Blood and Ice Ch. 22

Chapter Twenty Two: The Final Battle Part Two

I felt my wings spring forth I felt them flex and settle. They had grown. They were slightly bigger than father's but my wings were completely grey.

I heard Gabriel gasp. "That's not possible! You can't shift!"

"Oh, but I can Gabriel!" I said as I jumped into the air.

I grabbed Gabriel and threw him through the stained glass window. It gave a resounding smash as he went through. He landed just in front of father. Moments later he was again flying. I flew after him and drew the sword of shadows. I was ready to finish him off, but he could fly extremely rapidly and it was difficult to catch him. We flew away from the cathedral. Father had joined me in the air next to me.

"Alexandria, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. But you need to go back down. This is between me and him. You can't get in the way, and you can't stop me father."

He nodded. "I will not stop you. I know it has to be done. I will go back to the mountain top and bring everyone with me." he kissed me on the forehead. "Just come back to me Alexandria!"

"I will father!" I flew after Gabriel.

I felt sorry for my father. I don't know what I would do if I was in his position.

Gabriel had circled around so that we were again near the white cathedral. Gabriel turned to face me.

"So, Gabriel, you're not running now you coward."

"You can't defeat me! I'm one of the true immortals!"

"As am I Gabriel, and I will kill you!"

I drew the sword of shadows. Gabriel lunged at me and threw me through a window in the cathedral. It smashed around me, the glass cutting into my wings and face. I could feel the blood run down my face.

Father came running into the cathedral. I jumped into the air and sped out of the cathedral and as high as I could into the air. Gabriel followed me closely. I pulled up and waited for him. When he drew level with me I plunged the sword deep into him. It only wounded him.

He backed off. I conjured a fire in the palm of my hands only this time I felt deep and pulled the entire fire out of my body and thrust it towards Gabriel he tried to fly out of the way but I caught him and singed his wings

"what's wrong Gabriel you didn't know about my powers?" I said

He was starting to get worried. I called on the shadow and thrust him out of the window with a resounding smash.

I jumped into the air and out of the window after him we were locked in a very close and mean duel. I couldn't find a weakness in his sword we flew and fought at the same time Gabriel threw me threw an other window I was getting sick of the glass cutting into my face and wings.

I could feel blood run down my face it was time to finish this once and for all for once we would have peace and peter and I finally get married and maybe even start a family of our own I smiled at that thought.

"have you realised that your finished?" he smiled

"the only one that will be finished is you" I said

"your arrogance is your downfall" he said

"your incompetence is yours" I said it was time I jumped into the air as I had been standing in the middle of the throne room I flew out of one of the smashed windows grazing my wings as I went Gabriel was hot on my tail I spun in the air to face him I could see him gathering a white power in his hand.

I did the same only it was black and I aimed for the wound I had given him with the sword. Our blasts hit at the same time. Gabriel was sent hurtling to the ground. Later they told me that he was dead before he hit the ground. His body was smashed into the stone on which he had been born.

His blood was splattered all over the snow and ice that laid around the grounds of his birth. His death blast sent me hurtling to the ground. The last thing I remember was the smash of glass and some sort of alarm before I blacked out.

When I awoke I realised that I had landed on a car windscreen and that one of my wings was broken from the fall. I looked around and I didn't recognise the street but I knew I had to get out of sight.

I tried to pull my wings in but it was no use the broken one wouldn't move. As the owners of the car started to come out to see the damage I had done to there front screen I just managed to get under the cover of some bushes. I knew they would phone the police so I ran, trying to keep objects between me and other people.

I saw the name of a street. It was close to James' work! I was in luck. I headed to his work hoping that he was there. I looked in the lab window and saw him; but he was with other people so I waited until he was alone. It was getting late and the sun had set. It was pitch dark when I snuck into his lab.

I wasn't sure how he would react to my wings so I crept up behind him, put my hand over his mouth, and whispered in his ear.

"James it's me I'm in big trouble and I need your help. When you turn around please don't freak out! It's still me okay?"

He nodded. He knew who I was. I let him go and he turned around. His eyes grew wide with shock.

"Lex! What happened? You're covered in blood."

"I killed Gabriel, but the blast sent me back here. I smashed someone's car window and broke my wing so I can't fly. I can't get in touch with my father, so I need your help."

"Of course we'll help you, Lex. We knew about your father but we weren't sure if you could change or not. First things first. We need to get you home and cleaned up!"

I nodded. He bundled me into his car, being careful of my broken wing. I lay down in the back seat. James covered me with a blanket and drove me to his house.

He carried me into the living room. Then he went into the kitchen and came back with a very worried Sarah. They cleaned my wounds and did their best to splint and reinforce my wing. I could move the wing well enough to fly.

It hurt, and I couldn't fly very fast, but I could fly. I really needed to be able to fly to reach father.

"Thank you for your help. I need to go back to my father." I said.

"He will probably be at your grandfather's Lex." James said. I looked at him and I finally understood exactly what was going on.

I just nodded and went out side to take off.

I very slowly flew to the castle grounds and made the jump. I just barely made it, but I did make it. I landed on the landing strip. Father and grandfather came out.

"Alexandria are you okay? What happened to your wing?" I was fired a hundred questions. I had the same number of questions for them.

"Can we go inside and talk? I need to ask a few questions!"

They looked at each other and followed me inside to the throne room. Father looked at me.

"Are you okay Alexandria?"

"I'm tired, sore, shaken up, and sick of being lied to!"

Grandfather looked at father, then at me.

"We don't know what your talking about Alexandria." father said.

Father and grandfather sat down, but I was so upset I couldn't!

The truth was going to come out one way or the other.

"Really? Well we will see. Now, is Gabriel dead?"

"Yes he is. He is completely and fully dead. We made sure of it." father said.

I was so angry that I started to pace up and down, flexing my wings.

"So, when were you going to tell me who Gabriel really was?"

"You know who he was. He was the leader of the light raiders." father said.

"Is that all?"

"Alexandria what are you getting at?" grandfather asked.

"So were you ever going to tell me that Gabriel was your brother, father?"

Father went white.

"How did you find that out?" grandfather asked. Father was in shock, and speechless.

"On his birth place was our family tree. Under your name there were two names a third is marked but not named. The two names are Lucifer and Gabriel." I said.

"Yes, Gabriel was my brother. That's why I could never kill him and why he never killed me. It's against the laws of nature! If you strike your next blood relative you will be cursed." father said.

"And yet, you let me kill him! Why?!" I shouted at him.

"Because you were the only one that could! You aren't a direct blood relative of his, and you're the master of the shadows." grandfather said.

"Wait, did you said that there was a third name on that stone?" father asked.

"No, there was no name. There was just the date of birth of a third child. You didn't know?" I said.

Father spoke, "No! I honestly didn't know. Did you father?"

"I knew there was a third child, I don't know who it is as your mother was pregnant when we were attacked and she fled. All I heard is that she died giving birth. I know she carved the date of birth but no name. I have tried to find the child but I never did. As light raiders took the child before we could get to it I don't even know if it was a boy or girl" grandfather said.

"Do you have any idea who it is?" father said.

"I do" a voice came from behind us. We all turned around to see who was there. The voice belonged to James!

"James what are you doing here? How did you get here?" I asked.

"Simple. I was the child that mother died giving birth to." he walked over to grandfather and handed him something.

Grandfather burst into tears when he saw what James handed him.

"As for how I got here", James opened his black wings; "I flew. I didn't know the way but Lex couldn't fly rapidly. When she made the jump I simply followed her. I've stayed in the shadows to try to understand what was going on."

Father asked, "You've been looking after my daughter all this time and you were my brother?"

"Yes when I found out who I was, when I approached the castle it under attack. I couldn't let her grow up with strangers. She is my niece and it was the least I could do. I couldn't help you but I knew she would" James said.

Father hugged him. I was still in shock. James was my uncle! Grandfather came over and hugged James and cried into his shoulder.

Father led me to a quiet spot just outside the throne room. "Alexandria, I hope you don't hold it against me for not telling you about Gabriel. I thought if you knew you would never kill him."

I looked at my father. "Father, when I said I would do anything for you and that my loyalty is with you, I meant it! When I killed Gabriel I knew who he was! I still killed him because I knew you wanted him dead."

"You knew?"

"Remember when I said I would talk to you later about something just before I killed him? That's what I needed to talk to you about."

Father pulled me into a tight hug. I screamed in pain.

"What, what's wrong?" father asked.

"One of my wings is broken, and you just squeezed it!" I said wincing in pain.

"Oh, sorry!" father said as we went back into the throne room.

We all sat down and had something to eat.

"Tell me James, does Sarah know who you are?" I asked.

"Yes she does and she doesn't mind. She nearly spilled the beans a good few times with you." he said.

"Who's Sarah?" grandfather asked.

"My wife father. If you would like I will bring her here to meet you." James said.

"I have a better idea! Why don't you bring her to my wedding as am sure grandfather will be coming."

"I certainly will Alexandria." grandfather said.

"I think that would be best Lucifer. If you don't mind, would you help me with the jump? I followed Alexandria in and I can't get back on my own. If I don't go home Sarah will be up the walls!"

All the men laughed! When it was time to leave I clung onto father as he didn't want me to fly and risk further damage to my broken wing. Father made the jump in the air with James flying close to us. James went straight to his and Sarah's. Father had insisted that they should move into the castle. I was very pleased with that!

Father landed at the front entrance to the castle. Mother came running down and nearly toppled me over. Father pulled her off me and explained that my wing was broken. Mother wanted me to go to bed, but I was having none of it.

"Father, please convene the council and get two guards to bring up Peter up from the dungeons."

Father nodded. I went to the council hall. Damien was the first to arrive. He hugged me, "Oh Lex, I'm so glad you're okay. When we didn't see you after the blast we were so worried!" he said.

"I'm fine Damien, I just have a broken wing and some scratches."

The rest of the council appeared as did father. Peter was brought in by Drake and Alexander. Father sat next to me. Peter stood facing us.

"As you know Peter, you were arrested and my daughter will explain why." father said.

I looked at Peter. He looked at my hand and saw that I was still wearing the ring he gave me.

"Peter the reason I had my father arrest you is that I had a vision that you would be killed if you went with us. If you had died, Gabriel would have won and I would have been killed. I had to make sure you didn't come with us and the only solution was to have you put in prison." I said.

He looked at me. "You arrested me to save me?"

"Yes Peter because I love you and I don't want to loose you!"

"Is the wedding still on?"

I got up and went over to him. I undid the handcuffs and kissed him. "Of course it is! Although you will need a shower."

He started to cry and he held me tight. "Peter let go of me!" I said.

"Why, what's wrong?"

"Broken wing!" I said.

"Oh, sorry Lex!"

"Back to business! I have a lot to tell you." father said. He explained about Gabriel, James and Sarah. He put James on the council for protecting me all those years.

After the council meeting, I held onto Peters hand as we went back to my room. He showered , shaved, and generally cleaned up. While he was doing that, father had sent a medic to see to my wing. They strapped it up properly so that it would heal in the correct position.

This new splinting also meant I could tuck my wings in, for which I was grateful. Peter and I went down to the main hall for the celebrations that followed. I never let go of Peters hand all night! The parties went on for three or four days.

My wing healed slowly. Father said the slowness was due to the fact that my wings were still growing.

After I fully healed I was busy with my Mother and Sarah getting ready for my wedding. There was only a day to go and I was having the final fitting for my wedding dress when father walked in.

"My god Alexandria, you look amazing!"

"You better not tell Peter. You know it's bad luck!" mother shouted at him.

"Don't worry Melissa. I was just wondering if Alexandria would come out for a fly around the grounds."

"Yes, please father."

I was glad to get away from the madness that was inherent in the planning of my wedding. I loved my mother, but she drove me crazy at times.

We took off from the landing ledge that father had built. I followed him. I didn't realise he was leading me to where Gabriel fell and died. I landed next to father.

"Why did you bring me here father?"

"For two reasons. One, being here we won't be disturbed. And two, I need to explain what happened to Gabriel."

I nodded. I had been curious about this but hadn't asked.

Father took a deep breath. "Gabriel and I were twins. We were so close. He was my best friend while we were growing up. You could never separate us you. In fact, we were so like each other, you could barely tell us apart.

We were alike even when it came to the type of woman we would fall in love with. The woman I fell in love with is your mother. Gabriel also loved your mother, deeply. It almost killed him when your mother chose me and not him. He became jealous and tried to spilt us up. But he got over it and took a wife of his own. But, he couldn't have children.

When your mother became pregnant, with you, he was beside himself with jealousy! Out of spite he betrayed me by joining the light raiders He told them how to get into the castle. He told them where the weak points of the castle were. He was blooded as one of them, and he rose to a position of power. He lead the attack against the castle.

Then, when you returned to us, he tried desperately to kill you. You were so strong and wise that no matter what he did, you stopped him! I am so proud of you!

Tomorrow, when I walk you down that aisle, I know that you made the right decision to marry Peter!"

I sat down next to father.

"There's one thing I don't understand. Gabriel had a brother and father who were light raiders!"

"He was adopted into their family and became one of them."

I looked at father. "I don't blame you for not telling me. I know that I would have killed him either way as he had to be stopped. I'm so glad I found out who I really was.", I said looking into his eyes.

Father said, "Come, let's go home."

I nodded and took flight after my father. I was so excited that I was marrying Peter in the next day! I hardly slept that night.

In the morning mother and Sarah woke me up. I got washed and dressed in my wedding gown. It was white silk with gold around the waist and bust. It had a long train. I was just putting on the mother's necklace that father had given me when father came in.

"Here, let me!" he said, as he helped me with the catch.

When I turned around he said, "You look amazing Alexandria!" as he lowered the veil. "Let's go, Peter is waiting for you!"

He took me by the hand and led me down to where we were having the ceremony. It was to be out in the sacrifice hall as father explained that we had all of our important ceremonies there. The council had lined the path to the hall all of them were carrying torches as it was starting to get dark. They followed us into the hall.

I saw Peter standing at the top of the hall, speaking to his father. He was dressed very well in a suit and tie. His father nodded at and Peter turned around. I heard his breath catch in his throat. Father kissed me on the forehead and said, "I'm so proud of you. I wish you a lifetime of happiness with Peter!" Then father took his place next to mother, James, Sarah, grandfather and Michael.

The wedding was quick, or so it seemed. We made our vows, exchanged the rings, and then Peter lifted the veil and kissed me. I could hardly believe it! I was married to Peter! I thought I was going to faint with happiness.

The party lasted all night, although Peter and I didn't stay for the whole party. After all, we had other business to attend to. The next morning I woke up in Peter's arms.

"Good morning, my beautiful wife!"

I turned to him. "Good morning, my wonderful husband!" I said with a giggle.

There was a knock at the door. We covered up and said, "enter!".

Father stepped into the room. "Peter, could I possibly have a few minutes with my daughter please?"

Peter nodded, gave me a quick kiss and left the room.

"What's wrong?"

He sat down on the bed and took my hand. I knew there was something wrong. "I'm not sure just how to tell you this. You must know that your mother and I still, and always will, love you no matter what. I need you to understand that Alexandria!"

"Father, you're scaring me. What's going on?"

Almost bursting into tears father said, "Your mother's pregnant!".

I nearly hit the roof with excitement. "Oh my god, are you sure? How far along is she? Do you know if it a boy or girl?" I started hitting him with a million questions all at once.

With a startled look father said, "Wait! Your okay with this?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" I said grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Well, I just thought that you might think that were trying to replace you, which we're not."

"Father, look I'm so, so happy! I'm getting a little brother or sister. How could I not be happy?"

Father smiled and hugged me. "We were so worried that you would take the news badly. We didn't want to upset you!"

"Upset me? I love the idea of having a brother or sister. How long has she been pregnant?"