Things Fall Apart
December 2002
Jarvinia

Forever Knight and its characters and concepts don't belong to me,
I'm just having a bit of fun in writing this.  On a general note,
this story is PG13 mainly for a bit of violence.

This story is actually the sixth in a series that started with the
story 'Another Knight', and draws the most from 'Pawns of Kings',
but, I think if you know vampires are known to the world and that
Natalie is a vampire, you can read this on it's own...I think.

I'd like to thank David and amethystshells for betaing this.<g>  I'd
also like to thank everyone who sent feedback on the previous
stories, particularly 'Pawns of Kings'.

May not be archived without permission, although if you'd like to,
please ask!

Now, on to what you're waiting for--the story....

~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~

Things Fall Apart - Prologue

A computer screen glowed brightly in a relatively dark room, a mouse
clicking incessantly while little boxes became numbers.  He purposely
skirted around some, knowing exactly what lay beneath them--mines. 
Whatever mortal had invented Minesweeper, he wondered if they ever
imagined that more than just mortals would play it.

The game, although simple, was something to do to pass the time
until the sun rose in a short couple of hours.  He only had a corner
of the window left to clear, and he started to take a little more
care as to where he clicked.  He was going to win this game, and
nothing was going to stop him.

Seconds later, the monitor flicked off, the room being emerged in
complete darkness.  For a moment, his eyes glowed golden as he glared
at the screen.  "Damn...stupid power."  He reached down, unplugging
the computer as it was simply plugged into the wall, and then turned
the monitor off.  Then, when the power remained off, he stood, went
to the doorway, and leaned out of the room.  "Is the whole house dark?"

He heard an affirmative answer, at which he turned back to the room.
It wasn't entirely unusual for the power to go off.  But, it also
rarely stayed that way for long.

Several minutes passed and he became somewhat concerned when the
power stayed off--particularly when he could see the houses nearby
outside the window, all, by the looks of it, with power.

He pushed his thought away, heading across the room and lying down
on the couch.  Seconds later, however, he sat bold upright as
something rocked the building slightly.  By the noise, his first
guess was a bomb, remembering the sound from his past...but this was
almost the end of the twentieth century.  What would a bomb be doing
here, in the present, and in a residential area for that matter?

The scent of smoke entered his senses, at which he went out into the
hallway.  A scream ripped through the air, and a deep orange glow was
visible in both directions down the hall.  The smoke quickly became
denser and started to bother his eyes.

He took several steps back, and then spun on his heel as the window
shattered.  Then, he just saw the outline of something flying toward
him, which half exploded on contact with the floor, engulfing the
room in fire.  He instinctively pulled back, his fangs descending and
eyes changing.

It had only been seconds since the glass had broken, but it felt
like so much longer.  He caught fleeting glimpses as a couple of
other objects made their way into the room, and his eyes focused on
one--a flaming arrow.

Then, he staggered as something ripped into him.  He glanced down,
seeing an identical arrow embedded in his shoulder.  Yet another
chaser landed in the room, the flames licking at his legs, forcing
him to back up.

Soon he found himself trapped in a corner, the fire coming ever
closer.  He snarled at the orange and yellow, his space becoming
smaller and smaller.  He looked around, fire coming at him from all
sides.  The flames were catching his clothes on fire and burning his
skin.  As the fire swallowed him, he screamed, the sounds fading into
the dark night.


Things Fall Apart - (01/33)

Lying awake, LaCroix immediately knew something was out of place. 
Reaching out with his senses, he found only his two children,
Nicholas and Natalie.  Both were sleeping soundly in the next room,
just as they had done for the past couple of weeks.

Still, he knew all was not right.

Feeling the sun still high in the sky, he glanced at the clock to
get the exact time--just a few minutes after noon.  It couldn't be
one of the Community and, therefore, it could wait.

He relaxed slightly, but several minutes later, his ears picked up
the sound of faint knocking.  After a moment, it became more
insistent...loud, even.  Not only that, but he felt something, he
just couldn't place it.  Feeling his anger rise, he wondered who
dared to wake him at this hour.

He rose quickly and started for the door in his pajamas, hoping that
Nicholas and Natalie would remain asleep.  He would deal with this,
and quickly.  Nearing the door, he hesitated slightly, realizing that
the one on the other side was not mortal--it was a vampire.

Composing himself, he opened the door to find a dark haired man
waiting impatiently on the other side.  The other stood a couple of
inches shorter than himself, several minor burns easily visible on
the vampire's face and hands.  Off hand, he estimated the other was a
little younger than Nicholas...perhaps by a hundred years.  

This one had participated in the vote against the Council on the
behalf of Seattle's Community.  He faintly recalled the man's name to
be Damien and that the vampire's sire was his city's Elder, but any
other information eluded him.

Holding his position, LaCroix waited patiently for the other to
speak, wanting an explanation for the intrusion.  The younger
vampire's stance shifted, his brown eyes eventually locking onto
LaCroix' blue.

"LaCroix, I must speak with you now."

At first, the Roman remained precisely where he was, but after a
moment, he stepped out of the way so the other could enter.  He
watched as his guest walked in, and then after nearly a minute, he
tersely asked, "What is so important to bring you here, and in the
middle of the day, no less?"

"The mortals have attacked us," Damien stated, becoming somewhat
nervous as the other's anger surfaced.  "M-my Community lost several
of its members this morning when several mortals burned down one of
our homes.  It was a...safe-house of sorts...for those that do not
have permanent shelter."

At that, LaCroix found he could contain himself no longer.  "The
mortals knew about this shelter of yours?!"

Backing up from the force of the words, Damien countered, "No,
LaCroix, they didn't know about it until this morning--after the
attack."  He stopped, waiting for LaCroix to calm, and then further
explained, "The mortals' immediate reactions are split.  Some are
seeing the act as if it had been committed against their own kind,
but others are viewing us as inhuman creatures that should be
destroyed."  He paused a second time, this time lowering his voice
before continuing.  "None of this was foreseeable.  There haven't
been any other threats or attacks on Seattle's Community, and no
major protests since the matter of our existence among the mortals
had begun to settle.  Everything has been quite--until this morning."

LaCroix wanted to get to the bottom of this incident.  Damien's
visit was, indeed, important, but he wondered why the younger vampire
hadn't simply called.  Seattle was, after all, on the other side of
the continent.  "How many were killed?"

He swallowed nervously, knowing the other would not be pleased. 
"Seven.  Several others were severely burned while escaping, and the
deaths have the Community on edge."

LaCroix closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.  Seven had
perished...a so-called 'lucky' number.  Whether that luck extended to
the mortals or themselves remained to be seen.  For now, he wanted to
know more.  "Why have you come here?  Doesn't your sire need your
help in this matter?"

Looking down, he spoke, his control slipping and voice cracking with
emotion, "He died in the flames.  He owned the shelter.  I-I came
here for help.  I may be the eldest in the city now, but I do not
know what to do...or how to do it."

Incredulous at the words, LaCroix took several steps away, asking,
"You left at a time like this?  Why didn't you just call?  For that
matter, why did you come here?  You could have gone to Vancouver, or
Portland...or San Francisco if you are that desperate."

"I had no choice if I wished to keep this relatively quiet.  The
Community knows I am absent.  As for why I did not go to a nearer
city...their Communities are small and weak.  You are the second
eldest of our people on this continent, and our Community, though
smaller than Toronto's, has been run very similarly."

He knew where this conversation was headed.  "You want me to come to
Seattle to deal with this," he stated with a hint of distaste.

"Only until things are back under control," the dark haired vampire
assured.

LaCroix felt something and caught movement from the hall.  Turning
slightly, he could see his two children, Nicholas' hands resting
protectively on Natalie's shoulders.

"What's going on, LaCroix?" Nick asked, remaining in place for a
moment.  Receiving no answer, he moved from behind Natalie and
stopped so that he faced both his father and the other.  Looking the
guest over, Nick noticed the burns and saw how weak he was.  When the
other swayed, he stepped forward and helped the weakened vampire to a
chair.

Natalie quickly retrieved a bottle from the fridge and started back
to the other room.

As she approached, LaCroix stopped her advance.  She met his gaze,
and after a moment, he took the bottle from her and passed it to
Nick, who then uncorked it and gave it to the other vampire.

Nick watched as the younger gulped down the blood, and he again
asked his father, "What's going on?"

The Roman met his son's eyes.  He knew he'd have to explain--and
now.  The situation warranted immediate action, and he already knew
he would be leaving for Seattle with the setting of the sun. 
Inhaling, he explained, "The mortals have made a successful attack on
Seattle's Community."

Nick's eyes widened, and then turned to their guest.

"Seven died this morning, including our City Elder...my sire." 
Damien looked into the slightly older vampire's gaze.  He so envied
LaCroix' son.  Nicholas was much like himself.  True, he was in his
mid-twenties when brought across, younger than Nicholas by a decade,
but their relationship with their sires had been much the same--close
but rocky at times.

Nicholas still had his father, but he, as of a few hours before, was
completely alone.  At the same time, he feared for Nicholas,
wondering what would be in store for him.  Calming himself, he knew
he needed to explain everything that had happened, and started at the
beginning.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

"Early this morning in the Seattle area, a group of mortals, their
identities as of yet unknown, set fire to the home of the Vampire
Community's City Elder.  Seven died in the flames--all vampires.  As
of tonight, Toronto's Elder, Lucien LaCroix, has left for the States
to assist in this matter.  Nicholas Knight will be the head of the
Community here in Toronto until further notification.

"In related news, the events in Seattle have spurred widespread
reaction.  Protests have broken out across the continent.  Some
condone the actions taken against the Vampire Community, while
others, such as these protestors at the University of Toronto, have a
very different view."

As the television screen switched to views of protests, Tracy stared
wide-eyed, listening to the words.  She heard demands of 'get them
out of our cities', 'get them away from our families', and even a few
religious protestors asking for 'the earth to be cleansed of these
unholy creatures'.

She kept herself as calm as she could.  Although there were others
still watching the news, Tracy reached forward and switched it off. 
She stood as most of the others dispersed, not getting any complaints
for her action.

"And I honestly thought all of this was settled," Brian Garrison,
one of the detectives, stated.

Tracy turned to face him and nodded.  "I had hoped it was over, but
at the same time, I knew everything was too calm.  At least now I
know why Nick hasn't shown up."

"And he won't be in until midnight," Reese mentioned, approaching
the two detectives.  "I just got a call from Natalie.  She's on her
way in, but Nick's trying to get things settled.  He said something
about making sure the Community was reassured."

Spinning, Tracy started for the exit.  "I'll be back...I'll be at
the Raven if anyone needs me."

"Tra..." Reese began, stopping as she disappeared.  He shook his
head and commented to Brian, "She's a good detective, but sometimes I
wonder if those two should have remained partners.  Knight has so
much going on, and-"

"And if he was partnered with anyone else, I could imagine the
reaction.  They trust each another, and that's something I expect
doesn't come easily to Knight, especially now," Brian told him.

Reese nodded and gave a good look around the precinct before heading
back into his office.  They would all just have to watch as events
unfolded.


Things Fall Apart - (02/33)

"So, Knight, what do you want us to do about what happened?  Until
LaCroix returns, you're in charge."

Looking across the table at the Spaniard and then the Italian, he
stated, "I know I am, and I'm not exactly thrilled with it.  While
he's gone, I'm going to need some help from you two."

Antonius slowly leaned back in his chair.  "What kind of help?  I
still have the distributary to run."

"It won't interfere with that.  For tonight, I want you to patrol
the city until eleven forty five, and then, stay here at the Raven
until closing."  Turning toward the other, he told Vachon.  "I want
you to patrol until a half hour before dawn, and then come back here
to make sure everything is under control before heading home."

As Antonius watched on, Vachon nodded his agreement, but the Italian
wasn't as ready to accept his place in this.  "Just curious, but why
isn't Vachon going to be at the club?  Being older, shouldn't he be
here?"

"That is precisely why I want Vachon out there."

Antonius met the elder vampire's eyes, and nodded.  Even though
Vachon had only recently recovered, he knew Nicholas had done well
choosing their roles.  The Spaniard was stronger than him, something
that would more likely be needed on patrol.  Nicholas had asked him
to come because of his ability to negotiate.  If he needed to break
anything up, that's what the bouncers were for.  He hadn't needed to
question the matter, but he did out of instinct--the same reason
Nicholas gave him the task and not Vachon.  He supplied a single,
solid nod to the other, stating, "In a strange way, I think this was
meant to happen.  You would make an excellent City Elder."  With
that, he stood and, giving a glance to Vachon, headed for the exit.

Standing, Vachon put his hand on the older man's shoulder,
commenting, "I'll second that, Knight."

Nick closed his eyes at the touch.  As the other left, he took in a
deep breath.  Although the two seemed to have confidence in him, he
wasn't sure he could do this for LaCroix.  For now, things were going
well, but if something happened....

Taking the bottle that sat in the center of the table, Nick refilled
his glass as one of the waitresses took the other two glasses.  He
held it up and stared through the blood, his eyes locking on the
entrance.  The bouncer and a mortal were arguing, and the latter's
heartbeat matched his partner's.  Getting a glimpse of her blonde
hair, he stood and started for them.

"Come on, just let me in...I want to talk to Nick."

"No mortals.  How many times do I have to tell ya?"

"It wasn't that way last week when I came by!"  She tried to push
her way past the vampire, but he wouldn't budge.  "Come on!"

"Unless it's an emergency, I can't let..." he trailed off feeling a
hand on his shoulder.  Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the
elder vampire.

"Let her in," Nick demanded.  A moment later, he guided his partner
past the bouncer, leading her through the club.  He headed straight
for the office, the others in the club backing out of their way.

Her partner shut the office door, and she winced.  She could almost
feel his anger.

"You shouldn't be here.  Not right now."

"I know...I just wanted to make sure everything was going okay. 
What happened was on the news, including LaCroix going to Seattle and
you being left in charge."  She paused, seeing his anger fade.  "So
you're coming in at midnight, then?"

"Yeah.  Just for tonight."  He turned away and, walking around the
desk, sat down.  In front of him sat a few envelopes.  Among them
were the electric and phone bills for the Raven.  When LaCroix had
left, not only did the responsibility of the Community and the Raven
transfer to him, but so did all of the bills and paperwork.  He
tossed one of the envelopes to the side and silently wondered how
long the elder vampire would be absent.

"Nick?  Are you going to be okay with this?"  He looked up at her,
but she didn't know what to make of his expression.  "I mean, there's
all of this, and then there's work too."

He nodded, his eyes focusing on the desk.  "I'll be fine, just busy.
Vachon and Antonius are helping, but I can only ask them to do so
much."

As Nick stood, she asked, "Is there anything I can do?"  When he
stumbled for words, she again asked, "Anything, Nick?"

"I..." he tried to think of something, and then realized that
LaCroix' radio show started in a couple of minutes.  "Could you put
in a tape of one of the Nightcrawler shows in?  It doesn't matter
which one...just start it at ten, and make sure it's on."

"Sure, Nick."  Tracy turned, preparing to leave, but spun back. 
"Uh, Nick?  Is there anything else I could do for you?  I could stay
for-"

"No...no, I'll be fine for the next couple of hours.  There really
isn't a lot for me to do, it's just...."

"It's not something you're used to."

He nodded, managing a weak smile.  "Yeah.  Whenever LaCroix had left
in the past, usually Janette was left in charge-not me.  I've never
wanted to deal with everything, not like this, so I didn't really
mind, even if it was frustrating at times."  Pausing, Nick realized
he was drifting, and continued, "Like I said, I'll be fine.  I'll be
at the precinct around midnight."

She watched him, knowing all was not well.  Nick rarely mentioned
anything from his past; it was something he just didn't do under
normal circumstances.  Although she wouldn't mind learning more, she
knew from his stance and expression that now was not the time. 
Finally giving him a nod, she headed for the sound booth, closing the
door as she left.

As silence surrounded him, Nick let out a breath, and then inhaled
deeply.  The action calmed him, and he sank into LaCroix' chair,
leaning back into the soft leather.

After giving himself a moment to relax, he reached for the electric
bill.  It wasn't due for another two weeks, but he wanted to get it
over with while he had the time.  When Tracy's heartbeat gradually
faded from his senses, he pulled the bill out of its envelope and got
to work.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Sitting at Nick's desk, Natalie stared across to where Tracy was
working on a case.  She had already been there for about fifteen
minutes and she was having a hard time remaining calm.  She needed to
talk to someone--more precisely, she needed to talk to Nick.

Sure, Tracy was there, she knew what she was, and she knew Nick, but
it was different.  Right now, she needed an assurance that things
would turn out okay...that her choice in becoming a vampire for Nick
hadn't been a big, un-thought out decision.  She knew she hadn't
considered everything, but until now, she had believed she could
handle it.  Now, she wasn't so sure.

"Trace...with what's happening...I know you went to the Raven
earlier, and well, I guess I just want to know how Nick is?  We
didn't get to talk much before I went to work."

Looking up, Tracy pursed her lips.  What was she supposed to say? 
Nick was handling everything, but she also knew he didn't want to be
left in charge.  With what Nick said earlier, she wondered how
everything really was with him...and the only way she could find that
out was by talking to him.  "I honestly don't know, Nat.  He should
be here in a few minutes, though.  It's almost midnight."

Nodding, she did what she could to relax.  Seconds ticked by, not
even a minute, and she found Nick walking toward her.  He was a
little surprised at her presence, but his tired appearance
overshadowed her initial impression.  She pursed her lips, softly
asking, "How are you, Nick?"

He stopped just short of Natalie's position.  "As well as one can
be, considering.  I'm just wondering what this will mean for the
Community, for us."

She held his gaze, the haunted sparkle in his eyes saddening her. 
She hated seeing that in Nick.  Standing, she approached him, her
hand gently rubbing his upper arm.  She could see his body and mind
react to the touch.  It was the action of a friend, but between them,
it meant much more.  "Nick...."

His stare cut off her words, and as he watched her stand before him,
her fingers now lightly resting on her arm, he gently pulled away. 
Before she could comment, he gently took her by the arm, heading for
an empty room.

As the door shut, it echoed to both of their senses, no other sounds
being in the room--not a heartbeat, a breath, or anything.

Natalie stepped closer.  Although she desperately wanted to say
something, she didn't know what she could.  Nick had been so happy
until this new announcement.  She had actually believed he had
finally found peace...specifically with what he was and with LaCroix.
Now, all of that had begun to break apart.  She could see it in his
eyes.

She looked down for a moment.  So much did she want to do something
for him.  Moving ever closer until they were merely inches apart, she
waited for him to back away from her, but he didn't.  Looking up at
him, she could see his need there, shining back at her.  What he
didn't know, is how much she needed him as well.  Even though she was
a vampire, she was also LaCroix' daughter, not Nick's.  As such, her
connection was weak with him, and since they had only shared blood a
handful of times, it was barely noticeable.  Before he could pull
away, she closed the gap and kissed him on the lips.

He allowed her to finish her action, and then backed away with a
soft smile.  "You don't have to do that, Natalie."

"Yes I do, Nick.  I need this as much as you do."  She looked away. 
When she'd seen him, she had hoped she would be able to keep back her
emotions, but she couldn't.  She'd been a vampire for two and a half
months, but she had been so preoccupied that things didn't really
sink in until this new news broke.  "I don't like what I've seen on
the news, Nick.  I don't want to say it, but I'm frightened."  She
paused, and then, lowering her voice, she told him, "I thought this
would be easier, being like you, that is, but I was wrong, Nick.  I
thought I could handle it, but I'm not so sure anymore.  I'm weak...I
can't even fly and don't know if I ever will be able to.  If I were
to be attacked, I wouldn't know what to do, I'd panic...."

He put his fingers to her lips, assuring her, "You'll be fine.  It
just takes time."

"I know, it's just...with the last month....  First you and LaCroix
are at each other's throats, then at peace, and now he’s in
Seattle....  Nick, my training has gone to a standstill, and I'm
afraid that what I am might be discovered."

"Shh...like I said, everything will work itself out."

She shook her head.  Her emotions tore at her, and she knew she was
falling apart.  "But if that happens, Nick...I just don't want to see
anything happen to either of us, and I can just see the
news...'Vampire Cop Has a Hand in Bringing...."  She trailed off when
he grabbed her arms, and that's when it broke.  Half a dozen tears
rolled down her cheeks, the smell of her blood startling her for a
moment.  Before she knew it, Nick wiped away the blood-tears with
something soft.  Opening her eyes, she stared at the bloodstained
tissue.  "I'm sorry, Nick.  I'm just afraid of where all of this
might lead."

Giving her a smile, he wiped the last residues of the blood-tears
from her face.  "I know, but don't worry about it.  Right now, I
think that's my job."

She sobered at his statement.  Of course, it was Nick's concern...at
least on what the results of present events might be.  He was in
charge of the Community for the moment, something he didn't even want.

Putting his hand on her shoulder, he led her toward the door.  "How
about I help with your training?  Maybe work on flying a little?"

She stopped, shaking her head.  "No...Nick, I don't want to put you
under any more stress than you already are.  I shouldn't have even
said anything, Nick...not about how I feel or anything else. 
Truthfully, I don't even know."

"That's okay, Nat.  I don't know how I feel about what's going on
either.  We'll deal with things as they come, okay?"

Nodding, she let a smile come to her lips.  "I guess I'll get back
to the morgue, then.  See you in the morning, Nick."

He followed her as she headed out of the room, and then started back
to his desk.  The bloodstained tissue held balled up in his hand
almost headed for the trashcan, but Nick knew that wasn't the best
place because of having Natalie's blood on it.  If found and the
blood was tested, she might be discovered if it was known where the
blood came from.

Sitting in his chair and putting the tissue in his pocket, he put on
a calm exterior and asked his partner about a lead on one of their
cases.  He did, for the most part, put other events behind him, but
knew they would demand to be dealt with, and soon.


Things Fall Apart - (03/33)

Natalie concentrated, her eyes shut tight against her surroundings. 
They were on the roof, and despite all of her attempts, her feet had
remained firmly on the ground.

She let her focus drop, her muscles relaxing.  "Let's just face it,
Nick.  I can't fly, and I'll probably never be able to."

He stepped forward, lifting her chin so their eyes met.  "You'll be
able to, Nat.  I know you will."  He gave her a smile, and returned
to his previous place.

She attempted to return his smile, but it didn't work.  Focusing,
she again tried to concentrate on what Nick had told her.

Nick watched her muscles tense, and he reminded, "You have to relax.
If you don't, you won't get off the ground.  Remember, pretend you
have a string tied to your center of gravity...visualize it pulling
up and lifting you into the air."

She opened her eyes, sending a golden glare in Nick's direction. 
"I'm trying to!"

Locking gazes with her, he could see just how frustrating it was
getting for her.  Admittedly, he felt a little of it as well. 
Natalie should have had no trouble with this...she'd done fine with
everything else put in front of her.  LaCroix had even mentioned to
him on more that one occasion, in private, that she was doing
extremely well, even better than he had expected--except for this one
thing.

He watched, wishing he could do something to help.  Flying had been
easy to him and he loved it.  But, Natalie wasn't having any luck
with it...nor speed, for that matter, but he suspected that was more
because she hadn't worked on it than not being able to.  This,
however, was different.  She'd been trying, pushing herself.  It was
almost painful for him to watch her, the very edges of her
frustration flowing slowly into him as each shred of effort was met
with failure.

"Nat...don't force it.  Just relax and let it happen," he reminded,
hoping it would calm her.

She did as instructed, but her attempts did nothing more than drain
her energy.  For another five minutes, she kept replaying Nick's last
words repeatedly, trying to relax.  Finally, she shook her head,
looking to the ground as tears welled up in her eyes for the second
time that night.  "I can't, Nick.  It just isn't working.  I'm
sorry...."

He quickly approached and pulled her toward him, holding her head
against his chest.  "Shh...don't worry about it.  Like I said, it
will come with time."

"I know, it's just...with everything happening, I'm getting nervous.
LaCroix isn’t here.  I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like
the...mortals," she hesitated at saying the word.  Before now, she'd
never really used the word much.  "The mortals are getting more...I
don't know, tense.  It's as if something is building.  If I didn't
know better, I'd say that LaCroix had a way of suppressing that. 
With him gone and the successful attack on us in Seattle, they're
gaining confidence."

"The mortals can't do anything," he told her.  At least, that's what
he hoped.  Honestly, he wasn't entirely sure of his words.  He, too,
could feel the pressure building.

"Nick?"  Looking up at him, she continued, "If it is discovered what
I am, what if one or more of the mortals decides to hunt us?  If they
do, I won't have any way to fight back...they'll kill me.  I don't
want to die, Nick."

He could see the fear in her eyes.  "Nat, speed and flight aren't
our only abilities, you know that.  You still have your strength.  If
a mortal attacks you, you should be able to hold your own until I can
get there."

Shaking her head in the affirmative, Natalie gave him a weak smile. 
Then, almost instantly, it started to vanish.  "But...how will you
get there?  How will you know where I am and that I need your help? 
We don't have the connection that you and LaCroix have...or even what
me and LaCroix have."

He reached up to her face, keeping his smile.  "We can remedy that,
though, can't we?"  Before she could respond, he kissed her.

As he disengaged, she protested, "But LaCroix...."

"Isn't here, and besides, I think he's pretty much dropped all of
his little rules because of recent events."  With a twinkle in his
eye, he again kissed her on the lips, and then moved his target to
her neck, placing feather-light kisses along the taunt skin.

She knew where this would lead, what Nick intended.  They were going
to share blood, something she hadn't done much of...not outside of
more intimate activities, anyway.  "Nick...don't you think we should,
I don't know, go inside?"

He grinned down on her.  "Why?  LaCroix picked here for his
apartment...and had originally moved here for your training for the
same reason--there's nothing around.  No mortals, no
vampires...nothing.  Privacy.  LaCroix likes his privacy."

"Please, Nick.  I'd just rather go inside."

Instead of arguing further, Nick easily picked her up, and flew them
inside.  His action disoriented her, the open roof quickly becoming
the living room of the apartment.  He set her on her feet,
immediately continuing his previous actions.

"Nick..." she protested, not sure exactly what this would be like. 
In an instant, his fangs buried themselves in her neck and she felt
her life force flowing out of her.  As a mortal, it had felt much the
same as it did now, except this time she still had her strength.  Her
hunger grew, and as her eyes burned gold, she pulled Nick closer,
completing the circle.

This sharing of blood felt different from before.  In some ways, it
was even more intimate than what she'd previously experienced.  This
time, her thoughts were far more focused on what was happening, and
as she drank Nick's blood, she practically experienced his life.  She
gulped down the sweet liquid, trying to comfort herself with his
memories and push away her thoughts of what might happen.

Abruptly, she felt a shift in the memories.  The time shifted
however many decades...or even centuries into the past.  Nick was
being hunted.  They--Nick, LaCroix, and Janette--were running through
a forest just before dawn, a group of mortals following them with
wood and fire.  She could feel Nick's pain as shafts of sunlight ever
so briefly landed on his skin.  The forest thinned, and the three
stopped, coming face to face with their hunters.

Fire was thrust at him, and she felt his skin burn as if it were her
own.  Then, she felt the mortal's bones snapping, warm blood flowing
down her throat, and then silence.

As Nick, too, remembered this event through Natalie's blood, he
pulled away, holding her to him as he felt her tremble.  "It's okay,
Nat."

She shook her head.  Nick's past was his past...but what if she was
hunted?  What if....  "If...if I am attacked, what if instinct takes
over and I kill someone?  I don't know if I could handle that, Nick."

He held her as tight as he could and pulled them both down to the
couch.  "You won't have to, Nat.  For now, you should just
rest...we've both had a long night."

Nodding slightly, she gripped him possessively, not wanting to be
alone.  If Nick was there, she knew he wouldn't let her do anything
she didn't want to do.  Closing her eyes, she tried thinking of happy
memories, which wasn't too difficult.  After all, most of the
thoughts she had received from Nick's blood were of them.  Recalling
just how much he cared for her, she slipped into a deep slumber.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

The phone rang, loudly interrupting his sleep.  Gently but quickly
untangling himself from Natalie, Nick picked it up and headed into
the other room.  "Hello?"

"Nicholas, this is going to take longer than expected."

Those words made his mood drop.  At first, his sire's voice was
comforting, but now....  "When will you be able to return, LaCroix?"

"As soon as I am able.  It will be no less than a week.  It might
take several more weeks before the Community here is stable enough
for me to leave, and even then, it will be frail."

Nick nodded to himself, sighing.  He didn't want this...didn't want
to have to deal with everything.

"You are not a weakling, Nicholas, but one of my children.  If I
didn't believe you could handle this, I would have contacted Janette."

At mention of his sister's name, he replied, "I'll be fine.  I can
manage."  He really didn't want Janette involved in this.

"Good.  I will return as soon as possible."

Nick stood still as LaCroix hung up, still holding onto the phone.

"Nick?"

He turned, glancing to Natalie, and then hung up.

"What did LaCroix want?" she asked, only having caught the last few
words.

"He just called to mention it might be a while before he can return.
Everything is going well, it's just slow."

Beneath his words, she could feel more.  She knew he didn't like
being stuck in this position, and the stress from being the city
Elder and working showed in his features.  "Nick, are you really
going to be okay with this?  I mean, what if this takes longer than
expected?  What if something happens?  Are you going to be able to
handle this?"

He reached out, holding her arms.  Managing a weak smile, he assured
her, "I'll be fine.  Don't worry about me."  Looking into her eyes,
he could see how deep her concern went.  Even though he told her he'd
be okay, he really wasn't sure if he would or not.  The situation had
just been so sudden, and he hadn't had any time to prepare for this.

"Nick?"

"I'm fine."  He led her back to the couch.  Sitting, he pulled her
to him, rubbing her shoulders.  "Let's just get some rest, okay?" 
She nodded, at which he held her tighter, waiting for her to again
drift off.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Staring at the other Council members, Aha just barely held his anger
in.  Lucius was in Seattle, 'helping.'  The whelp, Damien, had gone
to the Roman when trouble hit when he should have come to one of the
Council, one of them.  True, they were officially disbanded, but they
were also Ancients, most of them at least double Lucius' age.  Their
knowledge was invaluable to the Community.

Although Lucius was the second eldest on the North American
continent, he was also what kept his son from meeting his full
potential.  Yet, with the father in Seattle, Toronto sat fully in the
son's hands.  Nicholas was, whether he liked it or not, just as
capable and very similar to Lucius.  Together, the two could destroy
him and the Council for good, and he knew it.  But, he would not
allow that to happen.

The youngest of the Council, Ningal, agreed with Lucius and his son,
as well as their way of dealing with this matter.  She had been very
pleased upon discovering Nicholas had been left in charge of Toronto.
He knew she had a soft spot for the two...or, more specifically, the
Brabantian.

Looking over at her, Aha let his anger boil.  Lately, he was keeping
a closer eye on Ningal, and she only seemed to sympathize more with
the Roman and his son as time passed.  What she wanted and what the
Council wanted were two completely separate objectives.  She was a
hindrance to them, but he couldn't just replace her nor have her
leave the Council--she would go straight to Toronto and oppose him.

His eyes flashed slightly gold, unnoticed by the others.  Ningal
would have to be dealt with...he just had to decide how.  For now,
the matter with Lucius sat at the top of his to-do list.  The Roman
could accomplish too much against him in a position of power, and he
wanted to make sure Lucius got what he deserved.

He didn't like Lucius, and he wouldn't deny that to anyone.  Yet, he
also didn't like what the other represented.  Lucius and his son had
managed to get out of many situations that they shouldn't have been
able.  The strength and pureness of Lucius' bloodline overshadowed
his own and most of the other Ancients.  His own sheer age provided
his only real advantage.

Lucius needed to learn his place and that wisdom was more important
than strength or the ability to intimidate.  Perhaps, just perhaps,
he would have one of the other Council members arrange something for
him....  He would get the Roman to break--no matter what the cost.


Things Fall Apart - (04/33)

Nick sat as his desk filling out an arrest report for a recent case.
Three nights had passed since he'd spoken with LaCroix and everything
was going smoothly.  Tonight, he had come in several hours early to
discover that the atmosphere in the precinct was much different
during the day.

Tracy, although she had picked him up so he could get there during
the day without risking exposure of Natalie, had returned home. 
Unfortunately for him, she wouldn't be in for another several hours.

For his part, he pretty much kept to himself, catching up on his and
Tracy’s paperwork.  The day-shift detectives, he could tell, weren't
comfortable with his presence in the slightest.  He could see it in
their glances and feel it in the air.

He could barely stand it as the time ticked slowly by...but he still
had another five hours to go before he could leave.  Reese,
thankfully, would be arriving soon, taking over for the day-shift
captain.  And then, in two more hours, his partner's shift would
finally start.  True, because of LaCroix going to Seattle, he had to
take over the elder vampire's responsibilities at the Raven, most of
which were mundane paperwork and activities--but at the moment, he
would much rather be there than here.

As several people gathered on the other side of the precinct, his
ears caught on the television.  It sounded like the news; apparently
some kind of special report.  Upon hearing mention of the recent
events in Seattle, he pretty much ignored the television.  He had
already heard more than enough on that topic, and he returned to his
work.

A few minutes later, however, his ears again turned his attention
back to the others, and this time he listened.

"Recent events have produced flares of opinions, and have also
released certain rumors.  The most prominent is that scientific
research on vampires has been conducted.  This very possibly has been
happening since, or even before the public knew of the existence of
vampires.  Governments, who are the accused, have been contacted in
regard to the rumors.  The response is silence, which will be ended
soon, officials say."

"The claim is that vampires are not human.  If proof of this is
provided, the world's present view on this situation may change once
again, and this time drastically.  Already protests are popping up,
gaining more and more support against vampires.  It is, at present,
unknown how the Vampire Community as a whole is reacting to this.  As
more is learned, it will be related."

As they returned to regular programming and someone switched the
television off, Nick remained in his seat, staring off into space. 
He was stunned.  Had the mortals been conducting research on his
kind?  And, if so, he wondered how much they had managed to learn and
how by what means.

Feeling his stomach churn, he snapped out of it.  He had to stay
focused.  As soon as his shift ended, he would be able to speak with
Vachon and Antonius, and hopefully relate this to the Community as a
whole.

He turned back to his work, trying to fill in the form.  Several
minutes passed, and he found he was no further than he had been
earlier.  The tenseness in the room had risen slightly, making him
fully aware that the others really didn't want him there.  They
tolerated his presence, but no more than that.

The other officers wanted him there less than he wanted to be there.
At least they were keeping their opinions of him non-verbal.  He
could handle this, he told himself, hoping that he would indeed be
able to.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

As his pencil snapped in half, Nick threw it into a pile with
several others that had met the same fate.  He couldn't relax...not
with the looks he was receiving from the other officers.

Looking at the arrest report, he found only a couple more spaces
filled in than before.  Nearly an hour had passed since the
announcement.  He had hoped that those around him would have relaxed
a little as time passed, but they didn't.

Nick pushed the paper so that it slid several inches before coming
to a stop near the edge of the desk.  At that instant, he was
thankful for friction--he really didn't want to have to pick
something up right now.  Sighing, he reached for the piece of
paper...just as Reese grabbed it.  "Captain?"

Reese looked at the page, glancing over the partially filled out
form.  Handing it to the detective, he paused a moment before
speaking, "I'd like to talk to you for a moment, Nick."

"What about?"

"Various things.  I'll explain in my office."

He hesitated, wondering what the 'various things' included. 
Nodding, he stood and followed the other into Reese's office.  As the
door closed, he asked, "So...what did you want to tell me?"

Reese continued to his desk, picking up a large, thick envelope.  He
passed it to the other, stating, "You were actually supposed to get
this when you came in to work tonight, but I'm not all that surprised
you didn't get it."

"What can I say?  I know Richman doesn't like what I am--neither
does the rest of the dayshift, for that matter."

He nodded.  Richman was Captain during the day and had clearly
expressed his opinion of vampires on more than one occasion.  He was
almost a carbon copy of Tracy's father.  They both wanted Nick out of
the department because of what he was.

Nick pulled the contents of the envelope out.  Coming face to face
with a couple of folders, he almost dismissed the pages on top. 
Almost, but not quite.  He read one of them, laying the others on
Reese's desk.

The department...no, the government in general wanted him to change
his name.  They wanted him to go by his mortal name.  He wasn't sure
what to think of that at the moment.  Grabbing the contents, he
opened and then saw the contents of the two folders.  One was a copy
of his background file--they wanted him to verify information.  This
was yet another thing he wasn't sure about doing.  The other file,
however, contained some information on the present situation.

He went to that file, opening it and silently reading.  There wasn't
much else in the report than what he had heard on the news...but it
was enough that it was clear the rumors were at least partly true. 
Any and every tissue sample from a vampire that the government had
managed to get a hold of aided in their 'research.'  Reading further,
it was relatively obvious to him that whatever the mortals had found
was conclusive, or at least conclusive in their eyes.

"I don't know what's in that report, but I have a feeling it has to
do with what was on the news, right?"  The vampire nodded, and Reese
shook his head.  "You know, I don't like the sound of any of that.  I
have a bad feeling about it, and I think this research has been going
on for some time."

Closing the file, he started to put everything back into the
envelope.  "That's what I'm afraid of, Captain."

Watching as the other continued his task, he prodded, "How do you
think your people are going to handle this, Nick?"

He stopped, turning to Reese.  "Honestly...?  I don't know.  I think
it will depend on what happens.  I'll...pass this information on
tonight.  I hadn't planned any kind of meeting, but one is definitely
needed."

"Are you going to be okay with all of this?  I mean, with everything-
-work, LaCroix being out of town, and now this?"  Nick didn't answer.
"You mentioned needing a meeting...do you need some time off to get
that prepared?"

He really didn't want to take the offer, but his shift would be over
early, so he would only need a little time, if any, off.  "A little
might be useful...I think I just need to call Antonius, have him
arrange something."

"Do you want to use my phone?  It might be a little easier to
explain if you don't have prying eyes and ears."

"If you don't mind?"

"No, it's fine."  Reese started for the door.  "If you need the time
off, I can give it to you.  You still have plenty of sick leave and
vacation time, and it wouldn't be a problem."

"I think it'll be okay.  I'll have most of the night to deal with
things."

He looked the vampire over.  Nick appeared, in one word, weary.  It
showed even to his eyes.  Whether that was a correct assumption or
not, he wasn't sure.  "Well, the offer is still there--do what you
want with it.  Let me know when you're done."

Nodding, he waited for a moment after the Captain left before
pulling out his cell phone.  He wanted this as unmonitored as
possible.  He quickly dialed Antonius' number, waiting for the
Italian to pick up.  When the other did, he immediately stated, "I
have something for you to do."

"What?  Now?  The sun's barely gone down."

"Yes, now.  Contact Vachon.  I want a large portion of the Community
to be at the Raven tonight around midnight.  Something's happening,
and it could have major ramifications on us."

"I'll get right on it," Antonius answered, whatever grogginess had
possessed him from only being awake a couple of minutes quickly
dispersed.  "Uh...anything else?"

"Yes.  No mortals in the club at all tonight--no exceptions."  When
the other agreed on that, he hung up.  A few seconds later, he turned
the phone back on and prepared to dial the number LaCroix had given
him.

He stopped after punching in the first few digits, turning the phone
off.  What was the point of calling LaCroix?  He would only be told
what he already knew--that he could and had to deal with this on his
own.

LaCroix had left him in Toronto as city Elder, and he had to uphold
that role.  This was, like or not, his problem.  He couldn't just go
running to LaCroix...the other had more problems than he did at the
moment, anyway.

His hope that vampires and mortals could live peacefully among one
another was fading.  He wished it wouldn't, but deep down he knew
that the present calm was too good to be true.  Eventually, he had
known the peace wouldn't last, and now he watched as it started to
break apart.


Things Fall Apart - (05/33)

A half hour.  Then, he could leave--but only to deal with other
things.  More than anything, Nick wanted things to be 'normal.'  But,
since that couldn't be, he just had to deal with it as it came.

Tracy had ended up finishing the arrest report when she came in. 
Although he had spent his time working on their paperwork since he
came in, he hadn't gotten much done.  He just...felt so useless not
being able to focus on anything.

Hearing a snap, Tracy looked up, finding a broken pencil in her
partner's hand.  "Nick...that was my pencil!"

He winced.  He'd completely forgotten borrowing it from Tracy...even
though he had only done so a few minutes earlier.  "Sorry.  I guess
I'm just a bit out of it."

"That's okay...I saw the news earlier."

A fellow detective, Brian Garrison, who was walking by, mentioned,
"Well, they just started up another special announcement.  I'm almost
afraid to listen to it."

Setting his jaw, Nick scanned the room with his ears...and sure
enough, he could hear the news.  This time, unlike that day, he made
his way closer to those gathered, Tracy and Brian flanking him.

"Apparently, there is scientific evidence that vampires are, indeed,
not human despite their resemblance.  Government officials state they
will be looking into this claim, and soon in the future, plan to have
a more detailed analysis."

Nick tensed.  He didn't like the sound of this...not at all.

"Public opinion is rapidly changing, turning against the vampires
and their Community.  More protests have broken out in various
cities, particularly in the United States, although cities such as
Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto are also being affected.  Some of
the larger cities in Europe and other areas have also seen a reaction
from the people, but so far, they have not been as serious as those
on the North American continent.  As of yet, the protesters are calm,
primarily asking for a quick answer to what has been laid out. 
Already, governments are making preparations, although it is
unapparent as to how the Vampire Community is, or will be acting in
response to this revelation."

Before the announcement was over, Nick turned and headed back to his
desk.  At least nothing about additional attacks was mentioned--none
that had made it to the news, anyway.

"Nick, are you okay?"

He turned toward his partner, nodding.  There, behind her, stood
Brian, whose concern mirrored Tracy's.  "I'll be fine, really.  It
could be worse--they could be hunting us."

Tracy stiffened at that.  She didn't want to think about that
possibility.

Nick grabbed his things, asking, "Could you sign me out a little
early?  I want to get over to the Raven and talk to Antonius about
what's going on."

"Sure.  I'll let Reese know, as well."  Just as he was about to
leave, she asked, "I could come if you'd-"

"No, Trace.  Stay here.  The Raven is presently completely off-
limits to mortals.  There's enough tension in the Community without
adding to it."

Again, as he turned to leave, Tracy asked, "What about Nat?  Does
she know?"

He stopped.  No, she didn't...and he knew he didn't have time to
talk to her.  There was too much for him to do before midnight.  "Not
yet.  If I have to, I'll wait until morning.  I think it's best if I
explained."  'Unless she's seen the news,' he added to himself as he
left the precinct.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Leaning against the bar, Nick looked over the crowd gathered.  He
could feel the nervousness of the vampires present, some of their
eyes faintly glowing gold out of fear.

Observing them, he wasn't quite sure how this would go.  Despite
their apparent nervousness, he was even more so.  He glanced to the
back of the room, where he found Vachon and Antonius in much the same
mood as he was.

As midnight approached, he knew he couldn't wait any longer.  He
would have to continue--no matter how he felt about this.  Standing
straighter, he was trying to think of how to get the attention of
those present...when it happened on its own.  First, the few closest
to him noticed the change, silently turning toward him, and then it
spread through the Raven until everyone's attention was completely on
him, the room silent.

He met the gazes of several of the vampires.  Doing this, it hit him
just how scared the Community was.  Bracing himself for what was to
come, he stated, "I'm sure most of you have heard the news.  For
those that haven't, there are rumors circulating that the mortals
have conducted research and that they have discovered that we are,
apparently, not human.  It's still in the process of being confirmed,
but I think we all know what the consequences of this may be."

One of the vampires standing relatively close spoke, asking, "What
will happen to us?"

Hearing several others echo the question, Nick raised his voice
slightly in order to talk over the noise.  "For now, nothing.  We
will continue as if none of this is known.  Until confirmation is
made, the mortals can and will not act and, therefore, neither will
we.  However, I wish to suggest that we all watch our backs. 
Protests and demonstrations could very well affect us, and they can
quickly go from peaceful to dangerous."

"What about the Raven?" another, young woman questioned.

"It will remain open.  No mortals will be allowed entrance under any
circumstances.  Security will also be increased.  Otherwise,
everything remains as is for the time being."

"What about the reporters?  They're watching the club."

Nick paused at that.  Arriving, he had sensed some mortals nearby,
but he'd only wanted to get inside.  "Do not answer their questions. 
I will set something up in a few days if it is needed.  But, until
more is known, we cannot and will not be able to answer any of their
questions."

"And when the mortals make their demands?"

"It will be dealt with when it comes to it, whether that be through
negotiations or something else.  I ask that no one try to provoke the
mortals--no matter if they start it or not.  Just keep alert and
calm.  That's about all we can do for the time being."  With that, he
ended his speech, dismissing those present.

As several of the vampires approached him, he hesitantly accepted
their compliments.  He was slightly stunned at their reaction and he
could feel himself tense.

When LaCroix had left, his biggest concern had been that the
Community wouldn't accept him.  After all, he did have quite a
reputation with his search for a cure.  True, he had more or less
given up his search, especially since the discovery of the Community,
but he hadn't expected this reaction.  They trusted him almost as
much as they did LaCroix.

Although his sire seemed to think he was ready for this, he wasn't
sure.  He was, although slowly, returning to the Community as time
passed.

Antonius approached, standing next to Nick.  "You know, you really
did do a good job...and they trust you.  LaCroix knew that--that's
why he left you in charge."

"And he told you this?" he asked skeptically.

"No, of course not.  We both know LaCroix wouldn't say that, not
aloud.  But, you're doing fine."

He watched as the Italian vampire prepared to leave, catching the
younger vampire’s arm.  "Thank you, Antonius.  I'm just not sure of
much of this.  Everything happened so quickly...and this is a little
new to me."

"It’s new to all of us.  Use your knowledge as a cop.  Your
knowledge of the mortals and their operations is invaluable."

Antonius easily slipped away, and Nick again rested against the bar.
He was still getting used to this, but perhaps being city Elder
wasn't quite as bad as he was making it out to be.  But, one thing
was for sure--the semblance of peace had ended.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

LaCroix took a sip of his glass.  There was still quite some time
left before sunrise, but the night wasn't yet over.  With the recent
news, he had needed to make an announcement to the Community, as the
vampires here didn’t trust Damien enough.  He hoped Nicholas had
better luck in Toronto, and hoped that he had done the right thing by
leaving his son in charge.

He hadn't had many options when Damien had alerted him of the events
in Seattle.  He could have called Janette and had her take his
place...but his son needed this.  The younger was returning to him
and the Community, and he hoped this would help Nicholas prepare for
whatever was to come.

The feelings he was receiving from his son, however, made him pause.
The combination of nervousness, anger, and fear nearly consumed his
son.  He again assured himself that Nicholas would do fine...but
couldn't help but reach for the phone.

A few minutes later, he called his son's cell phone, feeling through
their bond that Nicholas was, at the moment, at the Raven.  He didn't
want to talk to the bartender, nor anyone else but his son.  As it
was picked up, he quickly asked, "Nicholas?"

"What do you want?"

The tone of the words spoke nearly as much as their link.  It was
clear to him that his son was frustrated and wanted nothing to do
with this mess.  "I just wanted to see how you're doing...considering
the announcement the mortals made."

"I'm fine, and so is everything else."

Again, he stiffened slightly.  He could tell there was something
more to this, but wasn't quite sure what it was.  Although he wanted
to return to Toronto and alleviate the strain on his son, he
couldn't.  The Community here was weak, and wouldn't be able to
handle any reactions from the mortals.  If he didn't stay, Seattle’s
Community would be destroyed.  "I just wanted to let you know that it
may be some time before I am able to return."  He waited, but his son
didn't say anything.  "Nicholas?"

"LaCroix, I know that's not why you called."  He paused, stating,
"You're concerned about me, and I can feel it."

LaCroix didn't answer that.  Yes, he was concerned...but could his
son really understand that?  He shook the thought off, denying it.

"Everything is fine, LaCroix.  Things are going fine."  He paused a
moment, adding, "I have a couple of things I want to do...I'll talk
to you later."

As his son hung up, he felt a tinge of worry come to the surface. 
Nicholas was tense, and that was to be expected considering the
situation.  His son would do, and would be, perfectly fine.  Hanging
up, he assured himself of that and returned his thoughts to his
present tasks.


Things Fall Apart - (06/33)

After spending the last three nights practically working day shift,
he welcomed being able to come in at regular time...even if meant
being half-attacked by reporters.

The things he'd needed to do at the Raven, mainly catching up with
bills and assorted paperwork, were finally finished.

Reaching his desk, he gave a smile to his partner as she looked up
at him.  She returned it, and then went back to her work.  Sitting
down at his desk, he reached for some papers that seemed out of
place.  He picked them up, only for his attention to fall entirely on
what lay beneath them.  The papers slipped to the ground as he stared
at the cross sitting directly in front of him.

Tracy glanced his way, as did a few of the nearer detectives.  "What
is it?"  Then, focusing on what she was looking at, she realized the
problem.  Quickly, she slid an empty folder over the object, and then
pulled it toward her and onto her desk, careful not to touch it in
case they could get some fingerprints off it.  Turning her attention
back to Nick, she could see him trying his best to recover--but she
could also see he was having trouble.

She asked him if he was okay, but he didn't answer her.  She'd never
seen a vampire react to a cross and had no idea if Nick's reaction
was normal or not.  She stood and went to stand next to him.  Resting
a hand on his shoulder, she felt him tense.  "Nick, are you okay?"

He stared at the empty space on his desk, and then nodded.  He could
feel the eyes of some of the other detectives on him, at which he
said, more for their benefit than anything else, "I'll be fine.  I
just wasn't prepared for this...not here."  But, he knew that now he
would have to take more caution at work--even on his own shift
amongst those that had allowed him to continue working here.

Once Nick had calmed down, Tracy suggested they go talk to Reese. 
As Nick nodded, she retrieved the cross and they headed for Reese's
office.  She knocked, getting a somewhat gruff 'come in.'

They entered and Tracy placed the cross on Reese's desk, showing it
to him.  This time, Nick merely stared at it silently, almost as if
he was waiting for it to attack--and Reese noticed.

"Is this what the commotion was out there a few minutes ago?"

When Nick didn't reply, Tracy nodded.  "It was lying under some
papers.  Neither of us had any idea that it was there.  It had to
have been put there during the day."

Reese pulled the paper the cross was sitting on closer.  Who would
do this?  To him, this was nothing more than a sick joke and
harassment.  Nick didn't need this, and neither should he have to
deal with this kind of thing.  "I'll have it sent to the lab--see if
they can come up with anything.  And I'll also have someone check the
security tapes."  He watched the two carefully, and then dismissed
the younger.  When they both turned to leave, he said, "Not quite
yet, Knight."  The vampire stopped and turned, standing faintly
nervous, before him.  "Look, I know you have a lot going on...."

"That's an understatement."

"Yeah, well, tonight probably didn't help, either.  Not only that,
but you are going to hate what you're about to hear next."  He
paused, and then continued, "The Commissioner is pushing me to get
those papers from you."

At the last, he nearly cursed.  He had forgotten all about that.  He
was supposed to go through the file that was made up on him--which he
hadn't even looked at as of yet--as well as sign the papers to allow
the authorities to legally change his name.  Neither of those were
things he wanted to do.

"Nick, tell me honestly, are you going to be okay with all of this?"

"I'll be fine, Captain," he answered, his frustration peeking through.

When his detective turned to leave, he commented, "From what the
Commissioner mentioned, you have to change your name.  What's with
that?"

"It probably has something to do with linking me more to the
Community, at least, that's how I see it.  I've also used Brabant
more often than other names."

Reese considered the reply, and then asked, "So, they're trying to
make it easier on themselves...has anyone else of your people
received anything like this?"

He shook his head.  "Not to my knowledge."

"What about LaCroix?  Do you think he's gotten anything?"

"Probably not....  LaCroix has used his present name for some time. 
Besides, it's also possibly a result of me working among mortals. 
Mortals don't trust vampires, so they want as much information on me
as they can get their hands on.  The Commissioner is probably behind
it, anyway."

"I'll agree with that.  But...Nick?  Watch yourself, okay?"

He grimly nodded.  "Yeah, I will.  Thanks."

As Nick left, Reese turned to the cross, still not able to get his
first thought out of his head.  Whoever did this...whatever their
reason was...it didn't make sense to him.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Nick leaned against the stone wall, trying to pull himself together.
For each of the past three nights, he had received some kind of
'gift' at his desk.  After the cross had come an excerpt from the
Bible, then a book on vampires--with the section on how to kill them
bookmarked, and last night he found a wild rose on his desk.

Although the last two caused no direct harm, they were offensive to
him.  They had not found any links to the one doing this...no
fingerprints were found on any of the items, and the only people
close enough to his desk were all cops.  He particularly didn't like
the second possibility.  If another cop was doing this....

Taking in a deep breath, he opened his eyes and squinted.  It wasn't
quite night yet, the sun still having another hour left until it set.
He decided to again come in early so he could have more free time
after work.  He was hoping to try to decide just how he would let the
Community's opinion be known...and what he would say.  Reese had let
him, but the longer he stood there, the more he doubted his decision.

Dayshift didn't like him.  It was as simple as that.  True, it was
almost night...but dayshift was still there.  At least it was late
enough that Reese would be there in a few minutes.

He headed into the back door, cautiously making his way through the
precinct.  Approaching his desk, he watched as those around him
quieted and silently observed him.  He could feel their hatred of
what he was...and he wanted away.

Preparing to sit down, he found a mortal blocking his way.  He met
the man's calm brown eyes.  He didn't want to deal with this--not
now.  Changing his course and planning to walk around the other
detective, he found his path blocked again--this time by a hand on
his shoulder.

He glanced at the hand, again meeting the other detective's eyes. 
"Let me pass, Hawthorne," he stated, hoping he had remembered the
other man's name correctly.

"Not until you get something straight."

Nick waited for the other to speak, but he didn't.  "Which is...?"

"First of all...Brabant..." Hawthorne smiled as the vampire tensed,
and then he continued, "You shouldn't be here.  *We* don't want you
here."

Nick held his stance against the looks of the others present.  "Then
deal with it.  I'm here to work, just like you.  Now, if you'll-"

Hawthorne again prevented the vampire from moving, closing the
distance between them.  Getting into the other's face, he stated,
"The human race wants your kind destroyed.  It will happen.  I know
that, and you know that.  Why don't you just leave and take some time
to think about that?  Death is something your kind overlooks when it
concerns yourselves."

About to react, Nick found himself released from the other man's
grip.  The precinct slowly returned to normal activity, and he just
stood there, trying to get his emotions under control.

Sitting down, he stared at the surface of his desk.  Carefully
moving things, he found no little 'gifts'--at least that was
something to be thankful for.  He didn't think he could handle
another one of those at the moment.

He looked over at his nameplate.  Early last night, it had said
'Det. Knight,' but as of the last hour of his previous shift, it now
read 'Det. Brabant.'  Looking at the name, he was uncomfortable with
it.  Sure, he'd used Brabant many times and it was his name, but...it
just didn't feel right.  Not here, not in the middle of his stay in
this city.

He had, finally, given the paperwork the Commissioner sent to him
back the night before...and they certainly hadn't wasted anytime.  He
had merely skimmed over his file, not caring that they had holes in
his past...just making sure everything was accurate, as asked.

Tonight, he knew he would be receiving a new ID.  Both his driver's
license and badge were being changed and, the night before, he was
told that he would receive new ones at the end of his shift tonight. 
It would take him some time to get used to the change...but he knew
if he hadn't returned the papers that all of this would have been
pushed through, anyway.

At the moment, changing his name was the least of his worries.  He
was, unfortunately, more than aware of the increasing tension between
his kind and the mortals, which was, for now, his primary concern.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

LaCroix stared at the television with a murderous glare.  Every
night things got worse.  First, the news focused on rumors that
threatened the current peace...and now that peace was thoroughly
shattered.  He watched, wanting to be prepared for anything that
might happen in the near future.

"Repeating what Drs. Keith and Simpson have stated, it has been
confirmed that the difference between humans and vampires is too
substantial to indicate a mere race within humans.  This will
possibly end with vampires becoming a separate classification within
the Homo sapiens species...it may also be considered something
completely different.  Only time will tell on this subject."

"For now, officials state that this new information will not change
any laws already in place in the United States and Canada--who are
closest to the proceedings.  Other countries are demanding to be able
to make their own conclusions from the evidence available.  Some are
already considering to make it illegal for vampires to live within
their borders, while others are still holding an open mind on this
subject."

"Several have asked why we do not have the Vampire Community's
opinion on these proceedings.  So far, it is unknown how the vampires
are reacting to this new news, and their people have turned away
attempts to contact them."

"The reaction to this information among humans has been called by
some, genocidal.  Protests and threats from anti-vampire groups are
gaining support from the public.  So far, no instances have resulted-"

The screen went black and he turned it off.  Even as such, LaCroix
continued to fume at the device.  'So far....'  He wanted to choke
the life out of the news reporter.  Soon, he knew, that would change.
He could feel it--the mortals' want to eradicate his kind was rising,
and they would eventually act on it.

If it weren't for the threats, he would have made contact with the
mortals.  Yet, already the Community was shying away.  The city was
afraid--afraid of the mortals and what they might do.

The office door swung open, and LaCroix locked gazes with Damien. 
"What is it?  I don't have time for-"

"LaCroix...please.  The mortals have torched two of us.  A good
portion of the Community is leaving the city for safety.  Others are
staying here, and all are afraid and enraged...we've never dealt with
anything like this before.  Something must be done, LaCroix."

He set his jaw.  The 'so far' from the news echoed in his thoughts. 
It hadn't taken long for that to change.  Two more of his people had
died because of the mortals.  How many more would fall to that same
fate?  "This will be dealt with," he stated with as much certainty as
he could manage.  Although he had no wish to be a target for the
mortals, something needed to be done...but he would not be doing this
alone.  "Come, Damien.  I want your help in preparing our reaction to
this."

Damien swallowed.  It was one thing for him to help LaCroix within
the Community, but with the mortals.  Steeling himself, he nodded. 
He had to do this.  The other vampire couldn't stay in Seattle
forever.  He had to learn how to deal with this on his own.


Things Fall Apart - (07/33)

Several days later, Nick sat at his desk, holding his head in his
hands.  He had a headache, and he had a feeling it wasn't going to go
away anytime soon.  He was tired.  He wanted a break and a long,
dreamless day.  But--that wasn't going to happen and he knew it.

As the weight of the flask in his jacket pocket became more apparent,
he realized the blood would help.  His shift was half over...and,
after all, it was there for this very reason.

He stood, planning to go to another, more private area of the
precinct.  Taking several steps, he found his way blocked.  Not really
focusing on who was there, he then prepared to walk around them, only
to be forcibly stopped.  The action was familiar, and he turned and
met Hawthorne's gaze.

The mortal detective was about his height, but had a slightly heavier
build.  If he were mortal, Hawthorne would have had the advantage.  It
was then that he noticed Hawthorne wasn't alone--three more of the
dayshift detectives stood around him.

He glanced over his shoulder where he saw Tracy, her eyes concernedly
on him.  There was something going on...and he didn't like it.
Turning back to Hawthorne, he asked, "What is going on?"

"I'm surprised you don't know.  I thought your kind were 'superior' to
us mortals," mentioned one of the other detectives.

"We don't want you here.  All your kind can do is spread your evil."
Then, Hawthorne nodded to one of his friends.

Nick watched as one approached Tracy, and he asked, "What are you
doing?"

"She's in your thrall, isn't she?  Is that why you've allowed her to
be your partner?  Because you can control her?"

His anger flared at Hawthorne's words.  "She is no thrall."

"And what about your 'friend,' that Coroner?  She's practically a
member of your little Community.  Does she even have a will of her
own?"

"Leave them out of this," he hissed, feeling his anger near the
breaking point.  As the four surrounded him, he knew this was going to
end badly.  Around him, he watched as the precinct came to a
standstill.

Nick's eyes flashed gold as a result of his contained emotions.  Then,
in the next moment, he felt searing pain on the side of his face as
one of the detectives squirted him with some kind of liquid.
Instinctively, he reached up, only for the substance to burn his
fingers.  He snarled, his eyes fully changing and fangs descending as
he focused on his attacker.

At that, they tried again, more of the mixture making contact with
Nick's skin.  He hissed at them, held back only by his partner's light
grip.

"We don't want you here, and we know you can't touch us," Hawthorne
said, not backing off.

Nick's eyes flashed crimson, and in an instant, he reached forward and
spun the other in his grasp.  He held Hawthorne, his instincts telling
him to drain the mortal.  Instead, he hissed into the man's ear, "I
can't *kill* you; no more than you can me.  Do this again and I
promise you--I won't be the nice little vampire I've been."  He let go
of the mortal, half shoving him away, and watched as Hawthorne
plummeted to the ground, no one going to help him.  In fact, the whole
room stayed absolutely still.

"What the hell is going on in here?!" Reese demanded, getting a couple
of dozen blank stares in response.  What he could see, however, was
Nick's nearly seething anger directed straight at Hawthorne, who was
on the floor.

Getting a better glance at Nick, he could see burns on the vampire's
face...and there, next to Hawthorne, was a small plastic bottle of
something.  He had to get this dealt with now, before it got further
out of hand.  "Hawthorne--I want you and your friends in my office,
now!"

Even as the others were confined in the Captain's office, Tracy tried
to get a better look at the burns on Nick's face.

He jerked away, the touch merely making the garlic mixture sting more.

"Nick...come on, Nick.  Look at me."

Turning to his partner, he faced her with deep amber eyes.  She pulled
back just enough that he knew she was afraid of him--if only for a
second.  When she again tried to look at his burns, he roughly pushed
her away and backed away from those around him.

Brian, watching events, mentioned he would call Natalie as Tracy half-
pulled, half-pushed Nick toward the bathroom.

As her partner grabbed the door jam, she pushed a little more, but he
wouldn't budge.  "Come on, Nick...just go."

"I'm not going in there!" he stated, glaring at the plate next to the
door with the skirt on it.

She rolled her eyes.  "Nick..." she voiced, resuming her earlier
action.  When he gave up, she found them both practically barreling
through the door.  Regaining her balance, she was pleased to see no
one was in there.  Looking at the door for a moment, she hoped
everyone would have the sense to stay out.

Turning back to her partner, Tracy watched as he impatiently paced
back and forth.  She moved in his way, managing to get him cornered
near the sink after several tries.  Grabbing a tissue and getting it
wet, she attempted to get some of the excess liquid off, but he wasn't
letting her.  "Nick...will you please stay still?  I want to clean
some of this off....  Nick?"

As she held his face, he finally gave in, letting her do as she
wanted.  A couple of times he flinched away when the liquid touched
his skin and, eventually, he again pulled away, this time with a hiss.
When she again approached him, he told her, "Don't touch me, Tracy--
not right now."

She froze, the deep tone of his voice warning her away.  The tension
remained for several minutes, and then the door slowly opened, Natalie
slipping into the room.

"What happened?" she asked while trying to get a better look at Nick's
face.  Just like Tracy, Nick met her with the same resistance, moving
away from her.

"Don't touch it, Nat.  It's some kind of garlic mixture."

She took that in, knowing it was more of a warning for her than
anything.  The smell, combined with her senses, was more than enough
to make her queasy.  His voice was low, and she knew he was holding in
his anger about whatever had happened.  "How did this happen?"

When Nick didn't answer, instead looking away, Tracy told her, "Some
of the dayshift detectives decided to try and get a point across."

Natalie cautiously looked at the wound.  Tracy had managed to remove
some of the garlic mixture, but not all of it.  She grabbed another
tissue, soaked it, and then proceeded to use it to wash away the
irritants despite Nick's protests.

Tracy merely stood and watched as Nick eventually allowed the action. 
Natalie was taking care not to get any on her, and she honestly didn't
see why her partner wouldn't let her do this.  No...she knew--he
didn't entirely trust her.  They were friends, but Natalie was much
closer to him.

Finishing, Natalie watched as Nick pulled out a flask and drank from
it.  The blood calmed him, so when Reese knocked on the door a couple
of minutes later, the gold was almost completely gone from Nick's
eyes.

Tracy told him it was okay to come in, and the door slowly swung open.

Staring at the three, Reese shook his head.  "I honestly don't get
what gets into some people's heads."

"What's going to happen, Captain?" Tracy asked.

"I'm going to get on the phone to the Commissioner--for whatever good
it will do.  No offense intended to you, Tracy, but I don't think it's
going to make any difference whether we talk to him or not.  He's
going to do whatever is in his power to get those detectives the
smallest punishment possible.  And Nick...Brian told me how you
reacted, and I'm not sure that's going to help matters much."

Nick winced.  He knew his reaction probably wasn't the best choice,
but he couldn't help it.  He wasn't going to just stand there.

Reese turned his attention fully on Nick, not wanting to ask, but
aware that what happened could change things once it got out.  "What
I'm really curious of is how are your people going to react to this?"

Nick wasn't sure what he should say, if anything.  The only official
voice Toronto's vampire community had was through him, and he hoped to
keep this as peaceful as possible on the surface.  But, in general....
"It's going to make them nervous...make us feel like we're some kind
of caged animals."

Reese sighed.  He had a good idea what that meant.  "And everything is
going to fall apart, isn't it?"

Nick and Natalie looked toward one another, and the former nodded.
"That's exactly what will happen if things continue the way they are
at the moment."

Reese met the vampire's eyes, catching a glance of the already healing
wound.  With all of the talk about research, he had begun to wonder
just what that entailed.  Could quick or scarless healing somehow be
adapted to humans, and if so, at what cost would it be to Nick's
people?  Not only that, but there was the enhanced senses that
vampire's had...they never aged...all of this would certainly be
tempting to humans, and humans had a tendency of acting before asking.

He didn't like those thoughts, and desperately hoped that they were
merely that--thoughts.  Shrugging them off, he returned his attention
to the present situation.  "I'll try to get some of this straightened
out before it gets swept under the carpet.  If you don't feel
comfortable, Nick, you can go home early tonight...and I'd recommend
not planning to do any more schedule changes.  If you need time off,
we can work on arranging that when it's needed.  I don't think either
of us wants to aggravate either side at the moment."

Nick nodded as the Captain left.  Reaching up to his face, he just
lightly touched the burns.  They were still there and probably would
be for another half hour.  Then, the physical evidence of what
happened would be gone, but his anger would still be just below the
surface.

Natalie had done what she could to clean the area without making
contact with it, and he was glad.  The stinging sensation had
mellowed, even if it hadn't gone away.  That was enough for now.  The
faint pain helped keep his anger in check.

Looking to him, Tracy tried to figure out what she should, or, for
that matter, could, say to him.  "Nick...."

"I'm fine.  There's no permanent damage.  Why don't you get back to
work?  I'll be there in a little bit."  He watched as she first
reluctantly nodded, and then left.  Turning to Natalie, he could see
her fear.

"What if vampires are hunted, Nick?  I'm afraid of what might happen."

Pulling her to him in an embrace, he told her in a whisper, "If it
comes to that, I promise I won't let anything happen to you.  You know
that."


Things Fall Apart - (08/33)

LaCroix silently observed those present in the half-empty club.  It
reminded him faintly of the Raven, but the faces were
unfamiliar...unfamiliar and terrified.

He had a meeting with the mortal officials planned for the next night.
Then, he hoped, things would begin to settle somewhat.  Tensions were
rising, and he honestly wasn't sure what it would lead to.

Much of the Community had left the city, and now, where he was,
consisted of the last haven for his people in this area.  No mortals
were allowed on the premises--not for any reason.

The anger he had felt from his son a mere couple of hours before,
which was surprisingly directed toward the mortals, concerned him.  It
wasn't like Nicholas to be this angry at them, not like this, and his
only conclusion was that something must have happened...what, exactly,
he wouldn't discover until later.  Nicholas' sheer anger was blocking
him, making the specifics of the situation unavailable to him.

Right now, the air seemed to suggest the beginning of a war.  Already
the ingredients were brewing...already tendrils were reaching out and
trying to tease them...push them to the edge.  Soon, he feared, those
tendrils would become more, and everything would break.

Sensing something, although faint, he and several of the others paused
in their tasks, turning toward the door.  A group of mortals pushed
their way in, using crosses, holy water, and garlic to their
advantage.  When a crossbow was fired, hitting one of the vampires
dead on, anger flared in shades of gold and crimson.

Even as crosses were shoved into their faces, their delicate skin
burning, the vampires reacted.  More bolts flew through the air,
sending two more vampires to their deaths.

The mortals, as they began to realize they were now the targets, began
to retreat.  LaCroix focused in on one of them, a loaded crossbow
aimed at him.  Before the mortal could react, he wrenched the device
from their grip, the bolt flying safely to the side.  The man screamed
as his arm broke with an audible snap.

LaCroix released the mortal, the man's comrades having already fled.
The man found himself encircled by those he had attacked.  Watching
with something between amusement and rage, LaCroix warned, "Do not
touch him.  He does not deserve a quick death."  For several minutes,
he watched the mortal cower in fear and pain, the vampires' anger
rising faster and faster.

Eventually, LaCroix yanked the man to his feet, pushing him roughly
toward the office, Damien following close behind.  As the door slammed
shut, he asked the younger vampire, "How many were killed?"

"Three," Damien simply stated.

"Three," LaCroix calmly repeated, and then turned toward the mortal.
"Three deaths on your group's hands.  How does that make you feel that
they are going to let you take their punishment?"

"If I must die, then so be it.  Kill me and get it over with."

LaCroix' anger boiled on the border of rage.  Then, he half chuckled. 
"You will face mortal justice, I'm afraid...and no matter your
sentence, know that you will get what you deserve."  He smiled,
holding his gaze on the mortal.  "Damien, have the mortal authorities
contacted about our...guest and his group's actions."

As the younger nodded, LaCroix circled the mortal, who was starting to
panic.  He was pleased, aware that the man knew he wasn't done with
him.  Pulling the man to his feet, LaCroix roughly held the mortal's
face, forcing him to look at him.  "I think you have quite a story to
tell, don't you?"

"Quite...a....  Yes...."

He smiled.  The mortals would know all about their attackers...and
they would be dealt with.  He left a few more suggestions in the man's
mind, and then he released him.  The mortal fell to the floor, holding
his arm and muttering to himself.  Pathetic mortals...they wouldn't
dare try this again.

His eyes burned scarlet and he set about the task of waiting.  Soon,
he could hear the sirens as the mortals arrived.  This was almost too
perfect...it would possibly give the Community the opening they
needed.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

"Tonight could very well be the beginning of the end of peace between
humans and vampires.  First, the night started with an attack on
Toronto, Ontario's city Elder, Nicholas de Brabant, at his place of
work.  Then, three time zones away and across the border in Seattle,
Washington, three of their Community died in an attack.  Suspects for
the latter attack are in custody and are being investigated.  More,
including the city Elder's opinions from both of the affected cities,
will be seen later."

Aha grinned as one of the other council members switched off the
television.  Here, in London, the morning news had already gotten a
hold of events...even though only a matter of hours had passed since
what had happened in Seattle.

"Three of us die and you smile, Aha.  I see no reason to be happy."

He turned, facing Ningal.  She stood a short distance away, her long
hair lying about her shoulders, covering a good portion of her
delicate almost white skin....  She was becoming such a nuisance to
him that he almost considered killing her.  It would, after all, be
simple.  He turned away, his eyes lingering on a sword hanging on the
opposite wall.  It would be simple indeed, and his smile increased.

"We are disbanded and weak.  We have no hope at gaining the control
over the Community that you desire.  You ruined those chances some
time ago."

Glaring at her, he took a few steps forward, backhanding her hard
across the face.  "*We* are not weak--it is you that is weak.  You
weigh the Council down with your dead weight!"

"And what are you going to do about it?  You won't let me leave out of
fear that-"

He hit her again, the force sending her into the wall.  "I won't let
you leave, but there is so much else I can do.  Soon, you'll find out
one of those possibilities."

As he approached her, she leaned against the wall.  The other three
council members simply stood and watched.  Ningal knew without asking
they wouldn't help her.  Two of them were in with Aha, and the
other...he was too weak to speak out against them.  He grinned and
flew at her, at which she snarled, quickly darting out of the way.

"You can't escape, and you know it, Ningal.  Give yourself up and this
will be so much easier for you."

"I will not allow you to turn me into something I'm not.  If you want
me gone, you're going to have to do it yourself."

"I assure you, that won't be a problem."  Aha nodded to his second in
command, and a few moments later, two other vampires entered.

Ningal saw the hypodermic needle one of them carried, and her eyes
widened.  She needed to get away...and she needed to do so now.

Watching her attempt to flee, he flew after her, grabbing her hair.
She screamed and he suppressed a smile, pulling her ever closer.
Holding her against him, he pushed her hair to the side, revealing her
flawless white skin.  He let one of his fingers trace along her neck,
feeling her struggle.

She could feel him silently laughing at her.  Letting her anger loose,
she bit hard into his hand, her fangs ripping the skin and muscle.
She freed herself, and then spun to face him.  When he again started
for her, she scratched his face, drawing a sizable amount of blood.

Wiping some of the blood off, he licked it from his fingers, the taste
of his anger merely intensifying his emotions.  How dare she attack
him.  She would pay, and she would do so now.  He bared his fangs and
pounced.  Grabbing her, this time he didn't waste time with making her
suffer, but bit mercilessly into her neck.  Her blood flowed slowly
from her veins as he drank it, draining her until she was nearly
unconscious.

Drawing away, he licked her blood from his lips.  It was, he found,
quite satisfying to take her blood...even if it did leave a foul taste
in his mouth.  She believed Lucius and Nicholas would destroy him.
She would be proved wrong.

Accepting the needle from the younger vampire, one of the Enforcers
that had stayed loyal to the Council, he injected its contents into
her bloodstream.

In a matter of seconds, he watched as she faded into unconsciousness,
her dead weight leaning against him.  Stepping back, he released his
grip, Ningal falling quickly to the ground, hitting with a hard thud.

He smiled, and then looked to the others present.  Not one of them
showed any resistance to his actions...and now they knew what would
happen to them if they did.

"Get her out of here.  Make sure she is...cared...for."  The two
Enforcers nodded and carried her limp body from the room.

"Your meddling in this is dangerous.  The mortals might be quick to
jump to conclusions, but our kind are not."

He glared at the speaker, Tjia.  Her black eyes practically looked
through him.  She was third eldest of the Council, and rarely voiced
her opinion...except, apparently, for now.  "It will suit its purpose.
Besides, the chances that anyone will ever know are slim.  She will
probably die at the hands of the mortals--which is her fate.  Unless
you would like to join her, you will not mention this again."

"It is just a statement.  We must take care in what we reveal to the
mortals.  They are smarter than they appear; something we should all
know."

"And caution will be taken."  He walked across the room, and then spun
to look at the others.  "But, for now, it's time to see how Lucius and
his son deal with this little turn of events...the mortals will not
wait any longer, and I, for one, would like to see the outcome."
Turning around, he walked over to the only window in the room.
Pulling the curtain to the side, he let the first tendrils of daylight
spill into the room, causing the others to move.

He peered carefully out, getting just a glimpse of the awakening
world.  Soon, day would creep up on the New World, and the mortals
would be demanding answers.  He smiled.  Things were going well...very
well indeed.


Things Fall Apart - (09/33)

LaCroix paced back and forth in the conference room, waiting.  The
mortal was being questioned a second time.  The police didn't trust
him; he could feel it.  But, he also knew that they would have to
believe the mortal.

Watching the other vampire, Damien leaned back in the hard chair,
stretching.  "Sit, LaCroix.  They'll eventually come."

He spun on the younger, nearly responding...but when he turned, he
saw an expression so similar to one his son might give that he
stopped. He didn't sit, but he did cease his pacing.

Now, his thoughts slowly turned to Nicholas.  He wished his son were
here.  Nicholas knew how to deal with the mortals...knew how to play
their little games of 'procedure.'  He, on the other hand, felt like
this was all a waste of time.

Finally, the door opened, and LaCroix turned to face the mortal. 
The man was the one in charge...and although he didn't particularly
enjoy talking with Reese, he'd much rather be talking to that mortal.

"I'm going to say this right now--I don't like your presence here. 
I, personally, think your kind should be disposed of..."

LaCroix let his eyes change, but made no other action at the words.

"...but upholding the law is my job.  Since your kind has nearly the
same rights as mortals at the moment, you are tolerated in this
building."

He didn't like the sound of the statement...but there was no
animosity in the tone.  At least this mortal was being civil.  "And
what is to be done?  Anything?  Or are you just going to brush this
off?"  The other didn't react.  "Three of my people died in this so-
called 'voicing of opinion' as you mentioned earlier.  Death, I would
think, wouldn't be taken this lightly by your people."

"What will be done, is pro-"

"Procedure.  Yes...I know plenty about that.  Unless you want to
have to deal with this again in the future, I suggest you deal with
those responsible--or we will.  Either way, my people will not be
hunted like wild animals."  He paused, moving to stand behind the
mortal, the officer by the door tensing.  "If you find yourself
hesitant to deal with those responsible, ask yourself this; how would
you like to be hunted like you hunt the innocent deer?"  He pulled
away, circling the police captain.

Putting the last image to the back of his mind, the mortal carefully
changed the subject.  "Those responsible will be dealt with by the
law.  But, the public isn't going to sit around and wait for your
people to make your opinions known.  If you would like, I can have
something set up here tonight."

LaCroix considered this, but wasn't sure he could trust this mortal.
"And our safety?  Myself and Damien will not take kindly to pressure."

"One reporter--that will be all.  I'll make sure they understand
that this is merely an informational interview, and that it will be
distributed to the news stations.  We'll have it in one of the
conference rooms, and officers will be present.  The situation will
be entirely under your control."

The Roman vampire raised an eyebrow at that.  "Entirely?  Elaborate."

"If you think they are even too close to you, you can have my
officers keep them back.  You will be in charge."

LaCroix turned to the younger vampire.  "Damien?"

"As long as it is understood that the interview is not to be edited
in anyway.  If it is, it will pass our approval before being aired."

Smiling, LaCroix walked across the room, standing behind Damien. 
"You have heard our answer.  If that is possible, then you may bring
your reporter."  He watched the mortal nod and leave the room, at
which he closed his eyes and relaxed.  Perhaps, at least, this would
go well--even if the mortal didn't like what they were.

Time ticked by, and he eventually came to sit at the table,
considering what was to come.  Yes, they would make their concerns
clear that night.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Nick leaned against the backside of the Precinct, trying to gather
his thoughts.

He had left earlier that night, heading to his loft to hopefully get
some peace and quite...but had only found reporters gathered.  There
were simply too many.  Although he knew he needed to make a
statement, he wasn't going to even try in that frenzy...it would just
be a mess. He had then stopped by LaCroix' apartment, where he and
Natalie had been staying.

Turning on the news, he was mildly surprised at what met his eyes.
Instead of mention of what had happened at the precinct, he found
glimpses of LaCroix and police.  There had been an attack in Seattle.
Apparently, there was going to be some kind of interview soon, and
tensions were rising, waiting for it.

After that, he had stayed for a little while, taking the time to get
something to drink.  Then, he had called Reese and returned to the
precinct.

Standing there, he knew something had to be done here as well.  The
mortals needed answers, and it was time to give a few out before
things got worse.

He took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself.  Once he was
reasonably relaxed, he slowly headed into the precinct by the back
door, wanting to avoid the reporters that were stationed in front of
the building.

As he made his way toward Reese's office, he noticed more of his co-
workers stopped their tasks to back out of his way.  That couldn't be
a good sign...but he wasn't sure exactly what it meant.  The
expressions that met his gaze ranged anywhere from fear, to surprise
and amazement.  His burns, he knew, had completely healed.  He also
knew that his anger at what had happened was still barely under
control.

Stopping outside of Reese's office, he rapped lightly on the door. 
A moment later, the Captain told him to come in, and he did so.  The
other was on the phone, and he quietly made his way into the room,
closing the door silently behind him.

"Yes, I know what is going on in Seattle, Commissioner, and I'm not
going to let it affect my opinions here.  As far as I'm concerned,
LaCroix is acting quite...humane; unlike most of the human race."
There was a pause, and Reese leaned tiredly against the edge of his
desk.  "I know that.  So does Nick, I'm sure."  Another pause, and
his anger was pushed toward the limits.  "I'll let him know, but I
don't think this is just going to be allowed to be pushed into some
dark crevice.  Good night, Commissioner."  Reese moved to replace the
phone, but paused, and then sighed.  "Commissioner, I have some
important business to attend to, so if you'll excuse me...good
night." With that, he hung up, shaking his head and turning to Nick.

The vampire stood somewhat calmly near the door, looking out into
the rest of the precinct.  There was a lot going on in the other's
mind, he suspected, but there was more.  "Nick?"

"Hmm?" he half mumbled, turning to the mortal.

"That was the Commissioner...I don't know how much of that
conversation you got, but I have a feeling you more or less know his
opinion on this, right?"

Nick stared at the opposite wall.  In truth, he hadn't gotten a word
of the conversation.  His mind was on what he was going to do
next...or what he should do next, anyway.  "Yeah...I have a pretty
good idea," he eventually answered.

"Well, I'm sure you probably know, or at least have heard about the
interview that's going on in Seattle."  His detective nodded, and he
continued, suggesting, "I think that it would possibly be a good idea
if you did something similar--get your side of this out in the open.
You need to show that you're not what Hawthorne was trying to get at--
that you're just like anyone else even if you aren't quite human."

"I like the idea, Captain...I'm just really not in the mood to be
attacked by cameras at the moment."

"Well, last I heard there were only two news crews camped out in the
front of the precinct.  You know they're going to stay there until
they get something...."

"Yeah, I know."  He nodded slightly, more to himself than anyone
else. But...he just didn't want to deal with it right now.  At the
same time, he knew he had to.

"Well, when you leave, you could just answer a few of their
questions...and get it over with.  Delaying it is just going to make
it worse."

He nearly nodded, but instead merely met the other's eyes.  He tried
to remember exactly why he had come by...and realized it was
basically a subconscious need.  He had needed to know that what he
was thinking of doing was a good move--which was to talk to the
reporters as he left.

"So...."

"I'll get on it..." he sensed something, and after a couple of
seconds, realized that it was Natalie.  "As soon as I talk to
Nat...." He turned toward the door, turning the knob, but not
immediately opening it.  "I'll see you tomorrow night, Captain."

Receiving a weak smile, Nick headed out into the precinct, catching
up with Natalie on the other side of the room.  "Nat...."

"Nick, there's some reporters out there that *really* want to talk
to you.  They just about barraged me when I tried to come in.  I
mean...Nick, they know I know you, and...."

He took her arms in his hands, lightly holding her.  "Shh...I'm
going to talk to them and get a couple of things answered.  How about
I meet you in the parking lot, and then we go to the loft?  I need a
little bit of a change of scenery, and I really don't want to lead
them to LaCroix' apartment."  Giving a small smile to her, he kissed
her lightly on the forehead.  "We'll talk more later, okay?"

Even though she was afraid of what they might ask, she nodded.
"I...guess I should go, then, so they don't go after both of us. 
I'll meet you outside."

Nick stood for a moment, watching as she headed for the entrance. 
He could feel just a few hints of her thoughts, and he knew they
would definitely have to talk.  Waiting a few minutes, he took in a
deep breath and headed in the same direction Natalie had moments
before.

Exiting the precinct through the main doors, Nick watched as the
reporters spotted him, stopping him near the bottom of the steps.

"Detective, could we ask you a few questions?"

Two cameras pointed his way, and he nodded slightly.

"Knight, we heard what happened here tonight.  Does it have anything
to do with what happened in Seattle?"

"First, it's officially de Brabant, now.  As far as can be seen,
there is no connection between the two.  What happened here was a
statement of opinion that got out of hand, and in Seattle, the attack
was clearly planned."

"Until now, your Community has been silent on concerns in the recent
news.  What is the Vampire Community's view on this?"

"We are taking caution and waiting for more information.  We cannot
fully voice our views until we know what is going on.  We have
received no more information than what has been presented in the news."

"We are aware that LaCroix is making a statement, and were wondering
if you would answer a few more personal questions?"

He hesitated slightly.  He hadn't quite planned on this.  "That
depends on the question."

"We know few, if any other of your kind working in jobs that deal
with the human population as a regular part of their job.  Do you
plan to continue to work despite tonight and recent news?"

"There is nothing that states vampires cannot work, and I will
continue to do so."  He paused, and then, sensing more to their
question, he stated, "I know there is concern about vampires being in
close contact with humans, but if anyone is in danger by me working,
as has been demonstrated here tonight, it is myself."  He tried to
push by and leave, but they blocked his way.

"One more, Detective.  It has been noticed that a couple of mortals
seem to be privy to information about your kind such as Dr. Lambert
here in Toronto.  What is her position in your Community, and what
allows her to be in that position?"

"She is, and has been, a close personal friend of mine.  She has no
position in the Community, merely its protection."

As he pushed through them, the reporter asked, wanting more, "There
has to be some reason she has your kind's protection.  What is it?"

"She has had my personal protection for some time.  The Community's
extension of protection is nothing more than an extension of my own.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I would like to get home."  With that, he
slid away from them, heading at a quick pace across the parking lot
to where Natalie waited.

"Nick...."

"Nat, it's okay.  Come on, let's get out of here, then we can talk."

She closed her eyes, nodding.  She felt Nick's hand on her back,
leading her behind the building and out of the reporter's view. 
Then, he wrapped his arms around her, lifting them both off the
ground in an instant.


Things Fall Apart - (10/33)

LaCroix stared at the reporter.  So far, all of the questions had
been directed toward him.  They had given a description of what had
happened that night during the attack, but already he could feel the
reporter's direction shifting.

"What is the Community's stance on events, specifically what
happened several hours ago?"

"Attacks on us will no longer be tolerated.  If the mass populace
cannot be controlled by their own kind, we will take it unto
ourselves to deal with this.  This does, after all, greatly concern
the Community."

"What, exactly, would 'dealing with this' mean?  Would your kind
merely find these perpetrators, or would you deal with them as well? 
If so, how?"

"They would be dealt with," he firmly stated.  "How, would depend on
the situation.  *If* the police overlook this, I believe it is a
breach of the law.  We can, if procedure is taken, do as we please
with those who threaten us.  I'm sure I don't have to spell out the
possibilities."

Waiting a moment, the reporter took that in.  Then, she asked, "Is
this opinion shared by other City Elders?"

"Our Community is relatively close knit in our viewpoints when it
comes to matters concerning us.  I'm sure my son would agree with
this, and so would the majority of those in the Community."

"What about the recent announcement?  That vampires are apparently
not human?"

He shifted slightly.  "The Community has received no information on
this.  Perhaps, when proof is shared with us and with the public, we
will be able to provide an answer, but not until we know more."

"Then, may I ask your opinion on this topic?  Do you believe this
claim is, or could be, true?"

"I think that depends on just what your definition of a 'human' is."
LaCroix paused a moment, and then added, "I think my son would be
able to answer this much better than I."

"And what would he say?"

He paused again, considering that for a moment.  "That it doesn't
matter what we are; mortal or vampire.  We should be judged
objectively, and not by the folklore that has imbedded itself into
mortal society.  Also, that humanity and humans don't always share
the same qualities--and I have to agree.  Considering no mortals died
in tonight's attack while three vampires did, I consider that a
statement in and of itself.  We could have killed every one of them,
possibly even preventing the deaths of tonight."

"And why didn't you?  Was it merely a part of playing along with the
laws, or...?"

"A quick death is not something to be given to an enemy lightly.  I
learned that as a mortal, and I still believe it.  But, more
importantly, we want this dealt with, and the first course of action
is to attempt to do so through your mortal justice.  As mentioned, if
it is not taken care of by them, we will not hesitate to intervene if
the need arises."

"And just what, precisely, would your actions be?"

LaCroix held back his anger; he'd already more or less answered the
last two questions...but he would do so again.  "We will do what is
necessary to prevent further deaths.  Despite the belief that we
infect every crevice of the world--we do not.  We will survive--
whatever the result may be to those that try to destroy us.  We will
not lay dormant against our attackers."

Backing up slightly, the reporter found herself captured by the
determination in the other's eyes.  It was clear to her that they
would do just that...no matter what would happen.  "How long will you
be staying in Seattle?  As I'm sure you know, Toronto seems to be the
center of what's going on, where you left your son in charge."

"I will stay as long as is necessary.  My son is not weak and he can
handle whatever is to come his way during my absence."

As she prepared to ask another question, he glared at her.  The
vampire's icy gaze was...difficult to ignore.  "As you know, the
world has been closely following the events in Toronto since your
people have been revealed.  We have noticed Dr. Lambert's continued
involvement on your side of events.  It has been speculated that she
is more of a game piece to your Community than anything else.  Is she
under your, or any other vampire's influence?"

"No.  She acts under her own will," he stated truthfully, faintly
remembering how she had practically forced either himself or Nicholas
to bring her across.  "She is an acquaintance of my son's."

"So has been repeatedly said.  Are they friends, or something else?"
She waited for an answer, but he simply stared at her.  "Is she your
son's lover?  Or, perhaps even your own?"

He stared at her, the questions becoming annoying.  "As I said, she
is an acquaintance of Nicholas'.  That is the only answer I will
give."  The woman met his eyes, and he locked his gaze with hers
until she eventually looked away.  He purposely kept his outer
appearance calm, his smile known only to himself.

Recovering from the discomfort, she asked, "Will we be able to talk
with you again if and when more develops on this?"

Her words angered him slightly, even though he knew she was
referring to more than just the attacks.  "Yes, myself or Damien will
answer more questions in the future as they are needed to be answered."

At that, she turned back to the camera, ending the interview.

He watched her as they prepared to depart, his cold gaze following
her and the cameraman as they left the room.  A moment later, he
sensed Damien step up behind him.

"LaCroix, you came close to-"

He spun on the younger.  "I know that, Damien!  And if you'd been
answering those same questions, you would have considered doing so as
well."  LaCroix turned to the police captain, who had just entered
the room.  "May we leave, now, or do you have more questions?"

The glare stopped him in his tracks.  "You may leave, although I
want updates if your people take any actions that might have
repercussions later."

"You will be notified if such actions are taken."  With that, he
left, Damien following him close behind.

Reaching the street, the younger vampire asked, "You shouldn't have
reacted."

He pulled the younger to the side, leaping into the air.  Landing on
a nearby roof, he explained.  "You know exactly who the Doctor is. 
She is, as far as the mortals are concerned, still one of them, and I
would like it kept that way."

"But the reporter...."

"Her conclusions are quite correct, Damien.  Natalie is much more
than simply Nicholas' friend.  You will not leak this information to
anyone, understood?"

"Yes, but-"

"If you value your life, I expect you to keep your mouth shut.  If
it is discovered Natalie is one of us, it could cause quite a stir." 
Calming, LaCroix continued, "Come, we must return and get the mess
cleaned up as well as remind the others to control their anger at the
mortals."

He closed his eyes and nodded.  The other left, leaving him on the
rooftop.  He hadn't even thought about LaCroix' daughter.  If he had
been the one answering the questions, he would have very well
slipped, revealing her.

Swallowing, it hit him that if he had, today would have been quite
painful.  He silently thanked LaCroix for coming and for dealing with
the mortals, and then took off for the club.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie walked slowly down the stairs, watching as Nick sat still on
the couch.  "Nick...?"

He turned, finding Natalie walking toward him wearing his pajama
top.  "I thought you were asleep," he said, turning back the way he
was facing earlier.

"I was...until a couple of minutes ago.  I heard the TV on."  She
approached and sat next to him.  "Nick...you were watching a
broadcast of LaCroix' interview, weren't you?"  He remained silent,
and she became slightly worried.  "Nick, come on.  Talk to me...you
said we would talk when we came back, but you've been quiet."

"I've been thinking," he immediately answered.

"About...?"

"Just...things.  Nothing in particular."

She knew he was lying.  Although the link between them was weak, she
could feel it.  Nick, she had learned, wasn't very good at
lying...not to her...nor to LaCroix or Janette.  Before, she hadn't
known, but now...now she could feel it.

Looking at the remote, which was still in his hand, she commented,
"What was the interview about?"

"I...don't really know.  I only watched for a few minutes."  He
looked away.  "I turned it off before it was finished...something
LaCroix said just surprised me."

"And what was that?"

"He was asked about humans and if he thought vampires were human." 
He stopped, pausing for a moment.  "When he answered, he mentioned
me...that I would be able to answer the question better than he."

Natalie waited for more, feeling that he hadn't completely answered
her.  "And...what else?"

"That...it shouldn't be a question of if we are human, but
humane...he basically said we're more human than the mortals.  I was
just...surprised that LaCroix would use my definition.  I turned it
off after that."  He stared at the remote for a moment, and then put
it on the table.

He hadn't even planned to watch the interview...he'd felt some of
LaCroix' thoughts during it, and when it had come on, he had started
watching it before he realized it.  He just *had* to know exactly why
LaCroix' thoughts were on him so much.

Watching as he spaced off, Natalie leaned closer, brushing a few
pieces of hair behind his ear.  "Nick?"

He turned to her, not sure what to say.  He knew, if only vaguely,
the topic of the last part of LaCroix' interview.  The mortals were
becoming suspicious.

"Please, Nick, I know something is wrong.  I mean...you probably
don't want to hear this again from me, but at the precinct...I heard
what you were asked, about why I was so close to the Community." 
Stopping, she wasn't sure if she should say the other thing or not. 
At least partly aware of Nick's thoughts, she decided to go ahead and
say it.  "And...I can feel something along the same lines from
LaCroix.  I don't know exactly what it is, but I know it has to do
with me.  The mortals are suspicious that I'm under your control,
Nick, that I'm some kind of-"

He tightly squeezed her arm, cutting her off.  Making her look at
him, he told her, "You are no thrall, Natalie.  You know that.  You
may be a vampire, but you can do as you want."

"But they aren't going to think so, Nick, and I think you know that.
I will be, as far as they are concerned, a pawn of the Community."

As she pulled away from him, standing up, he followed her, grabbing
her from behind.  "Nat...I didn't want this to happen.  I didn't want
you to be pulled into all of this."

She struggled in his hold, but she was too weak to even budge his
hands.  Then, as her muscles relaxed, she cried, the scent of her
blood tears hitting her senses.

Pulling her tighter against him, he turned her so that she could
lean up against him.  "Shh...Natalie.  I don't want anything to
happen to you, and I won't allow anything to happen."

While trying to push away from him, she found herself being turned
to face him.  His eyes were somewhere between blue and gold--the same
as hers, she suspected.  "I know that, Nick.  This isn't your fault. 
None of this is.  This is what I wanted, and I can't go back on that
choice.  But...I'm not sure I know how to deal with this...with being
a vampire.  What if the world finds out what I am?"  Then, to
herself, she asked, 'How does Nick cope with this day after day?

He could sense her thoughts and worries.  "We'll deal with this one
day at a time, Natalie, just as we have been."  Loosening his grip,
he held her face in his hands.  "Nat...if you really don't want to be
this....  I'll talk with LaCroix, demand that he tell me if there is
any way to make you mortal again...I'll force it out of him if I have
to."

"No...no, Nick.  I made this decision.  I want to be with you...and
I don't want to push you and him apart.  I-"  She stopped once more,
feeling his worry begin to seep across their link.  Pulling his hands
away, she stood on her tiptoes, lightly kissing his lips.  Then,
resting her head on his shoulder, she continued, "I'm just so afraid,
Nick."

He closed his eyes, gently rubbing her back.  "So am I, Nat, so am
I.  I think we all are."


Things Fall Apart - (11/33)

Tracy walked slowly up the steps in the Church.  She really didn't
know where Vachon was staying, but figured he would probably be here.
She had watched the news that morning, seeing interviews of both Nick
and LaCroix.  She really hadn't paid much attention to them, but she
remembered Natalie being mentioned, which got her to thinking...which
had eventually led her here.  Spying several candles, she looked
around for the one who lit them, but found the room eerily quiet.

"Vachon?  Come on, I know you're here."  She continued, checking
every possible place.  Then, while stepping back, she ran into
something.  Jumping, she turned, finding Vachon standing right there.
"Vachon!" she exclaimed in a loud whisper.

"Sorry...one can't be too careful, lately."

Calming down, his statement hit her.  "Have you had any problems?"

"No...not here.  Just with everything going on...."

"Yeah, I think I get it."  Tracy watched him as he casually crossed
the room, sitting down.  "How come you haven't come by?"

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm rather busy of late."

She walked toward him, sitting next to him but facing forward. 
"There's more to it than that, Vachon.  I know there is."  Feeling
the cushion shift as he leaned back, she had a feeling she wasn't
going to get an answer.  "If you want me to leave, I will."  Again,
he met her with nothing but silence.  She abruptly turned. 
"Vachon...we've barely talked since you...came back," she mentioned,
recalling discovering he was alive and finding out he was still
suffering from Divia's attack.  But, other than a few short
conversations since he had recovered, they hadn't really spoken.  "I
guess what I want to ask is...are we still friends?  I mean, I know
you're busy, and I know you probably have a lot to think about...I
just...."

He kept his gaze steady even as she trailed off.  Reaching slowly
forward, he stopped his hand just behind her neck, letting his
fingers repeatedly slide through the last several inches of her hair.

"Vachon...."

Snapping out of his actions, he looked at her, seeing that she
needed something.  "Come here."  When she hesitated, he gently rubbed
her forearm, lightly guiding her closer.  "It's okay, Trace."

She let him pull her against him, and let her head come to rest on
his chest.  Shifting and curling up next to him, she laid there for
several minutes, simply staring across the room.  After a short time,
it hit her there was no heartbeat, that little thing reminding her
more of what he was than anything else.

With the more recent news and Nick often off doing something else,
it hit her how alone she felt--even with Vachon having returned.  She
spent almost all of her time with Vachon, Nick, and Natalie.  She
really didn't have many friends outside of work and, for the most
part, had avoided her family ever since the Vampire Community was
known to all.

Now, she felt like she was being left behind.  It was almost as if
the whole world was passing her by.  Nick was busy...Vachon was
helping Nick...and Natalie had her own problems to deal with as well.
She, however, couldn't seem to do anything to help.

"What do you think all of this will lead to?" she eventually asked,
honestly not even sure if he was awake.

"Hmm?"

Sitting up, she turned to him.  "The news, the protests...all of
that."

He looked across the room, and after a moment, answered, "Things
will settle down."

"Are you sure about that?"

Quickly turning to her, he could see her fear.  "They'll settle into
something.  You don't have to worry about that, though."

When he slowly looked away, she felt her anger rise.  "Why?  Because
I'm mortal?  Is that why?"

"Tracy...."

"Don't even, Vachon.  You, Nick, and Natalie are my friends.  I care
about what happens to all of you.  Heck, I even care about what
happens to LaCroix."

He tilted his head slightly, holding her gaze.  "Why do you care?" 
Gently, he raised his hand, resting it against her cheek.  "Why do
you care about vampires, Tracy Vetter?"  When she didn't give him an
answer, he moved slowly closer.  He kissed her softly on the lips,
and then drew away gradually and retracted his hand.

The action was somewhere between startling and expected.  It was,
she had to admit, something she wanted, but....  "Do you really want
to know why I care?"  He stared blankly at her, which she took as an
affirmative.  "I care because you and Natalie and my partner...all of
you don't really have to care about mortals, but you do."  She saw a
hint of protest, which she quickly killed.  "You do care, Vachon.  If
you didn't, I don't think you'd be talking to me right now."

Once again, he didn't make any comments in response, and she was
starting to become uncomfortable.  She slowly stood, telling him, "I
should probably go...it's getting late and I'm sure you want to get
some sleep.  Could I drop by later?"

"I'd like that."

She smiled slightly.  "You know, you can drop by my place whenever
you'd like.  I wouldn't mind."  She waited awkwardly for a moment,
and then gave him a smile, turned, and left.

Vachon closed his eyes and listened as her heartbeat faded.  He
wasn't quite sure what to make of her visit...only that something was
up.

A few minutes later, he got up, blew out the candles, and figured he
should, indeed, get some rest.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie sighed, resting her head on her folded hands.  Several days
had passed since the events at the precinct and in Seattle.  Things
were just quiet--too quiet.

And then, work was particularly slow, something that wasn't helping.
While this meant she didn't have to deal with an autopsy, she also
didn't have much else to do at the moment.  She wished she could just
go to sleep right there...but she knew she couldn't do that, either.

"Nat?  You okay?"

Looking up, she found Grace practically standing over her.  "Yeah,
I'm fine.  I'm just...I don't know...out of it, I guess."

"Does it have to do with what's going on?  I've seen the news, and I
know they're pushing to get more information on what your connection
to the vampires is."

A streak of panic rushed through her.  Grace knew what she was, and
she hadn't really even thought about it until now.  "Grace...."

"I haven't said anything and I'm not going to.  I just think you
need to keep your mind on something other than the news."

"Yeah, I know.  My shift is almost over and I have tomorrow night
off.  I promise I'll take care of myself, okay?"  Her friend looked
at her skeptically, but eventually nodded.  Then, the phone rang. 
She stared at it through the first two rings before hesitantly
picking it up.

Listening, she instinctively jotted down a few notes, saying a few
words here and there so they knew she got the information.  Hanging
up, she glanced at the clock.  "Damn.  My shift is over in half an
hour and the sun comes up in forty-five minutes.  At least the scene
is indoors."

Stopping Natalie as she stood, Grace asked, "Are you going to be
okay with this?"

"Yeah, I'll just have to hope everything goes smoothly.  That was
Nick, so he'll be there, too."  With that, she grabbed her things,
smiled to Grace, and then left the morgue.

End part 11

Jarvinia
jarvinia@gmx.com