Way of the Brothers.

[Alberdyne_Cormyr]

( Let There Be Blood (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=20022) is the prequel thread to this story. Thank you very much. )

Why did you do that to him, was it really necessary? The voice traveled across the aether to contact a very powerful mind. Belonging to Master Renard Brogan, the mind listened to the telepathic calling from its owner, Cynthia Rouge. Cynthia Rouge was watching the movements of Alberdyne Cormyr very closely as he gathered his belongings and prepared to leave. She was not amused. Not very many people said no to an offer as generous as the one she had placed upon Dyne's lap.

"Dyne. Stop. You are not thinking rationally. You have just lost your neophyte status in the Order, and are now faced with a new curse. You need help. I am offering you help. I am one of the Grand Masters of the Order. I can assist you with this new life that you must lead."

Hearing her words, Alberdyne Cormyr stopped. By then, the transformation had already settled into his body. Dyne's chest rose and fell rapidly in the presence of the other Vampire. It was only then that he really stopped to reconsider her offer. Turning around, Dyne attempted to gather her thoughts. When his eyes fell upon Cynthia, he instinctively began to examine her beauty. Her hand was seductively at her collarbone, and the opposite hand was resting along her upper thigh. Her dress revealed a great deal of her pale flesh. She hungered just like he hungered. She had long, beautifully shining blond hair tied back into an elegant ponytail. Some portions of her hair were braided. She had intense almond colored eyes, and her dress was made of a sort of tight Vlince. It was colored red to match the color of blood. A mysterious locket was worn around her neck, and she had several other pieces of visible jewelry. She did not appear to be armed in any form, but looks were always deceiving. Cynthia moved closer to Dyne who did not make any attempt to retreat.

Dyne shuddered when she placed a cold hand upon his shoulder. Is this what I have become now? Dyne wondered. "I have something I must do. But now that I've had a moment to think clearly, I think I would like your help. If only at least on a temporary basis."

"What is it that you must do, Cormyr?" Cynthia asked.

"I have to find Edward. And make him responsible for what happened to me. I will not deal with this...alone." Dyne noticed that Cynthia's eyes seemed to be very far away. As if she was there in the room, and at the same time someplace else. Dyne wondered if that were a trick of the imagination.

"You will not be alone Dyne. Never alone. If you wish, we can hunt Edward down together." She said. "I have not been out of The Citadel very much recently."

Dyne thought about it briefly. "You can probably help me find Edward a lot easier. Plus, I really don't mind your company after all." Dyne allowed himself a smile and felt the sharpness of his fangs for a moment which somehow disturbed the young Immortal. "I would like to get this mission going as soon as possible." Dyne said. "I don't want Edward to leave Radasanth's city limits."

"Very well Dyne. We shall work together from now on. I will train you with what knowledge I can offer, and assist you in finding Edward."

"What do you get in return?" Dyne asked, almost afraid of the answer.

"A loyal peon." She responded in a matter of fact kind of way. "Come now, we can talk on the way to your Sire."

And they began the journey towards Edward...

[The Reborn]

Tears of regret slowly traced lines down Edward’s pale face as he continued to keep them buried in his hands. He hated himself and what he was, from the outer pale skin and sharp fangs to the inner thirst and constant hunger. He was a monster, something that children feared at night as their mothers tucked them in promising them safety until the sun rose the next day. Telling them that they could not be harmed as long as their warm embraced surrounded them. The truth was nothing could be deemed safe, and nothing could ever allow one to control their destiny. The monster which existed within him had finally reared its ugly fangs, and Dyne had been on the receiving end.

Pushing himself up off the stone path, Edward allowed a deep sigh to escape his lungs as he looked up to the sky for some sort of answers. ”As if there is a God up there. As if some higher being would allow this sort of evil to happen before his very eyes.” Dark brooding thoughts continued to assault him offering him very little relief after having bit a human being and transferring a dreaded irrevocable curse upon the man. Cursing himself, Edward left the alley way he had hidden in like a child that had went against his mothers words and broke a house rule.

Weaving into the countless humans which inhabited Radasanth city, Edward kept his hood pulled up and head held low. All he need was to be identified as a vampire by either some hunter or one of his previous clan members. Remaining under the public eye was not something that could be done easy. Many people made their livings off identifying those who do not belong and making sure they are removed from the public. Royal guards which kept the peace throughout the city were not the ones Edward feared for in most cases they did not know what to look for. It was the mercenaries or holy fanatics that Edward feared for once they caught his scent it would be a hunt until blood was shed.

Hearing the chime of the church bells, Edward looked towards the tall tower. People began to weave their way towards the church. ”Foolish people pray for safety, pray for happiness, and pray for salvation. They should be praying to not succumb to a terrible curse like this. All the money in the world cannot save me from this dreaded thirst.” Edward’s thoughts began to boil within him. Bringing the anger towards his infector, anger towards himself for spreading the disease, and most of all anger at the hunger building within him.

The beats of the hearts around him, although inaudible drove him crazy. Knowing the warm blood was flowing through their bodies. The liquid which he craved most. “I have already infected one person, what’s one more.”

“Excuse me, can you help me get to the Citadel?” A young woman cut Edward off as she stood before him. Her long brown hair fell just below her shoulder. Bright blue eyes shone with the reflection of the sun as it danced along her tanned skin. Her physical appearance, although brilliant, did not do justice to her smell. Her scent flood Edward’s senses as he drank in her appearance. She smiled shyly at him, waiting for his answer.

”If you knew better you would be running, but you don’t." Edward smiled despite his thoughts as he nodded his head calmly. The thirst was gaining control of him and he wanted to taste this woman in a way that few others around him would. He would need to get her outside of the city, somewhere that no one could interfere. “Sure thing sweetie. Follow me and I’ll make sure you get there in one piece.”

[Alberdyne_Cormyr]

Producing a black cloak and hood made out of Vlince, the Elder Vampire handed that to Dyne. It was understood that he was to put it on, probably to help him avoid the intensity of the sunlight's biting rays. With his hood placed atop his head, Dyne looked at the woman and nodded. Noticing something curious, Dyne saw that she wore an expression of great interest. He wondered why that was. Transforming from Dyne, Neophyte of the Order, to Dyne, fledgling Vampire was a difficult matter to grasp. I am one of them now. I have to play the part if I am to survive. I am hoping that this new family will not abandon me in my time of need like the Monks have.

We won't. Her voice filled his head. My Tribe looks out for their people even when dealing with outsiders. Come, young one, there is much to learn about the true nature of the world. For the time being, Alberdyne Cormyr could do nothing but obey the words of his new instructor. He was trapped with the new life. With the new life came a new series of rules and regulations. Dyne had to learn the ropes all over again.

As he walked out of the infirmary and into the hallway, the youth could see the dangerous stares many of the Monks gave him despite his present company. Feeling a hand perched reassuringly upon his shoulder, the pair walked side by side. Alberdyne walked with his chin touching his chest, physically ashamed of what had happened to him. He clearly dealt with a huge amount of guilt that rested in his heart. Guilt at what he had become, guilt at his failure with the Order, guilt at letting his family down.

It just hit him then. My family! What will they think of me now!? Dyne grasped that thought desperately as he thought about the most important people in his life. My family. Dyne suddenly became weak at the knees and had trouble walking as the world began to spin around him. Can I ever see them again? What will become of me now? My family means everything to me! I have failed them! Sporadic thoughts filled his head as he fell down to one knee startling some nearby Citadel patrons as the utilized various public services available in the structure. Dyne's had touched the cold stone floor attempting to gain a support of any sort.

When Dyne touched the floor memories swelled up to the surface of his mind. It was like watching his life in snippets and pieces. Dyne recalled some of his earliest memories, a childhood filled with love and support. Though his family was middle-class, with a few wealthy individuals here and there, the Patrons and Matrons of his household provided. He'd achieved a rudimentary education, was earning the basics for a vocation, and was fed daily. With food in his stomach, and armed with an education, it was expected that Dyne would become a leader amongst men.

Then why did he feel the way he currently felt? Would he have to endure the future without ever seeing his family again?! Dyne wondered about that as he felt himself ready to let everything go. Just wanting scream as he felt like he was going to burst from the raw emotion, Dyne let go. There was no reason or logic, there was only the moment. The here and now. "Aargh!"

He screamed loudly. People stared at him strangely, but he didn't really care anymore. As far as he was concerned, he had lost all sense of normality and rationality when Edward bit him and passed the curse. Edward. What do I do now? Dyne regained himself and turned to look towards Cynthia Rouge. Remaining by his side, she stared at him with that same interested expression. What is she thinking? Dyne wondered to himself as he looked at her. Shaking his head for a moment, the world stopped spinning as he regained his stable thought process. One thought passed through his head and that was the end-goal of finding Edward.

I will help you from now on if only you'll trust me. The same voice touched his head, and Dyne nodded to her. Somehow, he knew it was her touching his mind in a passionate way that only those with Telepathy could.

"Let's get going. He will not wait for us." Dyne heard her say. "The longer we stay here, the more danger we will be in. Come, Dyne, it is time to let go the other life." The youth nodded again having very little else to say or do at the moment. I cannot confront my family like this. They will see me as a Monster, or a Devil or worse...I have to wait until I am strong enough to confront them again. Maybe they can forgive me for what will become of me.

"All right." Dyne responded. "I shall follow you then. Let us seek Edward out, after that I want to talk to you about matters." Dyne said whilst he looked at the woman. He saw her nodding with understanding. And the journey began once more. Outside of the Citadel there was the usual gathered crowd. Throngs of people were heading to and from The Citadel and other parts of the area around The Citadel. People dressed in the attire of middle-upperclassmen were visible. Dresses and suits of various design and racial preferences decorated the crowd as well. Dyne looked at the sun and immediately regretted doing that. The sun seemed somehow harsher, brighter, hotter than ever before. Dyne quickly covered his eyes with the protective shadows of the hood. Somehow, the cloak was tailored in such a way that the darkness clung to him. Dyne's face was covered by a thick shadow that made it nigh impossible to see his porcelain skin. Various emotions filled his heart, but most of them were thoughts of Edward.

Dyne saw that Cynthia paused for a moment as if concentrating on some matter known only to her. Dyne waited out of respect for his Elder. After a few moments passed, she spoke to him. "We must go now. I have picked up his scent." And they started to walk in the general direction of Edward and his companion...

[Dedalous]

I was walking through the streets of the city of Radasanth, minding my own business, having just returned from a foray into the wilderness. I was battered, bruised, and tired, looking for healing from the monks. I was ever uncomfortable in the city, the urban jungle. It just did not suit me, but it was a necessary evil of civilization. It was the only way to gain healing until I could recruit a healer for my party.
I shifted my wings, annoyed, as someone bumped into me. That was another reason I hated the city, the massive crush of humanity all around you. The breeze shifted, ruffling my feathers and fur. Unlike what I did in most cities, I had decided to show my wings here, where people were less likely accost me for my differences. The gamble had paid off. Normally I was the target of many a thug or pervert, but my wings seemed to set me apart from the common crooks of Radasanth. I caught a strange scent on the breeze. It seemed to smell like a day old corpse, but with a faint whiff of life left in it. It smelled like undeath, but my curiosity got the better of me. In the back of my mind, I knew that this was insane, but my conscious mind was overcome with the desire to learn more about this undead in the city.
I pushed through the crowd, coming ever closer to the scent. I approached a bubble in the people, an empty space where but two people stood. Well, one stood, and the other crouched on the ground, weeping. They both wore dark cloaks, and dark hoods that seemed to eat the light that fell on them. Their faces were cast in deep shadow, but I could still make out their features. Their faces were extremely pale, like the skin had never seen daylight since birth. Their eyes had the feral gleam of a predator that knew he was a wolf amongst sheep, and they carried themselves in a haughty manner that said that they didn't just think they were superior to the beings surrounding them, they knew. And yet, one was crying. I sniffed the air, trying to get a picture of my surroundings, my nose going up, my nostrils flaring. And I realized that the undead on the ground seemed younger than the one standing. I didn’t know how I knew, but my race could always tell someone’s age by their scent. It was one of the benefits of being an animal.
As I watched, the man on the ground screamed, and minutes later, was completely composed as he returned to his feet, and walked away. I followed, wondering what would come of this. I wasn’t even trying to hide my pursuit. If they had even an ounce of common sense, they would realize they were being followed. I intended it that way. Let them think I’m just an uneducated oaf, I thought to myself, smiling. I stayed less than twenty feet behind them, just enough to be a safe buffer in case they decided to turn on me and fight. That was the one concession I made to showing my skill. And it was all I needed to make them think I was an unskilled tracker. If I lost them, I could follow their scent, because I never gave up on a quarry until I got what I wanted.

[The Reborn]

“Are you sure this is the way?” The young woman’s voice sounded slightly shaky as she glanced around her. The cobblestone walkway continued to lead them along the street. However, unlike the busy part of town, this side of Radasanth was becoming less and less populated.

“Yeah. See that hill over there?” As he spoke Edward pointed to a slight roll in the land that was just ahead of them blocking the view of the other side. “The citadel is right on the other side, its in a small valley.”

Edward’s voice seemed to be full of confidence as the woman smiled sweetly. Picking up her pace, she came in line with Edward’s strides and beamed up at him. “You know its my first time going to the Citadel.” She paused, “I’m a little nervous to be honest.”

The look of panic spreading across her face made Edward’s stomach twist. The citadel was the least of this beautiful woman’s problems. The thirst rose within his chest making him take a sharp breath and hold it. He wanted to lunge at her, rip her throat open and devour the life liquid which poured from the gash. Regaining control, he smiled down at her.

“Don’t Worry. I will stick with ya till the end.” He winked and she smiled. Reaching the top of the hill, Edward looked down towards the valley which held the beginning of a small forest. The young woman looked up at Edward as something dawned within her mind. Fear rippled through her as she opened her mouth to scream. It was to late, Edward’s enhanced speed already had her swept into his arms and one hand over her mouth. People streamed around the streets mere thirty feet away but it was to late. Carrying her, Edward picked his path down the slope and into the cover of the trees.

Passing through the tree line, the suns rays were blocked out and Edward through off his hood. The musky smell of moss and rotting vegetation wafted into his nose. This place smelt as if it were longing for death, more matter to add to its rotting forest floor. This woman would soon join the vegetation, adding her decomposing corpse to its leaves and moss.

Pressing her against a tree, Edward felt his thirst taking full control. He leaned in and smelt her hair. Running her nose along her face and to her neck. Breathing in her skin, he felt a shiver of ecstasy run up his spine. Gripping her shoulders, he looked her in the eyes as fear continued to course through her body. Silent tears began to streak down her face but this brought out no hidden emotion in Edward.

“Please. Just let me go.” Her voice broke with each word as the threat of all out sobbing assaulted her person. Quivering in his powerful grip, she looked for any option to get out of her position.

“I can’t, your just to tempting.” Edward smiled as he leaned in and smelt her again. “Picked the wrong day to go to the Citadel. What’s your name anyways?” His voice became cold and detached the more he spoke.

“I-i-i-it’s Sam.” The woman’s eyes had tears freely flowing now as she desperately attempted to push off Edward’s powerful body. Every time he smelt her she would flinch away. “Do what you want. Just don’t kill me.” Her voice flattened out as she gained control and look Edward in the eyes.

“Trust me, I’m not after what you think I am.” Edward grinned and his lip curled back revealing his fangs which were now growing. Leaning in, he kissed her neck. Her heart beat pounding against his body was fueling the thirst as it continued to drive him. “It will be over soon.”

[Alberdyne_Cormyr]

We are leaving The Citadel now. I am going to take him under my wing. Cynthia's voice called out to the aether. A man responded back, it was Brogan, she'd been keeping constant tabs with the fellow the entire time. Good. Make sure to train him effectively. He has far too much potential to be a mere Neophyte of the Order. That Vampire helped speed things along much sooner than I expected. A pause in the communication. Don't you think that's a little bit too convenient? You were looking for a way to get rid of him already and that Vampire happens to show up. Something doesn't sit well with my Master Renard. It would seem as though you had a manipulator in your ranks. Renard Brogan responded quickly. I would be careful what accusations you send in which people's direction Grand Master Rouge. Though you are a Grand Master, you are still bound to the laws of the Order. Do not forget your place. And with that, Brogan's presence was gone from Cynthia's mind. She wore a smile on her face. Fully aware that they were being followed, Cynthia Rouge decided to ignore the pursuant party for a time and allow the situation to unfold at will. She had greater concerns anyway.

***

As Dyne walked, many thoughts and ideas passed through his mind. He wondered just exactly what he would say to Edward when he confronted him about the current situation. Alberdyne Cormyr was a man of action, this lead others to believe him to be a rash often illogical man. However, to his credit, he often thought about moves he made a few moments before he actually made them. He did not spend months and years planning a move, he simply followed his impulsive instincts which more often than not lead him into trouble.

Walking forward to his destiny, Dyne settled on a single course of action. Destiny rearing its ugly head once more, the youth suddenly smelled Edward's scent. All other scents were ignored as he caught the familiar blood-scent of his Master. He turned towards Cynthia Rouge who seemed lost in her own thoughts. Observing her, he saw that she walked with her eyes closed hand upon her chin. Dyne noted that she seemed deep in thought and decided to leave her alone for the time being. Following Edward's scent, the odor became more powerful the closer that he got to him. Noticing that his senses were flaring up, the world came alive to the youth.

Afternoon scents from various restaurants assaulted his nostrils causing them to flare up slightly wider than normal. Dyne's fists were clenched tightly as he walked, the gloves he now wore covered his hands. Noticing that the crowds were getting smaller, anticipation filled his heart. He felt much like a canine might on the hunt with master hunters seeking out monsters in Concordia.

We're almost there now. Its almost as though I can feel him nearby. His thoughts continued to race as he walked, without realizing it, he was starting to walk at a much faster pace. His body moved instinctively, fluidly as he thought about what he would actually say and do to Edward. With his mind and heart racing, he found himself able to ignore the beating hearts all around him and focus on one singular thought. Edward. I will make you pay for what you have done to me. Crossing an expanse that lead outside of Radasanth's city limits, the youth noticed a man and a woman in the distance. Dyne pointed towards the couple, he was certain it was Edward.

Seeing that Cynthia Rouge nodded, they both quickened their pace and broke into a steady run. Dyne had to struggle to keep up with Cynthia's general speed and reflexes capacity. He ran at full strength, feeling his stamina catching up to him. Running like that was liberating, and he could temporarily forget about his problems in the world. Oblivious to the girl following the pair, Dyne's thoughts were completely focused on the target; Edward. The couple suddenly moved off the road and towards the outskirts of Concordia Forest. Dyne knew he had to hurry now. After a few moments, Cynthia and Dyne caught up to the man and woman. As he had suspected, the powerful scent belonged to Edward. Without never realizing why, Dyne drew his sword covering the distance between himself and Edward, and in a moment, he had it pointed to the back of Edward's neck. Dyne stood there triumphantly with his weapon pointed dangerously at the other Vampire. There was no denying it now, Dyne had grown considerably in the short time that he had met Edward to now.

"Oh no you don't!" Dyne found himself saying impulsively. "You will not harm another living soul!"

Cynthia moved closely to Dyne. That's when she laid the bomb on them.

"We are being followed Dyne. We have to move quickly to resolve this matter."

[Dedalous]

As the group I was following left the gate, I noticed a third undead’s scent on the wind, and they seemed to be heading straight for it. I broke off the pursuit, and headed into the forest to track them, and hopefully catch them unaware. I knew they had made me, from the numerous looks the woman had thrown my way. I dropped down to all fours, which was quite comfortable considering my body was designed for bipedal walking. I had long ago learned that people, especially the vampire type, would hear four footfalls and think animal, not anima. I folded my wings tight to my back, hoping that my patterning would disguise me in the forest. I moved from cover to cover, periodically sniffing the wind. In the back of my mind, a voice screamed at me. What are you doing, get as far away from them as possible. I ruthlessly crushed it down. The thrill of the hunt was upon me, and I would not let my quarry get away. It just was not in my nature. Step, sniff, step, sniff. Each footfall was carefully placed so as to make the minimum of noise. Step, sniff, step, sniff. It was a carefully rehearsed game, the one that I played, and older than time recorded. The hunter following it’s prey. The thrill of the realization that each step brought me closer to those that I was seeking, closer to possible discovery. As I neared a clearing, and the scent of the vampires came close to it’s maximum value, I dropped to my belly and crawled silently through the underbrush. I crept to the edge of the clearing where the three undead were, and listened. One of the vampires that I had been following from the city, the male, I noted, had a sword to the new ones neck. He was upset about something, but the words did not matter. I waited, and listened, every breath seeming to take hours, as the reality of the threat I was facing hit me. Each breath brought me that much closer to discovery, each heartbeat even more. Then, the female said something that made my blood run cold.
"We are being followed Dyne. We have to move quickly to resolve this matter."
As my blood began to thaw, scenarios began running through my head. Had I been discovered, and they knew I was there? Or was she referring to my previous pursuit? Did it even matter? I decided to take a chance.
I slowly stood up, raising my hands in a gesture of non-violence. My heart was racing. They could kill me before I could even react. They could turn me, which would be even worse. Or would it?
This turmoil and dread was going on inside me, but I was a picture of perfect outward calm. I had schooled my face into a mask of complete serenity, and my body was not secreting the stench of fear. The only way they would be able to tell whether or not I was scared was if one or more of their number were telepaths.
“I know what you are,” I said. My voice was much steadier than I had realized it would be. God, I was good at this. “And I mean you no harm.”

[The Reborn]

“Take another soul? Are you implying I robbed you of your soul?” Edward’s voice was cold and calm as he continued to look away from Dyne and the other woman who he could here breathing. Keeping a tight grip on the woman’s arm, Edward took a step closer to her and away from the point of Dyne’s sword. Swinging around, her looped his arm around her chest and held her tight putting her between himself and Dyne. Holding her tight with one arm, he drew his dagger with the other and placed the blade gently on her neck. “Now Dyne, I wouldn’t like to see this lovely woman get hurt anymore then you do.” A sneer spread across his mouth as Edward’s eyes transformed from the light blue to black, all humanity lost within the thirst.

Eyeing up the other woman, Edward’s smiled widened. She was beautiful in her own way, but had the same curse within her as Edward and Dyne. It was remarkable how quickly the freshly transformed human had found another of their kind outside of Edward. It was probably the work of those miserable monks that set Dyne up with this woman. Just as they had set him up to face Edward and inevitable have his soul devoured and transformed to never again feel the warmth of a living heart beat. Snapping out of his thoughts, Edward caught movement out of his peripherals. A third member to join this scene.

“I mean you know harm.” The words spoken by this fury female made Edward smile. He already had his back against a rock and a hard pace being outnumbered but now he had a peace keeper amongst them. He had learnt well in his years of being hunted by his fellow clan that sometimes the peace keeper is the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Sam continued to struggle against Edward’s arm but kept her head very still as the blade remained snug to her smooth skin.

“If you mean no harm then by all means leave this place before you become much like this beautiful woman.” Edward patted Sam with his free arm. “As for you Dyne, tell me how does this new life treat you? The power, the speed, everything you ever imagined am I right? Is it the thirst that you enjoy, wanting to rip the throat out of anyone who catches your eyes knowing their blood pumps through their veins?”

Moving the blade further down the woman’s neck, he let it rest on her shoulder for a mere second. Tears of realization streamed down her face as she must have figured out what she was facing. Three vampires and some unknown being standing off to the side must be overwhelming for a human. Still smiling, he ran the dagger across her shoulder leaving a red gash. Sam took in a sharp breath as the pain rushed through her. As warm blood began to pour from the wound, Edward released his grip on her and pushed her to her knees in front of Dyne.

“Now lets see if you can resist not hurting her.” Smelling the fresh blood was luring but Edward was enjoying himself more now then he had expected. The thirst was driving him down a road he had never thought of following. “As for you.” Edward looked at the new comer. “Why are you following my good friends here?”

[Dedalous]

My heart was still racing as all faces turned to me. It had been a desperate and dumb move to reveal myself so soon. The vampire holding the woman to the tree spoke to me, telling me to leave. I ignored him, considering he was in the minority. The two I had been following since the city were obviously against whatever he was doing. I definitely would not be able to defend myself against these vampires if they decided to attack, but if they were infighting, I could easily slip away in the confusion. That was the thread of hope that I clutched as I faced these vampires. The voice in the back of my head said: I told you it was a dumb idea to follow vampires. And you did it anyway. I shook my head, and looked back out again, at the three vampires that were standing there. I watched as they began arguing again, and the vampire that was backed against the tree sliced the woman’s neck, and threw her to the ground. Oh, Shit, that could be me, I thought. I had just managed to get my heart rate back under control, but that shot it back up again. My hand slowly inched towards my katana at my hip, getting ready to draw it quickly, just in case these vampires decided to attack. I realized that I would not survive an encounter with them, but I could certainly bloody their noses in my final minutes. I just hoped it wouldn’t come to that. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to die, which was true, but because I truly didn’t want to hurt them.
“Why are you following my good friends here?” asked the vampire backed into the tree. That was a good question, one that not even I knew the answer to. I searched deep, ignoring the cry of self preservation, trying to discover why I had done something so stupid in the first place. The only thing coming to mind was curiosity. Curiosity as to why vampires were in the city, and as to why they were not dead at the hands of those who hunted their kind. I could not understand it. The vampires always stayed out of the cities when I was younger, and had always been allies of my race, but obviously, things were different outside our territory. That was the best answer I could come up with, so that was the answer I gave him.
“Curiosity. Simple curiosity. Your friend’s scent interested me, and I have never met a vampire before.” I smiled, my hand resting on the pommel of my katana.

[Alberdyne_Cormyr]

Cynthia Rouge was an Elder Vampire, and had long learned to control her thirst. Seeing the sight before her was a strange matter, she knew she was dealing with retribution. One was the Vampire named named Alberdyne Cormyr, he knew his full name because the Order knew his full name. The other was Edward Lorcarno. Privy to such information as names, abilities, power levels, etc, the Grand Master filed away data. What was not known was the fox-like newcomer. It seemed that the girl had never ventured into the halls of The Citadel before, and thus, no record of her or her people was known to exist. Cynthia Rouge calmly walked over to the winged fox-girl and put a finger to her lips as if to say, "Be silent my young friend." There was no threat perceivable in the gesture. Cynthia Rouge remained calm despite the actions that Edward had taken. She stood alongside the fox-girl for a moment, and gestured in such a way to show her that she was not in any danger so long as she was there. Then, Cynthia whispered to the fox-girl. A slow and deliberately seductive voice.

"Relax your stance. I can protect you." Cynthia said. "I am a Grand Master of the Order of Ai'Bron. I represent this race of Immortals you know as Vampires. This situation is between those two. But I can assure you, I will prevent her from getting harmed. It is my duty to protect peons like her."

***

Dyne had absolutely no idea what to do. Within his body, there was a raging beast waiting to explode out of the vessel. Sooner or later the thirst always wins. Seeing the brilliant red gash on her shoulder, the trapezius muscle to be exact, made Dyne's heart race. At that moment, he suddenly understood what Edward had done to him. He's made me a killer, nothing but a cold-hearted killer! Thoughts of violence passed across his mind like he had never known before.

In his mind's eye, he foresaw himself ripping the throat out of the girl, just like Edward had taunted. No. It was more than a taunt, it was a promise. Again, that thought repeated itself in his head. Sooner or later, the thirst always wins. Dyne relaxed his grip on his weapon after he had accepted that the situation was no longer in his face. He all but ignored Cynthia and the newcomer, and focused entirely on Sam and Edward. His eyes kept going to the sensuous incline of the girl's neck curving slightly outward to form the trap region of her body. A deadly sort of beauty lurked there as he studied the woman's form. Dyne's hands began to shake.

"I-I know what you are." Sam suddenly said, speaking up for the first time. She was beautiful sitting there on her knees. "It's okay. I know what it is you want now. I just don't want you to kill me." She spoke up and Dyne heard every single word flowing like honey.

Her large eyes were now locked on Dyne with a submissive quality as she realized that she was powerless in the moment.

Either Edward or Dyne could finish her off at any moment. This was clear to the youth as he saw the crazy calmness befall her face. Dyne's hand continued to shake as he held the weapon in it. Rotating it, Dyne's knew that his fate was sealed. A moment later, the youth sheathed the sword in its proper scabbard and forced himself to look away from the girl. By then, his fangs were already sharp and prepared to strike at the girl. However, he had business to settle with Edward first.

"Is this your way of attempting to rectify the situation!?" Dyne began. His words were like a hot knife through a slab of butter. "You would barter loyalty with such a peace offering?" Dyne's words flowed out on their own. He had so much to say, but his thoughts were flowing at a mile a second. "No. No, Edward. I will hold you responsible for what you have done today. That doesn't mean you and I are enemies. It just means you have to accept responsibility for making me a killer!" Dyne looked at the girl for a long moment, and she nodded towards him invitingly. At that point, Dyne accepted the situation. It could not be changed, and he suddenly lunged towards Sam. He didn't mean to, but the thirst had consumed him. If he were paying attention, he would have seen Cynthia moving in his general direction to intercept the neophyte vampire.

[The Reborn]

“Killer!”

The words echoed around in Edward’s mind as time seemed to slow down to a crawl. The smell of blood was nothing compared to the emotional battle that was now raging inside of him. Eyes narrowed on Dyne and Sam, Edward felt his thirst loosing the battle to that small part of humanity still surviving within him. No longer did he feel the need to rip the throat from the young woman who was now pleading for her life with two vampires who could very easily end her life in a heart beat. The woman vampire and the fox lady seemed to no longer exist to Edward as he could feel Dyne giving in to the temptation.

Snarling, he lunged forward at the same time Dyne did and met the other male vampire just before he reached Sam. Grabbing ahold of him by the arms, he used all his strength to hold back the thirsty vampire. Cynthia had grabbed the young woman and pulled her away from the now grappling vampires. His muscles flexed as he continued to keep himself in control and yet he could see the desire in Dyne’s eyes, the desire which had earlier flooded his pupils and caused him to act like the bitter, soulless creature he truly was.

“Don’t you dare blame me!” The words came out like shards or ice. His voice was no longer dark and calm but filled with rage. He hated himself for causing this to turn out the way it had. He had literally drained the soul from this young man, much like himself he was now doomed to be a killer. Despite the inner conflict this Dyne was accusing him of causing this or wanting to give him this life.

The power of Dyne was slowly wearing Edward down as the young vampire was being driven by rage. Changing his approach, Edward leaned to his right then quickly jerked to his left. As he felt Dyne go off balance, he kicked the man’s left leg out from under him and used all his strength to slip him onto his back. Staring down at him, he let go, hoping Dyne would not go straight for the young woman again.

“If anything... Blame those damn monks you believed in. Those monsters allowed the transformation. They claim to be able to heal any illness and yet here you are fully changed.” His attention changed to Cynthia as she held the whimpering Sam off to the side near the fox lady. All trace of the thirst was gone as he walked closer to her while continuing to watch Dyne to make sure he did not make a sudden lunge at the bleeding human.

“Get away from her before you and your monks cause another innocent life to be doomer to the one which we are living.” Words like venom poured from Edward’s mouth as he continued to walk closer until he was within feet of both Sam and Cynthia. “I’m sorry Sam, but do not trust her. You shouldn’t trust any of us.”

His eyes were full of sorrow as he continued to look into the eyes of Sam. Such a beautiful woman. One which would be dead right now had he not been interrupted and had his thirst continued to win. Turning back to Dyne, Edward held open his arms, exposing his chest.

“I am the one who doomed you. Do what you want with me.” Closing his eyes, Edward began to do something he had not done in a while. He prayed for his soul which was in tatters and may not even still exist. More then that he prayed for the many lives he had inflicted pain and suffering on. Repent was the one word that continued to cross his mind as he opened his eyes prepared to face whatever Dyne decided to do.

((Bunny Approved))

[Dedalous]

This grand master, I thought, certainly seems to be in control. But I knew appearances could be deceiving. I would have to step lightly if I was to survive this encounter. I kept my hand on my katana just in case, because there were vampires surrounding me. I relaxed into a neutral stance, though. Cat At Rest, the stance designed to react to any attack from any direction, immediately.

Outwardly, I appeared at ease, but inwardly I was scanning my surroundings, watching the trio of vampires, watching the forest, waiting for them to make their move. And when the move was made, it happened too fast for thought. An emotionless, thoughtless void sprang up in my mind, within which was nothing but action. I found my katana in my hand, and distantly noted that the female, the grand master, was moving to intercept the male that was attacking the woman in front of me. The final member of the troupe moved to block the advancing male vampire, and nearly tackled him, while the grand master removed the woman from the fight. I wanted to jump into the fray, but the words the grand master had whispered to me reverberated in my head. It is not your fight. I heeded those words, if only because my self preservation instinct had kicked in.

I watched them as they fought it out, until the vampire that had tackled the first bared his chest and yelled “Do what you want with me!” I felt an urge to help, and wanted to, but knew I couldn’t take on a vampire by myself. I looked to the grand master and pleaded with my eyes, asking “We must do something, we must help him.”