Ace in the Hole
Summary: [Sequel to Celtic Aurora's Dark Ripples in Blood] When an arcane necromancer offers his allegiance and powers to help him defeat the vampires in the grisly war, Lucian cannot refuse. With Kraven as an unpredictable factor in the game, he needs an ace in the hole to win. [LucianxSonja & other various parings]
Chapter X: On the Whims of Fate
Text:
"Speech"
Thoughts
Flashbacks
Music/Poems/Sonnets:
"Iron" by Within Temptation
"Ain't Your Fairytale"-Sonata Arctica
Disclaimer: Len Wiseman, why you no let me own Underworld?
"Left in the darkness
Here on your own
Woke up a memory
Feeding the pain
You cannot deny it
There's nothing to say
It's all that you need to fire away
Oh damn, the war is coming
Oh damn, you feel you want it
Oh damn, just bring it on today
You can't live without the fire
It's the heat that makes you strong
'Cause you're born to live and fight it all the way
You can't hide what lies inside you
It's the only thing you know
You'll embrace it and never walk away
Don't walk away."
-Iron, Within Temptation
The next day had arrived quicker than Selene imagined as she got dressed and ready for the upcoming meeting with Amelia. She already had a plan to present to the Elder and hoped she would take her side rather than listen to Kraven's blather. Kraven had barged into the Death Dealer meeting yesterday and shot down every one of Selene's theories and plans, saying this obsession of hers could get many valuable soldiers killed. If they weren't in such a public setting, Selene would have pistol-whipped Kraven and then shoot him in the face. It was those moments where Selene sorely missed Tanis's company.
I'd trade Kraven for Tanis in any given day, despite the slanders he issued against Victor. Tanis I can tolerate. Kraven I cannot.
"Selene!"
And speak of the devil.
"What, Kraven?" she spoke sharply, turning around so Kraven could see her irate expression. He was lucky she didn't have her two automatic pistols with her or else she might give into the temptation of turning Kraven into Swiss cheese.
"I know what you're going to say to Amelia, Selene," Kraven began, his oily tone disapproving and irked, "The idea of infiltration…it's far too risky. You yourself have said you don't know how many lycans are down there, in that sewer. They could outnumber us ten to one and yet you still want to waltz over them like a businessman on a holiday!"
"I had no idea you were so cowed in facing an army of lycans," retorted Selene venomously, quietly enjoying the faint cerise color of rage creeping on his face, "Perhaps playing the bureaucrat has soiled your strength, Kraven. Can you even use your sword at all or as that rusted too, along with your skills as a warrior?"
Unfathomable pools of rage boiled in the vampire's eyes, onyx rapidly changing to a chilling celeste. He bristled, looking like he was ready to explode. "You," he hissed, "will not mock me!"
His hand then came flying out and smacked itself against her cheek so hard and brusquely Selene felt her head swerve to other side. The pain flared all over her face, aching and throbbing so agonizingly as if to remind her of Kraven's might. She grimaced, ignoring the fiery sting as Kraven brushed past her, muttering furiously underneath his breath.
Pivoting around and walking forward, Selene knew this was only the beginning of Kraven's wrath. Once she enters the meeting and tells Amelia her battle plan, Kraven would do everything in his power to rend her idea apart. He was trying to control her and her movements, whether with words or force, and probably hoped he could achieve that with aid from Amelia.
Selene's eyes narrowed at the very thought of that. But I won't allow that to betide.
Kraven wouldn't win this next battle, not if she could help it!
"Is everyone expected at today's assembly here?" Amelia questioned perfunctorily, her authoritative gaze sweeping the entire room, studying and analyzing each and every member's face.
One of Victor's men, Kahn as he was called, stood up and nodded. "Yes, Amelia. All have arrived." He sat back down. Pleased, Amelia commenced the meeting.
"As you all know, one of my own peers, Markus, has been taken from us. Right under our noses, it appears." she began coldly, shooting an accusing glare at those who had been on security duty during the time the crime happened. "I want him to be found immediately. However, I also feel Victor should be aware of these troubling times. Hence, I believe I should awaken him, even those it is against the rules. This is great emergency and as an Elder and a great warrior and leader, Victor will understand."
Silence flooded the conference room and each member glanced at each other, wondering who would be the first to speak. Seeing this, Selene seized the chance to explain her plan to the female Elder before Kraven butt in.
"Amelia, I believe I have an idea that could help us find Markus and bring him back," she began, ensnaring the said Elder's attention. She arched one brow at her words, slightly intrigued.
"Is that so? Please, enlighten me." She waved her hand to allow Selene to have the floor.
"It is my opinion that Markus's abduction is directly connected to the lycans—after all, who else would have to gain kidnapping our Elder? That vampiress, she could be rogue hired by them to sneak past our defenses and then abduct him."
"But how," interrupted Amelia, "did a lone vampire get an Elder and his coffin out of the coven without being seen?"
This time Kahn spoke up. "That is still under investigation. However, many of my fellow Death Dealers have reason to believe that perhaps, this vampiress had help with the form of…magic."
Something unreadable flickered in the female Elder's eyes. "Magic?" echoed Amelia, her tone hinting disbelief, "Do you have any proof?"
"There were no records of her leaving the room and when we searched the entire chamber, we saw no signs of the woman or Markus's tomb. One of my men believed he might have detected traces of magic but it's still just a theory right now."
"A theory? We might as well forgo that estimation then." Amelia sneered lightly, evidently displeased with the results. "This coven hasn't encountered magic in centuries and now, all of sudden, you start claiming its existence? I would like to have the facts first before we all start jumping to conclusions or forming some mad, fantastical ideas!"
Silence once more rang amongst the members of the council table and Selene casually looked around her before speaking her mind. "Amelia," she began, ignoring Kraven's thunderous expression, "I have a plan to get Markus back. We need to work quickly but I believe it can be done." The said woman cocked her head curiously at Selene, a gesture that silently encouraged her to keep on talking. "We should infiltrate the lycans' base–I already know its location–and see if they have Markus. If they do, we quickly retrieve Markus back and if possibly, we can even take them all out in fell swoop if we want to end the war now. Also, there is another matter of concern we should also look into if we sneak into their lair."
"Oh, and what is that?" Amelia still didn't sound convinced.
"On my last mission, I noticed several lycans following a human. When I went to his flat later, I was attacked on by a different foe, a succubus—"
"A succubus?" interrupted Amelia, eyebrows furrowing incredulously, "How is that possible?"
"Right now, I can't explain. She could be working for the lycans or is acting solo and was attracted to the human Michael, desiring him as a souvenir. She could be a third party but I'm not sure."
Amelia tapped her fingers on the wooden surface of the desk, frowning. "There are many uncertainties with your plan. I do not like that."
Selene didn't like where this was going. But she had to persuade Amelia to her side or else all could be lost. They had to take the risk, even if they lacked solid evidence. "But Amelia—"
"It's far too risky!" cut in Kraven, his disapproved voice booming all across the room, "Amelia, you are right about there being too many unpredictable factors in Selene's scheme. What if the lycans don't have Markus or this human? What if the succubus controls the human now and perhaps, this rogue vampire is from another coven, a foreign one, and they want leverage over us. Maybe we have something they want."
"That is possible," agreed Amelia, nodding her head, "This coven does have enemies besides the lycans. Other vampire covens would love to see us fall and then conquer over the remaining pieces."
"But where's your proof, Kraven?" retorted Selene scathingly, narrowing her eyes dangerously at the said vampire. She knew what he was doing, he was trying to discredit her idea and then offer an alternative reason.
"Where's yours, Selene?" he fired back just as hotly, coal eyes gleaming with wont fury, "Your plan risks many Death Dealer lives based on a theory, a gut instinct. Why risk our men for a notion we have no concrete evidence, especially on the whereabouts of Markus. After all, as you said, Amelia, we need facts, not speculations. If Victor were here, he'd concur with you."
Selene wanted to do nothing more than leap over the table and throttle Kraven with her own two hands. Not only was he being an utter sycophant to Amelia (she always suspected him of having super ass-kissing powers) but to drag Victor, her surrogate father in this debate, as if he would agree with every word he was saying, was a disgrace to his honor and very presence!
Kraven, you've gone too far! After this meeting, we're going to have a little chit-chat. And I can assure you, it won't end that way.
"You have a point there, Kraven. I don't want to risk my men and women's lives unless we are absolutely certain Markus is with the lycans. So, I expect more espionage and results after day. Is that clear?" Nothing escaped her icy, firm gaze, everyone was held accountable. But Selene just couldn't let the meeting end on this note, especially when Kraven convinced Amelia to dismiss her plan.
"Amelia, I have one more idea."
"Go on," said the Elder but she sensed exasperation in her tone.
"I would like to make a request to bring Tanis back to the coven. He can, of course, be under surveillance but his resources and knowledge could help us find Markus, answer the enigma regarding Michael and the succubus, and possibly, help end the war between us and the lycans." Selene reckoned she was taking a chance with this one but with one glance at Amelia and Selene realized reluctantly what the answer would be.
"Absolutely not!" she hissed, nearly banging one fist on the table, "Victor exiled him and I stand by his decision. That traitor, that refuse will not permitted to step one tainted foot in this coven! Do you hear me, Selene?"
Defeated, Selene nodded numbly. Satisfied with this, Amelia sank back down into her chair. "Good. I was hoping you would understand, my dear. Now, if all the reports and ideas are finished, you all are dismissed. We will reconvene tomorrow."
As they all filed out, Selene was unfortunate to catch the smug, triumphant look on Kraven's face as he brushed past her, the dancing light in his eyes saying "Why didn't you just listen to me?"
Never before in her entire life did Selene crave to slaughter him right then and there, with no regard for the consequences later. She really needed to go to the shooting range…now.
Erika wistfully ran her finger down the long, silky skirt of the corbeau dress that Thanatos had purchased for her. She thought about wearing the garment next time there was a party but part of her didn't want to, as if this gown was a secret between her and the strange man who befriended her on the street.
"This dress was meant for him," whispered Erika to herself, pulling her hand away from the downy, silky material, "Him and no one else." Right now, it just wouldn't seem right for her parade herself in this simple yet elegant outfit right in front of the entire coven. She didn't want anyone to know of her secret–including Kraven. In fact, for some reason, she never wanted Kraven to see her in this dress. Only Thanatos for she had a feeling he alone would appreciate her for who she was in this gown.
But why I am suddenly thinking about him more than Kraven? I must admit I am proud in telling him off but still…maybe he'll like me more now that I have displayed a more feisty side and am not following him around all the time. Maybe—
Erika stopped her musings before they became illusive, fantastical daydreams. She was always falling victim to those silly, girlish dreams of hers, chasing after a man who lusted after another woman. Was Kraven really worth all the effort? After all, he most of the time didn't give her the time of day and took her loyalty–or was it obedience?–for granted. Plus, he seemed to treat her like she was inferior and even though he was older than her and outranked in the social hierarchy of the coven, the indignation of the inequality burned furiously deep within her, like the subconscious of her mind and soul combining together to form one loud and vicious cry to herself, telling her to open her eyes to reality and start anew. All these fresh, new, and powerful emotions nearly overwhelmed Erika as she sat down, contemplating her motives. The more she pondered, the more she realized that she needed to see Thanatos again, no matter what. He brought out this new side of her and she was increasingly enjoying these strange but exciting sensations, the taste of identity freedom.
Grabbing her coat and slipping his number into her pocket, Erika hurried out of her room and the coven, ignoring the curious stares from the onlookers as she briskly opened the doors prior to finding herself a car and speeding away from the manor, her head imbibed with thoughts and images of that mysterious Thanatos man.
Michael Corvin hated his life right now. With a burning passion.
He first thought being suspected by the police as a shoot-out instigator and getting attacked by the mysterious woman from the subway was strange enough but then to be seduced and lured by that seemingly illustrious beauty who eventually brought him here to this wretched place was even worse. His life had gone from mundane to bizarre to plain frightening.
How did he, a doctor, ever get caught up in such a war, in such madness?
"I've got get out of here," he mumbled to himself, casting a wary glance around the plain, sparse room. All he had was a bed and nightstand for a lamp. He wasn't tethered or strapped in anywhere because he was only a mere human, not a werewolf like his captors. He wondered what exactly they needed him to help against this so-called war against the vampires. Their leader, who visited his cell frequently, told him he was their insurance in case anything went wrong in the near future.
"If all goes wrong, you can save us from extinction," the lycan leader told him gravely, dark blue eyes boring deep into him, as if his imposing gaze was penetrating his very soul and mind. All Michael could do was to swallow his breath and say nothing.
He tried telling them over and over that he wanted no part in that war but apparently, he had no choice in the matter. He became a pawn, a chess piece in the game of survival. After all, that was how another man, one with piercing, haunting green eyes and raven hair and goatee who wore a black robe, described his role in continuing fray.
"Don't you understand your part in this play, in life's little game, Michael?" queried the peculiar man, a mocking grin on his lips.
"What are talking about?" the American doctor demanded angrily, growing weary by all these cryptic or nebulous talks.
"You, my friend, are a pawn perhaps, a chess piece guided along by more powerful beings. Whether the person be me, one of the lycans, or God himself, you no longer have any will of your own. You are a marionette, bound to the strings of your puppeteer."
This comment enraged Michael. "I am no one's puppet!" he shouted, leaping to his feet, fists clenched to his sides. The man's grin twisted into a mocking smirk.
"When you've lived long enough, Michael, you will understand. Sooner or later, you will dance on the whims of another. It takes enough willpower and strength to sever those strings and take your role as a master of puppets."
After that, the arcane man simply left, leaving Michael alone again with his thoughts and some new ones as well.
"I don't want to be anyone's tool," he muttered, raking his dirty blonde hair, "Is that what they see me, a weapon or a puppet that they can control? If that's the case, then I'm definitely getting the fuck away from this place."
Wracking his brain, Michael began to scheme his escape.
Chilling, harsh droplets of rain viciously pitter-pattered down on their ear, soaking Kraven's hair as he exited his car to climb into Lucian's car. Earlier, he had called Lucian to arrange him an urgent meeting to warn him what was transpiring in the Ordoghaz coven. If Victor came out of his slumber, all their plans would be all for naught.
"What is it now, Kraven?" drawled out Lucian as the said vampire slid into the car and shut the door. "What else do you have to report?"
"First off, did you hire anyone to steal Markus?" demanded Kraven, wanting to get that off his chest. The question nagged him for hours and even though Lucian showed no interest in the other Elder, one never knew what exactly went on in that mind of his.
Both of Lucian's shot up faster than the speed of light. "What are you talking about?" he seethed, glowering at Kraven darkly. "Kraven, explain."
"Someone, a rogue vampire some say, kidnapped Markus, coffin and all. I was wondering if you had anything do with his disappearance."
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Lucian simply shook his head and let a regaled, half-smile slither onto his face. "No, Kraven, I did not. Markus doesn't mean anything to me. Perhaps your coven has more enemies that you realize."
"Oh, trust me, my report gets better," Kraven added scathingly, miffed that Lucian wasn't taking him seriously, "Selene, one of the Death Dealers, has found out more about this succubus who abducted that human your men has been following. That woman…she's one of yours, right?"
"Not mine. Thanatos's." A slight tic appeared in Kraven's jaw. He was growing to loathe that man more and more.
"Well, tell him Selene knows about his succubus and thinks she's aligned herself with you, which might prompt her to also believe the human could be with you. She's been fighting to get a team to infiltrate your base yet fortunately for you, Amelia disagreed."
"Is there anything else?"
"Well, about Thanatos…" Kraven didn't know where do begin. He didn't like that man and didn't trust him as far as he could throw him. Truth be told, he enjoyed the alliance better when it was just him, Lucian, and their respective groups. Then along came Thanatos and he mucked everything up. "Lucian, I don't trust the man and neither should you. What if he has a secret agenda against us? What if he's just waiting to strike when our guards are lowered—"
"Right now," cut in Lucian steely, his eyes cold and hard like two solid blue stones, "I'm having a difficult time trusting you."
"What do you mean?" thundered Kraven, baffled and indignant at that accusation.
"For instance, why didn't you warn me about those assassins? I know Amelia or someone in the coven sent them after me and my men. They meant to eliminate my army but didn't expect Thanatos or his followers to step in and finish them off."
For once, Kraven was silent, his mind reeling at this new information. Did Amelia really send assassins after Lucian? Was it before or after she heard about Markus? If the latter, was that the real reason why she declined Selene's plan of infiltration?
"I…didn't know about the assassins," he admitted weakly, once he found his voice again, "Honestly, Lucian, I didn't. Amelia didn't mention them to us."
"Then find more about them. I want to know where they came from." That is, if Thanatos can't extract anything from that revived incubus. Raze wasn't pleased to hear about Clarissa's new toy. Frankly, Lucian just wished he would give up on Clarissa and find someone else. Clarissa was the type of female who didn't see the need to have one man in her life. She was, after all, a succubus.
Kraven nodded his head, scowling at the reprimanding tone Lucian was given, as if he was petulant child. "Fine. But I am still concerned about Selene. She's going to keep arguing the issue about sneaking into your base to find Markus. I'm suggesting we try to use the succubus, and possibly Thanatos, as a third party and pinpoint both Markus's and the human's location towards them. That way, Selene will be forced to abandon her idea and the coven can shift their focus away from you to them momentarily."
In one fleeting second or so, Lucian was stunned. Finally, for once, Kraven actually had a good idea! I'll relay this idea to Thanatos and see what he thinks. After all, he too has a say in these matters.
"I will consider this notion of yours, Kraven, and see what Thanatos believes. Do you esteem Amelia and the coven will believe there is a third party, another enemy on the rise?"
He nodded again. "Yes, I think they will. Amelia contemplated that concept today, actually. We have nothing to fear if they take that bait, Lucian. Nothing at all."
"We'll see."
Lucian's timbre was brisk and blunt, signaling the end of their discussion. Huffing inwardly to himself, Kraven exited the car, back into the pouring rain, ignoring the stinging pain of cold, biting water droplets. He basked and sunk into the warmth of his car, closing his eyes to enjoy the quite moment all to himself as one of his men drove him back to the coven. When he returned to Ordoghaz coven, he'll nab himself a drink and try to patch things up with him and Selene–and maybe Erika too. He could always use a quickie.
Catherine sighed as she tried dialing Lucian's number again. Once she fully believed Bristol and Zael were indeed telling the truth and genuinely wanted to help Lucian and his cause, she had attempted to get in contact with Lucian early to tell him the good news. They always spoke or met each other once or twice a month to check up on the other. When Lucian had offered her shelter, he took a shining to her children and Cordelia had always viewed Lucian as her second father, while her first father was out somewhere in the dark, dangerous world, driving off assassins to protect his family. Catherine's heart ached countless times whenever she pondered over her broken, torn apart family. It was cruel that Edward never got see his daughter's birth or witness her or Michael to grow up into the beautiful adults they are now. She blamed Kraven for that as well.
"Come on, you stupid water mirror," grumbled Bristol in the dining room, her face scrunching up in deep concentration and frustration, "you're being more stubborn than the scrying crystal!"
Catherine held back a smile when she overheard Bristol's ramblings. Earlier, while Bristol was trying to scry for Lucian's location (to save them some time she claimed), the crystal kept swinging around and around, tiring out her poor arm and refusing to land. Of course, during the whole session, the scatter-brained witch realized she needed an item belonging to Lucian that he was deeply attached to and when Catherine mentioned that Sonja, someone who was long dead and buried, was the only person he had ever loved, Bristol let out an aggravated huff, practically slammed the crystal on the table and decided to see if she could use her powers with the water mirror to glean into the future. So far, from she was hearing, Bristol wasn't having much luck.
"You know, Bristol," Catherine called out as she waited for Lucian to pick up, "it's these moments that make me relieved that I'm not a witch or practitioner of magic."
"Just wait when I'm PMSing. You're going to wish you had magic to protect you." she replied and Catherine winced. The American witch had a point.
"Thanks for the warning. I'll let my son know as soon as it happens." Bristol chuckled briefly at the dry comment before returning her attention back to the bowl of water, placing her hands gently on the liquid surface while muttering the same chant over and over again under her breath.
"Catherine?"
The said woman nearly jumped out of her skin and her reverie when Lucian's voice appeared on the other line, shattering her internal musings. She breathed out a sigh of relief to know her lycan comrade was safe and sound.
"Lucian, thank goodness. I have been calling you for about an hour and a half. Is everything all right?"
"Yes, Catherine, all is well, you have no reason to worry. I have acquired some allies who can help me end this bloody war once and for all. If you have the time, I want to you to meet them. Some of them I'm not sure whether or not to trust."
Catherine nodded as she listened. "I understand. And speaking of allies, I reckon I found some more for you, Lucian."
"Really?" His tone seemed incredulous, as if he couldn't believe his good fortune. "Are you certain?"
"For the most part, yes. Their interest in you and your cause seems genuine and I don't sense any dishonesty from them. They truly want to help you, Lucian." At least, I hope they do. I pray to God they don't have an ulterior motive behind their wish to convene with Lucian and offer their support.
"I might as well meet them," grunted Lucian, "It will give you the opportunity to see my newly acquired associates, as some would say."
Catherine debated whether or not to also add about Markus being in their possession but thought against the notion, deciding the topic was better to talk about face-to-face rather than on the phone. Plus, she had an inkling that Zael wanted the honor to present Markus's magical imprisonment herself.
"That sounds like a plan to me, Lucian. When do you want this meeting to take place? Tomorrow?"
For a few seconds, Lucian contemplated the proper time and his rather busy schedule before saying, "How about in a few days? I have a couple of vital matters to investigate and clean up. I don't want Kraven to be aware of your existence."
"Trust me, neither do I."
After several more minutes of the lycan leader and the young Van Helsing huntress working on the details of their next reunion, the two said their farewells and hung up. Catherine pocketed her cellphone away, relieved and overjoyed that everything was going according to plan. She knew Michael and Cordelia would be thrilled to see Lucian again, it had been too long since his last visit.
And Zael and Bristol will be pleased with the arrangements. That is, if they are willing to wait a little longer.
Catherine entered the dining room, noticing Bristol hadn't moved a bit last time she looked. Her eyes were still glued to the bowl of water, hands gingerly touching the surface. Since she didn't know much about sorcery or witchcraft, Catherine decided to play it safe and wait until after Bristol was out of her trance to tell her the good news.
All of sudden, Zael emerged from the basement, her face blasé and composed but Catherine could tell by the triumphant sparkle in her frosty azuline eyes that something wonderful just occurred.
"Catherine, Bristol," she began, her words brisk and even, "Markus has awoken."
"The ones who seek justice,
Will pray for it all their lives...
They can and they will skin us all one day...
Oh can you hear them cries? (Can you hear them cries?)
As far as the man can run from us we're following the trail of blood
So hunt my young ones
I have always known the storm would come...
Listen now, my young ones
This not a story I tell
Of midnight, moon and sun...
Are you ready to walk the forbidden road
Learn again what we tried to forget
The dark can now take over you
We have a common past, an ancient bond
The people once broke
We would only take what we need,
They would harvest our weak,
But they hunted us all,
We ended the last of them, thus far, ten lifetimes ago
In hopes of healing the sore,
But the war still went on."
-Ain't Your Fairytale, Sonata Arctica
Color Glossary:
Celeste- sky blue
Corbeau- blackish green
Azuline- blue
There you go! Another chapter completed. There's going to be a lot going on in the impending chapters, I shall do my best not cram too many events down your throats; after all I do I have to give you guys some breathing room (or will that be the long, arduous wait for my updates?). And I'd like to thank Celtic Aurora for reviewing my last chapter. Thanks for the comments; they're always a joy to read.
Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed this latest update of Ace in the Hole. Review, critique, favorite, alert, etc., I look forward to the feedback. Let me know if there's anything I can improve with with my writing. I aim to get better.
Transmuting out,
:SpeedDemon315: