Chapter 6

Unexpected Revelations

The next couple days seem to drag on as Arthur is barraged by conflicting ideas on dance décor. He and Terri are the only ones to keep the peace between the rival covens, all the while keeping vampires a secret. When Libby found out from Gabriela about the planning, she insisted on helping. Thankfully, most of her help is via text as she works, so it was a little easier. But not much.

Val and Cas insist on a black and red theme; black curtains, red table cloths, red mocktails, black napkins, black and red roses in the centerpieces. Meanwhile, Gabriela's crew wants a more traditional fall theme; gold curtains, white table runners, apple cider, gold napkins, and a mix of wildflowers and moon flowers. And stuck in the middle of this debacle, is Arthur. Seth is trying to be the middle ground, as is Terri, trying to somehow combine the two completely clashing themes into something that will appeal to both sides.

Arthur and Terri step out of the cabin for some fresh air. Terri lets out a long sigh.

"I will say amongst this feud, it is nice to be in this cabin on the lake. It's like a mini vaycay for me."

Arthur smiles and shakes his head.

"Just like Mom to see the good in everything. Honestly, Gabriela and Cas are acting like Murdock and B.A. And I somehow have to be the Hannibal that brings them together. It's been two days and they're still at each other's throats. No concrete decisions have been made. And tomorrow is when the Team gets here."

Terri puts her hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"Yeah, you have apples and oranges and you have to try to pass them off as one or the other."

"I'm gonna talk to Cas privately. She is worried the most about having a say. You and Seth are being troopers and trying to actually help me bring this together. I want to know what Cas likes the best about her theme and implement it somehow into Gabriela's. I get the sense she has done quite a bit of dance planning and so if I shut her down on some things, she shouldn't be too put out."

Cas steps silently out of the cabin behind them.

"Shouldn't being the key word."

Both Terri and Arthur jump.

"Perfect timing, Love."

Cas puts her hand around Arthur's waist.

"I heard most of your conversation. I really think I'm gonna just give it to Golden…. I mean Gabriela. I'm tired of arguing. It's just not fun anymore."

Arthur pulls away and turns to face Cas.

"Nu-uh. No way. I don't allow quitters."

"Hun, this isn't what I'm good at… Gabby's been doing this the last 5 human years. She's been class prez since 7th grade."

"I don't care. You tell me what you feel is the most important aspects of the décor. Give me a starting point."

"Well, All of it. I don't know how to pick any one thing."

Arthur grabs Cas by the waist and directs her into the cabin, nodding at his mom to follow. Arthur walks briskly into the cabin and addresses the dance committee, which is all vampires, as Libby is at work.

"Alright. Bring me the pics of everything. All ideas front and center, on the table now."

Everyone is caught off guard at Arthur's demanding tone. Cas and Val grab the black and red themed pics and plop them down. Arthur spreads them out into sections as Gabriela brings the autumn colored ones. After shuffling all he has in front of him, he speaks.

"OK, black curtains make good sense, we want it dark for the dance. Next, is the tables. The crimson colored tablecloths work great for a place named Crimson Beech. But lets put these white lace runners over them to create an elegant feel to the event. Now we move to the punch bowls. We offer both red mocktails and apple cider to appeal to everyone's taste, and add variety. As for the napkins, sorry, Venandis. Black is too bold and contrasting. So gold it is with gold cutlery and plates. And as for the floral arrangements, we do white wild flowers and moon flowers around the outside with alternating singular red and black roses in the center. Lighting will consist of antique style amber Edison style bulbs, to create a warm, charming atmosphere. Snacks will consist of charcuterie boards with a selection of fruits on one, meats and cheeses on another, chips and dip on another. There. That's how I see it. Everyone wins. Questions? Comments?"

Everyone stands in utter shock and awe. Arthur looks around the room. No one seems to be upset. They are glancing across the table at various pictures, putting it together in their minds. Val speaks, still in shock.

"I never even thought about the lighting or snacks…"

Gabriela responds.

"Because we were too busy fighting about it all. Wow, Arthur. How did you do that? I think this is about as fair of a set up as possible."

Everyone murmurs, looking sheepishly at one another. A voice booms out from behind Arthur.

"Because a good leader plans for every contingency."

Arthur turns to see Hannibal standing in the doorway. Terri grins.

"Surprise! They're a day early, so I told them how to get here. I figured Hannibal could help round this all up with you."

Hannibal follows up.

"But as far as I can tell, he has it beautifully under control."

Arthur moves to shake Hannibal's hand.

"Please, guys! Come in! How long have you been standing there?"

As the team enters the cabin, Faceman speaks up.

"Long enough to see you have a very nice dance set up."

Arthur smiles lightly.

"Well it isn't decided yet, I just put my opinion out there. Let me introduce you all. This is Cas, my girlfriend, her friends Seth and Val. And over there is my best friend Gabriela, and her friends Harrison and Nicole. Guys, This is The A-Team. Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, Sergeant B.A. Baracus, Lieutenant Templeton "Faceman" Peck, and "Howlin' Mad" H.M. Murdock."

Everyone greets one another, except B.A. who just grunts. Hannibal speaks to Arthur.

"So? Who's who?"

"I don't follow…"

"Well your mother said you had your own little A-Team going here and I'm curious to see our counterparts."

Arthur shoots his mom an exasperated look, and Terri just smiles back. Hannibal presses on.

"So I've gathered you're me, since you're the leader. Who's the rest of us?"

"Well, Cas here is our B.A.. They both have the same unique qualities, if you know what I mean. Gabriela is our Murdock…"

Murdock steps forward with his hand out to Gabriella.

"Hey Murdock, I'm Murdock. Nice to meet ya!"

Gabriela shakes Murdock's hand with a smile.

B.A. snorts at the act.

"Crazy fool."

Arthur continues.

"And Harrison and Seth here are runner ups for our Faceman. I can't decide who yet."

Face steps forward and addresses the two candidates.

"I think I can help out with that, Arthur. Gentlemen, what is most important about being on a team?"

Harrison and Seth look at each other for a moment. Seth answers first.

"Uh, listen to what the leader says and work together."

Face looks to Harrison.

"Work for the good of the group and the common good, don't argue over petty things and have each others' backs 100 percent of the time."

"Welcome to the team, Harrison."

Arthur is astonished at the sight, but appreciates Face's help in narrowing it down.

"Thanks, Face. And Seth, it doesn't mean I like you any less."

Seth smiles and waves Arthur off.

"No worries. Harrison's older. It makes sense."

Hannibal smiles at Arthur's team.

"Well I'm sure you didn't bring us own here for your dance, Arthur. So why don't we talk about why you called us down here. I saw the FBI on the way into town and you were so cryptic on the phone."

Everyone but Cas, Terri and Arthur move to leave. Arthur draws them back.

"No, You guys can stay. Especially the team. What I have to tell them we all know anyway, and I want you guys here. To help me. With anything I miss."

Everyone sits down but Arthur and Terri. He looks to her and she nods him on.

"Alright, guys. I'll get right down to brass tacks. Mom and I moved here for a fresh start. And as Mom settled into her job, she became grossly over-interested in these murders happening in the woods. So much so, that yes, now the FBI stepped in. But not for reasons you may be thinking. You see, the murders were committed vampires."

Arthur stops for a second. He scans the faces in front of him. His fellow vampires all have concerned looks on their faces. As for the team, Face has already rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. B.A. scrunches his face up in a grimace. Murdock is enthralled with Arthur's words, as if it's a fascinating story. Hannibal smiles thinly and crosses his arms as well.

"Now c'mon, kid. Nice joke, but what's really going on?"

"It's not a joke, Hannibal. It's the truth. That's why the FBI is here. To keep it a secret."

"That's one tall, stiff order you got there, Arthur. Really. Terri, since Arthur won't tell us, please shed some light for us?"

Terri remains serious.

"He's right, Hannibal. Show him Arthur."

Arthur shifts his eyes and grows fangs to prove it. The Team is in udder shock, except Murdock.

"Hey that's a neat party trick!"

B.A. elbows Murdock.

"Ain't no party trick, fool! This town's gone and made Arthur into a monster!"

Terri scolds B.A..

"No, B.A.. He's not a monster. In fact, you're surrounded by vampires."

The vampires transition one by one. Arthur once again addresses the Team.

"Now, let me start over from the beginning."

Arthur and the group take turns filling in the Team on the past couple months' events, vampire lore and how the covens and ley lines work.

"And that's why we need your help. There is another Creator just outside of Montreal that we need to take care of."

Hannibal sits back and processes before speaking.

"If what you say is true, then how can we be of any help? We're just humans. You vampires should have a serious advantage."

As if on cue, a text from Lewyn appears on everyone's phones. Arthur mutters under his breath before opening the message.

"Great timing there, Lewyn."

Lewyn: Emergency meeting at the Nexus. NOW."

Gabriela is surprised.

"Wow. Lewyn never makes an announcement like that. It really must be urgent."

Arthur dials Lewyn's number.

"Lewyn? What's going on? I have the Team here. And we were just getting them up to speed."

"Well bring them I suppose. This does involve our Creator problem."

"OK, Will do. Be there in no time."

"Thank you, Arthur."

Arthur hangs up the phone.

"OK, I guess we have something to do with the creator at hand. I have 5 humans that need transport. I need volunteers."

B.A. objects.

"I can move myself. I don't need no fool to carry me!"

Hannibal pleads the case. Arthur seconds the notion.

" Yes, but B.A.. You can't move as fast as these guys here."

"And the Nexus is a few miles away. And it isn't accessible with your van. If you want, I could carry you. Like you carried me when I was six. Remember? I had taken that spill off my bike trying to jump off those long steps. Landed and crashed headfirst into the railing. I was all sorts of messed up. Then you carried me back to the shop and patched me up."

B.A. smiles at the memory.

"Yeah, I remember. Hannibal told you not to do it, and you did it anyway. Just like now. Hannibal told you not to get into trouble, yet here we are. Some things just never change, do they? OK, sucka. You can carry me. Just don't drop me, fool!"

Arthur grins.

"Wouldn't dream of it, B.A.!"

Everyone pairs up except for Val and Nicole. Once everyone is situated, they take off for the Nexus. Just outside the entrance, Arthur turns to the team as they get their footing.

"Now, the best thing I can say for you guys is to just stay quiet and listen. No offense. Not trying to boss you around, but Lewyn and Astoria already have reservations about you knowing about us, and your actions fall solely on my shoulders."

Hannibal rests his hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"You've got point on this mission, kid. You're hiring us, after all."

"Thanks, Hannibal. I promise you will get all your questions answered. I have some ideas of how we can take this guy down."

"All in due time, Arthur."

When the group walks into the Nexus chamber, the rest of the Crimson Beech vampires are there and seated, as well as the Flagstone Cove vampires. They all turn to watch them enter. Astoria scoffs as she see the A-Team.

"So this is the great A-Team? An old man and three middle aged ones?"

Face stiffens.

"Wow. Such a warm welcome…"

Arthur glares at Astoria.

"This is Astoria on a good day, unfortunately."

An elegant tan skinned woman steps up from the shadows. She is dressed in traditional Native American attire reminiscent of the Creek tribe. A light blue long dress, with colorful horizontal stripes at the bottom with a matching shawl that covers down to her stomach and three quarters of her arms. She seems to emanate power, much like the Creator Arthur fought, but this energy does not feel hostile, rather tolerant. Lewyn speaks up.

"Yes, well we have to cut the pleasantries short for now, as our guest here has come bearing important news."

Arthur motions to the team to have seat next to Cas and company. He moves closer to the powerful woman out of curiosity. She eyes him, as if scanning him. She places a hand directly in the center of Arthur's chest.

"Ah, yes he is here. I am quite grateful."

Arthur looks dumbfounded to Astoria and Lewyn, who genuinely look frightened.

The woman turns to a small white board off to the side and writes out "Ohfvnkv" on it. Then she speaks.

"Oh-fuhnk-ihtuh. It is Native American, it means Creator in the English language. That is my name. However, you can call me Kachina."

Arthur interprets.

"Mythological creature."

Kachina raises her eyebrows.

"Very good. How is it you know the language?"

"I did a research paper on the Native American tribes of the east coast last year. I picked up some random words here and there. So what do you mean "He is here?"

Kachina turns to face the assembled vampires.

"As I have said, my brother Creator lives on in this man."

Gasps and murmurs echo across the chamber. Arthur is even more confused.

"Your brother?"

Kachina turns to Arthur.

"Yes. My brother Ziditor, whom you have vanquished, has transferred some of his powers to you in death, Mr.?"

"Arthur. Arthur Morgan"

As the two shake hands, Lewyn and Astoria weigh in.

"Ziditor is Roman for Creator…"

"And that's just how he looked when he attacked us. How is it that a Native American an ancient Roman can be siblings?

Kachina turns back to the group.

"All Creators are the same age, however, it's completely up to the creator to choose their preferred appearance. Creators on the west coast dress similar to your modern attire. You see, there are hundreds of Creators spread across the world. Most of them are awake, but a few still slumber. And while they slumber, their spirits can still communicate to those who are awake. When I sensed Ziditor was awake, I reached out to him. His place of slumber was near the Mississippi River. When he awoke, he was enraged. He thought the world was broken and unruly. I convinced him to not act upon his rage, and to meet me in Flagstone Cove. He complied, but when I tried to convince him of how beautiful the world has become with the human's technological advances and the vampire's keeping check on the populace and secrecy thereof, Ziditor wanted nothing to do with it."

Remus adds to the story.

"So he drew from our ley line and destroyed our town."

"Unfortunately, yes. I couldn't stop him. The other Creators wouldn't allow it at the time. That brings me to Creator Aldrich. He is the Creator slumbering near Montreal. He is also enraged and plans to wake soon. He had formed an alliance with Ziditor to take over the humans and vampires once more."

Remus mutters.

"So the rumors are true."

"Yes. And since Mr. Morgan has removed Ziditor from the land, it has only fueled Aldrich's rage. There are no more creators that currently desire human enslavement and destruction, Just Ziditor and Aldrich. The rest of the Creators have agreed to let me help in your plot to strike him down. You must vanquish him as well."

Arthur questions Kachina.

"So, don't take this the wrong way, but is this just a power play to take over their territory so you rule the whole half of the north American continent?"

Kachina smiles.

"My dear fledgling. I can see how you could easily think that. I am not offended, however I must educate you. Having that much territory under one's grasp is not an easy task. I do not wish to take any of this territory. Not to rule, anyway. Once Aldrich is vanquished, another Creator will be appointed to step in and oversee his territory. As will one be appointed for Ziditor's. We have one Creator in Antarctica, in which no vampires live. I have contacted them and convinced them to relocate at great personal expense. But we lack the second needed for Ziditor's territory. That's where I hope you will come in. Since you possess some of his powers."

Astoria fumes.

"Why would a fledgling even be considered for such a role?! I have been here much much longer and am far more qualified?!"

Kachina turns to Astoria with a glare.

"Neither of you coven leaders possess the level headed nature needed for such rule. You sit here bickering for a century and a half, never doing much more than shakily existing. And you, especially, Astoria do not possess the ability to see humans as anything but a meal. Be it known that with that attitude, you will never be Creator material. And be it also known that I am one of the more forgiving Creators. Your sympathy ends with me. Arthur here is human born turned vampire. He possesses the proper empathy necessary to be a Creator. And while in the end he may not become one, He still holds the power necessary for one."

Astoria sits lower in her chair, silent. Arthur questions Kachina.

"What powers? I am not aware of any other than my vampiric abilities."

"I am almost certain you are immune to the sun. You don't require ley line protection. Also, you will possess greater control over your blood lust. And I can tell you fed on an animal lately. That demonstrates the power to overcome primal urges and develop into a much stronger entity."

Astoria lashes out.

"Animal blood makes vampires weaker in the end."

Kachina rounds on Astoria.

"No it does not. Blood is blood. But prolonged feeding from one singular source creates a dependency on that specific type. You speak out of pure addiction. You feel weaker for consuming it because you're too narrow minded to consider it. Lewyn, you're no better. You may source your blood from a more "humane" practice, still you are no less an addict of said source. You both lack the mindset necessary to keep this delicate ecosystem of humans and supreme beings in check."

Lewyn and Astoria look towards the floor, unable to make eye contact with Kachina. Arthur continues.

"It sounds to me like you want peace and the world to continue as it is, am I correct?"

"Yes, Arthur. I know many of the other Creators, and we all want to leave the word as it is. It is only Aldrich and Zitidor that want to return to the archaic ways of life. Much like your coven leaders here, they do not embrace change."

"Well, I took Zitidor out by my own personal sacrifice. It is only because of my girlfriend and best friend turning me that I am able to stand before you today. If I would have known of another way to deal with him, I certainly would have considered it. But he just attacked. We were barely ready and not prepared."

Arthur throws his hands up and has a sympathetic look on his face.

"Yes, well be at ease, Arthur. Zitidor acted on his own volition and against the other Creators. You did what you had to to protect your own and keep world order. I am not upset, rather I am grateful for your swift thinking and sacrifice."

Arthur points to The A-Team.

"Kachina, these are my human friends. They're a retired special forces unit called The A-Team. They were fathers to me while I was young. I called them in to help me take Aldrich down.

Kachina eyes the men for a moment.

"I know of an A-Team, but these men are much younger than those I met in Los Angeles years ago."

Hannibal stands and addresses the room.

"Ma'am, if I may?"

Kachina waves him on.

"We are not the original A-Team. They were each of our fathers, respectively. We all grew up together when the original Team was finally absolved of all wrongdoing. The original Hannibal, my father, died in the early '90s. The original Murdock, Face and B.A. are still alive, but are permanently retired. We all wanted to be an amazing team like our fathers were, so we followed their footsteps in life. Only we were never imprisoned. We served in Iraq during the worst of the fighting."

Astoria interrupts.

"I still fail to see how these humans can help us."

B.A. steps up and addresses Astoria.

"Look, lady. Arthur told us all about your fancy fast healin' and special powers. But ain't none of them powers any good if you blown to pieces. I seen many a dudes blown apart by I.E.D.s. You got an arm over there, a leg up there and an eyeball in your lap."

Hannibal stands beside B.A..

"He's right. We may not be super fast or super strong, but that immortality of yours does you no good if you're no longer whole."

Astoria pales stone white as the men speak, then rises and swiftly walks out of the room. Arthur looks puzzled.

"What about any of that gruesomeness set the almighty Astoria off?"

Cas answers.

"Astoria's biggest fear in human life and now as a vampire is dismemberment. She can't stomach the idea. Kind of weird, seeing she has no problem killing. But I will say, she has never dismembered any of her victims."

Lewyn brings the discussion back around like he always does.

"Yes, well Arthur. I believe it's time to talk about that plan of yours. Especially in light of this new information."

Lewyn nods to Kachina. Arthur nods his head.

"Alright, here's my plan to kill Aldrich. But much like Zitidor, I'm sure he will have an army of creations. That's one reason I turned to The A-Team. Silver still effects the creations just the same as us. So if we were to either fashion bullets out of silver, or at least coat them with it, the Team could give us a huge advantage of cover fire while we work our way to Aldrich. As for him, I was going to ask Hannibal if he could get his hands on a few tranquilizer rounds. We could drain the tranquilizer and replace it with vampire blood, as it is lethal to Creators."

Face smiles and replies sarcastically.

"Right, Arthur. Because we can just go find all these items for you at the Army/Navy store."

Hannibal is grinning as he lights one of his big cigars.

"Awe, c'mon Face. It's about time you scam someone other than the IRS. Think back to Iraq. You could have that hardware in less than an hour. Kid, I like your plan. But it's going to take work and time. Question is, do we have it?"

Hannibal looks to Kachina for his answer.

"As of now, Aldrich is still asleep, but he has ceased communication with me, most likely because Zitidor must have told him of my world wide coalition. So I have no idea of when he plans to wake."

After re-assessing the plan, Face speaks.

"B.A. has a forge back home that we could use to coat the bullets. Hannibal has an M-60 and we have a few Scorpions we took home with us. But that's a lot of ammo. It's not a problem getting it. It will just take quite a bit of time for a couple guys to coat all that ammo."

Astoria enters the room and takes her seat. She appears to have been sick. Remus stands to address the Team.

"I could accompany you with Travis and Ben here. We can help with coating."

Hannibal questions Remus.

"Not that I don't appreciate the help, but won't the silver kill you?"

"Not if we wear heavy gloves and keep from direct contact."

Hannibal raises his eyebrows and nods. B.A. speaks.

"Hey Hannibal, we could just haul the forge down here. Then they don't have to worry about sun poisonin'"

"Good thinking, B.A. Now I'll have to get ahold of a contact in NYC for those tranq rounds…"

Face gets a squeamish expression.

"Oh, Hannibal. Tell me you're not talking about the Slovak?"

Hannibal grins from ear to ear.

"No doubt about it!"

"Well you're going to meet him by yourself this time. I'm not risking my skin for that crazy man."

Murdock sidles up to Face pointing to himself.

"But Faceman, you'll risk your skin for this crazy man, won'tcha?"

Face rolls his eyes and B.A. grumbles.

"We always riskin' our skin for this crazy fool!"

Hannibal addresses the room.

"We're looking at a few days' work here. We should be ready by the end of the weekend. We can travel back tonight and load up the forge and needed supplies. Face can get a lead on some substantial ammo and I will contact N.B. about the tranqs."

Lewyn speaks up.

"Is there anyone else with any other ideas? If not, I say this remains in Arthur's and The A-Team's hands."

The room is silent. One by one, the elders murmur in agreement.

"We trust Morgan and The A-Team with the task."

Lewyn adjourns the meeting.

"Dismissed. Arthur, may you and your team solve this dilemma and protect our town."

Arthur looks to Lewyn.

"It's not just Crimson Beech. It's the whole half of North America we're talking about."

Lewyn smiles thinly and leaves the chamber. All that are left is Kachina, Arthur, Terri, Cas, Gabriela, Harrison and The A-Team. Face ponders Lewyn for a moment.

"You can see in that man's eyes that he only cares about himself."

Kachina scoffs.

"That's why he is not Creator material. He is selfish and lacks empathy."

Arthur turns to Hannibal.

"Thank you guys for not running away screaming or trying to have me committed."

Hannibal places his hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"You presented us with facts, Arthur. Plus, you showed us. We saw. With our own eyes. I can't deny that this is certainly outrageous. But it's what we do. We're soldiers. And it's our duty to protect our country and our people."

Murdock leans in.

"Besides, having me committed didn't do me any good. I'm still crazy as ever."

A hearty chuckle from everyone resounds through the chamber.

Kachina speaks to no one in particular.

"I must find a good place to tap in to Mother Earth. I need to try to see if I can find out how to spy in on Aldrich through the earth."

Arthur responds.

"You should try the area around Cas' cabin. It's on the lake, and no real city noise to worry about. At the end of a dead end road. Very peaceful and serene."

"I am appreciative. I wish not to bother you, however."

"You really won't be. I have a dance to assemble and only a few days to do it. Plus, we can stay at my house so we don't bother you."

"Not necessary. I can set up my own camp in the surrounding woods. I will have to speak with you in the coming days about your plan. It is a good one, considering the resources at your disposal. But I fear without proper planning, even the best plan can fail. I need to teach you the ways of a Creator. Knowing how your opponent thinks is critical to finding his weakness."

Hannibal chimes in.

"Kachina is right. We need to be there too, so we know what's going on. We should be back in a day or so. Hang tight in the meantime."

Arthur nods and starts for the exit.

"OK, well most of us are running on very little sleep. Now that the dance is planned, we need to rest up and get a good start on it. We still have to pick up the supplies and coordinate with the community center so we can get in and get to work. So I want my team fresh and rested."

Hannibal beams at Arthur.

"I'm proud of you, kid. You got a great plan set up…"

Hannibal and Arthur finish the sentence in unison:

"And I love it when a plan comes together!"

Arthur turns to Cas.

"Got a second, Babe? Guys, I'll see you tomorrow."

Everyone leaves, with Arthur and Cas trailing out of earshot.

"I think I should talk to Astoria."

"Don't bother, Arthur. She is quite upset at you and your position right now. Her whole existence as a coven leader was threatened and made a mockery by a Creator. She is going to need time to calm down. Let's just go home and get Kachina settled in."

Arthur nods and lets it go. They meet up at the entrance and make their way back to the cabin.