Disclaimer: I do not own Young Dracula. All rights reserved for CBBC. This story is an AU from Season 3. What would have happened if Erin had reacted differently when Vlad bit her and turned her into a vampire? Thank you to all my readers. I have always shipped Erin and Vlad.
"Time to get the guest of honor back." Robin returned the pitcher to the table which was full again, before he walked back to the mirror. Robin stuck his finger into his mouth. Biting down on the tip a single drop of black blood welled up as he drew a symbol on the mirror and whispered to it.
Wenn die Gondeln Trauer tragen
Und es hallt der Toten Klagen
Tief im Nacken das Grauen sitzt
Wenn die Uhr beginnt zu schlagen
Kalte, dichte Nebelschwaden
Berührn dich sacht...
Loca inferna in nocte
Animae in nebula
Media nox, Obscura nox
Crudelitas animarum
Campana sonat duodecies
Gefriert das Blut dir in den Adern
Schnürt dir Angst die Kehle zu
Hörst du dein Herz und die Glocken
Schlagen ist es Nacht
Eviilare faciastis*
The mirror flashed and Vlad fell back through the mirror, coughing as pain screamed through his body. Eyes red, fangs barred, and hands held in claws Vlad looked back at the mirror and found his reflection staring back at him. A scream broke free as Vlad thrust himself away knocking over the table and chairs. Robin stood there laughing, holding the pitcher of blood and watching as Vlad tried to regain his sense of where he was.
"Did you have fun?" Robin asked looming over Vlad with a toothy smile.
"Where?" Vlad coughed and blinked. Looking back at the mirror his reflection greeted him but he was back to normal. All his vampire traits vanished with his fear. "What did you do to me?"
"Me?" Robin said mockingly. "Nothing. But you have made quite a mess." With the snap of his fingers the table righted itself and he placed the pitcher back in the center of the table as Vlad struggled to get to his feet, holding his head as if in pain. The memory of everything he had seen haunted him. Being faced with his own darkness through the eyes of another was a new form of agony. Vlad struggled to focus on his body running his fingers over the buttons of his coat, the belt loop, his pocket and then his cuffs. He closed his eyes and smelled the blood in the air and the sweet scent of Erin's shampoo. Biting down he tasted his own blood in his mouth and finally opening his eyes first he looked to the table, to the pitcher, then to Robin and finally his gaze fell on Erin. All the fog of emotion, confusion, and disorientation evaporated.
Erin was still on the pedestal, but now she was covered in blood. The stones that had been embedded in her chest seemed to float above her, the naked wounds oozed blood. Her lips were parted, white with pearl fangs resting out for Vlad to see. Black blood seemed to have escaped from her eyes as she wept. Vlad's eyes went black with rage.
"What have you done to her?" Vlad snarled and turning on Robin who in response only lifted an eyebrow.
"Oh, this is not my doing, Vladimir." Robin said, gesturing to Erin. "This is the consequence of the mirror's journey and the first step towards your answer." Robin walked towards Erin and Vlad followed looking ready to strike.
"What happened to her?"
"Oh, we had a little chat," Robin said.
"What?" Vlad looked at Erin she looked closer to death. Hell, the holes in her chest twisted his stomach with worry.
"But she is dying." Vlad knew better. Something had happened to her while he had been lost in Erin's memories.
Robin waved away the comment. "She was already dying. Hell, humans are always dying." Robin said as he wiped away the tears from Erin's face staining his fingertips with the sooty hickory. Raising his fingers to his face, Robin opened his mouth once again revealing razor lined teeth as he licked the blood off his fingers.
"Stop it." Vlad shouted as he rushed forward and grabbed Robin by the wrist, forcing his friend to look at him. "You don't get to feed on her."
"Why ever not?" Robin asked giving a toothy grin. "You did."
"That was different." Vlad said through clenched teeth. "I didn't feed on her I just bit her!"
"Are you certain?"
"I did it to save her life!"
"What if I told you I was doing the same?" Robin asked. He watched Vlad who released him with wide eyes.
"You want to feed on her?" Vlad asked.
Robin shrugged. "Perhaps. Her blood, even as tainted as it is, is delicious."
Vlad snarled. Robin laughed and held up his hand in mock surrendered while stepping away from Erin. "I will admit she is a charming young woman."
"What did you talk about?" Vlad asked unable to stop his curiosity. They were no closer to finding cure and Vlad couldn't help but fear that time was running out. All his trials here didn't seem to be accomplishing anything.
Robin gave him a dower look. "Really? We talked about you of course."
"And?" Vlad said.
Robin shrugged. "We shall see if you can live up to the hype."
"What does that even mean?" Vlad snarled. "You are stalling. We came here for a cure and all you do is play these petty games! What good was it for me to watch Erin's life play out before me? What good is this banter? Can you help us or not?"
Robin glared at him silent for the moment. "Didn't you learn anything?"
Vlad glowered at him.What had he learned? Robin had told him that this journey was not about himself, then showed Vlad, Erin's past. If the answer did not play with Vlad and his power, what had Erin's life revealed to him that he could use to save her? Vlad's thoughts were a mess of emotions, memories, and he hated that he felt so clueless.
"She loves me." Vlad said at a loss as to what to say but clinging to the one good thing that he had in his life.
Robin rolled his eyes. "Duh. But you knew that already. Think Vlad. A whole life time opened in front of you with no lies or deceptions save for those she had made to herself. You one true love there bared her soul to you. What did you learn?"
Vlad bit his lip. "I am no hero; she is."
Robin cocked his head. "Explain."
Vlad shook his head. Looking back, how many times had Erin done the right thing? She had been the one to fight the battles no one else would. Despite how Vlad hated it, Erin had stood up for him and to him. She had done everything in her power to make the world, his world and hers, a better place. She didn't care he was a vampire. Erin cared that Vlad was a person; that vampires were people. That all people mattered. That all life mattered. Vlad had forgotten that. He had forgotten himself in his quest to protect her. Erin never asked him to protect her. Hell, she usually had been able to protect herself. Erin had trusted Vlad. In his world trust was a rare thing. And like the villain Vlad had broken Erin's trust, not just once; not just with that first bite but so many times before and after he had changed her. How many times had Vlad refused to listen to Erin, only to have her to take her own fate in her hands and force the issue? Even now, did Vlad really think Erin wanted him to save her? One thing that mirror had shown Vlad was that the taking of her own life, in her own way, and on her own terms was Erin taking back her power. If only Vlad could show her the power she had deep inside? That there was a way out. Vlad had been trapped by the same hopeless existence until he met her. Vlad sucked his fangs. They were so similar, trapped by the decisions they had made with flawed information with a desperation to force change; force their will to remake their world. How could he give her hope when his final hope rested with this creature and hung by a string? Vlad wanted to hope, hope for a cure, hope for a better world, but without Erin in his life, could he sustain that hope? So many questions spun in his head and he had no time to contemplate them all the urgency was too great.
"I am a fool," Vlad whispered. "I have been trying to force my will. On her; on my family; on my people, everyone."
"Well, that is very vampiric of you." Robin said. "You are the Chosen One. That is supposed to be your job, right?"
"It is the very thing I hate!" Vlad snarled, but then seemed to slump. He walked over to the table. The white tablecloth had been replaced by one that was blood red. Vlad didn't care. He threw himself into the nearest chair, knowing that he could not force the answers and would have to play along. Robin followed and sat across from him.
"And yet, you are only able to get here because of what you are, what you were gifted with."
"This power is more like a curse." Vlad spat.
"Most great gifts are." Robin said. "Still it is what will lead you to the prize you seek."
Vlad's hand smacked the table. "You keep hinting at that! Why not just tell me straight? I know the cure has something to do with those stones you have floating in the air and the pitcher of blood. What do I need to do next? We must be running out of time. Why all the word games and stupid tests?"
Robin sighed. "What have you been trying to do with the power you have been given?"
"I have been trying to make a better world. A place where vampires and humans could live in peace, even if I had to use force. I failed." Vlad said.
"Try. Fail. Try again. Fail better. Try again." Robin said.
"I hate it when you are all cryptic."
"I know. But nothing is as it seems and yet, here the truth exists for those willing to look for it and to cultivate eyes to see."
Vlad scowled. Listening to Robin was like reading the old lore books. Vlad had to admit his Latin and Aramaic was getting better, but Bertrand recently had begun to introduce him to authors like Sun Tzu. They were even more confusing than the vampire texts from Transylvania.
Robin watched Vlad and finally gave him a smile. "Ok I will take pity on you. But you must tell me what is it that you, in the depths of your soul really want-"
"But that's easy I want-"
"Stop. Gut responses have no place here. You must consider what it is, in the depths of your soul; what is it you want." Robin began to trace the rose pattern on the table cloth that was empty save for the pitcher of blood. Vlad watched as his fingers morphed into dark claws that had the black inky line begin to crawl up his hand and forearm. "You have great power Vlad. I am not here to tell you the leader you should become. You must decide that for yourself." Robin paused and looked at the mirror. "Having seen yourself through the eyes of another, having seen what are you becoming and do you still wish to continue down that path?"
"What are you?" Vlad whispered.
"Oh, this?" Robin said holding up his other hand while the first continue to trace lines on the table. "As time goes by, the shell of remembrance that I wear as your guide slowly will begin to fade and show you more of my truth."
"That I am merely a reflection of power, and the shell I wear, though it can look human, is very far from exactly that." Robin sat back. "But again, we digress. You have yet to give me an answer."
Vlad bit his lip. What did he truly desire? What the hell did that even mean? How could he wrap his head around that idea? Robin wanted more than the simple answer, the desire to save Erin, to make her human. But there had to be more to that?
"I don't know how to answer that." Vlad finally said. "I came here to find a way to save Erin, to return her humanity if possible. But I know you want more than that, more than a simple in the moment wish."
"I do."
"But I don't know what to tell you to give you the answer you want!"
"Try," Robin said.
Vlad was on his feet pacing. What did he want? All his life the freedom he wanted from his family; from his dark responsibility of being the chosen one? He had wanted those things, but then he had met Erin. Things had changed. He had changed by merely knowing her. All the things they had experiences and tried to do, to make their world a better place for humans and vampires. In his ambition for control, for power, Vlad had seen through Erin's eyes how he had changed, how he had been manipulated by his family, his people and how he had deluded himself with using his power for what he wanted and didn't take in consideration others or wisdom of past mistakes. I was reckless. Vlad was at a loss, and his eyes traveled to Erin. What would she want? What had been her hope when we fought to change the world? Erin Help me.
"Knowing Erin has made me a better person," Vlad started. He looked at her, her face serene and at peace. "I began to see that the world on both sides, human and vampire were messed up. We wanted to help both better understand the other, to coexist, to be allies, neighbors, even friends. I still want that. I am beginning to understand that even if I fail here. Even if I cannot save her or help her to save herself. What I can do is honor her memory. Honor our plan to work to make things better."
Robin face broke out into a smile. "All a mirror can do is hold up the image of your life. If you can see clearly your actions and the emergent consequences of those action it is up to you to use that knowledge to continue to walk your path, if it is not, try another way."
Vlad's head shot up. "Is that the correct answer?"
"There is no right answer, Vlad. You will need to understand that. There is only what you choose to do with your existence."
"Then I choose coexistence, to teach, to fight, to build or create or whatever is needed to bridge the gap between the human and vampire world. Either on my own, or with help. It doesn't matter. I may have this gift thrust on me but I no longer going to look for answer to fix things. I can only do what I can and face the consequences."
"Well said young Dracula."
Vlad sat back. His mind was racing. Now was the time for hard truths. What Vlad had seen in Erin's memories had hurt him, but that was only because in the mirror he could not escape himself. He hated that she was a vampire. Hated it with more disgust and favor then he had been able to admit. He wanted her human again. True at times Vlad had used Erin as a prop, a display that vampires and slayers could cohabitate that they could live together, even love one another. How often in the face of criticism and others judgements had Vlad hid behind the shield of their love; and in that neglecting the very love he swore to protect. How many times had been simply expected Erin to carry on, humoring him, supporting him without question? How many times had he broken her trust and yet she still loved him, still tried to protect him, even from himself? I am sorry, Erin.
Vlad thought about his ambition to make the world a place where breathers and vampires lived together in peace. It sounded so simple. That was the problem. It wasn't simple. It was not something that was black and white. Vlad had spent his childhood hating the fact he was a vampire. How can I lead them? Vlad hated all the things the vampire world stood for, and thus had never really tried to understand them. It was Erin, in her quest to share his vision, who had begun to better understand the vampires; so well in fact she was able to manipulate him as she had. It was what made it possible for her to love him. Robin continued to stare at Vlad waiting for him to respond. There was deep magic at work here and Vlad cursed himself for jumping in feet first without knowing what was ahead of him.
"Shall we save your lady love? Allow you two love sick bats to fly off into the moonlight?" Robin asked.
"I want to save Erin, but as for the purpose of my life, what I want to be, live and do, as you put it. That is a complex answer. All my life I have tried to better understand humans. The way they love, have loyalty, understanding, compassion, and that die-hard spirit that never seems to fade even in the darkest of times. I want to have that, no I want to be that; so, I can teach it to my people. So, we can learn a better way to be. Power is only one part of that. As I explore my power, learn the costs and responsibilities of such a thing, the more I know kindness matters. Erin showed me that. My nature, my doubts, and all the whisperings that I listened too, that got in the way. But I never stopped loving her."
"Would you give up on your quest to have breathers and vampires live in peace?"
Vlad bowed his head. "It was a foolish dream. Too simple to become a reality. The more I tried to force my will to make things as I demanded, the more things slipped through my fingers. Yes. I believe humans and vampires can live together in peace, but it is something that must be taught, must be lived so other can see that it is possible. I ruined that. I forgot by trying to force things to be." Vlad ran his hand through his hair. "I'm not sure I am making sense. I guess I give up on forcing the issue. But I will never give up on living my truth and that belief that vampires can be better, more human even. I still have hope."
"Hope is a powerful tool." Robin said. "I think you are beginning to see it is not about winning."
"How so?"
"There are no sides in the battle you describe; just people living with what instincts and traditions they have been raised in. But to stand this path you are talking about; your goal cannot be about winning. It cannot come from a place of hate or vengeance or retribution, it has to come from forgiveness and understanding."
Vlad mouth dropped.
"What?" Robin asked.
"Aren't you supposed to be this creature of dark magic?" Vlad asked. "What is with the talk of hope and forgiveness? Isn't that opposite of the darkness you come from?"
"Why do they have to be opposing in any way?" Robin asked.
"I mean you, this mirror, is where the Dracula's get all their dark power. I mean look at you," Vlad gestured to the claws, fangs and eyes. "You are more a monster than I am. Your shell is cracking."
"Vlad, darkness only exists because there is nothing to reflect the light that is always within." Robin said smiling again. "Yes, the mirror ties your family to their supernatural power, no question. But did you ever consider that this was not an evil thing?"
"What? Vampires are evil. They love to be evil. They kill and drink blood. Turn humans into monsters. They reveal in the carnage and power of it."
"But that is the choice of the vampire. What comes from the mirror is merely supernatural power. Not good. Not evil. Just power."
Vlad stood there blinking. His power wasn't evil? Vlad had never considered that.
"I'm not evil?"
"You tell me." Robin said. "Look back on your life Vlad, as short as it has been. Do think you are evil? Do you think any person you have ever loved is truly evil? Without a shred of something that makes them in some way redeemable? Have you truly ever met one person who in their heart of hearts did not see themselves as the hero of their own story?"
Vlad thought. Thought about all his enemies, his family, all those vampires who claimed to be evil, unredeemable, unending in their dark pursuits. Vlad could think of only one. That creature driven mad who had spent centuries trapped in a book. How Seethes had wanted nothing more than to watch the world and all living things in it burn. "I have only met one person. Sethius."
"Madness is its own form of evil. Would it surprise you to know that Sethius, was once a good man? That his desire for power, to lord it over others, to win, is the very thing that drove him insane?"
"But if what you are saying is true, then how come so many terrible things happen? Why do we kill?"
"That is a longer conversation, and I am afraid we do not have time. The simple answer is that killing is an easier road. A quick, decisive answer to problems to complex or painful that all avoid trying to deal with them. Thus, the evil of the taking of a life becomes the quick fix that can never lead to anything but more death until the killing stops and people do what they always need to."
"What is that?"
Robin smiled. "Sit down and talk. Forgiveness young Dracula, understanding and friendship are more powerful than you may think. But there are many other teachers out there who can show you the way to find your own answers. You have but to look and keep an open mind."
Vlad sat there. He had no idea how much time had passed in the mirror realm. Still Vlad could not shake the feeling that he was running out of time. Even with all these philosophical insights and riddles, Vlad knew he could spend a life time trying to unravel them. Vlad still was no closer to finding an answer as to how to save Erin.
"I think I am learning from you. I can evolve. I can still stay true to who I am even when I change. I realize I have proven that with my shadow self. The first battle for my soul in the mirror taught me that. Change is part of life. When I turn eighteen, when I receive my full powers, that will change me, but if does not have to define who I am. But even knowing that, knowing what you said about my path, I still need you to answer my question. I need to know how to save her."
"As we learn about each other, we learn about ourselves." Robin said.
"I get that. But I want Erin to be human again. Is there a way I can give that back to her? I am willing to surrender my life. My ties to my family. I don't think I can kill them, but I can walk away from them. If you want, I can stay in this place, with you, forever. You won't have to be alone. But please. Help me give her her life back."
"What does this tell you about what you have learned?"
"I have learned love isn't some emotion to be squandered or locked away on a shelf. Love is a living breathing thing that needs to be remembered and nourished. Love is a promise. And I have a promise to keep."
Robin's face broke out in a big toothy grin. The look was of pure joy and despite the teeth Vlad had to smile back. "All right, then. Let us help you fulfill your promise." Robin got to his feet.
"How exactly are we going to do that?" Vlad said as he stood to follow.
"We ask the right questions." Robin said. "Bring the pitcher."
"What are the right questions?" Vlad grabbed the pitcher and followed Robin to stand next to Erin. "I mean, if you don't have the answers, who does?"
Robin turned and pointed to Erin. "Consent is sexy," Robin purred.
"What does that even mean?" Vlad said. "Besides, she is unconscious." Then it clicked. "Wait you said you talked to her. Are you going to wake her up?"
"No, you are."
Vlad blinked. He had forced Erin awake last time when she was on the brink of death. The drain of power had almost killed those around him. Vlad knew in this place, the only way to draw power was from within and he wasn't sure it would even work here. He was afraid.
"Wouldn't forcing her awake, kind of go against all that?" Vlad stammered. "What about her wounds?"
"Think of it more as smelling salts to get the ball rolling." Robin said standing next to Erin's head. "Besides, these are but a scratch." Robin caressed the empty holes that Vlad noted were more superficial. If Vlad had not known that earlier items of black magic had been wedged in there, he would not have worried. The red blood still seems scarlet on her skin and the trails of dried black blood remained near her eyes and nose. The black blood had stopped leaking from her face but Vlad was a bit too certain Robin wouldn't try for another lick. Vlad also was ignoring the stones that floated above them.
"I'm not sure I am strong enough."
"Then drink," Robin said.
Vlad ground his teeth. The scent of blood had been something he had been trying to ignore but he followed Robin's instructions. Lifting the spout to his lips Vlad drank deeply, but even as he felt the pitcher should be empty there was still more to drink. Finally, he stopped only to find as he pulled the crystal from his lips the red liquid levels seemed unchanged. Licking his lips, Vlad could taste the power. The last time Vlad had used his power to wake Erin, she had asked him to let her die. What if she told him to do it again? Vlad knew he had to come up with something, something more than his need for her in order to get her to stay, to fight, to live. His eyes went dark as Vlad dove into his power. Taking Erin's hand in his he placed a soft kiss on her skin.
"Erin, wake up." Vlad ordered and waited. Robin smiled. Vlad was beginning to hate how Robin loved to toy with him. Erin eyes began to move behind her eyelids. Vlad watched her, pouring more of his power, his will into her. He was her sire and that bond was deeper than he knew. As Erin's eyes flew open, her pain washed over Vlad but he ground his teeth and bore it, until the flash passed. Erin eyes flicked back and forth as she fought to move. Still her body would not respond.
"Erin?"
"Vlad?" Erin croaked. "Where are we?"
"The mirror realm."
"Why?" Erin asked. Vlad flinched.
"I brought you here."
"No." Erin said licking her lips, trying to form the words. Her body was not able to move, the poison had done too much damage, but if she concentrated, she could form the words her heart was screaming at him. "Why am I not dead?"
"There is little time. I needed to talk to you; to tell you I can save you." Vlad said taking her hand. "There is a way."
A human tear slipped down Erin's cheek washing away the trail of the sooty poison. "We've been ...through this ..."
"I know. But please hear me out."
"Vlad... I made ...my choice."
"Look, I get it. I didn't respect that, but please hear me out. If you listen to and still want to die, then I will help you." Robin choose that moment to walk up into Erin's line of sight.
"Who are you?" Erin asked.
Robin bared his toothy grin, and Erin's eyes went wide. "I'm here to help."
Then Robin handed Vlad a stake. It was old, Vlad could tell from the look of the wood and the feel of it in his hand. Vlad looked at Robin who nodded and stepped back. Vlad looked back at Erin; she was eying the stake with hope. Vlad turned holding the stake in his hand turning it over. If anything, Vlad knew there was no turning back. Having shared Erin's pain, knowing her wish, he could do it. He could dust her. It would kill a part of him, but he would do it if that was truly what she wanted. Still he had hope. Hope that her will to fight and desire to change this world would outweigh the need to escape her pain.
"Erin, if you listen to me and still want to die. I will stake you myself. I give you my word."
"And don't worry my dear, in this place, a Dracula cannot break his vow." Robin added.
Vlad looked at him and nodded. Whatever choices were made, there was no turning back. Vlad had his honor and for once, that was all that mattered. Robin had taken a seat again, watching the scene play out. In his hand, the gem shards were floating as Robin toyed with them; spinning them around in circles around his hand. Vlad ignored him.
"Please, just hear me out." Vlad pleaded.
Erin closed her eyes. "Fine." Vlad took her hand again, letting her feel the stake against her skin. Erin opened her eyes and watched him. "Can you help me sit up?"
"Are you in pain?"
"No, but it is awkward looking up at you."
"Sorry," Vlad leaned over, helping Erin to sit, she was weak, and couldn't hold herself up, but in his arms, she was so light. Positioning her in arms she looked up at him.
"How did we get here?" Erin asked.
"My stupidity, mostly." Vlad said. That earned him a smile. "But seriously, what if I could make you human again?"
"You found a cure?" Erin fought to keep the hope out of her voice.
"Maybe, but you have to want it. You have to consent." Vlad watched Erin.
Her eyes went wide as if she was trying to blink back the tears. "What about you?"
Vlad gave her a sad smile. "I think it only works for those who were bitten."
"No, what is the price? There is always a price." Speaking hurt, and it was so difficult to form the words or think straight. Erin felt hated how helpless she was. Still Vlad was being ever so gentle, here in his arms she felt safe. Felt like she was home.
"That may be, but I will pay it. Whatever it is. I am not afraid. Not anymore." Vlad said. Vlad lifted up his hand to caress her face and looked into her eyes as he leaned in close enough to kiss her. "I will never try to force anything on you ever again, understand? If you want to leave, I won't stop you. Hell, I wouldn't blame you. But I need to know you are out there, living your life." Vlad shut his eyes, forcing back tears, but willing the heart ache away so he could say the next words. "But if you want death, that is your choice. I can respect that now."
Erin suddenly began to cough; dark blood began to well up out of her lips. Vlad hurried to lay her back down as the fit subsided. Erin's face contorted in pain.
"Not much time," Robin whispered.
"Please Erin, tell me what to do."
Erin lay there, the pain was back, still through gritted teeth she said, "Do it."
Vlad froze. Robin raised his eyebrows. Vlad gripped the stake, his fingers clawing down into the wood leaving gouges in the surface. Vlad positioned himself at Erin's side. Tears were cold and bitter as they streamed down his face. Vlad lifted up the stake. He was trembling, but Vlad had given his word.
No turning back.
Forgive me.
Vlad began his downward strike.
"Human." Erin whispered at the tip brushed her chest.
Vlad threw himself backwards. The stake clattered to the ground. A gash welled up on Erin's chest with dark blood a painful reminder of how close she had come to death.
"Vlad?" Erin called. She didn't even register the pain. Her eyes were open again searching.
"I'm here," Vlad took her hand again. Hope filled his heart as he smiled at her. "Thank you."
"Make me human again."
"I will."
There was a loud clap. Vlad looked back to see Robin holding his hands together in prayer. "Now that that is taken care of, let's get this party started." The stones had been captured by Robin's claws. He stood there making almost a cage with his fingers as the stone spun with a new green light. Robin continued to play with the gems shards which seemed to glow brighter and pull tightened into a ball. Robin released the cage and the ball hovered in his outstretched right hand. With a wave of his other hand, Robin commanded. "Sleep." Erin's eyes closed. Once again, she looked dead, save for the smaller hints of a smile that still played on her lips.
"What did you do?" Vlad demanded.
"Trust me, it is better she sleeps through this part. Less pain." Robin spread both hand and the gems began to spin. Twirling round and round the ball began its mitosis and divided into two the balls began to swim and faster and faster forming what looked like a helix similar to DNA renderings. "First we need to fix these things. When I tell you, catch."?
"What?" Vlad watched as the stones spun faster and faster, Robins teeth were bared in a grimace of pleasure and pain.
"Catch!" Robin hurdled the spinning ball of light at Vlad.
Hands open, Vlad accepted the blast. His own power rose to protect him. This time the blast of connecting one strike to another fused the shards. Hovering in front of him, Vlad found that stone had changed. The blood was gone and all color had been drained from the stone leaving a fractured diamond.
"Very good, Vlad." Robin said. Robin held a similar stone in his hand. Vlad watched as Robin set the stone back into the band of the first ring. Then with a flick of the wrist the stone in Vlad's hand flew into Robin's hand. Taking up the second band, Robin placed the stone back in the place setting of the ring.
"What did we do?" Vlad asked.
"Well, the short answer, we imbued the stones with our power. They will now act as a focus for the next part." Robin walked back to the table. Vlad was not surprised to see that the table cloth was black. Behind the table stood the last mirror. The dark surface was obsidian glass and held only the reflection of the table which, on further inspection, was more of an altar. In the center of the table still was the pitcher of blood, but now there were other tools. Drawn on the surface was a white pentacle in what appeared to be salt. A wicked looking dagger sat next to the point closest to the mirror. There was a simple crystal goblet closest to Vlad a simple silver plate towards Robin and five candles at each point.
"Light them," Robin ordered.
Vlad snapped his fingers and the candles lit. "Now what? Do we say some magic words?" Vlad had meant the words to sound sarcastic but they came out more apprehensive.
Robin chuckled. "Words only focus your intent. I think we are a bit past that now. No, we need more than that. Do not interfere."
Vlad watched Robin pick up the dagger. Lifting it up, Robin pressed the tip of his finger on the blade allowing a single drop of blood to fall onto the plate. Then turned and walked back to Erin.
"What are you doing?" Vlad asked. But Robin acted like he couldn't hear him. Vlad watched as Robin walked over and lifted up Erin's hand. At first Vlad thought he was going to prick her finger but then the blade moved in a blur of motion as Robin sliced open Erin's wrist.
"Stop!" Vlad shouted and tried to rush over, but he found his feet stuck to the floor. Robin continued to ignore him as he bent over and drank from Erin's wrist. Vlad ground his teeth. He watched as Robin continued to move to Erin's foot and then the next, each time slicing her, drinking her blood. Robin moved to her wrist and finally to stand at Erin's head. The dagger was placed at her throat.
"You said you would help me save her!" Vlad snarled. "You are killing her!"
Robin bent his head, this time it was only a pin prick on Erin's neck. Unlike the wounds to her wrists and feet which had barely bled, that single small wound let loose a stream of black blood.
"Don't hurt her!" Vlad continued to fight. Nothing he did seemed to make a difference. Fireballs, void throws, levitation, none of it worked. He was trapped. Was this all just a trap?
Robin caressed his fingers through Erin's blood and brought it to his lips. Those eyes changed, from their human likeness to a blue ball that held a light. Vlad watched as the blood that had pooled on the pedestal began to gather, pull together and move on its own. The inky black seemed to morph and change colors with an iridescent sheen as it formed a perfect sphere that began to rise. Robin raised his hand and the orb floated before him. Once the black blood had been removed from Erin, the small cuts bled red once again. Robin smiled and opened his mouth, unhinging his jaw like a snake and swallowed the inky blob. Closing his mouth, Robin's face held a look of pure exquisite delight as he closed his eyes as if to savor the flavor.
"What did you do?" Vlad asked finding he was able to move again. Vlad rushed to Erin's side.
"I had to remove the poison from her system." Robin said, licking his lips. "It was delicious."
"Is that it? Is she human again?" Vlad felt hope swell, but still Erin wasn't breathing. Her blood, though red, still did not have the same perfume as the blood of a human.
"Not yet." Robin returned to the table and reached into his coat pocket with drawing a piece of parchment. It looked old. Reading the paper, he poured the blood into the plate. Taking up the knife again, Robin slit his own wrist. His blood wasn't red or black, it was blue. Vlad moved closer, trying to read the paper that Robin laid down on the table. Robin gestured to Vlad with the knife and handed it hilt first to Vlad. Vlad took the knife, knowing that every vamp ritual required blood. He slid the blade across his palm. His blood mixed with the rest.
"Whose blood is that?" Vlad asked as he held his hand open palm down above the plate. Vlad hated to think that he had drank from the pitcher not long ago. Still it never seemed to empty and yet, where did the blood come from? Whose life fed it?
"You really don't want to know." Robin said. "All right that should be enough."
Both withdrew their hands. Robin reached into his pocket and handed Vlad a handkerchief. Vlad wrapped his hand and noticed that Robin was already healed. As Vlad wound the cloth around his hand, the pain continued. I'm not healing. Vlad tied a knot as Robin picked up the plate. Walking over to Erin, Robin looked at Vlad. "Pull back the sheet, I need to draw the glyphs on her. Also take of your shirt."
"What are you writing?" Vlad asked as Robin dipped his fingers in the blood and began to decorate Erin's chest with serval symbols. Some sort of looked familiar but Vlad could not remember where he had seen them. Vlad continued to remove his clothing and waited for Robin to finish. Erin looked so pale, almost like a marble statue with the red marks in stark contrast that they seemed to glow. Robin stepped back and turned to Vlad.
"This is the talisman to change her. Hold still." Robin drew similar symbols on Vlad's head and chest until he had emptied the plate. Robin inspected his handy work and nodded. "Good. I think that will do it. Now take these." Robin held up the Rings of Arianrhod. "You will both need to wear them. Place one on your hand and the other on Erin's."
Vlad nodded as he slipped on the ring. The metal seemed to pulse. Vlad found it odd that not long ago the stone had been embedded in Erin's chest. He placed the other ring on Erin's middle finger. Her hands were too small to put on her ring finger as Vlad had.
"Ok, we are ready." Vlad said.
"Then activate the runes, Vlad. Hold your intent in your mind and heart and let loose your power." Robin said and stepped back.
Vlad closed his eyes and prayed. Prayed he was strong enough to do this. To undo the damage, he had done and give Erin back her life, her humanity, and her soul. Please bring her back to herself. Please, whatever power is in me, please grant her wish, let her be human again.
Vlad stood there; controlling his thoughts, honing in on his love for Erin; his promise to her. The old memories from earlier in the night that had tormented him seemed to strengthen him. And yet, one doubt tugged at him. Vlad thought of his home, his family. Didn't I do this all before? Vlad had been standing over Erin back at home and back then Vlad had tried to tap into his power, his darkness while wearing the rings of Arianrhod. It had not had enough. The fear shot through Vlad as he thought how close he had come to the extinction of his clan. There was hiss from Robin and it jerked Vlad back from those thoughts. The only people here were Erin and the creature wearing Robin's face. What harm could he do here? Vlad felt the pit in his stomach drop. All I seemed to do is cause harm. Here he was again, jumping head first into the dark magic that seemed to rule his life, his destiny. Why am I trusting the mirror? Didn't it only contain the darkness he fought so hard to keep at bay?
"Concentrate," Robin growled. "Don't get distracted with what ifs. She needs you to focus."
"Sorry," Vlad whispered. "I'm trying."
"Don't try. Do it. Or she will be lost.'" Robin said the steel hidden under that voice forced Vlad to concentrate harder.
Reaching out Vlad place both hands on Erin's shoulders. "I love you. I am doing this." Vlad gasped. The thrum of energy that surged through him was unlike any he had felt before. Unlike the past dark power which had been cold and biting, this felt warm, almost hot. The table crashed behind him as everything began to swirl under the force of the wind that began to swirl around the pedestal. The mirrors did not move but Vlad could feel as the world seemed to shift and bend.
"You will be human again." Vlad growled. The storm around them grew stronger. "Breathe, Erin! Breathe!"
The power changed. It was burning. Vlad began to scream. His hands felt as if they were aflame but he did not let go.
I won't stop.
Not now.
Not ever.
I am stronger than this pain.
We are stronger.
I won't give up.
I love you.
Suddenly Vlad felt it. Something shifted. Like a fist unclenching, all the tension, everything poured out of him. For a moment he touched something. Then the blow back hit.
Blinding light threw Vlad back into the obsidian mirror. The force should have shattered it, but the reflective surface remained steadfast as light filled the room sending everything flying as the pedestal shattered.
"Vlad! Vlad! Wake up." Erin knelt over Vlad. Chunks of marble were strewn all around and she gripped the remains of the bloody sheet over her tattered clothes and she shook Vlad again. He was alive. She was certain. Still seeing him like this, helpless filled her with dread. Erin leaned over cradling his head in her hands as she stroked his forehead. "Please, Vlad wake up."
Vlad's eyes fluttered. He began to move and moaned as every muscle in his body hurt. In that moment, before he hit the wall, he had felt something; something thrust back inside him. But the pain was too much. He coughed.
"Vlad, can you hear me?" Erin said.
It was only then that her voice registered. Vlad's eyes flew open and he saw a smile break across Erin's face, followed by tears.
"You did it." Erin whispered as if it was hard to speak.
She did not have to tell him. Vlad could hear her heartbeat, smell her human scent and the blood that pulsed under her skin. He could see the color had returned to her cheeks and feel her breath on his face. She was alive. She was human.
"We did it." Vlad corrected. "You and I."
Erin fell forward and hugged him. There in his arms as Vlad's tears mixed with hers. Erin stood before him, Vlad held her in his arms as she coughs, trembled, and struggled to catch her breath. At least she was breathing. Vlad could hear her heartbeat, feel it flutter under his fingertips as he used his arms to steady her on her feet. Vlad was hurting, he needed blood, but the joy at seeing Erin whole and herself again squelched his vampiric needs... for now.
"How do you feel?" Vlad asked.
Erin looked up at him. "I feel alive." Then she smiled.
That smile alone filled Vlad's heart with sunshine. It was the first true smile he had seen from her in what felt like weeks. Vlad could feel the joy in it.Vlad smiled back at her.
"But what about you?" Erin asked.
Vlad rubbed the back of his head. It hurt. "Possible concussion, but I will heal. No worries."
"I do worry. We were lucky."
"Yeah." Vlad then noted that both of them were partially naked. "Let me grab you some clothes."
Not for the first time, the fact that Vlad dressed in layers like most vampires, was paying off he got to his feet next to Erin, who stood and looked around. Vlad found his shirts under the rubble and was pulling the t-shirt on after tossing Erin his button up shirt. When the sound of Erin's quick inhale of breath stopped him dead and forced Vlad to yank down his shirt.
"What is it?" Vlad said looking to Erin but her eyes were on Robin. The guide was back in his human like form. Erin was watching him like a hawk. The stake that Vlad had almost used to kill her, was now in her hand. The shirt remained on the floor, the sole not all that kept her decent, but Erin didn't care. The look on her face was pure hunter rage. But there was fear there. Robin simply stood there and held Erin's gaze, unmoving.
"Erin?" Vlad said coming up to her. Without thinking Erin shifted to put her body between Vlad and Robin. "Talk to me." Vlad said.
"What are you?" Erin demanded ignoring Vlad.
Robin chuckled. "I thought this might happen."
"What is going on Robin?" Vlad asked. "Answer me."
"Vlad he is a monster," Erin hissed.
"That I am slayer." Robin said. "You see me as I truly am."
"What?" Vlad said. All he could see was Robin. Sure, there were the weird teeth, but the rest had reverted to a more normal human visage.
"What are you doing to her?" Vlad asked.
"Vlad, we need to leave." Erin said trying to step back towards the mirror that led back to their home.
"Not until he explains." Vlad said.
"It is simple, really. She is no longer able to be trick or influenced by vampiric power." Robin explained.
"I can't?" Erin asked. "Then what you were just hypnotize me all this time?"
"In a way, more like a faire glamor. But yes. All illusions that are fueled or influence by the power of this place can no longer control you. Even you Vlad cannot compel you or remove your memories. No vampire can."
"What do you see Erin?"
"She sees me in my true form. Sadly, by human standards I am quite hideous but then so are seraphim if you read the ancient text. Why else do you think that the first line any cherubim states is 'human be not afraid.'" Robin said. "Take his hand Erin, and you can show him what you see."
Erin extended her fingers and Vlad took her hand. Still she held the stake aloft ready to strike, to move. Vlad looked at Robin and it was as if the layers of fog peeled away. The image of his friend faded and what replaced him was a monster. There were seven different wings, made up of bat like skin, his feet were closed in three and stouter to hold up the rest of his body which now towered over them. The eyes now seemed to glow with a blue fire. The mouth of serrated teeth now stretched farther than any human face reaching to where ears might have been but in their place curved four horns. The arms were strong, well muscles but those had now had seven fingers and on each the needle like claws that had eked out an appearance earlier. Long dark hair cascaded down his back and the only clothing he wore was a golden belt that matches a collar around his next. A piece of blue silk decorated with similar runes that Robin had drawn on Vlad and Erin decorated the loin cloth.
Robin crossed his arms. "I mean you no harm."
Vlad blinked. He realized during the transformation his stance had also changed as he ready himself to fight, matching Erin as she continued to stare at the monster before her. The crack of thunder sent them both to their knees. Vlad caught Erin and looked about. It was as if the whole mirror world had begun to swim in mist and miasma. Dread washed over Vlad. His own strength failed him then. Erin clutched his side. Together they supported one another and scanned the shadows.
"What is happening?" Erin asked.
"I don't know." Vlad hated this. Hated having trusted the mirror avatar. How had he been so foolish? Vlad pulled himself to his feet, almost losing his balance twice. Erin seemed to have a slightly easier time.
"It is time for you to go." Robin said and pointed to the mirror which showed the way home.
"You are going to let us go?" Erin asked.
Robin stood there smiling. "Yes." The blue light poured from his eyes as he laughed. "I have never felt such power. " Robin gave Erin and Vlad a smile. "You truly are the Chosen One."
"It can't be this easy," Erin shot Vlad a look, as if to question. "What of your price?"
"It has already been paid." Robin licked his tongue across his teeth drawing blood. "I have no wish to harm her or you. My only wish is to be free."
"Free?" Erin asked. "You live here. This is your world; you can make it whatever you want."
Robin shook his head. "My job is to serve. I have served the Dracula clan for millennium. I am tired of serving. Tired of dealing with lesser creature who cannot hope to fathom the wisdom I share with them. All my lessons are forgotten once they step through the mirror. I am but a reflection of them."
"I don't know how to set you free," Vlad said."
"I know." Robin said. "It is not your burden to bare."
"But you said I paid the price. What price? What did you take?"
"Time will reveal all, young Dracula."
Erin did not like the sound of that. "Tell us."
Robin shook his head and pointed to the obsidian mirror that Vlad had been thrown into earlier. "You know Vlad you are the only one to refuse to look in the black mirror, why is that?"
"The future's not set. I don't want to buy into any delusions." Vlad said.
"Smart." Robin said and bared his fangs. Vlad thought he was smiling. "Still the answer you wanted could be yours..."
"No, we will leave now." Vlad said. With his arm around Erin he began to retreat to the mirror. Neither was willing to take their eyes off Robin. The monster continued to stroke the black mirror but watched them retreat.
"Be strong, you two, even if it breaks your heart." Robin said. He snapped his fingers the mirror home glowed. "You two will need one another, now more than ever. Good luck."
Erin finally dropped her hand. "Thank you."
"Let Vladimir exit first, he will need to draw you from this place."
Vlad nodded and stepped through the mirror with Erin trailing behind him.
* Lyrics of E Nomine - Mitternacht
Translation:
When the Gondolas carry sorrow and stop the dead's complaining that sits deep in the back of their gray necks.
When the hour begins to strike coldly, thick swathes of mist touch you and softly...
Frozen blood in your veins laces your fear. You hear your heart in your throat and the bells ring; it is night...
A place like the underworld in the night...
Souls in fog...
Cruelty for the souls. The bell sounds twelve times... awaken