Revenge Is Best Served Cold
Authors- Widow and Sayori
Three months...three short months since the bloodbond had taken place, and Cyric's life was hectic. Between having all two hundred and thirteen of his children in residence, loving Shido, and having a cranky, irritable pregnant vampyress on hand, yes, his life was now hectic. He loved it. There was nothing in the world that he'd trade this time for.
A smile curved his lips as he softly stroked the sides of his lover. Mid-morning, the house was quiet, everyone in bed. Cyric had adopted the night-living trends again so he could be with his songbird more. The younger vampire was not able to fight slee as well as he would be in a few years. Many times he had watched his songbird fall asleep while they were talking.
The young vampire was asleep, laying on his side, his head resting on Cyric's chest. Shido's entire body was relaxed. His shallow breaths were even, their regularity reassuring. He wore a half-smile in his sleep. He was dreamless but smiling anyway. About what, heavenly only knew.
Red eyes watched the sleeping form, touched with love and adoration. His...he still couldn't believe Shido was his. But he knew he was Shido's, entirely. That he did not doubt ever. A brief speculation of what his bondmates sire was doing - for he had been quite quiet since the bonding - trailed through his thoughts. Did it even matter? Cain had been thwarted, he no longer had reason to poke around.
Though nothing had changed physically, Shido laughed at his lover mentally knowing he would hear. Apparently, Shido was awake.
We have nothing to worry about, koibito.
I know, my songbird, but I wonder sometimes... The moving hand finally rested on the dip of Shido's hip. "If he did try anything again, I shall feel obliged to send Hysteria to him." The Vampyress would make the blonde's life hell.
Purring contentedly, Shido stretched, his arms up above his head, his body one long lean curve. He settled against Cyric again, looking into the blood red eyes of the other. "He would greet the sun, she would drive him so mad. She's almost convinced me bursting into flames is better than being in her moody company. She nearly took my head off yesterday, and poor Sai." He chuckled a bit. "He's just so clueless in his adoration for her. He doesn't think anything is amiss."
A throaty laugh left the Elder. "Sickening, isn't it?" Those red eyes gleamed, obviously teasing. "I can only hope the child does not have her temperments."
Shido looked horrified at the thought. "Oh god no, please!"
Cyric hid his smile and peal of laughter in the violet hair. Does she really horrify you that much, ragazzo?
Shido's chest shook with supressed laughter. "Definitely! And you should be scared too! Think about it, a mini version of Hysteria. She'll be beating up people before she learns how to walk. Learning to ride a tricycle, no. Her first set of wheels will be a dirtbike, then a motorcycle. We'll never have another moment of peace."
Shido's hair was no good at muffling laughter, the Elder noted. A menace to society, surely. She'll drag the Vampyre name even further down. An arm pulled Shido closer. Of course, you'll be playing the babysitter, as I remember.
"I never promised that!" The lilac haired vampire gasped, looking horrified once again. "She'll maul me. Or worse, get so attached she won't let anybody else near me! Including you, so stop smiling like that."
"She would never keep me away." Cyric dropped a light kiss on the others lips. "No one could."
Smiling, Shido snuggled closer. It always pleased him to hear that. He grinned like a fool everytime.
What am I to do with you, Shido? Since I met you my life has been upside down. Cyric loved him the more for it.
Your life needed some shaking up.His tone was so matter of fact, it was funny. Shido seemed to think there were no if, ands, or buts about it.
Evidently so. As if in reprimand, a quick pinch was delivered to the younger's rear.
Laughing, the younger vampire lept out of Cyric's embrace and off the bed. "You'll pay for that," he promised in mock gravity. Before his lover could get out of bed and follow, Shido slipped through the door into the adjoining bedroom that was supposed to be his. Too bad he never used it. It was lovely.
Playing tag naked? He was up for it. The elder followed his lover, prepared for a rousing jaunt. Aren't you supposed to be sleeping right now, my soul?
Not after that, no. Came the curt reply. Too bad for Cyric, he was allready in a pair of pants and out of his room. In the hallway, Shido nearly collided with Hysteria. Before he could stop himself he shouted, "Oh no!"
The bleached Vampyress raised an eyebrow. "Oh no? Is there someone your trying to avoid, Shido?" Her tone was deceptively sweet.
Cyric hung back, having snagged a pair of his lovers pants. It looks like you got yourself into a spot of trouble, honey.
Oh god... Shido was extremely pale now. "Heh, heh, heh," he laughed nervously. "Uh, no, no. I was just worried about.. you! What are you doing up so early? Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm hungry and there's no food in this forsaken place!" Hysteria narrowed her eyes, noting the pants. "If your going out, get me some food!" With a angry snort she stalked off in the direction of her room.Sighing in relief, Shido watched her disappear into her room. They had food here. "Do you think we should bring her anything, or just let her snarl until she finds something she likes?"
"Do you really want to deal with a angry and hungry Hysteria, my love?"
"No more than I want to deal with an angry you, koibito."
Red eyes glinted at the other. "I could never be angry at you."
"Oh really?" Shido smiled a little halfsmile. "You spoil me then." He wondered if hysteria's love was so lucky.
Cyric dipped down for a kiss, smirking. "Yes, you are, but my spoiled lover."
Shido's palm cupped the back of the elder's neck as he recieved the kiss. He was warm again, and it made him smile.
"Mmm..." The kiss was drawn out for as long as the Elder could hold it. "Shall we be going out today?"
Shido raised a quizzical brow at him. "In the day? Surely not.."
"Actually...quite surely. My blood flows in you now." Cyric took his lover's hand and pulled him in the general direction of the front doors.
Shido resisted, digging his heels into the floor as if he could grow roots and not budge magically. "Are you crazy..!"
With age came strength and Cyric was very glad of it when he tossed his stubborn songbird over his shoulder. "If you even become pinkish, I'll sleep on the floor for the next month."
"Wha-! Put me down!" The disgruntled vampire hissed indignantly. "I'm going to make you do more than sleep on the floor if you don't put me down!" He had just been tossed over Cyrcic's shoulder like he was as light as a blanket!
One of the Vampyre's hands was tracing the soft curve of Shido's derriere. "You'll be fine." He jostled his lover a little as he bounced down the stairs.
Digging his nails into Cyric's shoulders, the indignant vampire tried to gain some purchase and stop jostling around as gracelessly.
"You have got to be kidding me.. Cyric!" His voice rose a little as he looked over his shoulder and saw sunlight shining through the windows.
"Cryic!"
The Elder only hummed as they finally reached their destination. "Now, lets see if you burn or not." There was a confidence in the older vampyre's voice that said he was sure he wouldn't, and a mental undercurrent that let Shido know that he wouldn't LET him burn. "Welcome back to daytime." The Elder strolled outside, holding his breath.
"Oh god in hell," the smaller vampire hissed, closing his eyes. Seconds passed, a minute passed.. and nothing happened. He slowly opened his eyes, half expecting to go blind. He wasn't in pain, and he was outside..!
"But.. but, how?" He wasn't supposed to be able to stand direct sunlight.
"You're bloodbonded to me, remember? I can walk in sunlight, and so can you." Cyric let the younger Vampyre down to his feet, sliding his body down his own.
Too shocked to notice the intimate gesture, Shido looked all around him like he was seeing things for the first time. He even pulled away to walk around in a pointless and very confused circle. He was so bewildered, too much so for words.
Cyric watched him, able to see his lover in the sunlight for the first time. He was beautiful. Heaven itself is jealous...
Marvelling at the sheer novelty of it all, the lavender-haired vampire looked at his own hands, noting his skin wasn't nearly as pale as he thought it was. He pulled his hair around, draping it over his shoulder and staring at it. It was lavender. Oh god, gunni was right! His hair looked like a girl's!
The thought just occuring to him, he looked at Cyric. Smilng a little, he bit the bottom corner of his lip. Cyric was even more striking in daylight. He was beautiful.
Shido wouldn't have ever admitted it, but he was almost close to tears. He hadn't seen daylight, real honest to god daylight in... so long. He couldn't remember the last time he was out in the day, without skulking in the gray shadows of twilight.
Cyric opened his arms to Shido. "Come here..."
Breathless, the younger vampire buried his head in Cyric's shoulder. He was overwhelmed, really. This was too much to process all at once. He hadn't even looked at the garden in daylight yet..
"It is soon to noon, and I fear even my blood would not protect you then." Cyric buried his head into the thick lavender hair. By night you are a daemon borne to tempt me with mouth and body...but now...you are an angel beautiful enough to sway even the most stoic...
You're not half bad yourself, either. He tried to sound light, but he wasn't feeling as jovial as he tried to make it imply. He was lucky he wasn't shaking.
"Shh...nothing will hurt you as long as I'm here." Cyric raised his head, a faint smile on his lips. "Now, shall we fetch Hysteria her food?"
Raising his head, Shido brushed his lips against Cyric's chin. "If you want.." He would have liked to have stuck close to home this time. Sunshine was making him nervous. It would take him a little while to get used to it, though. He might as well now.
"Come along then..." Cyric took his lover's hand, raising it to his lips. He tucked the hand into the crook of his elbow as they walked into the town. "Everyone is out."
Indeed everyone was. Shido was surprised to see so many people out in the early afternoon heat. Then again, it was a better time to be out than in a few hours, at noon, when the heat would be the worst and the shade scant.
"Why are they all out?" He asked, laying his other hand on Cyric's forearm when he looked up at him. To anyone watching, it was glaringly apprent they were involved with each other.
"Why else?" Cyric smiled down at him. "Shopping. It is part of human life, part of their habits." He scanned the crowds, trying to find someone who fit Hysteria's tastes.
"Hmn," Shido replied, following Cyric's glances. He was unsure as to what Hysteria would prefer, so he just left it up to Cyric to pick out someone. Shido would have no difficulty luring someone back. He was very.. persuasve. And he wouldn't have to rape someone's mind to convince them. Cyric was a bit.. frightening. So pale, so dangerous to look at. The very air about him was intimidating. Shido was just more human-like, better to connect with someone.
"There...that man...over by the bread seller..." Cyric nodded in his direction. "He's what Hysteria likes."
The man was of the worst sort, with a long black beard, pockmarked face and dirty robes. He was eyeing the wears with hunger.
Shido's upper lip lifted at one corner, involuntarily. "Are you sure?" He wouldn't want to feed from him. God knows what was crawling about in his blood..
"Yes, Hysteria likes to feed off the more repulsive humans. Says it's tastier than the goody-two shoes." A smile of amusement twisted his lips. "I don't know why..."
"She can't be serious. Maybe she was pulling your leg when she told you that. I mean, look at him. He's not very appetizing."
Once upon a time, Shido would never have looked at humans as appetizing or not. So much had changed. It was unbelievable how much his life had changed.
"It is what she wants."
"Oh, alright," Shido sighed, squeezing the crook of his lover's arm before he began to make his way towards the smelly thing. He effortlessly manuevered through the crowd, barely brushing up against the clothes of the others. When he wasn't thinking about it, he could be extremely graceful.
Cyric watched him with pride, carressing his mind mentally. He was very pleased with his bloodmate, especially with being able to watch him move. He was so preoccupied with watching his lover he didn't notice the people scrambling away.
The only clue to the approach of something sinister was a momentary drop in temperature. Shido, so used to keeping an eye out for anything amiss, looked up just in time to see Cain appear beside Cyric. He felt his blood drain to the bottom of his feet.
"Cyric!" By the time he shouted, the blade had been buried into Cyrics chest to the hilt. The blonde he had feared for so long locked eyes with him, and smiled.
The expression on Cyric's face was one not many people saw. It was shock, complete and utter shock before it collapsed in on itself. The mental connection went dead, the red eyes dulled. Like a tape in slow motion, the Elder crumpled to the ground, a dark red pool spreading around him.
Numb with horror, Shido didn't move. He didn't move, he didn't breathe. When he finally had some sense return, he lept forward, intending to reach his elder, but his progress was abruptly halted. He chest connected with an iron-strong arm at a high speed, knocking the breath out of his body and momentarily stunning him. He felt a hand fist in his shirt and yank him up from the ground. Too stunned to struggle, Shido just turned his face to get a look at his captor. Cain. The only blonde devil, and he was still smiling.
"I told you I would have you again.." the voice he hated growled into his ear, the scalding lips brushing against his earlobe. "Sleep," the voice commanded, and overwhelmed, Shido was not able to block the tide of green that overran his mind.
At the mansion, every Vampyre had jolted awake. Hysteria and Aello were the only ones to grab their weapons and race into the town.
"Padre! Padre!" Hysteria threw herself to the side of the fallen Vampyre. "No!" She grabbed the sword but was stopped by Aello.
"Don't remove it, he'll only bleed more." The eldest child drew in a breath, upper lip curling. "Cain did this, he was here...he took Shido!" She longed for her bow to be by her side. "Get him home, now!" With that she was gone, tracking the other sire's scent. But there was almost no trace of him, only a very faint odor of musk and cloves. Shido's lighter scent was there also, attesting to what had happened. When even the faint odor and Shido's scent ran out, the Amazon continued on, relying on the weakening link all of Cyric's children had. Anger pooled, giving her more strength, more speed. How dare he! This was a declaration of war that would not go unanswered. Hysteria and her blood mate would go to the Council to recieve a formal granting of war. Whether or not they recieved it, this would not go unpunished.
Sai stayed by Cyric, worrying. Would Cain come back for him? Oh god, please no. Those years had been the worst he ahd ever faced. Besides, his wife.. their baby.. no. He would fight to the death to stay. He was determined to see justice for what had happened. And they needed to get Shido back, as soon as possible.
God.. what if he erases his memories again.. Sai shuddered at the thought, and the memories of how obsessed the powerful blonde was with winning Shido back to his side. He truly did love him. he wouldn't have tolerated any behavior like Shido's if he didn't love him. he had wanted him to return on his own, but that sentiment must have died once Shido accepted the older vampire as his master and love.
Hysteria stood at her bloodmates side, gazing down on the paler-than-normal face of her father. For her, Cyric had been even closer than her own birth father. He had taken her in when her Siress had been at her wits end. Instead of trying to force her to become the docilely seductive succubus Vampyresses had been portrayed as, he let her run wild. She loved him as much as she loved Sai, and the child still growing inside. "Sai...we're going to have to go to the Council soon...we have to leave tonight..."
"Someone should stay with him at all times.. just in case." Sai sounded angry. He never got angry, ever. He was too good-natured and easy-going for that. But he was angry, at the possibility of what might happen to his blood brother. He and Shido would always have a special connection- they were turned by the same vamnpire, terrorized by the vampire, cowed by the same vampire.
"Fehru will stay with him. If Cyric ever wakes up, Fehru will be the only one to contain him...he'll be very angry..." That was a very large understatement. "The Council WILL give us right to open war." She clicked her teeth together as she glared out the open window. "We have to reach them before Cain does."
"He has Shido now.. he won't be interested in anything other than winning him back to his side. Whatever it takes. Hysteria, I am afraid he will erase his memories again. It is the only sure way to bring Shido back to his side.."
Pink quartz eyes narrowed. "Father built protections for Shido, it might buy him some time, and us as well." One hand touched a cold cheek, wishing that her Father would leap out of the bed, full of righteous anger, ready for battle. "He's still alive, the bond may not actually be broken..."
"I don't think it's going to help much. He's a very determined man." Sai frowned, wanting desperately to do something, to fix all this. He wished he had been there to stop it. The two should not go out alone! But how were they to know? Months had passed without so much as a word concerning Cain. It was like he had dropped off the radar. That should have told them something. How could they be so unprepared!
Hysteria touched her lovers shoulder. "I know, Sai...we should have suspected...they were so happy though...it would have been a sin to have shattered it...especially when..." When she had been the one that had snapped at Shido, telling him to get her food. Sharp fangs buried in her colorless lip, biting back the guilt.
"Its not your fault, Hysteria," Sai said firmly, looking sharply at her. "Don't even think that. He would have found some other way to get at them. Trust me." Cain was like a pitbull or a petulent child, he would not give up until he had what he wanted.
She bowed her head to the Vampyre's words. The guilt was still there, would be there until she did something to help. "I'll...start packing..." Hysteria left quietly, heels clicking on the marble floor.
Sai watched Cyric's still form for a little longer, the went to help his mate, anger brewing slowly in his gut.
Sayori's extra comment:
Im so glad to see our fans are back. I really appreciate your loyalty. I cant describe how happy it makes me to know this story is popular and well-loved. Im so humbled. Thank you all. The majority of the next chapter I will have written by myself, so if you don't like it, blame me. I will have it up as soon as I can.
Thank you and good night.