True Colors Summary:
A different take on how things could have gone in Dallas when Bill's true colors start showing. Not Pro Bill. Eventual S/G or S/G/E.
Disclaimers: I own nothing. They all belong to someone else.
A/N: This is my first attempt at a fanfic, so please take a moment to review. Many thanks to my beta, but all mistakes are still my own. Please take a moment to review.
Chapter 10: Returning, Discovering, Reclaiming
"Well, shit," Sookie yelled in frustration, standing in the hallway unsure of which direction to go. She knew they'd done the spell last night, but the majority of the events, including the brief tour were fuzzy.
Hearing several sets of footsteps running down the hall, she started towards them. Rounding the corner, she almost collided with Amelia, Elizabeth, Thomas, and a very tan, tall, muscular man she didn't know.
"Ms. Sookie, are you okay," the staff asked simultaneously.
"I'm fine. I need to get to Bon Temps, now." She hoped they didn't argue. Looking past Amelia she asked, "Who are you?"
"Alcide Herveaux, ma'am, it's a pleasure to meet you." With a step forward, he extended a hand in greeting. Accepting the polite gesture, it gave her a moment to dip into his thoughts. The fuzzy quality were those of a shifter, leaving to assume he was the daytime guard.
"Sookie, what's wrong? Are you okay? We heard you yell." Amelia rushed through her questions. Still recovering from almost killing her new friend the night before and everything she'd learned after, the witch was clearly rattled.
"Really, I'm fine, but I really need to get home. I'll explain on the way." Expecting an argument, she turned to Alcide. "I don't have my car with me, and Eric said you were supposed to stay with me if I left the house. Will you drive, please?"
The blonde started past him, as he nodded, but was stopped by Amelia's hand. "Maybe you want to change first?"
Sookie blushed realizing she was still in her vampire's clothes. "Give me two minutes, and I'll meet you at the front door."
"I'll wait here so you don't get lost," the witch offered with a smile. Whether they liked it or not, she was going to Bon Temps with them. After accepting the Viking's offer to remain in Shreveport based on what they'd learned, she wasn't about to let Sookie run off and get herself in trouble.
"Thanks." Sookie smiled, ducking back in the room to change. Realizing, as the door shut, she'd thought of the two as her vampires again. Shaking her head as she moved quickly, she felt different, but wasn't sure if the tie was completely broken. She'd have to ask Amelia.
A few minutes later, she was back in the hall. "I'm ready," she said, starting down the hallway. Approaching the door, she noticed Jamie waiting with the others.
"Ms. Sookie, I put together some food for you." The chef handed her a basket loaded with food and drinks. "I made sure there was plenty for you all."
After a quick thank you, Sookie looked at the witch standing beside her. "What?"
Amelia shrugged. "I'm not going to sit around the house while you run off in a panic. I don't know what's going on, but it never hurts to have a witch around." Amelia winked, trying to lighten Sookie's mood.
Shrugging her answer, the telepath headed toward the door, the were, and witch on her heels. Quickly loading into Alcide's huge, blue pickup truck, they headed toward Bon Temps.
"Mind if I ask, why the rush?" Alcide's orders were to take Ms. Stackhouse wherever she wanted and keep her safe not to ask questions, but he wanted to be prepared. Watching her from the corner of his eyes, he decided this job might be more fun than he expected.
"A two day old voicemail from my boss," Sookie started.
"What's he going to do, fire you for not calling him back? Just explain what happened, I'm sure he'll chill…" her look cut him off before he finished.
"Sam's not like that. He was being cryptic, but the gist is that some crazy woman is wrecking my house, and the entire town has gone nuts. Guess I should listen to the other messages now that we're on the way."
Ignoring the stunned looks on her companion's faces, she pulled her phone to check the voicemails. They were starting to wish they'd gotten more information before they agreed to go as the expression on her face became more and more concerning.
Turning to face them, Sookie wore a look mixed with fury and sadness. "I need to call Sam before I explain." Lifting the phone back to her ear she spoke a second later, "Sam, what's going on? No. I'm fine, it's a long story but I'll explain later. I'm on my way home now."
Watching Alcide as he drove, she listened to Sam's explanation. "Okay, we'll meet you there. See you soon." Hanging up she announced, "We need to go to Merlotte's. Do you know where it is?"
"Yeah, I've been there. What the hell is going on? Eric'll have my hide if I let you walk into a mess and get hurt."
"I'm not going to do anything stupid, but I'm not about to let some maenad trash my family's home and destroy Bon Temps."
"Did you say maenad," Amelia choked.
"Yeah, isn't that some Greek myth," Sookie questioned, hoping Amelia could provide details Sam hadn't gotten to.
"Yep, I don't know much, but I believe they worship Dionysus and are usually bad news. Maybe Godric or Eric would know more," she offered hopefully. After all, what good was a pair of ancient vampires if they didn't know their mythology?
"Why do all the myths have to show up at my house?" She was starting to wonder if she was a telepathic magnet to all things supernatural. "What the heck is going to show up next, a fairy?"
Eyes widening, Amelia quickly changed the subject, "Why don't you see what Jamie packed for you? You must be completely starving, and it doesn't sound like you'll be eating when we get there."
Stomach rumbling, Sookie couldn't argue. They'd have enough time to figure everything out when they saw Sam. Reaching for the basket on the floorboard, she found a variety of options and offered some to the others.
They ate quietly for a few miles before Sookie worked up the courage to ask, "Amelia, did it work?" She looked the young witch in the eyes, listening to her thoughts as she spoke.
Amelia knew Sookie wanted to know more than they were comfortable sharing with Alcide. "Yes, much faster than we expected it to." Sookie cringed at the images of Eric and Godric thinking she had died, Jessica's tears, and Dr. Ludwig with the strange man. Amelia saw the question at the image of Niall, and shook her head no, thinking quickly, "He was there to help Dr. Ludwig," to avoid further questions.
Getting the feeling there was more to the story; she frowned realizing the witch wasn't going to elaborate. At least the spell had worked, making everything the night before worth it.
Realizing that Alcide was starting to shift uncomfortably in his seat, the women guessed their exchange had become noticeable. Just as they were wondering if Eric had told him about Sookie, he spoke. "Northman wasn't kidding about you, was he?"
"If you mean me being telepathic, he wasn't." Eyeing him cautiously before continuing, "I'll understand if you'd rather Eric can find someone else for babysitting duty."
"No," he quickly insisted. "I'll just have to watch what I think about around you." She caught a flash of something in his head before he cleared his thoughts. Guard duty was clearing a debt of some kind, and he wanted it done.
"Well, I'll try to stay out of your head." She didn't want to make things more uncomfortable than they already were. He smiled back at her, seeming to accept her words.
The rest of the drive filled with questions about where he grew up and of the construction business he ran with his father. The women exchanged knowing looks, the mix of were genetics and construction work explained the hard muscles and tan they were both appreciating.
The conversation came to a halt as they pulled up next to Sam's truck in the abandoned Merlotte's parking lot. The lack of vehicles provided further evidence that something was wrong. They saw Sam carefully peering out the window before rushing out the bar door to the passenger door.
Pulling Sookie out of the truck and into his arms, it took a moment for Alcide's presence to register. "What's she doing with you?" Sam tried to move Sookie protectively behind him.
Unsure of what the shifter knew, Alcide chose his words carefully, "Ms. Stackhouse made a few enemies while in Dallas. I'm just here to ensure her safety." Taking a deep breath, he resisted the urge to rip the shifter's hand off where he gripped Sookie's arm.
Slipping from the back of the truck Amelia interrupted. "Boys, let's take the testosterone down a notch. Pretty sure we're all on the same side here." Assuming a haughty air, she pulled Sookie toward the door leaving the two men little option except to follow. Leaning close to her friend's ears she whispered "Was starting to think they were gonna fight like a couple of dogs over a bitch in heat."
The loud laugh that escaped Sookie made Amelia jump. "My money's on the wolf, not sure the collie could keep up." The woman laughed harder at the look on the witch's face.
"Seriously," Amelia gasped, laughing almost as hard as Sookie.
The two shifters herded the women into the bar not sure they wanted to know what the fuss was about. Sam slid behind the bar as the other three climbed onto stools. He slid sodas in front of them and looked expectantly at Sookie.
Quickly sobering up she offered, "Suppose you want to know where I've been." Her boss nodded so she provided a brief and largely incomplete history of the events that transpired in Dallas. Most of what happened with the two vampires was none of his business, but he needed to know about Bill and the FOTS since it put the bar in their crosshairs.
"You're not telling me everything, are you, cher?" Sam prodded.
"No, just what you need to know. So, what's the story on the Greek myth taking up residence in my house?"
"Have you ever heard of a maenad," he started. Seeing their nodding heads, he continued. "Maryann is convinced Dionysus will come to Bon Temps if she creates the right atmosphere."
Looking confused the were questioned, "The right atmosphere?"
"Are you familiar with the term bacchanalia?" At his negative response Sam continued, "Think wild, drunken orgy. He was known as Bacchus by the Romans."
"Got it," the dark haired were grinned until he felt the telepath's elbow slam into his ribs. "Oh sorry," he apologized realizing the thoughts she'd picked up.
Anxious to find out more, Amelia motioned for Sam to continue. "Anyway, she seems to have everyone in town, except Jason and me, under her spell. Unfortunately, Tara invited Maryann to your house, which is now orgy central." He gave an apologetic smile. "Apparently, the next step is to offer a sacrifice, and she's decided I'm it."
"How do we stop her?" the waitress demanded. The idea sacrificing both her home and boss for a maenad to bring back an ancient Greek god infuriated her.
The response wasn't what she hoped for, as Sam shrugged, "Not really sure."
Glancing out the windows, the blonde noticed the sun was setting and a thought struck. "Maybe Amelia's right and the guys will know." As her thoughts ventured to the vampires, she failed to notice the harsh look on the shifter's face.
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A loud knock at the door roused the two ancient vampires from the final minutes of their daytime rest. The Viking was at the door instantly as his maker watched cautiously. Early interruptions were unusual at his home.
"Sir, I'm sorry to disturb you so early, but I thought you would want to know…" The housekeeper paused as the door opened to reveal her employer glowering over her.
"What is it," he asked sharply. Immediately regretting his tone as her lips quivered and Godric silently chided him. Softening his stance, he motioned for Elizabeth to enter the room. He guessed the woman was trying to help.
Quietly looking to the apparently calmer vampire, the woman straightened her shoulders before continuing. "Ms. Sookie left around four this afternoon with the guard you hired and Ms. Amelia. She was upset about something when she came out of her room and insisted on going home." Having rushed through her explanation to avoid interruption, she took a deep breath.
"Thank you for coming as soon as we woke," the smaller vampire moved towards his childe, seeing he immediately assumed she'd fled them. "We should call her. We have no other way to know, and if it isn't want you think, she may need our assistance."
The tall vampire grabbed his phone, dialing quickly, hoping he was wrong. A hint of relief surged through him when he heard her voice. "Eric, I'm so glad you called. We need your help." Tension bit at him as her final words hit. She was in trouble.
"Where are you?" He paused for the answer, seeing his maker was already dressed. "We're on our way." Tossing the phone to Godric, he hastily dressed. Without further discussion, the vampires sped out of the house, taking flight as soon as they were out the door. Moments later, they landed in Merlotte's parking lot, rushing to the door, only stopping when they reached Sookie's side.
Ignoring the low growl emanating from the shifter behind the bar, they each embraced their precious telepath. "Little one, what has happened? Elizabeth told us you fled as soon as you woke." He glanced at his childe before continuing. "We thought you were trying to escape from us." Releasing her slightly to see her face, he waited for her reply.
"No, I honestly haven't had time to think about us yet." Shifting to address her boss, "Sam, can you grab a couple bloods while I get them up to speed." Glaring at the vampires, the bar owner went to retrieve the bloods while she told them what was happening.
"It's been ages since I've encountered a maenad." The older vampire spoke thoughtfully. "They aren't easy to destroy as they become essentially immortal; however, with our abilities it is possible."
All eyes focused on the youngest looking being in the room, his youthful appearance belying his vast experience, most with expectation, one with thinly veiled anger. The shifter tried to quash his desire to tear off the pale hands that rested on his waitress, knowing it would only make her mad.
Ignoring the threatening look from Sam, Godric offered a brief explanation of how maenads try to bring back Dionysus so they could marry the bullheaded god, fulfilling their destiny, and becoming mortal again. Then he recommended a plan.
"Sam, the biggest risk will be yours to bear. If it goes wrong and Eric doesn't get to you in time you may not make it." Pulling Sookie closer to him, he wiped the ears from her eyes as she watched the shifter.
"Cher, don't cry. I'll be just fine, you'll see." Even knowing the risks, he couldn't stand by doing nothing. Reaching across the bar to squeeze the woman's shoulder, he attempted another smile.
The large were stood, looking at the others. This wasn't his town and these weren't his people, but he couldn't convince himself to walk away. "How about the shifter and I go do some recon? Shouldn't take long, but would help to know how things are staged at the house."
The two headed out the door, pausing briefly to strip and shift, providing the occupants of the bar with a clear view of their backsides before taking to the woods.
"Guess there's a full moon tonight." The witch laughed from her stool. "I'm just gonna refill my drink and have a seat over there." She gestured towards the far, inside corner of the bar.
The vampires nodded, appreciating the opportunity to speak to their telepath alone for a few moments. She spoke before they had a chance. "Who was the man with Dr. Ludwig last night?"
Exchanging a quick glance with his childe, Godric answered. "A friend of the doctor's that had specialized knowledge of what you were going through. He was unable to stay after he assisted, but promised he would return soon so you could meet him." They'd hoped to have a bit more time to explain things.
"There's something you aren't telling me. I could tell he wasn't human, why would a supe care about saving a human, even a telepathic one?"
"Little one, I've heard you talk about never fitting in with your human peers, have you ever considered that part of the reason is that you are more than they are?" Unsure of how she would react to her other nature he wanted to break it gently.
"No, until recently being a telepath meant I was enough of a freak." Comprehension starting to dawn on her face, as low growls rumbled from the two vampires, she began backing away.
Seeing the concern on her face as she stepped back from them, the Viking slowly reached out a hand for her. "Lover, why do you back away? Our anger is not directed at you, but the insipid humans that fail to appreciate you." Trying to be patient, he waited for her to accept his words. The inability to sense her emotions posed a challenge, but he gleaned much from her expressions and body language.
With a look of relief, she accepted his hand, allowing him to draw her into their embrace. Though it was evident the blood tie was gone, their presence and touch did much to calm her.
Taking a deep breath, a barely audibly whisper left her lips. "What am I?"
Hearing her clearly, Godric spoke softly into her ear. "You are part fae." Her giggle surprised the pair.
Turning in the direction of the witch, she erupted into full laughter. "Is that why you changed the subject in the truck?" Glad that Sookie didn't appear to be mad, she nodded guiltily before laughter shook her as well. Having missed the earlier conversation, the vampires appeared completely puzzled.
"I must say, little one, you are taking the news better than I expected."
"After the last few days, no actually, after the last few months, I've resigned myself to the idea that every single myth and fairy tale is at least partially true. At least with the supes I've met so far, they don't seem to consider me a freak."
"Very true, although there are risks for you in the supernatural world. Little one, some will seek to exploit your gifts." She cringed, remembering Bill's deception and Sophie Ann's desire to possess her. "Knowing this, it is more imperative than ever that we protect you."
"I can't hide with you forever; I have to live my life." Godric could see her resolve forming as she straightened her back and squared her shoulders. Hearing footsteps approach, he was glad for an interruption. They needed more time to convince her there was a way to balance her desire for freedom with her safety.
Everyone's attention shifted as Alcide pushed through the door, looking a bit worse for his recon trip. Pulling free of the vampires, Sookie rushed to him. "What happened? Where's Sam?"
"He tried to get to close. The crowd grabbed him." Looking back to older vampire, he continued. "If this plan is going to work, we need to go now. They looked pretty ready for a wedding."
Wasting no time, they headed toward the door as he outlined what they would see when they arrived. They could approach safely through the woods out back of the house; the altar was in the front yard along with most of the town preparing for the ceremony.
As they exited the building, Sookie wrapped her arms around Godric's neck so he could hold her closely as he lifted into the air. Amelia did the same with Eric as Alcide removed the pants he had thrown on to shift again.
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Driving through the cemetery to reach Compton's house seemed fitting given the threat the vampire was here to deliver. The options were simple, hand over the girl or final death.
His maker, the Queen of Louisiana, was ill pleased when Bill failed to show with the telepath as promised. Convinced that his unusual attraction to her caused him to decide to keep the girl the queen sent her beloved progeny, Andre, to clean up the mess.
Pulling up to the old house, the vampire shuddered to think Sophie Ann would ever send him to such a dreary place as she did Bill. Stepping out he paused, catching the scent of a vampire he didn't recognize, but no recent scent of the one he came for.
Traveling on behalf of the queen, Andre did not fear the unknown vampire, so he knocked on the door. Seconds later, he heard the lock turning, before the door opened to reveal a neatly dressed female eyeing him suspiciously.
"Is Bill at home," Andre asked, stepping through the door before she could argue. Pausing inside, he was unimpressed with what he saw.
"No, I was looking for him myself," the female responded as she watched him. "Who might you be?"
"I am deputy to the Queen of Louisiana," he replied smugly.
"You're welcome to have a seat and wait. Although I've been here one night already." The female casually motioned to the sitting room, her lack of deference annoying him.
"When did you last hear from Mr. Compton?"
"A few days ago in Dallas, I had a bit of a disagreement with the sheriff of Area Nine, and Bill was kind enough to escort me out. Do you mind if I ask why you are looking for my progeny?"
Andre's brow rose at her question, so this was Bill's maker. "He missed an appointment with the queen and has since failed to respond to any communications."
This alarmed Lorena, after his release, they had done nothing to maintain their bond, so she was unable to feel her childe. Could something have happened to him in Dallas after she left?
"Perhaps if he doesn't arrive tonight I'll return to Dallas tomorrow. There are sufficient daytime spaces for us both if you wish to remain."
"I believe I shall." The accommodations weren't up to par, but Andre wasn't willing to return to Sophie Ann with no telepath and no explanation.
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Sneaking quietly around the back of the house, Sookie was furious at the mess the maenad made of her family home. She said a silent prayer that their plan would work and pressed on to keep up with the vampire in front of her.
Reaching out with her mind, she found Amelia on the opposite side of the house. The witch's thoughts confirmed they arrived safely and were in position. As they approached the crowd, they remained unnoticed, all eyes were on the altar and the raving woman in her grandmother's wedding dress.
"That bitch," Sookie gasped under her breath causing Godric to turn so quickly she slammed into him. "Oh sorry, she's ruining Gran's dress." Squeezing her hand reassuringly, the primeval vampire was more determined than ever to see the maenad killed. It was obvious she'd hoped to marry in the dress some day.
Now on the edge of the crowd, they moved carefully to get in position. "My childe, we are ready."
"So are we, the wolf is just on the other side of the altar. Be careful, I caught the scent of at least one vampire on the way here." Looking forward they saw a massive structure, made largely of branches and vines, topped with a large metal bull's head.
The maenad began to speak
"Now the sacrificial egg," she paused as Tara placed an ostrich egg in an opening near the top of the altar. Turning to face the crowd, she lifted her arms to the sky and began summoning the god, "Hail Dionysus, Bacchus, Bromios, Eleutherios, Dendrites. All these names are yours our bull horned god." Watching the ritual nervously, Sookie reached for Godric's hand to steady herself.
Oblivious to the newcomers in the crowd Maryann continued her speech. "On this occasion of our marriage, our offering symbolizes the rebirth of our god. When he was a child, the jealous titans ripped him to shreds, eating all but his heart. This last piece was saved by his sister, Pallas Athena, who placed it into the womb of his mother so he could be reborn."
Approaching the altar Maryann's voice filled with her passionate plea. "Oh great mother, soon you shall have the heart that will make your egg grow fertile and your son, our bull horned god, will come and stand in your place."
The crowd parted as several men carried Sam, bound and gagged, toward the altar. The telepath reached out to him with her mind, "Sookie, whatever happens, remember I love you, cher." Trying to stay focused, she braced herself for action, knowing there would be no time to waste.
As they tied the shifter in place the maenad continued, her voice frenzied. "Oh at last, at long, long last, he is yours my lord." Inches from the shifter, she spoke low, "You're lucky Sam, it's everyone's wish to have their life mean something, so few ever get to realize it."
Maryann nodded to the man standing beside her, holding a large dagger, as she stepped back. Sookie saw the panic in Sam's eyes as the man turned, raising his arm and plunging the dagger into his chest. Screaming her boss' name, she buried her head in Godric's chest sobbing.
"Be ready, my childe, it is almost time."
"Bring me the blood." Maryann reached towards the dagger. Running her finger along the blood she tasted it, moaning "Oh yes, yes, he is the vessel. My lord this is the vessel that shall unite us."
The ancient vampire squeezed Sookie before releasing her and shooting over the crowd, reaching the altar to cut the shifter free before taking back to the air. As soon as they cleared it, a huge wolf crashed through the altar sending pieces flying.
"How dare you spoil my offering," the maenad screeched. "Lord Dionysus, forgive me. Allow me to sacrifice all of them for you." As her form began to shimmer, cries of pain rose up from the townspeople.
Seeing everyone she knew writhing in pain, Sookie ran toward the maenad, fury ripping through her. Grabbing Maryann's arm, the fae was shocked as white light flowed through her hands sending the maenad flying into the rubble.
Rising from the broken branches, she laughed. "What are you?"
Realizing the crazy woman was now focusing on her, claws starting to form where her hands had been, Sookie turned. "Not again", she thought.
Twisting her ankle in a dip in the driveway, Sookie slammed into the ground. Bracing herself for the slicing pain of the maenad's claws, the sound of heavy hoof beats approaching from the opposite direction made her look up.
Maryann stood frozen, "My lord, my husband." She opened her arms, stepping around the woman's body to approach the large white bull. "Oh, you've come. I'm here, my love. We're together at last. Come to me."
Closing the distance between them, the bull lowered its head placing the tip of its horn against her before gouging her open.
"My god, I am the one to be sacrificed. I am the vessel." She fell heavily against the bull, "I am happy to die. I am yours."
Still on the ground, Sookie felt cool hands grip her shoulders, pulling her up. Leaning against the small vampire, she noticed the Viking, witch, and were cautiously approaching from the other side. All eyes focused on the bull as its form began to quiver, shifting to reveal Sam, his arm deep inside Maryann.
"Was there no god?" she cried as he pulled her heart from her chest letting her crumple to the ground. The shifter collapsed next to her exhausted.
Leaning against the vampire for support, Sookie limped towards her boss. "Sam, are you okay."
"Yeah, cher, I'm fine. Can't say I care for the taste of blood, but Eric kept to his end of the plan." He sat up so she could see his chest where the gaping dagger wound had been not long ago. "See, completely healed, just tired."
Her eyes finding the Vikings, she smiled at him. "Thank you for saving him. Really, thank you all for getting rid of that thing."
Stepping forward, the were shook his head. "We weren't the only ones. What happened when you grabbed her?"
Shifting her gaze to the ground, she braced herself as both vampires shouted, "You what?"
Before she could respond, an ethereally beautiful woman appeared next to her. Taking in the chaos around her and noting her charge was safe she exclaimed, "I see I missed the party."
Gaping at the being, Sookie could only mutter, "Not another one," before collapsing, cool arms catching her before she hit the ground.