Welcome to Gaia! ::

Chapter one

" Many have heard the tale of what happens after you die. Heaven. Hell. Its all the same really. Some people believe that if your soul is not sincere you will not make it into the so called heaven. Others think that your future is planned for you including where you end up in the after life. But what about the inbetween? Surely there is one. So many people get second chances at life but what about those who are already damned to the ghost world. Do they get a second chance to live the life they never did?
I did.
You see back in China there was this myth going on about these warriors called Knights of Darkness. I know sounds like super hero stuff but that was what they were called. The story is that when a person dies a very brave or harsh death, like running away from kidnappers or rescuing a child but getting killed in the process, their soul is sent to the great underworld god, Hades. Now Hades isn't the nicest god in the world but he does like power. He sends your soul through a series of obstacles and quest to test your strength. If your soul can last through everything then he retrieves your body for you, puts your soul back and sends you on a journey to slowly over power the living so Hades can take over the world and submerge it into a state of darkness.
Sounds evil i know but remember thats just the myth. " As I finished writing the sentence i dropped my pen off the rooftop and gently folded the paper. There were small circles all over over it from the rain and the ink had smudged a little but i had managed to shove the small piece of paper into my back pocket before it got soaked. The wind had picked up and my velvet red hair began swaying back and forth like violent flames being pushed by the natural elements. " Let your journey begin. " I said in a quiet whisper remembering the words he had said to me only hours ago. I took in a deep breath and ran to the edge of the roof launching my self over the edge in a dive like motion. I fell 13 stories before hitting the ground landing hands first. I slowly stood up and pulled my down my tank top making sure it was in place. This part of town was alway empty. The only ones ever here were the mafia and the gangs. I walked over to an abandoned bar and knocked lighty. The small window in the door slid open and an old man peered through.
" I'm sorry miss, we are closed. " he said as he slid the window shut. I could hear the sound of music coming from the building and a loud clatter which sounded like a piece of metal hitting a wood floor. I kicked the door and it went flying along with the old man.
" No, I'm sorry. I don't believe i asked you if it was open. " I flashed a smile at the two gaurds who were pointing there guns at me and they let me by. This bar was like my home. I had always come here during my living days but now there was a difference. I was dead, well i was supposed to be. I had taken on a new identity leaving behind everything in my old life including this bar and my planned marriage.
I took a seat at one of the bar stools and waited for the bartender to come over to me. I figured i have drawn enough attention to me and i had no need to draw any more.
" What can i get you ma'am? " the bartender asked in a shaky voice. " Your special. " I replied as i kept my head down not looking up to acknowledge the bartender.
My drink was in front of me within seconds. The clear liquid was slowly dripping down the side of the glass. I lifted my head up and examined it the drink before chugging it down.
" Another? " The bartender asked me, but i shook my head slowly careful not to make myself dizzy. I pulled a wad of paper off of my tank top that was very carefully pinned. I quickly unfolded the paper and read it.

Dear Nylo,
My dear, dear Nyaomi. I am sorry for your mishap but i believe it was for the better. You are one of us now. I gave you a second chance at life. I made you beautiful and now is your chance to make me proud. Go down to the mansion on Elna Rd. Once you arrive there will be a key on the windowsill to the left of the door. Take the key and open the door. Once you are inside find Katherine. She will take you to Demetri and he will explain everything. Once again i am sorry Nyaomi. You are buried in Fell's graveyard if you would like to visit your graveyard. Just remember your new name is Nylo and you are my creation.

With fear,
Hades

" Nylo...? " I questioned myself before getting up off the barstool and walking towards the door. " I am sorry, I'm afraid I am all out of cash. " I flashed a quick smirk and disappeared into the darkness of the night.

I sooned arrived at the mansion. It seemed as if every light in the house was on. The rain had began to pick up so i was completely drenched but i wasn't cold. I grabbed the key off the windowsill and opened the door. The doorknob appeared to be engraved with some type of writing that appeared to be from the 16th century. I stepped inside the mansion to notice 5 others standing in the hallway. They all turned to look at me, some of them in defensive positions.

" Uh, Can anyone tell me where Katherine is? " I asked a but worried that i had the wrong place. " Here! Coming! I'm sorry you must be Nyaomi. We have been expecting you. " Katherine grabbed my arm and tugged me up the double staircase. Everything in the house was so elegant i felt as if i was ruining the beautiful scenery. " You don't have to be so scared. We are all alike you see. We all died once and were brought back because of our will. Demetri was the first one. Since we are immortal he is still young and beautiful, but he keeps us in order at times can seem very miserable. " Katherine smiled at me and loosened her grip on my arm as she stopped in front of a door. " Now before we enter i just want to tell you a few more things. This will be your new home. You are safe to be yourself around here." Katherine's smile disappeared and she opened the door.
I stepped inside immediatley noticing every detail of the beautiful room. It was fit for royalty which as Katherine explained it, it seems we were.
" Hello. " Demetri said with a smile on his face showing his unusually pointy canine teeth. I turned around noticing a man standing behind me and that the door was shut. I let out a small gasp before saying, " Hello. " Demetri laughed and picked up Katherines hand. " Katherine, Katherine, Katherine. You have done well and will be rewarded. " He gently kissed her hand and then let go quickly turning his attention to me. " Now you must be Nyaomi Tuknamow. Welcome to the family. Now if I am correct your new name is Nylo and you are the prettiest one of us yet. " Demetri smirked and i could feel my cheeks getting warm.
He brushed my red hair away from my face. His touch was so gentle that I could now see why Katherine was so excited about him.
" You also have many questions. So lets get right to it. Yes we are Knights of Darkness or Vampires. Our blood is shipped to us from who knows where so we do not have to kill. If you go outside you will notice that humans will tend to stare at you. It is because we are unbelievably pretty. Some describe us as angels but we are quiet the opposite. Now yes you can go out into the sun and yes you will be enrolled in school. Now i expect good grades from you and a good reputation. Any questions? " Demetri spoke with such grace but at a rapid speed.
It took me awhile the figure out he was asking me a question but when i did finally figure it out i shook my head and struggled to find my voice. I was in shock at his beauty and could hardly pay attention.
" Lets get you out of those rags and into something dry. I will show you your room so follow me. Katherine, you are dismissed. " Katherine bowed and left as me and Demetri followed. We walked down the hallway until reaching the end. In front of us were double doors and on the right was a door with my name on it. My new name. " That is my room. " Demetri said pointing to the double doors, " And that is your room. " he reached out and grabbed the door knob lightly pushing the door open to reveal a room just as royal as the last. There was a double bed in the center with a couch at the end. On one side of the room was a vanity and on the other was a desk. There was also a small easel in the corner that was slightly hidden by a bookcase.
" Ladies first. " he said with a small bow. I entered the room and he did right after. " The bathroom and closet is through this door. " Demetri said as he pointed at a redwood door.
I opened the door to reveal a bathtub that could fit an orchestra, a toilet that looked to clean to be a toilet, a sink that looked to nice to use, and a shower with a clear glass casing around it. My mouth dropped in awe as I walked further into the bathroom looking for the door to the closet. Once i got past the shower i noticed the archway that led to my closet. I could see shirts, tank tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, pants, capris, tennis shoes, heels, sandals, flats and of course all the nessacary assesories.
" Dinner will be in an hour and i suggest dressing formal. Any dress will do. " Demetri called out from the other room. " Ok, Thanks. " I replied with excitement in my voice.
I grabbed the first dress i saw which was a black ball gown. The top was a courset, the laces were a dark red and the bottom was a like a tutu. I took a quick shower and threw on the dress. Also putting on a sterlign silver cross I had found and a diamond ring. I combed through my hair and quickly dried it so it would look a little nice. My bangs hung down to my eyes and my hair reached the middle of my back. I took a few pieces of hair and draped it over my should so I wouldn't be showing to much skin. I then went over to the shoes and pulled out a pair of black stilletos which would have been way to high for me when I was living but now I seemed to walk with no problem at all.
" I am Nylo. " I said to myself as i grabbed the blood red lipstick and put it on my plump lips.
I walked over to the mirror that hung in the closet and took a look at myself. For once in my life i truly felt beautiful. I walked out of the bathroom only to notice Demetri was no longer in my room. I let out a small sigh and opened the door to my bedroom only to see him stnading in front of me dressed as he was earlier.
" How do i look? To dressy? " I asked him looking down at the ground afraid to look up into his golden eyes. " You look absolutley amazing. " Demetri said as he took my hand.
Demetri smiled at me as he walked down the hallway. He grabbed my hand when we got to the stairs and held it tightly making sure i wouldn't fall even though I knew I wouldn't.
" For dinner we have one glass of blood. Dinner is truly the only meal we sit down and eat together as a family so if you can't stand the sight of blood there is no need to worry. Now if you can't stand the taste of blood I am sure we can find a better alternative for you. " Demetri smiled at me and waited for me to say something afraid that i would be utterly disgusted. " Lovely. " i said with a fake smile on my face.
Back in my living days i had never really been a fan of the surgeon shows and now i was forced to relive those shows in my own life. The only difference was that instead of surgeons were were the vacuums who cleaned up all the blood. My stomach turned upside down at the simple though of drinking blood but i tried to hide it. When we got down the stairs Katherine greeted us but Demetri dismissed her.
Her happy mood was slowly fading as the night went on. When we reached the dining room everyone took their seats as a sign of respect. I could see two empty seats at the end of the table. Demetri kept me close and held my hand as tight as possible. When we got to the end of the table he pulled out my chair and let me take my seat before pushing in the chair.
" Enjoy Dinner. " He whispered in my ear as he walked over and took the seat next to me.
I grinned at Demetri and hoped he couldn't sense my nervous gut. I turned my head so i was facing everyone and it seemed as if everyones eyes were on me. I took in a deep breath and opened my mouth to introduce myself when i was interupted my Demetri.
" My family, we have a new member. Her name is Nylo and she just arrived a few minutes ago so please be nice and show her the ropes. If i get any complaints about rudeness from anyone you will be sure to hear from me personally. Now please enjoy dinner!" Demetri said with a bow as he took a seat in the velvet chair that was decorated with gold swirls and moons.
I did a quick wave at everyone at the table and felt a rush of heat fill my face. I hated being the center of attention in a brand new place. Everyone looked so intimidating. My eyes ran across everyone's face once before resting down at my hands.
" Hi, I'm Mae. " The girl sitting next to me said. Her big blue eyes shined as she spoke. Her long pointy long nails were painted a teal color that matchedd her teal and black dress. " Hello Mae, I'm well you know. I like your nails! " I said quietly trying to make conversation and seem friendly.
I figured i needed at least one best friend in my new house if i wanted to get anywhere. I at least needed a guide to whoes Hot and whose Not in the house and i didn't think going to Demetri would help me out any. Or Kayla for that matter.
"Thank you." Mae said with a huge smile on her face that made her look like a freakish circus clown. "Look I know your first day here can be rough so if you need any help or just a friend, come find me."
Her smile faded a little so she looked a bit normal but still excited. I wasn't quite sure what to say back to her so I simply smiled and nodded my head. There was an awkward silence between us that made the butterflies in my stomach jump. Luckily, the silence was interrupted by waiters who rushed in to the dining room. The waiters were dressed in black tuxedos that appeared to be from Italy and wine red ties. There were no waitresses, which made sense, since Demetri was such a gentlemen and would never make a lady work. Most of the waiters appeared to be very average looking, dull. I watched as they filled the dining room in making sure everyone at the table had at least one waiter standing behind their chair. Once every chair was covered a slim figure appeared from the doorway of the kitchen. As the figure got closer I noticed it was Katherine. She flashed a devious smile my direction and then curtsied which was like a gun going off at a race. All the waiters set the trays down on the table and then lifted the lid. I heard a few grunts coming from the other end of the table and I felt my stomach knot up. I knew I would have to face blood at some point but I just couldn’t look down.
“It’s okay to look at your food when you eat it you know. “ A sweet voice came from my right.
Mae was sitting on my left so I knew it wasn’t her. I snapped my head to the right and head budded the waiter a little to hard.
“I’m so sorry! I…I…sorry...” I said as I pushed my red bangs down hoping no one saw that. “It’s okay. Although to tell you the truth that was a first for me.” He laughed a little and handed me a glass of wine, which I was very happy to take from him. “ I’m Jack your personal waiter. Now you should eat your soup before it gets cold.”
With that, Jack turned around and walked out the dining room along with all the other waiters. My mind repeated what he had just said and I felt my stomach loosen up. I guess I was hungry because at the mention of food I began to drool a little. I picked up my spoon and side glanced at Mae making sure there was nothing special that I needed to do to eat my soup. Everyone was enjoying it so I dug right in. At first I couldn’t believe how good it was but then I figured Demetri had to be at least a little rich to support all of us.
By the end of dinner I had managed to drain my bowl of soup and a bottle of wine. Everyone had cleared out the dining hall except Demetri, Katherine, and I. Demetri called me over to him but once I got there Katherine jumped onto him making him catch her. It was a bit awkward but I thought it would be rude if I left.
“How did was dinner Nyoami?” Katherine said with the same devious look on her face. It made me cringe but I was determined not to let her get to me no matter how much she hated me.
“Great! You know that was the best tomato soup I have ever had.” I rubbed my belly a little and a huge grin appeared on my face to reassure them that I was not faking. The smile that was on Demetri’s face had faded and I felt my stomach drop.
“Um, Nylo. I’m sorry to tell you this but that wasn’t tomato. It was actually A positive.” He smiled at me and dropped Katherine who made a loud thump and whine when she hit the ground. “ Look I thought Jack explained it to you, we served tonight’s dinner in a bowl to make it easier for you to eat. Hades let me know about the whole blood problem you had and wanted me to make it easier for you. The rest of the meals we have will be normal though since you should be addicted to the taste now.”
He grabbed my fingers and pressed them against his cheek before giving me a huge hug and pulling me along towards the stairs. I stayed silent trying to process the fact that I had just slurped down about an arm’s worth of blood on the way back to my room. When we got to the door that was marked Nylo, he gently pushed it open and guided me to the bed. He sat me down and then disappeared into the closet before returning with a towel in hand.
“A nice bubble bath should calm you. The water is prepared like I had requested early so you go ahead and relax. Now I have some business that needs attending but I will send someone in to make sure you are okay and have not drown.” He spoke in a soft voice and winked at me before picking me and carrying me to the bathroom.
I was fully capable of walking and taking my shoes off at that but he did both for me.
“Have a good bath my dear.” He said as he disappeared behind the archway that led to my closet, his voice trailing on before the room went silent.