To begin as usual, a very huge wave of gratitude to AVikingandhisHeartbrokenQueen, Guest, guiltypleasure211, Guest, broken-hearts-always-lie, Guest, Guest, MistMountainDreamer, Firefly-class, isismama, LostInSpace33, and Beauty422 for your lovely feedback messages! And huge thanks to those who have favorited and followed! This is much longer than most have been so I really hope you enjoy! Feedback is greatly loved and appreciated and keeps updates coming! Now without further ado, here is the next chapter!

Chapter Twelve:

"I'm changing her out of that fucking thing as soon as I can go shopping."

Agda lay nestled in Pam's arms, her eyes watching her mother with a seemingly unfocused gaze as she wore the very outfit Eric had shown his progeny earlier. After being properly washed, the newborn's hair appeared much lighter than was thought previously. She was a small baby, not weighing much more than six pounds-though Pam swore up and down that she felt triple that coming out-and was about twenty inches in length. A good sized child, Dr. Ludwig had informed the two vampires. At least, good from what she knew of other infants born to various creatures of the world.

"You're just exhausted," Eric murmured, lips curling into an almost leering grin. "You haven't even given it a chance to grow on you."

"I did," Pam assured him. "And it didn't."

Agda grunted softly from her mother's arms, almost as if she were agreeing with Pam. Gingerly, the vampire adjusted the child in her arms, holding the baby closer to her as her gaze fell onto the infant. The corners of her mouth upturned into a softer expression, a look that was quite new when it came to Pam. Only minutes old and the youngling had already conquered the hearts of the two vampires. It was something Pam struggled to understand. And quite frankly, had no desire to.

"Eric," she spoke quietly. "What are we going to do?"

For a few moments, the viking did not respond. It was then that Pam realized that Eric hadn't even heard what she had asked. The maker's attention was focused on the dark veins that stretch mostly down his arms and past his shoulder blades. Stage three. The progeny swallowed hard, rocking Agda in her arms more for her own comfort than the baby's. Eric was growing worse. Much worse. And the time to find a cure for him was growing narrower and narrower.

"Fuck, Eric," Pam whispered, causing the vampire's attention to return to his progeny.

"I'm fine," he muttered. "It's not that bad. Especially since I fed not too long ago."

"Stop pushing this aside like it's a damn paper cut," Pam growled. "You're not okay, Eric. You have whatever the fuck this is going around. And I'm the one whose been holding you back to find a cure. If it wasn't for-" She paused, her gaze traveling down to the baby resting in her arms. Agda was fast asleep now, her small lips pursed and a tiny fist grasping the fabric of her mother's blouse. "Christ only knows if we would have found something by now."

"It doesn't matter, Pamela," Eric said quietly, his voice surprisingly stern. "Thousands of vampires have already succumbed to the True Death from this. You don't think I don't realize what is to come? I watched my fucking sister melt before my eyes. I couldn't save her. I tried everything in my power. There is no cure, Pam. You have to realize that. I'm going to die."

"Shut up," Pam hissed, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. "You don't fucking know that. Don't just give up, Eric. That's not the vampire I've known for the past several decades. We've survived through so much shit together and now...I just gave birth to a fucking baby and you're going to leave me? You can't, Eric. Not after everything we've been through. I won't allow it."

The infant made a tiny noise from Pam's arms, causing both vampires to fall silent for a few moments. When the fear of if they had awakened her passed, Eric met the sorrow present in his progeny's eyes. He didn't want to leave Pam and now Agda. For the first time in centuries, he felt as if there was a purpose for him on this planet. Now, however, he was nearing death. It hadn't taken him long to accept that. Tenderly, he placed his fingers underneath Pam's chin and tilted her face to meet his.

"You must be strong," he said quietly. "It isn't about us anymore. You have a child to think about. Even if something happens to me, you must carry on for Agda. She needs you, Pam. More than anyone else in this world. You can't let her down, not for yourself. She is relying on you to be there for her."

"I-"

But Pam was suddenly silenced by the sound of the top door creaking open. Someone cleared their throat, the tone of their voice almost fearful as they struggled to find the words to speak. The hair on the back of Pam's neck stood up, something was not right. Out of instinct, she held Agda closer to her, watching as Eric moved to get in between them and the entrance. It was Willa's voice that sounded next, something off about her speech as spoke directly toward them.

"Eric," she said, her words almost sounding pained. "Pam? There are people here to see you."

Eric's eyes immediately flashed to Pam and the newborn, every muscle in his body stiff as his mind began to quickly figure out a plan. Whoever it was, they certainly weren't welcome. The progeny watched her maker, her lips pressed tightly together as she held the sleeping infant close. One false move could wake Agda and give away the fact that they had another with them. Nodding his head, Eric moved to the entrance first, silently bidding Pam to stay in her place as he slowly climbed up the steel ladder and out of the door.

He was met by chains of silver, tugging him immediately to the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted Willa in the same predicament, fear masking her usually stubborn exterior. Instantly, his fangs extended, eyes darting around the room to meet the person who held them captive. Where were Sookie and Jason? These men, Japanese from as far as Eric could tell, were not here on a friendly visit or to deliver the elder Stackhouse his ideal takeout. No, this was far more serious. The viking's thoughts traveled back to Pam and Agda in the basement as the man spoke.

"Mr. Northman," he bowed. "You can call me Mr. Gus Junior, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Trust me," Eric grunted, shifting against the chains. "The pleasure is all mine."

"I'm sure you have met my men before," Mr. Gus nodded, causing a few of his people to advance forward. "Or at least, the group as a general whole. In case you have forgotten however, they are the Yakuza. I myself am the vice president of the Yakonomo Corporation in North America, an honor given to me by my father, Mr. Gus Senior. Now, I'm sure you are very aware of my company, especially in these past few months..."

"How could I not be?" Eric replied bemused, glancing down at the dark veins that covered his body.

Mr. Gus smiled humorlessly, pausing for a moment to glance around the room. "Now," he said in almost a sing-song like tone. "I was quite certain you had a second progeny besides Ms. Willa Burrell. Might I ask where Pamela De Beaufort is? I certifiably would not wish to keep her out of the loop."

Eric was silent, eyes staring blankly forward as he ignored the man's question. They could do what they wanted to him, but he wanted to keep Pam out of this. Willa was already in danger, much to his dislike, but she hadn't a child to concern herself with. As Mr. Guy took a step closer to Eric, an unmistakable wail sounded from behind. Eric's eyes closed, his shoulder's slumping in defeat as Mr. Guy looked immediately towards the cellar perplexed.

"What in God's name..." he muttered, a few gang members moving towards the ladder.

"Stop!" Eric called out, his voice breaking character for a few seconds. "Stop, just don't...just don't hurt them."

He would beg if he had to. Ruin his dignity as it would, he would do so for Pam. Threatening was not an option right now, especially when he was the one being held captive. Whatever the fuck these people wanted, he would give to them. But he had to make sure Pam and Agda would be safe. Mr. Guy eyed Eric with a great deal of surprise and curiosity as the viking spoke.

"I will tell you whatever it is you want to know," he said firmly. "Any information that I have. But on your honor, you must swear not to hurt them. No chains, no force. I will call her up here but if you even touch either of them..." he paused, catching himself. "On your honor."

Mr. Guy nodded, too curious to argue with the vampire. "You have my word."

Eric inhaled deeply, wishing that he and Pam had not chosen to come here. "Pam."

Slowly, he watched as his progeny made her way up the steps, Agda nestled in her arms. Several pairs of eyes watched quietly, the look on Mr. Guy's face a mixture of stunned and absolute disgust. What he thought Agda was or what he and Pam had done, Eric wasn't sure. But when Mr. Guy raised his hand as his men began to advance, he felt some ease as Pam was allowed to move to his side.

"She's mine," Pam growled before Mr. Guy could interrogate her on the whereabouts of this infant. "And that's all I'll say."

Mr. Guy looked as if he wanted to inquire more, but his agenda prevented him from doing so. Nodding his head, he turned to the three vampires. "I am sure you are all aware of Sarah Newlin?"

Pam watched as Eric seemed to perk up at the name. "What about her?"

"My company and I have been trying to track her down for the past several months. We have grown close, but recently lost her trail. Now, I know your progeny knew her very well. Your father was dating her, was he not?"

Willa looked to Eric who nodded in compliance. "Yes," she said quietly. "She was almost like my step mother."

Mr. Guy nodded his head, "That is why my men and I have decided to track you three down, Mr. Northman. You see, I think we share some similar interests when it comes to Ms. Newlin, yes? And because of this, I would like you to help us find where she has gone."

"And what motive do I have to agree to this?" Eric inquired, his voice cold. "I don't owe you anything."

"No," Mr. Guy agreed. "You don't, but you also don't have say either."

Mr. Guy snapped his fingers and almost instantly, the men moved towards Pam. Eric stiffened, his fang extending once again as he struggled against his chains. Fuck honor, this guy was a businessman. Looking desperately towards his progeny and her child, he turned to meet the almost amused expression belonging to that fucking son of a bitch.

"Alright," Eric growled. "We'll do what we can."

"Excellent," Mr. Guy smiled. "We start now."