0 comments/ 8461 views/ 3 favorites Tempest City, Cherry Apple Tears Ch. 01 By: Brandi2449 Prologue Again, she found herself in his arms... Like she has so many times before. It was always a warm safe place to be. He gently caressed her cheek and their eyes meet. She could still see the man she fell so deeply in love with, only a year ago. He could see the longing and sadness he was causing. Slowly his lips grazed across hers, making her smile her innocent smile he loved so much. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as he deepened this kiss. This was good-bye. She could feel it, even as much as she wished it was their first all over again. He felt her tremble and pulled away to look at her. Quayd saw a crimson tear falling from her jade eyes. Before he could wipe it away, the lights went out and Hala was gone. Leaving Quayd standing there alone consumed by heartbreak. Chapter 1 Hala wandered the streets of Tempest City... She was so tired of her life; of being told, you have to save the world from this or that. She missed the sun light, living a normal life. Nevertheless, most of all she missed Quayd. How could she have pushed him away like that? What had she been thinking? None of that mattered now, what was done is done. Moreover, he was gone. She was about to just go home when her cell phone rang. "Hello." She said wearily "Hala, Aden wants to see you now." Anwar said, "It is very important." "I'll be there in a few." She replied then hung up and turned to walk towards Anwar's apartment. She was only a few streets away. Anwar had a nice little apartment on Fifth and Main. It was just big enough for her and Aden. Hala was about to knock when the door swung open. "Come in." She heard in the back of her mind. She walked in and went into Aden's bedroom. "Here." Anwar said as she handed Aden to Hala. "You need to hold him for this." She replied as she walked out of the room. "Ok...Aden." She said as she held up her nephew to look at him. "What is it I can do for you?" "No, it is what I can do for you." He replied in her mind. "I know you aren't happy...and to show I am grateful for all your help I will give you back your humanity." "Will I remember anything of the darker part of my life?" She asked "You will remember only what I tell you." He replied, "Now set me down." Hala did as she was told, "Hala just lie on the floor and relax...listen to my voice in your mind." Hala laid on the floor listening to the melody in her head. "You will remember your family and mortal friends. You will remember everything from your mortal life, before you ever knew there was a darker world." He paused... Hala thought she heard whispering, "Hala wake up now." When she opened her eyes, she was laying on Aden's bedroom floor. He was giggling in his walker. "What happened?" She asked as she held her head. "Oh, there you are." Anwar said as she walked in. "Was he good while I was at work?" She asked Hala had a confused look on her face. "Is something wrong?" "No...I must have fallen asleep." She replied, "He was an angel." Aden laughed again when she said this. "Hala don't you have to be heading to work?" Anwar asked Hala looked at her watch, "I have thirty minutes, but I should be going. I need to stop by my place before I go to the club." "We'll see you later." She said then asked, "Would you like to come by for lunch?" "Sure." Hala replied as she walked out. She rubbed her head as she walked down the street. She felt strange...she had the feeling that you get when something is on the tip of your tongue. She shrugged it off as she ran up the stairs to her apartment. She walked in to a big living room, with white walls, deep hunter green ivy for the trim and lacy white curtains. The beauty of the room nearly astounded her. "What is going on with me?" She asked aloud as if she thought some unseen force would answer her. She went to her closet and grabbed her uniform. She was clad in a tight white tank top, which had a black dragon on the front, a short silk black skirt, fishnet stockings, and knee high black boots. She looked in the mirror, but something was different about her. She did not know what it was, but she knew it was something. She rolled her eyes at herself, then pulled her red hair up into a bun, and threw on some make-up. "Shit!" She whispered as she looked at her watch again. She had five minutes. She was half way there, when she called Robin, "Hello." "Robin, this is Hala... I am running a little late." She said "Is something wrong with you tonight? This isn't like you." She said, "You are normally early." "I don't know I have just been feeling strange today." She replied. "But I am on my way, and will be there in seven minutes. "That's fine." Robin replied as she hung up. Just as Hala was walking around the corner to the club, she thought she heard someone coming up behind her fast. However, when she looked back there was nothing more than a big dog that looked a lot like a silver wolf. She jumped when she saw it there staring at her, but to her surprise it did not charge her. "Nice puppy..." She said as she began to walk faster. Tempest City, Cherry Apple Tears Ch. 02-03 Chapter 2 “This goes out to all non mortals in Tempest City…Hala Tramayne is no longer one of us. She is not to know anything about us…As far as she knows there is no such thing as vampires, were wolves, demons, or anything else for that matter.” Aden said in all of their minds. Quayd shook his head. He did not need to hear Aden telling him to know Hala was no longer a vampire. He felt it when it happened; it was as if a peace of him disappeared. “What will happen to Tempest City now?” He asked himself as he headed straight to November-Eve’s place. When he walked in, she smiled at him then said, “I have been expecting you.” “I know.” He replied as he pulled up a chair to her table. “What is going to happen?” He asked with worry in his voice. “Quayd aren’t you the one that told Hala not to hold on to human emotion?” She asked as she raised an eyebrow at him. He began to answer her but she stopped him, “Don’t speak… I know.” She paused to take a drag off her cigarette. “Quayd, everyone needs a hero.” “Ok and what is that supposed to mean?” He asked “I think you know…” She replied, “Like I have said before you and Hala were destine to meet. You belong together.” “But Aden said she isn’t to know about the dark world any more.” He said angrily “That is true; he did say that. But honestly Quayd do you think he would want to see harm come to Hala?” She asked “Harm? What harm?” He asked “Calm child…and listen very carefully to me.” She said in a soothing voice. “You and Hala have been in many lives together…and weather or not she would believe such a thing now doesn't make it not true. It was her choice to become human again… In addition, because of that, she has sealed her fait. No matter how many times you save her, no matter how close you watch her, you can’t stop what is going to happen.” “Then what is the point?” He asked in a hopeless tone “Love…Quayd. It is in your nature; you can’t help but save her.” November-Eve replied “But now that she is human again…I mean…she doesn’t even know me…or remember anything of me and her being together. She doesn’t even remember that she use to love me.” He replied, as his anger grew more. “Don’t doubt the power of love.” She said “Her soul will know you…it always does.” She paused and looked at the clock. “You need to go now.” “I was going to go to Black Dragon…but I don’t think I can face her yet.” He replied “Soon… very soon.” She said The next thing Quayd knew he was outside setting on the sidewalk in front of Black Dragon. He turned with a jump when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He did not have to turn around to know it was her. “Are you ok?” She asked “Yeah…” He replied, “You better get in there you are late for work.” “Excuse me?” She gasped, “How did you know I was late?” He turned to her, “Lucky guess.” He replied as she looked at him strangely, then she turned and walked in. After Hala was inside the silver wolf walked over to Quayd and transformed into human form. “Quayd I see you’ve found her again.” He said in a cold tone, “Word has it you had her, but you’ve seem to have lost her…and she doesn’t even remember you.” He laughed “Jonathan, is that the only reason that brings you to town?” He asked “Oh come now…you can’t still be sore with me.” He replied, “We’re old friends…face it Quayd I am the only friend you’ve got.” “You’re not a friend of mine.” He replied, “You have only come here to cause me more trouble than you are worth.” “On the contrary, I have come here to make peace with you.” He said, “I came to ask you to rejoin with me…think of the possibilities.” Quayd glared up at him and replied, “I would never join you again...the possibilities! You mean a blood bath” “You know you want too…it is in your nature.” He said, “Blood is your life!” Anger and fire burned in Quayd’s eyes, “You’re not going to do this again.” “You know me very well…I love a challenge.” He said, “See ya ‘round buddy.” “Leave her out of this!” He yelled as Jonathan made his way into the club. Chapter 3 “Hala, you’re behind the bar tonight.” Robin said as Hala walked over to her. “You don’t look to good, are you sure you can work?” “I’ll be fine…it’s just been a strange night.” She said as she got behind the bar. Robin walked away with a tray of beer as a handsome stranger approached the bar. Hala had her back to him mixing a drink when she got a strange feeling…the kind that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. She looked up into the mirror but did not see anyone there. When she turned back around, she jumped… ‘When did he get there?’ She asked herself. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” He said with an innocent smile. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that… I didn’t even see you in the mirror.” She replied. “I wasn’t sneaking.” He said with a smirk. “Well for some reason I don’t believe you.” She said as she studied him. “Can I get you something to drink?” She asked “A Bloody-Mary, extra bloody.” He replied. Hala did not know why but the way he said that made her stomach uneasy. The way he said bloody, the look in his eyes; so unnatural. “Is something wrong?” He asked in a smooth voice “No, not at all…it’s just been a long strange day.” She replied as she made his drink. “You want to talk about it?” He asked sweetly. She smiled then replied, “Sorry, I don’t even know you, so I don’t see myself telling you about my day.” “That’s what people do to you…don’t they?” He said, “They come in here for a drink and tell you their whole life story.” “Yes they do…which in a strange way is relaxing.” She said “Ok, then.” He said as he extended his hand, “Jonathan Cain.” “Hala Tramayne.” She replied as she shook his hand. “Well where should I start… I was born and raised in Tempest City. When I was eighteen I left town, I wanted to start all over, where nobody knew me.” “I wish I could do that.” She said, “But today I feel like I have forgotten something really important, like a big peace of my life is missing.” “Yes I can see why you would be having a strange day.” He said, “Does this happen often?” “I don’t think so.” She replied, “I am sorry I interrupted you. Please go on.” “When I left town I got into some harmless teenage trouble…and I made a few friends along the way. One in which lives in this town but he is not speaking to me. We parted company on very bad terms. And it seems he still blames me for his girl friends death.” He said as he looked deep into her eyes, as if trying to see if she was remembering anything. “How did she die?” She asked “There was a murder lurking the streets…and she was murdered. I was walking home from work, and I thought I heard screams, so I ran into her house. I found her bleeding to death in her bed. It was the night before their wedding. Before I could call for help she died, and that is when my friend walked in. To this day he believes some how it was my entire fault.” He explained “That’s so sad.” She replied. It was just a part of Jonathan’s life; Hala did not know why it made her so sad. Some how she felt as though his story had something to do with her, and what she could not remember. “Did they ever catch the murder?” “I don’t think so.” He replied as he took a drink. “But I heard my friend had moved here. So I thought I would look him up, I mean it has been years. He has to know I did not do it. But I ran into him just a little bit ago, and he still seems to be sore with me.” “I’m sorry.” She said, “I guess my day isn’t so bad after hearing how bad your day has gone.” “It’s ok… I’ll get over it.” He said, “But please enlighten me about you.” “Ok, I was born in Tempest City, and I grew up in Moon Light Path Children’s Home, with my two younger sisters. I left town when I was eighteen, and soon after I left, my sisters were adopted. I came back here two years ago. However, this is where things get a little fuzzy. I remember meeting a guy named, Zeak at The Haven, it was his club. There was a band there but I do not remember much about them. And some how I reunited with both my sisters here. The younger one Anwar has a little boy named Aden. The youngest is Akalei, she just moved out of town. She met a great guy, named Radian and they are having a baby and getting married this summer. She is supposed to be naming her baby Ethan.” She said, “There really isn’t much to tell about me.” “How about this, I’ll ask you questions, and you don’t have to answer any that you feel is too personal.” He said “OK.” She replied “Do you have a boy friend?” He asked “No…which is funny I know I did, but I don’t really know what happened. I remember going out with Zeak.” She said as she rubbed her head. “Do you have any kids?” He asked “No, I believe in being married before having children.” She replied He smiled at Hala, and then asked a series of more questions, anything from what is your favorite color, to what is the worst thing that has ever happened to you. “Ok, I have another question for you.” He paused, “Do you believe in past lives, or other worldly beings, that type of thing?” “I never really thought about it… I suppose anything is possible.” She replied, “Why do you ask?” “It is just on of my many interests.” He said then he looked down at his watch. “Maybe I will see you again tomorrow night, I need to be going.” “It was nice to meet you.” She replied as she smiled at Jonathan. Tempest City, Cherry Apple Tears Ch. 04-05 Chapter 4 Hala walked out of Black Dragon… ‘Great it’s raining.’ She said to herself as she shook her head. ‘Could it get any worse?’ Then she thought she heard someone behind her. When she turned, nobody was there, just a cloud of mist. She was beginning to feel uneasy again. Hala began to walk a little faster. She could feel the darkness beginning to consume her entire being… why was she scared of the dark; she never used to be. She knew she was being followed, and she knew she could not go home. She did not want who ever it was to know where she lived. In addition, she could not go to Anwar’s house. ‘I have to get out of the rain.’ She thought as she quickly ducked into an alley. She saw a little shed at the far end. ‘I hope nobody is inside.’ She thought as she ran to it. As she reached to open the door, it swung open. An older woman was standing there. “Quickly child, come in.” She said as she pulled on Hala’s arm. “You are going to catch your death out there.” “Please, someone is following me…” Hala whispered in a trembling voice. “Everything is fine now…” She said as she pushed the wet hair off Hala’s forehead. “Please set down and drink a cup of tea.” “Who are you?” She asked in a timid voice. “I am November-Eve… and I know many things.” She replied “What do you know about me?” She asked November-Eve smiled then said, “Everything… and I know that it scares you. But you must believe me.” “Are you a psychic?” She asked “Yes…and we have talked many times before.” She said. Hala just looked up at her as if she were trying to remember. She was about to say something when November-Eve started talking again. “I wish I could help you remember, but it is not allowed.” She sighed, “I can’t tell you about your past, but I can tell you about you future…but to be on the safe side, I am going to have you ask me the questions.” “Ok…can I ask who isn’t letting you tell me my past?” She asked “No, I can’t tell you that…” She sighed. “I wish I could… but I am sure all the peaces of the puzzle will fall into place soon enough.” “I hope so.” Hala replied, “I hate the feeling of seeing someone and knowing I should know them, but I really have no idea who they are. And thinking that I am forgetting something so important, like a loved one, or something I was supposed to do.” “Hala, you are in for a long bumpy journey, with many twists and turns. Just remember everything happens for a reason. Moreover, everything will work out for the best. Even if at the time it seems like there will never be a light at the end of the darkness, the light always comes. It’s the balance in life; there is no good with out evil, so there is no darkness without the light.” She replied then sipped her tea. “Well the light should hurry up and get here.” She said edgily. “What can you tell me about my future… I guess I could ask the question all girls want an answer too.” She sighed, “Will I marry and have children?” “Before I answer you, you must understand… you can not avoid your future, you can’t hide from it. It will happen no matter what.” She said then regretting her words knowing she was frightening Hala. “You will have two children. Two beautiful girls and they will be as different as night and day. However, unfortunately you will not marry. You are heart is going to have to make a choice. There will be two men in your life very soon. Moreover, one of which is you soul mate, and he always will be. The other will try to win you over, doing everything in his power to make you his forever.” “What choice?” Hala asked, “And why won’t I get married?” “Only time can answer those questions dear.” She said holding back the truth. “Will I be happy?” She asked, with little if any hope left. “Yes.” She replied, “Now dear no more talk tonight. You need your rest; you have one hell of a journey a head of you.” Then she pointed to a small sofa, “You may sleep there if you don’t wish to walk home in the rain.” “Oh, I couldn’t… I don’t want to be an inconvenience.” Hala said as she stood up. “None sense I insist.” She said as she took Hala’s hand a pulled her over to the sofa. A dark new comer crept the wet streets of Tempest City… Waiting for the dark ones to come out to play. He was walking down Main Street when he saw one of the most beautiful angels he had ever seen. She looked up at him and smiled. Golden curls framed her sweet face. He casually walked up to her, “What is a sweet girl like you doing out on such a dreary night?” He asked in a voice as smooth as velvet. She smiled innocently, “I like to feel the rain on my skin… reminds me that I am a live.” She replied, “And what about yourself?” “Walking in the rain is one of my favorite things to do in the evening… but at this time I have just got in town, and thought I would walk around and get to know the place.” He replied, “Oh where have my manors gone?” He said then extended his hand, “I’m Sage Dupree.” Then he kissed her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” She replied, “My name is Anwar Tramayne.” As she blushed. “Would you like to go for a walk with me?” He asked sweetly “I can’t.” She answered quickly “Oh.” He said, “Its ok, I understand. I mean we did just meet. I suppose it would be stupid to walk off in the dark with a stranger.” “No, it’s not that.” She replied as she looked up at her apartment window. “I can’t leave because I have a baby.” “Oh.” He replied, looking a little concerned that she would leave her baby unattended. “He is sleeping right now.” She added, “If you like you can come over for lunch tomorrow.” She offered, maybe he was a vampire like Kadin. Lord knows nobody needed that kind of trouble again. “I would be honored to.” He replied with an innocent smile. “I’ll see you then.” She said as she turned to go back up stairs. Once in the door she smiled and thought, ‘A normal guy…this is too good to be true!’ Then she walked to Aden’s room, peaked in, and made sure he was still sleeping. Her heart soared when her gaze rested upon her little miracle…he glowed with innocents. Chapter 5 Hala woke expecting to see November-Eve setting at the table nevertheless, she was alone. She sighed, ‘Am I always alone?’ she asked herself with a heavy heart she stood up and walked out the door. She glanced down at her watch… “Good I have time to go home and take a quick shower before going to Anwar’s house.” She said aloud to nobody. She quickly walked down the wet street; murky water splashed onto her black boots, leaving muddy spots. She looked down and frowned, “If it’s not one thing it’s another.” She sighed. Then she noticed everyone she passed looked at her strangely, “Is there something on my face?” She thought as she started walking faster; a hot shower was sounding better and better. Hala had been closer to home than she thought. She walked in and went straight to the bathroom… just standing in there listening to the water run relaxed her. “This is just what the doctor ordered.” She said as she slipped out of her work cloths, revealing her milky white flesh. Glancing at her nearly perfect body in the mirror she thought, ‘Do I ever get out in the sun? I am too white!’ Then she carefully stepped into the shower. Just after Hala rinsed out the shampoo from her hair, she heard the phone ring. She quickly turned off the water and grabbed a towel. “Hello.” She said as she dripped water everywhere. “Hey I was just calling to see if you were still coming over for lunch.” Anwar said happily. “Yeah I am still coming over. I was taking a shower.” She replied “Oh.” Anwar said, “I didn’t know if you were awake yet or not.” “Well yes I am awake.” She said, “But why do you sound so cheerful today. Not that you sound unhappy other days.” “I met a guy last night. His name is Sage Dupree; and he is so handsome, and sweet. Oh I can’t wait for you to meet him.” She answered “How did you meet him?” Hala asked intrigued “I was standing outside last night when it was raining. Aden was asleep and I wanted some fresh air. I was about to go back inside when this man approached me. We talked for a little bit…he asked me to join him for a walk, but I explained I could not. Then I asked him to come over for lunch.” She explained excitedly. “Is he from around here?” Hala asked, as she got a bad feeling. “No, he is new in town, and well I thought he could use a friend or two.” Anwar replied, “But I need to get off here and pick up the house a bit.” “Alright… I’ll be over after I get dressed.” Hala said before they hung up. By the time Hala, arrived Sage had been there for a while and was enjoying the company of Anwar and Aden. “Sage I’d like you to meet my older sister Hala.” She said as they stood to face each other. He extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.” Hala said forgetting the bad feeling she had only an hour before. “Same here.” He replied, ‘Another angel.’ He laughed to himself, ‘This is going to be an interesting city.’ “Anwar said you were new in town.” Hala said trying to make conversation. “Yes.” He answered, “I need a change in scenery I guess you could say.” “I should do that some time; go on a road trip.” Anwar said as Aden looked at her questioningly. Anwar caressed his cheek and said assuring, “Not until you’re older though” “So do you have another sisters or brothers?” Sage asked “Yes, we have a younger sister, Akalei; she lives out of town with her boyfriend. They are expecting a baby soon.” Anwar answered. Sage looked at his watch as if he had to be somewhere soon. “Anwar I know I said I would be staying for lunch, but I ran into an old friend last night and he offered me a business deal that I would be a fool to refuse. And I need to be getting to a meeting.” He said, when he saw she looked disappointed he added, “But if you like we can go out for dinner some time.” “I would like that very much.” She replied. Then she jotted her number down and handed him the paper, “Just give me a call and let me know when.” He smiled and replied, “I’ll do that.” Then he put the number in his pocket, “Well, it was nice meeting you.” He said to Hala. “You too.” She replied as Anwar walked him to the door. When Anwar came back and sat down Hala noticed she was a little disappointed. “Maybe he really did have a meeting.” She said trying to cheer her up. “Besides he wants to take you out sometime.” “I know, but I was really looking forward to getting to know him better.” She sighed. “You still get to, just not today.” She said as she picked up Aden. “How is my little handsome?” “He has been better; Aden is teething.” Anwar said as she pulled down his bottom lip to show Hala two teeth. “Seems like he is growing up over night.” Sage crept down the ally behind Anwar’s building…Looking around for the door to his bosses hidden office. He smiled with anticipation as he entered the door and walked towards his boss’s desk. “Mr. Dupree.” Sage’s boss said, “Do you have anything good for me?” “Yes, Sir.” He replied, “There are three angels, two in this City.” “Well, no shit.” He said slightly angry. “We have known this for a while now. Do you have the names of these angels?” “Yes.” He said, “Hala, Anwar and Akalei Tramayne.” “Really…” The man laughed evilly. “The one who killed Kadin was an angel. That is rich! I knew that poor bastard wasn’t as powerful as he put on.” “You knew Kadin?” Sage asked “Yes, he was my master…my creator. And now I guess I should avenge his death, though I had planed on killing Hala anyway, this will just make it sweeter.” “What shall I do?” Sage asked wanting to be apart of this evil. “Date Anwar, gain her trust…then when you get what you want out of her kill her.” He replied “And what of her son?” Sage asked “Her son is the king; no doubt he will be on to us soon.” He said, “Get her out away from him, somewhere you can be alone, win her over, hypnotize her if you need to, and just make her want you more than her own son.”