Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Light in the Darkness	By : Kaie Category: A through F > Dark Hunter Views: 1484 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Do not own any of the Dark Hunter characters or the story line created by their author; 2nd main character, Hector, is based loosly off Castlevania Curse of Darkness and is not owned; Marilla is the only character I own. This is not for profit

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Here's the next chapter... I hope you all enjoy.
******************
The four men crowded around the barrier watching the scene before them. None of them knew Valerius was here. When you walked into the room and the gauntlet was laid, the areas caught you in order that you arrived. Clearly Acheron was first and then Hector.
Valerius had arrived before the rest of them and when he stepped into his area, he disappeared behind the spell. The only ones aware he was in the room were Acheron and Hector.
Julian nudged Kyrian who’s eyes burned with hatred.
“She going to be ok?” Julian asked, knowing full well she would be. At least he thought so. He had seen extreme power emanate from Marilla before, but this was new.
“Oh she’ll be fine, but Valerius may not make it out alive.” Kyrian whispered dangerously, watching the once Dark Hunter circle Marilla. Adrenaline coursed through him. All the old instincts back to run in and protect her, even though she was fully capable of handling herself. While Kyrian had made peace with Valerius, the thought of Marilla throttling him was very appealing. Valerius had always been the picture of control, and Marilla was the one person who could get under his skin in a way no other could.
She didn’t move, merely stood still. Feeling Valerius in the space. Every now and then she reached out, licking his skin with her energy leaving angry burns in the wake.
“Stop!” Valerius screamed, anger painting his face. Feeling as though he were again a dark hunter and no longer immune to the light. This should not be able to burn him, but when the tendrils lashed out to touch him, it was as if he stepped into the very sun itself.
Marilla opened her eyes for all to see, they burned a deep crimson red. Valerius could not even approach her, the energy was too hot and he knew if he got too close he would be burnt alive.
“What’s wrong, not soft enough for you?” Marilla whispered, beginning to step forward. Valerius backed away quick, the wall stopping him from going too far. He could feel the air sizzle around him as she approached. She was trying desperately to reign in her anger, but the sight of Valerius scooting away only heightened her rush. The power was beginning to override her and struggle as she might against it, it had been a long time since she came in contact with an enemy that enraged her this much. No she rather enjoyed the feeling, and that terrified her. Terror led to a lack of control, and Marilla was quickly slipping into a survival mode and away from herself.
Julian looked at Kyrian. “When the hell did she acquire that ability?”
Kyrian shrugged following Talon and Zarek as they backed away from the area Marilla and Valerius currently inhabited. The energy was growing too strong and beginning to break the barrier she had erected.
Zarek stood at the door, fully anticipating needing to escape when Marilla’s energy broke the barrier. He wanted desperately to watch Valerius squirm, but he had no desire to be killed. While he was no longer a dark hunter and fully capable of withstanding the sunlight, the energy that woman was exuding was enough to sweep over him in a second and turn him to ash. No he had no intention of letting that happen. The other three men stood next to him, poised to run as well. All of them were smart enough to know that the power that could be unleashed if the barrier broke and the little control she had snapped… they would all be fried.
The fearless leader however was no where near running. Acheron was pissed. Somewhat at Marilla, mostly at himself. He should’ve known better than to put Valerius in the gauntlet and not warn the others. Granted he didn’t really anticipate Marilla being the last one in. At least with Kyrian or Julian he could’ve stopped this. But Marilla, she was too far gone. He felt her control slip and knew he would have to have Hector work with her. Athena was excellent, but he couldn’t counter act her the way Hector could.
Right now however was not the time to have that particular conversation. At this very moment Acheron could only pace the barrier and attempt to contain the energy from frying Valerius to a crisp.
“Marilla… Marilla! Look at me.” Acheron yelled, hoping he would gain his friend‘s attention, feeling his hands slip through as he edged his way in without breaking the barrier. If he did, she may lose control fully and blast the room. He could feel his hands singe as his forearms slipped through.
Slowly she turned and her and he felt himself lost in the crimson depths that swirled in rabid fury. She was out for blood now. The look on her face was enough to stop Acheron in his tracks. He knew this look.
He could still remember that day…
He stood silent, watching Artemis pace. She knew she was in trouble. Marilla was on her way and left a large path of destruction in her wake.
He could feel the strength of her energy as she approached. It was as if he could taste her aura and she had not entered the vicinity yet. When she did enter, the feel of energy pressing against him nearly knocked the wind from him. The temple doors flew open and the energy, and amazingly frightening swirl of light and shadow encompassed by something unseen but awe inspiring, surrounding Marilla dangerously. It was a mix of her three energies. Acheron turned to face her. Her eyes were crimson and her face was contorted in pure rage. Artemis was behind him, cowering. All Acheron could think of was moving aside and allowing Marilla to have her revenge. After all Artemis had put together the whole plan and Acheron had found out too late. Now here he was protecting the foolish Goddess and turning on a close friend.
Luckily he didn’t have to fight her. Athena came and took her away before anyone could get hurt. Still, the way she looked had been imprinted on his psyche.
Acheron shuddered at the memory and stopped moving forward as she held his gaze.
Time stood still. Acheron did not know what to do. If he was hasty he could lose a man and he would not allow that. Marilla could potentially be punished and truthfully speaking it would be his fault because he hadn’t prevented this situation. Acheron had no intention of explaining or dealing with Artemis right now. He had enough of her for the week.
Looking around the room he scrounged for something. He saw the four other men ready at the door to run if necessary. Acheron wouldn’t be killed if she lost full control, he’d be hurt, but not dead. Hector…
Wait… Hector!
Turning slowly he watched the silver haired man next to him. His eyes were closed and he felt his shadowed energy begin to build around him. Without opening his eyes Hector moved to the side of the barrier Valerius was crouched down by.
Marilla watched him carefully the red in her eyes twinkling as Hector moved. She bared her fangs and growled at him as he stood next to Valerius. Only the barrier separated them.
Marilla watched Hector closely. She knew he was trying to protect Valerius and she knew it was the best course of action. She was merely a puppet for her power at this point and she rode the wave as best she could. Control was lost and she was pure instinct. Valerius was her prey and Hector was attempting to save him.
A second growl ripped from her throat as Hector’s shadows permeated and enveloped Valerius. In an instant he was gone and Hector stepped through. Valerius landed unceremoniously outside the barrier right in front of the door at the feet of three men who would have gladly watched him die. Valerius wasn’t sure where he would rather be.
Hector felt Marilla’s gaze sweep around to find where Valerius was. She lunged but ran into her own barrier, knocked back Hector caught her in his arms. She continued to struggle against Hector’s hold, lunging for her target.
“GET HIM OUT Z!” Acheron shouted. While the four men near the door wouldn’t shed many tears if Valerius was ripped to shreds, they did not want to be at the receiving end of Marilla’s rage in case Hector lost his hold on her.
Picking Valerius up by his collar Zarek threw him through the door and slammed it shut. The four of them knew they should probably leave, but to be honest they were too enthralled with the scene.
Hector felt the woman’s energy surge and this time she turned on him in her rage. That was exactly what he wanted. He let her go and opened his eyes for the first time. As Marilla turned to meet him he captured her gaze, his eyes jet black commanding the shadows around them. The air grew cold and Marilla hissed at the sensation. Slowly he approached her, never breaking away from her eyes. If he lost his hold he may not be able to get it back, and that would be very dangerous at this point.
He willed her to his body and slowly she came toward his outstretched arms with a slight push from the shadows surrounding her. Her teeth were bared to him and he knew she was fully lost. Every feature on her face was taught like that of a trapped scared animal. Her body knew he was stronger and was becoming more willing to submit, but it was taking time and putting a strain on Hector. When she at last stood within the circle of his arms he drew her prone body to him.

Her skin was scalding and he heard it hiss then steam as the ice energy began to settle over her. Hector felt Marilla’s body sway under him and wrapping his arm securely around her waist he held her tight. Her body bowed against him, her back arching over his arm. The color slowly began returning to her eyes as the cold enveloped her, calming her senses and pushing the heat from her body. Tenderly he stroked her face, soothing her features all the while always maintaining eye contact. His energy began to settle and at last her eyes cleared gazing back into the black depths of his own.
“Hector…” she whispered and in that instant her energy dissipated and she fainted from exertion.
The barrier broke and a cold shadow broke out to surround the rest of the room. Sinking to his knees Hector curled Marilla to his chest, resting and willing his own torrent of power to subside. It took an enormous amount of strength to call that amount of energy, and even more to not kill the foolish man who provoked it.
Finally calm he felt his sight readjust to the room. Acheron’s hand touched his shoulder and he turned his face upward to regard him. The look on his face was purely irritated, clearly upset with the situation, but concerned nonetheless.
“Is she all right?” Hector merely nodded, turning his attentions back to the woman he held. Her heart beat steady and her breathing was even. Her skin was a slightly concerning shade of blue, however with her own dark power and that of her sun energy he knew it would return to a healthy shade within no time. Tenderly he stroked her hair off her face and felt the rest of the men settle around him.
Kyrian sat to his left nearest to Marilla’s head and Julian was directly beside him. Talon and Zarek dared to reach out to touch her and when they came in contact with her skin, sharply withdrew, a fine layer of frost covering the tips of their fingers. Kyrian knew better than touch her yet and Julian followed suit, though the look in the half god’s eyes was menacing.
Hector held his gaze, daring him to challenge what he had done. The feelings of friendship and love ran deep with this man and Hector knew Julian did not trust him. He didn’t give a damn. A small growl let loose from his throat and he saw Julian move forward in response.
“Knock it off.” Acheron demanded, his voice barely a whisper. Kyrian’s arm out in front of Julian to prevent his movement. Slowly Julian edged back to a sitting position, never ceasing with his visual assault on Hector.
“Will she be ok.”
“She’ll be fine Julian, this isn’t the first time.” Acheron said, pacing to the door. Simi entered as he reached it and undoubtedly told him that Valerius retired to his home to shake off the effects of his confrontation.
“So…” Zarek began,, “You could’ve stopped her long before that couldn’t you?”
Hector grinned, running his fingers through Marilla’s damp hair. He could hear her heart beat and the sound was soothing to his frayed nerves. “Maybe.” The five of them shared a small laugh at Valerius’ expense. Hector could have stopped her long before it got that out of hand. Truthfully, Marilla had worked those 200 years with Athena to learn to control her powers once more. When she went to the Underworld they lay dormant and almost 5000 years worth of practice and honing was gone. One day she had them and the next they were gone when she descended into the darkness. When she returned instead of acquiring them slowly like she had over the years, they were thrust upon her. 200 years was hardly enough to fully prepare her fragile mind and body for the amount of power she once wielded. Hector didn’t step in because sooner or later she was going to need to know how to control her temper and come down from the energy. At least that’s what he would tell Artemis and Acheron.
“Well, looks like good ol’ Val bit off more than he could chew.” Talon snickered, sitting down fully on the mat. They were all aware that the day was not over. As soon as Marilla woke up Acheron would have them back at it. Most likely Valerius would be granted reprieve for the day.
Truth be told the Roman was not that bad, but he and Marilla never got along. Kyrian was very important to her and his disdain for the Roman fueled her own. Normally however, she was a bit more diplomatic than her actions today showed. Unfortunately for Valerius, he never seemed able to shut his mouth around Mari, especially with touchy subjects. Truth be told, if Hector didn’t give a damn about dealing with Artemis, he would have allowed Marilla to fry the dumbass. Fortunately for Valerius, Hector really didn’t feel like dealing with the spoiled Goddess. That and not that he would ever tell anyone, but Valerius wasn’t half bad. Hector was just a loner and didn’t particularly seek company.
The five of them sat in a small circle for the next fifteen minutes discussing trite events that had been occurring in the city. Hector watched as Julian stroked Marilla’s forearm tenderly. The concern in his eyes was evident. He had heard stories of the proud Macedonian and knew his importance to Mari. They had never met before, and this was certainly not the way he wanted it to happen. Nothing like over powering and freezing someone’s close friend for a first impression. Kyrian also didn’t appear too impressed, but knew it was necessary.
Both of these men were bonded to Mari through friendship, and Hector was no fool, he knew they were going to do everything to protect her and welcome her into their families. It would be good for Mari. She used to tell him of their battles when she would return. The look in her eyes was proud. She was a brave warrior and told stories of their victories over the centuries and he never tired of hearing them. The way she would speak of Julian and Kyrian always made him slightly jealous, but he knew nothing ever happened between them. Though Kyrian’s presence made him uncomfortable. She adored Kyrian, and when he became a dark hunter it was a difficult transition. Hector stayed aloof from Kyrian for years, hating him for the bond he shared with her. He hated even more that look in his eyes of knowing. Kyrian was well aware of his feelings for Mari, and one night he finally put Hector in his place. Neither of them spoke a word of it to anyone, but Hector found a great respect for the man. From that day on Kyrian supported Hector and Hector did the same for him.
“She’s starting to feel warmer.” Julian murmured, scooting closer to Mari.
Instinctively Hector pulled her closer. Julian regarded him with a hostile look, angry that this man he never met before would dare act as though he was a danger to Marilla.
“Stop, both of you. Julian, Hector is just protective. He exhausted significant energy to subdue Mar and he’s running off instinct. Hector, relax. I know Julian, he would sooner cut off his hand than put her in any danger.” Kyrian let out a huff and pushed Julian back to a sitting position. Both men quieted returning their attention to the sleeping woman.
All of them settled and the next half hour passed without a sound from any of them. Simi was still speaking with Acheron and none of them were dismissed.
Marilla could sense five sets of eyes watching over her and slowly as she came to she opened her gaze and met Hector’s. Pain rushed through head as she shielded her sight. She could swear she felt every molecule that took up residence in her head and face. Every fiber of her head ached from her chin to the tips of her hair. The rush of energy being forced out of her left her light headed and sick.
One more time, she thought to herself. Slowly she forced her eyes open and moved her hand away very carefully. When one eye was free and she blinked a few times to adjust she saw five men staring down at her.
Hector was calm, watching carefully. Kyrian was next, and she felt his hand stroking through her hair tenderly. It actually felt good, like a gentle massage on her crisped nerves. Poor Julian didn’t know what to do, but had a look of somewhat anger on his face. Marilla could tell his first impression of Hector was probably not a positive one.
“You ok Marilla?” she heard Talon first then met his gaze as she slowly pulled her hand back from her other eye. Blinking a few more times she was finally able to keep both eyes open without too much discomfort.
“I think so. My head just feels like it is about to burst.” Kyrian stopped, and a whimper let loose. He returned to stroking her hair, smiling down at her.
“Thank you.”
“No problem. It doesn’t hurt.” She shook her head, which unfortunately made the room move a little too much.
It was as though she had never been gone… and it felt sublime.
“oh god…” Hector reached for her face and held it steady. His cool hands felt divine on her skin. The touch soothed her nerves and helped clear the burning from her vision.
“Just breathe deeply.” she followed his advice and felt him stir her power very gently. Her body slowly began to warm and the ache began to leave her head.
‘Thank god. Probably shouldn’t sit up just yet though.’ Relief flooded her as the ache began to subside. If she sat up she would probably be sick, which would not be desirable. At this moment she wasn’t quite sure of her location and did not have any desire to be sick in front of five men she was both older than and had worked along side.
“You owe me a new set of claws woman.” Zarek growled, holding his hand up to show the non existent tips on his fingers. Oh Z, never a man for emotion. Kind of made her feel better. Although with her it was an act, she had broken that barrier long ago.
Talon shoved him over and gave him a low growl. Zarek was up in a flash and dragged him to his feet, Julian and Kyrian following suit, ready to pull the two apart.
“Don’t touch me Celt.”
“Then don’t be an asshole dips hit!” Talon yelled, shoving the dark haired mans hands away from him.
That was enough for Zarek, not that it ever took much to start a fight. Zarek landed a solid blow before Talon even knew what was coming. The celt reared back and stumbled into Julian who steadied him.
‘That’s enough of this bullshit.’ Marilla thought as she was on her feet in an instant. The room swayed, but she pushed the feeling of nausea down. Quickly she settled in front of Zarek and Talon’s back hand connected with her face instead.
“ Oh shit, Marilla!” the world swayed slightly and she felt Zarek’s arms encircle her waist, holding her upright as she shook her head.
Talon was grasping her face, running his hand across the stinging flesh on her cheek. “I’m so sorry.” he whispered. Z let loose a growl at Talon touching her. Zarek and Marilla had an understanding. She was perhaps the only other person he could tolerate beside his wife. Marilla had frequently been sent to Alaska to help with Zarek when it was needed. Often times she would go and spend time with him even when she wasn‘t dispatched to his domain. He bitched about it, but in some respects she needed his company as much as he needed hers. While Zarek would never admit to anyone he enjoyed her uninvited visits, he always had been thankful for them.
He could remember a time Marilla came to his doorstep. She had been sent to kill him, and he was fully aware. He had been anticipating Acheron, but when he saw Marilla he was instantly pissed. Of course Artemis would destroy him in the cruelest way possible. Marilla had been his only friend, and Artemis was going to destroy him with it. Yet she was no longer under Artemis’s control and did not follow the order. After two weeks and no word of Zarek’s demise, Artemis grew impatient. Acheron was sent next, but the barrier Marilla created kept even him out, not that he tried particularly hard to get through it.
No, Artemis herself finally had to come. And when she did Marilla was ready. It was that day he realized this woman was incredibly powerful and he watched a momentarily look of fright cross the Goddess’s face when Marilla challenged her. Zarek could still remember the scene in his mind. Neither of them were aware of his presence. He stayed hidden in the shadows in a small corner of the cabin wondering why he was still breathing. Zarek never knew how she saved him, but he only knew that she had and he never cared to ask.
“It’s ok Z. Stop growling at him. And Talon, cut it out. Kyrian, Julian… just stay there. We all know Talon was going for Zarek not me. I’m fine… I think.” The room was still spinning and she couldn’t really right herself. Gently she felt herself lowered to the ground to rest on her hands and knees. Zarek was kneeling behind her, his arms still secure around her waist.
“God… you guys need to just get along. Seriously I feel like a baby sitter. Talon! I swear! And Zarek, if I didn’t feel like I was going to lose my insides, I’d beat the crap out of you. Just knock it off!” Marilla was not particularly happy and she let loose an unintended burst that singed Zarek’s arms and knocked Talon down. They had been fighting like this for years!
“Well it’s a good thing you’re back… we need babysitters. Grown men cant take care of themselves.” Kyrian said, pulling a laugh from everyone. It was his way of forgiving her, she knew Acheron shared with him, it was in his eyes when she faced him.
“Yeah Tasty… better stick around. You know we need you to keep us all in line.” Zarek whispered, crouching next to her.
Rolling onto her back she let the room settle. Everyone was quiet for once. Sighing gently she closed her eyes as she finally began to feel normal. That ended abruptly when she felt something heavy settle on her legs.
She felt as though she had never left. And truth be told, it felt wonderful.

Opening her eyes she saw Acheron sitting on her, his legs splayed around her, his boots resting next to her head.
“Mari seriously… what the hell was that. I’m surprised the energy signature didn’t alert Artemis.”
A growl let loose from her throat at the mention of the name. “Ash… get off me. I will throw up all over you.”
That was all the prompting he needed. He was up in a flash and extended his hand to pull her to her feet.
“Now what?”
“Now,” Acheron said, “You go apologize to Valerius.”
“DROP DEAD!” Marilla yelled, storming toward the doors, but stopped short as Hector grabbed her wrist. She would be damned if she apologized to that man. His words still rang in her ears and she could feel her anger begin to rise. The thought of uttering the words made her want to rip out her own vocal chords. Yeah… hell would freeze over first.
“Marilla stop! You are about as stubborn as the rest of these guys.”
“Please Ash… I’m more stubborn and you know it. I will not apologize. You going to make him apologize?” The look on his face said no. “Yeah. That’s what I thought. Get bent pinky! Those words wont leave my mouth.”
“Calm down Mari.” Hector commanded, his voice soft but his words serious. “If you don’t you will be sick.” She knew he was right and hated it. Her body already felt sluggish and queasy from her outburst. Thankfully the room wasn’t spinning again.
“Lets all go to the living room and plan out a course of action. Training is over, and Ash don’t get so pissed at Marilla. You should’ve known better than to put Valerius in the gauntlet. Now that none of these men are dark hunters anymore you have no real control over them. He could’ve easily been killed by someone else’s hands.” With that Hector took Marilla’s hand and walked from the room.
Acheron merely stared after him. Hector was not a man of many words, and he usually never questioned Ash. This time however, he knew he was right. What was worse, he knew he was pissed. It was bad if Acheron couldn’t contain someone, but knowing that Hector could made him realize just how powerful the man truly was. Hector was not a man to be trifled with.
“All right. The day is shot. All of you may as well get a chance to catch up.”
Without any further words, everyone exited out of the training room after Acheron.
***********************
Poor Val... I really do like him, and he isn't going to have it so rough in the future so fear not all you who also like him! Hope its going well! Thanks all for reading.
- 5
- 6
- 7
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Light in the Darkness