Dear Diary, since all this monster in the vase business began, I’ve been more and more worried about the children. My first instinct was to sweep them up and escape with Xalen somewhere safe, however, knowing what I do now, it appears whatever this is would follow them. What does it want and why is it picking on defenseless children?
I realized I should have probably spent more time with Holden and Rosetta, instead, I found myself researching an inscription I found inside the urn. The children seemed to have taken to my cousin Olivia and her son Christopher well, which eased my mind to some extent. I knew she was taking good care of them and that they’d found a good friend their own age in Christopher.
At every moment, my entire body vibrated with nervous energy as if a wire was strung right through me from head to toe and wound as tightly as it could possibly go. The negative energy in the house was no better and I attempted to counter this overwhelming anxiety with exercise. I reasoned that working on my martial arts would be useful should I come in close proximity to whatever this entity was.
As a team, we met on a regular basis to discuss the most recent developments. Today’s meeting was the most fruitful because we were able to piece together more information about the vase and its contents. It was also our last meeting prior to a confrontation that still makes me quake in my rainboots.
We were gathered in Xalen’s office, which was situated at the top of the three-story library in our control room. A table had been brought in and was overflowing with more dusty, old books and scrolls.
“I may as well begin,” Owen said. Reaching across the table, he opened a book and flipped through it until he found the page he’d saved. What he showed us was not what I was expecting to see at all.
“Who in heaven’s name is that?” Daniel asked with a grimace.
“This is a copy of a painting that was almost disintegrated. We’re lucky to have this much of it. Anyway, this guy is Bhazza the Trustworthy of the Grisjit people,” Owen responded, a note of triumph in his voice.
“He looks like someone to run away from,” I decided.
“You are definitely not the only one who thought that,” Owen said. “He was a great warrior and widely known at the time to have been undefeated in battle.”
“So what happened?” Shelly asked.
“Uh, he was defeated,” Owen said. “By the Knights of Liaphra, to be exact. Because Bhazza was so highly regarded, the Liaphra followed the Grisjit custom of cremation and placed his ashes in an urn.”
“Our urn,” Xalen said with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
“That’s right. At least, that’s what I think because of what Marty was able to translate.”
I felt my cheeks warming up at the mention of my name. “I’m glad it was helpful. There really wasn’t much there to translate. It was just a kind of warning not to open the urn of The Trustworthy.”
“That last bit is what set me on the right path in the end. I’m pretty sure that we’re dealing with Bhazza the Trustworthy and he’s not too happy about his people being slaughtered.”
“Yeah, I’d say he’s pissed,” Daniel said.
“No,” Shelly abruptly said, her eyes dark with concern.
“What is it?” Xalen asked.
After a long pause with her head tilted strangely to the left, she finally said, “Yes, it is Bhazza, that is certain. Yet it isn’t Bhazza.”
My breath caught in my throat, blocking my constricted airway but I tried to speak anyway. “What does that mean?”
Shelly stood straight now and regarded me with cautious eyes. “He used to be Bhazza but now he is something different. His hatred over what happened to his people… the rage… has turned him into something else.”
“What is he?” I said with baited breath.
“Holden’s monster,” Xalen murmured.
Before I could gather myself, a gasp escaped my mouth. I’d been so quick to dismiss Holden’s monster as a figment of his overactive imagination. Later, I’d come to realize that whatever was in the vase was probably what Holden had been sensing, yet I knew in my heart I wasn’t ready to face the fact that my children were affected by the supernatural.
As if reading my thoughts, Xalen said, “If only I hadn’t brought the urn here. I knew it was a dangerous piece, yet I sent it here regardless.”
“You thought it was sealed,” Shelly reminded him.
“My over confidence has gotten the better of me. I was not careful enough and now my family is in danger.”
“We don’t have time for this right now,” I said, a new urgency overtaking me. “We have to figure out how to get that thing back in the vase!”
“That may not be possible, I’m afraid,” Shelly said. “I think it would be better to figure out how to get Bhazza back to his warrior self and get him crossed over, back with his people.”
“Um, excuse me,” Daniel said, “I’m not trying to be a downer here but how are we going to do that?”
“I don’t know,” Shelly admitted, “but I’m sure at the right time, the moment will present itself.”
I’m glad she was confident because I sure wasn’t. These were my kids we were talking about.
That night, I had the worst time trying to get to sleep. Xalen wasn’t doing much better. At times, he would get up from bed and pace a little or stand by the window to stare into blackness. I doubted either of us would find any rest until this situation was under control. It had already gone on far too long.
Finally, when I didn’t think I could lie there another second, I decided to check on the kids. I knew Olivia was in the next room to theirs but I thought perhaps I’d feel better if I saw them sleeping with my own two eyes.
I was so anxious to see them, I left our bedroom without my robe. Tiptoeing down the hall in my bare feet, I ran my hand along the wall so I could keep track of where I was. I didn’t want to turn on a bunch of lights and awaken the entire house.
As soon as I reached the hall that led to the nursery, the tender skin on the back of my neck prickled and goosebumps rose on my arms, stopping me dead in my tracks. Squinting my eyes, I couldn’t see anything but every nerve in my tightly wound body told me something was there in the dark. Slowly, I inched along the wall and turned on the nearest sconce.
I nearly fainted at what I came face to face with. In the furthest corner from me, loomed a giant, green-skinned monster! Its arms and legs were too long and each oversized hand had long, bony fingers. Now, I understood what Shelly had been trying to explain about this creature and how he was now something other than what he had once been.
Fear glued my feet to the spot, my heart raced and I could feel my pulse pounding in my neck. My throat was dry and my jaw went slack as I stared, unable to look away.
I think this lasted for several minutes, although it felt much longer. Suddenly, as I glared at this thing in my house, my children only a few feet away in the next room, I was filled with anger. It could have possibly been the overall negativity that had overshadowed the house in recent weeks. Or it could have been a mother’s instinct to protect her offspring. I don’t know. All of a sudden, my fear was completely dominated by the rage boiling in my blood.
“How dare you!” I screamed at the entity. “You cannot have my children!”
As I screamed, I ran forward at full speed. I have no idea what I intended to do. I only wanted to punish this awful thing that had intruded on our lives and put Rosetta and Holden in danger.
My arms were outstretched in front of me and as I came crashing into the monster, he shoved me backward with very little effort, right onto my rump. Again, terror swept over me as the entity threw back his awful head and let out a deep growl that shook the floor I was sitting upon.
Then, I heard Xalen bounding into the room, shouting, “You shall not have this family! Leave this house!”
Before I could even get back onto my feet, I saw the most horrible thing I ever could have imagined.
Holden and Rosetta stepped out from behind the monster, into view.
“Noooo!” I screamed, trying to reach for them.
“Marty, no!” Xalen yelled. “Stay back!”
Neither twin spoke as the monster raised his ugly green arms as if to pounce on me.
“Please,” I gasped through tears that instantly sprang from my eyes, “please don’t hurt my babies!”
The monster let out another great growl from deep in his throat.
“Bhazza! Let my family go!” Xalen commanded.
No matter how far I stretched, it seemed my babies were further and further away.
It was no use. As the children tried to run from behind him, the monster stepped to block them. They were so close, yet I couldn’t reach them.
Xalen ran forward in an attempt to make a grab for the kids.
The monster easily blocked him and lifted him up as if he were a rag doll to be slung around.
“Xalen!” I screamed.
“Get them!” Xalen yelled as he tried to push the monster’s face away and get free.
I felt like I was moving at half speed as I leaped forward and grasped the hand of each child. I pulled them backward with me and we almost fell, but somehow, I was able to regain my balance and push the children to safety.
Xalen, on the other hand, was in a terrible predicament.
By then, the team was awake and had run into the hall.
“Help him, please!” I shouted to Shelly.
She was already mumbling some kind of incantation, though, for I could see her lips moving and her eyes locked on the beast before us.
“I’m scared,” I heard Holden say.
“I know, but we have to!” Rosetta said.
I couldn’t imagine what they were talking about.
It didn’t matter, however, because the monster heard them, too, and with a thump, dropped Xalen onto the floor, turning his attention toward them. Daniel reached out to protect the kids but Shelly started yelling at him.
“Don’t touch them, Daniel! Don’t touch them!”
“He’s trying to protect the twins,” Susan angrily said.
“If he doesn’t want to get hurt, he needs to listen to me,” Shelly answered.
“I’m sick to death of monsters!” Rosetta yelled.
“No, no, no!” Holden said with a grimace.
Rosetta grabbed her brother’s hand and pulled him forward, toward the beast. I tried to stop them but Shelly pulled me back.
Susan began to sob and I tried to get my children again, but Shelly grabbed my forearm so tightly, I was sure it left a bruise.
“No, don’t touch them,” she said firmly. “Trust me.”
The kids moved forward and yelled in unison, “We are sick to death of monsters! Go away!”
As quickly as they said that, the monster seemed to shrink until he was the size of a normal man. His skin was still green and he looked absolutely frightening but the twins stood their ground.
Then, they did something I cannot explain. They leaned forward, palms up, as if summoning something…
… And the beast caught fire!
“We are sick to death of monsters!” Rosetta yelled once more.
The being emitted growls and shrieks that made my hair stand on end, still, the twins didn’t move a muscle.
Almost as soon as the fire began, it was over with nothing to show but a small pile of ash on the floor.
“Take him,” Shelly said to the ceiling. “Take him home!”
Swiftly, a wind moved through the room and a dark, cloaked figure appeared. Xalen stood and stepped near the kids but he didn’t seem afraid.
“Bhazza the Trustworthy,” Xalen said.
The cloaked figure nodded slightly and then, spoke with a low, scratchy voice, “I’ve been waiting.”
Xalen nodded slightly and smiled a little at the kids, who had looked up at him for reassurance.
A bright orange light rose from the pile of ash and whipped through them to the other side of the room.
After a moment, the orange light became the outline of what was once Bhazza.
“Come. Join your people. They will rejoice at meeting their brave warrior once again,” black cloak said.
Before our eyes, both black cloak and Bhazza dissipated like raindrops before a summer sun.
“Well! I’m glad that’s over. Who wants french toast?” Shelly asked.
“We do!” the twins shouted, to my surprise.
And that was how Rosetta and Holden joined the ranks, albeit as junior members, of The Inheritance. From that moment on, Xalen vowed never to be careless with an artifact again, and I promised never to take what the kids told me lightly again. Xalen also taught us how to put up an imaginary wall in order to block certain paranormal activity that may be negative.
The last thing we did to close out this chapter on the children’s lives, was to make the kids promise they would never use these strange powers of theirs again. Would they stick to that agreement? I couldn’t say, I could only hope.
Was this a happily ever after? Not by a long shot. You see, we still had to deal with the teen years…
We were in the front hall, working on plans for another fundraiser when the children came in.
“Awww man, there’s your dad. He’s never going to let us go to the arcade.”
“Relax, bro,” Holden said, “Rosetta’ll work on him and he’ll say yes.”
“Boys,” Rosetta said, rolling her eyes. But she knew they were right.
“Holden,” Xalen said, raising an eyebrow. “I sent you to get your hair cut.”
“I did.”
Sighing, he clicked his teeth in disapproval. “Which one?”
“Which one what?”
“Which hair did they cut because I cannot tell.”
“Well, I didn’t want it too short.”
“Father,” Rosetta interrupted, “may we go to the arcade? We’ve all done our homework and chores.”
“There are much better things you can do with your time.”
Rosetta smiled sweetly, then said, “Of course I agree, but these boys need a small break. We’ll come straight home and rehearse for our dance recital afterward.”
As I looked on, I realized Xalen was fit to be tied. Of course, he gave in.
Thank you for reading,
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This was intense. And the kids aged up so beautifully!
Thank you so much. 🙂
Oh wow!!! This was scary and freaky! The monster was truly frightening. Oddly enough, while the adults are trying to protect the kids, it was the kids who saved themselves. I wonder what this power is that the kids have. My Supernatural heart is dying to know.
They aged up s well! Gosh, they grow up so fast, don’t they?
I’m glad you thought the monster was frightening. Now we know why Holden was so insistent about his monster! Pretty crazy powers the kids have.
They grow up way too fast. I really loved how they turned out.
That monster really was scary! I’m surprised it manifested itself in a physical way; I wasn’t expecting that! Did Shelly summon the reaper? That was amazing, I’m glad they got Bhazza to move on. But I don’t agree with them telling the kids to not use their powers again. Marty herself realizes they will probably do so anyway, and it would be better for the kids to train/hone their skills, especially knowing that their are supernatural entities in the world. Maybe Shelly could help them.
Ha, Xalen is wrapped around Rosetta’s finger. xD
Thank you, Heather 🙂 I can totally see why you disagree with them telling the kids not to use their powers. It makes sense not to, also, Marty even admits the kids might not listen. I agree they shouldn’t try to bury these powers but instead train them.
Shelly may be more involved than we know as far as the kids’ powers. 😀
Oh, for sure, Rosetta has Xalen’s number. haha
Interesting turn of events – the twins are decidedly ready to look out for each other! I almost felt sorry for the monster! 😉
Thank you so much <3 I think you're right about the twins. lol I kind of felt sorry for him, too.
Wow!
Thank you, Jolie! 🙂
Well that was a crazy ride! And I like the long hair
Thank you, Lisa! Could you please have a talk with Xalen and explain why Holden needs to keep his hair the way it is? LOL 😀
I got your back on this … When we call make an appointment to speak with him.
I hope he’ll make the time, this is important! 😀 😀
Wow, okay. First things first, I’m loving the new theme. It’s so bronze! Anyway, to this mysterious power that the twins have now shown. Wow, that’s amazing. I’m so curious to know more about it! Like, this story has taken such a turn with the Inheritance, I won’t be surprised to see magical things happening in the next generation. Maybe we might even get some…vampires and werewolves. One can only hope. Now the twins are teens and they’re super adorable. They’re such mini Xalen’s. Well, they look a lot like him, but Rosetta is a mini Xalen through and through. I really love them both, but I think I know who I want to be next gene heir. 😉
Thank you, Rosie. 🙂 I’m so glad you like the theme! 😀 I think I’ve finally settled into something I really like. lol
Marty is hoping that whatever this is the twins are capable of, they’ll forget all about. LOL I doubt, of course, that could ever happen. The next generation is starting to shape up; the final plan will depend on who is heir and who will go to the spin-off story The Inheritance. I’m really excited to share more of the twins’ personalities and to see what you all decide you want.:D
Vampires and werewolves… now that could really work! Thank you so much for the suggestion of what you want to see. <3
The twins are like mini Xalens, aren't they? LOL Rosetta does seem to be even more of a Xalen replica than Holden. haha More on that in future chapters.
I can't wait to see who you will vote for!
The monster was a zombie ahaha I swear these creatures are scary even in the game. The kids seems to be witchs or enchanters.
They grow up so fast now they are teenagers.
Thank you so much 🙂 Those zombies scare me, too! LOL The kids did some amazing things, that’s for sure.
You are so right about how quickly they grow up. We’re very close to the end of this generation.
Indeed we are, I don’t play legalicies so big up to you and all people who make a story with this genre of gameplay.
I h
“I’m glad that’s over. Who wants french toast?”
That line has me laughing so hard. Nothing works up an apatite more than vanquishing evil spirits.
Marty & Xalen have some very special twins on their hands. In more ways than one. I am excited to explore their powers more.
This line reminded me a bit of Phineas and Ferb. At the end of every episode after crazy things are over and their mom doesn’t discover the boys invented another crazy creation, she asks “who wants cake?”
LOL! I forgot about that! haha You are right, it was a lot like that. 😛
LOL Thank you! I thought it was time for some levity 😀
I’m glad you’re looking forward to their stories. I am, too. 😀
Only kids can fight monsters. And it was a very ugly green one.
I wonder, what happened to the vase? Was it sealed again or empty now, after the great warrior returned to his folks?
I laughed out loud as I read Xalen asking, which hair Holden got cut.
Immediatly I had to think of my hubby, I can count his hairs. *lol I love him, though.
The kids look great as teens, even if Christophers skin colour looks a litte supernatural too.
Great chapter.
Thank you, liesmietze 🙂 I agree that monster was pretty ugly. The kids seemed to know what to do in the end.
That’s a good question about the vase. I should have mentioned that. It is empty now and simply an artifact that can be displayed.
Oh, that’s funny about your hubby. 😀 <3
Christopher's skin looked fine until I put him in those blazing bright lights so I could get pics. I'm going to try that program Reshade and see if that helps. 😀 😀
Oh wow! That monster was truly freaky but it’s amazing that Rosetta and Holden were the ones to bring him down! They have some sort of supernatural power, which is crazy but very cool. I was very scared for Xalen for a moment, so I’m super relieved you didn’t off him.
The twins grew up seriously beautiful!
Great chapter, I am happy the monster storyline got wrapped up without anyone getting hurt 🙂
Thank you, Lila 🙂 I think supernatural powers are running rampant in this family. LOL I couldn’t off Xalen since I need him for my spin-off story. LOLOL I’m glad you’re relieved, though. <3
There’s nothing like French toast after an evening of battling Bhazza the Trustworthy.
LOL! 😀 Thank you. I think there’s nothing like French toast at any time. 😛
That one was jam-packed with a lot! I guess there may be a bit more “supernatural” heritage from Xalen’s side than we know about!! Double trouble! That monster scared me when he picked up Xalen, I was afraid he would possess him! I love the ending – watch out world, here comes Rosetta! And I like Holden’s hair like it is, love the color! I will be ‘shaking in my rain boots’ waiting for the next great chapter! ♥
Thank you, Marj! 🙂 We’ve got all kinds of supernatural running through this family. haha Double trouble is right!
I think you’re right to warn the world about the twins! haha Here they come!
And this is why you don’t bring strange old artifacts home! I’m glad the kids were able to chase Bhazza out. It’s not the guy’s fault bad stuff happened to him. At least he was able to pass on.
The teen years 😂 these kids have their parents wrapped around their finger. I agree with Holden though, his hair already looks good.
LOL Thank you, Violincat! 🙂 Right? I think Xalen learned something here. I tried to give Bhazza a satisfying ending since his people were completely wiped out.
You’re right about the kids. Let’s hope they aren’t spoiled. lol I’m so glad you like Holden’s hair; it really seemed to suit him.
Oh my gosh!! This chapter was so amazing, I have no words!
I totally FREAKED when I saw the monster! How did you even get him to stretch like that? That was some scary stuff (but I loved it)!
I was so certain you were going to kill Xalen off! So I can’t even begin to describe how relieved I felt when everything turned out okay..! Phew!
The kids are turning out gorgeous! <3 <3 Rosetta especially is such a beauty! I love how Xalen seems to always succumb to her charms! She's going to break a lot of hearts this one!
Amazing chapter! <3
Thank you, sempreviva! 🙂 I’m so glad you liked this chapter and how it all turned out.
That monster was actually from a pose pack on MTS: Monster Pose Pack Updated. Pretty freaky, I agree! 😀
You have described Rosetta to a “T.” lol Xalen is wrapped around her finger, for sure. Let’s hope it doesn’t get out of hand. I could see her being very spoiled.
Whoa! That was exciting. I should have had some popcorn ready! I wonder where the kids learned that. Has Shelly been sneaking them lessons? lol Speaking of the kids…whoa mama! They are gorgeous! Holden looks like a young, beardless Matthieu mostly.
Haha Thank you, Jes2G! 😀 Popcorn sounds good, actually!
I think the kids figured this out on their own, although, Shelly might have encouraged them in that direction. hahaha
Oh! I see what you mean now about Holden and Matthieu! I think that’s awesome!
Oh yeah.. Shelly certainly had a hand in it. Who wants french toast? Oh yeah… guilty LOL.
Hahahaha! You know it! 😀 Great catch – again!
😁
Am I off probation? Or do you need more time. LOL 😀
Uhhh…the board is still meeting.
LOL! Bureaucrats. 😛 😀
LOL!!
Wow, I was really worried for Xalen there o.o And for the kids, for that matter – I was going to say you probably wouldn’t kill a main character but then I remembered Jilly, so now I feel scared for them all over again, ha, ha! 😀 That was a really intense fight and crazy that the kids have some sort of supernatural power. It sounds like there’s a very interesting generation in store after this one – and we all thought it could hardly get better than it already is 😀
It was also so cool to see the kids as teens already. I’ve gotta say I’m hoping for Rosetta gen – she’s a daddy’s girl and Xalen is her dad and Xalen is my favourite darling 🙂 Amazing! More, more, more 🙂
*I was trying to say I’m hoping for a generation with Rosetta as heir but I derped 🙂
LOL! I derp all the time and understood what you meant. 😛
Thank you, Louise 🙂 Main characters are not off limits. hahaha But I need Xalen because he has to star in my spin-off. LOL
I think Generation 5 will be a lot of fun. I have some rough outlines for each twin, depending on who the heir will be and which one will be in the spin-off with their parents. 😀
I couldn’t wait for these guys to be teens. lol Rosetta is definitely a daddy’s girl. I’m so glad you love Xalen as much as I do. His story is so different than what I originally planned; which just goes to show how the game still has say in what I do. LOL 😀
I really enjoyed this ! The kids are amazing, and what beautiful teens they’ve grown into ! I guess we’re nearing the next generation !
Thank you so much 🙂 I’m really glad you liked this. I was hoping I could pull it off; you never know until you do it, I reckon. haha
I really like how the teens turned out and you are right, Generation 5 is just around the corner. <3
Wow. That was amazing. The kids definitely inherited the supernatural powers from Xalen. Thay are adorable teens and Rosetta has her dad wrapped around her little finger. So cute.
Thank you, Audrey. Yes, Rosetta knows how to get all of them what they want. haha Let’s hope it doesn’t get out of hand.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the chapter. 🙂
Wow! This was amazing. I am speechless at how amazingly done this chapter was. The monster was frightening and it was amazing how kids managed to burn him. Are they Bee’s poses, too? Goodness, these stretched arms and legs…brrr….So glad, he’s gone now and Grim finally got him!
At least the ending of this chapter was brighter and more cheerful. Teens and trouble or growing pains? We’ve heard of it so much in your story. And look at Holden – 100% Xalen face structure with blond hair, so handsome. And Rosetta looks pretty with her chocolate hair.
All in all, awesome wrap-up to monster’s case.
Thank you so much, Jowita 🙂 I’m really glad you liked how this turned out. 🙂 The pose pack was from MTS and you can find it here: Monster Pose Pack Updated. I thought this pack was perfect for what I wanted to do. 😀
You are so right about the kids and their looks. If it was ever doubted that Xalen was the father, no one need doubt anymore. lol Holden looks just like him. I think Rosetta looks similar to Blue.
Yes, I thought so, too. I remembered seeing these poses on the net. I wondered if maybe some others were made by Bee, but I didn’t know.
Yes, not even a noble doubt in this case, lol.
LOL I like how you brought the title in there. 😀
I’m feeling speechless! Freaked, amazed and in awe!
They grew up so well! Holden looks like his dad, Rosetta is just gorgeous! I’m not at all surprised they have their father figured out! The bit about the hair cut was so hilarious to me because it is something my husband would say. I am concerned though. Where is Marty?
Thank you, Bee! 🙂 Oh, don’t worry, Marty was there in the room, I just didn’t take a pic of her. Sorry for the confusion.
I love how the twins turned out. I think Rosetta reminds me of Blue in the face and Holden definitely looks like his dad.