Blood-Stained Lover

Eight

-Lore. Present Day-

“Are you happy, mom? You finally know the truth. The painful, hurtful story of what happened to me? Are you happy that you finally know what happened?! Does it satisfy you!” She shouted, thousands of years of uncried tears falling from her eyes. Maria stood stone-faced. Gale hung her head. “I had unknown hatred of the Drakel. Despite what they did for me... despite of the second chance at some faximily of life they gave me, I slaughtered every one of them. I spared the city... just that one. I then went city to city, slaughtering every. Single. One of them! And burning their cities! Elizabeth was right! Kill them all! Why do you think I joined the military! Once the Drakel broke off, becoming the Paxians, I had to join. I had to slaughter them. I knew I couldn't be killed... they built me too good.”

“Gale, honey...” Maria muttered. Gale faced the window, her back to Maria, and crossed her arms.

“I don't need your charity! I don't need ANYTHING from you! Where the hell were you when I was getting BUTCHERD by those THINGS?! HUH!? Where the bloody hell where you?!” She wheeled around on her heels, facing the green-haired Maria, drawing her sword. “Don't make me kill you, mom. And I swear I will! I am not that little girl you sent to her death!!” She shouted, gritting her teeth, grinding them painfully.

“Gale...” Maria's face softened.

“Don't! NO! Don't you smile at me! I'm not your daughter any more! I am NOT YOUR DAUGHTER!” She began shaking slightly, moving her black hair from her face. “I am not Gale Despair anymore, Gale Despair died when you sent her to her death!”

“I didn't send you to your death, Gale... please...” Gale held the blade steady. Maria did nothing to either encourage her, nor deter her from whatever thoughts were running through her mind. With no shred of warning, Maria's demeanor changed from caring to... angry. “What do you plan to do, Gale? Kill me? Are you going to kill me for what YOU wanted to do?”

“No...” Gale groaned, the grip on her sword faulting recovering, she held firm. “I never wanted this fate! I didn't WANT to go! I went because I WANTED to impress you! I wanted to show you that I wasn't just your little girl, but YOU! I was every bit you are and MORE!”

“So your pride killed you? Maybe you did deserve what you got, Gale. Maybe death was life's way of telling you to stuff it.” Maria groaned. “You've changed so much, Gale. That sweet, little girl who I found blubbering in the shell of a burnt out building.. gone. Now all I see is... me. You've done what you've set out to do, Gale. You've become me. With everything that comes with. How does it feel, Gale? How does it feel to look in the mirror in the morning and see 'murderer' appear across the face of the glass in blood. The blood of those you've killed. Innocents, those who deserve death, it doesn't matter, you just slaughter them all. Can I give you a hint, Gale?” Again, Gale's grip on the sword faltered, and it dropped. Rolling under the desk and coming up behind Gale, Maria grabbed the girl by the back of the head, slamming her face into the face of the repaired desk. Gale groaned, but didn't show any pain. She tried to reach back and attack Maria with the sword, which Maria wrenched from her hand, digging it blade first into the ground. “Here's your hint, Gale! If you don't have the guts to kill me, by gods I'm going to do it first!”

Gale struggled against Maria's grasp, but it was too strong. The Vampire had her at a strength advantage. Gale had to try something different. Struggling to her side, she drew the pistol she kept holstered there. Gripping it and turning it backwards, she fired three times, two hitting Maria in the stomach, the third hit her leg. Stumbling back from the impact, Maria lost her grip and looked at Gale, who was holding the pistol, pointed at her head.

“This fate was not of my choosing, monster. They did this to me! With you! You and them! You all deserve death for what you did!” Two more shots rang out, one hitting Maria in the shoulder, the second pancaking harmlessly against the opposite wall. Maria ignored the blood flowing from her open wounds, only staring at Gale.

“That's it, Gale. Give into your bitterness. A few more hits like that, and I'll be dead. And you'll take my place as the resident evil. C'mon. You've got the gun. You've got the ammo, and you've got reason. Now all you've gotta have is the guts to pull the damn trigger!” Reflexes honed throughout the century make Maria drawing her pistol a lightning quick affair, the weapon snapping from idle to ready in mere nanoseconds. A single shot echoed in the room, the bullet hitting Gale in the shoulder, the impact causing her aim to degrade, the muscle reflex causing her to fire again, the shot going wide. “Pull the trigger, or I'll do it. And let me tell you something right now. I don't give two sticks who you were in life, but just like me, you're a shadow now. And shadow needs light.” While Gale was stunned, Maria roundhouse kicked her to the side of the head, knocking her over. Recovering, Gale fired three more times, all the shots striking Maria in he chest. No noticeable effect rendered, Gale dropped the clip and put a new one in.

“Don't make me kill you!”

“Oh!? So know it's 'don't make me kill you'. Earlier it was 'I'm gonna kill you for what you've done!'. It's amazing how someone's demeanor can change when they're lives are in the balance. You don't care about me, and the only thing I care about you is how quickly you'll die.” Firing once more, the gun was expelled from Gale's hand. “You chose this path. I can only show you the end.” Turning the laser sight on, she watched Gale roll to the left and recover her gun.

“You think you'd be the first one I've killed that I've been close to!? You're nothing compared to Kay!” Gale shouted.

“Kay?! No... tell me you didn't!!”

“Oh yes. I killed her. After my death, Kay and Jess were torn apart, finding comfort only in each other's arms... a fact Lizzie loathed.” Maria's grip faltered, the gun nearly dropping from her hand. “Kay and Jess... they started dating. I wouldn't have minded it ideally... but something happened that I could not allow...

-Lore. 1500 years prior.-

Gale entered Yulgar's Inn again, her limp ever present in her stride. She walked to the bar and sat down, leaning her sword against the bar.

“Greetings, ma'am. New here?” Yulgar greeted her as he had greeted dozens before her. Gale only nodded. “What's yer name. If you don't mind me askin'.”

“Gale Stormwind.” She replied sharply, never missing a beat.

“Stormwind... interesting... Can I get you somethin' to drink? Or somethin' to eat, maybe?” He wiped his hands on a cloth.

“What's good.” She droned, more of a sentence then a question. Yulgar smiled.

“Lots'a stuff! We have meals from all over Lore! Here.” He slide her a menu. She opened it and scanned the pages, finally settling on something.

“I'll have a hamburger please. Well done, provolone cheese, pickles and fried onions.” She rambled off, Gale Despair's favorite food.

“You've got a good taste there, girl. I knew someone who liked her burgers the same wa-”

“I don't want to talk, I want to eat, and move on, okay?” Gale groaned pointedly. Yulgar looked her over. She had a battle-hardened look about her. Nodding slightly, he went to go cook it. The door opened again, two girls walking in. The first was a younger human. She looked remarkably like Lizzie, but her demeanor suggested Rayne. The second was a tall, thin Drakel girl.

“You can't just rot over in the cemetery, Kay, you must learn to eat.” The Drakel addressed the other.

“I know, Jess... I know... but I miss her...”

“You forget, I miss Gale too. But crying over her tombstone won't bring her back.” The Drakel, Jess continued. Kay nodded. Suddenly, something told Gale to say something to Kay, let her know she's not dead...

“I would give anything to see Gale again...” A small tear ran down her cheek. As Gale watched, the urge to speak grew, but so did the demand to keep shut. The two girls two the stools next to Gale, and continued talking.

“Yulgar!” Jess shouted.

“I'll be right there!” Yulgar replied, emerging seconds later with a flame-broiled burger. Her set it before Gale. “There ya go, Gale. Enjoy.” The two new girls snapped a look at the one next to them. Jess spoke first.

“Jess'athra.” She extended her hand, which Gale took, never moving her head.

“Gale Stormwind.” She replied simply, going to eat her food.

“Are you new in town, Ms. Stormwind?” Jess continued.

“Yea... you could say that.” She replied after swallowing a bite from her food. Jess just stared at the new girl, trying to figure something out. Something rang... familiar with the Drakel.

“I have a question...” Jess spoke.

“I think I have an answer. I don't care if they match.” Gale replied, slapping the desk. “Oi, big man.” She ordered, Yulgar coming from the kitchen again.

“Ya called?” he asked.

“Could I get some water?” She asked quickly. “Please.” She added almost as a second thought. Nodding, he got her one. Motioning with a hand, she thanked him.

“Do you know a Gale Despair.”

“No.” Gale replied rather quickly. Too quickly.

“You answered that too fast.” Kay pipped up.

“You asked me if I knew someone. If I have to think about people I know, it's sad. Why? What was this Gale Despair to you?”

“A close friend.” Both girls answered in unison.

“If she's a friend, why are you mourning her death?”

“How do you know she's dead?!” Jess asked sharply.

“Your reptilian voice could kill a Natator from miles away. You can't talk quietly, it's not hard.” Gale was being unusually cruel to Jess.

“What does that mean?” The Drakel continued.

“What do I mean?” Gale finished the last of her food, and downing her glass. “I mean you sound like a foghorn at point blank. Not too hard to not hear. Watch your back, Lizard. Heard the Mourner's still runnin' about.” Gale stood and walked to the door. Gale heard the sound of a chair falling over.

“Jess, don't! It's not worth it...” Kay mused, holding the Drakel in control. “Stormwind!” Kay shouted. Gale stopped and turned slowly around, facing her. “What do you know of the Mourner.”

“Her name.” Gale replied simply. She exited. Kay, unsatisfied with the response, gave chase.

“Hey!” Kay shouted. Making no notion the she heard the girl, Gale continued to walk. “HEY! I'm TALKIN' to you!” Kay shouted.

“Funny that. I'm not listening.” Gale continued to walk. The sound of a bow being drawn caused Gale to drop, an arrow sailing over her head.

“Turn around, you cowardly dog!” Kay shouted. Standing and dusting herself off, Gale faced her. Kay had another arrow notched in the bowstring. Kay simply pointed at Gale's heart. “Tell me. What name does The Mourner answer to?” Kay groaned, the strain of the bowstring's tension ever present.

“That Bow's not yours. Is it?” Gale muttered nonchalantly.

“It is now.”

“It's too tense to be yours. Judging by how taught the string is... it belonged to someone... twice... no three times your strength. A Rayne Anasi, maybe?”

“How do you know who?” Kay fired the arrow at the ground, relieving her of the stress. “HOW?!” Gale only grinned.

“I was there when she was killed. I watched her die.”

“No you weren't! You just got into town!”

“Really?” Gale answered as Jess followed.

“Tell me, what is the name of the Mourner!” Kay demanded.

“You will not like the answer.” Gale responded, picking under a finger nail.

“TELL ME!”

“You want to know the truth? Fine. I'll tell you. The Mourner's name is Elizabeth Miura.” The bow fell from Kay's hand with a dull thud.

“You lie.” Kay replied, her voice and body trembling. Jess shook her head.

“Elizabeth was a good woman! Don't you smear her good name, demon!”

“Well then. If she's not the Mourner, I'd love to meet her. Could you let me meet her?” Kay froze.

“I...”

“Oh, no it's no bother to me, I would absolutely love to meet the famous Elizabeth Miura.

“I... I don't know where she is...”

“I thought so. That's because she's to busy eviscerating people like your Drakel friend here, to care about your upbringing.”

“Stop it...” Kay muttered, tears falling from her eyes.

“Kay... what is this woman saying...?” Jess asked.

“Her mother's a murderer! She goes around the country side, tearing Drakel heads from necks! She'd rip your scaly ass a new hole!” Gale shouted. This really wasn't like her... Jess saved her life...

But so did the other Drakel... and look what she is now!

“Why you little- Lizzie would never do that!” Jess shouted, drawing a sword from her waist. “Take it back!”

“Oh, what do we have here!? The snake has some bite!” Gale laughed. “What would Lizzie think... oh, that's right... She doesn't! She'll just rip you apart! Tear your eyes out with her hands! Slit your throat for what you did!”

“I did nothing!”

“SHE DOESN'T CARE!” Gale shouted. “The only thing she cares about is that you're Drakel Born, and thus, guilty.

“STOP IT!” Kay bellowed. “STOP IT RIGHT NOW!” Her eyes dropped. “My mother is not the Mourner, and you know it.”

“There's only one thing to do. Ask her when you see her next.”

“SHUT UP!” Kay, like Jess, drew a sword.

“Attack and die.” Gale muttered.

“My mother is a good woman! She would never kill anyone!” Gale's eyes went hard.

“Drakel aren't people. They're monsters that cling to their technology. The put cybernetics into everyone, regardless of whether they want it or not!” Jess' reptilian eyes went cold and piercing. “The Mourner is right. They should be destroyed.”

“ENOUGH!” Jess shouted, charging. With unseen reflexes, Gale drew her sword and jammed it into the Drakel's chest. “Ah!” She groaned, looking at the wound.

“JESS!” Kay shouted as Gale kicked the sword from the woman. Running to Jess' side, Kay threw herself on her knees. “No... no... you can't die... you're the only memory of Gale I have... no...” The bright green in Jess' skin died slowly, paling.

“Kay... I love you... I'm sorry I... had to go first...”

“Enough of the sap!” Gale shouted, driving the sword into her chest again. Her blood spouted from the wound and pooled under her. “If you know what's best, you'll escape.”

“Rayne...” She muttered, tears falling. “Elizabeth...” She continued. “Gale...” She sniffed heavily, wiping tears away. “And now Jess...” Gripping her sword she got to a knee. “No... I lost my parents... to a situation I couldn't control... Gale died by monsters... and now Jess... killed by one too... This time... I'll take the MONSTER DOWN!” She struck wildly, slashing Gale across her chest. It would be the only hit Kay would get. Dropping to a knee, Gale drove her sword into Kay's chest. Pausing for a moment, she gave it a twist, her body convulsing.

“It didn't have to be this way... Kay...” Gale muttered, setting her on the ground. “I'll always love you...” Looking at Gale with a more objective eye, her glazed eyes lit up.

“Gale... tha- that is you...” She coughed, blood fountaining from her mouth, splattering on her face. “I thought... I thought I recognized you... You're alive... I'm... happy... You always were... bet... better...” She died. Leaning down, Gale planted a final kiss on her lips, stood, and ran.

-Lore. Present Day-

“How could you?” Maria asked, staring at her, the gun had long fallen from her hands.

“She left me no choice.”

“But... Kay... Jess... they were both kids... and your friends... You killed your friends?!”

“What's past is past.” Gale answered simply. Before Maria could respond, a knock came from the door.

“What?!” Both women shouted.

“Uh... C-Commander Stormwind... Command wants to see Maria Despair...” Maria just stared at Gale, shook her head and left out the door, knocking the man over accidentally on the way out. The sight that assailed Maria's eyes was one from the past.

Author's Note: This is the Intermission of Maria's Storyline. Next up is the Girl's Storyline.