Romanticide

[Lavinian Pride]

(Open to NightsAngel)

The room was homey to say the least. A pile of mattresses rested in the corner with a few blankets scrounged from taverns about to throw them away. A dresser, discarded and decidedly broken squatted nearby one of the doors stuck in an open position, and hence the noble’s disdain for it. A table propped up on one leg by a rock sat in the middle of the room, with three chairs, enough for the two occupants and a guest, sat there, all of which should have been trashed long ago. Perhaps the hardest to acquire piece in the room was the full length mirror, though in hindsight it was not worth the effort, Sarah did not reflect in it, and Kid was the only one who got use out of it. She only kept the damn thing because it made Kid happy, and she had nearly been caught taking it from the refuse pile near a noble’s house. Apparently they were adamant about their trash staying trash, despite the fact it could have been someone’s treasure.

Kid lay on the bed sleeping as she always did. Sarah had considered finally grabbing sleep for herself, but in the aftermath of the titanic clash in the Citadel she wondered just how strong she was. She hadn't even killed the boy who she had used everything in her power to destroy. She hadn't even drawn blood from his wounds. Hell, she doubted the boy thought much of her at all. Yet here she was hiding deep in the sewers, where she could make a small living while hiding from the garish light of day. Her eyes slowly began to close as the fatigue wrapped around her, threatening to put her to sleep in the chair she sat in. It had been a tiring day.

Shaking her head she loosened fatigue's grip on her mind as she went over the fight again and again. The conclusion always the same, she was weak, she needed more strength more power. Despite the fact she had nearly killed Seth, she could only attribute it to the fact she knew him, and after all she had lost. Would this be the rest of her life, a myriad of near wins and nothing but losses? No, she couldn't afford that. Not with Kid, she had to start winning, and soon.

But how?

She sighed as she grabbed her cloak from its resting place. She had to figure a way out and soon, perhaps spending some time away from Kid would give her a fresher perspective. Besides it was truly night now, and if she were to sleep, she would have to reset her cycle to day, and that was hardly helpful. She'd just have to stay up all night and finally get her rest then. As she left her vampiric nest she looked back at the child on her bed a little longer. Kid had faithfully followed her, without question or asking for anything beyond the means of survival. Sarah almost felt sorry for the girl, for she had been stuck with a person who simply lacked the motherly instinct to protect her.

Perhaps it was the curse of having been born a man.

Moving from the nest she closed her eyes as she went through the tunnels to the sewer grate they had often used as the entrance to their erstwhile home. Sliding delicately through the grating she moved, finding the tavern she often frequented. They didn't ask questions nor did they charge too much for her homeland's brew, though she had found out long ago she would never again know the embrace of alcohol. Being dead certainly didn't help much in the realms she needed. Sitting at a table the tender nodded as he quickly poured a pint and gave it to a serving wench, before pointing at Sarah. It was this kind of unspoken agreement that Sarah enjoyed. Perhaps this is why she liked the tavern so much. He had never asked her name, never asked for anything beyond the coin required for drink.

The tavern itself wasn't much to look at. The tables had seen better days; propped up on spindly legs, in a few cases a board had reattached the leg to the table in an effort to keep the owner from requiring new ones. It was obvious that they had seen their shares of bar fights, and were designed with a more wholesome purpose in mind. Still they were cheap, as where the chairs. The patrons paid their tabs and didn't cause a ruckus, it was an unwritten law. The tender wouldn't step into your shit, if you didn't break his. Moving through the area Sarah sighed as she took a table closest to the door. Her cloak dropping as she revealed her features. She saw a few eyes on her, as was customary, but she didn't stare them down, not tonight. They knew better anyways, as she could see a few of the regulars nudging their compatriots, probably telling them about the last man who had approached her.

She wondered if that poor man's arm had healed properly...

Once again she was reminded of Kid. Closing her eyes she sighed as the wench dropped the pint on the table before her. She looked up at the comely wench before she said softly, "I'll catch up with your boss later, just keep a running tally."

The wench nodded as she turned and left, to take care of the other customers.

[Nightsangel]

The night was dark almost dreamy for the dark vixen. Dreamy compared to how it had been the previous night. The previous night she had tried to convince a were fox to save himself. They had been on the brink of facing a monster hunter, a man much like her kind's hated foes, vampire hunters. She had pleaded with this fox, Seth was his name to run, to live his life. She remembered Ai's gentle eyes, how they too had pleaded with the stubborn vulpine. But, the man had wanted to play hero, he had shooed all the girls away. Had told them he'd be fine, but no he had not been fine. He'd killed the hunter, but his life had been forfeit. Now though, as Sivi listened to the gentle breeze that played with her long locks of purple hair, she felt at peace.

Her goal tonight was a drink, a drink at a tavern where she was not well known for her dancing. Pursing her lips as Sivienna studied the neatly kept shops. She knew here she would not found a cheap drink and a good time. Here she would find the priceless jewels or other cute knick nacks that she was now prone to collect. Passing by a neatly kept shop that had a mannequin dressed in a fine silk dress, she soon begin to see her type of place. It was ramshackle, albeit neat. The tavern name read "The Drunken Dog". The name itself made the beautiful night vixen laugh. She knew here was her place for freedom, she might run into men who would hit on her relentless of her firm opposition to them, but she was willing to deal with it.

Passing by a homeless man dressed in ragged clothes, she soon found herself pushing open the faded door. Coming into a smoky bar, her lavender eyes scanned the place. The tables were not well kept, she could see chips missing from a few of them. Spindly chairs, their legs looking quite weak were the only seats that were offered. The serving wenches were all cute, most of them dark haired. Shaking her head, her first thoughts were Catered to men. This place is even more catered to them, then the dance clubs I frequently work for.

As she headed towards the bar keep, her eyes soon caught on a female with brown hair. The eyes were brown, but the manner in which she held her body peaked her interest. The outfit that the foxy vixen wore was familiar, shaking her head she pursed her lips and thought Sarah Dahlios? Just what is she doing here? Veering away from the bar keep, she followed the serving wench that was headed for the brown haired woman's table.

Smiling at the wench after she had placed the female's drink in front of her, she placed a gold coin on the woman's serving tray murmuring "Glass of blood wine please..." wrinkling her nose she added "Make sure the glass is clean!"

The serving maid gave her a baleful glare, but went to fill the night vixen's order nonetheless.

With this done, Sivienna then carefully lowered herself on one of the rickety chairs. Turning to look the brown eyed woman in the eyes she asked softly "Sarah Dahlios? Is that you?" offering a smile the night vixen continued softly "Your a long way from home if it is you."

[Lavinian Pride]

The soft voice that assaulted her ears was somewhat of a surprise. Sarah had long since given up on finding the user of that voice, especially since she had been sired as a result of trying to find the vampiress. Her eyes looked deeply into the Lavender eyes of her friend and former lover. So much to be said so much could have been said, she was certain that she could have grabbed kid then, and probably been kept safe by Sivienna. Perhaps for the rest of Kid's life, they could both be happy and safe.

Still she found it hard to believe that just when she had given up searching for the night vixen, she would just sit down across from her, as if nothing had happened. She felt the raw heat of anger at Sivienna, for she had been sired, and subjected to Cardenas' will just so they could turn her into a tool to capture Sivienna with. Fuck Sarah Dahlios, who had just gotten her life back. They wanted the purple haired temptress that even now sat across form Sarah. No, it was too much to ask that Sivienna knew anything about what had happened, especially with the innocent way she talked. She bit her tongue to prevent the caustic flow of words that surely would have spouted form her lips as he grabbed her stein and sipped from it quietly, not even acknowledging Sivienna's presence for the longest time.

When she finally spoke, her voice was thick, and raspy, as if the very anger that fueled her was sapping her voice, "Home, there’s a subjective term." Her finger trailed the rim of the stein as she fought to keep her anger in check and she continued her voice growing stronger and heavier with each word, "I wouldn't know much about homes Sivienna, though in the past few months I saw more than a few of your former ones."

She let the words hang in the air as she pondered just how to break the wonderful news to the fellow Vampiress. Her anger was reaching the breaking point as she tried to hold it down. She wanted to yell at her, she wanted to rip her apart, and nail every piece to different sections of the room for not warning her. She wanted to cut the head form her body, even as she knew it would kill the vixen, if only because she had just suffered such a fate. As she continued to trail the rim of the glass she spoke, her voice now empty of feeling, and cold as the tundra of Salvar, "Rianna sends her regards."

Those four words pretty much summed up her entire trip through hell at that point.

[Nightsangel]

Noticing the angry tone that edged her former lover's voice, Sivienna paused. She wondered just what had happened to Sarah, to make her voice so cold. Licking her lips nervously, Sivienna's eyes wandered to the serving wench who just now was coming back with her blood wine. Not wanting to respond just yet to Sarah's words, the night vixen smiled as the serving wench sent the glass of sparkling deep red wine in front of her. Noting that the wench had made her sure her glass was clean, nearly sparkling, she smiled and tipped the girl two extra pieces of gold. She then prolonged her answer for Sarah by taking a slow sip of the intoxicating brew.

Sighing as the smooth liquid went down her throat, she sat the glass down as she looked into Sarah's heated brown eyes. Pausing as she tried to gather her words, she simply went for the tone of softness, "I"m sorry Sarah, I had no idea. It was Rianna wasn't it?" Hearing Sarah confirm her thoughts, the purple haired beauty sighed heavily. Running her tongue slowly over her full red lips, Sivienna thought about what to say next, decided to go for the honest truth she murmured "I wanted to see you, I tried to look for you, but Rianna got in my way as well. She tried to hunt me down again, I got away but then I lost sight of where you might be. I haven't heard from Seth either, I thought to go to him and ask him about your where about. But, that was to no avail."

Sivi then fell silent again, she noticed that Sarah's heavy glare was not softening. Closing her eyes, Sivienna tried to offer a peace keeper "If you wish to do anything to me for not protecting you, I'd welcome it." Sivenna then closed her lips. Her mind then wandered to her last encounter with Rianna, it had been when Rianna was trying to help out Raspien to sell slaves for profit. She had subdued her sister, but she had not killed her. Shaking her head the night vixen concluded I probably should have killed her then. She's too much my father's pet, she thinks he'll reward her for each good deed she does for him. If only she'd realize that he is using her for his own selfish goals....

Realizing though that her greedy half-sister would never realize that she should choose a better path. Sivienna sighed as she murmured "I'm sure you've been hell Sarah. I can surmise that from the tone of your voice." nothing changed in Sarah's eyes from Sivienna's stumbling apologies. Groaning as Sivienna finally fell silent. She simply went back to drinking her comforting glass of blood wine.

One thought now ran through her mind as she felt the icy stare Sarah was giving her. Damn you Rianna......

[Lavinian Pride]

"Been through hell? No, I'm merely cursed Sivienna, that’s all. Cursed to never see sunlight, cursed to avoid fire even more than ever, cursed to drink blood to sate a maddening thirst. No, I haven't been through hell at all Sivienna, I'm still there," Sarah snapped. Sivienna's blubbering apology fell on deaf ears as Sarah closed her eyes bitterly. She absently grabbed her glass of Ale as she sipped it, trying to get some satisfaction out of it. Other than the acrid taste she was at a loss as she growled lowly.

It was then she heard the scratch of a chair moving at the table, before her eyes snapped over to a man, at least that was what he appeared to be. His hair was a slightly curly blonde; never quite being able to curl however, made it appear wavy. His eyes were a cold blue as he sat there, dressed in a rather unimpressive button up shirt, and pants. A jacket was lazily held by a single finger over his shoulder as he tossed it over the back of the chair casually. He then looked Sarah in the eyes as he spoke candidly, "Hello Lass, how's undeath treating ye?"

Sarah reached out to throw a punch before she found her fist stop halfway. She tried again; only to net the same result as the man slowly shook his head clucking his tongue in disappointment, "Like everyone else who I've met, I swear, is my face just that punchable?"

Sarah realized he had to have been a vampire, for she couldn't actually harm him. Instead she sat there defeated and bitter as she glared daggers at the newcomer. The fact she was a thrall unable to hurt someone who was offending her, had certainly put her sour mood into a far darker one. She then closed her eyes as she sipped her drink in indignation, ignoring the man for the most part before she looked at Sivienna, "Just leave me alone Sivi, I don't need your help anymore, you've helped me enough."

"Sorry fer jumping in this little lover's spat, but seriously, how has undeath been treating ye lass?" The man asked again.

Sarah sent the man a withering gaze as she spoke harshly, "Either take me back in or be gone, I don't want you around."

"Such hate, for little old me?" He asked jovially. He then let the smile fade as he spoke, "I know you have many reasons to hate, after all siring against your will, stuck as the puppet to the greater vampiric population. It has to be tough-"

"Leave, now," Sarah snapped as she moved her fist again only to feel it halt a good foot from his face. He whistled low as he carefully reached out and gently moved her fist away from him.

"A foot? That’s closer than most thralls get, definitely a strong one you are. No wonder they wanted me to-"

"To what?" Sarah snapped.

Apparently the bartender had had enough of the two people irritating the poor woman. It was then he reached behind the bar and pulled out a crossbow, armed with a steel tipped arrow as he pulled back on the string, bringing it to a ready position. He then spoke up, his voice carrying, "Everything alright Lady?"

Sarah wanted to say no, as she was sure he'd shoot first ask questions later, but found it impossible. Her voice caught in her throat every time she tried, and while frustrated she growled out, "No, everything's fine."

"You sure, if you want just say the word and I'll toss these two on their ass..." He said encouragingly.

Sarah sighed as she looked down and said, "No need, I'm sure they were just leaving..." Her eyes then focused on the two across from her as she snatched her tankard and attempted to ignore them by drinking more of the ale.

[Nightsangel]

Sivienna's sad expression changed to one of anger, her lavender eyes burned with a sense of fury that she had not felt in a long time. Hearing Sarah's anger had caused her pain, her loneliness, one that she had quelled with both men and liquor had surfaced again. She had hoped, had prayed that the foxy Lavinian vixen would be ok. That she would find Sarah her confident, vibrant self. Instead she had met up with a completely different woman, a woman who had been branded, marked in the worst possible way.

Sivi knew from experience that a thrall was the lowest ranking vampire in the chain. They were basically servants, zombies raised to be their master's slave. To treat them to anything physical that was possible. Running her tongue over her lips, Sivienna began slowly "I understand your plight Sarah. I can help, I know a story, a way to break free of your current status in the vampire chain. If you'd-"

Her speech was interrupted by a suave voice, a voice she recognized slightly. She had been very young back when she had heard this voice. The voice of one of her teachers, she had forgotten his name, but she knew that this dark stranger had to be a vampire. One that possessed her own magic art, that of shadowmancy. Turning to look at the well-dressed man, her mouth formed into an O as she said shocked "You! I remember you! Your that old dog my father threw at me, the one who was suppose to teach me the 'secrets of the Mizami family'! Instead you spent more time ogling me then teaching me! I thought father had thrown you out?"

After she addressed him she turned back to Sarah to finish her story. But, the vixen's eyes were only for that of the dark pervert who stood regally behind her. Shaking her head as she watched Sarah try to break through her chains, she sighed. Her heart went out for the poor Lavinian. She wanted to take Sarah in her arms and cuddle her, soothe her and tell her that everything would be fine. Just seeing Sarah in this trial now, made the dark beauty yearn to take her away. Free her from every skeleton that hid in the brown haired beauty's closet.

Much to Sivi's dismay, Sarah's iron wall did not budge, in fact things just got worse when the handsome man behind the bar took out a sharp cross bow. The dark vampire felt her heart skip a beat as she saw the pointed stick grow level with her heart. Pursing her lips, Sivienna was about to ask Sarah to tell her friend to calm down. When the vixen did that herself. She then pointedly ignored both the gentleman and Sivi herself.

Running a hand through her hair, as Sivienna went once more to her already nearly gone glass of blood wine she muttered "You know Sarah, if you had just told me what happened in the first place, we could already be formulating a plan on how to cure you of the chains that bind you as a thrall...."

[Lavinian Pride]

To say Sarah was fuming, would be a drastic understatement of the situation. Had she been a kettle, it would have been boiling over and flooding the floor with its contents, which would have probably been something rather caustic. As she finished her tankard she found herself alone with the two vampires at the table. He eyes glared balefully at the man as he spoke his voice calm despite the volatile situation, "She's right you know, total pervert, never did anything good for her, besides teach her how to use shadow magic. Same potentials in you darling, and if you're willing to put in the work, I'm willing to teach you too..."

"Why, and how much?" Sarah snapped. The tankard was set down with a rather loud thud on the table as she gently circled a finger on the pommel of her dagger, which glinted in the light of the pub. The Bartender was still watching and he gestured to the man and hitched his thumb towards the door. Sarah knew what he was doing, giving her a second chance at ridding her currently company. Instead she idly shook her head.

"You're a Mizami, when you were, embraced it created the aptitude for Shadowmancy in you. As for why teach you, as my old pupil aptly pointed out, there’s not much love between me and Raoul, so imagine his chagrin when the thrall he's trying to capture knows a trick or two," He said firmly.

"So that's your big reason? Petty pride?" Sarah sassed as she let a soft snort escape her. She then looked at Sivienna, "We're not through yet. We're far from finished."

"Can I watch?" He asked idly. Sarah only vaguely picked up on the veiled humor of the thought of watching two women fighting.

Instead she stopped her finger pointedly on top of her blade as she spoke, "I'm through with Magic, it's only a headache, and rarely pays off."

"Spoken as a true dullard," He said as he rose.

The knife was torn from the sheath and stabbed to the hilt into the table mere millimeters from his hand. As he turned and looked into Sarah's eyes she felt the red hot anger and pride welling up in her. He had sparked something volatile in the woman that much was certain as he raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps not dull enough. Clever, almost making me think you had already broken the rules. I suppose you thought yourself clever. Hitting next to me, knowing you could finish the action, because the intent was not to harm me at all?"

Sarah spoke her voice soft, carrying a bit of Seth's edge in it, "Lets see how many times I can keep it up before your hand accidentally slips into the path."

"I like it, sound plan, make me cause the harm rather than you. However, you'd still be trying to indirectly harm me, and your limbs would stop maybe four, or five times into it. Still, you definitely have the anger for this stuff. It could be yours, a path of power, allowing you to wield magic, true magic, rather than that pitiful Hex Magic your brother oh so-"

"Don't mention Seth again, or you'll die, even if I have to kill myself to figure out how," Sarah said as she leaned forward, "Now what’s the price?"

The newcomer smiled as he spoke, "That's my girl. My price is simple, continue your planned vengeance. I'll give you most of the tools needed. If you're a good girl, I'll even give you a bit of my blood. Deal?"

Sarah knew nothing of vampiric lore, she had no idea what was being offered on the table. Her eyes cast a caustic glance at her friend, as tenuous as the friendship was. Her eyes then looked up at the man as she pondered just what to do. Obviously the talk of his blood was a indicator as to how far he was willing to go. Still, he had a lecherous streak; this much Sivienna had told him. As she looked at the vixen she looked to the tender, "Another round and I'll pay for the damage to the table."

He raised an eyebrow as he sighed and began pouring the drinks before he called out, "Alright, you're the boss."

[Nightsangel]

Sivienna was at a loss, the bar was not the safe refugee she had hoped it would be. No instead it turned into a boiling pit, where a lover, a woman whom she had cared dearly about, was glaring ice daggers at her. Furthermore, the sexy night vixen had not been expecting her old teacher to be there. That was just an unpleasant blast from the past that she did not want to face. She had thought that any nuisances from her life before now would not appear. She very well recalled the final time that she had a lesson with her perverted instructor.

Flash back from 10 years ago

"Come on now darling. You can do it! It is easy! Just form the flame like this, pull the magic up from with in your heart!" the nicely dressed man then formed his hands together. Slowly and with bright clarity and orb of bright black-purple flames begin to form in his hand. He then showed it the wide-eyed young lass. The bright flames then disappeared as the man cooed 'Now then honey, its your turn!"

The young woman's bright lavender orbs were worried, in a soft voice she whispered "But Master...I can't, I can't focus." she was clothed in a pretty light blue gown of silk, her hair was down, free from any ornaments that would dress her hair up. She was wearing soft flats, meant to make it easier to learn the magics that her new master was teaching her.

The young man moved a gloved hand to lift up the young girl's chin, in a smooth voice he asked "Problems with daddy sweetheart?"

A breeze picked up, tickling Sivienna's long tresses of purple hair, the black tinges were accented by the moon's soft blue light. Her pale body looked like a shining beacon from the dimness of the courtyard. Wrapping her little arms around her small body she murmured "Yes...I can't understand why he doesn't want me. He doesn't pay attention to mommy either..."

The man tipped his top hat towards the young lass, his hand then moved to caress her side as he purred "Aw sweetie, just because daddy doesn't love-" his words were cut short as his gloved hand was rudely slapped away. He then was met with angry lavender eyes. Holding up his hands in a peaceful manner he whispered "Hey love, come on now. Don't beat me up. Use that anger to learn your magic! Use it to fuel the energy you need to form the power!"

Sivienna's full young lips were thin as she hissed 'Keep your hands off me! Mommy told me to watch out for perverted men like you!" She then walked swiftly away from him and once more took her position on the smooth marbled fight field. She then placed her hands in the same position as her Master had, slowly she visualized the purple fire ball forming in her hands. A gleeful laugh escaped her young lips as she felt the magic forming. Soon a shining black-purple ball of fire was flickering in her palm. In a exuberant voice she exclaimed "Look Master! I did it!"

The man's smooth old face cracked into a smile as he said jovially "Good for you my girl!"

Her memory then ended there, a soft sigh escaped her lips, turning to look at Sarah once she had addressed the dark beauty she murmured "I understand Sarah...but, listen." she then turned her position in the wrickety chair. Her legs crossed over her slim thighs as she cleared her throat. The story she was about to tell was a long one. She had heard her old teacher mention the fact that he would give some of his blood to the foxy thrall. She knew what this meant, but she knew that Sarah did not know the story of what blood could do for a thrall.

She begin to speak in a clear and concise voice, one meant for large crowds or an intimate group to get her point across. "Sarah, the story behind his offer is this, blood given from a master vampire to a thrall can, free him or her. It can release the chains that bind you to the master or mistress who created you. It will over time give you power to harm a true vampire. It gives a thrall the right to rise above their station. Basically," a smile formed on Sivienna's full rich lips as she finished. "You'll be free!"

The old pervert spoke up them and said sweetly "My old pupil is right my girl. If you accept my offer, you'll be given the chance to free yourself from the Mizami curse. You'll be your own woman!" He then eyed his old pupil coyly as he added "By the way darling, for someone whom I taught at a very young age, you've blossomed into quite a sexy young woman."

A groan escaped Sivienna's lips as she saw a serving wench coming to their table laden with drinks. As the young maid placed, a pitcher of ale and wine on their table, she whispered curtly to her old sensai "Stop trying to flirt. It won't succeed. I warned you once to stop, still try and you will regret it old man!"

[Lavinian Pride]

The man only shook his head chuckling as he spoke, "Ahh, you never did thank me for giving you the anger you needed to not be a complete waste of time Sivienna. Still, after you complained to your mother, I suppose it was only a matter of time before Raoul threw me out on my ass. I haven't tasted human blood in years darling, somehow I don't see myself relishing that fact." His words held a bitter edge as he looked over at Sarah.

Sarah meanwhile was taking everything in as she thought about what to do. She was able to learn true full magic. That much was a given, but would she want it? The man across from her was a lecher and not a bad teacher apparently. She knew Sivienna simply didn't have the anger sometimes to carry through with her goals, she had determination, but at the end of the day, anger fueled people to do impossible things. Much like her anger had helped save her from drowning in the death of her body, her anger would be the key to her prison.

She looked at the man as she said firmly, "What do I call you?"

"Draistol, that is my name, and all you need refer to me by. I would prefer master, but I don't think you're into that crap," He said with a sly wink.

His pick up lines were about as cheesy as a few of the bar flies, and she had heard some rather bad ones. As she sipped her drink she pondered the answer to the question before she said firmly, "I'll let you train me, but on one condition."

Draistol smiled as if amused, "And that is?"

"You lay a finger on Kid, and not only does this all end, but I will not rest until I have drained you dry," She said firmly.

"Spoken as a true mother, is she your child? I didn't know you had kids..." Draistol said.

"I don't," Sarah replied bluntly.

"Ah, surrogate," Draistol said as he sighed, "Makes sense. Alright, term accepted no hands on the girl. Shall we?"

"Let me pay the bill first," Sarah replied as she got up from the rickety chair. She walked over to the bar where the rather young tender was waiting his eyes never having left their table. She gave him a soft smile as she said, "I'm going to close my tab and pay out for the night."

"You certainly have some weird friends girl," He said as he leaned on the counter.

"How much do I owe," She said ignoring the comment.

He placed a hand gently on hers as he said softly, "Listen, I don't know who you are, nor do I really give a rat's ass, but one lush to another, watch your back with those two. I'd hate to lose you to getting in over your head."

She nodded as she said softly, "Ones a...friend I guess you could say. The other is an unknown. I can't ask you to take care of him, but I appreciate what you tried to do. Really I do..."

"Like I said, weird friends. Alright, it’s on me tonight, but don't tell the others that, they'll think I'm pussy whipped or something," He let out a small chuckle as she looked him in the eyes.

"No, I'm paying for this-"

"Sorry your gold's no good here tonight. Save it, we can enjoy a bottle down the road, though from what I can tell, you haven't enjoyed a bottle in a good long while," He said firmly.

She closed her eyes as she said softly, "Thank you. I'll get you back for this later, I gotta get back to my home."

Mark nodded before he said softly, "Just, be careful. Bad business when people disappear."


~*~

Less than an hour later, Sarah had led them through the sewers of Radasanth and to Sarah's private sanctum. Everything remained unchanged, kid sleeping on the bed, the dresser with the stuck door still there. The mirror that reflected none of them still stood silent sentinel over the room. Sarah meanwhile gestured to the table, "Go ahead and have a seat, I'll wake up Kid, and we can discuss the training."

She then moved over to the pile of mattresses and blankets where Kid had been sleeping. Sitting on the bed she whispered gently, "Hey girl, you gonna sleep all night?"

Kid groaned softly as she mumbled, "A little longer Sarah, please?"

"I would, but we have company, and I need you to be up tonight alright sweetie?" Sarah said softly. Kid got up tiredly rubbing her eyes as she looked up at Sarah, "Who is it?"

Sarah sighed as she gestured to the two other vampires in the room, "Friends, if they could be called that."

[Nightsangel]

Sivienna let out a small cough, her lavender eyes leveled on Sarah's brown ones. The question in her eyes spoke volumes as she thought Friend Sarah? You know I was more then that.... a sigh came to her lips, breaking her gaze from Sarah's brown eyes, her own eyes settled on a lumpy set of mattresses that were empty. She assumed Sarah slept here, however her heart was beating rather uncomfortably. It wasn't because of Drastoil, nor was it because of Sarah. It was because of the child that was under Sarah's care. The scent the small girl gave off was alluring, but the night vixen recognized it as well.

A blood puppet, the small child had been one. Turning a questioning gaze on Sarah, she felt an urge to ask where Sarah had rescued the young girl. But from the way Sarah was protective of the girl, Sivi figured it was best to not ask the question that was burning on her lips. However, she feared that the young girl would be able to recognize the markings that both Drastoil and her gave off. A blood child was trained to serve their masters, much like a thrall, they also could tell the distinguishing marks that each vampire family possessed.

Hoping to avoid a problem, Sivienna moved to Sarah and whispered lowly in the vixen's ear "Might have best informed her of what we are Sarah. She'll be frightened if she recognizes it herself..."

Drastoil meanwhile had a cheerful smile on his face as he exclaimed "Lovely nest here my girl. However you could have found a nicer place, there be many abandoned buildings around here!" he then gave the girl a cheerful smile as he said "Ah so here is the pretty child you spoke of! She be quite a peach my darling girl!" He then flexed one of his fingers as he said casually "Though we may need her gone for the teaching you are going to receive honey. She shouldn't be witness to such a display of magic!"

Agreeing with her teacher Sivienna murmured quietly "Perhaps your girl could give me a tour of your home Sarah? That way you'd have privacy while Drastoil taught you and fu filled the bargain you two made."

[Lavinian Pride]

"What do you think Kid?" Sarah said as the girl looked at the two.

She turned to Sarah before she spoke, "Mistress Mizami seems a bit tense Sarah, however Lord Samesi seems more interested in you than the lessons he wants to teach..."

Sarah laughed at the candid summary of the situation as she ruffled the girl’s hair, causing her to join in with quiet giggles, "Couldn't have said it better myself. However, that wasn't what I was referring to. You probably know Shadowmancy better than me, do you want to see me learn it, or would you rather stay behind with Sivienna..."

"S-she's Sivienna?" Kid stuttered.

Sarah raised an eyebrow at the girl as she nodded softly, "Yes, Sivienna Mizami. We met a long time ago, why?"

"Send her away Sarah! Send her away before Rianna comes!" The child said as she clasped Sarah's shirt in her small hands. Draistol merely shook his head as he turned to the girl.

"I am Draistol puppet; I taught Rianna her little tricks. You have no need to worry yer little head over that tramp. The only thing she's good for is not what she's been trying to do, more like her mother that one...though I suppose it runs in the family..." Draistol said peering at Sivienna, causing Kid to look at the old vampire.

"Alright, old history aside, do you want to see me learn, or do you want to stay here with Sivienna while I take him to the room?" Sarah asked.

Kid looked at Sarah before she said, "I want to go with you Sarah."

Sarah nodded as she turned to Sivienna, "She's said her piece. I'll talk all of you to the Room then..."

"The...Room?" Draistol asked.

Sarah smiled as she said, "It's not far from here, just a little something I threw together..."


~*~

"The Room" as it had been called was a chamber that had long since been sealed off. It had probably housed a ward or some such thing, but the torches that Sarah lit up showed a miraculously clean room. Amidst the area was a table, probably salvaged from somewhere as it had the telltale board and nails that were a patch fix for a more serious problem. Much as the same flaw that most of her furniture held. It also held a few dummies, more than likely stolen from a tailoring store, which stood at one end of the chamber. As they were made of wood, it was made obviously clear their intent as more than a few cuts and pock marks dotted their surface, probably from where a thorn had sunk into wood.

The torches gave the room clear lighting, allowing view of everything in the room, kept in roughly good shape. Sarah meanwhile went over to the dummies as she checked them over. Kid meanwhile sat on the flimsy table in a practiced maneuver as she watched Sarah take care of the dummies. Draistol only whistled lowly as he observed the room. He finally spoke his voice clearly impressed, "Perhaps I was wrong about the building, why stay above ground, when you can find little treasure troves like this..."

"I was a Lavainian before my curse," Sarah replied simply.

"Ah, Darith still around?" Draistol asked.

"When was he ever not the guild master?" Sarah retorted.

Draistol snickered at the comment before he said, "Well this room actually simplifies things. I don't know what it was used for earlier, but its heavily saturated in magic. I can feel the winds of magic in here easily, all of them..."

"So it's easier to manipulate them here?" Sarah asked bored while she played with the manikin before she took off her cloak and threw it on the table, revealing her dagger belt with five thorns.

"Technically yes, the real answer would bore you. I'm a student of thaumaturgy, not a magician, so excuse me if I get long winded instructing you," He said smiling while he gazed over her body.

"Keep it above the neck Draistol," Sarah said snapping him out of his gaze, "If you want play time we'll talk later..."

[Nightsangel]

"I understand Sarah." Sivienna replied softly. She then turned and smiled at Kid, seeing the frightened look in the child's eyes, she sighed and said gently "I'm nothing like my sister child. My father threw me out on my ear. My sister if she could even be called that, regularly tries to kill me. So," letting a smile warm her face the night vixen finished "You have nothing to fear from me sweet heart." Her eyes then shifted to that of her old teacher's, her grin turned to a grimace as she approached his suave dark figure.

Getting right up in his face she hissed "I am nothing like my family Drastoil. I might have been, when my mother was alive. But, now I'm an outcast. So don't brand me sensai." she then turned to follow Sarah, but her hand was grabbed roughly. Feeling a tug somewhere near her naval, she was pulled straight towards the old pervert.

His lecherous dark eyes were cold as he said firmly "You listen to me honey. I"m older then you! So that makes me your superior! You'll not reprimand my judgements-" his thoughts were jumbled as he saw Sivienna's cute little dress slightly disarrayed. Blood spurted slightly from his nose as he stepped back from the smirking vixen. Looking hurt he said "What? I was not thinking something perverted!"

Folding her arms over her sumptuous chest, Sivienna drawled "Oh suuuuure!" she then moved to fix the shoulder of her dress which had fallen slightly to the right revealing her pale, creamy flesh. Delicately sliding the fabric back to its proper place, she saw Drastoil's dark eyes follow her every movement. Shaking her head she pivoted on her feet to follow Sarah muttering "Lets go you old coot."

All she heard was a 'humph' from the old lecher as he quickly followed in Sarah's wake.

After the trio had left, Sivienna let out a heavy sigh. Her heart was sore from Sarah's current predicament. While she had put on a happy, pleased face for Sarah's charge and for her old mentor. Now that she had a moment to herself, she had time to reflect on what had happened to Sarah. She felt somehow that it was her fault that Rianna had turned the foxy Lavinian vixen into a creature that walked only through eternal night. If she had only been there, had only agreed to travel with Sarah...then maybe Rianna would not have gotten her dirty paws on Sarah.

Though there was the other half of the coin, if Sivi had been with Sarah, then perhaps Rianna would have killed Sivi and changed Sarah, effectively completing two tasks in one trip. Thus, while Sivienna might have been help to her old lover and protected her from her cursed half-sister, there was also the given fact that Sivi might have been useless and Sarah would have been turned anyway.

Shaking her head as she stared up at the grimy old ceiling of Sarah's safe haven the night vixen couldn't help but groan loudly "Fate is a bitch!" she then walked across the moist stone floor of Sarah's safe house. She then found the faded and chipped wooden door that Sarah had used to lead the other two to 'The Room' turning the rusted door handle, she soon find herself in a room that was guarded heavily by magic.

Wrinkling her nose as the magic force swamped her body, she turned to Sarah and asked "Such power? How Sarah? How did you fortify the room so strongly?" she then moved to sit on a rickety looking wooden chair. Wincing a bit as the chair wobbled strongly under her weight, she groaned and thought It would just be easier to sit on the floor... while the sexy beauty thought this might be best, instead she balanced her weight on the chair so she was more comfortable. She then turned to watch Sarah and Draistoil talk, waiting for the time when the two would begin Sarah's training in shadowmancy.

[Lavinian Pride]

"That’s the funny thing, I have no idea how this room got like this. I'm sure it was once filled with wards protecting something, but whatever it is, its gone now. Now I have a room that keeps itself clean, while I can practice in here," Sarah replied simply to Sivienna's question. Draistol cleared his throat as she raised an eyebrow and looked at him with a pointed expression.

"Well, first off, we should be training you, secondly, don't worry too much, it’s just a general flood of magic. So, first I'm going to explain a few things, and then we'll get into the more practical stuff. Shadowmancy isn't like Hex Magic, it doesn't draw you in, it doesn't lure you, and it doesn't corrupt so thoroughly. Hex Magic could be called the prostitute of magic for a better term. It's flashy, it gives you what you think you need, but in the end, it amounts to nothing, it just screams constantly in your ear, hoping you'll give it attention," Draistol explained.

"Care to knock my family any more? If so I think I found a new sheath for my daggers," Sarah replied boldly.

"Okay, point taken. Shadowmancy, is dormant. It won't persuade you, it doesn't care if you use it or not. While powerful, it doesn't give its power to just anyone. Hence this is why the Mizami's made a pact to gain this magic. Now, everyone bitten by a Mizami has the ability to pull upon this wind of magic, you just have to know how," Draistol explained. He then pointed at Sarah, "I know you're pretty emotional right now, how do you feel, be honest."

Sarah looked at Kid, who seemed to be watching Sarah with rapt attention, she finally nodded and Sarah sighed as she leaned against the dummy letting the pressure finally buckle her as she spoke, "I feel angry, perhaps dangerously so. I had so much in front of me, I had a life, I could have had a family..."

"Which is important in Lavinya," Daraistol pressed.

"Of course it is!" Sarah snapped. She then closed her eyes, "I was searching for Sivienna, after being made a full soul I thought that maybe I could hook up with her, and at least feel wanted in the world..."

"So it’s true then?" Draistol asked.

"What?" Sarah asked.

"You are Seth Dahlios..." Draistol stated, it was no question, merely an affirmation of Sarah's nightmare.

"Not anymore," Sarah managed, the anger was welling up in her as a bitter edge took to her voice. She closed her eyes as she tried to hold it back before Draistol continued.

"Alright I think we've heard enough. Now the anger you’re feeling, dip into it. I want you to focus that anger, towards your hand. Imagine it like energy coursing through your veins, and pool that energy towards your hand," Draistol said.

Sarah turned back towards the others before she raised an eyebrow in curiosity before she focused on the anger. She was a scarecrow, a half soul, a deadbeat. Seth was dead, but even in death they glorified a man who deserved no glory. It angered her, for even when Seth was dead, his shit didn't smell. As she looked at her hand she could feel the anger welling up within her. She clenched her hand into a fist as she closed her eyes and thought bitterly, I'm only alive because he slaughtered our parents, and now he's dead, not for his crime, but for his stupidity. I'm in my mother's body and its all...his...fault!

With that final burst of anger black flames erupted from her clenched fist as she turned and punched the manikin, the poor tailor's doll shattering with the impact. Sarah's chest heaved with the exertion as she looked at the clenched fist. Dark black flames enveloped it as Draistol smiled speaking, "Far more apt a pupil than Sivienna, it took me blatantly fawning over her to get her angry enough to do something about it. Your emotions link you to that wind of magic. Spite, Malice, Anger, Hate, these are the tools of a Shadowmancer. However, like all things, the more you rely on those emotions, the more they define your world. A Shadowmancer must show reserve, lest they plunge into the abyss of their emotions. However, you know the dangers of relying too much on magic to solve your problems. So, I'll leave you to determine your course from here."

Sarah looked down at the fire that still was held in her clenched fist as she could feel her anger dissipating. The flame remained a she frowned, "Why does it remain, even as I grow calm again?"

"You're manipulating the magic now. It takes emotion to grasp it, but over time you'll find that less emotion is required to kick start the connection. A simple angry thought now sends Sivienna into the wind to clutch her gifts. Also, I would point out no two Shadowmancers are alike. Sivienna still uses the arcane chants thought to give the magic power. That is her way, yours can obviously differ. Be careful on how you grasp it, make it something deliberate, lest you accidentally trigger it at the wrong times," Draistol explained.

"Is my lesson done?" Sarah asked.

"No, from here it gets harder. You have chosen a rather interesting way to develop your skill. Rather than the darkness flame attack that most adepts learn, you have chosen a rather, odd spell. Vampires seldom like to get physical, so to see you manifest the Hellfire Gauntlet is intriguing. However, each vampire has their fighting style unique to them. You need to develop your own, and that’s why I'm here. If you went after Cardenas and Mizami now, you would be slaughtered, for mortal wounds mean nothing to the immortal. You have to strike them with brutal efficiency."

"Then let us continue..." Sarah said firmly.

"I would but alas it’s almost daylight, we should all rest for the evening. You have learned how to clutch your gift, tomorrow you learn to embrace it," Draistol explained before he walked over to the door and opened it.

Sarah looked down at her clenched fist before she shook her hand relaxing it. The flames almost immediately extinguished in response. Looking at Kid she gave a weak smile as she said softly, "Perhaps Sivienna was right, you didn't need to hear my concerns Kid."

Kid however ran forward and hugged Sarah tightly as she whispered, "It's okay Sarah, you'll have a family one of these days. Till then I'll take care of you..."

Sarah smiled at the girl as she ruffled her hair and spoke, "I already do."

Kid looked up at Sarah as she frowned, "What do you mean Sarah?"

"I have you, that’s all I need to sustain myself," Sarah replied.

[Nightsangel]

"Ah I see Sarah." Sivienna said, her voice devoid of anything but understanding. Her mind then begin to wander as she thought about what treasure might have been hidden in the sanctity of this secluded room. What if it was something that i could use to bring trouble for my father? If it was so special..perhaps even dangerous, then it would defiantly poise a problem for my father. From...the feel of the magic wards, it feels as if, knights some holy order was protecting it. However, the feeling of purity is now faint, maybe after that some dark creature or order came and hid their own unique item here... pursing her lips as Sivienna's ties to this old magic begin to weaken, she tried to push through the familiar fires of shadowmancy to get one more taste of the ancient magic. Damn it....this feels familiar, demon maybe? Could it be vampire? But why? Why would any of the old nobles hide anything in such a secluded place?

Turning to stare at her perverted tutor, a plan begin to formulate. If she could only ask Drastoil if he knew of anything, anything that the council of elders would have deemed sacred enough to stow away. As she listened to his speech, she sighed. She remembered how it had been for her, it had been hard. Her life had been all flowers and wine. Simple easy pleasure wrought with members of the council who brought her elegant, tasteful presents. When it had come time for her to learn the ways of her clan's gifts. She had been adamant in her not wanting to. Her mother thought had soothed her, had convinced her that they had hired her a nice teacher. One who would pamper her and let her learn with time.

Shaking her head as the vision faded, a warm but wry smile was on the night vixen's face as she thought How very wrong you were mama. Drastoil was anything but kind, he was just a sick lecherous elder with a taste for pretty young flowers. the smile left her lips as the beauty finished her thoughts Though he did help me learn, and in the end that gift was what I needed. Shadowmancy saved me, without it, I would not be alive today.....

Unfolding her curvy figure from the very precarious chair she had been seated on, her booted feet moved to the right of the small room. Finding a faded pink foot stool, she sat down on this as she felt the room heat up with the fires of shadowmancy. Curious, Sivienna's lavender orbs glanced at Sarah's hands, expecting to see the familiar purplish-black flames of the first spell 'Darkness Flame' shock filled her instead as she saw a raging black inferno enveloping Sarah's palm. Jealous was like a dim flame inside Sivienna's heart as she felt the power of Sarah's attack. Gulping a bit, Sivienna turned, but not quickly enough. Her old master had caught the green light that had briefly came into Sivienna's normally quiet eyes.

Was she felt the seeds of jealousy fade, Sivienna took a few moments to regather her demeanor. Once she was sure, that any roots that could be negative were gone, the night seductress sauntered over to Sarah. A smile was on her face as she said softly "Congrulations Sarah, that attack Hell's Inferno...its very rare to learn it. It takes a great deal of will, strength and muscle to conjure the flames. From the information she had learned, it took a great deal of anger and emotion to muster such a powerful spell. Smiling a bit the purple haired Mizami continued lightly "I thought you would learn the same spell I did...if that was the case, I would have shown you what would have come next."

Grinning a bit as she flexed her fingers, her eyes closed as she sank into her well of magic, her voice was warm, almost fire itself as she begin her incantation Oh great givers of darkness; those who breathe life into flames and shadows, I ask thee to call my beasts. Breathe your sweet flames of life into my wolves of flame and shadow. I invoke thee now and ask thee to grant me thy blessings! her voice then quieted down, as heat came like brush fire into the small room. A quiet wind, unseen by most crept around the night vixen, teasing Sivienna's dress and hair as it flew behind her.

Soon a small black portal opened up, revealing not one pair, but two of glowing purple eyes. Soon those eyes begin to take shape and form as muzzles appeared dotted by dark purple fur, soon red flames begin to dance from the portal as the wolves begin to materialize. Shortly after that two wolves of breathing flame were crouched by Sivi's feet. As she begin to pet them and smile, she looked up to see if Sarah had saw her show. But to her dismay she saw Sarah talking with Kid. Realizing when her role had been lost, Sivienna let out a weak smile as she called out "Sarah.....I do hope your life will be al right. I..." licking her lips she finished "can see that you care a great deal about this child. Protect her, look out for the way that I failed to do for you..." her heart was heavy as she turned from her old lover.

Moving to follow after Draistoil her intentions were to ask him if he knew of any treasures that might have been hidden in this room. She had hoped that she could at least share in Sarah's training, but it seemed that the foxy Lavianian did not need her assistance. In fact it seemed that Sarah was doing quite well without Sivienna in her life.

[Lavinian Pride]

Kid looked at Sarah as she said softly, "Sivienna is dangerous Sarah..."

Sarah frowned at the child before her. They had been together a few months and it had been odd at times. Sometimes Kid would speak her mind and her concerns, at other times she would shell up. Sarah had a hard time making headway in freeing Kid from her shell. However, for her to speak so frankly, and about her friend spoke volumes. Perhaps it was the fact Lord Mizami had always berated his daughter and in turn his servants were bound to pick up on it. Still Sarah looked at Kid as she said softly, "She's always been my friend why should I fear her?"

"Jealousy," Kid whispered as he looked into Sarah's eyes, concern shining in them.

That was an emotion Sarah knew all too well. However, Sivienna was hardly the jealous type. Why should she be? Sarah was no threat to her, especially as a thrall. Still she entertained the notion when she spoke softly, "Why would she be jealous? There’s no reason for her to be-"

"You have me, so you don't need her, and you aren't developing normally at all. She can't help you Sarah, and you haven't exactly been nice. Vampires desire need; they want to feel needed and wanted. That's why you protect me so fiercely; you need me to need you Sarah. She's jealous that you have taken care of your needs in such a way..."

Sarah froze as she looked at Kid. Sometimes, the girl scared her, and this was one of those times. She had the ability to look at a vampire and tell too much information about it at times. The lechery of Draistol, the jealousy of Sivienna, the clingy tendencies of herself, all was laid bare before Kid. It was unnerving to be so readable, yet she knew that was perhaps Kid's best quality. She however, steeled her voice to hide the fear as she said, "I see. Well, thank you for the warning Kid..."

She stood up having not heard much from Sivienna, she had vaguely made out she had spoken to her, and felt guilty that she had been too engrossed in her conversation with Kid to pay attention to her one time lover. She turned to leave only to see Draistol by the door arms over his chest crossed an expression of mirth ever present on his face. He then spoke, his voice almost in a told-you-so way. She stopped a hand resting on her hip as she did so, her eyes focused on the man before her as she said, "Alright, I give, what do you really want from me?"

"I'd say a day, but you're expecting that. Let me explain something about why I'm here. I hate Lord Mizami, Rhaoul can rot in the city of Sintyre for all I care. He deserted me to my worst enemies, simply for my lechery. I learned to rein it in after that, and if anything, I'm only using it to keep Sivienna from questioning my motives. The reason I'm doing this, is I was given a chance to get back at Rhaoul, and I'm going to jump at it. If anyone can figure out how to break the laws of death, it’s you," He said firmly.

"So I'm a tool to you, a weapon to get back at your enemy, because we share a common cause," Sarah said as she moved forward gracefully, a bit of her charm in the motion. She could see the effect was not lost on Draistol as he seemed to raise an eyebrow at the motion.

"Oh, fancy yourself a seductress I see. I should suppose that’s right in line with your more human ways. Doubt it'll work on Rhaoul though, he's not exactly the love my enemy type..." Draistol said as he smirked appreciatively.

"So what do I do Draistol? I got nothing else besides my 'human ways'," Sarah replied venomously.

"That’s the right question, but first, you gotta take care of yourself girlie. You are running out of friends and I assure you, Kid will not keep you safe from Lord Mizami's machinations. If he wanted you dead, you'd be ash on the floor and the girl would be drained as a gift to the murderer," Draistol replied bluntly.

"I can't help what Sivienna thinks let alone-"

"Excuses, excuses, do the Dahlios always try to externalize their problems? Cause you're doing a damn good job of it," He replied sternly. Sarah glared at him as he looked back at her, that smug grin on his face the entire time before he spoke candidly, "You can wallow in self pity and push away your friend because she wasn't there when you died, or you can accept that she was running for her life. You can accept her back into your life, maybe not as the lover she once was, but as a friend and adviser. I can't be here all the time to protect you Sarah, and I can't be bothered to try."

"I feel flattered, really I do," Sarah snapped.

"Good, cause its what you need to hear, isn't that right Kid?" Draistol said to the puppet who seemed to be hiding behind Sarah.

Kid looked up at Sarah, who had a deadly gleam in her eye as she looked at Draistol. She had seen that gleam before, only when she truly wanted to kill, and possibly the rules of death was the only thing keeping her from carrying out her desire. Still, she knew what Draistol spoke of and she said softly, "He's right Sarah, Lord Mizami is relentless, you need someone who knows his tactics to evade him for long..."