Hunting the Hunter

[Ashlyn]

Ashlyn went from mist to human form effortlessly. She ran through the forest with preternatural speed. To mortals she would be a blur, as elusive as the mist she could become with but a though. Suddenly she leapt grasping a strong branch with her hands. Then she began to use it much as a gymnast would use an uneven bar; swinging around and around, faster and faster. Then all of a sudden she released, flying through the air towards a clearing. Her carefree laughter broke through the forest stillness. That laughter was a miracle considering her years of torture at the hands of her master. She didn't fear the fall though any who could or was watching feared she might break her neck. Ashlyn landed with the agility and grace of someone sure of their abilities. A smile played on her face, yet another miracle considering her past. Then it was gone as her thoughts took root in her mind. She'd been honing her skills for weeks after she'd been freed. A hand ran absently over the silver arm band on one of her arms. She kept them as a reminder to never be a slave again. Ashlyn had never thanked her saviors as she called them. Perhaps she would when her task was done. She closed her eyes and reached with her mind......Lilith. She'd always had a connection to her twin. Using it was like breathing. She could sense the demon so in control of her beloved sister. Surprisingly there had been no kills as one would expect. Ashlyn knew it was just a matter of time. She could feel Lilith slowly slipping away, losing who and what she was to the darkness within her. The demon would kill when it did Lilith would cease. Her soul would be eaten with darkness and evil. Ashlyn and perhaps Lilith understood the danger in that. It would make her even more deadly. For if demon and human completely merged.....there was no telling what would happen. Ashlyn feared Lilith would give the demon her strengths, making the vampire immune again to sunlight and other vampire weaknesses. She would be stronger and harder to kill. Ashlyn's eyes opened, hardened into cold death. She'd trained for one purpose and one alone. She was going to hunt the hunter. She was going to stop her. Ashlyn knew she was going to kill her sister. It was either that or let Lilith's soul become dark and create a monster without parallel. That was not an option.

[Maliki]

There was a ribbon of shadow not far from Ashlyn in the clearing. The sounds of a battle echo, steel clashing against steel. Trace and Raven were engaged in training, Trace, still wielding the necroblade deflected a blow from Ravens newfound Saber. Taking a slash in return Raven's lithe form jump out of the way. For a moment the battle seemed to slow. Both sides held their weapons at ready, no motion at all. All at once a viel of shadow fell over the two, rapid ringing of metal was heard next. Then... silence. The cloak of shadows lifted Trace held Ravens saber reverse of his own blade. Raven kneeling a few feet away, "You're mastering your new body well." Trace would state.

"I'll catch you soon." Came the response from Raven.

[Ashlyn]

Ashlyn's head wiped around at the sound and her eyes narrowed. Quickly and silently she ran towards it. She stayed within the trees as she approached. When she saw who it was and what was occurring she moved back away from them. Though they were two of the ones who had saved her, she had much to do. There was no time for introductions and pleasantries. Let them continue their training. Ashlyn's was done. As silently as she had approached she turned and walked away. She had to hunt Lilith. There was little time for anything else.

[Maliki]

She was silent. Not silent enough however. When she turned to leave she'ld find herself face to face with Trace, "We thought you were dead."

[Ashlyn]

Ashlyn looked at Trace and put her hands behind her back. She looked harmless, but he knew she wasn't.

"Death seems to like keeping me alive. Though I haven't figured out why yet."

[Maliki]

Trace scratched his head for a moment trying to figure out the meaning behind her words. He knew Marcus had been keeping her alive but now that Marcus was out of the picture... He only toiled on it for a few moments before he spoke. "So, would you care to Join Raven and I for a moment?"

[Ashlyn]

She shook her head no.
"I can not. Lilith.....she is still out there."

[Maliki]

Trace laughed, "Lilith is not a problem. If Virgil could contain her for a period of time I can as well.'

[Ashlyn]

She pressed a hand to her forhead.
"No. I have to go now. She is.....getting worse."

[Maliki]

Trace raised an eyebrow at Ashlyn's words, Before he could speak raven walked up next to him, "She isn't far from here. I can feel her."