Well, I promised to update regularly from now on, didn't I? And here it is. I'm a little amazed myself that I actually did follow up with it. . .so ya'll'd better review! Enjoy!

Oh SailorPenguinz. . . yes, I would think that sucking the rest of Knives' blood out of him to be entirely possible. . .it is blood, after all!

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Acceptance of Light. . .of Darkness SilverSwan

Chapter 5: As Master Commands ******************************************************

The Count in his room. . . in the garden with Knives. . .giving Knives his powers. . .in his room once more, the meeting place between himself and Death.

The last of these images faded away, swirling until the liquid in the 5- foot stone basin returned to its original mercury-like state, both in texture and color

"Has he received it, Master?" Asked a deep voice, oddly soothing in its monotones, and speaking from the darkness. The room was pitch black, and the only thing visible was the liquid in the basin, giving off a soft, dying, silvery light. The sheen faded further, catching the golden glint of a single eye before leaving the room immersed in blackness.

"He'll get it," came the curt reply, the tone sounding both miffed and impertinent. "Do you doubt my powers?"

"No, Master," came the voice. "Forgive me for saying this, Master, but it's just that you've only tonight received your full power. Is it wise to use them so extensively, and so soon?" The monotone of the man made the question sound more like a statement.

"You, a mere human who came to me and begged that I take you on, offering yourself as a servant, dare to question me?" Knives asked. He continued, "Remember, I'll not bestow the grace of being a vampire on just anyone, Legato."

"Yes, Master. I apologize Master." And had there been light, one would have seen Legato's visible amber eye close, his blue head bowed in shame. As it was, Knives sensed all of Legato's movements, and feelings through his newly-acquired, heightened powers.

Legato continued, "It is only out of concern for you that I show such insolence, Master. Please forgive me.

Knives tested the sincerity of Legato's emotions for a moment, and found them to be true. He half-smiled; Legato was a worthy disciple. Out of all the other humans who'd approached Knives with the desire to become one with the night strong in their hearts, Legato was the best. The others were either too power hungry or too weak; thus undeserving of such a precious gift. They had been killed on the spot. Yet Knives had sensed something in Legato, a quiet manner and strength of character that impressed him. Legato's reasons for wanting to obtain the vampire state were, however, at the present still a mystery to Knives, and something he could not discover with his powers. Curious as he was to discover Legato's reason, he did not want to inquire outright, not just yet. That would happen, only if he was not able to detect the reason himself, after accustoming his body to his new powers.

"Concern is a human emotion, Legato," said Knives, sensing Legato's head bow even deeper in a sense of defeat. He pondered for a second then continued, with a half smirk "But it is precisely your loyal qualities that have deemed you worthy of being my servant."

"Yes Master." Legato lifted his head.

The darkness fled as a golden light from the basin filled the room, more gold than Legato's eyes, and so bright that even Knives was forced to look away for a moment. Eventually, this light also faded, and the silvery waters showed Vash. . .

"Ah, yes. He has heard." Knives' smirk was chilling, a quality of which was already enhanced in his ice-blue eyes, eyes that had once gazed upon his father with adoration, disguising his true intent. Deceitful adoration.

Legato took in Vash, curled up on the bed. The anguish and pain etched on his face - the watery eyes, bespeaking compassion and sorrow. He was so human - so weak. Why would the Almighty Master Knives want one such as this? 'A pitiful disgrace, and half Vampire, too.' Legato thought. Aloud, he said, "Yes, Master, he has heard, but will he come?"

"He will come," Knives said, and his eyes - the color of the beautiful, blue daytime sky he would no longer see again after tonight - flashed oddly. "He must come. I need my brother by my side to help me purge the world of humans. And, if he hesitates, you will be the one to bring him to me."

"Yes Master," Legato acknowledged. 'By his side,' Legato thought, eyes narrowing a fraction so slight as to be unnoticeable, even to Knives' acute senses.

'He wants his weak brother by his side - and Master Knives only has one right side. I won't be on the left.' But in order to obtain that favored spot, he must bring his nemesis to Knives - he must bring Vash. Vash already had the edge - half vampire, and full brother to Knives.

But, if what Knives said was true, that Vash hadn't been exercising his vampire powers to their full extent since he ran away, then Legato was more than sure of his ability to overcome Vash - especially with the aid of the powers Knives had bestowed upon him.

The image in the pool slowly faded, once more leaving the pair in darkness.

"Oh, and one more thing - Legato, see to it that everything is ready for Princess Dominique and her father's visit."

"Yes, Master. In fact, preparations have already begun."

"Good, good. You are dismissed." Knives was already starting to feel the effects of over-using his powers while they were so new. He did not want Legato around, should he stumble or begin to feel even fainter than he already was, and just barely was conscious of Legato's movements.

Legato left, but not before bowing, knowing Knives could see and sense his actions. Closing the door softly behind him, he proceeded to check on the preparations. 'Hmmmm. . .this may actually be fun - pitting my powers against Vash's. . . seeing how they measure up. Yes,' he thought, a brief snip of a smile touching his lips. 'I will enjoy this.' ********************************************************************

Yes, yes, I know it was short! Next comes Dominique! And I promise the next chapter will be longer, much longer. Oh yes, for those who are interested, I'm writing a Gundam Wing romance fic, alternate universe. Look out for it, should you wish. The more racy, in depth version will be posted on adultfanfiction.net. Well, see ya soon!
SilverSwan.