Eternal Night (I) Chapter 2: A Serpent in the Grass, a van helsing fanfic

Ya'll still with me? I sincerely hope so because (cue music) we've only just begun... as poor Dracula is about to find out. I really put him through his paces in this story (I'm so sorry, nibs, but it had to be done). I'm still setting things up with the next handful of chapters, including this one, but in this installment we'll get a better look into just what it is exactly Dracula is up against. Curious to hear your thoughts.

Many thanks and all the blessings are owed to those who Favorited/Followed since the last chapter, especially to the precious souls who took the time to review - Lereniel, Scarlet Empress, She-Devil Red, insatiables, TendernessOfTheHeart, Riona Winters (aka: Still too lazy), Forbidden Moons, FallinAngelGirl, and cneajna. Your support, enthusiasm, and engagement means more to me than you will ever know.

Chapter 2
A Serpent in the Grass

Dracula's throne was a formidable structure – with a tall back and the head of an enormous horned dragon carved into the crest rail, the gaze of its sapphire eyes covering the breadth of the room. The man himself was seated comfortably in this elevated position, dressed in black trousers and a ceremonial crimson robe with ornate designs stitched in black and gold thread. He never uttered a word as Augustine spoke, expression remaining decidedly apathetic. Suspicion and no small degree of mistrust had long-since taken root in his mind.

"As you may recall, your court-appointed scientist – Gregor – had been working on a way to eradicate our kind's aversion to sunlight through the means of a vaccination. A little over two decades ago, we received word that he was close to finding a cure, but when we went to check on his progress, we found he had been murdered, his research destroyed, and someone had used his work to corrupt the pathogen into a virus that only seemed to have adverse effects on our kind. Those carrying the virus, instead of becoming immune to sunlight, became incurably ill and tended to experience true death within a matter a days, sometimes hours depending on their age and the quality of their feeding habits."

Augustine paused to give Dracula a chance to respond but the man remained unnervingly mute.

"The outbreak originated outside of the city at first – in the border regions of our land. The infection moved the bulk of the population inward as our people tried to outrun the virus, but in spite of our best efforts, the epidemic hit in the city almost a year later. The south side was struck hardest – wiping out nearly every soul in the region. We established a quarantine out of sheer necessity, but even that proved inefficient. The virus spread and rioting soon broke out. To curb the violence, a wall was erected around the north district to keep the remainder of the city which had not yet seen contamination safe. We lost many lives before we could claim control over the outbreak but the damage had been done and the south side remains to this day unsalvageable. In order to lessen the chances of further outbreak, the area was declared territory for the werewolves as the virus did not impact them. There has since arisen a general belief that this attempted genocide of your people had been born from a lycan resistance. Their aversion to his majesty's administration is well known…"

"I have trouble believing that Queen Isabella would sanction this attempted genocide you speak of. We've enjoyed a mutual peace with the wolves for well over a century. I hardly see her being even remotely responsible for this crime, let alone supporting it if such treason had originated from her ranks."

"She insists that her people are not to blame…"

"And you chose not to believe her." It was more a statement than a question. "Instead of honoring her word, you opted for insult and enforced segregation, feeding into the prejudice of peasants." He scoffed his disbelief. "Unbelievable…"

"There was unrest between our kinds. Many believed the wolves killed Gregor and manipulated the virus to destroy us. The segregation was the only way to prevent full-on civil war."

It was clear by the slight arching of Dracula's brow that he did not believe Augustine's story, but he chose to remain silent, motioning with a slight incline of his head for his brother to continue.

"We thought we had the virus under control, but in the last year, we've found that it still lingers within the city in pockets and its evolving. Humans can now be carriers without even realizing it, putting many of our kind at risk."

"We had an agreement with the humans not to feed off of just anyone within the city. Our kind were only to feed on those in the feeding houses – and that was after they had been thoroughly vetted. And if there was ever any cause for concern, cloned blood has always been an alternative. I had set this system in place before my hibernation for a reason, Marcus."

"And we tried to enforce it, but the people…"

"Do not blame the people for your inability to uphold the law. We were all in agreement with the previous arrangement. If it has gone awry, it is because you did something in my absence to make it thus."

"This isn't my fault!"

"How do you expect me to believe that? I left everything in place before my dormancy."

"And the problems didn't arise until after the news of your hibernation was made public," Augustine continued. "That's when the alliance showed up."

"What alliance?"

"A group of anarchists… terrorists, really. Their sole purpose seems to be to create havoc in the city. They've done nothing but cause dissension, spread false rumors, smearing the names of the aristocracy and the council of seven so everything we have ever tried to do to keep the peace is twisted."

"And what have you done to take care of this rabble?"

"We've made efforts to track down their leadership, but every time we get close, they vanish into thin air."

"Given that you've herded everyone into the city, I find it astonishing that you've had this much trouble flushing out a small band of revolutionaries."

"Yes, well, these aren't ordinary revolutionaries – and seeing as how I've had other matters of state to attend to…"

Dracula exhaled loudly, interrupting his brother's excuses by theatrically rubbing the spot between his eyes in an effort to ease the growing tension in his head. His clear display of disinterestedness had its intended effect. Augustine snapped his mouth shut, though he made no attempt to hide his displeasure at not being taken seriously.

"Where is Antón?" Vladislaus asked after some deliberation. "I'd like to speak with him. It's not like him to let things go so off course. And while you're fetching him for me, I'd like you to call the council together. We will need to convene before the week is out."

"Antón Bernardini was branded a traitor and enemy of the state nearly half a decade ago, my lord. No one has seen him since. He fled from the palace shortly after he was sentenced."

Dracula's attention, which had been momentarily elsewhere, abruptly returned to its mark, his expression one of utter disbelief.

"That's impossible! Bernardini would never…"

"It originated with his wife, Mariella. She was also tried and found guilty of treason. She had been associating with the alliance for many years, feeding them lies in order to weaken the government and overthrow your regime. There was even evidence that she was connected to the viral outbreak."

"That's absurd!"

"It is the truth. The evidence against the witch was overwhelming and she even admitted to meeting with one of the leaders of the alliance to the council."

"Where is she now?"

"She was executed, my lord, in accordance with the law."

Although Augustine appeared mournful, there was something in his eyes that sent a chill down Dracula's spine. He was not ignorant of his "brother's" dislike of him, but never could he had imagined that Marcus would sink so low as to seek out the lives of two of his closest friends – not after…

A profound sorrow filled Vladislaus' being as he recalled all that he had lost in the last few decades, and now to awaken with news of the loss of his dearest friends and confidants. It was a blow that nearly softened the steel running down his spine – but if Dracula was anything, he was in control of himself. He would not show weakness… not now.

While Augustine continued in his speech of regret, a well-rehearsed diatribe of justifications and excuses, his words were falling on deaf ears. Something foul had occurred during his absence – and Vladislaus could practically taste it in the air. He had been brought back for some nefarious purpose that Augustine was not divulging. It was almost too calculated of a move – eliminating his closest allies while he slumbered.

Dracula was not at home in his palace as he had once been.

This had coup written all over it, and he knew from experience that the only way he'd get out of this in one piece was if he remained impassive and compliant.

The moment he started threatening Augustine, Marcus and his lackeys would undoubtedly make their move. No. He needed to appear calm – calm and pliable, so they'd be too busy enjoying their false sense of security while he sought out the truth on his own. Certain he still had at least a couple servants that remained loyal to him, Dracula unleashed a heavy sigh of feigned defeat as he rose up from his throne and moved to stand before his treacherous half-brother. With a mask of acceptance, he rested his hand on Augustine's shoulder.

"I understand the reasoning behind your actions, Marcus, and I appreciate your diligence in keeping our people as safe as you could, given the circumstances."

This acknowledgment appeared to please Augustine greatly and the man, rather than bowing his head in humility as he ought, instead lifted his chin a bit in pride, feeling for the first time in a long time a step or two ahead of his "perfect" brother.

"Your approval means a great deal to me. But it is not me the people need. They need their king."

Dracula nodded, playing his role of gullible egotist well.

"I shall do my best to help set things to right. I give you my word."

"That is all I ask."

With that, Dracula excused himself from Augustine's presence, declaring a need for solitude after leaving instructions for the council to be summoned.

When the man was finally alone in his chambers, that mask of acceptance melted away as his eyes hardened with a look of determination. Though he longed to mourn the loss of Mariella, Antón Bernardini was still alive and if he was going to learn the truth of what had happened in his absence these last few decades, he'd need to find his old friend.

But first things first….

As he removed the ceremonial robe from his shoulders, he finally took note of a familiar young woman seated on the edge of his bed. She was dressed in a gown made of chiffon – a traditional chiton reserved only for the elite dhampirs hand-chosen to feed the aristocracy. Their blood was considered a delicacy, as dhampirs were rare and their blood had both the basic nutritional value of human blood and the unique power and decadent taste that came with a vampire's.

Dracula extended his hand to the young woman in invitation and she stood.

"Baysia."

"Master." The dhampir kissed his hand and then fell to her knees at his feet in veneration. "You do not know how much it pleases me to see you once again, your majesty."

He gently took her chin and raised her eyes to his before leading her back to her feet. Dracula ensnared her will with ease, shuffling through her mind without invitation, though she never made an attempt to stop him. Instead, she opened herself to him, her mind blooming like a flower under the light of the sun, holding his gaze with a look of utter devotion as he searched her memories.

"Is your will still your own?" he asked her, though he already knew the answer.

"He has tried, but Augustine has not claimed my loyalty. I still serve only you."

Dracula smiled, pleased with her response and he released her chin.

"Good – for there is much that I require of you."

"I live to serve, master. Whatever you ask of me, I will do it."

"I know. Though what I am about to ask of you may put you in danger."

"I do not fear true death."

Appreciative of her unflinching loyalty, Dracula caressed the young woman's cheek with a degree of affection.

"No… you never did," he whispered. "I need you to reach out to Levi and have him track down Bernardini for me. Augustine says he is no longer in the city, but I want to be certain."

"Levi was dismissed shortly after you entered stasis, but he and I have remained in touch throughout your absence. His in league with Lee Feng and his shadows, but I can get word to him within the hour."

"Good. When you have finished, I need you to gather all documentation regarding Bernardini's dismissal and Mariella's trial – on and off the record – as well as any information you can dig up on this alliance, all of the decrees or laws that have been passed in my absence. Anything that Augustine has been trying to keep a secret, I want to know all of it – and you must be discrete. He cannot know that we are doing this."

"I understand."

"Tell Levi that if he has any knowledge to pass it on to you as well. I want to know exactly what is going on before I meet with the council."

"I can tell you now, master, that only Elina is the last surviving member of the original council."

"What? What happened to the rest of them?"

"Augustine had them strategically removed after you went under. Bernardini and Elina were the only ones who survived the longest, but just before Mariella was executed and Bernardini went into hiding, Elina changed sides. Some believe that her defecting was what led to Mariella's sentencing."

Dracula ran his hand down his face with a sigh, rubbing his chin as he struggled to come up with a better plan. He had no idea he had so few allies left. Augustine certainly had been busy in his absence.

"We'll work on Elina later. Right now, I need that information. Can you get it for me?"

"I'll do my best, though it will not be easy."

"I have faith in your abilities. Now go. Make contact with Levi and then report back to me as soon as you do. I fear we do not have much time."

"Yes, master," and with a bow, Baysia exited from the room, leaving Dracula alone with his thoughts.

The next two evenings found Dracula spending all of his time locked away in his private apartments, perusing Baysia's findings. What she had uncovered thus far disturbed him immensely. The political intrigue, the corruption, the abuse of power, the poor way in which the people had been treated in his absence… When they had once enjoyed their own lives and property outside of the city, they had since been strategically herded in and confined like the French nobles to Versailles… or, perhaps more appropriately, cattle for slaughter.

The once strong alliance with the werewolves had been thoroughly eradicated, the magic community had splintered and isolated themselves, and the state of things in general had grown so terrible in the last decade alone that there were documented attempts of his own people struggling to flee the city – an offense punishable by death, as leaving or entering Budapest without council approval had been made unlawful.

And oh, how many had perished since then as a result.

The fact that his own kind preferred to risk the true death or the uncertainty of the outside world instead of staying under his protection in a place that had once been their sanctuary was a heavy blow indeed.

Though his reasons for hibernating had been justifiable a few decades ago, the guilt and the weight of responsibility for what had transpired in his absence had him feeling like Atlas with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"This was not what I wanted," Dracula muttered mournfully to himself as he finished another page of Baysia's report and when he was done, he pushed the papers away, burying his face in his hands.

Vladislaus had once been so convinced that he and Marcus had moved passed this nonsense. Did Augustine still hate him so? Lucifer wasn't even in their lives anymore, and with the tragic loss of the Dracul Sânge, Vlad had been so sure that the rift between he and his brother of circumstance had been filled. Was that simply wishful thinking on his part? Had the death of his children, his chosen sirelings and heirs been for naught? Did it mean nothing?

The thought of his lost children left a hollow ache in Dracula's chest as he recalled the events leading up to his dormancy. He had felt them pass – all six of them, one right after the other in rapid succession and the devastation had driven him to the brink of madness. Bernardini had been the one to recommend he go under for a time, allowing his torn soul to heal in quiet and solitude, but had his selfishness been a mistake?

Dracula scrubbed his face with his hand before he started to shuffle through some of the web links Baysia had given him to peruse. He was borderline desperate for a distraction by this point, but the articles he read only made the weight on his shoulders more consuming. The majority of the recommended literature came from a writer known only by the pseudonym of Madame Nemo, a columnist for an underground news service called Veritas – the organization dedicated to "exposing the truth" regarding the recent atrocities of the council under Augustine's regime.

The more Dracula read, the more concerned he became.

In fact, after a while, he started to wonder if he was even "safe" in his own private chambers.

By the time the clock struck three in the morning, his stress had reached new heights. He couldn't bear the weight of the truth any longer and he found himself craving a reprieve – perhaps an extended interlude with a willing female to help get his mind off of things? It had been a regular practice of his in the past but then he remembered…

His curse.

It had taken place shortly after the murder and disbandment of the Dracul Sânge. In a desperate effort to escape his grief, Dracula had turned to the wrong person for aid. Against the advisement of both Mariella and Antón Bernardini, he had summoned the queen of the underworld and Lucifer's right hand – Lilith. His maker. His only hope.

He and the demoness had had history in his darker days and he had hoped that with some persuasion, he'd be able to have the lives of his children restored. But what had started out as a negotiation discussion had turned into a dangerous seduction with implications he should have foreseen but had been too arrogant to consider.

The consequence of his dalliance with Lilith had been impotence and with that last humiliation driving the final nail into his proverbial coffin, Dracula had retreated into hibernation so he could lick his wounds in isolation.

So here he was – the great Vladislaus Drăculea, thirty-five years later with everything he had worked so hard to build crumbling to pieces around him… and he couldn't even fuck-out his frustrations. With a flash of bad temper, he snapped the laptop in front of him shut, standing angrily as he grabbed a fist-full of the notes Baysia had gathered for him so he could throw them into the fire.

Would these trials ever cease?

Leaning against the mantle of the hearth, he watched as the flames consumed the thin sheets of paper, barely taking note of Baysia's entrance into the room.

When she called out to get his attention, he remained silent, and it wasn't until her hand rested on his arm that he finally acknowledged her company.

"What is it?" he asked with quiet impatience. Her very presence only continued to remind him of his current state and his humiliation deepened.

"Levi has located Bernardini, your majesty," she whispered. "He made contact just an hour ago. The Signore is still in the city. We await your further instruction."

Dracula rested his brow against the back of his hand as it continued to hold the front of the mantle and with a heavy sigh of relief, he thanked whatever deity would hear him for the tender mercy. His life may have gone to hell, leaving him standing on the brink of an abyss that was now staring ominously back at him… but at least his only true friend still lived.

Baysia released his arm, but he could still feel her lingering close behind him. With a familiarity he once would have welcomed, she wrapped her arms around him, leaning against his back. The feel of her figure pleased him, and when her quiet submission would have been enough to ready him, his body remained entirely unresponsive, and it rekindled his irritation.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, your majesty?" she asked him, the suggestion in her tone unmistakable.

He glanced down to find her bold fingers fiddling with the buckle of his belt and he uttered an oath of disgust under his breath before lightly smacking her hands away.

"Anything I could possibly want from you I cannot have, as you well know. Do not mock me with your enticement."

"I'm not mocking you. I only wish to please you," and she suddenly grabbed the lifeless bulge between his legs.

Infuriated by the violation, Dracula whirled around and snatched her by the throat only to find that it was not Baysia who stood behind him, but another familiar face – one he hadn't seen in many, many years. He closed his hand tightly around the slim column in his grasp, even though he knew full well the abuse would have no effect on the woman before him. Her signature gold metal choker necklace was barely even a hindrance as his fingers wrapped tight around her, and her wince of surprise provided him with a degree of satisfaction.

"Lilith," he hissed, the venom in his tone unmistakable. "I should have known."

The demoness smiled wickedly.

"My dearest Vladislaus – and as foul tempered as ever, I see."

A/N: Yes, you read that correctly... Dracula has been "emasculated" - aka: he can't get it up. That would have made for a fun alternative title, don't you think? Chapter 2: in which it is revealed that Vladdykins, lover and womanizer extraordinaire, can no longer get it up or get it on because *is cursed*

But have no fear, faithful reader - he won't be "out of commission" forever. His current condition presently serves a greater purpose. But I've said too much already.

Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to leave a review! I'll see you in the next one.

P.S. For whatever reason, my cover art for this story isn't showing up on the site at the moment - at least for me (I noticed my old one-shot The Dragon and a Valerious is experiencing a similar problem - no idea why). Is anyone else having issues seeing the cover art, too? This hellsite can be so bloody annoying sometimes, I swear.