"The panther pack can help you out." Annielyn said.

Opium shrugged. "Well, okay. It's settled?" He looked at Leeroy.

"No wait, I think he will need a witch to protect them instead. And besides, you need to head out South and infiltrate that area with your pack so we can completely take control of each positions." Katherine walked in with Amethyst and butted in.  She placed a panther sticker at the bottom section of the map.

Annielyn sighed and crossed his arms. "Fine. You have a point. But who'll back us up?"

"Me. Do you have any problems with that?" Katherine replied as she raised her eyebrows.

"Well, do I have a choice??!"

"Then it's settled. Tomorrow. 9pm. In this cabin." Opium said and ended the conference.

D-7 Before full moon

The next day, the Scatterella vampire felt a bit dizzy as he head down the campus with Celestine. His vision is somehow blurry at times but he shakes it off. Seemingly, his body is not functioning well either for his skin gets burnt out easily even with minimal sunlight.

"Okay ka lang?" she asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Just move along," he said irritated about the hot weather.

Hindi man nakuntento sa sagot, hinayaan nalang ni Celestine ang bampira na mapag-isa at mas binilisan pa nitong maglakad.

"Celestine!" bati sa kanya ng mga kaibigan pagpasok niya ng classroom. "What's the real score between you and Senior Opium?" biglang tanong nito. All the girls inside the room were so giddy.

"Nothing. Wala! Mga naiisip ninyo!" ngumuso ito sa kanila.

"Wala pero sabay napasok at nauwi? Balita nga sa buong campus, naglilive in na daw kayo! How true?"

Umiling lang si Celestine at natawa. "Inaabala niyo sarili niyo sa mga walang kwentang bagay noh?" pag-iwas nito sa mga tanong. Naglagay siya ng headphones at nagbasa nalang ng notes.

Opium, on the other hand, was struggling to find shade at this weather. His throat was dry and itchy, he had a hard time breathing and he got exhausted from climbing up the fourth floor for his class.

"Opium!" he heard someone calling him and turned around to look but no one was there. "Opium! Hey!" he heard it again and this time look at the other side of the hallway.

"What the??? Who's that?"

"Me!" a tiny voice yelled.

"What? Where?"

"Here!!! I'm right here, Opium!"

Opium then noticed a tiny yellow light flying by his eyes. He realized it was not technically a yellow light but a fairy. The Phytopian Fairy they met before.

She smiled and poofed into its normal size. Students in the hallway were shocked. Some even ran away. Opium was still looking all sorts of confused because he was trying to remember the Fairy's name.

"Haha! I'm Astrid, Opium. Nice to see you again!" she said and offered her hands for a handshake.

"Oh! Yes. That's your name! Sorry, nalimutan ko!" he grabs her hand and laughed a bit.

She looks like a normal person but students in the Campus are not used to her presence at all. And walking along with Opium Scatterella stirred up curiousity, until it reaches to his sister.

"Opium knows the new Fairy girl!" Dominica said as she sits down the cafeteria with the rest of her friends.

"Really? No way!" Chantelle slammed her fist on the table.

"Your brother always gets the most interesting girls in the campus, right Olivia?" Deronna said and looked at Olivia but she was busy watching some training amd simulation videos on her phone.

All her friends sighed and continue eating.

Leeroy Nixon happened to pass by the Admin Building and Annielyn Thompson was there hanging out with some other weres in the campus. Leeroy was looking from left to right, sort of looking for someone.

"Hey guys, I'll just see you in my next class, okay? Don't forget tonight!" she hurriedly said and got her bag. She followed the werewolf as he walks out the Building.

She was bluffing, somehow making fun of him because he seems lost or something. She was about to run and catch up with him when Leeroy stops walking and stood in the hallway, staring at someone.

"Amethyst!" he called.

Annielyn hid behind the lockers but it was too late to realized why she ever did that. She tried to peek and see what's happening.

"Leeroy! Sorry. I forgot we were supposed to meet up today! Were you calling me since this morning?"

"Yeah. I tried looking for you in the Admin Building too. Dito lang pala kita mahahanap."

"Sorry! So, where do you want to discuss the plans for tonight?" Amethyst asked.

"Kahit sa malapit na cafe nalang kaya? Okay lang?"

"Yeah, sure!"

Nagkamot pa ng ulo si Leeroy and smiled. "Don't worry, my treat. Our pack leader will be coming over," naglakad na palayo ang dalawa. Annielyn walked the other way.

She sighed and wondered why her heart feels a bit heavy. She wondered why she felt something wrong seeing them together. Is it still because she doesn't trust the witch? Or...

"Nah! Never! Hindi! Asa ka pa, Nixon!" she said and shook her head out.

Krauser was busy taking down notes in his class when his phone vibrated. Inilabas niya saglit ang kanyang phone para basahin ang texts. He sighed as he saw multiple chat notifications from the group chat na ginawa nila kagabi after the conference.

The group chat name is Save Assaiah.

"As soon as you're finished with all your term papers you can submit them to me in the office," their Professor ended the class and walked out of the room. Most of his classmates are still busy finishing it but knowing Krauser Vaughaun, he already finished his and got up to follow his Professor.

"Sir!" tawag nito sa attention ng kanyang guro. "Magpapasa lang ho," he said and gave a thick folder.

"Always on time, I see. Okay, thank you Mr. Vaughaun."

He smiled and shrugged. Agad naman siyang tumalikod at naglakad na palabas ng Larkworth. Nag-antay siya saglit sa tapat ng gate hanggang sa may pumaradang police car sa tapat niya.

"You sure your class is done, kid?"

"Stop calling me kid, Dawson," sabi nito at agad na sumakay sa police car.

Natatarantang sumakay rin ang pulis at sinarado ang pinto. "Where's your butler? Hoy, don't tell me tatakas ka na naman don!"

"No. She has different meetings to attend to. We don't have much time so we need to split up."

The police officer shrugged and started the engine. "You know, I'm quite surprised you and your butler ended up in this situation. For once I thought she can stop you from getting into trouble. Turns out, she is the trouble."

"We're all in trouble if we can't stop the vampires, Officer Dawson," Krauser said as he sighed.

Officer Dawson let one hand go of the steering wheel and handed Krauser a blue folder. "I found new sources yesterday. It's all in there."

Krauser gave him a slight grin. "Thanks for helping me out, Dawson. I owe you a lot."

"Just-- stop the vampires before your Dad gets back here. Please."

Krauser and Dawson laughed until as they faced the New Well traffic rush hour. Meanwhile, Katherine is already at the NWPD.

"I can't believe I'm helping you out again! This is insane! Illegal!" Judith Lovell exclaimed as she prints blueprints of  a certain place.

Katherine gave her a sly smile and hugged her. "Thank you for going the means of breaking the law for me, Aunt Judith!"

Cohen, the crawler was bluffing by the door as he watches the two snuggle to each other.

"Shut up, Cohen!"

"What? I just find you two cute!" he shrugged and walked towards them. "You really think this plan will work out? You're all just mere students of Larkworth. How can you go up against an entire coven of vampires?" Cohen asked.

"We have a powerful vampire and a wise mentalist to lead the plan," she replied confidently.

"But is that enough?"

Katherine smiled and nodded, "It's more than enough."

Meanwhile, the Scatterella Coven are having an urgent meeting with the Elders. Olivia Scatterella's first sit down meeting, as well. Zirco sat beside her and told her that everything is going to be fine. She was anxious about joining since she has little knowledge about the coven nonetheless, the whole plan of the coven. How can she catch up?

"It seems to me, your guards suddenly went soft. We were invaded by an unknown group and even took control of the Assaiah gateway!" One of the three Elders started the meeting with such high note and slammed his hands on the table.

"With all due respect, we are doing everything we can to retrieve it back," Lord Gifford assured.

"How on earth is that? Until now you haven't removed the barricade surrounding the glass church, Gifford! Masyado kang nakampante sa pagbabantay! How could you let this happen! We are so close to opening the Assaiah! Of taking full control!" hindi magkamayaw ang isa pa sa mga Elders.

Hindi nakapagsalita ang pinuno ng coven. Gumuhit sa silid ang mahabang katahimikan. Lahat ng Guild Leaders ay nakatungo at ni hindi makatingin sa mga matatanda.

Maliban sa isa...

"Mawalang galang na, but can you hear out Lord Gifford's plans?" Nagulat si Olivia ng makitang si Ludwig Harris iyon.

"And who are you?"

Magiting na tumayo ang binata at lumuhod sa harapan ng mga nakakatatandang bampira. "I am the Seeker, your Lords. And I have professed my loyalty to serve the Scatterella Coven."

Natahimik ang mga Elders at nagpasyang pakinggan ang sasabihin nito. Olivia's face was full of confusion althroughout the whole meeting. As soon as the meeting was adjourned, agad nitong sinundan ang Seeker hanggang sa makalabas sila sa training camp.

"You seemed to be curious about me, ey?" he finally stopped walking and faced her.

"You're Ludwig Harris, right? You're a student of Larkworth too, am I right?"

He nodded.

"Opium Scatterella... do you know--"

"He's quite fond of me... five months ago. Yes. I know him. Why'd you ask?"

Olivia sighed and raise her chin up. "What are you planning?" she asked.

"Why do I have this feeling na nag-aalala ka sa   isang traydor?" Ludwig raised his eyebrows and grinned.

"Answer me when I ask you!" pabulong nitong sabi, her teeth clenched.

He scoffed. "Ano pa bang dapat na pinapataw na parusa sa mga traydor?" he smiled and walked towards her.

Olivia's heart was racing as he gained an inch closer. "Don't you dare--"

"Traitors should be killed, Lady Olivia. And I for one, shall not miss the honor of killing Opium Scatterella with my own two hands."

Naglakad palayo ang Seeker bitbit ang isang matamis na ngiti. Naiwang nakatayo si Olivia sa madilim na kagubatan na pumapalibot sa training camp. She clenched her fist as her eyes starts to well up. Hindi niya maintindihan ang matinding takot na bumalot sa buong sistema niya ng marinig niya ang mga salitang binitiwan ni Ludwig Harris.

Nagkita-kita naman sa Cabin ang lahat sa dalawang pangkat na binuo nila Opium at Krauser. Si Opium ang mamamahala sa paglusob ng mga lobo sa Northern Part ng Upstate kung saan balak magtayo ng mas malawak na parameters ang grupo. Si Krauser naman ang bahalang mag-divert ng attention sa Southern Part upang makapagbigay ng daan sa mas naunang plano. Kasama niya ang mga werepanthers at si Katherine.

Team Opium is consist of Leeroy, Amethyst and Astrid. Team Krauser will take Annielyn, Katherine and Cohen. Kasama ang ilang werewolves at panthers sa paglusob.

"These are the blueprints. Keep a closer look at the camps. Nailagay na rin ni Cohen ang mga marka kung saan may mga traps. The red stars indicate a possible Guild Leader assigned in that particular camp. If you see one, do not meddle. Hindi natin kakayanin na kalabanin sila. Always stick to the plan." Katherine instructed.

"Katherine is right, we cannot waste time arm wrestling Guild Leaders. Protect your team. Make it out alive by sunrise, are we clear?" Opium added.

All of them gathered in a circle and nodded.

Opium smiled and pat Leeroy's back. "Ikaw na ang bahala sa paglusob, weredog."

"Will you stop calling me that!"

Hindi siya pinansin ng bampira at nagkabit na ng ear transmitter. Lahat ay meron nito upang mas mapadali ang communication habang isinasagawa ang plano.

Katherine nudged Krauser. "Are you ready, Master?" she asked while handing a leather hand gloves and a gun.

"I'm always ready, Katherine."

Within the dark billowing night, the Upstate forest, draped in silence. Lurking within the darkness are red eyed wolves ready to attack. One of the wolves initiated a terrifying howl above a rock, symbolizing vengeance.

Leeroy Nixon thrives as he gritted his teeth. His nails grew longer and slowly transformed himself as one of the wolves. He ran wild and attack an existing camp. Vampires within the area squirmed and were unready. He halted and find the main tent where the Scatterella's Guerilla Flag was placed. He walked towards the tent and started another howl as the rest of his pack slaughtered the camp's remaining vampire guards.

"What? What do you mean the Northern Upstate camp is gone?" Olivia was startled when Zirco blurted out after answering a phone call.

Agad naalarma ang iba pang Guilds Leaders na abala pa sa pagpaplano ng susunod nilang pag-atake.

"Secure that territory or I'll kill you all!!!" Zirco yelled before putting down the phone.

"What was that?" Stan hurriedly asked.

"North Upstate is being attacked by the Weres. I have to back them up," agad kinuha ng Guild Leader ang kanyang jacket pero hinarangan siya ng Seeker na kakapasok lang sa tent nila.

"Let me take care of it," he volunteered.

Olivia suddenly sensed danger and stood up. "I'm tagging along!" she said without thinking twice.

"But-- Lady Via!" Azerus quickly halted her.

Just then, three guards came in as well, panting. "Lord Zirco! The Southern Territory is being attacked!!!" they said.

Zirco clenched his fist and slammed it on the table. "Fuck! Azerus, Stan, come with me! Ludwig, Franco and Yohan will take the North part!" he instructed.

"W-What about me?" Olivia scaredly asked.

"You stay here," mariin nitong sabi sa dalaga.

Zirco immediately left with Azerus and Stan. Franco followed to look for Yohan. Ludwig, however, stood and stared at Olivia with a mocking grin.

"You can always come with us if you want," he teased her.

"Shut up!" she yelled at the Seeker.

"I know how much you wanted to protect a traitor, Lady Olivia."

Olivia bit her lip and clenched her fist. He knows. He knows what she was thinking. Is she that readable? Is she that obvious?

Ludwig sighed as he stepped out of the tent. "The path through the Northern part is at the left side of the camp. Come if you want," he said.

"Opium! Take the rest of the vampires from the west area!" Leeroy said in his transmitter as he remove his hands clawed in a vampire's chest. The vampire immediately turns into ashes.

"Roger that, Captain Weredog!" sagot ni Opium. Agad itong bumaba mula sa itaas ng puno at umatake sa lugar na inutos sa kanya ng werewolf.

Tumingin ito sa paligid ng camp. Ang ibang tent ay nasusunog, nagkalat ang mga patay na bampirang unti-unting nagiging abo. Nagsisimula na ring maglagay ng barricade spells si Amethyst habang si Astrid ay abala sa panggagamot. Agad ibinaba ni Opium ang mask na tumatakip sa kanyang ilong at bibig upang makahinga ng maluwag.

"Hello, Vaughaun?" tawag ng bampira gamit ang transmitter niya.

"Yeah?"

"How are you holding up there?"

"Quite good actually. We diverted their attention long enough. We're already retreating. How 'bout your team?"

"Almost done, just a few--" he wasn't able to finish when a silver dagger caught his left hand. "What the?" he looked up and saw Franco Baltimore dropping from a tree. He hurriedly moved away but got caught up.

Opium wrestled his way out of Franco's strong holds. Being one of the coven's former Guild Leaders, he's aware of Franco's specialties, which is tight submission holds. Franco can easily break anyone's neck in a snap if he wants too that's why he's trying to escape the holds as fast as he can.

"Scatterella!" he heard Leeroy from behind and found a way to toss Franco up in the air. Leeroy's fast reflexes made it easy to snatch him and drag him down with his powerful jaws.

Agad itong tumayo at nagpagpag ng damit but he felt something creeping up his leg. He noticed branches of trees crawling through his body and slowly choking his torso.

"Finally!" he heard a voice but was too suffocated. His vision was blurry.

"Opium!" Olivia Scatterella used her piercing long nails to cut down the branches that holds his brother. Opium slammed to the ground. Unconscious.

"I can't believe you actually came here!" the Seeker laughed.

"Shut up! Nobody else can kill him except me! You understand that?!" she said as she points her finger.

"Well then, I'll rather kill you first!" susugod na sana si Ludwig ng biglang lumitaw sa harapan niya si Yohan.

Natigilan ang Seeker ngunit huli na at agad siyang nasuntok ng bampira. He dropped on the ground and had to wipe the blood on his lips. Yohan stood in front Olivia Scatterella. Hindi rin kalayuan sa kanila ay ang walang malay na si Opium.

"You! You traitor! Wait till the Guild Leaders know about this!" Ludwig gritted his teeth.

"Go ahead! It would be my pleasure! Gusto mo samahan pa kitang gumawa ng written report!" Yohan dared.

"Pagsisisihan mo 'to! You'll see!" Agad umalis ang Seeker, tangay nito ang walang malay na si Franco na puno ng sugat mula sa pagkakalapa ng werewolf sa kanya.

Olivia went to check on Opium. "Is he fine??? Should we-- should we drive him to the nearest hospital, Yohan?" nag-aalala nitong sabi.

Yohan chuckled. "Nah, Master Opium is fine. But I think he needs blood."

Agad namang lumapit si Astrid sa walang malay na bampira at nagpalit anyo ito upang mas matignan ang kalagayan ni Opium.

"Wait-- you're that fairy girl at school?" nakataas ang kilay ni Olivia habang nagtanong.

"Yes, wait I'll treat him with blood tablets for now. But he's fine!"

Olivia pouted and walked away. She hates the fairy. She hates all the girls associated with her brother. Her eyes slowly looked at her while she tries to unbutton Opium's shirt and glides her hands on his chest.

"Hey!!! Stop touching him!!!" saway nito sa fairy na agad namang pinigilan ni Yohan.

"Lady Via naman! Medic fairy yan! She's trying to examine if Master Opium has injuries!" paliwanag nito.

"Hmp!" agad naglakad palayo ng camp ang dalaga. Hindi magkamayaw si Yohan kung hahabulin niya ba ito o babantayan ang walang malay na si Opium.

"Lady Via!!!" tawag nito sa kanya ng medyo makalayo na sila.

"Yohan let's go! We can't afford to stay here longer! They'll look for us! Wait? Yohan?" agad napalingon ang dalaga ng mapansin niyang nakatayo lang doon si Yohan.

"Lady Via..."

"Y-Yohan?"

"Sorry Lady Via... but my loyalty will always stay true to Master Opium," he said and bowed.

Olivia starts to tear up. "W-What? But Yohan!!! You can't leave me there too!!! You know you're the only one from the Guild who helps me during training!!!" she said in between sobs.

Hindi sumagot si Yohan at nanatili itong nakayuko.

"Yohan naman eh!!! Don't do this to me! That jerk already left me behind, pati ba naman ikaw?"

"Patawarin niyo po ako, Lady Via."

Napasinghap ang dalaga at tumalikod. "Fine! I'll consider you dead! Good riddance!" she said and ran away. She ran away sobbing hard until she finds her way back to the training camp.

Zirco and the others were all worried about her but she just kept on crying until she fell asleep. Zirco was about to kiss her good night when she heard her say "Yohan... don't leave me alone..." in her sleep. He pats her head instead and tuck her to bed.

Agad namang dumalo sa post meeting si Zirco. Lord Gifford looked disappointed with what happened during the two simultaneous attacks. Nakalagay sa screen ang mapa ng New Wellington Upstate. May marka ang parehong parte na nilusob ng mga weres kanina.

"How can I entrust the coven to such petty, useless fighters like all of you, huh?!" Lord Gifford angrily flips the whole table unto the whole guards. "You useless, ignorant, incompetent fucks!!! Tomorrow, I want you all to double the trainings! Double the hours! No breaks until all of you grows balls to defend your camps! Do you understand????!"

"YES MY LORD!" they all answered in unison.

Lord Gifford went inside his tent and slams all the brandy left on his table. The bottle smashed into pieces on the floor but he ignored it and continue wiping his desks full of submitted paper works. He was mad. Furious. Scared. Scared? The Coven Lord is scared? Scared of what?

He looked at the Guerilla Symbol pinned on the wall. He slowly walked towards it and laughed. He took a bottle of whisky from the mini fridge and placed a shot for himself.

"I'm not going to lose. I'll bring the Assaiah here and darkness shall run fort the whole land. And no one can stop me... not even my own fears."

***