Requiem Aeternam
By: Lucifiel
Disclaimer: Cain owns Shido. I don't.
Shido felt a horrible sense of dread when they approached Cain's castle. He remembered taking the same road to this place a thousand times after feeding, safe and snuggled in Cain's arms. Shido shook his head, trying to keep his composure. If one lost their head in court, sometimes even their Masters couldn't save them. They became free sport; Shido had seen it happen.
Kallias opened the door for Shido when the carriage stopped, and helped him down. He then turned to the young Vampire, "You know what to do."
"I…do."
"Good. Come along, then." Kallias strode forward, his cape billowing out behind him. Shido, grinding his teeth together, followed demurely.
The doormen opened the gates for them, and Shido was plunged into swirling lights, the smell of blood, dancing Vampires, and sex. Lots of sex. Kallias took a firm hold on his arm and tugged him through the crowds of Vampires. Shido tried to ignore the hands that blatantly caressed him, and the cheerful exclamations of greeting from Vampires he had encountered before.
A voice he recognized all too well sounded from behind them. "Kallias. Welcome…I had no idea you were coming. I hope you and your guest enjoy the festivities."
"Ah, my thanks," Kallias turned, facing Cain.
The Master Vampire was dressed impeccably in a stunning suit and cape. "But who is this with you?"
Kallias spun the frightened Shido around and looped a possessive arm about his waist. "Just a little something I picked up along the way."
Cain froze his eyes riveted on Shido. "Shido…"
Shido squirmed, uncomfortable. Why did Kallias have to hold him so damned close? "C-Cain…"
"Beautiful, isn't he Cain? You want him? Then step down. Fight me for the position of Master!"
The music faded, and Vampires began to gather around the three, curious. Cain hissed, "Who do you think you are? You'll just die. I refuse to be a part of this. Give me my child and go!"
"Not until you give me what I want," Kallias sank his fangs into the soft flesh of Shido's neck, "So sweet."
Cain was a blur as he shot forward, ripping the terrified Shido away from Kallias. He slung his arm about Shido, wrapping him in a section of his cape, shielding him. "You dare touch my consort!"
Kallias chuckled, "I know your weakness, now. It will not be long before you are groveling before me." He vanished, laughing.
Shido, despite himself, slumped in Cain's arms, sighing in semi-relief. "He's gone."
"He will be back," Cain murmured, supporting Shido and leading him over to one of the many couches. "Are you all right? Did he…"
"No, he only kissed me. Dealt me a good blow, too."
Cain hissed, his eyes burning as he fingered the bruise on Shido's pale cheek, "I knew I should have come for you sooner!"
"Cain…" Shido managed a small smile, "Thank you for saving me. I have to get back now."
"Shido, you are many things, but I did not count stupidity among your talents. If you leave now, he will come for you again and again. Eventually your child and that woman will be injured as well. If you stay, you protect both them and yourself. I will let no harm come to you, my love." Cain sat next to Shido and pulled him into his arms, petting his violet hair, "Stay with me."
"I…but I have…w-well, I have--"
"You have nothing. You must stay for the protection of your loved ones, and to protect yourself."
"But Cain!"
"Shh…" Cain leaned in and kissed his child's soft, pliant lips, "No harm will come to you. Sleep, Shido."
He felt so heavy…Shido's eyes fluttered closed, and he fell asleep in Cain's arms. Cain gathered him up and swept upstairs, letting the party continue without him.
