~ Chapter 21 ~
Cabin, Chaos

When we reach this unobtrusive part of the forest, Santana and Brittany are already waiting for us by a tree. At our arrival, Santana scowls at Sebastian.

"Can you now tell where this insufferable Cabin is?" she says, none too happily.

Sebastian smirks his usual way and ignores her, continuing to plow into the thick trees without a word. We take it as obvious and follow him anyway. My fingers are entwined with Blaine's since the rest of the way, and I smile at him again.

He looks happy. I mean for a person whose boyfriend just took blood from him, it's unusual. But relieving as well. Besides, I won't do anything like it again. His taste, though for once only, is enough for a lifetime. And the kinds of feelings I have now are way different than just thirst. I wonder if I can ever get courage to say what I actually feel at his scent, or when he is so close to me.

But I'm glad we got to talk about it too. At least now he knows what I can be excepted to do or react as when things get—heated—between us.

"I knew he was lying about the Cabin," Santana mutters as we follow Sebastian.

"You really want to know where this place is, don't you." Blaine asks Santana and she visibly flusters. And with a "humph" she picks up her stride to walk right beside Sebastian instead. Smiling at me, Blaine mumbles, "She does, right?"

I nod. Santana's irk-ness at finding out 'the Cabin' is kind of curious. I myself am staring to feel the need to KNOW what this place is. And why she wants to know so bad too?

As if reading my confusion, Blaine says, "It was sort of a secret prison back when Grandpa used to be young. The Cabin, I mean. He built it, I think. I don't know much about location or even the resources with which he built such a place. But I do know that he used to imprison Rogue ones and torture them, till they told him who turned them or became tame enough to be released again. Most Rogues proffered to die, though."

"How can't you not know where it is then?" Santana grumbles, shooting Blaine a look.

"I only know what Grandpa chose to tell me," Blaine shrugs. "I wonder even if Dad is aware of it or not?"

"He isn't," Sebastian says calmly, still making his way with sure stride ahead of us. "Right now apart from myself, Aunt Lily and, in a while, you people, nobody knows of the Cabin's location. I think it goes without saying that you shouldn't ever reveal what I'm about to show you to anyone, ever."

"Yeah, yeah, we know the drill. Would you just show us already?" Santana grouses, looking around as if searching for a sign saying 'THE CABIN IS HERE.' Then she backtracks. "Wait—what's this about Lily?"

"She's back," I say with a smile.

She glares. "And you chose NOT to mention it before?"

I chuckle at her obvious anger. "It's a long story. But in a nutshell, she's my mystery woman. Now she's with us. Let's just digest that till I get a chance to explain everything."

Sebastian smirks again, Santana fumes visibly but stops herself from harming us at a silent look from Brittany.

Suddenly, Sebastian stops. I also look around, wondering why nothing looked like, well, Cabin-ish around us. Maybe, Sebastian is also versed in magic like Brittany and would make the Cabin appear from thin air. But, no. That would imply Blaine's grandfather to be a magician too. A possibility I don't even want to entertain because—hello! Haven't I've seen enough already?

There's nothing but a very big tree with double, sturdy limbs jutting right out of where Sebastian stands, smirking over his shoulder at Santana. Then lightly, he leans against the shorter limb of the trunk and pushes.

I gasp, squeezing Blaine's hand so hard that he winces. "Kurrt!" he hisses and I let go.

But really. Is it just me or is Sebastian MOVING the tree trunk. I see the similar shock on everyone else's face too, and I exhale in relief. I'm not hallucinating, thank goodness.

Sebastian stops moving the tree and stands back, a victorious smile on his face. But when he sees our blank, shocked looks he frowns. Then with pathetic simplicity, he nudges something with his foot. A CLANGing sound echoes through the forest at his kick, and we abruptly see what's on the ground.

A metal manhole. Right where the tree was. As Sebastian still waits for us to 'get the joke' I turn my attention back to the tree. Granted, a Vampire is strong enough to MOVE stuff. But to move a tree so neatly, which just had to be tangled in the ground with network of roots, is impossible. Speaking of roots, I don't see any originating from the moved limb.

That's when I realize the whole picture.

The tree itself is solid, but the extra limb, the one Sebastian moved, is just placed over the manhole for show. It's so craftily crafted that even a Vampire wouldn't be able to tell it apart. You had to know what to look for, or otherwise this place wouldn't be revealed. It really is a perfect hideout.

Sebastian sighs loudly when he sees that we are still shocked and silent. "Fine, then. Let's get inside. I don't want to hang about till spies also discover this area."

He proceeds to lift the manhole and gestures at us in ladies-first kind of way. Brittany goes in front, and then Santana, still slightly boggled, follows. I take Blaine's hand again and he chuckles finally.

"My Grandpa was hella cool man."

"I can see," I mumble back.

Sebastian glares at us and we hurry inside the trapdoor too. There are stairs, not solid but enough to easily lead us down the ground. Then Sebastian follows us, and the manhole slides back in place. Through the crisscrossing metal bars, Sebastian lifts the tree trunk and covers the manhole again.

We are plunged in complete darkness.

Sebastian shuffles about us, bumping once into Blaine then Brittany by the sound of her 'oof!' in the dark. Then a tremulous, loud sound of an engine fills the space. And light flickers on. Sebastian seemed to have started the generator.

"Dude, this is awesome!" Blaine bursts out when our surrounding is revealed.

I have to agree. This place is like an underground home. There's a row of four bunks at a corner, with a table in the middle along with a dozen chairs. There's also a cupboard which seems to carry food items. A mini fridge that Sebastian turns on and peeks inside, grunting in satisfaction. The only thing weird about this place is the cages. Three of them, lined against the farthest wall. There are rungs, chains and shackles inside, rusty looking but the tang of iron is eerily familiar. I swear it feels like old, dried blood.

"Welcome to the Cabin," Sebastian says, dumping bottles of non-chilled soda in front of us. "Now, can we go down to business?"

Santana rolls her eyes. "Give it a minute, Sebastard. There's a good reason why she isn't talking yet."

At once I see what Santana means. Brittany was too silent. She usually is; but while the meetings she is the most attentive listener. Now, though, she was surveying her soda bottle with a unreadable look on her face.

"Hey, Brittany?" Blaine says in a soothing voice to her, pulling his chair closer and leaning in till she met his eyes. "Look, Sebastian here has shown us his secret place just so you could easily tell us why we are here? I know it is something important. It always is whenever you are involved."

Brittany sighed and popped open her bottle, taking a long drag. "I know, Blaine Warbler. I know it is important. I'm just thinking about what would happen if Kurt goes missing."

I choke on my soda. "Wait—cough—why am I—cough—why would I go missing again?"

Brittany sighs again. "Look, I'm just telling you the consequences of what might happen if we decide to act on what I'm about to propose."

"Look, it all depends on how important this thing is," I say at last when nobody seems to answer her. "I realize that my presence here is useful and dangerous at once. But if whatever you have in mind will help in killing Edward then I'm prepared for whatever happens. All that matters right now is that Edward either backs down or dies. You know that too, right Brittany?"

Taking another long swallow of her soda, Brittany nods. She looks as if her mind is made up. "OK, I'll tell you what I've discovered through my research. And I'll tell you what we should do about it. But—don't blame me after. You've already said you are prepared to do anything if it gets rid of Edward."

Her tone is too ominous for my taste. But I mean it. I want Edward gone, however it will be. I want a normal life with my family and my love. That's all that I care about. Of course, it will also mean that nobody will have to die unnecessarily anymore in the whole town. Somehow, I think that is the bigger boon here.

"OK, Brittany," I say with conviction. "Tell us what you have found."

XXXXX

Edward listened to the spy's report with silence, glaring at the desk all the while.

He figured it was about time Lily showed her true colors. But then again, she always was the weakest of his coven. But to think she would bend so far down for HUMANS, again. He shook his head. He should've killed her back when she was too grief ridden to defend herself. Now that she was with her so-called son again, this might get difficult.

He was really not bothered by any of it. Not Lily's betrayal. And certainly not what the town thought of him. He supposed it was about time they ran for it. Besides, he knew not all of them would leave. People here have lived for a few generations, all they owned was right here in this town. Out there they would be alone and without a place to live. He supposed, humans' love for their hometown and their homes was kind of stupid and beneficial sometimes. And for those who were already gone, he merely considered them a threat. Even if they manage to tell the outside world of the involvement of Vampires in this town, it wouldn't matter. Surely, who'd be mad enough to believe it?

Yes—other Vampires would know of it. They might even try to dislocate Edward, since it was Vampire's Council verdict for him to never settle. It would endanger his plans greatly if anybody on the outside got involved.

Then again, Kurt would be further exposed. If Lord Arlen knew of Kurt's power... NO! He can't let that happen. Wasn't it enough that Arlen had tried to stop him from taking his son all those years ago, that he would now again try to stop him? He wouldn't give him the chance.

He'll have Kurt, no matter how. All he wanted was the boy's blood. He could easily kill the boy and have what he wanted. After all, it wasn't as if he was going to turn every Vampire back to human.

Edward chuckled darkly. Oh, no. His target was only ONE person. When that person falls—Edward will have everything.

Presently, he realized that his spy was still on his knees, groveling to be forgiven. But good for him that Edward was in a mood.

"Stand up, you filthy slime," Ed growled, his spy obeyed at once. "I have new orders for you. I want you to gather everyone here in the next hour. I don't care if nobody is positioned around borders, or following those who need to be followed. This is important."

The spy stared at him with mouth open wide. Then he snapped it shut. "Er—Lord, you mean, like, everyone?"

"Yes, fool. Might I repeat again?" Ed glared till the man flinched with a sudden headache. "I need to know how many of my troops are left. Those bastard Warblers have taken a lot of my men out over these months. They even killed Azimio, at least he used to get the job done. Dave is a filthy human now, beyond useless. It needs to be seen how many more I will need."

The spy blinked. Then he smiled. "Have I heard you correctly, my Lord? You mean to turn more people?"

Ed just nodded. "Yes, you might want to add this little information to the troops too. So they can be excited enough for our new plan."

The spy bowed and hurried away, grinning widely. This was a once in a lifetime kind of chance. To attack the townspeople freely in order to replenish their troops. He couldn't wait to tell his friends!

When he was gone, Edward sighed and leaned back. A smile playing at his lips. Really, having exposed his true self to the townspeople had been sort of rewarding. With the mass exodus of so many people, the people left were merely a small amount. The kind that wouldn't hinder Edward to set his plan into motion. When he had told his followers about a grand Purge of town, he had been serious. The only reason he had chosen Hilltown was because of the isolation the location provided. Turning the whole town into Vampires will go unnoticed for a few months at best. By then, he would have achieved so much that Vampire Council wouldn't be able to stand against him even if they tried.

And with Kurt's blood in his hands...

Edward threw his head back and laughed. He laughed till his un-tearful eyes shed a drop of blood. Wiping his face, he called in his subordinates. He wanted to know if anyone else had decided to betray him after hearing Lily's news. He would weed out the unlikeliest ones himself to save his breath about any further betrayals.

XXXXX

It was close to evening now and Burt listened to the phone call with a frown. He groaned as his head spilt into pain. He had been having headaches for some time now. Or rather, since his house burned down. He just hoped it wasn't something serious.

But everything that Jake was saying on the other end seemed to be turning exactly that. Extremely serious.

"Repeat that again kid," he grumbled, having forgot to pay attention as his thoughts had wandered.

"They are gone," Jake Puckerman repeated. "I don't know where but nobody is where they were supposed to be. It's like they fled or something. So Puck wanted me to call and ask what the Warblers had to say about it." There was a shuffling sound on the phone and then Puck's voice yelled from a distance, "Ask where the fuck is that Vampire and Blaine! I've been calling them since hours they won't pick up!"

Burt sighed, kneading his temple again. "Blaine and Sebastian are gone for a mission, I think. Tell Puck I'm the only in charge as of now."

Jake replayed the message to Puck and said, "So—do you know then what the Warblers have to say?"

"Wait, I'll get Trent," Burt said and got up to go to the said Warbler.

It had been just a day, and already, Burt was starting to get a hold of how the things worked here on the hill. At first when Blaine left with Kurt and Sebastian, he thought he'd have to organize everyone and tell them what to do. But the Warblers had gone on about their business as they usually did, without needing him. Needless to say, Burt was left alone to baby sit Cooper and Alex. Carole and Lily had gone to their room ever since they came back, still talking amongst themselves.

Burt had decided to go and see about his Lube and Tire Shop but Finn had beaten him to it again. He'd told Burt to rest and let him take care of everything, before leaving the hill house.

Now, Burt was bored and clueless. He had explored the Dalton house to his content, awed at the extraordinary architect, and baffled at the Warbler's hidden craftsmanship—namely, a Smithy and a Weapon Store in the basement along with the Training room. He was sure to bet that these weapons and the Smithy were not legalized in any way. That deemed the rumors about Dalton house mainly true. At the same time, considering what the Warblers did and sacrificed for the well being of the rest of the town, it was a small detail he had chosen to overlook. Then again, he was terribly AWARE of being in house, (with kids and teenagers) that was full of deadly weapons too.

He came out on the vast roof, and blinked as he searched for the Trent kid. He found him by the telescopes, observing the town below with vigilance and caution.

"Hey, kid, there's phone for you," Burt said, hading over the cell phone.

Trent frowned but took it. "Hello, Trent speaking."

Burt watched as the kid listened to Jake attentively and nodded. "Yeah, I saw them. They all kind of gathered first. Yes, by the Old Graveyard. Yeah—the forest ones too. I think so too—there's something big going on here."

Burt grumbled and came forward, peeking through the telescope as well. He backed away with a shocked gasp. For a minute there, he'd been able to see all the way toward the abandoned lands, clearly. Leaning in to peek again, Burt observed the same location. There seemed to be some activity going on there. Connecting the information by Jake and what he'd overheard from Trent, he realized that the people he was observing may well be Vampires of Edward's.

On a whim, he turned the telescope toward the Lube and Tire shop he owned, which was thankfully at the foot of the hill. Finn, wearing a baseball cap, was attending to a customer that needed gas in her car. Garret was behind the cash register, filling in the database about their transaction so far. If Garret wasn't joining others, which meant only those who were loyal to Edward were gathering. It didn't bode well, no matter how Burt looked at it.

Trent was done with his conversation so he came over and handed in the cell phone. "They are on move. All of them. Obviously they are planning something big."

"But Garret is still in the shop," Burt replied. "Could it be that only Edward's Vampires are gathering. And why? I've never seen them gather in such force since that night they massacred townspeople back when my father was alive. What could they be doing?"

Trent shrugged and took the other telescope. After observing a while, he said sharply. "Burt, look at the Old Graveyard."

Burt did and then cursed under his breath. He knew Edward's Vampires were a lot but—well, he hadn't expected them to be so numerous. The forest-y terrain of Old Graveyard was teeming with Vampires as they all gathered together. They weren't even hiding the fact that they were there. Which meant it was some big occasion. And it terrified Burt.

"That's more than a five hundred, at least!" Trent exhaled, looking pale. "I mean—with all the Vampires we have killed over the years—I still didn't realize there would be so many left."

"Edward had undoubtedly been holding out on us." Burt focused as much as he could with the scope and hissed in irritation. Yes, five hundred Vampires seemed to be it. Or maybe even more. Why hadn't they known that there were so many still out and about?

Then quiet clearly, Burt found another kind of Vampires in that herd. The Rogues. Their hunched, crouched forms visible amongst the mass of civilized, clothed Vampires. Their naked bodies were filth covered and yet they held all the apparel of beautiful beats they were. The only thing different about them were that their faces were eternally hungry, and inhumane; like the faces of Vampire who turned fully when raged with bloodlust. The civilized vampires beside them had schooled featured—and yet, there was an air of extreme exhilaration about them.

"Shit," Trent said. "We have to tell, Blaine! We need to prepare about this..."

Burt only nodded. Then realized the true horror of the situation. Not only he knew where Blaine was, but he also knew that if Puck hadn't gotten hold of Blaine, he himself won't be either. Then he thought, it was better this way. Kurt was out of the way right now, and whatever was about to happen didn't feel like a good time for Kurt to be here.

Trent had been frantically trying to contact Blaine as Burt thought things over. He cursed again and redialed.

"He won't answer, kid. And I think that's just as well." At Trent's confused gaze, Burt explained. "I think it's better if they are safely away. Whatever this is, it feels bad. I'd rather Kurt stay out of this."

"You know where they are." It wasn't a question. Trent merely guessed out loud, but Burt nodded in answer. "Well, what should we do then? Since you are left as in charge, what are your plans now?"

Burt observed the gathered Vampires again, and came to a decision at once.

"Call everyone, your bothers, Puckpeople and ex-Deserters. Call every ally we have, and every able bodied man and woman. I'm not saying to gather and form a troop. But call everyone; tell them to be armed and alert. Mayor has decided to do something big here, something obviously bad. We can't be NOT ready for this when he decides to carry out his plans."

After a thought, he added, "Still, call everyone from Puckpeople and the ex-Deserters that attended the meetings to the Tavern. It's the heart of the town, and easily accessible. If something happens, we'll be able to react fast and easily as one unit."

Burt hurried down the stairs with Trent and called Alex and Cooper. The kids looked up from where they were playing a game on tv with confusion because of how agitated the adults seemed.

"Kids, we have a lot to do, and little time to do it in. But first, I need your help, can I count on you?"

Cooper and Alex readily nodded.

"Do you boys have cell phones?" In answer both boys held up their devices, a sheepish look on their face. Burt smiled. "I need you up on that roof. I need you to observe whatever is happening. There's a lot going on, and bad people are gathering in the Old Graveyard. I need you tell me, via phones, what they are doing; where they are heading and what is their apparent movement. I need you to keep me and Trent informed about everything. Can you do it?"

Alex looked worried. While Cooper was clam and ready. Burt realized that Cooper looked almost as Blaine would look like in a tensed situation. Then Alex said, "We can do it, Mr Hummel."

Burt grinned. "Great. And if you feel scared at all..."

Cooper giggled. "Don't worry, Mr Hummel. I live with the Warblers, don't I? If Alex felt scared I'll take care of him, I promise."

Burt ruffled Cooper's hair and smiled again. "I trust you totally. Now git!"

The boys took water bottles and some snacks with them and ran upstairs; almost looking thrilled to be able to help.

Burt again felt that with Warblers, there still might be a chance for this town. Putting aside this thought, he and Trent got to work at once. As they found Carole and Lily and informed them of the situation again, he had a feeling that this was just the beginning of their misery.

He'd never know how truly right he was just yet.

XXXXX

Mike Chang stared at the text on his phone, frowning. Burt sounded serious, and as much as he hated it, he knew it would be foolish to evade Burt's warning so easily.

For a moment, he was glad he had ditched school this day.

Tina was in her eighth month of pregnancy now and completely off the school. He stayed with her some days, it affected his studies but thankfully his parents and Tina's mother was supportive of them. Besides, after graduating, Mike wanted to get married to Tina at once.

Today, though, he was really feeling strange. He had decided to ditch school because Tina was going to have an ultrasound again. The stress of recent events has affected her health a lot and this ultrasound was just a precaution. Also, their doctors might give them an actual date today.

But now—Burt had informed him of the new development. He sighed, and got dressed, ready to pick Tina and got going. In light of Burt's warning, he took his revolver and wooden bullets as a precaution at the last minute. Stuffing the gun in his inside jacket pocket, he was out of the house. He drove his car to Tina's house and she was waiting for him with a glowing smile.

"Hey, beautiful," he said and smiled, kissing her lips softly and then kissed her round belly. "You too, little one."

"Are you Ok?" Tina asked, at once realizing something wasn't right.

"Nothing. Just Burt and his warnings," he said and decided not to elaborate any further. Tina was tensed as it is. "Nothing major. But let's go, we have an appointment. We'll have to make it."

She didn't say anything but pursed her lips. She knew he was lying to alleviate her but she chose not to argue. Mike had a lot to deal with already. One of his Aunts had been a Deserter. Whole of yesterday, Mike had spent time helping his Aunt's family in getting settled, and was clearly exhausted. She knew that he'd tell her eventually anyway.

They reached the Hilltown Memorial on time and barely made it to their doctor's department. Dr. Carmen Tibideaux smiled at Tina gently and began the ultrasound.

The first image came on screen and Tina's eye filled up in happiness. She could easily see her baby, the body and shape well defined now. Even as she saw, a small fist punched in air and Tina felt the movement within her. She'd been feeling the kicks quiet regularly, and had wanted to tell Mike as well. However he'd been too busy. So she reached out and placed his hand on her stomach. After a second, Mike also felt the kick and laughed.

"She's a healthy baby," Carmen said.

Mika and Tina gasped. Then burst out at once, "She's a GIRL! OHMYGOD!"

While they were too busy with their own happiness, Carmen's beeper went off. She saw the message and frowned. There seemed to some sort of emergency.

She checked and took pictures of baby for ten minutes more. "She is fine, healthy, and I think you should expect her in a few weeks. It might be premature, but don't worry. She is a healthy child."

Mike smiled and thanked her. In a few weeks, he'll be a father. He couldn't be happier.

As they left. Carmen again checked her beeper. Then she called the emergency office.

"What is it, George?" She listened and her eyes went wide. "Not bloody possible! How can they up and leave?" A pause. Then she yelled. "They CAN'T BE VAMPIRES! I've worked with them all my life!"

But whatever the news was, she was clearly upset. As she gestured the next couple inside, she was close to sweating. It wasn't everyday you found out that some of your colleagues had been Vampires—same as your Mayor—and that they left without any notice, leaving the hospital fairly short of good doctors. It just wasn't how things were supposed to be.

Then she realized, she lived in Hilltown, for Christ's sake. Of course, things happed here. She should've known better. She always knew Terri Maverick, formerly known as Terri Schuester, was too beautiful to be a human, and too skilled a doctor to be normal.

XXXXX

I exhale the breath I had been holding for a while. Brittany, Sebastian and Blaine are staring at me with expectant expressions; while Santana is staring at the table.

I don't really know how to react really. Brittany may be a psychotic genius but her idea is leaning more toward the psychotic side for my taste. The better option would be to refuse it and move on. But then again, it's not like I have any other ideas of myself, or a choice.

"Let me be clear on this," I say queasily, replaying her words in my head. "You think there's a possibility that people with my skills can be traced or that they exist out there and are in hiding due to some colossal good reason. That you have a 'witch' friend who knows more about this than anyone, even you. That we have to seek out this witch and force her to help us in 'DEVELOPING' my blood?"

Brittany just nods, Blaine gulps and exchanges and uneasy glance with me. Sebastian just keeps staring at my face.

"You do realize how crazy this all sounds, right Britt?" When she doesn't say anything I plow on. "To even consider that we can just defeat Edward by developing a weapon out of my blood by the help of some WITCH! Whatever happened to beheading the bastard and being done with it?! Wasn't that the plan all along?"

"I told you the cost," Brittany says, and I feel a pang of nervousness. "I thought you were willing to do ANTHING in order to kill him."

I fidget in my seat. Yeah, I am ready. Really. But I thought it would involve my physical strength more than my blood. I still remember what it felt like to have Dave drink from me. It was beyond excruciating. And while I survived it once—who's to say I will survive again?

Also, my idea of defeating Edward was rather simpler. And unobvious. I couldn't exactly spell it out for them in fear they'll refuse it. Especially Blaine and my family.

But sacrificing myself wouldn't be so bad if Edward was gone too, right?

Blaine frowns almost as if he read my intentions in my eyes. I look away, pretending to give it a thought. Now is not the time to explain to Blaine about my noble motives. If this went on, I'll have to do something by myself. Alone. Or maybe, I'll take Aunt Lily with me...

"Maybe you should explain again, Brittany?" Sebastian asks seriously. "I know it's a lot to digest in one go. Hearing your idea once more might be helpful for all our sanities."

"There's nothing to it," Brittany replies nonchalantly. "From my research I've found that in the past there were Vampires with the ability to turn others back to human. It required a lot of difficulties, but as it is with my ability to cast spells, some Vampires hold abilities naturally.

"For example, Santana can, if she is extremely angry, cause earthquakes of small magnitude on a small area. You haven't seen it happen, but believe me she can do it. Edward is the best possible manipulator, you can say. He will maneuver you into such a tight spot with so less options that you'll fall in his trap no matter what. Basically, escaping his mind games is nearly impossible.

"Vampire Council itself is comprised of Vampires with special abilities. These things are the ones that set apart the higher from the lower ranks. The Higher Rank is the Old Ones like Edward, Lord Arlen's coven, Lily and I. The Middle Rank is what Sebastian and Santana might be. Then the Lowest rank, The Rogues. But there's another sub-rank. The Half-Breed, like yourself Kurt. The possibility of Half-Breeds having any ability is nearly unheard of. Still—just because it is too rare doesn't mean it hasn't happen before.

"As I said, there was once a Vampire, Gabriel, many thousand years ago whose blood healed people of Vampirism. He was killed because all the other Vampires thought it was a taboo, an abomination against their immortality. But they didn't realize he had sired others, and they had sired others. The transfer of abilities through biting is minimal, but as it is with human diseases, it can skip generations between Vampires as well.

"My guess here is that, the Rogue who turned Elizabeth was one of Gabriel's bloodline. To turn Eliza, he must have given her his own blood. Since his blood forced Vampires back to Humans, its no wonder Elizabeth's situation occurred. As Burt said, sometimes she would transform, the others, she would be sick. That itself is phenomenon enough. Her Vampire side kept coming back, yet the blood of the Rogue forced her into human side again.

"Thus her transformation never fully happened. And skipping a generation, you got the ability," Brittany finishes, calmly pointing at me. "Your transformation couldn't fully begin because you were never bitten. Dave and Lauren bit you, and your transformation happened. Now, your blood is in full force, lethal to Vampires. Then again, since you never actually died and drank Dave or Lauren's blood, you retain your humanity too."

I nod, trying to keep up. This is the easy part I guess. And I'm relieved my Mother's mystery has been somewhat solved. The other part though, I'm not so sure.

Brittany looks less excited too as she continues. "Now—how exactly to use your blood, that's a bummer. You can't hurt anyone with your bite. You aren't a full Vampire. So, the only way to generate your ability is if someone drank your blood. Now, if you WERE a full Vampire, all you'd have to do was generate your ability and force people back into humans just as Gabriel could; that is, by his mind force alone.

"That's where it gets difficult. There are three options left."

I brace myself for it again.

"One, the easiest: Let a Vampire drink from you, or inject them with your blood manually. Both at the risk to your own health. Two, fairly credible: You have to turn into a full Vampire by ingesting your sire's blood and then dying and coming back to life. This, at the risk of your freedom. You'll have to accept to be with your sire or you'll go mad and become a Rogue."

"Then the third option," I say with a sigh. "You can't expect me to become a lab rodent."

"No, but that's the only sane option I have." Brittany was glaring now, making me a lot more uncomfortable. "My friend happens to be a very old, but proficient Witch, even Vampire Council seeks her if they want anything done. Haven't you ever wondered why Hilltown is always cloudy and lacking direct sunlight, even though the regions outside have a perfectly normal weather?"

"Actually, I have," I say with a frown. "You don't actually mean to say..."

"Yes," she smiles in triumph. "Edward sought April's help. She cast a charm on the town to protect the Vampires. She isn't a Vampire herself but she owed some kind of debt to Edward and had to do it for him when he asked. She lets it rain once or twice—or if you are lucky—thrice a year to help humans grow their crops. But that's just how it works. Her powers alone have kept Hilltown under clouds for last sixty years.

"That must tell you what I mean. She is damn powerful. And unlike Edward, she is actually my friend. When I first discovered my ability to perform spells, she helped me a lot. She's like a sister to me. And if I can trust anyone with your situation Kurt, it is her. And so, it brings us back to the third option.

"We go find April wherever in the world she is, and we beg from her to help you. She can find a way so that you'll be able to generate or trigger you ability at will, without anyone having a bite out of you. This will be risky in some ways. Namely, you might suffer the aftereffects of the spell for the rest of your life. Although, if it means you can have your ability as well as your free will, then I think this is the easiest and possible option we have right now."

Brittany leans back on the chair and garbs Santana's discarded soda, drinking it calmly, having said her piece. Blaine slides close to me takes my hand in comfort. Sebastian exchanges a look with Santana and then continues observing my reaction.

"This—this is a hard decision for me Brittany, you should know that first," I say at last after a few minutes. She nods in understanding. "But everyway I look at it, it's not likeable. I can inject Edward with my blood, but as we all know, it'll weaken me. Or, I can get fully turned. I've been having trouble being just a HALF-Vampire; imagine what will happen once I'm fully turned?! Lastly, as appealing as its sounds to get my abilities triggered by some voodoo master, it's still not comforting. Who knows what your friend will do? She could be in league with Edward. Or the council. She could just kill me with her spells. She could do something wrong and it'll all just be a big disaster."

"Those are shitty excuses, Lady Hummel," Santana says with her bitch face. "I'm not saying you should get turned here. But at least be man and take the bullet with some dignity."

"Santana," Blaine says in warning. "Please, it is his decision to make. Ultimately, it'll affect him the most. So please, keep you opinions to yourself."

I perk up. "No, Blaine. I think—I want to know. Tell me. What is your opinion about this? Which option should I choose? It might help me in coming to a resolution."

I look at Santana first and she snorts.

"In case I wasn't obvious, I want you to choose number three."

I then turn toward Brittany, and sigh. She would want me to choose option three too; she'd made it clear enough. But she surprises me.

"Pick number two, Kurt." I start to protest and she carries on. "No, listen. I know the idea of being truly one of us is repulsive to you, and yes, with Witchcraft, things can go wrong sometimes. But with your sire's help, you'll be able to take control over yourself soon enough. Look at us, we are Vampires and we do just fine. We don't have to hunt if we don't want to. And most Vampires even go for animal blood; it's disgusting but satisfies the thirst."

Sebastian and Blaine look at her as if she's crazy. Which, I think, she just might be. Crazy, but a Genius.

I then look at Sebastian. He shrugs. "Dude, it's your choice. However, if I have to pick one, I'll also pick number three. Your whole family is human, and turning full time Vampire will be a headache for you. I mean, you won't really be different anymore, would you?"

Now I turn to Blaine, meeting his trusting eyes and wait for his option. I just hope it is what I think he'd choose. Sure enough.

"I want us to stay this way, Kurt. I want you to be able to be strong, as well as free. So as much as you'd hate this, please, go for number three. There's a chance for you to back out. If whatever the Witch does isn't to your liking, you can always say no. But the other two options are too absolute for my taste."

I swiftly kiss his cheek and smile. Blaine's reasoning has cleared a lot up for me. Still, I have to voice my own conclusions.

"How about I go for option four?"

Everyone is confused. But Brittany speaks first. "I don't think there's another option, Kurt..."

"Yes, there is."

I meet Blaine's eyes again. And at once, his face turns painful, like he's already gotten it figured out.

"Yes. I want Edward to drink from me. Once he's turned to human, everyone else will also be. And then there are no more worries. We will be able to involve outside authorities and charge them with crimes on a human level..."

But Blaine's eyes are overflowing in tears and he stubbornly shakes is head. "No...no...no..."

"Please, BLAINE....I HAVE to...."

"NO!" he yells, backing away from my hands. "NEVER! I can't let you go ahead and sacrifice yourself like a helpless lamb! I trained you to FIGHT—not to—not because you can go and do something like this! I can't accept this....JUST, NO!"

My own eyes are starting to leak. I know he is mad because of his love for me. And if this is his reaction—it's easy enough to see what it'll do to him once I die. Because lets face it, the only outcomes of this will be a) Edward becoming a human and b) me dying.

I sniff back my sobs. Why does he love me so much? What did I ever do to deserve so much love from someone so beautiful and pure?

When I held open my arms, he willingly crashes into me and buries his tear-wet face against my neck. I hold on to him as he cries. And I look over at Sebastian.

"Option Three it is. Can you let my Dad know?"

Sebastian nods and gets up. "I'll have to step outside. There are no signals down here."

Brittany and Santana also move toward the other end of the underground room. Giving us privacy.

I burry my face in Blaine's untamed curls and I sob as well.

Really—now that I think on it, I just have gotten Blaine in my life. We've only started dating openly a while. However, as noble my motives sounded, they are also selfish. To be a sacrifice in order to flee from unnecessary struggle and pain, leaving my loved ones to mourn my loss, is an act of cowardice. I'll not be a martyr, but a coward. And I feel ashamed, having even entertained such a notion.

"I'm sorry, Blaine," I whisper to him. "I'm stupid, I know. I won't ever do anything like this, I promise."

"You better not," he mumbles against my neck. "Or I'll—I'll tie you in chains and keep you with me forever, never letting you out of my sight for second, you hear me!"

I choke in laughter. "I love you too..."

"And then parade you all over the town and announce to the entire world that there is no way you are ever leaving me or anyone is ever taking you away from me! I'll kill anyone who objects...I'll..." His sobs catch up to him and I laugh some more.

"I know, my love," I tell him. "I'll do the same in your place..."

I kiss his hair again and again, inhaling his delicious scent. I can't believe I even considered leaving this life that is so beautiful. It's beautiful only because of the very boy who is in my arms right now, clutching at me so tightly as if I'm his lifeline. Truth is, he is mine too. He's my rock, an anchor. And if it wasn't for him, I'd have floated away long ago.

XXXXX

Sebastian's first sign was the unusual chill in the air. He had stepped out and gone just a few yards away from the Cabin.

Even as he took out his phone, he knew there was something really wrong. It was just his sixth sense, or maybe his innate Vampire, alerting him of the imminent danger.

However, he put it all back and called Burt. It looked like they'd have to leave in search of April Rhodes soon and Kurt might not have a chance to say goodbye even. So he wanted to assure the man that everything will be fine, and to hold the fort while they searched for a useful solution.

But when Burt spoke, his voice was laced with unusual agitation. Unusual, because Sebastian hasn't heard Burt lost his calm ever. Ever.

"Thank god, Sebastian!" Burt all but yelled, picking up at the first ring. "I've been trying to get to you guys for ages! WHERE'S KURT?"

"Calm down, Burt. He's with me. Blaine also, with Brittany and Santana. Just what happened...?"

"It's Edward, he's...he's attacked us..."

Sebastian felt the earth shake for a minute. "W-WHAT?"

"I was going crazy with worry, thinking he had Kurt...He used Kurt as bait, Sebastian. He actually said Kurt was dead. And everyone lost hope like falling leaves..."

Now that he knew it, Sebastian distinctly heard the commotion and chaos in the background through the phone. "No, it's a bluff. He's safe, he's here..."

"I know—I just—when I first heard it..." Burt's voice went slightly calm. "Look, I need you to take care of him. Leave everything to me, OK. Edward still doesn't know that his bluff is not going to be effective with us, so let's just use this to our advantage."

"What do you suggest?"

"You are sure the Cabin is safe?" Burt asked urgently, there was shouting in the background. A crash of shattering glass. "Tell me!"

"Yes, it is...But..."

"STAY THERE! DON'T COME OUT! KEEP KURT SAFE!"

"BURT, LISTEN," Sebastian had to yell as well, there was a lot gun-shots going on in Burt's side. "I THINK WE SHOULD LEAVE TOWN. THE FIVE OF US! IT'S SAFER..."

While Sebastian knew he should explain further, he also realized there wasn't much time.

"LOOK, WE THINK WE CAN FIND HELP FROM SOMEWHERE—BRITTANY CAME UP WITH THIS PLAN AND WE WANT TO TRY IT OUT! REST ASSURED, WE ARE DOING SOMETHING IMPORTANT...SO..."

"CAN YOU MANAGE IT?' Burt demanded. "CAN YOU LEAVE TOWN SAFELY AND GO INTO HIDING...?"

"YES!"

"AND KEEP KURT SAFE AS WELL...? AND FIND HELP...?"

"YES, I CAN..."

There was a sudden hush, and Burt whispered. "They've breached the Tavern. I have to go. Do what you must...and tell Kurt I love—"

The line went silent.