Fiat Justitia "Let Justice Be Done" by Jarvinia Third season story, primary characters Nick and LaCroix. Suffice it to say, someone from LaCroix' past wants something LaCroix values.... I don't own Forever Knight or any of its characters...I'm just fiddling a bit...and I do mean fiddling.... What can I say-- boredom. And I'd like to thank Shadowstar for betaing. I pushed LaCroix' character a bit in this one, and she helped keep that the way I wanted it. May not be posted/archived without permission. If you'd like to, though, please *please* ask -- I just like knowing where things are going, etc. Semi-references (quotes used within the story) are found at the end. Feedback is more than welcomed...in fact, it's the only thing that lets me know that anyone wants more and how I'm doing, so... *gets on floor and begs* Anyway, *stops*, jarvinia@gmx.com or any other address you might have of mine works fine... ~#~#~#~#~#~#~ Fiat Justitia - (01/12) "Regret. Many a man has been eaten from the inside out by this trifle little word. And yet the urge taunts us, haunting our every thought. Is it merely an unfinished task, an event that one wishes had turned out another way? Or does it stalk one, its limbs preparing to pounce on its prey as soon as one's guard is let down? "The present is a man's possession; the past is gone out of his hand wholly, irrevocably. And then, there is the future up ahead, but man cannot break through the chains from years past. He may suffer from it, learn from it--in degree, perhaps, expiate it; but to brood over it is utter madness. Or is it? Regret is powerful. It hunts and takes the weak. But, just what is it? Is it to be feared? Or should it be remembered as nothing but the past to let the future through?" LaCroix paused in his monologue, letting his questions hang in the air, his lips twisting up in satisfaction that his listeners' heartbeats undoubtedly pounded along at an accelerated tempo. "And what past regrets do you have?" he asked while flipping a switch and putting his first caller of the night on the air. "Perhaps that should be rephrased," a deep, but excruciatingly smooth voice answered. LaCroix raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. He was the questioner, not this man. But he could play this game. It was, after all, still his show. "How so?" "Perhaps--'What vengeance do *you* fear?' Everyone has regrets. They have consequences, too. I *know* they do. And they will manifest themselves. One's past should be feared as it creates the future." LaCroix' muscles tensed and he sat straighter in his chair, the caller's tone unsettling to say the least. The questions seemed to be directed at him, or, more precisely, to him. And even through this technology he knew the man knew exactly what he was doing...but what? "And?" he prodded, pushing the caller. "What are your answers? I'm sure you have some." "I am vengeance. I am what you should fear. You know me. You created me." The words sliced into him. The voice was almost familiar, and yet not. It nagged at him. He knew this man, but nothing came to him as he searched his thoughts for the man's identity. "You will feel me soon enough. And only then will you receive your answer." LaCroix remained silent as the caller hung up. The words were a threat...but what harm could they do to him? It was probably just some mortal playing a prank. It wasn't anything new--he'd received death threats before, for all the good they did. He should be laughing, but he couldn't. The familiarity of the voice nagged at him, angering him. Worse, it unnerved him. Regaining his composure, he spoke into the microphone, "Well, let's see if our next guest has anything to say, shall we?" With that, he put through another caller. "What regrets do you have, and do they snap at you or allow themselves to be harnessed?" "Uh, yeah I have regrets...I think everyone does. But, the worst for me was a couple of years ago...." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Standing in a corner of the precinct, LaCroix watched his son work, the mortals scrambling about the room, blocking his view much of the time. Nicholas didn't even know he was there. His son didn't even sense him despite the fact that he'd been there, watching, for nearly half an hour. Several times he had believed Nicholas had seen him. His son would look up, practically straight at him...and then go on about his work again. He hadn't yet managed to speak with his son--his whole reason for being there. The caller from earlier tonight was still bothering him. He didn't know who it was, and had so far received no 'real' threat. It was merely a warning of what might come, but he couldn't get his thoughts to turn away from it. He had planned to discuss the matter with Nicholas, but now decided against it. His son was too involved with his work--too busy with the mortals. Telling Nicholas would do nothing for either of them. He would deal with this for the time being. If the man called again, then he just might speak with Nicholas, but not until then. He observed his son for a few more minutes, watching as he chatted with his partner. Nicholas smiled broadly at his cheery partner. He didn't see how his son coped with the female. She was nothing but trouble as far as he was concerned. But Nicholas seemed to get along with her and had grown quite protective of her. LaCroix let loose a quiet chuckle, half-expecting his son to hear. His spirits fell a little when Nicholas just continued with his work; it was just one more reason for him to keep his thoughts to himself. With one more glance at Nicholas, he turned and left. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "Just how deep does family go? Is family merely blood-relatives, close friends, or perhaps it encompasses your entire community? Family never dies. It is always there. It can take many forms, but in reality, they are all the same. Family is family. But, just how strong are those bonds, the ties that join you? "What would you do for your family? Would you lend them your money, or just your presence? Would you give your life for them? Would you do more? Or, would you do nothing?" LaCroix paused, not really in the mood to talk on-air. He was too preoccupied. "I would like to hear your opinion, for you are all *my* family." A light lit up after a moment, indicating there was a caller. LaCroix put the caller on the air, asking, "And what is family to you?" "Family is the closest bond of all," a deep and silky voice stated. LaCroix tensed, unable to reply. It was the same caller from a week ago. He'd nearly believed it to be a fluke, a one-time occurrence...but this changed it. "Only the closest relationships, of course--parents and their children, siblings. But those are the closest, the most demanding. You should know what it's like to be a father." He stiffened further. Could this man know of him? Could he know of Nicholas, or perhaps even Divia? "And...why would you say that?" he asked, keeping his voice even. "Oh, I think you know. To a parent, a child is everything. They are you, and you are them. I would do anything for my children-- which is exactly what I *will* do. They have long passed, but they are still mine. Death does not separate the bond of family--it only creates a void. You shall see this. My vengeance. You've felt it before, and you will feel it again." So taken aback by the man's words, LaCroix didn't react when the other hung up, a long, somewhat piercing tone filling his ears. After a few seconds, he switched it off. Still, he was unaware of the caller's identity. It was just under the surface. He knew the name, he even had a vague image of the face...but it just wasn't coming to him clearly. Before now it had just been an annoyance, but now it was much more. This *was* a threat, and from someone who presently knew more about him than he knew about them. Much more. Giving himself a moment to recover, he put the next caller on the air, asking them about family. He listened to their answer only enough to respond. His thoughts were elsewhere. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "I would do anything for my children--which is exactly what I *will* do. They have long passed, but they are still mine. Death does not separate the bond of family--it only creates a void. You shall see this. My vengeance. *My* vengeance. Mine!" LaCroix awoke with a start, sitting straight up. His breathing was deep and ragged--certainly not usual. He was chilled, and raising a hand to his forehead, he brought it back only to see blood-tinted moisture glistening back at him. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to relax. This was, after all, not like him. He didn't have nightmares. Except for today. Once his breathing had returned to normal, he opened his eyes and slid out of bed. He could feel the sticky blood-sweat on his bare skin. He wanted it off, and now. He went into the bathroom, switching the shower on and stood under the water. It was cold, but it cleansed his skin, which was all he really cared about. He stood under the running water until it warmed up, the heat doing nothing to relax his cold, tight muscles. After several minutes, he switched it off with as much force as he dared and grabbed a towel to dry off with. Instead of doing as intended, however, he wrapped it around his waist and headed to the kitchen, dripping his way down the hall. A bottle of blood was quickly in his hands--which he then raised unceremoniously to his mouth. He usually opted for a glass if he had to drink bottled blood, but his nightmare had drained him past caring if it was civilized or not. As the bottle was already half-empty, he finished it off quickly. Glancing at the time, he saw that it was just barely after one o'clock. The sun was still high, and would remain so for several more hours. He both did and did not want to try to get some more sleep. His nightmare had both made him tired and irrationally afraid. After all, it was still day--if this man was a vampire like he suspected, then he had no reason to worry until nightfall. No reason whatsoever. LaCroix returned to his room and got back in bed. The sheets were a little cool, and he knew he'd need to change them before the next day and probably take another shower when he got up. Settling in and closing his eyes, LaCroix again reminded himself that it was day and all would be well for the time being--if there was even a threat. He was fully aware this could all be a set up, even though he had a feeling it wasn't. That feeling didn't sit well with him as he restlessly drifted off. Fiat Justitia - (02/12) Five nights later, LaCroix sifted through his mail; a bill, a large variety of junk mail, and a small, ivory coloured envelope. All but the last were dropped unceremoniously onto his desk. The envelope was addressed directly to him with no return address. He flipped it over, but still nothing. He stiffened, wondering who would write him. He couldn't think of anyone, and a mild sense of dread filled him. Setting the other letters on his desk, he opened the envelope and pulled out the piece of paper inside. It was folded once in half, and he opened it. Latin words filled the small piece of paper from top to bottom: "Lucius, Lucius, Lucius...it's been such a long time. I'm sure you will at least agree on that. After all, it sure feels like it's been forever, doesn't it? A millennia or so, perhaps? "Anyway, on the matter of family...yes, I remember our little 'chat' a few nights ago. Pity you weren't more talkative--I think we would have had similar views on that topic. I have been waiting for a long time to take my vengeance on you. You, who have destroyed me twice over. You, who will now be destroyed with the death of your son. Yes--I know of Nicholas. I've watched him for some time. Watched you. He's quite the prize, isn't he? A will of his own that even you can't mould, General. "Anyhow, I really must be going now. Things to do and prepare.... What you ask? You shall see. It won't be long now. -Gn. Marius" Marius. He recognized that name. Gnaeus Marius. The man behind the name was almost visible now. He concentrated, trying to tie the comment about being destroyed twice over to a face he knew. It hit him in a block of cement. He remembered their first meeting vividly, or, more specifically, the event that led to it. There had been an attempt to murder him thirteen years before he was brought across. He had been a senator at the time and had been lucky that a freedman, a former slave of his household by the name of Chrysogonus, had taken the knife blow and died for it. Quickly reading the letter again, LaCroix first crumpled the piece of paper, and then ripped it up. The envelope followed suit, and a pile of small, cream-coloured pieces soon sat in front of him. Chrysogonus had given his life that day out of his sense of loyalty and family. And it had been taken by the son of a plebeian named Gnaeus Marius. He had disliked Marius right from the start. In his eyes, the man had raised an uncontrollable child. The boy was a mere seventeen years old at the time, but old enough to know better. The boy had been, as far as the law was concerned, a child no longer. Marius had supported his son until the younger finally confessed of his plans-- to kill him that afternoon. The boy had fallen under the influence of one of his opponents--a man that had just barely lost the aedileship to himself and had become desperate and corrupt as a result. In the end, Marius' son had died for the attempted murder of himself and the murder of Chrysogonus. His involvement in the case had assured the verdict. A young plebeian man against a patrician...or, more specifically a very popular and well-liked aedile both in and out of the senate...had sealed the fate of Marius' son from the start. The others knew who Chrysogonus was--a freedman, yes, but on that had also supervised much of his family's finances and was gifted when it came to accounting. Chrysogonus had handled the position he had helped him attain so well that Chrysogonus had received several monetary offers from other senators, none of which had been taken. He had even heard that Chrysogonus had caught the Emperor's attention. Chrysogonus had been, despite a former slave, one of only a few he considered a friend--a friend and not one of those that came to him out of mutual need. And, as far as he had been concerned, a member of his family. The man's death had fuelled his anger greatly. And Marius, sole living member of his family having only the one son and a wife who had died of illness several years before, fled Rome due to the disgrace his son added to his name and family. He had never suspected to see the somewhat wealthy plebeian again, but he had. Later, he discovered that Marius had been brought across shortly after leaving the city...and by what would become Divia's master. Divia introduced them, briefly, at which Marius again fled from him. He had met the other man by chance on one other occasion--during which another of Marius' unruly children was destroyed. Then, he had hoped that would be their last meeting...but he could see now that it would not. Marius wanted to get back at him with Nicholas. And, from what he knew of Marius, he would carry through with whatever plans he made. LaCroix stood, gathered up the pieces of paper, and threw them in the garbage. Then, he left his office and the club, heading for his son's loft. Landing on the roof, he peered down through the skylight. Nicholas was entertaining Dr. Lambert by playing the piano. His anger rose slightly. Nicholas only played for him on rare occasions. And yet, here he was, playing for that mortal friend of his. Turning and taking a few steps away, he closed his eyes and listened. Nicholas needn't know he was listening. He remained until the end of the song, and then again took to the sky. He would have Nicholas come by later, after the younger had gone to work. What he had to say could wait a couple of hours. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nick looked at the piece of paper handed to him by the desk sergeant. LaCroix wanted to speak with him as soon as possible. Coming over to Tracy, he told her, "I have an urgent errand I need to run. I'll be back in about half an hour, okay?" Tracy frowned slightly. Nick was running off again--something he'd been doing more than usual lately. "That's fine," she answered as he turned to leave. "I'm going to check out a lead that might help us on the Patterson case." At the words, Nick stopped and again faced Tracy. "I didn't know we had one." "Well, it's not really a lead. Remember Jarod Anderson? Anyway, he wants to talk to one of us, says he might have something that might help. Here," she said, holding a note out. "That's where I'm meeting him." He took the paper and nodded while she left. At least with her out checking something he didn't have to make sure she didn't follow him. He didn't think she had seen him at the Raven yet, and he didn't want that to change. Nick headed for the back entrance, and once outside and sure no one could see him, he flew to the Raven. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nick walked in to the Raven, quickly crossing to his sire's office. Entering without knocking, he stepped closer to LaCroix' desk, demanding, "What's so urgent, LaCroix?" "A warning--that you need to watch yourself." "In case of what?" Nick demanded as his sire turned away. "Why? Or is this all you're going to tell me?" Again facing his son, he stated, "Someone that doesn't have our best interests in mind is in town." "The caller?" LaCroix tensed. He hadn't even considered that Nicholas was aware of that...even though he was aware his son listened-in frequently. "Yes, I heard the broadcasts. Is it that man?" "Yes." "You're not going to tell me any more, are you?" "No. I just wanted you to know we've been watched, and that this man is more likely to go after you than me." Nick leaned forward on LaCroix' desk. "Just what, exactly, did you do to him? He's one of us, isn't he?" LaCroix glanced down momentarily before again meeting his son's gaze. "I have known him for a very long time and he has taken my actions against him personally--which they were not. His mind is flawed." "Why didn't you say anything about this until now?" "Because I wasn't aware of the caller's identity at first." LaCroix watched as his son remained where he was, waiting for a better answer. "I've only known the man's identity for the past several hours. If I had known earlier, I would have mentioned it to you. As it happens, it's been many centuries since I've met the man--I wasn't expecting to ever hear from him again." "And why the warning?" LaCroix ignored the question, standing up to put a little distance between them. Watching as his son straightened, he responded, "Because his objective is to kill you. I do not know how or where, which is why I wanted you to know." Nick took the information in. It was nice to know, but LaCroix made it seem too simple. This vampire wanted to kill him, and LaCroix had stated it so calmly. Not only that, so easily. "Why. Tell me why he wants to kill me. I want to know precisely why." He waited, but his sire merely stared at him, calmly. Too calmly. "Fine. Is that his only intention? What about those around me, are they in any danger? I'm not going to quit until I get something." "I cannot say. I do not know his plans." Then, honestly, he suggested, "I would keep an eye on Dr. Lambert, if you wish to take no chances. She knows enough about you and the Community that she could be used against us." "Why are you concerned about her? I know the thought of killing her has crossed your mind, LaCroix. Why are you warning me?" Again, he was met with silence. "What are this vampire's chances of succeeding? Tell me, LaCroix!" At that, LaCroix again glanced away. It was only a moment, but enough. "Better than his chances of *not* succeeding. Suffice it to say, he is older than me." "How much older?" "Just a few years, a decade at most. I would offer you to stay here, with me..." he began, hopeful. "You know my answer on that." LaCroix nodded slightly. He shouldn't have even suggested the idea, but thought it was at least worth trying. Short of forcibly taking and locking his son up--a tempting thought--he had done all he could. "Take care, mon fils." Nick returned the gesture, nodding faintly before leaving the office. He wanted to make sure he was back at the precinct before Tracy, and hoped that she would arrive there soon after. LaCroix' little warning was more annoying than anything. And yet, there was something going on--there was someone quite mad at LaCroix and it prevented him from dismissing the warning completely. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nick glanced at his watch. He'd been back at the precinct for an hour and a half. No Tracy. He hoped that she had just stopped somewhere on her way back or had lost track of the time. But, with LaCroix' warning, he was thinking something worse. What if this vampire decided to target Tracy instead of Natalie? He'd already tried Tracy's cell phone a number of times. Every time he got a 'this user is not available' message, which didn't help matters. He was the one that usually forgot to turn his cell phone on--not Tracy. Standing, he looked over to Reese's office. His captain was on the phone, and he really needed and wanted to know what was happening. Nick turned and left the precinct. Quickly making sure no one could see him, he lifted into the air, heading for the address Tracy had given him earlier that night. Arriving at the location, an empty storefront, Nick looked around for his partner, but saw no one. He entered the building; quickly realising he was the only one there. He wandered around a little, but saw no sign of her having been here. There were some footprints near the back door where it looked like someone had been pacing, very possibly the person Tracy was supposed to meet. They were a man's, and there was no sign of Tracy's footprints. Again dialling Tracy's cell number, he got the same message as before. He then tried her apartment and her desk at the precinct...but there was no answer. Next, he dialled Reese's number after a second of hesitation, waiting for the other to pick up. "Captain? Have you seen Tracy?" "No, I haven't. Isn't she with you?" "No, she checked out a lead earlier tonight for the Patterson case." Reese didn't immediately answer. "When was this?" "She left about two hours ago. And I don't think she made it to where she was to meet." A sigh could be heard from Reese. "And you've tried calling her?" "Yes. Both her cell and home phone numbers. Her car isn't here, either. Might want to send someone by her apartment and make sure she didn't go there. And Captain? I...think we should put out an APB on her." Fiat Justitia - (03/12) Nick paced the length of the conference room impatiently. No sign of Tracy yet, and it was now five hours into their shift. The only thing he could think of was that he should have gone with her. But at the time, he'd had nothing to worry about. He knew who Tracy was meeting and where, and the man was hardly dangerous. If he'd gone with her, she might not have gone missing. And then again, they might have both gone missing--which still would have been better than this. He halted as the door opened only to see Natalie walk in. She didn't say anything at first, and neither did he. After she walked over to him, he stated, "Tracy's missing. It's only been a few hours, but...." "I know...I heard when I came by to talk to Reese about some autopsy results." When he simply stood there, his anger at himself nearly visible, she stated, "Nick, I shouldn't have to tell you this, but if something did happen, this isn't your fault." "No. This time it is--partly, anyway. I should have gone with her, even if it was a routine meeting. They questioned the man she was supposed to meet. Tracy never showed up. She left the precinct and then...no one knows." He let his hands drop to the chair's arms. "Nat, I had a feeling something was wrong but I dismissed it. I ignored it completely." "But that's just a feeling. We all get those and sometimes they're right and sometimes they're wrong." "It's not that simple. LaCroix...he asked me to come to the Raven and warned me about something tonight, and--" Nick cut off what he was saying as the door opened again, this time allowing Reese to enter. "I'll tell you later," he whispered. "Nick...we found Tracy's car. It was on the side of the road just north of Toronto on 400. Empty. No signs of anything unusual other than that it was just sitting there with the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked. And Nick...they didn't find any fingerprints other than Tracy's." "What about evidence of a struggle? Anything at the site to suggest she was there and left?" "Nothing so far. Did she say anything before she left that might be useful?" "Not that I can think of." "How about any information in general that might help us figure out where she's gone?" Nick swallowed. There was LaCroix' warning, but it wouldn't help any. "No, nothing." Reese took in a deep breath. "Look, I know you don't want to, but go home. Go home and get some rest. I'll make sure that any new information gets to you." Turning to Natalie, he told her, "Since you finished the autopsy on your current case, I want you to make sure Nick does as asked. I don't want to see either of you until tomorrow night unless you're needed. Understood?" Nick nodded. Then, after Reese had left, he turned to Natalie. "You don't have to come with me if you don't want to." "No, I want to. Besides, I want to hear what you were going to say to me before Reese came in." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie followed Nick into the loft, watching as he sank into the couch. "Now, what is it you were going to tell me about LaCroix?" He looked at her, now uncertain if he should tell her or not. He didn't have much choice, really. And he *had* wanted to make sure she was okay, something that was easier if she knew. "Someone--a vampire--wants to see me dead. LaCroix told me that tonight and told me to be careful. He also said I might want to watch you in case the vampire tried something, and I'm going to make a guess and say they went after Tracy. If this vampire did take her...I can't really say anything to Reese about it." "Who is 'this vampire', anyway?" "I don't know. LaCroix wasn't very forthcoming on the subject. But he did mention that he's a few years older than LaCroix, and the two have apparently known each other for some time--although only in passing. I...take it that LaCroix did a few things the other didn't handle very well." "Let me guess, he wouldn't explain that, either?" He shook his head. "Sometimes LaCroix will answer questions, and sometimes even prying them out doesn't work. Right now, he's not budging." "Does he know about Tracy missing yet?" "No. And he isn't taking this very well for whatever reason. From what I can tell, this vampire has him rattled--which is far from normal for LaCroix." Natalie came and sat next to Nick on the couch, at which Nick reached for the phone. "Nick, do you want me to leave?" "No. You'll be safer here. I'll be just a moment." He quickly dialled the number for the Raven, and as soon as it was picked up, he demanded, "I need to speak to LaCroix." "One moment," the bartender replied. About a minute later, the phone was picked back up, "Yes, Nicholas?" "LaCroix...Tracy's missing. She went to meet someone about the time I came by the Raven and she hasn't returned." He waited, but the other didn't comment. "Do you have any idea where this vampire might be? Any idea whatsoever? If he's taken her--" "If he's taken her, it's probably a trap to lure you in. You *cannot* go after her, no matter what information you find." "If she was taken by him, will he harm her? Tell me now, LaCroix." "I do not know." "Don't know, or won't tell me?" "Nicholas...." "LaCroix, will he harm her?" There was a silent pause, and then an answer, "If he sees it useful to him, yes." "Do you think he took her?" "Possibly. Although I would have expected him to go for the Doctor-- she means more to you than that other." Nick glanced in Natalie's direction. "Perhaps, but Tracy is my friend, too. Will you promise to tell me if you get anything new?" "Yes, I will tell you. You will be at your loft?" "For today," Nick answered, and then heard LaCroix hang up. Putting the phone back on the receiver, he faced Natalie again. "Not very encouraging, I take it?" "LaCroix isn't sure, but he does believe Tracy could have been taken by this vampire...and no, still nothing on who it might be." "So, all you know is that some vampire wants to kill you?" "Yeah, to get back at LaCroix for something." "Do you know what for?" "No." Remembering LaCroix' answer to one of his questions, he added, "LaCroix believes this vampire has a good chance of succeeding. I'm not sure what to think of that at the moment." Natalie went silent at that. If this vampire had a good chance of succeeding, that meant Nick had a good chance of dying. She knew neither of them was prepared for this kind of a situation. "I wish this was just a dream." "I know, so do I. Even LaCroix would agree with that, wouldn't he?" Nick nodded. "Yeah, I think he'd agree." Closing his eyes, Nick leaned his head back and rested. He wouldn't sleep as he had to many things to think about, but he could at least conserve his energy. He hoped something would be heard during the day or the next night at the latest, but if it was this vampire, he doubted any more information would be found. Natalie watched Nick as his breathing slowed. She resisted the urge to reach out and touch him, aware that it would bother him. So she continued to watch him, her thoughts unknowingly similar to his. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Entering the sound booth the next night, LaCroix immediately focused on a cassette tape sitting next to the microphone. He picked the cassette up and took it over to a tape player where he played the tape: "Ah, Lucius, my friend...just thought I'd give you a little update on things. Has Nicholas told you the news yet? Well, whether he has or not, suffice it to say--I have her. Or, at least, I know where she is. Now, my question is are you going to tell Nicholas of this? We both know she's bait, but with the way your son cares for the mortals...is he really going to just stand by and wait if he knows I have her?" Several seconds of silence played. LaCroix was about to hit stop when the voice continued, "Not just yet. This is going to be fun, you know. Nicholas will suffer. He will eventually die, of course, but not right away. I wonder...have you even told him who I am? Ah, but of course not. That would be a weakness, wouldn't it? That something from your mortal life could have such a large affect on you. You subscribed to the 'let go your mortal bonds' doctrine, if I recall. Just goes to show that you can't ignore your past--not completely." A deep chuckle interrupted the words. "How are you sleeping, General? Or perhaps I should say aedile...you held quite a bit of influence in that position, didn't you? I'm sure you remember what you did. The senate no longer exists, Lucius. You now have only yourself for protection. How well do you sleep with the knowledge that I wish to kill your son? Not too well, I'll guess. I could have him killed during the day. By the time you realised what was happening, you'd be too late." There was a slight pause on the tape, then the voice continued, "He'd be gone. Dead. And I would take from you what you have taken from me. Think on it a little." LaCroix waited, but this time there was nothing more to hear. He stopped the tape and pulled it out. Glaring at the cassette, LaCroix smashed it against the edge of the table, cracking the plastic. It broke into two entirely separate pieces, both the casing and the tape breaking. If Marius harmed Nicholas in anyway, he would see that the older vampire paid for it with his life. He would see to it, even if it took years to hunt Marius down. Turning to the cassette pieces, he took the time to unwind the tape from both halves, piling the shiny brown material in front of him. Once it was all out from the tape, he picked up the pile, pulled, and released his grip, creating a messy pile of shredded tape. How the tape had gotten here, he did not know. However, it worried him greatly. If Marius could slip in here, so close to him, how could he prevent Marius from killing Nicholas? Fiat Justitia - (04/12) LaCroix had sensed Nicholas call to him across their bond. Nicholas rarely did so, which meant something was certainly wrong. As the sun sat high overhead, it had taken several extra minutes to reach Nicholas' home. Several minutes too long, by his guess. He pushed open the door to the elevator. His nostrils filled with the dead metallic scent of blood--Nicholas' blood. For the first time in many years, LaCroix felt sick to his stomach. He wanted to throw up then and there, and yet something stopped him. He walked in further, following the scent. Soon, he could see Nicholas sprawled out on the floor, blood seeping from several wounds. There was one puddle of blood coming from the back of his son's head, and another settling around Nicholas' abdomen. However, a stake through his son's heart produced the most prominent wound. The wood was elegantly carved, but it only made him feel worse. Steeling himself, he reached forward, taking hold of the wood even though it burned him. He pulled the stake out, letting the ornate piece of wood clatter to the floor. He knelt and put his hand over the wound in Nicholas' chest. Pulling his hand back, he tasted the blood on his palm. It was dead. Empty of the life he created and guided. Nicholas was gone. He screamed out of frustration. Sitting on the blood-covered floor, LaCroix pulled Nicholas closer, lifting Nicholas' head into his lap. He held his son's head to him, blood coating his fingers. Marius had killed his son, and he could do nothing to reverse it. LaCroix sat bolt upright in bed. He closed his eyes, but the images he saw made him reopen them almost immediately. Nicholas gone...Nicholas dead...was it a dream? Was it even a nightmare? Once his breathing had calmed somewhat, he closed his eyes, ignoring the image of his child killed, lying in a puddle of his own blood. He reached out for his son, at first feeling nothing. He pushed at it further, eventually finding Nicholas' presence. All was well. Nicholas was with that mortal doctor, but at the moment he didn't care about that. Nicholas was perfectly fine and sleeping soundly. Finally turning to the clock, LaCroix glared at the bright red numbers, wanting to send the same glare back. It was ten thirty. In the morning. He'd not even slept two hours. He closed his eyes again, trying to block everything out. And yet, he couldn't. His breathing was still somewhat ragged, his heart actually managing a beat out more than once a minute, but just barely. His body physically hurt at the rapid beats. Again covered in blood-sweat, he stood and went to take a shower. This time he kept the water cold, the cool liquid calming his body, slowing his heart just enough to make it bearable. After drying off and getting something to drink, he didn't go back to his bedroom. He would not be able to sleep like this. Instead he sat in his black leather recliner and let the cool surface help calm him further. He nearly reached for the phone, but didn't. Nicholas would not understand his worry. Not only that, but it would only cause his son to worry more. He attempted a laugh at that, nearly succeeding. Nicholas worrying more. At times he wondered if that were even possible. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Tracy jumped as the door to the room she was in opened. Since she'd been shoved into the room, no one had entered until now. She spun, a tall, thin man staring back at her. She involuntarily shivered. The man's eyes were a medium brown, just matching the brown in his half- grey hair. Almost immediately she could tell he was a vampire, or, at least, she was pretty sure that's what he was. Vachon and LaCroix were the only two that had ever made her feel like this. Vachon was gone, and although she wasn't entirely sure, having been told otherwise, she suspected the latter was a vampire. He just didn't seem normal. And this man reminded her sharply of LaCroix. She watched as he closed the door and started toward her with an almost insane grin. "Are you the one that had me kidnapped?" she asked as that was the only thing she was sure of. "I suppose you could say that." He grinned. "I'm Marius, by the way." She ignored the introduction. The name meant nothing to her. "Why am I here?" "Ah...let's just say so I can get back at an old 'friend'." Marius spun slowly, taking in the room with a smile. "They did a good job, didn't they? No windows, phone jacks, electrical outlets or anything of that sort...just a nice, simple, comfy room with no way out. So, just a suggestion, but...don't waste your time looking for an exit. There's nothing here that you can use." Tracy watched as he started back for the door, and panic ran through her mind. Was he just going to leave her there? "Wait!" "Don't worry, our conversation this evening isn't over with just yet." Marius opened the door and closed it most of the way behind him. Then, a few seconds later, he re-entered with a plate in his hand. Again closing the door, he walked over to the bed and set the plate of food down. "Come," he said, sitting on one side and indicating the other. "If you eat now, I'll give you something to eat with. I'm sure you would rather not eat mashed potatoes and gravy with your hands." Tracy stared at the plate. She hadn't eaten in more than twenty- four hours, and even if the plate had nothing but bread on it, she would eat it. This plate, however, had what he'd mentioned as well as what looked like seasoned turkey--not the typical prisoner's meal. Remembering a recent case, one in which Vachon had explained about those that catered to their victims for their blood, her stomach flipped. Marius noticed her reaction. "Would you rather have powdered eggs or stale bread? I can have that prepared if you wish." He laughed lightly at the mortal. From what he'd heard in the Community, the woman knew of vampires...and from her behaviour, he was sure of it. "You know what I am, don't you?" Hearing her pulse increase, confirming his suspicions, he let out another laugh. "Don't worry. You're not my prey--just the bait. Now," he said, placing a fork and knife on the plate, "Eat up--you don't want your meal to get cold, now do you?" Hesitantly, Tracy stepped closer to the bed. Reaching forward and picking the plate up, she prepared to dart away, but a cold, strong hand wrapped around her wrist. "You eat right here or not at all. We don't want to lose the silverware, do we?" She tried pulling out of the grip, but the hand wouldn't release her. So, she cautiously sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for him to let go. Once the mortal's pulse had calmed, Marius released her wrist. "Eat. I will not harm you unless you make me." She stared at him, his low, silky voice nearly commanding her. Shaking her head slightly, she turned away from the man and did as told. Tracy ate her meal quickly under the man's scrutiny. Finishing all but a few bites of the mashed potatoes, the plate truly too much for her, she asked, "Who am I bait for? I want to know at least that." "Your partner," Marius simply answered. "And he's your 'prey'?" Marius stared at her, a faint grin sliding into place. "No. No, if Nicholas were my prey, I would not be going through this. Nicholas' father is my true prey. *He* is the one that will suffer. And he will suffer the most with his son's death." Taking the plate and utensils from the mortal, Marius stood and went to the door as she absorbed his words. Then, he left, locking the door securely behind him. Tracy just sat and stared blankly forward. Nick's father? She didn't even know Nick had any living family. And Nick's father would have to be older than the man before him. But why Nick? What did Nick have to do with vampires? It hit her in an instant. She could make a list of comparisons between her partner and vampires. Nick was allergic to sunlight, she'd never seen him eat, and he was allergic to garlic, the last of which she'd heard from others. There were other things as well, things that were clicking into place if he was a vampire. "Damn you, Nick," she muttered, and then put her head in her hands. Like that was going to help. If he was a vampire.... But was he? She considered it, but she didn't see him as evil, nor did she feel the evil around him. And if he was a vampire, just who was his father? Was it someone she knew, or someone else? Stupid questions. All she had were questions and no real answers. Except that if Nick was, indeed, a vampire, that was why a vampire would kidnap her, and that's why she was bait. From what she knew of Nick, she didn't think he'd just let her rot away...and neither did this Marius seem to think that. He was counting on Nick to come after her. Counting on it in order to kill him. She set her jaw, wishing she had something...but she already knew her weapon, badge, and everything she was carrying was missing. That, and there was nothing in the room remotely useful to her. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Landing outside the Raven, Nick quickly slid in the back door and made his way over to where LaCroix sat at the bar. "I want answers, LaCroix. I want to know who this vampire is and why he's after you." LaCroix turned to his son. He nearly brushed the other off, but the anger he saw changed his mind. Standing, he walked silently into the office. Nick pulled the door shut behind him. "Tell me, now. I know you know." LaCroix continued on his path and sat at his desk. Then, focusing on his son, he answered, "His name is Marius. Gneaus Marius." "How did he become one of us?" "The vampire that made Divia. I did not find out until after I'd been brought across." "And?" "I knew him from when I was mortal. His...son...attempted to kill me. A former slave of my family was with me at the time. His loyalty, even as a freedman, sent him to his death. Marius' son died for the attempt, partially because of mine and other senators' influence in the matter." "And that's why he wants to kill me? Because you made sure his son died for trying to kill you?" LaCroix laughed lightly. "No. He wants to kill me for that *and* another matter." Nick stared at the elder, waiting for a response. There was nothing. "LaCroix?" "Marius has a tendency to raise uncontrollable children, whether they be mortal or not." "How many times have you met Marius? And just what could be worse than assuring his son's death? His flesh and blood." LaCroix laughed, even though the matter was quite serious. "Oh, I did something worse. The first time I merely had a part in the ruling, and I had the right to it by law. The second time I took the matter into my own hands." LaCroix stopped, then in a flat tone stated, "He had an out of control fledgling. Marius was absent and the situation was getting out of control. I killed him. Marius arrived several hours later. I was unaware the vampire was Marius' until then." "You killed Marius' son for getting out of control? I've been out of control, and more than once. Most vampires get out of control on occasion." "This was *not* an isolated event, Nicholas. I killed him because he knew he was out of control and was having fun with it. He'd revealed himself to the mortals on several occasions, even revealing myself twice. The first time I gave him a warning. The second time I killed him. He was a danger to the community, rather like that doctor you brought over several centuries ago. Marius took his son's death personally." "And that's why he wants to kill me." "Yes, and he will not." "But Tracy...I can't just leave her." "He wants you to go after her. She's bait to get you. I will not permit you to go after her." "You can't stop me." "You are mine whether you like it or not, Nicholas! I will do as I please." Silently, Nick passed a folded sheet of paper to the other. "Read it, LaCroix. It was addressed to me, or, I should say, me through the precinct. Formally it was addressed to Reese, and both him and Tracy's father have seen it. It arrived during the day." LaCroix took the paper, not looking at it until he had pulled it closer, hesitant to see what had been written on it. Turning his gaze down and unfolding the sheet, he read it to himself. "I have her. That's all you need to know. If you want her back alive Nicholas must come to me alone. And make sure his father doesn't interfere. I would hate to have to kill her on a technicality. Just to make sure, I want Nicholas' father to stay at the precinct. If I call and he's not there, the detective dies. And I will call. You have until midnight to be at the precinct. Have fun, Lucius." Resisting the urge to crumple the paper, he passed it back to the younger. "He is mad." "He's also serious." "He should *not* have involved the mortals in this." "But he has. I told Reese we'd be at the precinct by midnight." "*We* will not be at the precinct by midnight. *You* may if you wish, although it won't do any good." "If he goes through with his words, he'll kill her." "And if he kills her now, he has nothing to use against us." "I'm not going to leave her there." "And I am not going to let him kill you!" "Then do what you want, LaCroix. But I'm telling them why he took Tracy." He watched the other stiffen. "It doesn't matter. I didn't tell them who you are and Marius called you Lucius. You don't have to be involved in this, but I will do what I can to get Tracy back alive. If that means doing what he wants, then I will." LaCroix tensed as the younger turned and left, the door to his office slamming. Barely in control, he brought his hand down on his desk in a fist. He slowed the descent just enough to avoid damaging the wood. Why had Marius involved the mortals? But he knew why. Marius was trying to do anything he could to make this more difficult. The other would not kill Nicholas. He would not allow it, no matter what he had to do to ensure it. Fiat Justitia - (05/12) "Your...father isn't here," Reese stated, his stress-level clear by the stern expression on his face. "And you won't tell me who he is. We can order him to be here." Nick just sat at the table, avoiding the other's gaze. "It's after midnight. You said he'd be here." "I said I'd try to get him to come. I tried and he refused." "And he knows who this guy is, doesn't he?" Nick turned sharply toward Reese. After several seconds, he answered, "Yes." "Do you?" He hesitated, not sure what would be best to say. Eventually, he said, "No." "Do you know why Tracy was taken?" At that, Nick turned away from his superior. "Yes." "Why? If you won't say who your father is and don't know who this is, at least answer this." "The man who took Tracy really wants me. He wants to kill me because of my importance to my father." Hearing the door open behind him, Nick tensed, now afraid that LaCroix would come in. He turned his head--it was Natalie. It was half an hour past midnight and he both wanted and didn't want LaCroix to come through that door. He could feel his sire nearby, but he couldn't determine how close. LaCroix could be across the street, in the building, or right outside the door as far as he knew. Reese turned his attention to Natalie, the colour drained from her face. "Nick mentioned he wanted you here." "Ah, yeah, well, someone else is here as well," she said, stepping further into the room. LaCroix stepped through the still open door, expression cool. "Nicholas informed me that my presence was...requested." Reese recognised the man immediately, remembering him from a few weeks previous. "LaCroix. *You're* Knight's father?" "In a matter of speaking." "You're not old enough," Reese stated. "Looks can be deceiving." "I know your age--you both stated it and it's in your background. You're not old enough to be his father." "Words can also be deceiving," LaCroix evenly spoke, his eyes not leaving the mortal nor even wavering in their focus. "Are you trying to tell me that your records are falsified?" Reese waited, but neither spoke. No matter how much he asked, he doubted he'd get a straight answer. Turning his attention to LaCroix, he continued, "Nick mentioned you know who's doing this. Do you?" "Yes." "What is the man's name?" "Knowing it will do you no good. You will find nothing on him." "His name?" "Gnaeus Marius is the name I knew him as. He has undoubtedly changed it by now." "Through what do you know him? School, perhaps? It's clear you've known him for some time." LaCroix stared in silence at the other before answering, "We grew up in the same area and our paths crossed too often." Reese leaned on the table, his anger barely controlled at the vague responses. "He addressed you as 'Lucius'." Reese watched the other raise an eyebrow, unsurprised. "Why?" "Because it is my name." Somewhat annoyed by the questions, he sharply added, "Your inquiries will do nothing to get back your detective, as I believe that's why I'm here." "From what I understand, he wants you here in order to keep an eye on you. This G...Gn...." "Gnaeus." "....Marius, or whatever, wants to kill Nick, and he's trying to do it through kidnapping his partner with a goal of hurting you. Now, this man is going to an awful lot of trouble in order to reach his goal. What I want to know is why." Reese was confronted by the same unconcerned glance that had been present the entire time. "What did you do to him to warrant this reaction?" Nick watched his sire remain silent, only infuriating Reese more. He knew LaCroix wouldn't answer and Reese wasn't going to let it drop. "Marius blames him for the death of two of his sons. And he wants to kill me because I'm LaCroix' son." Reese looked between the two, still unable to comprehend it. "I don't believe you're father and son. Not biologically." "Nicholas is mine through...alternative means." When that wasn't satisfactory, he added, "I suppose you could say I 'adopted' Nicholas. However you chose to look at it, we are family and Nicholas *is* my son. Do not prod further." Reese set his jaw before proceeding. "Has this 'Marius' done anything to you before? Actions, threats?" "A...threat the last time we met." "When? Where?" "A long time ago and far from here. That is all you need know." "I disagree. What was the threat?" "That he would kill one of my children, specifically a son. Now, I believe all that is left is to wait." Seeing the mortal captain prepare to protest, he explained, "I will answer no more questions on the matter. I am here because it is important to Nicholas that no harm comes needlessly to his partner. That is the only reason. And, at least while I am here, I can keep a close eye on my son." "And I'm not going to let Marius kill her," Nick countered. "And I will *not* let him kill you." "If he wants me, then I will take Tracy's place. That is my choice, not yours." "I'm not trading her life for yours, Knight," Reese stated, stopping what seemed to be turning into an argument--an argument he unconsciously knew he would be unable to stop. "Thank you, Captain." Reese walked up to LaCroix, then stated, "I do not agree with you. Do not think that for a moment. I want both of them safe and sound." "Marius *will* kill her if he does not get Nicholas. And he will *not* get Nicholas." "Why should I take anything you say about this man seriously? As far as I know, you've made up every word you've said." Nick remained sitting for several seconds, watching the two face off. Slowly, he stood and approached them. "Take him seriously, Captain. Although not the entire truth, I believe I can confidently say he is not lying." Natalie, having silently watched until now, took a step forward, the sound enough for Nick and LaCroix to notice the movement. "I think we should wait, and quietly, unless there is anything specific we should all know." "I agree," LaCroix stated, leaving it at that and watching his son nod. Reese, outnumbered, also gave a faint nod. "We'll wait." Looking for the first time to the phone and assorted technology arranged at one end of the table, he told his detective, "If that rings, have someone come get me and make sure it's recording before it's answered." He sent a glare at LaCroix, then left. Fiat Justitia - (06/12) "You said that he'd call by dawn," Reese stated as they all sat at the table, waiting, now an hour after said time. LaCroix raised an eyebrow to the mortal, but said nothing. They couldn't have long to wait. Marius would be a fool to wait until later in the day. By being held in this room, he was, of course, trapped until the sun set. Marius knew that, but unless he called to check, he could not know his location for sure. "He *will* call. And soon." Five minutes later, the room largely unchanged with no response to the flit of conversation minutes before, the phone rang. The man sitting next to it quickly started recording the call and it was put on speaker. "Well, well.... I hope my dear Lucius is there. I would hate to learn that he is not, and so would Miss Vetter." LaCroix scowled at the speaker. "I am here." "Good. And Nicholas...?" "If it is me that you want, tell me what to do." Marius' voice morphed into a chuckle. "I doubt your Captain would agree to that. Or Lucius, for that matter. Now, I want to know precisely who is present. If I find out later there were others, I will not take the information kindly. Let's see...Lucius, Nicholas, Captain Reese, and whoever had the bad luck to man the recording of this. Am I missing anyone? Do remember that I requested no others to be present. I would hate to find out Miss Vetter's father is listening." "He's not here," Nick answered. Then, sparing a glance to Natalie, he said, "I requested that a friend participate. If you've watched me enough, you know who she is. She can leave if needed." "Participate. Such a wonderful word...I nearly *did* give her a part in this. Miss Lambert, you should be glad you were spared the ordeal Miss Vetter will experience." "Why didn't you take me? I'm closer to Nick than Tracy." "For precisely that reason. When I realised I could have a little more...fun...by changing my plans I did. Remember, this has little to do with you or even Nicholas." "I want to speak to her," Reese interjected. "Prove that she's alive." "Not at this moment. Later, perhaps. You see...she isn't nearby." Marius laughed. "If you're tracing this, you'll find that it's a payphone on Yonge. Look for me if you wish. You will find nothing." "What do you want? Exactly?" Reese questioned. "Hasn't Lucius already told you? He killed my son--two of them, my children. So, I will kill his. It is simple. Once he is broken, the woman will be released. Otherwise, she dies and I will try again some other time." "Why now and why only Nicholas? I want to know why you only wish to kill one of my children." "Because I've already had my revenge for my first child." Marius' voice stopped, and when there was no reaction, he whispered, "Divia." LaCroix' lips parted slightly. "Divia...." "Her 'cure' was suggested by myself. To think, you're sitting in this room because of me. In a way, it was I that killed my son, but I do not regret the decision, the suggestion I made, or its consequences. This, I think, will more than satisfy me. Losing a second son was worth gaining the opportunity to see one such as you crumble. More than worth it." LaCroix closed his eyes, bowing his head slightly as Marius hung up. He clenched his teeth together, willing himself to keep control despite the information gained. "Who is Divia?" Reese asked, standing, at which both Nick and Natalie tensed, LaCroix remaining barely in control. Nick stood, intercepting his superior before he reached LaCroix. "Please, Captain. Give us a few minutes." "Give me a reason first." He hesitated, but answered, "Divia was his daughter." After giving LaCroix a glance, Reese nodded. "A few minutes." He gestured to the other in the room, telling the man to leave. Then, they each left. Nick's attention drifted to Natalie once the other two mortals had left. "You too, Nat. Please." He waited, then watched as she silently exited, closing the door behind her as quietly as possible. Turning to face where LaCroix sat, his back to him, Nick walked forward and put a hand on his sire's shoulder. LaCroix brought his opposite hand up to cover his son's hand. "Thank you, Nicholas," he forced, the words quiet and strained. "Marius' involvement in that...I didn't even suspect. Divia told me she'd been chosen because of the purity of her evil and I believed her. Perhaps it was still a factor. But she was brought over because of Marius' madness." "And if she hadn't, neither of us would be here today." "By having her brought over, Marius unleashed her evil." LaCroix stood, gently pushing the other's hand off. He walked across the room, around the table, turning as he reached the far wall. "I know the stories I told her shaped her, that *I* shaped her, and so too her upbringing, but until she was brought across she was *not* evil! She was a child. Perhaps somewhat warped in her views, but still a child. And his influence destroyed that. He had no right to take that from her. No right!" Nick stood firm against the outburst, amber tinged eyes locked on him, seething. "He's trying to feed your anger, to break you." "I know what he's doing!" he hissed, taking a slow step forward. "What's done is done, LaCroix. If Divia had never been brought over, you would have died in Pompeii." LaCroix flew at the younger, his thoughts snapping at the statement. Pushing his son against the wall and pinning him at the neck, he hissed, "I am fully aware of what it would have led to! Do not think I haven't considered if it would have been better to die then. I was asked a simple question, whether to live or to die. I found the question somewhat ridiculous, but I answered it. Of course I wanted to live. I wanted to live, but I wanted to continue my life as it was and not have to start back at nothing." Feeling the hands around his throat loosen somewhat, Nick stated, "You've questioned what you are." "Yes. And after I killed Divia I wanted nothing to do with what I was or how I was 'alive', if it could even be called that." He let go of his son and stepped back, turning as he tried to gain control again. Nick cautiously took a step forward. "You searched for a cure, didn't you? You wanted to be free of this." LaCroix remained faced away from the younger. This conversation was going to far in his opinion, but there was no point in denying it. "Yes." He gradually spun to face the younger vampire. "There is nothing, Nicholas. I know because I've tried, and watching you.... Nicholas, some of the so-called 'cures' will kill us. You have been lucky in that you've either avoided or luckily missed those. There is no 'cure', not even a quick fix that lasts more than a few days. The only escape is death. I again had the choice to live or die. I again chose to live. Sometimes I'm afraid your search will take you from me. I have no wish for that." The door opened, admitting the three mortals that had left earlier. He gave them a glance before focusing on his son. "Now you know why I am against your...quest. Do with this knowledge as you will, but remember it. We will not speak of this again, Nicholas. Never." Nick stared straight ahead, stunned by the information as LaCroix returned to his seat at the table. There was no cure. He wasn't sure whether to believe it or not. LaCroix had said the same in the past. But this.... He knew Divia was important to LaCroix, and between her coming to Toronto and now Marius, yet another piece of LaCroix' mortal life, the other was becoming uncharacteristically unstable. He shifted his gaze toward his sire's back. Then, to no one in particular, he stated, "I'll be back in a few minutes," and left the room. Reese stepped to the side as Nick left, Natalie going after him. He waited for several seconds, then walked up to the table next to LaCroix. "You've known Marius for a long time." "I suppose you could say that." "How well?" "Not very. Our paths had the unfortunate fate to cross, and more than once at that." "How many times have you met this man?" LaCroix considered his answer, but only for a few seconds. He was too tired, too drained to try and avoid the questions. "Three times. Once, after his son attempted to kill me, the second time Divia introduced us, and the third time was when he came and found another of his sons dead." "What did you do to him? Did you kill them?" "I had a part in their deaths," he simply answered. "But I did nothing directly to him. I was on the...right side of the law in both instances, and his children would have died even if I didn't take the actions I did." Reese tensed at the explanation. It was avoidant. He knew LaCroix had very probably killed the second son. He was nearly positive of it. "You killed the second. Physically." "Yes." "I would like an explanation." "Different location, different time, different laws. I *was* within my rights." "Where? When?" "I highly suggest you cease this probing. It will do you no good. I also suggest that you do not meddle with my past. You will find nothing in my records that isn't already known or useless." Reese suppressed his anger. LaCroix was too good at manipulating his environment--including conversations. "I'm doing a background check." "Waste your time if you wish. It will give you no leads to Marius." "And I'm bringing in a sketch artist. I want a physical description of this man from you. And you *will* provide one." With that, Reese left before he could get a protest. LaCroix tried to make himself more comfortable in the chair and closed his eyes. Why had he come? To keep an eye on Nicholas. He would not lose his son. He could not allow it. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "Nick, stop!" Natalie said through clenched teeth, pulling on Nick's arm as he walked down the hall. "Nat, please.... Please don't ask." He pulled out of her grip and continued across the room, and then, switching directions, slipped into the door to the men's room. Natalie came to an abrupt stop outside the door. She could wait, but then so could Nick, who would be listening for her presence. She knew there was no way she could stand here all day. "Damn it, Nick." She glared at the door, and then, in a soft but harsh whisper, she stated, "Get out here or I'm coming in," fully aware he'd be able to hear her. About to push the door open, it opened to emit another detective. "Is Nick the only one in there?" she asked, and receiving a somewhat confused and definite nod, she pushed in on the door. Inside, hands leaning on the counter, she found Nick with his eyes closed. "You shouldn't be in here." "I've never seen you go into a bathroom before. What's your reason for being in here?" He broke his stance, turning his gaze to her. "We do use one occasionally, you know." She ignored the cold statement; although it was something he'd never actually told her before, despite her asking. "I doubt that's why you're in here. Nick, what's going on? LaCroix mentioned your quest. What did he tell you?" Nick turned back, again closing his eyes, this time much tighter. What was he supposed to tell her? That she was lucky he was still alive from their attempts? That all her time spent trying to help him was a waste and always would be? "Nick?" He bowed his head, leaning over even further. "Please, Nick." Eyes still closed he shook his head from side to side, not immediately speaking. "Nothing," he eventually answered. "It's nothing. LaCroix told me something private. I'm just a little surprised," he said, surprised in its partial truth. He was surprised and it was private. "If you want to talk about it, Nick...." "It's nothing, Nat. Really." Natalie tensed, partially from Nick's answer and partially from hearing the door open behind her. "Natalie, you shouldn't be in here," Reese stated, grabbing her attention. "Someone mentioned you came in here." Aware he was right, she gave him a glance, then one to Nick before turning back to Reese. She didn't want to leave Nick there, but he wasn't responding to her. Maybe some time alone would help him, or she hoped it would. She nodded to Reese and let the other lead her back into the precinct. She only half listened to him as he explained why she shouldn't have gone in there and wanted to know why. She didn't answer, her concern on Nick and whatever knowledge was bothering him. Fiat Justitia - (07/12) Late that night, around three in the morning, Nick stood on the roof of a building several down from the precinct, staring at the building that his master was practically kept prisoner in. Reese wasn't letting LaCroix leave the precinct for more that a short time, and then always under watch from an officer--specifically someone other than himself. As far as Reese knew, he was on a walk. Reese had assigned an officer to tail him, but that was quickly taken care of. The officer was probably explaining to Reese that he'd lost him. He didn't care. Remaining calm, he closed his eyes and flew straight up and away from the precinct. He needed a break. Which didn't last long as his phone rang. He considered just letting it ring. It was probably Reese or Natalie. He knew the later was particularly worried, Reese not far behind. Landing on a rooftop and pulling out the phone, Nick answered it with a hint of frustration. "Knight." "Good. Hello, Nicholas...." Nick stiffened, his eyes widening somewhat. "Marius." "Very good." "How did you get this number?" "Your partner divulged it." "If you've harmed her...." "She's doing quite well. Three meals a day, better food than she probably eats on a normal basis. Unharmed so far. Lucius seems to be doing as asked. It surprises me somewhat." Marius paused before pushing, "Have I hurt him? I'm sure he must remember me. I'm sure he must remember Divia." "He remembers," Nick stated, angry at the pleasure in the other's tone. "What do you want with me?" "To kill you, of course. To hurt Lucius as he has hurt me. To destroy him. Tell me, how is he handling this?" Nick ignored the question. At the same time, he realised he was in a good position to bargain. Marius had called him and only him. He suspected that if Marius did not get him, he'd not only kill Tracy but attempt this again; attempt killing him again. He closed his eyes and thought of LaCroix, pacing in the conference room, very much disturbed by this vampire's intentions. LaCroix would not be able to go through this again and it was hard watching his sire like this now. It would be better if he just did what Marius wanted. At least then LaCroix would have the chance to end this. LaCroix could then find him through their link. He knew his sire could track him. "Nicholas? How is your father doing?" "You want me." "In the literal sense, yes. I want to use you against him." "And you'll spare Tracy if I come to you?" "If you come alone, you have my word that I will not harm her." "And you will leave her alive after you've killed me, if it comes to that?" Marius laughed. "Oh, you will die. I will see to that. But yes, I will not harm her; I will not touch her after you have died. Will you come to me? Sacrifice yourself for her? For your father? Once you die I will leave him alone. He will never hear of me again. He'd like that, wouldn't he?" Nick's thoughts buzzed together. Marius would leave LaCroix alone if he had him. LaCroix had already admitted there was no cure. If he died by Marius...at least LaCroix would be spared the fear he mentioned. That is, if he even continued to search for a cure. It would also assure the cessation of Natalie's involvement with him and his kind, although he knew it would hurt her. It would hurt LaCroix worse if this just passed by and Marius succeeded in killing him sometime in the future. "I accept," he stated. "Good. Now, give me your location." "Why?" "Because I don't want you to know where I am. It would be a pity to discover someone is listening in on our little conversation." Nick tensed, and then resolutely told Marius where he was. Marius hung up without another word and he put his phone away, doubting his decision. Marius obviously didn't want to take the chance of being tracked. But the question was just how much did Marius plan and how well? If LaCroix couldn't find him, he was signing a death wish of a sort, and one that was intended to harm LaCroix, so he seriously doubted that it would be a quick death. All he knew is he couldn't stand in the same room with his sire and watch the other literally fall to pieces, waiting. He had to do something, and right now LaCroix and Reese had no way of stopping him. He couldn't watch this happen again and doubted LaCroix would fare well if it did. Several minutes later, he felt a gentle but sudden breeze from behind him. He slowly turned around to come face to face with another man--a couple of years older than LaCroix with slightly longer, greying brown hair. The vampire was straight faced, and in a way, gave him the immediate impression of LaCroix. Perhaps it was because they were both Roman. Both Roman but this man carried himself different, probably from different backgrounds. "Marius." Gnaeus Marius smiled, pleased at the other's reaction. "Yes. You're quite young, you know. Weak. Of a different generation, a different race if you'd like to go that far. Remember Divia? I'm like her. She was supposed to kill you." "You brought Divia here." "I supposed you could say that. I...nudged her in the right direction. She was only too pleased at the information. I thought she could handle it. But apparently you're old enough to not be affected by her. Try me." Nick, somewhat confused, found Marius gone. Another second and he felt the other pull him back and bite into him, drawing blood and scratching his skin. It burned from the inside out, similar to when Divia attacked him, but more intense. In seconds, he was out. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Tracy pulled at the handcuffs on her wrist that was held by Marius. He was moving her to another room. She could only guess at the reason, but was too tired to ask as she been asleep when Marius came in. Coming to another room, which he unlocked, they entered and she froze as her eyes wandered across the room, stopping on her partner. Nick was lying on his side, some kind of collar around his neck with a chain, which was about three metres long and connected to the wall. The chain, the collar, and the plate they were connected to were made out of a bright metal. She swallowed, aware the chain was probably too strong for Nick to break--she didn't think Marius, a vampire, would make such a mistake. Other than that change, the room seemed similar to the one she'd been in, although it was less elaborate and far more...prison like. "What did you do to him?" she managed as Marius unlocked the cuffs. "Nothing much. What I actually *did* to him should wear off soon. I also gave him a mild sedative that should keep him calm for a little. When he wakes you might want to tell him about that collar-- it has a blade lining the middle. If he jerks too hard on the chain it will decapitate him." Marius smiled, giving a glance to the younger vampire. "It might be wise to keep your distance until he is conscious as he's somewhat...low on blood at the moment. We wouldn't want him to accidentally kill you, would we?" He then quickly stepped back and left the room, the door locking shut behind him. Now in silence, Tracy looked around the room again. The floor was bare cement, the walls and bed sheets bleached-white. A faint tremor ran through her at the coldness of the room, her eyes drifting back to her partner's form. Although tempted to approach, she didn't, remembering Marius' warning. She stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed, not sure if her motivation was fear or common sense. After all, if Nick was a vampire, she suspected he could very well wake hungry. Fifteen minutes later, her eyes hadn't strayed from him. She stiffened, nearly standing up when he took in a deep breath. Less than a minute later, he shifted his head and looked at her, his golden eyes locking on her. Her first impression was that of a hungry dog--one that would eat anything presented to it. Prepared to put more distance between them, however, she watched his eyes soften, the initial urgency fade. As he closed his eyes, shifting his weight and sitting up, Tracy stood but didn't take any steps closer. "Nick?" His eyes snapped open at her, half-gold and half-blue. Watching him raise his hand to the collar, she stated, "Marius said the inside is sharp." Nick ran his thumb along the inside of the collar. "The edge is dull, but it is a blade," he said, his voice almost normal, but somewhat harsh. "Marius said it could decapitate you. Could it?" He nodded. "Yes. The edge is blunt enough to not cut much as it is, but it's more than sharp enough to kill me." He again touched the inside of the collar, using more pressure this time. Pulling his thumb back, it was sliced, blood trickling from the cut. "Perhaps not decapitate, but kill, certainly. A blade doesn't have to be super sharp to cut, it just takes more effort." Tracy took a step closer, but froze when Nick sucked the blood off his thumb. When he lowered his hand, she could see the cut already starting to heal. "How long have I been here?" "I don't know...it's been fifteen or twenty minutes since Marius moved me to this room. You were already here." "He moved you?" "Yes." "Did he say why?" She shook her head. "Does it matter?" "I'm not sure." Nick let his gaze drift from her. "But if he's put us in the same room, I think he's counting on me killing you. Or, at least, that's what he'd prefer." Tracy tensed. "Would you? I mean, could you kill me without meaning it, without really wanting to?" He again met her eyes. "Yes, possibly, if I'm hungry enough." Then, elaborating slightly, he told her, "It's not a position I've been in often, particularly the last hundred years." "What's special about the last hundred years?" "I don't kill for blood, Tracy. I don't even regularly drink human blood." He closed his eyes for a few seconds, trying to hold back his hunger but it wasn't working. Looking at her again, his eyes now soft amber, he stated, "But human blood is what my body wants, and if that want exceeds my strength, I will take anything within reach." He watched her take another step closer. "I would suggest keeping your distance, Tracy." Then, letting his fangs drop, he stated, "I'm serious. A hungry vampire is not something a mortal should get too close to." Tracy found her muscles unwilling to operate. The verbal admission stunned her, especially seeing his fangs, seeing him turn from what had nearly been normal to something far...different in a mere few sentences. Unsure if she should speak, she let her body calm down, took several small sliding steps backward until she found the bed, and then she slowly sat down. Satisfied that Tracy would keep her distance, Nick scooted himself against the wall and leaned against it, the chain clanking as he shifted. He slowly leaned his head back, closing his eyes, the room now silent. Fiat Justitia - (08/12) Half an hour later, LaCroix hissed at the speaker, barely in control of his nature, "What have you done with him!" "As I said, it was of his own will. And don't worry, Lucius...he's unharmed for now. In fact, I don't intend to do much to him for a while. Assuming, of course, you remain right where you are...I wouldn't want to find out you'd left as I'd have to kill them both. Wait, and you have my word that I will not kill the woman." "What are your intentions?" "You know the answer to that, Lucius. You are to suffer. And he knows that as well." Marius laughed. "He's giving himself up for you, Lucius. He's doing this for *you*. Aren't you touched?" Another laugh, and he hung up. LaCroix simmered in his chair for a few seconds, and then stood, his emotions barely under control. "How dare he do this! Either of them!" "I'm not exactly pleased at the situation either, LaCroix!" Reese shook his head. "Not only is Tracy with that guy, but so is Nick. I doubt we have anything to bargain with. Do we?" "No. Marius has what he wanted." LaCroix turned away from Reese so that only a wall could see him. His eyes burned gold. "If I leave here, I can find them," he stated. "If you leave here, and Marius finds out, they're both dead. You would leave and risk two lives?" Reese watched as LaCroix turned and met his eyes with a cold, icy stare, almost devoid of colour. Then, not sure if it was wise or not, he pushed ahead and asked, "You would risk your son's life for this?" "Marius intends to kill Nicholas, and I doubt his plans include a painless death." LaCroix started for the door and found Reese in his way. "If you leave here, you have no chance of seeing them alive. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if this Marius is watching the precinct, and he assuredly has surveillance equipment where he is. You don't even know where he is." Reese paused, watching the other stiffen. "Unless you're hiding more than you say." "I am keeping from you only what you need not know." "I ran a check on you. A deeper check than we ran a couple of months ago." "And what does that have to do with this?" LaCroix demanded, annoyed that the mortal kept prodding him. "There is nothing--literally nothing--and it raises my suspicions even higher." He watched the other tense but otherwise take the statement calmly. "The only holding in your name is the Raven. You don't have a driver's license. The only pieces of identification you have is a Canadian passport issued less than a year ago. You have no formal education records. No parking tickets, no formal charges against you. Every piece of documentation about you is sparkling clean. As far as I can tell, you have no connection to Nick and there was nothing that would indicate the existence of a daughter." "Unless you have found something that helps you in this, I suggest you cease your search. You will find nothing that isn't there." "Point is, this Marius knew you were here, knew who your son was, and seems to know at the very least a whole lot more than anyone in this building can find out about you." "I disagree," Natalie spoke, turning their attention, as well as that of the officer sitting at the table, on to her. "I've known who Nick's father was for several years. I've even met LaCroix a few times before either this or the corpse found at the Raven last month. I'll vouch for him if it helps." Reese eyed her. Finding out that more than just LaCroix and Nick had been hiding things from him was not what he needed right now. "What do you know of Marius and this situation?" "Just that I can confirm Divia was LaCroix' daughter and that LaCroix is only keeping from you unnecessary information." Reese held his hand to his temple, feeling a migraine coming on. "Fine." Dropping his hand, he turned to LaCroix. "The point is, if this Marius knows this much, he'll know you. He might be waiting for you to leave just so he can kill them." "I will *not* allow him to slowly kill Nicholas." "And neither will I." The statement was enough that Reese felt the pain ease slightly, but not enough. "Nothing was said about non- involvement of the police department. Marius seems to only want you here and out of the way. If we can track and find Marius, we might be able to surprise him and we might get Nick back alive. Now, I'm sure that would be of interest to you. Think about it." LaCroix turned away as Reese and the other officer left the room. He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the other heartbeat in the room, but he couldn't. "Your interference was unneeded." "Perhaps, but I think it will help in the long run." Natalie took several steps closer to the vampire, stating, "Reese doesn't trust you, and the fact that I've stated more or less that I do and that I've met you before raises doubts about his distrust. He knows my judgement is good. He takes it just as he would Nick's, or any other officer in his command. He just wants them back safe, something you want as well, and this Marius might not be expecting their involvement or your cooperation with Reese. Let Reese and them try. It can't hurt." LaCroix considered it, accepting that the mortal was probably right. Marius was only concerned that he remained surrounded by the mortals and away from Nicholas. Slowly, he spun to face her. "Why are you trying to help me? You have no reason." "I care about Nick, that's why." She took another couple steps closer, so that she was now close enough he could reach out to her. Locking onto his icy gaze, she continued, "And I know you care about him--probably more than I do, and I'm sure he knows." He turned away. "I will be fine, Doctor. Please refrain from 'helping' me in the future; it is not needed." "LaCroix...." He snapped his eyes back to her, narrowing his vision. "I do not need your assistance, Doctor." He turned away again, and then walked away. Natalie, not pleased at being brushed off, stepped to the side and grabbed the vampire's arm. Spinning even quicker than he had started away from her, he simultaneously removed her hand from his arm, and holding it, pulled her nearer, hissing, "Do not touch me. Ever. I will play along with this if it means I have a chance of getting Nicholas back alive. But you have no right to be here. I know Nicholas asked you to, but I would prefer if you at least didn't interfere any more than you already have." "I'm trying to help Nick, and in turn, you." "If you wish to help me, you can pick some things up for me." She hesitated at his change of topic, but only a moment. "I am not your servant." "In case you haven't noticed, I am imprisoned in this building. I have not fed since I've been here, neither have I had a proper shave or clean clothes. If you wish to do something, it would be *appreciated* if I could have those things. I trust you more than some of the young ones." Natalie opened her mouth as if to speak, then shut it again as she examined the other. His clothes were rumpled, his skin paler than most of the corpses that turned up on her table, and a light, barely visible stubble was visible in the brightly lit room. LaCroix was hungry and tired, and she wasn't doing anything to help his state, the vampire's eyes glaring at her, half-gold. LaCroix raised an eyebrow at her, releasing her, pushing her away from him. "Now, as you have work to do, I believe, you should get to that." "It's day, I primarily work at night." "Then you should be sleeping." Setting her jaw, Natalie stated, "LaCroix, I'm here because I want to be here." "And?" "Because whether or not I like you, you are Nick's family. I will help you if you allow and want it." Closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath, he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his keys--more than a few and of a large variety. He held them out. "You may take them, or simply leave. Either way, I would like to be alone." Natalie stared at the offer, then looking into his eyes and seeing how tired he was, she gingerly took the keys from his outstretched hand. "The keys will gain you entry to the Raven. If you run into anyone, tell them I sent you." She then watched the vampire walk to one of the chairs, sit, lean back, and close his eyes. She straightened, turned, and left the interview room. Closing the door behind her, she slid the keys into her jacket pocket, her hand going to where LaCroix had grabbed her arm. It was tender to the touch and she had little hope it wouldn't bruise, although she would still hope it wouldn't. Stiffening again, she left the building for her somewhat unwanted errand. Fiat Justitia - (09/12) Three days later, or what felt like three days later, Nick found himself too hungry to sleep. He heard Tracy's feet touch the floor and start in slow, half-shuffled steps toward him. His eyes snapped open, warning her away with a reddish hue. "Don't, Tracy," he hissed, his fangs warping the words and making them almost unintelligible. "Nick--" She halted as the mechanical motor of a security camera swivelled its view directly on them. She had noticed the camera's presence about an hour after Marius left her in the room. She hadn't seen Nick react to the camera, including now. However, she was fully aware what the movements of the camera meant--Marius was coming. She'd realised he was checking on them just before he brought her food, and supposed that's why he was coming. Staring at the device, it hit her that she just had dinner a few hours before. She shook the thought away, not wanting to think about why the other vampire was coming. Maybe he would bring something for Nick. Turning to her partner, she prodded, "Nick, how hungry are you, really?" He met her eyes, his hunger intensifying at the action. Then, he looked away without an answer. He didn't want to know the answer, let alone voice it. "Please, Nick, talk to me. I know what you are, and I think I can understand why you wouldn't have told me." He shook his head, keeping his eyes averted, not daring to tempt his hunger anymore than it already was. "No, you don't understand, Tracy. No mortal can understand," he told her. "Nick, you're a vampire. I know what that means." "You have no idea what it means!" he hissed, facing her. "You have no idea what I am. You have no idea what I've done, no idea what I am capable of." "I think I know more than you're giving me credit for." He shook his head once more. "No. You might know what a vampire is, you might have met those of my kind, but you do not know me." "I know what's going on, Nick. He's doing this to get at your father." "I know. And so does Nat, Reese, and even your father." "What?" "Marius is using the precinct to keep LaCroix from me. Tracy, I came here on my own. Marius didn't kidnap me. He contacted me and I agreed to meet him, aware he wanted me. And I let him have what he wanted." "He wants to kill you!" "Yes, and he will, whether it be now or later. I'm not letting LaCroix go through this again." The door swung open, Marius startling the two slightly as he entered, leaving the door invitingly open. "Miss Vetter, I would highly advise you to keep your distance from him. And listen to what he says--he's right in that you don't know him. I know more about him than you do. Far more." "You're starving him," she stated, taking a purposeful step forward, her eyes piercing. "He needs blood." "I know. I made sure of it by taking some of his. He should be quite ravenous by now." "He's hungry and he needs blood," she repeated, ignoring the other's almost toying tone. Marius' playfulness momentarily vanished. "And he'll get some." He strode forward and took the mortal's arm, pushing her toward Nick. He watched the other vampire's gaze alternate between hunger and panic. He laughed. "Don't worry--this one will not be your meal." Stepping back, he dragged a struggling Tracy with him. "Dear Anne," he spoke, his voice raised and pleasant sounding. "Please come in to help my guest." Nick's eyes snapped to the still open door, a girl entering and approaching him. Unable to look away, he stood and pressed himself against the wall. "Stop--please, do not come closer." He backed up, but the girl only stepped closer, her heartbeat coming closer, closing in on him. "I must come," she said, the words calm and airy. "I must." Tracy ceased struggling. "Are you mad?" she directed to Marius, who just continued smiling. "She's just a child." "Yes. Seventeen. An angel, you might say." Tracy stared at the girl, wispy blonde hair and pale skin covered by a loose white dress. Looking to Nick, she watched him try to shut the sight out, but his eyes only grew brighter and ever more famished. Marius was doing this on purpose. He was trying to make Nick suffer. "You want him to kill her." "Yes. And he will." "He won't." "He will, Detective. Not only does he have no choice, but it is his nature, killing is what he wants to do, even if he doesn't show it." Marius stepped forward, pushing the mortal detective nearer to the other two. "Look at him. Look at his eyes; look at his movements. He is a killer, and he *will* kill." "No. No, he's not a killer," she repeated, shaking her head. "He is." Marius held her in place to prevent her from moving, although she seemed torn between running and approaching. Any overly distracting action from her might ruin this, he knew. "Watch and see who and what he really is." Having no choice, she watched. She watched as Nick was cornered, hitting the adjoining wall before running out of chain. Now all she could see was the girl's back and Nick's eyes. They grew increasingly darker, turning to a demanding crimson that she instinctively wanted away from. The girl stepped forward once more and Tracy winced when Nick grabbed and spun her. She then expected him to immediately take her, but he didn't. He hesitated. "You're hungry, Nicholas," Marius purred. "She is here just for you, only for you. Her blood is sweet. Like candy, and sweetened even more just for you. Sweet and warm. I know you can nearly taste her, so taste." Nick turned his gaze down, fixing on the girl's white skin. He appeared frozen in place for nearly a minute, then snapped his now even brighter gaze up at Marius, ignoring Tracy except for a fleeting glance at her neck. Marius grinned at his success. He could see it. The girl would die. "Take her," he urged, intently returning the stare. Then, he let his eyes drift to the girl's neck. Within seconds the other vampire had not only followed his gaze, but struck, taking her precious, sugary blood. Stunned, Tracy exclaimed her partner's name, but he didn't turn to her or even react. When she attempted to break free, Marius held her tighter and pulled her back. Wide-eyed, she watched Nick feed. Pulling back from the girl, Nick leaned against the wall, eyes closed as her head fell forward, limp. He remained still, his breathing deep. Then, slowly, his expression turned from pleasure to guilt, at which he slid down the wall, his arms still wrapped around the girl's small, frail form. He pulled her doll-like body to him, to let her head rest child-like on his shoulder. "Poor, poor, Nicholas..." he whispered, chiding the other. "You care too much for them, even filth like the creature in your arms." Tracy jerked from her laughing restraint, Marius' grip quickly vanishing. She went to Nick, slowing when he looked up, his eyes warning her back. However, she came to a halt upon being flashed a bloodstained snarl. After several seconds, the snarl disappeared, along with Nick's fangs and golden eyes, so that he was now staring blankly ahead. Marius, lips together, but smiling nonetheless, walked forward and pried the girl's body from the other vampire's now muscleless hold. Lifting her limp form into his arms, he stood and stepped back, watching as the mortal detective started toward her partner. "Take care," he warned, continuing to smile, daring her. Then, spinning, Marius left, the door being slammed shut behind him. Tracy, despite the warning, continued closer. Nick didn't react like before. He was ignoring her presence, and that caused a shiver to run through her. Marius' idea of feeding time for Nick wasn't well received in the end, even though she gagged at the thought of the pleasure Nick had taken in killing the girl. Even though she knew it was from the hunger, she was frightened and doubting her belief of her partner. Nick had killed the girl with ease--an ease that came from practise. Practise and, on some level, enjoyment. Unsure of herself, she cautiously tiptoed ever nearer to her partner, kneeling in front of him. He stared through her like she was glass. It was past unnerving. "Nick?" she said, then, when he didn't respond, Tracy reached out toward him, only for him to shrink back from her, uncomfortably into the corner. She pursed her lips before sitting next to him, her back against the wall and her gaze in the same general direction as her partner's, wondering what, if anything he saw. She pulled her knees up to her chest and closed her eyes, hoping just perhaps Nick would notice her actions, or notice her frightened heartbeat galloping along, trying to run away. But he didn't. He didn't move, not in the slightest, and that's when she felt the panic really try to take hold. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie stepped in front of LaCroix as he started for the door of the conference room that he'd practically been living in the last few days. Less than a minute before she had watched the vampire close his eyes, then open them to reveal concern and anger, and now he wanted to leave. Something had happened. "Out of my way, Doctor!" he hissed, pushing her out of his way. Reaching the door, one hand on the knob and the other restrained along with his arm by the mortal, he jerked out of her grasp and left the room, it's stale air not helping him any. Natalie followed, stopping the officer that started after LaCroix. "I'll go with him, it's okay," she told him. Once sure the officer wouldn't follow, Natalie headed at a jog for LaCroix as he left through the back entry into the chilly winter air. "LaCroix? What is it? I saw it, something's wrong, isn't it?" LaCroix tensed. "Nicholas is...blocking me," he told her, not facing her. "Blocking? What? How?" "We are bound to one another, Doctor," he said, spinning and glaring at her, his eyes gold. "Our thoughts are one. But not now. He is purposely blocking me, and he's succeeding." He paused, taking in a breath and letting it calm him somewhat. Then, his voice soft and barely audible to anybody but himself, he closed his eyes, stating, "Nicholas has killed and is not handling it well." "Killed? But Nick--" He shot another glare, this one deadly, at the mortal. "Marius has starved him, and hunger overpowers reason, Doctor. Nicholas is, I believe, going into a state of shock as a result of what he has done." He stopped, his voice having risen to a level higher than he liked. Softer, he continued, "And I can no longer sense him." "It frightens you." "It troubles me," he quickly countered, although he knew she was correct. And by the expression on her face, he knew that she knew he was lying. It did frighten him being unaware of what was happening to his son--Nicholas rarely succeeded in blocking him so fully. It was bothersome, but it was more. "You better hope your kind find him. I can no longer do so. Without my sense of him, I cannot track his whereabouts precisely." LaCroix turned away from the mortal, closing his eyes and breathing in the cold, damp air. Mere seconds passed before the door opened, a uniformed officer stepping out. "Mr. LaCroix? You're needed back inside." Stiffening, LaCroix whispered, "Marius has called." "Uh, yes, actually." LaCroix spun and glared without emotion at the nervous mortal. Then, he pushed passed the other; aware there was nothing he could do but listen to Marius' taunting once more. Fiat Justitia - (10/12) Natalie quietly entered the room LaCroix had more or less been imprisoned in. The last time Marius had called, barely anything had been said. To Reese and the others, it was just filling up time, but Marius was playing with LaCroix. The hall light illuminated the vampire's prone form on a cot across the room. She carefully closed the door, and he vanished from her view along with the other objects in the room. Turning to head toward the table, she felt a breeze, and she stiffened. "LaCroix?" He flipped the light switch, staring down on the mortal. "I thought you would be sleeping." "Why would you think that?" he snapped. "Because you've been staying up almost every day." "We do not need as much sleep as you do. We can go without it if need be." She stared into his golden eyes. "Even you need some sleep, LaCroix. You're tired. I'd even suggest exhausted, dangerously so." He looked away. "If you must know, I have tried, unsuccessfully, to sleep. Now, if you would, I would prefer to be alone." He turned and walked back to the cot, first sitting and then lying down, closing his eyes. Natalie set her jaw, but left after a few seconds, planning to leave him alone as asked. However, thirty minutes later she found herself slipping back into the room. And this time, as she closed the door behind her and let her eyes adjust to the dim room, illuminated only by the sliver of light coming from below the door, she saw that LaCroix was genuinely asleep. Asleep, but not soundly. He was having a nightmare-- something she hadn't expected. Was this why he hadn't slept much? Or, more precisely, why he was so tired? With ginger steps, she crossed the room, standing next to the cot. LaCroix didn't move. She lowered herself to the edge, sitting next to where he lay, restless. Seconds passed, and Natalie almost believed her action had calmed, or, possibly, woken him. Then LaCroix sat up, nearly knocking her to the floor, his hands catching her at the last moment. "LaCroix? I--" He stared at her, her words ceasing with sight of his bright gaze. "I recall requesting to be alone." "I just wanted to--" "It does not matter. Leave, Doctor. Leave me." "You were having a nightmare." "And? What does it matter to you?" "Is that why you can't sleep?" She felt him turn away from her, his hold loosening and the glow from his eyes vanishing. "Why are they bothering you so much?" "Why? Because...." He closed his eyes momentarily, then told her, "Because I can't tell if they're dreams or not. The snips of thoughts I am receiving from Nicholas are not promising. Nicholas has the means to kill himself, and I fear he will. Not merely that, but I fear he has. Or...." He stopped, turning his gaze back to her, first a bright gold, before it faded until all colour was drained. "It's somewhat difficult to explain to someone that does not--and can not--ever understand." "Try." He nearly argued with her, but didn't. Frankly, he didn't have the energy. "I cannot feel him, and yet I occasionally do. But just which of these are real and which are not...? When I am asleep, I cannot differentiate between the two. My link with Nicholas is too weak, and I am afraid of what that means. And yes, Doctor, you heard me right. The thought of losing him *frightens* me. And that fear will not leave until Nicholas is safely back with me and he ceases his foolishness." Natalie, somewhat stunned by the turn of the last sentence, the words almost accusing, opened her mouth to reply but found she couldn't. "That's what you want me to confirm, isn't it? Now, leave me be." He turned and faced away from her, closing his eyes, feigning sleep. Standing, this time Natalie found it difficult to leave, aware LaCroix would be getting no sleep this day. Or until this straightened out. "I want him back too, LaCroix, and I'm not going to either let or watch him die if I can do anything to prevent it." She waited, but the vampire didn't turn, didn't even acknowledge her words. And, without another, she left. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "I'm surprised he hasn't killed you," Marius stated, standing just inside the door, his eyes locked with the mortal as she held her partner's limp form against her. "Surprised or disappointed?" "Surprised. I drained him last night. He should be ravenous. Perhaps he senses you're there...just perhaps he has enough control." Tracy watched Marius step closer. "What are you going to do to him?" "I'd take more of his blood if it wouldn't weaken him. Unfortunately, he needs enough strength to feed." He smiled. "Now, release him and come here." "Why?" "Do as I say! I will kill you if you do not obey and it'll be yet another death on your partner's conscious, and unnecessary death. Do you want that?" Tracy slowly did as he said. Standing, she asked, "You're going to make him kill again, aren't you?" "Yes. Although this time will be of his own free will, I assure you. I will do nothing, not even speak, to urge him. Neither will his victim." Pulling Tracy too him, he turned toward the door. "Marisa, please--enter." The command caused a thin dark-haired young woman to enter, her hair chin length, her skin a flawless soft tan. "We may leave, if you wish?" Marius whispered in Tracy's ear. "Our presence will not change the outcome of this." She shook her head. "I'm staying. Nick won't kill her, he's too weak." "He's strong enough to kill, I assure you." He laughed at her disbelief. "He's conscious--that's all that's needed." Tracy watched the young woman sit next to Nick, and then, when she cut her wrist with her nail, she looked away. This was how Marius was going to do it--by tempting Nick with blood. It didn't take long after the blood was offered for Nick to snatch the woman's wrist up, licking the warm liquid away. Nor did it take long before he sat up and pulled her closer. She felt sick seeing this, watching as he slowly gained some strength from the blood, but watched as something else woke, something that wasn't quite Nick, something that didn't even see her. He seemed to take his time deciding what to do, and worse yet, took his time once he finally bit her, draining the blood from her slowly, deliberately. Tracy wasn't sure what was worse-- this or Nick's ferocious hunger from before. She looked away as Nick let the woman fall away from him, still watching out of the corner of her eye as Nick lay down on his side, and glancing back, she saw his eyes close, his body faintly shaking. "See?" Marius spoke, startling the mortal. "Go to him if you wish. Other than killing him, there is nothing left to be done. He has served his purpose of hurting his sire--that's all he was needed for." He released her, and, taking the woman's body away as before, he spared an icy glance to Tracy as he left. "You might live through this. Be glad of that," he said, exiting the room, the door shutting a few seconds later. Tracy stared at her partner, who was clearly aware of what he'd done if his expression of disgust was accurate. Nick hadn't wanted to kill, but he had. Perhaps he was just weak enough that he had no choice. Whatever it was, she didn't like watching this done to him, nor seeing the after-effects. She carefully approached, finally reaching him and sitting behind him, one hand on his arm. He didn't pull away from her, but she did feel him calm slightly. Deep inside, she wondered if he calmed because of who she was, or the warmth that flowed inside her, if Nick could even tell the difference. When he fell asleep, still somewhat calm after a few minutes, she suspected the first, although was afraid what she'd been when he woke. When he woke, if he woke. Marius wanted to kill him, and she honestly wasn't sure when. It could be in a few minutes, or a few days. She had no way of telling. But she had seen in Nick's eyes that he just wanted this over with, no matter the consequences. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next day, Natalie entered the conference room and immediately watched LaCroix' anger, or, more precisely, his frustration with her rise. He wanted her gone; she could see that right away. "I have asked to be alone during the day and despite your friendship with my son, my request extends to you as well." "I know." She closed the door behind her, taking a single step closer. "LaCroix, they know where Marius is." "What?" "They know where he is. They've tracked him." "How? Marius isn't an idiot. A fool, perhaps, but not an idiot." "The sketch you helped with. You described him and they found him. We mortals aren't idiots either." LaCroix shook his head. "No. It cannot be him. I will not believe that he could be stupid enough to be followed." "LaCroix, the last call, this man left a building, walked several blocks to a pay phone and made a call--exactly the same time Marius last called here--then went back. He hasn't left again since. A patrol passed him and recognised him. That's how he was spotted; by chance. He probably didn't think you'd cooperate so he's not expecting to be watched. We'll know for sure the next time he calls. They're going to go in if it's him." He stiffened and looked away. "It does not matter." "LaCroix...it's good news," she said, approaching him, confused by his uncaring reaction. "It means we know where Nick is. And it means we can get to Nick without Marius watching." Again, LaCroix shook his head. "Nicholas has already been destroyed, Doctor. How can you call this a good thing?" He stepped closer to her, forcing her back against the wall. "Although I do not believe Marius has killed him yet, some of what little I am receiving from Nicholas...I have never felt him hate himself, hate what he is so much. He has killed a second time, and I now have no sense of him. Nicholas is unseeing, unthinking. Nicholas wants death. He wants an end. Marius is destroying him, and he will die for it." "Wait...he's killed again? When?" "A couple of hours ago." "Why hasn't Marius called?" "He knows I'm aware of it. He will wait as long as he dares wait. Nicholas will die this coming day." "No he won't." "And if he calls and remains? What then?" "Reese is sure it's him. They'll go in." "Against one of us." "Marius won't be able to act without exposing what he is. Tell Reese I'm heading there. He'll know where." He blocked her path to the door, stopping her. "You will take me with you." "I can't. If he finds out you're not here, he'll kill Nick, probably before we get to him. The point of going in when he calls is that he'll be preoccupied and we should have enough time." He remained in her way. "Do you really want to take that chance? If you do, tell me and I'll take you." LaCroix closed his eyes, stepping out of her way. "Thank you." "Take care of him, Doctor." Natalie stopped, hand on the doorknob. "I'll do what I can, but--" LaCroix turned away. "As I cannot be there, I'd rather you take care of him than have the mortals take him to the hospital and possibly find more than they should. Make sure that does *not* happen." He met her eyes, and then watched as she left. Closing his eyes, he did what he could to focus on something other than the emptiness his thoughts of Nicholas brought. Fiat Justitia - (11/12) "You feel something is wrong, don't you?" LaCroix simmered at Marius' words. He didn't have anything he could say, nothing that wouldn't provoke the other into taking a drastic measure--namely killing Nicholas right then. All they needed was time, and not much. "Why don't you just release Knight and Vetter?" Reese asked. "You seem to have what you want." "Ah, but I don't. You see...the death of LaCroix' son is the only solution. I will, however, release the woman alive. She is quite unharmed." He laughed. "Say goodbye, Lucius. Soon my justice will be done." LaCroix closed his eyes as Marius hung up. For a moment, he just stood there, waiting, but nothing came. Nicholas was still alive, had to be. There was still time. "Tell me where he is." He turned to face Reese, barely in control of his appearance. "Now." Reese didn't get to reply, however, as an officer knocked, then entered, gave him a sheet of paper, and left. He opened the paper, read the several lines of text, relieved at the words. "Our guy is dead." "What?" "Our people stormed the building when he called, caught Marius, a cell phone in hand walking down the hall a few minutes ago. He ran, we shot, he died." "What of Nicholas?" "Other than that he's alive, there--" "Take me there now." Reese nearly refused, but doubted it would keep the other away, so nodded. "I'll drive you there after asking if more is known." Frustrated he had to rely on this mortal, LaCroix followed the other man's indicated arm. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Natalie rushed to Nick and Tracy as soon as they let her into the room. Tracy, sitting behind Nick, seemed relatively fine. "Tracy, are you okay?" "I'm fine, but Nick.... Nick, he...uh...." Tracy looked away. What could she say? "Tracy, I know, it's okay." She knelt in front of Nick, her doctor's bag sat next to her. She pretended to check Nick's pulse, at which she caught a wide-eyed expression from Tracy. "Look, could you do me a favour?" "Sure." "Go outside and let the paramedics make sure you're okay. I'll take care of Nick, okay?" "Nat, I know what--" "Tracy, please. I think the fewer people Nick has standing around him, the better." When the detective didn't budge, Natalie stood and caught the attention of a uniformed officer, telling him, "Could you make sure Detective Vetter gets outside okay?" "I'll be fine, Nat. I don't need help." "Sorry, but--" "Fine," Tracy snapped, standing at letting the officer lead her out of the room. Natalie waited until they were gone before she went back to Nick. He was unconscious and restless. "Nick? Come on, Nick, wake up." Jostling him lightly, she smiled when his eyes fluttered open. "That's it, Nick. Look at me." Her smile quickly faded when he didn't respond. "Nick, please, look at me," she urged, turning his face toward her, but his eyes weren't looking at anything. Then, she swore they locked on her for a second, then he closed them, his body relaxing. Immediately, her concern grew, but it passed just as quickly. He'd recognised her. Ten minutes later, she'd managed to get the collar off Nick, explained to the paramedics that she was a doctor and that all he needed was rest. The second had been difficult, as they wanted to examine him. Then, a couple minutes later, after she'd managed to get everyone else out, she saw LaCroix enter the room. "He's unconscious. He was awake for a moment, but he wouldn't respond directly. But he's more relaxed now than when I got here." "He feels safe." "Yeah, I think it has to do with that. I think he recognised me, or I hope he did." She watched LaCroix step gradually nearer. "I've kept the others away." "Thank you." "They killed Marius." "Mortal wounds, Doctor." "Yes, well, thankfully I don't have to do an autopsy on him. I will, however, have to do an autopsy on the two bodies they found-- it's going to take a bit of an explanation, and suggestions are more than welcome." "Again, I thank you for your assistance. Now, I think it would be best to remove Nicholas from here." He knelt by his son, gently picking the younger up and standing. "Where are you taking him?" "His home. I believe it would be the best place, don't you agree?" he asked, his tone almost daring. Natalie stiffened. "Of course. I'll be there when I can." "I'd prefer if you didn't come, but will accept your presence unless Nicholas wishes you to leave. Then you *will* leave." LaCroix walked around her and out of the room, his son firmly held in front of him. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. It was nearly an hour before Natalie managed to get to Nick's. Already Marius' body had vanished--something that was probably a complication of previous events. Marius, she suspected, wanted Nick dead just as much now as he did before, and seriously doubted the other was just going to vanish into thin air. She entered and headed up to Nick's room, the rest of the loft vacant. Inside, she found LaCroix sitting against the headboard, Nick lying on the bed in his pyjamas, resting half on top and half against LaCroix--a somewhat unnatural position for either of them, it seemed. "Has he woken?" "No." She watched how Nick seemed to be clinging to the other, an attribute she wasn't sure whether to attach to Nick or something LaCroix had done. "How is he?" "I can sense him vaguely. He'll be in for a surprise when he wakes." "What do you mean?" "Nicholas is...well, he wouldn't be comfortable like this if he were awake. He would not know what to make of my apparent 'caring,' and as such, would probably link it to some grand plan of mine." "And is that what this is?" "No." "You genuinely care for him." "Yes." "Then I want to know something." She stepped closer and sat on the edge of the bed. "You told Nick something. I'm sure of it. The day Marius brought up Divia. Nick wouldn't tell me what you discussed, but I suspect you conversation included more than just her. You mentioned his search for a cure, his 'quest' you called it." "You are a doctor, yes? And doctor's 'help' people?" "Yes...but I don't see what--" "If you wish to help Nicholas, I suggest you tread carefully. Most things that 'cure' us also kill us." "I am aware of that, I've seen it under a microscope." "Then I ask you to refuse to help him." She shook her head. "I can't do that, LaCroix. It's not my decision to make." LaCroix' gaze lowered, turning to his son, one hand's fingers slipping through Nicholas' damp hair. Meeting her eyes again, his own now slightly amber, he asked her, "Then you wish to help him kill himself? He wants mortality, Doctor, and he is becoming desperate in his search. Why do you think he allowed you to help him? I'm sorry to say, but it's not you that he quests for, but an end to his life-- whatever way you look at it. And, unfortunately, death is mortality to him. If you continue, you may kill him. As a doctor, could you live with that?" "I think I have an idea of what will kill him and what will not." He raised an eyebrow at her sureness of the fact. "Then you have no problems with killing him?" "I have no intentions of--" "Your intentions do not matter! Do you want to know what we discussed? Do you, Doctor?" "I--" "I once searched for a cure to this...affliction. I nearly killed myself upon several occasions. I didn't cease searching even when told there was no cure. Eventually I accepted that either I would have to live as a vampire, or die. After everything I had tried, I couldn't give in to what I was, so I used it. Nicholas must do the same, or he will eventually die. All of our kind must eventually fully accept what we are. There is no cure, Natalie...no cure that will save him except death. Unless you wish to place a stake in his heart, I suggest you consider any dealings with him on this carefully." "I don't believe you." "And neither does Nicholas. His search *will* kill him. It nearly has in the past. If you continue to help him, you will be encouraging him to continue." "Why should I try to stop him from searching? Give me another reason." "Imagine what it is like worrying for nearly eight hundred years, for however long this quest will be in his thoughts...that one day you will lose a son, a child." "I...I've lost a godchild." "Then imagine if that child were yours. Would you inflict that on another creature, living or not?" "No." "Then cease your aid in his fruitless search. You will only bring him closer to death, no matter your intentions." LaCroix shifted, breaking eye contact with the mortal for a moment. "Now, I believe you mentioned some things that will bring difficulties...perhaps you should work on that. Nicholas will be fine here with me. It will give you time to consider what I've told you." Natalie stood, stiff at his dismissal. "And I would appreciate it if you not speak extensively with Nicholas on this. I made it clear that he should not bring the topic up when we spoke." "I will speak with him about anything that comes up. And you are right about one thing; I do have things to do. But I'm coming back when I'm done with work. If Nick wakes, you can tell him that." With that, she left. Fiat Justitia - (12/12) Several hours later, but still nearly an hour before sunrise, LaCroix started awake, surprised he'd even fallen asleep in the first place. And when he found that he was alone, he sat straight up. In seconds, he was out of the bed and in the main part of the loft. Nicholas was sleeping soundly--and peacefully--on the couch. He landed nearby, relieved at the image. "My, my...Lucius, getting unobservant in your old age." LaCroix spun to come almost face to face with the other vampire. "I want you out of here. We will finish this later, and without Nicholas' involvement." "No, Lucius, we will finish it now. We've already waited too long." Marius pulled his hand up, a short sword in his hand. LaCroix' attention strayed to the blade--its style too familiar. It was like the swords of their time, remade, probably specifically for Marius. "Fitting to kill him with something of your world, something you once wielded well, or would have if you hadn't hid behind all your armies." Marius walked, sword gripped tightly, its blade grinning at the other vampire. "He sleeps well, doesn't he? But then, he had a bit of help with that." LaCroix turned, and saw a fresh bite mark and scratches. "An advantage of my kind. We're poison to others. Nicholas' age is the only thing that saves him from death and from me. However, there are other ways to kill him." Marius struck out with the sword, slicing his opponent's shoulder. Despite the injury, LaCroix held his place between Marius and his son. "I see it's quite sharp--good. Haven't actually had the chance to test it on flesh until now. And this will be something slightly off its main purpose as well.... I'd say it's hungry, though, very hungry. That's the disadvantage of these times, isn't it? Killing and cruelty are highly punishable crimes. Pity." Angered and annoyed, LaCroix braced himself as the sword came at him again. He managed to get out of the way just in time, then, grabbing both the sword and Marius' sword arm, he managed to gain the weapon in return for a bloody, sliced, and more than mildly painful hand. "As you said--fiat justitia. Perhaps the justice was not yours to take." Watching the vampire's eyes widen, LaCroix swung the blade, the tip just catching Marius' arm as he flew back. LaCroix caught the other by the arm, locking it with his own. Holding Marius in place, he decapitated him in one solid blow. LaCroix released the other, letting Marius' body fall to the floor. Staring at the other vampire's body, he whispered, "You were right about one thing--the blade *was* sharp. Be thankful for that." LaCroix raised his hand, flexing it and wincing. The sword had done more damage than he'd wanted it to, but it would heal. Past his hand he could see Nicholas, sleeping soundly--but not of his own will. It bothered him, but he could feel that Nicholas would be fine. For now, he had to deal with Marius. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Entering the loft shortly after dawn, Natalie slowed her pace as she saw LaCroix sitting in the recliner, his shirt cut, Nick on the couch quite asleep, and a bloody sword lying across LaCroix' lap. "What happened?" "Marius is dead. Leave it at that and go home." "Nick--" "Is sleeping. Leave and let him come to you. I will tell him that I prevented you from visiting. You will not have to explain your absence to him." "You can't make me..." she started, but stopped when he stood, his eyes turning crimson. "I will come by tonight." He started toward her, backing her up toward the door, sword in hand and at his side, as he spoke. "Come if you wish--you will not see him. He needs to be alone." "Look, I've helped you and--" "Help that was not needed. Now leave. Nicholas is mine to care for." Natalie set her jaw. "I'm still coming by. You can make me leave if you wish. I'm not going to just not come--this way you can tell him the truth and he'll know it. See you tonight." She spun and headed to the stairwell, not wanting to wait for the elevator to start up. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. A week later, Natalie looked up from her work to find Nick hovering nearby. "Nick! You look better than the last time I saw you." "I feel better, too. I'm still not sure how to deal with what I've done. LaCroix tells me to accept it, to accept what happened and forget about it, but I can't. I killed two people, two innocents." "I think LaCroix' right. You need to accept it and move on. Dwelling on what happened isn't going to help any, is it?" "I suppose not." He forced a smile. "I think working on the cure will help. I need something to focus on. And I promise I'll do anything." Natalie opened her mouth to speak, but shook her head, more to herself than anything. "What?" "I think you need a break, Nick. Just for a little while." "LaCroix said something to you." "Yes, he did. And I'm sorry, but I can't do this right now. If you want to be more human, I'll gladly help with that. You don't have to be mortal to be human, Nick." He tensed, his anger rising that LaCroix would do this to him. "What did he tell you?" "The same thing he told you. And I'm sorry, but I've seen what your cells do under the microscope...hell, I've seen what a partial cure can do to you once it's inside you, and that was something I thought was pretty safe." "So you're saying you won't help me?" "I'm saying that maybe LaCroix is right, that maybe you should think about things before trying to change what you are. Perhaps it can't be changed. Maybe you'd rather change parts of you than everything." He looked away. "So you aren't going to help me." "I want to, but I'm not going to risk hurting you. LaCroix reminded me of that possibility, and I'm sorry, but I can't risk that. I can't risk the life of a friend like that, even when all I want to do is help." "LaCroix said you tried to visit." "Yes, I did." He faced her, his expression hard. "Why? To tell me this, or...what?" "Because I'm your friend." She pursed her lips. "Nick, no matter what happens, I'll be your friend. And I do want to help you, I'm just saying that you shouldn't push it so fast and that we need to be careful. I care what happens to you, Nick." His eyes again averted themselves from her, at which she walked over to him. She turned his face to look at her, her hand on his cheek, his hand pulling her hand down. "I mean it, Nick. I want to help you, I just wouldn't be able to stand hurting you in the process." "If you want to help me, let me do this. I need free from this. I'm tired of it. I'm tired of killing." "Then don't kill. Nick, there's nothing that says you have to kill, but things happen. Mortals accidentally kill one another, too." "But it wasn't an accident! I killed them because I was hungry, I killed them for their blood!" "You killed because you were given no other choice! Sometimes that happens to humans. Sometimes we don't get to choose what happens to us and what we do to others. But we have to accept it and move on, Nick, and so do you. If you don't, and you do become mortal, you'll be no closer to humanity than you are now. In fact, you'd probably be further away." She stopped, seeing they weren't getting anywhere. "Nick, all I'm asking you to do is think about it, and ask yourself what's more important--to be mortal or to be human--because they're not the same thing. You *can* be human. You *are* human. Humans aren't perfect, quite the opposite. And being mortal...Nick, although it's something I'd rather not admit, the only things mortals seem do is die and find new ways of killing one another." "I can't accept what I am, I can't...I can't turn into LaCroix." "He's human, you know." "He's a killer." "And he cares. Especially about you. Tell me, is LaCroix the most evil person you've met?" "Divia...." "Excluding Divia. And excluding any other big-named evil people you've met throughout the years." "That's...." He stopped. He was about to comment that it wasn't fair, but found that he'd met people that had killed, and slaughtered, for far less that what LaCroix would. "No. No, he's not the most evil person I've met." "So will you think about it? Please, Nick, at least don't push things so fast. That's all I'm asking. You haven't even come back to work yet and you still look tired." She paused, seeing what he thought of that, but he didn't speak. "Tell me one more thing, Nick. Honestly, if we started full blown on working to make you mortal...would you be able to handle it for more than a few days?" "No." He let out a breath and shook his head. "No, I wouldn't, not yet. I...Nat, I've been drinking human blood the last few days. LaCroix' insisted, and it has helped." He managed a weak smile. "It is kind of stupid to start up on this so soon, isn't it?" Natalie returned his partial smile, only for it to vanish again. "I'm sorry, I just don't want to see you throwing yourself at a wall over this...I mean, doing this right now would be a doomed experiment." "I'll...think about it." He smiled again, this time sheepishly. "And I think I should leave before someone sees me here. Wouldn't want to have to go back to work just yet, would I? I'm starting to like my little vacation, especially since I finally got LaCroix to leave. Come by after work and we'll talk more, okay? I promise he won't be there to turn you back." "Yeah, I'll stop by. And thank you for coming here." As he turned to leave, she added, "I'm sorry, Nick, I--" "I understand, Nat. I know what it's like to be afraid of hurting someone. You don't have to apologise." He left, and Natalie closed her eyes, afraid she had hurt him, afraid she had pushed him away. "Good evening, Doctor." Her eyes snapped back open to see LaCroix standing just inside the entry. "What are you doing here?" "Just checking up on Nicholas." He smiled, taking several steps toward the mortal. "He's still recovering. Give him a few days-- he'll see reason. I can sense it in him. He knows I'm right." "You want more than that." "Yes. And I thank you for putting forward the argument you did. Nicholas *is* considering your words." "You sound as if he's going to stop looking altogether. Is he?" He let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, no...Nicholas is not ready for that. He will continue his search, but he now has doubts enough to prevent him from doing anything rash. I am grateful for your assistance in that. However, do not meddle again where you ought not meddle--I have no desire to meet your acquaintance again, even if it was not unpleasant." Again, Natalie watched a quick departure and closed her eyes. Perhaps she hadn't pushed Nick away after all. Sometimes it was difficult to tell, and she feared she'd gone too far...but she hadn't. "Thank you, LaCroix," she whispered, thankful for his visit and his comment on the matter. Whether he meant to comfort her with it or not, didn't matter. She felt better knowing Nick was seriously considering what she said and not throwing it out. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "They say that the best men are moulded from their faults. From their past joys and regrets, loves and hatreds. Is there no fitting justice to give to each of these men and their enemies? Perhaps it exists, and perhaps it does not. One man's justice is another man's revenge. It bars from us the very things we want, need, and value. In the end, it is all revenge." LaCroix laughed slightly, pausing a moment in consideration. "Can anything exist without fault? No. Without fault, there would be no need for justice or revenge. No regrets, and, unfortunately, no joys. For how can there be pleasure if there is no pain, no misery?" "To thine ownself be true and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. We are what we are, and it cannot be denied. It will not be denied." "*I* will not be denied." ~finis~ I hope you enjoyed it! I may write another story, or I may not...depends if I have any requests for sequels and can think of something to have happen in it.... Jarvinia jarvinia@gmx.com @>--,---'--- 'Fiat Justitia' - Latin, translates as 'Let justice be done'. From first monologue -- "The present is a man's possession; the past is gone out of his hand wholly, irrevocably." *and* "He may suffer from it, learn from it--in degree, perhaps, expiate it; but to brood over it is utter madness." Actually one quote. By Miss Mulock. Found it randomly online and liked it. From last monologue -- "They say that the best men are moulded from their faults." From 'They say, best men are moulded out of faults,' from Measure to Measure, by Shakespeare. And also -- "To thine ownself be true and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." From Hamlet, by Shakespeare.