Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where's the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?
***
He was taken into the deep tunnels far below the city of New York. Several times they were stopped by Vampires guarding the caves. Unwilling to go back Nick pushed his way along with Janette close beside him. After what seemed like a long time, the tunnel opened to reveal a large two-leveled Cavern. Nick kept his emotions in check when he saw that several hundred Vampires, at the very least were in attendance.
The Cavern itself was spacious with two separate levels. This chamber appeared to be a higher level. At the end of the far center of the room stood a large metal oval table where nine head Vampires were seated. Each member was dressed in identical purple and black robes. Silveran too was present but was the only one that was dressed differently. His robe was gold and silver.
Moving past the crowd, Nick approached the council. Glancing to peak at the second chamber Nick saw what looked to be another large Cavern only this was completely different from this one, this level looked like a gathering of some sort of Gladiator arena.
In fact the center of the room looked to be some sort of concrete floor with sharp wire lining so who ever was inside could not escape. There were many column beams with many seats circling the floor. Already the Vampires were entering the room and making themselves comfortable in the seats.
Nick stopped and looked at the council, all but one were strangers to him. The only one familiar to him was no friend; he would be of no help him with LaCroix�s case. Two of the council were women. Both completely different from the other. The first one was fair skinned, with long blond hair and deep blue eyes, the other women was dark skinned with her hair set into a thousand small braids stroking her bare shoulders. The six other men were also different. They seemed to all come from different cultures. Asia, Africa, Japan, China, Russia, and United States. Each perhaps representing each community of the world.
"I have come to speak on behalf of Lucien LaCroix. My Name is Nicholas de Brabant."
The dark skinned woman nodded lightly.
"We know who you are. We know everything. You are aware of the charge Lucien LaCroix faces?"
"Yes, and I know it as a fact that its a false charge."
"Is it?" Asked Silveran who remained leaning back against his seat looking so very amused at all of this. "LaCroix himself has refused comment to the crime of Treason to our Order. He tried to take my life."
"Nonsense, LaCroix has had no reason to try to take your life!"
"Ah, but he did. Several years ago while searching for you Nicholas, I approached him and informed him of the council's displeasure of his handling your motivations of trying to become....(Hiss) become mortal. When I spoke of disciplinary action he tried to kill me."
"Did LaCroix say that he tried to kill Silveran?" Nick asked.
Silveran cut in with annoyance clearly in his voice.
"No, but neither has he plead not guilty nor try to create a case opposing my charge. Therefore he has consented to what ever the council judges as appropriate actions to the crime presented."
"NO! Please, allow me to at least represent LaCroix at his trial"
"The trial is over, Nicholas. He has been found guilty and sentenced to fight in the arena."
Nick turned to the other members and tried once again to plead for LaCroix's freedom.
"LaCroix has been under great distress in the past few weeks. His Daughter/Master came to Toronto and tried to kill him. She succeeded in killing several members of our community as well as several mortal..."
Nick was cut off when one of the council spoke.
"Enough."
The fair female raised her hand and smiled lightly at Nick.
"We know of Divia, and all that has transpired and have taken in account. That is why we permitted LaCroix to be brought to the council so he may counter the accusation which he refused to comment or speak in his own defense. We have had no choice but to take The High Leader's word of what transpired and must carry out the judgment."
"But..." Nick stared at them in horror.
Surely LaCroix wouldn't have tried to kill Silveran, not when he was head councilman? It had to be a lie. He had to see LaCroix and learn the truth, then perhaps he could free his Master.
"But Silveran is alive. Why has LaCroix been given such a strict sentence?"
"Whether or not the crime was actually committed, LaCroix has been accused of attempting to take the life our Council head even though he was only protecting what he deems as his own personal property, meaning you Nicholas. He should have stood aside. LaCroix did not."
"So he says, Are their any witness to what occurred? No other person to stand against LaCroix?"
Silence filled the room.
"So you simply are taking his word over LaCroix. Lucien LaCroix who is older than Silveran by one thousand years, and is well respected in the community and honored by Vampires young and old alike. LaCroix who has time and time and again proven himself to be the highest regarded Vampire in existence to each and everyone of you. As for Silveran he who has a reputation for feeding on children, and has killed many of our kind. He has no honor nor respect for the elders! He cares only for himself and nothing else matters. I can report that four hundred years ago he tried to kill LaCroix over nearly the same circumstances that dealt with action towards me! It was I who gave him a fatal blow but LaCroix who saved his life. Go ahead, tell them Silveran."
Silveran shrugged. "Four hundred years ago? I am sorry I do not remember....they say the memory is the first to go." He smiled and looked at his fingernails as if he had found something of interest in them.
Nick gazed at the council; his eyes pleading for some sort of help.
"You cannot permit this! It is all a lie! It has to be. How can you take Silveran's word without question?"
No one answered right away, then finally the dark haired woman spoke.
"We cast a vote and four of the eight were for his death. Silveran made the final vote and has sealed his fate. He is to fight in the arena to the death with six chosen black Knight Enforcers."
Nick could almost pick out the four that voted for LaCroix�s death in the room and the ones who had voted to save him. Their faces hid no mask of resentment nor pity for what was to happen tonight.
The dark haired woman spoke again. "The arena was chosen so that Lucien LaCroix would be given a chance to live since there is no direct proof or evidence of the case. Nicholas you know LaCroix�s skills in combat and know that he has a chance, small as it may be, that he could survive and if he does succeed in defeating the Enforcers, he will be spared. The case will be dropped."
Nick knew without a doubt that in his Master's current condition he wouldn't raise a hand to defend himself so without a choice he turned to Silveran.
"Fine, you can have me. I will let you do with me as you wish, But stop this madness. Release LaCroix!"
Silveran only looked at his fingernails again, as if checking to see if he had a cracked nail.
It had been a long time, Silveran had waited for this moment for so very long. When Nicholas would fall to his knees and beg to be taken. LaCroix would die tonight and then without the protection of that old Roman General he would have Nicholas. Not for one hour but for all eternity. Just the thought of thrusting his hard cock deep into the Knight's ass and drinking his blood sent shivers right up his spine. Without a single hesitation Silveran replied with an all to smug expression on his face.
"Sorry, Nicholas de Brabant but I will have my justice. Let the Fight commence."
He went to wave his hand when Nick grabbed Silveran by the throat and slammed him into the nearby wall. The council didn't move but the Guards at the walls started to advance. Swords and weapons were raised and they were aimed at Nick.
The fair haired woman rose from her seat. "STOP!"
Everyone stopped in place. Seeing she had their attention she confronted Nicholas.
"There is one alternative. One ruling, that was made long before Silveran ascended the throne of Head Councilmen. The Sentenced immortal that is to face life or death in the arena may have his sired blood son replace him if...and I only say If he, the sentenced, permits it."
Nick released Silveran who still was smiling like a Cheshire cat and nodded. "Take me to LaCroix!"
***
Isn't there a white knight upon the fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and I turn and dream of what I need
***
LaCroix didn't even look up from his seat when Nick came into the room.
"Not a word, Nicholas. It will not happen. I will not allow you to go into the arena in my stead."
Sighing, Nick took a seat beside his master. Lowering his head, LaCroix stared at his hands.
"Why did you have to come? Damn Janette for involving you."
"She was frightened and concerned for you. As I am. Why did you leave? I was worried about you."
"I would have thought you would have been far too carefree looking for your cure."
LaCroix grimaced in sheer annoyance. Avoiding his eyes, Nicholas spoke out.
"I stopped looking."
LaCroix continued his venom. "I am sure in time when you find your precious cure you and that woman doctor will be most happy..." He stopped and looked at Nicholas. "What did you say?"
"I said I stopped looking for a cure. I told Natalie...the night you left that I realized now that you were right. I was only seeking Immortality to rid myself of guilt. Becoming mortal won't do that. I have to learn to forgive myself. I am not sure I can but I am trying. I was going to stay a few days with you...but then you left. I was worried after Divia died."
Astounded and not sure he heard correctly LaCroix remained still trying not to move as if the moment would break the spell that his son was finally going to let go of this foolish search for death. Perhaps even come back to him. Could one hope for miracles after all?
"When you were gone...I was so confused, I felt lost and empty. I waited for you to come back, not knowing if you would, was tearing me up inside. I need you LaCroix ... Lucien. I need you but- I want to make this clear to you... I don't want to kill anymore. I won't kill not ever again."
LaCroix nodded numbly. It no longer mattered too much to him that Nick won't kill anymore, besides it's getting dangerous in this day and age to go around killing people.
"And I am not coming back to you completely. I mean, I do want you to stick around and everything but I want to still be free to make my own decisions. Be a cop and I decide on my friends. I was hoping that you would still want to be a part of that life with me."
Getting the courage he lowered his eyes and reaching for LaCroix�s hand held it gently, his fingers stroking the skin almost caressing it.
"I can't begin to say how sorry I am for the hurt I caused you...All the pain and betrayal not that you have been any better. Although, I know I started it and usually tried to end it now all I can do and all that I can say are the words. Hope someday you will believe them. You were right (Father's day affair) You are the only father I have and-and I love you. I am so sorry, please forgive me!"
Moved beyond words LaCroix tried to speak and found he couldn't. Nick took the opportunity to put his arms around LaCroix and held him tightly in his arms. LaCroix just sat there numb unable to believe what was happening, incapable to believe that it was all true.
Someday perhaps he would even convince Nicholas to return to drinking human blood instead of that wretched bovine mixture. LaCroix felt himself beginning to gag just thinking about it. Perhaps some things are possible. Maybe he wasn't completely alone after all. And for the first time in a long time LaCroix felt a warmth rise inside his chest.
He sighed and softly stroked his son's golden mane of hair. "Oh you sentimental silly fool." He said with no heat in his voice, he couldn't put any firmness in it because it was cracked and shaking with emotion that was fighting to get free. For the first time in many centuries he was happy. "Always so emotional my Nicholas, it will be your down fall someday."
"I love you Father." Nick only replied again.
LaCroix swallowed and smiled in happiness.
"Say it again."
He did in French, German, Spanish and finally Italian. "I love you father. I love you!"
Taking a deep breath LaCroix let go of Nick and returning to some semblance of control rose to his feet and faced the door. "Well, with that out of the way, I guess its time I met destiny."
"No!" Nick rose and grabbed LaCroix�s wrist. "I want to take your place in the arena."
Turning to Nick, LaCroix shook his head. "And as I told you when you came here I can not allow that to happen. Now, take Janette and get on the next plane and head back to Toronto."
Nicholas growled in anger. "NO!"
"YES!" LaCroix cried back. His anger coming forth. "This is my own personal problem and I will deal with it, no matter what comes. If I die or live today. All that matters is that you are my son and you will live."
"Tell me you didn't try to kill Silveran? Tell me the truth what happened?"
LaCroix turned away unable to meet Nick's eyes. The memories however would not be stilled. Knowing time was short and wishing to give Nick some peace he decided to tell the tale.
"It was shortly after you staked me. How I long to forget that day-"
Nick's face reddened.
"I went to a place to heal and recover from my losses. To plan to return and reclaim you, naturally, and while there..."
***
(Flash back) Alaska
He laid quietly on the bed, his wound had almost healed and soon he would be able to return to Toronto and act out a just punishment for his son's ultimate betrayal. Not alone a pale arm reached out and touched his cheek.
"Lucien darling, not yet, it is far too soon. You still need to heal a bit more."
He shrugged and kissed the fingers that were clawing playfully over his chest.
"That insolent pup of yours should be punished far more severely then what you will measure out on him....you should speak to the council."
"No, I will deal with Nicholas myself. Besides, I didn't exactly follow your advice."
A low feminine voice giggled. "No?"
"Gentleness and ahm persuasion was never my better attributes. I was rather unbecoming."
"You? I don't believe it." The woman giggled again for she truly did believe it. He could be down right nasty if it was called for. LaCroix smiled lightly.
"Yes, I can sometimes, only sometimes, mind you, become rather forceful."
She giggled again, and LaCroix smiled at the playfulness of the usually stern Council member. Her long golden hair flowed down her back just hiding her round buttocks.
"Why don't you say it Lucien...you love your prot�g�, no matter of his short comings and his silly ways and even his betrayal of what he is...Tell him. Perhaps that will bring him back to you, us."
"Never. He must crawl back to me before I will even permit him to grovel at my feet for a bone. Never mind my affection for him."
She smiled and bit him gently on his shoulder. He looked back at her with his eyebrow raised. "He is beautiful, you have exquisite taste."
"Naturally, that is my Roman heritage you know. We ancient Romans have perfect taste in our women, and men."
She laughed outright and rose to her feet. Grabbing her robe on a nearby chair, she started to dress.
"Leaving so soon?"
"I am afraid so, the Council has been called apparently Quentin has passed. He died under mysterious circumstances. They said his home went up in flames and for some reason couldn't get out, and though it cannot be proven, his blood son, who I think had something to do with his demise, has by right claimed his place on the seat. Silveran will now become the head of the council."
"Silveran? That low life, he is a sore excuse for a vampire. Why Quentin chose him to become one of us is beyond me. He has the manners of a Carouche and has no-"
She gently silenced him with her finger over his lips. He licked the fingertip and smiled showing his fangs.
"The council can wait. At least for a few days. After all, you must see to my wound."
He gestured to the black scar on his chest that was still healing. He then gave her a sad helpless child like look.
"Would you like me to kiss it and make it better?" She replied returning to the bed and wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I would rather you bite and lick it all better?"
She laughed and kissed him on the lips. Then she broke away and getting to her feet and checking in the nearby mirror that her hair was perfect she made for the door. "Perhaps later, I am sorry Lucien but I must go." She blew him a kiss. Lucien nodded.
"Goodbye Leiah. your beauty is truly a healing all its own. Give Mara my best."
Smiling, she nodded and left.
**
LaCroix had just gotten dressed and was planning on getting something to eat when he felt a presence. Before he could look up he could feel the Vampire standing in mid air above him.
"Silveran, it has been a long time. I give you my condolences over your Master's death. Quentin was indeed inspirational, though lacking taste of blood children."
"I would rather you congratulated me on my new position. I am now head of the council."
"Indeed, what a pity."
Silveran frowned. Dressed in silver from head to toe, he flew to the ground and keeping an even space between him and LaCroix.
"I expect you are not hear to gloat over your new position? Business then?"
"Yes, I am here to deal with your wayward son."
"Nicholas? What about him?"
"He tried to kill you, and is seeking ways to become mortal again."
"I will deal with Nicholas myself. Neither the Council, nor you need to concern yourself in my affairs."
"Oh but we do. You see LaCroix. I do. I have decided that Nicholas needs to be taught a lesson. A very firm lesson. By me, personally."
"And what is to be the lesson?"
"Why the severest of course. Naturally, I will spare his life once he agrees to give up his foolish ideas of mortality and never again thinks to raise a hand to his elders."
"Again and this time I am not asking what does this lesson entail?"
Smiling like a naughty school boy who has been caught at a deed and shows no remorse, Silveran nodded. "I will take him and show him just who is in control. I will dominate him in every way possible and more. He will learn the true meaning of Master and slave."
Silveran's lust was clearly seen in his eyes. LaCroix felt his body grow cold as what exactly Silveran intended.
"No! Nicholas is mine, he will be dealt with but only by me!" LaCroix�s eyes began to glow his anger near its peak.
"The council concurs to my plans, and their will be no interference. Not from you!"
Now fully angered, LaCroix menacingly advanced on him.
"Interfere? He is my child! I will not have him touched by anyone else! Especially by you! You have wanted him for too long and are using this and your position to try to claim him. Well that is not going to happen! You will have to kill me first!"
"Very well, so be it!" Playing his cards Silveran pulled out a weapon. A long wooden stake.
"Perhaps this time you will die when you are staked by a proper vampire."
The two joined in battle but as Silveran went to strike, LaCroix dodged out of the way and swinging back grabbed the wooden stake with his two hands from Silveran and raising it high over his head slammed it into Silveran's chest. The battle had only just begun and was just as quickly over.
Silveran froze staring at the piece of wood lodged in his chest. His face ashen.
"Take it out!"
He fell slowly to the floor, but LaCroix this time did not come near him.
"Take it out. You do not want the wrath of the council....they will destroy you for touching me."
LaCroix paced around him as if thinking things over. "I will pull the stake out on one condition Silveran. You are to leave Nicholas alone. I will deal with him. Clear?"
He paused feeling the blood coming from his mouth, he was beginning to weaken, he could feel himself dying.
"Oh, and one last thing...you are never to touch another child. EVER."
"...Agreed, Agreed! I will not raise a hand to your son so long as you live!" Satisfied, LaCroix pulled the stake out.
Unsteadily, Silveran got to his feet and flew quickly to the air. Looking down at LaCroix he replied again. "So long as you are alive!" Then he was gone.
***
"Apparently, Silveran meant it. He plans to kill me, so he can go after you. I must say he is persistent."
Nick frowned and shook his head. "I cannot allow you to do this. LaCroix, please! I am the cause of all this."
LaCroix raised his hand. "No, mon fils...I am. I have very little patience. Not one of my virtues I'm afraid. If I had done what Leiah had suggested I would not have incurred your anger and perhaps we wouldn't have been at each others throats for the past oh two centuries. Besides I should have dealt with Silveran on that blasted boat. I should have let him die. However at the time I was quite close to Quentin, Silveran's master and I had spared him out of respect. A mistake since I am sure now that Silveran somehow arranged Quentin's death so he could claim a place on the council. You never met him, but Quentin was a Roman scholar...of my time. Though he was in Rome at the time of Pompeii's destruction. We met later and became good friends. It was he that initially helped me get over Divia's death. He was a lot like you, Nicholas. Full of emotions and he did not like to kill. Oh, he did and fed but he was actually quite gentle and his skills were very...apt."
He smiled feeling his cheeks warm a little.
"Anyway, out of respect for Quentin, I in essence caused all of this. So it will be I that will fix it and that is the end of the discussion."
Turning to go to the door, LaCroix didn't see Nick grab a nearby metal pipe and with a heavy heart slammed it against LaCroix�s neck. The Roman Elder hit the floor with a loud thud.
Dropping the pipe, Nick reached for his master and double checked to make sure he was unhurt, except for the large headache Lucien was going to have when he woke up.
Nick's master would recover. "I'm sorry LaCroix...not this time."
Placing LaCroix gently on the cot, He paused one last moment to look at his Master/Father's face. He sighed sadly realizing only after eight hundred years just how much his Master had loved his errant and very independent son.
Bending down Nick pressed a kiss to his Master's cheek and then hesitating a moment kissed his lips. Breaking away he got slowly to his feet and headed for the door.
Banging once he waited until the door opened and spoke to the guard standing in front of it.
"I am ready to be taken to the arena. He has given his consent."
Nodding, the guard glanced at the unconscious LaCroix on the cot.
Nick shrugged. "He was so over come with my offer he fainted."
If LaCroix had been awake, Nick knew that LaCroix would ensure payback of such an insolent remark.
***
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's got to be strong And he's got to be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
***
The large doors opened and Nick found himself standing in the middle of the arena. Hundreds of Vampires looked on at him. Some were rooting him on, others hissing in disapproval and still others sitting, silently waiting.
Among the faces was Janette staring in horror at what was about to happen.
Putting on a brave face, he smiled at her. It didn�t ease her fears. Nick solemnly waited for the battle to begin. He tried to keep his mind focused on the coming battle, recalling all of LaCroix�s teachings of combat and survival, but still a small bit of fear coursed through his veins. He was only now realizing, he may never live to see another night. So much for eternity.
High above in a balcony Nick could see the faces of the Council; wearing a mixture of expressions. But it was Sliveran's face that Nick found most interesting. Shocked and outraged, Sliveran was staring furiously at the young vampire, preparing to fight, in place of LaCroix.
"NO!" Silveran rose to his feet and turned to the fair-haired council woman.
"This is impossible, Leiah, LaCroix would never have consented to this."
The woman only shrugged. "Apparently he has."
"This must be stopped. Nicholas de Brabant is not who I wanted to..."
Leiah only smiled at the vampire.
"It is now out of our hands. Nothing more can be done."
Scowling in anger, he waved his hand into the air and a short looking youth with bleached blond hair stepped out of darkness bending to his master. Speaking low as the crowds grew wilder, Silveran whispered to his faithful servant. Nodding once, the servant rose and hurried away.
Returning to the business at hand, Silveran fidgeted in his chair just in time for the bell to sound.
**
Nick swallowed at the sound of the bell. He reminded himself all the times LaCroix risked everything to save his disobedient son and now it was payback time. The gateway doors opened and six shadowy figures entered the arena. Each one looked almost identical; the only difference was that each held a different weapon. One held a whip, Two held swords, one held what appeared to be some sort of electric cattle prod, one held a pair of daggers. The last Enforcer was different and was obviously the head guard; he held a double-edged sword and his features were hidden from view. Swallowing again, Nick saw they were in full beast mode and were ready to kill.
It was then that Nick realized maybe this wasn�t such a good idea after all.
***
He was slowly coming around. His head felt like it had just exploded. As his senses returned, LaCroix got to his feet and tried to sense his son�s whereabouts. Realizing what was about to happen, with terror in his heart he started to run towards the location of his son allowing nothing to stand in his way. "My Son! NO!"
***
All but the masked Enforcer with the double-edge sword surrounded him in a circle and waited. They seemed to be trying to decide what to do next. Weaponless, Nick faced his attackers; his eyes began to glow red as his fangs dropped.
If this was how the end was going to be, at least he would go down fighting.
***
I need a hero
I�m holding out for a hero �til the end of the night
he�s gotta be strong
and he�s gotta be fast
and he�s gotta be fresh for the fight
***
One of the Enforcers armed with a sword lunged first, Nick ducked and sent his fist deep into the attackers chest while using the other hand to wrench the sword from the Enforcer. Now with a weapon, he had a chance. The second Enforcer brought down his sword and Nick dodged it just barely in time. Nick was surprised when he realized that the Enforcers were not going to attack all at once, but fight him one at a time.
That at least gave Nick the edge. The weaponless Enforcer tried to kick Nick in the back, but Nick twisted around, and pushing the second Enforcer aside, and with one sweep of his sword, took the Enforcer's head clean off. The body dropped to the ground.
The crowd whooped, cheered and booed.
Trying to get some fighting space Nick flew up and out of the way of the remaining five enforcers. The whip lashed out and grabbed him by the foot and with a pull Nick came crashing down on the ground, the sword fell from his hand, and spun out of his reach.
Turning, Nick started to rise when he saw the third Enforcer come forth with two daggers in hand. With a slashing motion he ripped one dagger across Nick�s shirt; creating an open bloody wound. As the second dagger came down for his throat, Nick grabbed the man�s wrists and held him back. The two met face to face growling and hissing at one another.
When the remaining swordsmen came in to help, Nick used the dagger for leverage sending the Enforcer straight into his blade. Grabbing up his sword, Nick slew the dagger-weilding Enforcer. The Enforcer�s head flopped on the ground with the body remaining in place for several seconds. Then it followed its owner to the floor.
Taking a spared moment to regain his balance, Nick turned just in time to block a blow to his head from the opposing Enforcer, who had recovered, and now continued his attack.
***
Lacroix pushed free from the guards and ran to the gates. Janette spotted him and cried out to him, but Lacroix didn�t even look at her. His eyes were on the arena and where his son was now fighting for his life.
"STOP! No! I did not consent to this!" LaCroix flew straight to where the Council members sat, but before he could reach them, he was grabbed by two Enforcers, acting as guards. Leiah however, seeing him nodded to the guards. They released him and Lacroix went directly to her.
"Stop it! I did not consent to this!"
Leiah didn�t smile as she looked at Lacroix, her eyes were filled with pity.
"I am aware of what happened Lucien."
"Then, how could you permit this? Stop it. Silveran! Damn you, stop this!" Turning back to look at the center of the arena, Lacroix watched as three of the four Enforcers circled his son and were now working together. "Nicholas will be no good to you dead!"
Silveran who was more then displeased with the turn of events he simply shrugged. He wanted Nicholas but...
"If I can�t have him, then no one can have him!"
***
Nick doged the blow form the sword but the cattle prod found its mark and set off an electric spark which hit him right in the ribs. As he turned with a cry, the whip came down slashing into his back. Nick screamed in agony.
***
"You bastard!" LaCroix lunged, but the special Guards caught him once more and held him back. "You murdered your master and now you think you can get away with this! If anything happens to Nicholas I swear nothing will stop me from killing you! Nothing!" Flaring with rage, Lacroix saw only red and his fury was unleashed. The Guards had a hell of time holding him back.
Silveran only laughed and suddenly forgetting where he was stood and stared at Lacroix in triumph. "What of it! He was nothing but a weak, old, fool! Just like you! Always holding me back and preaching about how to be an aristocratic vampire. Keeping me from my true lineage! Now I am the one with the power! You should have killed me Lacroix...now you can watch your son perish!"
Horrified, Lacroix turned back to the arena and saw that Nicholas was on the ground. The four Enforcers were closing in. One was jabbing his son repeatedly with the cattle prod, the other was slashing him with a whip. The Enforcer raised his sword, preparing for the killing blow.
"NICHOLAS!"
***
I need a hero
I�m holding out for a hero �til the morning light
he�s gotta be sure
and its gotta be soon
and he�s gotta be larger than life
***
Seething, Nick brought up his legs, kicking the swordsman away and then getting up, Nick swung his sword and caught the cattle prod in mid strike, breaking the weapon in half. Before the Enforcer could back away, Nick's sword came in again, slashing across the Enforcer's throat, severing his head from his body.
Nick heard the sound of the whip but before he could turn to face it, he felt it wrap around his wrist that held the sword. Bracing his feet, Nick grabbed onto the whip with his other hand. and before the Enforcer could pull the whip back, Nick yanked on it with all his strength, and pulled the Enforcer towards him as he leveled his weapon. The Enforcer impaled himself on Nick's sword. Nick ripped the sword from his enemy's chest, and lopped his head off with a clean stroke.
Taking a breath, Nick turned to face two remaining Enforcers. The swordsman, and the vampire with the double edged sword, who strangely was the only enforcer that had yet to fight him. Regaining his composure, Nick waited.
They slowly began to pace around him, circling in for the kill.
***
Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
out where the lightning splits the sea
I would swear that there�s someone somewhere watching me
***
Janette clung to the gates, her eyes filled with blood tears. Her heart pounding.
"Nicolas!"
***
The swordsman stepped forward. Nick countered and their swords clashed together with a loud clang. Pulling back, the Enforcer circled again and tried another attack. Nick met the sword, blocking the deadly blow. Enraged, the Enforcer began a series of lunges and Nick met each one, but each parry sent him stepping back, closer to the Enforcer with the double-edged sword.
***
LaCroix tore himself free from the special Guards and glared at Silveran. Then grabbing a nearby sword from one of the guards, LaCroix flew upwards and directly into the arena.
When the Guards went to stop him, Leiah blocked their way. "NO! If Nicholas� Master wishes, he may also join the fray. It is his right." The guards backed down.
Growling, Silveran prepared his own personal vendetta. Glancing upwards to a hidden arch, he could see his servant. The servants hands he held a cross bow and wooden arrow. Taking aim, he prepared to fire a shot into Lacroix.
***
Through the wind and the chill and the rain
and the storm and the flood
I can feel his approach
like a fire in my blood
***
The swordsman tripped Nick, and when he fell backwards, his sword flew out of his hand, and landed out of reach. Looking up, Nick saw the Enforcer smile in triumph and started the deadly swing towards him.
The blow never connected. The Enforcer seemed frozen in time; the sword raised above his own head slipped from his fingers, clanging on the ground at his feet. His body and decapitated head followed close behind.
Shocked, Nick looked past the Enforcer to see LaCroix holding up a bloody sword. Seething, he walked past Nicholas and confronted the double-edged swordsmen.
It was only then that the last Enforcer made his move. It was almost as if he had known all along what was going to happen and had made up his own decision on what to do. When he saw LaCroix, the Enforcer lowered his deadly sword, and surrendered. With his head bowed, he knelt in respect at LaCroix's feet.
Bewildered, Nick got up still reeling from his wounds, unable to understand what was happening, struggled to get to his feet.
The Head Enforcer rose and dropped the sword at LaCroix�s feet, then confronted Nicholas. Removing his mask, he revealed his identity.
Nick didn�t recognize him but it was obvious that LaCroix did. Nick�s Master smiled and nodded in relief.
"You!" The Head Enforcer smiled and nodded, but didn�t say a word.
Nick promised himself that later he would ask his master who the Enforcer was that held such high regard to Lucien LaCroix.
The Enforcer bowing at the two of them he turned to face the council.
"I, Surrender to Lucien LaCroix in defeat. He and his son have fought well. I ask that the council sway for their judgment and give them their freedom."
Silveran was about to speak out, when Leiah answered in a clear voice, "The Council agrees! All charges are dropped."
Seething with rage, Silveran turned to the hidden archway and waved his hand. The Servant aimed and fired the cross bow.
The air sizzled and a wooded arrow shot towards its target.
"LaCroix!" Nick hearing and seeing the object moved forward pushing his master aside but was not quick enough to get out of the way, and the wooden stake found its mark deep inside his chest. Gasping, Nick fell backwards, staggering onto the floor.
"Nicholas!" LaCroix dove to his son's side and quickly ripped the wooden object from Nick's chest. Nick cried out in agony as the arrow was taken away. With blood tears in his eyes, Nick looked at his Master. "Father? I�m sorry. Forgive me." and then everything went black.
Glancing up, LaCroix realized he didn�t have to go after the servant. The Guards had snatched him up and were bringing him before the council. Silveran, pretending to be oblivious, returned to his throne.
Picking up Nicholas gently in his arms, LaCroix flew him carefully towards the main council. Janette joined his side gently touching Nicholas�s head and saw though he was alive, he was unconscious.
LaCroix stared in rage at the council. Only Leiah met his eyes.
"I know it was Silveran who instigated this cowardly attack, after the Council agreed to release us. The man you've taken into custody is his personal servant. I demand retribution!"
"And you shall have it Lucien. Guards, take Silveran to the holding cell. He will be dealt with for his betrayal."
Shocked by this, Silveran got to his feet. "What are you talking about? You can�t touch me. I am the High Councilman! What betrayal?"
Leiah didn�t bat an eye.
"I did not lie, LaCroix tried to kill me!"
"Yes, he did....and with no wonder. You murdered your Master Quentin. You said it with your own lips to the council. You are hence stripped of your title. You will be dealt with for the death of your master. You will also answer charges for disobeying a ruling of the council in this attack against Lucien LaCroix and his son. Take him away."
The vampire spectators waited until Silveran, shrieking in with rage, and his servant were dragged, kicking and screaming from the room, before departing.
Soon all that remained were the Council members, LaCroix, Janette, and an unconscious Nick Knight.
"Lucien, I am sorry for all that has happened. I knew he was guilty of murdering Quentin but I had no proof, until he confessed to it. We will send for our medical doctors and have Nicholas taken care of immediately."
LaCroix only held Nicholas closer to him. His lips gently touching his forehead. "No, thank you. I will take care of my own son. You have done more than enough already. Now if you don�t mind, I am leaving with my child!"
He started for the door, but Leiah called to him.
"Lucien, with this act of treason, our Council is in need of a High Councilman. An ancient, someone that is respected and held in high regard in the vampire communities. Will you accept the new position?"
LaCroix didn�t turn, he closed his eyes. He wanted to tell her exactly where she could put her position. Instead he swallowed down his anger, pride and shrugged.
"I will think about it."
"We will wait for your answer."
With Nick cradled tightly in his arms, and Janette in tow, LaCroix left, and never once looked back.
***
I need a hero
I�m holding out for a hero to the end of the night
and he�s gotta be fast
and he�s gotta be fresh for the fight
I need a hero!
***