So Far Gone Chapter 1 Over the last few weeks, many voices whispered into her mind.

They were the cries of scared and dying vampires. Beware was often the message theyd send. Starr, as terrible at mind control as she was, couldnt block out the messages. Like Shane and Mica, the voices nearly drove her to the brink of crazy sometimes. Only when she was training for battle, was her mind so focused that she couldnt hear them.

Even worse than the psychic cries were the vamps who showed up on a daily basis. She wouldve rather been on her own. Repeatedly, she tried to chase them away. When she found them spying on her from another empty condo on the other side of the building, she even tried

to kill one of them. Just as she closed her fingers on his back upper nape and made to squeeze him like a bottle neck, her hand froze. The ghost lady appeared and insisted she let them alone. That was the first night she showed her power, and there was no fighting her. Even more annoying than all the demons hanging about was how much they knew about her. She knew that shed sent shockwaves through communities across the globe, what with her defeating Levi, working with the Council, and killing an infamous Primordial, but these vamps knew everything: from the names of her best friends, to her usual coffee drink. A few had even confessed to spying on her long before the attempted apocalypse. They were curious to know if all the

things theyd heard, about her, were true. All she ever said to anyone, over and over, was that she wanted to be left alone; to have a normal life. What a shock to know that she was never really alone. She only thought she was. Word of her Primordial initiation and the whispers of the ghost lady, falsely convinced them that Starr was some kind of hero. Vampires got some crazy idea that she was the one who was strong enough to help them defeat Credenza. And, frequently, her name was mentioned in the psychic cry outs. Now, she was sharing a vacant condo with a dozen other vampires, while dozens more were in an empty house several blocks over, not to mention the empty condo on the other side of the property. Theyd

spend their days fighting and plotting, gathering weapons and ammo. Several of them tailed the family at all times, whose names were Barb and Michael Mitchell. The babys name was Meghan, just like her dead sister. Such a coincidence was eerie for her to think about. Starr didnt know who the ghostly woman was, though shed asked many times. But it was obvious that she was an ancient one gone into unconsciousness; a Primordial, she surmised, though she couldve been a witch, too. Perhaps it was foolish to trust the woman, but so far, shed been good help. It was she who led her to the baby that, now, had her soul. And it was because of her that all these vampires were there to help her win the fight. And she wouldve never stayed in Boston if not for the

woman showing her that Shane and the others were in fact alright. They were worried and scared, but were living well, and without much supervision, at the Councils castle. The castle was the size of New York City, and was nestled in a bowl shaped valley of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Having spent time there, herself, she knew theyd be fine. Not only was the castle built to house an entire city, but it had all the modern amenities of one, too. More importantly, Credenza would never hurt them as long as Starr had what she wanted: the baby and, both theirs, soul. As she walked the rainy streets of Boston, the essence of the ghost woman blanketed her again. Who are you? she asked aloud. Are you ever going to tell me?

A strong wind blew around her; the trees wavered violently. The street lights cemented pole groaned under the strength of the wind. Is that a sign? she asked. But instead of the usual whispers that followed this benevolent behavior, the sky simply darkened several shades, rather quickly, and then a bolt of lightning shot down into someones back yard, several hundred feet away.

She walked to the corner and pressed the little button on the crossing light. Cars sped past as she waited. Across the street was the caf she frequented, lately. At one point, she was visiting the caf three and four times a day, simply needing to get some quiet time. Just like at the clinic, she had a hard time being

around so many people, and it was worse when they were clamoring adults. All day it was shouting, arguing and the chinking of swords and shocking of arms. Oh hell! she said under her breath. A dark haired man in a black trench coat dropped down, in front of the caf, from the gray cloud above the street. He looked right into her eyes as he waited for her to cross. This was the fashion in which people, to her grief, came. It was partly her fault because she was terrible at cloaking her thoughts. Mental discipline was always her one weakness. Like a lighthouse, her essence shined out through the fog of all the people, making her easily locatable. The light changed.

Extremely annoyed by the mans presence, she walked fast and hard, giving him a death stare. Go away, she said as she stepped up onto the sidewalk. Are you Starr? No, she said louder than she meant. Now beat it, or Ill beat you. You must be her, he said unfazed. Your ferocity is legendary. She rolled her eyes as she pulled back the glass door, and walked into the coffee shop. But I need to talk to you, she heard as she let the door swing closed. She walked up to the counter and ordered her usual latte with cinnamon. Turning back, she saw the

man watched her through the glass door. Spotting the Daily Times, she picked it up and made her way to a table at the back. Lately, the news was abounding in stories of murders and missing persons. If he or she didnt have his or her guts removed and half eaten, he or she seemed to disappear without a trace. There were even a few stories of men and women whom the police, upon investigation of their vacant homes, were found to be as much as 500 years old, yet appeared not to have aged a single day past approximately thirty years. No one believed these stories. She knew this because shed heard plenty of talk in the cities, and in the psychic cries, but the upswing in violence was a concern to many. She didnt need to be a good telepath to

see these worries, either. The fright was painted on their faces, and infused with the scents that humans put off: scents of fear. As she sipped her coffee, she shifted her eyes to the windows. Outside, the man still stood on the sidewalk, staring unblinkingly at her through the glass. She sighed long and loud. Then she stood and threw the newspaper down onto the table. On her way out, she said to barrister, Ill bring back the cup.

Outside, she said, Follow me. They walked several blocks over to the condo she and the others had been squatting in. Before opening the door, she turned and said, Know that if youre working for Credenza, Ill kill you.

Once again, the man hardly flinched. Shes already tried to kill me, so you need not worry, dear lady. My names Starr. Try to be contemporary. I cant stand all your old world customs. Miss, theres no need to be bitter. Im not that old.

Ignoring him, she turned and unlocked the door. Inside, half a dozen men and women were going over plans to rob an army base, several states over, of rocket launchers; something they were sure would kill vampires the likes of Credenza. They, mostly being less than a few centuries old, would need a leg up because the older they got, the more difficult they were to eradicate.

Over the last few weeks, her life had become just like a military camp, too. With vamps actually training, learning how to fight, and even with swords. This is where Starr was actually grateful for the older vamps because she knew that Credenza would fight like a warrior, and the younger ones needed to be prepared for it. Most of the younger vampires thought Starr was being silly, but she insisted they learn old world styles of combat. Silly as it seemed, barbarianism had a history of taking out armies in the past. Just because it was old, didnt mean it was ineffective, she told them one night. Younger ones? a man named Aster asked sarcastically, on the night she was asked to give her opinion on how Credenzas army would behave. Youre only just turned 18 years total. I like how you

talk about us like were children to you. It was funny, yes, but they didnt understand that Credenza and Starr were one person divided by a degree.

Wheres Aine? she asked a man who was sharpening old swords. Sometimes it was hard to remember all their names. Theyre out practicing. Got a new one, there? he asked. Yeah, can you take care of him? Sure, he said. Aine was an old Irish vampire shed visited some time ago. At first, she and her companion, Ciaran, were the only ones she trusted in their army, and they were

purportedly strong allies to have, with reputations from centuries ago, of being vicious, tenacious, restless warriors. Rumor had it that they already went up against the Council during the Celtic Revival of the early twentieth century. The Council lost that battle, and a number of men. But they failed to takeout Credenza, so when they heard whisper of Starrs so called army, Aine, Ciaran, and a couple dozen of her clan were more than eager to help. However, Starr could tell by the glisten in their eyes and the vibrato in their voices that it was more than Credenza that drove them, but it was a thirst for a fight. They were true warriors in the sense that it was a matter of pride. Credenza explained this ideology to her once; it was something that she thought Starr would aspire to, but

she was wrong. Nostalgia drove these vampires to battle, and Starr was a modern woman with modern desires. Aines people were strong. Starr had already engaged them, and learned a lot about sword fighting; things she couldnt pull from Credenzas memory. For the first time in years, they likened her to pain. Something she hadnt felt since the night shed been shot. At that moment when shed taken a platinum bat to her kidney, she understood why the old vampires were excited to be there. The pain from the fight made them feel alive, like they were doing what their demons were meant to do. She, too, loved it. Even better than the pain was their technique that was different from the Romanians, who had a more conservative form of battling.

With Aine and her men, Starr really felt the passion in the fight, and her inner demon loved that, too. They werent afraid to get in close or to use their hands and legs as well as their weapons, unlike the Romanians or the Romans. Since she was a martial artist, the Celtic style fell more in line with what she already knew about fighting. And she was able to teach them a modern thing or two, too, which they loved. Starr loved having the respect of the old warriors. It was only when she was with them she realized that, despite her modern desires, she really was a warrior at heart. She felt at home with them, and loved dining side by side with them. She went to her room and shut the door.

So not all of the vampires who showed were terribly annoying to her; it was just the younger ones. Many of them couldnt fight to save their lives, and had not a clue about warring; then had the nerve to get pissy with her. Credenza was ruthless, and so were her men. Since bullets only slowed them down, they needed to be prepared to go mono a mono. The young ones didnt like this, and some even had the nerve to be resentful of Starrs authority. When a man named Aster scorned her one evening, and even drew his sword, she almost retreated. Not out of fear, but out of shear frustration that the men wouldnt listen to her. That was when Ikael, Aines longtime friend from a neighboring tribe back in the old country, taught her what it meant to be a chieftain warrior. Now, he was a

member of the Scamall family. Thanks to him and his friend, Druce, Starr was thriving as a militia. What are you doing, lass? he asked, sounding sincerely disgusted. Are you a warrior or not? Youre stronger than they. Show them youre the authority, he said, and pushed her back toward Aster. She looked at Aine and Ciaran, both who nodded, agreeing that the young fledgling needed to be taught a lesson. Aster was a dirty demon. He didnt give her a chance for a fair fight, but he drew his sword and charged her while she still faced Ikael. She whirled around and, with just her bare hands, severed his arms from his back, and threw them through the glass window. It was actually an accident, as she meant to throw him out of the window. As before, there were still times when

her new strength still eluded her knowledge. Ikael and his buddies didnt seem to mind the sight of liters of blood issuing from Asters sockets. They shouted their approval and laughed hysterically. Given their reputation, she shouldnt have been surprised by their delight. Make no mistake, young fledglings, Ikael said with a wide faced smile. Starr is in charge, and were here to support her. You got a problem with that, than get out. Before she dismembers you, said someone, and the Scamalls laughed once more. Its not funny, said one of the young ones. They looked extremely upset. Actually, Ikael, said a man named Druce. They should fight

until death, dont you think? Attacking while anothers back is turned? We would have never allowed such a thing in our day, either that or we should just kill him. No, please! begged Aster. Im sorry! No, said Ikael. Things dont work like that anymore. Besides, thats Starrs decision. Talk to her. Starr, allow me to advise you. Ive had great battle experience, and I know how to handle a dirty rat, he said passionately. Why dont you get your arms before someone calls the police, you dirty rat. Druce pushed him to the floor. Death by beheading, said someone from the back. No, said Starr. Just get your things and leave, Aster.

From that day on, no one questioned her. Aster, who begged her to let him stay, had become especially subservient. Although things went well after her showdown, she still felt ashamed for a while after. Thats when Ikael came to her once more, and said, Its better that you dont have to worry about what these men will do when youre back is turned. Its better that you assert your authority now, rather than on the battle field or on a mission. Dont be ashamed, this is a natural part of leadership. Someone will always challenge you, and you must prove your worthiness. Tonight you did what was expected of you; though the younger ones dont understand this, but we, the Scamall Clan, respect you. After that night, Starr found she liked Ikael and Druce even more.

Without any real confirmation they, alongside Aine and Ciaran, had become her lieutenants. The only thing that worried her was Shane had promised to contact her, telepathically, but there was still no word. The ghost lady assured her they were okay, and even sent her images of them in the Councils castle, playing games and being well taken care of. They simply werent allowed to leave. Not that it was possible, as the castle was nestled in a bowl shaped valley in the Carpathian Mountains, which bordered Romania and the Ukraine. There was no place for them to go. The main thing, the ghost lady told her, was not to rush into fighting because a lot was riding on her, including her destiny. Whatever that meant, Starr didnt care about destiny, she just wanted to save her friends and go home.

Starr tried to get more information, but the ghost lady wouldnt answer. This angered her, and if it werent for the fact that the lady led her to the baby to her soul, she wouldnt have listened. Plus, there was something familiar about the lady; almost like shed met her before. Naturally, Starr realized she couldve been tapping into a memory from Credenzas life. She shouldve written her off, immediately. But something, somewhere inside her, told her to stay put. Taking down the last of her latte, she sat back on her inflatable bed and turned on her computer. She should have been training with the men. Most of which took place in the house a few yards over, but she just needed to get away. Ikael and his men understood this about her

and respected her needs. For that, she was also grateful to them.