Submitted by Soulless Zombie on Wed, 03/20/2002 - 22:58
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Season One will run from Febuary 6th to June 6th.
Due to a upgrade gone wrong all data was lost an thus all post have had to be re-posted so here they are...
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Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Black Jem
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2002 8:09 am
Jem was sitting on a coffin in her crypt.
"Shit, Chris!" she shouted, startling Ebony who was hovering nearby.
"I'm sorry," Chris replied softly. He was trying to remove the three bullets Jem still had in her from her run in with the cops. The skin around the holes had gone purple and they hurt badly.
Ebony was in a trance, swaying to the demented and now ruined tune of her jewellery box. She snapped out of her trance as soon as she heard Jem's scream. "Why can't I help?"
"Eb, shut the hell up! He's trying to concentrate."
"But why?" she quizzed in the voice of a helpless young girl.
"Because I don't trust you with pointy objects."
Ebony replied with a glare to that comment, but Jem just ignored her. There was a short silence as Chris pulled the last bullet out. "Ok, they're out."
"Good."
The door opened and two vampires walked in.
"Where have you two been?"
"The other night we were out hunting and we came across this woman, usual thing; torture, eat, kill..." one of the vamps said.
"Hmmmm, pain," Ebony said cutting off the vampire as she wandered about the crypt.
"There was a man, he was powerful, magic and all, and a girl. They stopped us. Killed three," the other vampire filled in, ignoring Ebony.
"Damn! Where have you been, though?"
"We hid," the first vampire said sheepishly.
"And you hid because..?!"
"They were powerful, very powerful, we thought they might track us down."
"You're useless! You are vampires, pitiful excuses for vampires, but vampires nonetheless. You're not supposed to hide. You are predators, act like it!"
"Jem, calm down," Chris said. "I think we should be worrying more about these people, not lackeys."
"Fine. Tell me what happened," she said, calming down a little.
"This guy came up to us, he moved fast, we didn't get much of a glimpse of him. The girl, she was cute, Asian. She was small, about 20 with dark, long hair, if I remember right," the larger vamp explained.
"There was a fight, they used magic. We managed to escape."
"We need to find them," Jem said, "and make them pay."
Time to go.
Wisewoman
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2002 9:39 am
Post subject: Time to Go
The Wisewoman stood before the closed door of her loft, not moving, barely breathing. The battle that had raged beneath her was over, and she knew Bereaver was dead. The pentacles on both her palms pulsed and burned.
*This is an odd turn of events, one for which I wasn't prepared. Perhaps I've been wrong to think...*
She shook her head and turned from the door. Her plans would have to change, and quickly. She would leave tonight. The Guild would be furious, of course, but that couldn't be helped. Leaving her post in LA unattended was unforgivable. If only there were someone she could convince to take her place, even if only to care for the plants while she was gone...
*I should have made the effort to befriend the young women sooner,* she berated herself. *It can't be helped, there's no time now...but...*
Her thoughts turned to the huge Battle Demon and their recent interaction. The thought of using him as a housesitter was ridiculous, but perhaps he could convince one of the others...? She strode through the large main room of the flat and down a hallway to a smaller, crowded office. Clearing a space in the centre of an old oak desk, she rummaged around in its drawers until she came up with a multicoloured sphere the size of a tennis ball. She set it in the middle of the empty space, concentrated, and began to make several passes over it with first her left hand, and then her right. The colours on the sphere swirled, shifted, and finally settled into a new pattern.
*There, that should do it. Brief and to-the-point, but at least the message won't be intercepted and read by anyone other than "Victor."*
She returned to the main room with the sphere in her hand, gathered up her long black coat, checked that her flute was in its special inside pocket, and tossed the coat over her shoulder. She stepped into the hallway and silently closed the door behind her. Moving to the top of the stairs, she let the sphere drop gently to the floor and nudged it with the toe of her boot until it dropped down the stairs and out of sight.
Turning, she made her way once more up the narrow staircase to the roof.
*NO!!*
Stalker
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2002 2:51 pm
Post subject: *NO!!*
Stalker staggered in the sewer. The demon was nearly in control, all he needed was to reach the manhole above him and hopefully out in the sunlight he would be all right. In the light the demon couldn't control him.
He climbed the ladder and pushed it. He scrambled out into the moonlit street...
"NO!!" Stalker screamed. The moonlight glowed on Stalker's changing face. He was too weak, he couldn't control his own body any longer. A sinister laugh rose within him.
*Hmm, that's better,* cooed the vampire.
*No.*
*I'm in control now. Did you really think you could win?*
*I will regain control eventually and destroy you!*
*I doubt it.*
*I will do it even if it means destroying the both of us.*
*Shut up.*
*No.*
*OK, I can see this little voice in the head is going to become very annoying. I shall have to find out why you are still here and dispose of your soul.* "But first, I need something to eat! Perhaps Catherine will satisfy that hunger."
*No.*
Another evil laugh erupted from the hidoeus looking Stalker. As he walked toward Poplar Avenue his face slowly changed back to normal to make him look more inconspicuous...
Stalker approched the apartment building. *Powerful energy here tonight.*
He walked into the building and approached his door.
*Hmm, there has been a fight.* He could smell and feel it in the air. He reached out and pushed his door, the lock breaking. As he entered his apartment he sniffed the air. *Nobody here,* he thought as he walked out of the apartment. *Thank God.* *Shut up.*
"Mr Smith?!" a call came from across the hallway.
Stalker swung around to see who it was. Mrs White was peering out of her door looking scared and unsure, "Oh, Mr Smith, thank the God almighty it's you." Some of the tension drained from her face.
*Hmm, she's no Catherine but she will do.* *No, please don't do it!* *I told you before! SHUT UP!!*
Stalker smiled and then a look of concern spread across his face. "What's wrong? You look worried."
"Oh, it's nothing now. It's just all the tenants.. You'd better come in and I'll tell you about it." she beckoned him into her apartment. She walked toward the kitchen. "Take a seat. I'm going to make myself a cup of tea, would you like a drink?"
"Yes please Mrs White, a drink would be lovely." *A drink of your BLOOD.*
"You don't know how glad I am to see you! The other tenants have been fighting. There were other strange people here as well and I was scared to leave my apartment," Mrs white says as she walks in with a tray containing the tea.
"Really? How interesting! What were they fighting about?" Stalker replied curiously.
"I don't know but some of them had swords and pieces of wood and someone was firing a gun upstairs," she ranted. "I'm so glad you are back from your convention. You are the only other normal person in this God forsaken building." She smiled, "I should have used the money my dear husband left me for my retirement. This building was an awful mistake." She started to cry; the thought of her late husband was too much for her.
"Are you all right?" Stalker soothed.
"Oh, I'm sorry. It must be awful for you to sit and listen to me blubber about my past mistakes. I just wished I was stronger and more able to cope with these strange people in this building. Either that or not here at all." She paused, "I'm sorry, there I go again."
"Not to worry. It's okay, I understand," Stalker said.
"Oh you are a nice young man," she smiled, wiping her tears. "How do you have your drink?" she said, lifting the tea to pour it.
"Warm and fresh," Stalker growled as he threw himself toward Mrs White, his face changing mid-flight...
Here I come to save the day.
Daye
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2002 3:31 pm
Post subject: Here I come to save the day.
Daye entered the building at 1318 Poplar Avenue and headed for the stairs to the second floor. It was late enough in the evening that she was hoping to catch this Victor at home. Most of the residents of this area tended to stay in at night. With luck, this demon would be one of those.
As Daye was passing one of the apartments on the first floor, she heard a woman scream in terror. In her experience, in a city like LA, that usually meant trouble. And in this neighborhood, with the recent goings-on, she felt pretty confident that it might even be the kind of trouble she was best suited to handle.
Daye ran over to the door of the apartment the scream had come from, and knocked loudly on the door.
“Is everything all right in there?” she called out. When no one answered, she pressed her ear to the door. Daye heard the sounds of a struggle from inside. She decided to go in, hoping she was not about to make a fool of herself and find a woman entertaining her boyfriend behind the door.
Daye turned the handle on the door and when she found it locked, she muttered a quick incantation to open the lock. She charged into the apartment, catching sight of an elderly woman being attacked by a vampire.
*DAMN*
Stalker
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2002 4:17 pm
Post subject: *DAMN*
Stalker fed on the old lady's blood. It was refreshing but didn't have much of the type of energy Stalker needed to rejuvenate himself. The struggle to gain control of this body had taken a lot out of him and he needed younger blood.
He heard a knock but continued feeding on the old lady. *The door's locked. I'm safe.*
He heard a click of the lock opening. The door opened. He looked up. *Hmm, a woman. More blood for me, maybe.* Stalker let go of the now lifeless body of Mrs White and approached the woman. "You intrude - now you will die."
The woman was mumbling something.
"What are you saying? Speak up. I don't like my food to be impolite," Stalker growled.
Suddenly a force pushed Stalker back through the air toward the window. The window opened and Stalker was forced out. Stalker regained his footing and ran back making a dive for the window. The woman had constructed a mystic barrier. He hit it - he wasn't allowed in. He was no longer invited. *Damn, I mustn't have killed the old hag.* *Ha, Ha, Ha.* *Shut up, you.* Stalker ran off toward Bob's..
Daye had dispatched the vampire as quickly as possible and erected a barrier to keep him from returning. She now knelt over the body of the old woman, checking to see if she was too late. To her surprise, the woman still had a thin, weak pulse. Daye pulled some herbs out of her pouch and began an incantation to heal the woman and restore some of her strength. It would take her a while - the old woman had lost a lot of blood, and such healing was never easy.
It took Daye some hours to finish the spell properly, and there were a couple of moments where she thought the old woman had breathed her last. *She must be a tough old bird.* Once the spell was complete, the woman slipped into a deep sleep.
*That is the best thing to restore her strength,* Daye thought. *Maybe next time she will be more careful about who she lets into her home.* Daye left the woman in her bed, and locked the door behind her. Even though the sky was lightening outside, she didn't want to delay her purpose here. She hurried up the stairs, heading for apartment 202.
Hopefully, after she finished with Victor, Daye could return and check on the poor old woman. She would probably be quite frightened and from the looks of things, there was no one else to look after her. But for now, Daye put the incident out of her mind and hurried up the stairs.
Secrets Revealed Part 3 - Arrest
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2002 9:31 pm
Post subject: Secrets Revealed Part 3 - Arrest
The Abyss curled at Kate’s feet and eventually contracted in on itself, swallowing the light up and dying into nothing. Kate lay on the cold floor, her breathing shallow and painful, blood soaking into the white of her robe. Janus’s dead body lay only inches from her, the long silver blade still standing in her heart. Kate couldn’t see what was happening around her, but she could sense a figure darting around the two bodies. It moved quickly back and forth and the heavy fabric of a robe trailed over her fingers.
There was a releasing sound, Kate guessed it was someone removing the blade from Janus because she felt a rush of blood span across the floor as it ran into her fingers. There was a slight cry of pain, then another stabbing sound followed by a small sigh. Then she felt the cold hilt of the athame pressed into her trembling, blood covered fingers. Soon after, a warm, tingling sensation rose up her body, her wounds seemed to heal, and she sat up.
She looked around, the athame was in her hands, Janus’s blood covered her hands like some crazed butcher. Janus’s body had several more stab wounds to the chest. Kate bent over her body; the skin was ice cold. A rune of possession had been deftly carved into her forehead; Kate traced the shape, a diamond with two protruding lines coming from the ends of the diamond. As she did a rushing surge of power ran up her fingers, “Dies Irae,” it whispered, “soon…” Kate pulled her hand free; it still pulsated with a deep purple darkness.
Suddenly a door flew open. Kate shielded her eyes from the terrible light of the Dawn Patrol. The guards looked from Kate to the corpse of Janus. Upon seeing the rune of possession one yelled out…
“Murderer!!”
The guard leapt on Kate, pulling her up and away, binding her stained hands behind her back. The others surrounded the dead body on the floor. Kate was being pulled away out of the room.
A voice that was not her own seemed to call forth from her inner being, singing in rage. “Judgement Day! Judgement Day!” Kate moaned in pain, tears flowing down her cheeks, but the voice called again… “The time will be soon! Come Dies Irae, you will all bow to me!”
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Sorrow
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 1:00 am
England 14/02/05
The room was oak panelled and lit only by the desk lamp. Against one wall stood a bookcase. On the opposite wall was a fireplace. The man who sat at the desk was tall and slim with greying hair. His hazel eyes held a predatory intelligence has he perused a number of files on the desk. There was a knock on the door to the office.
"Enter."
The man who entered was younger; perhaps in his early thirties. Dressed in a dark pinstripe suit he wore an air of nervous energy.
"There has been an interesting development in the lamia project." He hesitated. There was no response from the man behind the desk.
"It appears that subject 21's barrier has failed."
"One more vampire in the world is hardly an interesting development."
"Under normal circumstances sir, yes, but it appears that there is a measure of co-existence."
The older man looked up. "Assemble a team, he is to be observed only. Do not make contact. He has gone beyond what we would have wished."
The younger man left. The older man stood and turned to the darkened window behind him. "Almost fifteen years, well maybe we can cut that down."
Epiphany
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 1:44 am
Post subject: Epiphany
Victor watched quietly as Jade left, with Matthias carrying Sorrow to her apartment. He held the door, and helped as he could, but after Jade's outburst, none of them were much in the mood to help. As they left, Victor noticed a glowing orb on the floor. He casually picked it up, and set it on his coffee table. *I'll get back to it later, * he thought. He went over and checked on Tash. "How are you doing? You look none the worse for wear."
Tash shook herself from her surprise at Jade's vehemence, and replied, "No, I managed to come out of that with nothing more than an adrenaline rush." She looked at Victor's shoulder through the tear in his shirt. "That's not too bad. I'll help you clean it up in a minute, but my bike's still outside. I really want to bring it up."
"Need help?" asked Victor.
“No, I should be right. I just have to grab it and bring it straight back up. I'll only be a minute." Tash left and took the stairs two at a time. Her bike was still leaning against the side of the building. Wheeling it back inside, she marvelled at how little damage seemed to have been inflicted on the walls. The van had left two long skid marks as it left. *Pity we let one get away.*
She dropped the bike back in her second bedroom, avoiding the broken glass on the floor. *Hmm, have to get that window looked at first thing.* She took the time to reload her gun, then returned to Victor's apartment.
Victor watched her practically jump down the stairs. *She is certainly something. I must be doing something right. * As he turned back into the apartment, Victor saw the orb he picked up n the hallway. He lifted it and wondered where it had come from. He thought maybe Bereaver or one of the other attackers had dropped it. He set it on the table and stared at it. It looked like a colored Thessalan Orb, but it felt different. No soul inside, but maybe something else.
* No easy answers, Victor? *
* Shut up. I'm thinking. *
*Thinking about her, eh? *
Victor wasn't even angry. It was true. Tash had been all he had been able to think about since he had met her.
* And she threatened to kill you. *
* Damn soul. *
As Tash entered Victor's apartment, she found him seemingly lost in thought. There were no strong emotions flying about, but she caught a feeling of ... contentment? No, that didn't seem quite right. She moved closer to Victor. "I suppose I should really look at that shoulder of yours. Here, sit down and get that shirt off."
Victor settled onto the couch and unbuttoned his shirt as Tash peeled off her gloves. *I seem to have been doing this an awful lot lately.* She sensed confusion within Victor as she began to concentrate on seeing past the glamour. It distracted her. She could feel warmth and caring coming from him, but also uncertainty, as though he were unused to such feelings.
Trying to put aside what she was reading from Victor, she once more started to centre herself. She still found it difficult. Her mind kept wandering. *But I feel the same way. I care for him, I think I'm starting to care for him a great deal. But how can I? He's not human....does that really matter to me? I've always judged people by their auras and their actions. What else is there to judge someone by?*
Finally banishing her thoughts to the back of her mind, Tash found that calm place at her centre. She reached out and felt the smooth armour of Vrithetek. Opening her eyes, she could see that the vampire had done very little damage. The merest crack was oozing slightly. She smeared a little goop into the crack, sealing it. She then checked his abdomen. She'd seen the blow he'd taken from that demon - right on the spot where Tempest's sword had struck yesterday.
"How's the stomach feeling?" she asked as she tenderly felt around the cracked armour. It had separated slightly, but didn't seem to be bleeding. *If that's the right word.*
"It'll be fine," said Victor, "I don't think you will need to do anything to it."
* Ask her. *
* How can I? *
* How can you not ask her how she feels? She has accepted who and what you are. Are you going to wait for her to get frustrated with your brooding silence?*
Victor tensed, and Tash could feel it.
Tash looked up into Vrithetek's glowing red eyes. She pulled her hand away from his stomach slightly, and the human form reappeared. *No, it doesn't matter at all, * she decided. Looking into his human eyes, she could see the battle going on within him. Never one to sit idly by while others fought, Tash leaned forward and kissed Victor lightly. A light kiss, but not so chaste as the one she'd given him yesterday.
Victor returned the kiss. He put all his doubts and uncertainty into it, hoping her kiss would answer them.
Tash felt a surge of emotion as the kiss grew stronger. Uncertainty vanished as she wrapped her arms around him. She could feel warm, smooth muscle, and even though she knew it was a lie, it didn't matter to her. She knew what his soul looked like. As her bare hands touched Victor's back, however, she saw flashes of vision. Not full visions like she usually received, but enough to disturb her.
Victor was stunned by her passion, but it was the unequivocal answer he was looking for. Then he felt her pulling away. Disappointment surged through Victor, * She's remembered what I am. *
She left her arms where they were, but pulled her hands away from his skin. She drew back slightly, stopping the kiss, though their faces were bare millimetres apart. "Victor, I'm sorry. Visions..... I can't touch you....." Tash could almost weep with frustration.
"Any touch from you is special. Even it means you have to wear your gloves. I can only hope there will be a day that there is nothing you will see from me that will come between us."
Tash shook her head, "I'm not worried about what I'll see. I know there'll be some nasty stuff in there. I've already seen some of it. It's the visions themselves. They're always too powerful...." Tash clasped her hands together behind Victor's neck, "But that doesn't mean I can't do this..." and she kissed him once more, her hands away from his body, but her mouth searching his.
Victor pulled her onto the couch with him. He was careful to be gentle, but he was awkward, and her grunts were indications that he was rougher than intended. He kissed her and whispered. "I am not sure how this will work. Are we ready for this?"
Tash had to admit she was frightened. She swallowed. "I don't know. I mean, can you..... are you.....?" She gestured helplessly. *Great, start stammering, that'll help!*
Victor grinned, "The Glamour has one. Does it work? I don't know. Never had to use one before."
Tash blushed. She trusted Victor. It was herself she didn't trust. She could feel her heart beating fast, and a warm feeling deep in the pit of her stomach. She reached out with a bare hand and lightly traced a finger down his chest. Thinking about her feelings, there was a flash or two of vision, as before when she'd touched his back, but not a full vision. *Maybe.....* She flicked her eyes up to meet Victor's. "If we take it slowly...." she began.
"I take it that slow is good. I am willing to do that. Seems I need to spend some time resting in bed and recovering anyway. Besides, since I don't sleep, something to pass the time will be welcome."
Victor looked deep into her eyes. She hadn't heard a word he said. But they were both drinking deep of the closeness. Her body and his next to each other. Arms around each other. Victor felt as if he was part of her, and she of him.
Victor stood up, kissing Tash again as he did so. He handed her her gloves, and bent over to lift her in his arms.
Tash let herself be carried into Victor's bedroom. *I can't believe I'm doing this. All these years I've been keeping people at a distance, and now....* She looked into Victor's face, into his eyes, into his soul. *And now, the time is right.*
She breathed out softly as he settled her onto the bed. She clutched the gloves he'd given her, but she hadn't yet put them on. She was curious. She had a theory, and was willing to test it out.
Victor laid her on the bed. He took off his shoes and socks, and loosened his pants and removed them. He climbed onto the bed carefully trying not to crush her and lay next to her. He kissed her shoulder and her arm. He kissed her lips.
Tash's heart was pounding now. There were no thoughts in her head but her own feelings. Victor's lean body was stretched next to hers. She ran one hand down his flank. No visions. *Hallelujah!* She propped herself up on one elbow and removed her jacket. Bending down, she kissed Victor again, feeling him respond. Then a thought occurred to her.
Pulling back slightly, she asked him, "Do you feel anything, you know, physically when we do that?" *That's right, Tash, just blurt it out without thinking.* She felt a bit exasperated with herself, but it didn't seem fair if Victor wasn't really designed for this.
"I feel...something. But it is very unfamiliar. I like it. I like you doing it to me. I'm not human, and you know that. But I feel the physical contact, and there is something responding within me. I want it to mean something to you too." He kissed her. He unbuckled the holster she wore, and unbuckled her belt. "I think it is worth trying. If nothing else, it may help us determine how far we can...or should go with this."
Tash smiled at this demon that she trusted with her very soul. "I've never wanted anything more in my life. It's funny, I've always been scared to get close to people, because of the visions, and now I think that being close like this is the only thing that drowns them out."
"I know how you feel. I have never felt so right about anything before. It’s like the doubts and fears are silent in the face of our emotions."
She wriggled out of her pants as Victor unbuttoned her shirt. Soon, the only thing between them was a small amount of space, then that too was gone as they embraced each other fully. Tash found herself kissing his face, his chest, his fingertips.
The passion in her was building, and as it did, she felt as though a conduit opened up between them. As she touched him, she didn't receive any visions, but she could really feel what he felt. Not picking up thoughts and feelings as she usually did, but feeling his feelings as though they were her own. And she knew he was getting her feelings in the same way.
Victor opened his hand and placed it on her dark skin. He let his fingers slip into her soul...just a touch. He could not get close enough to her. For a moment, they shared that connection. He could feel her passion, and she was flooded with his. They kissed, touched and loved each other.
Afterwards, nestled next to Victor, Tash couldn't believe how content she felt. She couldn't remember ever feeling this peaceful before. There were no thoughts, no doubts, just the memory of Victor's soul shared with hers for a few brief, glorious moments.
Victor was elated. His very being hummed with pleasure as he had never felt. He nestled his head next to Tash's and whispered to her, "We should do this again."
Tash smiled, "Oh, definitely...." She snuggled closer to him. As her body returned to normal, she could feel the visions starting to tickle at her mind. *Too bad, let them come.* She closed her eyes and held onto the feeling of holding Victor close as they flooded her brain.
*****
Villagers screaming in terror as the monster from the mountain came to claim his monthly tribute. It was always the small children the monster wanted.
He was marching in formation with dozens of identical brothers. They were being shipped to duty in a far off dimension. He could see the spires of the Shrine of Ghortab in the distance. They sparked brightly against the dark red sky. Vrithetek could feel the energy crackles from here, they always made his shell tingle.
He watched the convent from his vantage point on the hill. Nuns were always especially tasty. Vrithetek loved to savour their souls, they were so pure.
The transport ring was ahead and the others filed in. Vrithetek stalled. The Battle Fiends behind him pushed, but he could not go. The call was strong, and he had to heed it. Victor ran over the broken black ground. The other fiends just ignored him. They had duty to perform. They could not be bothered with a defective fiend. His aberrant behavior would soon catch up with him when the Monitors swept this way.
Vrithetek gaining his first glamour.... he had convinced the old witch to cast the spell, then he had flung her into her own fire, simply to see how long it really took for witches to burn.
The Monitors flew past the front of the Shrine. There were many aberrants here along with Vrithetek. They used the beamers to melt those who did not conform. Vrithetek watched as the Command Fiend to his right was reduced to a boiling puddle of goo. Vrithetek pounded the doors of the shrine that had not been opened in centuries. He was sure the beamers would melt him next. He closed his eyes and prayed to Ghortab to spare his creation. And the doors turned to mist.
Vrithetek surveyed the barren wasteland around him. His handiwork. This had been a fertile valley. Now it was desolate. A feeling of satisfaction filled him at the evidence of a job well done.
Vrithetek stared at the interior of the crystalline structure and it huge vaulted ceilings. The stone slabs that recorded the lore of Ghortab carefully levitated above the floor and lined the walls. Vrithetek could read them, his talent for languages having been built into his matrix. "There is no victory without destruction. There is no peace without growth," he read to himself. “Do not be limited by what you think you are, or more importantly by what others think you are."
Staring into the eyes of a young girl, as he slowly lifted her up by the throat. As she started to choke, her eyes wild with fear, Vrithetek pulled her soul from her and examined it. *Good enough,* he thought as he drew the soul into himself.
"Time will come when you will need more than life. Then those days of existence will pale with the desire for more than a creator can give. A soul will give you power. A pure soul will take you higher than an impure soul. An impure soul is worse than existence. Only one thing can free the impure soul from its torture."
*What is that one thing? * Vrithetek prayed. *Answer me! *
Vrithetek hated this. The one thing he'd always wanted, and now it tormented him. * Damn soul. * It stopped him from enjoying the evil at which he excelled.
Victor grabbed the heavy stone. It did not want to come out from the levitating beam. He felt as if he should smash it. Make it reveal its secrets to him. Then he felt it fall. It became a burden. He could feel the weight of it pushing him down.
Searching, endlessly searching to still that nagging voice inside him. The one that insisted he cared, that he had feelings for people. He wanted it to be quiet, but every day it seemed to grow stronger.
He looked back at the door where he had come in. The Monitors flew overhead, melting the crowd at the front door. Vrithetek charged. He knew that the Monitors needed mere seconds to recharge, but there was an opening... He ran over the craggy hills looking for the thing he knew was there. He was pursued by the Monitors day and night now. He had not eaten at the energy troughs for days.
Victor trying to find the answers with the Cloch Cosan. When it all went horribly amiss in Paris, he began to wonder if he was going about this all wrong.
Then he spotted the old stone transport ring. The one they said was quarantined. He knew it lead someplace that the Command Fiends didn't want them to know about. But Vrithetek was made to find out information. He knew it was someplace he would not be pursued. He charged over the open ground, the stone carried on his back. He dove for the ring as a brilliant flash of light carried him high into the air. * I was so close! * Then he felt the stone fall. His burden pulled him down and into the ring, even as the stones around it flashed to light. The nine segments of it bringing into focus the new place he was headed. He fell through and into a new kind of torture.
Meeting Tash. She could see what he was. Could sense the evil, but also the good. Learning to trust each other. Learning to love each other. Is this the answer he's been seeking?
*****
Tash felt her own thoughts start to swim to the surface amongst the onslaught of visions. She could still feel Victor's body close and warm. *To have done so much evil, and to live with it every day since he gained a soul ... how does he bear it?*
Tash opened her eyes and gazed into Victor's. "You know how this morning I said I didn't care what you'd done in the past? That it was now that mattered?" At Victor's puzzled nod, she continued, "I meant it. I've seen you, and I love you."
Victor felt something warm fill his being. It burned white hot in his gut, and he had no idea what it meant. "I am not sure what this may mean, Tash. I really don't. But I am thinking I love you too."
Tash smiled and snuggled closer, where she gradually drifted into sleep, secure in Victor's arms.
Jade's Diary... (3)
Jadyn
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 2:35 am
Post subject: Jade's Diary... (3)
A sound from the street outside woke Jade from where she'd dozed off on her dressing table. Shoving her hair off her forehead, she peered blearily at the silver alarm clock beside her bed.
*4am... Exactly an hour since the last time I got up... Great...*
She looked down to the journal entry she'd been in the midst of writing before she'd fallen asleep.
A sudden thud from the living room interrupted her reverie. Groaning at the ache in her back and neck as she got up, Jade slipped on her kimono before she opened her door and went to check what on what'd made the noise....
Choices
Jadyn
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 4:51 am
Post subject: Choices
Flipping on the light, Jade started at the sight of Matthias standing by the window.
Giving her a small smile, he said, "I'm sorry, did I wake you?"
"No, I haven't been able to really drift off the entire night. Nerves, I think... I keep waking up to check on..." Jade's voiced trailed off as she glanced towards the door of her guest bedroom.
"Ah..." Matthias nodded, his face expressionless. Jade felt a painful tug of guilt.
"Matthias... I..." She honestly didn't know where to begin. *How do I go about explaining the connection I felt with Tristan? I don't even understand it myself! He's a vampire hunter. I'm half-vampire. We're suppose to be on opposing teams. Yet, when I look at him, none of that seems to matter...*
Matthias looked at Jade sadly. Over the past couple of days he'd felt a connection with her that he hadn't felt with anyone else except his Natasha. Jade was special. He closed his eyes, feeling the confusion and hurt from her. *She really feels something for this Sorrow. But looking at him, I know his secret. Will that be too much for her? Do I dare tell her? She'll think I'm being petty.*
He opened his eyes again and looked once more at this precious flower that he'd only just found. *No, she has to say it. I don't want to cause her pain, but I can't bring myself to say it for her.* Trying to keep his expression neutral, he asked, "What is it, aghra?"
Jade fought the impulse to throw herself into his arms; the understanding in his eyes was almost her undoing... *He knows what's going on. I'm sure of it.*
Swallowing hard to choke down the lump in her throat, she covered the distance between them and laid her hand on his smooth cheek. Taking a deep breath, she managed three words before her voice broke. "About Tristan... I..."
Unable to meet Matthias' penetrating gaze, Jade turned toward the window, desperately wishing she could find a way to articulate how much exactly she felt. *And how the hell do you propose you that, Jadyn Lee, when you're not even sure yourself what's swimming around in that heart of yours!*
As Jade touched his cheek, Matthias wanted to grab it and hold onto her. But he knew she had to make up her own mind, without interference. *Curse humanity! I've spent far too long here if I've grown so attached to them.*
He watched her pace to the window. "Jade," his voice cracked slightly. He cleared his throat and continued, "Jade, what does your heart tell you? I sense some confusion."
"Calling it 'some confusion' is probably gonna win you the understatement of the year award." Jade smiled tearily.
She lit a cigarette, and drew deeply on it before she continued. "When I was a little girl, my mother use to tell me the story of Lancelot, Guinevere and King Arthur. Then, I could never understand how a woman could love two men at the same time, for entirely different reasons. I also never understood why Arthur and Lancelot continued loving Guinevere to distraction, even after they knew of her affection for the other. I guess at the tender age of 8, everything's pretty black and white..."
Unable to stand still, Jade started to pace around the room, the silk of her black wrap whispering softly in the breeze. "But the biggest difficulty I had then... was figuring how she made a choice between them. Perhaps that was because my life then was so blessed. I'd never been in a position where I had to choose between things of equal importance to me..."
Matthias' eyes closed as she spoke. He could feel what she was working towards, and his heart was breaking.
Jade glanced over at Matthias. His entire posture seemed to be rigid, as if to ward off a physical blow. Her heart ached for the pain she was causing him but she perservered, knowing that it'd be better for them both if she got everything out in the open.
*I worry, will she get hurt? I don't want to see her hurt. She's too... Jade.* Matthias once more opened his eyes and watched Jade as she paced nervously, cigarette crushed in one hand, forgotten. *She's already hurting....*
"It wasn't till much later on in life that I realised how Guinevere decided on the correct path to take. The answer was so simple. She didn't. Choose I mean. It simply was..."
"Lancelot was everything that went against her grain. Yet, he was all she wanted... Arthur was the kind of husband girls dreamed of - wise, handsome, loving, kind. But beautiful as he was, he wasn't Lancelot."
"Yes, Lancelot was the dashing hero...." Matthias couldn't quite keep all the bitterness out of his voice.
"Matthias..." Jade stopped in her pacing. "Please try to understand..."
"I do understand, aghra. I'm afraid I understand all too well." Matthias held her gaze, longing hidden deep in his eyes. "I don't want to see you hurt. I would rather you were happy. If he's the one to do it," his voice cracked again, "So be it..." he finished in a whisper.
That broke Jade down completely. At that very moment, she hated herself for everything she was putting him through. *And for what? For all I know, Tristan doesn't even reciprocate my emotions!*
Linking her arms around Matthias' waist, she drew him to her and held him close, tears running down her face. "I'm so, so sorry... I never meant for anything like this to happen. God, that sounds so lame... so cliched... but it's true. I've steered clear of relationships and intimate entanglements for so long... I never expected so much to happen in such a short time..."
Having Jade hold him so close was too much for Matthias. His reserve broke completely and he held her. Held her as though he would never let her go. He didn't want to let her go. "Aghra...." he began. He smelled the fresh scent of her hair. It intoxicated him.
Matthias could feel Jade's turmoil. She was having a hard time getting through this, but he knew she was determined. *Why do I always have to be the strong one?* He pulled back a little from Jade's embrace, but he couldn't keep the pain from his eyes. He wiped a tear from her face, gently, then bent and gave her a soft kiss. "I will let you choose as your heart dictates," he said softly.
"My heart's not exactly being very rational at the moment." Jade gave Matthias a watery smile. "And like I said, it's not my heart that making the choice here. In a way, I feel as if the choice has already been made for me and I have little choice but to fall in line. There's something about him Matthias. We share something I can't explain. A linking of souls almost... "
Matthias winced inside. He knew exactly what it was that Jade was connecting with, and he wasn't sure it was safe. *I can't tell her now. It's the vampire in him she feels, it calls to her darker nature. What am I letting her in for? But I can't tell her now... Would she even believe me?*
Jade stepped away from him, putting a little more distance between them. *I'm getting very strange vibes from Matthias. Pain. Anger. Frustration. Worry. Fear?* She frowned in bewilderment.
Matthias nodded. He gathered the shreds of his control and moved towards the door. "I've done all I can for his wounds, and your ankle. You should both recover quite soon. He may be asleep for a while longer, though." He sketched a small bow. "I will see you anon, Jade."
"Matthias..." Jade hesistated, not quite knowing what she'd wanted to say...
Their eyes met across the room, the words that lay unspoken between them separating them more than a thousand oceans would have.
Matthias nodded again, his eyes shuttered, before he walked out of the apartment, closing the door with a quiet click behind him.
"Forgive me..." said Jade softly...
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Sorrow
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 5:46 am
Sorrow twisted in his sleep...
The club was dark and warm, just a little too warm. He watched his partner as she moved through the club with a languid grace, a big cat on prowl for prey. She flashed a smile and slowly motioned her head towards four people just exiting the club.
Sorrow widened his eyes momentarily and together they slipped through the crowd leaving a few minutes after the four. The cool night air caressed his skin as he placed his arm round her shoulder. She pressed herself against him tilted her head up and whispered "after," her eyes held a promise. He smiled back at her, leant down to kiss her briefly. As he broke away she laughed quietly. The four in front heard her but turning they dismissed the two of them as just another couple in love out for the evening.
The four moved on. the hunters followed, minutes later they were out of sight of the club on a deserted street. The four never knew what hit them. Two of them were gone before thay had registered the attack and as the remaining two looked into two sets of blazing eyes they fled.
Sorrow followed, moving at an easy pace. It felt so good to have his strength back. She, of course, had never lost hers. They worked together herding the remaining prey away from inhabited streets. They ran them into the ground until too exhausted to run any further. The remaining two turned to face their pursuers.
Sorrow caught the woman round the waist pulled her head to one side and sank his fangs in her throat. The blood welled up, filled his mouth with a hot stream of pure pleasure. He looked up and met Jade's ecstatic gaze over the bodies of the night's first kill...
After Restless
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 10:23 am
Post subject: After Restless
Kate woke up with a start, her heart beating rapidly – she could still feel the warm, sticky blood on her fingers. Luc roused himself from his sleep upon hearing her startled cries.
“Hey,” he soothed her, “it’s all right, I’m here.” He gathered her into his arms; her skin was cold and clammy. He held her close, trying to warm her up.
He pulled her back down in the bed; she lay curled into his body. He was so warm; she had almost forgotten how wonderful it felt to have him beside her when she woke up. If they stayed like this, they could usually manage to avoid the shockwave that would normally accompany such intimacy.
Luc ran his fingers through her hair comfortingly, and kissed her head. The scent was intoxicating, and made him remember another time; many years ago when the two of them had spent similar mornings wrapped up in the comfort of each other. Luc closed his eyes against the memories that flooded back to him but it was in vain…
****
It was what Luc considered to be the most dishonourable period of his life. For he had been in love with Catherine from the moment he met her. Back then Kate was but sixteen years old while he was twenty-seven. In his mind he could still picture the first day he saw her, at the festival of Beltane. It had been in the late hours of the evening just as the sun was setting, the whole Coven had moved their activities to the nearby woods and everybody languished in the dying rays of the sun, waiting for the festivities to begin. Then he had seen her. As beautiful and wonderful as anything he had ever imagined, her long red hair was on fire in the aging sunlight.
She had been walking through the woods with her friends after a class on Shamanist Ethics (so she had told him in later years) and Luc had been lucky enough to receive her knowing glances as she trampled through the groves arm in arm with her peers. Even then he had sensed the growing power of her youth, could see how she would eventually progress past him…she had always been destined for the Inner Circle.
In the years that passed Luc had kept himself true to his secret love. And waited, waited until she was ready…they had wooed and pledged their souls to one another…and then he had been sent away. Sent to the Banai Tribes in Mongolia for five years – cut off from the rest of the world, with no way to reach his love.
When he was finally allowed to return home Catherine was twenty-three and married - to a man named Logan Ultionis, a powerful MP6 of the Outer Circle.
Logan had noticed Catherine too, he had waited in the background until Luc was securely out of the way and made his move. It had been easy for him to manipulate the feelings of a young, grieving woman. It had not taken him long before he had persuaded Kate to become his wife…
Kate had wept for two weeks solid after learning of Luc’s return. The two of them had terrible fights, publicly and openly, said the most hurtful things to one another – Kate’s marriage had been laughed at and called a sham. She had wanted, more than anything, to end everything with Logan to be with Luc, but the Council Elders forbade the separation. In their eyes she was one of the Pure of the Inner Circle and any such separation would compromise that purity, especially as the other party objected to the split.
Unable to live apart they instead became embroiled in a salacious affair – the most sexually sensual months of Luc’s life, for them it was the only way they could be together. If their love could not be publicly acknowledged then they had to acknowledge it in private. It was their way of defying the Council whom in their eyes was the only obstacle that stood in the way of their happiness.
Then one terrible morning Logan discovered the lovers together, in his bed. He beat Catherine, cursing her with all the horrors he could imagine – but he would not relinquish her, especially not to Luc. Their marriage fell apart completely, the façade had been shattered, and Logan grew ill in his bitter grief. Luc had known the truth that Kate would never accept, that Logan finally committed suicide because in the end, he realised he could never regain even the small amount of regard Catherine had once held for him. But he did not go quietly into the night; his final legacy had been a most violent curse – a hex upon the two lover’s heads. Now they could never be close, not without triggering a series of violent and destructive shockwaves.
And so this had been their punishment, for the past sixteen months, and never had a man felt so bound by the consequences of his youth…
****
Kate moved away uncomfortably, she could feel Luc’s torment and regret and she didn’t like it. She had enough guilt for the both of them; she didn’t need to add to it. She climbed out of bed and wandered over to the window. She pulled the curtain back and looked out into the cool morning. The sky was over cast, the sun unable to permeate the thick cloud cover. Luc watched her in silent reverence. Then Kate broke the silence…
“Serapis will be wondering where you are.”
Luc looked uncomfortable, he had been under no illusion that Serapis had known he would not betray the confidence of his life long love. He had to question his motives – had Serapis been tracking him? Knowing that he would lead him to Catherine? He had to admit this was not the first time he had asked himself these questions. He had realised before he reached Birch Street just how much danger he could be putting Kate in – but he had brushed these thoughts aside – thinking of nothing but his own selfish desire of his reunion with Kate. He looked past her out of the window – the sky was dark. Kate returned to his side, placing a hand against his cheek, forcing him to acknowledge her.
“I’d rather have you here with me, it’s worth any risk you may have taken by coming here.”
Luc smiled gratefully – glad that she could so easily read his thoughts and put his mind to rest.
“I don’t know his plans but I promise, I won’t let him hurt you.”
“I don’t expect you to protect me Luc. All I ask is you be honest with me, and I will do the same.”
“Serapis – I do not know his motives in searching for you, but he has removed himself from the Coven, he is not here under their instruction. He has a gathering of eight other witches including Inanna.”
“I had forgotten about her, you don’t think she is part of all this do you? She tried to warn me Serapis was near.”
“No, I don’t think she is one of the dissenters.”
Kate looked away uneasily. “Then she is Serapis’ bargaining chip. She is in great danger.” Luc nodded an affirmation. “What do we do about the Shard?”
He placed a hand comfortingly on her arm, “I will take care of the Shard, you can’t keep carrying it around with you, it may be muted but its power still creates a residual marker, which can be easily traced. You take a great risk by keeping it so close to yourself.”
“I know, but the danger is greater if it should fall into the wrong hands. If you can deal with the Shard I would be grateful, it has been nothing but a torment to me since it came into my possession.” She looked at the clock at the side of the bed, it was almost 10:30am.
Luc noticed her harried glance, “do you have to be to somewhere?” he asked curiously.
“Yes, no, well um, kind of. I saw this job advertisement in a magic shop, I was going to go a check it out.” Kate got up and walked into the en suite bathroom.
“What kind of job would that be then?” asked Luc, following her into the bathroom; Kate looked away not answering his question, “Kate?”
Kate turned around smiling sweetly, her back pressed into the basin, “Well, umm, it’s for a clairvoyant” she said quickly, turning back to the mirror, begining to brush her teeth.
“A Clairvoyant!” he had heard her clearly enough “Tell me you’re joking? Kate this is ridiculous, you can’t lower yourself to a job like that! It’s an embarrassment surely?” Kate rolled her eyes and wandered back into the bedroom and opened the wardrobe door, the toothbrush still in her mouth. Luc followed her again. “Kate, you are a member of the Inner Circle! Not some bogus fortune teller!”
Kate removed the toothbrush pointing it at Luc emphatically, “I think you’re neglecting the past tense Luc, I was a member of the Inner Circle, now I’m a fugitive, and technically I’m unemployed. And in case you didn’t notice, things like food and clothes and electricity don’t just grow on trees! They need to be paid for, and for that to happen I have to work.”
“But you are worth more than this!” he continued, “surely there must be something else…”
“Like what?” interrupted Kate, “I’m a witch – that is what I do, that is what I am trained to do. I have no experience, no qualifications outside the craft, if only you knew! I have been working my fingers to the bone in some crummy bar downtown serving ACTUAL Bloody Mary’s to a bunch of vampires!! Believe me this is a step UP from the gutter!”
She pulled on a blue, sleeveless, floaty dress with a scoop neck, and checked her image in the mirror. She turned back to Luc who looked quite put out. “You could just wish me good luck.”
Luc took her hand and kissed it softly, “Good luck.”
“Will you be here when I get back?” she asked warily.
Luc nodded, Kate smiled and picked up her jacket before heading down stairs. Luc stood in the window and watched her pull away in the BMW he’d left parked on the driveway. He turned back into the bedroom. *Now to deal with the Shard…*
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 12:44 pm
***** Bob’s Bar, near dawn *****
The door to Bob’s Bar was flung open so hard it bounced off the far wall and almost caught the vampire entering in the face. Scowling, he pushed through to the bar, his two companions on his heels.
He reached across the bar and grabbed Bob by the collar, dragging the unfortunate man halfway across the damp bar top. The vampire waved a mostly empty tube in Bob’s face and hissed, “This shit don’t work!”
Bob swallowed heavily, “But… I saw it work! Honest! It works….vampire in the sun, the whole bit….” Bob’s voice was choked off as the vampire holding him squeezed harder.
He shook Bob like a rag doll. “Well there’s one guy who ain’t ever gonna be able to buy your shit again who proved it different!” He changed to vamp face, and pulled Bob closer.
Bob choked out, “It was Stalker…. He sold me the stuff. I swear I saw him in the noon sun! Did your guy say the words?” Bob gasped for air. The vampire’s foetid breath was hot on his face and he felt a warm wetness trickle down one leg.
The female vamp behind the leader leaned in, “Oh, he said the words, little man. He even did the silly actions. Didn’t stop him frying!” She slapped Bob hard as she finished speaking.
“B…but it was Stalker….” Bob repeated. “He must’ve swindled me somehow. I’ll give you your money back. Please, I really thought it was OK stuff.” Bob hated to give money back, but at this stage he had the distinct impression he was close to death.
The vamp holding him paused for a moment, considering. “Well, where’s this Stalker character hang out, then?” he glared menacingly at Bob as his grip tightened a fraction more.
“He usually … lives in a sewer nearby, … but lately he’s been hanging out with … the girl who’s been working here nights…”
“The lovely Kate?”
“Yeah, that’s her. … He hangs around her a bit.”
The vampire leaned close to Bob, his fangs close to the man’s neck. “And where might I find her?”
“Address … here…” Bob scrabbled for a pad of paper, and managed to pull a pen out of his pocket. He scribbled frantically and shoved the paper at the vampire.
The vampire threw Bob backwards, hurling him into a shelf full of bottles. Bob lay on the ground, surrounded by broken glass and bleeding from several small cuts, but all he could think of was how good it felt to breathe. He inhaled huge gulps of air.
Three vampire faces peered over the bar at him, “Our refund?” queried the leader.
Pain and Defeat
Tempest
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 3:31 pm
Post subject: Pain and Defeat
Tempest sat down in the black leather chair. He looked around at his new apartment. It was nicer than his last place, much nicer, but it didn't matter. He never felt at home. He stood up and wandered the rooms; he came to his bedroom, his new clothes lying across his bed. He picked up a pair of pants, tossed them over the back of the chair sitting at the desk and quickly replaced his current filthy ones with the new. He removed his current shirt and put on another plain white T-shirt. As much as he wished to relax he knew it was impossible. There really wasn't anything here for him now.
He went again to the living room, picked up his jacket and produced out of an inside pocket his small black crystal, the only connection left to who he used to be. He sat again in the black chair and turned the crystal over in his hand again and again. He watched the light curve along its facets. “All I ever wanted out of you was something you could never be...” He felt the crystal hum in the back of his head. As he pondered he couldn't help but feel the urge to get out of this place; he wasn't used to sitting around doing nothing. He slowly moved the crystal into his pants pocket as he stood. “Tonight should be a nice night for a walk.”
A few moments later he was on the street. He couldn't think of anything specific to do. He would have visited Kain had he thought he had obtained the crystals, but he knew Kain couldn't have obtained the crystals from Victor and Tash already. No, it was going to take a war to get all the crystals together. Tempest just wandered thinking about the crystals and who he was or rather who he thought he was. His hand again went to the crystal in his pocket. He didn't dare bring it out in public; even a normal human would be disturbed at the sight of it. “God I wish I didn't care any more. The more I touch, the less I feel. I'm lying to myself that it's not real,” Tempest thought as he tore his hand away from the crystal.
As he did he heard a scream tear through the air. He turned and faced the alley across the street. “Seems all humanity's problems start in alleys,” he laughed to himself as he ran across the street. He was bored and was hoping to find a vampire to kill.
As he entered the alley he knew it was a vampire, as expected. He was feeding on a young woman, perhaps 23. “Hello,” Tempest spoke as the vamp turned to face him.
“Oh, another snack,” the vampire laughed harshly.
Tempest moved closer, never breaking eye contact with the vampire. When he was about four inches from the vampire's face the vampire slammed his fist into Tempest's gut. He barely flinched, then slammed his own fist into the vampire's gut, who doubled over moaning.
“You're gonna get it now,” the vampire screamed as he straightened his back, but Tempest was faster and his head was already in Tempest's hands. With a quick motion and a snap the vampire fell. Tempest extended his arm and his sword appeared, as he knew it would. As the vampire rolled onto its back the sword struck his neck, severing it from the body and sending ashes whipping up in the light wind.
Laughter came from behind Tempest, “Very nice, good show and all. But I'm afraid it’s your turn to die. Kain isn't exactly happy with the information you sold him. Not so accurate, was it now?”
“I told him where he could find the crystals; it’s not my fault he couldn't get them.”
“Actually there aren't any crystals in that building any more. That is if there ever were any there, our mages were very thorough in their search.”
“It’s not my fault Kain didn't act fast enough either, now is it?” Tempest was getting angry, but the thought of a fight did have its allure. As Tempest turned to face the man something hit him in the back hard. He went flying and crashed face first into a wall about ten feet from his previous position. As he rolled over to stand, two sets of arms hoisted him up and threw him into the wall again. Only this time it was his back that slammed into the wall.
Tempest looked up to see his attackers as a fist slammed into his jaw. Again and again the man drove his fist into Tempest's face. Finally he stopped. Tempest looked up, blood dripping all across his face. He finally saw the man. He was a heavily built demon. He looked close to human but his flesh was dark blue and the muscles visible through his flesh looked like tension cable. “Kain said you would be a challenge. Seems he was wrong now, doesn't it?” He laughed and so did the two large vampires holding his arms. Tempest didn't bother struggling. The pain didn't matter. At least he felt something, something pure for once.
The demon slammed his fist into Tempest's chest again and again. Slowly the pain became almost unbearable. Tempest lashed out, sending one of the vampires rolling down the alley. He slammed his fist into the other vampire's mouth. He felt the creature’s teeth ripping through the flesh of his hand as they caved back in to the vampire's mouth. He ripped his hand out and the creature fell to its knees trying to hold its jaw together.
Tempest then turned to face the demon. Blood cascaded off his face and ran down his shirt in short streaks. Blood clouded his vision and he charged the demon. Throwing his full weight into its stomach he managed to force it to the alley floor. He slammed his fist into its face maybe three times before it grabbed him by the sides and threw him like a cardboard box against the wall. As Tempest slammed into the hard concrete he felt his shoulder buckle and twist as he landed. He slowly got to his feet to again face the demon. After wiping the blood from his eyes he stared at the creature pointing two guns at him.
“Kain said to kill you. I would have preferred the old fashioned way, but this should be fun none the less.”
Tempest dove to the ground, two bullets sending shards of brick into the air no more than a foot above him. Tempest then noticed the vampire attempting to stand only a few feet from him. He dove forward and threw the vampire forward into the demon. The guns fired wildly but the bullets only ripped apart the vampire as it flew towards him.
Luckily the vampire had knocked the demon to his knees and gave Tempest enough time to stand. As he did, the demon again aimed the one gun he still held at Tempest. As the bullet ripped through Tempest's side the police sirens replaced his screams of pain. A police car skidded to a stop at the end of the alley followed by two others. The moment the police car doors swung open the demon disappeared into a mist and floated into the night air.
The policed rushed forward toward the first vampire lying clutching and holding his jaw together. They hadn't yet noticed Tempest reeling in pain against the far wall. He knew he couldn't be caught by the police but could find no feasible means of escape so he reached into his pocket and removed the crystal. He began twirling it in his fingers as he had earlier in his apartment. As he did, he noticed his surroundings shift. He was now lying on a building's rooftop, blood pouring out of the gouges on his face and hands - not to mention the large hole in his side leaking the precious fluid.
Tempest's eyes flickered open. He could see the police lights reflecting off the building across the street and could hear the sirens ringing in his ears. He tried to stand but simply could not muster the strength to stand. He felt a twitch on his face but when he again opened his eyes it was raining, softly but it was indeed raining. Tempest brought one arm to the other and dragged his fingers along his arm, feeling the blood spread as he drew the arm closer to his shoulder. When he reached the shoulder he flinched in pain for a moment as he snapped the joint back into place.
“I paint with pain; I mark the trails on my arms with your disdain. Every day it's the same - I love, you hate, but I guess it doesn't matter any more...”
“I tried to fix my problems with a blade and hate but I guess I don't care anymore...” The crystal then dropped from his grasp and rain splattered across its perfect facets as Tempest's eyes slowly shut.
We meet at last.
Daye
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 7:39 pm
Post subject: We meet at last.
Tash was sleeping, so Victor carefully slipped away from her arms and walked back into the living room. He picked up the ball and idly tried to figure it out. Before he knew it, it was sunrise. He lightly walked down the stairs to look outside and survey the damage from the previous night's combat. *Not as bad as I thought it would be.*
Coming back in, Victor noticed Mrs. White's door was ajar. *Not good. That could mean trouble.* Looking inside he saw a sticky puddle of blood on her floor. Entering her room, he saw her on her bed asleep. He checked her carefully...her soul was intact. *It's tempting, but I'll let her keep it today.* As he exited her apartment, he saw someone on the stairs. Someone unfamiliar.
Daye was hurrying up the stairs to Victor's apartment when she sensed someone watching her from the lower level. She glanced back and caught sight of a man standing just outside the old woman's apartment. She hesitated for a moment, and then continued on her way. *No more distractions right now. I'll never get anything done if I keep letting myself get distracted.*
"Good Morning?" Victor asked quizzically. "Can I help you?"
Daye turned around at the sound of the man's voice, and stopped where she was on the stairs. "I'm here to see someone, actually," she replied.
Victor smiled that 'gotta-like-me' smile and looked her in the eye. 'Anyone I know? I know most of the residents pretty well."
"I am here to see the resident of apartment 202," Daye said. "An...acquaintance of his told me to look him up."
Victor kept his expression constant. He was fairly certain it was either Talhu or Tempest that had sent her. That meant trouble. "I'll show you where it is. It’s right up here." He stood just behind her in that strange place that seems to make humans edgy just to see how she'd react as they walked up the stairs together.
Daye felt a bit uneasy with the man practically breathing down her neck, but she didn't sense any immediate menace, so she let it go. *Maybe he's one of those people who have poor social skills.*
When they reached the door, Victor was glad he had pulled it shut. Even though the lock was broken, it looked mostly normal. *Maybe she won't notice.* Victor knocked hard on the door. He hoped he would wake Tash. *The next thing is to keep this from turning ugly. *
Tash woke from a deep, peaceful sleep. *Wow, I don't even remember dreaming. Hmm, maybe Victor's the cure for nightmares, too.* Grinning at the thought, Tash rolled over to notice Victor was gone. Then she heard a second knock. *Damn early morning callers. What's with people in this town, don't they ever sleep?*
She reached over for her gloves, but took her time. Surely Victor would answer the door? A few moments passed in silence. "Victor? You here?" Tash called as she left the bedroom and padded out into the lounge. No Victor. She sighed. Looking about, she noticed Victor's discarded shirt from the night before. *That'll have to do, haven't got time to get dressed.*
She pulled on the shirt, thankful that she'd already pulled on her gloves. She quickly ran back to the bedroom and retrieved her gun. *Can't be too careful.* "Who is it?" she called as she approached the door.
Victor relaxed a little *Good girl! * "We are looking for Victor. Is he in?" he called through the door.
Tash carefully hid the gun behind her back, and opened the door just enough so she could see who was with Victor. *Obviously someone he doesn't trust.* With the door half-shielding her body, and the gun hand, Tash peered out to see Victor standing with a tall, red-haired woman with the aura of a witch. *Blue, green for healing, yeah the usual shit I've been getting lately...*
Putting on her best poker face, Tash said, "Sorry, Victor's not in just now. May I say whose calling?"
Victor stepped back a half step and let the red-haired woman have her personal space back. * Let’s see how she answers. *
"It is rather important that I speak to him," Daye said. "My name is Amanda Blaise, and I am an associate of a council of concerned citizens from across the pond. There is some business I need to discuss with him. When do you think he will be in?"
Victor wondered about this. He had had run-ins with the Watchers before. They considered him a risk and had betrayed him to demon hunters in the past. Victor shrugged his shoulders slightly for Tash's benefit. He'd go with her judgment this time.
Carefully not looking at Victor, Tash felt out the woman's motives. She sensed unease and uncertainty rather than malice. Victor seemed a little concerned, though. "I'm sorry, Amanda, I'm really not at all sure when he'll be back. I just woke up and he's left no note." Tash gave the woman one of her best professional smiles. "What was it you wanted to see him about? Maybe I could help?" Tash continued.
*I wonder if I should just try talking to this young woman,* Daye was concerned about time passing while she waited for Victor to show up. If he ever even got back to her. Sometimes the council had a bad reputation with demons. *For good reason, actually.*
"Look, Miss, I may seem a bit pushy, but maybe I could talk to you," Daye said. "I feel like time is imperative, and if you are a friend of Victor's, then you may be able to help me. I accidentally ran into a ... foreigner named Pravus and he told me about some unusual ... community events. He seemed to think that Victor would know something about it. This person was not the most trustworthy person I have ever met, but beggars can't be choosers."
Tash thought for a moment, checking in case sleep had muddled her brain. No, she couldn't recall the name Pravus at all... She risked a glance at Victor to see how he was taking the mention of that name.
Victor was seething. *He said he wouldn't hurt anyone in the building. But he didn't say he wouldn't send every low-life, scumbag, demon-hunting, crackpot, cavalier, misguided cretin he could find here to do their worst.* "Lady," said Victor trying very hard to control his voice, "Maybe we'd better be clearer than that. What do want from Victor? He IS a friend of mine after all. If it’s a bill or something, fine, we'll pass it along and no harm done. But if it is trouble… He left the last word to trail off with a hint of malice.
Tash almost physically reeled at the malevolence in Victor's thoughts. She had no idea of the specifics, but it certainly seemed to revolve around this Pravus character. She settled her stance slightly, getting a better balance in case things suddenly got out of hand.
Daye sensed that the man behind her had suddenly flared up in anger. She wasn't sure why, but guessed it had something to do with the mention of Pravus. "Let's not lose our tempers," Daye reasoned. "Like I just said, I don't know how reliable a source Pravus is, which is why I didn't just come in here looking for a fight."
"I honestly just want to talk to your friend about some local trouble," she continued. "The truth is, I heard about a man named Kain who is trying to collect some dangerous artefacts, and I want to try and stop that from happening."
"Then you'd better step inside. It’s too vulnerable here. I'm Victor."
Daye turned to look more closely at the man. Just as she suspected, things were not always what they seemed. Pravus had called this man a demon, but to her eyes he was just a particularly attractive man. "A bit wary of strangers, are you?" Daye asked, smiling wryly. "Good habit to have in a place like this."
As Amanda mentioned the crystals, Tash could sense she spoke the truth. This woman did want to stop the Cloch Cosan. Tash relaxed slightly, and opened the door wider as Victor invited Amanda inside. She kept the gun behind her back, however. *Just in case...*
"Amanda, meet Natasha Brooks, my ...close friend." Victor could feel his glamour blushing to reflect his awkwardness. Victor closed the door behind them. He worried about the broken lock, but it would have to wait. "Have a seat, and tell me what Talhu has told you. Then I will clear up his half-truths and outright lies."
"Call me Daye, by the way," Daye said, moving away from the door. "And I assume Talhu is Pravus. I haven't had the time to check our records on him yet, but I'm sure the information will not be pretty."
* You have no idea * Victor thought.
"What I know is that I don't have time to worry right now about what some demon did in the past. The Cloch Cosan is a current events kind of worry and all I am going to focus on right now," Daye said.
Tash was feeling cold in just Victor's shirt, but she didn't want to miss anything by going to get dressed. Instead, she sat on the couch with her knees tucked up and hid the gun under the tail of the shirt as it billowed out. "What do you know about the Cloch Cosan?" she asked Daye. "We've heard some things about it, and none of it's good so far."
"Well," Daye replied, "I went to see my contact in town and did some research after I met Pravus. It seems that the Cloch is composed of nine stones or crystals that when brought together form some sort of portal or something," she went on. "The books and computer records were a bit sketchy on all the details.”
* Not too many eyewitnesses left alive, * thought Victor.
“It seems the Cloch will grant the desires of the possessor by creating their perfect heaven of a sorts, but the costs are astronomical from what I have been able to gather. Every source seems to agree that we should keep that from happening."
"You have the basics just about right. But what did Talhu...Pravus tell you that I had to do with it?"
Daye thought for a moment before replying. "He didn't say anything specific. He just said I should come to you to find out more about what was going on with Kain and the Cloch. That's why I was so careful before," she said. "I really didn't know what to expect."
Victor could feel his anger at Pravus rising again. * He wants to trap me. He thinks my dealings with the Shards will influence her opinion of me.* "I'll begin by telling you that everything he has said is true. Not whole truth, but truth nonetheless. I have been present at many gatherings of the Shards. I have seen the Cloch Cosan open the Nether Arch on four different occasions. While our reasons differed, Talhu was at at least two of those events as well. He nearly claimed the Cloch Cosan for his own in 1981. He has lusted after it, even as I fear it."
Tash sat on the couch and listened. Wondered. Was this Talhu, or Pravus, whatever he called himself, the one she'd heard yesterday morning?
"Several days ago, in my attempt to dispose of one of the Shards, I unwisely sold it to Kain, the proprietor of a demon fighting arena downtown. I did not know that he already had three of the shards in his possession. We know of the whereabouts of the other five shards, as well.”
Tash gave Victor a sharp look as he played all their cards straight away. She was not used to trusting people she'd only just met. She could read the truth of words, but if Daye had held anything back, Tash wouldn't know.
Daye was stunned. All nine of the crystals accounted for and in close proximity to one another. The city should be going haywire from the background effect. "We're lucky that the rituals have been lost, at least," Daye said. "I can't imagine what would happen if those had not died with Janus."
Tash's ears pricked up at the mention of Janus. It must be the same Janus that Victor knew, that the witch Kate knew...
"What do you now of Janus, and those Whores of Sindell?" Victor demanded.
Daye was taken aback. She knew that the coven had fallen upon some hard times after the whole sordid affair with Janus and Kate, but no one had ever reacted so vehemently to her knowledge before.
"I owe them for killing Janus. They destroyed the Scrolls with the rituals on them!"
"Actually, one of those "Whores" trained me," Daye replied. "The Coven and The Watcher's Council have a mutually beneficial relationship. Or at least they did up until the trouble a few years ago."
Tash was confused. "Well, if it's good that the Rituals have been lost, why are you so upset at the Council for destroying the scrolls, Victor?"
“When Kate killed Janus, the coven severed its ties to the council," Daye said. "We assumed that they were going to rebuild. Do you know something I don't know?" she asked Victor.
"Kate...killed Janus?" Victor reeled. * I was placing my hope in the murderer of my friend. * Victor stood and walked around the room. He didn't know how to react or feel. * How can I trust her now? * * By opening your eyes to the truth. *
Daye looked helplessly between Tash and Victor. Obviously, he had known Janus well, and perhaps she had been important to him. Victor stopped pacing and turned to Daye. "Tell me what happened," he said in a dull voice.
Tash now understood the guilt she'd felt from Kate yesterday morning when she thought of Janus. So, Kate had killed Janus... Tash knew Victor was badly upset. Tash shoved the gun under a cushion and went to him, to try to soothe his hurts with her touch. She quietly wrapped an arm around Victor's waist, not saying anything, just being there for him.
"To the best of my knowledge, that is the truth," Daye replied. "The reports we got said that Kate was found beside Janus' body with the murder weapon in her hand and blood all over her. Janus' blood. I met Kate once, and I thought it seemed so odd. She didn't seem capable of such violence."
"That will have to wait then," Victor said, holding Tash close, "This is more important, for now."
"Yes, all personal feelings should be put aside for the Cloch Cosan," Daye said. "After, if you must, deal with Kate."
"Tash, the scrolls had all the lore of the crystals on them. Including any weakness there might be. Their destruction makes it harder to defeat this, if it is at all possible. How are you...the Watchers' Council prepared to help?"
"I will do whatever I can," Daye answered. "And my resources are fully at your disposal. As a matter of fact, we have a place near here, Bibliophile. We keep many records there. Also, I will contact the council to find out if there is any more information they have on the shards," she added.
"Don't tell them about me. If you betray me, there WILL be hell to pay." Victor said.
Daye gave Victor a long, speculative look. She felt sure there was much more to this demon than met the eye. There was a peace and contentment underlying his anger and concern. She felt that he and Tash were trustworthy. Far more so than Pravus, at any rate. "Victor, although you have no reason to believe me," Daye said, "I am not just a good little watcher soldier. I have a mind of my own. I think you are no harm to anyone and I have no intention of mentioning you to the council. They may preach that all non-humans are a danger, but personal experience has taught me otherwise. I just want to help."
Tash smiled up at Victor, but her words were for Daye, "Oh, I can guarantee than some non-humans are quite all right." She turned to face Daye, her look becoming more serious, "There are actually quite a few people with us on this venture with ... dubious backgrounds. I hope your background won't conflict with any of them. Though I have to admit, I'm having some trouble myself from time to time."
Victor beamed at Tash. "There are forces gathering here for a reason. I can't pretend to understand why, but I have a feeling that you are involved in a way," he said, turning to Daye. "For some reason the people are being drawn to this place...This building are a key to ending the cycle of the Cloch Cosan forever."
"The building too?" Daye asked. "I wonder why? Perhaps I can find out something about this place as well. I should get started on the research. *Not my favorite part of the job, but often the most important.*
"I will leave you two for the time being, then," Daye said, moving towards the door. "Perhaps we can meet at the cafe sometime soon?" Daye jotted down her number and handed it to Victor. "Call me in a day or two. I will see what I can come up with, and we'll swap stories."
Tash and Victor walked Daye to the door. She left the two of them together and strode down the stairs to the door of the old woman. She would just check on her quickly before heading back out into the bright LA morning.
Mmm, yummy blood.
Stalker
Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2002 10:44 pm
Post subject: Mmm, yummy blood.
Stalker ran toward Bob's. The sun would rise within the next half hour, he could sense it. *Hmm have to get to ground before the sun comes up and I lose control.*
*Oh, don't worry. I don't mind one bit if you don't.*
*Shut up.*
*Shut up, oh how original. Why don't you make me?*
Stalker stopped running *SHUT UP.*
*Ha, ha, ha. There is nothing you can do about me and you know it.*
The demon was just about to reply when he smelt something on the air. "Hmm, a woman. Young. Adrenaline's up, been running. Just what I need."
The woman came running around the corner with her dog on a lead.
*No time to waste.* Stalker ran toward the woman and leapt, bowling her over. In the process he landed on top of her and quickly bit down on her neck. The blood flowed strong and fast. Stalker drank deep, the blood so sweet and invigorating. He ignored the pitbull now mauling his left leg, he drank until all the blood was drained from her young, now lifeless, body.
Stalker stood up, the powerful blood now flowing through his body. He tore the latched pitbull from his leg and threw it headlong into the wall. He started to leave when he thought, *No need waste it, it'll be a good snack later.* He picked up the unconscious dog and disappeared down the sewer just as the day dawned.
Meanwhile, at The Bryson...
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2002 5:02 am
Post subject: Meanwhile, at The Bryson...
Inanna sat in the corner of a tiny bedroom. She had been ushered in there as soon as Luc had left to find Kate two nights ago. She had been bound and gagged by her supposed ‘fellow brothers & sisters’ and now was tied to an old radiator in the corner of the room. The cold morning light drifted in through the open curtains.
*Who were all these people she could hear?*
She could hear muffled voices come from the main rooms. A lot of people seemed to be coming and going at all hours – many more people than those who had travelled with her from England. Lots of unfamiliar voices, their muffled voices all mingled together to create a horrendous buzzing din. *What was going on?* she thought. There sounded to be over fifty people in the adjoining rooms.
There seemed to be some kind of discussion or rally going on, Inanna could hear Serapis’ strong voice calling for hush, then he began to speak. She couldn’t really make out all the words…just something about the Dies Irae. Judgement Day, she knew so much from her Latin studies back at Sindell. She could hear other words too. Kate’s name was repeated often as was the name of her mother Kadee. They seemed to be discussing some kind of lineage but she couldn’t make out what it was in reference to.
Then suddenly at around 10:00pm someone came bursting into the room causing a commotion, screaming “She is coming!! She is coming!! We shall bow before her greatness!!” The man was dragged out, and Inanna’s room had been kept locked from that moment on.
Nothing much happened until later at night, she guessed it had been around 1:00am the following morning. She heard the word ‘Resurrection’ a few times, and ‘pure blood’, then she heard a sound like something being dragged into the room, heavy because it sounded like more than one person helped in the task. There was great excitement and then it seemed everyone had left.
It was quiet now – she hadn’t heard a sound in hours, she was scared and tired – her bonds cutting into her wrists and ankles. *If only she had trusted Kate – her mentor, her friend!* It was too late now, she was sure she was going to die in that room, if everyone had gone how long would it be before someone found her?
She realised now that she had made a terrible mistake in coming to LA, and that all her hopes now rested in Kate and Lucien…
Remembering the Past
Talhu
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2002 9:28 am
Post subject: Remembering the Past
Talhu walked for three hours before finding a new motel to stay at. Paying for two nights up front, and made it clear that he might be staying longer. As he walked to his room, he could feel that he needed rest. When he finally laid down in bed, memories started to return.
***COVENTRY, 1981***
The bar was noisy as it always was, and also full of strictly human patrons. It was also the perfect cover for the clandestine meeting, as Talhu and Serapis were alone in one of the corners. One of them would occasionally gesture to a woman. To the unaware observer, they looked like a couple of friends getting drunk together. "You've been a great help to me in the past, Pravus," Serapis was saying. "Now I need another favor from you."
*This had better not be another assasination,* Talhu thought. "What do you want?"
"You have heard of the Cloch Cosan?" He nodded. "Someone in Paris has been collecting the shards, and almost has a complete set."
"And you want me to retrieve them?"
"You're my backup plan. I'm sending Janus to retrieve it, but she can't be fully trusted."
He gave his usual smile, with all of the malevolence that entailed. "And if she betrays you, you'll want her dead."
Serapis nodded. "Exactly. Once I have the shards, you will recieve your payment."
Aftermath...
Jadyn
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2002 9:51 pm
Post subject: Aftermath...
"... If you could be so kind, to help me find my mind,
I'd like to thank you in advance...
Know this before you start,
My soul's been torn apart,
I lost my mind in a wild romance...
My future is my past...
Its memory will last...
I'll live to love the days gone by...
Each day that comes and goes is like the one before...
My mind is lost till the day I die...
Words would fail me if I tried to describe him...
Though I know he's not what he should have been...
He's the Devil with the face of an angel...
He was cruel and sweet, sweet and cruel as homemade sin...
If you could be so kind to help me find my mind,
I'd like to thank you in advance...
Know this before you start,
My soul's been torn apart,
I lost my mind in a wild romance..."
Jade gave a soft, bitter laugh as the song's haunting melody faded. *How apt. How goddamn apt!*
She'd barely moved since Matthias had left an hour before. The ashtray in front of her was filled with cigarette butts... The cup of herbal tea she'd made for herself in a futile attempt to soothe her nerves sat untouched on the coffee table...
Try as she might, Jade couldn't erase the mental image she had of Matthias standing before her, his stance tense and stiff, his expression tormented.
*How could I do that to him? I've only known him for three days. Hell , I've only known Tristan for 24 hours ! How did things happen so fast? How could I have let it get this bad? Damn it... He's the last person I ever wanted to hurt.* She closed her eyes, exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the last few hours.
*I've got to stop asking questions when I can't figure out any of the answers.* Jade sighed. *Right now, there's only one thing I do know... I definitely feel a connection with Tristan, one that goes way beyond the boundaries of physical attraction. Our... souls recognised each other from the start, the extent of which I didn't feel till he held me at XY...*
A muffled groan distracted her from her inner battle. Jade got up, noting somewhat distractedly that it was almost dawn. Her eyes felt gritty from the lack of sleep, her body ached as if she'd been beaten... Wincing slightly as she opened the door of the guest bedroom, she looked in to see Sorrow tossing about on the bed, mumbling incoherently.
Worriedly, she sat down beside him and placed a hand on his forehead - his skin was cold and clammy, beads of perspiration dotted his brow. He continued to flail about, twisting his head from side to side, as if to escape her touch...
As she leaned forward to dab at his face with a towel, he jerked into a sitting position. Jade sprung back in surprise, her hand unconsciously flying up to press against the base of her throat. Sorrow's eyes were glazed, wide and staring, as if he was looking through her rather than at her...
"Tris?" She took a cautious step forward.
"You... We killed her..." His voice sounded hollow and was barely above a raspy whisper.
Before Jade could react to that, Sorrow's eyes rolled backwards and he collapsed onto the bed.
"What? Tristan?!" *Killed who? We?! Huh?!*
She peered at him intently - his eyes were closed and he was breathing as if in a deep sleep. It was like that brief abberation hadn't happened at all! *What the hell was that?! What did he mean? Was he just sleep-talking?*
The figure on the bed didn't even stir. Jade frowned in bewilderment as she covered him with the quilt and smoothed his hair back from his forehead. She tucked the ends of the blanket around him to keep him warm and barely managed to stifle a yelp when his hand suddenly vised around her wrist. Just as quickly, his grip relaxed and he let her go.
"He must be having some pretty intense dreams..." Jade mused ruefully as she turned and made her way to the bathroom. What she needed to kick start her day was a cold, bracing shower. *Might as well head to XY early... Doubt I'll be able to sleep anymore than I already have anyway...*
*****************************
An hour later, Jade stuck the note she'd written for Sorrow on the back of the apartment's main door before heading out.
*** Clairvoyant Wanted ***
Jadyn
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2002 9:57 pm
Post subject: *** Clairvoyant Wanted ***
*Mid-Morning*
Jade stifled another yawn as she wrapped up some blue topaz crystals for a young man dressed in a loose tunic and pants. *An aspiring artist, no doubt...* She smiled at her customer as she handed him the package.
"These stones would be a lot more effective if you made them into a pendant of sorts and wore it around your neck. It should help you express yourself in your craft and work."
The youth smiled gratefully at her advice and she waved as he walked out the door. Yawning again, Jade made herself a cup of coffee and settled herself down to handle the nasty accounting she'd been procrastinating on. *So tired... I've got to start getting more sleep, though how I'm gonna do that with all this Cloch Cosan business is beyond me!*
Kate took the door from the young man as he exited the shop. She walked inside and looked around - it was just as she had imagined it, warm, friendly, inviting. There were shelves at each wall, packed full of books, trinkets and other various occult supplies. There was a pretty Asian woman standing behind the counter. She looked tired. Kate walked up to the counter and cleared her throat, hoping to gain the woman's attention.
Jade looked up at the beautiful redhead standing in front of her. *When did she come in? God, I swear I'm getting myopic.* "Hi," she said, smiling warmly, "Is there something I can help you with?"
"I hope so. Actually, I just saw your card in the window. You're looking for a clairvoyant, I was thinking I could be the person you were looking for." Kate was surprised at her own forthrightness. She cast a beaming smile at the woman, hoping it might do the trick. *What was she supposed to be doing? She'd never had to look for work before.*
"Hmmm..." Jade took a closer look at the girl. *She sure as hell didn't look like the other applicants she’d had applying for the job.* Kate raised an eyebrow at her scrutiny. Jade chuckled. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to stare but to be honest, I've had a lot of trouble with the clairvoyants I've employed since XY opened. I'm still a little apprehensive." Jade smiled ruefully and rolled her eyes before she continued. "To be honest, I'm on the verge of doing away with the whole idea totally. It'll save me so much hassle. Advertising for a clairvoyant in this town is like giving a free-beer-for-all-freaks party!"
"I can imagine! There are a lot of fakes out there and a lot of unscrupulous people too. But I can assure you that I am the real deal." She looked kind of embarrassed. "To be honest, I don't really like the idea of selling my gift, but I need the money, it's as simple as that. If you needed some kind of demonstration, I'd be happy to oblige. My name is Kate, by the way," she said holding out her hand, "Catherine Wiccham actually, but everyone calls me Kate."
Jade shook it. *She's got a strong, firm grip. I like her already.* "Jadyn Lee, my friends call me Jade."
She gestured to Kate to pull up a chair and handed her an application form. "Just fill this in for me. I'll be back in a jiffy. Oh, and help yourself to the coffee. It's bloody strong though, you've been warned!" Jade grinned as she moved off to help a teenage girl who was leafing through a book about love spells.
Kate smiled easily. She liked the friendly vibrations that she got from Jade. She sat down at the table, deciding to decline the invitation of coffee. She looked at the hand she had offered to Jade, there seemed to be a dark mass swimming around it. She frowned and looked back up at the pretty woman as she helped a girl with some kind of book. There was definitely something else under the surface.
*Well, what else is new?* She thought. *Who in LA is everything they first seem?* The important thing was the overriding sense of open honesty that flooded from this woman. Despite her reservations, Kate decided she could probably trust Jade. *For God's sake Kate, you've spent the last few months working for Bob!* she reproached herself. She started filling out the application form.
As she lectured the teenager on the dangers of meddling with magic she wasn't familiar with, Jade observed Kate out of the corner of her eye. *If she's as authentic as she claims, she'll have realised by now that I'm not all I appear to be... Hmmm... We'll see what happens...*
After some five minutes of persuasion, the teen decided to take her advice to romance her boyfriend with some scented candles instead of binding him to her with magic. Jade sent the girl on her way with some red tea-lights and a small bottle of vanilla oil before she turned back to Kate.
"You about done with that?"
Kate looked up. She handed Jade the completed form. "All done."
Jade skimmed over Kate's neat handwriting, noting that the both of them were the same age though Kate was about six months younger... She raised an eyebrow as she took in what Kate had written under her list of affiliations. *The Coven of Sindell. Whoa.* She'd heard of the organisation in her readings about the craft. It was, after all, one of the largest wiccan societies in the world. *Let's not forget about the power their inner circle is reputed to have. Wonder where exactly Kate stands in terms of thier hierarchy.*
"You seem to have a remarkable amount of experience in the craft for someone so young..." Jade commented as she reached behind the counter for a deck of tarot cards. "… Perhaps you'll like to show me just how adept you are at your work?"
"No problem." said Kate as Jade handed her a new pack of tarot cards. She peeled off the protective covering and began to skillfully shuffle them up.
Jade sat down as Kate continued to shuffle the cards, touching as many cards with her hands as she could.
After five minutes in which they had sat in total silence, Kate handed Jade the stack of cards. "You need to cut the pile three times, then take a card from each pile..." she instructed.
Jade did as she was told, noting with approval that Kate's concentration had been absolute when shuffling, her movements deft and nimble.
When the trio of cards she'd chosen lay before Kate, Jade smiled. "Now what?"
Kate placed the three separate cards in front of her, face down, spacing them equally. Kate smiled. "The three cards you have selected represent the three phases of your life. The first represents your past, the second your current situation, and the third your future. Pretty simple..."
She turned over the first card.
The Towering Inferno.
Kate frowned, "This represents your past", she looks up at Jade, "You come from a dark place that has seemingly dominated your life thus far. The Tower indicates great misery and personal distress, and also the pain of some kind of oppression or imprisonment from a tyrant."
"But that is past, you have moved from that place... The second..." she turns over the middle card.
The Queen of Cups.
"... is your present situation. It is a good card, you should be pleased. The Queen of Cups shows that you are a good, fair woman, honest and devoted to your cause. You have been given a gift, one that will allow you to forge your own happiness out of such dark beginnings."
She turned over the final card.
The Moon.
"This relates to events in the future," said Kate calmly, "The Moon represents a danger from hidden enemies, a darkness and terror that will come about as the result of a deception."
She looked up at Jade. "It is done. Do you have any questions?"
Jade had kept her face impassive during the reading, not wanting to let Kate see how close to home her interpretation of the cards had hit. *She's good... Much better than any of the other wiccans I've had in the past. Not one of them came even half this close to unveiling my life.*
"You know your craft, that much is obvious." Jade smiled as she leaned closer. "But before we go any further, I need to ask - Kate, how exactly are you connected to the Coven of Sindell?"
Kate was slightly take a back, that wasn't a question she'd expected to be asked so directly. After a quiet moment of deliberation, she made up her mind to be as upfront and honest as she could. "I was a member of the Inner Circle." She said finally.
To Kate's surprise, Jade burst out laughing. "You've got to be kidding! Either that, or you think I'm some sort of imbecile. Why the hell would a member of the Inner Circle of one of the globe's biggest Covens choose to work in a small shop in this part of L.A? Sister, you might be a whiz at tarot readings but the next time you choose to lie on an application form, try not to bite off more than you can chew and settle for a smaller, less known entity to call your wicca training ground!"
Kate couldn't help but laugh herself - the whole situation was laughable! Jade was right! Her laugh soon faded out... *How should she play this one? Yes, she sensed that she could trust this woman but was it safe for Jade to know the entire reason for her being in LA? It might just put her in more unnecessary danger.*
Kate smiled, "I guess you got me on that one." She laughed, perhaps not sounding as convincing as she had hoped. "I'm sorry I lied, but I really need this job."
Jade narrowed her eyes as she thought about it. There was no denying that there was a lot more to Kate than met the eye, but like Tristan had said the day before, everyone was entitled to their own secrets.
"The job also requires for you to help out in the store from time to time... Are you ok with that?"
"Yes, that's perfectly fine."
"Great! When can you start?"
Kate smiled happily. "Whenever, as soon as you need me!"
"What about tomorrow, the 15th? I'll see you bright and early, at about 10am?"
Kate nodded enthusiastically. *That would give her enough time to tell Bob where to shove it!* She felt relieved. "Yes, tomorrow would be fine," she replied.
They shook hands. *There was that feeling again... Old, darkness...* Then with a fleeting smile, she exited the shop. *Until tomorrow!* She thought...
Bad News
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2002 10:11 pm
Post subject: Bad News
Kate decided to go give Bob the bad news. So she headed that way as soon as she left XY. *Well there was no point in beating around the bush was there?* She was relieved that this would be the last time she would ever have to enter that scum filled hell hole.
The bar was empty except for a couple of drunken winos in the corner, human, and most probably would never leave the bar alive once sun was down. But then you never could tell, some vampires, she had observed, had a particular discernment and would not feed from such putrid festering humans – no matter how hungry they were.
Bob was clearing up a bunch of broken glass on the floor, he looked a little beaten, it had obviously been a rough night – and Bob had a knack of rubbing people up the wrong way. As he saw her approaching him he darted behind the bar, looking as frightened as a man on death row. *What had he gone and done now?* she wondered. She approached him warily…
“Bob!” she called out.
“I didn’t do anything!” he cried out defensively, “I swear Kate, they, they wouldn’t leave me alone!”
Kate frowned and carried on, “Bob you damn fool, I’ve come to give you my resignation.”
“You’re leaving? Oh Kate I’m so sorry, I swear they beat it out of me, it wasn’t my fault, please don’t…!” he cowered on the floor in fear.
Kate stood over him, she was totally confused, she crouched down to his level, staring at him with piercing eyes. “What have you done?” she demanded menacingly.
“Nothing! I swear!! Kain’s goons said they wouldn’t hurt you all they wanted was the Shard…”
Kate grabbed him around the throat, dragging him off the floor in one swift movement and pressing him against the back of the bar. “You told Kain’s goons about the Shard??” there was real menace in her voice.
Bob snatched at his throat. “He forced me to, I didn’t have a choice! Besides your damn buddy Stalker ripped me off, I needed the money! I lost thousands, people wanting refunds, I can’t…”
Kate stared at him with renewed anger; she pushed him hard into the bar again. “If I were you I’d stop talking, that loose mouth of yours has cost you already.” *So this was how Kain’s lackeys had found her so quickly.* “Do you have anything else to confess before I run you through.” *It was so hard to not laugh! Kate had never threatened anyone in her life!*
Bob seemed to hesitate, should he mention the vampires he’d led to her house?
It didn’t matter if he said it out loud or not, Kate heard his words loud and clear, his mind was so weak, he had no resistance against her psychic abilities. Kate dropped him to the ground and Bob rubbed his aching neck.
“Consider this my two weeks notice” she said raising her right arm into the air, she held the palm out towards Bob, “Quasso, frango, rumpo!” she cried, there was a rushing compression of air projected from her form and the entire contents of Bob’s Bar shattered under its force.
Bob covered his head with his hands as the glass bottles and the ineffectual mirrors shattered into a million tiny shards. When he finally rose to his feet Kate was gone. *Shit* he thought, *this was gonna take him ages to clear up – and half his stock had been destroyed. It was a good job he had those two drunkards to barter with. If he cleaned them up he might even get double what they were worth.* He looked up towards the two winos, they were nowhere to be seen. Bob threw his fist down upon the bar in anger, *damn you Kate!*
Valentine's
Sorrow
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 5:49 am
Post subject: Valentine's
When Sorrow finally awoke early that morning his first thoughts were of almond shaped brown eyes. He lay there for a moment, a slight smile on his face. Eventually he got out of bed, but even that small motion was difficult. Sorrow winced at the dull ache that seemed to be his entire body. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he listened for a moment. Silence. The apartment was empty. *Jade's probably at XY. I'd have thought some of them would have had questions though.* Matthias had revealed his transformation into D'Nethk'Quan. *No help for that. I'll just have to give them answers...eventually.* Sorrow moved out into the main room and saw the note pinned to the front door. He read it and, taking Jade at her word, he found the bathroom, had a shower then raided the fridge.
Sorrow took stock of his physical condition, Matthias had done a good job despite the complications caused by Sorrow's nature and the fact he had been barely conscious. He was still weak but there was nothing Sorrow could do about that. Time, food and rest were the only cure. *Still a little Tai Chi won't do any harm. * After his fourth attempt at the opening movement Sorrow sighed in exasperation. * Maybe it's because I'm standing in her apartment. *
Sorrow looked round the living room. He knew this was her, this space was imprinted with who she was. He just didn't know how he knew. He closed his eyes and he could almost feel her in the room all around him. Sorrow's stomach growled, interrupting his reverie. * I don't feel like going out. Let's see who delivers. *
Sorrow found and unpacked his laptop. He found a sandwich bar that delivered in the area and ordered a rather hefty brunch. * You need to send it eventually. * Sorrow hesitated, then logged onto the society's network. He sent a report of Jenn's last hunt and his part in it.
A knock on Jade's door awoke Sorrow from a light dose. He signed for the sandwiches and sat down to eat. Having finished his second meal of the day he looked at his laptop. *That was quick.* The society had already replied and that reply left him totally shocked. *I've barely been a hunter three years and now they want me to do this? * Sorrow requested confirmation and it came back practically immediately. Sorrow sat for what must have been a quarter hour in silence.
He was going to have to leave. * Not good, Jade and I needed to talk.* As he browsed to try and find something to send as an apology, he finally noticed the date and laughed softly to himself. In the end he sent orchids to XY but for his own feelings he had a single rose delivered to the apartment. He placed it in a slim glass vase and appreciated its rich scent. It wouldn't last he knew, scented roses never did. * A little spell won't hurt. *
"Last." Sorrow blinked through the sparks that flooded his vision and the pain that inundated his bones. Sorrow cleared away the remains of his meals, repacked his laptop and placed Hizashi in one corner of the main room. Finally Sorrow locked the door behind him and left.
The cab dropped Sorrow off outside a converted warehouse in a somewhat expensive area. He punched in the code and entered the building. There were two lifts in the entry hall. The building had four floors. The first three each contained 12 good-sized apartments. The first two floors were rented out. The society kept the remaining apartments for Hunters who were passing through. *Like we would ever need this. Sometimes the whole society has delusions of grandeur.*
Sorrow entered the lift and entered the access code for the fourth floor. The lift doors opened and Sorrow looked out at a near empty space. Jenn's apartment lay at the other end of an ex-industrial space. Sorrow walked slowly towards the apartment, his footsteps echoing from the walls. When he reached the door tears stood in his eyes. Sorrow spent the next four hours boxing up Jenn's belongings. Grief threatened to overwhelm him more than once as he placed some small reminder of her away.
Eventually the removal men arrived and Sorrow could slip into a more supervisory role. It took little more than another hour for the apartment to be cleared, emptied of everything that had made it Jenn's home. * Mine now,* he thought as the last boxes were taken away to storage. When he was alone again in that empty place he broke down and wept.
Sorrow stood and dashed tears from his eyes *Oh god, let me do this anywhere but here...Please!* Sorrow couldn't stay here tonight. It would break him and he knew it wouldn't be fair to Jade to go back to her place like this. Sorrow stepped out of his new apartment and stood in the emptiness just outside. He stood there and let his pain drift away. When he finally felt something like himself he left the building and caught a cab. Wherever he stayed tonight he would need clothes. *Time to go shopping.*
Morning Feb 14
Victor
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 7:38 am
Post subject: Morning Feb 14
Victor closed the door behind Daye and turned to face Tash. She quirked one corner of her mouth and shrugged. "Must be our magnetic personalities ... we keep finding people who know stuff about the Cloch and they gravitate to us." Tash smiled as Victor opened his mouth to speak, "I know, I know. It's this lodestone effect...” She looked at him seriously, "I think she was all right. I didn't get any bad vibes from her, but then I didn't from Tempest either, until it was too late." She frowned, "Still not sure about Tempest. Maybe there's hope yet."
"I am betting that the Watchers' Council will be helpful. And she's a good sort...as Watchers go." Worry furrowed Victor's brow. "As for Tempest, he's the key for the opposition and for us. I feel certain that these Shards will not come together for anyone but him."
Tash closed the distance between them, "I want to thank you. For the first time in ... maybe ever ... I feel quiet inside." She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his mouth.
Victor accepted the kiss and smiled at her. "How odd that two individuals such as us...so many obstacles...would find such peace with each other."
Victor walked arm in arm with her to the sofa. He sat next to her and held her gloved hands gently. His tone turned serious, "But we need to be honest with each other. Honest here," he said pointing to his head. "We are always honest here," he said pointing at her heart. We need to talk...be logical. Rather than feel...the strong emotions we stir in each other." He looked into her eyes, "Do you know what I mean?"
Tash nodded, "Yes, I feel that I've learned so much about you these past couple of days, but you've not really had the chance to learn much about me." Looking at him, sitting so close to him, she caught a hint of the passion she'd felt last night. *Not now, girl. Control yourself...* She blinked, and continued with a broad smile, "So, what would you like to know?"
He said, "I have seen things from you. Flashbacks. A tragedy when you were very young. I have seen a hard life full of struggle and pain, but there is tenderness there too. I know you have a connection with Matthias, but he is never in your visions. I don't understand it, I just accept it. But I would like to know more."
Tash tilted her head, "Wow, where to start?" She shifted on the couch slightly, and then said, "You know, it's first thing in the morning, and I am running on no coffee.... I’m sorry, but there must be coffee before words." Rising from the couch, she squeezed his hand before letting go. A few long strides took her to the kitchen where she found the ancient tin of coffee Victor must have used yesterday. *Ugh, that was horrible, but it's good for the brain, at least. *
She bustled about, making coffee for herself. As the water boiled, she couldn't help but think about how she'd felt last night. *Damn! Stop it, girl. * Bringing the full coffee mug back into the lounge room, she settled once more next to Victor. Something hard was poking her leg, and she sheepishly drew out the gun she'd hidden under the cushion and laid it on the floor.
Victor could see her nervousness,"Tash, My dear. I am a patient demon...but relax. This isn't like the assault on our building. We aren't here to hurt each other. Lets just talk. It isn't that frightening"
Tash smiled at Victor's words. "I suppose I should start at the start." She sipped the steaming coffee. It was really too hot to drink yet, but she needed to wake up properly for this.
"I grew up in St. Louis, always knowing I was different. I can remember as a little girl, being punished by the teachers for daydreaming. They didn't believe me when I said I was watching their pretty colours. I learned to tell when people were angry or upset, stuff like that." Tash sighed, "And then there were the pictures I'd get when I touched things. At first, I didn't get them often, and they weren't strong. But as I grew older, they became more of a problem."
Victor listened patiently. He could sense she had wanted to share her story with someone for a long time. He could feel she needed this, the isolation her ability had forced on her had robbed her of intimacy.
The coffee had cooled enough that Tash could take a full swallow. And another. "I learned to hide my reactions to such things. Others didn't understand. Even Mum & Dad used to get frustrated with me. I could feel that, too. I could tell what people were feeling, even if I couldn't see them or their auras, and sometimes I'd get words or pictures from people without touching them." Tash bit her lip. "Patrick was the only one who understood. I think he had a touch of ability himself, and knew what it must be like for me." Tash paused, memories of her little brother flooding her mind. She looked up at Victor, feeling tears welling in her eyes. "He was such a great kid. Lively, energetic, heaps of fun. He was two years younger than me, twelve when he died....” She stopped, unable to go on for a moment.
Victor could see the effort to continue in her face, "Your brother? I'm sorry. I know you miss him."
Tash nodded, knowing that if she spoke now, she'd break down completely. She hadn't really thought about Patrick for a long time. She always found the hurt too hard to bear, even though it was so old. Another gulp of coffee helped her to collect herself. "So, growing up was OK, I guess, but I never felt part of the people around me. I always had to be so careful with everyone except Pat."
She held Victor's hand, to keep herself in the here and now. "Then came that night. I was fourteen. It was summer. I can't remember where they'd gone. I was home alone, and felt something. It was like a tearing at my soul. I just knew something awful had happened." Tash paused again, reliving the scene she'd seen in her nightmares almost every night since that day.
He yearned to pull her in close and comfort her. But he knew from long hours of self-examination that sometimes confession is a path to healing more than comfort. * Besides, comfort was never your specialty. * * Damn soul. Not now. *
Tash stared into the bottom of her now-empty mug. She hadn't even tasted the coffee. *Just as well...* She put the mug on the floor, and picked up Victor's other hand. The pressure of his grip helped her to focus, and offered some small comfort. "I ran out of the house and found them. They'd been attacked. At first I thought it must have been some wild beast, but this was St. Louis - there were no beasts. They were covered in blood, and Pat, poor little Pat, he was so twisted, like they'd played with him as though he were a rag doll."
Tash tried to contain the pain she felt whenever she remembered that scene, but this time, actually saying the words, she found it too much to bear. Tears began to fall, silently at first.
Victor could remember the visions he had seen from her before. The pain was still sharp and fresh on her soul. He could see the scars insider her, still raw and painful.
Sobs started to rise in Tash's chest. This was the grief she'd never let herself feel at the time.
He yearned to reach into her...make that pain go away. But he knew, from long experience, that she would not be same. She would cease to be the woman he loved. He pulled her close to him, and let her cry on his chest.
Tash shifted her grip on Victor's hands, wrapping her arms around him as she cried. Great, wracking sobs shook her as Victor held her, cradling her. For a few minutes Tash let the tears take her. She cried for the years she'd missed with her family. She cried for the loneliness she'd felt. She cried for the normal person she'd always wanted to be. After a while, the tears subsided, and Tash drew back slightly, though still holding onto Victor. "I'm sorry, I guess I needed that..."
Victor spoke softly to her, "Its okay. I can feel healing in there. " His hand phased into her body brushing her soul, "I know it will be better."
Tash felt a tingle inside and shivered, not sure what Victor had just done. He hadn't moved. She was puzzled, but let it go. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "I sensed something evil in the air. It seemed fresh. Whatever had done that had only just left. I followed the feeling, and found an old building. I was numb, I didn't feel anything except that I wanted to hurt whatever had killed my family."
She bit her lip. "Matthias was right, I would have died that night... He was there, watching the building. He saw me and dragged me away from there. He told me he was a vampire hunter. He never told me otherwise, I guess he didn't trust me enough." Tash shook her head, "No, I suppose I'm doing him a disservice, there. He would have been trying to protect me from the knowledge of what he was."
*Matthias has always been a mystery. But that is the Lords of the Fae for you. Riddles and enigmas,* thought Victor. "He was right, though. You would not have become as strong now if you had relied on him then."
"He took me in, raised me from then on. Trained me to kill vampires, and helped me develop my psychic talents. Now I know what that must have cost him. He spent eleven years with me... and he only left because the Sidhe forced him to."
"How did you find out who...what he was?" he asked.
She continued, "I used to see odd flashes of pictures if I touched anything of his. I never understood them. I kept seeing tall, fair people. Beautiful but terrible at the same time. It was only when I saw him here, in Los Angeles, that he told me. I saw his aura -he couldn't disguise that - but the body was all wrong. He had to explain to me... I felt very hurt and bitter, and still do really. He'd never told me... He was always hard to 'read'."
Victor spoke, "The Lords of the Fae. They are beautiful, but they serve their own kind. They are not allies, they are forces. Matthias...Oillill is different."
Tash smiled, "Yes, he's different. He learned to care about humans. I get the feeling that the Fae generally don't."
Victor was tender, "He cares for you, deeply. And he cares for our task. It serves his purpose, which is why his masters have not called him from this place. But for all that, I ...trust him."
Tash smiled, "I always trusted him. I trusted him from the moment he grabbed me in that alley, and that's not exactly a good introduction. You've seen me with new people. I don't trust anyone, especially at first. I have to know who they are before I can let my guard down."
* Trust is not something you are used to. * * Damn soul. You love to make me squirm, don't you? * "Trust is something we need to talk about," Victor said in a small voice. "I trust you. Do you know me enough to trust me?" he asked.
Tash looked deeply into Victor's eyes. "I've seen quite a bit of you already, you know. I don't think there's much in there that could shock me." Her eyes flicked down for a second, then back up at his, "Is there anything you think I really should know?"
* Tell her. *
Victor could feel the shame welling inside him. He knew he had to be open with her. She knew who and what he was. But did she really know? "I am evil. That is how I am made. I have a soul that torments me. But it isn't...me. It is alien to me. It stands outside me and taunts me. Makes me ...feel those things that humans feel all the time. Shame. Worry. Unworthiness. Guilt. Those don't come from inside me. They come from that soul. And I...” Victor didn't have the words. He couldn't articulate it. "I don't know where my love comes from."
Tash was quiet for a moment. "Do you like the soul? Given a choice, would you keep it, or discard it?"
Victor answered with difficulty, "If you had asked me three days ago, I've abandoned it in a heartbeat. But now, a heartbeat later, I know that without it I could not have you. I want you more than I want the soul. But one comes from the other."
Tash felt her world slipping away a little. She had to be truthful - it was her nature. "When I first saw you, I only saw the demon. I saw its aura. I was frightened, and didn't trust you. Hell, with a crystal in the room, I almost shot you!"
She continued, "But even then, with Matthias' help, I could see past the darkness to the soul trapped within. That's what made me relax, though the memory of the darkness still worried me. Now, I know that it's still there, but it's only the colour I see. The soul. Maybe it's not yours, but it's been a part of you now for a long time. It's what makes you who you are right now, this minute."
Tash gripped Victor's hands tightly in her own. "I love you, as you are. Without the soul, you're just another empty demon." Tash held her breath, waiting to see the result of her brutal honesty.
Victor looked at her a long time. "I knew I wasn't being clear. It is hard to describe. I am me. My soul isn't me. I have to show you to make you understand." Victor gently lifted her onto his lap. He pulled her in close so that she was lying across his chest. He whispered into her ear, "Hang on to you. This will be strange but trust me you will not be consumed. Do you want me to show you...really show you what it like to be me?"
Tash nodded, tentatively.
He felt her relax. * So be it, * he thought.
Victor turned to vapor. Tash landed on the couch, but was soon enveloped by the essence of Victor. He was in her. Really inside her.
* Can you feel my power? *
Tash gasped in shock as the ... something ... entered the core of her being. She could feel the power. It was heady.
* Use me. Unleash me into your world. *
It lay coiled inside her. She could feel the darkness of it spreading out, tendrils of evil permeating her. *No, why would I want to unleash such evil? *
* Because I am here. Why waste this gift? *
Tash could feel she was still in control, but the promise of power was strong. Far stronger than the mere whispers from the crystals.
* Touch something. Let me show you what my being here can mean to you. The gloves are really off, * it laughed at her.
Struggling with her own curiosity, * Damn demon, * Tash pulled off a glove and did as it asked.
There was no flood of images. It was like a television remote control. She could pick the images she chose to see. No flood of pain and memory. Total control of her power.
*You could be normal...or better than normal. *
Tash left her hand on the arm of the couch for a moment longer, then forced herself to snatch it away. Trembling, she pulled her glove back on. * But at what cost? *
* What price indeed? * Like an echo, she could hear Victor's soul.
Tash started shaking her head from side to side. "No," she said aloud, "I refuse to give in to the darkness. I don't have to give in. I'm stronger."
* Are you? All your fighting has accomplished what? Has a life of revenge made you a better person? *
* I am stronger than you. You speak of revenge. To want revenge is to have cared about someone. Who have you ever cared for? Caring is what makes me strong. *
The internal voice was silent. But it was still there where she could feel it.
Tash pushed at the tendrils, and felt them recede. They formed a knot of darkness at her core.
* Feeling superior? Did this stunt prove anything? *
* Yes, it proved I am not you. *
* And it proved I'd rather have Vrithetek with a soul than without.... For all the pain and difficulty that entails. *
* But what I want isn't the important thing. What do you want? *
* I want you. *
* I want you. *
One of those voices made her feel warm; the other gave her a shiver up her spine. The type of want was quite different, she felt. But she had to be truthful. * I want you. *
* I am here. * * And so am I. *
* It’s a package. One comes with the other. *
Tash smiled. * I know that. I can feel it. *
The warmth of her emotions moved the knot of evil...it moved...out. She could see Victor's form solidifying on the floor. He rose slowly...clearly that had taken a lot out of him. Tash sat up slowly and leaned down to him. "Are you feeling OK?"
"I'll recover. That takes a lot of effort. That’s why I almost never do it. I’ll be okay in about an hour. Are you okay?"
Tash thought about that for a long minute. She felt a bit strange, like she'd just spent too long in a crowded lift. But she seemed to be herself. "Yeah, I'm fine." She helped him to his feet, and hugged him, resting her head against his shoulder.
Victor held her close to him. He felt that if she could feel the real him and still be in his arms, then they would be okay. It would all work out. With her beside him he could face the...
* ...demons? *
* Challenges, damn you. Starting with Tempest. *
4am - 14 Feb.
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 11:12 am
Post subject: 4am - 14 Feb.
***** MATTHIAS *****
Matthias quietly shut the door to Jade’s apartment behind him. His face held no expression. * Oillill, you’re a fool…*
Standing silently in the hallway, Matthias cast out his senses, gradually expanding them to encompass the whole building. He could feel Jade in her apartment, wracked with guilt and grief, but also relieved that she’d got the hard part over. He could feel Sorrow, still sleeping, wounded but healing. He could feel the dark core within Sorrow, and knew what it meant.
He reached further, and sensed Tash lying asleep, peaceful and dreamless. Matthias smiled to himself, * About time she found some happiness…* He could sense Vrithetek also, and it seemed as though the soul within him had grown stronger.
He reached upward… the witch upstairs seemed to have gone. Downstairs, he could feel the old landlady’s struggle to hold onto life. A healer was helping her. The old lady would be fine. Matthias registered some surprise – the healer wasn’t the witch Kate, it was someone else. Carefully sensing around her, not wanting to disturb the woman’s concentration on her spell, he decided she was nothing for him to worry about.
The building itself was quiescent. All the elements needed to come together were in place. Now events could play themselves out…. Matthias shook himself as he felt the hints of purpose deep within the earth. *Hmmm…..*
Shaking himself from his reverie, Matthias cast one long look back at Jade’s closed door, then silently drifted down the stairs and into the cold pre-dawn of Los Angeles.
February 14, early morning
Daye
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 11:58 am
Post subject: February 14, early morning
Daye stopped in at the old woman’s apartment after she left Victor and Tash. She just wanted to make sure the woman was all right. No one deserved to be left completely alone after going through what she had just gone through. *I really need to get some rest after this, though,* Daye thought to herself as a wave of exhaustion rolled through her. *I can’t keep burning the candle at both ends and expect to do any good for anyone.*
Daye knocked on the door when she arrived at the apartment, and waited a few moments until she heard the sound of someone moving around inside. The door opened a crack to reveal the old woman standing inside with the chain still on.
“What do you want?” the woman was obviously still terrified.
“I just wanted to check on you,” Daye replied soothingly. “You probably don’t remember, but I was here last night with you.”
Mrs. White pulled the door open as far as it would go with the chain intact. She studied Daye for a few minutes and then smiled tremulously. She then opened the door and invited her in. Daye entered, shutting the door firmly behind her. She followed the woman to the living room, noting that the blood spill from last night had been thoroughly scrubbed from the floor.
“Are you all right, ma’am?” Daye asked.
“Better than I expected,” Mrs. White responded. “I’m not sure what you did for me, young lady, but whatever it was, I’m grateful.”
“It was really nothing,” Daye said. “I just wanted to make sure you were feeling well, and to ask you to be careful who you invite into your home in the future. You can’t be too careful in this city.” *Literally,* Daye thought.
“I know that,” Mrs. White said. “I just didn’t realize how bad things were getting. I am stuck with this building, but I try to be very careful who I rent to. There are certain types who always seem to show up at a place like this, but I wanted so much to do something with this old building after my Harold died. Would you like a cup of tea?” she asked.
“That would be nice,” Daye responded politely. This woman was obviously lonely and still a bit shaken up. It wouldn’t do any harm to have a cup of tea with her and hopefully make her feel safer here.
“I know the building was a bad investment, but I couldn’t help myself,” Mrs. White continued. “I gave up a lot to be with Harold, but I was happy. I guess I just thought I could get some of it back by owning this place, by coming here.”
Mrs. White was going into the kitchen, where she began to brew two cups of tea. As she made her way about the room, she continued to talk.
“I just wanted to be in the thick of things again,” she said. “Like when I was young as you are now. I imagine that you do things quite differently now from when I was young. Different methods and all, but I was wondering, how did you work the healing? Are you a natural witch, or did you have to do a lot of studying?”
As she asked her question, Mrs. White handed Daye the tea, which she took a sip of, so that when the woman’s words were out, Daye found herself choking on the hot liquid. This woman was not what she seemed. Although the events of the past few nights had taken their toll, she was now possessed of renewed vigor, and obviously more aware of the nature of the things going on at Poplar than she let on.
“How…when…why…” Daye stammered.
“I, of course, did little studying in my day,” Mrs. White boasted. “Before I gave everything up to be with the man I loved, I was quite a natural. Yes, indeed.” Mrs. White sighed deeply. “Those were the days,” she said. “Battling demons and vampires, healing the sick, and casting glamours on foolish young men to make them more foolish.”
“You were a witch?” Daye asked, bewildered. How could that be possible? The woman appeared to be so very normal and helpless. “Why didn’t you fight back last night?” Daye asked.
“I told you, I gave all that up for Harold,” Mrs. White replied. “I made a vow never to do magic again when we were married, and I never have. Edwina White takes her promises very seriously.”
“Wow,” Daye was stunned. “Wait…what does that have to do with buying this building? What do you know about the place?"
“This building is very old,” Mrs. White began. It has been a part of the landscape of this area for a couple of hundred years, and it wasn’t always a tenement building. It was built in the early 1800’s by an architect who also happened to be a high ranking wizard in the Circle of Osiris. The Circle was a group of powerful magic users that practiced in secret, many of them were actually community leaders in Los Angeles at the time. They were established prior to California becoming part of the United States, of course, and some believed that the Circle influenced the political movements within the state at the time.”
Mrs. White paused to sip her tea. “Of course, that belief was true. The highly religious Mexican government was too oppressive for the group's liking, so a few members of the High Order decided that American rule would be preferable, with all the ‘religious freedom’ being bandied about. In any case, in the late 1840’s, the state came under the control of the American government and the Circle was free to continue in its pursuits. To cover up the true nature of the building and its purposes, one of the members rented out apartments in the building to non-members, but at all times at least half of the apartments were occupied by Adepts. They had chapters in many cities, but the main base of operations was this building. For good reason, mind you, a great power resides in this land. A great natural power. The Circle sought to harness that power and for many years were able to use and control it.”
“How do you know all this?” Daye asked. “It's ancient history. You sound almost like you were there, or something.”
“Yes, of course, I was,” Mrs. White nodded. “I wasn’t always this old woman you see before you. And I told you I gave up my power, which included the secrets of longevity that the Circle Adepts were entitled to. When I chose to marry Harold, I knew I was choosing to finish off my life in a single, mortal lifetime. That was a choice I believed at the time I could live with. That was over 60 years ago. I never could have imagined how things were going to turn out then, or that I would face such trials so near to the end of my life.”
Daye was stunned. How could this woman seem so ordinary and yet have lived such a long and extraordinary life? Just went to show you how you couldn’t ever judge a book by its cover. “Please, go on,” she said.
“Very well,” Mrs. White continued. “After I left the Circle in 1939, I remained in contact with a few of the other Adepts. I learned a few years later that some of the High Order were planning some sort of major summoning. My friends were very nervous about it, but I was busy living a normal life, so I paid little attention. As I became more immersed in the real world, I grew farther away from everyone and everything I had known. When the summoning was performed and went so awry, I had nearly lost all contact with the Circle. I am sketchy about the actual events of that night in 1963, but I do know now that the magics they were working with waged out of control. Something was summoned, but it could not be controlled. The entire High Order gave their lives to trap that thing here in the building. By this time, I had lost nearly all memory of what I was once able to do, and I could not interfere. I simply kept my ears open and collected information about the building as it passed from owner to owner, none aware of what it was they were actually buying. From time to time, strange stories of disappearances would pop up, but no one really thought much of it. Then about nine months ago, two things happened which changed everything for me.”
Daye was obviously stunned and fascinated by the story she was hearing. This building was indeed some sort of nexus and it was drawing people to itself. The reasons for this were still unclear, but there was more going on than anyone involved even suspected.
“My dear husband’s death was the first thing,” Mrs. White said. “We had over 60 wonderful years together, raised five children, and I was very happy to have spent a lifetime with him. His death came as quite a shock to me.”
As Mrs. White spoke, Daye could see the tired old woman who had made such a bad decision the night before. She was lonely and obviously distressed. The fighting and mystery would take a toll on anyone, even more so on a woman still struggling with grief. “I am very sorry for your loss,” Daye said. “I do know how it feels to lose someone that you love.”
“Yes,” Mrs. White said, wiping her eyes, “young as you are, I still believe you do. In any case, the other event was a disappearance, but this was unlike the others that have happened in the past. This time, instead of just one person coming up missing, every one in the building suddenly vanished.”
Daye was surprised yet again. Apparently something more than the benevolent spirit one could sense in the house existed here.
“When I heard that, I knew I had to try and do something,” the older woman sighed. “I contacted a realtor almost immediately and, using the money Harold left me, I purchased this building. I don’t know if, or even what, I can do, but I don’t want anyone else to suffer because of whatever is here.”
Daye was silent for a moment, absorbing all that she had heard. Finally, she spoke. “Wow, I had no idea. But, I want you to know, you’re not alone. If I can do anything to help you, I will. I might be able to find out something about the summoning that went so wrong. Even if I can’t, I will try and help you contain it.”
Mrs. White smiled tremulously. She reached out and took Daye’s hand. “I don’t mean to make this your problem, young lady,” she said. “I already owe you for helping me last night. I know that there are other forces at work here in the building. I overheard and saw some of the fight that some of the tenants were involved in the other night. I just was so overwhelmed. The last thing that needs to happen here is violence.”
Daye nodded. “I can see what you mean. Don’t worry, though, this is the kind of thing I do. You don’t owe me for that or for healing you.” Daye rose from the chair. She was even more exhausted now than she had been when she first came down. “I’m sorry I can’t stay any longer,” she said, “but I really need to get some rest. As you already figured out, there is a lot going on around here. I need to be clear headed before I decide what to do next. I used a spell last night to ‘un-invite’ your vampire friend, so he won’t bother you anymore. Just be sure to be careful. As soon as I can, I will come back to talk some more.”
Mrs. White stood up as well, following Daye to the door. “I will,” she said. Just as Daye was walking out, Mrs. White stopped her. “I just realized I don’t even know your name,” she said.
Daye turned back and clasped the woman’s hand. “I’m Amanda Blaise,” she shook the woman’s hand firmly, “and despite everything, it has been a pleasure meeting you.”
Daye turned away and exited the apartment. She heard Mrs. White locking the door behind her. Daye smiled to herself as she walked out of the building into the morning sunshine. She had had quite a few unexpected surprises today and she had a lot to do. *Sleep first,* she thought, yawning loudly.
Time to Hunt
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 2:57 pm
Post subject: Time to Hunt
Tash stood in Victor’s lounge room and admired the view. Victor had begun meditating to recover his strength. He was sitting cross-legged in front of the Stone of Ghortab, his bare back to her.
She still wasn’t sure how she felt after hosting Vrithetek. Searching inside herself, she thought she felt normal, but there was a faint nagging sensation she couldn’t quite pin down. *Who knows? It was a pretty freaky experience… probably just residual feelings.*
She quietly collected her gun from the floor and returned to the bedroom where she removed Victor’s shirt and changed into the clothes she’d worn yesterday. She folded the shirt and laid it on the bed. She felt warm and comfortable. Her skin tingled at the memory of Victor’s touch…. *C’mon, girl, you’ll never get out of this apartment at this rate,* she berated herself.
Checking that she had everything, Tash returned to the living room where Victor sat motionless. They’d already said goodbye just before he began his meditations and Tash didn’t want to disturb him, but she was finding it hard to tear herself away. Finally, Tash opened the apartment door and closed it gently behind her. She frowned at the broken lock. *Hmmm….*
Returning to her own apartment, Tash showered, dressed in fresh clothes, and found some breakfast. *Next time I’ll have to get Victor in here. At least I have food and decent coffee!* She swept up the broken glass and started ringing glaziers. *Can’t afford too many fights like that. I suppose they must have been from this Kain guy, looking for crystals. I wonder if they’ll be back? Probably. Best to expect it.*
*** Late Afternoon ***
The time had come, Tash decided, to do something about the vampire population in this town. There certainly seemed to be an awful lot of them in L.A. The fight yesterday had rekindled her enthusiasm for her self-appointed purpose in life. *I’m sure the Cloch Cosan can look after itself for a night. Matthias at least seems to know what he’s doing.*
Tash pulled out a map of Los Angeles and studied the area she was in. She saw two cemeteries marked, but one was way out on the edge of the area. *Likely to be this one, then,* Tash thought as she placed her finger on the spot in question. *Assuming they’re in the cemetery and not in an old building instead.*
Ensuring she was appropriately equipped, Tash headed out on foot to find out more about the Black Veins – the vampire gang that Jade had run into the other night. *That bartender I saw last week held a lot of names in his head…*
Bob’s Bar was fairly quiet in the afternoon. A few human regulars were scattered about, but mostly the bar was empty. The bartender Tash remembered was leaning against the counter. He looked a little the worse for wear, with cuts on his face and arms, and Tash thought she could see a hint of bruising around his throat. The man eyed her up and down and leered as she walked to the bar.
“What’ll it be, Miss?” he enquired, his voice a little raw.
Tash smiled, “Diet coke, thanks.”
As the bartender handed Tash her drink, she said, “I was actually looking for someone, or several someones.” The look in the man’s eyes changed to wary but greedy. *Just as I thought, he sells information to anyone, and by the looks of it recently it’s got him into trouble.*
She continued, “I’m looking for a gang known as the Black Veins. Maybe you’ve heard of them?” There was no mistaking the name that flashed into the man’s mind. “I believe there’s someone called Black Jem running them. Do you know where I might find her?” Again, there was a flash – a picture of a crypt. The man – Bob, presumably – shook his head slowly, “No, can’t say as I’ve heard of them, rightly…. But you never know what might jog a man’s memory,” he said hopefully.
Tash smiled. She always loved playing this game. She gave a small shrug, “It’s not that important. Never mind.” Bob turned away, muttering slightly. She quietly finished her drink and slipped off the seat. She laid a small note on the bar, “Thanks for your time, anyway,” she said as she turned to leave.
Tash looked across the road at XY as she left the bar. It was closed already. *Damn, Jade’s already left for home.* She looked up at the darkening sky. *Time for a quick look around that cemetery before the vampires wake up…*
14 Feb.
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 5:35 pm
Post subject: 14 Feb.
Matthias had spent most of the day in the park, meditating. He usually found solace in communion with Gaia. Now, however, it had grown dark and he was wandering the streets through misting rain, pondering the message that Zayn had given them.
*Action, indeed. The problem is, which is the right action?*
He heard police sirens, and flashing lights glinted from the damp street. Cloaking himself in the shadows, Matthias drew close enough to see a vampire clutching a ruined jaw, and two young policemen attempting to go to its aid, no doubt thinking it to be human. The vampire snarled, and disappeared into the night. Matthias could see signs of a fight. Something tugged at his mind, and he opened his senses to it.
There, across the street, up high, was the familiar vibration of a crystal. * Phlegethon, by the feel of it. Tempest….* Matthias quickly scaled the building and reached the rooftop. There, lying in a pool of spreading blood, lay Tempest. He seemed to be unconscious.
Matthias approached and knelt by Tempest’s side. There was rather a lot of blood seeping from a bullet hole in Tempest’s side. Shaking his head at the impetuousness of youth, Matthias held a hand over the hole. Soon, a faint glow surrounded his hand and healing energy flowed into Tempest. The blood flow slowed, then stopped completely as tissue began to heal under his touch. Almost an hour passed before Matthias felt satisfied with the amount of damage he’d healed. Tempest would still be very sore for a while, but at least now he wouldn’t bleed to death.
The rain had stopped now. Matthias reached out a hand to pick up the black crystal that had rolled a few feet from Tempest’s body. Matthias sighed. Tiring as he found it, he had to dampen this crystal to keep Tempest sane. He didn’t dare take it. *Those who lose crystals by force are always haunted by them more than if they keep them.* For Tempest’s sake, Matthias hoped he would find the strength to give away this crystal, but removing it from him now would be worse than leaving it.
Matthias sat a little way from Tempest, and held Phlegethon in his cupped hands. Closing his eyes, he began the meditations that would dull the shard temporarily. At times like this he wished he had Tash’s gift of sight from the touch of inanimate objects. Even so, impressions from the crystal came to him.
Hatred of magic. Magic must have been responsible for … …something bad. The impression was too faint to work out what. Forced to learn magic. Hated it. Don’t trust witches…
He knew this must be some of Tempest’s memories that were trapped in this crystal. *Tash said he was talking about killing Kate…now I understand why, with this particular shard in his possession.*
Matthias continued his meditations in silence.
February 14
Daye
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 6:41 pm
Post subject: February 14
Daye dropped her keys on the table by the front door, and kicked off her shoes. She needed something to eat, a shower and some serious sleep. The light on her machine was blinking, but she didn’t have the energy to check it. Instead, she went into the apartment’s little kitchen. She pulled some salad fixings from the refrigerator and threw them together in a bowl.
Daye sat down at the breakfast bar and ate the salad in silence, thinking about the couple she had met earlier. Even though Tash and Victor were so different, they had obviously had strong feelings for each other. Watching them together had Daye thinking of things she had tried for a long time to put out of her mind. Seeing Victor so obviously in love with a human woman had reminded her painfully of Ryan.
*I do not want to think about him right now,* Daye thought, putting her dishes in the dishwasher. *I need to rest.*
Daye forced herself to stop thinking about everything while she took a quick shower and got into bed. In moments, she was asleep.
****
Amanda was running through the fields behind the house. She was almost 18 and had been with the Council for nearly two years. They had taught her so much about her magic and abilities, but that was not all her education revolved around. She learned about demons, vampires, and all sorts of supernatural phenomenon in the world. Amanda found the things she learned to be so fascinating and she was grateful to the Council for giving her a purpose. Still, Amanda felt lonely sometimes. There were not many people her age at the estate and she longed for someone to talk with, someone she could think of as a friend.
Amanda kept going, wandering further away from the house and into the forest beyond. Soon after she lost sight of the grounds, Amanda came upon a small cottage just off the path. Outside, a young man was busy chopping wood with a hand axe. Amanda stopped to watch him, surprised to find someone near her own age so close to the house.
After a few minutes, the man noticed her. He stopped chopping and turned to watch her curiously. “Who are you?” he called out to her. “Are you one of the students from the estate?”
“Yes,” she replied. “My name is Amanda. I live at the main house. Who are you?”
“Ryan,” he said. “My name’s Ryan. I live here.”
Amanda smiled at him, shyly. The man was quite attractive, with dark golden skin and jet black hair. He had removed his shirt while he chopped the wood, and Amanda could see that he had a lean muscled body. *Probably from chopping all that wood.*
“Do you want to come in for something to drink?” Ryan asked.
“Sure,” Amanda said. She followed him inside and they sat down at his small kitchen table, drinking cool glasses of sweet tasting tea. Amanda and Ryan started talking about things, and before she knew it, the sun was beginning to set outside the cottage.
Amanda jumped up from the table when she noticed the shadows growing in the room. “Oh,” she said, “I have to go. I’m going to get in trouble.”
Ryan stood up. As Amanda started to leave, he grabbed her hand. Amanda felt a flush creep up her cheeks. “It would be a favor to me,” Ryan said, “if you would not tell anyone up there about me living here.”
Amanda cocked her head quizzically. “Are you in hiding?”
“Look, Amanda, just trust me, please,” he replied. “If you tell the Watchers up there about me, then I will have to leave. I can’t explain right now, but I assure you that I am telling the truth. Please, can you keep this meeting a secret?”
“Only if I can come back and talk to you again,” Amanda bargained.
“All right, and when you do, I will explain more to you about who I am,” Ryan smiled. He let go of her hand and followed Amanda to the door, watching her run back into the forest.
****
Amanda was out of breath when she arrived at the cottage. Tonight, slipping away from the house had been harder than she thought it would be. Still she couldn’t help herself, danger of discovery or not, she had to see Ryan, to touch him and kiss him and love him as she did no other. She slipped into the cottage and found Ryan waiting for her in the candlelight. To her, he was so lovely. Even now, with his night face upon him and his eyes glowing silver in his golden face. His beauty was a wonderful and terrible thing, the song of the night turning his skin to burnished gold and his hair to moonlight. He opened his arms and Amanda ran into his embrace.
“I did not think you would come,“ Ryan said. His voice was full of the thick sound of dark things. Amanda felt it move over her like a caress. “I thought you would not be able to get away from the festival.”
“I don’t care about that,” Amanda replied, covering his face with kisses. “I wanted to be with you. I wanted to see you as you really are.”
“And now that you have seen the true face of your demon lover?” Ryan asked softly.
“I only love you more,” she swore. “I never dreamed you would be so very beautiful. I never realized anyone could be so beautiful.”
Ryan laughed loudly, lifting Amanda off her feet. “I am your Night, and you, my love, are my Daye. You are the light in my darkness. I am amazed at how you open me to the warmth that is so far from the world of me and my people.”
“I love you,” Ryan said, lowering his mouth to hers, and Amanda felt herself being swept away in the feeling of him. She let herself go, and reveled in the feeling of love and completion that being with him gave her.
****
“Noooo,” Amanda cried, fighting against the hold of the two men that were restraining her. A few feet away from her, two of the enforcers for the Watchers' Council were holding Ryan between them while another “interrogated” him. Amanda fought to get free to get to him. Tears streamed down her face while she watched the men land blow after blow upon him.
“Did you think we would just let you get away with it?” the interrogator snarled. “You filthy monster! How dare you touch this girl? What kind of magic did you use to ensnare her? Tell me, so we can set her free!”
“Stop, please, stop!” Amanda screamed.
Amanda stopped when Ambrose walked into the room. He was her teacher, and she was sure he would help her. He stood watching the scene for a moment, and then he gestured for the two men to take Amanda out of the room. Amanda struggled, calling out to Ambrose as she was dragged into the hall. The men took her to her room and she heard the lock click shut behind them. She threw herself down on the bed and sobbed into her pillow.
A few hours later, Amanda looked up when she heard the door open. Ambrose stood just inside, shutting the door behind him. He turned around and watched Amanda for a few minutes, his expression unreadable. Then very slowly he approached her. Amanda sat up on the bed, wiping the last few tears from her stained cheeks. “What…what happened, Ambrose?” she asked. “What did you do to Ryan? He is innocent. I swear, he never did anything to me. I … I… love him.”
Ambrose smiled indulgently. “Amanda, I’m sure you believe that. But, your…friend, Ryan, he is not what he appears to be. He is not wholly human, dear child. Ryan shares that body with a demon, a Bar’eth’lok demon. The Bar’eth’lok are discorporeal in this dimension. They require a host body in order to function. Your Ryan has been host to one of them for most of his life. As a young infant, his mother bonded him to the demon, for reasons we cannot possibly imagine.”
“I know,” Amanda said. “Did you think I didn’t know that? Did you think he lied to me? I know that Ryan is a demon. I have known since the beginning. For almost a year now, I have gone to him, talking and learning, and falling in love. He was always honest with me. Always.”
“Unlike you. Right, Ambrose?” Amanda was livid, her sadness rapidly being overcome with anger. “You and the Watchers have lied to me so many times. You told me that there were only evil demonic entities in this world, and that all demons were looking to take over from humanity. In my council training, I was taught that all non-humans are our enemies. But, now thanks to Ryan, I know the truth. There are good demons as well as bad ones out there. Just like people, right Ambrose? Just like in here.”
Amanda watched the emotions play across her teacher’s face. He went from indulgent to outraged to angry to smug. Finally, he grabbed hold of a fistful of her hair, pulling her head back painfully. “Well, Amanda,” he sneered. “It seems that you will defy us no matter what we say or do. You would do well to remember that we are the reason you are even alive right now. Without the interference of the Watchers, you would most likely be dead like your mother. And since you owe us so much, you will be an obedient girl from now on, won’t you?”
“I promise, as soon as you let me go,” Amanda replied, “ I will go and find Ryan. You can’t keep us apart.”
Amanda’s blood chilled as Ambrose began to laugh scornfully. “You will not be reunited with your lover, child. For he is no longer of this world.”
Amanda felt her head swim at his words. It couldn’t be true. Ryan could not be dead. He couldn’t be. She would know, wouldn’t she? She would feel something. Amanda felt the tears once again begin to fall as she looked into Ambrose’s cold stare and knew he was telling the truth. Ryan was dead, and her world was over.
“Amanda,” Ambrose began, his tone softening at the sight of her fresh tears.
“Don’t call me that,” she cut him off. “Call me Daye.”
****
Daye woke to the sound of her alarm buzzing loudly in her ear. It was late afternoon, and she had gotten a few solid hours sleep. Still, with the dreams, she had not slept that well. It had been years since she had dreamed of Ryan. So many years. It must have been seeing Victor with Tash that brought all the memories to the surface. Daye had been so young when Ryan was killed. She had been left bereft. Ambrose had sent her away from the house in Ireland to one of the locations in England. There she began training with new teachers and met the witches from the Coven of Sindell. Daye threw herself into the studies, determined to forget about Ryan and what had been done to him. Despite what Ambrose had done, the Watchers were all that she had really.
From that time on, though, she embraced the name that Ryan had given her, calling herself Daye and trying to live up to the ideal he had had of her. From time to time, she would meet a demon that needed and deserved to be rescued from the Council, and Daye would help them, each time very careful not to reveal her actions to her superiors. Being with Ryan had taught her above all else that you couldn’t know whether to trust someone based solely on their race. Man, woman, or demon, each person was an individual, no matter what the Watchers' Council believed.
Daye got out of bed and got dressed. She wanted to visit Bibliophile before the day was completely gone, and she had to check in with England. There was much to do, and no more time for nostalgia.
Arrest!
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2002 11:57 pm
Post subject: Arrest!
Kate was dragged from Merlin's Tower all the way down to the holding cells in the castle's dungeons. She had to stay there until a preliminary investigation had been completed and the Council Elders had decided what to do with her. She sat on the hard stone floor. It was cold and dank, dripping water sounded down the long catacomb of corridors that threaded themselves deep in the bowels of Sindell Hall.
Kate rested her head in her hands, she couldn't believe what had happened! Janus was dead - her life long mentor and friend! And she had been trying to open The Abyss of Talkon - why? And where had it gone? How could such a formation have closed itself without aid?
There were too many questions, and Kate couldn't begin to think of the answers. Her clothes were still soaked in blood. That was another puzzlement - where had all her wounds gone? She had been stabbed twice if she remembered correctly, once in the shoulder and again, her arm had been slashed. Her neck also had been cut - Janus had wiped the blood clean herself. Had she imagined all this? Was she going mad?
"Child, we have much to discuss"
Kate looked up, Serapis stood on the other side of the bars. Kate stood and ran over to him.
"Oh Serapis!" she cried, fresh tears flowing down her red cheeks "Janus is dead! I, I don't know what happened - I think I killed her."
Serapis took her blood stained hand in his, "Kate, I will help you all I can, but you have to tell me the truth, you must tell me everything that happened tonight"...
****
Kate awoke with a start. She was back home. She remembered she had begun to start referencing through her books - looking for more information on the Cloch. She must have fallen asleep. The books lay discarded on the floor. The Book of Shadows, being the book she had last been looking through, lay open at her side. It had fallen open on a page "To Remember" said the spell. *To Remember...*
In Kate's world nothing ever happened by coincidence. If the book had opened on that page it was a sign. And Kate had a lot to remember from the night of Janus' death. All those questions she had thought of as she had waited in that cell still lay unanswered.
Kate cleared her head and read the spell. It was simple enough she thought, but she would need Luc's help. She couldn't perform the spell on herself. It was similar to the curse that was upon them both - a third party had to remove the spell. In this case the mind had to be unblocked to allow the memories to flow freely. Most of the ingredients she had - others she was sure she could pick up from XY after work.
Maybe then she would know the truth...
Valentine Orchids...
Jadyn
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2002 12:13 am
Post subject: Valentine Orchids...
"Urrhmmm... I'm lookin' for a Miss... Urrm... Jadyn Lee?"
Jade glanced at the tall, skinny delivery boy shuffling awkwardly from foot to foot as he cradled a huge bunch of beautiful white orchids...
"Well, you've found her." She smiled, coming out from behind the counter. "Are those for me?"
"Uh-huh... You gotta sign here ma'am."
Once the youth had left, Jade locked XY's front door, hung up the sign that said {Out for Lunch} at the store window and settled herself at the back of the store for some peace and quiet. Looking through the bouquet, she found a small envelope and slipped a thick cream-coloured card out.
Happy Valentine's Day...
Tristan
"Ohhhh..." Jade felt a foolish grin spread over her face. She ran a finger over one of the blossoms, savouring the feel of its silky, glossy petal. *I'd totally forgotten that it was Valentine's Day...* She laughed softly to herself. *Not surprising... Who could think about Cupid and candy when we have crystals and the Cloch Cosan to deal with?*
Rolling her eyes at her unintentional play on words, Jade decided to take a short nap instead of heading out for lunch. She curled herself comfortably onto a roomy armchair, rested her head on one of the many throw pillows she'd scattered around the tarot booth to make it look cosy and fell asleep almost immediately...
14 Feb 2005
Talhu
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2002 9:14 am
Post subject: 14 Feb 2005
Talhu spent most of the day in the new motel room resting, setting out in the afternoon to try to gather more information. There was a method to his madness: the longer he was unobserved, the greater the range of possible places he could have gone. It wouldn't help him if someone knew right away where he was staying, but it should help for a time.
He started out and began heading to Bob's Bar for the second time. The owner had appeared on the list of contacts for information, though with a cautionary note: Bob will sell to anyone for the right price. *He won't sell about me though. I'll make sure he's too afraid to do that.* As they always were, the streets were busy that morning. "Pardon me, sir," someone asked. "Do you happen to have the time?" Talhu was about to tell him no, but the distraction proved to be all that was needed. There was a bolt of pain in the back of his head, and his vision started going blurry. The last thing he remembered before falling unconscious was being lifted in to a car.
***EVENING***
As Talhu opened his eyes, he could tell that he was indoors. There were no windows in the room, and he was on the floor. He found himself at the feet of someone sitting in a chair. Words of healing magic had drifted down to his ears. The voice sounded familiar. *No, not him. Anyone but him.* "Wake up, Talhu," someone commanded.
At the mention of his own name, he looked up to see Serapis standing there. Talhu began staggering to his feet. "How did you find out my real name?" It disturbed him to know Serapis knew it. His magic was not strong enough to overcome Serapis, which left feeding as the best way to kill him. Now that this option was gone, he was overcome by a feeling of panic being at someone else's mercy.
"When I first met you, I used our connections with the council to read up on you in case you betrayed me."
Talhu felt in his suit coat, found his daggers still there. *The gloating will cost you when the room stops spinning.* "And then you spent a decade trying to kill me. Why haven't you, now that you have me?"
Serapis kneeled down next to him. "You are no longer a threat to me. That, and you may be of some use. If you do not want me to kill you, you'll have to help me." Talhu did not answer, but only nodded in acknowledgement. "I'm searching for a woman named Catherine Wiccham. She goes by the name of Kate. Bring her to me, and I will not kill you. Agreed?"
In that instant, one thing became clear to him. Serapis was going to have him killed either way - it was just a question of who did the killing. "Agreed." Serapis gave Talhu another good knock on the head, and he heard orders being given to dump him somewhere "away from here." It was late evening when he started to wake up on the side of the road near Bob's, both hungry and angry. The conversation returned. *Oh, I'll bring her to you* he thought. *I'll bring her to kill you.*
A spell
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2002 9:20 am
Post subject: A spell
Luc had given Kate some space after her return that afternoon. She wanted to carry on researching the Shards and their powers, besides Luc had to deal with the Shard of Judecca anyway.
When he finally allowed himself to intrude, Kate was bent over The Book of Shadows. Luc leaned in, startling Kate. She jumped back in shock.
Luc frowned, reading the open page. “A remembering spell?”
Kate stood and turned to Luc, “I think it is time I knew the truth about the death of Janus. I can’t, I WON’T accept what happened, I have too many unanswered questions. If I could just remember…”
Luc placed his hand on her shoulder comfortingly, looking deep into her eyes “I will help you to regain your memory of that night, but it won’t be easy, it will be painful…” he touches her forehead softly “…reaching into the recesses of your mind.”
“I have to know. I can’t live with the guilt anymore, I have to know.”
“Very well. We will need some things.”
“I know, I’ve made a list. I have most of them, the rest I figured can wait till tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, then?”
“Yes. After all, it’s only another day. I’ve waited this long…”
Kate closed the book, placing it back on the shelf. Luc took her in his arms, holding her close.
“We will come through this Kate, I promise, I won’t let you down again.” He pulled back, looking into her eyes, he smiled. “How about we go out tonight? We could go to a club, have a few drinks, go dancing. How about it?”
Kate smiled, “It seems a bit strange when all this is hanging over us, the apocalypse and all.”
Luc smiled back, “There is always another apocalypse – the world poised on the verge of destruction, but sometimes you just have to put those things aside and have some fun.”
Kate nodded in agreement, “You’re right. Let’s do it.”
Dark Dreams...
Jadyn
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2002 10:59 am
Post subject: Dark Dreams...
She was in the park again, standing by the fountain, the wind playing with her hair...
She closed her eyes and listened to the trickling splashes made by the water... As always, the sound soothed, reminding her of the times when she'd sat with Junie in the balcony of their home by the beach, talking late into the night. *She loved the sound of the ocean even more than I did, my Junie Bean...* Her lips curved as she recalled her sister's nickname... *Junie use to hate it, she said it was so childish...*
Suddenly, her eyes snapped open. *Something's wrong.* Forcing herself to remain still, she scanned the park. The night was almost pitch-black in spite of the lamps that dotted its perimeter, but her vision remained unimpaired. *One of the benefits of being half-vamp, I'll never suffer from night blindness.*
She tensed as she made out the dark figure of a man standing about 20 feet away, his face hidden. Fighting the fear that clutched at her, she stepped forward and heaved a sigh of relief when he stepped out of the shadows, allowing her to see his handsome features.
"God, you scared me! What the hell were you thinking sneaking up on me like that!"
He smiled. "I thought you knew it was me... We did arrange to meet here..."
"We did?" She gave him a puzzled look. "I don't remember doing that... Why were we suppose to meet?"
"I wanted to show you something, but it's meant to be a surprise. Come over here and close your eyes." He stretched out his hand and winked.
"Hmmmmm..." This playful, almost-cheeky side of him wasn't one that she was familiar with. She was a little surprised but took his hand nevertheless.
"Close your eyes..." He said again.
She rolled them instead, the amusement evident on her face. He gave her a pointed look, causing her to huff out a breath of exasperation before doing as he had asked. He came to stand behind her, his nearness making her heartbeat accelerate as he put his arms around her, used his hands to cover her eyes and guided her forward...
She barely taken more than half a dozen steps before his voice tickled her ear. "Ok. Stop." He removed his hands and she felt him stepping away... She blinked once... then twice... the sight that met her eyes practically robbing her of speech... A Chinese girl in her early 20s stood a few feet in front of her, smiling, her pretty face lit up with joy.
"Junie?" She whispered.
Her older sister nodded, but made no attempt to come any closer. She tried to walk over but her feet seemed to be rooted to the floor and try as she might, she couldn't get them to move.
"Ju... Why can't I..."
It was then that she realised what her sister was wearing. The dark blue pleated skirt and soft white sweater were the same clothes Ju had been wearing four years ago, when...
She was suddenly filled with a horrible sense of deja vu as a shadow approached Junie slowly from behind. Her mouth opened to scream out a warning as the smoky darkness swirled and solidified into the shape of a man, but fear choked it to a weak, helpless whimper.
The vampire's eyes glowed with unholy glee as it stared at her but she paid it little heed. All her mind's energy was focused on her sister, as if concentration alone would convey the message she was unable to vocalise. *Ju! Behind you! Run! Oh please god... Please...*
She knew what came next. She'd seen it before, but was as powerless to stop it now as she'd been then. Totally paralysed by forces too dark for her to ever comprehend, she stood, helpless, and watched Valerian mutilate, torture and kill...
Tears ran down her face and nausea threatened to overwhelm her as she watched her sister's blood soak through the grass and form rivulets on the pavement... She could see the park fountain on her right. Something about it was different. *The water seems darker... Oh god...* She gagged as she realised that the liquid in the fountain was blood.
Jets of the dark red fluid were leaking through cracks in the fountain base. Looking down, she saw that her feet were covered in it, the coppery smell of it assailed her nostrils...
****************
Jade jolted out of her chair, her heart pounding... *Oh... god... Not another damn nightmare...*
It wasn't the first time she'd dreamt about the night she'd been forced by Valerian to watch as he murdered her family, one by one, in cold blood.
*But... why was Tristan in this one?*
NightClub
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2002 9:03 am
Post subject: NightClub
They went to a new nightclub called ‘Club Asylum’ . It was pretty small really, just a main bar in the centre of the club, there was an area for live bands to play, a pretty large dance arena and another large space for patrons to sit and enjoy a drink (probably for the daytime clientele). There were also many intimate looking booths situated in the very recesses of the club, lit by tiny candle-like lights.
They danced for a couple of hours – the club was packed out tonight, and everyone was pushed pretty close to one another. Kate almost began to forget about the oncoming apocalypse or the possible onslaught of Serapis and his minions for a moment before everything began to rush back upon her. She felt dizzy in the hot club, everyone was so close, it was like she was being drowned in all their energy. *And was that Serapis over there?* She spun around quickly, *no, no, it wasn’t him – come on! Get a grip girl!* She turned to Luc, he had stopped dancing, sensing her anguish. Kate couldn’t hear the words coming out of his mouth, *Are you all right? Is that what he said?* She turned around again, he was there, standing in the corner!
When Kate turned around again he had gone. *Was she going mad?* She heard Luc this time. He looked incredibly panicked; he took her by the shoulders, gripping them tightly.
“Kate are you all right?* he shouted above the music.
Kate nodded yes but as soon as he let go of her she seemed to pass out. Luc and another guy standing nearby grabbed her as she fell.
“Hey mate, is she gonna be all right?” asked the guy as he helped Luc carry her through the crowds.
Luc carried her in his arms and the guy moved the people back so he could get through. He rested her in one of the booths. The guy disappeared, then appeared again moments later with some water and another man in tow. He handed the glass over to Luc.
“My mate here owns the club,” he shouted, pointing to the new guy. “He said you can take her up to the office up stairs, it’s got air conditioning.”
Luc nodded again, smiling his appreciation. He picked Kate up in his arms again, the other two men leading the way up to the office. Luc set her down on a couch at the far end of the room.
“Should we call an ambulance? Has she taken anything?”
“No.” said Luc firmly; “she’s been with me all night.”
Kate stirred, seeming to be coming round. Luc let go a sigh of relief. Not realising just how nervous he had been. Kate sat up, then immediately regretted it as the room began to spin around again. She held her head in pain.
“Are you all right, Miss?” said the guy who had helped them on the dance floor.
“What happened?” she asked, sitting up slower this time.
“You collapsed, do you remember?” asked Luc anxiously.
“Yeah, yeah I think so…” her voice wandered off.
The club owner looked around nervously; he obviously needed to be elsewhere. “Look you two can stay up here for a few minutes until you feel better”. He looked at Kate as he said it; she was still looking drained.
Luc managed to take his attentive gaze from Kate just long enough to utter the words - “Thank-you.”
The two men smiled, then exited the room. Luc turned back to Kate. She was looking a lot better now; the colour was already coming back to her cheeks.
“You really gave me a fright back there,” he said calmly.
“I’ve ruined our night.”
Luc held her close, he’d seen her have panic attacks before but this one had seemed more intense. “I think we should just call it a night,” he said finally. Moments later they were sat in a taxi on their way home.
Kate lit up a cigarette. Luc turned away to look out the window. *God he hated her smoking those things, at least it wasn’t very often…*. Suddenly his musings were interrupted by a loud BANG. The cab suddenly veered to the right, the wheels squealing on the tarmac. The driver slammed on the brakes. Kate and Luc both went flying into the back seat. They climbed out of the cab. The tyre had blown out.
“Hey, I hate to tell you kids this but I ain’t gotta spare – I’m gonna have to phone Triple A.”
Luc sighed in annoyance. He paid the driver the fare and he and Kate set off home. They had broken down not far from Bob’s Bar. *Great,* thought Kate, the last thing she needed now was a run in with Bob – or something worse.
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Victor
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2002 2:01 pm
Victor rose from his meditations. He felt more energized, more relaxed than he had in a long time. He knew he had to take advantage of his respite. But he could still feel Tash's touches on his skin. Little burning spots that his memory made even more vivid.
Victor put on some clothes, and headed out into the hall * Have to get that lock fixed also, * passed through his mind. In the hallway, he looked at the floor, feeling the familiar skills he was created to use flood into his senses.
He could see Tempest's trail. Not as a visible presence, but more of a sensation he had passed this way. His eyesight, sense of smell, and sophisticated perception making his trail one he could follow, despite all the people and events that had occurred since he stormed out two days ago.
Victor went out into the street following the trail. He carefully watched the path; even a minor distraction could cause him to lose it. Following trails in the city was both difficult, and complex.
Hours later he found himself outside the Beazor Complex. The 'early crowd' was beginning to arrive at the club hoping to get good seats before nightfall when the larger crowd arrived. Victor recognized the troll at the door as one of the two thugs that had beaten him so severely two days before outside Bob's bar.
Victor approached him with the confidence that came from dealing with intellectually inferior beings. Without introduction, Victor shoved his hand through the troll's chest watching it phase through the beast's tough hide like smoke. The troll halfheartedly reached for his hammer….
Victor looked the creature in the eyes, "Are you sure you want to do that? I have something vital in my hands, I am quite sure."
The troll paused, he wasn't sure if Victor was serious, "Why for youse didn' do dat when we wuz stompin your ass in the alley?"
"Didn't need to, " answered Victor, "You and your pal didn't hurt me that badly. Now I want something."
The troll continued to stare thickly, so Victor spelled it out for him, "So am I a guest, or a customer, or should I leave and take your internal organs with me?"
The greed of Trolls is legendary, "$20 bucks an' I nevah seen youse."
Victor withdrew his hand and pulled out the $20. He didn't even say thank you as he strolled inside.
Victor saw that security was vastly increased since the last time he had been here. What was it? Four...Five days ago? Seemed like much longer. He walked to the bar where he saw a familiar face seated on one of the stools.
"Pentex? Is that you?" asked Victor.
The demon looked and seeing Victor quickly grabbed his drink and made to move away. But victor had a hand on his shoulder before he could get too far. "Hey, come on, its been 150 years, you'd think you could say 'Hi'?"
"Victor," said the demon Pentex, "It's swell to see you and all, but word is, you are bad news. So I'm playing it safe. Bye!" He didn't even wait to see why Victor was smiling. He had gotten what he had wanted to know from Pentex.
But he still had unanswered questions. Victor strolled through the crowd. He had gotten several dirty looks and more than one averted gaze before the security goons showed up. The two muscled vampires were smooth and efficient as they forced Victor towards the exit.
Before they reached the door, however, Victor calmly asked them a question, "Before you take me out back and beat me, aren't you going to ask why I would risk coming here in the first place?"
From the way the stopped walking, it was obvious they hadn't. One of them left, and the other stood next to Victor, clearly hoping he would try something so that he could employ violence.
The second vamp returned with a beefy man with his arm in a sling. "What have you got or what do you know that will save you internal bleeding?"
Victor liked the man for his straightforward attitude, "I want information, and I have information to trade. Something to do with the Shards, the Cloch Cosan, and your boss's obsession with opening the Cloch Cosan."
The beefy man raised an eyebrow. This was worth parlaying for. "What do you want to give me and my Boss first? Then we shall see if it s worth more than your life."
Victor knew he was in the clear. "You and your boss sent an attack on my home last night. 1318 Poplar Ave. The Shards have been moved; they aren't there. I can tell you who you are dealing with, even if…and I am sure you understand…I won't tell you what they know."
Paul considered his position. He knew Kain wasn't going to like the fact that he let Victor go. Paul was sure, in fact, that if he let Victor go without even a little pain, he would be shirking his duty. Paul took his job very seriously.
Paul was frank, "Tell me what you know. Everything you know. Then and only then will you have a position to bargain from."
Victor grinned a knowing smile, "I can tell you are a straight dealer. I can beat the house odds. The Watcher's Council, The Council of Sindell, and the Guild of Sorcerers are all involved in this. I can give you names if you don't believe me."
Paul only recognized one of the three names he heard, but he could sense the confidence and truth of the matter. "What is it you want to know?"
Victor knew that he would be here for a while longer, but it was clear that he had both impressed and convinced this henchman. "Where is Tempest?" Victor asked with a straight face.
Paul was more than willing to turn Tempest over to this stoolie freak. He hated the man, he was cocky, reckless, and had no respect for orderly evil. He was a wild card that Kain indulged for his own reasons.
"Let me consult with Mr. Kain," said Paul, "Seat this jerk, and give him a drink on the house. I'll be back."
A beer and 20 minutes later Paul returned. He sat at the cocktail table where Victor was sitting quietly. "Mr. Kain says you are a long time associate, and he hopes you understand this is all business."
Victor nodded as Paul continued. "Mr. Kain says he paid a considerable sum to this Tempest to acquire the location of all of the other crystals. He has not seen a return on this investment in nearly 48 hours. He is most anxious to reap a return on his investment."
"Mr. Kain has plainly stated you can buy your information for the sum he paid, or you too can provide the information that he attempted to purchase from Tempest. He is awaiting your answer."
Victor knew he was not dealing with some stupid thug or henchman. But he also knew Kain. It was clear that at least that had not changed much in the last 150 years. "Tell Kain," said Victor, "I will wager the money he paid, against my finding Tempest: double or nothing odds. Think of it as a bet among old friends."
Then man with the sling left the table, and a few minutes later a frightening laugh echoed through the Beazor, setting everyone's but Victor's nerves on edge. Paul returned soon after. Kain's evil laughter was still resounding through the huge arena. "Your terms are acceptable: one million dollars, payable upon your failing to find Tempest in 48 hours. If Tempest delivers within that time, you owe nothing. Kain says you are good for it. He also said to give you a 'going away' present."
* Shit, not again * thought Victor, * I am still recovering from the last beating. *
Paul waved to the two tough vampires who gripped Victor by the shoulders. They took him out the back exit roughly, and pushed him against the wall in the shadow of the building where they pummeled his gut. To be honest, the vampires weren't hurting him much. His chitin was talking most of the abuse, but he had to get out of here. These morons were eating up his time.
Victor took the beating silently and tried to casually reach into his jacket pocket. He still had a stake in there from last night. He held up a hand and feigned pain. He pulled out the stake and stabbed one of the two in the chest. He felt smug as the vampire disappeared in a puff of dust.
The second vampire was more of a struggle, but after a few moments, he too was blowing away in the wind. Victor tucked the stake into his pocket with a silent thought of thanks to Tash who had provided it last night. He knew Tempest had money and he guessed where he might be using it. Spending that much money would draw attention.
It was dark when Victor stood outside the building. There were definite signs that Tempest had been here. There were also signs that he had been hunted here by a sizeable group of undead as well. Victor hoped he'd find Tempest dead in the building or on the roof. * It would be easier than facing him, * he thought.
Victor paced the remains of the fight in the alleyway. But it was clear that Tempest had left suddenly. There was no trail. Victor closed his eyes and over the din of the city, and the various chemical smells he could detect the faint traces of blood from above him. He climbed up the building and stepped onto the roof and he surveyed the scene.
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Victor
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2002 5:04 pm
Victor looked over the rooftop and was surprised to see Tempest lying in a puddle of blood. But that surprise was nothing compared to seeing Matthias kneeling next to him. Matthias looked up slowly. He was obviously drained. But as he rose to his feet, he gently laid the crystal on Tempest's chest.
"What are you doing here? And why is it that every where I go, you are always there first?" asked Victor angrily.
Matthias was amused at Victor's consternation. "The first question is easy. I am helping an ally. The second is much, much more complicated and really quite boring. Besides, " asked Matthias, "I could ask you the same questions"
Victor sat on a vent cowling nearby. "Look, Matthias, I understand that Tempest here is a key. And I am certain that without him, no one can unite these damn shards. But what if there was another way?"
Matthias looked interested, "Like what? Destiny is destiny. We all have roles in this. What would you do differently that would not upset the balance and set the whole mess into motion all over?"
Victor pointed at Tempest, "You are here healing him. What if you just let him expire? What if he was removed from the equation?"
Just then Tempest's eyes fluttered. He was coming around..."What the hell? Tempest mumbled as he attempted to lean forward.
Matthias placed a hand on Tempest's shoulder. "Take it easy. You have been badly wounded. I have taken you from danger, but you are still somewhat fragile."
"What's going on... Why are you here?" Tempest again tried to lean forward but fell again onto his back.
Victor spoke slowly. One misunderstanding had cost them both already, he wanted to avoid that this time. * Was it really a misunderstanding? Or something else? * * Damn you, Soul. *
"I came looking for you Tempest. Not for another fight, I want to ... apologise. "
"Doesn't look like I'd have a very good chance this time anyway," Tempest said with a sigh, "How did you guys find me here?"
Matthias looked down at Tempest, and shrugged. "I have ways," he seemed to say with his smile. Victor was more forthright, "I tracked you. I was built for that, so I used it. I can't say it was easy...or safe...but I had a feeling you weren't trying to hide. Turns out I was right."
Victor leaned down, and waved for Matthias to help. Together, they lifted Tempest up and propped him against an air conditioning unit. At least they could talk more or less face-to-face.
"I suppose you want something if you've been tracking me," said Tempest.
Victor sat cross-legged on the roof. He considered how to best answer that question. He wanted a lot of things from Tempest. Forgiveness, understanding, trust. But he knew Tempest would not understand why. *Damn you soul, why am I here? *
* Because you know it is the right thing to do. *
*I was afraid you'd say that. *
"I'll be honest with you Tempest, after the other night, I wanted no more to do with you. But now I realize that you are ... an important element of the Cloch Cosan this time. I want you on my side. Even if I feel like you are a dangerous ally."
"And why might that be Victor? What's the element that missing and what does it have to do with me?"
Matthias, who had been quietly listening, spoke "I think I can answer that, Tempest. You are incomplete, like the Cloch. As you come closer together with that which is missing, you create ... events around you. So does the Cloch. You are a key to this gathering of the Shards. Each shard holds a piece of your memory. It cannot be completed until YOU are completed."
Tempest was interested, "Well I guess that explains the memories that seem to be appearing in my head. And you're saying that each crystal holds a piece of my past..."
Victor nodded, "It also explains why your memories are in the stone that Tash touched the other night. She could see them clearly. I am not pretending to understand how you can get them back, but as a former friend, I am willing to help as I can. But I have to tell you that it will take a lot before we can be friends again."
"I can't say I ever thought I'd be glad to see either of you again... But I guess at this point it should be best for all of us to work together at least for a time," Tempest said resignedly.
Victor reached down a hand to help Tempest to his feet. "Let's get you under cover and safe first. Then we can discuss how much work it will be for us to keep from trying to kill each other."
Matthias placed an arm under Tempest's shoulders and with Victor helped Tempest to his feet. "Need to be carried, or can you guide us back to your place?" Matthias asked.
Temepst was unsteady, "I should be good, it's only a few blocks away," he said pointing the way, "Though I might need some help getting off this building."
Matthias was quick to provide a solution, "There is a door back into the building over there. It might be safer that way."
Victor and Matthias led Tempest down the stairs through the building to an elevator, which took them to the ground. Tempest led them to his new apartment where the doorman's shocked looks greeted them. "Are you all right? Sir?" he asked.
"Get out of the way... I'm going up to my apartment."
The doorman put in the code and the elevator door opened in front of them. Victor and Matthias guided Tempest in and he selected the floor. The doors closed and the elevator began to move.
The elevator seemed to be crawling as far as Victor could tell. It was going far too slowly. Matthias seemed unconcerned as he hummed an old Celtic tune under his breath. Once they reached the penthouse, the doors slid smoothly open, and the three entered Tempest's apartment. Victor knew that Kain had paid Tempest a lot of money, but this level of spending wasn't practical.
"Let me guess, Tempest, you weren't planning to stay long? " asked Victor in a sarcastic tone.
"It's cozy... So what do we do now?" asked Tempest.
Matthias busied himself bandaging Tempest from his surprisingly well-stocked bathroom. Victor sat in one of the posh chairs and glared at Tempest. Victor broke the silence, "What is your priority. Stones first? or Memories? With your stone we have four to start with. It is up to you how we approach this problem."
"Memories... I don't care what happens to the stones as long as I get my memories back. Tell me, Victor, do you know what it's like to live not knowing who or what you are... what you have been? Not having a complete soul?"
* More than you could ever know. * Victor waited, not sure if he had spoken that aloud. "I know what it is like to be incomplete. Believe me. NOT knowing must be a new kind of torment for you. Unfortunately that isn't my department, this will take magic. That isn't where my strengths lie."
Matthias sat back from his medical ministrations. "I, however, may be able to help."
He spoke directly to Tempest who seemed to be intent on learning everything. "Your memories aren't gone, they seem to be blocked. I've been in there, "he said pointing at Tempest's head, "and it isn't pretty. Everything is jumbled around and not connected to the right things. The crystals hold the pattern to make those memories make sense. It is all about patterns..." He trailed off mid sentence.
Victor looked bored. Tempest seemed to be struggling a little with the concepts. Matthias shook his head, "It's not important how it works. But if we can get you, and this stone to resonate together, it might make your memories fall into place."
"Whatever works... A piece of me is in that crystal and I'll do anything to get it!"
Matthias lost some of his characteristic cheeriness, "It is dangerous. It might mean you lose more of yourself to the stone as well. The second problem is I can't do it alone. But I may know who can." Matthias reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. Victor recognized it as Zayn's card. He checked his pocket, and it was missing.
* Sneaky bastard. *
Matthias handed the card to Tempest. "Do you know how to contact this person? I think it might have to do with a computer, and I hate those infernal things."
"Actually I think I have one in here but I can barely turn one on... Victor?" Tempest looked over at the laptop sitting on the corner desk.
Victor summed up the impotence they all felt in a single word, "Damn."
Research from prophecy girl.
Daye
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2002 6:15 pm
Post subject: Research from prophecy girl.
February 14, late afternoon
Daye sat at a small table in the corner of Bibliophile with a steaming pot of tea, blended to aid in lifting fatigue and clearing the mind. She had poured herself a fresh cup and was sipping it, black, as she scoured the many texts and scrolls before her on the table. She had a small notebook open beside the teapot and she was making notes as she went along. She was reviewing historical records first, looking for any reference to the Cloch Cosan, or the Shards, as well as information on the building at Poplar Avenue. After she got through all that, she was going to go to the prophecies the council had collected and cross reference them to the current time and events. Finally, when she was through all of those, Daye was going to try hacking into some of the sealed Watcher files and checking there for more information. She had a good amount to go through, so she settled in, starting to review and classify the historical records.
****
A few hours later
Daye reread the file she had discovered on the building at 1318 Poplar. The notes in it confirmed the information that she had received from Mrs. White, but it also hinted at a far more sinister truth. The creature that resided underneath the house was not something new, but rather an ancient evil that had simply lay dormant for years. If these records were accurate, the Circle of Osiris had been lucky rather than skilled. At any point in the last century, the evil dwelling deep in that land could have arisen due to the mystical energies floating around. The things she was learning indicated that they had a great deal to be concerned about when it came to the interference of the creature. This was a malevolent spirit, and that was another element that they would need to consider and plan for when they decided what they were going to do. Daye made copies of some of the information within the file and added it to the other stuff she was taking home.
Daye eyed the few files she had left. They were the ones that directly mentioned the Shards and the formation of the Cloch Cosan. Two of them were accounts of incidents were the crystals had been assembled and an attempt to open the nether arch made. One was a second-hand account of such an event that occurred in Paris in 1981, and Daye assumed that was one that Victor had been present for. The second was a mention of an earlier attempt, occurring in 1863 in Ireland. Daye found the record interesting, because most of the details had been sealed and only the highest ranking members of the council were supposed to have access to it. Of course, she wasn’t about to let that stop her. She had hacked a few files in her time, once or twice even ones that had been hidden by the council itself. After what had happened with Ambrose and Ryan in ’96, Daye rarely took the council at its word. Just because they hid something “for the good of all” didn’t mean that the information should remain hidden. Far from being infallible, the Watcher’s Council was comprised of men and women and as flawed as its members. However, as she was currently sitting in a safe haven provided by the Council, Daye would have to wait until later to try and hack the file. She would do that back at her apartment, now that she knew what to look for.
Next, Daye pulled up the prophecies that were archived in the shop’s computer. She began scanning through them, looking for anything others might have missed. She was cross-referencing against the date and anything that might relate to the opening of the nether arch. In a few minutes, she hit pay dirt.
In the first decade of the new age,
again will the struggle rage,
to claim the power of the stones,
or protect each one alone.
A guide shall rise from deep within,
secrets held by this hidden twin.
Unknown forces alter the stars
and bring a sight from afar.
To serve as sign for those who learn.
Time draws close when heavens burn.
*The new age is the new century, I think, so that would be around this time,* Daye thought. *I was never great at the whole interpretation thing though. I think the stones could be the Shards. So, if that fits, then the rest must be referring to some sort of cosmic event or something. Hmmm, ‘when heavens burn.’ I don’t know what that means. I knew I should have paid more attention when Lynette was trying to teach me astrology. Oh, well, maybe Tash or Victor can make sense of it. I’ll just make a copy and take it home.*
Daye copied the file and went up front to let Mrs. Wyldling know she was going. The older woman was helping a customer, so Daye stood to the side and waited.
“You finished?” Mrs. Wyldling asked, taking the stacks of files and books from Daye.
“Yes, thank you,” Daye replied.
“Did you find anything useful?” the older woman asked nonchalantly.
Daye watched Mrs. Wyldling for a moment before answering. *Great, just what I need, a watcher spy breathing down my neck. I should have a cover story, just in case.*
“Actually, yes, I found some references to a gang of vampires in the area, and I am thinking of looking for them soon,” she said. “I want to be as on top of things as possible. I think these vamps are the ones working for Kain.”
*There that should keep her for awhile,* Daye smiled at the woman.
“Is there anything you need me to do?” Daye asked.
“I was going to try and get into contact with you anyway,” Mrs. Wyldling replied. “I need you to come in and man the counter for part of the day tomorrow. I have something to take care of. You just need to work the counter and supervise the waitresses.”
“Ok, I will do that then,” Daye said. “See you tomorrow.”
Daye left the shop and hurried back to her apartment. Once there, she booted up her computer and started to search the files for the sealed information on the opening of the nether arch in 1863. She struggled with it for quite a while, and finally she managed to crack the code. She read through the information that the council wanted to keep hidden.
*Oh my goodness,* Daye thought. *Well, I wasn’t expecting that. I wonder what that information will mean to the others.*
Daye made copies of those files as well, and then went back and covered her tracks to avoid being traced by the council. She packed everything up in a case, locked it in her safe, and went to bed early. She would try to contact Victor the next day, and if she couldn’t get through with them, she would wait for him to call. Either way, they needed to get together as soon as possible.
Graveyard Reconnaissance
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2002 7:31 pm
Post subject: Graveyard Reconnaissance
Tash approached the cemetery, all her senses attuned to her surroundings. It was late enough in the day that there was a risk in looking around now, but she felt she should be able to find out what she needed to know before it grew too dark.
The cemetery was a bit run-down. Some headstones were askew and there was a general air of neglect. As she moved between the rows of headstones, Tash could see the area where the large crypts were situated. *That's the place for me...* She circled the area, looking for the design she'd seen in Bob's mind. Soon, she saw a marble angel that looked familiar, and went for a closer look.
Close to, she started to feel that cold shiver up her spine she always experienced in the presence of large numbers of vampires. *Yep, they're here, all right.* Both the crypt that Bob had thought of at the mention of Black Jem, and the one next door to it exhibited the signs of vampire habitation. *Hmm, two of them... my lucky day.*
Tash looked at the sky. The sun had almost set, and there were dark clouds gathering. A faint misty rain started to fall. She looked around for a place to observe the crypts. She'd found the place, but to effectively destroy this gang of vampires she'd need to get an idea of numbers and habits. The only way to do that was to watch them. She and Matthias had spent many cold nights hidden near vampire haunts.
There wasn't much by way of cover in this particular graveyard, but Tash made do with a small group of bushes reasonably close to the crypts. She much preferred to kill vampires than to watch them, but Matthias had drummed into her that she couldn't effectively do one without the other.
Outside thoughts left her mind as she focused on the task at hand. When hunting vampires, she always found a cold hard knot of concentration deep within her. She'd sometimes wondered at it, that she felt such a preternatural calm when facing such deadly danger. It was almost as though the Natasha that lived in the real world retreated and a new person emerged for a while.
She felt her mind reach that state where all that mattered was the presence of evil nearby and her determination to remove it forever. She settled into her hiding place and accepted the inevitability of a long, cold night.
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Sorrow
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2002 8:23 pm
Jade flung the magazine she'd been trying to read down onto the couch. *It's no use, I'll never be able to concentrate tonight...* It was almost half past six. She'd arrived home over an hour ago and taken a long shower... As if the scalding water could wash away the uneasiness and lingering horror she felt every time she had one of her nightmares.
Refreshed and a little more relaxed in a pair of silk drawstring pants and a snug, cotton singlet, Jade had then sat down to wait for Sorrow to come back. *All his stuff is still here... He should be back soon.* She stroked the single red rosebud against her cheek, smiling softly to herself as she did.
Sorrow slowly walked up the stairs towards Jade's apartment. He wore a new black suit and the green silk of his shirt set off his eyes to perfection. Setting down the small overnight bag he carried. He raised his hand and hesitated. *This is no time for butterflies* Sorrow tapped softly on her door
Jade pulled the door open. "Hi..." She said, blushing slightly under his intense gaze. "Didn't you take my spare key?"
"Yes, but it is your home, may I come in?" There was a glint in his eye as if he knew he was being a little too polite
Jade stepped back and made a grand, sweeping gesture with her hand before saying in a mock serious tone. "Of course sir. Please... Come in..."
Sorrow picked up his bag, inclined his head and stepped into the room, laughter on his lips. He looked at Jade. still smiling "Good day?" he said glancing at the rose still in her hand
"It's... had it's moments." She paused as she gave him a shy smile. "I... Thanks for the flowers, both this one and the orchids at the shop. They're all really beautiful..."
Jade hesistated, not quite knowing what to say next. She wanted desperately to tell Sorrow about her dream today, why exactly, she couldn't say, but something was holding her back. *It's not exactly the kind of thing one brings up out of the blue anyway!*
*She's hurting though...* "But not all of it?" Sorrow dropped his bag, stepped forward and slipped his arms around her. He held her, *From overly polite to completely forward in under three seconds...*
Jade tensed before allowing herself to lean against his muscular frame. "Just for a moment." She told herself, savouring the warmth of his embrace, the scent of his aftershave, the feel of his silk shirt...Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. Jade sensed rather than saw Sorrow hesistate. Then his arms shifted to hold her closer than they had before, as if he too needed to be comforted...
Sorrow felt the simple comfort of being held by this woman. * it makes everything easier somehow* He inhaled the clean scent of her hair and just stood there. Sorrow tightened his embrace for a moment then slowly withdrew his arms. When he looked at her, unnoticed tears were in his eyes. *She affects me so much, why don't I hide myself from her?*
"Because you don't need to." Jade spoke softly. "You don't ever need to hide yourself from me Tris."
"Before you ask..." She smiled. His face reflected all the shock he was feeling. "No, I'm not psychic nor can I read minds. Your thoughts were all playing across your face. It was like reading an open book..."
Sorrow closed his eyes briefly then reached out to touch her cheek "I don't want to..." his hand tilted her face upwards slightly and he moved his face slowly towards hers...
"He's so close..." Jade thought, closing her eyes and resting her hand lightly on Sorrow's shoulder. A loud buzz suddenly sounded, causing them to jerk apart. "The oven timer... I... Errrm..." Jade stepped back and fled towards the kitchen to switch the noise off.
Sorrow stood there a moment then sighed *Moving a little quickly aren't we?* He turned, put his bag by the door to the guest room, then followed Jade to the kitchen.
Those few seconds of solitude had allowed her to gather herself together. * You've barely known him a day! Time isn't the issue here... He could be dangerous! It was only a dream... What about Matthias? *
Matthias. Jade closed her eyes again as she battled feelings of guilt. No matter how many times she told herself that making things clear to Matthias about her feelings for Tristan had been for the best, she couldn't forget the naked pain in his eyes when she'd spoken to him.
When Sorrow entered the kitchen, however, Jade looked quite composed, if a little pale. She smiled at him, a little awkwardly. "Tris... We need to talk..."
Bananas, Pecans & Vampires
Jadyn
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2002 12:48 am
Post subject: Bananas, Pecans & Vampires
Sorrow leant against the door frame. *There's so much you need to tell her.* "Yes... We do..."
Sorrow looked towards the oven "Blueberry?"
Jade grinned sheepishly. "Banana and pecans actually." She slide a tray of muffins out of the oven and onto the kitchen counter. "I tend to cook or bake when I get restless. It relaxes me."
She didn't know what else to say... Then she figured, "Since he's agreed that we need to discuss what's happening, he can start..." She scooped some muffins onto a plate and headed back to the living room.
He snagged a muffin as she passed him but remained by the doorway as she sat down on the sofa.
Sorrow held the still hot muffin for a moment then met Jade's eyes. "Where would you like me to start?"
"Well, first, you could come sit down. I've got this thing about carrying out a serious conversation from across the room..." She patted the seat next to her. "And those are really hot, you might wanna let them cool a bit..."
Sorrow glanced down at the muffin in his hand. "Yes, I suppose they are."
Sorrow glided across the room, not a single motion wasted.
He almost flowed into the seat, showing a grace that was more feline than human. He relaxed a little then. *You can do this, Tris.*
*He moves like a jungle cat... Predatory... Fluid...* Jade caught herself before Sorrow noticed her staring and looked away.
*Why doesn't he say anything? Should I start? Do I tell him about my nightmare? Why was he involved anyway?! He tried to kiss me... Should I have let him? What's he thinking now? Why can't I even get an inkling as to what goes on in his head?* Her thoughts seem to oscillate from one issue to another, meshing into one huge blur.
She shook her head, as if to clear it, before raising her head and looking directly into his piercing eyes again.
Sorrow watched her try to speak once... twice... then she shook her head and looked at him. *She's as confused by this as I am.* He held her gaze for a moment. *Say something or you're going to spend the evening gazing into each other's eyes...*
"Jade..." He tried again. "Jade... I don't..." His gaze slipped away from her then returned. "Jade, something about you calls to me. I don't know what but..." *Ok. When did you start quoting bad romance novels?!* Sorrow let the silence overtake him again, he really had no idea how to say this...
She smiled a little at his obvious discomfort. It was almost amusing to see him grapple with his words, at least it assured her that she wasn't alone in the confusion.
"I know Tris... I feel the same way, as cliched as it sounds..." Jade's cheeks pinkened slightly as she continued. "Just now, when... when you tried to kiss me, I... Well, I just want you to know that it wasn't because I didn't want to that we didn't... I *Oh great. Why the hell do I turn into a stammering idiot every time I need to get an important point across?!*
Sorrow took a slow deep breath. He cocked his head, almost as if he were listening. *Do you ask or share... Share.* "My family was killed when I was twelve... by a vampire... and I have spent the intervening years remaking myself into a weapon to kill them... and right now here with you..." He trailed off. *And it doesn't matter that she's a vampire. I just don't care!*
*Another one. How many of us are there?!* Jade reached out to touch his face as he lapsed into silence, understanding how painful it was to have such memories dredged up. She traced the line of his jaw. "Why then, haven't you killed me? You already know what I am, though I haven't given you any details..."
He raised his hand to hers and placed a kiss in her palm. "Because whatever you are it doesn't matter... I've heard you Jade, your vampire is as much a part of you as your humanity...It's you and I want all of you."
*Does he have any idea what a simple touch from him does to me?* Jade didn't think so. "It does matter Tris. It's because of the existence of the sort of beings that make up half of me that you've suffered such a terrible loss..."
She tried to pull her hand away and put some distance between the both of them but Sorrow's grip on her wrist tightened, holding her against him.
Sorrow didn't want to let her go... "You're no demon masquerading as human, Jade. You don't seek the destruction of everything that is good in this world."
"A part of you may come from them and I don't understand how, but that isn't you. Would a vampire want to stop the Cloch Cosan?"
He let go of her wrist then and moved his hand towards her, brushed his thumb over her lips. "No, it would gleefully seek to use the stones. I will hunt vampires till I die for what they did to my family, but you..."
His words shattered whatever resistance she had left. With a small sigh, Jade shifted so that she was sitting next to him and rested her head on Sorrow's shoulder.
*Why do I bother fighting what I feel when I know I can't win? Everything's happened so fast in the last couple of days and nothing really is what it seems anymore. Maybe I should just accept the fact that I'm not the one in control here. Something bigger is at work here... I'm just another pawn being swept along towards some grand finale.*
"I dreamt of you today..." Her words were soft, almost frightened, for the nightmare still haunted her. "I fell asleep in the store for a couple of hours and I had one of my recurring nightmares. It wasn't anything that I hadn't dreamt of before... The only difference this time was that you were in it." She hesitated, uncertain as to how to continue.
Sorrow slipped his arm around her waist as the desire to just hold her washed over him. For a moment that was all he did *I knew the couch was a bad idea.*
"Jade..." He waited, she needed to talk and right now, he needed to listen.
"My birth father is a member of the Brotherhood. Does that mean anything to you?" Jade was sure that it did... Few vampire hunters wouldn't have heard of the powerful collective, the first blooddrinkers, directly descended from the Master.
*An Elder. Her father is an Elder .* For a moment, Sorrow forgot to breathe. The Brotherhood was practically a myth.
"He is an Elder, almost as old as a vampire can be. He will have powers beyond almost anything still on earth..."
*How had she faced this, To know something that powerful, that evil had sired her...but she hadn't let it destroy her yet*
Jade nodded. "I didn't find out I was half-vampire till about 4 years ago. Up till then, I thought I was just like any other 20 year old. And my adopted parents, who knew the truth about me, never led me to believe otherwise."
Her voice became mechanical as she related what happened next. "When Valerian finally found me, he killed them. And my sister. And he made me watch... He said I needed to see how they were punished for keeping me from my heritage as a child of the night."
"That's plagued my dreams ever since. It's always the same - I would watch, unable to help as the people I loved were tortured and murdered by the cold-blooded killer that is my father. Until today, the dream rarely varied..." Jade trailed off as she moved away from Sorrow, her eyes dry, but strangely unfocused.
Sorrow reached out a hand, stroked down her back "Jade...?"
She seem to snap back to reality. Her face was troubled as she said, "Tris... In this one, you were the one who led me to him... to Valerian..." *There. She'd said it. It was out.* Jade's whole body tensed as she waited for Sorrow's reaction. She didn't expect it to be anything positive.
Sorrow enfolded her in his arms. "It was a dream Jade, I don't know why I was in it but I would never willingly hurt you."
*Willingly... With an Elder, I might not get a choice.*
Jade let out a breath she'd been holding as relief swamped her. She hadn't realised how important his assurance was to her.
"Tris..." This time, it was her who cupped his face and drew his lips towards her own...
The tension in his neck was enough to make Jade pause.
"There are things you need to know..." He whispered, longing in his eyes... He let his arms fall and moved back a little. "Like what I am, the things I have done..."
Curiosity mingled with disappointment. *Ah well, he listened as I revealed all the skeletons in my closet... or vampires in this case...*
"I'm listening..."
D'Nethk'Quan
Sorrow
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2002 12:53 am
Post subject: D'Nethk'Quan
Sorrow took a deep breath, he'd only told this to one other person...
"I practically died when my family was attacked..." He motioned to the old scar at his neck. "The only reason I survived, was because the ambulance that attended was testing a new protocol... They were carrying blood and though I'd been drained they got enough into me to keep me alive till they reached the hospital." Sorrow wasn't really seeing Jade now, his eyes were fixed on his past... "I was in a coma for three months... When I came round, they were gone. My parents, an elder brother... The family home had been burnt to the ground. 12 years gone, just like that."
Jade's heart ached as she imagined the suffering and bewilderment of a 12-year-old child. *I was 20, an adult, and I wanted to die. How did he get through it?*
"My aunt took me in. I made a child's vow then - I would kill them all." A self-mocking smile touched his lips. " I know better now..." He closed his eyes for a moment. "I learnt to hate then, it was that hate that drove me for nearly 10 years."
"My counsellor got me interested in the martial arts, said it would 'help channel my aggression'. I didn't care, I was just glad I could learn to hurt them!" There was venom in his voice now, something ugly and vicious...
Jade couldn't help it. She flinched.
Trying to keep the tremor out of her voice, she asked, "Is that why you came to L.A? To hunt down more nightwalkers?" She wasn't sure if he'd heard her. From the moment he'd started talking, it was if he'd transported himself into another time and place.
"No...I was helping a friend" His voice eased back to it's normal tone. He looked up then "You need to hear this but..."
It would hurt her to hear this. To see the binding hate his heart contained. But if she couldn't accept it, it would be futile to try and move forward.
"The magic came later, about 14 I think. It was strange. We never found out who sent me the first book..."
"I threw myself into that as well. It just became more fuel... Everything else began to slide. All that mattered was learning how to kill, whether it was with my mind or with my hands." He'd slipped back into his past, the darkness was there for anyone to see.
"I became good at it... but in time, I knew no one besides my aunt and the people I could learn from. The concept of friends just didn't matter anymore."
Jade nodded in understanding. It'd been the same for her the last few years.
"It's strange," he mused, "I didn't have a childhood really, not from that point. I did things, made choices you would expect of a adult, not a teenager."
"Somehow, I made it to University. Academically, I was uninterested but for some reason, Oxford accepted me."
"It was then that I first heard of D'Nethk'Quan - just fragments really, but I knew even then that I'd found what I really needed. I wasn't foolish you see... I was human. Well-trained physically and skilled in the darker side of the magic arts but I couldn't stand up to a vamp. They'd get lucky one day, and if I died, I wouldn't be able to kill them."
Sorrow's voice was quiet but somehow it had moved closer the voice she had heard when he hunted
"D'Nethk'Quan... Matthias and Victor were talking about it the other night, after you collapsed. What is it? The way they spoke, it sounded..." Her voice trailed off. *Evil*
"It took me three years to recreate the rituals from the fragments I found... I learnt more about computers then than I ever needed to know." He broke off, smiled and his voice took on a dry academic tone.
"D'Nethk'Quan... The term is presumably demonic. though it doesn't match any known language. The first mention of the rituals is around the 4th century B.C, centred on a couple of middle eastern cities suffering from a upsurge in demonic activity."
"There is, however, no record of anyone resembling a slayer being active in that area at that time... I assume that the rituals were created to make up for that failing..."
"The rituals transform a human into a virtual killing machine, granting them superhuman speed, strength and senses that would make a supernatural predator green with envy, as well as a mental and physical resilience to cope with everything else they gain.
Jade was filled with both apprehension and... awe, she supposed... When she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. "And you... mastered it? This D'Nethk'Quan?"
Sorrow laughed then. "No actually, but that part comes a little later."
"D'Nethk'Quan demands certain costs. The subject must be human, the ritual can only be performed on oneself and there is a great deal of monetary expense, but the greatest cost is this..."
"Have you ever used magic Jade? There's a pleasure in it... More so with the darker arts. D'Nethk'Quan damages the subjects magic, turns pleasure into pain. If you can't give up the majority of your magic after the rituals, that pain will kill you. Before the rituals, I could shatter a man's bones with a word, crush his organs with a gesture. Now..."
Jade's blood ran cold. "So you're telling me that you risk death every time you use it?!" She closed her eyes and pressed her face against his chest... as if by doing so, she could blind herself to the gut-wrenching fear his words caused her.
"No, under normal circumstances, it's fine. The spell on the rose, for instance, would cause no more than a headache for an hour or two. Even the incantation to make you invisible would have been no more than a few hours pain. But recent events have pushed me to the edge. I have no reserves at the moment, so everything strikes me harder. If I'm careful I'm not at risk, but I won't be levelling buildings with magic anytime soon." He paused.
"Ever, really..."
Despite Sorrow's words, the worry in Jade's heart didn't ease.
She sat up and glared at the rose on the coffee table. She supposes she should treasure it even more, seeing that he'd suffered just to give it to her. But somehow, knowing that he'd put himself at a risk, no matter how trivial, made her furious.
"Please... Tris... Don't use it anymore. I... I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you..."
"Jade, I've been D'Nethk'Quan for nearly four and a half years. Most don't get past three months. I know how to deal with this..." He turned her towards him and gave her the most comforting smile he could manage. "Don't blame the rose. It was worth it to see it in your hand."
She sighed, knowing it was futile to argue. She took his hand and held onto it. "Go on with what you were saying before. Please."
"I paid the price demanded but I'd gotten something wrong. Something absolutely minute, since considering the forces I invoked, any mistake should have blasted me apart. I'm strong and fast, even taking into account my physical condition, but not supernaturally so. Just at the limit of what is possible for a human. I got the senses though. If I concentrate I could probably hear what's happening on the next floor."
I got the resilience too, but at the time I was too sunk in despair to care much. I was devastated, having given up so much and somehow gained so little."
"My hate wouldn't let me go though... If I couldn't match the vampires physically and I had given up the majority of my magic, I would find something else."
He got up then and stepped over to Hizashi. Drawing the blade, he returned to the couch, carefully keeping the blade away from Jade.
The soft glow of the katana illuminated Sorrow's profile. Jade stared at it in wonder. She'd seen him use it the night before when they'd fought side by side but there hadn't been time to marvel at it then.
"I've read about sun-forged steel and it's magical capabilities during my studies of vampire lore. I've never actually seen it before though..."
"I'm not surprised you can find recipes for its construction in more than two dozen texts none of them work of course... but compared to recreating the rituals working out the correct method was easy. The hard part was finding someone to make it for me"
"I had a weapon now and I spent a year killing vampires in the London nights..." He paused, his eyes no longer held the anger and hate but an honest grief.
He felt Jade's hand tighten on his own, silently comforting him without intruding on his sorrow. He needed to tell her everything but in many ways, this would be the hardest. The silence lengthened...
"I met someone then. She was being attacked by vamps and the shotgun she was carrying wasn't doing the job..."
"Jenn hunted lycanthropes for money. She was smart and she understood what I had to do. We spent 6 months hunting together in London..." There was so much he was leaving out... Jade would see it though, he knew that.
"Was... Past tense... This Jenn is evidently dead. Quite recently too..." Jade thought. Sorrow's grief was too profound and fresh for it to be anything else. He didn't need to expand on the details, they were obvious enough. She swallowed the lump in her throat. *He'd cared for this woman, loved her. He's still mourning her.* That thought repeated itself over and over in her mind and no matter how she tried, she couldn't suppress the spurt of jealousy that filled her veins.
*Oh God, how could you be so selfish! You stupid girl... Did you expect his love life to start only after he'd met you? Grow up! Leave it be!* She berated herself, but she couldn't stop herself from asking, "What happened to her?"
Sorrow watched Jade wrestle with what he'd told her. This truth had hurt her and that was something he'd never wanted to do. He wondered, however, how well he would deal with Jade's past lovers...
"Jenn left after 6 months and came to L.A. About a week ago, she contacted me as she need some help with a hunt..." Sorrow trailed off . He resumed holding back an overwhelming grief.
"There had been something odd about whatever she was hunting and she wanted my help to find it... I used magic to do so and because of the backlash, I couldn't be there when she went in for the kill..." Sorrow choked back a sob, unable to continue.
*And it killed her.* Jade's eyes filled with understanding. *It's not just grief he feels, it's guilt.* She understood that too... The feeling of helplessness and rage when you couldn't prevent the death of a loved one. It practically consumed your soul. She drew Sorrow down and cradled his head against her, unconsciously rocking him in an effort to soothe. They sat in silence for a few minutes, until the tidal wave of emotions had passed...
"Tris... I don't care about your past anymore than you care about mine. All I know is that being with you feels right. I don't know if it's good or bad and to be honest, right now, I don't care..."
She knew the kind of person he was, in spite of their short acquaintance. She didn't doubt he'd already sought revenge against the beast that'd killed Jenn. That, however, didn't mean that he was ready to move on. When he didn't reply, she pushed him back slightly, searching his face for a clue as to how he felt.
"Tris?"
Sorrow looked at her through his tears. He knew that going further was probably unfair to Jade, but everything about this felt right. He'd had 3 years to fill the void in his life that she'd left and he had, mostly... The pain of her death and the guilt would pass in time, though he knew that they would never fade completely.
"She was my first love Jade, but we've both moved on. I can't forget her but..."
"I wouldn't expect you to..." Jade smiled softly. That he felt the same way about her as she did him was no secret - it showed clearly in his eyes. For the moment, that was enough...
Jade reached up and pressed her lips against Sorrow's, kissing him with all the passion and emotion that'd been building in her the whole night
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2002 2:58 am
Jem was collecting a few weapons from around her crypt, she was going to find these people and kill them. The Black Veins were going hunting in force. Jem picked up her pistol and placed it in a pocket and carried her sword by her side. "Ok people, we're moving out," she shouted as she started for the door.
There were about ten of them all together; mostly vampires, although there were a couple of demons. Jem headed off with Chris to get Ebony, who was sitting in her crypt by her smashed mirror. "Eb, you coming?"
"In a minute. I have to look nice for the party," she said as she plaited her hair. When Ebony was finally ready she stood up and walked out the door, not taking any weapons other than a few torture instruments. Chris and Jem followed her out to the rest of the vampires collected outside the two crypts.
Tash lay on the hard ground, uncaring of the cold that seeped through her jacket. Night had well and truly fallen before she saw any sign of movement from either of the crypts. Then she saw several vampires and a couple of demons boil out of the one on the left. Most of them milled around the entrance while two of the vampires, a male and a female, entered the second crypt.
After a short while they re-emerged with a second female vampire in tow. Tash was somewhat concerned. All of these vampires - too many for one little hunter to deal with, and they all seemed heavily armed. Were they off to war? Maybe there was a turf war with another vampire gang? Tash just lay still and hoped that her hiding place - feeling more inadequate by the second - continued to shield her from this mob.
The gang split up in several directions to sweep parts of the town. Jem directed them all different ways leaving Ebony, a few lackeys and herself to head towards Bob's for info. They started walking to the entrance of the cemetery. Chris and Jem were walking very close, talking about the past, the future and each other.
Tash breathed a small sigh of relief as some of the group moved away from her, towards the far side of the cemetery. It seemed as though the tall, dark-haired vampiress was the leader. *Must be Black Jem.* A smaller group started to head towards Tash's position. At least a couple of them seemed to be preoccupied and Tash hoped they'd not notice her.
Jem heard a slight noise coming from a little way ahead of her but couldn't tell where the sound came from. She turned to Chris, "What was that?"
"What?" he said, stopping still.
"I heard something."
"I'm sure it was nothing."
Jem started to walk a little faster towards the tall gate of the cemetery where the noise had come from. "It wasn't nothing," she said as she paced forward.
*Shit,* thought Tash. Black Jem's whole bearing radiated menace as she homed in on Tash's position. Knowing she'd be discovered any second, Tash readied her crossbow. As the leader advanced on her, Tash fired the bolt. She cursed her awkward position as the bolt struck the lead vampire in the shoulder. A forward roll out of the bushes brought Tash to her feet, stakes already in hand. It also brought her a little closer to the vampires.
"Ouch! Now that wasn't very nice, was it?" Jem said sarcastically as the bolt hit her shoulder. She walked slowly towards the woman standing in front of her and looked down on her. Jem kicked her in the stomach, hoping to wind the attacker.
"You know, I don't get humans," she said, turning to face her friends. "Starting fights with people, well..."Jem continued, changing her face to its vampiric form as she turned to face the woman, "when they know they won't win."
Tash caught the movement just as Jem let fly with a kick. She managed to avoid the worst of the blow, but the vampire's speed made it impossible to dodge it entirely. As Jem turned away for a second, Tash ducked to the side to flank the vampires. The male vampire with the leader saw Tash coming, and attempted to grapple her. Tash blocked him and delivered a side kick to his knee, temporarily slowing him down. Tash could sense the other vampires closing in...
Jem, Chris and Ebony surrounded the black woman, ready to make the next move. Ebony came forward punching the woman in the face. While she had a little time Jem pulled the crossbow bolt out of her, flinching as she did so.
Tash reeled from the force of the blow delivered by the second female vamp. She whirled, landing a kick to the vampiress' stomach. Her plaited hair flew around her as she was knocked back into some trees. Mindful of the other vampires behind her, Tash moved as fast as she could to follow up. Tash had used trees before - branches could be such handy things....
The female vampire clawed at Tash, leaving deep scratches down her face. Tash tried to ignore the stinging pain as she landed more blows upon the vampire. She picked up a name from Black Jem behind her. *Ebony...* Tash didn't really care what this vampire was called - she just wanted it destroyed, like every other vampire in existence. Tash saw a convenient branch at just the right height, and pushed Ebony onto it. As her form began to dissipate, she said, "That feels nice, can we do it again?"
"I don't think so..." Tash muttered as Ebony's body vanished into dust. Tash turned to face the remaining vamps. They were almost upon her.
"Eb!" Jem shouted as her friend turned to dust. Now Jem was really mad. Her best friend had been killed by a mere mortal! Jem and Chris flanked the woman. Chris went in and kicked out. Whilst he did this Jem quickly took her gun from her coat pocket and shot the woman in the arm.
Tash screamed as the bullet tore through the flesh of her upper arm. The stake she was holding in her left hand dropped to the ground as the arm lost function. She quickly surveyed the vampires. There was the leader, Black Jem, and her male companion. Three other vampires were hanging about in the background, obviously happy to let their leader take all the risks. *Still too many, and I'm losing blood fast.*
She fumbled out the cross that had slipped inside her shirt, holding it forward a bit awkwardly since that hand also held a stake. The vampires flinched from the symbol, and Tash backed away slowly until she was on the main path. Dropping the cross for a moment, she fished out a vial of holy water and hurled it at the vamps. It shattered on the path just in front of them, splashing holy water in a circle. Tash fled the cemetery, hoping to get far enough into populated streets that the vampires wouldn't dare follow her before she passed out from blood loss.
*Shit!* The holy water splashed up her legs, burning them slightly. Jem had lost her prey and her friend. "Stay." Jem shouted out to everyone, it wasn't worth following this person, for they would meet some other time and Jem would make sure of it. Jem smiled and turned to face Chris. "Another time."
Ouch
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2002 11:45 am
Post subject: Ouch
Tash stumbled onto the street, already beginning to feel a little light-headed from loss of blood. She sensed no pursuit behind her and there were a few people about, so Tash slowed. A couple of blocks from the cemetery gates she stopped and leaned against a fence.
Her left shoulder burned, the blood dripping down her arm and soaking into her shirt. She could feel her face stinging from the scratches, and something else was wrong there. She gingerly lifted her hand to her right cheek and winced as the cheekbone shifted under her fingers. *Hmm, I'm sure it's not supposed to do that...* One of the kicks to her body must have cracked a rib or two as well. Now that she'd stopped moving, she could feel all the hurts start to pound and throb.
Almost in a daze, she slowly turned her head to look at her shoulder. The bullet seemed to have passed completely through her. *One small mercy, I guess.* Something tugged faintly at her mind, and she looked up to see a couple walking towards her. The auras on both of them were bright, and one looked familiar, though she couldn't quite place it. Tash started to slip down the fence as her vision darkened...
A body
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2002 12:05 pm
Post subject: A body
Kate shivered as she and Luc made their way through the deserted streets. She wrapped her bare arms around herself - she had to wear a strapless dress tonight! Luc saw her shiver and took off his jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders. Kate smiled in appreciation, it practically swamped her slight frame but she did feel much warmer already.
They had hoped to flag another cab down, but it appeared that the cabs didn't run in this part of town by choice. So they had resigned themselves to the long walk back home. They had made it some way past the commerical centre and were fast approaching the few blocks that surrounded the local cemetary when they saw a woman staggering towards them. She leaned on a fence before she suddenly began to collapse. Kate and Luc ran to her aid.
Kate gasped in shock, recognising the woman instantly as Natasha. Luc knelt by Tash's side, he checked her pulse.
"She's alive, but she's very badly hurt, I think she's lost a lot of blood."
"Oh God...Natasha..." the words escaped from Kate's lips.
"You know her?" asked Luc in surprise as he carefully lifted the woman from the gutter.
"Sort of, I've met her before, my god I wonder what happened to her."
There was another sound this time, the sound of a large group of people. Moments later a group of vampires stalked down the street. Kate and Luc huddled over the body protectively, backing into the shadows.
"We need to get out of here, now" whispered Luc.
Kate nodded. They joined hands and together cradled Tash in their arms. They closed their eyes and concentrated. "Teleport Absque Tapus" they chanted.
"Take us from this place, transported in space, as air our bodies roam, and take us back home. Teleport, Abesque tapus!!!"
There was a glowing swirl around the three bodies, that gradually grew stronger. Kate squeezed Luc's hand tighter. "Concentrate" she urged.
Suddenly there was a glittering flash and they disappeared. Moments later the group of vampires descended down the alley.
****
There was a swirling purple energy in Kate's living room as the three orbbed back into time. Although exhausted and drained, they managed to carry Tash over to the sofa and lay her out.
She was badly injured, a bullet shot to the shoulder, a few broken ribs too, judging by the way she was huddled. She had three deep scars on her cheek. Her lip was busted too, and she was covered in cuts and scrapes. The main contributor appeared to be the gunshot wound, which must have been bleeding profusely. Kate felt her pulse, it was weakened.
She raised her arms above Tash's form, a light glow starting to form. Luc took her hand and joined his force with hers. Together they formed the Orbis Consisto Lumen which surrounded Tash, weaving itself through her body.
Kate felt a weakness in her head; she could feel the essence of Natasha flowing through her, her fear, her strength, her love...
Suddenly the Orbis shattered; Kate slumped to the floor. Luc held her in his arms. He had been afraid of this; the panic attack along with the teleportation spell had taken a tremendous toll on Kate's body. He looked back at Tash. She seemed a lot better, most of her wounds had healed, but she still hadn't regained consciousness, although her breathing appeared more comfortable. He settled Kate first, taking her to her bed. Then he placed a blanket over Natasha. A good night's sleep was the best he could offer her now.
Pillow Talk
Jadyn
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2002 2:28 am
Post subject: Pillow Talk
When the morning sun finally woke Sorrow, Jade was lying in his arms. He cuddled a little closer and pressed his lips to the back of her neck. Not wishing to disturb her, he held her close until she made some sign that she had awoken.
She turned in his arms and kissed him, smiling sleepily. Not wanting to leave the comfort and warmth of his embrace yet, she placed her head on his shoulder and pressed against the length of him, luxuriating at the feel of his silk pajamas against her skin.
At Sorrow's muffled groan, Jade couldn't help but suppress a coy smile. It was a little intoxicating to know that she had such an effect on the handsome man that had taken hold of her heart.
Rearranging her features into an expression of mock innocence, she looked up at him and asked, "What's wrong?"
*Sometimes self-control is so not worth it.* Sorrow schooled his features into something resembling normality. "No, nothing's wrong. I just don't want to get up right now." His arm was gently rubbing along her back. Sorrow felt a long-missed contentment as he held her...
Jade grinned impishly... for despite his attempt at appearing blase and unaffected, the strain he was feeling showed on his face. That wasn't to say that she was totally immune - his gentle caresses were sending shivers down her spine...
There wasn't much time for her to dally though... The increasing light beyond her window told her that it was almost time for her to get up and begin her day. She stretched, marvelling at how rested she felt.
Smiling a little wistfully as she wriggled out of her arms, Jade said, "I didn't dream. Do you know how long it's been since I've been able to go through an entire night without feeling afraid and alone? You must be good for me!"
Sorrow smiled though he felt the loss of her closeness. "I haven't dreamt at all since I met you, not that I remember anyway..."
He moved quickly then to recapture Jade. He kissed her lips... then trailed soft kisses down her throat, nibbling occasionally. His fingers ran gently down the long indentation of her spine... "Do you have to go?"
"Mmmmm, what? Did you say something?" *I can't think when he touches me...* She blinked as Sorrow's words registered.
"Tris... Wait... Stop it!" Jade shoved at him, giggling helplessly as he made to grab her again. "Tris! I'm serious! This is important!"
Laughing a little then trying to display a suitably contrite face, Sorrow sat up. He caught her hand in his. "What?" He said softly.
Jade snuggled onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck as she spoke. "That night after the big fight, you were unconscious... I went in to check on you. You did something a little strange."
When he raised an eyebrow, a cheeky smile quirking the corner of his mouth, she poked him in chest and chastened, "Not anything like that silly! And can you quit trying to distract me?"
Biting back her amusement, Jade continued. "You were tossing around on the bed... Muttering. I figured you were having a nightmare... Then you suddenly sat up and looked straight at me..."
At Sorrow's puzzled frown, her voice trailed off. "Do you remember what you said to me then? Any of this sound familiar to you at all?"
Sorrow's hands ceased their gentle ministrations, his face suddenly serious. He closed his eyes... trying to remember. "No, I don't remember anything. What did I say?"
"You said that we killed a woman... But before I could do anything, you collapsed and it was like the whole thing never took place, you were sleeping so peacefully!" Jade looked slightly troubled as she recalled the way Sorrow had looked, his eyes wide, hot, glazed and burning...
'Horror dawned slowly across Sorrow's features as fragmentary images of the dream came back to him... the rush of blood into his throat... Jade's almond eyes across a dead body. "Oh god we were hunting, you and I... but not for vampires... for blood..."
Jade's face paled. "F-for... blood? What... what do you mean for blood?" Her voice shook a little.
"We were... vampires..." The last word came out as a whisper. His arms clutched at her, desperately seeking the comfort he felt in her embrace.
Vampires? *Oh God.* Jade clung to him just as he held onto her. Her mind was whirling at the shock of his words. "Tris... It was just a dream... You and I... We would never... Not you anyway... Unless I turned and turned you with me. But I wouldn't... Couldn't..." Jade's words tumbled out in a rush as she tried to make sense of the whole thing.
"Shhhh... shhhh... I know. I've dreamt of things like this before... ever since the attack. Just never with you in them." He tried to smile "It caught me by surprise that's all."
His arms lost a little of their desperation. "Jade... I need to breathe... Sometime soon." Her arms relaxed a fraction. Gently nuzzling at her, "It's just a dream, no more meaning than yours... right?"
She wasn't exactly convinced, he could tell. In their world, dreams were too often a reflection of reality... The both of them having such disturbing "visions" at the same time didn't bode well. However, since there was no other rational explanation for it, she nodded, accepting his reassurances for now.
Not wanting to further ruin what she thought of as their first morning together, Jade brushed her lips against Sorrow's, trying to smooth away the lines of strain that had appeared at the sides of his mouth.
"Would you like to shower first while I make breakfast? Or do you want to scrub my back?" She teased.
Sorrow smiled as he thought of the possibilities, but regretfully he pushed the thoughts away. "Much as I would love to spend some time in the shower with you, I doubt either of us will get much done this morning if we did. You need to get to XY and I have to finish moving into my new apartment..." He slipped away from her then, his hands trailing one last lingering caress...
Season One: Feb 06, 2005 - Jul 06, 2005
Black Jem
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2002 5:13 am
Jem walked out of the cemetery, heading for Bob's, there were new hunters in town and Bob might give some info about them. She was thinking, she'd lost Eb and had to do something about it. Jem slammed the door to the bar hard open and walked in, Chris following behind.
"Bob." Jem shouted as she walked up to the bar. Bob looked a little worried when she walked in.
"I, I didn't say anything, I swear," he told her, worried at the sight of the hole in Jem's shoulder.
"What?" Jem looked puzzled, "I need some info, about a few hunters in town. One woman about so high," she said indicating the height of the woman who attacked her a little while ago, "Black, short hair."
Bob looked more scared as the description went on.
Only just realising what he had been on about a few minutes ago Jem grabbed Bob by the shirt and punched him hard in the face. "Bastard!" she shouted.
"I couldn't help it, she threatened me."
"Well then you can do something for me. Where does she live?"
"I don't know, I've only seen her a few times."
"Where?" Jem asked, hand at the ready to punch him again.
"Over the street, outside that shop, XY, you know the one, and here, that's all." Jem let go of Bob and turned to walk out. Suddenly she turned back to face him and before Bob could do anything about it, she threw a punch his way. Jem and Chris walked out and slammed the door closed.
Recovery
Natasha Brookes
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2002 9:48 am
Post subject: Recovery
Tash woke, the shreds of nightmare fading slowly. She'd been dreaming of her family again, as she always did. Then memory returned. She'd been hurt. Badly hurt. She gingerly sent out mental feelers to assess her condition. Her ribs felt sore, her face was tender and her left shoulder felt very stiff, but she thought she should feel worse than this.
It was time to open her eyes. She did, the room about her swimming into focus. Her head pounded and her mouth was dry. Flexing her left arm, she found she had about half its normal range of motion. *Not bad, considering I've only just been shot. Where the Hell am I?*
She appeared to be in a pleasantly furnished living room, on a sofa. Early morning light was just filtering through the draped windows. Her jacket and shoulder holster rested on a chair nearby. She was still dressed in the torn and very bloody shirt she'd been wearing yesterday. *Tash, you're a very lucky girl,* she thought to herself. Those damn vampires must have sensed her in her hiding place somehow and she knew she'd been incredibly lucky to have survived. *It's knowing when to run away - that's the key.*
Tash thought she might just about be ready to try sitting up. Struggling a little, she was able to get to a position where her back rested against the arm of the sofa. From here she could see more of the room, including an armchair that contained the form of a sleeping man. Tash regarded him for a minute. So far as she knew, she'd never seen him before, but there was something about him that seemed familiar.
*That aura...* Tash remembered the two auras she'd seen just before she passed out. The aura of this man contained the blue of a warlock, and some shreds of green. *A little healing, then, but not enough to do this much.* What about the other person, then? Tash thought. Her brain hadn't been working too well in those last few moments, but she did remember thinking that she'd seen one of those auras before. There'd been lots of green in the woman's aura. *Of course, Kate from downstairs...*
Feeling much happier now that she knew who had been taking care of her, Tash experimented with swinging her legs over the side of the couch. She desperately needed to drink some water. The pounding in her head was making it hard to think. The soreness in her ribs and shoulder made moving awkward, and she gave a small grunt of pain as she shifted.
The man in the armchair must have been sleeping lightly. He awoke at the noise, and swiftly moved to Tash's side. "Easy, now," he said as he steadied her. She remained sitting on the couch, not feeling up to trying to stand just yet.
She looked at the man and tried to speak, but all that issued was a croak. She cleared her throat and tried again, "You're with Kate?"
The man nodded, "Yes, I'm Lucien - Luc if you like. We've brought you to Kate's house." He looked worried, "She's upstairs still."
Tash could feel the concern coming in waves from Luc. She frowned slightly, "Is Kate all right?"
Luc hesitated, "She will be. We had to get you out of there fast, and the magic took its toll on her, I'm afraid. She'll be fine with some rest."
Tash removed one of her gloves and gingerly felt her face. It felt a bit puffy, but the scratches seemed to have gone. Her cheekbone still felt a little tender, but no longer broken. "Thanks, you've both done an amazing amount for me."
Pulling the glove back on, she asked, "I don't suppose you'd mind getting a drink of water for me?"
Luc smiled, "Of course not."
After some water and a little time, Tash felt ready to try standing. Luc helped to steady her as she got to her feet. She swayed slightly, but overall she felt as though she'd had only a light beating rather than the pummelling she had received. A few minutes of walking about eased some of the stiffness she felt.
Her wandering brought her to the kitchen. Tash looked around the bright room. *Hmm...* "Luc," she called, "Do you know where Kate keeps the coffee?"
Trial & Error
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2002 10:47 am
Post subject: Trial & Error
Kate stood in front of the Council of Elders; the three most powerful witches of the Coven sat in judgement before her. They were not convinced. Murder was a serious crime, especially when the murdered was a fellow ‘sister’. And Kate was a member of the Inner Circle too – such things polluted her character, made her hands unclean.
Kate was taken back to the holding cell in the dungeon to await sentencing. She didn’t know what to expect, this kind of case was unheard of. She would be lucky if they allowed her to live. As she contemplated her fate she heard a key turn in the cell lock.
She was taken back to the ‘court room’.
Serapis stood forward. “Catherine Wiccham, you have been found guilty of the premeditated murder of Janus Hallow. It is the decision of the Council that you are a danger both to the world and to yourself. Therefore we sentence you to death, in the tradition of the craft we will commit your body to the elements, earth, air, fire, water.”
A younger witch stepped forwards from the side of the council. He was very young and obviously terrified by his surroundings. The three most powerful witches of the Coven – and Kate, once one of the most respected witches of the Inner Circle – destined for the Council. He unrolled a scroll and read in a shaky voice.
“Death by Earth…may your body be buried alive in the soil of the motherland, may it die, rot and be reborn anew. Death by Air…may your body be rushed from this life by the element of air, as you descend from a great height, let your soul be cleansed by its purity. Death by Fire…may your flesh be devoured in holy fire, burning the evil of your heart, releasing your spirit to the higher plane. Death by Water…may your body be consumed by water, let it fill you through and cleanse your soul…”
The boy sat down again. He did not look Catherine in the eyes again. Serapis stood up again.
“Rest now and make your peace with the gods…your fate will be decided in the morning.”
Kate was taken back down to her cell. She could no longer supress the fear and pain that dwelled in her heart. She sobbed for her life…her mournful cries echoed through the catacombs and every witch in Sindell could hear her pain. As Kate cried she felt a familiar hand come to rest on her shoulder. She looked up, Luc stood over her. She leapt to her feet and they embraced warmly. Kate held him tightly; this might be the last time she ever saw him…
Luc whispered in her ear. “Your execution is scheduled for the morning.” He held her close, “I believe in you Kate, I believe in your innocence, but I need time to prove it to the Council.” He looked into her eyes, they were red and sore, he wiped her tears away and kissed her longingly, he sighed, “I cannot live without you, my dearest, most precious Catherine.” He kissed her again, “I will help you escape…”
****
Kate woke up. It was already morning, the bright sun filtered in through the light curtains. She turned over to feel for Luc but he wasn’t there, and his side of the bed was cold. She suddenly remembered Natasha. Kate climbed out of bed, remembering that she had passed out during the healing spell, and realising that Luc must have changed her clothes before he put her to bed. She grabbed a long black cardigan, pulling it on over her silky night-dress and made her way down stairs.
Another meeting...
Catherine Wiccham
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2002 3:55 am
Post subject: Another meeting...
Kate descended the stairs and peered into the living room. Nobody was there. A few blankets lay strewn around. Kate assumed that Luc must have spent the night down here, probably in case Natasha woke in the middle of the night. She wandered into the kitchen; Luc was boiling the kettle while Tash appeared to be looking for something in one of the cupboards. Kate stood in the doorway "Second shelf down and to the left...I assume you were looking for coffee?"
Tash smiled broadly, "Definitely. Can't function without it." She opened the indicated cupboard and drew out the tin of coffee there. Tash looked up at Kate, "Thanks, I guess you're the one who did most of this healing for me. Luc was a bit worried about you having overdone it. How are you feeling?" As Tash twisted to put the coffee tin on the bench, she winced slightly at the pull in her shoulder.
Kate walked over to Tash, full of concern, "Perhaps I should be the one asking that question." She took Tash's arm, assessing just how much damage there was still left there. "What happened last night?”
Tash shook her head, "I got a bit careless. Let me get some coffee happening, and I'll tell you all about it." She looked at Kate, "And I think I should tell you about some other stuff that happened at Poplar Avenue."
The kettle had finished boiling and Luc had already organised a pot of tea for him and Kate. Coffee was brewing in the plunger. *He'd get on well with Jade,* thought Tash. Luc poured the tea, setting it down on the table along with the coffee for Tash. He squeezed Kate's hand affectionately and they exchanged knowing glances. Kate sat down next to Tash. "I guess the two of you have already been introduced?" asked Kate, looking from Luc to Tash.
"Luc introduced himself this morning when I woke up. I remembered seeing you just before I collapsed, but it wasn't until I started to pull myself together this morning that I recognised you." Tash sat down somewhat gingerly.
"I suppose I should start at the beginning," Tash said. "I've been hunting vampires for some years now. You met Matthias the other day - he and another friend of mine found some vampires attacking a woman the other night. I tracked them down to a crypt in that cemetery and was watching to learn their patterns. Unfortunately, it seemed that they were planning something big last night, because an awful lot of them came out, armed to the teeth." Tash paused, "Excuse the pun. They noticed me, my hiding place was a bit inadequate, and - well, you saw the result. At least I'm still here, and one of them isn't." Tash finished grimly.
Kate and Luc exchanged worried glances again. It had been obvious to both of them that Natasha was some kind of Vampire Hunter, she had the look of someone who spent infinitely too much time in the company of such creatures. "Luc is a warlock, a member of the same Coven as myself. We were able to heal you a bit but I'm afraid I wasn't at my full strength last night and the spell wasn't completed. How do you feel?"
Tash nodded. When she'd seen Luc's aura she knew he was a warlock, and it made sense that he was in the same Coven as Kate. *Hmm, wonder if Luc knows about this Jake guy? No matter, not my place.*
"I've got to admit, I feel one Hell of a lot better than I would have." She lifted a hand to her right cheek, "I know this bone was broken, and some ribs. They're sore, but that's all. And the arm...it's not got full movement yet, but it's well on the way. Please don't wear yourself out on my account. I deserve a little healing time, to help me remember not to be an idiot."
Luc looked sharply at Kate upon hearing Jake's name. He knew it was bad to be reading someone's mind like that, but the name just jumped out at him. Kate avoided his gaze, looking uncomfortable. She smiled at Tash, "You said something had happened at Poplar Avenue?"
Tash finished the dregs of her coffee. "Yeah, the afternoon after Matthias and I visited you, a whole bunch of nasties paid a visit to Poplar." Tash cast a quick look at Luc, then raised an eyebrow at Kate. At her nod, Tash continued, "We figured they were looking for the crystals. Unluckily for them, some of us in the building arrived home just in time to stop them from doing too much damage."
Luc looked up curiously, snapped out of his malaise, "Just how many pieces of the Cloch are at this building on Poplar Avenue?"
Tash weighed Luc up for a moment. "Right now, I don't think there are any. Kate's taken away the one she had there, and others that were there are now hidden, I don't know where. What I do know is that a demon named Kain holds four of them, and another one is in the hands of someone who seemed to be with us, but has recently proved to be a little unpredictable."
Luc placed his hand over Kate's and gently caressed her fingers with his. Suddenly the empty cups on the table began to rattle slightly. He quickly removed his hand and the small tremor subsided. Kate sighed, "That accounts for six crystals. Do you have any idea where the other three might be?"
*In for a penny, in for a pound...* Tash nodded, "Yes, Matthias has hidden two, as I said, and the ninth is held by someone else. So far he seems to be an ally - he helped in the fight at Poplar two days ago. But there's something about him I'm not sure about." Tash gave a small laugh, "I guess I don't have to tell you that I'm not the trusting sort." Tash moved her coffee mug back to its original position. *What caused that? There was a shimmer between their auras when they touched...*
"I don't suppose I have given you much cause to trust me up until now. Things have happened in my life to make me more than a little wary of strangers."
Tash was feeling weak enough that she couldn't keep the expression from her face as she felt an overwhelming wave of anger, guilt, feelings of betrayal and fear roll over her from Kate. She quickly schooled her face back into neutrality, but was aware that the shock must have shown through for an instant. *God, it feels like she's been through Hell... Though I know I distrust people for my own reasons.* She tried to keep her voice normal as she said, "Well, life can do that to you, sometimes."
Kate knew Tash had picked up on her feelings in that moment, confirming her suspicions that this woman was what was referred to as a 'sensitive'. *And she can read auras too...* She wondered if she had picked up on the vibrations between Luc and herself. But that wasn't important just yet. "This Kain is gathering forces. He sent someone here already to try to get the Shard of Judecca. Thankfully Luc was here. This 'unpredictable' friend of yours, do you think he is to be trusted?"
Tash started to shrug, then winced and bit her lip as the left shoulder moved too far. After the pain subsided a little she said, "I honestly don't know. I wish Matthias could find him. I think Matthias could help him a lot."
Kate started to stand to help Tash with her pain but Luc shot her a look. She sat back down. Luc stood and moved behind Tash. He held his palm over Tash's bad shoulder, a soft glow passing from his hand to her skin. The bruises seemed to slowly disappear, but Luc was very drained when he finally sat down. He sighed, "Who is this guy any way, maybe we could help..."
Tash thought about Tempest for a while. He'd seemed so nice at first, but then he'd started talking about killing people. And Tash was almost certain that Kain had found out about Poplar Avenue from Tempest. There was nobody else, and the timing was too much of a coincidence. Then there were the crystals. Tempest's memories seemed bound up in them. She really thought Matthias would be the best person for this, and maybe that mysterious Zayn. Who knew what powers she had?
As she thought, Tash shifted her shoulder around a little. It was definitely much better. She gave Luc a smile, "Thanks." He looked tired after the effort, and Tash felt guilty that these people who she hardly knew should expend so much energy on her. As for Tempest, Tash didn't know where to begin. "It's complicated. The guy's called Tempest, and he's been around when the Cloch Cosan was opened before. He got caught in the middle of the opening, and now his memories are trapped in the crystals. It makes him a bit unstable, especially where the shards are concerned."
*Tempest.* The name made Kate feel cold but she didn't know why. She wrapped her arms around herself in an effort to remove the chill from her bones. She stood and collected the cups, taking them over to the sink. Suddenly she slipped to her knees, the cups clattering to the floor and smashing to pieces. Despite his weakened state Luc ran quickly to her side. *Please not again,* he thought. He helped her to her feet.
"I'm fine, sorry, I'm fine." she repeated. Worried about her bare feet, Luc scooped her into his arms and carried her over the broken mess, setting her down on the floor on the other side of the kitchen.
Tash stood as quickly as she could, and moved to see if she could help Luc with Kate.
"Stay there." he ordered as he cleared away the broken fragments. Kate sighed, holding her head. *Tempest.* The name still rang through her head.
Tash could hear Tempest's name echoing in Kate's mind. She knelt, ignoring the bruised ribs for a moment, and picked up Kate's hand in her own gloved one. "Kate, it's OK, you're safe here. Take deep breaths."
"I'm fine really," insisted Kate.
Tash gave Kate a stern look, "No, you're not fine. Something's seriously bothering you. Here, you can't be comfortable sitting on the floor there. Luc..." Tash tried to help Luc take Kate to the couch in the living room, but couldn't really do much. *Still need a couple of days to get over the stiffness.* Kate protested, but Luc insisted she sit on the couch. Luc fetched a glass of water for Kate, and Tash sat next to her.
*The Hell with subtlety.* "Tempest. Do you know him?" she asked.
"No, I have no idea who he is...only his name...I don't know, it sounded familiar somehow." She cleared her head, “I just think I must be tired, I don't seem to sleep very well lately.”
Tash knew all too well what it was like to have disturbed sleep. The only night she'd slept soundly in the past thirteen years had been the night before last, with Victor... *Snap out of it!* Refocusing on Kate, Tash could sense the frustration the woman felt. Something to do with her memory. *God, not another one with memory problems.* She looked Kate in the eye, and asked, "Can you think of anything about him that you remember?"
Kate shook her head "As far as I know there is nothing TO remember, I don't think I've ever heard that name before in my life."
Luc sat down beside her, taking her hand in his comfortingly, "I've heard of him, he is on The List at Sindell."
Tash gave Luc a sharp look, "The List? What's that?"
"A record of all...supernatural entities...for want of a better word. It lists anything that a member of the Coven has encountered or heard a report of. Then it is passed on to our field team to research further. The stuff on Tempest is all pretty vague I'm afraid. We don't have too much on him. Only that he once was human, mortal, but that he was the subject of an experiment that made him immortal. We believe he could have been around from as early as the mid 1800's."
"1888," Tash found herself murmuring. At the looks she received from Luc and Kate, she continued, embarrassed, "I've touched him, 'read' some of his memories. He became immortal in 1888." Tash felt a bit sheepish. Why had she said that aloud? Usually she was so careful about things like that. Maybe something within her knew that these people needed to know more about Tempest. She felt that there was something buried deep in Kate's memories that she could no longer access.
Kate frowned, she was feeling much better but she still felt the cold under her skin. "There's no need to be wary, you can trust us, I promise."
Tash gave Kate a puzzled look. "If I still didn't trust you, I wouldn't be here talking to you about this."
Kate smiled, she held her hand towards a bookshelf and a book shot off it into her hand, she placed it on the coffee table. Tash looked a little surprised, but not shocked in the least. Kate laid the book open on the table. Inside nestled the Shard. Tash raised her eyebrow speculatively. "Don't worry, it was well protected. Magically speaking." Kate touched the Shard. It glittered a little. "So a part of this Tempest's memories lie in each Shard?"
Tash looked at Kate, a little horrified at what she thought Kate might be planning. "It's very dangerous. I wouldn't trust the crystal if I were you. It still has its own will as well as Tempest's memories. You should be looking into your own head first." Tash refused to look at the shard. She'd felt it in the house, very faintly, but had so far managed to ignore it. Matthias had done another excellent job, but the dampening wouldn't hold forever, she knew. Kate had to be made whole first. With memories in tatters, Kate was vulnerable to the crystals. Maybe not in the same way Tempest was, but vulnerable nevertheless. "There is a hole in your mind."
Kate closed the book, the effect of the Shard seemed to be disturbing Natasha. *Only...if Tempest's memories were contained in the Shards...maybe he was the Key...*. Kate tried not to feel defensive, "There ARE aspects in my life, not so long ago, that I cannot explain, that I cannot remember." She looked at Luc anxiously. She didn't know how to explain all this, Tash was obviously picking up on something.
Luc continued, "Kate..." he squeezed her hand in support, "...was accused of killing one of our 'sisters'. That is why we are here in LA, I had to get Kate away from England. We needed the time, to clear her name. You will not be familiar with Wiccan lore, but to kill a member of your coven is the most serious of crimes. The penalty is a most severe form of execution."
Kate continued, "I cannot remember all the events of that night, things are hazy and confused. I was unable to plead my innocence at the tribunal." She smiled at Luc, "Luc helped me escape my execution, and I came here to LA. This house used to belong to my mother, you see. Losing memories can be frustrating, but I am in no doubt of who I am, or where I come from...thanks to Matthias, the power of the Shard seems to be much weaker now."
Tash listened carefully to both Luc and Kate. Everything said was the truth, but Tash was certain there was much left unsaid. And for a second there was that name again in Kate's mind. *Janus.* From what Tash had heard about Janus, it was probably no bad thing that the woman was dead. Tash fixed Kate's eyes with her own, "Do you have a memory of killing the witch?"
"Something, clear, and yet vague at the same time. In places things seem very clouded. We were in a fight, and I was hurt and fell unconscious. When I awoke things had shifted somehow"
As Kate spoke, Tash tried to pick up the underlying detail. This was so difficult without touching someone, but Tash wasn't sure if she was strong enough for that right now. Shadowy shapes, wounds that miraculously disappeared, something about a knife, and blood.... Tash shook her head in frustration. It was too clouded. "It feels like someone has been in there before, moving things about in your mind. I can't tell much from a distance." Tash was uncertain whether to broach the subject of her psychometry.
Kate heard the name of Janus...*Damn, telepathy was annoying sometimes, in an ideal world they would never need words.* "I don’t know how familiar you are with Janus." she said. Luc looked uncomfortable at the mention of her name. He and Janus had always had a very tenuous relationship and now he hated her for what she had put Kate through.
Tash tried to block out the hatred she felt from Luc at the mention of the dead witch, and to concentrate instead on Kate. The pounding in her head was growing with the effort, but Tash felt that somehow this was very important, and not just to Kate.
"I've heard a little about Janus. She was there at Paris in 1981, the time Tempest lost his memories. She was there to seize control of the crystals." *And so was Tempest and Victor. Victor's different now, and maybe Tempest can still be rescued.* Victor - Tash realised he'd probably be wondering where she'd been all night. *Think about him later. Janus and Kate now.* Tash's head felt as though it was about to burst.
She looked at Kate, frustration showing in her eyes. "If I was feeling stronger, I could try to touch you. That helps me to see things clearly." *Heh. What an understatement!* "But right now, I think it would be too much for me. I'd only make things worse." Tash shrugged, and noticed that her shoulder didn't hurt much at all this time. "Being a witch, you'd probably be able to see with me, it could help you to find your lost memories, or to sort out what's real from what's ... altered."
Kate couldn't help but feel intrigued, she so longed to remember *...if it would take the guilt away...* "You obviously have some very powerful psychometric powers" she looked at Tash's gloved hands, realising the importance of them now, "but I wouldn't want you to put yourself under any unnecessary strain, not now, you're not strong enough."
Tash looked apologetic, "I'm sorry. I want to help right now, but I think if I tried we'd both end up unconscious on the floor. I think in a day or two I'll be well enough to give it a try, if you're willing." Tash knew very well Kate was willing, she'd felt the longing, the wanting to know, the need to have the truth, whatever it was. Kate radiated it.
Luc stood up angrily, he was still thinking about Janus, and her attempt at controlling the Shards. *Probably on Serapis' behalf.* He stood and looked out the window, it was much brighter now.
The feelings of anger Tash was getting from Luc hadn't diminished. They seemed to be getting stronger. "Who the Hell is Serapis?" Tash didn't realise she'd spoken aloud until she noticed Kate's startled look. *Damn! What's wrong with me? Twice in one hour I've let something like that out!*
Kate looked startled, she guessed that had come from Luc although she hadn't been listening to his thoughts. Luc confirmed her suspicions by throwing her an apologetic glance. Kate sighed again, "Serapis is a Council Elder of the Coven of Sindell, our coven. He is here in LA, looking for me."
Tash nodded, understanding the anger now. "Let me guess, he's the one who accused you?"
Luc sat down again in frustration, "He pretended to be our ally, he pretended to help us. But he betrayed us, he is a traitor to the Coven."
Tash looked at Luc, then Kate. The question in the air was obvious, but Tash didn't dare voice it until Kate had a clearer picture of the events surrounding Janus' death. "Kate, it won't be easy, for either of us, but in a couple of days, do you want to try to clear up some of your murky memories?" she asked instead.
Kate sensed Tash was holding something back, but she was also aware of how time was rapidly escaping them, she would have to end this soon if she didn't want to be late for work. "When you are ready..." her voice wandered off.
Tash gave Kate's hand a squeeze. "It's the least I can do to repay you for what you've done for me last night and this morning. It would have taken me weeks to heal properly from that mess I got myself into. And I think the blocked memories are going to be important, they might help us deal with these damn crystals. I just have a feeling, since Janus was involved with the Cloch Cosan before..." Tash left the sentence hanging. She knew Kate must be aware of the significance of her clouded memories, and not just for her own predicament. "I think I need to go home and rest. You no doubt have places to be. We'll swap numbers, and I'll be in touch in a day or so. We'll see if we can't make you whole again."
"If you don't mind waiting a few minutes I could drive you home, Poplar Avenue is on my way to work." Tash nodded her affirmation. Kate walked over to the mirror in the hallway, then closed her eyes. "Vestire," she said. In an instant her appearance changed. Her hair was twisted up into loose ringlets, and she was dressed in a pair of dark slacks and a light blue sweater. She smiled at Tash, "Ready?"
Tash couldn't help chuckling, though it made her ribs twinge. "Sometimes I really hate you witches," she said as she looked at her own torn and blood-drenched attire. Sighing, she picked up her ruined jacket and the shoulder holster, and slipped on her shoes. "Yep, ready as I'll ever be." She turned to Luc and smiled broadly at him. "Thanks again, Luc. You've both helped me so much." Luc nodded in acknowledgement and Tash turned to leave with Kate. "So, where do you work, anyway?"
Luc walked to the door to see them off, he kissed Kate's hand as she headed with Tash towards the car...
"Oh I just started, it's a trinket shop downtown, called XY or something..."
15 Feb 2005
Talhu
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2002 8:36 am
Post subject: 15 Feb 2005
It was nearly midday. Kate had been at XY since ten that morning. Jade had taken advantage of the early morning slump to acquaint her with the various tasks that she would have to perform as part of her job. She hadn't really had much work to do though - one tarot reading in three hours. Kate and Jade had taken the time to get better aqcuainted, and she had been surprised to hear that Jade was living in the apartment block on Poplar Avenue.
She wondered if it had anything to do with the lodestone effect - she couldn't forget the darkness that had surrounded her when they first met. But Jade seemed friendly enough, although her mind appeared to be more agreeably engaged, and Kate kept picking up the name "Tristan", especially when Jade turned towards a vase full of orchids sitting on the counter.
The one thing Jade had skimmed over was the contents of the store cupboard at the back of the shop, it appeared she kept it locked. Kate figured it must be where she kept her more "potent" mystical supplies, things that she didn't want the public to have free access to. That didn't really bother Kate, she was impressed that Jade was so responsible about who she sold such items to.
They sat at the table in the tarot reading area, drinking coffee - Jade had just lit up a cigarette while Kate explained how she could also include other such methods like scrying and casting the runes in her "performance". Suddenly the bell above the door rang and they both turned to look at the man who just entered.
Going to various shops that advertised fortune reading was probably not the best way to try and find people that could help challenge Serapis, but it seemed the safest way to Talhu. *How right the Ancients were, in their views on fortune.* When he saw XY, the sign advertising Tarot readings jumped out at him. It seemed worth a try, even if he was becoming hungry and had to remind himself constantly not to eat the shopowner.
Opening the door, he started in. Only two women were present in the back of the store. Heading back to see them, he tried to look unassuming. "Good afternoon. I noticed the sign about readings outside. Which one of you ladies do I talk to about that?"
Jade made her way to the shopfront. Stubbing out her cigarette in an ashtray she kept behind the counter, she smiled to mask the unease this man aroused in her. He was well-dressed and seemed polite enough but there was something about him that sent shivers down her spine. What exactly it was, however, she couldn't put her finger on.
In answer to his question, she said, "That'd be Kate, our resident clairvoyant." She'd contemplated asking the man to leave immediately but had rejected the notion. After all, there wasn't any evidence to show that he was anything besides what he looked like. *I'm going to have to stop thinking that everyone's a demon in disguise.*
Turning her smile up a notch as Kate came to stand beside her, Jade said, "Why don't you and Kate get take a seat and get acquainted before you start? We're not exactly busy at the moment anyway..."
Kate smiled at the stranger. She heard Jade's doubts clearly in her mind, she had to admit there was something not quite right with this man. A darkness swam around him - different from Jade's - it was darker and older, it resonated in an unclear tone... one that she couldn't quite distinguish.
Kate smiled again as she ushered the man to an empty table. "Please, take a seat."
Even without trying to read the womens' thoughts, he could feel the tension. Taking a seat, he continued to watch the woman called Kate as she sat down. it would be very fortunate indeed if she was the one. Some caution was called for.
"Thank you. Have you been doing this long? By the way, my name is Talhu."
He would be unable to feed on her, now that she knew his real name. If this was the person who he was looking for, he hoped she would be more prepared to trust him.
Kate felt a cold chill travel down her spine at the mention of his name... This confirmed her suspisions - this man was not what he appeared, he was something 'other'. The only question that remained now was what did he want? "Clairvoyancy is kind of something you're born with," she explained, "but I have been translating the tarots for almost fifteen years now."
"Clairvoyancy must be a wonderful gift," he said. "Provided that you tell people what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear." Talhu reached out with his mind, just enough to be able to tell if he was being lied to.
"Especially if someone comes to you because of danger. Don't you agree?"
Kate narrowed her eyes suspiciously, looking back at Jade who was busy sorting through a box of new stock that had been delivered that morning. She turned back to Talhu. "I think people should be careful what they ask for, because the truth isn't always as clear cut as people expect. I have always used my gift in a way that I deemed responsible, I cannot help it if others do not feel the same way".
Talhu let out a sigh. She had a very good point, and certainly didn't sound like one of the fakes he had run in to before. It was time to take a chance. "Perhaps we should cut to the chase, Catherine. What's your rate?"
Kate didn't like the sound of this. "Um, the charges are displayed on the board," she pointed to a board behind the counter. "There's a standard rate of $10 for a reading plus extra for other specialist techinques such as aura cleansing..." her voice wandered off, she wasn't sure if she had understood him correctly, especially as he seemed more content on staring at her in that strange manner.
Jade's soft voice cut through Kate's intent study of the man sitting opposite her.
"I'm sorry to interrupt Kate but there's been some mistake with crystals that were delivered this morning. We're short of about a hundred pieces. I'm going to head over to the freight company now to see if there's been some mistake. The box containing the fire quartz never turned up!"
"I should be back sometime after lunch. I'm sorry to leave you alone on your first day at work but this needs to be sorted out. My mobile number's written on the notepad next to the register if you need to get hold of me. The shop keys are in the counter drawer." Jade paused. "Did I leave anything out?"
Kate looked a little nervous, she was kind of glad to have Jade in the room with her. She still didn't know what to make of this Talhu. "I guess I'll be okay," said Kate.
Jade smiled reassuringly at Kate. "You'll be fine. Just drop me a call if you're unsure about anything."
As she patted Kate's hand, her gaze fell on Talhu and her smile dimmed somewhat. However, she managed to nod cordially to him before she turned and hurriedly exited the shop.
Talhu watched the Asian woman leave the shop, and then reached in to his jacket to look for money. "I apologise for not being able to give you something to focus on for your reading." He found a 10, and pulled it out. "It's just that, there's so much on my mind I wouldn't know where to begin." He smiled and handed Kate the money, their hands touching one another for a brief moment.
Kate gasped as their hands met, in a moment she had a rushing flood of visions. She stood up and back in shock, the chair made a loud scraping sound on the floor. "W-what do you want from me?" she stammered, short of breath.
*She's either acting or has had a vision of some sort,* Talhu thought. "What I want depends on exactly who you are - and who you are connected with." He took a deep breath. Fortune was supposed to favour the bold. "You never denied your first name was Catherine. By any chance would your last be Wiccham?"
Kate felt the chill up her spine again. *How did he..? Who was he?* He had given her his name without restraint, she decided, despite her reservations, to allow him the same courtesy. "Yes, it is...but how..."
He rose from the table and walked towards Kate some, but was careful not to get too close. "We have a mutual enemy in this city. Perhaps you know of a man named Serapis?"
Kate stepped back involuntarily as Talhu walked towards her. Her back hit the front of the counter and she stopped. She couldn't stop staring into his eyes *what was burning beneath the surface?" she thought. "Yes, I do, but how is Serapis an enemy of yours?"
Talhu stopped and kept Kate's gaze. "I used to work for that madman for seven years, until 1981. We broke when he wanted me to ensure that a certain artefact that he could use for his plans got back to him. Don't worry - I was only the backup. The primary was a woman named Janus." He sighed. "Needless to say, I wasn't about to go along with his plans. So in return, I was placed on the Coven of Sindell's . . . extermination list."
"You used to work, for Serapis?" she asked warily, she had suspected that Serapis had 'employed' demons to do his dirty work. *An 'artefact' could it have been the Cloch Cosan?* The dates would certainly add up - 1981 and the Parisian Discord, the last Gathering of the Shards. So Serapis HAD been involved, and Janus too, this was the link she had been looking for, another reason for Serapis to be here in LA now. Could he also be looking for the Shards? "And now you are looking for me? Might I ask why?"
"There's an old saying that you humans have: 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Since Serapis is here personally looking for you, that tells me you are more than a little dangerous to him." Talhu's smiled returned to its usual level of malevolence at the next thought. "Both of our problems will be solved with his death, which I do not have the power to bring about on my own. You just might." Talhu paused for a moment to let that sink in. "I will not betray you. And if you can read auras, you'll know that I've told you the truth."
Kate was taken aback, even after all that had happened to her she had never once considered killing Serapis. Whatever else he was, Serapis was human after all, to kill him risked incurring the anger of the gods. She could read Talhu's aura it was unmistakably demonic in origin, but she had guessed as much upon first meeting him. His manner was a little too blunt for her liking, she decided if you couldn't beat them, join them. "What makes you think I would trust you? You just said you used to work for Serapis, and now you want me to help you kill him?"
"Exactly." Talhu decided to take another chance. "Are you a telepath or do you know one?"
Kate began to grow angry, he was deliberately not answering her question. She realised however that he couldn't know who she really was, or the reason why Serapis was looking for her. He wouldn't be asking her such obvious questions otherwise. "Maybe if you told me something of your plans I might be persuaded to help you."
Talhu walked back over to the table to sit down. *Let her feel dominant. That's probably the best route at this point.* "I'm still working on plans. It's hard to know where someone is when you’re unconscious while being dragged to where they are. He told me last night that if I brought you to him, he would not kill me." He glanced over at Kate as an alarmed look passed over her face. "Don't worry. He's going to have me killed either way. That's what I would do in his position, at least. The only thing I can think of right now is to turn the tables on him. You get brought to him by me, in a place where he comes alone - so I would feel safe. When it's too late, we kill him." He let out a heavy sigh. "You wanted a reason to trust me? I feed on the life essence directly, and need only physical contact. There's one way to become immune from this: to know my true name is Talhu."
Kate was getting a really bad feeling here. So he was a demon that fed on life energy - that made him incredibly dangerous, despite the immunity she might now have from knowing his name. He had given away his power over her, that in itself felt unnatural - like a vampire arming its opponent with a stake. She smiled "so I'm supposed to let you 'pretend' to hand me over to Serapis, you must think I was born yesterday! If I had a death wish, I could think of better ways of fulfilling it than giving myself up to a traitor like Serapis!"
Talhu had tried to keep control of his emotions. It would have been an alliance of convenience, which worked for world politics as well as demons and vampires. If you wanted to survive in the world, morals became a luxury you could not afford. *What had Frederick the Great once said? "I begin by taking. I shall find scholars later to demonstrate my perfect right."* All of this went through his mind as he shot to his feet. Anger was radiating from him, but he didn't care. "Well if you have a better plan, let's hear it! I worked long enough for that man to know that whatever he wants to do with you can't be good. You know something, just once I would like someone to explain humanity to me. You use the thought of murdering each other by the bushel for entertainment, but when you have to do it to survive you can't do it. Even when it's in your best interests to do so!" Talhu slammed his fist on the table. "What is it going to take to get you to realise that I want this man dead? Trip through the old demonic skull? Be my guest! Or maybe you can use those psychic powers you're advertising."
Kate stood her ground firmly, not flinching an inch at Talhu's outburst. *This was more like it, this was his real character showing through,* she thought. "I admit, I do not know what Serapis' plans for me are, but knowing Serapis - and I do - it will not be pleasant. However I never sought or asked for your assistance, and I am loath to accept it now that it is offered. I don't know your motives for seeking me out Mr Talhu, but I will not, I will NOT, do your dirty work for you. I will be the last person to grieve at the death of Serapis but that does not mean I will be party to it."
She walked away from the counter, to stand at the opposite side of the table as Talhu. "You come in here, thinking I will help you commit a murder! Do you think that revealing yourself to me as an energy-sucking monster would gain my trust? I do not need psychic powers to know that you are the last person in the world I would ever entrust my life to!"
Talhu laughed. He couldn't help it. When he finally got control of himself again, his smile was gone. "Monster? Oh, right. I feed on humans so that makes me a monster. Even though your own history is a slaughter bench. My kind doesn’t work on new and more creative ways to destroy itself every chance it gets. My kind is not the one that devised camps to exterminate a subset of itself. My vocabulary for suffering increased dramatically when I was yanked - against my will - in to this world to fight one of your wars for you. And what did they let me choose between? One bloody pack of tyrants and another pack of tyrants." Talhu realised that he had been getting worked up again, and forced himself to calm down. "If you want to see a monster, look in the mirror. It's only fitting that if I qualify I be stuck in this form."
Kate smiled; she always found demons who defended their demonic existence a hoot. "I do not pretend to represent my race. I am culpable ONLY for MY OWN actions, as you are yours. You destroy life willingly, by your own admission, and expect everyone else to do the same. Perhaps when Serapis told you about me you thought I'd be some weak, gullible child. Not capable of distinguishing lies from the truth, and that you could easily manipulate me to do whatever you wanted - I think you have the wrong witch."
Talhu smiled back. "Everything I've told you has been the truth. And while I may destroy life willingly, it's either out of necessity or for food. We both feed on death." The smile vanished. "I'm going to leave you but before I do, I will ask you for one favour. Take your tarot cards, do your aura reading, whatever. Use whatever means of lie detection you have available. You'll find that I've been completely honest. Then when you need someone who realises that your 'ethics' are ultimately meaningless to do the things you lack the courage to do, come and find me."
Kate reached into the mind of Talhu. Allowing herself to swim in the murky depths. It was like wading in a swamp, she could hardly move, the experience was terribly oppressive. In the dark she could feel his thoughts as they floated past her. She could sense the truth in his words and she felt a small pang of guilt like she had seriously misjudged this man. Then she felt something sinister pass over her like cobwebs, it made her skin crawl, and she felt a deadly sickness in her stomach. She quickly withdrew from his mind, feeling that dirty, contaminated sensation that she hated. She couldn't look Talhu in the eyes anymore. She didn't know if it was guilt or despair. *Damn she hated mind sweeping.*
Talhu had felt Kate enter, traipse through his mind, and withdraw from his mind. He tried to not resist her efforts at probing. It did not help him much that she had found the old resentment, originally directed at all humanity, then redirected against a single city. He had a feeling that had disturbed her. *Let her be. She'll have an idea what it's like to be ripped from your body.*
"If it makes you feel any better, that was not the most pleasant experience for me. As I said. Find me when you need the deed done you don't have the courage to do on your own." Then Talhu exited the shop as quickly as he could.
Kate gave herself a shake mentally, that last moment that had passed between them had been more open, more honest than the entire interaction altogether. She really felt sick though; Talhu's thoughts and feelings still clung to her like limpets. She sat down and tried to clear her mind. When the doorbell rang again she nearly jumped out of her skin.