Tara eased her eyes open. Her head pounded, continuously. A man dressed all in white bent over her; a doctor. She attempted to speak, but her lips only flapped silently. “Nurse!” The doctor called for. “Go inform Master Aesk that this girl is awake.”
“Yes, sir.”
Tara raised her shaky arm to grab the doctor. She took a deep breath and managed to whisper, “Where am I?”
“You’re in a hospital.”
“Where are my friends?”
“They’re in a holding cell. You’ll join them once Master Aesk gives the OK.”
Tara blinked. What had happened while she was unconscious?

Faith sobbed, helplessly. She had been placed in a dungeon like room. No light, no other being, nothing but the sound of her crying. A collar had been wrapped around her neck. Attached to it was a chain which extended from the wall. She was in a hopeless situation.
The door swung open causing her to jump. She cringed as her attacker entered the room. With every foot step Faith cowered further back. He stopped in front of her, then crouched to face her. “How did you break our mirage?” He hissed.
“That’s what it was?” She asked. “ I didn’t really break it…I absorbed it into my crests.”
“Crests?” He grabbed one of her wrists, forcefully. She screamed, but he ignored it while he removed her glove. There was indeed a crest. This girl was a chimera. “Chimeras are a pollution to this world.” He squeezed her wrist before dropping it.
“You’re wrong!” Faith said between sobs. “Chimeras are better than pure demons. We’re able to get stronger, gain more skills all because of our mixes.” She stared into his face. “Besides, I know you’re a chimera too.”
His eyes widened. “How?”
“Your elf ears are easy to notice, but your eyes aren’t. Now that I’m looking closely at them I notice they are too bright for your race. You’ve been bitten by a vampire haven’t you?”
He grabbed her throat. “Shut up or I’ll kill you.”
“Master Aesk!” A man called from the doorway. “The girl in the hospital is awake! She’s demanding the release of her friends! She’s already attacked a doctor and several nurses! The ninjas are on their way to the hospital!”
“Keep me updated.” Was the only thing Aesk said. He refused to take his eyes nor hand off of Faith.
“Yes, sir.”
“I understand now.” Faith rasped. “Ninjas…The folk tale of the last remaining clan. That’s why that hex was there…”
Aesk squeezed her throat a bit more. “Stop talking.”
Faith squinted. She had to find a way out of this situation. She glanced toward the doorway. “Tara!” Aesk twisted his head to look. Quickly, she whipped free of his grasp. Without hesitating she bit his arm, digging her fangs into his skin.
He screamed, “Let go of me, you filthy chimera!” He raised his fist, threateningly. A hand gripped his arm from behind.
“Son, what are you doing?”
Aesk looked over his shoulder. “Father?”
Faith stole a look at the visitor. He was a mirror image for her captor, but taller.
“You’ve made a terrible mistake.” The older man said. “Release her now.”
“But, Father,” Aesk began, “She’s the one who broke our hex!”
The man smiled. “I don’t doubt the power The Chosen One, son.”
“The Chosen One…?” Aesk mumbled turning to stare at Faith. She pulled away from his arm and nodded, solemnly. “But, why didn’t you say something?”
“When you’re under attack titles don’t really come to mind.” Faith said.
“Stop gawking, son. Release her already.” His Father demanded.
Aesk freed her from her binds and helped her to her feet. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”
“Okay.”
“I’ve already ordered your friends to be released from their cell.” Aesk’s father said, politely. “They’ll meet you at the hospital.”
“That’s great.” Faith smiled. “But I want something from your son.” She cut her eyes at Aesk. He raised an eyebrow, questioningly. “I want an apology.”
“What?!”
“An apology is the least I can get from you.” Faith snapped. “You broke my wrists, then chained me like a dog. Now, apologize and you’ll owe me more later.”
“I’m not saying sh--” He was cut off by the smack to the back of his head from his father.
“Give the girl an apology.”
Aesk crossed his arms. “I’m sorry.” He grumbled, turning away.
“You’re a child.” Faith sighed.
“Why, you little!” He growled, whirling back toward her, ready to lash out. His father gave him a shove.
“Go prepare some guests bed for the night.” He said. “Try to make them nice.” He placed a hand on Faith’s shoulder. “Let’s go. I’ll try no to walk too fast for you.” The pair headed out the door. Aesk pounded his fist into the wall, then followed out after them, fuming.