A/N: Disclaimer in Chapter 1.
The very last chapter.
Parts of dialogue was taken from 1x03 but was developed and expanded..
I know I've been a pain at times with my uploads but thank you for sticking with me throughout.
I've been asked to write a sequel to this story but its up to you, if you'd like to see one then I'll write it.
Chapter 25: A New Beginning"What are you doing?" A hushed voice echoed around the throne room. Vlad nearly dropped the object he was holding on the floor.
"You're not supposed to be in here." Vlad whispered back, trying not to alert anyone.
"Why are you whispering?" Erin asked speaking normally, Vlad straightened, placing the crown back on the velvet cushion. "That's the crown?" Erin reached out and touched the bone crown. Playing with the part Renfield had broken years before.
"Disgusting isn't it?" Vlad commented, making her laugh. "It's made from the first victims of vampires thousands of years ago." Erin lifted it up, preparing to put it on. Vlad snatched it out of her hands, Erin looked startled. "Anyone who isn't the Chosen One turns to dust if they wear it." Erin darted backwards, trying to put as much distance between her and the crown.
"What are you doing anyway?" Erin wondered again.
"The last time I wore the crown I collapsed, I don't exactly want to do that tomorrow." He confided. Erin pushed her hands in her jean pockets moving closer to him.
"So you're going to try to see if you faint now?"
"Better to faint now than tomorrow."
"Or you could just faint tomorrow." A smile played at the corners of her mouth as she spoke, Vlad pulled his 'not amused' face. "Go on then."
Vlad lifted up the crown and place it on his head, nothing happened. No earthquake, no lightening, no thunder, no flickering lights, nothing. He let out a sigh of relief.
Erin squinted for a moment, "Have you tried saying the right words?" Just in case they needed the words to activate it.
"Last time it happened without the words." He told her.
Erin nodded, watching as he placed the crown back on its velvet cushion inside the locked box. He clicked his fingers, ensuring that only he could open the box. He stepped down from the platform area.
Vlad stepped closer to Erin, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Everything set for tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Erin wrapped her own arm around him, "A range of vampire delicacies." She commented.
"Really?" Vlad asked, Erin hated vampire food just as much as he did.
Erin laughed at Vlad's shocked face, "And some 'proper' food for us."
"We've decorated the hall…"
Vlad stopped, turning to look at his fiancée. "I thought I was helping with that?" Vlad didn't want her to feel like she'd been left to finish everything, he'd offered to help decorate.
Erin's eyes held a fierce glint. "Vlad you're decorating skills are terrible."
Vlad put his hands on his hips. "Thanks."
"If you want something to do you can help me finish putting my things in our room?" Erin suggested with a sweet smile, the job would go by faster with two vampires sharing the load.
"Sure. As long as you help me put my things in there as well." He spun her around, pulling her closer to him. Erin nodded in agreement before he swiftly captured her lips with his. Erin slipped her hands up to his collar playing with it slightly. All too soon Vlad pulled back, he knew she was holding something back from him.
The next statement she was determined to drop in casually to the conversation. "And your father has sorted out some rare vintages for us to drink at the reception."
"I can't wait." Vlad's sarcasm wasn't lost on her. His reaction wasn't as bad as she thought it would be but she could tell he was trying to please everyone. It would be hard on his father to relinquish the control he'd had since Vlad was 14.
"Would he notice if we switched them for soya blood?"
"Dad would notice." He said with a sigh, and Erin tipped her head as if to say 'worth a try'.
"Dress hidden in the cellar?" He asked casually.
The way Erin and Ingrid had been so secretive about it had him growing more and more curious by the day. Even Bertrand and Wolfie had seen it. Wolfie had barged in and Bertrand had helped order it, he was the only one who could order it in the language they needed. Wolfie had taken to teasing him about seeing the dress. The dress was well hidden, although not from him, from Renfield.
"You are not seeing my dress Vladimir Dracula until tomorrow." His laughter echoed down the hallways.
YEKNODLETITLYEKNODELTTIL
Erin passed Vlad her final box of clothes. He sped towards their new room only just stopping short from slamming into a closed door and his sister.
"You don't want to go in there." Ingrid advised, holding Vlad back from entering from what would be from tomorrow his and Erin's room.
"Wh…" Vlad was shunted forwards as Erin collided with his back, Ingrid dodged out the way as Vlad was pressed against the door. The cardboard box as completely flat inbetween him and the door.
Erin dropped her box and helped Vlad right himself once again. "Sorry." She looked at him, "Why aren't you inside?"
"Ingrid says its not a good idea." Vlad explained, Erin's mouth opened forming an 'oh'.
Ingrid folded her arms and smiled, "Do you remember that coffin?" Vlad looked confused, "The mahogany double one?" Understanding dawned on Vlad's face,
"Its not…"
"Yep, Renfield's just brought it up from the basement. It doesn't match your décor at all." Vlad's head dropped in defeat, "Don't look so sad, you haven't seen my wedding present yet." Ingrid opened the door and led them into the room.
Vlad slowly looked towards the coffin, grimacing at the sight. Being kept in the basement for the last month hadn't made its memory disappear any, it was still as hideous as ever. Renfield was once again polishing it. This time the coffin was open. The lid looked very unstable on only one hinge.
With a small smirk Ingrid shoved Renfield into the coffin and clicked her fingers bringing the lid down. The large lid was too heavy for Renfield to lift.
Ingrid gestured over to the large crate in the room. "Open it!" She encouraged.
Erin clicked her fingers and the crate opened. Inside was a large coffin, exactly the same as Vlad's but big enough for two. She'd always loved Vlad's coffin. She shared a look with Vlad, before smiling warmly at Ingrid.
"Thank you…" She began but Ingrid cut her off.
"Anything's better than that eyesore." Ingrid played it down but she was pleased they liked her wedding present. "I've got to go prepare for your wedding tomorrow." She grinned at Erin. "I'll try not to outshine you." Erin shook her head and closed the door behind her, leaning against it. Vlad felt warm at the sight of her happiness.
Vlad stepped closer to her, he placed his hands on either side of her head before leaning in to nuzzle and kiss her neck.
"LET ME OUT!" Vlad groaned as Erin giggled. Vlad pulled back, he clicked his fingers, exposing Renfield to the air again. "Here!" Renfield cried as he finally saw the new coffin. "What's that?"
"Our new coffin, so get rid of that one."
"But Master Vlad."
"Now Renfield!"
"Yes Master Vlad." Erin bit her lip watching Renfield look at the coffin with distain. She smothered a laugh behind her hand as Vlad leaned against the wall trying to stop himself from turning the mahogany coffin into splinters.
YEKNODLETITLYEKNODELTTIL
The hall was packed with the clan leaders and their daughters. Most of the daughters were sobbing in sorrow and all Vlad could think about was how glad he was to be marrying the woman he loved.
"Nervous Vladdy?" The Count asked softly, his hand clapping down on Vlad's shoulder making him jump.
"Nothing to be nervous about Dad." Vlad tried to cover up, but he was quivering inside. He offered a silent plea that he wouldn't once go wrong during the ceremony.
"You know Vladdy, I don't think I've ever been as proud of you as I am today." Vlad's eyes turned to his father. "Not even when you stood up to your mother." He joked with a smile, Vlad laughed relaxing immediately. "You've really grown into a man." He pulled Vlad into a hug, not caring that it was in public. He pulled back, "Just don't have heirs right away."
Vlad's jaw dropped as the Count disappeared. If that wasn't designed to embarrass him then what was?
The string quartet began to play and immediately a hush descended over the room. Vlad's eyes drew to the back of the room and the doors opened widely. Three figures emerged from the doorway.
Vlad watched as Erin walked closer to him. He saw a glimmer of dark fabric appearing from underneath the long black cloak she wore. Judging from the smirk on hers and Ingrid's faces they were doing this on purpose. He twitched nervously as he waited for her to draw nearer to him.
Erin's eyes fixed on Vlad, she was sure if she looked at anyone else she would faint. Vlad stood at the front of the hall in ornately decorated leather. He wore a thigh length jacket, with ornate leather ribbing along the edges of the zip and along the collar. His trousers were dark again and Erin guessed leather as well. She knew Vlad's options were restricted as he had to find one outfit to be married in as well as crowned in so he had to abide by both codes. Crowning insisted on black leather. Most of his clothes were hidden by his cape, which was closed with a sliver clasp.
After what felt like an eternity Erin reached him. With a smile she removed her cloak, passing it to Ingrid who shared her smile. Turning back to Vlad he looked at her for the first time. He'd been slightly disappointed that due to their vampiric nature white was out of the question, but seeing her in front of him in this dress he found he no longer cared. She look gorgeous.
She wore a deep, navy blue dress. It hugged her body before flaring at her hips to the floor, it had a short train. Along the waistline, silver rhinestones were studded almost as if she were wearing a belt of them. It was long sleeved ending with a delicate V on the back of her hands. It was a v-neck stopping just above her cleavage. She was wearing his crest. Erin smiled, and Vlad was pleased to see that Ingrid hadn't made her up to heavily, just slightly more noticeable than usual. Judging from her slightly taller height he guessed she was wearing heels. In her hair Ingrid had woven small sapphire flowers, Erin had obviously chosen not to wear a veil.
YEKNODELTTILYEKNODELTTIL
Vlad took her hand in his, grasping it. "You look beautiful." He told her making her smile and duck her head in embarrassment.
"Thank you." She stroked the back of his hand with her thumb. "You look very handsome." He grinned accepting her compliment.
Together they turned to face Augustus, a board member and senior ceremony officiator, for the beginning of their ceremony.
Vlad had warned her in advance that their wedding ceremonies were quite different to human ceremonies, they were shorter for one. Unfortunately no one had seen the need to rehearse the ceremony so Vlad and Erin were literally thrown in at the deep end.
"We are gathered here today to witness the joyless union between these two vampires, Vladimir Slovodan Napoleon Dracula and Erin Elizabeth Noble." It was hardly the most romantic prose. "This is a historic occasion for our kind as it marks the final task of the Chosen One before he can claim his title." Augustus paused. "Do you Vladimir promise to love Erin, protect her and remain her master for all time?"
Vlad did well to hide his wince at his duties as a husband, "I do."
"Do you Erin promise to love Vladimir, support him in his role as Grand High Vampire and provide him with many heirs?"
Erin managed to regain her composure quickly. "I do."
"Before we move onto the vows I must ask if any person knows any reason why these may not be joined together in matrimony." Vlad winced, he partly expected one of the clans to object but they had agreed with him at the Hunt Ball and they knew the consequences of their objection.
Seeing that there were no objections, he continued. "Vladimir will you make your vows to Erin?"
"Erin, I know we've had our arguments especially over your latest change." He admitted, "But even though I was always against it, you were right. I can't imagine being married to anyone else. You've always been the one who stood by me, the one who managed to stop me from doing things I regret and the one who I know I can always turn to. I felt something when I first met you when you saved Ingrid and over time it grew. I never thought I'd fall in love, I always though I'd be alone with my destiny, I'm glad I was wrong. I was told that to save the people I love I had to give up the life I loved. I never thought that by giving up that life I would find someone I love more." Vlad took a breath, lifting his hand to wipe Erin's tears away. "I love you Erin, and I want to be with you always."
"Erin will you make your vows to Vlad?"
"Vlad, you're not like other vampires," He laughed, "You took me in, gave me a home when any other vampire would have cast 'me' out." He smiled at her double meaning, "I was always brought up to fear the Chosen One but hen I met you I fell in love with you. Our own version of Romeo and Juliet, but ours has a happy ending. When you were captured by the slayers, all I could think of was how stupid I was never to have told you how much I love you. I know we thought this would never get anywhere but I'm glad we were wrong. When I became a half fang it didn't change me because I knew you were always waiting for me and that gave me hope. I love you Vlad."
Vlad wanted to kiss her but knew he couldn't – yet.
Augustus lifted up a goblet. He poured in some blood – blood that had been blessed by the previous Grand High Vampire that was to be used only upon the marriage of the Chosen One.
He held the goblet in the air. "With this blood, we unite this couple in matrimony. This chalice has been used for centuries in marriages that have been fruitful and long. As they drink from one cup let it represent the rest of their lives working together as one in everything they do." He passed the goblet to Erin, who had extended her fangs ready as had Vlad.
Erin drank from the goblet, feeling the bitter taste of the blood, she passed the goblet to Vlad who drank deeply from it, draining it completely. Erin realised then she should have drank more, but Vlad had more control over his urges than she did.
Vlad handed the goblet back to Augustus, taking Erin's hand once again. Augustus lay a hand over the crest on Vlad's cape and the pendant Erin wore.
"Erin Elizabeth Noble I now declare you a member of the Dracula clan, by marriage to Vladimir Dracula." Augustus moved his hands to place them on their heads.
"I declare to all here, that Vladimir Dracula has been united in marriage to Erin Elizabeth Noble. The ceremony is complete."
Vlad grinned pulling Erin to him, she wrapped her arms around him before grinning as he kissed her, sealing their marriage.
YEKNODLETITLYEKNODELTTIL
Vlad knelt before the thrones, this was the main part of today. This is what everything had been leading up to. They had rearranged the order so that the reception followed the coronation otherwise they'd have to prepare two feasts and two sets of speeches. The Count had suggested it after realised he'd have to listen to one of Augustus' speeches.
Augustus handed him the sceptre and the skull. The skull to represent their nature and immortality, the sceptre to represent their powers and ability. Augustus held the crown over Vlad's head. The room was completely silent.
"Do you solemnly swear to guide the vampire kind to a fruitful and better future?"
"I do." Vlad spoke clearly, repeating what he had memorised.
"Will you uphold and honour our customs and traditions?"
"I will."
"Do you swear to uphold and abide by our laws, administering justice without corruption?"
"I do."
"Are you prepared to take on this task of driving our kind into a new age free from fear and defeat?"
"I am."
"Will you accept the advice and counsel of those around you and the High Council."
Vlad had a feeling they would twist the meaning of this oath. He would reply in his terms. "I will acknowledge it." Augustus hesitated for a moment, before continuing. If he agreed to accept it he would be bound to whatever decisions the Council made, they were only there to advise him on a course of action not to dictate it. Obviously he'd hoped Vlad wouldn't notice the change.
"Do you swear to never use your powers against your own kind?"
"I will use my powers to protect my clan and my people." Vlad was wise to this changing of his oath. As long as he said it in public he was covered. They could take it to mean whatever they thought he meant.
"Do you promise to be evil in true vampire tradition?"
"I promise to be whatever I need to be to rule our people." Again not a confirmation or a direct agreement.
"Vladimir Slovodan Napoleon Dracula, the Chosen One, I crown you Grand High Vampire. Lead us into a new age of hope and victory."
A cheer erupted throughout the hall. Vlad slowly stood and turned taking his seat on the throne for the first time. He gazed over them, watching as the vampires clapped. A thought crossed his mind, he stood and moved over to Erin, gently he took her hand and led her to the seat next to him. Erin lifted her dress, making sure she didn't trip in it. The women in attendance clapped even louder if possible in approval of his actions.
Erin smiled at him. "Your Grandness." She teased softly, he laughed. The worst was over with now.
YEKNODLETITLYEKNODELTTIL
Vlad didn't let go of Erin's hand once after the coronation, determined to show the vampires present that his decision was final and that she would play a part in his rule.
The speeches had been long and boring. Vlad had never felt so embarrassed at the amount of times they mentioned the word 'heir' in the speeches.
In Vlad's speech he had thanked Bertrand for everything he had done to help him, his sister for finding a solution to their problem (although not in so many words) and his father for finally supporting his decisions. Vlad pledged to serve their society in the best ways he could as well. Erin was the lucky one he supposed – she didn't have to make a speech.
Ingrid had praised her baby brother, being nice to him in front of everyone was a new one on Vlad. He'd been convinced she was up to something until Erin had given him a kick under the table and told him to relax.
The Count of course had gloated a bit about raising Vlad into the man he'd become, managing to get a dig in about his wife there. He also praised Erin for being supportive of Vlad and for being a key part of rescuing Vlad so he could fulfil his destiny.
"What are you going to do about the slayers?" Bertrand asked from behind Vlad. Vlad dropped his head, he'd forgotten about his 'retribution'. Was now really the right time to ask about it? Bertrand would never drop it so he might as well answer.
"We need to work something out." Vlad whispered back just as hastily.
Bertrand grew irritated, "Slayers don't talk Vlad." The meaning was there 'you know that better than anyone', if Bertrand was trying to push his buttons it wasn't going to work.
"Our world is too fractured to go up against the slayers just yet." Vlad hissed back, his new role took precedence, order in their world had vanished and it would take a while to get it back on track. Many vampires wanted to run and hide from the slayers, others wanted to wipe them out and the rest wanted the Chosen One to do it for them.
Bertrand countered Vlad's comment, "Only because of their 'slay first' policy…"
Erin chipped in at that moment. "Because of Ingrid."
Ingrid reminded Vlad. "You're stronger than any of them."
Vlad spoke only looking at Erin. "I can't rule over our kind, be a husband and fight the slayers at the same time." It was true it would be impossible. He could fracture their world further.
"We need to sort out our problems first then deal with the slayers." Ingrid reasoned. "We need to be stronger to take them on." Vlad nodded in agreement with his sister, for the first time she was considering the consequences to her actions.
"They're going to use that opportunity to wipe us out!" Bertrand wanted Vlad to understand. The slayers posed a real threat to them all.
"Then we need to find a way to stop that, don't we?" Vlad's rhetorical question was sharp. Declaring an end to the conversation.
YEKNODLETITLYEKNODELTTIL
Vlad thanked his guests for attending before turning to face his wife. He smirked at that though, his wife. He pulled Erin closer stoking her hip through the think, silky material of her dress.
As soon as their last guest left, he let out a sigh of relief and pulled off his crown, throwing it back into its box.
"Was it as bad as you always said it would be?" Erin asked softly, he could see the teasing glint in her eye.
Vlad pressed a kiss to her cheek, gently stroking the scar on her neck. "Not really." He admitted. "Although it might have had something to do with who I was marrying." Erin smiled ducking her head at his compliment. "You look beautiful." He told her again.
"And you look very…regal." She whispered, tracing the leather of his cloak.
"I love you." He told her seriously.
"I know, I love you too." She replied, she sighed slightly. Something had been bothering her, Bertrand had been right. "What about the slayers?" Erin asked softly,
"Let think about that tomorrow." He grinned before lifting her up into his arms and whooshing towards their room before anyone could stop them.
YEKNODLETITLYEKNODELTTIL
Vlad strode along the corridor unafraid. Slayers dropped their weapons with a single glance towards them. His anger was masked as he approached the slayer at the very end.
Erin was a pace behind him, she couldn't walk in front of her Sovereign but his hand held hers tightly. Vlad thought it was a foolish custom but it was one he couldn't change.
Bertrand followed him closely behind as did the Count and Ingrid. All were decked in leather, their cloaks flowing behind them.
A stake whizzed towards Vlad from the slayer that had tortured him, with a click of his fingers the stake burst into flame in mid air. The slayer looked confused at Vlad's powers, he made sure he didn't have powers. Why did he have them?
For the first time everyone knew why he was their leader. His head was held high. Granted Vlad wasn't the tallest vampire in existence they could easily tell that his posture was enough to scare even the fiercest of vampires.
His demonstration of power scared them, he hadn't even paused in his step to stop the assassination attempt. The slayers knew then that if he wanted to wipe them out then he could do so in less than five minutes. Why hadn't he?
Vlad stared at Jonno, his anger at what they had done to him at the front of his mind. Erin squeezed his hand, grounding him, and immediately his thoughts cleared. This was the only way he reminded himself, he was doing this for his people, for them to heal properly.
Jonno reached into his jacket, his hand gripping the end of his stake. He knew it was futile if Vlad launched himself at his throat but it made him feel more comfortable.
Jonno opened his mouth to speak but halted, unsure what to say to the Vampire Leader. He couldn't understand why the Draculas hadn't attacked, they were waiting but for what?
The tense silence made his skin goosebump. He didn't like being unprepared for a confrontation.
Jonno watched as something blurred into his vision, stopping just short of him.
Vlad had made the first move, offering his hand.
The End
A/N: I'd like to say thank you to everyone who's read this fic. Its hard to believe that just under 2 weeks ago it was meant to be a one-shot. I've never typed so much, so fast in my life. I'm glad I was asked to continue because I enjoy writing and I'm glad you've enjoyed this too.
Thank you to everyone who noticed my (sometimes embarrassing) mistakes in various chapters, I wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
Thank you to everyone who's reviewed so far. I've never been so encouraged to continue a story in my life.
I've been asked to write a sequel and I might just do that if you'd like one. There are a couple of plot points I could continue and develop from this story. Although it may take another week before I begin to upload anything.
I would like to say thank you again for all your support during the creation of Truth and Consequences.