A/N I was going to wait until I finished the next chapter of Their Love is Out of This World before I finished this chapter, but it just got so insistent. I will post the next chapter of Their Love Saturday night, if not sooner.

Before you begin reading this, let me explain a couple of things. This is a crossover of Glee and The Gardella Legacy Vampire Chronicles. There will be five separate stories, all of them multi-chapter. KLAINE IS END GAME, but do not expect them to end up together by the end of the first story. Or the second. Or the third. This is a very slow burn, with a lot of angst, but also a dash of humor and a thrill or two.

For those of you not familiar with the Gardella Legacy books, imagine if Buffy the Vampire Slayer went back in time and became Jane Austin. Now, since Blaine is taking the role of Victoria Gardella, he won't have as many challenges as she had as a woman, but as a gay man, he will still have some obstacles, one of which is being forced to marry and produce an heir. Of course I've had to switch a lot of things up to make this story work.

For those of you who have read the Gardella books by Colleen Gleason, here is the who's who...

Blaine Gardella Anderson – Victoria Gardella Grantworth DeLacey

Pamela Gardella Anderson – Milisande Gardella Grantworth

Emma Pillsbury – Petronilla Fentworth

Sue Sylvester – Winifred, Duchess of Farnham

Aunt Eustacia – herself

Kritanu – himself

Kurt Hummel – Maxamillion Pesaro

Wayren – herself

Briyani – himself

Rachel Berry – Phillip DeLacey, Marquess of Rockley

Sebastian Smythe – Sebastian Vioget

Jeff Sterling – Verbena

Sam Evans – Barth

Nick Duval – Oliver

Jesse St. James – Gwendolyn Starcasset

Brody (St. James) – George Starcasset

Adam Crawford (Iscariot) – Lilith Iscariot

Finn Hudson – Giulia Pesaro

Other characters from both Glee and Gardella Legacy will crop up as well as the stories goes on.

For those not familiar with some of the terms, here is a short glossary of important terms;

Venator – Rhymes with Senator. Those individuals who have received the calling to become vampire hunters and have received the Vis Bulla. Most are descendants of the first hunter, Gardellius, chosen by God to defeat the first vampire, Judas Iscariot. There are Venators who are not of the Gardella line, who earn the Vis Bulla through a rigorous, often fatal trial.

Vis Bulla – Holy item worn by Venators that imbues them with superhuman strength and provides some protection against vampires' mind tricks

Suma/Sumo Gardella – The leader of the Venators. Suma is the feminine form, while Sumo is the masculine version. (Note, in earlier versions of the story, the term Ille Gardella was used, however, after studying Italian pronouns, the author later changed it to Suma/Sumo.)

This is the first story, The Rest Falls Away. The other stories in this series will be

Rises the Night

The Bleeding Dusk

When Twilight Burns

As Shadows Fade

As Always, reviews are not only welcome, but greatly appreciated.

…

Prologue

In Which a Legacy is Revealed

The sound of footsteps still echoed in his ears, despite the pounding of his heart as he raced through the dark woods. He paused against a large tree, fingers gripping into the rough bark as he tried to catch his breath. His pursuer paused as well, though he sensed that it wasn't for lack of air. He could feel the other scenting the night breeze, pinpointing his location.

Pushing away from his temporary refuge, he bolted once more like a hunted deer. He felt the sting of broken branches and jagged stones on his feet as he ran, but it did not slow him down. He could not let it slow him down, for if he was caught...

He forced the thought away as he reached the stream, throwing himself into the ice cold current and pulling for the other side. He managed to make it to the far shore, weak, exhausted, but knowing he was safe as the creature that had chased him through the woods snarled and growled on the other side, unable to cross the rushing water.

…

Blaine Gardella Anderson, Marquess of Rockley, woke with a gasp, still shivering from the sensation of of being immersed in frigid water, despite it only being a dream.

The dream. The same dream he'd had for five nights in a row, now. What was it Aunt Eustacia had told him?

"My child, should you ever dream the same dream over five nights, you must come see me immediately, for it signifies that you have been called to the family legacy."

He'd asked his aunt (or great aunt, actually, for Eustacia was his maternal grandfather's older sister,) about the family legacy, but she had only made vague references to their family's lineage and duty to protect. He'd thought the older woman had possibly gone senile in her old age, but the woman was as spry and intelligent as ever.

And now it seemed he would finally discover what exactly the family legacy was.

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Chapter One

In Which A Gardella Meets His Match

Vampires. Blaine was to become a hunter of the undead. That was the legacy of the Gardella family. Not every Gardella received the calling, and not all who received it accepted the legacy. Both Blaine's mother and grandfather had received the calling, but had turned their backs on it in favor of following their hearts, marrying for love. They were stripped of their memories of the legacy, to allow them to live in peace, oblivious to the vampires who walked the night, feeding on the unwary.

Now it was Blaine's legacy. He knew he would still be expected to marry and produce an heir, something he'd somewhat dreaded since he'd realized that his attractions lay elsewhere. His only hope was that he could find a woman that he felt companionable with, despite the fact that he would never truly be able to love her.

But now the necessity for an heir became twofold. One, to carry on the Rockley title, and now to carry on the Gardella Legacy. There were other branches of the Gardella family, but Blaine's line was the direct descendants of Gardellius, the very first vampire hunter, chosen by God to defeat Judas Iscariot, the very first vampire.

After Judas hung himself, Satan granted him eternal life as a vampire, a dark gift that he passed on to his son, Adam. After Gardellius defeated Judas, he was killed by Adam, but the legacy was passed down to his son, and so the Gardella line began.

Blaine knew he could not turn away from the legacy. It would give him a sense of purpose, of self worth, something for him, not for a title. He would do his duty as a peer of the realm and produce the required heir, for both his lineages, but he chose to hunt the undead for himself, to be more than just the Marquess.

He'd only inherited the title the previous year, when his father had died in a carriage accident, his older brother, Cooper, having died three years before of yellow fever. Blaine had just been about to make his first foray into the ton, to seek out a bride, but had received a reprieve as the requisite year of mourning passed.

This year there would be no reprieve. The year of mourning would end in four days, at which time Blaine would be expected to begin his search for a suitable wife. Which is why he found himself currently sitting in his mother's sitting room, sipping tea with his mother's two oldest and dearest friends, only vaguely listening as Susan Sylvester, Duchess of Farnham, gave a rundown of all the eligible ladies making their debuts this season.

Sue, as she was affectionately referred to by her two companions, always seemed to know everything about everyone.

"And of course, the cream of the crop is Lady Berry, if you can stand her personality, and stomach her unceasing singing. Her dowry is said to rival that of the King's sister."

The name actually brought Blaine out of his thoughts. "Lady Berry? Surely you aren't speaking of Miss Rachel Berry? She was our neighbour that summer we spent at Prewitt Shore, before Cooper's illness." He paused as his mother dabbed at her eye at the mention of the son she had lost. "I remember her quite fondly, for she had told Cooper off for attempting to ride father's stallion, Beast, before he had been tamed. Her tongue was as sharp as her wit."

Sue didn't seem impressed by this knowledge, and continued speaking. "Well, as the girl in question is the goddaughter of my sister by marriage, I have it on good authority that she is currently being courted by no more than four young beaus, so if you are interested in staking a claim, you would do well to accept the invitation to the Barringers' Ball one week from tonight, where it is rumored she will be in attendance."

Lady Emma Pillsbury nodded as she selected a scone with strawberries and clotted cream from the tea table. "She only made her debut last week, and already she has a Baronet, two Viscounts, and an Earl pursuing her, despite the rumors of her father's indiscretions."

Blaine frowned. "Indiscretions?"

His mother, Lady Pamela waved away his question. "It is just rumors! His wife died in child birth. It has been sixteen years, and yet he has never remarried. Of course there would be rumors and speculations. Society has nothing better to do than to spread lies and make up disgusting stories of lewd behaviors. Blaine does not need to hear those kinds of stories."

Lewd behaviors? Blaine wondered just what kind of stories were being told about Lord Berry.

Before anything more could be said, the butler, Jamison, entered the room. "I have a missive for the Marquess, from Lady Eustacia."

Blaine rose from his seat eagerly to accept the folded note. Aunt Eustacia had said she would send for him today to continue his training. "If you'll excuse me, Mother, Ladies, Lady Eustacia requests my presence to discuss an important business matter."

"Of course, Darling," His mother said as he bent to kiss her cheek. "It is nice to see you helping out your aging aunt so much of late. But just remember not to let her monopolize too much of your time, as you will soon be busy courting a wife."

Blaine smiled politely, although enthusiastically at her comment, and kissing each of the other two women's hands, made his exit.

…

He spent the rest of the afternoon being instructed in the martial art known as Kalaripayattu, from India, by Kritanu, his aunt's assistant and long time companion. Although the man had to be at least seventy years old, he managed to best the young Marquess nearly every time they sparred over the past two weeks since he'd learned of the family legacy. His aunt had assured him that he would learn quickly, and that his education would also include fighting techniques from the Orient and the Sudan, as well.

There would also be lessons on vampire lore, demonology, witchcraft, and apothecary. It seemed a lot to the eighteen year old boy, but he knew he would rise to the challenge.

As he continued to dodge and duck and attempt to land a blow to the older male, his aunt sat in the comfortable chair in the corner of the training room, explaining about the origins of the Venators, which they had covered briefly before, but now they went into greater detail.

"There are Venators from nearly every branch of the Gardella family tree, but only those directly descended from Gardellius can become Sumo Gardella, head of the Venators. I am Suma Gardella, and one day, the mantle will be passed on to you."

Blaine dodged a jab from Kritanu, cursing as the move distracted him from the older man kicking out with his foot and knocking Blaine's feet out from under him. Lifting his hands to indicate his need for a break, the curly haired young man got up and moved to sit on the settee next to his aunt's chair.

"Are there Venators that are not related to the Gardellas?" He asked, taking a sip from his glass of water.

The older woman, who was in her late eighties, though did not look like it, nodded. "There have been a few, though they are rare. The trial to take up the Vis Bulla is brutal, and many who have attempted it have died in the process."

"When will I receive my Vis Bulla?" He asked, rubbing a sore muscle in his shoulder.

"Soon, but you must slay a vampire first, to prove that you are worthy."

Blaine nodded. "When will I go on a hunt? And how will I know who is a vampire?"

"I can not say when, but as for how, you will feel a sensation like an icy breath on the back of your neck. Once you know a vampire is close, your instincts will guide you to them." She took a sip of her tea before she continued. "For now, your training is of the utmost importance, so that you will be prepared when the moment arises."

With a sigh, Blaine nodded, took another drink of water, and then returned to the mats to face Kritanu once more.

…

As it happened, Blaine's chance to defeat a vampire and prove himself worthy of the family legacy came at the most inconvenient of times. He had arrived at the Barringers' ball, Lady Pamela on his arm, and had just been formally introduced to their hosts, who were related to Lady Susan in some manor that Blaine had been too preoccupied to learn, when he felt the ghost of a cold breath on the back of his neck.

Aunt Eustacia slipped up beside him. Despite her advanced age, her face was as smooth as a woman a third her age, and her hair remained jet black, without a hint of grey, and she moved with a grace that many of the young debutantes in attendance would envy.

"Did you feel it?" She whispered.

Blaine only nodded, as he scanned the crush of people, wondering which of them was the vampire.

"You must let your instincts guide you. You will know the vampire when you see them."

She left him to move about the large ballroom, allowing him to mingle with the guests as he tried to pinpoint the vampire. His attention kept being pulled to the shadows beneath the grand staircase, and he began to make his way in that direction, but was stopped short when someone stepped into his path.

"So, you must be Rockley. I had heard you would be seeking a bride this year." The speaker was a gentleman about the same age as Blaine, though taller, with blue eyes and wavy, light brown hair. "I should warn you, the matchmaking mamas have scented fresh meat, and are no doubt about to descend on you like a horde, extolling the charms of their eligible daughters. I'm Jesse St. James, by the way." He extended a hand to Blaine, who accepted the handshake and introduction.

"Blaine Gardella Anderson, Marquess of Rockley. Thank you for the warning. Are there any specific mamas I should avoid?"

St. James laughed. "Well, that would depend on what kind of wife you seek. Most of them come with a decent dowry, but it might not be worth the coin to pursue one such as Lady Katriona Wilde. She's fair enough to look at, but her tongue is sharper than any sword. And while Miss Pierce is very lovely, she has the conversational skills of a rock."

Blaine raised an eyebrow at this. "Are there no young women worth the pursuit, then?"

"Oh, there are a few. I've personally been torn between Lady Fabray and Lady Berry. Both come with hefty dowries, are fair to look at, and are capable of intellectual conversation, as well as having other talents that I find appealing."

Blaine was about to ask about what particular talents the women had, when he heard his name being called. "Well, speaking of matchmaking mamas, that is my mother calling me. It was nice to make your acquaintance, sir."

St. James smiled, "Good luck. As it is, I spy Lady Fabray at the refreshment table. Perhaps I shall be fortunate enough to grace her dance card this evening."

Blaine took his leave of the other man and made his way to where Lady Pamela was standing with Lady Emma and Duchess Sue. It was the Duchess who spoke when he arrived.

"Blaine, I would like to introduce you to my sister by marriage, Lady Corcoran, and her goddaughter, Lady Berry."

Blaine smiled at them. "Lady Corcoran, Lady Berry, it is my pleasure to meet you." He bowed over the older woman's hand, before turning his attention to the younger woman in the pale blue gown. "Lady Berry, I must confess, we have actually met before."

"We have?" the girl said, a slight frown on her face. "I'm afraid I do not recall having met you before."

Blaine smiled. "Well, to be honest, you were a bit preoccupied at the time, telling off my older brother for attempting to ride an unbroken stallion."

The woman's eyes went round at the memory. "I remember! My father had decided to spend some time in the country with an old family friend. I did not realize it was a Marquess' son I had admonished. You must think I am shrewish and impertinent!"

Blaine laughed. "On the contrary, I found your wit to be sharp, and your personality refreshing. I quite enjoyed seeing you put Cooper in his place."

Lady Berry blushed prettily. "Well, my father says I am my mother all over again. I never knew her, but apparently she was known for her bold speech, as well."

Blaine would have made a witty retort, but once again felt the cold chill across the back of his neck, and quickly turned his head to scan the area bellow the staircase once more, certain the vampire was there, just within the shadows.

"Lord Rockley?" The voice was shy, and confused, and he turned back to the young woman.

"Sorry, I thought I saw my great aunt Eustacia beckoning to me. I should see what she is in need of. Perhaps I could be so bold as to ask if you have a dance open on your card for me?"

She smiled. "I believe I might have an open spot left, but for one of the later dances, after supper."

"I shall look forward to it." He bowed over her hand once more, and then excused himself, scanning the crowd near the stairs.

It was fairly easy to pinpoint the creature, for no human could look that ethereal. He was tall and lean, his auburn hair impeccably coiffed, and his eyes an impossible shade of blue. Blaine could tell because the creature was staring directly at him. When their eyes met, the vampire gave a mocking smile, and turned to the person beside him, who Blaine hadn't noticed until now.

The woman was about the same height as Blaine, with black hair artfully arranged on her head. Her almond shaped eyes gave testimony to her Asian heritage, as she smiled unwittingly up at the creature. Blaine could only watch as the vampire leaned down and whispered something into the woman's ear, causing her to giggle coyly, nodding eagerly at what ever the creature had suggested. The creature glanced tauntingly at Blaine as he began to lead the young woman up the staircase, where he would no doubt feed on the hapless victim.

Blaine followed discreetly. His mother would pitch a fit if he were to be spotted running through the ballroom. He tried to keep the couple in sight as he ascended the stairs, but they disappeared around a corner before he reached the top. He quickened his step, pausing only a moment once he was out of view of the rest of the guests to retrieve the stake concealed under the cuff of his trousers, and made his way down the hall, listening for any signs of which way the vampire and his victim had gone.

A soft giggle from behind a balcony door that stood open to let in the cool evening breeze gave Blaine their location. Peeking out, he spotted the couple behind a potted shrub, and stealthily made his way closer, raising the stake, preparing to drive it through the vampire's chest, wondering what it would feel like.

Would it be hard to drive the sharpened piece of wood through the flesh? Or would it slip through like a warm knife through butter? As he saw the taller man begin to lean in towards the young woman, as if to kiss her, Blaine began to bring the stake down to strike, only to be shocked when the woman opened her mouth, revealing the sharp fangs, ready to pierce the flesh of the victim she had lured outside.

Only his quick reflexes allowed him to redirect the angle of his thrust, and the tip of the stake slid easily into the vampire's flesh, as easily as a pike driving through sand. The woman's eyes glowed red as a look of disbelief crossed her features an instant before she disappeared with a poof into dust.

Blaine just stood there for a moment, adrenaline coursing through him as he looked at the stake in his hands, and then to the pile of dust at his feet.

He had done it. He had slain a vampire. His euphoric victory was cut short at the clearing of a throat.

"You were going to stake me, weren't you? You thought I was the vampire."

Blaine turned to look at the inhumanly beautiful man, who was glaring at him with contempt. "I just saved your life!"

The other man gave a derisive snort. "Oh please, as if I actually needed to be saved by some kid with a stick!"

Blaine stood up straighter and looked the other man over once more. He couldn't be more than a year or two older than Blaine. Where did he come off calling Blaine a kid? And was that a stake the other was holding in his hand?

"Who the hell are you, anyway?"

Another condescending smirk was directed at Blaine. "Kurt Maximilian Elizabeth Pesaro Hummel, Master Vampire executioner."