Chapter 3

Sarah woke up to see Mik's face centimetres from hers. His wolfy scent filling her nose as her senses came to life. The soft pressure of his breath was on her face. In another universe this would be romantic and Sarah would pull Mik close and kiss him. But this was her universe; she punched him in the face, sending him flying into the wall.

She yawned, it was just another morning for Sarah.

Sarah, in an armoured dress, walked into the food hall. Niya was the only one on the table. Literally. She was standing on the table but that was normal for Niya. Sarah was as quick as she could be in there while Niya was hula dancing on the table providing entertainment for the whole room.

Natasha looked herself in the mirror, wearing the same dress she wore years ago. In years to come it would still fit her. She was seventeen but would never look older than her fifteen year old self. But there was no changing it. That curse from that book would haunt her forever so that she could never be taken seriously, a teenage girl. To the vampires she seemed ridiculous being so small against them. If it wasn't bad enough looking fifteen forever, her frame was slight and she was short. To the myths who she helped to lead alongside Sarah, she seemed so pathetic and small but she used her mind to make up for what she lacked.

She glanced at her high heels, well it didn't hurt to have a little help.

Even with the heels she was still small but walked out with a smile painted on her face regardless...

Sarah was waiting for her with Maxina and Devil in the meeting hall. The werecat trying to keep the witch and the hot-head from all out war. Then there was Mik watching from afar, not willing to step in to help Sarah but willing to watch.

"Did we really have to take Maxina!" Devil complained as they were on their way.

"She wanted to go so it was safer for her to come with us," Natasha explained to the angered Devil.

Maxina wasn't too bothered by Devil's remark. She just fussed over the blue clip in Sarah's hair that she had insisted she wore. Sarah let her knowing it would keep her from fighting even though she didn't appreciate the occasional pulling of her hair.

"What about him?" Devil asked pointing to the tree which Mik was watching them from.

Sarah sighed "no one asked him to come but he just..."

"Did," Natasha finished.

"It would be so much easier if we could just meet Hermes in Olympus," Devil growled under her breath.

"He's a busy guy," Sarah shrugged "besides we haven't been to Dwarven Melbourne in about a month."

"This one is here buying shoes every other day," Devil poked Maxina causing her to shriek.

They all jumped over a creek. The only way to get to Dwarven Melbourne was through the many hidden portals and entrances in the Dark Forest. Of course they had to be deep into the forest or else mortals may stumble upon them. Not that they would be allowed in. There were many spells cast on them to allow only myths yet the grand archways carved out of rock would cause some stir for some mortal kid who gets lost. Though.... The mortals getting lost in the forest and finding these entrances wasn't even the slightest problem because of the war. They would be killed even going a kilometre into it. However the vampires didn't cause trouble in the Dwarven cities all over the world. Natasha assumed because they lacked greatly in strength and taking down a city filled with myths would be insane for them right now. Though in the future Natasha would guess that vampires would have to be banned if they were under the leader's rule.

Approaching the entrance Devil glanced back at Mik "are you coming or not?"

Mik slid out from the trees and joined the women. Together they stepped into that world.

Instantly their senses exploded with colour, noise, smells and thousands of myths all bustling around the magical underground city. The ground had been hollowed out to create a massive opening in which streets and buildings had settled, at the edges of the earthen chamber were further tunnels leading to the homes of the dwarven people and other myths that had taken residence in the city.

The presence of a werecat made a few myths turn their heads but most merely continued on their way taking no notice of the group.

"Not many of them have heard of us have they?" Mik asked.

"Nope, Maxina only made the hotel years ago, we're yet to make a name for ourselves," Natasha explained while following Devil and Sarah who lead them through the crowd.

Sarah smiled "Don't worry, we'll make such a huge difference that even planets beyond our own will know the Hotel."

Though Devil admired Sarah's aspiration she couldn't help but to shrink inside at the mention of other planets. Though happening many years ago her memories had only just returned to her so they were still oozing with blood.

Natasha giggled at Sarah's comment "Says the werecat, it's only destiny for you to be great."

"Yes but unknown," Sarah corrected her "I don't care about that stupid 'slyness of the werecats' thing. I want to actually be acknowledged and get the myth of the werecats out there."

"Keep in mind Sarah.... There are reasons things have been one way for thousands of years."

"Whatever, I don't care."

Natasha hoped that Sarah wouldn't eat her words but she had the most awful feeling.

They came to the city hall in the centre of the city, a huge castle-esque building with a huge dome over it's main room. The gigantic wooden doors were wide open. Under the circular ceiling many myths carried out their business. This hall had so many uses but for the myths of the hotel it was only useful for one thing, their mercenary work. Although the god Hermes often visited the werecats giving them quests from the gods, the others had to find their own work so this was the place to come.

Hermes was standing beside a werebat explaining something in detail. Sarah spotted him and the myths started to make their way across the hall.

Maxina being bumped around by all the burly myths with massive weapons now clung to Sarah's arm. "I just wanted to go shoe shopping" she whined softly as if the other myths would attack her for saying such a thing. Though a werewolf did raise an eyebrow at her.

They reached the god just as he had finished his conversation with the werebat. He turned to them and gave Sarah a warm smile. "Sarah, how did the quest go."

"We killed the dragon."

"And?" The god raised an eyebrow and leaned closer.

"I ummm became a dragon rider I guess," Sarah showed him the crescent moon that had appeared on her palm after touching the tiny dragon.

The gods blue eyes fixed upon it "I knew it," he smiled and hugged the werecat.

She hugged back and myths all around gave a weird look. But to Sarah, Hermes was a like parent so hugging was only a natural thing.

"So payment?" Devil asked hoping it would break up their hug, she despite knowing Sarah for years deemed her closeness with the god to be unnatural.

"Oh yes that," Hermes let go of the werecat and reached into his messenger bag, pulling out a small pouch he handed it to Devil.

She bowed her head in gratitude.

Impatient Maxina said "so now that that's done I'm going." And the witch disappeared in a puff of snowflakes which showered over Mik. He didn't seem to mind too much.

Hermes looked up at the massive clock on the south wall. "Ah, gotta run Sarah, I'll catch up with you later," Sarah barely had time to say meow before the good too disappeared. That was the thing about Hermes, he was always busy.

Sarah, Natasha and Mik had caught up with Maxina. Maxina sighed and leaned on Mik "why am I so perfect?"

Mik gave her a strange look and quickly moved so she stumbled backwards "keep your perfect off me," he growled as if it were a disease.

Maxina merely giggled, Mik was just trying to get her attention by being mean to her. She shouldn't worry about it though, he already had her attention with those beautiful eyes. She tried to stare into his eyes but his were focused on Sarah who was in deep conversation with Natasha. Though the shoes were cuter here Maxina didn't think she got the attention her beauty deserves. Always in the mortal Melbourne everyone would stare at her.

"I know my hair is beautiful!" She yelled and a few myths gave her some looks and Sarah gave her a "not now" glare.

Maxina crossed her arms, she just wanted to remind everyone about the existence of her hair, is that such a crime?

Mik looked around at the shoe shop, all of the shoes seemed stupid and fucking painful. With their pointiness. He then looked at Maxina, her shoes were as high as heaven and she managed to run, squeal and jump around in those..... And you know.... Be Maxina. It's somewhat amazing and completely stupid. However Mik didn't care. Sarah's shoes though, shiny black boots with a little purple flower pattern at the heel. So cute. Mik looked back at the shoes, what would suit her...

He didn't even notice Maxina coming up behind him, too busy glancing back and forth between Sarah and the shoes. Maxina hugged him from behind.

"Ugh get off me," he growled.

Maxina either not hearing him or ignoring him, clung to him "they're so pretty aren't they."

"Yep," Mik picked up a purple shoe "hey look purple."

He waved the shoe near Maxina and she squealed and ran off, in those chopstick-like shoes.

Devil had split off to be alone from the other myths. She wandered into an armoury not because she needed another sword or more armour, just to look. Nothing could beat her twin swords. Besides they were otherworldly. Still she looked at all the sharp shining mental. Her short orange and red hair was tied back into a tiny ponytail and she got many stares from the other myths in the store. She could almost hear their thoughts. They were all questioning her gender. Normally Devil would get angry at them and yell something crude at them. However she was tired.

The mission to the other planet had left her with sleepless nights and the questioning of her gender was common. Besides there was sometimes one asshole that would argue with her. Who wasn't intimidated by her height and flaming hair. That would mean explaining, talking.... Devil was not in the mood for that at all.

So she let them think what they want. She didn't have to answer to anyone.

Back at the hotel, Iris and James sat in a dark corner of the library hoping not to be noticed by anyone. Their usual routine. Keeping even their breathing soft though in a house filled with myths, most of which had heighten senses. Both Devil and Sarah were out. That meant a little freedom for them. Both those woman were cruel and incredibly against them. More than anyone else in the hotel. It sucked that they were two of the strongest.

Jayson walked in with arms filled with medical books. Iris could feel James' muscles tense as his arm was pressed against hers. The couple followed Jayson with their eyes as he returned the books to their spaces on the shelves. He didn't notice their presence until all of the books had been returned and nearly jumped at the sight of Iris' bright yellow cat eyes.

"Oh Iris, James hello," there was no reply from them "I didn't see you two there."

Again they said no word to him. Feeling awkward Jayson averted his eyes in search of another book. Once he had pulled the book from the shelf Iris opened her mouth "What time do they get back," Her voice was almost aggressive though she didn't intend it to be.

Jayson looked back over at her "They didn't say but I assume very soon. They aren't doing any missions there"

Iris mentally swore, she hoped that they would stay in the dwarven city for a number of days giving James and herself 'peace' though that word was never possible with them.

Jayson muttered a goodbye and left the library.

The hotel and hundreds of floors maybe thousands but there was always someone who came to bother Iris and James no matter which floor they were on. Though the floors closer to Olympus were difficult to breathe on and vastly empty and the ones closer to the underworld extremely dangerous and filled with all kinds of monsters. Hardly a safe place but the best they could do.

When Sarah got home from the Dwarven city she was so tired, She nearly dropped to the floor. Dealing with Maxina was so tiring. She had to pull her off every guy with a hint of blue. Honestly they should keep her on a leash.

As soon as Sarah crashed now on her bed Devil opened the door to her room "Sarah come on I need to take you somewhere."

"Come on Devil can't it wait," Sarah muttered sinking her face into the pillow. The little purple dragon pulled at her hair.

"No," Devil said as she picked the werecat up bridal style and soon forced her into the elevator.

Once outside Moon Light joined them and Devil forced Sarah into her sleek black car. "Where are we going?" Sarah asked groggily.

No answer from Devil. She drove for a few minutes. If Sarah could use one word to describe Devil's driving it would be crazy. She drives like the mentally unstable, like how Niya would drive if anyone ever let her near a steering-wheel. Where ever she was taking Sarah, they got there quick.

Sarah stepped out of the car. They were at Elektra's house, weird. She turned back to ask Devil why they were there but she drove off.

Elektra appeared at the door. "Sarah!" she called.

Sarah waved at her. Elektra smiled at Sarah. Elektra is the Alpha of Sarah's pride and also the werepanther. Brown eyes and very dark brown hair, Elektra was born to be the alpha, the most rational and patient of the werecats the was no competition for her when it came time to pick an alpha. Though even years before they had made a pride Sarah and Elektra were best friends and continued to be so.

"Why am I here?" Sarah asked and yawned as she opened the gate.

Elektra giggled then replied "Because I wanted the pride to meet up."

"Right."

Sarah sat down on Elektra's verandah and her two fluffy white dogs walked up to her. These were the only dogs that didn't growl at the leopard. She assumed it was because their owner was the werepanther. She stroked their soft and curly little backs.

Devil's car pulled up a second time and Iris exited. Sarah glared at the weretiger. She had fallen in love with a vampire. The enemy to Sarah so she deeply hated Iris and didn't trust her with anything. Elektra however was more reasonable and treated Iris and as valuable part of the pride. Sarah could never understand that.

"Iris," Elektra called "Get your sexy ass up here."

"Hey," she called to Elektra looking as friendly as someone so hated could be. Her greeting of Sarah was a death stare.

"Now we wait for Tilly," Elektra muttered as Sarah and Iris had a glaring contest "oh cut it out you two and act like a pride."

She hit Sarah on the head who looked away from the tiger and back at the fluff balls.

Finally Tilly's car pulled up in front of Elektra's house and Tilly got out of the car. "Hey Tilly over here!" Sarah called out. Tilly the fourth and final member of the pride was the lioness with blonde hair down to her bellybutton. Sarah was also very close with Tilly despite their playful frenemy act.

"Finally all here," Elektra invited them inside and into her room. They all jumped on the huge bed in the middle of the room, except for Iris who quietly sat on the end. Tilly and Sarah exchanged looks.

"So Sarah, heard you got a mission from Hermes," Elektra looked at her.

Sarah lay down on Tilly's lap "Well he told us to go to this other planet and kill this dragon and we did. But afterwards I touched a little baby purple dragon and," she opened her hand to show her rider's mark "I'm a dragon rider now."

Iris rolled her eyes but the other two werecats stared at the mark. "So cool," exclaimed Tilly "I never got a mark like that when I touched my little dragon for the first time."

Tilly had apparently had a little chihuahua sized dragon for years though no one had ever seen it.

"Yeah... so this is her," Sarah gestured as the purple dragon flew in through the window. Moon Light then sat on the bed beside Sarah and the werecats looked at her with adoration.

"Oh my gods she's so cute," Elektra stroked Moon Light who rubbed up against her like a cat. Tilly just looked at the dragon in disbelief as it acted so affectionate towards Elektra. Iris just looked at her hands.

"So is he still stalking you?" asked Tilly drawing attention away from the dragon.

"For some reason yes," Sarah replied knowing Mik was likely to be lurking somewhere.

"I thought he would have given up by now, I mean it's you," Tilly screwed up her face as if in discomfort.

Sarah gave her a nudge in the ribs.

"Anything new with you Tilly?" Elektra asked.

"I'm starting year 12 this year," she told the pride "and Jacob and I broke up but I know that he wants me back."

Sarah giggled "You two are always breaking up and getting back together. I wonder how many times you guys have broken up?"

Elektra giggled too. Tilly after trying to count on her fingers exclaimed "I...I...I have lost count!"

Sarah burst out laughing, Tilly gave her a playful death stare but then cracked up too.

"So," Elektra said trying to keep her cool "Iris what have you been up to?"

"Just James," She replied softly. Tilly and Sarah stopped laughing and there was an awkward silence between them. Even with Elektra the subject of James was uncomfortable. Moon Light however didn't quite understand and entertained herself by snorting black and purple smoke into the air.

Elektra coughed and blew it away with her hand "Does she breath fire?"

"No only does that from time to time," Sarah replied, grateful for the change of topic.

"My dragon does that all the time too," Tilly announced.

"Sure...." Elektra always had her doubts about Tilly "Any news on the vampires?"

"I killed a bunch on Saturday but not much," Sarah responded but the others shook their heads "So are we going to go on a pride hunt?" Sarah asked Elektra.

Everyone, even Iris, looked at her.

"I guess," she said. The werecats, using one of their many abilities given the them by the gods, all snapped their fingers and were in armour with their weapons by their sides. Each werecat was skilled with one weapon and only that one type of weapon. Sarah had Nightmare, her sword. Tilly had a dagger which she was yet to name. Iris had a hunting knife called The Tiger's Tooth. Elektra had a sword called Faithful. Moon Light leaped into the air.

Can I come to?

"No Moon Light," Sarah said "you might get hurt."

And the pride of the only werecats in existance ran from Elektra's home.