Disclaimer: I do not own Dracula nor any of it's trademark characters. All originally characters are my own.
A/N: Sorry for the delay with this one, had temporary writer's block. I am not pleased with this chapter though, let me know what you think about it. Please don't flame me if you didn't like it, because I didn't either. On with the show...
Morriquinne slept through the next day, her dreamless sleep near driving her mad. Once she awakened she whirled the coffin open, it seemed as though since her change she could not do anything without bursting through it, uninterested in waking Vlad. She moved up towards the main room, sickened when she spotted the girl's still lifeless body on the cold floor, cast aside like a used rag.
Moments, if not seconds later, Vlad arose and headed upstairs to find Morri already in the common room, "Good evening Morriquinne, sleeps well?" he then walked coolly over towards the girl picking her body up with ease and carried it out the door. Moments later returning, the heartless task completed.
"GO TO HELL!" the distressed maiden screamed at him, brushing her fingers gently where the milkmaid had been, "What did you do with her?"
"Do you really want to know?" he answered in return, walking towards HIS bride, "Or do you want to feed?" he smirked licking his lips, hunger building within him.
"All you think about is feeding," she replied with disgust, rising from where she kneeled moving to the window, "It is revolting."
"We must feed to live. I can guarantee you this. If you go the night without feeding... if you stay in this room alone all night, pouting by that window... I will return and find you as dead as that girl," with that her turned and walked out the door, his purpose obvious.
Frustrated Morriquinne gave chase, shouting as he strode away, "I am not pouting, I am grieving for the girl you so heartlessly killed... Someone needs to."
Without looking back he returned her jab, "Let her family grieve. 400 years ago humans stopped being anything but food to me," he continued forward out the front gate of the castle.
Catching up with him, with surprising speed, he grabbed his arm forcing him to look at her, "That is not true... for if that was the case I would not be here now."
Stopping dead in his tracks he looked down at the woman holding onto his arm, "You are here, yes... but are you human? You may have been once, but you never will be again. Now, if only you could accept that..."
Cutting him off, "If humans were only food to you, I would never have become like this," she gestured at her current form, disgusted with it.
As they stood there on the edge of the woods, a deer ran by them, seemingly oblivious to their presence. It stopped a few dozen yards away to graze. Dracula glanced at the dear, then back to Morri, with hunger in his eyes.
"I didn't take a human, you were MEANT to be with me," he replied softly ignoring his hunger for the moment, "I knew it the first time I saw you," his blood was near boiling with hunger due to the closeness of the beast.
"Go to hell," the stubborn vampiress snapped, then calling softly to the deer.
She began to follow it into the woods, continuing to call softly to the regal creature. It slowly approached her allowing her to stroke its velvety nose, no fear emanated from this animal. Vlad watched her hungrily, deciding to give her the chance to prove her 'new' method of hunting. Even he had to admit he was intrigued by her actions.
"Hello my love," she cooed at the animal continuing to stroke it," I need you my dear, for I shall surely die without you," it bobbed its head up and down, pawing the ground gently, Morri tenderly brought her cheek to its neck, "Thank you my love," as gently as she could she sank her fangs into it's neck draining the animal of its life's blood.
Vlad could not help but grow extremely bloodthirsty and aroused as he watched his bride feed on her first real 'catch', then suddenly he bolted into the trees. With practiced expertise he pounced on a second deer grazing nearby, draining it quickly and then returned to Morri almost instantly. She turned to look at him, seated on the ground the lifeless deer's head cradled in her lap stroking it's nose.
"Either you take this to that family in my village," she demanded fangs still bared, "OR I WILL!"
He sighed obviously frustrated, and shook his head walking away from her, "Go ahead Morriquinne, risk your life. Learn your lesson and learn it now," with that he headed back towards his castle.
She scowled at his retreat then smirked to herself, "Ah, Vlad you have been keeping something from me."
With that she transformed, for the first time, into her bat like form alabaster skin glowing against the snow, talon like claws that made her appear more gruesome and dangerous than she actually was. The only colour on her figure was her auburn curls, red lips, and violet eyes. She then grasped the deer by its hind legs with a clawed foot flying into the air with surprising agility. She soared with an innate sense towards her village, almost as if her former home called to her. As stealthily as she could she flew towards a darkened dilapidated shack where she knew the family of her attention resided. Returning to her human form a ways out from the village she dragged the animal to their doorstep, leaving it for them to find when they awake. Then moving deep into the woods she changed taking flight once more returning to Dracula Castle.
Meanwhile Vlad was on the sofa of the common room, he was still and appearing peaceful, to the beholder obviously in meditation. For the first time in his 400 year life contemplating whether or not he had made the right decision. His new bride aggravated him more, if it was possible, than his long time enemy and opponent Van Helsing.
On that note his 'bride' burst in the door slamming it behind her, stopping in front of him she repeated her phrase from the woods, "Vlad, you have been keeping something from me."
"I knew you would figure it out eventually," he commented remaining physically as peaceful as he had been a moment ago, "But in my estimation you shouldn't be learning too much too soon, my dear," he stood tainting the endearment with his tone, "There is much for you to learn. But, just the fact that you were able to change two days into your transformation shows me the I was right. You were meant to be a vampire. You were destined to be with me."
"Or perhaps I was destined to be your soul... the good to your evil," she smirked crossing her arms over her chest. "Perhaps, but you cannot hide what you truly are," he moved behind her leaning in towards her ear whispering the words, "a killer... a predator. As I said before you cannot survive on rabbits and deer for all time. And my patients is wearing thin," he placed his hands on her shoulders almost massaging them with his fingertips, "My dear Morriquine, we are everything to each other... friends, soul mates, partners, lovers..."
"I am NOT your friend, and I will never be your lover," she growled baring her fangs, warning him to retreat, "If I feed from a mortal it will be one who deserves to die."
He couldn't help but smile, sensing her defenses weakening, her willingness to feed on a mortal coming around. He stepped back, responding, "It has been dark only a short time... let us go find a mortal who deserves to die, shall we? your powers will not come into fruition until you taste human blood."
"I will go alone," she turned opening the window, the desire to fly taking hold of her once more, "I cannot trust you not to take another innocent," with that she stepped up into the large windowsill.
"Fine, go... bring back your prey... we will share in the blood of a human this very night," he spoke with building charm, deciding that he would take this hunt as a good sign.
She threw him a pointed look and transformed once more, headed for a camp of murderers and thieves she had heard stories of in her village. It was a little past an hour before she came upon them, exactly as she had imagined them to be, makeshift tents and a large common bonfire in the center of the camp. To her delight she found them with a young girl tied to a large wooden pole. She circled once around the camp before landing in the center, looking very much like the predator Vlad had described. Her snow white form and fiery red hair caught their attention immediately.
She chuckled, "Now then didn't your mother ever treat you do unto others as you would have them do unto you?"
The first of the two superstitious thieves shouted at her, "Demon!"
"Now I am not the one with a young girl tied to a pole. Perhaps I need to teach you who is the demon here?" she replied swooping quickly at the two thieves snatching them quickly.
From the moment of her attack and the viciousness of her shake the men passed out. Dropping them Morri landed, regaining her human shape, she approached the wide eyed maiden who struggled with her bonds. Morriquinne could see the fear in her eyes was because of her and not because of being bound in strange men's camp.
"Please don't be frightened, I am not evil," she near begged the girl quickly freeing her bonds, "I may look evil but I am here to help you."
The only answer she got was the girl bolting as soon as she was free, not looking back at her demon savior. Morri sighed transforming once more, scooping the men, who were beginning to come to, in each taloned foot. She then flew back in the direction of the castle zooming in through the window. Dropping the men at her creator's feet, she landed regaining her human form.
The look on Vlad's face was of pure delight, "My darling you have done well," he smiled, moving towards the human closest to him, caring not of his offense or his origin. Realizing his bride was about to feast on her first mortal he stopped, beckoning her to go first, "Take him, Morriquinne."
She returned his praise with a hiss grabbing the smaller man looking him straight in the eye, "Perhaps you should pray for mercy now.." not allowing him to even blink, she sank her fangs into his neck, draining the metallic tasting blood from his body.
The older vampire watched in delight, a pleased growl escaping his lips as he looked on. As the second mortal began to scream for his life, Dracula dove on him sinking his fangs into his neck. Relishing the fact as he drained the man's blood he also drained his life.
Morri released her prey, and wiped a drip of blood from the corner of her mouth. She could feel a power envelope me and her green eyes glowed violet.
Stopping in her tracks she hissed at the Count, "What is happening to me?"
"Just enjoy it my dear, your first human blood completes your transformation. You are now fully coming into your powers," he moved towards her pulling her to him, holding her tightly, her breath caressing his neck.
She growled in response, fangs bared, "Release me," tried to pull away but he held her tightly in place, "You have something to dispose of," she pushed him forcefully from her, or at least tried to.
Still holding her tight, the glare in his eyes let her know she had only just begun to learn of her creator's power, "You are going to learn how to dispose of your prey young one," his eyes glowed blue, she couldn't tell from anger or simply trying to frighten her.
Not backing down she growled struggling with him hissing and baring her fangs. He also bared his fangs moving at lightening speed he had her pressed up against the wall. His free hand grasping her throat.
"It is time you learned your place, my wife!" he growled sounding like a caged beast, he tightened his grip on her throat.
"I am NOT your wife," she gasped through his squeezing, not frightened of losing consciousness knowing he was merely trying to show dominance.
He laughed, "My darling, my blood runs through your veins, my will keeps you alive. The moment you drank from me you bound yourself to me, we are 'married'. Our union damned by the devil himself."
She cried out distressed struggling against him, this only pleased him more, she was so alive. He had made the right choice, he knew this soon she would as well. But for now she needed to be subdued, she was too powerful too soon, using his body to pin her again he held her struggling arms on either side of her head. Without warning he sank his fangs into her neck feeding from her blood, which had been freshly warmed thanks to her feeding. A moan escaped her lips, which he assumed was of pleasure, his other brides had adored when he fed from them, but he was sadly mistaken when in a sudden burst of strength he found himself pushed backwards.
"GET OFF OF ME, BASTARD!" she yowled, eyes glowing as bright as ever, "That will be the last you touch me!"
She moved to storm from the room but was stopped by a physical tackle. Fear filled her eyes as she was turned to face her creator, he had changed to his dark winged form. She cried out struggling with him, fearful she might have crossed the line. Within moments he had her pinned to the ground, her face tight with fear. He then stopped frozen returning to human form... this was no way to win her.
"My darling Morri, please do not fear me. I cannot bare for you to fear me."
She trembled, her struggles had ceased, she had never seen that side to him. He leaned down lapping at the fresh wound on her neck willing it to close. As soon as he had healed her delicate neck, he released her. His frightened bride scrambled away from him, moving to the other side of the room near the window. He rose reaching an open palm towards her.
"Please my love, I never meant to harm you," he had never begged anyone before for forgiveness.
She remained silent simply staring at him for a moment before finally addressing him, "How am I supposed to know that. I don't know you Vlad, I know of you, I know what I have seen of you," continuing in an almost meek tone, "I knew the villagers you killed."
He was speechless, why was he feeling so guilty? What power did this woman have over him, he was supposed to be hollow. He was supposed to be the Prince of Darkness. But he still felt somehow like he let his bride down, that he had truly lost her and any chance he had with her. He came towards her, and she shied from him, flinching as his fingers brushed her cheek.
"Please Morriquine," he whispered caressing her cheek, "I- I'm sorry, I have not loved anyone in 400 years, I have not felt anything in 400 years. Give me the chance to prove my love for you. Give me the chance to learn."
"No."
She pushed past him, searching for a place where she could be alone. She heard an inhuman wail from within the common room as she retreated causing her to quicken her pace. She moved through the halls of the castle not paying attention to the twists and turns. Not caring whether she got lost. Somehow she knew where she was headed, something was calling to her. As she opened a large stone door, her eyes widened and a gasp escaped her lips, Thousands of shelves lined with books greeted her. The ceiling was at least 30 feet high, walls windowless the only space not covered by books was a fireplace, the mantle also had books lining it, and directly above it was a portrait of the Count himself. She grimaced as she saw him but was satisfied with the books, she could lose herself in them.
Moving to a shelf she pulled Othello from it, her favourite play when she was distressed. She settled into the large sofa, that faced the fire, curling like a child with her book. She didn't know how long she had remained in alone in the library, it had to have been hours before she heard the soft creak of the door opening. She knew he would find her eventually, or really come for her, somehow she knew he had known where she had gone.
He commented gently trying to remain neutral, "I've collected those books for four centuries," he smiled trying to coax conversation from her, "I have a first edition, in Shakespeare's own hand writing, of Romeo and Juliet." Morriquinne merely looked up from her reading and stared at the Count. She remained silent, no malice in her silence just silent.
He continued on a little frantic in his tone, "Life with me won't be all bad, Morri. You can have your books... this whole library is yours if you wish it," she remained quiet, "Morriquinne please... for all my powers, everything I have ever accomplished, it is all nothing without you. Please forgive me, be with me, be my wife and my friend, my partner and my lover."
Morriquinne still remained silent watching him with indifference, he fell to his knees, "If you want me to beg I will. I have never begged anyone, but if that is what you wish I will do it without complaint."
Finally speaking up, "I-- I wish to be alone," she murmured curling tighter into the sofa.
He sat there for a moment, stunned, no one had ever denied him. No one had ever shunned him that way. He rose abruptly leaving her as she requested, feeling beaten. He shut the door silently. As soon as she saw the door was shut securely she tried to get back to her reading, she found it increasingly difficult, as she found her vision blur with tears. She wept into her book, she needed her home, she needed her father. She made a decision the next evening she would fly to her village, she didn't care what Dracula warned her about, her father would help her.
As sunlight approached, she couldn't bring herself to sleep next to Vlad, even if it wasn't in the same coffin. She decided that she would be safe amongst her books, closed away in the library. Morriquinne settled against the couch, finding sleep a difficult task.
Meanwhile as Vlad Dracula felt the dawn, he moved down to his coffin, staring in shame and despair at the empty coffin next to his, "Damn her!" he cursed, "The very one to make me feel again hates me more than I hate the sun!" He moaned, gliding into his coffin slamming the lid. He allowed the supernatural sleep take control of him, and relieve him from his new found pain.
A/N: There it is chapter 7, I hope you liked it. Please don't flame me if you feel Morriquinne is a bitch and Dracula is out of character, I wrote what came to me.