chapter eighteen

It seemed that the plan was slowly being set in motion. Though, there was one thing missing. Just to ensure that no one came out harmed, the demigods were having to teach the vampires about their way of fighting and what could kill their monsters. As well as things they may just need to know when it comes to being in the heat of a battle of teenagers that are half mortal and half god. Because it got tricky.

Este had spent a majority of her day outside with the others, going through the various weapons of celestial bronze that they had acquired over the years. Having to sort out who could work with things like swords and bows and arrows as well as those who could work with daggers, knowing that they only had a limited supply and they needed to make it easier for the vampires who had yet to wield any weapons that weren't pitch forks.

Este had practiced her swing with a sword, one she hadn't wielded since their last big accident. It was new but not in the sense of new that most thought. It was new in the sense that things had changed since the last time she held the sword, it was no longer too big for her but it clearly wasn't her regular choice of weapon. The last time she had wielded this sword was the time that the separation had happened.

She swung it around, maneuvering around with ease. Her hair tied back in a braid as she twisted around, swinging the sword as it came in contact with Kaz's. Blocking her motion before he attempted to sweep her feet out of the way causing her to jump, before using his shadow as a disappearance. Newt had given her the talk that she had to use her abilities for this event. Her sudden disappearance caused the boy to turn around as his eyes narrowed until Este appeared at his back, the tip of her sword against his spine causing his hands to go in the air as he dropped his sword.

Este's eyes narrowed before she was quick to act as Kaz used his speed to flip around, causing her to back away as she blocked his dagger coming down on her sword as he picked the other weapon up. Clashing against the three weapons as they twisted and turned around, trying to get the other off of their footing. Kaz tried to use his speed against her but failed as his shadow had failed him.

"You'll always be too slow," Kaz teased as he whirled around the girl, now causing their backs to be pressed firmly together as the both debated on their next move, "Using my own shadow against me, dodgy move. Let's see who can get out of this alive, what do you say Este? Or are you going to remain using only a little of one ability..."

"I'll kick your ass," Este stated, as if it was a matter of fact, as she disappeared back into the shadows. Before causing a skeleton to rise from the earth which distracted Kaz long enough for Este to serve a harsh blow to his back, before placing her foot on his back as she had her sword to his neck, "Now who's too slow?" She questioned with a smirk.

"Ouch," Titus called as he placed a hand over his mouth as Este made the other teenager let go of his weapons before she knocked them away with her sword, moving off of his back so that he could roll over causing her to offer him a hand, "She really got your ass. And you say that I'm the cocky one, Lightwood!"

"Impressive," The voice of Emmett Cullen caused the girl to nearly throw Kaz in their direction as the two both whipped around rather quickly, noticing how each one of the Cullen's were standing at Titus's side as Newt looked up from the weapons, "If you think that he's fast, wait till you see us."

"I look forward to it," Kaz spoke almost too cockily as he shot a glare over at Este as he dramatically sighed, "I let you win because you are a female and you're a very scary female," Kaz retorted before letting out a shriek as he hit the ground due to Este using the skeleton to her advantage, "Okay! Okay! I'm sorry!"

"Are you really?" Este asked as she swung her sword before she placed the blade flat on her shoulder so that it wouldn't cut her. She raised an eyebrow as she looked over at the vampires before rolling her eyes, "I hope you know how weapons work, we're going to pair you with a sword or dagger depending on how good you are. You can keep them for the time being."

    Newt helped the vampires figure out what weapons were easiest for them to use and pick up. Which hadn't taken too long as they had a general idea of what was best for them, sticking towards daggers and small items due to the fact their movements would be quicker than anyone else's. Knowing that the demigods might've needed the advantage of distance. Este looked over at her brother as she gave a swift nod.

"Seeing as you aren't greek monsters these blades won't affect you," Newt began.

"Unfortunately," Kaz interjected under his breath while Este couldn't hide her amusement at his clear distaste for the Cullens despite being curious about their speed.

Newt gave Kaz a small look before he continued, "And seeing as you're practically carved out marble, you won't be able to be harmed at all. Just don't break these, celestial bronze has become rare to come by," Newt explained as he swung his sword around before grinning at his sister, "Should we spar first?"

"Shouldn't we be teaching," Este mocked her brother's tone as she let her sword fall from her shoulder before she moved her braid, "Two rounds. One with powers and one without powers since you won't let us go without them," She pointed out before her eyes flashed with a devilish gleam, "Then whoever loses has to be the main teacher despite their lack of ability to fight."

"I can't wait for this," Kaz crossed his arms.

The vampires looked amongst the demigods as the two twin's moved out into the yard so that they didn't accidentally hit something against the back porch of the home. The last thing that they needed to do was mess up their porch to the point they needed to redo the entirety of the porch. Should I go easy on him? I mean he wants us to fight all out... and I don't want to teach. But he has a limp. I feel like that sucks for him. Too bad he'd get us killed in a fight. I also don't want to use my powers.

"Titus, count," Este called out to the boy as she drew herself into a fighting position as the twin's eye contact never broke from the other.

"Don't kill each other!" Titus called out before he leaned against the edge of the porch, "On the count of three. One... two... three!"

Newt made the first move as he launched towards his sister. Este knew her brother's tactics well, so she wasn't caught off guard. Their swords classed together in harsh motions, causing loud clicks with each movement. They were almost in sync, a twisted reminder of how alike the two could be. Both share a similar tactic to throw the other twin off. Yet, due to knowing each other so well, they were able to mimic the other's movements. Which caused them to either knock themselves back or end up in an awkward block that required harsh force to get out of.

Este's blue eyes remained narrowed on her brother each time, she backed up when she caught sight of her brother sticking his foot out. His attempt to make her trip was weak, and she kicked his foot out before she took him to the ground. Yet, she hadn't expected him to grab her - causing the two to fall together and hit the dirt with a harsh thud. Stupid brother. Este wasted no time as she flipped over, pieces of her hair falling from her braid as she pressed her blade to his chest. She didn't put it to his neck due to the fear she would accidentally hurt him as he struggled.

    The blonde's hair was all in his face, his nose scrunched up in frustration and annoyance, while his brown eyes locked on the blade to his chest knowing that his younger sister had him pinned.

"Did you have to make us hit the ground that hard?" He questioned as he looked down at the sword on his chest, "I forgot how good with weapons you could be, αδελφή."sister. He commented before looking back at Titus, waiting for him to call the first round.

"Didn't expect you to take me with you, if I'm being completely honest," Este retorted as she blew a few pieces of her hair out of her face while her chest heaved.

"Round one, finished!" Kaz was the one to call this out as Este drew her sword back, allowing her brother to rise to his feet as he pulled her up as well, "Point to Este! Round two is to commence.... Now!" he called out as soon as the two had their weapons in their hands again, "And don't fight the entire time in the shadows, give us a show!"

"Amazing," Carlisle couldn't help but remark as he watched the twins.

"No promises," Este teased before she ducked Newt's attempt to swing at her before groaning when she felt a ghostly hand wrap around her ankle, her blue eyes zeroing in on it before she shook her head, "You wanna play that way, let's dance."

Este paused momentarily as she felt the depths of the earth before two skeletons crawled out of the dirt and took hold of Newt's limbs, "You are such a cheater!" Newt exclaimed as he thrashed against their grip before melting into the shadows, "Come on, αδελφή, don't stall!" sister.

"Αδελφός," brother. She pushed some of her hair back as she looked smug, she let the two skeletons disappear so the shadows they had couldn't serve as Newt's advantage, "Me? Stalling?" She scoffed as she let out an amused laugh, "I'd never," Before she manipulated the shadows, pulling him back out, "Hello dear brother. What a lovely day it is, isn't it?"

"You little..." Newt swung causing Este to block it before she swung back in return, halting her blade as it came close to Newt's neck as his sword remained near her hip, "How are we getting out of this one, Este?"

"I dunno," The brunette mocked as she narrowed her eyes, "Twin suicide? How dirty," she joked before melting into the shadows and appearing on the other side of him.

It seems Newt had the same plan, but in the end, it worked out in Este's favor. She debated on knocking his leg but his limp would get worse and she refused to hurt him like that, so, when he reappeared in her spot she grabbed the hilt of his sword and held hers to his chest.

"That's how. Checkmate," Este grinned at her brother who looked annoyed, "You look like a blonde mop the way your hair is all in your face."

The way Newt remained tense was a clear indicator that he had feared she'd go for his leg, he held a relieved look as he carefully eyed her, "You win," He conceded.

It caused the younger twin to become worried, her usual cold demeanor shifting momentarily, "Your leg is hurting, isn't it?" She lowered her weapon, "Don't do too much on it. Can't have you limping worse than you already are," Her eyes gave him a sharp look before she glanced over her shoulder at the rest on the porch.

"Round done," Titus called as he smirked, "Este win's, despite getting soft and her brother at the end I would say it was a good match. What do you all think?" Titus turned to the others.

"I went soft on my brother because he has a permanent injury, I wouldn't want to make that worse," Este glared as she rolled her eyes, "I'll take a few and you take a few. Even it out a little, split between all four of us."

    I can't believe we are actually doing this. I feel like this should be a reality tv show, vampires and demigods teaming up. Now that would make a sick horror film. Este placed her sword in front of her, letting the tip dig into the ground as she leaned on it. The use of her abilities were taking a slight toll on her, making her feel a little tired but for the most part she just felt sick from the use of them.

"How should we split them? By partners? Or should we make it easier?" Newt asked as he leaned onto his sword for support, eyes narrowing as he began to go into thought, "how would you all say?"

"Rivals," Emmett grinned over at Jasper, "I think that would be a time. Make it more interesting," He commented before looking over at Carlisle.

"Emmett's idea would make the most sense, Carlisle," Jasper agreed as he looked over at Newt,  almost a sense of knowing in his eyes, "Pair us into who you think would be a better fight."

"Who has fight experience of any kind?" Este couldn't help but ask, "I need to know that before we get too far into this."

There was a momentary silence before Jasper nodded, "I do."

"Care to share at least what type of fighting?" Este asked carefully.

"Shock charges, mounted assaults, and dismounted infantry attacks. Mortal and newborn fighting," Jasper responded shortly.

Familiar, Este knew exactly what type of fighting that was, "You've fought in a war. Fantastic, we're going to use that. This just became Christmas day." Though she didn't question on this newborn fighting he commented about.

Rosalie scoffed at the comment while Alice found herself a little confused, "Why?"

"Most war tactics for mortals are derived from demigods. There are many famous demigods that many overlook, like George Washington was a son of Athena. Hitler is a descendant of Hades. Look at how those wars turned out," Newt took over talking as he looked over at his sister, "So, why Este is so pleased that Jasper has some sort of war training, is because it's the same training demigods are taught since childhood."

    Deep down, hidden under the layers of Este's cold heart, she felt more alive than she ever had. The overwhelming sense of death was a minor coolant to her snarky attitude, but she felt so alive. An odd contrast to everything surrounding her. She pulled herself from her thoughts as she began to make pairs.

"Carlisle and Edward. You two are a pair," Her blue eyes flickered over the two as she gave them a straight look before she turned to Kaz, "Kaz, can you keep an eye on them? Titus can help you for the most part unless one of us needs him."

"Yes ma'am," Kaz faked a salute over at the girl, who smirked in amusement, as the two vampires walked towards him, "I don't reckon any of you have any prior fighting experience in any sorts. Since Jasper was the only one to step forward."

"I can fight. I just don't relish the thought of harming another creature," Carlisle stated.

    Okay, Mr. Saint-like.

"Wonderful," Este turned as some of her hair fell over her face, her smirk never leaving her lips as she clasped her hands together on the hilt of her sword. Tilting her head as she assessed the vampires, "Emmett, Jasper," She took their attention, "You two are with me. I'd put you with Newt but," She trailed off as she winked at her brother, "I have a feeling you won't play easy," She turned back to Emmett.

"Can't make any promises," Emmett joked as he nudged his brother's arm, the other boy rolling his eyes as his hands remained behind his back, "You won't get hurt, if you're careful."

Newt scoffed at his sister's antics, shaking his head before he looked at the remaining vampires. "Alice, Rosalie, and Esme, I'll take you three and when we get everyone understanding you can spar with whoever to ensure you understand," He explained as he rose to his height.

"And don't cut anyone or get cut!" Este quipped as she yanked her sword from the dirt. Swiftly swinging it to rest on her shoulder once more, "That's a rule," she tilted her head to the side as she grinned and pointed at the demigods and then looked at the vampires, "So no one gets hurt and we don't become dinner by accident," She grinned as the others let out a laugh.

    That wasn't exactly a joke, it could be a true statement.

"I can assure you no one will be dinner," Carlisle gave the girl a kind smile before looking at Kaz, who for some reason was an instructor, "Shall we begin?"

    Este briefly shared a glance with Alice, the amber-eyed girl staring intently at her. The brunette rolled her eyes and turned back to Emmett and Jasper, waving her hand and beckoning them forward.

"It's time for both of you to gain a weapon. Hands out, size matters," Este gave them a bothered look despite their amusement.

"Yes ma'am," Jasper, despite his amusement, remained straight faced as he held out his hand.

"Bossy, much?" Emmett followed after his brother.

    Este held her hand over each of theirs, before she grabbed one blade and put it in Emmett's hand. He was easier to size due to his huge nature. The man was practically a bear. Then, Este turned her attention to Jasper. She inhaled sharply each time she touched one of them, due to the persistent feeling of death. She held his ice cold hand as she switched blades in and out before settling on a seven inch blade. She let go of him as he curled his fingers around the blade, swallowing thickly as she recovered from the feeling of his hand.

"Both of you get daggers, Emmet has a twelve inch dagger while you, Jasper, have a seven inch," She explained in a short tone as she let her sword rest comfortably at her side before she showed them different ways to hold the blades and ways to strike, "Got it?"

"Yes," The two men agreed as Este ran a hand over her face, wiping the sweat away before nodding, "Is there anything else that you need to explain or can we start sparring, as you call it," Emmett questioned, growing impatient of listening.

"The only thing that was left was blocking, but I am sure that you two can figure that out on your own," Este explained as she backed away, scoffing, "On the count of three you two will being round one of sparring, the round will end after I see one of you clearly on the ground or pinned by a blade. Understood?" The two nodded as they faced each other, "One... Two..three go."

Emmett and Jasper moved so fast at each other that Este's eyes couldn't even comprehend the fight happening in front of her. Simply watching the blur of madness in front of her and attempting to move out of the way when she felt like she needed to, despite never actually knowing when it was wise for her to move. At one point she had to duck because Emmett's arm swung right over her head. Este waited for a few more moments until she watched as Jasper froze in front of her with the blade pinning Emmett back.

"Thanks for that," Este mumbled as she looked between the two, moving out from behind Jasper, "Seeing as I can't exactly see anything but a blur, I'm going to say I taught you well. Number one teaching skills right here," Este made a fake motion of joy before pointing between the two, "Let's go see how the others are doing before I accidentally - shit."

Este had nearly moved into the middle of the fight between the females before she managed to stop herself. Hands in the air as the sword remained planted in the ground behind her as she made the two vampires go ahead of her so that if anything came her way, they would get knocked into oblivion and not her. Gods, these people move faster than Titus when he sees a breathing woman.

"Newt," Este called over to her brother as she noticed he was sitting on the ground, "Why don't you get a chair? Might be better to sit on than the ground and straining more trying to get yourself up," Este explained as she pushed Emmett in front of her as she walked over to her brother, "I've got you," She helped him up, making him lean against her instead of the sword.

"I never noticed that he had a leg injury," Edward was the one who made this comment as he looked over to the twin's, "He masks it well." He seemed bothered by something, but Este had yet to figure out what.

"Monster attack," was Newt's simple explanation for the entire thing, "It happened when we were young. Couldn't ever get it to heal properly," He shrugged as he looked at his sister, "You're supposed to be helping, not being a crutch for me."

    Este tensed ever so slightly at the mention of it all. She hated the fact her brother was permanently injured because one time they didn't have a healer to help them set his injuries. No matter how much ambrosia he ate, it'd never fix.

Este huffed before she looked at her brother, "You do realize that I'm still technically helping," before her eyes darted over to the vampires, "We usually can heal injuries quickly with nectar and ambrosia, basically what the gods run off of. Too much can kill us though, but sometimes we can see what's wrong and fix it to help. So, here he is stuck like this," Her voice was a little harsher.

"She used to have a barbie named limp leg barbie," Newt explained despite seeing the look his sister was shooting in his direction, "She ripped off it's leg and glued it back on so that it had a messed up leg like me. Disturbing, yet very funny," He couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the memory, "She's always been on the crazier side."

"Someone needs to humble you," Este remarked as she rolled her eyes while looking at the vampires, "Unless you all want to go around and spar, you're all good. Sparring with any of us though... don't use your speed. Unfair advantage," Este adjusted her grip on her brother, "Let's get you to sit down, okay?"

Newt seemed reluctant but sighed as he agreed, "Fine. I can explain more stuff about demigods that they might need to know when they aren't sparring," He decided as Este helped him to the porch so he could sit, "Don't wear yourself out today. Okay?" He gave her a firm look.

"She won't," Alice chirped up from her side, causing the girl to turn her head giving her a questioning look, "The last thing that any of us needs is for one of you to fallout before tomorrow night. So, we're taking the easiest approach to this. No powers, on anyone's side."

    Right, tomorrow night. The night we'll kill my ex-friend.

"Seems fair enough," Carlisle agreed as he looked at the others, "It gives us more control on what we do and we'll be less likely to accidentally injure one of them by accident."

Alice waved around the small dagger in her hand as she grinned, looking between Este and Jasper who both looked at her as if asking what she was thinking, "Why don't we spar," Alice asked Jasper, who simply nodded though Este furrowed her brows trying to figure out what she had to do with any of this.

    She was still confused by their statement from a week ago when they mentioned she was connected to them.

Este stepped back and the two began to fight against each other. Alice managed to whip around easily and without a problem, the sheer amount of grace as she moved around Este completely off. Jasper on the other hand was more technical, clearly using whatever prior training he had to keep his guard up before the two ended up in a block that neither could get out of, causing Este to step in the middle and use her sword to break the two apart, disarming Alice in the process as she pointed her weapons at both.

The brunette's hair had almost completely fallen out of the braid from earlier. Her blue eyes flickered back and forth between the two vampires. She hadn't even needed to fight between them, the two vampires had been so focused on getting rid of the other that it made this all too easy for Este.

"Well, Alice surely didn't see that one coming," Rosalie crossed her arms as she watched the entire thing, "She's disarmed Alice and has them both pinned by a weapon," She muttered over to Emmett, the two watching the entire thing as Carlisle and Esme listened to Newt while occasionally glancing back.

Este's breathing had quickened as her chest rose and fell at a slightly faster speed as it had been prior, something in her cold heart coming back to life as she looked between the two before she moved her head to get her hair out of her face, "Enough. Both of you lost," She muttered out as her tone grew cold, "This is done."

Este placed her sword back on the table as she walked past the vampires, giving a nod at Rosalie who had sent her one as she had passed. She ignored how Edward was staring into the back of her head as she shut the door to the inside behind her. Taking out what was left of her braid (which wasn't much)  before running her fingers through her hair as she tried to calm down her breathing, I'm going to kill Aphrodite.

Newt looked at the vampires with an uneasy smile, "She's fine. Just a lot on her mind with everything that has been happening. She's never been one to deal with her emotions well, she just shuts off and acts all cold and snappy," He explained, trying to make sure no one took her actions to heart.

There was a certain look that had flashed through Jasper's eyes as he had a slight smirk, Alice looked over at Newt with a grin while Emmett shrugged his shoulders, "If any of us actually got offended by your sister, Rosalie probably would've ran after her by now."

"She's not fully human, so she's tolerable," was Rosalie's simple response as a slight grin placed on her lips, "Do you mind if I go and talk to her?" She questioned, looking at Newt who hesitantly nodded, "Thanks."

"Now that is a duo that will end the world," Emmett commented as he watched Rosalie walk into the demigods home after the younger Devereaux, "Come on, you've all got to realize that," He emphasized while Esme let out a small laugh.