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sparkindarknessThere. Even though this ends on a cliffhanger kind of thing, I declare this arc closed. Besides, I'm still absorbing all the names.
This is quite an old fic, the previous bits can be found through my memories. There isn't much of it yet to trudge throught at least.
They moved as one. Even Ethan could stay in formation, and he hardly ever travelled with them. The rest? Their footsteps hit at exactly the same moment. The Twin’s knee length boots, Andrea’s expensive stilettos, Matthew’s scuffed dress shoes, Lex’s hard wearing biker boots, Bazza’s massive steel toe-capped monstrosities and Alfred’s well cobbled sensible shoes.
Silently they were joined by Miranda who had been at the meeting before them. She gave Alfred a nod before her elegant black pumps joined the other’s perfectly synchronised footsteps. It was eerie, slightly frightening, like it was one mind controlling all nine vampires.
It certainly had an affect on the council that had gathered. Their circle was relatively small for the ruling packs of a gang. Even most of the more normal packs of every gang, including Alfred’s were larger than theirs. But none had the same affect, none had the same reputation.
Every other gang was present. That was certainly unusual. In theory they all recognised Alfred’s, and by extension his gang, the Thirsting Fangs, superiority over the area. Still, it was rare that all of the gangs would attend. Alfred’s pack surveyed those gathered, gauging mood.
The Red Knives glared their fury, they had always resented Alfred’s overruling their previous command. Especially since they commanded the biggest gang. Shame they were rather indiscriminate in their choosing of progeny. They would do anything o seize power, though they lacked the subtlety to truly use it. But now? Something more... the Knives scented blood it seemed.
The Burning Wrath were little happier, the lunatic faction having been badly damaged in a previous war with the Thirsting Fangs. They respected the insane bloodshed that Alfred’s pack could unleash if nothing else, though they didn‘t fear it as much as the other gangs did. The light of madness seemed to burn higher in their eyes tonight.
The Immortal Seers maintained their dispassionate view, as ever. Completely unreadable, lost in esoteric thought and the byzantine politics of mortal institutions. They were renowned for knowing far too much about things they shouldn’t, and for having surprising influence in even the highest echelons of the city. They usually supported Alfred. Usually. Was there a hint of worry in those dispassionate gazes?
The Searing Wind had left their bikes behind, all seething with heavy pent up emotions and ill contained rage. The thrill seekers normally seemed slightly distracted and disorganised, but now their eyes were fastened almost hungrily on the Blood Rain gang.
The Blood Rains were well turned out as usual, expensive suites and dark glasses, they looked like extras from a bad mafia film. It wasn’t an inaccurate description of them. They regarded the Searing Wind with cold efficiency, not even trying to conceal the hi-tech weapons beneath their expensive clothing.
The Crimson Edge almost cowered away from the others. Scholars and mystics, they rarely involved themselves in politics, preferring to be left alone. They enjoyed Alfred’s protection and usually supported him slavishly to keep it. Other gangs would probably have ignored them because of that, or just treated them as if they had been absorbed into the Thirsting Fang... except their knowledge was useful. And no-one was ever really sure what strange talents they had discovered in their research.
The Night Talons were a sprawling mass. The other gangs had brought only their ruling pack, but nearly two dozen Night Talons had felt the need to attend. Soldiers and warriors all, the Night Talons had always called on their members to seek perfection and strength. They were almost obsessive in their testing of each other and pushing themselves towards ever greater heights. It made them one of the more dangerous gangs, but also one with a high attrition rate as packs constantly threw themselves into challenges they couldn’t win. Jacob, their leader was careful to make sure no-one stood behind him, doubly so to keep his own pack close. Serena, one of his supporters, kept a paranoid look out beyond the meeting. Some might take it for vigilance, but many gazes saw how wide her eyes were, and how panic rode on the edges of her face.
Interesting. These are your leaders boy?
Ethan blinked, trying to clear his sudden double vision and the strange echoes in his head... He almost missed his cue from the others.
As one, Alfred’s Elite Pack sat on the chairs laid out for them. At that sign the other packs found their seats, if less meticulously. The Night Talon’s pulled back, leaving only Jacob’s pack to sit in council. Even if it did take a sharp glare from Alfred to achieve it.
“I thank you all for attending this council at so very short notice. I assure you I would not do so unless the need was great. And it is very great.” Alfred’s voice carried among all the chairs, heavy with importance and thick with concern. “We face a crisis, my friends.”
“Crisis?” Markus of the Red Knives mocked. “One pack being wasted and you’re panicking, Alfred? Will you think the sky is falling next time it rains?” His pack dutifully laughed, but nervously under Andrea’s steady gaze. There was a flash of metal as the Twin’s idly passed some of their many knives back and forth in a pretty little game.
“They were Night Talons, Markus.” Jacob didn't have Alfred’s power of the voice that was impossible to disobey, but he did have a voice which carried knives. Every word ate at your ears, in battle it could be a devastating distraction. “Not Red Knife canon fodder. When a Night Talon pack falls, and to one opponent, it is enough for any sane person to call it a crisis.”
Markus had no chance to respond. Mad laughter echoed around the council causing a chill that hit even these undead. No-one spoke as they all tried to suppress the sudden dark thoughts and dangerous urges that had risen in their minds. The only one apparently unaffected was Simon of the Crimson Edge who fussily traced some symbol in the air. He turned an exasperated look on Timothy of the Burning Wrath, whose laughter finally faded. His child’s face split into a mischievous grin as silence reigned.
Bing Qing of the Immortal Seers ignored the child vampire, elegantly regarding the group as a whole, radiating calm. Slowly Chen of the Searing Wind reigned himself in, his infamous berserker rage was brought back under control. With almost palpable relief, Maruska of the Blood Rains moved her hand away from her gun.
This is the extent of your ruler’s powers? This is their strength?
Ethan managed
The elegant vampire politician turned to Jacob, concern creasing her perfect brow. “The rumours are true? One opponent took down a Night Talon pack? One of your best?”
Jacob nodded. The whole group shuffled uncomfortably. No matter what Markus said, everyone knew the value of the Night Talons. Only the Thirsting Fangs’ warriors were better. Serena walked forwards. No-one could mistake her vigilance now, she was scared. “He was incredible... He killed six of us, it took him less than one a minute! He didn’t just beat us, he beat us easily. We unloaded clips of bullets into him; they did nothing! Nothing! He was immune! He could control fire, he could kill with a laugh - actually KILL. It was like Jacob’s voice times ten! He called, and controlled! -A swarm of rats, I’m talking an absolute horde. Thousands of them! Far more than Markus could!” She came out of her terror long enough to glare at him before continuing. “He could control emotions, a look and we just ran screaming! He was so fast we couldn’t see him!” There was increasing murmuring around her as more and more of the vampires present began muttering in surprise. “It’s true! It was like a mortal fighting one of us! He pulled off Annie’s head with his bare hands before we even knew he’ reached her! He...”
The voice seemed to fade out, Ethan shook his head, breaking the tense formation of the pack to try and clear his mind, try to clear the increasingly loud laughter that pounded in his head.
Oh, child, this is almost too amusing! But I think the time is now...
Ethan staggered. Andrea turned and gave him a vicious look. For once, he ignored it, trying desperately to fight the huge power in his head. He fell to his knees, groaning at the incredible throbbing between his temples.
Alfred turned in surprise, Serena cut off her recitation. “Ethan? What's the matter...”
“My head... I... I am a messenger.” His voice changed mid-sentence. It gained a strength and confidence it had never held. Even worse, another seemed to wrap over it, creating a choral affect as the other, rich and trained spoke alongside Ethan’s newly assured tones. Alfred jerked back.
Ethan came smoothly to his feet and stalked into the centre of the Council, towards Serena who backed off, hissing. He smiled at her, a malicious, amused, condescending smile that had never been seen on Ethan’s lips before. It was only then that the crowd noticed that Ethan wasn’t just stepping forward, but upward as well, climbing an invisible stair to float above them. He stared down, laughter playing in his vibrantly glowing red eyes.
“Another talent I posses, in addition to the minor ones this girl has recited,” he gestured idly to Serena who still hissed in insane fury. “Is the ability to take control of others. Normally it’s more effort than it’s worth, but I thought it instrumental in this case.”
“What do you want?” Alfred put all he had into the talents of the voice, drawing every eye towards him and stilling every idle gesture by force of his will. Ethan grinned, chuckling quietly. He paused long enough to make it clear how little effect the voice was having on him before answering.
“I ruled this city. Centuries ago. Or was it millennia? I forget, time passes so quickly. Now I wake to find it overrun with Revenants. I am not pleased.” A shudder of fear passed through the councillors.
“Revenants?” Bing Qing was the one closest to composure, the only one willing to speak. She passed the question to Simon who was quivering in terror. He started ands tried to force his formidable memory through his terror.
“R-revenants? Um, yes..” Ethan turned in the air to regard the scholar with vast amusement. “Le-legends say they were vampires. Of a sort. Weaker than most vampires, more basic. Easier to make or something. Though I don‘t know how.” He coughed, unnecessarily. “They contained more humanity, more aliveness than true vampires do.”
“Cut price, half-arsed vamps?” Markus had will enough to speak, if nothing else. Simon nodded gratefully. “Well, I don’t know who you are, but I tell you now, I’ve seen none of these revenant things here.”
Ethan laughed again, shaking his head in quiet wonder. “I am Radoslav. And there are Revenants all around you - if you look in the mirror you are sure to see one.” Markus’ fangs glistened in the light with his snarl. Ethan shook his head and waved one finger in mocking warning. “I wouldn’t, little Revenant. Only a fool gets angry at the simple truth. I believe there is only one other true vampire in the city. And you are not it.” There was power behind that stare, power enough to push Markus back into his seat.
“What are you going to do, then?” Alfred didn’t try the voice this time. He was a very fast learner. Ethan circled slowly in the air to face the city’s ruler.
“I don’t know. I have not decided yet. Be assured that I will let you know as soon as I have reached a decision. This is more a statement of my presence. And a warning against any more childish interference.”
Serena lost it. She threw herself forwards, gathering her legs under her to leap up to where Ethan floated in mid air. Claws burst from her fingers as she reached him, face a bestial rictus of rage. They shattered on his skin. So fast the council only saw a blur, Ethan spun and caught her by the neck in one arm. She didn’t struggle, her eyes had met his.
He burrowed into her mind. Tearing free every memory, pulling apart every thought. He plumbed to the very depths of her, freely taking everything in her head, careless of the chaos he wrought. She twitched helplessly. The council watched, transfixed. Minutes passed until her every secret was found and absorbed.
He didn’t drop her. He didn’t have to. Her body crumbled to ash in his hand, falling on the council in a light, gritty rain.
“As I said, I warn you against any childish interference. We will speak again.” Ethan slumped and fell heavily to the floor.
A vampire rushed from the Night Talons gang, followed by two pack mates. He darted to Ethan’s prone body, hands twisted to claws. He never made it. Lex had covered twice the ground that he had in the same time. Her hands darted, a knife in each one, cutting the tendons at his elbow joint, before crouching low. He had no time to react before Bazza, just half a second behind, moved into the space she’d left and plunged his combat knife into the vampire’s throat. There was a split second of shock in the vampire’s eyes before Lex’s blades darted forward, severing the flesh on each side of his neck, and Bazza twisted his huge knife. The vampire’s head fell easily from his body.
His lackeys had fared little better. each had collapsed to the floor as a Twin had streaked towards them and hamstrung them by pulling the flesh from their calves. Andrea had quickly followed one, one of her knives thrust up under the jaw into the brain before the vampire had even had time to fall. Michael had followed the other, taking advantage of the predicted cry of pain, he had poured some substance inside the vampire’s mouth and was now watching him writhe in agony with scientific curiosity.
They may treat Ethan terribly. But he was theirs to abuse.
“Wait!” Alfred commanded, eyes on Jacob, who seemed largely unconcerned at the death of one of his rivals for leadership, but words for everyone. “Killing the messenger is foolish. Would you rather this Radoslav possess you next instead? Or perhaps even come in person?” The reactions round the council made it clear how welcome that would be.
“What do you suggest, Alfred?” Simon was the surprising voice of reason through the near panic.
“We wait. We don’t know enough yet to do anything. We wait, and we watch. Try to stop your packs patrolling alone and make it clear that they are not to accost any supernatural stranger without detailed intelligence and reports. That’s all we can do - wait and learn what we can. For the duration, I call for an end to all conflict among us. We cannot afford to be divided now.”
There was no choice really. People resented it, but slowly they agreed. The laternative was too much to face.
This is quite an old fic, the previous bits can be found through my memories. There isn't much of it yet to trudge throught at least.
They moved as one. Even Ethan could stay in formation, and he hardly ever travelled with them. The rest? Their footsteps hit at exactly the same moment. The Twin’s knee length boots, Andrea’s expensive stilettos, Matthew’s scuffed dress shoes, Lex’s hard wearing biker boots, Bazza’s massive steel toe-capped monstrosities and Alfred’s well cobbled sensible shoes.
Silently they were joined by Miranda who had been at the meeting before them. She gave Alfred a nod before her elegant black pumps joined the other’s perfectly synchronised footsteps. It was eerie, slightly frightening, like it was one mind controlling all nine vampires.
It certainly had an affect on the council that had gathered. Their circle was relatively small for the ruling packs of a gang. Even most of the more normal packs of every gang, including Alfred’s were larger than theirs. But none had the same affect, none had the same reputation.
Every other gang was present. That was certainly unusual. In theory they all recognised Alfred’s, and by extension his gang, the Thirsting Fangs, superiority over the area. Still, it was rare that all of the gangs would attend. Alfred’s pack surveyed those gathered, gauging mood.
The Red Knives glared their fury, they had always resented Alfred’s overruling their previous command. Especially since they commanded the biggest gang. Shame they were rather indiscriminate in their choosing of progeny. They would do anything o seize power, though they lacked the subtlety to truly use it. But now? Something more... the Knives scented blood it seemed.
The Burning Wrath were little happier, the lunatic faction having been badly damaged in a previous war with the Thirsting Fangs. They respected the insane bloodshed that Alfred’s pack could unleash if nothing else, though they didn‘t fear it as much as the other gangs did. The light of madness seemed to burn higher in their eyes tonight.
The Immortal Seers maintained their dispassionate view, as ever. Completely unreadable, lost in esoteric thought and the byzantine politics of mortal institutions. They were renowned for knowing far too much about things they shouldn’t, and for having surprising influence in even the highest echelons of the city. They usually supported Alfred. Usually. Was there a hint of worry in those dispassionate gazes?
The Searing Wind had left their bikes behind, all seething with heavy pent up emotions and ill contained rage. The thrill seekers normally seemed slightly distracted and disorganised, but now their eyes were fastened almost hungrily on the Blood Rain gang.
The Blood Rains were well turned out as usual, expensive suites and dark glasses, they looked like extras from a bad mafia film. It wasn’t an inaccurate description of them. They regarded the Searing Wind with cold efficiency, not even trying to conceal the hi-tech weapons beneath their expensive clothing.
The Crimson Edge almost cowered away from the others. Scholars and mystics, they rarely involved themselves in politics, preferring to be left alone. They enjoyed Alfred’s protection and usually supported him slavishly to keep it. Other gangs would probably have ignored them because of that, or just treated them as if they had been absorbed into the Thirsting Fang... except their knowledge was useful. And no-one was ever really sure what strange talents they had discovered in their research.
The Night Talons were a sprawling mass. The other gangs had brought only their ruling pack, but nearly two dozen Night Talons had felt the need to attend. Soldiers and warriors all, the Night Talons had always called on their members to seek perfection and strength. They were almost obsessive in their testing of each other and pushing themselves towards ever greater heights. It made them one of the more dangerous gangs, but also one with a high attrition rate as packs constantly threw themselves into challenges they couldn’t win. Jacob, their leader was careful to make sure no-one stood behind him, doubly so to keep his own pack close. Serena, one of his supporters, kept a paranoid look out beyond the meeting. Some might take it for vigilance, but many gazes saw how wide her eyes were, and how panic rode on the edges of her face.
Interesting. These are your leaders boy?
Ethan blinked, trying to clear his sudden double vision and the strange echoes in his head... He almost missed his cue from the others.
As one, Alfred’s Elite Pack sat on the chairs laid out for them. At that sign the other packs found their seats, if less meticulously. The Night Talon’s pulled back, leaving only Jacob’s pack to sit in council. Even if it did take a sharp glare from Alfred to achieve it.
“I thank you all for attending this council at so very short notice. I assure you I would not do so unless the need was great. And it is very great.” Alfred’s voice carried among all the chairs, heavy with importance and thick with concern. “We face a crisis, my friends.”
“Crisis?” Markus of the Red Knives mocked. “One pack being wasted and you’re panicking, Alfred? Will you think the sky is falling next time it rains?” His pack dutifully laughed, but nervously under Andrea’s steady gaze. There was a flash of metal as the Twin’s idly passed some of their many knives back and forth in a pretty little game.
“They were Night Talons, Markus.” Jacob didn't have Alfred’s power of the voice that was impossible to disobey, but he did have a voice which carried knives. Every word ate at your ears, in battle it could be a devastating distraction. “Not Red Knife canon fodder. When a Night Talon pack falls, and to one opponent, it is enough for any sane person to call it a crisis.”
Markus had no chance to respond. Mad laughter echoed around the council causing a chill that hit even these undead. No-one spoke as they all tried to suppress the sudden dark thoughts and dangerous urges that had risen in their minds. The only one apparently unaffected was Simon of the Crimson Edge who fussily traced some symbol in the air. He turned an exasperated look on Timothy of the Burning Wrath, whose laughter finally faded. His child’s face split into a mischievous grin as silence reigned.
Bing Qing of the Immortal Seers ignored the child vampire, elegantly regarding the group as a whole, radiating calm. Slowly Chen of the Searing Wind reigned himself in, his infamous berserker rage was brought back under control. With almost palpable relief, Maruska of the Blood Rains moved her hand away from her gun.
This is the extent of your ruler’s powers? This is their strength?
Ethan managed
The elegant vampire politician turned to Jacob, concern creasing her perfect brow. “The rumours are true? One opponent took down a Night Talon pack? One of your best?”
Jacob nodded. The whole group shuffled uncomfortably. No matter what Markus said, everyone knew the value of the Night Talons. Only the Thirsting Fangs’ warriors were better. Serena walked forwards. No-one could mistake her vigilance now, she was scared. “He was incredible... He killed six of us, it took him less than one a minute! He didn’t just beat us, he beat us easily. We unloaded clips of bullets into him; they did nothing! Nothing! He was immune! He could control fire, he could kill with a laugh - actually KILL. It was like Jacob’s voice times ten! He called, and controlled! -A swarm of rats, I’m talking an absolute horde. Thousands of them! Far more than Markus could!” She came out of her terror long enough to glare at him before continuing. “He could control emotions, a look and we just ran screaming! He was so fast we couldn’t see him!” There was increasing murmuring around her as more and more of the vampires present began muttering in surprise. “It’s true! It was like a mortal fighting one of us! He pulled off Annie’s head with his bare hands before we even knew he’ reached her! He...”
The voice seemed to fade out, Ethan shook his head, breaking the tense formation of the pack to try and clear his mind, try to clear the increasingly loud laughter that pounded in his head.
Oh, child, this is almost too amusing! But I think the time is now...
Ethan staggered. Andrea turned and gave him a vicious look. For once, he ignored it, trying desperately to fight the huge power in his head. He fell to his knees, groaning at the incredible throbbing between his temples.
Alfred turned in surprise, Serena cut off her recitation. “Ethan? What's the matter...”
“My head... I... I am a messenger.” His voice changed mid-sentence. It gained a strength and confidence it had never held. Even worse, another seemed to wrap over it, creating a choral affect as the other, rich and trained spoke alongside Ethan’s newly assured tones. Alfred jerked back.
Ethan came smoothly to his feet and stalked into the centre of the Council, towards Serena who backed off, hissing. He smiled at her, a malicious, amused, condescending smile that had never been seen on Ethan’s lips before. It was only then that the crowd noticed that Ethan wasn’t just stepping forward, but upward as well, climbing an invisible stair to float above them. He stared down, laughter playing in his vibrantly glowing red eyes.
“Another talent I posses, in addition to the minor ones this girl has recited,” he gestured idly to Serena who still hissed in insane fury. “Is the ability to take control of others. Normally it’s more effort than it’s worth, but I thought it instrumental in this case.”
“What do you want?” Alfred put all he had into the talents of the voice, drawing every eye towards him and stilling every idle gesture by force of his will. Ethan grinned, chuckling quietly. He paused long enough to make it clear how little effect the voice was having on him before answering.
“I ruled this city. Centuries ago. Or was it millennia? I forget, time passes so quickly. Now I wake to find it overrun with Revenants. I am not pleased.” A shudder of fear passed through the councillors.
“Revenants?” Bing Qing was the one closest to composure, the only one willing to speak. She passed the question to Simon who was quivering in terror. He started ands tried to force his formidable memory through his terror.
“R-revenants? Um, yes..” Ethan turned in the air to regard the scholar with vast amusement. “Le-legends say they were vampires. Of a sort. Weaker than most vampires, more basic. Easier to make or something. Though I don‘t know how.” He coughed, unnecessarily. “They contained more humanity, more aliveness than true vampires do.”
“Cut price, half-arsed vamps?” Markus had will enough to speak, if nothing else. Simon nodded gratefully. “Well, I don’t know who you are, but I tell you now, I’ve seen none of these revenant things here.”
Ethan laughed again, shaking his head in quiet wonder. “I am Radoslav. And there are Revenants all around you - if you look in the mirror you are sure to see one.” Markus’ fangs glistened in the light with his snarl. Ethan shook his head and waved one finger in mocking warning. “I wouldn’t, little Revenant. Only a fool gets angry at the simple truth. I believe there is only one other true vampire in the city. And you are not it.” There was power behind that stare, power enough to push Markus back into his seat.
“What are you going to do, then?” Alfred didn’t try the voice this time. He was a very fast learner. Ethan circled slowly in the air to face the city’s ruler.
“I don’t know. I have not decided yet. Be assured that I will let you know as soon as I have reached a decision. This is more a statement of my presence. And a warning against any more childish interference.”
Serena lost it. She threw herself forwards, gathering her legs under her to leap up to where Ethan floated in mid air. Claws burst from her fingers as she reached him, face a bestial rictus of rage. They shattered on his skin. So fast the council only saw a blur, Ethan spun and caught her by the neck in one arm. She didn’t struggle, her eyes had met his.
He burrowed into her mind. Tearing free every memory, pulling apart every thought. He plumbed to the very depths of her, freely taking everything in her head, careless of the chaos he wrought. She twitched helplessly. The council watched, transfixed. Minutes passed until her every secret was found and absorbed.
He didn’t drop her. He didn’t have to. Her body crumbled to ash in his hand, falling on the council in a light, gritty rain.
“As I said, I warn you against any childish interference. We will speak again.” Ethan slumped and fell heavily to the floor.
A vampire rushed from the Night Talons gang, followed by two pack mates. He darted to Ethan’s prone body, hands twisted to claws. He never made it. Lex had covered twice the ground that he had in the same time. Her hands darted, a knife in each one, cutting the tendons at his elbow joint, before crouching low. He had no time to react before Bazza, just half a second behind, moved into the space she’d left and plunged his combat knife into the vampire’s throat. There was a split second of shock in the vampire’s eyes before Lex’s blades darted forward, severing the flesh on each side of his neck, and Bazza twisted his huge knife. The vampire’s head fell easily from his body.
His lackeys had fared little better. each had collapsed to the floor as a Twin had streaked towards them and hamstrung them by pulling the flesh from their calves. Andrea had quickly followed one, one of her knives thrust up under the jaw into the brain before the vampire had even had time to fall. Michael had followed the other, taking advantage of the predicted cry of pain, he had poured some substance inside the vampire’s mouth and was now watching him writhe in agony with scientific curiosity.
They may treat Ethan terribly. But he was theirs to abuse.
“Wait!” Alfred commanded, eyes on Jacob, who seemed largely unconcerned at the death of one of his rivals for leadership, but words for everyone. “Killing the messenger is foolish. Would you rather this Radoslav possess you next instead? Or perhaps even come in person?” The reactions round the council made it clear how welcome that would be.
“What do you suggest, Alfred?” Simon was the surprising voice of reason through the near panic.
“We wait. We don’t know enough yet to do anything. We wait, and we watch. Try to stop your packs patrolling alone and make it clear that they are not to accost any supernatural stranger without detailed intelligence and reports. That’s all we can do - wait and learn what we can. For the duration, I call for an end to all conflict among us. We cannot afford to be divided now.”
There was no choice really. People resented it, but slowly they agreed. The laternative was too much to face.