Welcome the Hellmouth or how I learned you can't outrun a vampire!

by Sir Rabby

Self-insert discovers just how far he's willing to go to live through Sunnydale's Madness. He dredges up a whole heap of BTVS weirdness in order to survive a town where humans are always on the menu. Follow Nick as he bulls, bluffs and bullshits his own path through canon, with the help of the B-cast.

10. Chapter 10

*Chapter 091: June 1st, 1997-A*

My heart was trying to violently break free of my chest. I ran around the woods desperately trying to accelerate enough to catch the bastard by surprise. In the distance I couldn't hear his footsteps anymore.

Fuck.

I kept going, readied a FlashBang for use, and kept inching closer to my top speed. My agility served me well and I was able to weave through the trees without much impediment.

Suddenly the world was fire.

I threw the Flash Bang into a random direction, rolled out a Bank Safe, and charged straight through the firestorm. When I cleared the wall of fire I was met by the sight of a cloaked figure pointing his hands at me.

No...

A slight distortion was the indication I had of anything going wrong before I flew through the air. My draining spell still took care of the damage that was being inflicted on me. I was thrown into a tree, went crashing through it, but managed to roll out of the way just before the rest of the tree fell on top of me.

"Try harder, boy."

Piss off, Robert.

I let my Bank Safe expire, readied a Bronze Bull, and tried a desperate last gamble. I was fairly certain I could abuse Robert's inherent sadism. If I presented a reasonable opening for him he'd hit me with a painful spell... Robert being the Terror however meant that he'd try to overpower the spell.

Here goes to hoping that Heat Death through his guts pissed him off enough.

I stepped back out of my cover, let the warlock's entrails expelling curse hit me, and reciprocated by slamming my pain curse at him.

Robert tried batting the invisible spell out of the air but just before I fell to my knees from the pain I felt the connection between us. I had mere moments before the massive entrails expelling curse wrecked me enough to knock me out.

The choice between racking up the pain levels of my Bronze Bull and healing me was very easily made.

"Ahhh!"

Robert's cry of pain was like a choir of angels to my ears. Just to be on the safe side I set it to just shy of its maximum before I used my last bit of strength to roll out a Bank Safe. I saw my guts at first slowly enter my body again before rapidly mending the distorted flesh. When I got on my feet I quickly cast a Fortress and looked over at Robert's prone but hopefully still twitching body.

He wasn't there anymore.

Oh no...

I heard the faintest possible crack of someone stepping on dead wood and responded by peppering the general area with a veritable artillery barrage of entropy curses. Heat Death after Heat Death scorched the area, set it ablaze, but I was concerned I didn't hit the warlock.

That concern turned to certainty when I felt his paralyzing spell freeze me mid-cast.

"You missed me, boy."

XxXXxX

June 1st, 1997

Robert and I trudged out of the woods after a few hours of intense spell casting to get back to our camping site. When I looked back I saw large swathes of destruction cutting through the previously pristine environment. We certainly hadn't made any friends at the parks department this morning.

"What did you learn, Nicolas?"

I spit out some blood and replied, "You don't die easily."

"Boy... "

I briefly sighed before I said, "I couldn't cast any of the spells we worked on under duress and I reverted back to using my ingrained repertoire."

"And how will you remedy this?"

"More practice. I need to keep casting them... "

"Run through them now, boy."

I breathed in deeply, jerked my bracelet, and twisted my mind into Hysteria. The purple light that erupted from my chest briefly encased me before shooting out into every direction. I was the epicenter of a wave of bright light that lasted for a little over fifteen meters. I quickly sneaked a peak at Robert, was pleased to note his eyes glowing purple, and continued with my follow up.

I expelled a stake into my waiting hands from the wrist-launcher and stabbed it into my upper thigh. The accompanying release of pain and magic was guided into a Phobia. This second spell tied in with the first.

While Hysteria opened by reducing the disconnect of the subconscious and conscious thoughts of all targets within range... Phobia went a little further and made me the object of intense fear in those targets.

Each spell alone would work just fine on average mooks, simply ruining someone's self control was enough to get them behaving stupidly, but the combination of both bought me a simply unfair advantage.

Robert disappeared from my senses for a brief instant before coming back into existence right in front of me.

"Not fast enough, boy. A competent warlock could neutralize the first spell before your second hits."

"I know, Robert, but those aren't meant for fights against magical foes. It's a crowd control spell."

The warlock fell silent for a moment and showed what he thought of that by slapping me around with his obscenely powerful telekinesis. While suffering under his tight magical grasp desperately tried to clench the thigh muscle with the stake still in it. I needed to open the wound just a little more.

"I don't see a crowd here, boy."

The warlock's smug and incredibly condescending tone helped me focus on that one little moment. I finally managed to slightly increase the puncture wound and used the magical release to form my next spell. This spell worked on the same principal as my Bank Safe. It wasn't a single instant of magical release... it required a constant stream of magic.

How much of it... depending on the circumstances.

I twisted my mind into Barricade and was treated to the sight of a faintly buzzing force field snapping into existence. Robert lost grip of me and in the split second I had before I fell to the ground I cancelled the shielding spell.

I twisted just enough to land on the ground with my right hand around the stake that still stuck out my leg. The force of the impact helped me rend the wound some more and I guided the arc of my Heat Death with my left hand straight at Robert.

Instead of a regular fist sized red beam the warlock was forced to deal with a substantially larger entropy curse. The difference between tearing up most of your thighs and a minor incision above your wrist really showed.

Robert stepped out of the way, extended his hands towards the curse, and slapped it into the ground. I saw the spell bore a massive trench in the ground for a good few meters before it petered out.

"Marginally better, boy. Don't get me wrong, I like the Phobia spell, I just don't think you're powered it enough."

"Any tips?"

"Yes. Stop making things intentionally harder for yourself. There is no reason to split those spells into two... .you would have been far better served by a singular application."

I stopped myself from immediately responding and considered his words.

The warlock made a fair point; if I could combine Hysteria and Phobia together I'd have a working version of the Necromancers spell in Diablo 'Terror'. On the other hand... I could still see the advantage of keeping Hysteria as a separate spell.

It was fairly innocuous if I could work out the kinks that made the target's eyes glow purple. A big if but still... should that be possible I'd be able to lower people's inhibitions and lord knows how incredibly useful that could be.

Phobia on its own was a fairly interesting curse as well. It could drive anything to fear me to staggeringly unreasonable levels. Unfortunately I had absolutely zero control over its effects though.

It would cause fear in the target but that didn't mean I could actually benefit from it. Quite a few creatures, and even people too, have faced fear... a lot. There's no certainty they would respond in any way that left them open for exploitation.

If I combine the spell with Hysteria though... it almost guarantees a messed up fear response in its targets.

"What about Hysteria's solo applications? A spell to lower inhibitions seems rather useful, sir."

Robert scoffed before he replied, "Not really, boy. If you want to mess with people's minds... you might as well go for straight mind control. This intermediate... it simply serves to make you feel less guilty. Scrap the structure and tie it in with your Phobia, boy. Don't make me order you."

"Fine, alright, fine. Let's go to the camping site... I need to meditate on this."

"Lead the way, boy. I'm hungry."

XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX

*Chapter 092: July 1st, 1997-B*

I slipped out of my meditative trance to find Robert starting intently at me.

"Do I have something on my face?"

"Stop messing around, boy. Did you finish restructuring the construct?"

Instead of replying I jerked my bracelet, twisted my mind into my new Hysteria, and released the now lilac wave with me at its epicenter. I pushed myself to my feet, jumped over Robert's enraged visage, and spent the next few heartbeats desperately evading his magic.

The warlock threw curses at me I'd never seen before, a few of them impacted harmlessly on my hastily cast Barricade, but the rest were dodged by my frantic zigzagging. All the while only a singular self chastisement raced through my mind.

Congrats. Your spell worked. Now you have the Terror afraid of you. I wonder how he'd respond...

Instead of trying to match the old warlock spell for spell I simply tried to stay alive. I churned out a Barricade when I couldn't dodge, ducked under brightly colors spells when I could, and took to the trees when I needed to get out the warlocks line of sight.

A shimmering field sprang into existence to my right. All I did was cast a Heat Death on the ground before it to see how it responded to the displaced dirt. It fucking flash fried it...

A few feet in front of me the ground started shaking. Just a few feet... an intensely localized earthquake...

I couldn't even wrap my mind around it. I simply dodged to the right, leapt into the nearest tree, and leaped off far behind it. I kept going straight, briefly considered circling around, but settled on staying high in the trees.

I jumped up the closest tree and from then on just leap from one to another. Suddenly Robert materialized in front of me. I couldn't stop in time and fell right through him.

Was that an illusion?

"Boy! Are you suicidal?"

"Uhh... "

"Get back here. Now!"

A little over a minute later and I was back at our camping site with a pissed off warlock glaring daggers at me.

"Two things boy... " the warlock bit out, "First of all; well done of that spell. It slipped right through my defense. Secondly... "

Instead of continuing the warlock wriggled his fingers and I was suddenly paralyzed again before I could respond. Great...

"Stay put and think about the massive mistake it was casting that spell at someone you can't beat."

XxXXxX

July 1st, 1997

"We're going to strengthen your shields, boy. Fire it up."

That was all the warning I got before Robert pointed his deadliest weapon at me. His fucking index finger was pointed at me like a gun. If by gun you meant a metaphysical delivery system that could rip through reality.

I had just enough time for that thought and a quick application of Heat Death straight at Robert's hand. The moment of surprise was sufficient for my entropy curse to slam into it, vaporize it, and leave the warlock a stump. I had about six seconds before the warlock healed himself and made me pay for my cheekiness.

I knew what he wanted but I didn't feel like tanking more of his upsetting spell repertoire. Just as the warlock started the process of draining his damage away I closed the distance between us. I saw his other hand come up but I ducked to the right, darted back under his raising arm, and grabbed for it.

When I got my hands around his arm I pulled for all I was worth and launched the warlock over my shoulders. While he was still flying through the air I ran up after him, dodged his retaliatory entrails expelling curse, and tackled his still airborne body.

The two of us tumbled across the woodland soil and Robert even got an elbow jab or two in there as well.

"Boy!"

The warlock had finally healed up and slapped me across clearing with his telekinesis. Immediately after I came crashing down to the ground he slammed spell after spell in my genera direction. I jerked a Barricade into existence and hunkered down behind it.

Every spell slamming into my ethereal shield felt like a sledgehammer to the brain. It didn't feel like a physical shock... it felt as if my mind was under siege. Despite knowing these spells all did physical damage... I seemed to be fending them off with mental constructs.

Interesting; this bore some thinking on later.

My ethereal force field gave way after the sixth spell and the seventh came crashing through it. The light blue-ish colored spell was one I hadn't encountered before and I spent a split second waiting in agony for its effects.

When nothing happened after three seconds I got hopeful and tried to dodge away from the next spell sent my way. Instead I seemed to deliberately walk at the spell. The fiery blast burned a hole through my leg.

I tried to roll out a Bank Safe but instead launched a Fortress.

What the fuck!

Robert seemed to take no pity on me and settled in to pelt me with rocks. I tried casting a Fortress but what came out was a Heat Death. Immediately after I tried to simply turn and run but suddenly found myself charging at Robert.

Oh god...

Robert's smirk was the last thing I saw before the darkness claimed me.

XxXXxX

July 1st, 1997

I woke up from my forcibly induced miniature coma to glare at Robert.

"What the fuck was that?!"

"A better version of your Hysteria spell, boy."

Great.

If he was in a mood like this there was no talking to the man.

"So... I guess I can absorb around five of your spells before my Barricade cracks up."

"You had the right idea in the beginning, boy. The lesson wasn't that you should hide under your barrier. You should kill whatever is causing your impulse to hide."

"I see... "

"No, you still don't. Did you think your entropy curse would kill me when you aimed it at my hands?"

"Well, no, but I wasn't-."

The warlock forcibly interrupted me, "Boy! When your pet vampire was teaching you how to swing your axe... did you not try to jab the wood part in his un-beating heart?"

"Yes..but-."

"But what? Let us not pretend you stand a chance, boy, in a conflict between the two of us. Much like you cannot take your pet vampire in a physical contest. So stop trying to hold back!"

"Ok, fine; you're right."

"Of course I'm right. Let's try this again. Defend yourself, boy."

XxXXxX

July 1st, 1997

"Did you enjoy stretching your magical muscle, Nicolas?"

"Oh... I'm Nicolas again?"

The warlock gut-punched me with telekinesis but telegraphed his amusement by chuckling darkly.

"You're whatever I call you, Nicolas. Now we're no longer directly training I can see you as a person again."

"Oh... "

Well, that certainly has some unfortunately implications...

"Did you?"

I breathed in deeply before responding, "Mostly yeah. I'm not sure how much I like the new Hysteria but the Barricade feels amazing."

"Your so called 'crowd control' spell will seem much more potent against the little vampires and demons of Sunnydale. Just... don't cast it on anything truly dangerous."

"Oh yeah... I think I've grasped that part."

"I feel much better knowing that. On another note, Nicolas, you've put off the Powers for long enough. I think you should summon that half breed of yours. Failing that... go see the Oracles."

I froze and after a moment turned to Robert in shock.

"What? Now? I was hoping to skate by until they came to find me."

The warlock sighed deeply as if dealing with my stupidity was too much for him.

"You're marginally more difficult for them to find, boy. Considering they aren't used to chasing their marks... they'll make you come to them by sending you a message. Don't make them send you a message, Nicolas. Just don't."

"Ok, fine. You know... I'm likely to accept becoming their champion right? I mean... this upsets me far less than it did three days ago but still... "

"Why would this.-"

I quickly interrupted his question, "I have magic to amuse myself with... I'm fairly certain that before I would have chafed at their overt control instead of being able to play along. Come to think of it... I'd prefer to do this now... "

I didn't need to specify what I meant by 'before'.

"Ah, very well. Do you remember the name of your... lets called him contact? If this doesn't work; we'll drive to LA tomorrow for your 'consultation' during which you are not allowed to mess with portals."

I lightly laughed and repied, "Okies. Anyways; his name is Whistler. How do we do this?"

Robert grinned, clasped his hands around his mouth, and yelled out at the top of his lungs, "Whistler. Whistler. Whistler."

Just as the last echo of the warlock's voice was dying away the world ever so slightly shifted.

The half breed demon appeared to the side of Robert and calm walking around him lightly clapping his hands together. The grin on his face never left as he kept closing in.

"Well, well, well... .hello again little Primal."

I pulled up the Primal to the surface and whispered, "Whistler."

"Can I assume you've made your choice? I have to say... I didn't expect you to last this long."

"Can we get on with this?"

"Not interested in small talk? Pshaw, a mortal who doesn't ask incessant questions? I don't buy this!"

God damn it...

Fuck it, if I had to stay silent and cross my arms for days on end... I will.

"I, personally, had a bet going you'd make it out of Pylea in a day. What kept you so long, little Primal?"

"Reasons."

Whistler still had his mad grin plastered all over his face when he replied, "Oh, I think we both know why, little Primal. When I noticed you didn't come racing back immediately... well... us agents thought you might be collecting an army. And lo-and behold! You return with less than a handful... you really live to disappoint don't you?"

"Sorry."

"Oh, if only I could believe that sentiment. Anyways... lets get to it. Will you accept being the Powers That Be's agent on earth?"

"What? No. Fuck that. You said Champion, Whistler."

The demon scoffed but continued, "Can't blame me for trying, can you little Primal? Either way; will you accept being the Powers That Be's Champion on earth?"

"Provisionally, yes I do, if one single concession is honored."

Whistler muttered under this breath, "Why do these mortals always think they can negotiate... ?"

"I notice you're not saying we can't."

"Spill it, little Primal."

"None of my friends or family gets your visions. Find someone whose brain exploding from them wouldn't faze me in slightest."

"Hmm... and why would we do this? What if it's all part of the experience, little Primal?"

"Will you honor it?"

"No. Anything else to share?"

Really... ?

He just went and said no? Just like that?

Well, fuck him.

I frowned and decided to play my last card, "I guess not. Oh well, I was looking forward to a reasonably cooperative alliance with you. Now you'll have to go your bosses and tell them you failed to uncover the actions of treasonous Power That Was. Whoops."

Whistler's glare after he recovered from the shock seemed to be ever increasing in its intensity.

"Explain!"

Hmm...

"No. Anything else to share?"

The demon crossed the distance between us in an instant, grabbed me by the back of my head, and pulled in close to his face.

"You're going to regret that attitude of yours little Primal. Trust me."

The world suddenly shattered in the brightest blue light and I lost my breath.

XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX

*Chapter 093: July 1st, 1997-C*

I collapsed to the ground, desperate to regain my breath, while Whistler stood over me. His grin was so wide I was faintly surprised he didn't split his face in two.

"There there little Primal... I do believe we have a pact. Of course... the alternative is that it goes back where it belongs. Perhaps... I could send it to that pretty Winifred of yours?"

That absolute son of a bitch...

He had me. What's worse; he absolutely knew he had me. I could likely catch most of the damage the visions would wreck upon Freddikins but it wouldn't be pleasant. Not to mention the odds were against me being available to heal her up after every single vision.

The fact that the show mentioned a young English girl who lived for a year with the visions as having endured them for a long time... didn't fill me hope. If I was sucked into another portal... or otherwise indisposed... things wouldn't go well for Fred.

Whistler's smug expression infuriated me to no end. The bastard had trapped me with my own words.

God damn it.

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"No visions for your friends or family, were your exact words weren't they? Well then, done!"

The half breed launched himself towards me, picked me up off the ground, and kept me firmly on my feet. I was still dizzy from the implications but Whistler didn't care about that.

"Now talk, little Primal, before I make you."

Ok... how do I play this?

I knew I needed to tell him about Jasmine, I couldn't get around that, but I also needed to establish I knew more I wasn't telling him. If I mention Jasmine and her Beast... that would likely buy me enough goodwill for Whistler to back off. We obviously... needed to come to better terms.

I simply couldn't afford having the bastard spend his hard earned deviousness on me out of spite.

I finished gathering up my thought and breathed in deeply before replying, "Skip, the one you have guarding Billy, is in cahoots with a renegade Power. The Blessed Devourer is as we speak plotting her re-entry into this plane."

The demon released me so fast it was as if my touch burned him. I still couldn't quite get up so I simply gave up and stayed firmly put on the ground. My mind was racing a thousand miles an hour as I contemplated the loss of my biggest trump card. I still had a few tempting cards to play against the Powers but this was one I had actually hoped to keep to keep back.

Jasmine has spent the better part of both television shows preparing for her return and I'd just put a stop to that. I still didn't like the Powers but I doubted they'd stand by and watch Jasmine subvert their precious balance.

"This... is unprecedented."

No shit, Sherlock.

"Can you stop her?"

He waved off my question before replying, "Not your concern, little Primal."

There was something in the way he simply dismissed me that set my teeth on edge. I didn't quite know what was wrong but I knew something was off.

"You just made m-."

I forcibly cut myself off. A handful of unformed thoughts connected and I was left with the upsetting realization that Whistler was trying to trick me somehow.

Again.

His goals were unclear but he quite obviously wanted something from me. I got the sense that if I pushed him on this matter being my concern... he'd make it so. While theoretically I knew I could just send Angel off to find me the head of the Keeper of the Name... I knew that wouldn't be the end of it.

"Yes, little Primal?"

"Never mind. About the Blessed Devourer; she has a minion, The Beast who was locked up by the Svear priestesses. Maybe you should go make sure he stays locked up. I'd like for our sun to stay... sunny."

"You know... my employers certainly would love to find out how you know all this, little Primal."

I decided to take a gamble and see how badly they wanted me as a champion. A little implied threat of going over to the competition wouldn't hurt either.

"Not more than the Powers want me working for them."

Whistler looked contemplative for a while but eventually relented when he replied, "Some would say you're a ballsy little mortal playing well out of his league."

I finally got over what the demon did to me and shakily pushed myself off the ground. Once I was standing again I looked up at Whistler and simply grinned.

"Others would say that maybe this free will thing has gotten out of hand... "

Wow...

"I on the other hand... I just want to see what you'll become."

"Don't you mean who?"

His laughter was the last thing I heard before the world shifted back to its normal focus. I could hear the last echoes of Robert calling out Whistler's name as I fell back into the regular world.

"Ah, I was hoping that would have been enough. Never mind; we'll head to LA tomorrow."

"Uhh, Robert, he's come and gone."

The warlock face-palmed before he turned to me with a quirked eyebrow, "Well?"

"It's done. I'm officially the Powers chew-toy. That being said; we have a few things to discuss. There's a... complication."

The old warlock sighed and said, "What did you do, boy?"

July 1st,

The sounds of the party raged all around me. Fred had finally found a way to remove the collars from Lib and Mica. According to Marcie and Fred this was reason to break out the champagne to have ourselves a shindig. We didn't bother inviting Buffy or any of her peripheral hangers on either. This little get together was solely for members of the Pack.

The Pack...

When the subject of Buffy's 'Slayerette's' or 'Scooby's' had come up Marcie expressed her utter disdain for the name. Andrew, a few drinks in, had come up with the notion of our group needing a name as well. Things had gotten rapidly out of hand from then on and eventually the least offensive name to my ears was 'The Pack.'

I had pointed out the likeliness of us being confused for a bunch of werewolves but my complaints were waved off. All in all... I didn't actually hate the name...

I stood up and said, "Lib, Mica, to your health. May we someday rampage all across Pylea together!"

The chorus of 'hear-hear' was near deafening for my heightened senses. The rest of evening proceeded in similar fashion. I couldn't quite lose myself in the party though.

All throughout the evening I kept an eye out on the clock. I knew my ride to the Mayors manor would come pick me up at eight sharp and I was intensely curious about what would go on there. What worried more was Liam's inevitable bitching.

I already knew I wasn't inviting him along with me. I also knew he'd see that as yet another shady action and become ever more suspicious of me. I couldn't really be bothered anymore though. I simply had no intention to jump through the broody vampires moral hoops.

Marcie, of course, would be accompanying me as well. The basic plan was for the girl to drift around the house to get a sense of the lay out. She would be under the strictest instruction to not... disturb anything though. I didn't want her setting off any upsetting traps. Landokmar on the other hand would stick close by, stay quiet, and look vaguely menacing.

"Hey bossman! You're not enjoying yourself!"

I pulled the girl close and whispered in her ear, "Just preparing for the Mayor. Are you ready for a little reconnaissance tonight?"

"Yup yup! No problem."

"Alright. Just remember though Marcie; if there are any demons around tonight... avoid them. I don't know whether they are going to be one of the kinds who can sense you."

"Got it! Beyond that though... I'll just walk around and see what I can shake loose."

I smiled at the girl and said, "Good."

In an hour or so I'd go find the girl and drain the toxins out of her. I couldn't have an invisible drunk girl following me around in a highly tense atmosphere.

That brought me back to the Mayor and what the man had planned for me. The two of us were tied together through an admittedly small web of favors and I planned on discharging mine as fast as I could. I had very little inclination to rack up more debt with the man but... I couldn't say I wasn't tempted by his magic.

A man as he must have some interesting books he's willing to part with.

XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX

*Chapter 094: July 1st, 1997-D*

The limo pulled up at the Mayor's driveway and came to a full stop in front of a suited figure. The servant opened the door for us and Landokmar got out of the car first with our little case of gifts.

The Pylean wore one of my father's suits and I had to admit he cut a dashing figure. I wasn't quite outdone and had dressed up in my own finery as well. Marcie held on to me as I exited the limo and slithered off before the servant closed the door behind us.

The invitation we received earlier that day read the Mayor guaranteed the safety of all of his guests during his soirée. That unfortunately meant that coming heavily armed would be an insult we might not recover from. Luckily for us Marcie obviously wouldn't be subject to any searches.

Once the limo drove us the nameless servant bowed to us and gestured for Landokmar and me to follow him. Landokmar headed in before me, hopefully with Marcie on his heels, and I calmly followed the pair into the oversized mansion.

Once again I was struck by the sheer loveliness of the place. The understated elegance of the manor was designed to impress. To show off the Mayor's power according to his own mold. It gave off a sense of superficial pleasantness that nicely covered up the deeper maliciousness under the surface.

"Welcome to Mayor Richard Wilkins the Third's humble abode!"

Our greeter was a short and balding man with an infectious smile. After his bombastic greeting he ushered us into the main hall where Landokmar and I were met by the sight of a great deal of demon/human intermingling.

I looked around for a moment before stepping into the main hall. The entire place was decorated by some sort of living and moving plant life. The red and blue vines alternated their glow and gave the entire place an otherworldly feel. It was all very impressive.

The guests on the other hand were mostly unknown to me. I could recognize a handful by sight, perhaps I'd do better once I found out their names, but I was struck by all the people around. Each of them seemed utterly as ease as they mingled with an assortment of demons... pleasantly chattering their ears off.

Suddenly the Mayor appeared to my left and swung his arm around my shoulders.

"Nicolas! Good to see you made it to my little get-together! How have you been?"

"Well enough, Richard, how about you?"

"Couldn't be better, son. Before I introduce you around I'm afraid I'll have to hog your to myself for a few minutes."

I nodded, turned to Landokmar, and said, "I'll be back in a moment Landokmar."

"I'll be awaiting your return, my lord."

The Mayor and I then headed out the massive room and into the smaller little office down the corridor. Last time I was here I didn't have my mental enhancement and thus didn't recognize the markings on the walls. All along the corridor little inscriptions told tales of times long past.

I couldn't quite focus on them as Richard demanded my attention.

"I heard the strangest rumors swirling around you, son. I was ready to discard them until I heard the news of your pet Pylean! Ah, we've arrived!"

We entered the Mayor's private study and it was just the one in the show. I didn't even bother pretending I wasn't interested in the cabinet with all the Mayor's demonic artifacts.

"Then I got another confirmation in the form of one of my guests. Turns out you left quite a mess behind, young man!"

"I didn't quite plan on it."

"Ah! But that isn't what's important is it? There are so very many things in this world we cannot control. What we can control is how we react to those random events that plague our existence. I am greatly pleased you came back in one piece, son."

"So am I Richard. Pylea wasn't... pleasant."

Richard sat down in his chair, gestured for me to take a seat as well, and floated a bottle of expensive looking liquor over to him. The man unscrewed it and poured the two of us a glass.

"Let us drink to your ability to 'roll with the punches' as the youth say these days!"

I raised my glass, rolled out a Bank Safe, and took a sip of the drink.

"I'll gladly drink to that."

"You must tell me about your adventures over in Pylea. One of my guests, Silas, told me of your disruption of their traditional games?"

"Ah, yes. I was fairly disoriented when I first arrived and killed a guard. I had to participate in their Fields of Honor to acquire amnesty from that... offense."

"Good thing too...the stories people tell about Pylea... how did you manage to keep them from simply locking you up?"

"I had met a Pylean earlier that day in Los Angeles. I guess it was my turn for some good luck and I simply yelled out his name when I recognized demons that looked like him."

"I see! Quite fortuitous that!"

"Did you say their High Priest is here tonight?"

"Indeed he is, son. I believe he intends on reacquiring the means to control his cattle problems."

Well damn.

The man is charming as can be but on occasion he says something like that. I can't afford to forget just how dangerous the man is... and not to mention his utter lack of morals.

"Ah, yes, I did destroy the control hub of his little slave ring."

"Don't worry about it. The priest wouldn't be foolish enough to cause any troubles. That being said... he might seek to goad you into striking first and then... I must act. Do not make me act, son."

"I understand, Richard."

"Good! Now on to business I say! I know you've only had a week or so, and that you've spent most of that time aboard, but... would you happen to have made any breakthroughs on the Bryce matter? Magnus himself is present and I'd like to know how to deal with him."

"I did figure it out, yes. The man plans on sacrificing his daughter to the demon Yeska on his fiftieth birthday to double his already substantial power."

"Oh. Well that isn't quite kosher... "

I kept silent and waited for the man to respond further. I knew a little more but I had no intention of simply spilling it out if I didn't know what he wanted from Bryce.

"Thank you, Nicolas. You are every inch the worthwhile invest I estimated you at!"

"You're quite welcome. If you don't mind sharing; what do you plan to do with Bryce?"

"Not at all, son. I'm simply going to eliminate him, in say... the next three years, before he reaches his fiftieth year on this world. I can't have the man continue making plans to project his power out of LA, of course. He believes no one is aware of his ambitions but his spell work is lacking. That being said... what his magic lacks in power it certainly makes up for in control... which is why I do not relish the thought of his with doubled power reserves."

"I see. You needn't worry. The sacrifice requires a virgin child. His daughter... isn't one. Not anymore in any case."

Richard exploded in giggles and immediately poured out another glass. He downed it in one go before turning back to me.

"Oh, good heavens, please tell me you had something to do with that?"

"Ah I'm afraid I can't claim credit. From what I could find out... his second in command slept with her while she was nineteen. One of drivers did so when she was sixteen and beyond that... I didn't bother finding out."

"Even better, son! This opens up tremendous opportunities... not the least being the subversion of his second in command. Now; onto some more pleasant subjects if you would. I have spoken with Robert du Blanc and we both feel your education could benefit from some experience in politics."

When did he do that? What the fuck was Robert thinking?

God damn it.

What did I get myself in to?

"That sounds lovely. Could you please elaborate though, Richard?"

"It's one of the reasons why I invited so very many people. Du Blanc, much like me, believes in a sink or swim approach for our pupils. I do not intend on showing my face before, oh let's say ten o'clock, until then... the floor is yours so to speak."

To do what?

What does he expect me to do in the hour and a half he'll be gone?

"Do you... do you want me to just mingle with them? I shouldn't think that would be a major problem?"

"Du Blanc said you might think that. So... just to throw you a bone, son, one of the guests is here to kill you. If you find out whom before the deadline I'll butcher him or her in front of everyone. If you don't... well... thing might get a little messy."

Oh.

Someone wants to kill me?

What else is new?'

"I see... and I'm not allowed to... start anything myself?"

"Don't be silly, son! Where would the lesson in that be? Remember... violence isn't always the answer!"

I shouldn't. I know I shouldn't... but I can't help it.

"I don't quite agree with that but I'll try to keep an open mind, Richard."

"Oh?"

"Violence isn't the answer. It's the question; the answer is usually 'Yes'."

His laughter followed me out of his study as I made my way back to the crowd... and my would-be-killer.

XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX

*Chapter 095: July 1st, 1997-E*

I left the Mayor's study with his laugh still echoing through the corridor. I had originally planned to simply head straight back into the fray, so to speak, but after brief consideration decided to make my way to the second floor balconies. From there I intended to survey the crowd and see if any enemies actually stood out.

Once I made it to the balcony I gazed over the many socializing people and demons. Now I had a clearer overview I realized I recognized more than a handful. What was more interesting though was the way certain clusters of party-goers stood together and removed from others.

A group of humans had segregated themselves behind the liquor stands and were furiously whispering with each other. I only recognized one of the group; a proprietor of blood sports by the name of Darin McNamara. He was one of the men I had racked up a nebulous favor for with the Mayor.

The fact that the man held court, well away from any and all demons, gave me some pause. They were by no means the only little xenophobic cluster but they were the only humans-only group. I settled in to eavesdrop on their conversation for a moment. Filtering out the background noise was difficult but doable.

"When is your next show coming up, Darin?"

"Oh, Frank, you should know this! There's a fresh new show every Friday."

"Lovely! I think I'll take Fleur with me this time."

"Another one of your mistresses, Frank?"

"No other way to live Darin. No other way!"

Their conversation continued in that vein for a while and proved to be a tremendous waste of time. I scanned the massive ballroom for my next targets when I heard a set of footsteps closing in on me. I turned around, jerked a Fortress into existence, and waited with my hands crossed for the intruder.

The lady who came up to the balcony was one I already had a run-in with. Lilah Morgan, in her usual ungodly expensive suit, walked up to me with a smile on her face and her hand extended in greeting.

"Well hello there! I just thought I'd come up and introduce myself to the young man who's been generating all that lovely buzz. You might remember me, Lilah Morgan?"

I shook her hand and replied, "Pleased to meet you Miss Morgan. I'm Nicolas Blackwater."

The lawyer smiled a wicked smile and said, "Oh, I know, trust me I know."

"Oh?"

"Of course, Mr. Blackwater, you've been seen with all the right people. Whether you want to or not... you're on the stage now!"

Is this the part where she offers her services?

"You'd think people would have something better to do than to gossip about a young boy."

"Generally, yes. However when someone goes to... such lengths obfuscating themselves from the public eye... well that can't help but generate interest."

"Ah."

I turned back to the crowd and looked for my next target. My eye landed on the massive frame of Magnus Hainsley. The necromancer was locked in social combat with a demon of the same species as Archduke Sebassis. I tried to focus on their conversation but Lilah shook my concentration.

"Are you interested in meeting Mr. Hainsley? He is one of our most prized clients. I'm sure I could-."

"Thanks but no thanks."

Owing a favor, even a slight one, to Lilah Morgan struck me as a one way ticket to hell. As much as I liked her character on the show... in real life I couldn't help but be slightly unnerved by her presence. The lady was devious, cunning and utterly ruthless. If there was any way I could comprise her... I would. I just didn't see an opening yet.

I needed her to make the first move... to have her offer up something for free if you will.

"Ah, you're a prideful one aren't you? I'm sure you have that in common with Du Blanc."

Not going to bite. I ignored her as best I could and tried to focus on the conversation again. I had obviously missed something as the conversation looked infinitely less heated now.

"I don't see why I should kowtow to that man, who died and made him Arch-Duke?"

"The previous Arch-Duke, I presume, Duchess. Is that trouble in paradise I'm detecting?"

"Don't be preposterous Hainsley, I for one am an eternally loyal daughter to our liege, which isn't something most people here can say."

"Our liege? You mistake me for your kind, Duchess. I have no master."

The demon laughed a tittering laugh and replied, "Everyone has a master, Hainsley. You'll find out who's been pulling your strings soon enough. When you do... don't hesitate to look me up."

Very interesting...

It still didn't bring me any closer to finding my nemesis for the night though. It however was a pleasant chunk of context I'd be making use of soon.

"Did you get what you wanted?"

"Miss Morgan, if you're going to be a nuisance, at least point out the power players for me."

If she bites, I hope I've made clear this is her price to remain in presence, if she somehow refuses though... I'd have to strictly ignore her for the rest of the night. Just to send a message.

"No problem, Mr. Blackwater. Now let's see... that lady over there in the harem dress is Madam Anita. She runs a brothel in LA where the most connected elite come for their jollies. Don't mistake her pleasantness for kindness though. The woman is ruthless and is sitting on oceans of blackmail on everyone."

Well well... maybe I should cozy up to her.

"The man she's talking to is Mr. Mills, he has one of the largest magical artifact collections on the east coast, and if there is anything worth having... he has a copy."

I knew that bit but still... its welcome to have confirmation.

"What would their business be with D'Hoffryn?"

The moment his name passed my lips the demon locked eyes with me, cocked an eyebrow, and flashed me a smile.

Oh, for fucks sake. Lilah was about to reply when I felt the air behind us displace and D'Hoffryn disappear from my sight. I turned around and two more displacements appeared next to the elder demon.

D'Hoffryn stood there in all his glory with Anyanka and Hafrek flanking him. I knew I had some handle on this, all three of them heavily featuring in the show, but still... it didn't pay to underestimate them

The elder demon turned to Lilah, grabbed her extended hand, and kissed it with an exaggerated motion.

"Ah, the ever lovely and awe inspiring lady Morgan. As always, my dear Lilah, there is still an opening for you as one of my girls. That is if, of course, you haven't signed your life and death away yet?"

Lilah smiled and replied, "I'm afraid I must once again decline your kind offer. Perhaps another time I might take you up on it."

"I love how you keep your options open; that promises much good for the future! Now, introduce me to your companion, even if I think he is a bit young for you."

That last bit was obviously aimed at me but if something that childish unsettled me... I didn't stand a chance at all. I couldn't accept that.

"This, D'Hoffryn, is Nicolas Blackwater. He is an up and coming powerful young warlock here in Sunnydale."

D'Hoffryn gave me an excruciatingly slow once over but once he was done didn't make any move to starting up a conversation. I looked past the demon and straight at Anyanka and Hafrek. Both demons looked fairly bored with the whole proceeding.

I was in a bit of bind. I had absolutely no intention of opening... but neither could I simply turn back to my people watching like I had done with Lilah. This just left waiting out the man. Perhaps one his minions would crack first.

Lilah spoke up first, "Well, isn't this pleasantly awkward?"

"I don't mind. I was just reminiscing about a fight from a few weeks ago."

Lilah didn't disappoint and replied, "Oh? Would you care to share?"

"My mentor locked me up in a perpetual time chamber with the Troll God Olaf. I killed him in a variety of pleasant and not so pleasant ways. I was considering whether or not I should be thanking Anyanka for that."

D'Hoffryn turned to Anyanka as if ceding the floor to her.

The not-so-human-perhaps-yet demon eventually responded, "I see his ego is still out of control; but no... you shouldn't be thanking me, little boy."

Auch.

I simply nodded and smiled while leaning back against a pillar. If they wanted to play the waiting game... so could I. Hafrek turned to Anyanka and stage whispered in some demonic tongue or other.

"How many people did you tell about your previous human life?"

"Nobody who is in any position to talk. Do you think he really is a Seer?"

Well fuck. How did that get out to the wider demonic community?

"I don't know. Ask him."

"Should I ask him, Master?"

D'Hoffryn eventually turned back to me and spoke up, "They say you're a Seer, human child. Is that true?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. I heard whispers about you, D'Hoffryn. Is it true you were the catalyst behind the destruction of the Maenads?"

The demon smiled widely and said, "I like this human child. I'll be keeping an eye on you, boy." And promptly teleported back into the crowd. I saw Hafrek and Anyanka getting ready to do the same but I managed to get a last dig in.

"Goodbye Aud."

Hafrek disappeared but Anyanka stayed behind staring intently at me.

XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX

*Chapter 096: July 1st, 1997-F*

"I see Olaf couldn't keep his fat trap shut."

I smiled and replied, "Yes, he did not hold up very well under my onslaught."

"What else did he spill and remember... I wouldn't hold out on me, little boy."

"That's not important. What is though... is my message for you."

The vengeance demon quirked her eyebrows and waited for me to continue.

"Someday, likely in a few years, you'll be alone and abandoned. When you master, your friends, everyone leave you to whither in your loneliness... look me up."

"You're going to regr-."

"Anyanka, I didn't say that to upset you... but as D'Hoffryn said... he, much like me, understands the value of keeping your options open. Besides... are you sincerely going to be upset by a friendly warning?"

I turned around and continued people watching again. Anyanka wasn't the kind of threat who offended easily. I heard her telltale pop of air displacement of her teleporting and breathed a shallow sigh of relief. I delivered my message without hopefully pissing her off too much.

"That... was interesting, in the sense that a car crash is interesting, Nicolas. May I call you Nicolas?"

"If you keep putting names to faces for me, sure, go ahead Lilah."

"Of course."

The lawyer came a little closer and pointed out the next high profile guest.

"The big blue demon over in the corner is the Prince of the Nadrah demons. Odd bunch those, more money than God, but not an ounce of ambition in the lot of them."

I nodded and replied, "How long has it been since he acquired a new head?"

Lilah flashed me another wicked smile at me and said, "I'm not quite sure. Perhaps you should go up to him and find out? Are you angling for a reward, Nicolas?"

"I'll consider that. Be quiet for a moment, please."

I listened to the blue demon's clicking tongue with great interest.

"What does this Mayor character have that we couldn't possibly acquire for ourselves?"

"It's not about what he can acquire, my prince. It's about what he can get us... without it being traced back to us."

"What do we have to hide? What those bound to this plane think about us... is meaningless."

"I understand, my prince. Should we retreat home?"

"If we're already here, child, we might as well see what this Richard fellow has in store for us. What can you tell me about him?"

"He... seems to have his little domain well in hand. He appears to have domesticated the local meatbags into utter compliance and most of the daemonic kind here looks to him as a lord. Beyond that... information is hard to come by, my price. There is something interesting going on though... "

"Spill it, child. I am not in the mood for coyness."

"My apologies, my prince, I simply meant that the Mayor is apparently unveiling his untried apprentice. Perhaps he might prove amenable to a trade of information for this... earthly currency his kind seems to value so much."

"You have my leave to inquire with the apprentice... do not antagonize him though."

"Very well, my prince."

Hmm.

There was an attempted bribe coming my way soon. Good to know. The rest of their conversation wasn't interesting enough to keep paying attention to so I turned back to Lilah.

"Is that the extent of what you know about the Nadrah?"

That wicked smile graced her face again and she leant in even closer.

"Not at all... if you want to know more... I'd need to get you know you first."

And it begins.

"Hmm, perhaps another time."

"Oh, you're such a tease, Nicolas."

I turned back to the crowed and my eyes landed on a new arrival. Drusilla had arrived together with the little Annoying One. Instantly a white hot rage lanced through me which I ruthlessly stomped out. I couldn't afford losing my cool here.

If the pair of vampires had been invited as guests...

No, that couldn't be it, could it? That would simply be far too obvious. Clearly those two wanted me dead and I could honestly say the sentiment was returned a hundred fold. While I doubted Drusilla would prove to be as scary as Darla had... the difficultly I'd have with her is the fact that I coveted her eyes. I needed to cut her up real good... without killing her.

"That... that is Drusilla, a member of the Whirlwind. I don't quite know who the little boy is."

"That's the Anointed One. He is the spiritual heir of Heinrich Nest and Aurelian."

"I see. Enemies of yours I presume?"

"They are vampires aren't they? Besides... I'd like to finish my collection."

"Oh?"

I pulled out the necklace with Spike and Darla's fangs on and made sure it hung easily visible. If I could piss of Drusilla enough to attack me... I might have an excellent opening here. The main issue with her is that tracking the crazy vampire down would be... annoying to say the least. If she made a wrong move here though... I might be able to decapitate the entire Aurelian Order's leadership tonight.

I looked so forward to that.

"Oh, wow. You really do wear the Scourge's fangs around your neck... how positively savage."

"It's a quirk."

The lawyer came ever closer and ran her hand up my arm, "You could say that... "

I grabbed her arm in a vice grip, pulled her in close, and whispered in her ear, "You don't want to go there."

When I let her go she didn't back off an inch, "Oh? And why is that?"

"I don't quite know what Robert would do to you... but I imagine it would be highly instructive."

This time she withdrew her hand as if she was badly burned.

"Consider that noted."

I surveyed the crowd again and this time my gaze fell on an odd figure. I certainly didn't expect her there. I was mildly concerned that if Deirdre Page was here... so would Ethan Rayne. It would be a vast understatement if I said I'd rather fight the Master again than tangle with Rayne.

The bastard's magic was impressive and not a little bit scary. Page however was in an animated conversation with an unassuming man in a striped suit.

"You owe me Ken. Don't you fucking dare screw me now!"

Ken? Why did that sound so familiar?

"Now now, Deirdre, would I really leave you hanging like that?"

"I don't know... would you? Would you risk your cushy existence in LA?"

"Hey now... there's no need to threaten me, love."

"Don't call me that. When can you get it to me?"

"I'll come find you, love, don't you worry your pretty little head about it."

Page turned in a huff and headed directly towards the exit. I needed to act quickly before the lady walked out of my range. I extended my magic and slapped her on the back of her head with some light telekinesis.

The lady turned, looked around her, and when I poked her again finally locked gazes with me. I waved her over with the widest smile I could muster. The lady seemed to consider it for a moment, narrowed her eyes, and headed towards the stairs.

"What are you planning, Nicolas?"

"Not now, Lilah, do you know who she was talking to?"

The lawyer pretended some fake outrage but relented a moment later, "Hmm, can't say that I know him. Why?"

"Reasons."

"Again with the teasing, Nicolas."

Deirdre had finally made it up to the balcony and fixed me with a glare.

"Well?"

I continued smiling widely and replied, "I have a few questions for you. Should you choose to answer them for me... I will tell you how to make Eyghon a thing of the past."

The lady, who may or may not have been an old flame of Ripper's froze, made a fairly passable imitation of a deer caught in headlights, before she eventually recovered.

"What... how? No... tell me! Tell me now, boy!"

I crossed the distance between us in an instant and came to stop mere inches from her face. I was rewarded by the lady flinching and stepping backwards. I guess she really was freaked by the whole demon chasing her across continents thing...

"Do you want to try that again?"

Page took a deep breath, seemingly calmed down again, and replied, "Yes, I'm sorry for my hasty words. I'm sure we can come to an accord."

"Good. You're an old friend of Ripper's. I have many questions about the man. Beyond that... who is Ken and what is his business here?"

The woman frowned but said, "How do I know you even know what you're talking about?"

"Eyghon is a pathetic little parasite but still not the kind of demon you're supposed to abuse for a cheap high. Now I've establish my bonafides... start talking. Ken first."

The lady gulped and replied, "Ok. Ken... he's a slaver. He's a demon in human skin that kidnaps homeless teenagers in LA. I guess he uses them for labor or something because when he's done with them he drops them off again."

I motioned for the woman to continue.

"He's here as a favor to someone called Silas. I guess he got offered a gig to do something or other. He's been very sketchy about it."

I think I had him.

One slaver making a request from another... that has good cause to hate me. Well... now I'd be surprised if he wasn't the bastard out for me death. Of course... this could also simply be about the crystals needed to control humans.

"Stay around in Sunnydale for a while. I'll find you later for my questions about Ripper. Now as to your... problem... burn off your tattoo. Eyghon isn't sophisticated enough to track you down if you don't have it."

I didn't feel the need to keep holding that information over her head. Making more enemies wasn't my goal here.

"It... it can't be that simple."

I simply shrugged and turned back to the crowd.

"It is."

"Who... are you?"

"Shouldn't you be removing your tattoo right about now?"

The lady frowned but nodded and eventually walked off.

"This is wonderful, Nicolas."

I was just about to reply when Drusilla suddenly appeared in the archway leading to the balcony.

"Oi, there's the little bright boy in the darkness. The void swirls and swirls... I don't like you, boy."

XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX -=-=-=- XxXXxX

*Chapter 097: July 1st, 1997-G*

"Oh, why ever not, Drusilla?"

The crazy vampire froze and stared intently at the necklace around my neck. I raised my hand to grab for it and started twirling the fangs around my fingers. Drusilla's eyes followed the motion of my fingers as if it was a hypnotic locket.

The vampire unglued her eyes from the necklace and suddenly looked a lot less crazy and loopy. I let a lazy smile form and locked gazes with her. Lilah started inching away from me, I guess her survival instinct is superb, and reached into her bag for a cross. She didn't quite brandish it but kept it at navel level, ready to use.

The next few moments were intense. The crazy vampire's body language indicated she was poised on the verge of attacking me. I had already jerked a Fortress into existence and calmly waited for her control to erode.

Drusilla spoke in clipped tones, "You mustn't toy with poor Spike and grandmother like that."

I didn't respond beyond widening my smile.

"I'm going to make you sing, little puppy. Sing loudly and often... like Father taught me."

"I don't see that happening, Dru. In fact... I see something quite different."

Her eyes widened and the crazed seer scrambled backwards at a frightening pace while clutching her eyes.

"No! No! It's wrong! It's all wrong! You're not supposed to be so... "

The vampire then turned around and disappeared around the corner. Lilah calmly put her cross back in her purse and gave me a curious look.

"Care to explain that one?"

"I think she got a sense of what I plan to do to her."

"Oh?"

"It involves a box, a tube to feed her with, and no more arms and legs."

The pretty lawyer chuckled under her breath but didn't comment beyond that. I turned back to the edge of the balcony to continue people watching. In as far as the gathered crowd counted as people. My eye was drawn once again to the enigmatic Magnus Hainsley. The necromancer was speaking with a crowd of demons but was flanked by a single human.

"When is Richard going to show his face? This is borderline disrespectful."

"I don't know, sir. Perhaps he was caught off guard by something?"

"What could possibly be more important than this gathering, O'Toole?"

"I don't even know why you summoned my here, Mr. Hainsley."

One of the demon's snarled, "It's not your place to question your superiors, voodoo priest."

Hainsley responded by waving the demon down, "Calm yourself, Krup, Mr. O'Toole has perfectly valid concerns." The necromancer turned to the voodoo priest and continued, "Tell me; can you feel the death in the air? Something is brewing here on the Hell Mouth?"

"I'm afraid I don't-."

"Do not lie to me, you second rate zombie lord, and answer me."

O'Toole hesitated for moment but replied, "The local factions are restless. There are rumors swirling around but most do not make sense, Mr. Hainsley."

"I don't need you to editorialize. Simply relay what you've found out if you would."

"There is a rising power in Sunnydale. Gathering information on him has proven... difficult. I recently received word that Rack, he's the-."

"I know who he is, continue."

"Uhh, yes, where was I? Oh... yes. Rack has been gathering strength ever since his attempts at scrying the rising power failed... and backfired on him. His magic... it doesn't like failing."

"Whose does? What do you do you know?"

"I found out a few tidbits through an intermediary. I briefly put my essence in a raven and spied on him in his home... but there was nothing. I should have seen him, his allies were talking to him, but the rising power was... .invisible!"

"I see... "

"From other, less reliable, sources I gathered that he's a young man. Still a high school student but he's being mentored by The Terror... and the Ripper... .and the Mayor. Do you see what I meant by them being unreliable?"

"Well, I guess I'll seek confirmation when Richard finally shows his face."

Ok...

This wasn't good. Why on earth did Hainsley of all people want to know about me? Was it simply the expedience of knowing what exactly goes on near the Hell Mouth? Or did the man have a more insidious agenda? I listened for a few moments more but the subject had already switched to LA matters.

I moved on to my next target, it took a bit of searching, and eventually I found Silas. The High Priest, if he was still one, was engaged with Ken. The two slavers looked awfully chummy and I mentally cheered. Perhaps I'd find out what Ken was up to.

"Do you see that honor-less swine in the cow's attire over there?"

"The Deathwok? Sure, what's up with him?"

"Acquire him for me tonight and I will double your price."

"Well well... what's the catch?"

"Are you afraid you're not up to the challenge? I assure you... I can find someone else to-."

"Oh please, Silas, you know you can't. You're precious interface crystals are only found in my domain. Why don't you try again?"

"Very well. His master has proven difficult to track. All our curses and rituals simply fail to find purchase... if we're fortunate. When we're not they become dangerous and unreliable."

"So?"

I could hear the demon gnashing his teeth when he replied, "We will have our revenge with or without you. It would however be... costly. I had hoped you would prove to be a reliable intermediary."

"Do you honestly expect me to go against the Mayor for... gold?"

"Name your price, Kenjaar."

"One hundred thousand cows."

The demon spluttered, "Preposterous! We barely have that many in our entire kingdom!"

"That's the price. If you're not interested... I suggest you stop inquiring about opposing the Mayor."

"He is but a cow. Why do you fools fear him so?"

Ken simply laughed and walked off firing off a last reply, "Deals off, Silas. Go find someone else for your crystals."

I was cracking up. Despite Silas's epically badass voice... hearing him whine was wonderful. I started lightly laughing and Lilah asked what was so funny.

"The Pylean is getting ready to commit suicide."

"Oh?"

"I'm going to enjoy that."

Without waiting for her reply I walked off to find the stairs back to the main hall. I had a better sense of the atmosphere in the ballroom and fired off a generic thank you to my earlier self. If I had simply barged in before I would have missed so many interesting bits of information.

I could Lilah try to follow me and was faintly tempted to accelerate, run around the manor, and scare her from behind. Fortunately my better senses regained control. I calmly waited for the lawyer to catch up with me.

"You're rather fast aren't you? How are you doing that?"

"Magic."

"Oh, come on Nicolas, stop holding out on me. You're clearly enjoying this or you wouldn't have waited for me."

"Perhaps I'm waiting for your turn."

"My turn?"

"When I turn to you and make you an offer. I'm not sure yet though... it's still too vague."

I ignored her further inquiries, cultivating a mysterious front was more important, and asked the lady for a pen and paper.

"Tut tut, you're a little young for your memory to be going. Can't remember everything you've found out?"

I shrugged and said, "Ehh. Thank you."

I ripped off a page from the notebook, gave the book back to her, and wrote a little message on the paper. I was exceptionally careful to not show Lilah what it said.

"You're lucky you're so cute, otherwise this might have been more frustrating than it already is."

"I'm sure you'll figure things out later when you go over your... findings."

"My findings?"

I was getting tired of the lady simply reiterating my own statements and decided to poke her.

I smiled widely at her and replied, "Why don't you check your recorder?"

The lawyer quirked an eyebrow, noticeable decided against denying it, and pulled out her little memo recorder. I heard the machine rewind and Lilah's voice came blaring out of it. Curiously... my voice was nowhere to be found.

"Well well well... "

I doubted that was enough for her to deduce my Enochian protection runes but I couldn't keep counting on those anyways. The Senior Partners obviously had rituals that could strip them from me... which meant I'd need to find more permanent was of obfuscation soon.

We reached the ballroom once again and immediately Landokmar found his way at my side.

"Welcome back, my lord."

"Did you enjoy yourself, Lando"

"Yes, I have, my lord. I have a few things to tell you... when you're alone."

"Alright, for now though... I want you to go over to that group. Try to distract the two males with the four ridges on their faces. I'd like a moment alone with the lady they are escorting."

"Very well, my lord."

Lando directly made for them and I turned to Lilah.

"Perhaps you could join him?"

"And miss whatever it is you're planning?"

"I'll let you ask me a single question if you keep Lando out of trouble."

"Hmm, how about three? And you promise to answer them too."

"One and I will answer."

"Oh, well, I'll take what I can get."

I smiled, crossed the distance between us, and spoke softly near her ear, "Those Vigories are incapable of understanding that a woman can be dangerous. Take that as you will."

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*Chapter 098: July 1st, 1997-H*

I slowly made my way to the Princess of Oden Tal waiting for my opening. A few moments later Landokmar and Lilah had successfully captured the attention of her body guards, or captors, and I moved in quickly. I readied my folded up piece of paper and held it in the palm of my hand.

"Princess Jhiera?"

The thermo-kinetic turned towards and replied, "Yes, and who might you be?"

I extended my hand with the piece of paper in it and said, "Nicolas Blackwater. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance your highness."

My hand hung in the air for an awkward second before the lady grabbed it in greeting. I turned her hand around, dropped the paper off, and turned her hand back again to kiss the back of it. Mercifully the Princess let me and seemed to realize a game was afoot.

The thermo-kinetic deftly palmed the note and deposited it into one of the folds in her billowing robe.

"Likewise, Nicolas Blackwater. What can I do for you?"

I smiled widely and replied, "I'm curious about your people, your highness. I must confess that I'm afraid I don't even know enough to ask intelligent questions."

The Princess finally returned my smile and said, "We're a proud people with a long history but I won't hold any of your questions against you if they are put forth in good faith."

"I've heard it said your father, the King, has recently proclaimed he wishes to usher in an era of change? What could you tell me about that?"

The demon quirked an eyebrow but still responded, "My father sees that our current... societal pressures cannot last indefinitely without altering the... underlying causes."

"Might I inquire what the pressures are?"

This time her response came quicker, "The usual issues surrounding unequal opportunities afforded to certain... sections of our subjects."

"Ah, I see, my own nation had similar issues. Did you know that we only afforded women the right to assert their political presence less than a century ago? Utterly preposterous in hindsight... "

The Princess smiled widely and replied, "Such matters usually are. Those who can perceive them while the status quo remains unchanged... are far and few between."

I nodded sagely and said, "Indeed. Sometimes however, even when such enlightened role models are present, there is a need for external factors to tilt the scales so to speak."

"What did it take for your nation?"

"A world war... It took an entire world at war to shake off the oppressive power structures that enabled such... barbaric practices."

The women breathed in sharply and I could faintly feel the air around her become warmer.

"I certainly hope that our own issues might be resolved with the aid of less destructive events... "

I looked over her shoulders and was pleased to note Lilah was still talking circles around the Vigories. Landokmar looked appreciative at the women and I was suddenly struck by some unease. What exactly happened while I as focused on the princess?

"Historically, in my world, such societal pressures were either dealt with by massive blood shedding... or by the withdrawal of oppressed minorities to new lands. Greener pastures if you will."

I could tell the Princess understood my drift but I was still wondering whether she had already started up her private resistance. In the original timeline she was found out about three years in the future but I imagine she still needed to lay the groundwork beforehand.

Just before I walked up the group I had noticed the Princess speaking with a blue haired and robed lady who looked suspiciously like Mistress Meerna. Perhaps I had stumbled on the moment when she acquired the means for private inter dimensional travel?

Either way; things were progressing rather well.

"Such measures have indeed been considered. Unfortunately the locales for said greener pastures... tend to not be safe enough to hold indefinitely."

"Yes, the age-old pull between colony and mother land. Perhaps you might place some measure of faith with fortuitously placed ally?"

"Those are sometimes hard to come by, Nicolas Blackwater, and even when one manages to find one... their own agenda's might be at odds with the 'colonies' own future."

"Then it is of the utmost importance to have balanced and fair agreements in place."

The Princess looked back to her handlers and pinned me with an intense gaze when she eventually replied.

"In your own histories; what form have such agreements taken?"

"Usually they came in the form of mutual defense agreements. I do not recall them ever working out without both sides taking the same friends... .and enemies."

Her intense gaze never left me but she did cautiously nod.

The Princess briefly inclined her head and said, "You have given me much to consider. It was, indeed, a pleasure to make your acquaintance Nicolas Blackwater."

I mirrored her gesture and replied, "Likewise, your Highness."

I calmly made my way to the bickering Vigories and pulled Landokmar aside. Lilah was still enjoying her verbal evisceration of the two Oden Tal demons and I took advantage of that by asking Lando what he needed to tell me.

The Pylean leaned in close and whispered, "My lord, I was approached by a man who identified himself as the Chief of Police. He gave me this to hand over to you."

I took the letter from Lando and started reading it.

Greetings Mr. Blackwater,

Through our mutual acquaintance I have been made aware of your interest in the Sunnydale Police Department. I was assured you wished to assist us in dealing with the increased menace which has plagued our fair city for the past weeks.

I would like to invite you to our department gathering next weekend. It would not be quite as formal as the Mayor's soirée but the local movers and shakers will be present.

In order to adequately get to know one another I would propose to have a lunch meeting before then.

Might you be available for that next Tuesday at Ramones Bistro?

If not please do not hesitate in offering up an alternative date.

Regards,

Robert Monroe

Well...

The Chief certainly framed that rather well. Straight from the bat he assumes that I am here to supplicate myself to him. Perhaps he was right though... I needed to see how well my own standing compared to the Chief's before I could commit to any course.

"Thank you, Lando. I can see Silas approaching us; pass me the case please."

The Pylean immediately complied and I lightly held the suitcase while I waited for Silas to muster up the courage to harangue me in public. I didn't have to wait long.

"Treacherous Half-Breed... "

I raised my voice just enough to turn this into a spectacle, "Lawbreaking High Priest."

If the red-skinned Pylean could blush... I certainly couldn't tell. What was fairly obvious though was his lack of appreciation of my statement. I had spent some time reading up on the books in smuggled out of Pylea in my down time.

Unfortunately none of them were directly about magic even if some alluded to it frequently. The more interesting pieces were about the history of Pylea though. If I daydreamed about eventually conquering the kingdom... well... it would behoove me to understand where they came from.

More pertinent to the current situation was my now improved comprehension of the duties of the Priestly class of Pylea. Silas... has been a naughty naughty boy. While we weren't in Pylea where the charge I levied at his feet would be a far more grave concern... it did upset the priest.

The demon blustered and spluttered out a reply, "How dare you half-breed! If we were in more civilized lands I would have your tongue for that!"

Civilized lands... sure.

"What do you want Lawbreaker?"

"Nothing from the likes of you. All I came to say was that your eventual end will be as nectar to my senses."

What?

"And whom might you employ for that purpose? We both know you are unable to exert your own, fairly insignificant, force to back up your pompous words."

"It is unbecoming for one of my own exalted rank to dirty his hands with the likes of you."

Despite his utterly annoying manner of speaking... I still couldn't help but be envious of the creatures voice. It was just damn... bad ass.

I slightly raised my voice yet again, "More important; how would you even fund such an endeavor? Or have you forgotten that your treasury has been depleted?"

The demon fumed and I could tell he was on the verge of doing something stupid. The creature was already on the ropes before he ever set foot in Mayor's manor. If someone like was actually lowering himself to visiting the home world of the cows... well.

Not to mention the fact that his singular plan to reacquire control over his own population of slaves was shot mere moments before... this was looking up for me. Now... now I simply needed to push him over the edge and I knew just how to do it.

"I see you have no shame, half breed. Do you admit to the theft of-."

I turned back to Landokmar and ignored the demons blathering. I grinned at the green skinned Pylean, opened the suitcase, and removed the crown jewels from it. I handed the case back to Lando and put on the crown before turning to Silas while waving the scepter around.

"Did you say something, Lawbreaker?"

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*Chapter 099: July 1st, 1997-I*

The red-skinned High Priest was speechless and likely apoplectic. His mouth opened and closed a handful of times before all that came out was some garbled grunts. I quickly looked around while he was still distracted by his inner turmoil

We had gathered up quite the crowd and I was struck by a wonderful realization as a handful of errant thoughts connected. I was engaged in a battle of wits and will with the undisputed ruler of Pylea. The supreme source of authority in a vast kingdom was through his actions, if not words, acknowledging me an opponent of note.

I had already won.

If this was what Robert and Richard had in mind... they had wonderfully succeeded. Regardless of the outcome, more than anything else I had done so far, this would firm up everyone's impression of me as a power. Of course I wasn't going to settle for simply being seen in a shouting match with Silas. I intended to positively crush him.

If I could goad him into attacking me, breaking the Mayor's peace by doing so, and cementing my reputation as a wily bastard in the process.

Finally Silas exploded, "You filthy half-breed! I promise you; your death will be neither swift nor merciful!"

I smiled indolently and replied, "I seem to recall wading through your soldiers with less effort than necessary to swat at a bug."

I twirled the scepter around some more and firmly kept my smile plastered on my face. This is incredibly amusing!

Silas took a step towards me and hissed out, "You haven't heard the end of this, half-breed."

I immediately replied, "I imagine I have not. How long will you able to hold on to your tenuous grip on the High Priesthood, Silas, in the face of your humiliation? I do believe Grimmar might be inclined to negotiate with me."

The High Priest spit on the ground and said, "Even Grimmar would not stoop to-."

"Cease pretending you know what Grimmar would or would not do. If you could adequately predict that you wouldn't be frothing at the mouth like the uncouth commoner swine you are, Silas."

That finally did it.

Silas charged at me in rage and his two acolytes followed in his wake. I still had a Fortress running and calmly waited for the priest to make the first strike. I wasn't disappointed when a moment later Silas tried to stab me but failed to pierce my hardened skin.

I jumped back, jerked my bracelet, and fired off a Heat Death straight at the Pylean's throat. I watched with glee as his head separated from his torso and noticed his acolytes no longer found it necessary to follow through with their attack.

I increased the intensity of my growl and roared out, "I suggest you kneel, little Priests, or face my wrath."

I didn't quite know why I continued pushing. In every area that mattered I had already settled the issue and asserted my dominance over the vile slavers. Somehow... this just felt right.

One of the acolytes immediately fell to his knees, perhaps under the influence of my Primals roar, but the other hesitates a moment too long. A split second later and another Heat Death severed the priest who remained standing from his precious head. The sound of his head dropping to the floor and rolling around was contrasted by the sheer silence in the ballroom.

I knew I had every single eye on me and it was wonderful.

I stalked towards the kneeling priest, pulled him up by his robes, and softly said, "Little priest. You're going to send a message back to your people for me. I have your precious and heritage filled crown jewels. Should you want them back I might prove amenable to negotiations. Tell Grimmar to find a sufficient number of healthy cows to trade for them. Now... leave."

I dropped the demon to the ground and watched with pleasure as he scurried off out of the ballroom. I turned back to Landokmar and calm as can be deposited the crown jewels back into the suitcase he held up for me.

"Thank you for allowing me to witness that, my lord. I despise that slimy priest."

"You're quite welcome, Landokmar."

As if on cue everyone around me suddenly started furiously whispering with each other. I had certainly made an impression on the gathered movers and shakers of the east coast. I was just about to continue my search for, perhaps yet another possible, would be murderer but suddenly I smelled something intensely familiar.

Robert was here.

I couldn't get over the fact that he had slipped my senses this long. Was he hiding earlier under his obfuscation spell? Or was I simply too distracted myself?

Either way... I was going to track the man down. I tried to follow the smell of the man and the taste of the warlock's magic but before I took more than a handful of steps I was waylaid.

Lilah had walked up and cut me off with her new entourage. Clearly the lady was milking the situation for all she was worth and once again I was struck by the unease she caused in me. She was far too competent to piss off... I needed to remember that.

"This, ladies and gentlemen, is Nicolas Blackwater. I do believe he certainly confirmed some of the more outrageous rumors surrounding him."

The lawyer then turned to me and said, "Nicolas, this is Maline Ascar and Doctor Franklin Sparrow."

I knew the latter but the demon was a mystery to me. I decided to take a simple wait and see approach to the next conversation. This could go one of two ways. If Sparrow had somehow discovered that I wasn't entirely truthful about Knox's treason... he might cause some trouble.

On the other hand... if a cult that has survived for literally millions of years through pureblooded lineage demons, half breeds and humans... well it might be safe to say they'd be averse to chance and risk. I fervently hoped they simply lobbed his head off and were done with it.

Either way... this still didn't make the drugs he was designing for me any more reliable. My plan to deal with those consisted or writing a letter to Travers and including the drugs... the rest would be up to him.

I nodded towards the group and said, "Pleasure to meet you, all."

Lilah attempted to speak up again but Dr. Sparrow waved her off and interrupted the stunningly pretty lawyer.

"We've already been acquainted, Miss Morgan." Immediately after that he continued in an old tongue, "It's nice to see you again, Mr. Blackwater. I had heard whispers of your disappearance and I wasn't well pleased by them."

"You needn't have worried, Dr. Sparrow. My... ordeal was hardly more than an extended vacation."

The doctor smirked and gestured his demon escort, "This is Madam Ascar, if you have some time later I would like for the three of us to have a sit down. I believe we could extend our... cooperation."

"That sounds lovely, doctor. I will, of course, make time for you. Shall we slip back into English though? I fear we might be offending the lawyer."

"Of course, I do not mean to hog you, dear Nicolas."

Things were happening rather fast. Robert's presence threw me off a little and there were so very many threads of intrigue hanging around I was close to my limit. Keeping track of who wanted what and how it tied into the politics of the Hell Mouth... and not to mention myself was proving to be quite the challenge.

The demon extended her hand and I firmly shook it but noticeable... she didn't speak up. I wondered what was up with that.

"Well, you certainly do get around don't you Nicolas?"

"I do try, Lilah."

The lawyer was just about to speak up when someone brushed past me and slightly bumped into me. I moved with motion and out of sheer paranoia rolled out Bank Safe just to be on the safe side. When the young man who passed me looked back over at me I got a good look at the kid.

I didn't recognize him but his entire bearing screamed nervousness, anxiety and more than a little bit of fear. I took a deep whiff and was startled to realize that I vaguely recognized his scent. I knew I hadn't smelled it before but... it was still familiar.

I was just about to shake off the weird feeling when a few unformed thoughts connected and I knew who he was. The kid must be related in some fashion to one of the undertakers I had threatened. I went back over the encounter in my mind came an exciting conclusion.

I had found my would-be-killer.

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*Chapter 100: July 1st, 1997-J*

I tracked the kid as he weaved his way through the crowd on his way to the entrance hall. I turned Dr. Sparrow and excused myself. I couldn't afford missing this opening.

If my hunch was correct... I had put this kid in the position he was. I doubted he was here on some sort of revenge scheme, he felt far too much fear for that, which only left more sinister ploys. I couldn't be certain before talking to the boy but I had a firm grasp on what might pushed him into this.

I deftly danced through the throngs of demons and finally arrived in the entrance hall. There was no sign of the kid so I had to resort to simply sniffing him out. I walked past a few servants carrying out the bodies of Silas and his acolyte but paid them no mind. I sped up a little as I followed the scent through the massive manor. Eventually I tracked him down just as he entered a room at the end of an abandoned corridor.

As I got closer I heard two voices whisper furiously.

"I did it! I punctured him with your syringe. Now call them off! Please!"

A shrill and childish voice responded, "Hmm. Perhaps, I should make an example of your family. They did after all betray my Master."

"W-what, no! She didn't do anything, please? I... you... I did everything you wanted!"

"You have indeed. Let me think about this... "

The short fragment of conversation confirmed my suspicions. I wasn't just going to let this stand; nor was I going to put the blame on a witless pawn. Whoever that other voice belongs to was going to suffer.

I readied a Flash Bang, kicked open the door, and threw my magical hand grenade into the small room. I stepped off the side, saw the light erupt from the open doorway, and heard the two voices scream in unison. I quickly entered the room and saw three figures crumpled in various corners of the room.

Two vampires and one young kid...

I recognized the Annoying One and presumably the other vamp was one his minions. I launched a Heat Death through the still disoriented vampire's throat and watched in pleasure as he exploded into ashes. The little Annoying One however recovered and made a beeline for me. I responded by kicking him in the face just as he closed with me and followed it up by darted out and grabbing him by the feet.

I swung the little bastard around for all I was worth. I broke a desk with his head, then a cabinet, and finally punctured a hole into the floor. With the little undead creature stuck for a moment I rolled out a Bank Safe and grabbed it by the neck.

I didn't want to risk him being able to overwhelm me if he recovered so instead I played my favorite anti vampire trick. When all else is in doubt... remember that they are instinct driven idiots. While slamming the little Annoying One in to the ground I picked up a piece of wood with my other hand and slashed a cut on my lower arm.

I let go of the little demon with my now bloody arm but not before securing him by kneeling on top of the creature. I smashed my already healed but bloodied arm against the blood demon's face and watched with pleasure as his instincts took over. The foolish creature sank his teeth in my arm and less than six seconds I tugged forcefully on the sympathetic bonds between us.

"Keep drinking."

The Annoying One couldn't refuse and saturated himself with my essence. When I guessed I had felt the creature drain more than a few liters I finally ordered him to stop and stand up. I felt my magic rejuvenate me and within moments I was back in tip top shape.

I calmly walked over the kid and listened for his heartbeat. It was just as strong as it was supposed to be... if a little irregular. I made a small incision on his cheek with my wooden stick and stuck my finger in it. A few seconds later and his suffering was drained from him.

The kid woke up with a start and froze once he realized who stood over him.

"You... but... what?"

I smiled to the kid and hit him with a Bronze Bull.

"Did you feel that?"

"No?"

I racked up the pain levels just enough to make the kid squirm and kept smiling at him.

"How about now?"

"Y-yes? W-what do you want?"

"I want answers. What did the little vampire have on you?"

"I c-cant... they'd kill... no I can't!"

I turned to the child vampire and ordered him to slap himself in face. The kid watched the mini vampire with a horrified expression on his face. The Annoying One kept slapping himself. It would have comical if it wasn't so utterly mechanical.

"He won't be doing anything. Now talk, boy, before I make you."

The kid gulped but responded, "T-they have my little sister. I mean... they have my family, my dad as well, but my sister is only seven. Please... I didn't want to do this. I didn't want to be involved with this... "

"Where do they have them?"

"In our home... "

Well...

"Keep going."

"M-my dad... he's involved with them. I don't know why but they came and tricked my little sister into inviting them. I-I was in room and didn't hear anything until they had grabbed both of them. T-they... I saw them play with my sister... as if nothing was going on. Please... I don't know what to do!"

I removed the pain curse and considered the situation. Clearly the boy was in over his head and suffering for the decisions of his father. I couldn't say his ordeal didn't move me but I had to be practical now.

"How many of these beasts are in your home?"

"When I left? I think I counted three, maybe more, but I can't be sure."

Fuck, why am I asking him?

I turned to the little blood demon again and said, "What's the situation in your pawn's home?"

"Three vampires keep his family hostage in their home. There is one more keeping an eye out on the street for company."

"What was your goal here tonight?"

"We wanted you dead. I told Drusilla it was unlikely to succeed but it costs us nothing. With you out of the picture this city would have been ours again. The Mayor wouldn't have a choice but to return to the old status quo."

That made sense. If the Mayor didn't have his new shiny toy, that being me, there really was no reason for him not to slip back into old habits. I was under no delusion that the Mayor at all cared what happened to the nightlife of Sunnydale and the people they killed. I did have the sense though that as long as I prove interesting the Mayor would indulge me.

"Ok, kid, I'm going to save your family for you. In return you need to do one very important thing for me."

"Anything. Please, just... anything!"

I smiled, walked over to the destroyed desk and picked up a notepad, and walked back to the kid.

"I imagine you dislike vampires? I also imagine you might dislike me for my actions that have led you here. Trust me when I say that we're both monsters. Unlike them though... I reserve my monstrosity for vampires and those that help them... "

The kid nodded for all he was worth but still bore a confused look on his face.

"This little vampire fell under my spell. He'll be harmless for the next few hours. I want you to go find a pen, ask his some pertinent questions, and write down the answers."

The young boy kept nodding and replied, "W-what do you want to know?"

"Everything off importance... I want to know where their hideouts are. Who work for them and what their plans are for the future. If you impress me... I'll promise you you're under my protection and your little sister will never have to suffer from vampires again. Do we have an accord?"

"Yes! Yes, oh god, yes!"

I got up and turned the Annoying One again.

"Answer all his questions and if necessary protect him with your life. Order your creatures to leave his family alone. When you're all done with that... go find the Mayor and tell him you tried to have me killed."

I was just about to walk away when I remember something.

"Before you go to the Mayor... talk to Drusilla and make her go to Fairfield View alone. Now though... rip out your fangs for me and give them to the boy. I'm sure he'd like a souvenir."

I walked past the little blood demon and picked up the phone that thrown into a corner. The dial tone was still going which saved me from having to go find another one. I dialed my home number and Fred picked up the phone.

"Howdy, this is Blackwater' Residence."

"Hey, Freddikins, can you put Andrew on the line please?"

"Sure!"

A little under a minute later and I heard Andrew's high pitched voice on the other end of the line.

"Hey bossman! Is everything alright?"

"Better than alright, mate. Listen; tell Mica, Lib and Jonathan to go to Fairfield View. There's been some... developments."

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