Dead & Lost: Final Return To Freedom

An Incident At Hoia-Baciu

"Wake up Henry". Josiah said.

Henry was lying on the ground, unconscious. Both of them fought with John and finally, killed him. But Henry was injured. He fell unconscious.

Quite a long time elapsed when:

Henry came back to his senses."Josiah?". He opened his eyes slowly.

"Henry". Josiah moved closer to him. "Thanks God you're okay".

Henry sat up and looked around. "Ryan and Michael!". He exclaimed.

"One of the werewolves is following them". Josiah said. "Come on let's go for help".

Henry nodded and stood up. He looked back. John was lying there, dead. His body was ripped in pieces. Blood was spread on the ground.

"John!". Henry felt sorry.

"He was your enemy". Josiah patted on Henry's chest.

"But he used to be a good friend of mine..".

"When you were human". Josiah added. "Vampires and Werewolves can never be friends".

Henry looked at Josiah and nodded.

"Now let's go to Michael and Ryan". Josiah continued.

Both of them ran towards left to save Ryan and Michael.

"Ryan! Stop! I-I can't run further". Michael stood with a tree's support.

"Come on! He's still following us". Ryan said.

"I'm losing_ my breath". Michael stooped.

"Henry should be here now". Ryan looked around. "There's nothing we can do".

"We can do one thing..". An idea popped in Michael's mind.

"What?". Ryan asked.

"Werewolves are afraid of metal". Michael replied.

"Who told you?". Ryan was unsatisfied.

"I and Rosie had a research project related to Werewolves. We read it". Michael told.

"Fine". Ryan looked around. "What metal do we have?".

"A dagger". Michael said.

"A What?". Ryan asked.

"My Dagger... It's in your bag".

"Hmm". Ryan took off his bag and took out the dagger. "Why actually do you have a dagger?".

"For circumstances like these". Michael shrugged.

"Oh wow". Ryan tightened his grip around the dagger.

"I smell wolfsbane here somewhere". Michael said.

"Wolfsbane?". Ryan was confused.

"Werewolves are afraid of it as well. It's a purple coloured flower". Michael said in one breath.

Meanwhile, the werewolf came nearer to them.

"He's here". Ryan screamed.

"Come on! Let's go left". Michael grabbed Ryan's hand and ran.

Jaxon and William too, were running from a werewolf.

"Can't we fight?". William asked.

"You can't fight William. I have to find a place to hide you first". Jaxon replied.

He found a cellar. "Got it!". He exclaimed in happiness. He ran towards the cellar and opened it's door.

"A cellar! In the forest! Are you serious?". William laughed.

"I, Henry and Josiah digged it last summer. Hop in and lock the door from inside. Don't come out". Jaxon instructed. William obeyed and went in.

Ryan and Michael finally found the flower called Wolfsbane. They went closer to it. The werewolf, instead of moving forwards, started stepping back. "Maybe another time". He said.

"Not so fast Mister". Henry and Josiah arrived. They jumped on the werewolf together and ripped it off in seconds.

"GO TO HELL BLOODY BASTARD". Henry laughed victoriously.

Josiah and Henry came nearer to Ryan and Michael.

"Are you guys alright?". Josiah asked.

"Yes we are". Ryan replied.

Henry looked back at the flower.

"So you people knew that Werewolves are scared of Wolfsbane". He said.

"And Metal as well". Josiah added looking at Ryan's hand which held the dagger.

"Umm.. yes! It was all Michael's idea". Ryan laughed.

"For the first time in my life, I find my 21 years studies helpful". Michael said.

"Studies never go wasted". Henry smiled.

"If you're here, where's Asher, Josiah?". Ryan asked.

"And Rosie? What about her?". Michael asked.

"They're alright. Don't worry". Henry consoled.

"Let's catch Jaxon and go to them". Josiah said and turned to go.

Jaxon fought with the werewolf and like others, killed him.

William was in the cellar trying to figure out the sounds coming from outside.

Someone from outside knocked at the cellar. William kept quiet.

"Hey! William open up it's me, Jaxon". Somebody said.

William recognized the voice and opened the cellar.

"Jaxon". He hoped out.

"I won William". Jaxon laughed.

"I already knew it". William hugged him.

"Hey JAX!". Josiah shouted from a distance. Ryan, Michael and Henry were along with him as well.

"Josiah". Jaxon said as they came nearer.

"What's up?". Josiah asked.

"I was attacked by a werewolf. You people were also attacked, Right?". Jaxon said.

"Yep". Henry nodded.

"Where's my sister?". William looked around. "And Asher? Where are they?".

Everyone looked at Josiah.

"I told them to stay right over there.. don't worry. They're alright". Josiah said.

"Hmm". Jaxon nodded. "Let's go to them".

"Asher!". Rosie said while walking behind Asher. "Listen to me".

Asher didn't replied and kept on walking quietly.

"Are you trying to avenge yourself?". Rosie asked angrily.

"Huh". Asher smirked. "Why would I like to avenge myself from a GIRL?". He said and suddenly threw his bag on the ground. "Oh God!". He screamed in pain and collapsed. He fell down on his knees with his hand on his chest.

"Asher! Are you alright?". Rosie sat down. She was surprised to see Asher's face.

"ASHER! You_ You have... turned white!". She exclaimed.

"What do you mean? Why?". Asher asked.

"How would I know?". Rosie said. "Maybe because of that werewolf. Oh Goodness! They'll leave their scars forever".

"How do you know?". Asher asked.

"I read it". Rosie replied. She looked around and found a big tree with a wide trunk. "Come on let's go over there".

"We have to keep on going Rosie". Asher said.

"We are already too far away Asher. You should better rest". Rosie objected and helped Asher crawl to the tree trunk.

"There. Lemme have a look". Rosie said and touched Asher's wounds.

"Ahh! It hurts". Asher screamed and slapped her hand back.

"What-Asher! Don't be silly. Let me see. Your wounds are bleeding we should dress them as soon as possible". Rosie said.

"Don't". Asher cried. "I'm fine. Don't touch me".

"Shut up. You are losing your blood. And do you know what it means? You'll DIE, leaving your brother alone". Rosie scared Asher.

Asher thought for a while.

"Alright. There's a first aid kit in my backpack. Take it out". He said.

Rosie obeyed and took the first aid kit out of the bag. She pulled out a bandage and some cotton.

"Roll it roughly". Asher said.

"Let-me-dress it properly". Rosie looked angrily at Asher.

"Alright go on". Asher failed.

"Hmm". Rosie smirked. She started undoing his shirt's buttons.

"Hey! What are you doing?". Asher said.

"Obviously I won't put the bandage on the SHIRT!". Rosie exclaimed.

"Oh God". Asher sat up straight.

Rosie undid the buttons and cleaned the blood.

"Look at you! You are sweating in this cold weather". Rosie said.

"You shouldn't care". Asher looked away.

"Hey! hey!hey!". Someone said from the back. "What are you guys doing".

Rosie looked back. It was Jaxon with rest of the group.

She stood up.

"Rosie". William moved at his sister. "Are you alright?". He asked.

"Yes bro". Rosie smiled.

"Bro!". Ryan ran to Asher.

"Ryan".

"What happened bro?". Ryan asked.

"Nothing... Just a minor injury". Asher smiled.

"Lemme see Ryan". Jaxon moved closer to Asher.

"What is this?". Henry leaned to see his wounds.

"A werewolf attacked him". Rosie told the Vampires.

"How?". William asked.

"He said it's his area, he doesn't want to see anyone else here and he also knew Jaxon". Rosie replied.

"The one lying over there?". Michael asked.

Rosie nodded.

"How did you fought?". Josiah asked.

"I told him that we don't know who Jaxon is, and that we are tourists". Asher said.

"Hmm". Jaxon nodded. "And then you shot him with your pistol".

"Yes_ ahh!". Asher exclaimed. "It's hurting Jaxon".

"Wait Asher". Josiah said. "My elixir will help heal faster".

"Where is it?". Jaxon looked up at Josiah.

"Umm.. in the_ cellar". Josiah said.

"Go and bring it hurry up. He's losing his breath". Jaxon said.

"Okay". Josiah nodded and disappeared in seconds.

"Alright Asher... Stay patient". Henry rubbed Asher's palm because he was becoming cold as he losed a lot of blood.

Few Moments Later:

"So, Great Josiah is here". Josiah came back.

Jaxon looked back at him.

"Bring it_ hurry up". Jaxon said.

Josiah went closer to Asher and took out a glass bottle. It had a light-blue coloured elixir in it. He took off it's cork and poured some of it out on a piece of cotton.

Jaxon took the cotton and put it on the wounds.

"Ahh! Jesus!". Asher cried in pain.

"eeasy boy". Jaxon said.

"He should better take some rest". Henry advised.

"Right". Josiah agreed with Henry. "We should take him back home".

"Yeah". Jaxon nodded. "You should go with him and... Take_ Ry- no, Rosie with you. She can take care of him".

"Me?". Rosie was surprised.

"Yes". Jaxon said.

"But-". Rosie was cut off my William.

"Jaxon's right Rosie. You're a Girl. You can take care of him". William said.

"Girls are always a good Nurse. Haha". Michael laughed.

"O-Okay". Rosie looked down.

Jaxon and Josiah looked at each other and smiled.

"Okay". Henry got up. "Let's not waste more time. Take him".

Josiah lifted Asher up. He was unconscious now. The elixir healed all the wounds in seconds but as Rosie said before, the scars were left behind.

"Let's go Rosie". Josiah said. "Pick his bag up... Jaxon! Henry! See you later".

Henry and Jaxon nodded.

"Take care". Ryan said. "Can I come too?".

"No! I mean I need you here". Jaxon said.

"A-Alright". Ryan hesitated to insist. "Rosie! Take good care of him, I'm counting on you".

"Don't worry Ryan". Josiah smirked. "He's our responsibility now".

Rosie picked the bag up and went away with Josiah.

"Alright". After putting Asher to bed, Josiah inhaled deeply.

"He is hot". said Rosie.

"Indeed he is". Josiah grinned.

"He is hot in fever". Rosie spoke inanely.

"Oh!". Josiah snickered. "Sorry".

"What will you do next?". She asked.

"I'll check out his wounds." Josiah responded. "Please unbutton his shirt".

"Sure". Rosie sat next to Asher on the bed.

"I'll be back".Josiah left the room.

Rosie watched Asher while unbuttoning his shirt. He appeared adorable. She softly stroked his cheek before putting her palm down on his blood-stained neck. "Asher, you're quite courageous". She mumbled.

She slowly removed his shirt and used a piece of towel to wipe up the blood from his chest.

Few Moments Later:

"I am back". Josiah returned carrying a first-aid kit. Rosie got up. "Thank you, girl".

"That potion was MAGICAL." said Rosie. "In a matter of seconds, it healed his wounds".

"Yeah". Josiah nodded. "Chester, a vampire, is the one who makes it. Vampires are likely to sustain minor injuries during conflicts with monsters and werewolves. All vampires possess it. It instantly heals wounds ".

"Hmm". Rosie smiled.

"Asher is a brave man". The remaining blood on Asher's chest was wiped up by Josiah. "He battled valiantly". He remarked, tossing the towel covered in blood into the trash. "God! He's feverish".

"Should we take him to the hospital?". asked Rosie. "I'm worried he'll worsen."

"No". Josiah gave a head shake. "We can't take him to the hospital. I will take care of him on my own. Yet, yes! One thing is possible; You can locate a medication to treat his fever". He said.

"I'll go and bring it". Rosie stated.

"Sure". Josiah nodded. "Come back soon".

"Don't worry. I went to the market with Ryan once. I know where the pharmacy is". She said and went out.

Following Henry and Jaxon, William, Michael, and Ryan hoped in the cellar.

It was a cavern. There was a book shelf with various books on it. They appeared to be very old. Some empty blood bags lying in a corner.

"What is the purpose of these books?" . Ryan queried.

"They tell the story of our past." Jaxon answered.

"History". Ryan gave a nod.

"Where's Ethan?". Looking around, Michael enquired.

"In here". Henry said after unlocking a door.

"Come on in, guys". They were led into the room by Jaxon.

Things were lying all over the place, and there was blood everywhere. The ground was covered in clothes that appeared to have been torn apart.

A person was lying in a corner. An old man with wrinkled skin and white hair. The room resonated with his breath.

"He's Ethan Wells". Jaxon told William. "The unexpected progress of Vampires. He changed the history in 02 years of being a Vampire, Fletcher's Heir".

"Wow". Michael said.

Jaxon had tears in his eyes. He ran at Ethan and sat down, putting his head on his lap. "Ethan". He whispered slowly in his ears.

Ethan slowly opened his eyes. He swallowed. "Jax?". He narrowed his glance.

"I'm here Ethan". Jaxon started sobbing. "I'm here".

"Thank goodness you're back. I thought you're fed up of helping me". Ethan smiled. His voice was more like an old guy.

"I can't get fed up of you Buddy. You're the part of my soul". Jaxon said.

"Where were you then? These whole long years?". Ethan asked.

"I was searching for your powers". Jaxon replied. "Everytime I got closer to finding them, Fletcher changed their places again".

"Father?". Ethan said. "How can he do this?".

"He loved his wife, you know very well". Jaxon smiled caressing Ethan's palm.

"Didn't he loved me?". Ethan said.

"He did. He longs for you & now, he can't long for you anymore. Monsters are becoming stronger. He told me that he won't change the places again and will this time, allow me to finally find them. He wants you to fight them". Jaxon explained.

"How'll you get them?". Ethan enquired.

"I'll get them by the help of them". Jaxon pointed at William, Michael and Ryan.

Ethan looked at them.

"Hi". Michael waved at him.

Ethan chuckled at Michael's stupid gesture . "Who are they?".

"They're from America. William lost his daughter. She's with the monsters. They'll help us in stealing your powers". Jaxon replied.

"Isn't that dangerous". Ethan knew it was quite difficult.

"No it isn't Ethan. You should now prepare for getting out of this hell. After all, you have to fulfill the prophecy made in the Monster Bible.

"Sure". Ethan smiled. "Love you Jax".

"Love you too buddy". Jaxon kissed on Ethan's forehead.

"I'm hungry. Where's Josiah?". Ethan was longing for blood.

"He'll be here". Jaxon said.

Rosie asked the cab driver to stop in front of the pharmacy. She paid off the money and got out of the car.

Looking at the pharmacy, she sighed.

The pharmacy door opened. Rosie entered, looking around. There were a few people standing in the pharmacy. The pharmacist greeted her. "buna ziua". He smiled.

Rosie wasn't sure what he said but she thought he said welcome or hello so she grinned and nodded without uttering anything from her mouth. She went directly to him and took out her phone. She gestured him to read what was written. It was "Can you help me in getting a medicine for high fever?" Translated in Romanian.

The pharmacist nodded and said. "You don't need to translate. I know English". He smiled.

Rosie's half of the stress faded away. "Thank you. Can you get me the medicine?". She asked.

"Sure". The pharmacist said and moved towards the medicines.

Meanwhile, Rosie got a call from Josiah.

She picked it up saying; "Hey Josiah!".

A guy standing at a corner in the pharmacy suddenly turned to look at her.

"Hi Rosie! Did you got the medicine?". He asked.

"I did". Rosie replied. "I'm on my way back".

"Good". Josiah said. "Please hurry up I have to go steal blood bags for Ethan".

"Why? I mean you steal the blood bags at night. Don't you?". Rosie asked in a low voice.

"He's curse is slowed down right now. When the curse is slowed down, his crave for blood rises". Josiah told her.

"Fine". Rosie replied. "Just a few minutes".

"Okay". Josiah said and hanged the call up.

Rosie pushed the phone away from her ear and looked up. The guy who was listening to her, turned to mind his own business.

Rosie turned towards the counter. "Here's your medicine Ma'am". The pharmacist said.

"Thank you". She grinned and took out some money from her purse. "Here". She placed it on the counter and picked the bottle of medicine up.

"It's too much". The pharmacist counted money.

"Keep it". Rosie said in a hurry placing the bottle in her purse gently.

"Thank you Ma'am. Enjoy your day". The pharmacist said.

Rosie nodded and hurried towards the door.

Rosie stopped a cab and hurriedly sat in it, guiding the driver back to Asher's place.

She had gone to buy the medicine but unfortunately, she was about to face a trouble soon.

Why would someone random listen to her call so attentively?