Darkness was creeping along the forest ground. This darkness was different, and it was coming fast. It was on a path to consume the grass and soil while heading in the direction of the Hotel castle. Swift movement, light groans of despair was heard in the distance but it was approaching.

Dawnstar standing outside breathing in the air and wind, her ears twitched from the sound in the distance. Things were coming and no doubt, they will not be friendly. Since the death of her master, she had decided to bury him in the Sacred Gardens that was a sanctuary to the little vampire's uncle. It was a perfect place for him, out of all the places here, it was the only place that was well maintained. The pain was indifferent to her as she buried her master, the worst of it had ended once his life drained from his body and went into another world - or so she hoped. She was brought up to believe an afterlife of sorts. Reincarnation if you will, all warriors were reborn and started anew that would require them to take a different path in their new life. She was, however, doubtful of this. Not that she didn't believe it she did believe it. But because of whatever corruption that had taken him over could have seeped its way into his very soul and changed everything. Dawnstar had hoped that this was not the case, of course.

The League she was part of had strict rules when it came to combat or even the concept of dealing with enemies. While not knowing what she was up against, help was needed and this could not be avoided. Once the burial of her master was finished she commenced summoning a Spectral Call to The League. Only time will tell that they got the plea for help and that they have lost a valiant warrior. Since one remains in this unfamiliar territory, they should act fast. Since the little vampire and werewolf were to accompany her in this, it made things very difficult. Risking their lives was not something that she could bear. However, they could be helpful. The little vampire could be of more use to her than the little werewolf but they both seem inseparable.

"I need your help," she began. "You both have got a very important task and it cannot fail. Understand?" Her gaze was sharp and never blinked. "You both are to secure the main reception at all costs... I don't care what you do. But do not put your own lives at risk." Winnie and Dennis nodded understanding the severity of the situation."Set traps. Use everything and anything to slow them down until help arrives." Slowly she scratched the back of her head, thinking more about the plan."We can do that!" Winnie said. "Yes we can, but what will we do once... or if they breakthrough?" Dennis added.

"Just run. I don't want you in the way. I will have to fight them. Feel free to help me little vampire but stay in the sky. As a bat. Yes, that would be better." They made their way to the reception desk and prepared objects to be put in place for traps. Once the traps were in place and Dawnstar was satisfied with their placement she unsheathed her sword and began to grind it on the hard stone stairs to sharpen it. "Not exactly the best thing to use but it will do for now."

The darkness was finally surrounding the hotel. More groans and sounds of despair were heard as the marching of boots came closer to the hotel entrance. Within the darkness, it was hard to see what was truly in there. Glowing eyes were floating by the glass doors that separated Dawnstar, Winnie and Dennis from the creatures outside. What were they, though?There was silence. Followed by harsh-sounding footsteps that made its way towards the doors. It swung open, the darkness spilling inside as if it was some sort of mist creeping its way in over the mountains. A tall figure walked in with glowing yellow eyes and what appeared to be metal legs with a fleshy husk of a body on top. It snarled as it scanned the room like a searchlight in the night sky. It of course, finally found them. But it did not move, it instead spoke.

"You there! Who are you?" it growled."My name is Dawnstar. Warrior of The League. These are my young companions," she said waving her hand in the direction of Winnie and Dennis. "Who are you and why have you come here?"

"We are the divine beings of this once great land. We were banished long ago but now we are back," it began. "My master wants to reclaim what is rightfully his." The clanging of rusted chains swung side to side on his metallic hips that probably served as some weapon. At the end of the chains were meat hooks. On the other side of his hip was a sword of some kind but it was hard to make out.

"B-but my uncle build this place so long ago... you were not here at all," Dennis began. But was cut off by the creature raising its claw to stop his mouth from uttering words."This castle was not here before we finished, true. But it is on our land and it is ours now. You'd do best not to anger me or my master. Out there is a corruption of divine strength that you have never seen before. Our Divine Legion will be ready to fight for our land at all costs..." The creature smirked and clenched its claw angrily.

"But you can't!" Winnie yelled.

"Oh but I can. And we will," the creature took out a parchment of dried crusted paper and placed it on the ground. "You have one hour to decide to leave this place. This scroll has the sealed promise that my master will offer safe passage out of here." The creature gazed at Dawnstar and her sword.

"But I sincerely hope you refuse this offer. I want to storm this castle and take it from you, warrior. Like we did to your precious master." A blood-curdling laugh left the beast, taunting felt her blood boil but fought her strong emotions of anger and remained in control. "My master may have fallen to your deceitfulness. But I am afraid that it will be you that falls to your knees as I cut down your army or whatever it is you have."She hovered her hand over the hilt of her sword. "This castle is under the protection of The League and help is coming."

Winnie and Dennis exchanged glances at one another in anxiousness but excitement also. They were in so much awe. How Dawnstar could stand up to this bully was just extraordinary to creature snarled at them with hatred and turning its back to them and started walking to the exit. "I am so glad you have chosen to stay. I'll let my master know at once." It stopped just at the door and turned back to glance at Dawnstar. Its mouth twitched as it hissed at her with anger and hatred.

"I am General Gari. I will make sure you won't forget it. Expect no mercy from me Warrior. Your time is running out."

END

TO BE CONTINUED