Whisperings
Forty eight hours had passed since the initiation of treatment to rid Angel's body of infection. He remained in a state of deep pseudo-sleep as his system gradually began to regain strength now that the dialysis had completed. Even during the brief intervals between sedating sequences when he seemed to be semi-conscious, his awareness was diminished at best.
Tubing exited the arteries in his neck and medications were actively being pumped into them. Splint boards and soft restraints immobilized his arms, preventing injury and keeping the arterial tubing placed there from being accidentally dislodged while he was resting. He was still receiving continuous, active feeding with fresh sustenance via the tubes in his nose. Another tube had been inserted into his throat to manage the spells of reflux that were now occurring as he recovered from the systemic shock brought about by the existence-saving treatments.
"Resting, and he seems to be gaining strength," Edward studied the bank of monitors, easily familiarizing himself with the current state of things. He didn't need his gift to see that Carlisle was concerned about more than just the current condition of his patient. "Is there a problem, besides the obvious?" He moved to rest his palm briefly against Angel's forehead. The cold of his hand garnered a sluggish reactive response.
"He is doing much better than expected this soon after such drastic treatment. I anticipate that by morning the remaining arterial lines and suction can be removed. The sedated state can then be adjusted to allow his awareness to gradually return." He watched as Angel's muscles tensed in a mild ataxic spasm.
"Easy Angel," Edward kept his hand in place as he struggled weakly against the sedated state. "So, what has you so concerned then, if it isn't his current condition?" He knew, without asking, that Carlisle had recently been in conversation via phone but as to what the details of the call were, he chose not to utilize his gift to gather that information.
His eyes sagged open, their pupils glazed over with the heavy drowsiness created by the medication. For a few moments, he seemed to focus to those around him, even though awareness of his current state and the surroundings was severely diminished. His hand twitched; fingers quivering but unable to contact the bed linens due to the immobilization from the splint board. The failed attempt to move seemed to distress him.
"Stop fighting it," Edward adjusted the placement of his hand as the cold pressure seemed to calm the storm. "There is nothing important that you're missing. Rest." He shook his head, "You're doing fine."
"He will have no memory of these events, only that he spent time in deep pseudo-sleep." Carlisle's gaze surveyed the monitors before turning his attention to his son. The concern in his expression was obvious. "The call was from Hanz and Naekia," He knew without further explanation that Edward would recognize the names. "We need to prepare for another more critically ill patient. They aren't sure what exactly happened other than the individual looks to have been tortured physically and also poisoned."
Edward sucked in an unnecessary breath and let off a soft whistle. "Any word on the identity of the afflicted?" He rubbed Angel's shoulder with his hand.
"A vampire by the name of Spike. As for any further details, there are none at this point." He paused to adjust the flow of medication being pumped into the tubes in Angel's neck and add fresh bags of sustenance to the still active feeding. "From Hanz description, the level of poisoning had already advanced into third stage when they found him."
"Do you think this Spike is a part of their group?" Edward let the question hang between them, knowing without hesitation that Carlisle had already had the same thoughts. "And the type of poison? Is it reversible?"
"The likelihood is great that there is a connection. Hanz could only give me limited details over the phone but it appears that whomever was involved in this incident didn't have the usual appearance." He adjusted the flow of sustenance and gently pulled back on the feeding tubes to keep them from becoming clogged and release any air bubbles that might cause further stress on Angel's system. "As for the poison, yes it is treatable. It has been a long time since I have treated one who has been in contact with this particular toxin."
"Giles mentioned in his conversation with me that members of the Volturi had shown up in the Magic Shop he owns. The one who runs it for him described the visitors in a way that would suggest they were Volturi. And now this. The connection could be far stronger than it currently seems. And if it was members of the Volturi-?" Again Edward let the insinuation finish his thought.
"I am not sure what the motivation would be for Aro to be involved in such a scheme, however there has never been a real method to Aro's madness." He shook his head. "We will deal with the situation as it presents itself and more details are brought to light. For now, the priority is the wellbeing of our current guests and preparing a critical care, total isolation room so that when this Spike does arrive his treatment can be initiated immediately. He will not survive if the poisoning is not properly treated."
Edward gave a nod, "I will be sure that an intensive care room is converted and properly equipped to handle the incoming patient." His gaze shifted then to Angel who was once again growing unusually restless. "Do we have an ETA?" Reaching over, he adjusted the pillows supporting Angel's arms, relaxing the restraint to afford him a bit more comfort without creating a situation that might be to his detriment.
"He should arrive here by the twenty four hour mark." Carlisle adjusted the sequences on the medications Angel was receiving. He checked the monitors then began to remove the arterial lines from his arms. "They managed to halt the spread of the poison using the application of snake oil. It's an old world trader trick that only works for a limited time. The oil isn't a cure but it temporarily reduces the systemic stress created by the toxin." The tubing removed, he closed the entrance points with glue and reset the position of the splint boards so only his forearms and hands remained immobilized. The restraints were then adjusted to allow for limited movement.
Edward watched as he reset the settings for the suction in Angel's throat and again adjusted the flow of medicated feeding being provided him. He knew, without asking, that the sedation sequences had also been reduced to allow Angel to gradually regain awareness. "We should probably prepare for a visit from members of the Volturi. Aro surely knows by now that there are strangers that might pose a threat, in our midst."
"I am surprised that members of the Volturi Guard have not shown here already." He studied Angel's current condition and again adjusted the flow of medications. "If Aro and or members of his coven choose to make an appearance, we will deal with them accordingly. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our current guests." His gaze lifted then to Edward. "What is Buffy's current status, as I have yet to check on her today?"
"Significantly better. Still suffering with some lingering vision issues, dizziness and frequent headaches from the concussion. However, her breathing has stabilized to the point that the chest tube can come out tomorrow. Her strength has greatly improved as well although she still tires easily. All things considered, she has made a great deal of positive progress just in the last day or two."
"The concussion related symptoms will take time to completely dissipate. Until the dizziness and vision issues have resolved she will need to be closely monitored." Carlisle injected medication into the tubing in Angel's neck and adjusted the sequence. He dimmed the lights above the bed. "By morning, his condition should be stabilized enough to allow the suction to be removed. For now, however, the medication will allow him to rest in a deeper sleep state over the next eight hours so the current series can finish. At that point, the sedation will then begin to gradually lift. I expect his awareness to be almost fully returned by the time the new patient arrives." He made some notes in the chart and reset the level of the bed and the blanket before motioning Edward to follow him from the room.
(Volterra)
"Caius, leave us." Aro stood and moved to confront the members of his coven that had been away on business in America. "I am anxious to learn what they have discovered in regards to the series of disturbances and the connection to Olympic Coven." He turned a searing glare upon his brother who had yet to vacate his presence or even seem to care that he had been asked to leave. With a quick and pointed gesture, he motioned to Luthor and Felicia.
"I am entitled to such information. I have status as a ruler of this coven just as you do." Caius stood his ground, arms crossed over his chest. His gaze turned stony and cold as he made no effort to acquiesce to Aro's demand.
Luthor's icy gaze lifted to Caius. A snarky grin twisted at the corners of his mouth. He pulled Felicia over next to him in a gesture of possessive control. "What's wrong? You afraid of what might be revealed here?" He dared Caius' temper knowing full-well that his actions could lead to harsh consequences from both Caius and Aro.
Caius snarled low in his throat and his presence seemed to build threateningly. He held his position. "Have you forgotten your place in this coven, Luthor?!" His gaze never wavered. "Maybe a good lashing and some time in confinement would change your attitude."
His allowed his fangs to show in the shadowy lighting of Aro's chambers. Caius' response had answered his question. Of course there was trepidation there. Caius was the suspicious sort and he hated to be out of the loop when it came to information that might incriminate some lifeform that he thought to be beneath him in rank or file. "Touché.'"
The growling snarl was drown out by the thunder clap that rolled over the stone walls as Caius' punch connected with Luthor's jaw. The back-fist came like a lightning bolt from a severe thunderstorm. Caius never wavered and his gaze could have pierced plate steel as it stared down one who he felt required disciplinary action.
"Was that really necessary?" Felicia shifted her position putting her scantily clad form in front of her brother's. Her gaze, hot with lust and irritation at the turn of events, glared at Aro. "Really? Did your lesser half lose what was left of his manners? A female in the room and this is the sort of brutality I'm treated to." She rolled her eyes; her lashes damp with emotion.
"Dickhead," Luthor snarled leaning close into his sister to dampen the echo of sound enough that the vulgar rebuke went unnoticed. He wiped the blood from his mouth and spat the pool of tainted saliva at Aro's feet. His gaze met Caius' and smoldering fire reflected in his steely orbs.
Felicia's anger boiled over and without warning she lashed out. Her open palm and long, concrete strong nails caught Caius square on the cheek. A dark whelp rose beneath his eye and thick blood swelled into a trio of deep scratches. She hissed loudly as his hand closed around her throat-.
"Termination isn't a difficult punishment." Caius's grip tightened. "Bitch, you may be gifted but your existence can easily be extinguished."
"Leave my brother alone, asshole, or feel my wrath." Her fists clenched and her gaze fixed upon him as she prepared to crack his mind like an over-ripe cantaloupe. She didn't care who he was or that he was one of three brothers who ruled over the Coven of the Volturi. He had crossed a line that, in her mind, should have never been crossed and now if he didn't back down then she would make him pay.
"Caius!" The sound throbbed within the stone walls, echoing over the room in waves of rolling thunder. Aro broke his brother's grip with ease. He pushed Felicia away from Caius, the force shifting both her and Luthor's position enough to cause Luthor to need a balance check. His gaze shifted between them. "I have a mind to throw the three of you in solitary confinement indefinitely for this asinine discord." His gaze swept them disgustedly. "The current state of affairs, however, will delay such punishment if only temporarily."
Without being commanded, Felicia presented her hands to Aro and diverted her gaze. She didn't need special gifts to feel the anger and aggravation radiating from the leader of the Volturi. She could also feel the rage dripping from Caius as well. The temperature within the confines of the room seemed to rise as if one had been launched into the center of the sun.
"You learn quickly," Aro jerked her forward. His gift flowed outward and his mind easily penetrated her own. "Good. You know better than to fight against my will." The information stored in the recesses of her mind came forward without any resistance.
"Yes master." The intensity of his gift as it penetrated her mind dropped her to her knees. She knew that the altercation between them and Caius had angered Aro. Now she would have to endure his wrath as he read her mind. The pressure within her skull increased as he probed her thoughts, taking from her what he wished to know.
"Interesting but far from what I wanted when I ordered this mission." Aro probed further sending excruciating knives of discomfort slicing through her skull. When he finally released his gift and closed the connection she collapsed in a heap onto the stone floor. "Your mission was to gain information without doing any sort of harm." He turned then as Felix and Demetri entered chambers. "Take them both to confinement. They will remain confined until they learn to obey orders." He spun then to his brother. "If you wish not to join them then I'd suggest checking your temper. Do you understand?!"
Only the subtlest of nods came from Caius. He swelled his presence, bowing up and crossing his arms over his chest. It was a show of blatant defiant acquiescence to Aro's demand. His gaze, stony and full of ire, swept the chambers, finally settling to watch Demetri and Felix carry out their own orders and remove Luthor and Felicia.
Aro rubbed his hands together. "You lack patience brother." He moved with purpose and took a seat at his desk. His robe fell into an ebony heap around his legs. "Your temper and lack of control during these appointments angers me. Have you not learned anything in all these millennia of rule over this city?"
A devilish hiss emanated from Caius' throat. His glare settled upon his brother. "Are you insinuating that I am not fit to preside over this city as part of the ruling trio?" The tone warned of violence should the answer not be to his liking.
"Am I?" Aro held his ground. He had no reason to fear Caius' temper. "I would hope you are intelligent enough to determine the meaning behind my words. And if not then maybe more drastic measure needs to be taken for you to come to proper understanding."
Caius spun abruptly on one heel and stormed from the room. The heavy stone doors slamming shut with a boom behind him.