Summary: In the finale of the 'Allies, Enemies, Or -' trilogy - a truth comes out that could forever change the friendship between Alasdair and Jean-Luis.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Episode 50 – Allies, Enemies, Or - Part 3: Kidnapped & Confession
Addition to the Character Description for Alasdair Matthias Noble:
Normal Attire: a stainless steel O-hoop belt
Additions to the Character Description for Jean-Luis Moreau:
Favorite Games: Sudoku and Word Searches
His earlobes are pierced and he wears ruby studded earrings.
He has a tattoo of snake eyes on his back - almost right on his shoulder blades.
xXxXx
February 13th, 2011
Alasdair's POV
Malik asked curiously, 'So, what are you here for today, Alasdair? The new t-shirts, long-sleeves, and charms aren't due to arrive until next month - you already have the ones for this month. There aren't any new Converse - hi-top or not. And, I'll message you if there are'. Alasdair said, 'If you must know - I'm bored and figured I'd see if there was anything else that I might look good in'. Malik said, 'My vote would still be for that black suit'. Alasdair said, 'I have two suits - a blue one and a brown pinstripe one - I wear neither often enough to bother with another one'!
Alasdair looked at one of the new items - a trenchcoat and thought, 'Burberry is a popular company for making them but I'm not the Doctor! And, he probably wouldn't wear one either if it wasn't for the fact that Janis Joplin gave the one he wears to him'! Walking over to the sunglasses, he didn't figure there was any harm in looking - while he didn't 'fear' sunlight - his eyes had picked up a sensitivity to sunlight so it probably wouldn't hurt to get a pair but which style? The problem was - he didn't like any of them! Aviator sunglasses seemed too old, 'wrap-around' sunglasses seemed to new, and the 'basic' sunglasses seemed to plain! He picked the gold ring with an inset red gemstone up from the sunglasses and put it over with the other rings - some people just tossed things wherever they were and not back where they were supposed to be! He knew the leather bands were for a persons forearms but that wasn't something he would be caught wearing - his limit on 'accessories' was the necklace and belt he wore!
Alasdair left Malik's - he wasn't to sure where he was headed but he couldn't help wondering if the Doctor still had his heart stamp. A heart stamp was a white decorative key that a person wore like a necklace but it recorded - for lack of a better word - a persons feelings and then that person would give their heart stamp to the person they loved - eventually, it would become a family heirloom. He wasn't real sure when exactly the heart stamp had been created, by who, or even when it became popular, but he knew that by the time the Time Agency had been formed - they were universally common. He knew Jack had still had his the last time he'd seen Jack. He knew the Doctor had had one for - since his - uh - third or fourth body - but there had only been two people he'd actually considered giving his heart stamp too - one was a companion he'd had in his - eighth body or maybe seventh but he was pretty sure it was eighth - and one of a select few that the Doctor had ever vocally admitted to loving - and whose name Alasdair could not remember which meant that the Doctor didn't remember it, either - and the other was Rose. Maybe he'd get one once his blasted T.A.R.D.I.S. finished growing!
Alasdair ended up at Torchwood but he didn't even go inside - he just turned around and left - he had no desire to deal with Torchwood - today - or any other day! And, since he was 'half-vampire' - he didn't plan on letting Torchwood shoot him, either! Just because he wouldn't die didn't make him a masochist! And, he'd be damned if he let them get hold of his Time Lord blood!
Ending up at the Viper Clan complex next - he about collided with Tobias. He nodded and then said, 'Good afternoon'. Tobias asked curiously - and concerned, 'Have you seen Jean-Luis'? Alasdair shook his head and then said, 'Not since I left yesterday. We chatted some via messenger about Sudoku, Word Searches, and his abstinence from Jigsaw puzzles - and about the first Chicken Invaders game - last night'. Tobias said concerned, 'That isn't good'. Alasdair asked curiously - and a bit concerned, 'Why? What's going on'? Tobias said, 'Nobody has seen him since he went to his room last night. In fact, since he does most of his online messaging in his room - you're probably the last person to talk to him'! Alasdair asked surprised, 'Jean-Luis is missing'? Tobias nodded and then said, 'Yes'. Alasdair felt his fangs grow before he said, 'Then we have a Moreau to find'! Tobias nodded and said, 'Agreed'.
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
Jean-Luis sat tailor-style up against the wall furthest from the door - having his ankle chained to a wall - even with his speed - getting out would be impossible! He'd already tried breaking the chain but whoever had taken him as he slept - they apparently knew about his strength! He had no idea why anybody would want to take his shirt and scarf but not any of his other clothes but that's what they'd done - had they wanted confirmation that he had the snake eyes tattoo that all leaders got? If they'd wanted confirmation - he would have given it to them! It wasn't any kind of secret - not really! But, one thing he knew for certain - whoever came into the Viper Clan complex and took him as he slept - if they were found - they would be executed! The biggest problem besides his chained ankle? He'd seen no one since he'd woken up!
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Alasdair stood in Jean-Luis' bedroom. Jean-Luis' bed was king-sized, the frame was similar to his own except the wood was red - like the bookshelves in the library had been. The bed was to the right - at the middle of the wall. The blanket was red and had been tucked in, the pillow case was red as well. The bookshelf was made of the same kind of wood as the bed frame. The bookshelf was next to the window at the far wall. There were several years worth of National Geographic magazines - it looked like they dated back to - 1988 - which was longer then Jean-Luis had been alive! There was a full collection of Sin City comics - or at least, all the way from the first to the current. The top shelf - which the shelf itself was at Alasdair's 'line-of-sight'- had four brown boxes, two that had - written in black marker - 'Magic' and the other two had - also in black market - 'Yu-Gi-Oh!'. The bottom shelf had a tank with a red anaconda in it - despite the fact that Alasdair didn't think anacondas could be red. To the left, there was a desk - made from the same type of wood as the bed frame and the bookcase - it had two drawers on each side - all four drawers would require a key - there was another of those blasted Pixar lamps on the back right of the desk - and there was a thick leather-bound notebook laid - closed - on it.
Alasdair opened the notebook and read silently, 'Property of Jean-Luis Moreau, if found - please return to the Viper Clan complex. If stolen - you will be bitten'! Alasdair chuckled. Alasdair picked the notebook up and turned the page - while he was primarily scanning through what was written - he figured he'd be apologizing later for reading the 'diary' - he realized that the main topic was just different things about Jean-Luis, the Viper Clan, and for some reason - there was more then a little information on the skinwalker lore. Three-fourths of the way through - the pages went blank - turning back to the last page with words on it, one particular thing caught his attention - close to the end 'I know I should tell Alasdair but I'm afraid. He's my friend and I don't want to lose that. He's really my only friend'! Alasdair closed the notebook and put it back on the table - he couldn't help wondering just what Jean-Luis was referring too. He figured he might be able to figure out more if he read more but he wasn't a damn speed reading Time Lord and finding Jean-Luis was more important then feeding his curiosity!
Alasdair closed his eyes and what became obvious first was Jean-Luis' scent - a mix of a mint body wash - which he also used as a shampoo, an aftershave that seemed to be common with most male Viper's, and a cologne that Astrid had a habit of calling intoxicating. It was strange being able to pick up his own scent - god, he smelled like a mix of that floral body wash and shampoo that he'd never quit using and bananas! Another scent! The soap and shampoo were obviously that of a man, there was another aftershave as well - which meant that it wasn't a Viper, a cologne that made him want to gag, and - blood? He didn't need to feed because that would induce a bloodlust - at least, he figured it would even though he'd turned - but he still smelled blood! What the hell?
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
Jean-Luis sat with his knees pulled up to his chest, his arms wrapped around his legs, and was rocking back-and-forth - a habit that he'd done as a child - before and after Renee and Isabella had adopted him - some people had thought he was autistic because of that - but he wasn't! It had just been a childhood nervous habit! So, why was he doing it now when he was twenty? It was a fucking demon! The smell of rotting flesh so strong that if he'd had anything on his stomach - he would have been sick! The thing was a male demon, seven foot tall, with red skin, black horns that start at the forehead and curve back and up, black claws, jagged teeth. Demons weren't supposed to exist! Vampires were supposed to be dangerous but they were known to exist! Demons weren't supposed to exist! Consuming the flesh of another 'freak' and gaining their abilities, they weren't supposed to exist! The damned thing even had wings on its back - they were red just like the skin but they shaped like a bats wings would be! They weren't supposed to exist! Were there more? Did this one want his Viper abilities? Would he lose the abilities? Would the demon kill him? They weren't supposed to exist, dammit! Jean-Luis knew he was crying - something he'd rarely done as an adult - but - but - but they weren't supposed to exist! Demons weren't supposed to exist and he was scared! The only really coherent thing Jean-Luis could think of, 'Please, someone save me! Alasdair, help me! Please'!
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Alasdair handed Tobias the key to his floor of the duplex and commanded, 'Viper's are faster then vampires and I still haven't learned to control my speed yet - I need you to go and get Astrid's chopper'! Tobias took the key but asked curiously, 'Why'? Alasdair said angrily, 'Because, I'm going headhunting'! Tobias laughed nervously but when Alasdair didn't join in, he stopped, and promptly disappeared. If Alasdair could avoid it, he wasn't actually going to kill anyone but anyone stupid enough to kidnap the leader of the Viper Clan - they more then likely were very dangerous and his sonic screwdriver and switchblade were only going to be so useful.
Tobias reappeared holding the chopper, Alasdair took the blade and his key back, and then Tobias asked curiously, 'So, how are you going to find this man? It's one thing when you're in a room that doesn't have a lot of people but finding that same scent in the middle of London, it's -' Alasdair interrupted by saying, 'The Doctor might have had a form of ADHD but that's where we differ - I have excellent concentration as long as I can focus'! Tobias asked confused, 'But, still - the middle of London and you're going to try tracking one scent? You're not a damn dog'! Alasdair said irritated, 'No, I'm not but I will find Jean-Luis! You can either come with me or stay here! Either way, I am going'! Tobias said, 'You're the second-in-command - when Jean-Luis is unavailable - you're in command - it's your decision'. Alasdair thought for a couple minutes before commanding, 'Stay here - make sure everyone here stays here until we get back - but most importantly - make sure everyone stays safe'! Tobias nodded quickly and then said, 'Yes sir'. Alasdair said annoyed, 'Don't call me sir'!
Alasdair left the Viper Clan complex - he knew it would be difficult to track that one scent among the thousands of people in London but he had to at least try!
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
A black pair of trousers, a black vest with holes in the back for the wings - the vest not closed - Jean-Luis really didn't know whether the fact that the demon had defined abs was a good thing or not. If it wasn't for the scent of rotting flesh and that he was a prisoner - he could see the demon being attractive. How did one even kill a demon? And - if they were real - were the angels as well? He was scared! He was so scared! He didn't want that damn thing close to him!
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Difficult yes but not impossible - impossible was not a word the Doctor used often unless referring to fixed points - and it wasn't a word that Alasdair liked, either. It wasn't simply a matter of following the scent of blood - it was a matter of following that scent mixed with the scent of Jean-Luis - maybe vampires were part dog despite what Tobias thought. At least, it was a more sensible habit then the Doctor going around licking things - some of which - Alasdair really wished he didn't remember. On the other hand, there was more then once that Rose tried 'disowning' him over that and Alasdair found those memories funny. The Doctor had explained the reason for doing it to Martha - so she was able to view it from a doctoral point of view. Donna though - it got him called Marvin more then once. She'd learnt by then that he wasn't a Martian but doing something like that - yeah, while the Martian joke had long sense died - the Marvin the Martian joke had not. Even though, the T.A.R.D.I.S. had gotten in on the joking about that a couple times - replacing the Doctor's entire wardrobe with nothing but outfits resembling that of Marvin the Martian! Threatening to lobotomize her had resulted in a lot of shocking - even if it had been an empty threat!
Winding up at a warehouse that looked to be about the size of a mega-mall - the scent had steadily gotten stronger and then suddenly changed. Oh - Jean-Luis still smelled the same but the scent of blood had steadily gotten stronger until it suddenly changed to the scent of rotting flesh. The good thing was that Alasdair had a strong stomach. Doing a quick mental inventory - he had his sonic screwdriver which could double as one of the Master's weapons if necessary - in his left pocket, he had a switchblade which he had to admit he liked - in his right pocket, he had Astrid's chopper - fitted to his belt, and if worse came to worse - he did still have the Smith & Wesson handgun - which was tucked in the back of his cords - hidden by his shirt. Oh yeah - he was armed to the gills - or teeth - and that was one thing that the Doctor would never be!
Stepping inside the warehouse, the scent of rotting flesh was overpowering - and despite having a strong stomach - Alasdair really had no desire to be tasting the bananas a second time. At that point, he just wanted to find Jean-Luis in that dimly-lit warehouse and get the hell out of there before the bananas made a second appearance anyways! The problem was - the scent of rotting flesh overpowered everything else - including Jean-Luis' scent! Focus, Alasdair!
A mix of a mint body wash, an aftershave that seemed to be common with most male Viper's, and a cologne that Astrid had a habit of calling intoxicating - that was the scent Alasdair needed to focus on - filter everything else out! As a touch telepath, filtering had been something the Doctor was very capable of - even if he didn't get much practice on Earth - needing to filter certain memories to the background to get to an older memory belonging to someone. Same concept just instead of filtering on a telepathic level, Alasdair needed to filter out scents.
Faint - very faint - the scent of mint!
Walking further into the warehouse, Alasdair's eyes went wide as he began seeing what honestly he could best describe as demons - just minus the pointed-tail and pitchfork that would be expected of a devil. Some were obviously male and some were female. None of them seemed interested in him but there was no way he smelled like they did so they about had to know he was there. Others looked directly at him before going back to what they were doing - eating - he didn't want to know what - resting, something with computers, scientific things, and other fairly 'human' things. Trying to ignore the fact that it was very possible he was walking headlong into a trap - Alasdair just kept moving - just kept walking - in the mean time, making sure to keep track of the mint scent - because he had to follow it! He had to find Jean-Luis!
Stopping at a door, Alasdair knew that Jean-Luis was on the other side - one point of the sonic screwdriver later and the door was open.
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
Jean-Luis heard the door unlock but what stepped inside wasn't the demon he'd seen twice so far. Jean-Luis said happily, 'Alasdair'! Alasdair walked over to Jean-Luis, knelt down in front of him, and asked curiously, 'Kidnapped by demons'? Jean-Luis laughed and then said, 'I wouldn't believe it, either'. Alasdair asked curiously, 'Are you okay'? Jean-Luis wanted to say 'I'm fine now that you're here' but he knew that would come across wrong. What he ended up saying instead, 'Get this damn chain off me and then we need to get out of here'! Alasdair said, 'They already know I'm here'. Jean-Luis said concerned, 'You don't understand! Demons aren't even supposed to exist! And, do you know powerful they're said to be? Their powers come from eating the - flesh - of other freaks!
Jean-Luis watched as Alasdair pointed his sonic screwdriver at the chain but before anything could help - Jean-Luis saw the demon and commanded, 'Get out of here, Alasdair'!
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Alasdair jumped up and spun around - what was it about these damn 'creatures of lore and myth' and making him feel short? First, a damned vampire that was almost half a foot taller then him and now a demon with wings that's probably a whole foot taller then him! Not allowing himself to dwell on that sense of 'vanity' - Alasdair asked curiously, 'Why did you take Jean-Luis'? The demon said, 'I want his power'. The demons voice reminded Alasdair of that oversized-giant of a demon that was on that planet kept in orbit around a black hole by the demon! Alasdair rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand, looked at the demon with his hand still on the back of his neck, and then asked curiously, 'And, how do you plan on getting it'? The demon said, 'By feasting on his flesh'. Alasdair grabbed Astrid's chopper with his right hand, held it out in front of him, and said determined, 'I think not'. The demon asked curiously, 'And, what are you going to do - powerless mortal'? Alasdair smiled and then said, 'You're wrong on two accounts. I am not powerless and I'm not mortal'! The demon said surprised, 'You're a vampire'! Alasdair said, 'Half-vampire'. The demon asked curiously, 'You're the newly turned vampire that beheaded Alec'? Alasdair said, 'Yes, I am'. The demon clapped his hands together and then said, 'My name is Asmodeus. And, if you want to take the captive - you will have to fight'. Alasdair tilted his head to the right and asked curiously, 'Rules'? Asmodeus said, 'One-on-one. Just you and me to the death - no outside interference. If you win then Jean-Luis is free - if I win - I will take your power too'. Alasdair agreed without hesitation. Asmodeus said, 'Someone will come to get you in fifteen minutes while I make arrangements'. Alasdair watched as Asmodeus turned and left the room.
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
Jean-Luis stood up - shackle around his ankle be damned - and asked angrily, 'Why would you agree to something like that'? Alasdair said, 'I was born in war. I was made in battle. I am not afraid to fight'! Jean-Luis said angrily, 'You fucking idiot! Do you even know how to kill a demon'? Alasdair smiled, shook his head, and said - still smiling, 'Not a clue'! Jean-Luis said angrily, 'There is no recorded way to kill a demon unless you're an angel! And sorry - but Time Lord's aren't angels - and vampires sure as hell aren't'! When Alasdair didn't comment, Jean-Luis continued - slightly less angry, 'If you had an angelic weapon - that would be an option too - but due to the simple fact that angels and demons aren't even known to exist - where an angelic weapon would be - I wouldn't have the slightest clue'! Alasdair kept smiling as he said, 'Just trust me - I'll save you'. The sound of a rattlesnake - yeah, Jean-Luis was not happy! He did trust Alasdair but he honestly didn't think Alasdair even knew what he was really getting himself in for!
Fifteen minutes later, Jean-Luis and Alasdair were led out of the room, down a hallway, and into what Jean-Luis could only describe as a coliseum room - even though the Roman Coliseum was round and this room was square - he watched as Alasdair was led into the 'arena' area while he was led into the observation box - wasn't it the emperor or king or whatever of Rome that sat in that box in their Coliseum. Jean-Luis counted at least a hundred demons - in hindsight, he'd preferred Alec - this was - oh - this was just - unbelievable! And no, he would not try to escape as long as Alasdair was 'in the heat of battle'.
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Alasdair looked up at the observation box - at least somebody had bothered to give Jean-Luis his shirt and scarf back - even though, he didn't seem particularly pleased to still be captive - either that or the look on his face and the crossed arms was a sign of displeasure aimed at Alasdair - he'd get over it.
'Welcome ladies, gentlemen, and demons of all ages to the Coliseum! I am your host and king, Asmodeus! And today - I will be one of the combatants! Across from me is my opponent - the newly turned vampire responsible for the beheading of Alec, the Eternal - Alasdair Noble! The rules are simple, it is a battle to the death and there is to be no outside interference! Outside interference will be responded to by pain of death'! Alasdair cared little for Asmodeus' speech but at least now he knew the demons position - he was their king - their leader!
Alasdair had a pretty good feeling that his sonic - even with the two 'Master-like' additions would be next to useless. And, he didn't plan on letting the demon get close enough for the switchblade to be optional. And, there were too many people - demons - around to be using the gun. Gripping the chopper - he hoped this would end quickly - with all the demons around - all the scents of the rotting flesh being in one room - he was going to end up sick!
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
Jean-Luis knew one thing for certain - if Alasdair survived this - which he hoped with every fiber of his being that Alasdair did survive - he would tell him what he'd been avoiding. Risking his life to save Jean-Luis - it was the least Jean-Luis could do in return. He hadn't lied to Alasdair - he did his damnedest to avoid lying to Alasdair - but that didn't mean he didn't still have secrets. But, would he only reveal one of the things he'd been hiding - or would he reveal both? That - he wouldn't know until he was face-to-face with Alasdair again - and he was smart enough to know that.
Jean-Luis heard the crowd all shout, 'Begin'!
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Alasdair watched as Asmodeus began to flap the wings - rising slowly off the floor. Oh yeah, that's fair! A solid black blade appearing in Asmodeus' right hand - Alasdair couldn't see the handle but the blade looked to be about the size and curvature of a katana. Asmodeus 'charged' at Alasdair - it became quickly obviously with only a couple of collisions of steel and whatever Asmodeus' weapon was made of - that while Alasdair matched Asmodeus on speed - Asmodeus' sheer strength - and the difference in the size of their blades - Alasdair was completely outclassed! But - while Alasdair lacked strength - he excelled with strategy - it was just going to be a matter of coming up with a battle strength in the middle of combat.
Alasdair was learning quickly that using the chopper to block - he was getting cut by his own blade every time because Asmodeus was just too strong and forced the blade back!
Alasdair made a quick observation - in battle - Asmodeus seemed to want to stay in flight - maybe he could use that! Alasdair began using his speed not for offense or defense but for evasion and as he was able to reposition himself - he cut through part of Asmodeus' right wing - close to where the wing connects to the back. Asmodeus landed hard and Alasdair made several deep gashes on Asmodeus' torso - starting low and working his way up - six gashes in all before decapitating the demon. A surprised hush came over the crowd. Due to Asmodeus' superior strength - Alasdair had been using spinning motions to deliver the deep gashes.
Alasdair took a couple of steps back and then looked at Jean-Luis - he could feel the smirk on his own face just as he could see the one on Jean-Luis'. What happened next surprised Alasdair!
The headless body of Asmodeus stood back up before bending down and picking up the head by the horns. Lifting the head to between the shoulders and then lowering it - the head began to reattach itself. Alasdair came to the conclusion that beheading was no longer an option since it didn't work - the bad thing was - he was already out of breath - and he was bleeding! One was bad physically and losing blood wasn't good because that would mean he'd need to feed sooner rather then later!
Asmodeus threw his reattached head back and laughed. Alasdair again had to make the comparison between that oversized-demon and Asmodeus. Asmodeus' head snapped forward and then he asked mockingly, 'Did you really think that it would be that easy? Did you really think that just because I can't fly - that I can't still kill you'? Alasdair really wasn't sure but he knew better then to admit that.
This time - there was no 'clashing blades' - Asmodeus sped up and Alasdair just couldn't keep up! More and more cuts - some deep - were being made on Alasdair's torso - right arm - and right leg.
Alasdair dropped to his knees - he was losing too much blood! He felt Asmodeus' blade under his chin. The chopper at his side - it was strange - the blood - his blood seemed to be soaking into the chopper. He remembered what Astrid had said about how the blade could work with a freaks powers and he wondered if that's how it reacted to vampires. He figured he had one last shot or else he was through! And, he knew it was risky considering he really didn't know how to kill a demon - but it was the only idea he had left - he was to injured and outclassed to keep going! Releasing his hold on the chopper as Asmodeus began to swing his blade - Alasdair disappeared. The blade hitting nothing but air!
Alasdair reappeared a few feet back in front of Asmodeus - holding his switchblade in his right hand. Disappearing again - he reappeared directly in front of Asmodeus knocking him down in the process before plunging the blade into Asmodeus heart! The first was teleporting - the second was using his speed which was by no means easy with his lack of control over it and the injury to his leg. But, then he felt Asmodeus' right hand flat on his chest before feeling something pierce his skin - his heart and out his back. Alasdair felt the blood running out of his mouth just before his body went limp.
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
Jean-Luis screamed, 'No'! This couldn't be happening! Jean-Luis screamed, 'Alasdair'! He felt the tears run down his face. He saw Asmodeus unceremoniously dump Alasdair's body off of him. He heard the crowd erupt in cheers as Asmodeus - their king - stood tall and proud - as the victor. And, Alasdair - Alasdair was dead. He saw through his tear-filled eyes as Asmodeus turned toward him and declared, 'I w-' Before Asmodeus could even finish the word - a blur of red struck Asmodeus from the right shoulder all the way down to his left hip - essentially cleaving him in half!
As the two pieces of Asmodeus fell - a hush once again falling over the crowd - Jean-Luis saw the blade - dyed with blood and with a tip of blood - and he couldn't help but smile as he saw the man holding the blade - Alasdair!
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
When Asmodeus didn't 'revive' again Alasdair heard the crowd start to chant, 'Alasdair! Alasdair! Alasdair'! Alasdair looked at Jean-Luis and did his best not to start laughing - because Jean-Luis was going along with the crowds chant.
After several minutes, the crowd quieted and the demon on Jean-Luis' right spoke, 'The winner of this death match, Alasdair Noble'! And, with that - Jean-Luis was released and he promptly disappeared before reappearing in front of Alasdair - and Jean-Luis whispered, 'How did you do that'? Alasdair whispered, 'I figured out with Julian - stabbing a vampire through the heart doesn't kill them - whatever that - stake - is made of might - but it can't just be anything. I needed more blood for the blade and I knew a shot like that would get all I needed. It was just a simple act of - playing dead'.
The demon spoke again, 'And, due to demon law - with the death of our king - our new king is - Alasdair Noble'. Alasdair said irritated, 'I don't want to be king! I fought to save Jean-Luis not to become royalty'! Jean-Luis whispered, 'We should probably go'. The demon said, 'But, it is our law'. Alasdair said angrily, 'I'm not a demon! I refuse to bow to your authority'! Alasdair grabbed Jean-Luis by his left wrist with his right hand and promptly disappeared.
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
Jean-Luis watched as Alasdair collapsed back in the chair - they were back in his - Jean-Luis' office. Jean-Luis asked concerned, 'Are you okay'? Alasdair said, 'I lost too much blood. I'm not tired - I need to feed'. Jean-Luis threaded the fingers of his left hand through Alasdair's hair and said softly, 'Thank you'. Alasdair let his eyes drift closed and hummed in response.
Jean-Luis knew he needed to say what he wanted to before he lost the nerve. Jean-Luis said hesitantly, 'I need to tell you something'. Alasdair's response was a simple, 'Hmm'? Jean-Luis asked cautiously, 'Have I ever shown you my dairy'? Alasdair said - without opening his eyes, 'No but when I was looking for you - I did see it'. Jean-Luis asked curiously, 'So, you know that it's not simply about me and what as I do as part of the Viper Clan but that it also includes information on the skinwalker'? Alasdair hummed in response. Jean-Luis asked curiously, 'Do you know why'? Alasdair shook his head slightly - if it wasn't for the fact that Jean-Luis was still threading his fingers through Alasdair's hair - he probably wouldn't have even noticed the movement. Jean-Luis said extremely hesitantly, 'While I am a member of the Viper Clan - I'm technically only half-Viper'. Alasdair's eyes snapped open and he asked confused, 'What'? Jean-Luis said, 'I'm half-skinwalker, Alasdair. I just don't approve of wearing animal skin or fur so it's not an ability that anybody outside of me, Renee, and Isabella - and now you - even know I have. And with Renee and Isabella both being dead - you're the only person besides me that knows. And - I'd prefer keeping it that way'. Alasdair again let his eyes drift closed and he said, 'Okay'.
Jean-Luis didn't actually know since he was only half-Viper - if his blood would still be toxic to Alasdair or not but he didn't plan on finding out unless there weren't any alternatives.
Jean-Luis took a deep breath in through his nose, exhaled through his mouth, and then said even more hesitantly, 'There is one other thing, Alasdair'. Alasdair's response was again a simple, 'Hmm'? Jean-Luis removed his hand from Alasdair's hair - which resulted in a disapproving sound coming from Alasdair. Jean-Luis said, 'It's something I need to say but - I'm afraid to'. When Alasdair didn't respond at all, Jean-Luis tried a different tactic, and leaned down closer to Alasdair who made Jean-Luis jump slightly when he said - without opening his eyes, 'I can smell your blood'. Jean-Luis blinked a couple times before whispering, 'I'm pretty certain my blood would still be toxic to you even if I'm not wholly a Viper'. Alasdair opened his eyes and asked curiously, 'Would you like to find out'? Jean-Luis tried to run using his speed but before he could get away, Alasdair had him by his left wrist - boxed in against the desk - with a hint of déjà vu.
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Alasdair drug his fangs lightly across the left side of Jean-Luis' neck and whispered, 'I know what you want from me'. He could hear the apprehension in Jean-Luis voice as he said, 'I don't know what you're talking about'. Alasdair whispered, 'Even when you do lie to me, Jean-Luis - you're not very good at it'. Alasdair licked the side of Jean-Luis' neck and felt him shiver. Alasdair then whispered, 'It's not simply that Viper's blood is toxic to a vampire - it's also that they cannot be turned'.
xXxXx
Jean-Luis' POV
He wasn't sure why Alasdair would say that or even how he would know but while he didn't receive an answer to the second part - his best guess was that Alec had told Alasdair - he did get an answer to the first - when he felt Alasdair's teeth sink into his neck and he moaned - damn, it felt good!
xXxXx
Alasdair's POV
Jean-Luis' blood tasted different - different then Julian's - different then Anastasia's - but it didn't taste bad. But when he caught what seemed like a stray thought of Jean-Luis' he jerked back. Jean-Luis asked concerned, 'Are you okay'? Alasdair felt fine - he could take more blood but he didn't feel like he needed to feed more. Alasdair said, 'I'm fine'. Jean-Luis asked concerned, 'Are you sure'? Alasdair asked confused - with a hint of anger, 'You love me'? Jean-Luis looked surprised and slightly frightened as he said, 'I never said that'! Alasdair said, 'Remember, Jean-Luis - it's possible to read someone's mind as I'm feeding'. The thought he'd caught was 'Lousy time to admit I love him - he wouldn't believe me anyways'. Jean-Luis lowered his head and said - he really did sound ashamed, 'I'm sorry'. Alasdair rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand as he said, 'You'll get over it'. Jean-Luis shook his head and then said, 'No, Alasdair - I won't. The Master could read my mind - God only knows how many times he violated me that way - but that was part of the reason he wanted me to stay away from you - it wasn't just because you and I were friends. I would have never come between you and Astrid though'. Alasdair let his hand drop from his neck and then he said, 'I can't love you back'. Jean-Luis shrugged and then said - even though Alasdair could hear the underlying disappointment, 'I didn't expect you too - but I thought you had a right to know how I felt'. Alasdair knew he would end up regretting what he was about to say - but it wouldn't really hurt anything - he didn't think - so maybe he wouldn't regret it. Alasdair said, 'I can't love you back - now. That doesn't mean I can't ever'. Jean-Luis said confused, 'I don't understand'. Alasdair said, 'It's not even been a month and a half since Astrid died'. Jean-Luis nodded and then said, 'That - I understand'.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Author's Note 1: The 'additions' to Alasdair and Jean-Luis' respective Character Descriptions - it's not really 'new' or 'changes' - it was more like - I'd forgotten to put those things in there when I wrote the descriptions.
Author's Note 2: And no, due to the fact the Jean-Luis is only half-Viper - his blood is not toxic to Alasdair - but due to his Viper blood - he cannot be turned, either. Essentially, if Alasdair chose to - he could use Jean-Luis as his own personal blood bank without any of the repercussions besides the pleasure senses of the brain being kicked into overdrive.
Author's Note 3: I had originally planned to post this with the first two parts of the trilogy on Monday since I didn't think I'd be on today but since I am - I figured I'd just go ahead and post them all today. So, if you haven't read Episode 48 and 49 then you're missing the first two Episodes that I posted today. On the other hand, this Episode fits with the lengths I liked for Episodes of the Tegan Harkness Chronicles and not the shorter lengths I like for Episodes of this story.
Reviews/Comments/Critiques welcome!
Written on April 19th-20th, 2019
