Kira remained quiet, she kept back, waiting for the majority of the masses to leave before trying to make it back to the hotel. If anyone planning anything was remaining back for recon this was the time they would loosen their disguises and make mistakes. Well-trained infiltrators would not likely make them, but inexperienced ones would, making it easier to find and follow them. After what Carmilla announced during the meeting Kira had no doubt in her mind protesting humans would not take that quietly and those who were less than peaceful would act quickly.
It was not as though she had been completely secluded and protected from went on in the open world. Kira admits she had turned a blind eye, she had become complacent, docile; domesticated. Her parents trained them to survive, she survived by obedience because it was her best chance, but that life was not something that could last forever. It was not a matter of if, but when Carmilla grew tired of her and when she did...Kira knew too much. She would be disposed of, if not by Carmilla then by someone else who believed she knew too much; Wolfgang probably jump at the chance to kill her. At least he would make it quick and be done with it, though having her neck snapped and body left in a ditch somewhere was less than appealing.
No. Kira thought to herself, continuing to watch the people, unaware of her phone ringing in her back pocket. I won't be killed by them, I won't be livestock. She needed to break free from the delusion she would die peacefully, that was never an option, not for her, not as a human in the world of vampires and most certainly not being the property of the Empress of them. Carmilla doesn't seem like she'll lose interest in me anytime soon, but that can change in an instant. If that were to happen she would need help to escape, not just from a human, but a powerful vampire. She thought of Eona and a knot in her stomach formed. Logically, for the sake of survival Eona Tepes was her best chance, the Pureblood Princess of the Empire, even when Carmilla tosses her aside, if Eona still held any interest in her she would try to take Kira for herself.
Why then, did the idea of using Eona make her sick? Eona could be her ticket out of death's doorway, she could be persuaded to take Kira away from the Palace and then escape at the best opportunity. She could find her way into the human-controlled territories where vampire influence was held off by members of The Last Stand. Human resistance fighters dedicated to the freedom of mankind from vampire domination. Humans and ex-humans alike all fighting together to repeal the Empire. Kira often thought their fight meaningless in the end. Perhaps that was her bitterness toward her father leaving them to fight the vampires talking. I never did see him again. She frowned. And I never will.
There were no letters, no signs or signals. He left, not even saying goodbye to his children before he left them alone to go play hero. They were left alone, left to be hunted, to be found, he said those woods were the safest than anywhere else they had ever been-that was a lie. Kira does not even remember his face, not that she ever tried to remember it, but his lessons, his training that prepared them allows him to live on in her. Learning to track, to hunt animals and survive in the forests with little to nothing. To hide one's scent, one's presence, going so far as to teach them sign language to go without sound; Kira remembered that he had tried to master slowing and even stopping his heart to avoid detection.
She never quite got that down.
The Last Stand was without a doubt here in the city, they were likely in every city, vampire controlled or not, but with the Imperial Family's presence the stakes were higher. Kira knew if she were to plan an attack, a vast city such as New York would be it. The block could be the most secure place on Earth, but it would not stop a sniper and there were more than enough people human or former willing to sacrifice their lives even for the chance at giving an opening to the Empress or even Eona. With both present it makes the chances of at least one success greater, but also the possibility of failure greater as well, as assets would have to be divided to cover both if that was the plan.
What would she do if what she thought was correct? Who would believe her? The Imperial Guard give her no regard, Wolfgang would probably rather see her be the first to get shot or thrown from a building.
Kira pulled her phone from her pocket, seeing two missed calls and three messages. Two from Eona and one from Carmilla. How likely was it they would listen to a human based on a 'feeling'? Against their own professional guard not to mention having to find a way to avoid mentioning the vampire with cat-like eyes. He was someone Kira had every intention of learning more about, without their help, even if she had to use unsavory means to do it. It was mainly a matter of not getting caught.
Should she even say something? If Carmilla were to somehow die...Eona would become Empress. There's no way, they're too strong, there's too many guards. Kira read the first two messages, conflict growing in her mind. Her neck began to irritate her, her fingers cold and clammy. If they died...she could run, she would be free and no one would hunt her down. The cage would be broken, humanity could be free and all she had to do was keep silent.
She clenched the phone, reading the messages again when walking outside.
Lady Eona:
Jake and I want to go to the bar later. You in?
You okay?
Lady Carmilla:
When will you return?
Kira blew out a humored huff, looking up at the hotel.
"And you're sure about this?" Carmilla asked in contemplation, Eona standing with Jake beside her in the kitchen.
Kira frowned, swallowing when taking a deep breath, "I'm sure. I-I know I don't really have evidence and the guard has everything covered, but-"
Jake came in, "But you know humans."
Nodding, "I know The Last Stand, I know what they're willing to do anything to kill the two of you. All in the name of mankind's freedom." She was slightly ashamed of what she was about to say, admitting a part of her had thought this through, "It's what I would do."
Carmilla stood from the couch, she walked to Wolfgang, speaking to him in German. Whatever he said had him leave the suite and talk through his ear piece as he exited. The Empress came back from the door, toward Kira, who unconsciously stepped back in fear. She dropped her head down, averting Carmilla's crimson eyes. Stopping in front of the human, the Empress did not take her eyes off Kira when speaking to Jake and Eona.
"Give us a moment." She said in a tone of request than command.
Eona nodded, passing Kira and Carmilla, the Pureblood and the human's eyes meeting for a moment. Kira had such sad eyes when looking at her. The two left, waiting just outside the door having no sense of fear for Kira's safety, but in light of what she said they decided staying apart was not the best until they had a plan.
Carmilla gently rose Kira's eyes to meet her own. Though Kira's sky blue held a raging storm within them, conflict threatening to destroy her from with, that storm was beginning to ease when looking at the vampire's. She was not disappointed, not angry, not lustful...Carmilla was proud of Kira.
"I had always known your actions were dictated by your sense of self-preservation. Doing whatever necessary to survive the Game, no matter the personal cost, shutting off your emotions and hardening your heart." Carmilla said quietly, "You, as I, put on a mask to show the world, hiding our true selves even from those who have known us all our lives."
Kira was stunned and confused altogether.
"I often thought your growing obedience over the years was an acceptance of your stature in our society and another survival technique you used, I see now I was wrong. Your understanding and manipulation of the Game is unparalleled for one your age and kind." Said Carmilla as she gently touched Kira's exposed arm, causing goosebumps.
There was conflict in her, that much was clear, the deeply seeded hatred and resentment of the vampire ingrained in every human. Hers was a scar even deeper, her family slaughtered before her very eyes, bought like an animal, raised as servant, nearly killed and turned. And yet, despite all this, she stood before the Empress of the Immortal, desiring to save her life. No other human with such experience would ever rationally make such a decision meaning there was something more.
Carmilla smiled affectionately, "I would hope that one day...you will come to trust me enough to show me your true self." The vampire said warmly, "After what you have shown me today, you have my complete trust and confidence." She chuckled, "Not that I ever doubted it. Your motivations behind it-"
Changing the subject, "May I ask you something?"
"Of course." Carmilla stepped back leaning against the back of the couch.
"Are all vampire's eyes red?"
Blinking a few times Carmilla tilted her head, "If they have transitioned completely yes. An ex-human obtains red eyes after completing their transition, they cease aging completely and look and have the strength, healing and speed of the average immortal. An exception lies only with an ex-human who has resisted drinking human blood. Though they possess the powers of a vampire, they age and retain the same color eyes they had when fully human." The Empress frowned, "Why do you ask?"
"What about a vampire with red, cat-like eyes?"
Carmilla's face instantly changed; pure shock and for the first time in her entire life...Kira saw fear in the vampire's eyes.
"How-"
An explosion shook the building, Kira staggered back and forth, losing her balance. Carmilla caught her, pulling her into her body, holding her tightly until the shaking ceased. The doors burst open, Eona appeared in an instant, Jake raising ice to entrap the attackers. The Empress moved in front of the human, taking her hand into her own, pushing her behind without releasing her grip.
"How many?"
Eona shook her head, "We don't know, communications are being jammed, three just came out of the elevator. They threw flash grenades the same time as another device being detonated and killed two guards." She explained, glancing at Kira, "We need to get you out of here-"
Carmilla's grip tightened, "Kira is going nowhere, my side is the safest she can be."
"This is not the time or place for your pride and possessiveness!" Eona snapped angrily, "It's dangerous, Kira isn't like us she's-"
The air around them grew heavy, the power of two Purebloods thick, crushing those who could sense it in overwhelming pressure. Something Kira too began to feel and be crushed by.
"I am fully aware what she is and is not Eona." Carmilla threatened, "You would be wise to remember the same." She emphasized the last part, the moment she did Eona expression twisted into something shameful, enough that she could not even look at Kira again.
She did not know why Eona gave such a...guilty expression, but despite the anger, the fear in this moment, she hated seeing this woman wear it. Kira broke free from Carmilla's grasp, coming between the two Tepes women her hands out to brace against the them to keep them seperate.
"Stop it, both of you!"
Wolfgang and the others entered the room.
Kira turned to Carmilla quietly speaking, "She's right, I can't be here, I'll just be a liability. If LSA realizes you're protecting me, they'll target me, trying to get to you. I can't..." She clenched her fists, "That's not good for any of us."
Carmilla frowned, "You have never seen me in battle." She grabbed Kira's hand and pulled her closer, "There is a reason I am called the Red Queen."
Eona hesitated.
"I'm not saying you can't protect me...I'm saying...I don't want you to be seen protecting a human, if people think you're favoring me..." Kira had already thought this part through, but Carmilla's desire to protect her personally was not what she expected.
Knowing the Empress's opinion of their relationship was exceeding a physical contract frightened Kira. She had deflected the subtle hints the vampire seemed to be creating, hoping that she was simply reading into something that did not exist. What she just said and did changed that, it...complicated things. If people noticed the Carmilla's public displays of affection it would be seen as a weakness of the Empress and without a doubt Kira's life would be target just to get to her. She could not allow those emotions to interfere with her survival, she had to be smart about this, had to somehow convince Carmilla it is her own idea to keep this changing relationship a secret. Telling her outright would make her laugh, her confidence in her abilities as an immortal would have her disregard Kira's lack of them.
Taking a deep breath Kira explained a part of her method of survival, "I excel at the Game because I'm invisible. People don't notice me, don't target me and as long as I can keep going unnoticed I can gather information, I can warn you again of an attack like this." The human expressed as another explosion rocked the building.
Wolfgang came closer, removing from his overcoat a Desert Eagle pistol handing it to Kira. She stared at him for a moment, he gestured the pistol in his hand for her to take it and she did, lifting her shirt and putting it between the small of her back and her waist belt.
"There's an emergency exist-"
Kira walked past him, going to the bodies of the humans killed by the guards. Beside them were piles of clothes, ashy sand in a pile within. The remains of a vampire. She looked at the bloodied remains of the humans, their throats torn out, bodies full of bullet holes. Her stomach turned, but she had to ignore it. It was not the first time she had seen dead bodies and most certainly would not be the last, but it did not make it easier. Kira looked to the human, locked in ice, her head the only thing not locked in a prison of ice.
"Fucking traitor-" Though she wore a ski mask, her mouth was frozen shut by Jake.
"What are you doing?" The Noblemen asked.
Kira found what she was looking for, an encrypted radio, functional and unaffected by the jamming device. She held it up to the vampire, then grabbed another from the other corpse.
"These are short-range radios, old ones that only match each other, but aren't affected by jamming." She explained, clipping one to her belt, grabbing the jacket of the human and pulling it off, "They won't be on the same channel, they'll probably change every few minutes, don't speak just listen or they'll dump the radios altogether."
Carmilla came out, Wolfgang and Eona watched astonished.
"How do you know this?" Wolfgang asked suspiciously.
Kira stood up, taking a sheathed knife from the corpse's side. She looked at it, seeing the red band around its handle and attached it to her own belt.
"I wasn't born in the Palace." Kira answered first putting her hair up, reaching down she looked at an exposed arm, seeing a tattoo of a red band around their wrist.
She wished she had a bow and arrow, "Anyone who managed to escape the Red Night learned quickly how to survive."
That's how they tell their members hmm? She thought, discreetly dipping her hand in their blood. It would be used later to mark herself in order to avoid confrontation with actual members.
"When I was free, we avoided being caught by Human Hunters for three years." She said matter-of-fact pushing back any memories of that time.
Survival was more important that memories long gone and a time that would never return. Right now she needed to get out of this building, needed to separate herself from the Imperial Family. No matter if LSA had not connected her to the family, it was only a matter of time; she needed to flee; hide her face so none would recognize her. If I can get out of the building without any of the guard then it would be possible. Kira face changed. I could disappear in the crowd. She thought of the bright blue sky, endless green fields, unbound; living outside a gilled cage. If I leave here...I would be free.
She thought of that, thought of the forests they once ran through, the snow they played in. She thought of being younger, of going to school, back before the world drowned in the blood and flame of the apocalypse. Deep within her, a thought surfaced, a feeling that coursed from her core from layers beneath pulsing the markings on her neck. If she left, she would never see them again. Eh? Her heartbeat pounded in her chest. Am I...having second thoughts?
That should not be happening, she did everything to cut herself from developing any emotional ties to them. She constantly reminded herself they were vampires, they were the enemy—they murdered her entire family in front of her for god's sake! How could she possibly hesitate at what could be her one and only opportunity to escape? She should be jumping at the seams and yet right now she is hesitating? Her thoughts turned to the Stigma. Did this...sire me to them?!
Carmilla stared at Kira deep in thought, but then it changed. At first the vampire was admiring her confidence, her tact and her ability to analyze the situation and come up with a solution. She knew Kira was doing all this to save her own life, that right now she valued her own over her fellow man and that made it all the sweeter. This woman was willing to sacrifice anything, do anything, in order to survive. Kira chose the vampire over humanity, making her one step closer to where Carmilla wanted her to be.
And yet, right now Kira's expression changed; a realization of something. Carmilla had a feeling it did not have to do with their current situation. She had touched the Stigma on her neck, hidden beneath the scarlet scarf. Something else was amiss, a great fear had taken her.
"If excelling at the Game means you being unprotected and in danger I will not allow it." Carmilla commanded with no room for debate.
As Eona and Wolfgang spoke of possible exists, Carmilla placed a cool hand on the Stigma, "Stay close to me."
Nodding in defeat, Kira frowned, unsettled by the fact that her mind wished to flee, but her body would betray her. The Stigma bound her to the Imperial Family, to Carmilla, but Kira hated to think that it may not even be the Stigma. It was easier to blame it, to use it as a cause for her hesitation in leaving. Rationally, she should want to escape, she was a human and they the vampire. And yet, despite the atrocities she has seen, she herself has committed...a part of her did not want to leave, neither Carmilla nor Eona.
They made their way down the stairs from the Penthouse. The gunfire closing in with every floor they descended. Eventually the small band was forced to exit on a lower level, the stairs collapsed and another set further down being seen ridged with explosives.
Wolfgang glanced at Kira who was only slightly affected by the danger. She really does know what she is talking about. He narrowed his eyes. Based on her age, she would have only a couple years of experience to learn how to evade Human Hunters. We know nothing about her origins and family beyond where she was captured. The Commander took point, dashing down the hallways, grabbing a human combatant and snapping his neck. Not even her real name—has she been hiding it to hide her relation to the rebels? The thought came to him: child soldiers were developed and used during the war. Considering she had killed another human being when the Empress chose her showed she was already equipped with some combat knowledge, nevertheless her skills with a bow are impeccable and dangerous.
If she was a spy, she would be acting on orders far outdated and The Last Stand Army was not even formally formed till years after the war's end from survivors of military branches and freedom fighters. If Kira was somehow a spy, she could not possibly acting on orders anymore—since the beginning she had been trying to escape the Palace and now...she has not once gone against the Empress nor Eona. Still...it was unsettling that both Tepes women have an eye for a single human.
A group of fighters threw a grenade from a hotel room. Jake threw up a wall of ice, Eona grabbed Kira, shielding her with her body as Carmilla rose her hand. The Explosion was deflected, the humans came out, gun blaring; Eona used her manipulation of wind to slow the bullet's velocity until they dropped. Carmilla caused the bodies of the enemy to twist and split. The sound of bone snapping, fleshing tearing as she manipulated their blood, ripping it from the rebel's bodies as she screamed in pain and agony.
They were raised into the air, suspended by Carmilla, their blood controlled by the Empress. She pulled their veins from their muscles, wrapped it around their bones and arteries as she strangled them from within. Blood poured from all places; eyes, ears, nose, mouth; drenching their clothes. Kira watched their fate, remembered watching this years before and trembled in fear, covering her ears at the horrific sounds. Eona turned around, coming in front of the human, covering her eyes as the screams of fellow humans suddenly stopped. Limp bodies landed on the ground with a *thud*.
Eona uncovered Kira's eyes, the woman shot an angry glare to Carmilla. The Empress cared not, whoever's blood she spilled, whoever she had to kill, no matter how many did not matter. No one touched or threatened what was hers be it friend or foe. She would protect what was precious to her, by any means necessary and ensure that fear rocked the core of the very ones who dared oppose. It was a message: the Empress is not to be trifled with.
"Sorry." Eona said taking a step back, "Didn't think you wanted to see that..."
Taking a shaky breath, Kira opened her eyes and swallowed, clenching her neck within uncomfortable pain.
"I've seen worse..." Is all she said, walking past the Pureblood, looking at the mutilated bodies of her fellow human.
She had to see this, had to accept the reality that she was the cause of their deaths. In order to survive she gave them up, sacrificed their lives for hers. Maybe they could have lived, maybe not, but, their deaths this way, by the Empress was her doing. Facing the reality of that would change what she did in the future, whether to save their lives or for fewer of them to die. Either way...this was war, innocent people with always suffer and die no matter what is done.
Another explosion, just below them rattled the floor. The vampires staggered from the shaking, a few losing their balance. Kira hit the ground on all fours, the marble cracked and snapped from the elevator racing toward her. The floor gave way, collapsing beneath her, none were able to react in time, watching helplessly as it crumbled. She fell through, disappearing into the darkness below.
Everything hurt, every step sent a jolt of pain in her body. She groaned in protest, partly opening her eyes though one she could not see through her vision was blurred. Not much reached her, everything was fuzzy, her ears were ringing, her head pounding and a sharp pain in her leg could only be a break or fracture. It hurt to breathe, every inhale and exhale was followed by prickling in her right lung. Her breathing was rasping, only half her chest expanding with each inhale; a collapsed lung that was treated by a chest decompression needle already.
Kira tried to look up, tried to look at whoever, or whatever carried her, but she could not identify them. All she made out, was a glimpse of sky blue eyes, before her consciousness slipped away and darkness took over. Her savior, kept her close, the gunfire and explosions that echoed all around did not faze them. Humans and vampires alike raced past, but did not take notice of an unconscious woman being carried away by the unknown shadow.
Carried from the ensuing battle, the savior kicked open a door, leading to the hotel's loading dock.
"If you take her now..." Said the vampire, appearing in the door, "She still will not be free." He said, the figure stopped, "They will hunt her."
"I know." They said quietly, "But that doesn't mean I can't protect her...even if carrying her to safety is all I can do."
Setting her down in a sheets basket, they dug into her back pocket, her phone screen cracked, but otherwise working. By now the vampires of the Empire have likely already found the jammer and are destroying it. Sending a message now would have it delivered quickly, but allow enough time for the two of them to disappear. The man with crimson cat-like eyes remained in the doorway awaiting the other to finish.
They sent the message: In the loading docks in a laundry basket. Bring medical.
The members of The Last Stand destroyed much of the hotel, the majority of the rebels killed, though an unknown number managing to escape in the chaos. They failed their objective to kill the Empress and Princess, but they succeeded in their true mission: show the world the vampire were not invincible and the Imperial Family was not untouchable.
Eona received the message first, sprinting back inside she found the loading dock the scent of Cherry Blossom leading her to Kira's location. She removed the top layer of sheets, finding the unconscious human, her cellphone on her chest, her bloodied fingers and clean screen telling Eona it was not Kira who sent the message. Shouting for a medic, an ambulance was called, Eona and Jake both rode while Carmilla handled the public, a live execution on television showing that though the Imperial Family was not invisible, they had prevailed now as they had in the past and will not. Taken to a private hospital, Eona held Kira's phone in her hand, going through the messages and contacts.
Her own phone buzzed, she removed it from her pocket a message from an unknown number having appeared on her screen.
Keep her safe.
