Chapter 8 Meeting the Hunters

As Alexei led Isabella into the training facility, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The large room was vast and dimly lit, the walls adorned with various weapons and training equipment. The air was charged with energy as the hunters engaged in intense workouts and combat exercises. The faint scent of sweat and adrenaline lingered in the air, adding to the overall atmosphere of intensity.

In one corner, Natalia and Sophia were in the midst of a fierce sparring session. Natalia's precise and calculated movements were matched by Sophia's agile and acrobatic style. The two hunters seemed like a dance of death, each anticipating the other's moves with razor-sharp focus. Their eyes briefly met Isabella's as she entered the room, their gazes filled with curiosity and assessment.

Meanwhile, James was on a treadmill, seemingly lost in his own world as he jogged at a steady pace. His headphones were in, blocking out the world around him as he immersed himself in his workout. He appeared to be the most oblivious to Isabella's presence, focused solely on his physical training.

On the other side of the room, Li Wei and Rik engaged in hand-to-hand combat, their movements fluid and seamless. Li's stoic expression gave away little of his emotions, while Rik's playful grin hinted at his competitive spirit. They sparred with respect and camaraderie, each recognizing the other's skills and challenging themselves to improve.

As Alexei introduced Isabella to the hunters, the training briefly paused. Natalia and Sophia stopped their sparring, and Sophia gave a small nod of acknowledgment to the new recruit. Natalia, on the other hand, maintained her stoic exterior, her piercing gaze analyzing Isabella from head to toe.

"Isabella, allow me to introduce you to Natalia Sokolova, the leader of this special team." Alexei said with a faint smile, indicating the fierce hunter standing before them.

Natalia extended her hand, her grip firm and unwavering. "Welcome to the Volkov Group, Isabella. I trust you will prove yourself worthy of being here." Her voice was cool and composed, leaving no room for doubt about her expectations.

Isabella returned the handshake, though she sensed the tension in Natalia's demeanor. "Thank you," Isabella replied, maintaining eye contact with the leader, "This has been quite a day."

As Isabella's attention shifted to Sophia, she noticed the younger hunter's more approachable and friendly demeanor, despite the woman's size. She was tall and built strong. If Sophia hadn't been continually putting effort in being approachable, Isabella would have been intimidated. "Hi, I'm Sophia," she said with a warm smile, reaching out to shake Isabella's hand. "It's nice to have another girl in the group."

Isabella felt a sense of relief at Sophia's friendliness and returned the smile. "Nice to meet you, Sophia. It's good to know I'm not the only one here."

Meanwhile, James had paused his workout, having removed his headphones and approached the group. His friendly expression contrasted with the intensity of the training room, likewise his piercings and tattoos. "Hey, I'm James," he said with a grin, offering a hand to Isabella. "Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, James," Isabella replied, shaking his hand. She couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort around him, appreciating his easygoing nature.

As the introductions continued, Isabella noticed Li and Rik approaching. Li's aura of stoicism remained, and Rik's playful grin had transformed into a more focused demeanor. They both nodded to Isabella in greeting, and Rik spoke up first, "So, you're the new recruit. Hope you're ready to rumble."

Li added more calmly, "Welcome to the group. We train hard here, but it's for a reason."

Alexei nods and says, "You're correct. An speaking of training. Isabella, I wanted to test something, if you don't mind." he glanced aside and Isabella blinked unsure. She nodded, and he wandered over to the panel and continued pressing buttons, "My theory about you, and I would like you to spar with James."

"James?" Sophia asked, surprised glancing over at the man. He was easily stronger than Isabella, even covered in sweat and his tank top clinging to him. James seemed to share the sentiment and glanced at Alexei unsure.

Alexei nodded again, "Yes. Please, trust me on this." He said and made a few last adjustments. The centermost mat illuminated, and the hunters cleared the way as James proceeded with a shrug, "Alright."

Isabella took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. James grinned and then surprised her by pointing to his chin, gesturing for her to take the first shot. His playful challenge ignited a spark of anger within Isabella. She might not be as physically strong as him, but she wouldn't back down from the challenge.

Without hesitation, Isabella charged forward, her determination fueling her actions. With all her might, she unleashed a powerful punch aimed at James' chin. She was not a trained fighter but kept her health in check. To her surprise, he didn't immediately block or dodge it. Instead, he took the hit, his head snapping back slightly from the force. It surprised him.

James chuckled, rubbing his chin with a smirk. "Not bad," he said, genuinely impressed. "Looks like you've got some fire in you."

Isabella's initial anger waned, replaced by a mix of surprise and satisfaction. She hadn't expected her punch to land, let alone catch James off guard. It gave her a surge of confidence, and she realized that she didn't need to match her fellow hunters' physical strength to be a valuable member of the group. The surge was misplaced confidence.

Natalia's eyebrow arched ever so slightly, but she remained composed. Sophia, on the other hand, couldn't help but cheer Isabella on quietly. Li and Rik watched with keen interest, recognizing the significance of this sparring match.

James regained his composure, a grin forming on his face. "Alright, you've got some moves!" he exclaimed, genuinely impressed. He unleashed a series of strikes, and Isabella did her best to defend herself. She relied on her resourcefulness, using the environment to her advantage, ducking and rolling to evade James' attacks. She used every opportunity to weave and hide as she could. She ducked again and found a 10 pound barbell near the desk. That's when she armed herself.

As James continued to advance, Isabella brandished the barbell, using it as both a defensive tool and an offensive weapon. She blocked James' strikes with the barbell, using it to parry and redirect his attacks. To her surprise, she found herself holding her ground against him, her movements fluid and instinctual.

James grinned, clearly impressed by Isabella's resourcefulness. "Nice choice," he commented, acknowledging her improvised weapon. "You're a quick learner." He stepped wide and then instead of engaging in any further physical fight, he crossed his hands over his chest. In a moment his eyes glowed bright blue, like sparked by lightning, then coal black, as if he were possessed.

Isabella dropped the barbell. She stood, shocked.

James' face contorted as he reeled back and pulled ribbons of black and crimson smoke toward him and directed it out through his outstretched mouth in a gruesome yawn. The tips of his ears, nose, and fingers started turning pallid, then grey. He screamed this smoke at her, magical tendrils whipping toward her. She only could lift her arms, and somehow the smoke, the terror, parted around her.

She could feel the demon-like breath nip and pick at her, cold like deathly fingers ripping at her hair and clothes. She felt the primal fear that was meant to be invoked and it parted from her and flowed around her like an ebbed tided parting back along the breakers. It surrounded her, protected her, and came from within her.

Rik knew in an instant, "She's a stoneheart!" He recognized it. Just like him.

Isabella's heart pounded in her chest as she faced the terrifying display of James' magic. The smoke-like tendrils seemed intent on enveloping her, but to her surprise, they seemed to part around her as if repelled by an unseen force. Her fear was palpable, but she refused to let it consume her. She remembered what Alexei had told her about Stonehearts, neutralizing the supernatural, and she summoned every ounce of courage to stand her ground.

Rik's words echoed in her mind, and she understood that her unique ability, just like his, was protecting her from James' magical assault. The revelation both startled and intrigued her. She had heard about magic and supernatural abilities, but she had never thought she would encounter them firsthand.

James' eyes returned to their normal color, and he released the magical display. He looked genuinely surprised but also relieved. "Wow, Isabella. You really are something," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and admiration.

Natalia watched with a calculating gaze, her earlier skepticism giving way to a more intense scrutiny of Isabella. Sophia's eyes sparkled with wonder and excitement at witnessing such a display of power. Li remained stoic, but there was a hint of intrigue in his expression.

Alexei approached Isabella with a knowing smile. "I told you there was something special about you," he said, his voice gentle but authoritative. "I knew it then, and this confirms it. Congratulations, you're a Stoneheart."

Li nodded then, understanding the choice of his teammate. It seemed to satisfy him and he nodded, "That... will be useful. You're like Rik. It's a rare and powerful ability."

Isabella's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions. She hadn't expected to discover her own supernatural abilities so soon, and it left her feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. She glanced at Rik, who gave her an encouraging nod, a silent reassurance that she wasn't alone.

As the group processed what had just happened, Natalia's competitive nature flared up. Her eyes narrowed, and she stepped forward, her tone tinged with a hint of challenge. "Impressive, Isabella," she said, her voice neutral but with an underlying edge directed at Sophia "I sure hope it doesn't make her feel like she's something special." Then a remark to Isabella, "You still have to prove yourself just like the rest of us."

Isabella met Natalia's gaze head-on, her newfound confidence bolstering her response. "I know that, Natalia," she replied firmly. "Thank you. I might be new, but I am ready to work hard and learn all I can."

Alexei intervened, sensing the tension rising. "Good. Let's focus on our training, and remember, we are a team. Each of you brings unique strengths, and together, we're stronger."

It was obvious Alexei took personal care over this training program. He moved to the consoles and reviewed the results with the other five members of the team as Isabella stood there, unsure what to do in the meantime. She glanced at the equipment, old and new. A strange fusion of halberds, and spears, alongside a wall with guns and sleek wooden stakes. There was workout equipment, and monitors everywhere.

While taking inventory, Rik approached, grinning with a wave, "Hi. Isabella. Rik."

Offering an unsure smile, Isabella greeted him, "Thanks. Names get hard."

Rik offered a chuckle and shrugged, "You know, I'm glad you're here. I've been with the Volkov Group for five years. I only met one other Stoneheart, a hunter too."

Isabella wasn't sure how to really respond to this. It wasn't as if she had done anything special, or earned the ability, it just happened when she was in danger it seemed. She offered a smile and answered, "I'm really just learning about all of this myself."

Rik nodded, rubbing his nape. He was tall, taller than both James and Li Wei, and it had appeared that the intense training did his physique favors. Edged, cut, yet still his features maintained a jovial grin, and mischievous expressions. He couldn't have been any older than Isabella, she guessed.

"We're special here. The elite unit." He explained with that same grin flashing.

"Well, then I might disappoint. I really learned most of my vampire hunting from television, books, and internet searches. This ... this is not what I was expecting." Isabella laughed a bit, glancing aside to Rik.

A shrug and a nod, "Well, if it makes you feel any better, we're elite because we're all human, and we all have some sort of ability. You and I are Stonehearts." He explained then nodded to James, "As you saw, he's a warlock." A nod to Sophia, "And Sophia is the strongest hunter of all of this group, and knows a bit of witchcraft too."

Thankful for the insight, Isabella scanned and glanced at Li Wei asking quietly, "What about him?"

A big grin, "Li? He's my best friend. He's great under that seriousness. His family is all former church. One church or another." he stated, as if being religious was something in and of itself special.

Isabella waivered between asking and not asking what that even meant but luckily Rik continued, "The church are the first hunters. His family on his father's side is all from the Jesuits. Practically a Catholic demon hunter, and his mother is a devout Taoist." Rik offered a shrug and murmured, "Well, Li knows how to combat black magic and use prayer, meditation, miracles. He's our spiritual asset. He's probably the most trained martially, well him or Natalia."

Glancing at the woman, the leader, Isabella noted Natalia's watching her chat with Alexei in complete seriousness about her training.

Rik mentioned, "She's really good, she's really clever too. She comes from a long line of hunters that have worked with the House of Domovoi for about two hundred years now. Personally, I think she just wants to become one."

This thought hadn't fully occurred to Isabella, humans wanting to become a demon. Glancing aside at Rik he offered another shrug. She knew he was at least personable and well, prone to gossip. She nodded, "Well I'll keep that in mind."

It was then when Alexei returned, patting Isabella on the arm, "I have a bit more to show you."

Isabella nodded and bid everyone goodbye, hearing Natalia's sweet voice call after her, "Have fun on your tour, Izzie."'

They departed from the other hunters, Isabella's nerves still raw, and on edge. It wasn't helped when Claude reappeared, quite suddenly in a blurr. He was gazing at his tablet, smugly looking down those fake, pretentious glasses at Isabella and then promptly pretending as if she wasn't there, "Ah. Master Aelexi." He began.

They walked and talked, Isabella silent behind them as Claude detailed to Alexei, "And so we have confirmation that they are planning another mass induction event." He turned his tablet and zoomed in on a particular area of a map.

Alexei took the tablet as they walked and took what was a momentary glance at the wooded area, and a scowl instantly adorned his features. His teeth, so pristine and white before, took on a jagged, needled appearance. The lovely features of his face in the moment contorted, the skin pulled back and taut in displeasure. The contortion startled Isabella who then quickly tried to glimpse at the image. All she saw was a wooded area and trees.

Claude snatched the tablet back and fiddled more as they walked, bringing up other files,

"So it is even worse than we thought. It will involve House of Strix. That's in Greece." Alexei said with a nod, his face resuming the handsome human features once more.

Claude sighed and paused his feet as Alexei and Isabella also stopped outside the elevator. "Yes, one of the islands, it is being spun as a music festival. So should we proceed as planned?"

This caused Alexei to scoff, glancing to Claude, "A music festival where people just slowly gather for a week or two?"

Claude shrugged, "Burning Man, Woodstock, Coachella."

Alexei seemed annoyed and then answered Claude, "Regardless, we need to wait. I need to contact my father."

Claude nodded and turned, giving Isabella a final look as Alexei pressed a button summoning the elevator. She blinked, and Claude was gone. Isabella stood there, not sure what to say. So she offered, "You sound really busy, I am sure Monique could give me the rest of the tour."

Alexei shook his head, "No. I need you to meet someone. It's fine."

Isabella nodded as the elevator dinged. She stepped inside and therein the doors shut she asked, "Who?"

Alexei simply informed her, "Vladmir Volkov."