***Again, sorry bout the lateness but had to take the nieces shopping Sunday. Well, everybody's favorite bad guy gets the 'Fool for Love' treatment. This won't answer all your questions but it will answer a lot of them, while leaving you with even more questions …hehehe…

CHAPTER 20

The two figures that remained standing watched the scene before them. Their un-dead comrade knelt in between them; his gaze fixated on the thoroughly confused brunette still hunched against the bookcase. Though it was obvious that something had passed between the two crouched figures, Jennifer couldn't quite put her finger on what was going on. He had gone from sociopath to doting lover in the span of ten minutes to a girl who had almost seared a good portion of his arm away from his body. Truth be told, however, she was more interested in Dawn than Seth's emotional issues. Her thin eyebrows crinkled as she contemplated what type of power this girl possessed.

It was a given that as the Key, she could open up doors to all realms of existence and anti-existence alike. It was unknown, however what, if any, other abilities she possessed. Though the latter was insignificant as far as the First was concerned, still, it could prove useful.

Unaware of the dark woman's internal designs, Seth stared at the young teen with an almost fanatical incredulity. He had dropped to all fours and his breath came in jagged rasps. Were he human, he would have hyperventilated but as it was, he only gaped at the impossible.

"You…can't…be…" he whispered. His mind reeled as memories of days' past/future clawed for dominance with his visions of now…

The first time he had seen her, Seth had been enamored. The black ankle-length dress clung to her lithe yet powerful form. She moved with a preternatural grace that put the man in mind of predatory vampire. But he had been around enough vampires to know that her movements contained a life about them that a vampire could never possess. It hadn't been years of perfecting her technique that gave her such a distinctive gait. Somehow he knew it was something that came as natural to her as breathing.

This had been the fourth time in as many nights he had seen her and now, just like the other times, she was alone. That in itself was unusual considering the less than savory characters, like him, that prowled the city streets.

'Maybe I should follow her,' he said to no one in particular, 'make sure she's okay'. If he would have actually dwelled on his thoughts, Seth would have been more than amused. If she was okay now, once he got her alone, she would be anything but.

So he followed her through the night, unnoticed, or so he thought. This had been the fourth night this place had called to her. Emerald had never questioned her instincts, lest they lose their razor's edge. They had always been true to her. In fact, without them, she never would have run into the arms of Gabriel. She smiled at the vision of her dark warrior, his face that of a familiar champion though his eyes were all his own.

'But I'm not here for him,' she reminded herself. 'I'm here for…' she paused. Truth be told, she didn't know why she was here. Only that she'd be foolhardy to ignore its magnetic pull. 'Focus, Emerald, focus.' She closed her eyes, stopping in the midst of a particularly vile throng of street denizens.

"Lookie what we have here, fellas," an especially bold thug called and Emerald felt his disgusting ardor as he circled her still form. The tendrils of his lecherous gaze over her curves would have been more than enough for her to dispose of him but something held her back. Her mind was telling her that it was best to play the damsel…

"Please, I don't want any trouble," she bade in her most helpless voice. She knew he was there. She had felt his presence, following her like some obedient collie for the last ten minutes. He'd come to the rescue, though she truly didn't know who he was.

"Well, if you didn't want trouble, Princess, you wouldn't be walking around here by yourself dressed in such…risqué attire." The thug's dirty hand caressed the side of Emerald's hip, grabbing her ass roughly. It didn't take much for the human part of her to cringe at the violation, though it was a struggle to keep her decidedly less human half from lambasting this man where he stood.

"Please stop," she pushed at his chest meekly. 'Hurry up, my champion,' she thought, 'whom ever you may be.' The thug's advances had drawn several other shady men into her personal space. She counted six as different sets of hands clawed and groped her, threatening to tear her silk dress from her body. With a practiced concentration, she brought forth the sixteen-year-old part of herself that she had kept dormant for so long.

"Help!" she screamed several times before a crusted hand covered her mouth. Seconds later, her feet no longer touched the ground as the group of would-be rapists carted her into a back alley, all the while people watched, intent on staying out of it. All but one.

Seth had seen that Victor had been the first to approach her. It had only taken a moment before his lackeys had joined in on the fun. Before he knew it, they had hoisted her between them and headed for a back alley. Seth was torn as to what to do. On the one hand, he was no better than Victor and his cohorts and would have probably done the same thing to her, given half a chance. And for some reason, he had thought the woman would take care of the situation herself.

'And how might that be, you fuckin' moron?' he chided himself. 'With her super powers?' He shook his head in disgust and made his way to the alley…

"Seth." The call of his name wrenched the vampire from future memories. He craned his neck up, his glassy eyes coming to rest on Jennifer's exotic face. He shivered as her obsidian eyes peered into him, poking and prodding his most intimate secrets and desires. Her nose scrunched, in frustration and Seth knew that even she couldn't penetrate the cloud that left his mind in a haze…

Seth had taken out the first three members easily enough. He snapped the closest one's neck before the others were aware of his presence. The second and third men were invariably introduced to the sharpened tire iron Seth carried on him at all times.

"Sorry fellas," he said eyeing the remaining quartet circling him. He risked a quick peek at the woman. She pressed the tattered remains of her once elegant dress protectively across her chest. Her raven hair hid her features but the would-be rescuer had the distinct feeling that she was fine.

"What tha fuck are you doin, Seth," the ringleader seethed.

"Well, Vickie-boy, just thought I'd save a damsel in obvious distress. You know the deal. Do a good deed, get rewarded. Yada, yada, yada."

The larger man sneered at him. "You? Do a good deed? Don't make me laugh You're no better than us and you know it!"

"Yeah, guess I got the Han Solo complex," he shrugged.

"Who?" The man replied, obviously miffed.

Seth rolled his eyes incredulously. "Jumpin' Je-sus man. Guess you don't keep up with the classics, huh?" Seth smirked before making his move.

A quick feint towards the leader gave the two men behind him a chance to attack. Of course, that was what he had planned. He decapitated the first one instantly, whirling around at an almost inhuman speed. He continued to a second revolution, this time bringing his heel cracking loudly against the temple of the second man who fell lifelessly to the floor. But in his arrogance, Seth had failed to realize the gun a third member trained on him. Only a slight jerk in Victor's direction saved his life. Instead of piercing his heart, the metal slug tore through his back, shattering bone and tissue before exploding out of his chest, destroying his right lung.

Before falling to his knees, he instinctively whirled, hurling his weapon at his would-be murderer. The projectile flew home in the middle of the man's chest, impaling him through the heart. Six down…

Seth's pain was doubled when a steel-toed boot smashed into his healthy left side. He grunted as he felt more bones snap. He went to look up but a fast moving heel acquainted itself with his face, careening him back against the soot and grime of the alley. His eyes fluttered as he saw Victor standing over him, a large metal drum hoisted above his head, ready to deliver the final blow…

Seth jerked back as he realized where he was. He hadn't been aware of crawling towards Dawn's huddled figure, but here he was, not three feet from her. His abrupt reaction placed him on his butt. His hands held him up as his eyes raked over the terrified face before him. How didn't he see it before? She was exactly the same, aside from a few aesthetic differences…

Just as the blinding pain had ushered Seth into oblivion, so to it delivered him from unconsciousness. Aside from the pain, the brilliant green light that thrummed before his eyes alerted him that he was still, in fact, alive. His hand instinctively reached for the burning hole in his chest…though he immediately found that movement was not an option. Not due to the pain, but for some unseen force holding him in place. He had been around unnatural phenomenon enough to discern magic from higher forms of mysticism. This was definitely not magic.

"What…what is happening?" He forced out and immediately regretted it. The blood poured from his mouth and Seth resigned himself to the fact that, though he was alive at the moment, death was not too far off.

A scream pierced his ears and it wasn't until he felt the tearing at his throat that he realized it was his own. Somehow, the pain in his chest had more than quadrupled in intensity. Bones shifted and tendons realigned as his neck thrashed from side to side, helplessly. Just as quickly as it had arrived, however, it subsided, to be replaced by an almost welcoming ache. The tension from his limbs dissipated and he felt his motor control return. The brilliant green light that had enveloped his vision was now just a faint outline. An outline that was shaped, oddly enough, like that of a woman…

"Do not try to move," a thick, melodious voice advised. Though he was never one to comply with orders (or suggestions for that matter), Seth acquiesced to the advice.

"What did you do to me?" he asked, genuinely interested.

"I healed you," she stated simply. Seth craned his neck to take in his savior and was speechless.

Though he had seen her each of the last four nights, never had he never actually 'seen' her face. Her bronze complexion hinted at an ethnic heritage though her features denied that. Her face was slightly ovalish, devoid of harsh angles. A rounded nose that complimented the softness of her cheeks was centered between evenly spaced eyes. Her pencil thin eyebrows were scrunched in concern as she brushed her hand gently against his forehead. Her dark hair lay effortlessly against her shoulders, a shroud of solitude. It wasn't until he absorbed it all that he took another look at her eyes.

Even more so than her hair, her eyes were darker than night. There was an obsidian quality to them, as they reflected your worst fears though still sucking you into them completely. He shivered at the totality of them. Save for a tinge of green around the edges, they were devoid of even the whites.

"Don't worry," she smiled sincerely, "they only look like this when I use my power."

"Your power, huh?" She nodded. Seth couldn't help but smile despite his realization. "So, this whole 'damsel in distress' deal, that almost got me killed nonetheless, was just a ploy to get my attention?" Her smile affirmed his theory. "You like taking chances, don't you?" He said in amused disbelief at this woman's audacity.

"How so?"

"You know that big brute that introduced his steel toes to my ribs?" he asked, touching the still aching ribs for effect. He wanted to ask what had happened to Victor but knew that if she could heal him of mortal injuries-well, one thug would be a walk in the park.

"He was right when he said I'm no better than he was. I was watching you. Well, of course you knew that but…shit, I was thinkin' bout taking you in several similar ways that these pricks were." He was flabbergasted at his honesty. 'Yeah, that's the spirit, Seth. Tell they woman you were thinking about screwin' her six ways from Sunday, against her will, mind you and she'll melt helplessly into your arms. Well, after makes with the flambé.'

The woman tilted her head slightly, judging the man before her. After a few moments, she simply stated, "But you wouldn't have."

Dumfounded by her response, Seth propped himself up on his elbows. He studied her, not caring his puzzlement showed clearly on his face. An inordinate amount of questions circled the haze of his mind though in the end he settled for two words.

"How so?" The street pro was thunderstruck beyond comprehension when her soft hand rested gently against the sharp angle of his jaw. She pulled him toward her and Seth did not have the faculties to resist. Closing the distance, her soft, supple lips brushed gently against his. Seth mechanically parted his lips when he felt her tongue probing for its mate. He obliged her and their kiss depended into a passionate reunion like that of lovers reunited.

Much to his chagrin, the woman broke first and he begrudgingly leaned his head back. He narrowed his eyes at her only to find her smirking at him with a most satisfactory look.

"You love me too much to hurt me…"

Seth shook his head defiantly, crushing his hands against his head, attempting to force the flood of memories back behind their doors. He knew all eyes were on him yet he didn't care. All he wanted was to forget. Forget her. Forget everything.

Dawn watched the vampire in front of her apprehensively. The turmoil that her presence caused was visible on his twisted features. She observed him for several moments, his face contorting from his human mask to an unusually hideous demonic visage, though the latter never lasted longer than the blink of an eye. Slowly, she slid up the bookcase to her feet, taking in everything around her. There was only one way out and the magic guy Willow had gone to- Rack was his name- guarded it. A few feet from her stood the willowy form of Ms. Calendar. Or her long lost identical twin. She was studying the vampire with an amusing fascination that was unnerving. The teen inched herself along the bookcase determined to get out of everyone's clear line of view. But before she could move too far, cold hands gripped her shoulders and she screamed.

"Emerald," Seth said in a halfway pleading voice. His eyes were wide as they begged for recognition on her part. The rational side of him, however, knew that even if this was her, they were still thirty some odd years away from meeting. Still, the other, more irrational side of things raged for her to know him, to know what they shared…

"Emerald!" he screamed as her body danced languidly on top of him. Seth's breathing came in ragged gasps as he desperately attempted to regain his composure from their night of passion.

She rested her cheek against his heaving chest; tendrils of her hair teased his more than sensitive skin.

"That tickles," he chuckled as he ran his thin fingers through her thick mane. It had been a fabulous three months for them. Ever since the fiasco in the alley, they had rarely left one another's side. They stayed at her mansion in the hills, away from any and everything. The content that radiated through Seth in her presence was enough to temper even his basest urges. His mantra of 'Want. Take. Have' was forgotten, replaced by his affection for this dark beauty in his arms.

"Well," she said breathlessly, returning him from his thoughts, "you sure have a knack for the 'tickling' thingy too."

"Oh, so I tickle you? Is that what you're saying?" He jabbed two fingers into her ribs and she giggled hysterically. He was always amazed her the mirth she exuded through her joyful laughs. It was so unlike her usual demeanor, bringing a warmth to him he had not felt in his twenty-seven years. As the tumbled across her mammoth bed, Seth finally gaining the upper hand, his chocolate eyes stared at her intently. The rise of her chest crushed her breasts against his; the raspberry scent of her filled his nostrils while her effervescent beauty nearly choked him to tears. She smiled at him sweetly, her perfect lips slightly parted, waiting for the desire that was in their every kiss. In that one moment, Seth knew…

"You know I love you, don't you?" His blue eyes bore into Dawn, searching for the truth. The brunette was even more terrified by this behavior than his earlier menacing. Tears began pouring from her eyes anew, as she continually whispered the names of her strongest protectors.

"Seth," the soothing voice of Jennifer beckoned behind him, her hand lightly resting on his taut shoulders. Her mind chanted long forgotten words to his confused essence and visibly relaxed, his hands falling reluctantly from the young girl's shoulders. His head slumped as he turned towards her and Jennifer saw the confusion and dejection in his eyes. He was not the only one perplexed by this as her mind raced for an explanation though her outer appearance was that of perfect calmness. She held her hand out and he hesitantly grasped it, his coolness in direct contrast with her unnatural warmth. He allowed her to lead him to the couch, a dazed expression over his face.

"Looks like somebody had an unexpected reunion," Rack mused. The lack of response from the now seated Seth gave the black magic's man confidence that the vampire wasn't so invincible after all.

"Seth, look at me," Jennifer demanded. Slowly he turned his head to face the mysterious woman and took her in. Her voice was always soothing (and strangely familiar) while her hair and her eyes…her eyes…

Her obsidian eyes gazed at him; partially happy to hear his words though the other part of her wallowed in despair, as she knew how little time they had left together.

"I know," she said, her eyes focusing on his chest. Anything but his eyes. She felt his thumb brush against her cheek and Emerald realized that she was crying.

"What's wrong, luv?" he asked. It had been five months since he had first said he loved her, the first person he had ever told that to. The shock and surprise on her face that first time was something he'd never forget. But the last few weeks, every time he had said it, she would cry, never returning the sentiment like she usually did.

Her smile was bittersweet: that she knew but she was comforted by his smirk. She traced his jaw line lightly, still amazed at their sharp angles. Her hands caressed his brows, one fingertip resting upon the scar above his left eye. She had done that to him a few months ago during one of their more 'urgent' sessions of passions. Though she had denied it at first, a part of her knew she had purposely done it, though for what reasons, she could not guess. It was the same reason she had asked him to dye his hair blond. He had been more than willing to change for her. Both modifications had made her feel safer than she ever would be with Gabriel. Would he be able to accept what was bound to happen? They had less than a month together before she had to return. She couldn't bring herself to leave him to the streets, knowing that one day even his tenacity wouldn't be enough. She had a plan and though it pained her to do it, at least she would be comfortable in the knowledge that he would live forever.

"What are you thinking?" he asked her, twirling a lock of her hair around his finger. Emerald felt so warm inside as his chocolate eyes bore into her. If only they weren't so warm…if only they were cold and hard, it'd be so much easier.

"Nothing…well, I love your eyes, you know that, don't you?" He nodded sheepishly and she couldn't help but laugh at the reserves this brazen man displayed when he was complimented. "I was just wondering," she traced the dark stubble growing from his chin, "if you'd do something for me…"

"There is nothing that I wouldn't do for you, Emerald. Nothing."

She smiled, always touched at the sincerity of his words. He was never one to sugarcoat anything and it was a comforting reminder of someone she hadn't seen in two years…

"I've always wondered what you'd look like with blue eyes." Seth's head leaned back to take her in. There was something about the way she said it that he didn't like though he couldn't quite pinpoint his concern. She looked at him for permission and despite reservations, he nodded his assent.

Seth watched amazed as her dark pupils bled over the rest of her eyes until there wasn't a trace of white. Her body shimmered as the soft greenish glow returned, bathing her body in light and unnatural warmth. She pressed her palm over his eyes and Seth felt panic rise as his sockets began to burn. But as soon as the burning sensation appeared, it was gone. The pressure of her hand against his face was gone and Seth opened his eyes, tentatively. As his vision came into focus, the last embers of her emerald luster was fading to be replaced by her natural state of beauty. Seth bit his lip at the softness of her flesh and love she showed for him. And in that instant, he knew that his heart would forever belong to her and woe the man that would threaten their love…

"Bastard," Seth spat, his memories finally linking past, present and future together as one. Though he had been more than angered at the discovery that Emerald's insistence of aesthetic alterations were based upon some vampire whose name the frightened teenager kept whispering, he had forgiven her immediately. However, whatever the block that was in his mind was now released at the sight of her and the promise he had made to himself was realized.

Seth was faintly aware of Jennifer's warm hands stroking the back of his neck as his mind was on other things. As a man, he never let someone who wronged him, regardless of their intentions, get away unscathed. Being a vampire only heightened his desire for retribution. His demon raged eager to bestow punishment on the guilty party. His human side reminded him that he owed said party everything that he was. But the wrath of his demon clouded that, focusing on the one thing he didn't have because of said party: Emerald.

'Oh, I will have my revenge, now that I know the truth,' he thought sadistically. Forgiveness was not an option between vampires.

Sire or no, Gabriel would pay.

***I hope this gives you a better idea of the relationship between Emerald/Dawn and Seth, though there is still much to come.

***I'll be starting on the next chapter later tonight and should have it posted tomorrow night.

***So, tell me what you think. Reviews are a must ya know…8-)