Categories > TV > X-Files > Incarnations of Immortality
Title: Incarnations of Immortality
Author: TheBear!
Crossover: XF/HL/FK
Pairings: M/S N/N T/V
161,428 words
15-Apr-02
Disclaimer—I don’t own any of it.
=====
Chapter 7
The Raven
8 a.m. Wednesday December 13th
Natalie stood near the top of the stairs to the roof above LaCroix’s quarters. She was waiting for Mulder to come down. Her feelings were in turmoil. Nick had brought Dana across. He was Dana’s master. There was a level of intimacy there that she was uncomfortable with. She wasn’t jealous per se, but she was new to her intimate relationship with Nick, and didn’t really want to share him. On the other hand, she really liked Dana, and wasn’t entirely displeased with the thought of closer ties to her, and to Mulder.
Mulder was the reason she was standing here. First thirst had come and gone without incident, and Mulder had been allowed to see Dana afterwards. That had been several hours ago and when Dana went back to sleep, Mulder had gone off with LaCroix to deal with ‘him’. She was uncomfortable with what Mulder was doing right now. She had heard the screams as the sun rose about 10 minutes ago. She was somewhat concerned that Mulder- a cop essentially- was an active participant in a murder. Sort of. This was vampire justice, and she knew when she had discovered vampire kills in the past, that this was the justice meted out to those offenders. Not for the killing, but for being caught.
This was The Community she wanted to join. Not for the first time she wondered what she was getting herself into. In the end, however, she knew that one couldn’t judge all vampires by the actions of a few. And the harsh Code that governed them wasn’t really the final authority on what a vampire’s life was like- God gave free will to mortals and vampires alike.
Her musings were interrupted when the door opened and Mulder came down the stairs. “Feel better?” she asked, somewhat more sharply than she had intended.
Mulder looked at her for a moment. He saw the uncertainty in her eyes, the chagrin at her tone towards him. “If a hunter killed Nick, and I put you in a room with the hunter chained up, handed you a knife and shut the door, what would I find when I opened the door again?”
“I’m sorry, Mulder. That was unfair of me.” Natalie said, head hanging.
“If it is any consolation, I don’t feel good. But, I have to admit- I do feel better.”
Natalie changed the subject, “Nick asked me to talk to you a little about this whole thing. I know you believed in vampires before, but it’s a little different to find out that your partner, the woman you love, is suddenly one.” She stared at him while she continued, “Then there is the whole master/fledgling relationship.”
“Explain that to me.” Mulder said, suddenly wary.
Natalie led Mulder down the stairs and into the now-silent club. She sat down in a chair at one of the tables and took a deep breath. “First, Mulder, let me tell you that Nick is not like other vampires. When Dana is adequately trained, he will release her to do as she sees fit. He will not stand between the two of you. However, you will not be able to see her without him present for at least a week, maybe two, depending on how quick a study she is,” Natalie took another deep breath and rushed ahead, “and, frankly, on how much you interfere.”
“Why would I interfere?” Mulder said, darkly. “What is going to happen that would make me want to?”
“This is difficult for me as well, Mulder. Honestly, I don’t like the thought of sharing Nick with anybody. Even Dana.”
“What do you mean ‘sharing’,” Mulder asked with a dangerous look in his eyes.
“When Nick brought her across he formed a link with her. In order to strengthen that link, which will be necessary for him to train her quickly, they will have to exchange blood. They call it a bloodkiss, and while not inherently sexual, it is very intimate. Nick said he could feel her intense loyalty to you as well as her love for you when he brought her across. If Dana feels that you’re jealous, she may resist the exchange and that could have serious, negative repercussions on her training, and therefore her ability to integrate into The Community and human society as well.”
Mulder wasn’t too happy at the thought of Knight and Scully in a ‘bloodkiss’ whether it was overtly sexual or not.
Natalie saw the emotion play on his face and quickly continued. There is good news, Mulder. Nick says she seems remarkably well adjusted to the change, especially given the complications of dual masters and her inherent skepticism.
Mulder smiled at that. “I imagine what she would have said last week if I had told her that not only are vampires real, but by this time next week, you will have joined their ranks.”
“Two weeks won’t last forever, Mulder.”
“No, it will just seem like forever.”
“It will be worth the wait, I guarantee you.”
“What do you mean by that, Natalie?” Mulder asked.
Natalie blushed slightly, “Well… When I said the bloodkiss wasn’t inherently sexual…”
Mulder growled, “Yes?”
“Well, it isn’t. But when it is done between two people who love each other, during… Well…”
Natalie’s blush deepened to the point that Mulder could almost feel the heat rolling off of her. “That good, huh?” he asked, grinning madly.
“Whew, Definitely!” she responded.
“Is it dangerous? What do I need to, you know, do- like, anything special?” Mulder asked, clearly unsure of how to broach the subject.
“Just make sure she is very well fed beforehand so she doesn’t drain you.” Natalie looked at her watch, “Look, you should go back to the hotel and get some sleep. She isn’t going to wake up before sundown, and would probably appreciate some clean clothes when she does. I’ll call you a Cab, ok?”
“Yeah, I’ll be back tonight before sundown. We need to try and see that guy that was in the bar tonight anyway.”
“I’d almost forgotten all about the case. We may want to bring Nick’s partner in on this. Nick is going to be kind of tied up with Dana for a while.” Natalie said.
“Does she know?” Mulder asked.
“She knows about vampires, she is dating one in fact. She doesn’t know about Nick specifically, however.” Natalie smiled. “I don’t envy Nick when he tells her. She is going to be pissed!”
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
The Raven
4:10 p.m. Wednesday
Mulder had brought Scully’s luggage with him when he returned, about an hour before sunset. He had just finished lugging it up to the room Scully was staying in. He went back down to the club, where Nick, Natalie, and LaCroix were lounging as Miklos, Alma and a few others were setting up the place for opening at 8 p.m.
Mulder joined the trio and asked what they had been discussing.
“We were considering how best to approach our ‘mystery guest’ from last night.” Nick said. “I think Natalie is right, we should bring Tracy in on this.” Nick hung his head as he thought of the coming confrontation.
“It is high time she joined us in any case. Certain people in high places were becoming aware of the Spaniard’s indiscretion. Decision time is nearly upon her.” LaCroix said.
“They would force her to come across?” Natalie asked, somewhat shocked.
“She will be given the standard three choices, Natalie.” LaCroix said. “When the elders gather here for the solstice next year, all such mortal confidants in the Toronto area will be given the choice.” LaCroix met her gaze and said, “It would be better for all concerned if she made the choice before then.”
“Conlectio Cruoris is in Toronto this time?” Nick repeated, surprised. “Does Vachon know?”
“Not so far as I am aware,” LaCroix answered. “You should speak to him; perhaps have him bring his pet to us for a formal introduction.” LaCroix smiled at the thought.
“I think you might want to tell her that you’re a vampire, first, Nick.” Natalie said. “She is going to be pissed off as it is, and you don’t want her reacting during a ‘formal introduction’ to the elder of Toronto,” she continued, wryly.
“Yes. Tonight, I think.” Nick said.
Mulder had remained silent during all of this. He was suddenly less concerned with solving the mystery of the swordfighters than he was concerned about Scully. He had only been able to speak to her briefly last night after her change, but she had been somewhat withdrawn from him. He refused to allow this change to separate them.
He would gladly become a vampire if that’s what it took. They would have to leave the FBI, but they would survive. He had quite a bit of money from his inheritance when his mother had died, plus several houses he could sell. They wouldn’t suffer for money.
More than anything, he wanted to be with Scully. Everything else came second- including his quest for the truth about his sister. She was his past, and he wanted to know the truth, but Scully was his present and his future. “Scully comes first. Now and always,” he thought with resolve. “Now, how to convince her of that?” he wondered.
He was startled out of his reverie when Nick laid his hand on Mulder’s arm, “She is starting to wake up, Mulder. Do you want to go see her?” Nick asked.
“Can I?” Mulder asked. He was worried, not for his safety but for her emotional state if she attacked him in hunger.
Nick reassured him, “You can bring her breakfast, Mulder. I will remain right outside the door in case there is any problem.”
Mulder was suddenly struck with how much these two were giving up to help him and Scully. This should have been Natalie that Nick was caring for and training. Their own lives were put on hold so that they could take care of Scully. “Nick, Natalie. I’m sorry that I didn’t say thank you last night. I know you guys are giving up a lot to help us out here, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. I can’t thank you enough.” Mulder turned to LaCroix, “And to you, Sir. Thank you for generously sharing your home with Scully and myself. And thank you for this morning.” He bowed his head slightly toward the master vampire.
LaCroix liked this young man. His woman as well. “They will make fine additions to my extended family,” he thought. He even toyed with the thought of bringing Mulder across himself. He was thinking that it might serve to further bind his son to him if he could give him a brother to be the mate of Nick’s new childé. “It bears contemplation,” he said to himself. In response to Mulder’s thanks he merely inclined his head slightly.
“Come on, Mulder,” Nick said, getting up and walking toward the stairs with him following close behind.
Natalie has watched the exchange between Mulder and LaCroix with narrowed eyes. She waited until the two men had gone up the stairs before commenting. “You’re considering bringing him across yourself, aren’t you?” she saw confirmation in the slight look of surprise on his face. “I hope you will let him choose for himself,” she said softly as she got up and followed her fiancée and Mulder.
“Yes, she will make an excellent grandchild.” LaCroix said to himself. “If Dana has even half of her potential, my family is going to be a force to be reckoned with,” he thought with satisfaction.
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
Scully woke up alone. She stretched out on the bed and thought for a moment, trying to figure out where she was. Just as the thirst hit her, all the memories came crashing down. “I’m a vampire,” she whispered out loud. She could hear whispering outside of her door as clearly as if they had been shouting. Nick was telling someone to speak softly, explaining about her heightened senses, and that he should be careful of over-stimulation. She could hear one heartbeat outside the door, and suddenly knew that it must be Mulder. Ohhh, she was hungry. But this time it wasn’t quite as consuming as when she had awakened after the change last night. At that point she would have already been up and through the door, her teeth at Mulder’s throat.
There was a hesitant knock at the door, and she said, “Come in, Mulder.”
He came in wearing a shy smile and carrying three bottles. He handed her one and the smell of blood coming out of it was overpowering. Any thought of moderation or politeness was wiped away as she tipped up the bottle and downed it in one long draught. The second bottle quickly followed and she was part way through the third before she was able to slow down long enough for speech. “Sorry about that,” she said, embarrassed by her behavior.
“Nick says that it’s normal for a new fledgling to do that. He said it would pass quickly and you will gain control over your hunger.” Mulder said quietly.
“Oh. That’s something to look forward to, I guess.” Scully felt herself withdraw a little.
Mulder could see the walls between them being rebuilt after only so recently being torn down. It felt like a boulder was dropped on his chest, and his heart was being crushed. He dropped to his knees before the woman he loved with every fiber of his being. “Please, Scully! Don’t do this. I’ll die if you leave me again.” Mulder choked back a sob, “I love you Scully. I need you. Please don’t shut me out.”
Scully felt like glass. She didn’t believe he could still love her like this. She wasn’t the same person she had been when she woke up in his arms yesterday. “How can you love me, Mulder? I’m not even human anymore,” she said, her voice brittle.
Nick came in at that moment. He was angry with her for thinking that, mostly because it was the same addle-brained sentiment he had foolishly lived under for centuries. Miserable centuries. His anger lashed out at her through their link and snapped her out of her despair. “I lived like that for centuries, Dana, and I have finally given up on my self-pity. I’ll be damned if I will allow my childé to wallow in wretched misery!” He fairly roared in anger. “I want this fixed now! I won’t train a depressed, moody vampire!”
Scully shrank back at the anger she felt in her mind from Nick. From her master. She was getting an instant education in the meaning of the word master. To say that she was cowed was an understatement. All of that power she had only glimpsed yesterday was back and was whipping her down like an errant school child. She dropped to her knees next to Mulder, facing Nick, “How, Sir?” she whispered, eyes down.
Nick instantly cooled. He would not act like his master had, and he would make sure his childé would not act like he had been forced to. “Stand up Dana,” he said.
She jumped to her feet, but kept her eyes down, looking at Mulder who was shocked at her submissiveness.
“Look at me Dana,” Nick commanded. Meeting her gaze he said, “I am your maker. I will be your teacher. It is important that you obey me while we are conducting your training. However, you’re not my slave. You’re a student and you have much to learn, but I would prefer your respect, not fear. And call me Nick.”
Scully relaxed ever so slightly, “Ok, Nick.”
“Now then, lets get rid of this attitude you have developed- you’re still human, Dana, just not mortal any longer. You will only give up your humanity and become a monster if you choose to do so. I don’t see you doing that, any more than you would have if you had remained mortal. The only inherent changes you have made are the sensitivity to sunlight, garlic, and a change in diet. Think of it like a severe allergy, not an infection of evil. And, there are compensations for these deficiencies, I assure you.”
Scully didn’t look convinced, but neither was she retreating into her shell of despondency.
Mulder stood up as Nick asked him, “Do you still love her?”
Mulder answered without hesitation. “More than anything or anyone else, ever.”
Nick continued, “Do you trust her?”
“Absolutely” Mulder said.
Nick looked at Scully. “Do you love him?”
She dropped her eyes and whispered, “Yes.”
Nick continued, “But you don’t believe that he can still love you as you are, correct?”
She just nodded her head slowly.
Mulder groaned, “Oh, Scully.”
Nick stopped him short, “Words won’t do, Mulder. Are you willing to do what it takes to prove it to her, and at the same time prove to yourself that she still loves you?”
Again, Mulder didn’t hesitate, “Anything. I already told you, Nick. I will do anything to have her in my life.”
“Go get me 3 more bottles, Mulder. Now.”
Mulder hurried downstairs to get more blood. Nick turned to Scully and said, “Drink the rest of that one,” indicating the bottle she held in her hand.
She finished off the bottle and asked, “What will you make him do?”
“This is one of those times that I will require your obedience. You will have to trust me to help you.” Nick said.
Mulder returned with the bottles, out of breath as he had run both ways.
Nick commanded Scully, “Drink them all. Now.” He then watched as she downed each of them, one right after the other. Nick then said to Mulder, “Give me your hand.”
Mulder blinked once and then stuck out his arm toward Nick.
Nick turned to Scully, “Now, bite his wrist, and drink from him and you will each have the knowledge you need.” When Scully hesitated he said, “If necessary, I will make sure you stop before you take too much Dana.” He then said with a strong tone of command, “Do it now.”
Scully moved over to Mulder’s wrist, gently taking his hand from Nick. She could sense the flow of his blood beneath the thin skin on the inside of his wrist. The colors around her began to gain a green luminescence and she could hear the rapid beating of Mulder’s heart. She could smell his blood now; it perfumed the air before her. She looked into Mulder’s eyes, seeking permission. She saw love and trust in his eyes. “You smell like cardamom, Mulder,” she whispered softly, returning her eyes to his wrist. She felt an ache in her gums as her fangs descended fully for the first time.
“Do it!” Nick commanded through their link.
Despite all of the blood she had ingested moments ago, she felt a fresh hunger spring up in her then. She quickly pulled his wrist to her mouth and bit down. Her first thought was that it was like biting into a ripe peach, his blood came quicker than she expected and a little bit came out around her lips and dripped down her chin. Then the taste of his blood filled her senses, deliciously warm, incredibly rich, and heady with the perfume of cardamom. As she swallowed the first mouthful the link was established. What she felt next wiped out any doubts she could have ever had.
Mulder felt the sharp sting of Scully’s fangs in his wrist and was almost immediately overcome with a surge of emotion. Scully’s emotion. She loved him desperately, needed him, adored him and cherished him. She was terrified that he would leave her now, repulsed by what she had become. His own fear and despair that she would move on, leaving him behind now that she had become so much more, seemed silly to him now. She could never leave him as long as he wanted her. He felt a sense of relief and joy that flooded through him like standing in a warm shower after being out in the icy cold for too long- almost painful in its overpowering pleasure. He also began to feel just a bit light headed, whether from relief or blood-loss, he wasn’t sure.
“Stupid, I am so stupid!” Scully thought as the link was established. She had really expected to find rejection in Mulder’s blood. Well, she wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this experience, really, but she had convinced herself that she was unlovable as a vampire. She had been so afraid that he didn’t want her anymore that she momentarily thought it was her own fear flooding her mouth. She quickly realized that it was Mulder’s fear she tasted. He was worried that she didn’t need him any more, now that she was ‘so much more’ than she had been. “Oh Mulder, I could never leave you,” she thought. “There is no ‘me’ apart from you.”
Nick was about to intervene when Scully felt Mulder’s weakness. She pulled away from his wrist so abruptly that more blood dripped down her face, staining the blouse LaCroix had loaned her. His daughter’s, he’d told her.
Through their link Nick gently instructed her on what to do, and Scully carefully licked the wounds on Mulder’s wrist until they scabbed over. Her heart was full of the love Mulder had for her. She was filled with joy and tears were running down her face.
Mulder opened his eyes- he hadn’t even realized that he had closed them- and looked at the face of the woman he loved. Her mouth and chin were covered in his blood and tracks of blood ran down her face from her eyes, which were still luminous green. Her lips were parted and he could see a little of her fangs. It was the sweetest, most beautiful, and downright sexy sight he had ever laid eyes on. He swept her up into his embrace and captured her mouth with his own. Kissing her thoroughly. The taste of his own blood did nothing to calm his ardor.
This time Nick did intervene. “Enough, you two! Mulder, you’re not quite ready to donate again. Scully, you need more control before you’re ready for that.” He looked sternly at them as they separated slightly. “Don’t push this too far, too fast, or you will have a tragedy on your hands.” He shook his head, “Two weeks at most, I promise. Less if you diligently apply yourself, Dana.”
Mulder looked down at Scully and smiled. “We waited 7 years…”
“We can make it two weeks,” Scully finished, smiling up at him.
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
Nick’s Loft
8 p.m. Wednesday
They had decided that Scully wasn’t really ready for the Raven when it was packed with mortals, so the four of them went back to Nick’s loft. LaCroix was going to speak to Vachon about the Tracy situation when he got in that night. Nick had called Tracy and invited her over to discuss the case; of course he was going to be covering a lot more than that. He wasn’t looking forward to her reaction. He had asked LaCroix if he would send Vachon over after speaking with him. He and Tracy had some decisions to make.
“So what are we going to do about the headhunter thing, Nick?” Natalie asked, interrupting his thoughts.
“I thought you and Mulder and Tracy could go look up the guy from the bar. You could take Vachon as backup, and LaCroix has one of his bouncers watching him as well. It should be safe enough.” Nick said.
“You aren’t coming?” Natalie asked.
“Dana needs to start her training. We cannot put it off, even for this.” Nick turned from his fiancée to his new childé and continued, “You have a lot of potential, Dana. Really. Most new fledglings are unable to even see a mortal this soon, let alone be in their close proximity for an extended period of time.” He fixed his gaze firmly on hers and continued sternly, “However, if we put off your training, you will not survive. Even now, you feel the pull to hunt, don’t you?”
Scully dropped her head in shame and nodded.
“Don’t be ashamed of it, Dana, be aware of it. We will work together and you will learn to control it. Even now, you feel it, but you obviously don’t feel compelled to act on it. That’s what I mean by potential. A normal fledgling would be unable to keep from doing so.” Nick said.
Scully looked hopeful.
“You still need training, though. If you were dropped into the middle of a crowd right now, or if something happened to make you feel threatened, or even if you just got a little too hungry, you would be tearing into the nearest mortal you could get your hands on- even Mulder.” Nick said seriously.
The other three all blanched at that.
“So,” he continued, “be patient. Be diligent.”
Just then the sound of the lift engaging rang out. Nick went from Master Vampire, to a scared little boy as he realized Tracy was on her way up. Natalie chuckled at the look on his face and got up to get everyone a drink.
“Bring a bottle for my daughter, if you would dear.” Nick said just for the humorous effect.
Natalie and Mulder laughed and Scully stuck her tongue out at him. “Gee thanks, Dad,” she said, causing Mulder and Natalie to laugh out loud, and even Nick smiled.
Tracy came bouncing in as she always did (if you look up ‘perky’ in the dictionary you will find the definition followed by ‘See Vetter, Tracy), and said, “What’s up, Nick? How come you guys aren’t at the conference?”
“Sit down Tracy; I have a lot to tell you.” Nick sighed heavily as she sat at the table. “You remember Agents Mulder and Scully from the FBI?”
“Yes, we met briefly Saturday night.” She looked at the two agents; they looked a little worn out. Agent Scully looked even paler than she had the other night. “Please, call me Tracy,” she said as they both welcomed her by her title.
“I’m Dana” Scully said.
“Actually, everyone just calls me Mulder,” Mulder said.
“Is this about that decapitated corpse, Nick?” Tracy asked. “Because, we’re still nowhere on that. No ID, no leads.”
“Yes, Tracy. This is about that. We have a couple of leads actually, but before we can discus them there is something… well… something kind of awkward that I need to tell you.” Nick said.
“What is it Nick?” Tracy asked.
Nick couldn’t really think of a good way to broach the subject gently or easily so he decided on the direct approach. He looked her straight in the eye and said, “Tracy, I am a vampire.”
Tracy paused for a second, “What does that have to do with the decapitation?” she asked.
Nick was stunned. He just sat there, slack-jawed. Of all the possible reactions he had imagined, this wasn’t even close to being one of them. “Huh? How…”
Tracy looked at the four of them; they were all a bit stunned, but especially Nick. God, he could be clueless sometimes. She looked at Natalie and said, “Honestly Natalie, how do you put up with him?” She looked back at Nick, still gaping like a fish out of water, “Well, Duh! Nick. I’m a de-tec-tive, I de-tect.” They didn’t give me the badge because I’m perky!”
Natalie immediately began screaming in laughter, tears pouring down her face. Mulder was laughing out loud as well. Scully had her hands over her mouth trying not to laugh at her master, given that she could feel his annoyance through their link, and didn’t quite feel brave enough to exacerbate it.
If Nick could have blushed, his face would be on fire. “How long…”
“That whole sun allergy thing was pretty fishy before I knew about vampires. After I met Vachon… well it was pretty obvious.” She paused, “You two do know each other, don’t you? I mean how could you not, right? How many vampires are there in Toronto anyway? Vachon would never talk to me about them. And don’t think I’m not going to pay him back for not telling me about you, even though I already figured it out, I mean…” Tracy started chattering.
“Enough Trace!” Nick broke through the steady stream-of-consciousness pouring forth. “I get the point.” Nick chuckled at his own cluelessness and looked at the other three. Mulder was wiping the tears from his eyes, Natalie had her head down between her knees trying to catch her breath; she had laughed so hard. His ‘daughter’ still had her hands clasped firmly over her mouth, unshed bloodtears welling in her eyes. He felt through their link and saw that it was only the fact that she was refusing to breath at all that was keeping her from joining Natalie in her hysterics.
“So what is the deal then, Nick?” Tracy asked. “Is the killer a vampire or what?”
Nick went on to explain what they had really seen in the alley, including the facts that didn’t make the official report. He told her about the fight on the rooftop, and the guy at the bar. He left off the part about LaCroix and just said a vamp had killed him a long time ago, and he was still alive and not a vampire.
“So you think this guy you saw in the Raven might be like the guy you fought on the roof?” Tracy asked.
“It is a possibility, yes.” Nick replied.
“And you want us to go talk to him, right?”
“Well… you, Mulder and Nat, anyway.” Nick replied.
Tracy raised an eyebrow at that, “You’re not coming? You want us to go see a potentially unkillable, sword-swinging homicidal maniac- but you and Dana aren’t joining us?” Tracy threw her hands up in the air, “Why not?”
Nick looked at Scully, “Up to you,” he said through the link.
Scully looked a bit sheepish, “Ahh, I’m not exactly allowed out in public… not just yet anyway,” she said, glancing at Nick the entire time.
It only took Tracy a moment to figure out what she meant by that, “You brought an FBI Agent across?! Nick! What were you thinking?” She was exasperated. “I thought the point of the code was not to bring attention to The Community!”
“Vachon told you about the code? Good. That leads us to the next topic. Vachon should be here anytime now. You and he have something to discuss. Something important.” Nick said.
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
Outside The Raven
The subject of their discussion was just leaving the Raven. Javier Vachon was more afraid right now than he had been since he was brought across, almost 470 years ago. Not long ago he would have cut and run, rather than let himself get involved with a Code conflict and the Conlectio Cruoris of the Council of Elders. “Tracy is worth it.” he told himself. He knew he was hopelessly in love with her, but he didn’t know how she felt. Frankly he didn’t think she knew either. One didn’t usually see a lot of perky, upbeat vampires running around, but he was sure that Tracy wouldn’t lose that just because she came across. Now he had to convince her of it.
When LaCroix told him that Tracy would have to choose, and soon, or face death; he felt like he had been staked in the gut. The fact that his own life was on the line didn’t even enter into his thoughts. If she chose not to come across, she would die. Would he even want to live beyond that day? It wasn’t a subject he had ever considered. The end of his own existence. “Wow,” he thought. He would just have to convince her that the nightlife was better than no-life. He took off for the Loft at top speed.
Author: TheBear!
Crossover: XF/HL/FK
Pairings: M/S N/N T/V
161,428 words
15-Apr-02
Disclaimer—I don’t own any of it.
=====
Chapter 7
The Raven
8 a.m. Wednesday December 13th
Natalie stood near the top of the stairs to the roof above LaCroix’s quarters. She was waiting for Mulder to come down. Her feelings were in turmoil. Nick had brought Dana across. He was Dana’s master. There was a level of intimacy there that she was uncomfortable with. She wasn’t jealous per se, but she was new to her intimate relationship with Nick, and didn’t really want to share him. On the other hand, she really liked Dana, and wasn’t entirely displeased with the thought of closer ties to her, and to Mulder.
Mulder was the reason she was standing here. First thirst had come and gone without incident, and Mulder had been allowed to see Dana afterwards. That had been several hours ago and when Dana went back to sleep, Mulder had gone off with LaCroix to deal with ‘him’. She was uncomfortable with what Mulder was doing right now. She had heard the screams as the sun rose about 10 minutes ago. She was somewhat concerned that Mulder- a cop essentially- was an active participant in a murder. Sort of. This was vampire justice, and she knew when she had discovered vampire kills in the past, that this was the justice meted out to those offenders. Not for the killing, but for being caught.
This was The Community she wanted to join. Not for the first time she wondered what she was getting herself into. In the end, however, she knew that one couldn’t judge all vampires by the actions of a few. And the harsh Code that governed them wasn’t really the final authority on what a vampire’s life was like- God gave free will to mortals and vampires alike.
Her musings were interrupted when the door opened and Mulder came down the stairs. “Feel better?” she asked, somewhat more sharply than she had intended.
Mulder looked at her for a moment. He saw the uncertainty in her eyes, the chagrin at her tone towards him. “If a hunter killed Nick, and I put you in a room with the hunter chained up, handed you a knife and shut the door, what would I find when I opened the door again?”
“I’m sorry, Mulder. That was unfair of me.” Natalie said, head hanging.
“If it is any consolation, I don’t feel good. But, I have to admit- I do feel better.”
Natalie changed the subject, “Nick asked me to talk to you a little about this whole thing. I know you believed in vampires before, but it’s a little different to find out that your partner, the woman you love, is suddenly one.” She stared at him while she continued, “Then there is the whole master/fledgling relationship.”
“Explain that to me.” Mulder said, suddenly wary.
Natalie led Mulder down the stairs and into the now-silent club. She sat down in a chair at one of the tables and took a deep breath. “First, Mulder, let me tell you that Nick is not like other vampires. When Dana is adequately trained, he will release her to do as she sees fit. He will not stand between the two of you. However, you will not be able to see her without him present for at least a week, maybe two, depending on how quick a study she is,” Natalie took another deep breath and rushed ahead, “and, frankly, on how much you interfere.”
“Why would I interfere?” Mulder said, darkly. “What is going to happen that would make me want to?”
“This is difficult for me as well, Mulder. Honestly, I don’t like the thought of sharing Nick with anybody. Even Dana.”
“What do you mean ‘sharing’,” Mulder asked with a dangerous look in his eyes.
“When Nick brought her across he formed a link with her. In order to strengthen that link, which will be necessary for him to train her quickly, they will have to exchange blood. They call it a bloodkiss, and while not inherently sexual, it is very intimate. Nick said he could feel her intense loyalty to you as well as her love for you when he brought her across. If Dana feels that you’re jealous, she may resist the exchange and that could have serious, negative repercussions on her training, and therefore her ability to integrate into The Community and human society as well.”
Mulder wasn’t too happy at the thought of Knight and Scully in a ‘bloodkiss’ whether it was overtly sexual or not.
Natalie saw the emotion play on his face and quickly continued. There is good news, Mulder. Nick says she seems remarkably well adjusted to the change, especially given the complications of dual masters and her inherent skepticism.
Mulder smiled at that. “I imagine what she would have said last week if I had told her that not only are vampires real, but by this time next week, you will have joined their ranks.”
“Two weeks won’t last forever, Mulder.”
“No, it will just seem like forever.”
“It will be worth the wait, I guarantee you.”
“What do you mean by that, Natalie?” Mulder asked.
Natalie blushed slightly, “Well… When I said the bloodkiss wasn’t inherently sexual…”
Mulder growled, “Yes?”
“Well, it isn’t. But when it is done between two people who love each other, during… Well…”
Natalie’s blush deepened to the point that Mulder could almost feel the heat rolling off of her. “That good, huh?” he asked, grinning madly.
“Whew, Definitely!” she responded.
“Is it dangerous? What do I need to, you know, do- like, anything special?” Mulder asked, clearly unsure of how to broach the subject.
“Just make sure she is very well fed beforehand so she doesn’t drain you.” Natalie looked at her watch, “Look, you should go back to the hotel and get some sleep. She isn’t going to wake up before sundown, and would probably appreciate some clean clothes when she does. I’ll call you a Cab, ok?”
“Yeah, I’ll be back tonight before sundown. We need to try and see that guy that was in the bar tonight anyway.”
“I’d almost forgotten all about the case. We may want to bring Nick’s partner in on this. Nick is going to be kind of tied up with Dana for a while.” Natalie said.
“Does she know?” Mulder asked.
“She knows about vampires, she is dating one in fact. She doesn’t know about Nick specifically, however.” Natalie smiled. “I don’t envy Nick when he tells her. She is going to be pissed!”
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
The Raven
4:10 p.m. Wednesday
Mulder had brought Scully’s luggage with him when he returned, about an hour before sunset. He had just finished lugging it up to the room Scully was staying in. He went back down to the club, where Nick, Natalie, and LaCroix were lounging as Miklos, Alma and a few others were setting up the place for opening at 8 p.m.
Mulder joined the trio and asked what they had been discussing.
“We were considering how best to approach our ‘mystery guest’ from last night.” Nick said. “I think Natalie is right, we should bring Tracy in on this.” Nick hung his head as he thought of the coming confrontation.
“It is high time she joined us in any case. Certain people in high places were becoming aware of the Spaniard’s indiscretion. Decision time is nearly upon her.” LaCroix said.
“They would force her to come across?” Natalie asked, somewhat shocked.
“She will be given the standard three choices, Natalie.” LaCroix said. “When the elders gather here for the solstice next year, all such mortal confidants in the Toronto area will be given the choice.” LaCroix met her gaze and said, “It would be better for all concerned if she made the choice before then.”
“Conlectio Cruoris is in Toronto this time?” Nick repeated, surprised. “Does Vachon know?”
“Not so far as I am aware,” LaCroix answered. “You should speak to him; perhaps have him bring his pet to us for a formal introduction.” LaCroix smiled at the thought.
“I think you might want to tell her that you’re a vampire, first, Nick.” Natalie said. “She is going to be pissed off as it is, and you don’t want her reacting during a ‘formal introduction’ to the elder of Toronto,” she continued, wryly.
“Yes. Tonight, I think.” Nick said.
Mulder had remained silent during all of this. He was suddenly less concerned with solving the mystery of the swordfighters than he was concerned about Scully. He had only been able to speak to her briefly last night after her change, but she had been somewhat withdrawn from him. He refused to allow this change to separate them.
He would gladly become a vampire if that’s what it took. They would have to leave the FBI, but they would survive. He had quite a bit of money from his inheritance when his mother had died, plus several houses he could sell. They wouldn’t suffer for money.
More than anything, he wanted to be with Scully. Everything else came second- including his quest for the truth about his sister. She was his past, and he wanted to know the truth, but Scully was his present and his future. “Scully comes first. Now and always,” he thought with resolve. “Now, how to convince her of that?” he wondered.
He was startled out of his reverie when Nick laid his hand on Mulder’s arm, “She is starting to wake up, Mulder. Do you want to go see her?” Nick asked.
“Can I?” Mulder asked. He was worried, not for his safety but for her emotional state if she attacked him in hunger.
Nick reassured him, “You can bring her breakfast, Mulder. I will remain right outside the door in case there is any problem.”
Mulder was suddenly struck with how much these two were giving up to help him and Scully. This should have been Natalie that Nick was caring for and training. Their own lives were put on hold so that they could take care of Scully. “Nick, Natalie. I’m sorry that I didn’t say thank you last night. I know you guys are giving up a lot to help us out here, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. I can’t thank you enough.” Mulder turned to LaCroix, “And to you, Sir. Thank you for generously sharing your home with Scully and myself. And thank you for this morning.” He bowed his head slightly toward the master vampire.
LaCroix liked this young man. His woman as well. “They will make fine additions to my extended family,” he thought. He even toyed with the thought of bringing Mulder across himself. He was thinking that it might serve to further bind his son to him if he could give him a brother to be the mate of Nick’s new childé. “It bears contemplation,” he said to himself. In response to Mulder’s thanks he merely inclined his head slightly.
“Come on, Mulder,” Nick said, getting up and walking toward the stairs with him following close behind.
Natalie has watched the exchange between Mulder and LaCroix with narrowed eyes. She waited until the two men had gone up the stairs before commenting. “You’re considering bringing him across yourself, aren’t you?” she saw confirmation in the slight look of surprise on his face. “I hope you will let him choose for himself,” she said softly as she got up and followed her fiancée and Mulder.
“Yes, she will make an excellent grandchild.” LaCroix said to himself. “If Dana has even half of her potential, my family is going to be a force to be reckoned with,” he thought with satisfaction.
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
Scully woke up alone. She stretched out on the bed and thought for a moment, trying to figure out where she was. Just as the thirst hit her, all the memories came crashing down. “I’m a vampire,” she whispered out loud. She could hear whispering outside of her door as clearly as if they had been shouting. Nick was telling someone to speak softly, explaining about her heightened senses, and that he should be careful of over-stimulation. She could hear one heartbeat outside the door, and suddenly knew that it must be Mulder. Ohhh, she was hungry. But this time it wasn’t quite as consuming as when she had awakened after the change last night. At that point she would have already been up and through the door, her teeth at Mulder’s throat.
There was a hesitant knock at the door, and she said, “Come in, Mulder.”
He came in wearing a shy smile and carrying three bottles. He handed her one and the smell of blood coming out of it was overpowering. Any thought of moderation or politeness was wiped away as she tipped up the bottle and downed it in one long draught. The second bottle quickly followed and she was part way through the third before she was able to slow down long enough for speech. “Sorry about that,” she said, embarrassed by her behavior.
“Nick says that it’s normal for a new fledgling to do that. He said it would pass quickly and you will gain control over your hunger.” Mulder said quietly.
“Oh. That’s something to look forward to, I guess.” Scully felt herself withdraw a little.
Mulder could see the walls between them being rebuilt after only so recently being torn down. It felt like a boulder was dropped on his chest, and his heart was being crushed. He dropped to his knees before the woman he loved with every fiber of his being. “Please, Scully! Don’t do this. I’ll die if you leave me again.” Mulder choked back a sob, “I love you Scully. I need you. Please don’t shut me out.”
Scully felt like glass. She didn’t believe he could still love her like this. She wasn’t the same person she had been when she woke up in his arms yesterday. “How can you love me, Mulder? I’m not even human anymore,” she said, her voice brittle.
Nick came in at that moment. He was angry with her for thinking that, mostly because it was the same addle-brained sentiment he had foolishly lived under for centuries. Miserable centuries. His anger lashed out at her through their link and snapped her out of her despair. “I lived like that for centuries, Dana, and I have finally given up on my self-pity. I’ll be damned if I will allow my childé to wallow in wretched misery!” He fairly roared in anger. “I want this fixed now! I won’t train a depressed, moody vampire!”
Scully shrank back at the anger she felt in her mind from Nick. From her master. She was getting an instant education in the meaning of the word master. To say that she was cowed was an understatement. All of that power she had only glimpsed yesterday was back and was whipping her down like an errant school child. She dropped to her knees next to Mulder, facing Nick, “How, Sir?” she whispered, eyes down.
Nick instantly cooled. He would not act like his master had, and he would make sure his childé would not act like he had been forced to. “Stand up Dana,” he said.
She jumped to her feet, but kept her eyes down, looking at Mulder who was shocked at her submissiveness.
“Look at me Dana,” Nick commanded. Meeting her gaze he said, “I am your maker. I will be your teacher. It is important that you obey me while we are conducting your training. However, you’re not my slave. You’re a student and you have much to learn, but I would prefer your respect, not fear. And call me Nick.”
Scully relaxed ever so slightly, “Ok, Nick.”
“Now then, lets get rid of this attitude you have developed- you’re still human, Dana, just not mortal any longer. You will only give up your humanity and become a monster if you choose to do so. I don’t see you doing that, any more than you would have if you had remained mortal. The only inherent changes you have made are the sensitivity to sunlight, garlic, and a change in diet. Think of it like a severe allergy, not an infection of evil. And, there are compensations for these deficiencies, I assure you.”
Scully didn’t look convinced, but neither was she retreating into her shell of despondency.
Mulder stood up as Nick asked him, “Do you still love her?”
Mulder answered without hesitation. “More than anything or anyone else, ever.”
Nick continued, “Do you trust her?”
“Absolutely” Mulder said.
Nick looked at Scully. “Do you love him?”
She dropped her eyes and whispered, “Yes.”
Nick continued, “But you don’t believe that he can still love you as you are, correct?”
She just nodded her head slowly.
Mulder groaned, “Oh, Scully.”
Nick stopped him short, “Words won’t do, Mulder. Are you willing to do what it takes to prove it to her, and at the same time prove to yourself that she still loves you?”
Again, Mulder didn’t hesitate, “Anything. I already told you, Nick. I will do anything to have her in my life.”
“Go get me 3 more bottles, Mulder. Now.”
Mulder hurried downstairs to get more blood. Nick turned to Scully and said, “Drink the rest of that one,” indicating the bottle she held in her hand.
She finished off the bottle and asked, “What will you make him do?”
“This is one of those times that I will require your obedience. You will have to trust me to help you.” Nick said.
Mulder returned with the bottles, out of breath as he had run both ways.
Nick commanded Scully, “Drink them all. Now.” He then watched as she downed each of them, one right after the other. Nick then said to Mulder, “Give me your hand.”
Mulder blinked once and then stuck out his arm toward Nick.
Nick turned to Scully, “Now, bite his wrist, and drink from him and you will each have the knowledge you need.” When Scully hesitated he said, “If necessary, I will make sure you stop before you take too much Dana.” He then said with a strong tone of command, “Do it now.”
Scully moved over to Mulder’s wrist, gently taking his hand from Nick. She could sense the flow of his blood beneath the thin skin on the inside of his wrist. The colors around her began to gain a green luminescence and she could hear the rapid beating of Mulder’s heart. She could smell his blood now; it perfumed the air before her. She looked into Mulder’s eyes, seeking permission. She saw love and trust in his eyes. “You smell like cardamom, Mulder,” she whispered softly, returning her eyes to his wrist. She felt an ache in her gums as her fangs descended fully for the first time.
“Do it!” Nick commanded through their link.
Despite all of the blood she had ingested moments ago, she felt a fresh hunger spring up in her then. She quickly pulled his wrist to her mouth and bit down. Her first thought was that it was like biting into a ripe peach, his blood came quicker than she expected and a little bit came out around her lips and dripped down her chin. Then the taste of his blood filled her senses, deliciously warm, incredibly rich, and heady with the perfume of cardamom. As she swallowed the first mouthful the link was established. What she felt next wiped out any doubts she could have ever had.
Mulder felt the sharp sting of Scully’s fangs in his wrist and was almost immediately overcome with a surge of emotion. Scully’s emotion. She loved him desperately, needed him, adored him and cherished him. She was terrified that he would leave her now, repulsed by what she had become. His own fear and despair that she would move on, leaving him behind now that she had become so much more, seemed silly to him now. She could never leave him as long as he wanted her. He felt a sense of relief and joy that flooded through him like standing in a warm shower after being out in the icy cold for too long- almost painful in its overpowering pleasure. He also began to feel just a bit light headed, whether from relief or blood-loss, he wasn’t sure.
“Stupid, I am so stupid!” Scully thought as the link was established. She had really expected to find rejection in Mulder’s blood. Well, she wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this experience, really, but she had convinced herself that she was unlovable as a vampire. She had been so afraid that he didn’t want her anymore that she momentarily thought it was her own fear flooding her mouth. She quickly realized that it was Mulder’s fear she tasted. He was worried that she didn’t need him any more, now that she was ‘so much more’ than she had been. “Oh Mulder, I could never leave you,” she thought. “There is no ‘me’ apart from you.”
Nick was about to intervene when Scully felt Mulder’s weakness. She pulled away from his wrist so abruptly that more blood dripped down her face, staining the blouse LaCroix had loaned her. His daughter’s, he’d told her.
Through their link Nick gently instructed her on what to do, and Scully carefully licked the wounds on Mulder’s wrist until they scabbed over. Her heart was full of the love Mulder had for her. She was filled with joy and tears were running down her face.
Mulder opened his eyes- he hadn’t even realized that he had closed them- and looked at the face of the woman he loved. Her mouth and chin were covered in his blood and tracks of blood ran down her face from her eyes, which were still luminous green. Her lips were parted and he could see a little of her fangs. It was the sweetest, most beautiful, and downright sexy sight he had ever laid eyes on. He swept her up into his embrace and captured her mouth with his own. Kissing her thoroughly. The taste of his own blood did nothing to calm his ardor.
This time Nick did intervene. “Enough, you two! Mulder, you’re not quite ready to donate again. Scully, you need more control before you’re ready for that.” He looked sternly at them as they separated slightly. “Don’t push this too far, too fast, or you will have a tragedy on your hands.” He shook his head, “Two weeks at most, I promise. Less if you diligently apply yourself, Dana.”
Mulder looked down at Scully and smiled. “We waited 7 years…”
“We can make it two weeks,” Scully finished, smiling up at him.
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
Nick’s Loft
8 p.m. Wednesday
They had decided that Scully wasn’t really ready for the Raven when it was packed with mortals, so the four of them went back to Nick’s loft. LaCroix was going to speak to Vachon about the Tracy situation when he got in that night. Nick had called Tracy and invited her over to discuss the case; of course he was going to be covering a lot more than that. He wasn’t looking forward to her reaction. He had asked LaCroix if he would send Vachon over after speaking with him. He and Tracy had some decisions to make.
“So what are we going to do about the headhunter thing, Nick?” Natalie asked, interrupting his thoughts.
“I thought you and Mulder and Tracy could go look up the guy from the bar. You could take Vachon as backup, and LaCroix has one of his bouncers watching him as well. It should be safe enough.” Nick said.
“You aren’t coming?” Natalie asked.
“Dana needs to start her training. We cannot put it off, even for this.” Nick turned from his fiancée to his new childé and continued, “You have a lot of potential, Dana. Really. Most new fledglings are unable to even see a mortal this soon, let alone be in their close proximity for an extended period of time.” He fixed his gaze firmly on hers and continued sternly, “However, if we put off your training, you will not survive. Even now, you feel the pull to hunt, don’t you?”
Scully dropped her head in shame and nodded.
“Don’t be ashamed of it, Dana, be aware of it. We will work together and you will learn to control it. Even now, you feel it, but you obviously don’t feel compelled to act on it. That’s what I mean by potential. A normal fledgling would be unable to keep from doing so.” Nick said.
Scully looked hopeful.
“You still need training, though. If you were dropped into the middle of a crowd right now, or if something happened to make you feel threatened, or even if you just got a little too hungry, you would be tearing into the nearest mortal you could get your hands on- even Mulder.” Nick said seriously.
The other three all blanched at that.
“So,” he continued, “be patient. Be diligent.”
Just then the sound of the lift engaging rang out. Nick went from Master Vampire, to a scared little boy as he realized Tracy was on her way up. Natalie chuckled at the look on his face and got up to get everyone a drink.
“Bring a bottle for my daughter, if you would dear.” Nick said just for the humorous effect.
Natalie and Mulder laughed and Scully stuck her tongue out at him. “Gee thanks, Dad,” she said, causing Mulder and Natalie to laugh out loud, and even Nick smiled.
Tracy came bouncing in as she always did (if you look up ‘perky’ in the dictionary you will find the definition followed by ‘See Vetter, Tracy), and said, “What’s up, Nick? How come you guys aren’t at the conference?”
“Sit down Tracy; I have a lot to tell you.” Nick sighed heavily as she sat at the table. “You remember Agents Mulder and Scully from the FBI?”
“Yes, we met briefly Saturday night.” She looked at the two agents; they looked a little worn out. Agent Scully looked even paler than she had the other night. “Please, call me Tracy,” she said as they both welcomed her by her title.
“I’m Dana” Scully said.
“Actually, everyone just calls me Mulder,” Mulder said.
“Is this about that decapitated corpse, Nick?” Tracy asked. “Because, we’re still nowhere on that. No ID, no leads.”
“Yes, Tracy. This is about that. We have a couple of leads actually, but before we can discus them there is something… well… something kind of awkward that I need to tell you.” Nick said.
“What is it Nick?” Tracy asked.
Nick couldn’t really think of a good way to broach the subject gently or easily so he decided on the direct approach. He looked her straight in the eye and said, “Tracy, I am a vampire.”
Tracy paused for a second, “What does that have to do with the decapitation?” she asked.
Nick was stunned. He just sat there, slack-jawed. Of all the possible reactions he had imagined, this wasn’t even close to being one of them. “Huh? How…”
Tracy looked at the four of them; they were all a bit stunned, but especially Nick. God, he could be clueless sometimes. She looked at Natalie and said, “Honestly Natalie, how do you put up with him?” She looked back at Nick, still gaping like a fish out of water, “Well, Duh! Nick. I’m a de-tec-tive, I de-tect.” They didn’t give me the badge because I’m perky!”
Natalie immediately began screaming in laughter, tears pouring down her face. Mulder was laughing out loud as well. Scully had her hands over her mouth trying not to laugh at her master, given that she could feel his annoyance through their link, and didn’t quite feel brave enough to exacerbate it.
If Nick could have blushed, his face would be on fire. “How long…”
“That whole sun allergy thing was pretty fishy before I knew about vampires. After I met Vachon… well it was pretty obvious.” She paused, “You two do know each other, don’t you? I mean how could you not, right? How many vampires are there in Toronto anyway? Vachon would never talk to me about them. And don’t think I’m not going to pay him back for not telling me about you, even though I already figured it out, I mean…” Tracy started chattering.
“Enough Trace!” Nick broke through the steady stream-of-consciousness pouring forth. “I get the point.” Nick chuckled at his own cluelessness and looked at the other three. Mulder was wiping the tears from his eyes, Natalie had her head down between her knees trying to catch her breath; she had laughed so hard. His ‘daughter’ still had her hands clasped firmly over her mouth, unshed bloodtears welling in her eyes. He felt through their link and saw that it was only the fact that she was refusing to breath at all that was keeping her from joining Natalie in her hysterics.
“So what is the deal then, Nick?” Tracy asked. “Is the killer a vampire or what?”
Nick went on to explain what they had really seen in the alley, including the facts that didn’t make the official report. He told her about the fight on the rooftop, and the guy at the bar. He left off the part about LaCroix and just said a vamp had killed him a long time ago, and he was still alive and not a vampire.
“So you think this guy you saw in the Raven might be like the guy you fought on the roof?” Tracy asked.
“It is a possibility, yes.” Nick replied.
“And you want us to go talk to him, right?”
“Well… you, Mulder and Nat, anyway.” Nick replied.
Tracy raised an eyebrow at that, “You’re not coming? You want us to go see a potentially unkillable, sword-swinging homicidal maniac- but you and Dana aren’t joining us?” Tracy threw her hands up in the air, “Why not?”
Nick looked at Scully, “Up to you,” he said through the link.
Scully looked a bit sheepish, “Ahh, I’m not exactly allowed out in public… not just yet anyway,” she said, glancing at Nick the entire time.
It only took Tracy a moment to figure out what she meant by that, “You brought an FBI Agent across?! Nick! What were you thinking?” She was exasperated. “I thought the point of the code was not to bring attention to The Community!”
“Vachon told you about the code? Good. That leads us to the next topic. Vachon should be here anytime now. You and he have something to discuss. Something important.” Nick said.
===== X-FILES ===== FOREVER KNIGHT ===== HIGHLANDER =====
Outside The Raven
The subject of their discussion was just leaving the Raven. Javier Vachon was more afraid right now than he had been since he was brought across, almost 470 years ago. Not long ago he would have cut and run, rather than let himself get involved with a Code conflict and the Conlectio Cruoris of the Council of Elders. “Tracy is worth it.” he told himself. He knew he was hopelessly in love with her, but he didn’t know how she felt. Frankly he didn’t think she knew either. One didn’t usually see a lot of perky, upbeat vampires running around, but he was sure that Tracy wouldn’t lose that just because she came across. Now he had to convince her of it.
When LaCroix told him that Tracy would have to choose, and soon, or face death; he felt like he had been staked in the gut. The fact that his own life was on the line didn’t even enter into his thoughts. If she chose not to come across, she would die. Would he even want to live beyond that day? It wasn’t a subject he had ever considered. The end of his own existence. “Wow,” he thought. He would just have to convince her that the nightlife was better than no-life. He took off for the Loft at top speed.
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