Just the Beginning

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

It was because of men threatening his wife was why Asparuh was in such a bad mood right now. How dare someone threaten someone that was his wife? This was exactly why he did not want any female ruling any sort of family, because of some idiots that thought that they were any better. Asparuh was not sexist, but it was just the thought of others like that that concerned him. Asparuh realized that once the crown was handed down to his son, his time would on the world would not be long. He could not let this happen. No one was going to rule the family while he was dead. It was not going to happen. Asparuh would not allow it. Asparuh would have to find another way to lead the family. He was the only one that could. Asparuh was a great Death Eater, there was no reason why he should not have the ability to do so, allow his legacy to reign all over the family. For several weeks now, Asparuh had been almost unreachable. He could not bear to have anyone take away his thoughts that were constantly running through his mind, which he was researching but he could not find anything just yet. That was because he had his family to worry about, and the stress of being a Patriarch was upon his shoulders. Pacing the Patriarch lair, he looked at the Family tree, and he saw how some of the bloods had mixed with anything other than pure, and he nearly spat in anger. He hated anything but the purest of all bloods, which was why he figured that they would be reigning supreme. Asparuh shook his head and he turned toward one of his servants that was waiting on some orders. He had paused before he had ordered the person to do something, as he needed some time to think. What he needed, was not in the room right now.

Kalif was at the school so he had to settle for the second best. Asparuh looked toward the other servant before Asparuh ordered, "Get Axel and Benjamen here. Now." His cold voice echoed throughout the hall, before he turned back toward the tree and he looked down at Kaleb Styx. Such a disappointment in marrying a Veela girl. At least she could not transform, and the children would not have long until that blood wore too thin. That was the only reason why he even approved it, same with Aleyha's marriage. Plus an alliance with the Snow family deemed to be favorable, and now that the Zhefarovich family pulled out of it, they were focused on others. Asparuh waited for his sons to arrive, and he expected them to be here any moment, but he was growing more and more agitated with each passing second. Not even his wife knew what was wrong with him, and he preferred not to speak how he felt or what was going through his mind. One would deem him insane if they knew that Asparuh was going to be going away to find something that would seen utterly hopeless so they thought, once he found the charm, the curse, the potion, whatever he could find. He did not want to have to be like Arnost. Seeing his twin brother in the casket was unnerving, because it would be the very same way if he had died. Asparuh did not want to have to leave his family, and they fall under the hands of someone that turned out not to be worthy. He did not know what would happen but for now, he would think of other means to continually rule the family, while his son was working at the school.

 

[Axel Zhefarovich]

Tending to issues when it came down to Leviathan and his other children, Axel was none the less surprised when he received an order to go to his father's. 'Interesting,' thought Axel has he grabbed his cloak. He kissed his children goodbye and he was sure that his own servants would tend to them well. Axel had no doubt about that because the woman's life was on the line if there was one hair out of place. Axel had no patience at all. He wondered how his children were that were in school before he ducked from the house that he was living in, and apparated to the Zhefarovich Manor where he looked around. There was no one around. This was odd, what was going on? Axel walked down the corridors, toward the double doors that his father had broken on many occasions. He opened them to see his father, and immediately he could tell that there was something going on and he was not going to like what he heard at all. Axel heard another apparate in, and wondered if it was Kalif. He looked back to see that it was just his brother, Benjamen. He rolled his silver eyes before he entered further into the Patriarch's lair, before he got down on one knee and bowed his head in respect. "My lord, what did you wish to see me for?" Axel's voice was full of respect and honor for his father. He held nothing but respect for the man that raised him, trained him. Axel could never disrespect the man that would not hesitate to rip off his head. Axel slowly rose to his feet and he folded his arms across his chest, waiting for his father to face him and to see what this was all about. What if Asparuh had to tell them something bad? Was it Danielle? Axel had come to think of her as someone that deserved good treatment, and she was also fun to attack others with, seeing as Kasura and Vladislav knew that from experience, however Danielle was pregnant at the time. Axel spared at glance at his brother before he looked back at the family tree. Danielle was not dead, so he honestly had no idea why he was here right now. He just had to wait it out, just like any other patient, obedient son that Asparuh had come to raise.​

 

[Benjamen Zhefarovich]

Benjamen was currently writing things down in his log, as he had conducted his experiments on Viviana Baros, and so far it was proving to be one very entertaining experiment. The next thing he wanted to do would be even worse, and that was practically stalk her, appearing in the shadows before vanishing again. He would have to get in touch with Hades to get it done. Ariah did not seem to like it much, but this was all apart of his plan. Benji was not aiming for the brunette to like him at all, but he was just using her. This would be the first time he had ever done an ongoing experiment without someone ending up dying. He had researched a fair bit into the Baros' name, and turned out they were pure-blooded beings. That was something he could really think about. While living in the Zhefarovich Manor, he had his own wing, and when a servant came up and told him that his father had summoned him, he closed his log, and he got up. He figured that he would need a shirt or something, so he put on a leather jacket, and left the room. He apparated down to the corridor because it was a fair bit away from his wing after all. There was no sense in wasting energy in walking. That sounded like a muggle thing to do. Benji entered the Patriarch's lair to see none other than Axel in there too. Ugh, he had spent enough time with his brother, he did not want to do anymore time with him. However he did not think that he had a choice in the matter. Benji knelt down and he gave his respect to his father before rising back up. Hearing what Axel had called their father, he rolled his eyes again before thinking, 'What a suck up, referring to Bashta as a "lord".' Benji nodded once at Axel, but it seemed the Death Eater brother did not know what this was about, but that was not the shocking part. It was sort of strange seeing Asparuh like this, and he could easily tell that there was something going on. Benji was dying to find out but he could not take the easy way and just look into the minds, only Kalif and Asparuh had that ability, and none of the others had it just yet. Benji preferred potions anyway, to tell the truth. He would not about to trick his dad into the truth potion, that would be suicide.​

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh tapped his finger upon his arm to think to himself while he waited on his two sons, the ones that he believed would be the most fitting to do what he asked. It was something that he had to deal with them. He would have preferred Kalif but that man was always at the school. And then there was Prodan, but he did not seem fit to have any sort of position other than what he was having right now with keeping the secrets. Asparuh did not trust any of the others to have this position except Kalif, and he would not trust many in the family. He did not even like being around half of his family, so there was little trust there. The moment that he heard the sounds of apparation, he knew that they were on their way in here. The Death Eater kept his eyes focused on the family tree before he looked down at his own name, and then his birth date. Interesting, a couple more decades and he would have been around a century. Asparuh thought that it was decided now, he would conquer it, because not many would be able to, and he would never tell a soul on how he did it, unless he trusted the person. He turned to face Axel and Benjamen, as he could easily tell them apart from the way they were other than the length of the hair. Asparuh continued to tap his finger against the fold of his arm, and he waited a moment before he would tell them why he had summoned them here. At first, he probed their minds with the power of Legilimency, and he heard Axel's thoughts on if there was something wrong with Danielle. No, as far as he knew, she was perfectly fine. Just having some pest control problem.

"Danielle is fine, Axel. I am sure she will appreciate your concern for her," said Asparuh as he looked down upon his firstborn with Liyla. He turned his cold gaze toward Benjamen and could not detect much thought in his head that pertained to this matter. Asparuh snapped and a servant served them tea. The lesser blood being walked away, and shut the doors behind her. Good, he needed the privacy with his sons. He proceeded to pace, "The reason why you are both here is a crucial matter, and one that will be worth your lives if you do it in the negative manner, and if you manage to ruin this opportunity, you both will suffer. No matter who is responsible, is that clear?" Once he had their attention, he would continue on. "Axel and Benjamen, you will look after my throne. I will not be around as much as I have something to find. You will ensure that everything is taken care of, and you will protect each and every member. Benjamen, I also wish you to look after Danielle considering that you live here. Basically take command." Asparuh looked at their expressions before he wondered if he should tell them that they were not his first choice. Asparuh looked back toward the tree, and he assumed that they would know what all to take care of. He would leave them some instructions so they would not be completely lost, and they would not trash anything. "Know this, you both were not my first choice. It was Kalif. However considering he is at the school, the matter cannot be done while he is there." Asparuh turned to get a cup of tea that his servant brought out before he took a drink. He had spoke a lot and needed something to drink before the two would or could ask him questions.

 

[Axel Zhefarovich]

Axel honestly could not believe what the Patriarch was saying. He was practically lending the throne to the two of them. Despite the fact that Kalif was the first option, Axel could not be anymore pleased. Of course he would have to manage the family matters in while he was assisting Benjamen when it came down to it. Apparently it was a two man job unless one was trained for it. Unlucky for Axel, he was not trained at all to be a Patriarch. He could only do what the Head does. Axel inquired, "And I suppose Rayna will be taking care of the other task that you assigned to the family as well, is that correct?" Axel was a Viscount for the time being, and that meant that he was a killer, and he would continue to kill so long as he was needed. Killing and assassinating had always been his favorite part of his Great Family. He decided not to probe and ask questions about this task, and why his father was going to be leaving. Things would not bear to turn out in his favor if that were to happen. Axel was meaning to make his name known, and somehow even Benjamen was surpassing him. Axel would kill or something in order to get his name out there. Rayna had apparently beaten him with the Viscount abilities, but she did not have the lethal power that Axel had. She had some great torture ideas, however they would not be suitable when it came to brute strength. This was likely his only chance to prove to the family, that Axel Lastor Zhefarovich was a man to be feared once he was angered. He would continue to do the task of killing another, once they found him, but for now, he would be assisting in his father's choice of leaving. Axel inquired, "Bashta, what if we were to have a question or would need your assistance, how would we be able to get a hold of you?" Axel then bowed his head at such a question. He dare not to anger the ancient Death Eater that had known the Dark Lord himself. How much of an honor that was. Axel had never met him, but he wanted to. He was certain that the Dark Lord would return one way or another. If not, then they would make their old and resting master proud. "We will not fail you, Patriarch." Axel was speaking for his brother too, but Axel could definitely keep him in line.​

 

[Benjamen Zhefarovich]

Benjamen narrowed his onyx eyes upon his father when he had told them what was expected of them. He prayed that it would not interfere with his potion work considering that was the only thing that mattered to him anyhow. Benjamen was very tedious with his potions. He was, of course, one of the best potion makers in the family, and perhaps his father would be needing his skills or something of the sort soon. Benjamen bowed his head once more, before he turned his eyes over to his older half, listening to what they had been assigned not too long ago. Ah, allowing the woman to take care of the matters, how typical. However Rayna was not an ordinary woman. She seemed to hold power even though she was merely the assassin of the great family that still remained in function here in Bulgaria. Benjamen decided to ask the question that he was sure that his brother was wondering as well. "Forgive me for the intrusion, however where are you going to that happens to acquire two men to handle your duties? If something where to happen, Merlin forbid, how would we be notified? I assume Danielle would know of your decisions." Benjamen suddenly bowed his head, as he knew that he had perhaps stepped over the line a bit with his intrusion. Did the Patriarch need a reason to be gone? This just seemed so suspicious, and left the man pondering on if something happened to the great Patriarch, then the family would be in utter chaos. His father had to know how much his family needed him around. Benjamen knew that the Zhefarovich family would create an uproar once they heard the disappearance of their great Patriarch. There were times when he vanished for weeks, but no one needed to babysit the throne. How long was he going to be going on this journey for? Benjamen wanted to accompany him, however he felt that he had done enough with what he had just said moments ago. Benjamen might not give a rat's ass about the Death Eaters and their loyalties, but he did care a lot about this family. No one should be harmed while under their care, and if they did, they would have an army backing them up. It was the nature of the Zhefarovich.​

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

The ancient Death Eater looked over toward Benjamen when he was asked so many questions at once, and he took another drink of his tea before he crossed the lair, and took a seat. He motioned toward his two sons to have a seat on the couch before his chair magically moved around so that he could face them. His arms remained folded across his chest and he continued to look upon his two sons with a powerful glare. He had the power to extract thoughts, memories and pictures by just looking into their eyes, and he did not need to do that. Axel did not seem to have as many questions as Benjamen, however he would be more than obliged to answer those questions because this was his task assigned to them, and he did not expect them to bother with knowing what to do automatically. Only Kalif would know what to do when it came down to handling the throne while he was gone. Asparuh raised his head and he turned to answer Axel's question first. "That is correct, however I do expect you do assign others as well, in case Rayna has other plans. We know how she can be, and sometimes we need a male to get it done. Anyone that has abilities to track down, and slaughter the pig." Asparuh felt that Axel understood this, perhaps more so than Benjamen. "I am not saying that Rayna cannot be trusted, however I fear that she might be swayed into not doing what she is told, especially if she is promised with an heir." Why Rayna wanted another child was beyond the Patriarch. She was raising Hela, Raisa's only daughter, as her own. Perhaps the woman missed the feeling of cradling a pest within her womb. Asparuh would never know, nor did he care to know.

Women were just too complex for Asparuh's understanding, on how they desired to be loved, to be admired, and to be cherished. Even with this marriage that he was currently in, Asparuh did none of the above. He had not been with any other women since Danielle, and he would not bother. Danielle was quite enough to satisfy him. The only thing martial that he did do for her was make sure she was cared for when she was ill or injured, and protect her at all costs. It was in his duty to take care of her, and treated like the Queen of the family, which she kind of was, but held no official title or power. She was honestly honored however, honored as this higher being, more so than any other woman married into the family. Turning his dark, piercing eyes toward Benjamen, he uttered in a dark, cold tone, "Where I will be are none of your concerns, Benjamen Tenebrion Zhefarovich. The only authority that have that right is Kalif, and he will know where I have gone to, but not what I am doing and researching. Nothing is going to happen, because my Death glass still has my reflection. Danielle has yet to be told, and I give either one of you the assignment to get that done as well. The time being right now, I will spend a large amount of time traveling but first I have to check something in the records." Sure that he had gotten through the Benjamen, he decided that he would have to ask him a favor as well. Though the favor would have to wait, because Asparuh would have to do some research to see if such a potion existed. A potion that would ensure that he would be around for a very long time. Asparuh finally said, "If neither of you have anymore pointless questions, then speak now. Otherwise I have work to do, and then begins yours."

 

[Axel Zhefarovich]

Axel had obediently taken a seat where his father had asked him to do. He took a seat on the couch, and he leaned back against the cushions. Sometimes he missed living here, in the Zhefarovich Manor. Everything seemed to be running smoothly, in the dreary matter that it was. Ghosts moaning and screaming, sounds of others being tortured, the laughter of the small children as they learned about the history of their family, it was all something that he loved to listen to. Axel's thin lips curled into a devious smirk when he was given the authority to assign others to do the task as well. Though Rayna was perfect for hte job, Asparuh seemed to think that she could be persuaded into thinking that she may do as the man asked, to spare his life, if given an heir. She had three already, that was all she needed. Axel nodded his head once before he stated, "I am sure that Hades and Hadan would love to be given a task, perhaps even Cassandra or Aleyha. Though Hades seems to have the legendary tracking skills however." Axel knew what to do from that point, and figured that everything would be taken care of. When Benjamen had asked those questions, Axel resisted the urge to smack his younger brother upside the head. They should know better than to question the Patriarch on his decisions, but it was curious that they were going to be responsible for telling Danielle what was going on. Perhaps she would question Asparuh or something, and he did not want anyone to know. It was particular, that even his wife was not going to know where her husband is at, however he would be perfectly safe. Asparuh was quite powerful, though if confronted with a dementor or something of the sorts, then he would not be able to defend himself because everyone knew that Asparuh could not conjure the patronus charm as he did not know or understand what happiness was. Axel pondered if Asparuh knew what any emotion was for that matter. It seemed to be a matter of common sense, if they needed assistance, they could just go to Kalif. How that thought occurred, he did not know but he assumed that it was either his cleverness thinking it, or Asparuh putting the thoughts into his mind. Axel shook his head, and he lifted himself from the couch. He knelt down and he said, "I am honored to have this opportunity. I have nothing more to ask."​

 

[Benjamen Zhefarovich]

The dark man merely snickered when Asparuh spoke of Rayna being tricked so easily because she wanted an heir. Benjamen would not mind one someday, but not anytime soon. He would prefer a son, one that would carry on his name and his own legacy. Benjamen had done some dark deeds, and he did not want to ever stop either. He was having fun with his experiments. His experiments and potions meant everything to Benjamen, and not spending so much time on them like he has been will be greatly shortened because he will be helping his father out handling the family. Benji did not really like it, but what was he going to do about it? There was not much he could do, he was chosen. The Patriarch's word had to be honored no matter what. He had taken a seat on the opposite end of the couch as his brother, before he cringed a bit at Asparuh snapping at him. He should have known better than have acted like that. Benji was not Asparuh's equal, he could not ask him of what he wishes to do or anything of the sort. It was merely childish to have done so. However Benji looked up when he had heard that Danielle would have to be told, and he was sure that Axel would take care of that woman. He was relieved that the reflection in the death glass that they owned was correct, if only they had saved Arnost and Raisa from their fates, only then would they have not suffered the lost of valuable members to the Zhefarovich family. Benji finally managed, "I do apologize for my ignorance." Benji might not have meant it completely, because he was merely curious, but he looked down as he had said that. In order to keep his thoughts private, he should always keep his eyes on anything but the eyes of his father, if it helped that is. He did the same as Axel, and got down from the couch, kneeling down in front of the man that had raised them both into young men that they were, very honorable and obedient, the perfect guard dogs for the family and his throne. He murmured, "I have no other questions." He waited before he was free to be dismissed, which he was assuming Asparuh would be doing at any point now that neither brother had questions.​

 

[Asparuh Zhefarovich III]

Asparuh was truly amazed on how his two sons were, so obedient. He was quite pleased, and he looked upon the two of them kneeling down. It was custom to kneel before the Patriarch, however it was not so much to kneel down before him before he were to leave. However he would not even be leaving the Manor for quite a bit, and while he was down in the basements where the large study was, only for Patriarch's to use, he would have a servant to bring him the necessities to live. His loyal and only house elf that served the Zhefarovich family for generations and generations, and the old thing hated the human servants that tended to the care of the Manor. Asparuh did not like house elves in general, but he often used his own to have his son, Asparuh Zhefarovich the Fourth, learn many things from. It was incredible on how much beating a house elf could take, and treated all the Zhefarovich members like they were Gods and Goddesses that were worshiped. Granted, this was only for those that were born in. Those that were married in barely got a word from him. Asparuh had not really cared to notice this, but he rose his hand up, saying, "Rise, and get on with your new assignments. Don't make me regret choosing the two of you or else you both will suffer the cruelest death I can think of, is that clear?" When both seemed to understand, Asparuh slowly rose to his feet, and he shifted in his stance, which was tall and stiff. Asparuh figured that the two of them would be able to get the job done, and after he told Axel to inform Danielle of his sudden disappearance, he walked off toward the bookcase before he apparated from the lair, leaving the two to their new jobs here in the family. He better not be let down.

Appearing before a large door, Asparuh reached into his robes and pulled out his wand before he unsealed the door, and entered into the library that was about the size of a football stadium, just floor to ceiling with ancient scrolls and books. This was something that he needed. He would have to find a way to get around what he was going to be avoiding some way or another. There had to be something in here that would assist him. Perhaps a word or something to nudge him in the right direction. He thought of numerous dark objects, and being someone like him, one would think that there is one out there, that would assist him. The moment that his house elf came along, Asparuh pulled up a seat and his house elf got down on his hands and knees, and it croaked, "I am pleased to serve my Master personally today. What does honorable, pure-blood Master wishes for me to do?" Asparuh had not sat down, but he looked down at his house elf. This would be a dangerous task indeed because these books and scrolls often attacked others for touching, while some screamed, others flew. Some of these would do both. Asparuh looked down upon the house elf before he ordered, "On your feet." Instantly the old creature did just that. Asparuh turned his eyes back toward the bookcases, some so far that the eye could not see. This would be one tough task, but the Death Eater would have it done in no time. Especially with assistance. For now, the old creature would be the only thing knowing on what he was looking for, but not exactly. He touched the dusty scrolls before he picked one up, and he sat down in his large chair. He opened it up before he murmured in an icy tone, "Find me everything you can in here in this library on immortality."

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Fin for now​