Author's Note: I must apologize for the late update. My mind has been distracted of late. That and I had writer's block for this particular chapter. Fear not, that moment has passed and I give you this.
Warnings: I have to warn that my knowledge of Wiccan holidays is very minute. I did very lazy research and threw stuff in there. I apologize in advance for any Wiccans and such that I offend. Of course, there's the usual OOCnes and all the other warnings I've been babbling about in the last chapters. Carry on.
xoxoxox
Blue eyes looked up at the clock that hung over the door of his office, fingers impatiently tapping on the desk as the time was taken in. It was now a quarter past eleven and Chang Wufei had yet to show. With a sigh Zechs leaned back into his chair, a hand rising to tiredly rub his face. He had barely gotten any sleep last night. His discovery of the man he had met a few nights ago had peaked his curiosity and he tried his best to search for any and everything he could find on him. However, since all he had to go on was a picture, there wasn't much he could do. The man wasn't a criminal or at least he wasn't a known criminal. There were no mug shots of him that Zechs could find. He had fallen asleep at his computer and was snatched from sleep by the sound of his phone.
It had been a wakeup call from Noin, the woman telling him he had better get his ass to work. She would be stopping by today with some results from the autopsy of their latest victim. Une had called as well, but he hadn't bothered to answer. He let the call go to his machine. It was an apology obviously, but a half assed one at that. She announced that she would be there as well, but long before Wufei's meeting with the detective. She had indeed stopped by; in fact he had met her here when he had arrived earlier this morning. She offered him coffee, he declined and then she started. She informed him that he had no other choice but to arrest Chang Wufei until there was more convincing evidence to prove that he wasn't responsible for the last four murders.
"I understand that you have a hunch, Zechs." She had explained to him. "But that's not enough. You have to start thinking like a cop again. He's the only suspect we have and until we have another, we have to take him in. If we don't, the higher ups will be on our asses. You have no choice."
He hadn't answered her and it seemed that she didn't need one. She took her leave, informing him that there was a warrant for the boy's arrest waiting for him with Melissa. After she was gone, Zechs began his wait for the ebony-haired young man. He had been contemplating what to do and it was obvious that he would have to make the arrest. Violet eyes flashed through his mind and he clenched his fist. That man, whoever he was, why did Zechs have a feeling that he was very important?
His phone rang and he quickly answered, hoping it to be Wufei. He was disappointed to find that it wasn't. Handling whatever business it was, he quickly hung up, his eyes looking to the clock again. Now it was half past the hour and he no longer had any patience left. Standing from his desk, he headed for the coat rack, snatching his overcoat off of it and quickly placing it on. He stormed out into the main office, heading for Melissa's desk. The woman had begun to smile at him, but it faded as she caught sight of the angered look on the blond detective's face.
"Is everything okay, Detective?" She asked him, curious as to what had caused his bad mood.
"I need the warrant for the arrest of Chang Wufei."
He needed to speak to Wufei and if this was the only way to do it, then so be it.
xoxoxox
Sally walked into her office building with a small frown fitted on her face. She had been called in today by another witch, who had insisted that she come in, there was something of grave importance that she had to show her. Reluctantly, the elder witch had agreed and she dragged herself from her bed and down to the small building that her coven used as a base. She and the other witches did more than practice witchcraft; they were responsible for keeping the supernatural in their proper places. It was hard and tiring work, and Sally would have wanted to enjoy her day off. However, when another witch deemed something important, Sally found it best not to ignore it. It usually ended up being a disturbance that needed to be dealt with.
She smiled at her two secretaries who sat at their desks on either side of the elevator doors. They smiled in return, one of them handing Sally her messages, the other a cup of coffee. She thanked them both, walking to the elevator and pushing the button. The pig-tailed witch skimmed through her messages, looking for one in particular. She sighed as nothing showed up, the elevator dinging to alert her of its arrival. She had ridden it up to her office, slowly sipping her coffee while her mind wandered.
She had been thinking of her youngest male apprentice, who had come to her a few days ago in search of information on an ancient vampire. Though she didn't want to, she had sent him to him and now she had yet to hear from Quatre. She was beginning to worry about him. Perhaps she had sent him to his death? No, that was impossible. Trowa would never have taken the chance to break the pact. That would make him open to any and all attempts of consequence for his treason. Not to mention it would endanger any and all offspring that he had. The vampire wasn't that stupid, so it was safe to say that Quatre was fine. He just had yet to get back to her.
She reached her office in due time, entering the large room and greeting the few witches that were sorting through the various books on her shelves. They were never truly in order, since they were always used as much as possible. At her desk a young woman waited, her hands nervously toying with a piece of quartz that was hanging from her neck. Sally frowned at the behavior, something had agitated her and it was best to find out what as soon as possible.
"Good Morning, Kendra." She greeted as she drew closer. "Now that I'm here, what exactly is so important?"
The young woman waited until her elder was seated at her desk, greeting her with a good morning of her own. Sally noted that her eyes were circled, and her red locks were frizzy and in some sort of disarray. The girl had been up all night obviously and had been in the back vaults where the scrolls were kept, if the dust in her fire-colored locks were anything to go by.
"Sally, what day is it?"
"Tuesday." Sally answered, not quite sure of the question.
The girl only shook her head and Sally sighed.
"The twentieth." She clarified.
Kendra gave a sound of agitation before she was rolling out a calendar on Sally's desk. It marked Wiccan holidays and Sally tried to decipher what the reason for showing her this was.
"What holiday is near?" Kendra asked her.
"Well, Yule, which happens to be tomorrow." Sally told her "I'm not quite sure why this is so important. The party hasn't been canceled has it?"
Kendra ignored her question, her hands busying with unrolling a scroll, one she had obviously been looking for in the vaults. Sally frowned as she looked down at the old calendar revealed before her. It seemed to be marked with unusual holidays. Why would Kendra show her this?
"Kendra, this is the Celto-Roman calendar. Why would you show me this?"
Kendra merely pointed at a particular date, Sally slowly following the woman's finger as it pointed down at the scroll. Blue eyes widened as she recognized the date, but why would she need to know that this day was coming?
"Kendra, what year is it?"
"The fifth year of the new millenium." The red-haired witch provided. "In six days the Killing of the Wren will pass."
Sally felt her stomach wrench as her eyes stared down blankly at the scroll. Her body was now fitted with a cold sweat and she was unable to think clearly. This couldn't be true; there was no way that this was true.
"He'll rise that day." Kendra announced, her voice trembling. "He'll rise and open the Gates of Hell, bearing down on this world until there's nothing left."
Sally stood from her desk, rushing over to a book case and pulling on a book to release the trap door. Older books were revealed and she recognized that a few were missing. She had leant them to Quatre, which the young witch had yet to return. However, the book she needed was there and she grabbed it, flipping it open to the right page. She swore as she read the words. It would seem that she would have to postpone on any other days off for the moment.
"Has there been any signs that he's awake?"
"You mean Del-"
"Don't you dare!" Sally shouted, startling the young woman and the other witches in the room. "That name is never to be said aloud!"
Kendra nodded her head eagerly and Sally made her way back to her desk, dropping the book onto it and turning the page. She came to a picture of a man lying in the center of a symbol, his body bleeding so that the blood traced over the symbol. If things went as planned, it would never get that far and this little invocation would never come to pass. Her eyes lifted to look at Kendra, who stood anxiously awaiting some type of order, her fingers nervously twitching. Sally quickly pulled out pen and paper, scribbling a few words before thrusting it in Kendra's direction.
"Take this to either of my secretaries and make sure they get on that immediately. You try and get in contact with Quatre. I have some things to do or I'd do it myself. Go now!"
Kendra nodded and was soon off, rushing to the elevator that would take her downstairs. Sally dismissed the other witches and waited until they were all gone before she got to work. Pulling free a piece of chalk from her desk, she went to the center of the room before beginning to draw a pentagram. She had to get started on gathering energy now; there was a lot of work to be done.
"Why me?" She mumbled, carefully drawing out the symbol. "Why now?"
She would question again later, for now she had work to do.
xoxoxox
Quatre's eyes blinked open, blue-green orbs coming into focus on the unfamiliar ceiling. Where was he exactly? His head turned to look about the room, landing on the antique furniture that decorated the area. If he didn't know any better, he'd thought he had awakened in fourteenth century London. Slowly he sat up, aware that he was still a bit tired. He had been up late last night and aside from that, he had cast some very big spells. He was more than a little drained and if the growling in his stomach was anything to go by, he was hungry.
Pulling back the blankets, Quatre stood from the bed, stretching with a yawn. His feet carried him over to the heavily draped curtains and his hands reached out to pull them back. He gasped in shock as he was met with wooden boards haphazardly nailed across the glass pane. He had been wondering why it was so dim. He tried his best to peek through the cracks, where small amounts of sun were pouring in. From what he could tell, it was late afternoon, which meant there were only a few hours before sunset. A few hours before Trowa and the others were awake.
The sound of the bedroom door opening caught his attention and he turned to find the old man from last night entering the room. In his hand he carried a change of clothes, which Quatre suspected were for him.
"Ah, Master Winner, you're awake." Wesley greeted, closing the door behind him.
His eyes looked to where the boarded windows were now revealed and he sighed as he walked to the bed. He rested the clothes down before he was making his way to the blond young man and gently guiding him away from the window. His hands grabbed the curtains and pulled them back together, blocking out what little sun tried its best to push through. Quatre looked to the old man for an explanation and the butler merely turned to walk back towards the door.
"This used to be where the Masters slept. They've long relocated to a bedroom upstairs, however they spend their days in another room in the cellar."
Quatre looked over his shoulder to the drapes one more time, before he was moving to the bed and lifting the clothes into his hands. He thanked Wesley for them, wanting nothing more than to shower and change into them.
"Is Wufei up?"He questioned, his mind having remembered him. "Is he doing alright?"
"Your young friend is up and about." Wesley assured him with a gentle smile. "He's doing quite nicely. I believe he's in the study, if you wish to find him after you've gotten dressed."
"Thank you. I will."
With a nod, Wesley left the room, closing the door behind him and leaving Quatre by himself. It didn't take Quatre long to shower using the adjoining bathroom and he was dressed in warm clothes suitable for the winter weather of a deep green sweater and black slacks. His feet were still bare, but although the floor was tiled, it wasn't cold. He could stand to be without shoes for the moment. He was jolted with a bit of shock as he heard his cellphone ringing and he rushed to the nightstand to retrieve it.
"Hello?" He answered, not bothering to see who was calling.
"Quatre, Sally requires that you come down here immediately. There's something important that she must discuss with the coven."
Quatre recognized the voice and he sat on the bed to listen for the rest of the message. What was so important? He had in his right mind to question, but Kendra was speaking before he could even open his mouth.
"She also wants you to bring those books back. You have an hour."
The call was disconnected before he could even open his mouth and he let the phone fall from his ear. It wasn't like Sally to call a gathering for the entire coven without a proper explanation. Something was wrong and Quatre had a feeling that it wouldn't be pretty.
He stood from the bed, making his way to where his coat was hanging over a sofa and took to putting it on. When his socks and shoes were found, he pulled those on too before he was heading out of the room. He'd be back later to return the clothes, but for now he had to leave. He figured it would be best to take Wufei with him, he wasn't about to leave him alone with these creatures, whether they claimed to be his friends or not.
xoxoxox
Wufei closed another journal, having just finished reading the years of Trowa's life after he met Dorothy. It would seem that the journals weren't organized. He had jumped from Trowa's want of Duo, to his moving to New York and then back to his first encounter with Heero. He was to say a bit confused, but was easily piecing everything together. Duo had been Trowa's first child and Dorothy had been the one to help him make his decision.
The banged vampire had taken a dying Duo to her home, where they had tried their best with that century's modern medicines. However, Duo had still been dying and Trowa had left unable to face the boy's death. He returned only when Dorothy had found him, lingering in the shadows of an abandoned crypt and brought him back home. She showed him Duo, still sick but now dying from loss of blood. She had slit his throat and Trowa had at first reacted with anger.
He came to his senses for Duo's sake and turned the boy, Dorothy leaving soon after. With his new fledging, Trowa left London and ended up in Prussia. That was where that particular journal ended and Wufei had yet to find the one that began it again. He was now searching through the shelves, carefully removing and replacing, eagerly searching for another journal. He stopped at the sight of one he hadn't seen before, the handwriting inside different from that of Trowa's and he couldn't help but read the words.
I cannot help but feel passionate distaste for this newcomer, this Heero that My Lady Dorothy has introduced us to. Father is too eager to please her, welcoming this boy from the Orient. I do not trust him. . . I wish him gone. Dorothy has assured me that in time I will come to like him, accept him and I merely laugh at her insistence. I told her I would never want him and if I weren't so sure of the consequences, I'd kill him. Trowa was informed of my intent and now he keeps Heero far from me. I do not care however, I merely bide the time. He cannot protect him forever and when given the chance, he will be a burden for us no longer. Perhaps there is a way that I myself do not have to soil my hands? Trowa has been stricken with more than fatherly affection towards Heero, perhaps a bit of coaxing can push him to an outcome I'd be delighted to see happen.
Wufei's eyes widened as he read the last words. Duo had always been cruel, though Trowa had writ him as an angel in his own journals. The truth was seen in the pages of Duo's private journal. Heero had been changed by accident it would seem, meaning Duo had nearly gotten his way. He wondered what exactly the braided vampire had done to convince Trowa to try and end Heero's life. He was interrupted by the door opening and he turned to find Quatre in the doorway.
"Quatre?"
"I don't have time to explain." He began, walking into the room. "We have to go. Now."
Wufei didn't question, he only nodded before replacing the book from where it came. When he turned back to Quatre he was surprised by the hug that he was pulled into, the blond only pulling away enough to check over Wufei.
"I'm so glad you're alright." He older of the two murmured, his hand stroking Wufei's cheek. "I can't believe I almost lost you."
Wufei could do nothing but stare up into cerulean eyes, unsure of what to say or do. He had forgotten how much worry he must have put Quatre through, and he thought about apologizing. Then again it wasn't entirely his fault, though it probably would have been avoided had he kept still like Quatre told him.
He was pulled from his thoughts as he found Quatre moving closer and he wasn't sure what was bound to happen. His breath hitched as his friend leaned in closer, their lips brushing for almost an instant; that is until Quatre's attention was drawn to the door at the sound of someone entering the room.
"Sorry to interrupt." Wesley began, aware of the blush now breaking over Quatre's cheeks. "I couldn't help but notice that you're dressed to leave. May I ask why?"
"Yes. I apologize, Wesley, but Wufei and I have to go."
The blond man finally let go of his friend, the ebony-haired boy hung his head in an attempt to hide his own blushing face. He wasn't sure what had happened or why it had nearly happened, but he was glad for the old man's intrusion. Wesley nodded at Quatre's words, not attempting to push for the witch to further explain himself. He'd see to it that Master Heero be aware of Quatre's departure, though he was pretty sure that the vampire wouldn't need Wesley's help in figuring that out.
"We'll return as soon as we can." Quatre said in parting, now leading Wufei out. "Thank you for taking us in for the night."
Wesley only nodded, watching as the two left. He sighed as he looked about the wrecked study, wondering what exactly could have happened in here. There was no time to question its state, he just had to get it back to the way it was. With one last look around, he left the room in search of a broom.
xoxoxox
The car ride over to Wufei's, being that they had to stop there, was made in silence. Wufei unable to question Quatre's strange behavior of earlier and his nervous behavior now, while Quatre was much too embarrassed to say anything. Every time his eyes met Wufei's, he ended up losing his voice and blushing. He couldn't believe what had almost happened back in Trowa's study. He had never been so bold. Hell, he had never mentioned to Wufei the way he felt about the younger man.
He let himself focus on his driving instead of beating himself up for his earlier actions. It hadn't happened, so he was safe as long as Wufei never questioned him about it. The call of his name drew his attention to Wufei, turning to look at his friend in the passenger's seat. He felt his cheeks reddening and he focused on the road hoping that Wufei hadn't noticed.
"Yes, Wufei?"
"You just passed my building."
Quatre swore, stomping on the brakes hard enough that the car jerked. Wufei gripped the door handle in an attempt to stop himself from flying forward, having forgotten to put on his seatbelt. Quatre took to reversing the car, finding a parking spot in front of a hydrant and turning off the car.
"You can't park here." Wufei told him, watching his friend climb out.
"We won't be long." The blond assured him. "Come on."
Wufei followed with a shrug, climbing out of the car and walking to the building behind Quatre. They reached upstairs only to find a surprise in front of Wufei's door. The Asian boy frowned at the sight of Detective Marquise, who only frowned as the boy finally made an appearance. Quatre himself was confused, he had no idea who this man was and had no idea as to why he was here. Did Wufei know him?
"Detective?" Wufei began.
The older blond straightened from leaning on the door, stepping closer and pulling out the folded paper for Wufei to see. He handed it to him, Wufei looking down at it with a baffled expression.
"It's a warrant for your arrest, Wufei." Zechs explained before he could ask. "I'm here to take you in."
Quatre stiffened at the words before he was stepping in front of his younger friend in a protective manner. There was no way that Wufei was getting arrested; there was no reason that he should be. Zechs was taken by surprise by Quatre's movements and he studied the man in front of him. He wasn't sure why but something told him to take a step back, that though the shorter man seemed harmless he was quite dangerous.
"What are the charges, Detective?" Quatre questioned, wanting an explanation.
"Wufei's being taken in as the potential perpetrator to the murders of the last two nights." Zechs began, his arms crossing.
"He's innocent!" Quatre snapped, now overly protective.
He couldn't take Wufei away. There was no protection for him in jail. Besides, Wufei was innocent. They had no right to arrest him.
"That's not what our evidence shows us." Zechs continued, having to force the words out.
He himself could give a fuck about what the evidence showed. He was convinced that Wufei barely played any part in this other than an unfortunate reoccurring witness. However, the detective was in a position where he had to bring in someone and if he didn't, his ass was most definitely grass.
Quatre went to respond but Wufei's hand on his shoulder kept him quiet. He looked to where the boy now stood beside him, shaking his head so as to tell Quatre that this wasn't the way to handle things. He sighed warily before he turned back to the detective, taking a step back to show that he would comply. Wufei soundlessly sighed in relief. It seemed as if Quatre was willing to be charged with assault of an officer just for him. As thoughtful as it was, he didn't want that to happen to his friend.
"Quatre, it's alright." He assured him, hoping to calm the witch down. "I'll be alright."
As much as he wanted to object, Quatre knew he had no choice. He nodded his consent, before his eyes were connecting with Zechs', his dislike of the matter written on his face.
"I'll come down to the station as soon as I'm able." He told Wufei, his eyes never leaving the man in front of him. "Which station is it?"
"One hundred third precinct." Zechs offered, handing the shorter blond a card. "It's on Edward Byrne Avenue in Queens."
"I'll find it." Quatre promised, his voice low. "I'll make sure that I do."
Wufei was aware of the building tension and he moved to the detective, taking hold of the man's arm to start him on his way. The detective did as the boy wanted, though his eyes watched Quatre until they stepped onto the elevator. He looked to the Chinese teen once the doors closed, aware that Wufei seemed a bit different. He would have questioned but he found it best not to. He'd wait until they'd reached the precinct to interrogate him.
xoxoxox
Quatre had continued to watch after the two had left, moving only when he remembered that he had somewhere to be. Hopefully Sally didn't need him for long; he had to get to Wufei before sunset. It was already fifteen minutes past four. He unlocked the apartment door, rushing in and out with the books gathered in his hand. He then made his way downstairs and out the building, heading for his car.
Ignoring the ticket in his windshield wipers, he climbed in, starting the car and speeding off once he was out of his parking space. He was aware that he was going above speed limit, but he also didn't care. He had to get this over with as soon as possible. For some odd reason, everything seemed to have a sense of urgency and the faster he got through with it, the better.
xoxoxox
Sally was interrupted by the impatient knock on her door and she opened her eyes, nearly toppling from her knelt position in the center of the floor. As the knock came again, she stood on wobbling legs, trying her best not to fall back to the floor.
"Come in." She ordered softly, not sure if her visitor had heard.
She was sure when the door opened and a very impatient looking Quatre walked in. He studied the pentagram on the floor, his eyes rising to her with a silent question. Sally merely shook her head, not having the time to explain herself before she walked to her desk. She sat into her chair, resting back into it temporarily as her muscles relaxed into the cushioned leather.
"Did you bring the books?" She questioned.
Quatre nodded and she reached her hands out asking for them with the gesture. The blond complied, stepping forward and placing them in her hands. He sat at the chair in front of her desk, his blue eyes watching as she opened one of the books; the same book that held Trowa's name. She didn't get that far, instead she stopped at "D", Sally searching for a specific entry. When she found it she read it fervently, her face frowning as she came to an end.
"Goddess above, this can't be happening." She muttered, pushing the book away from her.
"What is it?" Quatre asked, his curiosity killing him.
Sally sighed and Quatre watched as she stood from her chair, arms crossed as she began wearily pacing about the room.
"In six days, the Killing of the Wren will come to pass." Sally began, aware of Quatre's confusion. "It is a Celto-Roman holiday that has to do much with which its name implies. However, as horrible as the holiday may seem, it is a holiday of a celebratory nature; perhaps just misunderstood."
"So if it's harmless, why bring it up?" Quatre questioned, sensing the hidden truth.
Sally stopped her pacing to look at her apprentice, studying him for a long while before she started again.
"Have you ever heard of demon whose name must not be said?"
Quatre frowned at that. How in the world was he supposed to know a demon whose name was never said? He shook his head no, and Sally walked back to her desk to pick up the book. She held it out for him and Quatre took it, looking down to where she pointed. He read the words, a short description on what demons were and then the list of those to be feared. He stopped on a particular name, as if it was drawing him to study it, his lips moving to say it.
"No!" Sally stopped him, pressing her hand to his mouth. "You must never speak it."
"Why not?" He questioned, as she removed her hand.
"He grows stronger every time he hears it, be it the loudest cry or the softest whisper."
"How can he grow stronger that way?" Quatre inquired, his eyes returning to the book.
"There is power in a name." She cautioned, returning to the desk.
She opened a draw, reaching out and pulling free a scroll to rest before Quatre. Aquamarine eyes looked it over, aware of the drawing of a sacrifice in vivid detail. Great, this looked as if it wouldn't turn out well.
"This demon is a demon of blood." Sally began, seating herself in her chair. "He thirsts for blood, to build his strength, so that he may return to the world that he was sent from. That is why his followers have been slain centuries ago, and why we witches watch over those that have been sealed away. However, it would seem that this particular demon has managed a chance, and from what I can tell he is getting powerful very quickly. In fact, he has already reached the full potential he must have to be free of his prison."
Quatre looked to his elder with a hint of worry troubling his face and his fingers gripped the book at the information Sally was giving him. A demon was trying to break free into the mortal realm? First vampires and now this, Quatre wasn't sure what to expect next.
"How did he manage it?" He asked, willing to learn what he could.
"Usually with a human host and he would murder innocent lives, drain the blood and offer it through a long and grueling ritual. Though, he has been gathering blood much too quickly."
The tilt of Quatre's head was a question of its own and Sally prepared herself to clarify.
"With a human doing the work of hosting his spirit, he is slowed down. A mortal vessel cannot handle his power for long and he finds himself going through hundreds of bodies, hundreds of years, before he even gains a quarter of his strength. However, it would seem he has managed a body that is far stronger than any mere mortal. He's been ready to cross for centuries, or so I'm able to read from him."
Quatre's eyes widened at the words. He was at full capacity? That meant he'd be ready to come free when he can. Sally could read him; could she tell when he'd rise? Where he was?
"You know where he is?" He questioned, Sally only shaking her head. "But you said-"
"I can feel him, but I can't manage to get a lock on him." She explained, her hand rising to massage her skull. "It seems he's quite dormant during the day and yet restless, almost as if he has no choice but to keep still."
Quatre sat quietly for a moment after her words, letting everything she told him sink in. He had no idea what Sally meant in telling him all this, but it would seem it was his responsibility as much as it was hers. Though what exactly they were supposed to do, he wasn't sure. The only thing he could do was let her finish telling him everything that she could.
"If you're wondering why he hasn't broken free as of yet, it's because he needs a door." She explained, as if anticipating his request for her to continue. "That and he breaks free only once every millennia, the fifth year of the new millennia and on the date we know as the twenty-sixth of December. It hosts a holiday which promotes the spilling of blood and blood is the key factor to this particular demon."
She paused to catch her breath, standing from her chair to begin pacing once again. She was feeling uneasy and she couldn't keep still, she had to keep moving.
"How come he hasn't tried yet?" Quatre questioned, drawing her from her frantic mind.
"He's waiting." She began, pausing to look at him. "Waiting for the door. It won't be revealed until that day at sunset, that's when he'll be able to come through."
"And that's in six days." Quatre muttered aloud, having been studying the calendar on Sally's desk.
He felt the pressure of a headache building behind his eyes and he sighed tiredly. His life was becoming a bit too hectic. On one hand he had this problem with vampires; not only his friend but he himself as well, was being stalked. On the other hand, he now had a big responsibility to take care of. As a witch, especially being a member of this particular coven, he was expected to take the duty of protector. To save the mortal realm whenever it was threatened by the supernatural and those beyond. He had six days to try and stop a demon from emerging and he had no idea how he was going to do that.
"What can we do?" He asked helplessly, looking to his elder for guidance.
The woman shrugged, sighing in exhaustion as she did so.
"I'm not sure." She answered truthfully. "We're pretty much doomed."
Quatre sulked in his seat at the words, leaning back and ready to admit defeat before he even had a chance to fight.
"However, we might have a chance." Sally said in hope, perking Quatre's spirits just a tad.
She walked to her desk again, taking the scroll and opening it out for the both of them, coaxing Quatre to look at it.
"This demon is locked away and he can only enter through a designated door. What does every door need?"
A light went off in Quatre's head as Sally pointed to the picture of the bleeding sacrifice.
"A key." he muttered, Sally smiling down at him. "He needs a key. All we have to do is find it before he does."
"Yes, this key is called the mortal gate. When placed on the door, the demon will pass through him or her into the mortal realm." she informed him.
"He hasn't found the key yet."
"For all we know he already has." Sally cautioned, but the young witch would not be swayed.
"No, I can feel it." He told her, his hand falling over his chest as he studied the surrounding energy. "He's still looking, but he believes he's close. We have to start looking for this key ourselves."
Sally gave a tired though proud smile to her young protégé. She knew she had made the right choice with choosing Quatre to teach personally. Out of all the others he seemed the most in tune with his gift as well as the most interested, once she managed to catch his interest. He also accepted his responsibilities without hesitation or complaint, ready for anything no matter what it took. She was grateful that she had him, she wasn't so sure that she was able to do it on her own.
"Shall we start looking?" Quatre suggested, standing to make his way to the pentagram in the center of the room.
Sally sighed, but followed after him. Hopefully, they would make progress today.
xoxoxox
The ride over to the precinct was being made in silence, courtesy of Zechs' foul mood. He had become angry having to wait for Wufei to arrive at his apartment. It wasn't so much as he hadn't found him there as Wufei should have known better. With him being a main suspect, it wasn't smart that he moved around so much. It looked suspicious. He had been worried.
'Or you're just jealous of the other blond he showed up with.' A voice in his head goaded him.
He ignored it, trying to convince himself otherwise, his fingers gripping the staring wheel hard enough that his knuckles turned white. His eyes looked up to his rearview mirror, studying the younger occupant of the car for a few moments before focusing on driving again. He couldn't just sit here in silence; he needed to ask some questions of his own before they got to the precinct.
'Like if that guy from back there was his boyfriend.' The voice was back again.
He only shoved it aside, slowly drawing the car to a stop as he pulled over to the side of the street. Wufei looked up to him questioningly, unsure as to why they were stopping at this particular moment. The engine was shut off and then Zechs was stepping out of the car, which baffled the Chinese teen even more. The confusion had yet to stop however, as the detective joined him in the back, sitting next to him.
He didn't look at Wufei however, he merely stared ahead, his hands buried in the pockets of his overcoat. Wufei bit his lip as he waited, growing a bit nervous at the situation. He hadn't forgotten that he had a crush on the man who now sat beside him. Being in the backseat of car, and having a vivid imagination, wasn't helping him any. His nervousness subsided as Zechs began to speak to him.
"You know you're being arrested for murder." The blond bit out.
The man was upset, and if his tone of voice was anything to go by, very upset. Wufei only nodded, not sure what else he could do. Crystal-blue eyes focused on him and he found himself looking away. It would seem that Detective Marquise was more than just upset, he was furious. Wufei only nodded again, his eyes looking out of the window to avoid looking in Zechs' direction.
"Did you do it?" Zechs questioned, drawing Wufei to look at him.
"Do you believe that I did it?" Wufei retaliated.
Zechs shrugged his shoulders, leaning back into the seat as his arms folded across his chest.
"I don't know." He answered, his eyes staring up at the roof of the car. "You want to tell me how it's possible you were at a second murder?"
Wufei sighed, knowing he had no other choice but to tell Zechs something, otherwise he was sure to be locked up and never given the chance to redeem himself. True he'd be given a chance, but how well could a defense of "it wasn't me" work? He looked to the older man, who had yet to look at him, and he studied the frowning face.
"You're talking about Darrel, aren't you?"
Of course he was talking about Darrel. Duo had left his body behind to be found and it had been. Unfortunately, Wufei had been identified. Now he was even more of a suspect than he had been before.
"Did you know him?" Zechs questioned and Wufei nodded.
"He was my ex."
"My condolences." The detective offered.
Wufei only snorted, the fingers of his right hand toying with his zipper.
"Please, you don't need to feel sorry." He told him. "He was a bastard. He took me in the club and molested me."
"Incentive for murder." Zechs put in, his voice monotone.
Wufei's eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth falling open with a silent gasp. Was Zechs actually accusing him? He began to shake his head, his mouth moving to make words, but he was unable to find his voice. He was much too shocked to try and defend himself. He had thought the man would understand.
"I. . . didn't kill anyone." He finally managed, a bit offended.
"Well, you're the only lead we've got." Zechs responded with a shrug. "Then again, you're really not proving yourself innocent."
"It's not like you'd believe me if I told you."
With those words, his interest had been piqued, and Zechs looked at Wufei from the corner of his eye. The young man had turned his back to him, obviously upset and Zechs reached out to take hold of his shoulder. Wufei merely shrugged him off, not willing to accept the contact. Fine, Zechs could talk to him without the need to look at him.
"I can't believe you if you won't tell me anything." The detective told him. "You know you can trust me. I don't think you're guilty, but in order for me to help you, you have to tell me something."
He was met with silence and he patiently waited for Wufei to say something else. Minutes passed where they sat in silence and Zechs finally gave in with a sigh, reaching to open the door.
"Fine, you don't want to talk to me then you can talk to the guys down at the precinct." Was all he said as he climbed out.
He climbed back in behind the wheel, his eyes looking into the mirror to find the Asian teen still glaring out of the window. Zechs wasn't happy that the boy wouldn't talk and there was nothing he could do to convince Wufei to do so. The only thing left would be to take him in.
xoxoxox
Treize sat quietly on the armchair which was positioned a few paces away from the bed which Duo now slept in. It wouldn't be long until the violet-eyed vampire awoke; sunset was drawing closer and that was usually when he woke. Until then, Treize had all the time to study him. He was such a beautiful creature, a marvel to be wondered, a god to be worshipped. He could see why Duo's sire had chosen him. Who could resist him?
He rose from his seat, slowly making his way over so that he was standing at the side of the bed. His eyes stared down at the heart-shaped face, as youthful as it had been hundreds of years ago. Immortality had granted him that, to keep the face he had at age twenty. A face and the strong body of youth. His hand reached out to pet Duo's cheek, sliding along the vampire's neck until he reached his chest. His fingers parted Duo's shirt, deep blue eyes studying the pale chest.
Duo seemed so frail and yet he held strength that Treize had been astounded by, and for that he was beautiful; for that he was dangerous. His hand parted the shirt further, flattening against the cold chest and feeling for the heartbeat he knew was there. It came, a single beat, and then was gone. A minute passed before another followed and Treize smiled.
He had been lucky to have found a host of this particular species. A mortal body had been troublesome and gathering blood had been too much of a hassle. However, when he had found Duo, he found his luck had changed. He felt Duo's heartbeat change and he let his senses reach out past the walls of the world he had created. The sun was setting early; courtesy of the winter season. He took a seat on the bed, patiently waiting for Duo to wake.
xoxoxox
Heero wasn't sure how he had woken so early, a half hour before sunset, but he had done so. He had gone in search of the blond witch, but had been informed that he and his friend had left a few hours earlier. With his urge to follow crushed, he instead had went in search of Trowa, however his master had company. He studied the two older vampires, their arms wrapped securely about each other, with a small twinge of jealousy.
He had noticed the salt stains on Trowa's cheeks and he wondered what his master had been thinking about. When he had grown tired of that, he gently closed the coffin and was aimlessly wandering the small manor. That led him to the attic, where Wesley had stored Heero's old coffin. The blue-eyed vampire no longer used it, having spent his days in their customized cellar now, so it was placed up here. He knew that it wasn't empty, though he wanted it to be, and he opened it with a bit of hesitation.
She was inside of it and Heero had the urge to rip her still body from it. In fact he wanted to, but as he reached for her, his hands froze and he was unable to. One hand rested on the side of the coffin while the other hesitantly reached out to graze her cheek with his knuckles. His hand jerked back then and though he wanted to disturb her slumber, he chose not to. As much as he didn't want her there, or want her at all, he couldn't do this to her when she slept. So with his plans of disturbing her thrown aside, he found himself studying the young woman instead.
Heero was frozen to his spot, wanting to move but unable to. He didn't want her, he wished that she was gone, but here she lay. He had abandoned her, thrown her out and bid her never to return or he'd end her immortal life. Here she laid before him now and he could do nothing but stare at her, anger, confusion and disgust mixing within him. Who those feelings were for, him or her, he wasn't sure.
His ear caught the sound of her heartbeat speeding up again and he felt that he should leave, but he stayed. Cobalt eyes watched down at her as her chest began to rise and fall, her lungs coming into work once again. She would open her eyes soon and he didn't want her to see him, but he was glued to his spot.
Relena felt the presence next to her and she made sure to stay calm, knowing if she were to panic now it wouldn't do much. She wouldn't be able to move for a few more minutes and she let her eyes stay closed until then. The more she waited, the more she realized that it was a presence she knew. Finally her eyes opened, and she calmly looked up at her sire, the chocolate-haired vampire holding a face of indifference.
No words were spoken as she sat up, taking to slowly climbing out of the coffin. When she was standing, she dusted off her dress, trying her best to ignore the man beside her. As soon she was satisfied with her appearance, she looked to him, not sure what else to do.
They stared like that for quite a while, until finally Relena could take it no longer and she turned away, ready to head out in search of her mistress. She only made it to the stairs, Heero's voice stopping her before she could descend.
"I told you to never return. You've betrayed me."
She turned back to him, her face as stoic as his and merely stared back at him in silence. It dragged on longer than she had intended, and she stepped closer to him, her steps slow. When they were face to face she stopped, Heero waiting for whatever it was she had to say.
"My betrayal of your word, is nothing compared to the betrayal you have done to me." She whispered, her hurt exposed.
Heero resisted the urge to shudder at the cold tone, but he did take a step back as Relena's eyes seemed to flash with a hidden anger. She noticed and she took it to her advantage, stepping forward so as not to lose the intimidating stance she had for the moment.
"Let it be known, that I did not return for you." She told him, though it was only half the truth. "Last night was the last time I reached my hand for you. As far as I'm concerned, I don't deserve the hurt you have caused me."
She let those be her last words and she turned to leave, climbing down the attic steps and leaving Heero by himself. It was hard to turn her back on him, but she had to return the favor. He had turned away from her far too many times to count; it was about time she started to do the same.
xoxoxox
It had taken quite a while for Zechs to reach Queens, which was only to be expected. It was, after all, rush hour and traffic was to be expected in the Holland tunnel. By the time they had finally reached Queens, the sun was setting behind the horizon.
"Shit."
Though it was what he was thinking the swear had not come from him, and he looked to Wufei through the rearview mirror. The boy was staring up at the sunset, his eyes filled with a worry that bordered on fear. The detective could only wonder what the Chinese boy had to worry about; it's not like he had a curfew.
"We have to get to the precinct before it gets dark." Wufei spoke, his eyes still locked on to the sky.
Zechs only raised an eyebrow in question, his eyes focusing a few moments on the road before they were flashing back to the mirror.
"Why, are you afraid of the dark?" He asked.
Wufei turned wide and frantic eyes to the driver, the teasing obviously not paid attention to.
"We have to get there!" He exclaimed, panic riddling his voice. "Drive faster, we have to get there now!"
"Wufei, are you alright?" Zechs tried, not sure why the young man was behaving like this.
"Now!" Wufei ordered, his fist slamming down onto the seat. "We have to get there now!"
That was the last straw. Without much thought, Zechs was pulling over to the shoulder of the freeway, ignoring the horns that blared at him for the careless action. When the car was in park, he turned to look into the back seat, where Wufei had returned to staring at the rapidly sinking sun. There was only a sliver of it left in the sky.
"Alright, I want to know what's going on with you right now!" Zechs ordered.
"No, we can't stay here!" Wufei objected, turning to face Zechs. "We have to keep going!"
He didn't know why the sudden fear had struck him, but he couldn't get rid of it. It was gripping his heart in a cold fist and his stomach was heavy with dread. Something was coming for him was all his mind kept screaming and the darker it got, the worst he felt. He needed to be somewhere where he would feel safe and since his newly warded apartment was far behind them, he had to make do with the precinct.
"We're not going anywhere until you've told me what the hell has gotten into you!" Zechs refused, his patience dwindling.
Wufei made a noise of both frustration and panic and he leaned closer, his hand gripping the back of the passenger side seat.
"I can't explain it." Wufei tried to tell him. "We have to get to the precinct first. Take me there and I'll tell you, but we can't stay here. It's too dangerous."
"Too dangerous for what?"
"Help me, Zechs!" The boy begged, not sure why he was doing so. "Help me!"
Zechs was frozen by the familiar words, a cold sweat breaking out over his skin as he stared into wide and frightened eyes. Wufei was now trembling and he couldn't figure out why. Whatever it was, Wufei was scared shitless and he felt that the precinct was his best protection. Without another word, he was flipping on his siren, the car screeching out onto the freeway.
Wufei would have relaxed at Zechs' sudden will to comply, but he could do no such thing. His eyes looked to the sky, which still held some golden color, but no longer held the sun. Hopefully it wasn't too late.
T.B.C.
I once again apologize for my very late update, but at least I got it up there. Review and keep me happy. It helps me to keep going.