By Summer
Beta read by Mom-Ra
Class: Slash
Pairings: Nick/Nat, Nick/Lacroix
(Takes place right after Ashes to ashes): In my world the Human Factor was a dream, Last Knight never happened.
Warning: The following contains a Vampire who takes the blood of Children, Please keep in mind, though it is mentioned, NO CHILD DIES in the story!
Part Three Eternal Flame (Sung by the Bangles)
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame
***
New York City
He arrived in the dead of night. Exiting the airport, Nicholas hurried to the highest point in New York and lingered atop the Empire State Building. There he reached out trying to make contact with his kind. He felt them almost at once. Their were many. More then he could imagine.
Grimacing, he tried to divide the masses to find two important Immortals that meant the most to him. He felt Janette almost at once. She was alive, unharmed but frightened. He had never felt such fear inside of her. He tried to send her a signal to reassure her he was coming. He felt the message received and the fear subsided slightly.
Then he reached out again, seeking his Master. He felt the presence, he was weak and something else, resolved. No, beaten. Like a man conquered. The concern filled his heart and Nick tried to send him a message of reassurance and comfort. In return the message came back brief and to the point.
*Go back!*
LaCroix didn't want his help. Something wasn't right and Nicholas was not leaving until he figured it out. Tracking their whereabouts, he was about to take to the air when he felt a presence behind him. A dark familiar presence.
Nick turned slowly and confronted a male figure that was about his height. He was dressed in black with a long cloak wrapped around him. His hair was long and was tied loosely in a braid that fell past his waist. He was not exactly handsome looking but his features were striking. He had dark piercing eyes and had a trimmed mustache. The last was that he wore an eye patch covering his left eye. He looked like a pirate. In fact had been many lifetimes ago.
"Hello Nicholas. It has been a long time?"
"Yes, about four hundred years. Silveran. You have not changed?"
"No, that is the gift of being Immortal. A gift that you now throw aside like common trash."
"I am not here to discuss myself. I want to know what is going on with LaCroix?"
"Isn't it obvious, He has been what mortals would call arrested. Actually detained and put before the council."
"Why?"
"Concern? Nicholas I am surprised. Haven't you longed to rid yourself of him? Why, only two years ago you staked him to death in your glorious Toronto apartment. Oh yes, We the Council are well aware of what you have been doing. We have watched you closely for a long time."
"Then you would know that LaCroix and I have come to a truce since then and are...trying to make peace."
He laughed, unable to resist. Keeping his distance from Nicholas he moved a few steps over the ledge hanging in mid air.
"Indeed, we also heard of the latest developments. Poor LaCroix, bad enough to have to kill your Master once but to do it twice."
"Is that why he has been arrested? Divia was trying to kill him and succeeded in jeopardizing our community in Toronto. She killed two of our kind and countless mortals. In any case, I was the one who delivered the final blow. I killed Divia ,not LaCroix. If there is to be a charge then it should fall to me, not him."
"So slick Nicholas and so very protective of your creator...but a little to late. As it happens that is not why LaCroix is being put on trial."
Confused, Nicholas looked on at the man solemnly. "Why then?"
"Don't you know? Don't you remember?"
Nicholas looked away and his mind was sent back in time.
***
I believe it's meant to be, darling I watch you when you are sleeping
you belong to me
***
(Flash back) 1682 England
The ship prepared to leave docks and in the heart of night the harbor area was lighted with torches. A man stood silently on top deck waiting in for the two special visitors. They arrived a moment later.
The older one was dressed well in dark furnished clothing. The man beside him was younger and though he too was well dressed looked a bit disheveled as if he had been in a brawl recently.
"Lucien, you are late."
"I apologize Silveran, I had to deal with a certain small matter." He glanced at Nicholas who quickly turned away averting his eyes.
Silveran looked on at the young immortal and felt a wave of arousal hit him. He was handsome, and pretty in a way. Most becoming.
"And where is Janette? I thought she would be accompanying us on our journey?"
"Alas, she has decided instead to remain in England. She will patiently await our return."
"A pity, I so enjoyed the company of a lovely head strong woman."
LaCroix failed to point out that she was not inclined to go on this trip because she would not be on the same boat as the lecherous Silveran.
"So this must be Nicholas...hello I am Silveran. I hope we shall become good friends."
Nicholas only stared at the hand that was offered to him, he looked to LaCroix and turned away from them both.
Looking to LaCroix, Silveran smiled and started giving orders to his men to disembark the ship. A mere hour later the boat headed out to sea.
Standing on the deck, Nicholas stared out at the village that was getting further and further away. LaCroix stood behind him.
"Enough with the gloom Nicholas. She made her decision."
Disgusted, Nicholas shrugged. "And my decision meant nothing?"
"You will go where I go, that is how it is. Oh Nicholas....do you wish me to say it? I would miss you if you were to be gone. There, better now?"
Instead of sounding sincere he sounded more like he was being humored. He was and LaCroix smirked in contentment.
As soon as Janette refused to come, Nicholas had also refused. LaCroix had been wanting to go to Iceland for months.
Nicholas wasn't sure exactly why but LaCroix had spoken of something of great value he wished to obtain. Not seeing why he had to go, Nicholas refused to come on the trip. When LaCroix had put his foot down, Nicholas fled.
It didn't take LaCroix long to find the White Knight hiding in a bar. The brawl had scattered many patrons and damaged a lot of furniture.
LaCroix barely got out of there in time before they would have been ensnared and imprisoned by the local law enforcers. They would have been able to escape but the time would have caused them to miss the boat. Something Nicholas had planned on.
In extreme annoyance, LaCroix punished his son quite severely. Even now Nicholas was in pain. He would not be able to lie on his back for at least the night.
"Leave me alone! You have won. Now go away."
Refusing to budge, LaCroix pulled Nicholas into his arms and was about to give him another speech of loyalty when he spotted the blood drops falling on the deck. Turning Nicholas around, he saw the blood tears still lingering on his child's cheeks. Taking a breath, LaCroix reached out to embrace and comfort him when Nicholas turned away trying to get distance.
LaCroix released him.
He took the tears Nicholas shed as missing his former lover, Janette.
"How many times must I tell you, Janette will be waiting for us when we return. We shall only be gone for a few months. Now stop this at once. You will embarrass me in front of Silveran."
Taking out a handkerchief he removed the blood tears from his son's eyes. His anger and amusement gone and now seemed to be genuinely concerned over his distraught child.
"Why couldn't I stay with her? We would have waited for you."
Annoyed, LaCroix shrugged. "Janette is older and can take care of herself, I trust that what ever happens she will be able to handle it. You, on the other hand, are not."
"I am only one hundred years younger than Janette. What difference does that make?"
Letting out a breath, LaCroix looked out at the water and put a clear edge in his tone of voice.
"The discussion is over, you will stay with me. I will hear no more of it."
Finished, LaCroix turned to see Silveran stepping towards them from above deck.
"LaCroix, the night is still young. How about a snack and then perhaps a game of chess?" He paused to glance at Nicholas. "Nicholas is welcome to join us."
Nicholas only shook his head refusing to look at the strange vampire.
Janette had mentioned him before. She loathed him. That is why she would not come on this boat. She had hissed and screeched in venom.
"I WILL NOT travel with that monster. He takes children and drinks their blood!"
She promptly slammed the door to her bedroom punctuating her words to the full core.
Janette had no problem with killing mortal drunkards or abusive men or perhaps a cold hearted woman who had no time for anyone but herself ... but mortal children. No, they were sacred to her. Nicholas did not know how many times she had thrown a coin in the direction of a homeless child on the street or had given a warm jacket to a near naked waif. Neither would he mention the few times she would take them off the street and give them shelter in a warm inn.
Janette was no angel, but she was not vile, and made others quite aware what she thought of anyone who hurt defenseless children. Nick felt that because she was unable to have any of her own she had found a way to be motherly to all little children. The following night she had left the hotel they were staying at and had gone to visit one of the younger female vampires in the community, informing LaCroix that she would stay in England and await their return.
Nicholas had wanted to stay with her, the idea of being with Janette alone without LaCroix had intrigued him. In some ways he thought maybe he could rekindle their past love. But all that came to an end when LaCroix wouldn't hear of Nicholas staying behind. In the end, LaCroix won. As always.
Staring back at the water, he did not watch the two vampires depart. And later when Nicholas spotted the two human remains floating along past him in the water he knew who exactly had done the deeds.
Torn with slight hunger, Nicholas realized he too had not eaten and he would need to feed soon. The journey was going to be a long one. He had gone to find LaCroix, hoping his master would take pity on him and feed him with his own blood.
He found him below deck. At first as he neared he thought he heard the sounds of crying. Stepping closer he saw a small little boy perhaps four of five years of age sitting in a corner on the floor. A few feet away from him were two men playing chess. LaCroix and Silveran were having a match and it looked like LaCroix had won.
It was then he over heard Silveran offer the boy to him. As nourishment.
Completely horrified, Nicholas barged into the room. Which had been a pity because LaCroix had been in the process to refuse the gift. Nicholas glared at them both. His eyes flaring in rage.
"HOW Dare you!"
Nicholas glared at them with rage-filled eyes. Nicholas grabbed the crying child up into his arms. Between sobs, the child asked for his mother. Nicholas had no doubt that Silveran had probably made her into a meal then had snatched the small child away, before setting sail.
"How could you!"
Nicholas anger now fully focused on LaCroix who for the first time looked rather shocked and loss for words.
"Out of all the mortals you could feast upon is it not enough you have to attack children as well? You FIEND! You will not touch this child, neither of you!"
"Nicholas calm down, I was just about to inform Silveran that although I am pleased with a gift I cannot accept. Children are after all not my choice....for a snack."
Silveran smiled, enjoying the anger he sensed from Nicholas and LaCroix attempting to sooth his ruffled feathers.
"Very well, Then I shall have to enjoy the child myself to help me recover from my losses."
He made to reach for the child but Nicholas only growled in rage.
"Perhaps Nicholas you will play a game of chess with me. If you win the child is yours. But if I win....The child is mine and you for one hour to do with as I please."
LaCroix was ready to hand the little crying brat to Silveran when he saw that Nicholas already made to sit in the chair he had just vacated. Nicholas placed the child at his feet Nicholas and the game was reset.
As time went by LaCroix paced the room, cringing at every lost piece Nicholas lost. Watching as Silveran grew closer to winning. But with a small quick maneuver, Nicholas won the match.
"Check mate."
Silveran was furious, it was most unexpected. But when he shot out to grab the child, LaCroix stayed his hand.
"You made a deal Silveran, and Nicholas won, fair and square. Now dawn is coming. I think it is time we turned in. Come Nicholas."
Left alone, Silveran turned his rage on the chess board knocking it over in a fit of temper.
Alone in their quarters, Nicholas held the little boy in his arms and took a good look at him. He had fallen asleep during the match and was yet to stir. He had beautiful blond curly hair and his skin was almost as white as snow. He was beautiful.
"Well, Nicholas what do you intend to do with it? Kill it or throw it to a watery grave."
"I don't know. He's beautiful isn't he?"
He turned to his master; the pain gone from his eyes. Nicholas' face was now full of delight and happiness. Lying on the cot, LaCroix shrugged.
"Yes yes, very pretty. Can we go to sleep now and deal with this new development when night falls?"
Nodding, Nicholas put the child down gently on a nearby bunk and after being sure he was settled joined LaCroix.
A moment passed and Nicholas spoke softly to his master. "By the way, thank you."
"For what?" Feigning innocence, LaCroix refused to move from his position.
"For the mental message and thus letting me win the game. Thanks to you a little boy is safe and sound!"
LaCroix shrugged and turned away with a low growl.
"I did not do it for the mortal child's sake, I merely did not want anyone touching you! Not even for an hour. You belong to me and that is the only reason I did it."
Not convinced, Nicholas reached over and without thought kissed his master on the cheek. "Thank you anyway!" He replied lovingly.
Surprised, LaCroix�s eyes opened in shock and delight. Then felt Nicholas turn on his side and fell quickly into a deep sleep.
***
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame
***
The wind whipped around them, and Nick shrugged.
"I would think even you would be beyond such pettiness. I am sure you moved on to many more victims."
"Perhaps, and perhaps not. Perhaps in all these centuries there has been a yearning for only one victim."
Nicholas swallowed. Surely he didn't mean me? To bed me? Could this be the cause of his anger and hatred to LaCroix?
"I don't understand?" Nicholas replied still confused.
"Don't you?"
***
(Flash back) Atlantic Ocean 1682
*Two nights later
"I will not tell you again Silveran. Nicholas is not a trophy nor is he a pawn. He is my creation and my child. I will not hand him out to anyone."
"I only ask for a few hours LaCroix. After all, you owe me. You cheated me of a fair game and I want compensation."
"Very well, then. The mortal child is yours, I will see to it he is brought to your chambers before nightfall."
LaCroix already knew he would not deliver the child to this predator but he needed time to think and speak to Nicholas. LaCroix had finally realized that taking this trip with Silveran had been a mistake. He should have listened to Janette and taken a different ship. But he had been desperate and short on time and he had to have that which was rightfully his and it was only to be found in Iceland.
So far this trip had cost him dearly. A rift between him and Nicholas, separation from Janette and now a small child thrust into his life. A child that he indeed found very beautiful and wished it no harm.
Silveran was vile, he could see that clearly now.
"I Don't want the child! I want Nicholas. For an hour. Just an hour LaCroix. That is all it will take."
LaCroix lost his temper and it came to the front. The two engaged in battle.
The noise and growls were heard by the mortal shipmen, and by Nicholas who had been busy reading to the little boy whom he had named Luke. He could feel the rage from his master and for once it was not directed at him. Putting the child down and telling it to sleep he hurried to the lower decks.
He arrived just in time to see Silveran about to behead his master. Nicholas grabbed a spike of wood nearby and quickly hit him with full force through the chest. Silveran cried out and dropped his sword. Falling back he paled and stared at the two men.
Collecting himself, LaCroix glanced at Nicholas in relief then walked over to Silveran and pulled the stake out in one stroke. Refusing to meet Nicholas' eyes, LaCroix blasted the man with a final blow across the face with his hand sending Silveran up against the wall.
Wounded and unable to move he weakly looked up at the two.
"We have become bored with your company, Silveran. We will take ourselves elsewhere. I suggest you remember although Nicholas tried to kill you it was I who saved your life. Forget this encounter, put it behind you. We are even. Come Nicholas."
Nicholas retrieved the child and ignoring LaCroix�s scowl took to the air, LaCroix glanced back and saw Silveran staring at him coldly by the open doorway.
"Even it is not! I will have my revenge LaCroix. Someday. I promise you."
***
The journey was long but they arrived in Iceland without further problems. As soon as they were on land, Nicholas saw to the child's well being while LaCroix had gone off to get some information on where to locate the item he so wanted.
While getting lodgings and some food for the child, Nicholas did not hide the smile when he noticed the middle aged woman who owned the inn absolutely swooning and fussing over the fair haired child. For the first time the child giggled.
It didn't take long for Nick to learn that she had been married once before but her husband had died in a war and she had no children. He informed the woman that the child was now orphaned and was in need of a home. The woman didn't even bat an eye as she took the child into her arms and straight into her heart. Luke would be happy and quite loved.
When LaCroix returned and informed Nicholas that they were leaving to journey to the city Reykjavik. Nicholas had left behind a small fortune of gold coins for the assurance that the child would be in no way a financial burden to the woman.
Arriving at the city a few days later, LaCroix led Nicholas to a small cottage on the outskirts of the village. Inside, Nicholas saw an elderly woman sewing. Puzzled, Nicholas watched his master knock at the door. The elderly woman came to the door and upon opening it smiled up at the two men.
"Yes, Can I help you?"
Smiling and speaking in the woman's Norse language. LaCroix informed her that he had come for an item purchased by her husband.
They had met a little over a year ago and had come to an agreement on buying that he had acquired in his travels abroad. Surprised, the woman nodded looking sad as she informed him that her husband had died months ago while on his travels. Putting on a sympathetic face, LaCroix kissed her hand and gave the appearance of a man truly sorrowful for her loss.
Nicholas wondered if LaCroix had somehow been involved with the man's demise. It was most likely.
Letting them inside the woman asked what the item was that he wished to have. LaCroix nodded and pointed at the mantle above her fireplace. Gasping, The woman smiled and reached for the object. Taking it down, she handed the small porcelain statue to him.
"My husband found it in Rome." was all she said.
LaCroix held the item in his hands as if the battered old statue was as precious as a diamond.
"Yes, Yes. Here."
He handed her a bag of gold coins and left without another word. Nicholas followed in his wake, pondering why LaCroix valued the little statue; that he would give an old woman a princely sum for it; that he would traffic with Silveran and leave Janette behind to travel to this desolate wasteland. He had to know.
"LaCroix, what is it?"
LaCroix only shrugged and smiled up at his child. That was when Nicholas saw the tears in his father's eyes.
"It belonged to my mother."
That was all that he had said. Then he flew to the sky. Nicholas smiled and now understanding followed after him.
***
Say my name sun shines through the rain
A whole life is lonely And then you come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling
***
"I want what is rightfully mine. You, Nicholas."
"I see, Perhaps we can come to an agreement, after I see LaCroix and Janette."
"No, Nicholas. There will be no agreement. LaCroix will die before the sun rises. Be assured of that."
Taking to the sky he flew off. Nicholas stared after him.
***
He found Janette a few moments later. She was standing out side a park looking out at an empty playground.
"Janette?"
Hearing his voice she turned and fled into his arms. *I won't cry, she thought I won't.*
Before she realized it she was weeping like a child.
"Shh, its all right, my darling. Tell me what has happened?"
"Silveran....he is now head of the Council. The head of the enforcers. He had us arrested when we arrived in New York."
"Did he touch you?" He asked his anger clear in his voice.
She shook her head. "No, I tried to reach you with my mind but I couldn't seem to get through....Silveran was blocking me."
"Hence the phone call.... Start from the beginning. What is this trial all about and what does Silveran have on LaCroix that he is going to have him killed?"
Taking in a deep breath, Janette began her tale.
***
Close your eyes, give me your hand darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
am I only dreaming
Or Is this burning an eternal flame!
***
End of part three