STATE OF CHANGE Jarvinia (jarvinia@gmx.com) February 2001 This story is fourth in a storyline beginning with 'Hunted', followed by 'Death and Life' and 'Uncovered.' It picks up where 'Uncovered' left off. Please do not archive without permission. Forever Knight and its characters do not belong to me, and are used solely for the purpose of entertainment. Any other characters however, do belong to me and my not be used without permission. Many thanks to my beta-reader, David! ~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~ State of Change - (01/14) It had taken a full hour to fly to Detroit. The trip had left Natalie and Tracy completely wiped out. LaCroix choose a hotel quickly, and the four landed on its roof. The two fledglings nearly plunged to the ground, only being stopped by the two elder vampires. LaCroix gently lowered Tracy to the roof's surface, Nick doing the same with Natalie. LaCroix only paused a moment before silently leaving the others. They would stay at the hotel until their papers arrived from Aristotle. Ten minutes later, he returned and picked the nearly sleeping Tracy up. Natalie wasn't quite as tired, but Nick still needed to carry her inside. The hotel was on the outskirts of town and, at least for the elder vampire, it was more of a family hotel than the usual fare. LaCroix had gotten two connected rooms for the four of them. One, he would share with Nicholas. The other would be occupied by Nicholas' fledglings. LaCroix led the way, and within five minutes, both women were gently lowered to the beds. Once Natalie was tucked in and soundly sleeping, LaCroix moved to the door connecting their two rooms. "Come, Nicholas. As fledglings they must rest from our journey. We do not need that rest, nor can we take it." The elder vampire turned and left the room. Nick glanced back at Natalie and Tracy before following, closing the door behind him. "They will be hungry when they wake." "Yes, which is why you are going to go on a little errand. The majority of the night remains, and we will need nourishment as well." He knew what his sire wanted him to do. A moment later, Nick asked, "Why don't you just have it delivered?" "I want our presence here to be minimal. Our temporary location would be given away if the blood was delivered." Jotting down an address on a nearby notepad, LaCroix ripped the paper off below the hotel's logo and address. "This is the address. Get enough to last till tomorrow night. I do not know how long we will be staying. I will find that out from Aristotle tonight." LaCroix moved to the phone, and picking up the receiver turned to his son. Nicholas hadn't moved, and didn't until LaCroix raised his eyebrow. Silently, Nick left. Glancing at the note, he took off into the night sky as soon as he had the opportunity. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nick had returned to the hotel quickly to find nothing had changed. Natalie and Tracy were still deep asleep, and LaCroix was engaged in conversation with Aristotle. For now, there was nothing he could do but wait. His stomach growled at him, demanding to be filled. Their flight, plus his errand had taken most of his energy. But, he couldn't have anything until Natalie and Tracy woke. He didn't know how hungry they would be, and he could go days without blood if necessary. Six bottles of blood would be plenty for four vampires for a day. But, with two fledglings in the mix, it threw off the scales. A fledgling's appetite was very unpredictable for the first decade or so, particularly when drained of energy and under stress. At present, Natalie and Tracy were under both conditions. Staring toward the door to the adjoining room, Nick was about to check on them when he heard the phone being put down. Turning to LaCroix, he couldn't determine the elder's mood. Feeling his son's eyes on him, LaCroix met them. Nicholas would be pleased with their destination, and his children would probably feel the same. He, however, wasn't quite as sure - wet weather always bothered him. "So...where are we going?" Nick asked, breaking the silence. "Seattle." Nick's eyes widened slightly. It wasn't quite where he'd been expecting. LaCroix didn't like wet weather, and Seattle was somewhere between wet and damp. All year long. Well, perhaps not all year, but a good portion of it. Although Nick had lived there, it had been for barely a year, and that was over a century ago. Since, he had visited once, but again that was a long time ago. LaCroix saw the surprise, and explained, "Aristotle said it would be the easiest city for you to, how did he put it, 'meld into your identities without much difficulty.' The other choice was Amarillo, Texas. I'm sure you will agree Seattle is much better." At that, Nick nodded. Yes, Seattle was much better than the southern, sunny, and variable desert climate of northern Texas. "Besides, the Community recently lost their elder. It was time for her to move on, and they need another to take her place." With the corner of his sire's lips faintly upturned, Nick knew LaCroix would enjoy their destination despite the climate. The only question was, how he would go about delivering his message to Seattle's Community? LaCroix interrupted his thoughts, mentioning, "You, and your children will have the same jobs as you did in Toronto. Also, before dawn you need to decide upon your residences." "Before dawn? I thought we would wait until we arrived to choose our apartments." "Yes, but your 'Captain' wants you, and your 'partner' to get everything set up as soon as possible. They are in much need of two detectives, and want to speak with you as soon as possible. As far as they know, you've lived in Seattle for nearly a month." Before his son could comment, he continued, "Aristotle is doing an extra thorough job to make sure your identities are secure. He also must work quickly. After our papers arrive tomorrow night, we will leave for Seattle. Our plane leaves two hours after sunset." With that, LaCroix stood, and gestured for Nicholas to sit at the table. "There is a list of apartments. I will be gone for a couple of hours to make sure the Community here does not have a problem with our presence." Nick sat, and glanced at the pad of paper. On it, were descriptions and addresses of about a dozen apartments quickly written in his sire's hand. Looking up, he noticed that LaCroix had already departed, even though his senses had already told him that. Turning back to the writing, Nick read through the first few, and stopped on the third description. It was a new warehouse loft apartment, ready to be rented. Continuing down the list he noticed the rest were regular apartments. Nothing of much interest to him. When Nat and Tracy woke, he would have to ask Natalie what she thought, and then show the list to Tracy. They were soundly sleeping, and for now, only silence accompanied him. As he thought, he pondered LaCroix' gentler mood. His sire had done nothing to harm either Natalie or Tracy. In fact, all he had done was help. Since he had brought the two across, his relationship with LaCroix had evened out, and a peace between them had formed. It had been centuries since he'd felt such contentment from his father. True, he had given up cow's blood, and as far as his sire was concerned, was eating correctly. His quest for mortality had also been put on hold, at least for the time being. Now, he wasn't even sure about the cure, if he really wanted it anymore. But that could be decided later. He was still teaching Natalie and Tracy, and was getting a few lessons of his own. Finally, LaCroix had shown him some of his tricks. Unlike his first years and decades, this time through he listened. He could now shield his mind from his sire, but he didn't. There was no longer anything to hide from him. LaCroix was beginning to show him his real abilities, and through his lessons, they were being amplified. But, would this calm, this peace, last? From experience, he knew it would not. It might last a few months, or years, or even decades, but it would not last. A faint vibration alerted him to Natalie. She was waking up. Retrieving one of the hotel's water glasses, he took both it and a bottle to the adjoining room. Entering, he found her just barely holding onto sleep, and uncorking the bottle, he poured the glass full. The blood's scent released her from rest, and she looked toward Nick with gold flecks filtering into her eyes. They faded, but the hunger did not. Taking the glass from him, she quickly drank the blood, and he refilled it until the bottle was empty. By then, the vampire was satisfied, at least for the moment. Seeing Tracy sound asleep, she quietly followed Nick through a nearby door, and into an adjacent room. It only took her a second to realize it was Nick and LaCroix' room, but she found no presence of the elder vampire. When Nick sat down at the room's small table, she joined him, eagerly asking, "So, where are we going?" "Seattle. In about forty-eight hours, we should arrive in our new lives. That night, everything will be set, our identities, our jobs, our history." "I've wanted to go there for a while," she commented, her features glowing with excitement. Nick could see her anticipation, and wished he could be as carefree as Natalie. She and Tracy had to do nothing between switching lives. For them, the next night would be relatively free of stress. They would have nothing to do until information on their new lives arrived, and that wouldn't be until hours before they left. Natalie and Tracy would rest until then. In the meantime, he and LaCroix would be preparing for their arrival. They needed to wrap up their affairs, and the next night he would be flying back to Toronto, making sure everything that was supposed to be sent to Seattle was. To him, forty-eight hours couldn't be too far away. State of Change - (02/14) Two nights later, the four stepped off of the plane, and left Sea-Tac Airport for Nick's new place. It was only a few miles north of the airport, then west of Boeing field and the police department. The building, although not as secluded as his apartment in Toronto, was set up the same way. Entering a code into the security panel, they were allowed access. The main floor was the second level, and the four rode in silence to it in the elevator. Natalie opened the door, expecting the room to be bare, only to find it partially furnished. The kitchen was in the corner off to the left, and several metres in was the living area. The room was set up almost identical to how he had it in Toronto. Walking further in, Natalie asked, "How did you get things here so fast?" "I didn't, Aristotle did. He's very resourceful. The rest will be arriving in a few days." Natalie looked around a bit more, and it appeared that everything was in the same place, except the kitchen and 'dining' area switched. The ceiling was a bit higher, the skylight bigger, and the stairs were sturdier, and solid black, the landing being about halfway up them. Tracy and LaCroix joined her. After a couple of minutes, Tracy flopped onto the couch. LaCroix glanced at her with disapproval over this show of informality. However, the fledgling wasn't in public. He would have to speak to Nicholas about formality, and soon. "Nicholas, I must be going. I need to make a few arrangements before dawn. A case of blood will be delivered here, and to your partner's apartment before the sun rises." Merely a second passed before he turned and swiftly left. The three vampires were all a bit surprised when he left by the door, but then, the skylight needed a few adjustments made before it could be conveniently used as an exit. "So, my apartment's ready too?" Tracy asked, breaking the calm. Nick hesitated momentarily, his thoughts on LaCroix. "Yes, if you consider this ready. Natalie's isn't, but I figured she'd stay here?" As he turned to her, Nat nodded. She figured much of her time would be spent at Nick's, but they had to keep their lives separate to those around them. "In fact, our next stop is Tracy's." Starting for the door, the two younger vampires followed him, and within a minute, the trio were on their way to Tracy's apartment. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next night, Natalie woke in Nick's arms. Strangely, she was up before him, but she knew that wouldn't last. Quickly and quietly she slipped out of the bed, and started getting ready. Tonight she would be meeting her boss, and being shown around work. Apparently, Nick had some of their clothes shipped, and she found something comfortable, yet not completely casual. By the time she'd finished her 'breakfast,' Nick was just coming down. "Well, I guess it's time to begin this new life," she muttered to herself, looking down at the predominantly green and blue laminated card on the table before her. It was her new driver's license. She hadn't yet put it her wallet, the name still foreign to her. 'Natalie Richardson.' The name struck her a moment every time she saw it. Every time it reminded her of Richie. But, she wouldn't change it. It was just familiar enough that it didn't feel too awkward. Something like 'Smith' or 'Walsh,' she would've had a problem with. She wanted to remember her brother, and having his name in hers, in a way was honouring him. "Nat?" It took her a moment to realize he'd said something. Once the realization hit her, she looked over to him. "They'll be expecting you shortly." Nodding, she stuck the freshly laminated license in her wallet, and picked up her purse and coat. When she reached the door, she looked back for a moment, and then was gone. It would only be a couple of minutes before she would arrive at the coroner's building, and Nick hoped she would be all right. It was hard starting over. For Natalie and Tracy, it would be extremely hard. They had to adapt to such radically different environments, extremely quickly. When he was their age, all one had to do was travel to the next city, and you were unknown. He'd used Brabant countless times in a row, only changing it as technology grew. Now, it was his turn to leave. Grabbing his things, Nick left the building, taking flight as soon as he was sure he was alone. The night air comforted and calmed his senses, and he was soon in an alley behind the station. Five minutes later, he felt a familiar sensation, and seconds later, Tracy arrived. Her landing wasn't perfect, but she was still young. Tonight would probably be the biggest lesson of all. She nodded to him, and the two walked out of the alley, around the corner, and in the main doors of the building. The station looked nearly the same as the 96th precinct, and Tracy immediately felt more comfortable. They made their way to the main desk. Nick announced, "I am Nicholas Cole, and this is Tracy Ward. We're here to see the captain." The desk sergeant seemed confused for a moment, but recovered quickly. "Oh, you're the two new detectives. I'm Lauren Fields. I guess I'll be seeing a lot of you two." She introduced herself with a hint of embarrassment, then answered them, "Umm, yes, Captain Elliott is waiting for you. This way." The officer led them to the Captain's office. After they had a short conversation, the officer returned to her duties, and Nick and Tracy were bade to enter. The man behind the desk stood as his two new detectives entered. The man, Nicholas Cole, opened the door, allowing his partner, Tracy Ward to enter ahead of him. Once inside, he closed the door, and they continued their approach to his desk. They were both blonde and light complexioned. According to their records, they had been partners for nearly two years. Cole was Ward's first partner, and Ward was Cole's second. They were both young. Cole was 33, and his partner 25. Their ages made him nervous. That, and where they were from. Winnipeg, Manitoba was much different than Seattle, Washington. They were Canadian, and used to a tamer city. They would have to quickly adjust, and he hoped that they would be able to without too much difficulty. Extending his hand first to Cole, he introduced, "Captain Robert Elliott. I welcome you to Seattle's South Precinct, Detectives Cole and Ward." Nick was a bit stunned at the man before him. He was in his early to middle fifties, his hair streaked with silver, and a deep burgundy filling in the rest. The colour of his hair, the name, and the British accent that flowed easily from his mouth caused the present to melt away. State of Change - (03/14) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ London - 1967 London was one of his favourite cities. Not as exuberant as Paris, but similar in other ways. He'd been mortal on his first visit to this city, barely even a man. Since then, he'd become immortal, and had spent several lifetimes in the city. Nick stood at the base of the London Bridge. It was the same place he came at the beginning of almost every visit to the city. From there, he could see the changes that had taken place since his last visit. The bridge was rebuilt during his mortal lifetime, for the first time using stone. Just a few yards upstream stood it's modern replacement, and despite the great difference between the two, it was still a reminder of the past. The thirteenth century had already begun by his first visit, and now, the twentieth was over half past, only a few decades left. The year was 1967. He was between lives, and had business to attend to in London. Making his way to the bank before it closed would be difficult. The sun had barely set, and his destination was a good distance away. In the end, he'd made it with just enough time to set up an appointment for the next night. He was going to close his account, one that had been opened twenty years before, and there was no way he could do so during business hours. Several minutes after closing, his task had been finished. As the doors were unlocked, he exited onto the still busy evening streets, then they were quickly locked once again. He'd only made it down a step before running into a hurried young man. Nick had been caught completely off guard and he stumbled down the next several steps, catching himself on the alcove's corner. The young man wasn't quite as lucky as he fell back down the steps, landing roughly on his back. Nick was about to help him up, but no answer was received at his apology. He could smell no blood, but as he knelt and reached around to the back of the man's neck, a bump was already forming. The young man had been knocked out. After a moment of thought, he decided to take the man to his place until he recovered. Even without a car, it wouldn't be difficult to bring them there, the apartment being a short distance away. Quickly, he picked the man up, and carrying him into an alley, Nick quickly mad sure he was alone before lifting them into the night air. By midnight, the man still hadn't woke, and Nick was beginning to worry. Mortals were so fragile. That's one thing he had learned, although rarely admitted to himself. Even knowing how easily they died, he still strived to become one. Looking at the man for the tenth time in the last hour, Nick could finally feel him waking up. His breathing and heart rate had increased. Moving toward the couch, he waited as the man stirred. Nick estimated that he was about twenty, perhaps a couple of years older. With a few muttered words, unintelligible to even his sensitive hearing, the man woke abruptly, realizing his unfamiliar surroundings. It only took a few seconds before his eyes fixed on Nick's. With one more quick glance around the room, he stuttered, "Where am I? Wha...what happened?" "You were in a hurry to the bank. I was just exiting when we ran into each other. You hit the ground pretty hard, and were knocked unconscious," Nick explained, his words easily falling into a thick accent that matched the man's. Pushing dark auburn strands out of his eyes, the man sat up, nodding. He had been in a hurry, and now he was who knows where. "So, where is this? And for that matter, who are you?" "Nicholas...de Brabant. I brought you to my place. I wasn't about to leave an incapacitated man laying in the street." "Robert Elliott," the man replied as his eyes wondered the room for a clock. In the corner he found a grandfather clock, and it was past midnight. The rest of the room was expensively decorated, and the blonde man before him looked like he was a member of the aristocracy. "I'm sorry, Mr. Brabant. This must be a great inconvenience to you. I'll be going." Standing, he walked toward a door, hoping it was the way out. But, he didn't make it very far. With merely a couple of steps, his head was pounding in pain, and he found himself being lowered to sit on the couch once again. "Nonsense, Mr. Elliott. I must insist that you stay. At least until you feel better, if not the whole night." Elliott held his head waiting for the pain to subside. Yes, it would be a good idea to stay, at least for a little while. "I must say I really appreciate this. A lot of people wouldn't help a stranger, especially in the city. If I'm staying, you might as well call me Robert. I'm not one for formal names." Nick could see the worry in Robert's features. It was mostly for fear of being an inconvenience, but with the last statement the worry seemed to increase. "Like I said, it's not a problem. You're not imposing at all. In fact, I rarely have company, and it would be a pleasant change if you stayed." They sat in silence for several minutes before Robert began, "Mr. Brab...." "Nick," he insisted. "Nick. You have a nice place here. Are you a London native?" Leaning back, he answered, "No, I'm not a native. I've only lived here a few years, and that was some time ago. Presently, I'm preparing to move." "Do you mind if I ask where you're going?" Nick paused momentarily. He'd already told Robert his name, his real name. While in London, that's what he'd gone by, and as long as he didn't meet anyone he knew, he'd be fine. What would it matter if this man knew his plans? They could easily change, and his name would change with his home. "No. I'm going to the States. New York or Baltimore, somewhere in the northeast." Robert was surprised. The man before him was clearly upper class, and well off. Despite the statement of only being in London for a little while, and several years before at that, Robert was confused at the man's accent. Nick was probably a British native, and had merely spent a small amount of time in London itself. At the same time, he seemed to have a worldly air, as if he'd spent much time travelling. "So, you're going to the U.S.? Have you been there before?" Pausing, he explained, "I'm asking, because I'll be going there myself in a couple of months. San Francisco to be precise. I'm thinking of becoming a police officer, maybe not right away, but it's been a dream of mine." A faint smile graced Nick's lips. "Yes, I have been there before. Just a few weeks ago actually." Turning fully toward Robert, he commented, "You have a good goal. Do you have someone to stay with until you get settled?" "Yes, my brother. Until I can get a place of my own, I'll stay with him. Depending upon how things work out, I might need to wait before starting my career." Nick nodded. At least Robert had a good start. He had a brother, a place to stay, and a goal that seemed to be serious. He knew how goals could change, but somehow, he believed this one would be obtained. As Robert continued to speak, talking about his brother and his future plans, Nick could see the enthusiasm, the life, practically radiating from the young man. Yes, Robert would succeed, whether in his present goals, or in new ones, only Robert would know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Detective Cole? Are you all right?" Nick felt a light touch on his shoulder. Looking toward the voice, he found the same features, the same man as he had met in London thirty years before. This Robert Elliott was the same one he'd bumped into at the bank, and he'd obviously attained his goal. "Nick? You okay?" Tracy inquired from his other side. He shook the memory away. "Yeah, I'm fine." Lowering his head slightly, Nick apologized, "Sorry, Captain. I don't know what that was." Captain Elliott waited a moment, then returned to his seat behind the desk. "I hope it doesn't happen too often. Now, detectives, I'm aware you've been here for several weeks. Have you had time to become accustomed to the city?" "Um...we've just finally gotten settled in, and haven't had much time to look around the city." The captain looked the two over once again. They'd been there almost a month, and hadn't quite settled in yet. By now, they should have had a pretty good idea of the city's layout, but they didn't. Well, they still needed to review their new regulations, and learn their way around the station. "Detectives, in just under a week, you two will be working full time, and will have a heavy caseload. Even after hiring you, we are still undermanned. But first, there are a few things that need to be done. I know about both of your allergies, and am aware you are not able to attend the proficiency tests." Elliott paused, before explaining, "I need both of you here, as soon as possible Friday night. That gives you two days to go over regulations and anything else you need to do prior to the tests. I'm going to hope you pass, and tonight, you can go ahead and get your records made. In two hours, I want you back in my office. Officer Fields will show you to the Human Resources Department." They only had to wait a few seconds for Fields, and then came paperwork. Once two hours had passed, the two detectives found themselves back in Captain Elliott's office. Sitting down, it was merely seconds before he got down to business. "Detectives," the captain started as the door opened admitting a woman. "I would like you to meet Doctor Natalie Richardson. Doctor, these are Detectives Nicholas Cole and Tracy Ward. You'll all be starting the same night, and will be working together on most of your cases." Nick and Tracy shook hands with Natalie, their expressions as neutral as they could keep them. "Good. Now, I want you three to familiarize yourselves with the precinct, then Dr. Richardson can take you to the morgue. After being shown around, you'll need to come back here to work on that paperwork." "Yes, Captain," the detectives answered in tandem, Natalie suppressing a smile behind them. Elliott noticed the doctor's reaction, and then the almost imperceptive glance that passed between her and his detectives. It seemed as if they knew each other, but he shrugged it off. If they did, then they could try to keep the illusion. If they were strangers, then it was just luck. Either way, he knew the three would work well together, and if they weren't already, they would be good friends quickly. "Dismissed." As they stood, and left, he watched them. All were quiet, but he sensed that would change as they got settled in. Detective Ward seemed excited, and Doctor Richardson appeared a bit nervous. Cole was neither. Elliott saw no reason the three wouldn't fit in, and hoped they wouldn't be overwhelmed with the caseload. State of Change - (04/14) The next night, Tracy went over to Nick's. He helped her review the differences between Canadian and American law enforcement, and reminded her that they were no longer Canadian. That's something that hadn't sunk in yet. She was an American citizen, and a Washington resident. She'd never lived in Toronto, or even Ontario. Her parent's names had changed, her name had changed, and none of it seemed real. Focusing on Nick, she made it though the night. Natalie had gone with Nick to get a car right after sunset, and was presently learning her way around the city. That's what Tracy wished she could have been doing, but that would have to wait a couple of more nights. When Nat returned, she went home, and spent the last couple of hours until dawn alone. Friday quickly arrived, and they took the Caddy to the precinct. Tracy didn't know why Nick kept the car, but figured it was because he was attached to it. He had explained his reason as its trunk space, but there was more to it than that. The night passed quickly, and the two detectives had no trouble with the physical and mental tests. They passed with two high scores, high enough to give their captain a surprise. It was unexpected, but welcome. Monday, he would have two new detectives. By the time they reached their homes, dawn was near, and all Tracy knew about the next night, was that she and Natalie were going to have a lesson. What kind of lesson, she had no idea. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Tracy was getting impatient. Sitting in the passenger seat of Natalie's brand new car, she looked over to her friend, who had more recently become her sister. The link between them was weak, but definitely present. "Hey, Nat, do you know what our lesson is about?" "No, I don't, but it reminds me of another of our lessons." Tracy tried to connect her memories. At first it eluded her, then she remembered. "The forest. When we went up to the Henderson's cabin." Natalie nodded, but neither really noticed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Five months earlier: The two fledglings were surrounded by trees and bushes. It was a new moon, and the night was illuminated solely by the star's faint light. Nick had left them there twenty minutes before, and told them not to move. Tracy looked over at Natalie, and felt their link vibrate slightly. At that moment, Nick landed behind them, startling them both. "Nick, stop that!" Natalie exclaimed as she turned to him. Getting only a grin in response, something occurred to her. "How come you can still sneak up on us? I thought that would go away, now that we're vampires." "You now have the ability to sense me and others of our kind, but that's something that must be learned. This is what you'll learn tonight." Natalie was curious as to their lesson, but Tracy was curiouser. "So, what are we doing out here?" "A lesson." Nick paused, thinking of a way to describe it. "Your problem will be solved, at least after practice." "What do we do?" Tracy questioned, already impatient from waiting. "Nothing, at least that I can help you with, or explain." Tracy was exasperated. Natalie's expression mirrored hers, and they became even more frustrated with Nick's answer. Neither really understood what Nick meant, and Natalie wanted to get down to business. "Okay, then what does this 'lesson' involve?" A smile inched its way onto Nick's features, and he told them, "Finding me. You will wait here for five minutes, then try and find me." "How?" they asked in unison. The smile didn't fade. "By following your link to me. Concentrate on me, on where I am, and follow." Looking closely at his children, Nick hoped that would be enough to get them started. They needed to figure as much out on their own as they could. "Now, sit down and wait. After five minutes, you can use yourselves and each other to find me." They did as he said, and by the time they were seated on the ground, Nick was gone. After the time was up, Tracy asked, "So, now what do we do?" "Well, I guess we concentrate on Nick. The first thing we need to figure out is what direction he's in." Natalie's plan was about what she thought she would do. "Okay, when we think we know which way he went we'll tell the other, then decide what to do." They both agreed and Natalie closed her eyes, trying to reach out to the link that connected her and Nick. At first, it was merely a slight tingle, but within seconds the tingle became a vibration. She turned until it was the strongest, then looked over at Tracy, who seemed to have done the same thing. They were both facing the same direction, and nodding, they took off toward the vibration. For the next half hour they flew, and landed, trying to figure out how far he went. They had to turn around twice, having passed him, but eventually they landed, and saw a faint movement ahead of them. Approaching, they found Nick sitting on a tree stump, waiting for them. He stood, commenting, "That wasn't too bad, now was it?" "It took us a half hour to get here!" Tracy exclaimed, her frustration apparent. "Soon, it will take merely a couple of minutes. We'll practice some more tonight, and again once we get back to Toronto." They waited for him to continue, and sitting Natalie down on the stump, told them, "Now, sit down, and we'll try it again. Remember, five minutes." With that he was gone for the second of several times that night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A tap on the windshield startled both women. "Nick!" Natalie exclaimed as he opened the car's door. "Wondering when I'd show up, I'll bet," he commented as he rested his arm on the car door, trying to hide a smile. Natalie raised her eyebrow at that. He was going to be surprised to be wrong. "Not exactly. We were wondering what this lesson was going to be about. Something to do with finding you, by any chance?" Nick acted hurt. "You guessed. Now, I'll have to think of something else...." When they just sat, and waited, he told them, "Don't worry, I won't be changing my lesson plans." "So, are we going to try to find you, here, somewhere in Seattle?" Natalie asked, attempting to get out of the car, Tracy moving to mirror her actions. "Yes." Preventing her from exiting the driver's seat, he continued, "But, you'll need the car." "What?" his partner asked as she closed her door. "Using the car for transportation, you'll drive to wherever I am. Along the way, I want you two to pay attention to where you are. I figured it would be more interesting than simply driving around the city." Well, he was right about that. It would be more interesting. "How long do we have to wait?" "Three minutes. Then, remember to watch the street signs as well. I know this will be a little new, but you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out where I am, just finding the roads to get to me." Once he figured they understood, Nick closed the door, and took off into the star-less night sky. "Hmm.... Three minutes until we get to get lost. I'd almost rather watch Nick get lost, but I guess that can wait," Tracy groused playfully. Natalie smiled at Tracy's comment, then two and a half minutes later, started the car. Tracy gave her directions using the street signs, with Natalie following the instructions. Although they led in the correct direction, dead ends made them turn around on more than one occasion. As they made their way to Nick, the streets, and the city's layout ingrained itself into their memories. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Three weeks had passed, and Nick and Tracy had settled into a regular routine. As they began their shift, Nick noticed the eyes watching them. Yet, this time, it was not as a result of their suspicious behaviour. They were still new. Not only that, but they were young, and Canadian. The others were older, more experienced, and at present, Tracy was the only female detective in the building. His partner was going through everything she had in Toronto all over again. Nick could hear the occasional comment about their youth and inexperience, and knew this would be difficult for his partner. It wasn't all directed toward Tracy either. He was the fourth youngest detective in the precinct, and Tracy was the youngest. Both of them were avoided, although less now, than during the first week. About halfway into their shift, Tracy looked across her desk to her partner's, only to find him engrossed in paperwork. In Toronto, it had been nearly impossible to get him to do any. But, over the last three weeks, he'd done more paperwork than he normally did in three months. Yeah, their caseload was heavy, but they'd had worse in Toronto. At present, they only had one open case, the others had already been solved and/or closed. "Nick, are you listening to me?" He continued to sit, sifting through several forms, giving her no answer. That was the third time she'd tried to get his attention, and it wasn't working. Picking up her pencil to return to her own paperwork, she paused getting an idea. As the slender piece of wood flew through the air, finding its target, Tracy waited. When the pencil collided with Nick's shoulder, bouncing back onto his desk, he stopped and looked over at his partner. "I was wondering what would get your attention." "Sorry," he muttered as he passed the pencil back to her. "How come you're so tangled up in forms? I've never been able to get you to do paperwork before, and I haven't been able to get your attention." Nick sighed, tossing his own pencil down on the desk. "It's the Burns case. I want to get it done tonight, and turn it in. We've been finished with it for several days, and it's taking up space." "I'd help you, but I'm a little busy myself." Nick had spaced out, something he'd done countless times over the past three weeks. Nearly every time he was in the precinct. He hadn't answered her any of the times she'd asked, not even the night after their meeting with Captain Elliott. "Nick, okay, out with it. Something's bothering you, and I want to know what it is. You've never complained of a closed case taking up space before, and all you've done since we got here is paperwork. You never do paperwork. Nick, I know something's up. Ever since our first meeting with Elliott you've been acting a little weird. Tell me. Now." For the second time Nick didn't answer her, but he had heard her. She could see that. Tracy could also sense worry and frustration about something, and she knew it wasn't work. She knew of nothing he would be worried or frustrated about. "Come on, Nick...I'll call Natalie and let her wring it out of you if you don't hurry." Nick sighed once again. Tracy was right, something was bothering him. Now, he knew for sure that Captain Elliot was the same Robert Elliott he'd met in 1967, but there was more. Since their arrival in Seattle, he hadn't spoken much with LaCroix. His sire wanted to establish himself within the city's Community first, and get everyone in line. LaCroix had made sure supplies were delivered, but had otherwise cut him off. "It's a couple of things. To begin with, Ca...." "Cole, Ward, in my office," Captain Elliott's voice interrupted. "You're explaining this later, Nick. You're not off the hook," Tracy mentioned as Nick led the way to the Captain's office. Walking in the open door, Nick was quickly handed a folded piece of paper. "I want you on this case. I know I've given you a lot, but you have the least number of open cases. The medical examiner's already on her way." The detectives waited for the Captain to continue, but he merely smiled. "Go on, you two. You don't want to be late." They turned, and were out the front doors before Elliott shook his head in response to the blank looks at his last words. He liked these two. Not only did they work good together, but they were also having a high success rate. Whether it would last or not, only time would tell. State of Change - (05/14) "Nick, come on, tell me!" Tracy pleaded for the tenth time that night as they got out of the Caddy. He closed the door, explaining, "Not, now, Trace. After we talk to Nat, I promise." Walking toward the crime scene, Tracy continued, "You better tell me, and no half answers either. You're going to..." They arrived at the scene, and Tracy froze. Although there was little blood, it was enough to excite the vampire. As gold flecks floated in her eyes, she was pulled back to her surroundings by her partner. "Tracy," he intoned, grabbing her attention. "Concentrate, you're changing." She closed her eyes for a few seconds. Opening them to look up at her partner, Tracy apologized, "Sorry. I guess I need to pay a little more attention to what's going on around me." If she could blush, she would have been bright red. With the amount of people around, her face would have become even redder. But, it didn't, and couldn't. "Are you all right?" he inquired as they stood only a few feet from the body. Tracy glanced momentarily toward Natalie and the victim. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm a bit hungry, but it's getting close to lunch time as well." Nick became concerned at the mention of her hunger. However, it was nearly lunch, and as a fledgling, her hunger never really disappeared. "Do you want to know about the victim, or are you two going to argue?" Natalie asked while standing up. They turned to her, Tracy looking annoyed, Nick feigning ignorance. Something was up. Across her link with Nick, she'd sensed him avoiding something, and from his conversation with his partner, it seemed as though he still was. Now, they were waiting for her to continue, and she wasn't about to keep them waiting longer than they had to. "Victim was Cheryl Fuller, Caucasian, 27 years old. Preliminary cause of death is a gunshot wound to the chest, 38 calibre. Her credit cards and cash were taken, although her ATM card is still in the machine." She gestured about fifty feet behind her, then explained, "My guess is, she was mugged at the machine, she struggled, her assaulter fired, then took her money and ran. That ATM machine probably has her attacker, or attackers, recorded, and we can get an identification from the security tapes." When the detectives' only reaction was Nick raising his eyebrows, she asked, "What? What's wrong?" "Who's the detective here?" he asked, the corner of his mouth quirking upwards. "Sorry, I suppose you didn't need my opinion on what happened. Put it this way, it gives you less work to do." Natalie ended in a smile, then mentioned it was all right to take the body away. "Hmm...perhaps you should have been the detective, and Tracy the coroner." Nick got a solid whack in the arm from his partner, then he started back to the Caddy. Tracy started after him, and Natalie had to run to catch up. As the three arrived at the car, Natalie questioned, "Okay, Nick. So, what's going on?" "Nat, not you too," he whined at her prodding. "I'll tell you both in the morning." The two detectives got in Nick's car, and Natalie jumped in the back as Tracy reminded him, "You promised you'd tell me after talking to Natalie. We're done, so what's bugging you?" He turned back to Nat, asking, "What are you doing here?" "Getting a ride back to the morgue, and hearing your answer." Seeing his confusion, she explained, "I didn't bring my car, instead taking a more...direct route. I would much rather hear what you're going to tell Tracy than get back to the morgue. Besides, I told one of the officers I was getting a ride back with you, so here I am." Nick was going to say something about her not taking her car, but decided not to. He could do that later. "I've met Captain Elliott before. Many, many years ago. It was in London, in 1967." Before leaving the scene, he gave a brief summery of his run in with the, then young, Robert Elliott. "But, he's not what's worrying me. Elliott shouldn't remember me, and if he does, I'll just pass it off. No, LaCroix is what's bothering me." The Captain met Nick thirty years ago. Tracy could hardly believe it. She wasn't even that old yet, but knew she would live far longer than thirty years. Eventually she would have the same problem Nick was having. But, LaCroix was what her partner was concerned about. She hadn't seen the elder vampire since the night they arrived, but she had assumed he and Nick had conversed. Looking back at Natalie, Tracy watched as her thoughts flitted through her mind. Apparently, Tracy wasn't alone in her thoughts when her sister inquired, "Why? So, he hasn't come by. But, what reason has he had to?" "He's establishing himself as elder in the Community, and I feel a lot of resistance. Those here, don't want LaCroix, or anyone else for that matter, as their elder. Since the previous elder left, the Community has ruled itself, and they don't want to lose what power they've gained. Seattle's Community is younger than most large cities. Before we arrived, the eldest wasn't even three hundred." Natalie thought about that, and silently wondered why nothing had been done about the situation before their arrival. But, she suspected that the Enforcers wouldn't do anything about them as long as they didn't endanger the Community's silent existence. Then, Nick's last comment struck her. The eldest hadn't even been three hundred, possibly less than a third of Nick's age. "With your age, wouldn't you be able to help LaCroix?" "Possibly...but that would make both of you involved, and put you in a potentially dangerous situation," Nick argued as he shook his head and started the car. "I'll try to talk to LaCroix later, find out what problems he's encountering." Pulling onto the road, Nick dropped Nat off at the morgue, then headed back to the precinct. Already, the roads were familiar, as if he'd lived in the city far longer than the sole month spent there. The rest of the night Nick and Tracy spent working, either on the phone, the computer, or filing out reports. The security tapes from the ATM machine wouldn't be available until later in the morning, which meant it would be the next night before they could look at them. They had found no reference to any living family for the victim. Both of Cheryl's parents were dead, along with an older brother. Cheryl Fuller had been the only survivor of a head on collision with a truck in Oregon. Her parents had died instantly, her fourteen year old brother held on for a week before succumbing to the same fate. Eleven year old Cheryl had escaped without a single scratch, only the shock of being alive, while her family died. The young girl had then been raised by her aunt and uncle in New York, but that was all the two partners could get on them. Not even their names could be found. Perhaps, with luck, they were still alive and would hear about the fate of their niece. It wouldn't be good news, but at least they would know. Of her parents' siblings, only one was still living. Cheryl's mother's sister, Elizabeth Lawson. And this knowledge was only gained from records older than Cheryl. By now, Elizabeth was married, and her address had undoubtedly changed. They would search more the next night, but for now the night was over. Calling Natalie, he told her he wouldn't be home right away, and that he might not make it home before dawn. Dropping Tracy off at her apartment, he drove home, taking off into the night sky before even going inside. Following his link with his sire, Nick found himself at the entrance to a club with a similar air to the Raven. The name of the club was Blue Moon. Beneath the name were the features of a white wolf, its golden eyes reminding him of the vampire. The front doors were locked, as they should be at that time in the morning. Going around to the back, he found the door unlocked. Entering, he was surrounded in a room too dark for a mortal's eyes, but just right for his, and those of the other occupants. Red and black predominated in the decor, with gold and silver undercurrents. Finding LaCroix at the bar, he approached, and was led into his father's office. "Nicholas, I was wondering when I would be honoured with your presence," the elder intoned, expressionless. "You told me to stay away, so I have." LaCroix scoffed at his son's remark. True, Nicholas had stayed away, at least until now. But, this was longer than he'd expected. "Yes, I did, but I know how difficult it is for you to follow instructions." Getting up to pour himself a drink, the elder poured one for his son as well. Watching Nicholas calmly accept the glass, he smiled to himself. "Nicholas, my son, what brings you here? It's after closing." "That doesn't seem to hinder those in the club." "Those present now, spend the day in the basement. Although I am not partial to looking after strays, in this instance, it is not an inconvenience. Over the last couple of weeks, my 'offer' has helped gain some respect from many of the fledglings." Nick didn't believe all of the problems were solved. He could feel the frustration from his sire, here more than anywhere else. "And what of the older ones?" "You mean the children, the fledglings, that purport to be masters themselves? They do not wish to give up the little power they've taken, and are nothing but hostile." "Will they relinquish their efforts, or is this going to become a problem?" "A problem, Nicholas?" His son's conversation amused him. Nicholas seemed to be gleaning more from their link than he'd expected. It may have been unwise to finish some of his son's lessons. "Perhaps, but it's nothing that can't be taken care of." LaCroix paused to take a drink from his glass. "I suggest you keep your children away from both the club, and the Community, until these disagreements are settled. I have no wish to see them caught in the middle." Nicholas' eyes locked with his own, and LaCroix saw the acknowledgment, and faint surprise in them. Indeed, the boy was able to hear more than just his words. "Despite your opinion of me, you must also know that I will not harm them, or allow harm to come to them. Any attempts will be punished. Your fledglings have more than just your protection, they have mine as well." Nick held his sire's gaze for a minute longer. LaCroix' actions made little sense to him. In the past, the elder wouldn't care what happened to those close to his son. His father's protection had only ever been given to him. Even Janette had not received LaCroix' protection. Only their father's presence, and an unspoken threat protected her, nothing more. As LaCroix' son, his favourite, he was protected by more than just the elder's presence, but his words as well. Now, Natalie and Tracy had that same protection. They would have LaCroix' protection with an announcement, but this city's Community would not know of his own protection of the young fledglings. "How can Natalie and Tracy have my protection, if I am not known in the Community?" "Ah...but Nicholas, you are known." With a flicker of confusion in his son's eyes, LaCroix nearly smiled at his son's ignorance. "Those here, know I did not arrive alone. They know there is another here older than they are. They do not know your age, or your relation to me, and that will remain unknown, at least until tomorrow night. Once introduced, they can make what they will of you." "I take it this introduction will be made tomorrow night? When?" he demanded, wondering what LaCroix would have done had he not dropped by the club. "Midnight. You will need to arrive alone, and make it clear to your partner, and the doctor, that they must stay away." They both took a drink out of their glasses. "Nicholas, you must not show any weakness to these fledglings. You must allow your presence, your very essence to overwhelm them. Draw on your age and your connection to me. Show them who you are." Nick focused on his glass, now nearly empty. LaCroix wanted him to give in to what he was. Although he was once again drinking human blood, and his quest for mortality was on hold, he didn't know if he could let the vampire completely take over. It would be giving up everything he'd worked for over the last couple of centuries. All of his time and effort would have been wasted. But, by doing as LaCroix asked, he would give Natalie and Tracy more protection than if he didn't. Downing the last contents of the glass, he stood, and allowed his eyes to lock with his father's once more. Then, he silently turned and left. As his son made his way toward the back entrance, LaCroix watched the fledgling's reactions. All had moved out of Nicholas' path, and several had stopped cold at the presence of the elder vampire. Seeing LaCroix, they once again resumed their previous actions, but it was clear Nicholas had made an impression on them. And the boy didn't even realize it, that's what amazed him. Nicholas had no idea of his potential. State of Change - (06/14) As Nick and Tracy entered the precinct the next night, the two were immediately called over to the main desk. "You have a couple waiting for you in conference room two," Fields began, her voice quiet but easily discernable to the pair. "They claim to be Cheryl Fuller's aunt and uncle, and I figured you would want to talk to them. They just got here a few minutes ago, and are eager to speak with you." Both Nick and Tracy were a bit surprised. Cheryl had been murdered less than twenty-four hours earlier. Nick thanked Lauren, and receiving a shy smile in response, he and Tracy walking toward their desks. "I think she likes you," Tracy teased as she rid herself of her jacket. Raising an eyebrow with an incredulous look, he removed his own coat. Shaking his head at her comment, he told her, "Come on, let's go talk to Cheryl's relatives." Nick walked over to the room, opened the door, and took three steps in. Then, he stopped cold. Tracy ran smack into him. "Nick, what'd you do that for?" she asked. When he didn't answer, she walked around her partner, and froze herself. A middle-aged man and woman sat at the table. That in itself didn't surprise her, but their identity did. If what they told the desk sergeant was true, Cheryl's aunt and uncle were Elizabeth and Jonathan Henderson. Elizabeth stood, and broke the silence, "Nicholas? Tracy? I thought the detectives on the case were Cole and Ward. We weren't expecting to find you here." As she approached Nick, her husband stood as well, but made no move forward. Nick was still stunned, but he had regained the use of his muscles. Quickly closing the door, he looked first at an equally surprised Tracy, and the confused couple before him. "Elizabeth, Jonathan...I have to admit, I'm as surprised as you are. I'm sorry, I am Detective Cole, and...." Beth quickly approached Nick, halting his words. "Nicholas," she said, clasping his hand. "You have no need to apologize." Nick was about to protest, but she continued. "I'm assuming Natalie is here as well? Perhaps we can get together sometime over the next couple of weeks. My husband and I were here visiting our niece. Cheryl wanted to show us around the area. Which brings us to why we're here." "Yes, it does," Nick stated, leading Elizabeth back to the table. "I wasn't aware you had a niece, and I'm sorry I had to find out this way. Are you Cheryl's only relatives?" Elizabeth lowered her head, and Jonathan moved to comfort her. "Yes, we are her only relatives, living ones anyway. Cheryl, and Beth's family, have had a lot of bad luck. She lived with us for seven years, after her parents died. Since then, Cheryl's been out here. First, she went to college, then decided to stay once she was out. Despite all that had happened to her, she was very successful. We were hoping that she would escape her family's fate, but apparently we were wrong." "We never had any children," Elizabeth mentioned. "Cheryl was like a daughter to us." After a moment of silence, Jonathan asked, "Do you know who killed her yet?" "No, although we'll notify you as soon as we are able to." Nick paused, recalling something Beth had said before. "You mentioned something about getting together over the next two weeks. Does that mean you'll be in town for that length of time?" Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, we had come to visit Cheryl, but now, I suppose that our plans have changed." At Beth's remark, the room once again became silent. Tracy glanced down at her watch, noticing the time ticking by. "Do you have a number we can reach you by?" "Um...yes, just a second," Elizabeth answered as she dug through her purse, finding the phone number for the hotel. Writing it down on a piece of paper, she told then, "That's the number for the hotel. We're in room 219." Nick was about to speak, when a quick rap at the door, a uniformed officer entered. "Detectives, security is waiting for you. Captain Elliott said that you'd know where to go." When Nick nodded, the officer left, and the Hendersons stood up. "I guess we should be going. You'll call us once you know what happened?" "Of course." Nick pulled out a business card, and wrote his home phone number on the back. "If you need something, anything, just call. The precinct's number is on the front with my extension. During the day, I'll be at the number on the back." Elizabeth took the card, and after glancing at the number on the back, she handed it to her husband. "Thanks, Nicholas, Tracy. We'll hear from you later." As Nick nodded, the couple left the conference room, and after a second, Tracy quickly moved in front of her partner. "Nick! Shouldn't you have done something? I mean, they know us. They know who we were." "Yes, but they aren't a danger." "What if they tell someone? And how do we know how much they know about us? They might know what we are!" Nick gently held her arms, asking, "Tracy, do you really think the Hendersons would reveal us?" She thought about his words for a moment, and realized he was right. They wouldn't do anything. Otherwise, they would have done so months ago. At the same time, Tracy felt an inexplicable fear that someone knew their previous identities. She could feel her body begin to shake, and didn't know what to do. Tracy tried to shrug out of Nick's grasp, and after a second managed to. Looking at her, he could tell what was wrong. "It'll be all right, Tracy. The feeling of doubt is your instincts. It won't go away, but you can control it." As she stopped trembling, Nick told her, "Come on, we're already late. If we're right about what happened, that tape will have our suspect or suspects on it." She hesitated slightly before nodding and going to the door. Her partner followed, and getting their coats, they both opted to fly to their destination so as not to be any later than they already were. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. By eleven, they had gone through the tape several times, then dropped by the morgue. This gave Nick the chance to tell Natalie about Cheryl's relatives. Then he told both Natalie and Tracy about his meeting, and to not follow him, no matter what they felt across their link. Then, the two detectives had gone back to the precinct to get a composite for an APB on the suspect from the security tapes. Nick wanted to get back to the Blue Moon before midnight. He still hadn't decided what to do about what LaCroix had said. That would be determined when he entered the club, not before. He quietly moved toward the door, but as he left the building, he sensed someone following him. As Tracy followed their bond and walked into the alley, he grabbed her from the side, startling her. "I told you not to come after me, and that includes following me. Those I'm meeting aren't going to want me there, let alone you. We are outsiders in this city, and they don't want to give it up." "Nick, come on, it can't be that bad!" "Tracy, please, stay at the precinct. Don't leave until either I come back, or the shift is over." About to protest again, Tracy decided against it. No matter what, she knew Nick wouldn't let her go. "Fine. I won't follow you. I'll go back inside." Watching her face, Nick wasn't sure of her compliance. Tracy seemed sincere enough, but she was hiding something from him. Nick glanced at his watch. It was now eleven forty two, and he needed to go. "Tracy, please do as I have asked." Backing a few feet away from her, he disappeared into the night sky. "Humph." Crossing her arms, she stared up at the stars. "I don't see why I can't go," she told herself. Then, turning back toward the alley's entrance, Tracy sulked, "Why does he have to be so damn protective! It's not like I'm going to break!" She made her way back into the building, and going back to her desk, she sat down heavily. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The Blue Moon wasn't very busy. Nick figured that was LaCroix' doing. Not a single heart beat could be felt any where in the building. His sire stood near the bar, two glasses on the counter. Moving toward LaCroix, Nick could feel tolerance from him. Nick hadn't allowed the vampire full reign as LaCroix had told him, but it was too late for that. The younger vampires, three of them, moved out of his way, but detest was clear on their visages. They watched as Nick approached the club's owner, stopping several feet short of LaCroix' position. Other than the three fledglings, Nick and LaCroix, the bartender was the only spectator. "This is my son, Nicholas," LaCroix introduced, and it was now their turn to wait. The three approached Nick. Their appearance made them all between twenty five, and thirty five. In reality, they were between one hundred and fifty, and two hundred and fifty years old. Nick held his position as the three circled him, keeping himself as still as possible. Two returned to their previous places, while the third circled the elder vampire once more. He stopped in front of Nick. "The city elder's son. I suppose you think that makes you special." Looking at the blonde haired vampire, the younger continued, "You don't took very tough." "Appearances can be deceiving," LaCroix intoned as he came up behind his son. The younger vampire thought a moment, then started again, "Nicholas. I think I've heard of you. Weak, nearly mortal." Nick looked at the vampire speaking. This vampire was younger, merely a third of his age. He was shorter, his light brown hair and brown eyes giving a younger appearance than his own. "Nicholas, this is Michael Alder," LaCroix stated. "Presently Michael Perry. Nicholas de Brabant, I believe. What is your alias now?" Michael stood, merely inches from Nick. "Nicholas Cole." Michael backed up a step, then turned away. "Well, Nicholas, we do not want you here. We were fine on our own." Facing Nick once again, he continued, "Leave this city. You do not belong here!" Nick held his ground, not responding to the words. "I said, you do not belong here. You are weak, not deserving of any special treatment, and certainly not deserving to be more important than me. I have lived in this city more than any other. So have the others here. The city is ours. Now, leave." The younger vampire was doing all he could to intimidate Nick with his voice alone. It wasn't having an effect, and as Michael struck out at the vampire before him, he was stunned when his arm was stopped. Easily shaking off Nick's now light grasp, Michael watched as LaCroix moved closer. "I see you are weak. Otherwise, no protection from me would be needed." Turning to the city's new 'elder,' he commanded, "Back off. We want to see what Nicholas is without his father." Raising an eyebrow, LaCroix saw he had no choice but allow them to do whatever they were planning. He resumed his place at the counter, glass in hand. Turning his attention to Nicholas, he wondered what his son would do. First, Michael moved back to the others, only to turn back, the sound of a sword being drawn accompanying him. Indeed, that's what was retrieved as the dim lighting shined off of the sharp blade. "If you resist, you die. Instantly." Moving forward, Michael extended the simple weapon before him. "Let's see how you react to this!" He thrust the blade into his opponent's abdomen. State of Change - (07/14) For the first time in over a century, Nick felt the cold metal of a sword slide through his body. He closed his eyes for a moment against the pain. A sword could temporarily kill a vampire, if thrust through the heart. Yet, this was not the case. It was more discomfort than pain, and wasn't enough for him to change. As his hands rested on either side of the blade, Nick wondered what else was in store for him. LaCroix stood patiently, feeling his son's pain and discomfort, wishing he could take action. But without destroying all chance of gaining their respect, nothing could be done. Nicholas would be fine, as long as the fledglings were content with running his son through. "I must say, I've never had the pleasure of having a sword stuck through my gut. You seem to be handling this fairly well. Perhaps you need a bit more motivation." Michael pushed the blade in another couple of inches, then used the sword to lead Nick back to the wall at the end of the bar. The pain had increased slightly, but wasn't the only thing to do so. The edge of his senses tingled, and he hoped it wasn't Natalie or Tracy coming after him, or if it was, that they would have the sense to not interfere. Nick gasped, feeling the blade turn inside of him. "Finally, the weakling reacts." The sword twisted a second time, then was quickly removed. Nick fell back against the wall, using his will power to stay standing and conscious. To resist was to die, but he couldn't allow himself to show weakness. They already believed him weak from his reputation in the Community, and he had to pretend to be as strong as possible. Using energy he didn't posses, Nick held his stance. He could now feel the blade's edge resting against his neck. The sword was slick with his own blood, and it's edge faintly sliced the skin, taunting the vampire within. The blade quivered faintly in Michael's grasp. The elder vampire should have fallen to the ground, but Nicholas was still standing, leaning against the wall. Other than killing the vampire with a quick beheading, there wasn't much more he could do with the sword. LaCroix took a step toward Michael, his voice taking on a dangerous timbre, "Unless you plan on killing my son, I suggest you release him. If you kill Nicholas, I will no longer tolerate you." "Don't worry, I won't kill him," he laughed, hiding a nervousness from the others. Abruptly, the back door to the club opened, turning its occupants' attention toward it. A blonde haired woman, a vampire, entered and approached. "Stop!" she demanded, running toward Nick. The two backing Michael up caught her before she could do any damage. Michael pressed the sword harder into Nick's flesh, glancing at the intruder. "Who is this?" He watched as the woman struggled in his colleagues hold, but to no avail. She was nearly as weak as a mortal. "I asked, who is this?" he demanded, not caring who answered. Tracy tried to free herself, but she couldn't. Nick was being held against the wall, a sword against his neck. "Nick! What's going on?" Michael allowed the blade to cut deeper, effectively halting any response, and turned to the woman. The two vampires relaxed their hold momentarily, and she took her chance. Although not enough to get loose, Nick turned the situation to his advantage. With a loud clang, the weapon hit the floor, its bearer backing away. Nick pulled Tracy from the other vampire's hands, placing himself between Tracy and the others. Not able to reach the sword, Michael watched as Nicholas shielded the female from him. She was young, and he could see her eyes hint on the anger within her. Her emotion was directed at him, as if she could do something to effect the situation. Yes, the woman was definitely young. "She is yours, isn't she? A fledgling even to myself." He could smell the spilled blood, and coupled with losing the sword, he was at a disadvantage. "This is over, for now. We will not become your slaves, LaCroix!" Michael turned and left, his colleagues hurrying after him. The two elder vampires turned their attention on Tracy. Under their gazes, she backed up into the wall. She could see blood on Nick's shirt and throat, as well as the pain on his features. The scent of his blood teased the beast within her, but she pushed the feeling to the back of her mind. "Nick? What happened?" she asked, approaching him. "You interrupted a meeting, that's 'what happened,'" LaCroix explained, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You should not be here, child." Turning, LaCroix went to his glass before he lost his temper at Nicholas' fledgling. A difficult situation had just become more so. If she hadn't arrived, Michael would have given up. Now, not only was Nicholas known, but his daughter as well. Tracy ignored LaCroix' words, but he didn't seem to care. Turning back to Nick, she could see his hand covering his wound. "Nick, you're bleeding!" She moved to him, trying to get a look at the wound. Pushing her hand away, he snapped, "I will be fine! Which may be more than you can say." With his free hand, he grabbed a hold of the counter. "I asked you to stay at the precinct for a reason. These vampires aren't on our side, and now, they may know what my weakness is - you and Nat." "I...I felt pain from you, and I'm your partner. Nick, I couldn't just do nothing, it's something I'm not trained to do." Feeling the anger at her presence, she continued, "I'm sorry, I...I didn't mean to...." "Trace...don't apologize.... You'll be safe for the night. Go back to the precinct." As she started to protest, he promised, "I'll be there as soon as I can. I'm not exactly presentable...." he trailed off, glancing downward. Looking at his blood stained clothes, she nodded. As she was about to leave, he stopped her with her name, then called behind him, "LaCroix, have someone go with her, I don't want to take a chance." The elder vampire turned to the bar. The bartender had watched the proceedings, and was one of the eldest that accepted his presence in this city. "Carl, go with her, then return here. Make sure nothing happens to her." When the vampire approached her, she protested, "Nick, I don't need a babysitter!" "He's not one. It's just a precaution." He sensed her anger at him, but could also feel himself weakening. "Go, Tracy. I'll be at the precinct as soon as I can." Nearly having to bite her tongue to prevent further protest, she went for the door. Carl followed, barely able to match her quick, long strides out the back door. Nick waited nearly a minute before moving. Falling to his knees, he demanded of his sire, "What did Michael mean? Not wanting to be your slaves?" "They don't understand that my being city elder means little will change. They think they will become slaves, when that's what they are becoming to themselves. Slaves of their own fear." "What did you do for them to react this way?" LaCroix let out a chuckle as he went to the counter. "Really, Nicholas.... Why must you believe I've done anything. They were like this when I arrived. Now here, drink." Taking the offered glass, Nick greedily drank the thick liquid. LaCroix refilled the glass twice. Closing his eyes, he could feel as the wound began to heal. As the glass was placed on the bar, LaCroix asked, "Feeling better, my son?" "You already know the answer to that." Pulling himself up by the bar counter's edge, Nick turned to face his father. "But, what about the answer to this city's occupants' behaviour? They are afraid. Afraid of something that we represent," Nick muttered. His son's spoken thoughts paralleled his own. "But what?" he inquired of the still room, his eyes locking with his child's. "For now, you should return to your work. Later, I may have a task for you." Watching LaCroix start for his office, Nick moved to protest. As the door shut with a slam, he knew he wouldn't get an answer, not now. Turning, he left for home. State of Change - (08/14) Walking purposefully across the room, Nick could see Tracy at her desk, Natalie at his. Nat was the first to notice his presence, at which his partner looked up. "You look a whole lot better than you did a half hour ago, Nick." Tracy kept her cool, waiting for an explanation. Natalie didn't wait, instead approaching and turning his neck to the side. He pulled away, but she could see the fresh pink skin, barely healed. His other wound was probably worse. "It's nothing. It's already healed." Nat pulled his shoulder down, whispering, "Being run through with a sword isn't nothing. I could feel it, you know that, and so could Tracy." Sitting at his desk, Nick acquiesced, "You're right, it isn't nothing, at least not in this time." He paused, wondering what he was going to do, and what LaCroix' task for him would be. "You should be safe for tonight, but tomorrow...I don't know what will be attempted, if anything. Before tonight, I'd never met any of them before." "So, what do you think they'll do?" Tracy inquired quietly. Nick shook his head. "I don't know. They want us out, and for now, threats are as far as they have gone." Both Natalie and Tracy raised their eyebrows at his comment, but it was true. Nick hadn't really been harmed, merely inconvenienced. Well, maybe more than just merely. Natalie came up behind him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "What are we going to do, Nick?" "You are going to go back to the morgue. Tracy and I are going to stay here." Upon getting incredulous expressions from his fledglings, Nick explained, "There's nothing really to do. I don't know what is going on, but hopefully will soon. For now, all we can do is watch ourselves." About to ask once again if he was all right, Natalie simply nodded and told him she was going back to work. In the back of her mind, she couldn't help but wonder what was really going on. Nick was worried, she felt it in their link. Yet, as he had said, there was nothing they could really do, not now. Tracy watched Nat leave, then turning back to Nick, she saw him staring absently across the room. "Um, Nick? Are you mad at me for coming after you?" The question brought him back to the precinct, and he pondered the answer. Was he mad at her? Could he really blame her for following her instincts? Not only had his pain and discomfort pulled her to the Blue Moon, but she was a trained police officer. Tracy was his partner, and was trying to back him up. "No, I'm not mad." Realizing their conversation would undoubtedly get into more sensitive matters, he started for one of the conference rooms. Tracy followed, closing the door behind her. "Why are these vampires resisting us, resisting LaCroix?" "I'm not sure. Michael mentioned something about not wanting to be LaCroix' slaves, but I don't know why. Things don't work that way, they should know that." She thought about Nick's words as Nick shook his head slightly. "What things? Do you mean, how the Community is...um...ruled?" Tracy wasn't sure about the last word. Somehow it didn't quite fit. "Yes, although it isn't really ruled, it just...works." His explanation didn't help one bit, so he told her, "The Community doesn't have a structured government. Each city is watched over by its eldest member. Their presence, and the Code, keep the others in line without any real laws. If a city elder betrays their position with a serious enough offence, the Enforcers can banish, or even execute the elder. To force a city's Community into slavery, it is suicide. LaCroix isn't prone to such thoughts, but who knows what the previous elder did." His summary cleared up some of her thoughts. Before, she only had a vague idea of what went on within the Community, and Nick's explanations were always equally so. But, if their 'government,' as it seemed, was unstructured, it would make describing it difficult. Sort of like describing a perfect stranger. "Nick? The entire Community here can't be against us, right?" With a faint shake of his head, she continued, "So, what if you asked one of the others what it was like before we arrived, and before the other elder left?" He heard the words about the same time the thought occurred to him. LaCroix wouldn't have tried it yet, Nick was nearly positive of it. "Perhaps, but not tonight. Everything needs to settle down first, then I'll ask some questions. This time, I really do want you to stay away from me." Nick glanced down at his watch. It was almost one thirty. "I suppose we should get back to work. Unless you mentioned you were leaving earlier, we have no explanation for our short disappearance. Elliott is keeping us on a tight rope, and we can't stray for long. Come on." As quickly as the two detectives had entered the room, they exited, going for their desks, and the paperwork that awaited them. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next night came quickly. As the phone rang, Nick sat his breakfast down, answering it. "Nicholas? How are you?" Elizabeth's concerned voice inquired. "Fine...I guess." When she didn't continue, he asked a question of his own, "Why do you ask? Has something happened?" She hesitated, "No...not really. I just have a feeling something will." "What?" "I...I don't know. Something to do with one of your children, Tracy perhaps...." Nick's grip tightened on the phone. Elizabeth knew far more than she should. He had never told either her, or her husband what he was, but she had figured it out. But, what really concerned him, were her last words. Tracy. As a result of the night before, he knew she was in danger. Elizabeth, although not aware of the situation, knew something was up, and that it involved Tracy. He decided he would drop by a little earlier that night to pick her up. It wouldn't make things any worse. "Nicholas? Are you still there?" "Yes. Sorry, I was thinking...." "No need to apologize, Detective. I was also wondering how the case is going," she mentioned. "There is an APB out for the suspect, but no word as of yet." "In other words, it's mostly sit and wait...." Beth faded off, before mentioning, "I guess I should have waited until tomorrow." "That's okay," Nick replied. He would expect the concern of the investigation even if it wasn't Elizabeth asking. But, with knowing the relatives, he really hoped the case would be solved. When Nick paused, Beth told him, "I'm sorry, I should go. You'll need to go to work pretty soon I guess. Good night, Nicholas." He nodded silently, his thoughts turning to Elizabeth's comment about Tracy. A few seconds later, the line was dead, Beth hanging up, seemingly accepting his silence as a reply. Placing the phone back on the receiver, Nick watched Natalie approach. She poured her own breakfast, and brought Nick's back over to him. "So, what was that about?" "It was Elizabeth," he replied absently. "Nick, I know that. I heard her last words, but I don't know what the rest of the conversation was about. You seem a bit concerned about something, but only after the phone call." He tried to push his concern for Tracy away, but couldn't. She could very possibly be Michael's target. "It was something Elizabeth said. She had a feeling something was going to happen, perhaps to Tracy," he finally said. Natalie wasn't sure what to say. Elizabeth knew more than she should, but how much more she had no idea. Nat also knew Nick hadn't said anything to Beth. Whatever knowledge she possessed, had been figured out on her own. She worked on finishing her breakfast, and when the glass was empty, Natalie glanced at his. It was untouched. "But she's all right, isn't she Nick?" Nat asked, coming around to face him. He closed his eyes for a moment, reaching out to his youngest daughter. She was fine, getting ready for work. Then, he felt something more. First fear, then panic flooded through the link. Elizabeth had been right. State of Change - (09/14) Not bothering with his coat, Nick immediately went for the skylight, flying to Tracy's apartment. Natalie followed him, but fell behind after only a few seconds. Landing on the roof of the apartment building, Natalie saw Nick come out of the roof access. "Tracy's not here. Her apartment's a mess, and from what I felt, she didn't go calmly. But...." When he stopped, turning north toward Seattle's skyline, she could almost swear her heart beat twice. Something was wrong. Approaching him from behind, she hesitantly asked, not sure if she really wanted to hear the rest of his sentence, "But what, Nick?" "I can only sense a faint presence from her, nothing else. She's not conscious.... I have to go after her...." About to take off, Nick was restrained by two strong arms, their sudden appearance surprising Nick and Nat. It was LaCroix. The presence, and the powerful grip belonged to his sire and none other. "LaCroix, let go of me! I have...." "No, Nicholas!" his father hissed, demanding his attention. "Think, child, think! They have found your weakness, and the worst thing you could possibly do is go after her. A trap will be waiting, one that will demand we leave this city. I will not allow us to be pushed out, and neither can you!" Feeling Nicholas' muscles relax, he freed his son. "She will be released. First, will come a request, then more prudent measures if necessary." "And then, they will continue until they drive us out!" the younger man added. "LaCroix, those who live in this city, something has happened to them. Their view of the Community, of order, has been changed." "I know that, Nicholas!" LaCroix snapped. His son was getting out of line, and in front of his fledgling as well. He knew very well about the unfounded fear the city's Community acted under. He knew something had to be done, and soon. "I know, much more than you do, what is going on in this city! In my city!" Nick didn't back off, but neither did he dispute his sire's words. Instead, he mentioned once again the underlying question, "But what, LaCroix? What has happened to make them react this way?" The elder vampire sighed, and much calmer, answered, "That is information I haven't been able to obtain. Without force, I can not discover the answer. Those that stay at the club, are just as afraid of our presence as Michael is. They will not answer my questions." Pausing, LaCroix turned an idea over in his head for the hundredth time since his son had left the night before. "Which brings me to the task I mentioned. They will not answer my questions, however, they might answer yours." LaCroix wanted him to find out what was going on. What he didn't see, was why they would answer his questions and not LaCroix'. "Find out all you can from those in the club. Start tonight, and keep the good doctor with you. Her presence may do much to aid you." Glancing to his granddaughter, he saw her waiting. The Roman could tell she was holding her tongue, something he'd never quite ingrained in his son. Despite her rocky start, she was doing quite well in her new existence. "They will be able to relate to you, my dear, and will make them more comfortable," he explained, sensing the question. "Now, I'm going to have a little...chat with Michael. I suggest you get started. It may take a while to gain the trust of one of their number." As LaCroix left the two on the roof, his controlled anger lay just below the surface. Nick walked to the edge of the roof, staring at the half-full moon. "Well, I suppose it's off to the Blue Moon." "You're just going to do what he says, without question? Giving into LaCroix isn't like you, Nick. What about Tracy? Shouldn't we be trying to help her?" Shutting his eyes, Nick had to get his emotions under control. No, giving into LaCroix like this wasn't his usual behaviour, but then LaCroix wasn't quite himself either. He was being more protective of Nat and Tracy than he was of his own children. Save for himself and Janette of course. Tracy. He could still just feel her, but nothing travelled along their link. She was unconscious. Opening his eyes, he turned toward Natalie. "We can't help her, Nat. I hate to admit it, but LaCroix is right. Going after her is exactly what they want. It would be a trap." "What about work?" "Tonight's your night off, it won't be a problem." "But, you're not off. Are you going to call in?" "And say what?" He shook his head, "No, I'll just have to risk not showing up, and think of something later. Besides, how will I explain Tracy's disappearance? Captain Elliott knows I pick her up for work, and would ask me about her." Nick returned his attention to the night sky. "Come on, I guess we should get started. As LaCroix said, this might take a while." She nodded, wishing that they could do something. LaCroix was, or was at least trying, to take care of that. But, she knew it was probably a lost cause. What they really needed to know, was the reasons behind their reactions. Nick silently took off, and she followed suit quickly. He flew slowly. Natalie sensed it was partially for her benefit, but she could also feel his dread at having to talk to those at the club. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Tracy continued to stare at the only door to her prison. About two hours before she'd awaken to the dark room, a headache accompanying her. At first, she was confused, but then she remembered her apartment. The vampire she'd seen the previous night, and two others had broke in. When she struggled, they knocked her out. With what, she wasn't sure, but it sure made her head hurt. Now, she was sitting against the back wall of the tiny room, waiting for her captors to show themselves. Even with her enhanced senses, she had heard nothing since regaining consciousness. Not a crack of wood, or even a mouse. Nothing. For another half hour, she kept her ears open, until finally she heard something. Footsteps, and nothing more. No heartbeats issued from those approaching, and she hadn't expected any. Tracy knew who her captors were, and knew why she was there. She was bait for Nick. As the door swung open, admitting two vampires, she stood. Then, Tracy watched as they approached her, and could see a third standing just outside the now-closed door. "Nick won't come. He'll know it's a trap." Her statement sounded like a lie, even to herself. Apparently, Michael thought the same as a low laugh escaped from him. "I don't doubt that Nicholas knows this is a trap, but he will come. Perhaps not right away, but eventually, he will. He has no other choice." Deep down, Tracy knew he was right. Sooner or later, Nick would come. "Why do you want us to leave? We are no threat to you." "You, perhaps not. But, your master and LaCroix are another matter. They want nothing else except to control us. You are too young to know how the Community works. Unless we rule ourselves, we will become their servants, their slaves. All we want, is to be left alone." "Then why don't you explain your reasons?" With silence as an answer, she continued, "LaCroix might not be the nicest of our kind, but he will not reduce you to slavery." She waited again for a reaction, but Michael just stood before her. Locking her gaze with his, she could feel her hunger gnawing at her. She hadn't yet had breakfast when they had taken her, and she hadn't had anything the morning before. Breaking the contact, she looked away as gold crept into her vision, and her fangs itched to descend. Michael noticed the change, and moving toward the door, knocked twice. At the signal, the door opened, and a green bottle was passed through before the door was once again shut. Once again approaching her, Michael held the bottle out to her. "Here, I can see that you're hungry. Feed," he urged, but she shook her head, backing further away from him. "You may be the bait we need, but we will not harm you if you cooperate. Only Nicholas and LaCroix are our targets. If you wish, you may join us and free yourself, or not, it is your choice." Tracy had backed herself up into a corner, but Michael was still coming toward her. Uncorking the bottle with his teeth, he held it out to her once again. "Please, take it. The hunger is extremely painful at your age, and I have no wish to watch another of my kind suffer." When she refused it again, he set the bottle down on the ground, replacing the cork. "Then I will leave it here. I will return in a couple of hours." He stood still for several seconds, before he and the other left. She didn't dare move until her surroundings were once again silent. Walking past the bottle, Tracy went to the door, but it was still firmly locked. Although she was much stronger than a mortal, the door was too strong for a fledgling. She didn't even need a guard. Turning, she rested her back against the door. For at least the next two hours, she would be trapped in this room. As her stomach protested, her attention was brought back to the bottle. Within seconds it was in her hands. Pulling the cork out, she brought the opening to her nose, taking in the aroma. It was human blood, and very fresh at that. Fresher than she'd smelled at some of the crime scenes she and Nick had been to. Plugging the cork back in, she returned to the back wall, and slid down to the ground. She held the bottle in her hands, the green glass slightly warm. Tracy felt her stomach protest once again, and a few seconds later the vampire made its appearance. Looking with longing at the container before her, its shape glowing faintly in her vision from its warmth, she yanked the cork out once again. This time, however, she greedily drank the sweet liquid. Stopping, half the bottle was gone, but the vampire wasn't. This was the freshest blood she'd ever had, and it urged her beast to finish the bottle. It only took a couple of minutes for the contents to disappear. Then, there was only a need, no, a want, that was unfamiliar to her. She wanted more. Closing her eyes, she forced the creature within her back into its unlocked cage. Nick had explained what it was like to feed directly from a mortal. It was intoxicating, and unless one was in control of the vampire, a meal could easily turn into a slaughter. He had also told her that fledglings, even in this time, were expected to know how to hunt, and then, finally kill their prey. Yet, neither she nor Natalie had fed from a mortal, and she didn't think she wanted to. Nick hadn't taught either of them much about hunting. Oh, they had learned how to find a mortal, even judge how far away they were, but that's where it stopped. The thought of actually feeding, and finally killing someone, both enticed and disgusted her. For now, she didn't have to worry about that. But she did worry. Not of her own fate, but of Nick's. Reaching out across their link, her mind brushed his. Faintly, she felt him reach out to her, and then a wave of reassurance. Underneath was frustration, and she thought she could faintly sense Natalie. As he partially pulled back from her, she wished she could tell him not to come. Even if she could, he would come despite her warning. State of Change - (10/14) Natalie sat at the bar, her drink disappearing in occasional sips. Even though Nick sat next to her, his attention focused on the club's patrons. Tonight's clientele were mostly vampires, and the two had already asked several of the immortals about what had happened before their arrival. But, no answers were forthcoming. Nick's glass became empty again. He had no idea how many glasses he had, but each time it was filled immediately. This time was no exception. Taking a mouthful of the liquid, his eyes wondered around the room. Finally, they rested on the back corner, where a vampiress sat alone at a table. Standing up, Nick approached her with Natalie only a few steps behind. Getting within a few feet of the table, the woman looked up at them, and stood, muttering an apology. Before she could leave, Nick lightly touched her arm, sending a violent shiver through her body. Her movements stopped completely, and she cast her head down, a second apology being whispered to them. "You have no need to apologize, nor have you any need to leave." Glancing up at the blonde vampire, she began to protest, "But...." "Please, sit." The vampiress took the suggestion as a command, quickly obeying the words. Nick and Nat joined her, and they could feel the young woman tense. "I am Nicholas...." "I know who you are. The whole Community knows. You're LaCroix' son." Her statement was firm, but fear began to creep in at the realization of what she said. It was no way to speak to any vampire elder than herself, certainly not one as old as he was. Before she could get out another apology, Nick affirmed, "Yes, I am LaCroix' son. This is Natalie, my daughter." The young woman's attention shifted to the other vampire at the table. Natalie was very young, recently brought over. She could see the slight discomfort from Nicholas' introduction. Natalie was younger than herself, by a couple of years at least. "And you are?" Nick probed, trying to sound as casual as possible. Her hesitation was short, and she shakily replied, "Marie, Marie Daniels." "Marie, what happened before we arrived? What was it like here?" "I...I can't say." "Please, Marie," Natalie gently asked. "We need to know. Something happened here, and we want to know what." "No...please leave. I know I don't have much voice, but I don't want to be reduced to a servant. Please, I ask this for our Community." Her words were more than he'd gotten from any of the others. But they also reminded him of something. Michael's words. He didn't want to become slaves again, and Marie was making the same plea, merely using a different word. "Why do you think that'll happen? LaCroix will not force the Community into servitude or slavery. As long as the Code is obeyed, you will be free." "But it's not allowed," Marie protested. "As long as there is an elder in the city, we can not be free." Nick furrowed his brow in confusion. While Nick thought, Natalie asked, "Who told you this?" Marie opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. On a second attempt, she managed, "Our previous elder, our master. She taught us everything. She was elder here for nearly a century, and most of us have either lived here our entire lives, or came with her when she arrived." For over a century. If the elder had held onto the city that long, why would she suddenly leave? "What happened to her?" "I...I'm not sure. I don't think much of anyone is. About four months ago, she was executed. I've heard rumours that the vampires that killed her were enforcers, but I don't know what they are." Nick looked up at that. Marie, and apparently the others in this city, didn't know what Enforcers were. "Enforcers are our police. They make sure the Code is obeyed. They act when necessary, only when the situation doesn't get taken care of. How were you governed?" "We weren't, we were ruled." Her statement hung in the air for several moments, then confusion washed over Marie's face, "But, you should know all of this. Why don't you?" "Perhaps, because the last time I was in this city was before your elder was present." He asked his question again, rephrasing it, "How were you ruled?" This time, she explained everything. Not only were the vampires of this city practically slaves to this elder, but if one tried to leave, or went against her, death was immediate. She demanded absolute control, absolute obedience from those under her. Interesting enough, Michael was this elder's fledgling. Marie would not speak the elder's name. But, that he could find out from LaCroix, or if he didn't already know, it would be a simple matter to find out. Once she had finished, he told Marie, "What if I were to tell you, that what this elder taught you, and the others here, was all a lie? That the Community doesn't work as she has portrayed, that her actions were what caused her death?" "But, how can that be? If she was acting against our laws, how could she get away with it for such a long time? It just doesn't make any sense." As her head shook slightly, he recognized her question as a valid one. Why did it take the Enforcers the better part of a century to take care of this situation? But Nick knew that the Enforcers didn't always act right away. He was proof of that. For over a century, he'd gone in search of a cure, and until a year and a half ago, they had done nothing. In the end, they had solved their dilemma, more or less forcing him to bring Nat and Tracy over, forcing him to give up his quest for the time being. The Enforcers hadn't been able to act directly because of LaCroix. Perhaps the Enforcers had needed to tread lightly in this city, and four months ago was their first chance to act. But, he didn't really know. "I can't say why it took so long. I know no more about this than what you've told me." "What reason do I have to believe things will be different with LaCroix as elder? Why should I believe your word?" Nick was stuck. It was his word against Marie's. How could he convince her he was telling the truth? Running different ways of proving his word through his mind, he came up with only one. The blood spoke the truth, it always did. In his blood was proof that Marie and the others wouldn't be reduced to slavery. Standing up, Nick told her, "Marie, follow me." She hesitated before standing, but obeyed as if she had no other choice. Natalie moved to accompany them, but was told to stay. Sitting back down, Nat watched Nick and the vampiress enter LaCroix' office. Nick gestured for Marie to sit, and after a moment of uncertainty, did. He could feel the nervousness emanating from her small form. She was shorter than Nat, and thinner than Tracy. Her medium brown hair was curly, and cut to just above the shoulders. Marie looked no more than about twenty-four, if even that. The vampire in her had only been there a decade, or perhaps two. She was very young. Moving to stand in front of her, Nick undid the cuff of his sleeve, holding his exposed wrist out to her. At her confusion, he instructed, "Take my blood. In it you will see the truth of my words." "No...I can't. It's not permitted. You are an elder...." "No, Marie, I am not an elder. Merely LaCroix' son. Take my blood. I give you permission. You will not be punished." Nick moved closer to the young woman, his wrist awaiting her actions. Cautiously, Marie reached out and took the proffered wrist in her hands. Looking up at Nicholas, she received a nod. Allowing her fangs to drop, she turned back, and as gently as possible, she slid her canines into the cold skin. She drank, taking only a few mouthfuls before pulling back. Allowing the blood to tell her what it could, she saw Toronto, and saw a club very much like the Blue Moon. Through Nicholas, she could see LaCroix. The Roman was very much in control, exerting his presence over the club's patrons. The vampires around him feared him, but even more than that, they respected him. Mara, their elder, had induced only fear in those around her. Never respect, not even from her own son. Marie was stunned. Nicholas was telling her the truth. From him, she knew LaCroix was not as tolerant as the vampire standing before her. The young vampiress also knew LaCroix meant no harm to the city's inhabitants. Turning her dark green eyes to Nicholas, she exclaimed, "You were telling the truth.... I didn't mean to doubt you, but...." "Don't worry about it. You had no reason to believe me." Looking Marie over, she seemed more open than she had before. She was no longer afraid. "Marie, would the others believe you?" "Umm...I think so. Not Michael and his followers though, he only believes what he knows to be the truth, nothing else. Mara...." She stopped at her slip up. She wasn't going to tell Nicholas their elder's name, but now it was too late. "Mara was our elder. She treated her son no differently than the rest of the Community, and he hated her for it. Mara knew how he felt, and despite her harsh treatment of Michael, he was the only one spared of her punishment. He knows little more than what she taught him, and rumours from newcomers to the city." Nick felt his sire's approach, and knew they had to finish their conversation. "Tell the others what you know." As Marie nodded, the door opened. LaCroix entered his office, raising his eyebrow slightly. Nicholas was in his office with a young vampiress, and from their bond, LaCroix could tell progress had been made. He could also smell a hint of his son's blood, and figured that had been the means to the result. LaCroix sensed the fear in the young woman, but it was not as strong as other occasions he had seen her. She stood, Marie he believed her name was, and bowing her head faintly, scurried out of the office shutting the door behind her. "I take it you were successful in your attempts?" As LaCroix sat at his desk, Nick commented, "Fairly. I know why the Community here is reacting the way they are." The elder vampire was a bit surprised. Nicholas had been more successful speaking with the fledglings than he had expected. "And that reason is?" Nick explained the control Mara held over the Community, and also the relationship between her, and her son Michael. He also mentioned the task he had given Marie, but that still left Michael to deal with. Tracy was still in his possession, and Nick could feel her impatience, but there was no fear. Nick then went on to describe Mara's possible fate. LaCroix pondered his son's words. Michael's hatred of his master, the previous elder in this city, helped explain his actions. If Mara had been this cruel and demanding of the Community, it led credence to Nicholas' suggestion. Mara had mislead those beneath her. She had, in several ways, changed the Code. Her execution was news, and LaCroix would have to speak with the Enforcers to find out. He didn't like Enforcers. They could do nothing to him, their leaders too afraid of what he might do in return. But nonetheless, their presence irritated him. His thoughts were interrupted with a knock on the door. At first, he was angered, but then he recognized the presence behind the door as Natalie's. "Come in, Doctor," he bade. She entered, and stood behind Nick. Natalie waited silently for them to continue, wanting to know what was going on. Focusing momentarily on Natalie, LaCroix considered his next words. "I tried reasoning with Michael once again. I had hoped that by speaking with him once more, perhaps tomorrow night, I would be able to solve our disagreement. However, if what you say is true, I see it will not." Pausing, he addressed solely his son. "The fledgling will not listen. I do not believe force will be useful either. Michael wants to meet you, alone, tomorrow night at ten o'clock. A messenger will deliver the address here, at an unannounced time. Natalie will stay with me." "And what am I supposed to do? Let him run me through a second time?" Nick demanded. "No. When you leave, you will leave with Tracy." Nick studied his sire's features. LaCroix was serious. "But, what can I do? He's not going to let me just take her...." "Nicholas, you are no fledgling. Use your strength. They do not know of recent events. As far as they are concerned, you are still drinking that swill. Use what you are to your advantage." Once again, LaCroix was asking him to give into his nature. The first time, he had refused to show his strength, this time he was being given little choice. Perhaps he could still get Michael to see reason. Perhaps.... "You have spent the night here. Unless you wish to spend the day as well, I suggest you be on your way. The sun will rise shortly." With that, LaCroix left the dark office, leaving the two alone. For a moment, silence filled the void, then Natalie interrupted, "He wants you to fully embrace the vampire, doesn't he?" With an answering nod, she continued, "Are you going to?" Nick glanced her way for a second, then turned his gaze to the back wall. "I don't know, and I won't until I have to decide. So far, I haven't given in, but the temptation is growing stronger...I don't know how much longer I can control it." He paused, and meet her eyes. "Come on, unless you want to get a nasty burn, we need to go." Nick left no room for argument, and led the way out the back of the club. As Natalie followed, she wished she knew how the next night would unfold. State of Change - (11/14) Tracy sat impatiently against the back wall. Michael had said he would return after a couple of hours, yet it was nearly morning. The sun would be up in just a few minutes. She could feel it. Just as she figured she would be trapped for the day, footsteps entered her senses. A minute later, she stood as the door was opened. "You said it would only be a couple of hours. It's morning," she stated. "I was...detained. My discussion took longer than expected, and was a waste of time. All I listened to were lies. One after another." Michael's eyes finally met hers as he finished his sentence. Turning quickly to the door and back, his colleague left, leaving him alone with Tracy. "I want to give you the option of joining me. You can free yourself, all you have to do is trust me, and break from your master. I ask for nothing else." His words made no sense to her. "But...." Stepping forward, and grabbing her shoulders, Michael explained, "Tracy, they lie. That's what their kind does." She was going to protest again, but he continued, "You can't see what they are because you're so close to them. LaCroix and the other elders make us their pawns. Do you want to live your entire life as nothing more than a carved piece of wood on a small chequered board? To be moved around at their will, with no say from you?" "Nick isn't like that. Why don't you listen to what they have to say?" Michael scoffed at her argument. "Nicholas is just like his father. He may be weak and a coward, but he was brought up with their teachings. He has their presence about him, and their protectiveness. Have you ever wondered why he won't let you out of his sight for more than a moment? Or why LaCroix stays so close?" When he received a confused look mixed with denial, he stifled a laugh. "Under his control, you are an advantage, but under another's, you are a danger. But more than that, you are a weakness." Trying to determine his truthfulness, Tracy noted that if nothing else, Michael believed his accusations. But she didn't. Shrugging out of his grasp, she shook her head. "No, Nick's different. The only truth in your words is his protectiveness. He's like that around everyone. He's...." "Enough! I see that despite your short tenure as one of us, you have already been trapped by them. No matter, as I mentioned before, it is your choice. When they leave, you will go with them." Striding back to the door, Michael knocked, and as before a bottle of blood was passed through the opening. This time, he didn't bother offering it to her, setting it on the ground without another word. "This must last until nightfall." At her questioning glance, he explained, "I will not let you starve." Clenching her jaw, Tracy watched her captor knock on the door, and disappear though the opening that was created. As before, she tried the door, but it was of no use. There was no escape. Now, she had until the next night to think of something to say. Some way to make Michael see that his truth was the lie. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. A half hour past sunset, Nick and Nat were already at the Blue Moon, sitting at the bar. She had called in to work, figuring that would be better than just disappearing. Nick and Tracy were off. For tonight, their absence wouldn't be noticed. LaCroix was sitting at the bar as well, although Nick had made a point of sitting at the opposite end. They were both sipping a glass of blood, Nick's being refilled more often than his father's. The bartender approached Nick, but not to refill his glass. "Nick, I got a message for you." Turning to the vampire, who appeared in his mid-thirties, although in reality was a little more than a hundred years old, Nick figured it was the message LaCroix had told him about. "It's from a woman, said her name was Beth?" The bartender looked up from the piece of paper in his hand. "What?" Nick stuttered slightly, pulling the paper from Carl's hand. Reading the note, the message surprised him. Beth wanted him to go to an address, mentioning that it had to do with Tracy. She wanted him to go as soon as possible. LaCroix approached, coming up behind his son, attempting to get a glance at the paper. "Nicholas, what's that?" came an oddly curious inquiry. "A note, something I need to do. Watch Natalie." Nick was on his way out before either could comment. "Doctor, do you know where Nicholas is going?" Natalie turned, her surprise evident. "No, I don't. Why are you asking me?" He faintly shrugged, calmly responding, "I thought you might have seen the note." So, he wanted to know where his son dashed off to all of the sudden. She wanted to know as well, but didn't know. "Why don't you just follow his bond, follow it to where he is?" "Nicholas seems to have...cut me off, shall we say. A disadvantage of my recent...goodwill...is that my son can now shield himself from me. Perhaps I should have delayed that lesson a while longer." Reaching out to Nick, Nat found nothing. Not only was his father blocked out, but she as well. "And you don't like it, do you? All these years, you've kept Nick dependent on you. Why?" Her statement angered him. The distaste of his actions was clearly visible, and she wanted to know why. "As a fledgling, Nicholas did not learn the lessons that I did teach him well. Apparently, that has changed, and his present determination seems to have increased." Now, his own words inflamed his anger. In another situation, he would proud of his son's control of this new ability, but not now. Of all the times to block him out, this was not the right one. He feared Nicholas was going to get into trouble, and this time, there was nothing he could do. "I'm sure Nick knows what he's doing...." LaCroix stifled a laugh. "Really, Doctor.... Have your senses failed you? In the past, his rushing off has led to nothing but trouble. Something that doesn't seem to be able to be knocked into the boy's head. I assure you, Nicholas does not know what he is doing. As far as I know, he is stepping into a trap right now." Watching the elder vampire's eyes cloud over, she now knew why LaCroix had withheld lessons from Nick. LaCroix would never be able to bear the death of his son, particularly if he could have stopped it. She kept silent, hoping Nick was all right. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. As day turned into night, Tracy awoke, her stomach demanding sustenance. She had stayed awake as long as possible, and estimated that she had made it a little more than two hours before the weight of the sun forced her to sleep. The green bottle sat in the exact position it did at sunrise, its contents still there. Unlike that morning, now she was hungry, and as a result was becoming more impatient than she already was. Taking the bottle, she drank about a third of the liquid. She didn't want to take anymore than was needed. Hearing Michael arrive, this time she didn't stand to meet him. Picking the bottle up, he found it over half full. He didn't understand this woman. Not only was she firmly in her master's influence, but she wouldn't even take advantage of the nourishment handed to her. Returning the container to the ground, he focused on Tracy's thin form. "Follow me." Turning as if to leave, he reached the door before turning back. She hadn't moved "Follow me. If you follow, I do not need to use force. I don't want to force you, but I will if I have to. Come." "No," came a short, terse reply. Striding quickly to the woman's position, Michael pulled her to her feet. "Come," he repeated, moving toward the door, his hand gripped around Tracy's upper arm. Yanking her hand from the grip, she repeated her reply. When he grabbed her wrist, this time more roughly, she didn't pull out of the grasp. Instead, Tracy bit down hard on his arm, her fangs sinking deep into the flesh. Michael yelled out, the sensation unexpected, and angering. The vampiress pulled his blood out quicker than he would have expected. Prying her teeth from his sensitive skin, he held his wrist with his uninjured arm. How dare she! He had been gentle with her. Only when she refused to come, did he use any force. As his anger at Tracy's actions mounted, he pulled her back to him, his fangs brushing quickly across the tender skin of her neck. Gasping at the new sensation, Tracy's struggle to free herself momentarily subsided. It only took her a few seconds to realize his intentions, and pleaded, "Please! Don't!" Retreating from the young vampiress' throat, Michael asked, "Are you going to come with me calmly?" Opening her mouth to speak, she shut it again, not knowing what to say. With a second attempt, she voiced, "I won't be your bait." "Then you will submit," he whispered roughly. Pulling his head back, Michael came down to strike, only to find himself travelling through the air. Slamming into the back wall, bones audibly snapping, he slid down to the ground. Stunned from the surprise, he froze solid at sight of his attacker. "Nicholas...." State of Change - (12/14) Stopping merely a few feet from the younger vampire, Nick firmly told him, "Stand up, Michael." As he looked up into the stormy blue eyes, their colour mirrored the dark of night outside. Michael moved to obey the command, only to feel pain streak through his body. He desperately tried to force himself up, but to no avail. With a combination of the broken bones, and the blood Tracy had taken, he was too weak. About to voice his problem, Michael watched Nick look back at the woman. Seemingly looking her over, Nick turned back. The elder vampire's features appeared to soften slightly. "Wha...what happened to my colleagues?" "They seemed to have found my presence too much to bare. I would guess that they are no longer in the building." Reflexively swallowing, Michael realized the implications. He was alone in a room, with a vampire over three times his age. Not only that, but he had angered the older immortal. "Now, will you listen? Not only to the words spoken, but the ideas which they represent?" Receiving a weak nod, Nick was about to begin the explanation, when he realized another way. Marie had learned the truth through his blood, Michael could do the same. Besides, considering the younger vampire's position, it would be a gesture of goodwill. Nick stretched his arm out, offering his wrist to him. When confusion rushed over Michael's face, Nick explained, "My blood will heal you, and through it, you can see for yourself what it will be like with LaCroix here." Taking the proffered arm, Michael, as Marie had, hesitantly sank his fangs into the soft flesh. His hunger told him to drink deeply of this source, but he forced himself to slow down. The blood contained Nicholas' life, as a mortal, as a fledgling of LaCroix, and finally, as he was in the present. Eventually, Michael focused on the last few years, and once again, confusion washed through him. LaCroix had been speaking the truth. All an elder did, really, was to watch over the other, younger vampires within their domain. They were to act only when needed. When problems got out of hand, their job was to 'solve the problem' as it were. If that didn't work, then Enforcers, a group of their kind he had never heard of, would come in and clean up. Mara had twisted those in her control, forcing them to believe her words as truth. In reality, Mara's words had been the lies, not LaCroix'. He had been brought up on her lies, as had most of those in the city. A few had become trapped in the city, and had been smart enough to keep quiet about the truth. These vampires were the ones who had warned him not to go against LaCroix and urged him to listen to the elder vampire instead. Pulling back from Nicholas, Michael had only one thing to say, "I am a fool." The younger vampire had taken a substantial amount of his blood, and it took him a few seconds to comment. "Perhaps, and perhaps not. You were only going off of your knowledge. What reason had you been given to indicate the falseness of Mara's words?" Michael sharply looked up. Nicholas wasn't mad at him. Despite his reaction to the newcomers, he was being given another chance. Considering Nicholas' words, he realized he didn't have a reason to doubt his master's teachings. Even with her cruelty, he had believed her truthful. "I suppose I wasn't given much reason...." "No, you weren't," Nick stated, and allowed Michael's thoughts to organize themselves. He moved back, and immediately Nick was at Tracy's side. Slightly stunned, she was still standing exactly where she was when Nick had entered. He gripped her shoulders, asking, "Are you okay?" Nodding, Tracy told him, "Yes, I think so." Nick looked her over once again, focusing on their link. Her response seemed to be truthful, and he turned back to Michael. Still sitting on the ground, Michael's eyes locked on Nick's. "What now?" "We, or rather you, are going to talk to LaCroix." The colour drained out of Michael's features, and he shook his head from side to side. "Yes. He won't hurt you, I'll make sure of it." Pausing, Nick watched as the younger vampire considered his options. Then, holding his hand out to Michael, Nick helped him up. "Are you strong enough to fly?" Nick inquired, not sure if Michael would be able to make it to LaCroix' club. "I think so," came a slightly uncertain and nervous answer. Accepting the reply, he turned to his partner, "Tracy?" "I'll be fine." "Good, then we can go now." Casting a glance at Michael, Nick led the three from the room. Almost as soon as they had exited the building, the three were in the air, on their way to the Blue Moon. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Nick had been gone for over a half hour, and although it really hadn't been that long, it seemed longer. Natalie had watched as the club's patrons avoided LaCroix, sensing something about the Ancient's mood. At first LaCroix had appeared fine, but then she saw his anger surface, hiding the worry. Neither of them could feel Nick, and that was what concerned her. Nick hadn't mentioned anything about LaCroix teaching him anything, and especially nothing about this. Before, he'd merely been able to shield his presence, and then only from those unrelated to him. Now, both she and LaCroix were blocked out. A few minutes later, she felt something on the very edge of her senses. It wasn't Nick, it was too weak for it to be him. Yet, at the same time it was familiar. LaCroix seemed to sense something as well. They both turned to the entrance at the same time, to find Nick, Tracy, and Michael. LaCroix stiffened slightly at their approach. Nicholas was fine, he could see that, but how had he dealt with the situation? He sat at the bar, keeping himself as calm as possible as the group approached. "I believe Michael has changed his mind about something," Nick mentioned, stepping out of the way, and taking his children with him. Michael watched as LaCroix waited. Once alone, the younger stated, "I was mistaken in my assumptions. There will be no further trouble from me." The submissive voice from the young vampire was in stark contrast to the commanding tone he had kept before. Perhaps Nicholas had not blundered this time. "And your comrades? What about them?" "There will be no trouble from them either. I will make sure of it." When LaCroix said nothing, he asked, "What is my punishment?" A second time LaCroix stiffened. Now, Michael's question was expectant. From what he'd found out from the Enforcers about Mara, she ruled those under her, keeping everyone in line through punishment. Although her methods did not bother him, it was the severity of her actions that did. Mara's favourite had been death, for even trifle crimes. Crimes that weren't even considered so by the Code. Oh, he could easily give the child before him a sentence, and he wanted to do just that. But, in this city, it would do no good. Not now. They had to recover from Mara's tight rule before it would be wise to impose his own. That recovery wouldn't take long, he suspected. "There is no punishment. Just make sure your promises are kept. Go." Michael scurried out the back door at his dismissal. Nick, Natalie and Tracy approached LaCroix, all a little surprised at the Roman's comment. Seeing the emotion flicker across his son's features, he explained, "A punishment would have meant nothing to him. Michael and the others expect it, therefore I must change tactics. At least until things settle down, which I suspect they will soon." "And then what will you do, LaCroix?" Nick inquired. As Nick let his barriers down, the three could almost see relief on LaCroix' features. Looking down at his glass for a second, the elder commented, "That will be decided later. For now, I suggest you take the rest of the night to rest. I believe you will be returning to work tomorrow night, unless I am mistaken...." "No, you're not mistaken," he told his sire. Nick and Tracy had a problem. Nat was supposedly home sick, and they were off tonight. But, last night, he and Tracy had simply not shown up for work. No explanation, nothing. They were in for it. Natalie looked over to Nick, and could feel his concern. She knew why, and so did Tracy. The younger detective seemed a little more subdued than usual. No doubt a result of her experience over the past twenty-four hours. Nick glanced one last time at LaCroix, then turned his attention back to Nat and Tracy. "Come on, let's go to my place." Gently placing his hand on Tracy's back, he led her and Natalie first out the back door, and then up into the sky. Landing on the warehouse's roof, Natalie reached across her bond with Nick. Feeling that he wished to talk to Tracy alone, she mentioned, "I'll stay at my apartment today. See you tonight at work." With that, she took off, leaving her friends alone. Silently, Nick pulled the skylight open, gesturing for Tracy to go through the opening. Following into the loft's interior, he watched as she made her way over to the couch. Pausing at the kitchen, he retrieved two glasses and a bottle before approaching her. Setting the glasses on the table, he filled each full with the thick liquid. Nick held one out to Tracy, and after a few seconds gained her attention. Taking the offered glass, Tracy muttered an apology before allowing herself to focus on the glass' contents. Until now, she hadn't thought of the blood as much more than nourishment. Rather, it was necessary for their survival. But, with the experiences of the past nights, she knew the blood was a whole lot more than just food. As she drank barely a mouthful of the blood, Tracy tasted the differences between this, and what she had the previous night. This blood was older, the owner's life muted, and barely discernable. The bottles Michael had brought her were newer, fresher, the blood screaming its experiences at her. She wanted the fresher blood, and the life that it contained. Feeling Nick's eyes studying her, Tracy looked up at him. He was concerned, and was waiting for her to say something. When she told him of her thoughts, what would he think? Tracy knew Nick didn't like drinking human blood, and she also knew he wanted to become mortal. Instead of telling him what she was thinking, she asked him, "How do you control the hunger? How do you prevent it from killing?" Staring into his own glass, the answer didn't come to him immediately. "With great difficulty.... I'm also not sure if I've ever controlled it. Perhaps subdued it, but not controlled it. The hunger pulls at me all of the time, and my memories remind me that there is something much better out there than this," he explained, holding his glass up for a second. As her own memories returned, she looked away. "Michael didn't starve me, quite the opposite. The blood was fresh...fresher than I've ever smelt at a crime scene. The vampire wants more of it...and I'm not sure I want to stop it." She paused, changing her course of thought slightly. "It's one thing to smell fresh blood, and another to drink it. Is this why you refuse to teach me and Nat to hunt? Because you want to spare us the urge to do so again?" she questioned, her eyes meeting his and sparkling with need for the answer. "Yes, that's more or less the reason," he stated. When Tracy looked away again, Nick wondered what else was bothering her. "There's something more. What is it?" "What if you hadn't arrived when you did?" Rethinking her question, she told him, "I know he would have drank my blood, but.... I mean, I know we share blood and stuff, but I was afraid, Nick. More than I have been for a long time. I guess what I want to know, is why?" Gripping the glass with both hands, her mind focused on it. She could feel the material straining in her trembling hands, her memories assaulting her. "I'm still afraid, Nick. And it's not going away." Feeling her emotions to the breaking point, Nick downed the remainder of his glass, and pulled hers from her grip before the glass shattered under the pressure. Moving as quickly as possible without startling her, he sat next to Tracy, and pulled her toward him. Immediately she relaxed into Nick's grip, her head resting on his shoulder. "Why, Nick? Why am I still afraid?" "The same reason you were afraid several days ago at the precinct. It's instinctual. When our blood is taken unwillingly, the sensation is extremely painful. That knowledge was in your subconscious, and it took over." Tracy listened to his quiet words, then rested as her mind assimilated the information. "And my body is still waiting for Michael to finish his action." Feeling a nod in response to her statement, she continued, "How did you know to come, anyway?" Nick tensed slightly, and told her, "I received a note at the Blue Moon, from Elizabeth. She also called me just before you were taken." "She knew what was going to happen?" Tracy incredulously asked, pulling away slightly to look up at Nick, and momentarily putting her fears aside. He nodded. "Somehow she knew. Perhaps, I'll ask Beth about it when I talk to her. Although, I don't know if we should question it." Returning her head to his shoulder, Tracy faintly nodded in agreement. Quickly, her thoughts moved back to her question. "When will the fear go away?" "Soon. Just give it time. Just rest, Trace. Rest, and let it fade away...." Listening to his voice, and feeling his arms around her, she drifted off to sleep. Her mind slowly forgot about her fear, and recent events. Within minutes, Nick followed Tracy into sleep, the night barely half over. State of Change - (13/14) The next night, as Nick and Tracy entered the precinct, several eyes darted their way before returning to their tasks. The two detectives made their way to their desks, the tension in the room easily noticeable. They managed to get their coats off, and get settled in their desks before Elliott bellowed their names across the squad room. Nick and Tracy both winced, hiding it as much as they could. Now, they were in for it. Standing up again, they made their way into Captain Elliott's office. "Close the door, detectives." Doing so, Nick returned to his partner's side. The Captain gestured for them to sit, and they both slid into the hard chairs opposite Elliott. "Now, you two have some explaining to do. Two nights ago, neither of you showed up for duty, and without any explanation. Give me a good explanation, and you'll get off with a slap on the wrist, or a reprimand. I don't know if you were allowed to do this often up in Winnipeg, but here in my precinct...forget it. You come and do your job, or notify someone that you won't be coming in. Now, let's hear it." The statement hung in the stagnant office air for over a minute. "I got really sick that night. Stomach flu," Tracy explained. "I called Nick a couple of hours before work to tell him I wouldn't be in." Elliott turned to Nick, waiting for him to continue. "Tracy wasn't the only one who was sick. Apparently I had the same thing. I didn't find out until last night though. I slept though the phone, my alarm and everything else." "Then, why didn't we hear from you, Detective Ward?" The blonde woman visibly shifted in her seat. "I was sick, more than I have been for years. I guess I fell asleep as well. I don't remember much until last night." Elliott wasn't sure what to think of the explanation. "Stomach flu," he muttered. Well, the flu was going around. Over the past month, several of his detectives and officers had called in with the stomach flu. "Did you know that Doctor Richardson called in sick last night?" The detectives both appeared surprised, and the Captain seemed to believe them. "No, at least I didn't," Tracy mentioned truthfully, turning toward her partner. "I didn't know either. Although we work together often, we don't speak much outside of work," Nick smoothly lied, noticing Tracy squirm a bit. "This could explain why we all got it about the same time." Considering Cole's words, he was inclined to believe the detective. And frankly, it didn't actually have anything to do with the explanation. There was something about Cole.... Instinctively, he trusted the man, knew that whether it was the truth or not, it was all he would get. "Well, then, get back to work." As they got up to leave, he continued, "Talk to Langley and O'Brien when they get in, they've been handling the Fuller case over the past couple of nights. You two have a suspect in custody, the rest they can fill you in on." Nick nodded, and the two exited the office. Getting back to her desk, Tracy let out a breath of air. She wasn't even aware she'd been holding it, but then she didn't need to breathe either. "So, I guess we wait for Langley and his partner then." Sitting down, Nick sat for a minute in silence. Absently grabbing a pencil, he heard the approach of the desk sergeant. "Nick?" came Lauren Fields' voice. "This came for you last night. I think it has to do with the Fuller case." Nick took the envelope, and glanced at the address. New York. Feeling Lauren's hovering presence, he told her, "Thanks, I nearly forgot all about this." "You're welcome, Nick. Anything I can help you with?" the officer continued, her hopeful tone seemingly lost on the detective. "Not right now. We're just waiting for Langley and O'Brien," he explained, not meeting the brunette's eyes. He knew what her eyes looked like. They were the same colour as her deep brown shoulder length hair. After a bit of hesitancy, she went back to her duty, wishing he would notice her. Tracy snickered, as Nick opened the envelope not noticing the reaction. "See, I told you, she likes you." At his faintly raised eyebrow she was incredulous. "You know, you're so thick-headed you don't even see it, do you?" "It's not like she'll have much luck. I'm not available," he answered calmly. Technically, he knew he was available, but Lauren was mortal. Pushing the thought away, Nick returned his attention to the contents of the envelope. Confusion washed through him, and he scanned the documents. One piece of information made no sense. Cheryl's aunt Elizabeth married a Jonathan Henderson. With the name and an attached picture, the aunt was unmistakable. It was Elizabeth, or Beth, Henderson. There was no doubt about it. The picture was of a younger woman, from about ten years before. According to the records, Elizabeth and her husband died five months after Cheryl graduated from high school. Abruptly, he grabbed the phone, and pulled out the paper that had their hotel's phone number on it. Calling the front desk, he asked to be connected to room 219. But, he was only met with more confusion. "What do you mean, you have no one in room 219?" "Exactly that sir. We've had no one in that room for the last week, which in itself is unusual. You must be mistaken on the room number." "I'm not mistaken, the couple staying in the room are Elizabeth and Jonathan Henderson." "I'm sorry, but there is no one staying in the room." Tracy watched as her partner talked on the phone. She could hear both sides of the conversation. Nick was trying to get in contact with the Hendersons, but wasn't having any luck. After several minutes, and the mention of his work, he persuaded the clerk to do a search. It came up empty. There was no one in the hotel under the name of Henderson. Frustrated, Nick mentioned his thanks, and hung up. "Okay, Nick, what's going on? What was in the envelope?" In answer, he passed the records to her. She quickly took them, and scanned for what Nick had seen. It didn't take long. Both Elizabeth and Jonathan Henderson were dead. They had died in a crash, a car crash. The circumstances were similar to those that claimed her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. It was a head on collision, but not with a truck. A drunk driver. Apparently, it wasn't only Cheryl's family who seemed to be cursed. "But, Nick? We've met them. First up at the cabin, and now here. How can they be dead? And for nine years? What's going on?" "I'm not sure...." A though came to him, and he picked up his phone and dialled the number of the cabin. Instead of getting endless ringing, or an answering machine message, the message receiving merely stated that the number was 'out of service'. Hanging up, Nick became more confused than he already was. The phone company was closed, so nothing could be done for the night. Taking the papers back, Nick stuffed them back into the envelope, then started shuffling through a stack of papers on his desk. Glancing momentarily toward the precinct's entrance, he felt Natalie's approach. "Hey, Nick, how'd it go?" she asked, stopping behind him. "Well, we still have our jobs. Nothing more than a slap on the wrist...at least this time." When Nick didn't continue, and both he and his partner went silent, she sensed something. Coming around to the sides of the detectives' desks, she prodded, "Okay, what happened?" "Cheryl's aunt and uncle died nine years ago," Tracy stated. It took Nat a couple of moments to relate the identity of Cheryl's relatives to the Hendersons, and for the time frame to click. However, as soon as it did, her mouth dropped open. "What?!" "I had requested some information on Cheryl's aunt the night of the murder, and it arrived last night. Not only does it confirm that Elizabeth and Jonathan are Cheryl's aunt and uncle, but also that they died in a collision five months after Cheryl graduated high school." "But, then...how..." the ME stammered. "I mean...they're here, in Seattle...." Shaking his head, Nick leaned back in his chair. "No, they're not. I called the hotel a few minutes ago. There are no guests under their names, and their room has been unoccupied for the past week. The cabin's phone is out of service as well." Tracy's mind went back to Nick's words the night before. Beth knew what was going to happen to her. Now, she found out the couple was dead. "Well, at least this might explain their knowledge.... Perhaps they've been sent back to help us or something. They seem to be on our side." Both Nick and Nat nodded. "Yeah, and this wasn't the first time, was it? Up at the cabin, they helped us, gave us shelter. They never even questioned what we were doing up there. And later, they didn't seem to have a problem with our 'allergies'," Natalie mentioned. Nick's mind wondered back several years. It wasn't long after he moved to Toronto, just a few weeks before he started working at the 27th precinct.... State of Change - (14/14) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Seven years before: For a week, he'd been holed up in his cabin. Moving to Toronto had been a bit much, and he needed some peace and quiet. It had been over twenty years since the last time he had visited the cabin, and he had done nothing to clean it up. So, he cleaned. Getting rid of the dust, fixing what little damage there was, and made the building presentable. Selling the place had been on Nick's mind for the past couple of months. When he'd told Natalie he would be out of town for a while, she had been upset, and told him it would mess up her tests. As a result, he had promised to come back weekly, and had made his first trip the night before. How many more he made, depended upon how long it took to finish cleaning. As darkness fell, and the moon rose high in the sky, he exited, focusing on the sight before him. Stars stood out brilliantly, and all he wanted to do was jump up in the sky and join them...but for now, he had other tasks to do. Walking behind the cabin, he found an axe, one that had helped build the cabin. A few days before, he had tightened the head so the blade wouldn't fly out. Although the fire was useless to his kind, he found that its sound calmed him. To build a fire, he'd needed wood. Fortunately, he was surrounded by forest, and wood wasn't a problem. Neither had cutting it into lengths. Now, all that had to be done was split it. Picking up a log, Nick placed it on an old stump, the cuts in its surface testimony of its use. Taking the axe, Nick swung the device down, splitting the log without flaw. Even though it had been a quarter of a century since he had last chopped wood, it was a motion that had never been forgotten. It was a daily task that he had always enjoyed in the past. Taking each half, he split the wood again, then retrieved another log, beginning the process anew. A half hour passed, and as two mortals approached, Nick was oblivious, his attention solely focused on his simple task. Retrieving yet another log, Nick placed it on the stump. Pulling the axe back, and allowing it to descend, his muscles controlled the axe smoothly. Splitting the log the first time, he placed the half on the stump and repeated his action, unaware of the two mortals watching him. "You are used to chopping wood," a deep voice spoke, breaking the calm. Nick turned sharply to the voice's origin, his eyes easily making out the forms of two mortals, a man and a woman. "You sound surprised," Nick stated evenly. The mortals approached coming into the clearing. "Your clothes are not suited for you work, and we've never seen anyone up here before." Glancing down, Nick noticed the man was right. His dress pants and shirt were not for doing manual labour, only his boots were appropriate. "I suppose you are right. I also haven't been up here for a while. Several years." "Are you the owner?" the woman asked, nodding toward the cabin. "Yes, I am, although I'm thinking of either renting or selling it." "You shouldn't sell it," she told him, her head shaking faintly. "Perhaps rent it, but not sell it." After a moment, the two moved forward, and with an extended hand, she introduced, "I'm Elizabeth Henderson, and this is my husband, Jonathan, but I must insist you call me Beth." Shaking first Beth's hand, and then Jonathan's, Nick introduced himself. "Nicholas Knight, Nick if you want." Walking closer to the stump, Elizabeth turned to face the cabin's owner. "I'm guessing you're from a big city, although I'm sure you didn't grow up there." Covering up his surprise, he stated, "I'm currently living in Toronto, but I'm originally from a very small community." At Beth's smile, and despite her accurate guess, Nick immediately trusted both her, and her husband. "It's awfully late to be out hiking, isn't it?" "Perhaps, but we're familiar with the area." After standing a moment, Nick invited them in. That night they stayed in the cabin, resuming their hike in the morning. Four nights later, they arrived back at the cabin. Staying another night, by morning Nick had two eager renters, despite his protest of just giving the cabin to the couple. Elizabeth kept insisting he keep the cabin. In the end, they did pay rent, but it was only a small amount. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Earth to Nick? You there?" Natalie inquired resting her hands on his shoulders. Silently, she wondered if in a few decades she and Tracy would start zoning out like he did, lost in their memories. Feeling the light touch, Nick tilted his head back to look at her. "Yes, I'm here. Just remembering something...." "And what might that something be? Or are you going to tell us?" Tracy prodded, wanting to know where in the past her partner had wondered off to. "The first time I met the Hendersons. It was just before I started working in Toronto, although I'd lived there for several months. Elizabeth insisted I keep the cabin, and before I returned to Toronto, they'd offered to rent it." "Now what are we going to do?" Nat asked. Although the question had been directed to Nick, Langley told them, "Get caught up on the Fuller case." The other detective approached the trio, and continued, "You know, all three of you have been gone the last two days, and you and your partner didn't show up the first of those nights. I hope you don't plan on doing that much, because the Captain won't stand for it." The pair remained calm under the lecture, and before Langley could continue, Tracy asked, "So, what do you and O'Brien have? We heard something about a suspect in custody?" Langley nodded. "Yeah, come on, we'll fill you in." Elliott watched Cole and Ward, and their interaction with Dr. Richardson. They knew each other, that was clear. Especially Cole and Richardson. Around the detectives, the doctor was relaxed, and let her professional guard down, but only with Cole and Ward. None of the other detectives saw the real Doctor Richardson, and Cole seemed to be the same way. Other than around his partner and the doctor, he wasn't relaxed. Oh, sure he appeared to be, but from his office, Elliott could see the tension. Watching them go off with Langley and O'Brien, he wondered how they were integrating into the department. It had been a month, and although the pair was doing fine with their caseload, he was uncertain about how the rest of the department was treating the new detectives. They were a young pair, blonde, and Canadian, and none of that got past the others in the precinct. True, they were undermanned, but the new detectives had to prove themselves, and that process seemed slow going. Over the past week, their co-workers had finally started to accept then. However, their stunt two nights ago stopped that progress. Langley had probably lectured them, and although they deserved it, they had already received their lecture from him. The very first time he had met Detective Cole, he could have sworn he'd met the man before. But, through casting his mind back to the past, he'd found nothing. Despite that, and a faint feeling Cole was hiding something, the familiarity stuck, and with it came an immediate trust. Cole and his partner would do fine in this precinct. That he knew, and now, it was just time to wait for the rest of the precinct to get used to them. Perhaps things would settle down a bit in this city. ~fin~ Jarvinia jarvinia@gmx.com @>--,---`---