A/N: OK for the record neither Besa nor I is Catholic. So, if we screw this up entirely, please email us or include it in your review (Hint, hint).
Disclaimer: WE DON'T OWN IT! Uh…either of "it"s? Talia is ours as is Huliana. Don't sue us: we have no money. Seriously-we just blew it all in Hawaii for our senior trip.
Chapter 1
It was nearly eight in the evening when Talia cautiously emerged from her room. She was vaguely aware that Lady Hannah had come up to check on her, but in her distressed state she did not remember much of the encounter.
Talia peered out her door, and having determined them to be empty, crept down the halls to Aradia's room. She knocked timidly on the door then entered, sensing the witch's presence in the room. As Talia entered, Aradia's unseeing eyes focused on her with uncanny accuracy.
"You had a vision," the Maiden whispered in a voice that spoke of the sylvan glades over which her namesake had ruled.
"I… think so, but I'm unsure…" Talia murmured, the tears nearly flowing again.
"How can you be unsure? You either did or you didn't."
"It was… different this time… more… real. I wasn't myself. Someone else. I saw what they saw…heard what they heard… felt what they felt…It was a hunter, and while I felt disgusted by their attitude, I also felt a kinship, an answering in my own heart. I… understood him."
"It was a man?"
"No not really. It was a boy who is older than he should be. Like he had seen too much to remain innocent. He was still immature in so many ways
though. He was like… an Old Soul in
reverse." She stopped then, too overcome
by the reliving of the memory to continue- it was there again: the adrenaline
of the hunt, the thrill of the catch, the sweet warmth of the blood as flowed
over her lips, teeth and tongue…Talia tore her thoughts away with a physical
shudder. She had no desire to relive
such a horrible event.
"Was he aware of your presence?" Aradia's cool voice was soft, cautious, like that of one who was attempting to approach a wounded animal. The caution was just what it took to calm Talia's rampaging nerves and cause her to collect her thoughts.
Still, her voice shook as she responded, "No, I don't…I don't think so…there was a moment…at the end…I thought maybe…but…No." It was final. With sudden clarity she knew that he had not been aware of her- felt something out of place, maybe. But he had not known she was there.
Aradia withdrew her probing gaze, a clear indication that she had gotten what she wanted from the young woman in front of her. The withdrawal was not callous, was in fact welcome, but it hurt none the less. One did not like to feel like a tool, no matter how useful.
As Talia turned to leave, Aradia placed a hand on her shoulder, and her expression softened lightly, "If you have another vision- come back. I cannot think this is coincidence. I'll be here should you need me."
Holding back her tears, Talia nodded and left, going to seek comfort in the only place she knew.
The small chapel was dimly lit, with only candles to provide illumination. There was a faint trace of incense in the air, but it was not cloying as it so often was in many of the larger churches. The simple wooden alter was surrounded by a simple wooden rail, and over it hung a simple wooden cross. The only decoration in the entire building were the small, but intricate stained glass windows, which during the day would likely cause color to dance across the sanctuary.
Approaching the rail, Talia reached out and brushed her fingers across the warm wood. She stood there a few moments, contemplating the smooth textures of the well-worn and well-cared-for wood. Silently, she opened the gate to the sanctuary, feeling a warm, welcoming tingle in her fingertips as she did so.
Still silent, she walked to the alter and knelt, hands on knees, breathing deep and even-a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil that had driven her to the safety of the sanctuary. Feeling safe at last, she allowed the tears free reign, and they coursed down her pallid cheeks in a scalding torrent.
The prayers came unbidden to her lips, second nature by now "Kyrie eleison" Lord have mercy. The Lord's Prayer was next comforting in its familiarity, "Our Father, who art in heaven…deliver us from evil…" Soon other prayers came, bringing in their wake comfort.
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake." The pain and fear slowly drained from her body.
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." A warm glow suffused her body.
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever."
The glow faded, leaving in its wake a feeling of strength. She had the Lord's support. She had nothing left to fear.
She crossed herself once and stood, ready to leave the safety and comfort of the sanctuary. Standing there, staring at her with wide eyes was a young priest. She bowed to him slightly and the walked to the exit where Huliana was waiting for her, dark eyes shining with concern. Talia nodded to her best friend and gave a small reassuring smile- together they left the small church.
Heero sat in stony silence on a bus bench in front of the Bellagio. Even the other potential passengers refused to sit near him, preferring to stand despite the sweltering heat. Like clockwork, the music came over the loud speakers behind him, signaling the start of the fountains' performance, and a sudden influx of tourists. And like clockwork, a redheaded vampire in sunglasses sat beside him. The unknown vampire passed Heero a manila (?) envelope which he took without comment.
"You accept the job, then" the voice of the stranger was cultured. Upon careful inspection, he appeared about thirty, but among vampires, one never knew.
"Of course."
"The details are all in their, as well as the information to acquire your first payment. Good hunting," The man's smile was feral.
Heero did not open the envelope until he was at the loft, tearing it open with one efficient motion.
The target's name: Thierry Descoudres.
A/N: Ummm…Sorry for the delay. And any inconsistencies. Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please review- we're rather desperate. Also, if you like Inu-Yasha or Night World please stop by our other profile and read our other work- we're in our own favorite authors.
Thanks and Ja ne.