Romania by Night--Deeds--

Chapter 66--Turn Back Time

Caparthian Mountains 2004

Shadowlight Magick Shop, 6:43 am

Morning was just peeking over the horizon as Kara shifted from her bed to set the kettle on the stove. A hot cup of tea would be needed in order to get her started. She was so far behind in things that the shop had been left in shambles. He life had taken a traumatic downward spiral. But she only blamed herself. She often thought of Blade. Especially when night died away into the dawn. So many regrets, so little ways to express what she was feeling. Maybe Trish was right, maybe he was better left to his own kind. But it still hurt; that loss. She had loved him like no other. Mayhaps in time, that would soon come to pass. For now, she must go on and if she didn't get a grip on things, her only means for a living would fall by the wasteside. Today she would open the shop. Appointments were marked on the book, she had people to see to.

About an hour later the closed sign was gently turned, proclaiming to the world the shop was open. She pushed the front doors open and smiled as the gusting mountain breeze caught her just so. The air smelt clean, and held a tranquilness about it. A far cry from the city. Dark eyes shifted as she observed a few early morning shoppers moving around the sleepy little community. A couple with hands interlacing. She smiled distantly, then turned her attention to the flowerbeds lining the walk. Oh dear. With so much chaos going on, she really needed to weed those out so the stronger plants could take deep roots.

So, after she downed her first cup of tea in the quietness of her shop, slipped on her apron and gathered the tools needed before she moved out into the sunlight; to the flowerbed. She'd work there until her 11 o'clock appointment arrived. A one Nick Swiftwind. Why did the name seem to peek her interest, she didn't recognize it. But he had expressed concern in speaking to her soon. Something about history? She determined it was the mountains he spoke of. So many myths had spread around the world. Even she did not know the lengths others took in seeking the legends of the Capathian Mountians. She smiled at that thought, her own kind holding many a secret there too. Whatever his interest, she would be weary of a stranger.

Nick was sure that he could find answers from this priestess. He had been doing alittle investigation of his own at city hall, and the city's large library. Several days he had spent there, well almost lived in it, having to be shewed out on more than one occasion.. The cryptic halls of the ancient knowledge tome had given him only a handful of notes, though. He needed more. Mainly his digging took him to the microfilm on file of the region. A few people perked his interest while he skimmed row after row of saved newspaper articles. It seemed the name Wolfbane was in them a lot. Either the stately manor they possessed, or the branch of Laborites that funded many a charitable organization in the city. One in particular was the opening of a Night Club. He didn't need to be told just who patronized it, he already knew. If the Wolfbanes were the owners, then that meant it was a haven for them. Tzmisce. A clan that he would do nothing more than stay away from. He dare not tweak their noses the wrong way. With good reason. He liked all his bodyparts right where they were.

After stopping his day's search, he folded up his notebook, shoved it into his backpack, then headed out the door. After replenishing the jeep with gas and oil, he started for the winding hills just beyond the edge of Lupine territory. An hour or so's drive, so hopefully he wouldn't be too late to visit with the woman. Trisha had seemed sincere with the recommendation. Trixie...now there was a beauty, and a smirk formed on his lips as he thought about the katty woman upon their first encounter. He would have liked nothing more that night than to have rid her of that suit, but thought better of it. Business and pleasure never mixed, but she was...needless to say...a surpressed temptation. But of course, Homid wolves like himself was weary of most Lycans. There was a difference, he knew it and had been trained all his life to learn that difference. The degree of cunningness that Trix harbored was a bloody accident waiting to happen. One that he wanted no part of. Hopefully this girl, Kara, wouldn't be a threat. He could use an ally right about now.

Tires bit into the gravel of the lot in front of the Shadowlight Shop and Nick's eyes fixed on the open door as he brought the jeep to a halt. He studied the intricate ivy design trailing up and around the opening, then he looked onward to spy a few shimmering bits of metal dancing in the breeze. The soft, melodic tune drifted to his ears as he slid from the driver's seat. He snagged up his bag and then headed on to the door. He was a brawny man, alittle over 6 foot with broad shoulders and rugged good looks. Dark hair kept long and wild to dance against his shoulders. Add the scruff of a few day's growth, and he was the epitome of the wilderness. Not that he thought himself a lady's man, on more than one occasion he had used his looks to gain the advantage. He always had an agenda, and if sex was needed in order to achive it, well he would play the flirt if need be.

Dark eyes bore down on the stream of light as he slowly stepped into the small shop. It came from a few candles scrattered around on a couple of tables tucked in one corner of the place. Instantly herbs and incense assaulted his keen senses while globes and trinkets of finly cut crystal dazzled his eyes. Music from hidden windchimes flooded his ears once again, but the sound of light padding steps was soon detected as he turned his head in time to spy a woman slipping from behind a dark curtain. Her eyes were as dazzling as the cut glass..and rich brown locks hung in loose ringlets against slender shoulders. He didn't need to ask who she was, her soft features already expressed to him all that he need know. "Kara" He breathed. Relief washed over him. She was as he; of the land and as one with it. She was homid.

"Mr. Swiftwind, I persume." She lifted a hard brow as he uttered her name. But then again, she was the only one here, and the deemed owner. That wasn't hard to figure out. She let her gaze scan over him in her usual quiet form of scruinty, then approached the counter. She made sure to keep it between them as she leaned a hip gently against the anceint wood. Intrigue began to write across her face as within her mind as she gazed to him. Handsome. But of course looks could be deciving. She looked his attire over, then took note of the satchel he toted. Not the usual book worm judging from his appearance. She tilted her head. "What is it that I can do for you this day?" Ruling out the possibility that he wanted a tea reading or tarot telling.

"You stand correct." He smiled offhandedly, then turned to face her. Looking across the counter until his gaze fell upon her. He looked from waist to face, then met her gaze. Boy she was quick, either than or he looked pretty damn obvious. Desperate maybe? "I seek information. I was told that you were the best person to speak to in that field." His hand was already bringing out the business card Trix had given him. He lay it on the counter before her and left it.

"I may be, but just what is it that you seek, Mr. Swiftwind." Her hand quickly snatched up the card. She read over it, then lay it back down, not really concerned how he got it. If Trixie sent him here, then mayhaps he was working with her on the 'Fangs mess. She wasn't trusting him just yet. If one wanted, they could obtain her card other ways.

"Call me Nick, please. You make me sound like my grandfather." A coy smirk played about his features as he shifted his weight to lay his satchel on the counter. It was heavy, the books he innocently 'snuck' out of the library the cause. "I'm working on a book for a client." He paused, selecting just the right words as to not give himself away just yet. "I'm trying to pinpoint it's origin. And It's lead me here..to Romania."

"I see, well what kind of information were you looking for? I've lived here all my life, there is many parts that make up the old world...if this is the Romania that you seek." She was skeptical, but alright. She would give him the benefit of the doubt, for now.

He smirked again. He could see this might take all day. She wasn't about to give him anymore than he was willing to give her. His indifference probably was quite apparant in his expression as he looked around the smarty designed shop. "You deal in magick I see." He nodded his head once, then returned his attention back to her. "Quite a hobby of mine. When I get the time to have one." He smiled to her as he spoke, trying to lighten the uptight mood she seemed to be in.

"Nick, please. Don't patronize me. I've no time to waste and it seems neither do you." She waved a hand to the dark curtain then looked back at him while stepping towards it. "Mayhaps if we speak in more private quarters, your goal might be obtained better, no?"

His mouth almost dropped open at her bluntness. All right, that worked for him, he was just not expecting it. He nodded his head then grabbed his bag off the counter. Silently he turned to follow her into the covered part of the shop. Never once did he feel a threat from her. Just the opposite, the aura she emitted was rather soothing to him.

She swept the curtain back and allowed him to enter the small room. A few shelves aligned the walls, books of all sizes packed in them and turned every which away. A table sat in the middle of the room, and of course the infamous crystal ball sat just in the center of it..dark cloth draping off the spance of it. Other than a few glimmering sequins from the wall hangings, all was in order for a gypsy type establishment. She disappeared briefly to close and lock the front door. The 'be back in an hour' sign gently displayed before returning to her dark stranger. "I'm sorry to be so direct, but I find that too often things can be resolved by getting to the bottom of the matter. Now, Nick, tell me exactly what it is you seek." She took a seat as she spoke, taking care to cover the crystal ball and set it aside.

He had to hand it to the lady, she was blunt and to the point. He wasn't sure then if that was a good quality, or a bad one. He shifted himself into a seat and set the bag by his side. Still debating on whether or not to just show her the book, or just start with some questions. He chose the latter. "Well, Specifically the old world of the Transylvanian mountains is what led me here.." He slid off his jacket, he was getting slightly warm being so inclosed within the room. "The man that obtained the book wanted me to track it to it's birth. It has certain landmarks in it. One distinctly pinpointing the Caparthians. It's a battle log, and from the contents, it's pretty old." His hand was already at work tugging out his notebook, he flipped threw it to the page where several qustions had been noted.

Her curiosty was peeked with the mention of the book being a battle journal. And specifically the mountains. She nodded lightly. She was almost elated by the challange. Her first love was the earth that was underfoot. "Very well, where would you like me to start?" Leaning back in the chair, she lay her hands gently in her lap. Wanting to spring up and make tea, and possibly a snack for lunch..she thought better of it. Maybe he didn't plan of staying that long. She hoped he did. A faint smile rested on her features. It was going to be very interesting to see where this Nick Swiftwind was going to take her on his journey.

Lupine Territory, Romania 2004

Zeke's Poolhall, Downtown 9:15 pm

The Viper purred to a stop across the street from the poolhall. Shutting it off and climbing out, Trixie slammed the door as the blue green neon sign assaulted her as closer she moved. She glanced at her watch, and marked how much time she could waste in this place before she had to rendezvous with Wolfbane. Any other time, the flat would have been an appropriate meeting place, but with Aaron there, well let's just say, the less he knew, the better. She had already dodged his questions about his father, dare she give him more angles to attack from. But she was holding her tongue, for now. When it was the right time, he would know all there was to know of the infamous Jakob Kristen.

Stepping to the open door of the poolroom, she cringed as the smell of smoke and stale beer filled her senses. God she hated this place. After hearing about the 'new' owner, curious mind had to come and see for herself. Plus, she had unfinished business with a one Benjamin Malachi. She hadn't seen hide nor hair of him since the meeting at the Riverfront. But that goes without saying, she did recieve a strange package from him last week. A painting, of all things, from the Dela Cora Gallery. She smirked lightly as she moved on through the packed barroom. She wondered what that Vamp was up to these days...still pedding trashy paintings most likely. Maybe she was trying to do the same thing every other Vampie woman in this town was trying to do. Invitations into the Wolfbane's beds was very few and far between..er and that's both of them. One position she knew she would never have to worry about finding herself in.

Dark eyes skimmed the faces as she weaved her way in and out of a sea of leather and denim, until off in the back of the place the muscle bound 'Gnawer was spotted. He was leaning down over a slab pool table, slender cue stick in his grasp looked almost out of place. He always struck her as the strong, silent type. Moreso, the big, dumb, strong, silent type. He didn't say much...but when he did..it was profound. She smirked lightly to herself at that thought while booted feet took her closer to where he was playing. Several other brawny men was scattered around watching the game, and their lap jewelry seemed quite content to sit there, too. An assorted handful of scantily clad women..mirroring in apparance to the lone leather clad female that was gyrating around on a small stage. Strippers? Well, on second thought, it did fit the sliminess of the place.

She paced the table, almost as if stalking prey while dark gaze held steady on Malachi. The sound of the smooth balls clicking together was heard as his gaze lifted up and settled on her familiar face. One that, as he looked her over, could question her reason for appearing out of nowhere. "Whatever your selling, lady, I ain't buying.." He offered in that deep voice, a coy smirk seating across his features as he propped a thick arm against his cue stick. They had the undivided attention of the other pack members. Trisha knew that scent anywhere. She smiled as she rounded the table slowly, coming face to face with Malachi with a few more caculated steps. Pouty lips sporting a rich color of red that only enhanced her beauty in the subdued light.Cool blues looked him over in a very seductive nature. She guessed he thought himself cute with that snitty remark. And turnabout was fair play. " Maybe it's you that's got what I need..."

"I doubt that, Babe. Now if you'll excuse me, I got money riding on this game.." He lifted his stick up and nudged her hip gently, and away from the table she was coaxed. He then continued his game as a few snickers were heard from the peanut gallery. "We still have things to discuss, Benji." She offered as she moved to the far end of the table and perched a slender hand against the smooth wood. He aligned his shot, then sighed as the woman was more than distracting to him. Something about the curve of her hips encased in tight leather..and that red tanktop that could make a man's imagination run wild with impure thoughts. "You wanna talk?" He smirked as he stood up. "Then drop by my place...say, oh 7ish tomorrow night....that is if you remember the way."

She arched a slender brow as her attention still rested on him. The scene in the Shipwreck lounge flashed across her mind, first impressions were always the right ones, and this man did play dirty. So be it, she could dish it out a rather filthy plate herself. "I'll check my schedule and get back to you on that..." She smirked in full view of the audience. She lifted a hand to waggle a finger teasingly his way, then slowly she sashayed on back towards the door. Other than a few cat calls following in her wake, nothing more was needed to be said by either of them at that point. Clearly he was a dead end street.

She gave a glance to the bar as some slow twangy country music tune filled the air. She'd pass on a brewsky..she needed fresh air. So much for the subtle approach. Live and learn, Trix. Outside she found much needed silence, all for a few cars drifting by, the west end was pretty much dead for a Tuesday night. She had finished her cigarette and was slowly moving across the street to her car when she heard a set of boots thumping heavily behind her. Turning her gaze over her shoulder, she spied the big man coming after her. Well, maybe all wasn't lost after all. "You forget something?" She couldn't resist the sly retort as she stopped just beside the Viper.

His gaze cut over her slender features once again, then he smiled. A first, she thought as he looked like a man with something on his mind. Her leaned an arm gently atop the sportscar. "I was wondering what happened to you." He offered, and Trish figured then that that was probably as close to an apology as she was going to get from him. Bonehead. Even Zack had manners. This one only needed a loincloth and a club, and he would fit the part of Neanderthal quite well. She returned the smile before taking a slow look over him. "I've been busy" She offered. "I bet." He added. Her hand slipped inside her leather jacket then, as his persistance in looking her over made her a tad nervous. "Anyways, I didn't mean to cramp your style, I was in the neighborhood and well..I thought I'd stop by and give ya this.." A white envelope appeared between thumb and finger, in which she gently handed it off to him. The contents was a small, sincerely written note thanking him for the painting. She watched his face as he read it, that smile of his growing bigger as he did.

"It really was a thoughtful gesture...Ben." He moved closer to her as she spoke, licking his lips quickly as he found himself wanting to give into the temptation. Maybe it was one too many beers, or maybe the way she had waltzed into the place. Maybe it was long over due? Whatever his reason, in an instant his mind was made up. Leaning down, his lips captured her's in a kiss. Barely a touch it seemed to her, but it grew deeper as he needed to taste her more. Then, taking it a step further, she slipped her arms up and around his neck. The touch of his hands was felt against her back, then they moved surprisingly slow downward, and over her hips. His massive arms closed in around her then as lips could only convey the passion that was rising in both. He reluctantly drew his mouth from her's as a car whizzed down the street by them. Surprise etched her features as he gently pulled away. "I've been trying to do that for a long time now.." He whispered. She smiled, trying to regain her composure. "Well, you succeeded." She gazed up into his eyes, not really sure if this was the right place to be swapping confessions, among other things. She glanced down to her watch as she gently slid her arms from his neck. "You..wanna go back to my place?" He offered while he watched her. She sighed inwardly. Yes, she wanted to, but she knew she couldn't. "I got business in town..maybe another time?" He nodded lightly then moved back a few steps. "Just my luck..."

She produced another business card and slipped it over to him. "Ya know, it wouldn't be unheard of if you called me.." He smiled, looking to the card, then back to her. "Yeah." He tucked both the card and note into his coat pocket, then opened the car door for her. "I'll let you be on your way, then. You take it easy, Trixie.." She smiled as she slipped into the car. "You too... I'll be seeing ya." She wasn't sure what just happened, and as the car rumbled to life, she pulled slowly away from the curb. She glanced back in the rear view to see him heading back into the hall. The kiss was the last thing she expected from him. A lingering smile gave away just how much she enjoyed it, too. But too often did she know the problems that came with mixing business with pleasure. Maybe she just wouldn't do anymore business with him. Problem solved.

Caparthian Mountains 2004

Shadowlight Magick Shop, 10:43 pm

...He said he's falling to pieces
Fighting the beast and the man
Over his shoulder there was freedom
But consciousness has tied his hands
Embodied youth was his distinction
Now inhibition's in demand
So driven by his fear of weakness
That's his key to understand...

The bed soon ceased it's rocking motion as pleasurable feminine sighs and deep, throaty moans lingered in the air. The window just above the small bed gave the only relief to the lover's sweltering heat. A sated smile creased delicate features as a stronger form slipped carefully from tangled legs. Burying his head into the softness of the pillow, Nick could only wonder how they had wound up here. A hand stroked against his wet locks and he smiled, dark gaze dancing back over to spy the languid features of the woman beside him. He soon rolled over to caress a hand up along her breast, teasing the nipple with a flick of his thumb as mouth enveloped a softer set of kiss swollen lips. Into the kiss he breathed her name..."Kara"...over and over until once again the flames of passion rose up and licked them both back into the steamy heat of love making. He knew in the back of his mind he shouldn't be doing this, but the invitation had came from a look, and a touch. There was just something about this woman that instantly set him on fire. "Oh, Nick..yes..." Calling his name was a pleasurable torment, and once again Nick gave into the desires of lust. He wouldn't make it back to the Hotel this night. And he wouldn't protest one little bit. For what Kara had given to him already, no amount of -thanks- could be given. Well, not that he wasn't going to try...and soon the springy sounds of the matress gave protest in the darkness to the hardness of bucking hips.::

Stationside, Romania 2004

Saint Emanuel Cemetery, 12:43AM

Blade sat to the birth of the cemetery, his gaze looking away from the headstones every so often to check the small rock pathway leading to the ancient burial ground. He rested an arm against the steel of his bike. Lazily draping it against one handlebar as leather slid against leather when he shifted around to glance up the path for the millionth time. What was taking the woman so damn long? He glanced at his watch again. Thirty minutes late, would this be her usual showing? God he hoped not. He lacked the patience for such squandering of time. Plus he was still a lot skeptical of her intentions. Back alley meetings was one thing, but a boneyard? Yes, it seemed the Tzi was quite irritated with his business associate by now. And he was about to give her five more minutes before he rode that steel horse off into the night. He quelled his impatience with a smoke then as he fished a slender clove from his jacket pocket. The flicker of the orange-amber flame lit the area up briefly, then it was snapped shut as he exhaled a line of blue smoke.

Dark eyes followed the walk as she hoped this time she took the right one. After getting lost in this old place, she hoped this was the one that led to the cemetery. That white washed shell of a church gave her the creeps, not to mention the slight foggy air that seemed to engulf her. Sure, she chose it, but she had no idea that time had been so unkind to the House of Emanuel. Nothing seemed familiar to her as she moved along, recanting childhood memories of a happy time in her life. Boy this was a big disappointment. She gazed to the decrypted gardens and twisted snarls of what once was beauty. She rolled her eyes lightly, then marched on down the steps. She turned a bush laden corner as a flicker of light was caught off in the distance. She picked up the faint smell of clove in the air. Damn Vampire, she thought. For all it was worth, Trixie was trying hard not to think bad of Blade. After all, he had been the one to offer the olive branch first. And she could really use his help. The Kindred was a powerful wall to break down. She just decided to take the easy road and become their ally. Maybe it wasn't a mistake. "Don't ya know those things are bad for ya?" She hissed lightly as she walked up out of nowhere and stood before him and that bike.

A smirk played along dark features as he tilted his head, and his gaze around to the crafty Lycan. "And I suppose your an expert on things that are bad for you?" Lips shot that reply back her way with his own brand of Romanian charm. Accent as thick as those banded locks on his head. His leather attire befitting the scene and his mood. He just couldn't help wonder as his methodical gaze slithered over her form...just what it was about her that peeked his interest. He could be home training the lovely Rachyl..in swordplay...among other things. That left a sour taste in his mouth, though. He stood and slipped a hand out of his pocket, waving in the general direction of the graveyard.

"Funny, ya know, you should take that freak show on the road." She glanced over him in her usual distaste for the race, then looked to his motorcycle. Sharp. He had taste for speed. Another plus. She smirked as she looked back up to him. One of those sidelong glances offered before she tilted her head to him. "I know all that's bad..Mr. Wolfbane, and right now? I'm lookin' at a real bad thing...but enough of the subtleties, let's talk, shall we?"

"Come, Then. I heard people were just dying to get in here." He waved a hand to the cemetery, then followed her along the pathway into it. The iron gates were gaping open, like some ancient monster awaiting to swallow them into it's dusty bowels. He took a few drags from the smoke, then found a square headstone to park his ass on. He directed his full attention to her then. Despite the sharp tongue, it didn't pain him at all to do so.

She didn't waste no time getting to the point. She was rather perturbed as it was. "Well, so far, I've told everyone the Paris Trip was off..but now there's a problem. Oh, and Zack. He was pissed, to say the least, now his bed warmer tells me he's missing."

"Missing?" He lifted a brow, wondering what the problem was in that. One less Lycan to deal with, the better.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. I don't think he's smart enough to go after Sasha alone. Honestly, I think he's off on one of his 'Get prowl things. He's been known to do it before."

He nodded, figuring the same thing of the lycan. He didn't strike him as the deliberate type. Not to mention, he wasn't a very good tribal leader to start with. He was too hot headed, to say the least. "So, what's the problem? If you've canceled the trip, then I'm really of no use to you." Remembering the deal was for him to accompany her to Paris alone.

"Well, I still might need you." And yes it pained her to say that. She needed him like she needed a hole in her head. "We've got bigger problems. Michael West."

He listened on in his usual silent demure, then lifted a hard brow at the mention of 'we' and, of course, West's name. Among the Lycans, this name stuck out like a sore thumb. And he was definitely on the Hand's list of most nasty of the land. "The Silver Mirage, is that the West in question?"

"The one and only. An agent has had an eye on him for several months now." Not her of course, but it looked like he was spilling over into her own investigation. "Anyhow, the wire tap on his phone let us in on a nice little chit chat between some Asian woman and West. I think their distorters took out the bug, the transmission was scrambled, but what was picked up was enough to prompt Sam to pull out his men."

"So you think that this West might be in alliance with Sasha?" Funny, but that was the first time her illustrious leader had ever came up in the conversation. Finally, without coming right out to say, she had admitted her profession, whether or not she meant to. Night Watch. Great, bloody Lycan assassins. The plot so thickens now.

"Well, unless ole Michael has a thing for humpin' Asian hunnys, he's talking shop with someone alot like our Belladonna." She smirked, she couldn't resist. "And you know what can happen if that...well happens..." Her brows creased as she looked to him. Right now, at this point she didn't care what he assumed she was. Come shit or high water, she wanted to do whatever it took to stop the tribal blood rallies and fly back to her nice, quiet little ho-hum life in the states. And Blade could very well help her make that happen.

"Yes yes, I'm quite aware the power West has in the land." He was busy trying to assess this in his mind. "The Hand has been waiting for an opportunity to take him and his legions out..." He dropped the butt and snuffed it out with the heel of his boot. And the sooner it was taken care of, the better, as far as he was concerned.

"Well, until I can get a hold on Sasha's local, I'm pretty much strapped for information. Do you know there's not one damn thing listed on her business in Paris, or any other place in the known universe? It's eerie, actually." She slipped her hand into her coat then, finding her own tombstone to lean against. "That company is a major conglomerate in the software industry, yet it practically nonexistent on paper."

"Surprisingly so, and for a good reason. I'll be willing to bet good Euro that she doesn't deal with just anyone and on the open market. That would be my angle." He thought out loud moreso than anything. "A paper trail indeed would lead us right to her door. Or anyone else for that matter. Your on to something with West, Trish." He looked over to her then, slightly impressed with her thoroughness in the matter. "And he may be the key in finding her. But it must be done carefully."

She nodded to his words. For what it was worth, he was smart, and he was wise. If he agreed to help her, then she would do everything in her power to help him. "There are several angles we can try..but I think the main thing right now is to focus our attention on West."

He cocked a hard brow as he looked over to her. "I agree." Then attention turned to the graveyard as the fog seemed to enclose them further in it's wretched abyss. "But I think our first order of business is to find a central lo-cal of our own. Graveyards...eh, just aren't my thing, Trixie.." He cast a weary eye her way as he hopped off the tombstone.

"Alright, fine. You find something. You live here..." She shot back as she stepped over to him. "My flat is out, Aaron is staying with me. I don't want him involved in this." She didn't want to have to lie to him, and she didn't want to have to explain everything to him, either.

"Aaron? Is that your lover?" He started back towards where the bike was parked. Needless to say he was curious. Especially since when he first appeared in her flat, she was the only one dwelling there.

"No. He's not my lover" She shot right back to him as she turned to follow him back out. "He's my son. He finished college and has came home to roost." She shrugged one shoulder gently, not really caring why he was here, only that he was. "As much as he wants to follow in my footsteps, he's too young."

A curt smile rose in one corner of Blade's mouth to her words. "I wasn't aware you have a child..." Finding that alittle unbecoming to her reputation. "And, as far as your motherly concerns, I really don't care. But, yes, this poses a problem. All right." He was still thinking when he reached the motorcycle. The climbed on it and looked to her. "Care to take a ride into the city? I think a suite at the Wisteria might be a better option than lingering with the souls of the dead, no?" Because he knew that he couldn't just waltz into the estate with her, not with so many of the elders coming and going. It would create suspicion ten fold. Plus, a lycan hasn't placed a paw on the stately grounds in over 2 centuries, dare it start now.

"Erm.." She looked over the motorcycle, then reluctantly climbed on. Sitting directly behind him, she cringed inwardly as she realized she would have to actually -touch- him to hang on. The things she does for the good of immortals. Mainly her own. "A suite?" She was not understanding his meaning on this 'central lo-cal' thing.

"Yes, that will be better on us than having to dance around in the shadows. We can come and go at will, maybe keep all of our equipment there." He looked over his shoulder at her, confused by her questioning.

"Oh. Ok, I gotcha." She smirked lightly as she let her boots find the footholdings of the bike. Hands rose as she tried to place them on his shoulders, then pulled them away when she noticed he was still staring at her.

"What did you think I meant by a suite?" Curious to know, but he probably already did from her usual katty nature and slight hesitance in speaking. "It's not like it will become our private love nest. We do, after all, plan on working together, we might as well exist together ...and in suitable surroundings."

"Yeah yeah, I don't care about your fantasies or how soft the bed is... Now, Let's go. I don't got all night to piss around with you." She blew off his innuendo as if appalled. She wasn't sure if she was, or not. She just wouldn't think about it. Working with him was going to be about the most trying thing she had ever encountered. May the gods have mercy on her soul, she's gonna need it.

"Yes, your highness" He hissed right back at her and then he started up the bike. For everything he must endure, why did it have to be her that would help him? He kept telling himself it was going to be well worth the effort, he just wished he believed in it alittle more. Somehow her prodding words and evil nature just chapped his ass raw. Lycans.

Chapter 67--Shadow Dancing

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 6:15pm

The knock on the front door was expected, and the quick clicking of Mary Jane's told of the approaching Kindred. Excited that she had a visitor, Maggie raced from the kitchen and practically mowed down Grey in the hallway to get to the door. That sinister grin flashed his way as pigtails teetered about her slender shoulders as she reached to tug the wood laden door open. Kohl lined hues were quick to scan the face of the woman, but it was the small calico kitten in a carrier case that Maggie reached for. "Oh, Luceria...you came!!! Is this for me?!?!?" Whether or not the kitten was, it belonged to the chylde now. "How did ya know I loved kittens?!?!?" Almost forgetting the trip out to the gypsy caravan with Blade.

Luceria smiled a catty smile of her own as she allowed the girl to take the carrier. "I remembered that you were fond of patches...this is one of her babies. And yes, it is for you, my dear." Almond shaped eyes peered around the foyer of the mighty estate as slow steps took her in. "I was in the neighborhood and decided to drop in, I hope that's all right." She eyed the girl curiously as she gently peeled back the lace hood of her cloak from around dark locks. "Mayhaps I could see this possessed soul you speak of..."

"Oh, cool, she don't get out much!!! And, Yes, visitors are allowed, it's just that ...most of mine never make it out alive.." Closing the door, Maggie took the Gypsy woman by the hand and lead her deeper into the rich house decor. "Blade says that guests must be received in the parlor..." She tilted her head as she looked over her shoulder to Luceria. She grinned. "I dunno what that means, but this is the place.." She led her on into the stylish gothic ambiance of the parlor, then quickly ran to one of the many sofas. Carrier was inched on the cushion before she plopped down on the floor. she stared wide eyed into the clear carrier as the kitten crouched in one corner, scared out of it's skin.

Blade, ah yes, the quintessential sibling of the Senior Wolfbane. She remembered him well, and his fond dislike for her presence. Although that wasn't the reason she came calling, she lifted a soft brow to Maggie when she directed her attention from the room and to the chylde. "Is your uncle in, perhaps?"

"No, he's never in." Maggie offered as the carrier was open and the kitten scooped up in her arms. A soft giggle was heard as the kitten tried to squirm away. "Oh, no you don't!!" She held the kitten up in the air before her and looked him over with a thoughtful smile. "I think I'll call you.... Baby.."

Luceria's brow gave a mock furl upward as a soft inward sigh would mean relief. Crossing paths with Blade again wasn't going to be easy. No matter, she would worry about him when the time came. "Is your Sire in, then?" She casually ask while that cloak was slid from her shoulders and came to rest against the back of a nearby chair.

"No, Beth ain't here either. She's still in Germany..she called me though. First call I ever got on my own cell phone. It was kinda neat."

"I see, well then, would you mind considerably if I stayed here, just until she arrives back from Germany?" She knew that Maggie probably wasn't the one to ask, but she was the only one in earshot, and for what Luceria needed, Maggie could supply. Her alibi..yes indeed. Her smile grew more as she turned to look at Maggie. After all, the chylde did ask her to help her...redecorate...her room. "I have some things in my car that you might like for your room."

Maggie hopped up from the floor, ecstatic by the woman's words. "You brought gifts, too?!?!? Must be my lucky day!! You can stay with me, Luceria. I want you to...pleaseeeeeeeeeeeseeeee?!?!?"

"All right, I'll go get them, I'll only be a minute, then you can show me your room.." That was simple enough. And hopefully she could tuck herself conveniently in the chylde's room until Mistress Beth returned. Their unfinished business could wait no longer.

Stationside, Romania 2004

Stationside International Airport, 6:30 pm

Another uneventful flight, Emerald thought as the private leer jet taxied off the runway towards the hanger. Marcus hadn't been the best of company on the flight either. And now as they prepared to exit the plane, he was insisting she stay at a 'hotel'. And oh how she was looking forward to staying at the Estate. But, after hearing his explanation, and he usually have one for every little thing, she could only sigh and agree. It would seem rather strange if she appeared here in Stationside without advance warning. Maybe not so much for Antoine as it would be for Blade. He had been awfully quiet as of late, she could only wonder what he was up to. Oh well, she was at least getting a tour of the Laboratories out of this visit. And before this deal with Marcus was over with, she hoped to have a good bit of those company shares in her hip pocket. Marcus had altered their arrangement on more than on occasion, so turn about was fair play. A coy smile crept along her features as she slipped conveniently into the limo. For all that it was worth, Marcus did have style and taste. The power he flaunted was questionable, but of course most all Elders had to be held accountable to the Regent to some degree. She often wondered what that would be like...being an Elder. Or possibly even standing on the right side of the Regent. Yes, indeed, she did have her own agenda with Antoine, and whether Marcus realized it or not, she would do anything in her power to insure he kept up his end of the bargin. Which was old news by now. So, with keeping her visit as low key as possible, the limo soon headed north of the city and towards the mountians. Lupine Territory; and to the port towns. They maynot be as ritzy as the Wisteria, but they would do...for now.

"As soon as your settled, We'll get back to work on this project. But, I do have an Elder's conference in Budapest next week, so I will have to break away to attend. Lord Antione will, of course, be with me. I perfer that you accompy me there.." Those dark eyes of Marcus tilted to the female as he spoke, sizing her up casually as if it were his decision alone to make. "We can finalize our plans while enjoying ourselves. Then upon our return, put those plans into motion." He waved a hand around absently as he spoke, the chunky ruby ring catching just so in the light. "Unless, of course, you'd rather stay here.." He could always find someone to go with him. Marcus was never let wanting in that department. Whether it be in his travels or occupying his bed.

"You know, you could have told me about this before we left Paris." She shot back at him. Now it seems she's got to sit around for at least a week waiting on him to play the part of Head asshole in charge of the outhouse.

"True, but then again, you didn't give me an opportunity to point this out.. before you invited yourself to come back with me." He smiled slowly. And a smile on Marcus? Well, it was just pure evil. Two could play her game, and he was well aware she was playing with him.

"Fine, I'll go to Budepest, but be prepared to fork out some bucks. I don't come cheap, and if you haven't already noticed, I look best in expensive clothes."

"You will have all that you need, Em." He added, then grew silent as his attention turned to the black glass of the window.

She sighed lightly then settled back into the leather seats. She could already tell this was just the beginning of a long nightmare for her. One that held a wickedly reality of the Kindred whom she sat across from.

Stationside, Romainia 2004

Penthouse, Wisteria Hotel 5:48pm

Stepping through the door of the suite, Trixie gave a sigh as the last load of her gear was dropped on the nearby sofa. Pushing the door open, she waved in the bellhop and his cart, then paid him a 20 spot before shewing him out. She wasn't sure about this..and how Blade had even talked her into actually living in the penthouse. It was skepticism that creased her frowning features as gloves were slowly peeled off. And to complicate matters, Aaron would soon be coming up the elevator with his load of stuff, and with him came questions that she really didn't have all the answers to. She silently reminded herself then not to ever let that fiend named Wolfbane talk her into anything like this ever again. So a few Brujahs had tracked them back to the graveyard last night...that was his problem, not hers. It wasn't like she couldn't take care of herself. Besides, what protection could living 'here' offer? "What a lovely mess you've gotten yourself into now, Trix.." She muttered as gaze swept around the silent foyer of the place. The black and white traditional decor only made her feel worse. Alittle splash of red and gold was noted, but not much. Stepping into the living area, she tripped and almost broke her neck in the process before she growled and decided light would be a good thing.

The soft glow of the recessed lighting didn't really give the room anymore appeal..and the white fireplace situated in the center of the room was just plain tacky. She shrugged it off and she peeled her jacket off, then stepped on down the small hallway to where the bedrooms were located. The first one stood bare. Other than a few boxes, table and several chairs provided by the hotel. Guess this would be the work station, marvelous. Onward she inspected, opening another door to spy a rather cozy looking bedroom. "Not too shabby." She hoped this place cost Blade a fortune. Not that she couldn't ever afford something like this on her salary, the thought of inconveniencing him gave her a sense of warmth and satisfaction.

Finally she moved on past the bathroom and stepped into what she assumed to be the master bedroom. Standing in the doorway, her jaw dropped as eyes stared wildly in disbelief. It was huge, and the bed took up the biggest part of the room. Massive wooden canopy bed all decked out in lavish gold and maroon..complete with flowing sheers of the same color and ornate sculptures carved in the cherry wood bedframe. A stool off to the side of the bed gave tell tale signs that climbing into it would be a challenge. She smirked. She moved around the bed then, trained eye taking in the expensive decor. As she thrashed open the French doors leading to the balcony, the frigid November air quickly nipped at her features when she stepped on outside. Her gaze took in the span of the city, several lights already illuminating it to that respectful bluish glow it held. Not bad, she thought. The view was well worth the trouble, she determined as she stepped back inside.

She heard the front door close then, figuring it was Aaron making his way up. Stepping back down the hall and around the corner of the sofa, she glanced to the door, then hand reached for a bag on the cart. Doing a double take, she smirked. "Kinda early for vamps to be out, isn't it?" She couldn't resist the chance to needle Blade as he was shedding his jacket by the door. He shot her a look of distrainment before stepping on into the room. "I hope all is found as expected." Dark eyes were already busy surveying the cart loaded down with her things. "yeah, I suppose..." She said, not really sure she could actually swallow the fact she was going to be staying here for a while. "Aaron's on his way up with more shit.." She finished with a sigh, then turned, shoving an armload of bags into Blade's grasp...then headed for the bedroom.

"Ahh, so the prodigal son is joining you after all." He could only smirk at that, knowing fully well it was a big inconvenience for her. He looked over the items in his grasp, then turned to follow her down the hallway. When he stepped into the room, he gave it a quick once over, then lay the things on the edge of the bed. "Honestly it won't be that bad, Trisha.." He began as he situated the things just so, then turned to look at her. "The security here is the best. Ill be in and out, and Knox will be stationed here with you."

"Look, Blade..it's bad enough I have to live here, now you want to stick me with your ghoul, too? Thanks, but no thanks." This was not going to do. "That's invading my personal space way too much.."

"Mayhaps, but can we really take the risk of an attack? Those Cam's we shrugged off last night play for keeps. Not to mention we're subject to Lycan whims at will. Personally, I think it's a gracious plan."

She stared at him a moment, then sighed. Why was he always right? She hated that. Hearing the door close in the front room told her that Aaron had returned. She lay down the bag in her hand, then wiped palms against her pants. "Might as well get this over with" She muttered as she moved out of the room. The soft steps issued behind her told of Blade's presence in her wake. She was not happy about this, not at all. Eyes soon focused on Aaron, who was busy shuffling his own bags in his grasp. She reached over and took a carry all from him. "Aaron, this is Mr. Wolfbane. He's the man I was telling you about earlier.." And that was about the nicest introduction she was going to give.

Aaron's gaze slowly cut to the man in question and he looked him over briefly. His pale features shadowed only a moment before Blade stepped towards the boy and offered a hand out to him. "Blade Wolfbane. 'Tis a pleasure, Aaron."

It didn't take Aaron but a moment to detect what the man was, and surprise laced his features. Kindred. His gaze dipped a glance to his mother before accepting the man's hand. "Same here. So your the one working with my Mom.." It was more a statement than question, considering the boy knew nothing more than that.

"Yes, that is correct. Hopefully this won't take too long and you two can both resume your lives.." Blade glanced to Trisha a moment, unsure what to say to the boy's questioning nature.

Taking her cue, she finally offered imput into the conversation. "Blade thinks it's a good idea for us to stay here..We ran into a patch of trouble last night."

"Oh, and what kind of trouble was that, mother?" Aaron soon set the bags to the floor and rubbed his hands slowly to get rid of the stiffness. His gaze lifted to Blade as he spoke, then thoughtfully returned to her. The stoic nature of his heritage drifting in as the more he heard from her, the more he needed to know.

"I'll fill you in on all of it in alittle while..." She turned away from him then, preparing to avoid the issue entirely while excusing herself to put away his bags in the other room.

"No, mother. Enough of this charade." Aaron countered, placing a hand on her arm as she turned to go. He looked to Blade a second, then turned his attention directly into her eyes. "I have a feeling something is going on here, something curial...and if it involves our safety, I want to know everything..."

"The boy's right, Trish. He needs to know." He wasn't liking this arrangement anymore than she was, but there came a place in time when giving the kid the run around just might endanger his life. And he knew she really didn't want that. No amount of secrets could ever take the place of honesty.

"You stay outta this, Blade." She cut a hard look his way, then sighed as she finally made up her mind. She nodded to Aaron, then waved him towards the sofa. "Alright, fine. Have a seat..."

"I'm going down to see if Knox needs a hand bringing up the equipment." He offered as he returned to the door and slipped on his jacket.

"You do that..." She shot back to him over her shoulder as she turned away from him entirely.

And as silently as he came, he disappeared back out the door. He knew that their privacy was needed and he respected that. Whatever she told him, he just hoped it was enough to make the boy aware of the danger. He wasn't that concerned with Trixie, she more than proved her abilities last night in the Cam shuffle. It had been along time since he'd witnessed a blood thirsty Lycan in action. It was rather interesting to watch this one in particular.

"Mom...what in the hell have you gotten yourself into?" Aaron ask as he finally complied to her wishes and took a seat. He looked to her bewildered as she seemed to fall silent. He watched her move into the kitchen, open the fridge, and return with two sodas in her grasp. He took the offered can, then leaded back, awaiting her to shed some valuable light on the subject.

"I know it must look bad, but it really isn't, Aaron. Blade....well.." She lifted a hand towards the front door and sighed, finger popping open the can. "I think he's overreacting to the situation..and as a result..." She waved her hand around to the room. "Well, as you can see, this is our new home away from home."

"But, why...why all this? He's Kindred..ya know I've never actually seen one before..until just now.."

"I know, and I know you probably feel like ripping out his throat..but he's been kind enough to help me in my investigation.." As much as she wanted to do the same thing herself..she would now have to defend the asshole. "Last night, when we left the hotel, a group of Brujah's tracked us back to my car. We got into a scuffle, nothing that we couldn't handle. Anyhow, Blade got worried...and thought it best if I stayed here to avoid any further confrontations. Obiviously he doesn't think I can take care of myself."

"Heh...I'm sure..ok..I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, that Blade's intentions towards us are good..but do I need to know about everything.." He punctuated his words with a hard lift of his brow. "And that includes my father..."

She smirked, she knew this was coming. "All right, but remember, you ask for it." She took a sip of the cola then settled back into the chair before him. "When I first met Sam, I was alone..and pregnant with you. Your father tossed me out on the streets, but not before he beat me and left me for dead. He was an angry man, Aaron, believe me when I say this; he was evil. He was running an illegal arms company and selling to kids not much older than you are now. And I was helping him. When I discovered I was pregnant, he wanted no part of a child. But he couldn't break me..though he tried, I survived."

He wanted to keep an open mind about all of this. Even though his emotions were getting the better of him, he had silently awaited this day..this moment when all would be revealed to him. Even though he had his own personal skepticism, he trusted her to tell him the truth. "Who... was he?"

"His name was Jakob Kristen. Your Aunt Kara and Aunt Genesis are his sisters. I grew up in the Dormitories of Saint Emanuel, and that's where I met them. Jakob was much older than we were, and he didn't visit that often. I really didn't know him until our paths crossed in Paris. I was looking for work, and he hired me through an agency as a retainer for his company."

"Was he doing business in guns then?" He shifted on the sofa, leaning back as he tried not to squeeze the can in his grasp too much.

"I suspect he was, and I think his partners found out. Soon after I came on board, he made a hostile takeover and booted everyone out. I really overlooked everything at first. As long as he was signing my paycheck, I was content. We were together for about two years. Our business turned personal and I found myself in love with him, despite the fact he was creating small militias all over Eastern Europe. When he took over as the 'Get tribal leader, things changed. They took a drastic downslide, and I really think that's when I started to wise up. He cared less and less about me. Then, when I found out I was going to have his child, he went ballistic."

He nodded slowly, trying to absorb as much of this as possible; trying to somehow put him in his mother's place. He really wasn't too shocked, already figuring out along time ago that for his mother to be so secretive about him, and to keep him from knowing...she had a good reason. "Where is he at now?"

"He's...dead, Aaron. Vengeance was the weapon that he was ultimately slain with." Her lip quivered lightly before she took a sip of the cola, trying to press the emotions down within her. He wanted to know everything, so she was leaving no facts out of the equation. "As I said before, Sam was my salvation. He took me into his home and into his life. I owe him a great deal for everything he's done. When he offered me the chance at immortality, I accepted. This is why you were born a homid Get and not of Gaia. You carry your father's bloodline..I was a mortal. After you were born, and after I survived my first transformation, I was placed in an organization called Night Watch...The Tower. I'm sure you've heard me speak of this briefly..That's my job now. I'm an agent for the Gaia..."

"An Assassin of our race.." He said, almost as if he knew it somehow all these years. Everything then seemed to fall into place in his mind. He can't say he wasn't shocked, but he thought most of that was from her confirmation. "So you joined The Tower just to get dad?"

"No, Aaron. I did not do this for a blood hunt...it's not like that. But, when the opportunity came up, I took it. Sam knew if anyone could stop this delictum of the Litany, it was me." She licked her lips then looked back up to him. "And I did. I'm not....proud of what I did, but I can say in truth that.. I stopped a madman from doing anymore harm to innocent people...our people."

He leaned forward then, sitting his can aside as he took her hand gently into his. "I would never blame you for that, Mother. I can't say I do not feel a sense of loss for him, or for what all you had to endure. You are my parents. But I am older now..things like this do matter to me...knowing who I am."

She nodded as she looked to him, holding back those unshed tears as she listened to his words. "I kept it from you to protect you, Aaron. I love you, and it turns my gut to think you would have an ounce of his nature in you..I tried to raise you the best I could...and supply you with every available opportunity that money could buy. "

"I know, and I love you all the more for it. I'm not like him...yanno" He smiled offhandedly. "On the contrary, I'm just like you." She had sated his curiosity, for now. More questions would arise, he was sure of it. But for now, at least he knew, and more importantly, he understood.

She smiled, forced as it was, she still managed one. "Don't I know it.."

He patted her hand, leaned up to kiss her cheek, then stood. His coat slowly slid off as he glanced around the place. "All right, so now..tell me what's going on here..." He motioned to the room before looking back down to her. "What's the deal with the Kindred?"

She smiled and looked on to him like only a mother could view her child, then with a soft sigh, she stood up herself and collected both cans. She turned and moved into the kitchen to throw them away when his words were picked up. "Well, there's really not a lot to tell at this point. I was sent here 6 months ago to investigate another illegal gun runner. And so far, He's turned up dead and a few of the tribal havens have been bombed. We tracked the source to a Silverfang Belladonna named Woo..and so far she and her people are ghosts. I was trying to get a few alliances in Stationside and Blade stepped in and offered his support. Heh, he's the only one, I must add."

"None of the local tribes?" He was rather surprised and it showed on his features as he leaned al elbow on the counter.

"Just one. Zachary Dugan..he took your Father's place in the Get..but his incompetence leaves little to be desired. He's now missing, by the way.."

He nodded, remaining silent as he listened to all she had to say.

"And then there's Aunt Kara. She was going to help, but I thought it best not to involve her..if something happened to her I'd never forgive myself."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Blade.."

"Yes...he is..or was..."

"Jesus, Mom. There isn't anything... going on with you two..ya know?" He lifted a hard brow.

"Hell no. What do you think I am, crazy?!?!? No no, this is business, Aaron. We're hoping that ..by putting our heads, and our organizations together, we can get this Woman..and stop all the killings."

Relief washed over him then as he nodded. "Just checking.."

"Yeah, and you know you cannot mention a word of this to Kara..."

"Oh, I know. She would hit the roof if she knew..speaking of which, I'm supposed to have dinner with her tonight. Should I cancel?"

"No, Hon. Just do what you normally do. Your only here for the protection. Just be extra careful when your out."

"All right, but..." He looked to her as he stood up, his mind already made up as he spoke.. "I want to be a part of this. And I want you to train me...I'm sure Sam could use another agent."

"No." She couldn't believe what she was hearing. After she just told him of the risk involved, he wants to join up? "I don't think so, Son."

"Mom..don't fight me on this. If your involved, then I'm going to be. You think I'm gonna risk losing you?"

"Aaron, I've done this for the biggest part of my life...I know what I'm doing."

"Good, then you'll have no problem training me.."

She sighed, she just could not believe what she was hearing. Before she could give him the long list of 'why nots', the door clicked and soon swung open. Blade reappeared, followed by Knox and another cart. She rolled her eyes lightly, then looked back to Aaron. "We're not finished with this conversation..." A finger punctuating her words as she stepped around the counter. She snatched up a few more of her bags then silently headed to the bedroom to unpack.

Blade shifted his gaze from the boy to Trisha, then back again. Though a hard brow was inched up, he didn't say anything. Whatever went on here, it might be best that he did not know. Turning his attention to Knox, he closed the door, then helped him wheel the cartload of equipment into the empty bedroom. This was indeed going to be a trying time for all of them.

Aaron looked the two men over. For what it was worth, he was mildly sated in the fact he knew what was going on. He just wasn't so sure about this Kindred. Dark gaze looked him over casually before he turned and scooped up his own bags, then headed to unpack.

Paris, France 2004

Influx LTD, Shipping 7:40pm

Clouds littered the skyline as twilight made it's final approach. The irreverant blues of the night stared upon by glassy dark hues with their usual scruity. "Storms brewing." Sasha whispered to no one in particular. Then she turned as a small cargo truck slowly came in sight of the gated area. Standing on one of the loading docks, the leather clad Asian woman stepped back and watched while her prize was being delivered. The truck alarm signaled it's back up process, then Ming and Sohan appeared out of the cab. Their own brand of dark leather forms quickly hurrying to greet their Leader. Sasha gazed over her two aides with a growing anticipation before she turned her attention to the cargo door of the truck. "There were no problems?" The metal begun to roll up, and closer she stepped in her investigation. "No problem, Mistress. Everything was in order."

As the seal was broken by the door, a hiss was issued out into the air, followed by plumbing white vapors from the cryo tanks held within the truck. Sasha tugged off her leather gloves idly as she proceeded to step on into the truck. The blue-green fluorescents flickered on overhead and brought to the light were several steel tanks stacked head high on either side of the truck bed, almost coffin-like in appearance. Each one had three clear doors facing the center, and just behind the pexiglass, frost had crystilized to the point of prohibiting sight into them. Coils of cryo tubes lined the sides and top of the tanks. The blue liquid in the tubes was what drew the interest of the Belladonna. The tubes head a writing in her native laguage that told just what the blue liquid was. 'PORPHYRIA' In Red ink was stamped along the edge of one glass door. A well manicured nail raked gently against the cold glass, then she smiled slowly. "They are.....ready?" She spun on her heels as gaze was directed to Ming.

Clearly she had spent a fortune in this small cryo incubation lab, and as she stood there before it, she was indeed mesmerized by the realization of it all. Ming nodded her head once to her Mistress' then looked back to the tanks. A smirk played Sasha's perfectly lined lips. "Very Good. Let's conplete the process." She waved the aides out of the back of the truck, then quickly a few more men appeared in the small shipping bay. Between the group of men was a prisoner. Shackled and chained, the Lycan seemed to be dazing in and out of reality as his dark eyes tried to focus on his surroundings.

Sasha moved closer as the men approached, then she stepped to the Lycan. "It seems we have an unexpected guest..." She hissed as a smile of the darkest nature was shown to Zachary. She touched a finger to his bruised face, tilting it gently her way. "A pity none of his friends decided to join him..." Zack tried to speak, but found such a simple feat too excruciating. His body trembled as he tried to force on a transformation, but the enzyme in his system woudn't allow the beast to rise forth. He had been ambushed as soon as he entered the airport terminal in Paris. Trixie had told him not to go, but he didn't heed her warning. And as a result, exactly what she suspected had become his reality.

"Take him upstairs..." Sasha ordered as she turned her attention back to Ming and Sohan. "As soon as the lab is functional, let me know. I'm sure Zachary will be more than happy to try out our new toy..." The rattle of chains filled the air as the prisoner was led back into the darkness of the warehouse. Sasha moved back to the loading dock and to where the truck still stood open. She stared into the lingering whiteness of the tanks, then smiled. "It's all just a matter of time now.." She whispered as those tanks were being gently lifted out of the truck. For what she had in store for her enemies in the mountains could only be looked upon now as abomination.

Chapter 68--Spiders and Snakes

Stationside, Romania

The Silver Mirage Casino, 8:00pm

Two unsuspecting cars were stationed within eye shot of the front of the Silver Mirage. So far, a few late comers had sashayed in, as well as several couples taking their leave. Then Aaron's dark colored Roadster rolled up to the valet attendant. The occupants of the two cars watched on as he got out, walked around to where Kara now appeared from the passenger's side. He simply took her arm and headed into the casino. This was that 'dinner' he spoke about earlier to his mother, but with a twist. And as Trisha looked on from inside one of the unmarked cars, she couldn't help but worry. Her gaze tilted around to look at Blade, who was busy passing a headset over to her. The transmitter for the bug Aaron was wearing was now sitting between them on the car seat. "I don't like this.." She whispered as she took the headset. It was a far cry from her attitude on the way over. He looked over to her with his usual stoic expression. "You've already pointed this out to me ..but they will be fine, Trust me. We're right here listening..and Knox and Grey aren't but a call away."

She knew all this, of course. It was a routine surveillance in which she had pulled off thousands of times. But, that was her son and her best friend in there...there could be no room for mistakes. "I just feel like I could have handled this, Blade. Bringing Kara in ....." She looked over to him again, concern lacing her shaded features.

"Trixie..." He started. That 'listen to me' expression was displayed on his features. "Your Gaia. Dare I have to point out the obvious? Besides, Kara will be fine. She doesn't suspect a thing, so there's no worry. They go in, they have a nice dinner, maybe play a few rounds at the Craps table, then split. And while doing so, he's helping us out tremendously." With the aide of a small camera fashioned as a button on the boy's shirt. From his walk about, Blade was hoping to get a layout of the place. Something that was needed in order to infiltrate the place, plant a bug and get out safely. His goal would be the phone line in the main office..or West's office specifically.

"I know, that's what makes me feel like such a sneak.." She offered as she peeled her jacket off and finally slid on the headset. Eavesdropping on their conversation just felt wrong to her.

He couldn't help but chuckle to her words, and that brought another one of her hard looks his way. "Relax, it will be over before you know it."

"Relax he says." A mutter passed from her lips. When in doubt, relax. Yep, that was exactly what a Kindred would say in a situation like this. "I'll try..." She continued under her breath as ears detected the noise of the diningroom.

Knox tuned in the signal box until the destortion lowered and the voices came in alittle clearer. His attention drew away from the Casino and down to the small box in his lap as he did. He glanced to Grey, who was busy picking his nails with the thin blade of a dagger. Since his enlistment in the Hand, he had served only one purpose, one that his race was specifically bred for..killing. He was there in case something went wrong, and the trunk of that car held enough guns and explosives to start his own little war zone. Picking up the walkie talkie, he spoke quickly as he conveyed what he needed to the master. "All right. The signal is coming in strong..and we're standing by."

"Very Good, just sit tight and wait. Hopefully everything will go according to plan." Blade answered before he lay the walkie talkie to the dashboard. He then leaned back and slid on a head set, following suit with Trish to listen in.

"I'm really glad you could make it tonight...And this place ...it is absolutely gorgeous..."

"I knew you'd like it....and it's my pleasure, I wanted to take you out in style.."

"Well you most certainly did."

"Hmm, what looks good?"

"I dunno, the flounder? Maybe the swordfish...."

"Oh, the Oysters Rock-a-feller!! I've always wanted to try that.."

"Good, then we shall. Want some wine or something from the bar?"

"Mmm, yes. White Wine. And Aaron? Pick a good year!!"

"Yes, Ma'am. I will"

Trixie sighed as she listened to the ho hum of their conversation. She sipped on a lukewarm cup of Java as she tried not to shift around too much. When nervous, she often squirmed. Unlike her so called partner who now sat watching the door and listening in silence, when he wasn't scribbling in that damned notebook of his. She wondered what it was, but dared not try to peek. She didn't read his native language very well. Noticng the ring on his right hand, she tilted her head as she reached a finger to touch the stone. "What's that?"

He looked at her hand, then dipped his gaze up to meet hers "A family heirloom. It's a ruby actually."

"Ahh, well it's a beautiful stone..." She tried to smile, wanting to distract her mind with anything she could think of. And right now, inspecting him seemed to be the only choice.

Still holding her gaze, he nodded once to her words, then finally directed his attention back to the notebook in hand. "Thank you. The stone contains some of my blood. It emits a warning to the lesser masses."

"Warning?" She couldn't help but be curious about that as her gaze returned to the stone. She leaned over and actually took his hand then, holding it gently in her's as she inspected it closer.

"Yes. To kindred eyes, they know to be weary of who I am." He let his hand be led into the softer grasp of the woman. Watching her curiously before he gently slipped it away and back to the notebook.

"Oh.." she offered, not fully understanding the purpose. But she was sure it was effective, or he wouldn't be wearing it. And, seeing that her touch made him uncomfortable, she leaned back into the soft leather of the seat. "So it's kind of like a status symbol?"

"That is exactly what it is." He looked to her again, somewhat surprised by her knowledge. But, of course she was no stranger to the clans...after all she was ghouled to a Setite snake once upon a time. Taking in her faint scent once more, he hid a smile. Jasmine. That was his favorite scent. Then, as before in the hotel, the usual strange aroma of Lycan was absent. That made him wonder just why. Mayhaps he would find out sometime why this was possible.

Time seemed to drag on then for Trixie. His silence was only distracted by the voices in her ear. About an hour into the dinner, something was said that brought Trixie out of her languid state. She eased up in the seat as she touched the earpiece on her headset. She wasn't sure just what was going on, but what she heard next instantly made her turn that questionable gaze to Blade.

"....and I must tell you...nobody's came close to making me feel like I do with this man...it was beyond a dream come true, Aaron. I think he may be the one..."

"Oh, really? Well, don't leave me in suspense, who is this mystery man..and when do I get to meet him?"

::A soft giggle:: Not yet, Dear. But soon. Dare I run him off with introducing my family just yet. Oh, but you have to promise me you won't say anything to your mother about this...."

"Oh, absolutely, my lips are sealed..."

"All right, His name is Nick...and he is in the city doing research on a wartime journal centered around the Caparthians."

Well, Trisha didn't need to think, she already knew who this mystery man was. "That son-of-a-bitch" She hissed as Blade looked around to her. His own ire seen for a moment or two, then he seemed to blink it away. "Who is this man....This 'Nick'?"

"Nicholas Swiftwind...." She said, then glanced back to the front of the casino. So now it seemed the good Dr. Jones was doing alittle undercover investigation of Kara...under the cover investigation, she'd bet good money on it. The snake. "He ..erm...approached me that night at the Riverfront.... the conference...remember?"

Blade nodded lightly, knowing whom she spoke of, but just vaguely. It was the man Knox had spied Trix with on that night as well. But he wasn't about to let her know that. "What did he want?"

"History or some shit ..about the mountains...he had this book, a journal, like she just said." Her mind was busy trying to remember just what the book contained. But it was a hopeless effort, considering it seemed good ole Nick took more than just tea and small talk from the priestess. Trix knew from the tone of Kara's voice, and her choice of words that she had slept with the man. "Anyhow, since I didn't know shit about it, I referred him to Kara...."

He pressed his lips together to keep from giving a venomous opinion. This was kind of a shock, to say the least, but he really wasn't concerned with this Nick. He knew Kara enough to know she would come running back to him with a snap of his fingers. That is, if he truly wanted her back at all. As the nights went by, more and more he was reconsidering her as his bride. "Interesting...." Was all he finally said.

"Yeah, gives a new meaning to the term 'pumped' for information'.." She breathed. She was just slightly irritated. Especially the part about keeping it a secret from her....and telling her son to do it? Piff.

Blade looked back to Trish and smirked. A lift of one shoulder was made as he brushed off the comment. He really didn't care. "She can fuck whoever she wants." Those words came casually out of his mouth as if he were asking a stranger for the time.

"Well, it looks like she's doing just that..." She took note of the lack of concern on his part. She licked her lips as she pondered a few things. Then, tilting her head, she figured this might be a good time to hear his side of the story. "So, what did happen between you two? The bust up, I mean.."

Silence was his answer. And, per the usual, it was this Kindred's response to things better left unsaid. He finally looked over to her. He thought he had made this clear to Trixie before. "It doesn't matter, it's over."

"Well, It matters to me, Blade. I feel like..that somehow I'm betraying Kara. And if she ever found out we were working together, she would see this..'us'...as just that. I rekindled our friendship for a reason. And that alone has left me with guilt..and now this.." She waved a hand to the transmitter box. "Ain't helping.."

"And what was the reason?" Her words now turning to something of interest for him as he listened mildly to the conversation in the headset. Mayhaps this would take his mind off the fact Kara was crooning over another. "Why would it make you feel guilty?" He was curious to hear what she would say. One thing that was very obvious to him about this woman...from the start..was her brutal honesty about things. Emotions was something he had been lacking in his life for along time now. And he had picked up on a lot of them from just his brief encounters with Trisha. Feelings that suddenly seemed to rise up from their dormant state.

"Why? ....Because she was the only one I really knew in this cursed land. I knew she would know what was going around Lupine territory. Kara may play the part of a simpleton running a shop, but she keeps up with current events. She's still got connections with a few tribal elders, I'm sure of it. I just don't know which ones. So, in a way, I used her...if that makes sense...to get to these people. And she led me to Zack."

"Ahh, I see. Deception. That's not uncommon for the line of work your in." And it wasn't nothing new to him, he used his kind everyday. That was all part of the game.

"But it's hard for me to deal with. I felt awful about it at first...now I'm not so sure who's the victim here...her..or me." She exhaled lightly, not really wanting to get into this anymore with him. "You still didn't answer my question. Look, if you think I'm going to tell Kara, then think again. I told her right from the start not to get involved with you..."

"And we're not involved any longer, problem solved." A hand lifted as he situated the headset against his ear once again.

"Grr, will you just stop avoiding the question!!!" She felt like slapping the man into next week. Talk about stubborn.

He turned to look at her again. The smirk resting on his features almost as sinister as the legend of his race. "Trish. Please understand that in my profession, and my race, deception and manipulation are common tools of the trade. When I sought out Kara, all I wanted from her was a cure to the darkness I consumed. I Diableried a Setite. You know quite well what the effects of that blood are. She rid me of the curse, and in return I gave her what she wanted most."

"So you fucked her cuz she cured you?!??!" She couldn't help but smirk right back, and even held back a chuckle. Why didn't that surprise her? Cuz she knew what he was. Women practically fell at his feet.

He arched a brow, then nodded. "That's basically what happened, Yes. You see, Kara was never really in love with me, I can't explain it, but..." He waved a hand upward as he tried to grasp the words he needed. "She's in love with being 'in love'. Can you understand that?"

She wasn't believing the arrogance she was hearing from this vampire. No, it didn't come as a shock to her, she'd had her share of bedroom escapades to get what she needed, but with Kara, it was just too close to her heart. "Er, well...Yes, I understand it. More than you would think. Kara does tend to see the world through rose colored glasses...and often than not, has did things for the wrong reason..But Blade...I know she loved you..."

"Past tense, yes. That is exactly what I'm telling you. In some ways, she did feel a strange attraction towards me. But when she attempted a bonding ritual and failed, I knew then..that it was not going to work.."

"Wait, she tried to blood bond with you?" She kept herself from rolling her eyes as she leaned back. Kara of all people knew better than to even attempt such a thing. She was glad to hear it failed, at least she was spared servitude to this Kindred.

"Correct. I saw no reason to continue the relationship after that." He said with a matter of fact tone evident in his voice. "And since that's all over with now, let's not discuss the issue further."

She sighed lightly as his words came as a demand, and not a request. She looked at him for a second or two longer before she turned her attention back to the front of the hotel. Clearly there had been more to this that Kara had told her, which led her to believe she did hold a lot of things back to Trish. And she was the one feeling a slight tinge of betrayal, dunno why, but she did. "All right, fine." She breathed and turned her attention to the small talk in the headset.

After what seemed like an hour, he finally broke the silence. "We're going to need a small team to plant the bugs...do you have anyone in mind for that, mayhaps?" Gaze dipping quickly over to her then back to the notes that he was absorbed with.

She sat up, halfway zoned out, the conversation shifting through her ear was needless to say, boring. She glanced at her watch, then looked to Blade for a moment before returning her gaze to the front of the casino. "Well, not really. You know I can't go to Sam and ask for agents." She had already made him aware Sam wasn't involved in this. "So, that leaves me with two choices...do it myself or hire someone local..." She pondered the possibility of using Ben and his men..but she kind of figured this might cost her alittle more than Euro. She cut her gaze away then and around to Blade. "I know someone who'll do it, but it won't be cheap."

"If their good, and trustworthy, money is no object for getting what we need. I can't risk sending in my people. They must be Lycans...and preferably not Gaia." He clarified this little fact for her, in case she wasn't listening before.

"Well, it might not be money he wants..." She paused, that look of distrainment creasing her features.

He smirked lightly. Somehow he kind of figured things ran their course where the Lovely Ice Princess was concerned. "Then by all means, Fuck him if that's what it will take."

"Thanks so much for you blessing..." She did roll her eyes this time. And, heard Aaron making motions to leave. It was about damn time.

"Your welcome." He snatched up the walkie talkie then. "Their coming out. Give them a few second's leadway, then follow them. Make sure the woman gets home..and the boy makes it back to the hotel...safely. And Knox, watch Grey..We don't need anymore of his cousins crashing the party."

Taking the headset off, she flipped it back over in the seat, then leaned around to slip the seatbelt on. "Finally...I didn't think dinner took that long..." She muttered as the car rumbled to life.

He smiled lightly as he looked over to her, disregarding the headset, he tossed it down to the seat as well. He put the car into motion, and pointed it towards the Wisteria. "Just be glad it was his aunt and not a date, Mom." He shot back with a wink.

Caparthian Mountains 2004

Shadowlight Magick Shop, 12:09am

Knox stared out the car window as he idly watched the shadowed front of the Magick Shop. So far, so good. No sign of trouble, and no sign of Cam's. Now if that kid would just hurry up. "How damn long does it take to say good night?" Grey muttered as his hands fumbled with his zippo in the dark, then quickly lit another smoke. This inspired Knox to lower his window further. He finally tossed a glance to the Brujah, then shrugged a shoulder. "As long as it takes...we're still on the clock, so pipe down." Grey laughed lightly to his retort, then continued to fill the cab of the car up with smoke. Anything to irritate his side kick. Friggen ghouls...think their gods.

"Maybe he's banging her" Grey offered after more moments of somberness. Knox rolled his eyes as he looked over to Grey. "I doubt it...that's his aunt, for christ sake." Grey smirked and let his gaze drift back to the shop. "Well, if I had an aunt that looked like that...I'd bang her.." Knox chuckled, then politely reached a hand over and plucked the cigarette from the Kindred's lips. He quickly flipped it out the window as features held a menacing look. "You would." Knox breathed, then settled back into his seat. Knox was, for the most part, a patient man, but this Kindred was testing him dearly. Of course he was as horny as the average ghoul in that respect, but he did have his master's impeturbability in that department. And Grey? Ugh, he was the epitome of just why stupid people shouldn't breed. Through blood or otherwise.

The soft chirps of ringing was heard then as Knox glanced to his cell phone. Seeing it wasn't his, he looked to Grey. "You going to answer that?" He probably wasn't even aware it was his phone. Leather clad palm fished out the small device from his pocket, then Grey touched a button before bringing it quickly up to his ear.

"Yeah?"

"Oh, now that's a friendly greeting."

"Beth? Er, Hi Babe. Where ya at..when ya coming home?"

"Calm down, Grey, it's not like we don't have all the minutes in the world to talk. I'm getting ready to leave Berlin as we speak..I should be home by night fall on the 'morrow. Listen, I'm trying to locate Blade. Have you seen him, or Knox mayhaps?"

"Er, yeah. Knox is sitting here beside me. We're working. I dunno where Blade is. "

"Figures. Tell Knox to pass the word on to call me the first chance he gets. Preferably before Dawn, it's important."

"Sure thing, Babe."

--pause-- "Tell him now, Grey. Least ye forget..."

"Oh, ok."

Knox sighed to himself as he tried not to listen in on the one sided conversation. Then his attention was abruptly stolen by the Kindred. "Hey, Knox, this is Beth on the line. She wants you to tell Blade to call her before Dawn." Now Grey wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, but he served his purpose on the Wolfbane payroll. And as the ghoul looked around to him with an arched brow, he could only nod his head and wonder where Beth ever found this ..thing....under a rock more than likely. He definitely wasn't in her class.

"All right, Babe, he knows."

"Very Good. Have a limo waiting at the airport. I don't want to have to sit around that cursed place for too long."

"Limo, check. Anything else?"

"Not at the moment. Don't work too hard, Grey...Chao"

"Bye Babe."

He turned to look at Knox again while that phone was slid into his pocket. "That was Beth, she's coming home." Knox glanced his way, gave a mock smile and nodded. "Yes, I know." "Uh, and she wants a limo waiting for her...." Knox wanted to smack the idiot then, but held back. No, no, something else was in order. He held his breath a second or two as he pondered his words, then a sinister smirk formed in the corners of his mouth. "So, you bang her yet?" That should be good for a few laughs, he thought as he patiently waited for the Brujah's reply. When surprise finally held the kindred's tongue at bay, Knox was sated in the fact he could now sit in peace. He didn't pay Grey's scornful expression any attention as his own gaze tipped back around to the shop. Aaron finally appeared in the street light, then headed to his car. Perfect timing. "...That was just low, Knox...really low..."

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wisteria Hotel, 12:57am

It was all just a matter of walking into the hotel and this long night would soon be over. The soft clicks of booted heels signaled the arrival of the feminine nature as Trisha stepped into the brassy surroundings of the lobby. Blade thought it would be best to drop her off in front before he would go to the lower level to park the Lincoln. And that was fine by her, she'd had enough of the Vampire for one night. The man could get under her skin to the point she didn't know if it was a good thing, or bad. After Trix spoke to Raine concerning Zack, they had combed the streets for any possible leads to his wearabouts. Coming up empty handed, they headed back to the hotel. There were pictures to develop from the camera Aaron wore..and then there was the matter of contacting Malachi. And Trix knew she wasn't off the mark when she told Blade what the man wanted for services rendered. Nothing that she wouldn't mind doing, it was lousy timing, though. Just her luck.

One AM didn't promise much in the way of excitement for her as she moved slowly through the lobby. It was rather dead, come to think of it. Other than a few maids lingering about the halls to polish here and there, the bar was really the only thing showing any signs of life. All right, well maybe she needed a drink. Hell anything beat going upstairs. Having to endure Wolfbane again was really not on his list of favorites at the moment. What was with this country? Everywhere she went, it was either crooning country music or Mozart. Luckly the tune was catchy and gave her step an upbeat. But her happy bubble was just about to explode when she sashayed through the door. It didn't take but one heartbeat for those roaming eyes to dart and land on a man. And not just any man, but the one Nick Swiftwind.

Well now if that didn't put bee in her bonnet, nothing would. That was it...she had simply took all she was going to take tonight. First Blade and his holier than thou attitude, now this asshole. How convenient. Well, it was about time for alittle payback. And she wore a sly smirk as she stepped up behind the man. Sitting there at the bar just cradling his gin, quite unaware of her presence. "Ssssssnake" She hissed next to his ear, then she planted her ass down on a barstool right beside him. Maybe he didn't hear her? Cuz his attention stayed focused on the counter until he gathered the wits enough to speak. "Trixie...."

Well the least he could do was give her the satisfaction of a look. She felt hurt. Not really, because that was her plan, you see. To hurt him. And what happened next seemed to roll in front of her eyes in slow motion. He finally turned his face to her, and their eyes met. But that wasn't all. Her fist soon jetted up to kiss the side of his face as she smacked him right square in the jaw. He teetered off that stool really fast and hit the floor. And he was a big man. Gin flew up in the air, but that didn't stop her. She was down on him before the first drop begun to soak into the dark strands of her hair. Fists found his collar as she tried to pull him up. "Stand up, you asshole..stand up and take it like a man..."

Realization gripped her then in the form of another, and Blade's voice cut through the anger coursing through her veins. "Trixie...stop it..." He commanded, but she really didn't feel like complying. Oh no, she was just getting started. She pushed and she shoved, and lost sight of Nick in the process. "No, move Blade...damnit, I'm not finished...." Not sure how to defuse this Lycan, he tried to get between her and Nick, but that didn't seem to help. So, he literally had to pick her up and toss her over his shoulder. "I'm sorry, but you are quite finished..." That was a sight to see, and she was sure all that had gathered was enjoying the entertainment. Blade struggled to keep her on his shoulder while his own ebon gaze sought out the man crowering on the floor. Distrainment was almost spat down at him as he turned. "This never happened..." Was the only warning he offered Nick before he whirled around and started out towards the elevator. Trixie thrashed in his grasp as fists found his back, but that was about all the damage she could do. Now exiting the bar assbackwards and on the shoulder of a madman, she could only continue her threats to Nick at this point. Shouts of profanity followed in their wake.

Inside the eleavator, Blade didn't put her down to her feet until after the steel doors came to a close. She darted to the button panel, but being the quicker of the two, he cut her off. "I don't think so..." Gaze met her's as each hand caught a slender wrist. She jerked, quite forcefully, enough to cause both to flinch, then with one quick and trained motion. A snare rose in the air when Blade spun her around and folded her arms up along her back. He pressed them hard until she gave a screech in protest. "Alright, god ...Stop it, that hurts!!!"

"What in the hell do you think you are doing?" He began, and not in his usual demanding voice, no these words were nothing more than a whisper against her ear, and the very tone of them sent a shiver down her spine. His lips touched against wet strands of hair, the taste of gin noted as he sought out a tender lobe. "Your about to blow our cover...is that what you want?" His words not much more than a deep growl as he tried to get her under control. "I can assure you that if you continue this erratic behavior...both you and your son will wake up dead..." He pushed her up against the wall of the elevator then, letting his body press her flush against it. He gave her wrists another tug to remind her to listen. "Ouch...NO!!!, I understand, now let me go..." With a shove for good measure he released her and stepped back, careful to counter any reaction that she might throw his way.

She rubbed her wrists as she turned to face him, clearly the fear in her eyes told of her intentions to just stand there. He could tell she was thinking, and that was a bad thing. Her breaths came in heavy pants as she stared him down through those long strands of hair. She looked like a woman possessed..and as the Kindred tilted his head to allow his eyes to silently dare her not to retaliate, he wondered just what he was going to do with a woman like this. She was dangerous. And to make matters worse, that appealed very much to him. He could feel the warmth of the blood rising in him, and he struggled to hold it down. He growled then as one hand rose and raked dark locks from his face. Fingers buried into his hair as he turned and smacked a fist on the steel doors. Then, quickly he turned on his heels, directing his attention back to her. "What were you thinking, Huh? Tell me...just what in the hell were you thinking?"

Anger heard in his voice as it rose. Then in a flash he reached out for her again. She yelped as his hands found the lapels of her leather jacket; he gripped it tightly, then pulled her close. Dangerously close, he might add as steely gaze met that of a darker nature dead on. He could feel her heartbeat pounding in her chest, as her breath blew across his lips in quick plumbs. She was trembling and with good reason, Trixie saw the slow tint of red rimming his eyes, realizing all too well what was about to happen. She froze, she simply couldn't think or move. Expect for her lower lip quivering, she could only breathe his name against his lips. "Blade... " It was a soft plea, and his ears didn't register her words at all. Then moisture streaked down across his chin from the welling of her unshed tears. They soon spilt forth to wash against both their faces. That's when he realized he tasted the saline more than he felt it.

In all of the calamity, his lips had captured hers in a kiss, wrestling against the unwilling fullness for only a brief moment, then surrender was issued as they gently caressed back against his. Tiny tips of his fangs prickled against the inside curve of her bottom lip before he withdrew them. The tainted lycan blood left a familiar bittersweet taste, and brought him back to his senses. Well somewhat, he was still kissing her, and made no motion to stop as he let go of her jacket and slid his arms around her waist. He drew her close, tasting her mouth over and over. When he felt the pressure of fists on his chest, he pulled back just far enough to allow one of her hands to escape. He was greeted with a slap to the face that spun him about and almost dropped him on his ass.

The door chimed and soon slid open. "Don't you ever touch me again..." She whispered, clearly a warning to him, before stepping out into the hallway. She ran quickly down the hall and up to the door of the suite. She trembled still as she halfway wiped at the trickling warmth from her mouth. Blood was seen as she glanced to her fingers, and she almost lost it then. For what it was worth, he had scared the living hell out of her and she was content to stand there and let him. That was not like her. Why, damnit, WHY?!?!?

She grabbed for the doorknob, then terror struck her. Damn card...where was the damn card!??!?!? "Trish..." He called as she heard his approaching steps. She pounded on the door then, but no answer came from within. In a flash he produced the door card, inserted it and let her go in. Turning, he leaned his head on the wall just outside the door and stood there. With every ounce of his being he willed the urges away..he put the beast into submission and hoped that she calmed down as well. This was going to be a problem, he determined then. And he really didn't know how he was going to handle the situation. Clearly things had took a turn for the worse. Question now was..what in the hell was he going to do about it. And as he looked up, then shifted slowly towards the open door, he realized that his schemes were all about to change.

Trixie has found herself in a place that seldom she dare tread. The shadowed realm somewhere in-between what was reality and a dream. Yes, Lycanthrope was a disease that affected each infected human differently. And with her recent rage escapade came the silent madness creeping in. A madness that could threaten to rip apart whatever sanity that the werewolf hadn't already managed to take away. Last time she could remember one of these blackouts happening had been with Kristen's demise. But this was different; this was fear induced. The red illuminating eyes of the Kindred was what triggered it. Her dreams returned to her waking mind, and as a result, she was forced to live out the actual motions in her mind. She wasn't aware she was even in the suite; though her eyes she was in the swamp, just like before. That looming dark silhouette closely on her heels. She was in wolf form in her mind, so on all fours she dropped. She thrashed about, dodging the sofa and then politely knocked the lamp to the floor. The bright bulb popping instantly, almost blinding what sight she had left. It caused such a startled state in her mind that she fled down the long corridor and headed straight to the master bedroom. Leaping over the bed, she soon came to a crouching halt in the corner. The dark curtains became as wet, clinging bushes for the wolf. There she would hide...hide from the hunter..from the dark stranger.

Blade entered the room swiftly, his senses still heightened by the blood. His ears detected soft pants and feet in motion as he jerked his head away from the bursting light. His gaze shot down the hallway as he called on the blood. ##Auspex##~~Heightened Senses~~ The shadow was almost too quick, and only an orangy blur was noted. The aura clearly one of fear; Something was wrong. The air harbored a strange static on it and his discipline quickly picked up on the energy. "Had to be her.." He whispered as he slowly marked each step with caution. Stepping into the darkness, he had made it to the master bedroom, and the panting increased. Gaze darted around, skimming every inch of the room. Ears would not fail to pinpoint the breaths, and as he moved to the foot of the bed, he could hear a low, throaty growl. ##Black Paladin##~~Grasp of the Shadow~~ Shadows begun to stretch from the edges of the room to surround him then. If indeed she had transformed, he would need to be well hidden. A conflict like that could get one or both severly injured.

The white wolf could smell the dark stranger as he came closer. Front paws dug into the muck underfoot as she prepared to lunge. The shadows of the night came out of the mist then, curling around him but still he was not completely hidden to eyes of the Gaia; All seeing, all knowing..and the blueness of her own hues took on an eerie glow that begun to emit through the dark tendrils surrounding the stranger. A warning growl was offered, last chance to flee, last change to retract his intrusion.

He spotted the woman then. Down on all fours as the flowing curtains billowed out and around to help conceal her. Fingers were coiled into the carpet as if preparations were being made for movement. His fingers curled around a slender pen in his pocket, and he slowly drew the pin light out. A doctor's best friend..and soon it was flickered to the floor as a distraction to her. ##Animalism##~~Shepherd�s Innocence~~ He called to her then. His accented voice drifted out into the silence of the room like soft music to her inner beast. "Come now..Trish.... Everything will be alright, you've just had a bad scare..." The light was drawn in closer to her as he took another measured step towards her. Her face seemed to shift back and forth behind the curtian, and the light picked up the stream of tears littering her face.

She growled again as a light played along the ground. Tricks, all tricks of the race. She knew them well. The white wolf refused to move. Paws curled deeper into the muck as she prepared to launch herself upward. Then in the wash of the bright light came a voice. So soft, so soulful..so tranquil. Tilting her head, an ear perked up, listening intently.

"That's it..Trish...everything will be all right.." He coaxed her on as each step brought him closer, until he stood hoovering directly over the curtian that she hid behind. A finger lifted and inched it away. When the soft wash of the light lowered across her, he couldn't help but tilt his head as he studied her. Those sweat laden locks hung in strands against her face and the grimice her mouth was held in what seemed almost like a snarl. Like a wolf...He thought. He kept the discipline directed on her still as he slowly lowered himself to the floor. Knealing before her, he moved the curtain gently away and studied her with intenseness. Her orbs were wide, and the blueness of her eyes almost like a glass reflection against the light. "What's going on in there.." He whispered to himself as he watched the depths of her eyes change color ever so often in the light.

Lycanthrope Madness...had to be. He wished he knew more about her transformation then, and the exact strain of blood she was bred from. Wishing wouldn't do him alot of good, he needed to help her now. So, without worrying about depleating his own blood pool, he lifted a hand up and gently stroked it against her forehead. Swiping sweaty locks aside, he tried to coax her to look at him..to make eye contact. "Trish...I need for you to look at me." He stroked his fingers down against her cheek, then they soon cupped against it as the light in his other hand moved. He drew it slowly towards his cheek until the moment her gaze shifted to lock with his own dark pools. Then the Tzimisce called forth a stronger discipline as the bright light washed across both. ##Thaumaturgy ## ~~Spirit Journey ~~ And quickly he was sucked into the darkness of her mind..like a dream the scene began to unfold.

.....Off in the distance a church bell rang out...the gleam of glass seen in those crystalline eyes of the wolf as Blade floated down from the murky knoll of the swamp. Closer his steps came. He could smell the intoxicating scent of the woman...and the feral rage of her beast. Staring down to her with intensess, he moved closer still. And for what seemed like forever, dark ebon eyes met those of his foe. An unspoken promise conveyed. But the wolf somehow grew hesistant..retracting a step or two until she ran out of room. There was no sword this time, like before.. Only a slender hand was offered out to the wolf as that voice of silk again called to her. "Come now..Trish..everything will be fine....walk with me...it is our destiny now.." And in the mind of the wolf, confusion lifted away like the dark shadows that the stranger was enveloped in. She reconized him then ... Blade... and she remembered his touch...the taste of his lips..the faint smell of his essence. Security overwhelmed the wolf and she finally stepped forward as muzzle nudged the offered hand of the Kindred, then a soft lick was made against the open palm before it stroked over the pure white fur.....

His arms were circled around the trembling woman as he blinked himself out of the dreamscape. He held her close as he took a few moments to bring himself back to reality. He felt drained, but searched for one last ounce of strength to lift her up. Into his arms he swept her. He then turned and gently lay her across the bed. Her eyes had returned to their normal shade of deep blue as he pulled away from her. Other than the sweat laden features of her face, she was calm, and her body held a quiet contentment. He wasn't sure just what she was experiencing, or what that dream was all about, but it seemed he had quelled the fear in her for the time being. Hopefully he had instilled enough trust in her mind that..whatever it was... would simply drift away. He would not erase her memory; this was something he hoped she would remember in time. Even though the evening's events had turned brutal, he wanted her to know what they had shared. Both in the elevator, and in the madness of her mind. Hopefully in the future she would turn to him for help and security. But most of all, for something more.

He shifted off his trenchcoat and lay it gently over her shivering body. He smiled faintly as he took a seat next to her on the edge of the bed. Though her eyes held a bewildered look about them, she responded to him with a weary smile of her own. "How do you feel?" He spoke softly as he drew a few more tangled strands of hair from her face.

"Like shit.." She breathed softly. Her hands grasp the edges of his coat and held it closer to her.

He chuckled lightly to her reply. "I imagine so. That was...pretty intense."

"Why did you ...you came ..in my dream..you were there" It was almost like a question as she tried to grasp what she needed to say, but only got bits and pieces of her thoughts.

He listened to her quiet words, then lay a finger gently across her lips. "Save your strength."

"...you kissed me....." She whispered, remembering, and looked to him with astonishment as she was just now realizing it for the first time.

"He sighed lightly as he heard those words. "Yes...I don't know where that came from..." And he really didn't, to be honest. For all the rage he held in that moment, kissing her wasn't on his mind. But he wasn't sorry he did it, and he wasn't going to apologize. "I cannot deny my desire for you, but if you do not wish it, then tell me so.."

"I don't wanna get hurt..." Those words came from her lips just as honest as always.

"You won't." His hand rose and traced her lips, then he reached up to close her eyes slowly. "Now rest.."

She nodded and obeyed. She felt the onset of sleep as her lashes seemed to weight heavy.

He pulled back then, letting his fingers leave the softness of her skin, and with it, he drew away any lingering effects of his discipline. He was not going to control her. Anybody else, he wouldn't think twice about it. He wanted her, that much was evident in his mind now. But it would have to be on her own terms. For the first time in his undead life, Blade finally realized what he truly wanted. And as he watched her drift off to sleep, he knew that he had found what he had been searching for all these years.

Stationside, Romania, 2004

Wisteria Hotel, 8:39pm, The Following Night

Blade wasn't sure what prompted him out this eve. Whether or not he really needed to go, he found himself upon the threshold of the hotel suite. Card inserted, click heard before he shifted the knob open and stepped silently inside. All was silent within as a few faint lights illuminated the sitting area and kitchen of the grand rooms. His hand shifted as keys were idly tossed to the counter, then gaze lifted to spy the faint billowing of the balcony curtains adrift in the chilling night air. Tilting his head, he glanced down the still hallway, then headed over to the open doors. He could smell the cigarette smoke of the lycan woman before the subtle aroma of her perfume filled his senses. He really wished he knew why she did not smell of the wolf stench. Forever plagued by it, but a watchful eye had hesitated his mouth from inquiring. The dream scheme last night still flooded his thoughts. Everything about Trisha was so eerily strange. And there were very few things that the Tzi found that way.

Walking outside, He found the lycan perched lightly against the stone outcropping, her gaze scanned endlessly out over the littering of city lights in the mist. Dark locks caught wildly in the down currents of the approaching snow storm. And as much as the sight of her brought a sense of warmth, he could only shiver to the image before him. She looked cold, no doubt, bare feet and barely enough clothing to generate heat, but still she stood motionless, as if uneffected by the cruel Romanian winter night. He licked his lips lightly as he found himself standing next to her. His own gaze getting caught up in familiar territory of his hunting grounds. "It's really magnificent, isn't it?" He heard her draw in a soft breath, and felt her gaze directed to him, startled by his sudden presence. He looked on to the city a moment or two longer before dark eyes met those of the woman. She wore a soft smile, one that he didn't believe could exist on her features. She wore it well.

"It's breath taking." She uttered through the white plumbs of her breath against the cold air, then turned to finish off the cigarette. The light puckering of those full lips catching the Kindred's eye as he drew focus on them, then took a long surveying glance to her slender figure.

As the butt was crushed against the stone by her slender digits, he turned to lean against the stone balcony, and to study her more in the faint moonlight. Her smile was returned silently. The soft blue of her eyes almost matched that of a sunny afternoon, one that his mind depicted from his childhood. A color that had long since faded to his undead eyes.

A soft sigh split her lips as she looked back around to Blade. "So what brings you out of the crypt tonight?" A slight curtness to her words, as always...and she was curious to know, their work was really at a standstill until she could produce the manpower to plant tracers and transmitters in West's casino. "Fleeing the masses..." He offered after a long, hesistant moment. Looking away, he stood up and waved a hand towards the door. Her lips seemed to be taking on a nice shade of blue.

She smirked and took his hint, bare feet padding lightly as she moved back into the warmth of the room. Inside she headed straight for the kitchen. The wash of bright light flashed as she opened the fridge and snagged what passed for soda. A slender hip pushed the door closed, then the hiss of the pop was heard upon opening it. "Big vampie gathering, huh?" She ask with a lifted brow after she took a few sips, then steps took her on over to the sofa, plopping down into the soft leather.

"Something like that. Father's gathering the flock for the trek into Budapest." And, anywhere but the estate was more appealing to him than that...mess. He found refuge in a nearby armchair as his slender frame inched down to sit. Conveniently sitting across from her, he leaned back as he settled himself into comfort. This really beat the graveyard. "Ah, yes. Sabbat business." She knew enough about them to know the rituals that they paid homage to. "I suppose he's gearing up to turn over the reins soon." Blade nodded to her words, then slipped his jacket from his torso to hang loosly against the chair. "It's inevitable." He offered with a sigh. She tilted her head as she looked to him, a smirk playing softly over her features. "Yanno, I get the feeling I'm looking at the next Prince, and somehow he don't sound to jazzed about that." His own smirk found it's rightful place on his shadowed features. "Your right, he's not."

"Then decline it."

"It's not that simple, Trish."

"It's better than hating the position."

"My father expects it. And there's no arguing with him about it. Believe me, I've tried."

"So, let me ask you this....when you approached me about the 'Fangs, what was it really about?"

"At first...it was for Kara's sake."

"And now?"

"........For you."

"Why?"

Silence befell them both after that. Fo what seemed like ages they stared at the other as if they were the only two in existance. She was quite puzzled by his evasive answers, and for the life of her, she really wished he would just stop dancing around the issue and just come right out and say it. But she knew he wouldn't: for that was the nature of Blade. In all of his haphazard thinking, he made perfect logic in his mind. Understanding could never come from words, he was much more intelligent than mere motral issues. And she had alot to learn about him and his race.

"If I told you, Trisha, you would not understand. But...then again, you might be the only one who could. I know your not a stranger to servtitude, on both sides of the fields. But... quite honestly, I'm not sure that now is the right time to talk about my intentions where you are concerned. Our agreement will stand until the 'Fangs are brought down. After that...well, we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

She sighed. "Yanno, for once in your dead life, just be straight with me?" The plea came out more of a directive and the amusment was seen on his face to her puzzlement. He chuckled softly. For all that it was worth, he really liked teasing her curiosity like that. She reminded him of a cat sometimes rather than a wolf...too inqusitive for her own good. "All in good time, Trish."

Her distainment was short lived as her attention turned to something else. The case. Getting that finished was a priority, and once it was achived, she didn't plan on sticking around long enough to see what Mr. Wolfbane had on his agenda for her. "I spoke to Malichi today on the phone." She shifted on the couch to tuck her feet up underneath her. "He doesn't want anything to do with West. I really can't blame him there...." Glad that the conversation was changed quickly, he lifted a brow to her words, then gave a soft nod. "Neither can I. Do you have another in mind, then?" "I do. It's a long shot, but if anyone can help me, they can." She finished off the soda, leaning over to sit the can on the table. "Very well. Do what you must." "I will...and I'm gonna call Samuel tonight. He's been too quiet. The last time I spoke to him, he wanted me to put this whole Sasha thing on ice. The particulars of the Elders had to be sorted out....in other words, don't do anything stupid until I get with you..."

"What do you think he would do if he knew we were working together on this?"

"He'd shit a brick."

"Do you think it's wise not to tell him of the progress?"

"If I breathe one word about working with the Hand on this, he will pull the rug out from under both our feet. Trust me, Samuel Clemmens is not someone you want to second guess."

"Then I trust your judgement. I'll sit back and wait until you have the men lined up to do the recon. Besides, I have to get my father's security established, so that's going to take me away from the city for awhile."

"How long?"

"About a week or so, give or take. I'll leave Knox with you. I feel his place is better suited here on the case."

"A bodyguard? Blade, don't you think that's alittle extreme?"

"No, actually he would make an excellent bodyguard for you. Think of it as your conscience, since you don't seem to have one anymore."

"Cute. Real cute. Alright...smart ass, I'll let him help...on one condition...he does exactly what I tell him to do.."

"....Good luck on that one...."

"I'm not kidding, Wolfbane...."

"Neither am I!"

After bickering for a few minutes, they finally reached an agreement, and left it at that. Once she stood and headed into the bedroom to retrieve her cell phone, his attention turned back to the balcony as he conveniently stepped out to allow her some privacy. For some reason he felt the need to be by himself this eve. Though he knew he couldn't very well achieve that by coming here, he had found some sanctity in the visit.

Chapter 69--Le Risorgimento

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 7:15pm

The downstairs foyer of the estate was nothing short of chaos as servants moved too and fro much like a long line of ants. From upstairs their steps began, until whatever item of interest was packed with care into one of the main vehicles awaiting in the long caravan. This eve would behold the departure of the Regent and his court for Budapest. Several had gathered to join the move in cognitio; the main body consisting of Kindred elders and their Kine servants. Other than the arrival of the guest, the Wolfbanes still remained in their prospective sanctuaries, awaiting the 8 o'clock assembly in the Regent's chambers. Other than Grey's motionless perch on the second story balcony, everyone else seemed to be absorbed in their own chores. He eyed each idly, looking forward to only one's arrival through the door. And so far, that face had not made it's presence known.

After arising from slumber, Blade slowly dressed in formal attire for the evening, then moved downstairs. Passing threw the flow of workers, he lifted that dark gaze up as he spotted Grey, then satisfied he was doing his job as look out, he soon disappeared into the parlor. He took in several of the new arrivals with a passive interest, making formal greetings before he headed on into the bowels of the chamber. There he began to set up for the meeting as papers were instructed to be placed carefully around each placement at the table. Then taking a seat, he took cell phone in hand as he dialed out to make a check in with Knox over at the hotel. He hated putting this investigation on hold, but with his presence needed at the estate, he had no choice. After the little dramatic escapade with the lycan, he felt uneasy being away from the suite. If worst came to worst, he would make his excuses. He hoped that it didn't come to that point.

"I thought I might find you hiding out back here..." Came the soft voice as another entered into the massive chamber. Playful melody held in the woman's words that Blade instantly recognized by tone alone. He looked up as Sabrina sashayed into the doorway. Flowing gown of dark pattern silk and lace donning her frame in perfect elegance. A hand rested on one slender hip as she struck a pose before the table. Black fan unfurled and fluttered coyly to the side of her face. "But of course, what better way to avoid the masses..." He offered back to her as he pushed against the table and stood. Steps made that took him around to her, a hug issued in greeting. "'Tis always a pleasure to see you, Auntie Bree.." he whispered in the embrace. She smiled as she hugged her only nephew, then leaning back, she let slender hands linger on his shoulders as dark orbs roamed over his features. "My darling Vincent..Here, let me look at you..." A coy smirk replacing that smile as she did. "My my, what a handsome one you've became...but your too much like your father I'm afraid..all work and no play.." She teased him then let a gloved hand cup his cheek.

Mirthful expression held in Blade's eyes as she spoke. "I suppose I am guilty of that..but how else can I be of benefit to my people if not for their protection?" He gave a smirk of his own as he allowed his own gaze to dip over the elder woman. He always enjoyed her visits, the kinder soul of the Wolfbane clan, quite the opposite of her bother, Antoine. "Your looking ravishing, how many hearts have you managed to pocket since we last talked?" She laughed lightly then, so much that it seemed like a familiar melody in his mind. "I keep a few as spares. But Vincent.." She took his arm then as she turned, allowing him to escort her out the door and down towards the parlor. "Antoine tells me that you still haven't taken a wife...when are you going to settle down and give me children to spoil? I'm not getting any younger, you know.."

He laughed to her comment, then looked over to her. "Not you too..." He sighed lightly as he moved onward through the hallway, turning the corner and entering the mouth of the gothic parlor. "You'll probably have better luck coaxing Beth in that department." She smiled as she looked on to him, then shifted her gaze around to familiar faces in the crowd. "So I've heard..when do I get to meet this suitor of hers?" A questionable look was cast back to Blade then as they drew to a halt. Blade gave an upnod of his head as gaze drifted up to the Brujah still lounging against the balcony. "Speak of the devil" He offered. Sabrina looked upward to the Kindred and smiled. A nod was offered lightly then she looked to Blade as she slipped her arm gently from his. "If you'll excuse me.." She grinned then proceeded to take the stairs as regally as any aristrocat would. He chuckled lightly as he watched her. Shaking his head, he turned and reentered the parlor, this time taking a goblet of wyne as it was floating by on one of the many tray laden servants.

Luceria appeared at the top of the massive staircase. With Maggie just to her right, she awaited the chylde's descending steps. Maggie whispered to the kitten as she petted him, then quickly she slid it just inside her coat. "Now you stay there and be good, Baby.." Luceria smirked lightly as she then proceeded to step downward to the bottom. Since the influx of strangers to the estate, she figured she could make an appearance and go unnoticed. Or at least that was her plan. The gothic style of her clothing would place her as one of the masses, and hopefully the lace veil she wore would only aide her in concealment. As she glanced to those lingering in the parlor, she lifted a soft brow as she spotted a familiar face. Turning her attention to Maggie, she frowned. "I see your uncle is here... mayhaps I should go back upstairs." Maggie's kohl lined eyes turned to spy Blade, then she looked to the gypsy woman. "Don't worry about him, he won't say nothing. He's too busy drinking." Which, in retrospect, he was. But at any rate, she would take measures to avoid running into him. Dark eyes took one last glance to him before she soon slid into the flow of the crowd.

Blade looked on to those around him with a casual interest at best. He figured that he might as well get use to seeing gatherings like this if he was to slip into his father's seat. He really wasn't looking forward to that, but fate gave him little choice. Mulling over a few things, he soon gave up the disinterest as he turned and started out, eyes falling upon Maggie as he did. He tilted his head as the small bulge under her coat shifted and a furry tail wiggled out for a moment. He stopped in his tracks, looking to her. "Maggie..." The familiar odor of cat filled his senses. He wanted to roll his eyes. "Oh, Hi Uncle Blade..." She grinned from ear to ear then politely pushed the little tail back under her coat. At that point he really didn't want to know. He was just happy Beth was returning and he could cease this reign of baby-sitting. "Try not to destroy too much, this evening." was all he offered as he stepped around her and headed back towards the meeting chamber.

An unsuspecting shadow moved then in his wake. He let it go for now, thinking it was one of the she-vamps most likely looking to get lucky. She was in for a rude awakening, though. Blade was still preoccupied at the moment with last night's encounter with Trisha, and it seemed that sating his desires would take a back-seat to consist of only wine this eve. He awaited his sister's arrival. Her phone call last night left a lot of vague thoughts to ponder. And this mystery guest that she spoke of has of yet to be revealed. But, whatever it was that she had up her sleeve, he would just have to wait it out and see. Slipping into the silent chamber, he shifted back to the table to take a seat, eyes idly skimming over the night's meeting agenda.

Upstairs, Rachyl was putting the last touches on her makeup before she double checked her dress. After Antoine had requested she stay in her own room until the wedding, she had almost through a fit in protest. But, she was compelled to do his bidding, and gave him the respect that he so strongly urged with guests in the house. She was never going to get to the old ways, no matter how hard she studied and practiced. But she knew that she must, if she was to become the new bride of the Regent. She was looking forward to his absence while in Budapest, she had her own agenda to keep too. Her talk with Marcus last night was brief, but she had gotten everything she had needed in the way of instructions from him. She was to continue to get on Blade's good side. Ultimatly she wanted more from the whelp, as Marcus had put it so crudely..."Fuck him if you have to, but find out all you can from him...I must know what choice Antione was thinking in terms of his replacement."

He knew Blade would know, that was a given. And using the temptress Rachyl had been his barganing chip all along. He knew the sibling well enough to know he wouldn't turn down a challenging woman such as his own chylde. That was too much of a temptation for the boy. Blade and Beth's vengance towards Marcus was unfathomable. There were no lengths that these two would not go to to insure Marcus was paid back for all of his schemes. And that would be their downfall. Rachyl smiled as she touched the powder puff gently against the show of her cleveage, then dropping it, she grasp each side of the tight bodice and tugged it upward, creating an even higher display of creamy flesh. She repowdered the heaping swells of her breasts, then deemed herself ready. With a soft smack of her lips to moisten the dark gloss, she turned and headed out the door. She must not keep her guests waiting, especially one handsome kindred in general.

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wisteria Hotel, 10:39pm

Stretching her arms, Trixie soon rose from behind the laptop. To no end, Sasha's business was still as much a mystery as the Belladonna. As much as she wanted to find some tidbit to lead them to her doorstep, it seemed she was going to have to resort to planting the bugging devices in the Casino after all. Her brow creased as she thought about it. Involving Ben really wasn't her first choice. But, she had no other. Not when Blade insisted the Hand not get that absorbed in tactics. She wondered then what the hell his purpose just was. Pondering that very thing she moved out of the small make shift office and strode on down the hall and into the living area. The soft glow of the TV lit the area as muffles came from the corner.

She glanced to the sofa and spotted long, leather clad legs that belonged to Knox. Feet propped on the coffee table, book in his lap as she found him asleep. And, other than Aaron's empty room, Knox's soft snores where all that were left to keep her company. Stopping before the kitchen, she had just about determined Blade and his lackeys were here to make sure this war didn't escalate. Which, was a good thing, but it also made it hard on the investigation. Oh well, she supposed it could be worse. Slender hand reached for the phone as she dialed room service and ordered a couple of plates; burgers and fries. At least she could take advantage of the hospitality, especially since Wolfbane insisted on picking up the tab. She wondered then just where his sad self was tonight. Meetings..bah.

Rousting Knox from his sleep, she passed off a plate to him, then took her own as the cart and hotel waiter soon disappeared from the room. Taking a seat at the table, she began to eat her meal as gaze skimmed over a few notes she had accumulated since arriving in Stationside. Keen ears detected a slight thump off down the hallway. It wasn't until the same thump was heard again that she turned her attention towards the master bedroom. She looked over to Knox, then slowly wiped her hands on her napkin. "Seems we've got company." She softly spoke as she stood, head nodding down the hall as fingers reached around to the back of her pants and slid that 9 mm easily from it's resting place. The ghoul gave a glance in the general direction of the room as he slowly discarded his food and stood. His own weapon finding it's way to the curve of one hand. "Aye, so it would seem.." He offered softly back to her, that Scottish accent ever present in his tone as the click of his gun signaled a round was loaded into the chamber.

Bare feet fell in step behind the servant as they crept down the hallway. Hey, Trixie was no idiot. Knox was left here as her 'bodyguard', so if this was a threat, he would at least take the first motion of retaliation from their unwanted guest. He inched to one edge of the open door as she moved across from him on the other side. She panned her gaze around to the room as he made the same motion from his side. He looked to her and shook his head from side to side, indicating he saw nothing. She, on the other hand watched as the curtains billowed out into the air. "Balcony's open," she whispered as she looked back to him. "And I didn't leave it that way." As both sets of eyes tilted to inspect the curtains, a shadow rose from the floor. And in a split second, the curtains parted as it quickly darted outside. "Shit, there it goes.." She spat as both of them bounced through the door and started across the room.

Knox was quick to run around the bed on his way to the balcony doors as Trixie took the high road and leapt over the bed, bare feet politely landing outside, upon the cold concrete of the balcony. She looked around, then down over the ledge to the street below. "Up there...going to the roof." Knox said as eyes followed the shifting shadow upward along the wall. Trix turned and looked up as well, then muttered a curse under her breath as she slid the 9 mm back into the waist of her pants. Before Knox could protest, she shifted up on the ledge as hands felt for the edges of the stone wall, then slowly but surely she began to scale it. "I'll take the stairs and cut 'em off." He quickly piped in and disappeared back into the room. She had made it half way up to the edge of the roof when the ghouls words reached her. She made herself continue slowly upward, daring not to look down. The Hotel was the tallest building on the block, a good 25 stories and here she was hanging by her fingers and toes at the top. This was not her idea of fun. And neither was unwanted snoops. If this was more of those Brujah scum, they were as good as dead, even if she had to snap their skinny necks herself.

Feet landed on solid ground and she swung herself onto the roof. She heard a door creak off to the left and spotted Knox and his gun making an entrance across the rooftop. Quick little sucker, she thought as she glanced around into the darkened silence of the roof. Except for a few radio towers, it seemed to be deserted. Whomever it was couldn't have gotten far. She moved slowly around the feet of the tower as 9 mm was held out and trained around before her until the little red beam from the laser sight honed in on a dark shape huddling in the far corner of the roof. "Knox.." She called over her shoulder as bare feet took her closer, step after step. Ears picked up a whimpering noise, then as she drew closer, a growl stopped her in her tracks. She felt the ghoul nearing her as he brushed a hand against her outstretched arms. "Let me handle this.." He offered as his gaze lowered to the huddling mass. A tattered cloak begun to shift and furl lightly in the currents of the air as the stench of Kindred filled both of their nostrils. Trix didn't lower her weapon, but she did remain standing in one spot as Knox drew even nearer to the shadow.

Know knew who it was by scent alone. He slid his weapon into it's holster as he knelt down not far from the huddling creature. "It's alright, Edgar...you startled us..that's all." He began as he tried to quill the Nosferatu. In all of His master's dealings with this one, he knew that something had drawn him from the sewers. He was quite passive and did not venture from his domain unless something was wrong. And it was that thought that lingered in the ghoul's mind as he waited for any response. "..get away, must get away.." Was all that was offered from Edgar's frightened lips. Knox studied the hood of the cloak, trying to make out the disfigured features of the Nosfie, but the darkness was his companion, as always. "Yes, you must return to your domain...Edgar...but first...please tell me why you have came here?" Trixie watched on in silence, gaze trying to make out the ragged features of the kindred as well. When Knox raised a hand and motioned her to step back, she did, but that gun wasn't lowered just yet. She looked around the roof a moment, then returned her attention back down to the shadow.

"Blade....must go..." Again a trembling voice was all that came from the hood of the cloak. "The master is not here, tonight. If this is whom you wish....." Knox offered but was quickly cut off as the shadow shifted to stand quickly. Knox stood as well, keeping a hand raised as palm was held out before him. His other hand was still gripping the hilt of his weapon, and this didn't go unnoticed by Trixie. If the ghoul was apprehensive, she would not back away either. "NO!!! Go now...Must go now. They move in silver slivers..come from the shadows...they will!!" The Nosfie grew more bold then, as if suddenly enraged by some unseen force. "Take it easy..." Trixie offered as her 9 mm was aimed dead on the hood. The creature hissed at her, then his arms rose up, stretching bony arms out as twisted hands seemed to reach for her, then drawn back quickly. "It is her...yes yes...she has came...."

Trish cast and uneasy glance to Knox as both hands now held the gun steady before her. "What in the hell is he babbling about..?" She ask as she finally took an uneasy step back. Something in the hissing tone of the Nosfie's voice made her spine shiver with uncertainty. Knox shook his head lightly as he returned his attention to the kindred. "I don't know...only the master can understand him..." He tried again to question the Nosfie. "Edgar...what is wrong..can you tell me, please..?"

By this time the Nosfie had regained all his composure. The lycan had frightened him. It had been so long since he had been in the presence of one so powerful that he simply cowered with fear. Folding one hand into his cloak, it soon reappeared as a small, tattered leather bound book was produced. "Here...tis here that I have forcast thy coming..." His bony fingers soon begun to rummage through the darkened parchment pages of the book. Finding what he was looking for, he started to read out loud to them both. "The moon shall rise three quarters to the west...on the eve of All Saints..." Edgar whispered into the air. "And on this night, halls will run red from the courts...Feigns of peace will appear amongst the white....and slice through with silver claws that harbor vengeance. And she will come, fur of white, band of black. The fists of righteous shall strike and drive the silver back...yes..the white wolf is among us...go, must go..." He paused in his cryptic ramblings to look up. The red tint of his eyes looked past Knox to focus on Trixie, then he lowered his head as the book soon disappeared back into the confines of his cloak as he whispered once more. "Go now, servant of the Fleshcrafter ..... thy master needs thee..."

Trisha was already repeating the cryptic ramblings to herself as she tried to make some sense in all the madness. For whatever reason, the Nosfie had sought them out. That much was picked up on in the haste of the disfigured kindred. She glanced to Knox, still alittle unsure at this point what it was they needed to do. "Where's Blade?" She ask as his absence suddenly became apparant to her...and when her attention turned back to the Nosfie, he was gone. The door to the stairs closing as her eyes focused on it. "Shit, he's getting away.." She said as she took a few steps in that direction. The cold had made it's presence known to her then as she stepped against the light powdering of snow that had went unnoticed to her before. It was coming down harder now. "No, let him go...we'll never catch him...he's got so many escape routes to the sewers, it's fruitless." Knox said as he grabbed her arm and turned her back around. He, too was contemplating what the kindred had spoken to them.

"Blade is at the estate. The Regent is leaving for Budapest this eve..." He said more to himself than anything at this point. "Halloween....All Saints eve..." She said as she looked to him. "The court..." He said then stopped, realization etching his features. Trixie turned to look at the falling snow, then back at him, a lift of her brow. "The court? You mean the Regent...Oh my god!! That's it....their in danger, Knox...and that thing came to warn us." Knox felt the uneasy glance pass between them then as he nodded. That was the only explination. "Let's go..." He breathed as he turned and dashed for the stairs. Trixie was right on his heels, the entire night brutally turning from casual into concern as they scrambled from the roof.

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 11:00pm

The massive tooled oak doors swung open as the last slap of the gravel against the podium faded into the remnants of shifting chairs. The meeting adjourned, and the trip to the train station awaited the court. The caravan of limos awaited them in the curve of the drive, motors running as the snow showers seemed to be picking up. Blade made his way out to the foyer as he awaited his father's departure. He would accompany him to the depot, per usual, then bid him safe travels into the high country. But, at the moment, something minor seemed to be detaining him and as overlapping voices echoed down the now silent hall, he turned his attention to the top of the stairs where Rachyl now stood arguing with Antoine. She had been in rare form this eve, Blade also noted, as their words grew in volume. Her lewd display of attention was getting rather annoying. The robed Regent finally waved a hand in her direction and she fell silent. "You cannot understand, my dear. And I simply lack the patience to explain it to you. You cannot go and that is final!"

For some reason she seemed to arbor going on this trip, and at the last moment directed her bags be packed into the limo along with her beloved. Blade rolled his eyes lightly as he looked to his watch. They were already ten minutes late in leaving, and the caravan had already left for the station. Guess they were in for a wait, he determined as he took out his phone and opened it. Looking down to the blank facepad, he sighed. He felt like flinging the malfunctioning device against the stone hearth. The storm had already knocked out the transmitters to render the cell phone service dead. "But, but, Antoine...I simply cannot bare being apart from you for so long. Please reconsider ... plllleeeeaaassseee???" Her plea was heard in just about every corner of the stately manor. Blade stepped to the staircase as his father had already started down. "Father...the clock is ticking and the storm isn't getting any less.." Blade reminded him as he stepped to the foyer. "I know this, son. I'm ready..." Antoine offered as if to say...as soon as this pest shuts up.

Opening the door, Blade stepped aside as he allowed his father to exit, then turning to intersect Rachyl, one hand rose and pressed lightly against her shoulder. "Time to say good-bye..." he said as he turned to follow the Regent out. That's when a high pitched squeal came from Rachyl, along with the biggest display of alligator tears Blade had ever seen. Both men halted in their tracks to turn and gaze up at Rachyl in bewilderment. "Oh for cryin' out loud, enough already!!" Blade shot back. He looked around to his Father, and in turn he looked to Blade and gave a light shrug of his shoulders. Neither one knew how to handle this type of outburst. Well, Blade did, but he didn't think his father would appreciate him burying a bullet in Rachyl's brain. "Oh, let her ride in with us, what harm can that be?" Antoine finally said, giving in to the moment. "Harm? It'll be twice as worse at the depot..but alright." Blade waved his arm out, motioning to the walkway and the open door of the limo. "If your highness will kindly move it..so we won't be so late..Gods" He swore the latter under his breath. One more deterrent for him not to settle down. Women.

The limo was set in motion as all was safe and secure within the bowels of the black auto. The snow was making for a tedious trek, and the only consolation in this was the caravan would be slow moving as well. Maybe they wouldn't be that late, after all. As they passed through the iron gates, Blade gave one last glance to the guardhouse, then settled himself into the leather seats as eyes closed. Leaning back, he sighed and went over his mind everything he needed to accomplish tonight to make sure the court was safely guarded on the train. He never noticed the slight skidding motion of the vehicle in some of the winding turns leading away from the estate, nor did he or anyone else notice the road closed signs that had been conveniently slid out of the roadway. As the Regent's limo took a path different from the caravan, the plans for the ambush was set into motion. As soon as the black limo topped the hill, the signs were quickly slid back into place as two of Sasha's henchmen quickly slipped back into the woods. There awaiting were several ATV's, and on them, six of her best 'Fang fighters

Moving quickly forward along the treeline, the assault team traveled parallel to the roadbed, as the actual ambush sight lay about two miles on up and at the top of the hill. Passing the creeping limo, ample time was insured as they hurried to get things set up and everyone in place. Taking out the top Tzimisce fiends was on Sasha's agenda tonight. And she spared no expense in insuring the task would be carried out. Gear stashed as the headlights finally fickered in the dense snow...the Regent had arrived..now it was time to put that plan into motion. Death would soon find the Kindred this eve.....and would be a slow torture indeed as the snipper took his perch just beyond the roadway. And given the signal, two rounds were squeezed off by the assassin that quickly pierced into the windshield of the limo. Bullet shattred bone of the two ghouls that occupied the front cab, and soon the limo spun around on the ice out of control. As it toppled nose first over the cliff and fell downward into the ravine. As the car burst into flames, one by one, those dark shadows grew as human forms gave into the hunger of the beast. Then haunting howls of the hunt filled the hillside.

Nothing is as it seems.Wasn't it those words that Blade lived by? He was pretty sure it was as the cozy ride in to the Depot took a turn for the worst. It was Rachyl's scream that brought him out of his little trance. His senses were first aware of danger as the purdent odor of blood filled the passanger's cab. Crimson ran down her perfectly powdered face and littered her cleveage. He blinked himself awake as he turned to see where the 'ping' noise had came from. Running against the clear Plexiglas divider of the limo cab was more blood and grey brain matter that was splattered in chunks, and on just about everything in the drivers compartment. One single hole had penetrated the glass where the bullet had came straight through the driver's brain to embed in Rachyl's left eye.

Her whales grew louder as Antoine's shouts grew as well. And all three of the Kindred passengers began to bounce around when the car swerved out of control. Blade had no time to try to break the glass, let alone try to gain the advantage of the car, soon all three fell forward against the Plexiglas as the limo took a nose dive downward from the road. Along with a few polite snaps of bones, the annoying high pitch sound of trees scraping and slapping against the falling car filled their ears. Blade did the only thing he could then as they fell helplessly to the bottom. He kicked out one of the doors and shoved his father out. He tried to grab the squirming Rachyl but was too slow as a broken treelimb protruded in via the windshield and stabbed straight through her upper torso, missing Blade's head by centimeters. Knowing there was nothing he could do for her now, he turned and jumped from the car himself.

The end of the ride was signaled by an explosion that lit up the sky. But he rushed by the inferno to fall further..then it was sickening pain that he was soon met with as trees started to break his fall. The sharp pings and dull stabs filled his senses before he came to an abrupt halt against a massive limb. Clinging arms let go as he fell to the wet ground, the snow already beginning to turn crimson underneath him. Trying to save his strength with the blood loss, he attempted to call out to Knox in his mind. It was cut short as the swirling blackness overpowered his mind. One thing was singled out in his mind, and lingered on his thoughts briefly before he slipped away, and that was the curt howls from above.

Chapter 70--L'epreuve de Force

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 11:55pm

The Hummer rolled sideways and came to a skidding halt against the gate of the estate. Knox rolled down the window quickly as one of the guards ran out to greet them. Looking past Knox, Trixie surveyed the man, then she turned her attention to the iron gates before her. The esteemed Twisting Serpents displayed on the iron clearly noting who dwelled within the walls. The steady fall of snow prohibiting her from actually seeing the house itself. It wasn't a socal call anyhow. She looked back around as she heard Knox's words. "They left about 30 minutes ago. They haven't gotten far in this mess, so maybe there's time to catch them.." Trixie simply nodded as she glanced once more to the guard, then he soon disappeared from sight as Knox backed up the Hummer and pointed it back out the road. His orders, per Knox, were to gather what guards were left at the estate and high tail it to the depot.

After leaving the hotel rooftop, it had took them all of 10 minutes to dress and load the vehicle up with enough equipment to wage their own small war and head out of the city. She only wished they had, at the least, Grey or possibly even Aaron with them. She wasn't sure what lay in store for them...and hoped like hell they would find all of them standing at the Train station, looking slightly confused, by safe. But, something in her gut told her they wouldn't. Knox veered to the right about the time he cried out. The hummer plowed through a bank and then rolled to a stop as it returned to the road. Looking over to him, she unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over to lift up his head. He had hit the steering wheel in that little 4 wheel endevour, but the red tint of his eyes harbored the signature symbol of his blood. His breaths came in gasps then. "What is it? Knox?!?! What's wrong?" He wiped at the trickle of blood coming from his nose as he tried to focus on her. "Something's happened..." He muttered. That was it. "Alright, move..you can't drive in that condition." She unbuckled his belt then got out of the hummer. Making it around to the driver's side, she literately pushed him over the console and then slid herself under the wheel. Her mind was racing with unlimited possibilities as she strapped in and started the vehicle back down the road. She knew then that whatever it was...Blade had been the source of that ghoulish episode. And it also told her that with his mind link being so strong, that they were close.

She passed him a cloth for his nose then turned her attention to piloting the vehicle through the snow. Even with the four wheel drive of the hummer, it was still slow going. Miles begun to click off as they rounded a bend where the roads forked. Seeing the closed signs, the took the open road as she eased into the corner. Gaze panned out across the hood of the vehicle as she brought it to an abrupt halt. Knox had yelled for her to stop, then as both their gazes panned up the sloping hillside of the closed road, she put the hummer in reverse and backed up. Shining the headlights against the roadbed, faint tracks could be noted through the still falling sleet. She looked to him. "Are you sure this is the way?" She knew alittle about the ghoul bonding, for she had been one herself years ago, but with the uncertainly of this entire night, she had to double check before she plowed through the signs. The sign of a diming firelight confirmed his decision as she soon topped the first sloping hill and pulled the vehicle to a slidding halt. Hopping out, she moved quickly to the edge of the road and looked downward into the gorge. The blaze lay directly to the bottom, and though the dark plumbs of smoke she could make out the burned out shell of a vehicle. Turning, she opened the hatch of the hummer and dug around through the equipment

She glanced to Knox as he appeared beside her, then she continued to strap on guns, bandoliers, grenades and basically anything she could carry down with her. "I'm going down there with you.." He said as he begun to stap on weapons and ammo. She wasn't going to protest, she was too busy trying to figure out how they were going to actually get down to the car. She looked around to him, then nodded. "Unroll the cable on the wench. That may be enough to lower us down there....I dunno how in the hell we'll get back out.." After she grabbed a duffle bag out of the back, she slammed the hatch and moved out of the way while Knox moved the Hummer, pointing the front end as close to the edge of the bank as possible. Her attention then turned to the hillside just beyond the crash sight. And what she heard next caused an unsettling shiver to rack her spine. Several howls rose up out of the gorge, overlapping shrieks very well known to her. Hunting cries. Her mind raced as she tried to remember just what Edgar the friendly neighborhood prophet had said.."Appear amongst the white." She muttered. Eyes cut along the white hillside as the snow fell in heavier showers to litter the ground everywhere. "Slice ...slice with?" Dammit, think Trix!!! She licked her lips as she looked around to Knox, silently wishing he would hurry the hell up. "Silver claws" She breathed. Fangs..

She stepped to the edge of the road, then leaned down to secure a couple of D clamps on the wench cable. She then strapped on a harness belt, hooked herself to the cable, then looked up to him. "I'll go down first..we're not alone out here..so be on guard." She bid him, knowing fully well he had heard the lycan howls as well. Slipping a length of rope through the harness rigging, she straddled the cable then slowly she begun to lower herself down into the gorge. Booted feet slipped here and there on wet bushes and frozen treetops as she quickly pushed off and decended further, managing to drop closer towards the flaming wreck. Those lycan senses were kept on alert as she did, trying to keep an eye out for any signs of the assailants. The calm before the storm? More than likely. She had a kit just in case. As much as she loathed her own transformation, she would not hesistate this eve. The Fangs had it coming. The conflict up at the docks had been just a taste of things to come for the unfortunate bastards out here tonight. She would make sure none of them lived to tell about this fucking ambush.

Reaching the bottom, Trixie's heart was racing at the speed of light. The ice made for a treacherous undertaking, but the smell of blood, fire and scorched flesh put her senses on alert. Azure eyes scanned the treeline to spot the inferno still in full burn. What once was the limo now heavily smoked the air. The wind was nigh in the gouge, and that was about the only plus she noted as eyes skimmed the white powder littering the rocky hillside. The Fangs were circling. That tingling prickle sensation laced her spine as she unhooked herself from the wench cable and stepped on towards the burning car. The heat was relentless and it had already charred the ground beneath the melted snow. She glanced around then turned, facing the way she had came. She eyed the steep wall of the rocky gorge. There was no way in hell they could climb back out of here. This would be the point of no return. If Sasha wanted a slaughter, then Trix would dare not disappoint. She spotted Knox's silhouette as she glanced upward. He was having his own personal hell trying to lower into the gorge. It was risky having the ghoul down here, she couldn't protect him..not when she already knew she would have her hands full fighting. She hoped like hell he was an efficient as he looked. Your wasting time, Trix. Get moving.

Gaze lowered then as a shadow just below the broken trees moved. Blue orbs scanned it as she stood in her tracks. A flash of red was noted, then as she moved closer, she could make out a shroud of torn clothing flapping in the down current of the air. Her booted feet crunched harder against the packed snow as she scurried faster. And what she saw next made her stop and tilt her head. Not out of curiosity, but out of bewilderment. Before her hung the Regent, his body impaled on a broken treelimb. The thickness of limb was protruding through his chest as his straight on stare told his fate. Paralyzed by the makeshift stake, he hung suspended from the rocky wall as crimson pooled in the snow just below where his feet dangled. She felt the air shift beside her as head jetted around. She heard the soft swearing voice of Knox as gaze focused on him. Thinking fast, she reached to the utility belt around her waist and tore off two fistful of green flares. She shoved them in his hands. "Here, make yourself useful...light these and circle them around us in the snow." With that, she turned her attention back to Antoine. "But..." He protested. She turned and growled at the ghoul. "Do it now, Knox..." In which he turned and stormed off. He was not about to agrue with her, not when she was his only protection from the stalking Lycans in the woods.

After studing the hanging vampire again, she moved off to the left of him and attempted to climb the tree he was hanging from. Halfway up the first set of branches, she paused to take a better look at his position. Then sitting down on the branch, she leaned her back flush with the tree trunk and pressed booted feet against the broken limb. Taking a deep breath, she pushed out with her feet. Relying on her own inner strength, she gave a growl as harder she pressed. Soon sharp pops and cracks filled the air. Then with a sharp snap, the limb broke free and sent the Regent tumbling downward into the powdered snow below. Letting go of the branch, she fell to land in a crouching position just beyond where he fell. Head lifted as she caught a strong whiff of a 'Fang nearby. Eyes shimmered glassy blue before the red overpowered the color. She could make out the shifting sillohette of the first inturder. It lingered behind a row of hemlocks just beyond the glowing car. She rose to her feet, stepping swiftly towards where Know was standing. She would have to hurry, the Fang was closing in fast.

She intersected the beast right before it rose up to pounce on the ghoul. After body slamming Knox to the ground, she lept upward herself. Those customized leather gauntlets strapped on her forearms shifted forward as she cut them out into the air. Fists were cinched as three, thick 2-inch silver blades sprang out from either side of those coiled leather strappings. Her arms sliced swiftly up into the air, and she caught the airborne Lycan across the throat with the razor edges to send it toppling to the snow. A a mixture of howls and shrieks of pain filled the darkness. Hitting the hard packed snow, it withered and thrashed about as the beast was subsiding at a rapid rate. Trixie fell to the ground too, and a quick forward roll brought her back upon her feet. Turning swiftly, she caught the lingering twitches of the dying Fang as it's human form was finally seen melting away from the beast. Wasting no time, she grabbed the dead Asian woman by the hair of the head and started dragging her towards Antonie. "Get those damn flares lit, Bobby" She called over her shoulder to him. Without some sort of field cover, they were sitting ducks out here in this damn hole.

Once she returned to the injured Regent, she dropped the dead Fang and let both hands grab the motionless Kindred. Rolling him over for inspection, she noticed that most of the protruding limb had broken out from the fall. What remained was a pretty thick sliver of wood lodged in his chest. She could see the red glowing tint of his eyes as they now followed her every move. He wouldn't stay immobile for much longer, which meant she would have to contend with him at some point. She was sure he didn't know what the hell was going on. And the scrape from the attacking lycan had slit her cheek; her own lycan blood spilling against porcelain features. Oh, he could smell it by now..she was sure of it. "I'm here to help....now just try to stay still, Antoine...I'll have you free in a sec..." Well, what else could she do? Hoping by at least acknowledging him, he wouldn't rise up and vamp out on her. Not when she was trying to save his sorry kindred ass. "Brace yourself..this is gonna hurt like a bitch..." she muttered to him as she took hold to the edge of the wood shard. She silently counted to three then pulled the wood upward as swiftly as she could. The hollow sucking sound of air, blood and wet flesh was heard before she fell backwards, finally freeing the wood from his chest. Dark crimson covered her hands and left a trail across the snow from the Regent. She could hear him coughing and gurgling as he struggled to regain his freedom.

She dropped the sliver of wood, then stood. Reaching for the dead Fang, she shoved it towards his gaping mouth. Those sharp fangs of his already present, as with the full force of burning red from his eyes. "Here...I know it's bitter, but try to drink. If you don't, you'll bleed to death.." Despite the kindred's hissing and relunctness to feed off the dead Lycan, he gave in to the need for blood as she watched his mouth decend on the side of the Asian's neck. While he was busy doing that, she tore what was left of the tattered robe from his body. Ripping it into a few strips, she rolled the bulk of it up and shoved it over the puckering hole in his chest. He growled in protest, but she pressed a palm to his shoulder to keep him on laying the ground. Her only advantage was that he was injured. He was an old Tiz, and his powers would be three fold stronger against her own. "Stay still dammit!!" She muttered as she struggled to hold the cloth over his wound enough to tie it securly against him.

"Wh...Why are you doing this?" he breathed. It was a struggle for him to talk at this point, but the stubborn ass did it anyway. "Why? Cuz I got nothing better to do, that's why...now pipe down and let me finish." She shot back to him. Eyes turned to look down to him as she sat back. She pushed her snow matted locks from her face as she took in a few deep breaths. She had almost forgotten how bad Kindred blood stunk. A hand lowered to touch his face, he hesistated before allowing her to wipe the trickling blood from his eyes. Closing them slowly, he pushed out all thoughts and settled down into the snow. All his concentration settling on his blood as he willed it to rise up in his body and focus on his injuries. She, in the meantime, watched him, then turned her attention to the green glow that now surrounded them in the corner of the gorge. Knox appeared then out of the haze, making haste to reach the Regent's side. He knelt and began his own examination of him. When he did, Antoine's hand jeted up and grabbed his throat, a hiss issued from his parting lips as the smell of the ghoul's blood drove the Regent's hunger higher. "Oh no you don't." Trisha leaned over then and pushed Knox away, tearing Antinoe's fangs from Knox's throat. "Stop draining the ghoul!!!" After settling him back against the snow, she looked down to him as she took one of the strips of cloth finished securing the make shift bandage. She knew it wouldn't hold for long, but maybe he would settle down enough allow his blood to seal the wound.

"Antoine...listen to me...who else was in that car.. we haven't much time..If you want them to live, then tell me...I got to find them before the 'Fangs do..." Her words were quick and to the point. She didn't give a rat's ass what happened once they got out of here, time was not on their side and she tried to make him see this. Well, whatever she said must have struck home to the Kindred, cuz he settled down and gave her his full attention. His eyes lost most of the redness as he looked up to her. He looked helpless, so weak laying there. Something that she was sure he was not accustomed to being. "Ra...Rachyl. Blade.. Must find them.." He breathed. Tilting her head, she caught his breathless struggle and she frowned. "Alright, I will. Try not to talk again..save your energy..." She turned her attention to Knox then. "Stay here and watch him...and stay behind the flares..it'll blind them for alittle while. It's our only protection.."

"Don't bother, She's dead" Came a hollow voice from the darkness before Blade soon emerged from the shadows. Turning swiftly, Trixie stood, the sudden appearance of another startling her. "It's about damn time you showed up..." She spat at him as he staggered closer. She reached out as she met him halfway, closing the gap to take hold to him. He flinched. Left hand had been tightly cinched over his right shoulder and the appearance of the dark blood that oozed between his fingers told of his injury. That and the white, broken edge of his collarbone that protruded from his skin. "How bad?" she ask as she snaked an arm around his waist for support. She slowly helped him on over to the others. "...Pretty bad.." He breathed. His face was bleeding from the many gashes littering his face. He came to rest by his father, falling down to a sitting position as he did. "Knox, gimme the dufflebag." She ordered as she knelt before him. Looking him over, a hand rose up to tilt his chin back slowly. When he pulled away from her, she sighed. "Stop squirming and let me look.." She fussed over him alittle too much for his comfort. "You shouldn't be here..." He countered, looking over into her eyes. "Somebody had to save your ass." She uttered softly as the concern in her gaze reflected back to him. "We have to get out of here..." He reinforced this with a stern look, then sighed, pverwhelmed by her expression. "I'm working on it.." She snapped back to reality as she looked to Knox, then back to Blade. "Work faster..." He suggested while his eyes pleaded silently to her. "...I said I'm working on it...even god had a day off.." She muttered as a smirk creased her lips. She leaned back, then stood.

Blade was fighting both the beast and the man as he watched Trixie's every move. He had watched her intently the moment he recognized her silhouette descending down the rocks. Especially they way she had saved both his father and his ghoul from final death. Even while attentive, it had been the first time since their agreement to work together that skepticism had entered his thoughts. It was hard for him to swallow the fact she would double cross him. And to do it so distastefully, he was struck with uncertainty. He knew her well enough to know that...if she ever turned on him, she would revel in the moment of his demise. And he hadn't fogotten about what she did to Kristen, either. This Beauty's Beast was deadly. No, she just couldn't...he simply put the thought out of his mind. That and a reassuring glance to Knox, who had appeared in the gorge minutes later, faded away any lingering thoughts of her betrayal.

Now a bigger threat loomed in the mist. A pack, if his senses were not to badly damaged. The lycans had been discovered on his way down into the gouge, and his own body was too racked with pain to defend himself or his father. He had landed in a snow bank and stayed there, partly for cover, but mostly because he couldn't move. Broken trees and the rocky alcove had took jagged bites out of him on the way down. Jumping out of a falling limo was one thing, but it seemed as if this was the case of 'out of the pan and into the fire'. He glanced to the burned wreckage of the limo as Rachyl's dying scream still filled his ears. Such a waste. No great loss, though. But now, back to the present, he blinked his eyes closed, then open as looked back to Trixie. Would he put his life..and his fathers... in the hands of this Gaia? That was mulled over as he narrowed his brows in concern.

"Knox, do what you can to patch him up....I'm gonna see about getting us outta here..." Reaching a hand to her utility belt as she spoke, she tugged out the sawed off M-30 from it's cradle, and leaned down to lay it across Blade's lap. Another motion and she slipped the grenade bandolier from around her to rest along with the weapon. Her 9mm was produced then, a sharp click heard as she chambered a round, then she inched it down beside Antoine. Two spare clips of Liquid Nitrate rounds were taken from her belt and were placed with it. Blade watched on, slightly amused expression befell his features. He offered her a slow smirk as he looked up from the weapon she just gave him. "I think I'm in love.." Came the sarcastic remark to her. That take charge attitude and the casual way she passed out those destructive weapons like candy held him in awe, if not overwhelmed with impressiveness. But, the reality of it all was...he really did need that kind of woman on his side...and maybe in his bed. Where did that come from? He shook off the thought. The firepower she passed over would help a great deal at the moment, too, as maimed as he was. He really didn't know what to think about her, but he was very glad to see her.

"Keep it in your pants, Wolfbane, we ain't out of the woods yet..." She shot back to him then turned, grabbing up the harnesses that they had used to scale down into the gorge. Knealing, hands made idle work of inspecting them as mind tried to focus on the situation and what options they really had. She was running out of cheap tricks fast. Antoine looked at the strange lycan woman before shifting his dark eyes to the pistol. Did she expect him to use that? He hoped the hell not. But, without his sword, he wasn't going to fend off those lycans with his mind, that's for damn sure. A slender hand soon slid down to cup the 9mm, it was drawn up and seated gently in his lap. He looked to Blade, then did a double take to his son's expression, and his words. Delirium, had to be, he determined as he surveyed the wounds that Knox was tending to on son's face and shoulder. "Rachyl...?" he ask Blade, his voice still shaky from his weakened state. Blade's grim features told of her fate before he offered a reply. "No, Dad. She was dead before the limo hit bottom."

Ok, Maybe that was alittle too much information, but in reality, the Tzimisce thrived off of pain and misery, you'd think they would make a better showing tonight with their wounds. But with the high volume of blood loss, they simply couldn't. Their Zulo forms required all of their blood pool, and more had to be added in battle to sate the monsters destructive nature. Antonie looked away after hearing of his beloved's fate. A pity she had came so far to end up like this. How would he explain it to Marcus? Would he even have to? The Regent's mind had already started putting this night's puzzle together, and it wasn't looking too good for his dear friend. He looked to the Lycan woman, then around to Knox as he continued his ritual of patching up Blade, per request from the Lycan. Things were indeed taking on a strange outcome to this spooky night. Assassination...? Who would dare be so bold. He looked back to Blade then as several howls rose up out of the gorge..their overlaping serenade befitting the night..."All Hallow's Eve" he whispered...."Let the damnable beware the beast.."

"So, Chief, what's your decision?" Blade ask in a somber tone of haste as the howls soon faded into the darkness. He really hated being stalked..and so obvious, too. He could appriciate the mind torture, tho. He had did the same to their kind. Only a 'pack' of vampires was more deadly and twice as vicious to a single lycan. Trisha looked up to him as she finished linking the harnesses together. "Well.." She offered as she stood up and sighed. Her gaze cut to the rock wall. "We've got two choices...we can climb back out of that..." Her head bobbed in the direction of the steep rocks. "Or ..we can try to foot it out of the gorge." Gaze settled back down on Blade then, and from the expression on her face, Blade knew she was leaning more towards the first suggestion. He nodded softly as he looked to Bobby. "Knox...hand me the keys..." Blade jetted a hand out into the air and caught the cluster of metal keys in his hand before he uncurled his fingers in pain and let them fall to tips of Trisha's boots. "If you used the wench, which I know you did..." Cuz he heard running it uptop. "Then there's a remote for it on the chain. The vehicle is self sufficent." He added.

If nothing else can come of tonight, then the Wolfbane bucks might just serve a purpose to save their lives. Trisha smirked as she knealt down to take the keys. She inspected the small remote device then lifted a brow to Blade. "Self sufficent, huh? Too bad the damn thing can't give us curb service right about now." Antonie chuckled lightly to her sarcastic reply as an amusing expression laced his features. He looked over to Blade, lifting a soft brow. Could it be that his son had finally met his match? Blade's distrainment showed in that all too famaliar scrowl his face drew into as he looked up at the woman. "That's irreverent to the situation, Trish." He pipped back to her in his usual matter of fact tone. She stood and looked up at the wall, letting out a disgusted sigh as eyes scanned the nooks and crannys. "Yeah, well your just hopeless to begin with...." She muttered as she turned to survey the forest and hillside before them. The smoke from the wreckage was dying out now.

A gloved hand reached inside her vest as she plucked off one of the cylinder grenades stashed away inside. Pulling the pin, the tube hissed lightly then she tossed it up into the air. It spiraled skyward as a stream of smoke followed in it's wake. Once it hit the snow packed ground, it began to fill the area up quickly with a thick blanket of smoke. "Let's do it while their busy...Knox, here..strap Dad up in this..he'll need to go up first.." She ordered as she looked back around to the trio. She looked back to Blade then. "I need you to shoot anything that walks through that smoke..." He was already picking up the M-30 and checking over it thoroughly. "Gotcha.." He wedged it against his injured shoulder and upper arm while that good arm moved around to seat his hand firmly on the grip and trigger. He took aim at the smoke and prepared to do just as the lady ask. Hopefully the Fangs would wait out the smoke. Speaking of smoke, she had no idea what the hell they were waiting on, the werewolves had several good openings to take them out... singular, or as a group. That worried her. Maybe, just maybe they had botched up their plans so bad that the idiots were just too bum-fucked to figure out how to unscrew it. She hoped for their sakes she was right.

Stationside, Romania 2004
East Depot Catwalk, 1:59 am

The terminal was deserted, and the growing storm the reason. After Marcus had strolled across the concrete platform, he checked his watch. Once, then twice. They were late, per usual. Tugging the collar up higher on his overcoat, he turned his attention to the train cars. The ice forming on the outside of the glass giving tale tell signs of the plush warmth within, and he sighed lightly as his mind was torn in decision. Go in or stay. God he wished they would hurry. Where could they be? Narrowing gaze shot back to the gate office as shouts whaled out into the air. He didn't get in three steps towards the commotion before armed guards stormed across the catwalk. They flooded the area, some boarding the private cars, a few running past the Elder to secure the platform. He knew something was terribly wrong then. Before his mouth could shoot open in protest, he was grabbed by the arm on both sides and dragged back to the last train car.

"Unhand me this instant.!!" The men complied, but it wasn't before they rough housed him up the ramp and into the open door. Letting the elder Tzi go, he readjusted his coat and glared at the men. "I demand an explination for this kind of treatment...." Dark gaze could burn holes through the stoic expression that the men wore. They were Antoine's men, and he already knew they wouldn't think twice about staking his own dead heart, but he still ranked as top authority until the Regent did arrive. Whether or not they liked it.

"So would I...." Came a hiss from the corner of the car. Beth slid conveniently from her perch atop an overstuffed chair, narrowing green hues focused on the men while slender form sashayed across the thick persian rugs towards them. She didn't acknowledge Marcus, not even a bat of long lashes were made his way. "Where's my father...and why is he late?" She hissed alittle more sternly. Whatever the commotion was about, she had a good hunch it involved his arrival, or the lack of. Two hours had passed and he was a no show, and Blade was never late.

The men exchanged glances, then one turned to step out of the car, closing the door in his wake. "I'm sorry, Miss, but the Regent has been detained." Marcus blinked, unsure what was happening. He looked to the whelp, then cleared his throat, refusing to be ignored by them both. "Excuse me, but would you care to enlighten me on the whereabouts of our Lord, it is imperative that we leave soon." Of course that was just like Marcus to think only of himself and his damned agenda first. Beth tried not to roll her eyes as she cut a distainful look his way. "It's classified. Now if you will just remain calm, we will insure your protection." The guard offered, and nothing more. Instead he excused himself and brushed past the Tzi duo, heading through on the train to secure it from the inside.

Beth sighed as she curled her arms gently over her chest. She still entertained her own ideas about what was going on, but stuck here like she was, there could be little done. Turning sharply on her heels, she started for the adjoining car. "And just where are -you- going?" Marcus boomed to her turning back. She chose not to look at him as she shot her reply over her shoulder. "Anywhere your not." Sliding open the door, she stepped into the next car and slammed the door shut behind her. "Grey" She yelled out across the open room. In a few moments the ex-Cam appeared from the doorway of her suit. As he drew closer, she motioned him to the side, taking care to keep her voice down in the presence of the others.

While Maggie kept herself busy talking with the stowaway Lucina, other Claninites hoovered here and there. "Somethings wrong, Dad's late...and trust me, Blade is never this unprofessional." Was that concern threatening her voice? Grey wasn't sure, but he nodded just the same, worry clouding his own thoughts. "See if you can slip past the guards and backtrack. Maybe the car broke down..." She didn't want to think the worse just yet. There could be thousands of possibilities on their tardiness. Especially in the growing storm. "Sit tight, Babe, I'm on it." Came the confident words from the Hand Apprentice. As he turned, she quickly grabbed his arm, a thought just now occuring to her. "Where's Knox?" Grey stiffened as he tried to come up with a good lie about the whereabouts of the ghoul. "Erm, Knox..well he's....erm..working....yeah." The slight hesistance in Grey's answer told more than he wanted her to know. She arched a brow and sighed. "Fuck. That settles it, I'm coming, too."

When she left, Marcus took advantage of the privacy, whipping out his com link. "Liam, Liam come in, over." The two way screeched before the ghoul's voice returned. "Liam here. Boss we got trouble. The Regent is late, and we're well past departure schedule." Macrus sighed. "Tell me something I do not know. What in the bloody hell is going on?" The static returned briefly, then the ghoul's voice. "I have no clue, the estate guards stormed in about 5 ago, took over command." Marcus growled and hissed into the mic. "Well go find out." Turning abruptly, he didn't wait for a reply. Instead he followed the path of Beth, heading into the next car.

Daylight would not suffer them, they needed to be moving and soon. He breezed past where the whelp and her chylde were sitting, then darted into his private suit. Turning a careful eye on the small room, he spotted the slender form of his traveling companion perched before an ice glazed window. The smirk she wore didn't set well with him for some reason. He did a double take to her then shrugged off his coat quickly, sending it to the nearest armchair. He growled lightly in this throat, then moved closer to Emerald. "We've been detained, for obvious reasons. Antoine's late." He ground out between clinched teeth. The glint in the Cam's eyes caught his attention then, so much that he took pause to glare down into the glassy green depths.

Her smile was turning more kattie by the second. She flipped back some of her hair from her shoulder, a casual move, but all too well planned for Marcus' taste. He placed his balled fists on either side of ledge where she sat, then leaned in closer to her. "What?" He breathed, almost nose to nose with the headstrong broad. Her laughter was like a slap across his face, he flinched but stood his ground. "You moron...just relax...everything will fall into place soon." She whispered back to him, coaxing a hand up to caress his cheek slowly as she continued. "Before long, you won't have to worry about the Regent or his tardiness ever again.." Something in the tone of her voice caused a shiver to rake his spine, and he knew then that he may just very well be entertaining the devil himself by association with this woman.

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