Author: Kim Riley a.k.a. MYSTIC
Disclaimer: The characters belong to James D. Parriot. Again since they are no longer using them I've decided to take our boys out of the 'closet' and let them play and be happy. Enjoy.
Summary: Vachon, whether or not he wants too gets in between Nick and his Father LaCroix and finds he is jealous…of Nick, wanting what the other vampire does not…a loving, doting Father who would truly want him…even if it's only by placing himself in the role of substitute.
Note: It has been a long time since I've watched a Forever Knight episode, but since this is an AU…it shouldn't matter too much. Also…I don't speak, read, or write French or Spanish…so if any appears here it'll be minimum and don't flame me if I get it wrong, please.
Rating: R (M/M heavily implied and language)
Pairing: Vachon/LaCroix, Vachon/Nick, Vachon/Nick/LaCroix
Archive: at the Chakotay Forever Archive.
If you wish to post it, please just let me know where.
Feedback: Please!
"Second Son"
Nick looked at Vachon who now looked like the Javier he knew…stunned out of his mind, as was Nick. He was also feeling a deep seeded growl of anger within as well; 'he' was LaCroix's son, there 'was' no other…not anymore, and definitely not…Vachon!
Stunned, Vachon was unaware of Nick's anger or silent reaction to the news. "I…I…I'm not…" he shook his head clear. "I am 'not' his son," he finally stated, trying to remain calm, unaware that his words had soothed a bit of Nick's anger. "I do not know why he said such a thing, but to my knowledge, only 'Nick' can clam such a position…"
Na'isha snarled and held up a hand. "I do not 'care'," she snapped. "I only know what was said and that I am here to be sure the matter is handled quickly and efficiently and that 'you' are the one named to handle it…do so," she growled, and pointed to the desk. "In the packet is all you'll need to know, if it is not, then you'll have to get it on you own, as this is 'your' matter…unless you fail, then it will become ours. Though as incharge…"
With a backbone that startled Nick and Na'isha, as they were much older then Vachon, Javier stepped forward, an air of authority in his manner, "Until several minutes ago, I was unaware that anyone other than 'LaCrox' was 'incharge'," he growled. He had more to say but knew it was unwise, not because she was an Enforcer, but because it was bad form to hang out your 'dirty' laundry to outsiders as it were and this little game of LaCroix's was definitely private. "As to the reasons for the mix up, I'm sure I'll get to the bottom of it. Thank you for informing me of this violation," he replied, sounding more like he 'was' the incharge after all. "I'm sure we'll be able to handle it without further ado," he finished, stepping aside, so the Enforcer could leave. It was a subtle gesture of dismissal, but one that anyone who had been around would detect; it was another surprise from the little Spaniard.
Na'isha once more eyed the young vampire, this time her eyes did not hold as much contempt as they had in the beginning, "see to it that it is," she replied coolly then with a nod toward Nicholas left.
"If I thought for one moment I could get away with it," Vachon snarled, and then started swearing in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and a couple others Nick didn't know, as they were lesser known dialects.
Nick didn't openly admit to himself that he was pleased to see Vachon not accepting this 'declaration' calmly. It showed him, Javier knew nothing about it, and that was what mattered, and it helped ease 'some' of the jealousy he felt inside. "I don't know what his game is, but I doubt it's to get you killed, not at the risk of smudging 'his' reputation," Nick quickly interjected.
This helped ease some of Javier's anger as he realized Nick was right. He stood silent for a long moment, and then wiped his face with both hands, and then, as if struck by lighting, he looked up and looked at his lover, a deep sense of concern on his face, and he moved and embraced Nick tenderly, "I'm sorry," he whispered, as he held his lover and soothed him by rubbing his back. He had been able to pick up some of the anger and hurt in the bound between them, even if he could sense Nick was trying to block it out. "I honestly knew nothing of this…" he continued softly.
"I know," Nick replied, finding himself soothed under his lover's touch. He allowed himself to be held while the silence continued along with the comfort. He wanted to know the meaning of this just as much as Vachon, but now was not the time. He leaned back and looked his lover in the eye. "We'll find out soon enough," he said, knowing his love was thinking along the same lines as himself. "But first, let's tend to business at hand, okay?"
Vachon nodded and moved to get the package and started to open it, then looked up to see Nick laughing. "What?"
"I'm sorry, it's…you were so…different, while she was here…I…," he didn't know how to put it.
"Oh…that," Vachon gave a tiny curl of his lip, no joy in his action. "I was not 'always' a bum, you know," he added dryly, refocusing on the package. He dumped the contents out. It was a floppy disk and some photos.
Nick, not sure why, sensed he had upset his lover, "I didn't mean it like that," he replied softly as he moved to stand next to Vachon and look at the contents as well.
Vachon sighed, "I know, I'm sorry. Its…I know I don't 'look' the responsible type, that doesn't mean I never was…I just wanted a century off," he replied, not sure if he could explain. He looked up at his lover and with hope, he continued forward, "Nick, your almost 800 years old, surly you understand, every once in awhile there is this…need…to change oneself…"
Indeed Nick did understand and it showed in his smile, "To recreate what is inside and explore other selves," he replied to assure his lover that he really did understand as he reached out and caressed Javier's cheek. "Perhaps you'll tell me of the 'gentlemen' I got a glimpse of earlier," he smiled warmly, all feelings of anger, hurt, or jealousy gone as he stared into his lover's warm and open eyes.
Vachon nodded and leaned into the caress and then kissed the wrist tenderly. "I'm sure we have a lot to discuss…later," he promised, then sighed and looked at the photos on the desk. "Here is your killer," he stated, his tone indicating he shifted gears from lover to business, something else Nick had never seen and secretly approved of.
Nick pulled up another chair and sat next to Vachon and looked at the pictures, "I've seen him around, he's a fledgling, but he has a crew, about three or four, if I recall correctly."
"Four, and his name is Saunders, David Saunders. I'm not sure what's on the disc…yet," Javier stated as he got up and moved to the computer and booted it up, "but if the evidence is clear, he'll have to be killed," he stated over his shoulder, his tone neutral.
Nick silently nodded, "yes, that is the law, and any of his crew that was involved."
Vachon sat at the computer and easily accessed the disk, and sat back in his chair, his eyes dark and troubled as he looked at the screen, "shit," he muttered softly.
"What is it," Nick asked, wondering what was troubling his lover from the information on the disk. "Is his entire crew involved?"
Pulling himself from thoughts far away, Vachon looked up to meet his lover's eyes. "Yes, but that's not the problem," he stated, his eyes looking back at the screen.
Nick was surprised to feel the barriers in his lover and in the guarded look of his lover's eyes, as he had never seen it before. "Javier, what is it," he asked, the use of his lover's first name rare and only when it was important, and now felt very important.
"He has a child, too," Vachon muttered in a cool tone, "who according to this is 'not' involved, though…it won't matter...tradition an all."
The contempt in Vachon's tone was definitely something new for Nick, and something he didn't understand. Nick also considered himself fairly knowledgeable of the laws as LaCroix pounded them into his head, but even he would admit he turned a deaf ear at times, and so he had to admit, he felt he was missing something here. "Why doesn't it matter, if he's innocent…"
Vachon looked up, the contempt seemed to move from the screen to Nick himself, then it shifted to astonishment, "the child is but an infant, not more than five years old…and since Saunders 'did not' have permission to bring him across, himself a fledgling, nor the child old enough to be on its own, the law states that it too must be destroyed with its creator; so you see, it doesn't matter if he's innocent, he's still just as dead," Vachon growled and got up from his seat and moved to LaCrox's private stock, totally not caring of the man didn't like it; he shouldn't have put him in this position. "And by law…if that 'Enforcer' is right, 'I' have to do it," he tossed over his shoulder.
"What do you mean, 'you' have to do it," Nick asked puzzled.
Vachon whirled around, the bottle of bloodwine in his hand, still closed, his face clearly showing his anger and frustration as he glared at Nick. "Damn it, Nick, where the hell have 'you' been for the past 800 years," he demanded, no longer able to hold back his temper to Nick's lack of understanding. A lack that he knew damn well was because LaCroix 'sheltered' him from it. "Don't you know 'anything' about the position of 'Elder' or 'Prince' or 'any' of its duties? My word, everyone knows that the only reason someone holds those positions is 'not' because of age, but because they are 'capable' of doing so, and if anyone tried to take it from them, they'd die in the attempt!"
Nick didn't like being talk to this way, not by someone half his age, "I know LaCroix is capable of taking care of himself," he snapped.
Vachon couldn't help the chuckle, "I am not referring to the fact that LaCroix is not, only that…" he shook his head, not sure how to explain it to one who should know. "Nick, have you 'ever' wondered why those in charge…Princes or Princess seemed…a great deal alike," he asked, arching his brow, hoping to prompt a response from his slightly naïve lover. Seeing he was not going to get one, he continued "They're a lot a like, because the 'job' makes them that way," he continued.
"What do you mean," Nick demanded, not liking being 'lectured too' by one half his age at all. "They'll probably all that way because they're all cut from the same cloth."
Vachon once more gave a light chuckle, though he seemed amused, he was not. "Perhaps yes, perhaps no, but having to kill one's own kind on demand can take its toll…"
"I'm sure there are those they can simply order to do the job," Nick smugly replied.
"Yes, there is," Vachon agreed, not at all phased by Nick's attitude, his own shifting to one from long ago as well, for he really could meet smug for smug or arrogant for arrogant if need be, and could do it with ease; he just never though he'd be doing it with his lover. "But the law makes certain demands to 'assure' a strong leader. One of them is that when certain vampires are faced with death, it has to be handled in person by the Prince/Princess or the incharge as it is now. Didn't you know that," he asked, already knowing Nick did not by the look in his now dark blue eyes. "Dispatching unwanted fledglings or abandoned ones, as this one will be considered, either way, 'must' be at the hands of the incharge…and in this case, according to the 'Enforcer' by LaCroix's fucked up decree…that's me," Vachon growled, and opened the bottle, held it up in a salute and drank from it deeply, before turning his back on Nick and leaning on the counter to hold him up, as he was not feeling too well.
Nick was stunned by this revelation, and felt foolish for not knowing this. He knew LaCroix sheltered him a lot from what he did, but he didn't know how much, but he was starting to get an inkling of an idea. "Are you sure…"
"Yes, I'm sure," Vachon growled, and then sighed. "I'm sorry," he said from over his shoulder, "I…" he shook his head.
Nick felt lost on what to say, but he could see Vachon was upset and he could offer support…and an apology. He moved and stood behind his lover and held him gently, "I'm sorry…I…I really didn't know," he offered and leaned his forehead on Vachon's hair, while rubbing his hands up and down his lover's arms, that was still holding him up.
"I haven't killed…" Vachon hesitated, and then started again, "I haven't killed an 'innocent' or 'undeserving' person in a…long time," he muttered over his shoulder, not looking at his lover.
"How long," Nick asked, though not surprised, he just wanted to prompt his lover to talk.
Vachon turned slowly in his lover's embrace and met Nick's eyes, "Not since I made that mistake with Urs," he replied, his lips pursed, then shrugged. He knew Nick knew of Ursula's story, how she wanted to die and planned on using Vachon as her suicide, but he had mistaken her wishes and brought her across. "After that, I…purposefully sought out 'bad guys'," he shrugged. "I didn't and don't have your stomach for animal blood, but the thought of hurting what I saw…see, as and 'innocent' bothered me too much. The discovery of bloodwine…it was revolutionary…on so many levels," he added softly.
Nick pulled his lover in his arms and wondered again how someone so young got so wise, but this time had his answer; the hard way. He then leaned back, "I do no doubt…anymore," he added softly, "your knowledge of the laws, but perhaps there is another solution…at least it's worth a look," he asked.
"I…guess not. But I wouldn't know where to begin nor do 'I' have a copy of them…Nick, he's totally blindsided me on this…how could he?"
"I can not even begin to say what goes through his head, but…I do know someone who would know the laws better than just about anyone, and the better news is…he's a friend," Nick smiled triumphantly.
Vachon pulled Nick closer and kissed him tenderly then gently leaned back, "then contact them quickly as time is not our friend. I may not know all the laws, but since the Enforcer was here, the matter is considered top priority and we must deal with this tonight, tomorrow at the latest."
Nick was about to speak when his pager went off. He pulled it out and groaned, then looked at Vachon, "Don't worry. I'll stall them and get a hold of my friend, do you think you can…"
Vachon smirked, "Yes, I can get those I need to gather them up," he said, knowing by instinct what his lover was about to say. Then looked serious, "I'm glad they are mere fledglings, as without 'proof' of…office as it were, only a few will listen to me…"
"I bet Rene can help you there," Nick replied, as he picked up the phone, his eyes narrowed. "Little happens that Rene doesn't at least know the basics. I also bet he was not supposed to tell you…which means…" Nick's eye grew even narrower.
"LaCroix knew of the violations," Vachon agreed, his own suspicions confirmed.
"Nick," Knight stated as he heard the phone picked up on the otherside. "Yeah, okay, I'm on it," he replied then hung up. He looked at Vachon coolly, though none of his dark emotions were directed at his lover, "Seems they struck again," he announced.
"Where is a good place to do this," he asked, needing to get some assistance as Nick knew the city a lot better than he did.
"The scrap yard, there is an incinerator there for the bodies," Nick suggested, feeling mixed on the matter. On one hand he'd love to turn them over to police, but they were vampires and needed to face their own form of justice, which was usually swift and fatal. He then met his love's eyes and could read his mind by that look alone, "bring the child back to the loft …it would be best to keep him separated and guarded until its over with…" Nick didn't like the idea that he had to leave this in his lover's hands as he had to go and play cop on a murder case he 'knew' who did it.
"Perhaps I should just get it over with," Vachon replied, his voice cooling as well, much like Nick's; both men preparing for what needed to be done.
A low growl came from Nick, as he was not at all accepting the idea of leaving Vachon to face this alone well. "No…" he snapped. "I'll meet you at the scrap yard after you gather them…page me," he ordered, his eyes showing he was not going to accept anything less then acceptance to his wishes in his matter, as he moved next to his lover and took his hand in his own, "We'll do this together," he whispered, his eyes softening, showing he would be there for Vachon through it all as he had promised not that long ago.
Vachon simply nodded and smiled, grateful for the support and the direction, for he had never done anything like this. "Thank you."
"Do nothing with the boy until we have our options, okay," Nick asked, knowing it would be hard on Vachon as well as himself, but as the Enforcer stated, if the boy had to die, it would have to be by Vachon…unless he could find away around it. He only hoped Aristotle could be reached and soon.
Vachon placed a quick kiss on Nick's cheek and then started out. "Mon coeur (my hear)," Nick called out and waited until Javier turned to face him. "No matter what…" he said, a small smile coming to his lips, "I love you," he whispered, hoping his reconfirming his love would give his lover strength to face the difficult task before him…them both really.
"As I you, mi Tesoro," Vachon replied, the light in his dark eyes only sparking a little, compared to what they use to be, then he turned and left.
"Oh, LaCroix, what the hell are you up too," Nick growled out loud, swearing that LaCroix could probably hear him. "I swear, if anything happens to him because of this…" he shook his head, for now was not the time, for there was little of that to be had. He had to report to a crime scene, get a hold of Aristotle and get to the scrap yard for a probable execution…it was going to be a long night.
Nick was filled with mixed emotions, for he had watched as Vachon did as the law commanded and dispatched the violators with a fierceness that had both impressed him and unnerved him…thus his mix emotions. Though he was there along with some trusted others to keep the violators put, Vachon had to do the final deed himself. Seeing his lover in his most primal was titillating and stirred the vampire within him, but the human was appalled to see such carnage, even though he himself had done worse in his time. Javier Vachon had such a sweetness and poetic aura about him, that at times he forgot the streetwise warrior that had lived a harsh existence.
Once the bodies were discarded properly, to assure there was nothing left of them in the incinerator, Nick remained silently by Vachon's side as they headed back to his loft where the next big problem awaited…Allen Edgewood, a permanent eighteen year old aka baby vampire. Though Nick had only met him for a moment to secure the young man safely to his loft, the child was…alluring, but not physically, but emotionally. He had this aura that made one want to protect him, which only made things worse for his lover, who already wanted to protect the boy, but if they couldn't find a loophole to the law, would be duty bound to destroy him…it hadn't helped that the boy hadn't wanted to be a vampire in the first place, but didn't want to die either.
Now both Nick and Vachon sat on the roof of his building looking down the skylight watching the boy, who still appeared too scared to move, slowly wandering around the living room, looking at some of the books. Nick slowly wrapped his arms around Javier's waist, standing close behind him. "We'll figure something out," he whispered in his love's ear. "Even if we have to smuggle him out…"
"To where," Vachon asked, though he held some hope in his voice and rested back into Nick's arms, allowing himself to enjoy his strength and emotional warmth. "He's not old enough to take care of himself…"
Nick sighed softly, "I'm not sure, but I promise…he won't die…not by us or the enforcers…at least no time soon, " he added, for that was all the control he would have over the matter.
"Thank you," Javier whispered, deeply touched that Nick understood him so well in this matter.
"We better get down there and explain things to him," Nick advised, then stole a kiss and then opened his skylight and as one, both leaped down…making sure to close it on the way down.
Startled Allen jumped around and wrapped his arms around himself, "I…I didn't…touch anything," he stuttered, his fear evident on his face.
"Try and relax," Nick suggested, "No one here is going to harm you," he added as he moved to get some bloodwine for them all to drink. He could sense the boy was famished, but his fear overruled his hunger at the moment.
"You…you said you'd explain…why…" his eyes indicated why he was there in the first place, having been grabbed up by these two vampires and dropped off here, instructed to 'stay put' or 'else'.
"You better sit down," Vachon stated as he sat on the sofa, leaving the far chair open for the boy. Plus he was hoping Nick would join him and was relieved when his lover did sit very close to him indeed.
"Here," Nick gestured to the large green bottle, which had human blood in the wine instead of his perverted animal. "I can tell you're hungry and we have a lot to talk about.
Slowly Allen moved and took the bottle, his need overcoming his fear. "Where is David…why and I here," he fired off, trying to find some courage in the face of this unknown.
Slowly Javier and Nick explained the ancient laws and how the others had violated them and what their punishment was. Vachon didn't think sugar coating it would be a good thing as he believed that being a Vampire had a rough and dark road and the sooner the kid was enlightened to their ways the safer he would be…or so he hoped. Nick had to agree, even if he wanted to tone things down, he knew from his own experience that being 'kept in the dark' would only come back to 'bite him' as it seemed to be for him, from all of LaCroix's 'coddling'.
Under the circumstances, Allen took the news quiet well…he went into shock, then ranted and raved in fear and anger then passed out from pure exhaustion.
As Vachon was overseeing the boy being 'tucked in', Nick was answering the door, having sensed someone there; it was a messenger from Aristotle…once again his old friend had come through for him and once more he owed the ancient vampire.
"What was that," Vachon inquired, having gathered two more bottles, one green one brown and settled on the couch.
Holding up the thick package, Nick grinned, "The laws," he said as he settled in next to Javier and opened the unmarked black leather case which contained a very large and thick books…it seemed it was going to be a much longer night than even he had planned.
End of Part Nine
Nick looked at Vachon who now looked like the Javier he knew…stunned out of his mind, as was Nick. He was also feeling a deep seeded growl of anger within as well; 'he' was LaCroix's son, there 'was' no other…not anymore, and definitely not…Vachon!
Stunned, Vachon was unaware of Nick's anger or silent reaction to the news. "I…I…I'm not…" he shook his head clear. "I am 'not' his son," he finally stated, trying to remain calm, unaware that his words had soothed a bit of Nick's anger. "I do not know why he said such a thing, but to my knowledge, only 'Nick' can clam such a position…"
Na'isha snarled and held up a hand. "I do not 'care'," she snapped. "I only know what was said and that I am here to be sure the matter is handled quickly and efficiently and that 'you' are the one named to handle it…do so," she growled, and pointed to the desk. "In the packet is all you'll need to know, if it is not, then you'll have to get it on you own, as this is 'your' matter…unless you fail, then it will become ours. Though as incharge…"
With a backbone that startled Nick and Na'isha, as they were much older then Vachon, Javier stepped forward, an air of authority in his manner, "Until several minutes ago, I was unaware that anyone other than 'LaCrox' was 'incharge'," he growled. He had more to say but knew it was unwise, not because she was an Enforcer, but because it was bad form to hang out your 'dirty' laundry to outsiders as it were and this little game of LaCroix's was definitely private. "As to the reasons for the mix up, I'm sure I'll get to the bottom of it. Thank you for informing me of this violation," he replied, sounding more like he 'was' the incharge after all. "I'm sure we'll be able to handle it without further ado," he finished, stepping aside, so the Enforcer could leave. It was a subtle gesture of dismissal, but one that anyone who had been around would detect; it was another surprise from the little Spaniard.
Na'isha once more eyed the young vampire, this time her eyes did not hold as much contempt as they had in the beginning, "see to it that it is," she replied coolly then with a nod toward Nicholas left.
"If I thought for one moment I could get away with it," Vachon snarled, and then started swearing in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and a couple others Nick didn't know, as they were lesser known dialects.
Nick didn't openly admit to himself that he was pleased to see Vachon not accepting this 'declaration' calmly. It showed him, Javier knew nothing about it, and that was what mattered, and it helped ease 'some' of the jealousy he felt inside. "I don't know what his game is, but I doubt it's to get you killed, not at the risk of smudging 'his' reputation," Nick quickly interjected.
This helped ease some of Javier's anger as he realized Nick was right. He stood silent for a long moment, and then wiped his face with both hands, and then, as if struck by lighting, he looked up and looked at his lover, a deep sense of concern on his face, and he moved and embraced Nick tenderly, "I'm sorry," he whispered, as he held his lover and soothed him by rubbing his back. He had been able to pick up some of the anger and hurt in the bound between them, even if he could sense Nick was trying to block it out. "I honestly knew nothing of this…" he continued softly.
"I know," Nick replied, finding himself soothed under his lover's touch. He allowed himself to be held while the silence continued along with the comfort. He wanted to know the meaning of this just as much as Vachon, but now was not the time. He leaned back and looked his lover in the eye. "We'll find out soon enough," he said, knowing his love was thinking along the same lines as himself. "But first, let's tend to business at hand, okay?"
Vachon nodded and moved to get the package and started to open it, then looked up to see Nick laughing. "What?"
"I'm sorry, it's…you were so…different, while she was here…I…," he didn't know how to put it.
"Oh…that," Vachon gave a tiny curl of his lip, no joy in his action. "I was not 'always' a bum, you know," he added dryly, refocusing on the package. He dumped the contents out. It was a floppy disk and some photos.
Nick, not sure why, sensed he had upset his lover, "I didn't mean it like that," he replied softly as he moved to stand next to Vachon and look at the contents as well.
Vachon sighed, "I know, I'm sorry. Its…I know I don't 'look' the responsible type, that doesn't mean I never was…I just wanted a century off," he replied, not sure if he could explain. He looked up at his lover and with hope, he continued forward, "Nick, your almost 800 years old, surly you understand, every once in awhile there is this…need…to change oneself…"
Indeed Nick did understand and it showed in his smile, "To recreate what is inside and explore other selves," he replied to assure his lover that he really did understand as he reached out and caressed Javier's cheek. "Perhaps you'll tell me of the 'gentlemen' I got a glimpse of earlier," he smiled warmly, all feelings of anger, hurt, or jealousy gone as he stared into his lover's warm and open eyes.
Vachon nodded and leaned into the caress and then kissed the wrist tenderly. "I'm sure we have a lot to discuss…later," he promised, then sighed and looked at the photos on the desk. "Here is your killer," he stated, his tone indicating he shifted gears from lover to business, something else Nick had never seen and secretly approved of.
Nick pulled up another chair and sat next to Vachon and looked at the pictures, "I've seen him around, he's a fledgling, but he has a crew, about three or four, if I recall correctly."
"Four, and his name is Saunders, David Saunders. I'm not sure what's on the disc…yet," Javier stated as he got up and moved to the computer and booted it up, "but if the evidence is clear, he'll have to be killed," he stated over his shoulder, his tone neutral.
Nick silently nodded, "yes, that is the law, and any of his crew that was involved."
Vachon sat at the computer and easily accessed the disk, and sat back in his chair, his eyes dark and troubled as he looked at the screen, "shit," he muttered softly.
"What is it," Nick asked, wondering what was troubling his lover from the information on the disk. "Is his entire crew involved?"
Pulling himself from thoughts far away, Vachon looked up to meet his lover's eyes. "Yes, but that's not the problem," he stated, his eyes looking back at the screen.
Nick was surprised to feel the barriers in his lover and in the guarded look of his lover's eyes, as he had never seen it before. "Javier, what is it," he asked, the use of his lover's first name rare and only when it was important, and now felt very important.
"He has a child, too," Vachon muttered in a cool tone, "who according to this is 'not' involved, though…it won't matter...tradition an all."
The contempt in Vachon's tone was definitely something new for Nick, and something he didn't understand. Nick also considered himself fairly knowledgeable of the laws as LaCroix pounded them into his head, but even he would admit he turned a deaf ear at times, and so he had to admit, he felt he was missing something here. "Why doesn't it matter, if he's innocent…"
Vachon looked up, the contempt seemed to move from the screen to Nick himself, then it shifted to astonishment, "the child is but an infant, not more than five years old…and since Saunders 'did not' have permission to bring him across, himself a fledgling, nor the child old enough to be on its own, the law states that it too must be destroyed with its creator; so you see, it doesn't matter if he's innocent, he's still just as dead," Vachon growled and got up from his seat and moved to LaCrox's private stock, totally not caring of the man didn't like it; he shouldn't have put him in this position. "And by law…if that 'Enforcer' is right, 'I' have to do it," he tossed over his shoulder.
"What do you mean, 'you' have to do it," Nick asked puzzled.
Vachon whirled around, the bottle of bloodwine in his hand, still closed, his face clearly showing his anger and frustration as he glared at Nick. "Damn it, Nick, where the hell have 'you' been for the past 800 years," he demanded, no longer able to hold back his temper to Nick's lack of understanding. A lack that he knew damn well was because LaCroix 'sheltered' him from it. "Don't you know 'anything' about the position of 'Elder' or 'Prince' or 'any' of its duties? My word, everyone knows that the only reason someone holds those positions is 'not' because of age, but because they are 'capable' of doing so, and if anyone tried to take it from them, they'd die in the attempt!"
Nick didn't like being talk to this way, not by someone half his age, "I know LaCroix is capable of taking care of himself," he snapped.
Vachon couldn't help the chuckle, "I am not referring to the fact that LaCroix is not, only that…" he shook his head, not sure how to explain it to one who should know. "Nick, have you 'ever' wondered why those in charge…Princes or Princess seemed…a great deal alike," he asked, arching his brow, hoping to prompt a response from his slightly naïve lover. Seeing he was not going to get one, he continued "They're a lot a like, because the 'job' makes them that way," he continued.
"What do you mean," Nick demanded, not liking being 'lectured too' by one half his age at all. "They'll probably all that way because they're all cut from the same cloth."
Vachon once more gave a light chuckle, though he seemed amused, he was not. "Perhaps yes, perhaps no, but having to kill one's own kind on demand can take its toll…"
"I'm sure there are those they can simply order to do the job," Nick smugly replied.
"Yes, there is," Vachon agreed, not at all phased by Nick's attitude, his own shifting to one from long ago as well, for he really could meet smug for smug or arrogant for arrogant if need be, and could do it with ease; he just never though he'd be doing it with his lover. "But the law makes certain demands to 'assure' a strong leader. One of them is that when certain vampires are faced with death, it has to be handled in person by the Prince/Princess or the incharge as it is now. Didn't you know that," he asked, already knowing Nick did not by the look in his now dark blue eyes. "Dispatching unwanted fledglings or abandoned ones, as this one will be considered, either way, 'must' be at the hands of the incharge…and in this case, according to the 'Enforcer' by LaCroix's fucked up decree…that's me," Vachon growled, and opened the bottle, held it up in a salute and drank from it deeply, before turning his back on Nick and leaning on the counter to hold him up, as he was not feeling too well.
Nick was stunned by this revelation, and felt foolish for not knowing this. He knew LaCroix sheltered him a lot from what he did, but he didn't know how much, but he was starting to get an inkling of an idea. "Are you sure…"
"Yes, I'm sure," Vachon growled, and then sighed. "I'm sorry," he said from over his shoulder, "I…" he shook his head.
Nick felt lost on what to say, but he could see Vachon was upset and he could offer support…and an apology. He moved and stood behind his lover and held him gently, "I'm sorry…I…I really didn't know," he offered and leaned his forehead on Vachon's hair, while rubbing his hands up and down his lover's arms, that was still holding him up.
"I haven't killed…" Vachon hesitated, and then started again, "I haven't killed an 'innocent' or 'undeserving' person in a…long time," he muttered over his shoulder, not looking at his lover.
"How long," Nick asked, though not surprised, he just wanted to prompt his lover to talk.
Vachon turned slowly in his lover's embrace and met Nick's eyes, "Not since I made that mistake with Urs," he replied, his lips pursed, then shrugged. He knew Nick knew of Ursula's story, how she wanted to die and planned on using Vachon as her suicide, but he had mistaken her wishes and brought her across. "After that, I…purposefully sought out 'bad guys'," he shrugged. "I didn't and don't have your stomach for animal blood, but the thought of hurting what I saw…see, as and 'innocent' bothered me too much. The discovery of bloodwine…it was revolutionary…on so many levels," he added softly.
Nick pulled his lover in his arms and wondered again how someone so young got so wise, but this time had his answer; the hard way. He then leaned back, "I do no doubt…anymore," he added softly, "your knowledge of the laws, but perhaps there is another solution…at least it's worth a look," he asked.
"I…guess not. But I wouldn't know where to begin nor do 'I' have a copy of them…Nick, he's totally blindsided me on this…how could he?"
"I can not even begin to say what goes through his head, but…I do know someone who would know the laws better than just about anyone, and the better news is…he's a friend," Nick smiled triumphantly.
Vachon pulled Nick closer and kissed him tenderly then gently leaned back, "then contact them quickly as time is not our friend. I may not know all the laws, but since the Enforcer was here, the matter is considered top priority and we must deal with this tonight, tomorrow at the latest."
Nick was about to speak when his pager went off. He pulled it out and groaned, then looked at Vachon, "Don't worry. I'll stall them and get a hold of my friend, do you think you can…"
Vachon smirked, "Yes, I can get those I need to gather them up," he said, knowing by instinct what his lover was about to say. Then looked serious, "I'm glad they are mere fledglings, as without 'proof' of…office as it were, only a few will listen to me…"
"I bet Rene can help you there," Nick replied, as he picked up the phone, his eyes narrowed. "Little happens that Rene doesn't at least know the basics. I also bet he was not supposed to tell you…which means…" Nick's eye grew even narrower.
"LaCroix knew of the violations," Vachon agreed, his own suspicions confirmed.
"Nick," Knight stated as he heard the phone picked up on the otherside. "Yeah, okay, I'm on it," he replied then hung up. He looked at Vachon coolly, though none of his dark emotions were directed at his lover, "Seems they struck again," he announced.
"Where is a good place to do this," he asked, needing to get some assistance as Nick knew the city a lot better than he did.
"The scrap yard, there is an incinerator there for the bodies," Nick suggested, feeling mixed on the matter. On one hand he'd love to turn them over to police, but they were vampires and needed to face their own form of justice, which was usually swift and fatal. He then met his love's eyes and could read his mind by that look alone, "bring the child back to the loft …it would be best to keep him separated and guarded until its over with…" Nick didn't like the idea that he had to leave this in his lover's hands as he had to go and play cop on a murder case he 'knew' who did it.
"Perhaps I should just get it over with," Vachon replied, his voice cooling as well, much like Nick's; both men preparing for what needed to be done.
A low growl came from Nick, as he was not at all accepting the idea of leaving Vachon to face this alone well. "No…" he snapped. "I'll meet you at the scrap yard after you gather them…page me," he ordered, his eyes showing he was not going to accept anything less then acceptance to his wishes in his matter, as he moved next to his lover and took his hand in his own, "We'll do this together," he whispered, his eyes softening, showing he would be there for Vachon through it all as he had promised not that long ago.
Vachon simply nodded and smiled, grateful for the support and the direction, for he had never done anything like this. "Thank you."
"Do nothing with the boy until we have our options, okay," Nick asked, knowing it would be hard on Vachon as well as himself, but as the Enforcer stated, if the boy had to die, it would have to be by Vachon…unless he could find away around it. He only hoped Aristotle could be reached and soon.
Vachon placed a quick kiss on Nick's cheek and then started out. "Mon coeur (my hear)," Nick called out and waited until Javier turned to face him. "No matter what…" he said, a small smile coming to his lips, "I love you," he whispered, hoping his reconfirming his love would give his lover strength to face the difficult task before him…them both really.
"As I you, mi Tesoro," Vachon replied, the light in his dark eyes only sparking a little, compared to what they use to be, then he turned and left.
"Oh, LaCroix, what the hell are you up too," Nick growled out loud, swearing that LaCroix could probably hear him. "I swear, if anything happens to him because of this…" he shook his head, for now was not the time, for there was little of that to be had. He had to report to a crime scene, get a hold of Aristotle and get to the scrap yard for a probable execution…it was going to be a long night.
Nick was filled with mixed emotions, for he had watched as Vachon did as the law commanded and dispatched the violators with a fierceness that had both impressed him and unnerved him…thus his mix emotions. Though he was there along with some trusted others to keep the violators put, Vachon had to do the final deed himself. Seeing his lover in his most primal was titillating and stirred the vampire within him, but the human was appalled to see such carnage, even though he himself had done worse in his time. Javier Vachon had such a sweetness and poetic aura about him, that at times he forgot the streetwise warrior that had lived a harsh existence.
Once the bodies were discarded properly, to assure there was nothing left of them in the incinerator, Nick remained silently by Vachon's side as they headed back to his loft where the next big problem awaited…Allen Edgewood, a permanent eighteen year old aka baby vampire. Though Nick had only met him for a moment to secure the young man safely to his loft, the child was…alluring, but not physically, but emotionally. He had this aura that made one want to protect him, which only made things worse for his lover, who already wanted to protect the boy, but if they couldn't find a loophole to the law, would be duty bound to destroy him…it hadn't helped that the boy hadn't wanted to be a vampire in the first place, but didn't want to die either.
Now both Nick and Vachon sat on the roof of his building looking down the skylight watching the boy, who still appeared too scared to move, slowly wandering around the living room, looking at some of the books. Nick slowly wrapped his arms around Javier's waist, standing close behind him. "We'll figure something out," he whispered in his love's ear. "Even if we have to smuggle him out…"
"To where," Vachon asked, though he held some hope in his voice and rested back into Nick's arms, allowing himself to enjoy his strength and emotional warmth. "He's not old enough to take care of himself…"
Nick sighed softly, "I'm not sure, but I promise…he won't die…not by us or the enforcers…at least no time soon, " he added, for that was all the control he would have over the matter.
"Thank you," Javier whispered, deeply touched that Nick understood him so well in this matter.
"We better get down there and explain things to him," Nick advised, then stole a kiss and then opened his skylight and as one, both leaped down…making sure to close it on the way down.
Startled Allen jumped around and wrapped his arms around himself, "I…I didn't…touch anything," he stuttered, his fear evident on his face.
"Try and relax," Nick suggested, "No one here is going to harm you," he added as he moved to get some bloodwine for them all to drink. He could sense the boy was famished, but his fear overruled his hunger at the moment.
"You…you said you'd explain…why…" his eyes indicated why he was there in the first place, having been grabbed up by these two vampires and dropped off here, instructed to 'stay put' or 'else'.
"You better sit down," Vachon stated as he sat on the sofa, leaving the far chair open for the boy. Plus he was hoping Nick would join him and was relieved when his lover did sit very close to him indeed.
"Here," Nick gestured to the large green bottle, which had human blood in the wine instead of his perverted animal. "I can tell you're hungry and we have a lot to talk about.
Slowly Allen moved and took the bottle, his need overcoming his fear. "Where is David…why and I here," he fired off, trying to find some courage in the face of this unknown.
Slowly Javier and Nick explained the ancient laws and how the others had violated them and what their punishment was. Vachon didn't think sugar coating it would be a good thing as he believed that being a Vampire had a rough and dark road and the sooner the kid was enlightened to their ways the safer he would be…or so he hoped. Nick had to agree, even if he wanted to tone things down, he knew from his own experience that being 'kept in the dark' would only come back to 'bite him' as it seemed to be for him, from all of LaCroix's 'coddling'.
Under the circumstances, Allen took the news quiet well…he went into shock, then ranted and raved in fear and anger then passed out from pure exhaustion.
As Vachon was overseeing the boy being 'tucked in', Nick was answering the door, having sensed someone there; it was a messenger from Aristotle…once again his old friend had come through for him and once more he owed the ancient vampire.
"What was that," Vachon inquired, having gathered two more bottles, one green one brown and settled on the couch.
Holding up the thick package, Nick grinned, "The laws," he said as he settled in next to Javier and opened the unmarked black leather case which contained a very large and thick books…it seemed it was going to be a much longer night than even he had planned.
End of Part Nine