Vigilante of Shadows (Chapter Thirteen)

Aodhan stared across at the scared police officer, tied up on his back seat. He hadn't really wanted to go that far, but he reckoned it was better than trying to contend with her useless attacks while driving. Also, it had actually hurt like hell when she did that. It may have healed up well, but anymore like that, and his body wouldn't heal so well if she kept doing it. 1

As he stared into the night, still steadily driving along, he thought about what he should tell her. There didn't really seem much point to keeping anything secret from her anymore, and he could hear all of her thoughts, distracting him occasionally.2

What the hell have I just seen? Am I going insane? I really can't have just that, it isn't possible!...3

Finally, he pulled over on the side of the road, closing his eyes for a second, gripping the wheel tightly. Aodhan could hears Arianwen's heartbeat speeding up, panicking. She must have thought he was stopping to harm her in some way. Turning back, he said, "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you." 4

It did nothing to calm her.5

He turned completely in his seat, so he was facing the passenger window, and looked down at Arianwen. His eyes were still black and cold, but his horns had receded somewhat. "Arianwen, do you want to know what I am?" he whispered, his voice lowering to try and soothe her. He hadn't gagged her, so she could still talk.6

She trembled, and whispered in reply, "I...don't know. I-I don't know. Am I crazy?"7

Aodhan smiled slightly, and shook his head, his soft black hair falling in front of his face. "Nae, lass, yer' no' going crazy. I'm..." he paused, the secret he had kept for over seven-hundred years a difficult one to let go. "I'm...a demon, lass."8

For a second, Arianwen gazed at him, mouth open in surprise. Then she began laughing, a wild, manic, panicky laugh. As she ceased laughing, she looked back up at him, her grey eyes filled with worry. "Oh, I am losing it. There is no such thing as a demon."9

"I wish." Aodhan said, turning back in his seat, facing the darkened road again. He decided he would just let her get more used to the idea. There was no food way to tell someone that you were a supernatural creature, and he had certainly never done it before. 10

He started up the engine again, its tired grumbling rumble sounding loudly into the night. He moved the gear stick, and slowly pulled away from the side of the road, the car sliding begrudgingly into onto the hard surface. Casting a glance back at Arianwen, he tried to calm her by trying to talk normally. "This car is nae good, ye' ken. Aye, it's still good, but I've go' a few better cars in Scotland. I've go' a Ferrari, and a Lamborghini, as well as a few others."11

"Oh." Arianwen's acknowledgment was quiet, and small.12

Aodhan flashed a quick glance at himself in the rear-view mirror. His horns had almost completely gone back to their normal state of stumps, and his eyes were clearing slightly, like black clouds uncovering the moon. Taking a deep breath, he queried, "Are ye' sure there's no'thing ye' want tae ken, lass?"13

Arianwen sighed, and tossed herself a bit, obviously getting herself into a more comfortable position. She shrugged, her face ashen-white. "I guess. How-why are you a demon?"14

"Because I was born one; there's nae reason why. Just sometimes man gives birth tae one who represents everything he should'nae feel. At least, that's what I believe."15

"Oh. Are you old?"16

Aodhan pursed his lips, smirking. "Aye, I'm old, lass. I'm nearly eight-hundred and fifty years old."17

There was a stunned silence as Arianwen stared at him. He could feel her eyes burning into the back off his seat. "Eight-hundred and..." her voice trailed off in disbelief.18

Aodhan nodded at Arianwen's reflection in the mirror. "I ken it's old. But I dun'nae feel a day o'er three-hundred." He attempted, weakly. He stared out of the front windscreen again, turning the car as they went around a roundabout. "I come from a clan in tha' highlands, tha' Drummond clan. I've never wanted any other name for maeself, so I kept it."19

"So...you didn't come from demon parents?"20

"Nae, lass, it dun'nae work like that. Demons are closer tae human-kind that ye' might think." He rubbed his forehead as if tired, slapping his hand back down again. Clearing his throat, he began to speak, sensing she wanted to know more, but didn't know what to ask.21

"I'm what's ken as a shadow demon. I can..." he paused, not really wanting to say the next words; they sounded like a death sentence. "I can control shadowmen."22

Arianwen furrowed her brows, her eyes clear and querying. "What are ‘shadowmen'?"23

Aodhan nearly flung her off the seat, he slammed the brakes on that hard. He turned around again to face her, his eyes filled with black pools. "Do no' ever say that out loud." he hissed. 24

"Why...why not?"25

Lowering his voice, Aodhan stared at her. "Because, when they hear their name, they came for ye'...they travel through time and shadows, across cities and fields alike...but they can'nae ever be good. They are parasites, living off yer' fear and horror. Dun'nae ever say their name aloud. lass."26

Arianwen nodded, her face still a mixture of confusion  and fear. Aodhan reached over, and patted her arm kindly, as though he had been too rough with her. "I'm sorry, lass, I did'nae mean tae scare ye'."27

"Too late for that." she muttered, casting her gaze away from him. Aodhan swallowed, and stared at her sadly. He glanced down at the rope pinning her arms and legs together tightly, and said, in a hoarse voice, "Look, lass. If ye' promise ye' will'nae try tae run away or stab mae again, I'll untie ye'."28

Arianwen looked up, hopefully. After an awkward pause, she nodded, sharply. "Alright. I won't try anything again." And she actually meant it this time, there was something about the way he had been honest with her, and not hurt her even after she stabbed him, that made her want to trust him. At any rate, it would be better sitting up without rope chafing her limbs.29

Aodhan shifted in his seat, and reached his hands over, to loosen the ropes holding Arianwen. She sighed with relief as they fell from her, rubbing her sore wrists. As she circled her wrist with her finger and thumb, she looked back up at Aodhan, her expression enquiring.30

"So...what exactly can you do with these...people?"31

Pulling a face, expressing his distaste for the question, Aodhan replied, "I control them...tae a point. They feel I can lead them, help them tae achieve what they want..but I use them tae mae own ends, they still seem alright with that."32

"Like with Robert Goverly." Arianwen said, quietly. 33

Aodhan shrugged, and nodding, holding his palms out in a gesture of submission. "Aye, like Robert Goverly." There was an awkward silence again, unsettling in the car.34

"Why did you kill him, really?"35

"I told ye', I did it because people came tae mae. He had...raped and killed a young lass. She was wi' child, as well. Her father came tae mae, and asked if I could'nae kill Goverly."36

Arianwen paused for a second, taking all this in. She shifted on the seat, pulled herself further into it's grey cotton fabric. She folded her arms, and surveyed him questioningly. "It is disgusting that he did that." she said, quietly. "But doesn't killing him bring you down to his level?"37

Aodhan shrugged again. "Maybe. I dun'nae really care lass. All I care aboot is getting rid o' men and woman like him. Aye, I killed all o' them people in Manchester-but they were no' what I would consider ‘people'."38

Arianwen looked at him with some unease. "But...you still killed them. In cold blood."39

Aodhan grinned, but it was a sad grin. "I come from a time when men would fight on a battle field, and killing was no' what it is today, lass. I see it as justice, not cold-bloodiness."40

Sighing, Arianwen leaned back, and moved herself in the seat, trying to get comfortable. "Look, whatever. I know I should care more, but...this is a lot to get my head around. I need to just think about things, okay?"41

Aodhan nodded curtly, and turned back to the steering wheel, starting the engine up again, the car slowly pulling away from the road again.42

43

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45

Hungrily, Arianwen bit into the sandwich in her hand. 46

They had stopped for a while, by the side of the road. They had found a beautiful field filled with long grasses and wild flowers. The tiny buds flittered and danced in the gentle wind that was blowing around them. The moonlight shone down into the field, as though watching the scene, and that scene alone. 47

Aodhan had brought out some sandwiches and juice from the boot of the car; he must have bought them earlier with the breakfast, Arianwen decided. 48

Aodhan was leaning back in the grass, one leg over the other, eyes closed. He had a soft smile on his face, enjoying the soft breeze and the relaxation they were currently having. It was obvious he didn't normally get to do this.49

Arianwen crossed her legs, putting the rest of her sandwich down. She looked across at Aodhan, and smiled at his face, listening to the wind softly whistling in the trees around them. Tapping him gently on the arm, she asked, "Aodhan, you know how you can read my mind?"50

"Aye, lass?"51

She smiled again. Was it just her, or was it sounding kinder every time he called her ‘lass'? Arianwen shook herself mentally. "Well, is that because of the demon in you?"52

"Aye, it tis." Aodhan opened his eyes, and looked across at her, his eyes swirling with green liquids. "I did'nae actually find that oot until I was fifteen though."...53

54

...Aodhan crouched on the hill, looking down upon his small clan's village. People bustled about like ants milling over a mound. The sun warmed the side of the hill, surprisingly warm for summer in Scotland. Aodhan could hear birds in the woods in the distance, and small creatures moving the grass beneath his feet. A mild breeze shifted Aodhan's jet-black hair, stirring it up.55

He was so entranced in the landscape, that he didn't see the woman walk up behind him. Aodhan suddenly jumped, as she leaned over and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned, his hands out defensively, his heartbeat racing, and then he calmed as he saw who it was. Grinning in relief, he shook his head.56

"Ach, Brigid, ye' should'nae sneak up on mae like that. What is it ye' want, lass?"57

Brigid smiled back down at him, sitting quickly down on the grassy mound next to him. She was a few years younger than him, but already married. They had been friends since they could remember though, and remained so even now. She had her long brown hair trailing down her back, some of it loosely tucked behind her ears. She was clothed in a green dress, the sleeves long and covering her hands as well as her arms. Rosy cheeked, and smiling, she turned to Aodhan and shrugged, her blue eyes gleaming. 58

"I just wanted tae come up and see what yer' were doing up here, tis all."59

She curled her bare toes out under the edge of her dress, her knees brought up to her chin, her arms folded and resting on her knees. Squinting slightly in the bright sunlight, she laid her head on her arms, still smiling at Aodhan.60

Aodhan smiled back at her, his eyes twinkling. "I'm just having a wee moment tae maeself, no'thing tae get excited aboot."61

Brigid turned her head back, surveying the landscape below, the purple-coated fields of heather, the lake far into the distance, a mirror to the sky, and the small brown hut below of her people. Looking up into the winds for a second, she whispered, "I miss being able tae come up here when I please."62

"Yer' up here now, are ye' no', lass?"63

Brigid cocked her head, pursing her lips. "Aye, I am. But only because Cayden does'nae ken."64

Aodhan furrowed his brows, looking at her, sharply. "I hope he does'nae ever harm ye', Brigid?"65

She laughed slightly, with mirth, and yet with sadness. "I did'nae say that. He just does'nae like it, is all. He want mae tae concentrate moore on having his children and keeping his home. Cayden thinks I should'nae be acting like a little girl any moore."66

"An' what dae ye' think, lass?"67

Brigid thought for a second before answering. "I dun'nae ken, Aodhan. I feel as though I almost dun'nae want tae be with him nae moore. But that's a terrible, wicked thought. I can'nae even think like that."68

Aodhan patted her arm, softly. "Dae ye' really feel like that, then? Dae ye' no' care for Cayden?"69

"Nae, it's no' that...I just...I want tae be mae still, and I dun'nae ken if I can be like he wants."70

I wish I could be with ye', Aodhan. Yer' like mae.71

Aodhan jumped, startled. Brigid peered at him, a questioning look on her face. "Are ye' alright, Aodhan? Ye' seem jumpy."72

Aodhan stared at her, surprised. "Aye, I'm...I'm alright. Did ye' say something?"73

"Aye, I dun'nae if I can be the wife Cayden wants-"74

"Nae, after that."75

"I...did'nae say anything after that, Aodhan."76

Nae, I thought it.77

"Ye' thought it?"78

Brigid stared, horrified at him for a second, and then whispered, "Did ye'...hear what I thought, then?"79

Gulping, Aodhan nodded, slowly, his eyes wide with fear. "Aye, I...think so, lass. I...think so. Ye' said ye' wish ye' could be wi' mae. Is that true?"80

Brigid blushed, and jumped up from the grass, her skirt slightly stained form the wet grass. "I dun'nae what is wrong wi' ye', Aodhan Drummond, but ye' can stay away from mae!"81

As she turned to leave, Aodhan reached out, quickly, and grabbed her slim white wrist. Brigid cried out, and tried to pull herself away from him, twisting her arm. But Aodhan held on, and he pulled her towards him, making her kneel on the grass again in front of him. She stopped pulling away, and shyly looked into his eyes.82

Seeing her calmer, he whispered, "I asked ye', is it true?"83

Brigid turned bright red, and looked away, saying nothing. To Aodhan, it was as good as replying ‘yes'. He turned her face towards him with his rough hand, gazing deep into her soft blue eyes. "I care for ye', Brigid, ye' ken that." he said, quietly. "And...I wish it also."84

Brigid looked up, an amazed expression on her young face. Before either of them could think, Aodhan leaned over and kissed her rosebud lips. Brigid just froze at first, knowing this shouldn't be happening. But she couldn't help herself, and she pressed hers back, closing her eyes in pleasure. When they pulled away, their eyes shining at one another, Brigid whispered, "What should we dae?"85

Aodhan thought for a second, tugging his hand through his tousled black hair. "I think...we need tae leave. We should run away, should we no'?"86

"Run...away?" Brigid repeated, looking scared. Then she shook herself, and queried, "How did ye' ken what I was thinking, anyway?"87

Looking into her eyes, Aodhan shook his head. "I've nae idea, lass. Perhaps it was tha' gods, nae?" He kissed her hand, more gentlemanly than he normally was. He had loved Brigid for years. First he loved her as a friend, then when she began to blossom a few years ago, he began to love her as something more. Unfortunately, she had already been promised to his friend Cayden, ever since she was eight. 88

But he would still have her. Even if it meant leaving his family.89

He stood up, pulling Brigid to her feet as well, her dress almost tripping her over. He hugged her, tightly, and whispered into her ear, "Dun'nae worry, mae Brigid, I'll look after ye'. We'll run away tonight, while they all sleep, dae ye' no' think?"90

She nodded, cuddling herself into him, into his scent, and his broad chest. She wasn't sure what was happening, or how he had managed to read her thoughts, but she knew that it felt right...91

92

..."So what happened? Did you get away with her?" Arianwen asked eagerly, keen to know more. Aodhan smiled, wryly, and shook his head.93

"Aye, we did, but I think that's another story. We've got tae go, lass, I'll tell you it later."94

Arianwen shrugged and stood up, wiping dry grass off her skirt. She smiled at Aodhan, wistfully, and sighed, walking over to the car. Aodhan slowly picked up their rubbish, shoving it into a plastic bag. He stood up, gazing off into the night, thoughtfully.95

"Aodhan? Are you coming?" Arianwen called, her voice soft across the night-time breeze. Taking a deep breath, Aodhan turned around, looking almost dazed, and nodded.96

"Aye, lass, dun'nae worry, I'm coming over."97

Unseen by Arianwen, he wiped a tear form the corner of his eye.