A/N: Long chapter, but there is a lot of stuff going on. The showdown with Marnie at her coven is covered here, along with a taste of Jessica and Blackburn's first date.
Chapter 18
First Date
Blackburn held Jessica's hand as he weaved his way through the crowd. The party was being held at one of his constituent's home. Of course, he had made the suggestion that it was a perfect idea to curry favor with their newly installed King by kissing up to his child. He couldn't stop the slight smile that broke free of his usually controlled demeanor. Even the vampire world was filled with sycophants, he thought. But, Bill might just find out that he wasn't one of them.
"Sheriff Blackburn, how wonderful that you could attend," said the host of the party who elbowed his way through the crowd. He gazed at Jessica, trying to size up the potential threat that she could be.
"You must be our beloved King's progeny," he said.
"Beloved?" replied Jessica.
Blackburn leaned into her ear and whispered, "He's shamelessly using his flattery, but I'm not sure who his intended target is: you or Bill."
"Well, that's easy," replied Jessica with a smirk. "Me, of course."
"Then, may I just say that Bill couldn't have chosen a lovelier example of the human existence to turn," smoothly replied the host.
"That would mean more to me if Bill had actually picked me," replied Jessica with a slightly pained expression.
The host looked uncomfortable and was at a loss of words. Blackburn gripped her hand, causing Jessica to turn back to him.
"The Magister never did anything randomly. He chose you," said Blackburn. "Never forget that."
The host decided to make a retreat and Jessica looked into Blackburn's eyes. A small, shy smile formed on her face.
"No one else, not even Bill, has ever said that I was turned because I was special and not because I was just a stupid girl who snuck away from her parents one night," said Jessica.
"Can I be frank?" asked Blackburn.
"I thought you were being frank with me," said Jessica.
"Well, there is frank and there is brutally honest," replied Blackburn.
He touched a curl and ran his finger over the cascading waves. He looked back into Jessica's eyes and said, "Bill only saw you as a punishment. But, the opposite was true. You were a precious gift and a solemn charge given into his hands by the Magister himself. If the Magister had not found you worthy material to become one of us, he would have just ripped your throat out and searched for another."
"It never seemed that way to me," hesitantly said Jessica.
"That fault lies with Bill," replied Blackburn. "Perhaps, he has his own mommy issues. At least, he is finally seeing you for what you are."
"And what is that?" asked Jessica.
"A young vampire with unlimited potential," replied Blackburn.
"Is that how you see me?" asked Jessica.
"I wouldn't have asked you out if I had thought otherwise," replied Blackburn.
"You might have been trying to make a good impression with Bill," said Jessica.
"If that was my intention, I totally failed," replied Blackburn with a smile. "Did you see that look he gave me? Daddy doesn't like me."
Jessica linked her arm with his and said, "Let me worry about Daddy."
Blackburn pulled her into the crowd. "Let's see what kinds of trouble that we can get ourselves into," he said.
"What kind of trouble would we find here?" asked Jessica. "This looks like a respectable party to me."
"They are feeling you out," replied Blackburn, turning to look at her. "We can't have you running back to Daddy and telling him what sort of wicked things that you've been up to, now can we?"
"Wicked things?" asked Jessica.
Blackburn moved close to her and leaned into her ear, "Wicked as in naughty, sexy and possibly deviant. Any of that sound good to you?"
"I'm not exactly sure," replied Jessica.
"Well, at least, that's not a no," said Blackburn with a smile.
"What exactly do vampires do for fun?" asked Jessica.
"All sorts of things that Daddy wouldn't approve of," replied Blackburn. "But, he just doesn't strike me as a vampire that knows how to have a good time."
"You've got that right," said Jessica.
Blackburn tightened his grip on her hand and winked, "Well, come this way and I'll do my best to show you what you've been missing."
Dark Reflections
"Shut up and sit down," hissed Roy.
He shoved Tara into a seat and she glowered up at him. Tara was sure that in a fair fight she would wipe the floor with this little prick. But, taking on him would be taking on Marnie.
"You won't always be so untouchable," said Tara.
"I ain't afraid of you," retorted Roy.
"It's not me that you have to worry about," said Tara. "You have so many people after you that they are all going to have to take a number and wait for their turn."
"Marnie has all the power, in case you haven't noticed," smugly replied Roy.
"Does she?" asked Tara. "She's not the only witch in town."
Roy smiled and said, "Why do you think that you're here? You are a little insurance policy, although I wonder if putting up with your mouth is worth it."
He moved away from Tara and to a desk where he kept watch over the other coven members. He saw Holly come up and take a seat next to Tara.
"I thought you got away from all this craziness," said Holly.
"So, did I," replied Tara.
Her thoughts returned to Sam. She didn't know how hurt he was. Damn him, he should have just let her go without a fight, she thought. It didn't escape her notice that he cared about her enough to fight for her. Her eyes watered and she tried to hold a sob in. Holly tried to comfort her, but Tara seemed to stiffen.
"Ah, you don't have to be alone with your fear," said Holly. "We're all scared here. All we have is each other, right now."
Gently, Holly drew Tara into her arms and rocked her. She whispered into Tara's ear, "I don't know about you, but I'm keeping my eyes open and I'm not going down without a fight. Are you with me?"
"Nobody hurts someone that I love and gets away with it," replied Tara.
Roy looked around the room and suddenly the hairs on the nape of his neck began to rise. A waft of air, like hot breath, hit his ear. He froze in fear as he heard a voice hidden inside. It sounded as if it had come from a throat that hadn't been designed for human speaking or one that had forgotten how.
"Roy," it hissed.
Roy looked around wildly, but nothing was out of place. He whirled around and looked behind him for it felt as if something was staring a hole between his shoulder blades. Yet, again nothing was there. It was just nerves, he told himself. He settled back into his chair and tried to ignore the fear that had settled like a stone in the pit of his stomach. He fidgeted and couldn't sit still. He decided to walk around the room and check all the exits again. As he passed the full-length mirror, something caused him to stop. He gazed at his reflection and pushed his hair off his face. As he continued to look at himself, he thought that he saw a flash of movement. He held his breath and was rooted in place, unable to turn away. In the mirror, he saw the shadow of a figure standing behind him. He turned around and looked behind him, but there wasn't anything there. He turned back around to the mirror, but he could clearly see that the figure was back and now it was even closer to him. He jumped and whirled around. But again, nothing was there. He tried to calm down. As he breathed a few deep breaths, he heard that scratchy voice behind him again.
"Roy," it hissed.
Turning around, he only saw a pair of blazing eyes that seemed to stare right through him. He gave a cry of fear and when he opened his eyes and looked again, the figure was gone. That girl had started all this, he thought. Maybe she had cast some sort of spell on him. Either that or he was going mad. He noticed the other members looking at him strangely.
"What are you looking at?" he asked. He had meant to sound tough, but he couldn't keep the fear out of his voice.
They all turned away and he stormed out of the room.
"He's losing it," said Holly, watching him go.
A Dream and a Message
Payton was running through a field of multi-colored wildflowers. The sun was shining down and birds darted about the sky. Their joyful melodies broke the silence and sounded like the sweetest music that she had ever heard. She was wearing a white, gauzy sundress that fluttered in the breeze. Just as she was picking up speed something caught her. Powerful arms wrapped around her body and twirled her in a circle. Payton's delighted laughter rang out and she turned and saw Eric holding her with a smile on his face. She wrapped her arms around him.
"No fair, you can run faster than me," she said.
"Vampires don't play fair," replied Eric.
He gently lowered her to a bed of flowers and lied down beside her. Payton gazed up at the blue sky that seemed to mirror the color of Eric's eyes. She had never seen his eyes turn this shade. But, she had never seen his eyes in the sunshine, she thought. Eric plucked a wildflower and tickled the end of her nose with it. She batted his hand away and he began to drape wildflowers into her hair. Payton grasped one of the flowers and tucked it behind his ear. He had such perfect ears. She trailed her finger along that perfect ear and down to his chin. Eric leaned down and kissed her. He then looked down at her with those beautiful blue eyes that were the color of the sky.
"Only you could imagine such a beautiful place for us to be," he said.
"Do you mean that this isn't real?" asked Payton.
Eric turned his head and looked up at the sun. His hair seemed to shine like gold and his normally pale skin was luminous. He was wearing a white shirt and pants and he looked like he was ready for a day combing the beach for seashells.
"Sunshine and vampires don't mix," he said with a smile.
Payton trailed her hand down to his chest and felt his warm flesh. Her magic was working on him. She had tried to warn him about the possible consequences of drinking her blood.
"That is a shame," said Payton. "Because the sun looks good on you."
"Then, you had better enjoy this dream while it lasts," he replied.
He leaned down and slowly kissed her lips. His lips tasted like spun sugar and Payton greedily kissed him back. A little bird flew into a rose bush next to them. It warbled a pretty tune and Payton turned with a smile to look at it. It then opened it's beak to sing again, but a loud ringing noise came out of it's mouth. Payton looked at it quizzically and Eric turned her head away from it.
"Don't listen to that," he said.
He began kissing her again and his lips trailed down to her throat. But, the bird kept ringing. He propped himself up on his elbows and looked at her.
"Ignore it. There is only you and me here," he said.
Payton looked at the bird. It stared at her and fluttered its wings. It kept ringing and ringing.
"I think someone is calling me," said Payton.
"Don't answer it. Stay here and make love with me," replied Eric.
Payton sat up and Eric rolled onto his back with a sigh.
"It could be important," she said. She caressed his hair and added, "To both of us."
Eric stared into the sun and said, "Promise me that you'll dream this dream again. Even if it isn't real, I want to feel the sunshine on my skin again."
Payton knew that this was only a dream. She knew that this Eric was only a creation of her imagination, but that little statement broke her heart. She kissed his warm cheek.
"I promise."
Payton opened her eyes and the phone at her bedside was ringing. She rubbed the remains of the dream out of her eyes and reached for it.
"Hello?" she said.
"Payton, it's Sam. I need your help," he said.
"What's happened?" she asked.
"It's Tara," said Sam. "Marnie has her. She came and took her last night."
"Where are you?" asked Payton.
"I'm getting released from the emergency room," said Sam.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, just some bumps and bruises," replied Sam. "But, I need your help finding Tara."
"I know where she is," said Payton. "Have you told Lafayette?"
"Not yet," said Sam.
"Tell him, but ask him and Jesus to come with you to Shreveport," said Payton. "We need to talk first."
"I can't stop Lafayette from running to Tara," said Sam.
"Just tell him that Marnie won't hurt her. At least, not yet," said Payton. "Tell them that rushing in blindly to rescue Tara is just what Marnie wants."
"We'll be there as soon as possible," said Sam.
"Meet me out in front of Marnie's place," said Payton. "Jesus will know where it is."
Payton hung up the phone and got up to get ready. Just as she was leaving, she decided to leave a note for Eric. She opened one of desk drawers looking for some writing paper and found a black book. It was almost new and a sealed letter addressed to her was inside its pages. She recognized her mother's writing and she held the letter in her hands for a moment. Hadn't she gone through these drawers when she was settling her mother's affairs? With trembling fingers, she opened the letter.
Dearest Payton,
I knew that someday you would find this letter when you needed it. A little spell, I'm afraid kept it hidden before. There were so many things that I wanted to say to you. But, I love you is the most important one of all. I wish that I could have been a better mother, but motherhood doesn't come with an instruction manual.
I wanted to tell you the truth about our magic, but I'm sure by now that you have already guessed. You were always gifted with a power that I could hardly understand. I tried desperately to protect you, but my visions about you were always confusing. I tried my best to do the right thing for you.
Charlie was more your father than anyone, but you do have a biological father. I'm enclosing his last-known address, but I caution you to be careful. He is powerful in his own right and he always wanted more power. I realized too late that I was in over my head. I shielded you with my magic to keep him away from you. I may not have been right and forgive me I was wrong. But, you were too precious to me to take a chance.
The vision that frightened me so much was one of you being surrounded by a dark shadow. I had thought that the shadow meant you harm, but now, I feel that it is there to protect you. Maybe, this will make more sense to you.
Your magic is powerful, Payton. But, nothing comes without a price. The Dragon has kept his covenant with us, but he still expects his due. May you find the price one that you can live with.
I will always be with you, forever and a day,
Mom
P.S. You may be surprised in the contents of my black book. It's my gift to you, but you were the best gift that I ever received.
Payton stared at her mother's handwriting long after she had read and memorized the words. She blinked back tears and looked at the card inside the letter. Her father's name and address was on it. With trembling fingers, she put everything back into the envelope and put it inside the desk drawer. But, the black book, she kept. She put it inside her purse and headed out the door.
Jesus
Payton was leafing through her mother's gift when Sam, Lafayette and Jesus drove up. Sam parked his SUV next to her car on the deserted street. Sam face was creased with worry and anger. That look was mirrored in Lafayette's. Jesus brought up the rear. As Sam approached closer, she could see several cuts and scratches on his arms. She touched his arm.
"Are you sure that you're okay?" she asked.
"I'll be fine," said Sam.
Lafayette hissed, "That bitch doesn't know who she's messing with."
He started moving towards the shop and Payton and Jesus grabbed him. He fought to shrug off their hands.
"Please, wait a moment and try to calm down," said Payton.
Jesus put his arms around Lafayette and held onto him and said, "We're going to get Tara back."
"Notice anything?" asked Payton.
Jesus looked around and said, "There's no one here. The power to pull off a spell like this is immense."
"Oh, it's more than that," said Payton. "There is a shield of some sort all the way around her shop."
"I don't understand," said Jesus. "Marnie was never like this."
"I would guess that she really was," said Payton. "She just didn't have the power before."
"Does one of you have a plan?" demanded Lafayette.
"Tara is bait," said Payton. "Marnie wants one or both of you on her side. She's not confident of winning this little contest."
"Is she going to win?" asked Lafayette.
"No," said Payton. "Her fate is already sealed."
"Let me, at least, try to reason with her one last time," said Jesus.
"You must do what you think is right," said Payton.
"Will you watch over my Lafayette?" asked Jesus.
"I'll protect him," replied Payton.
"No, it's my cousin," said Lafayette. "I'm the one who should be going in there."
"It's really me that Marnie wants," said Jesus.
"You have better come back to me in one piece," said Lafayette.
"I promise," said Jesus.
He took a moment and kissed Lafayette on the lips and pulled him close. When he let to, Payton moved in and pulled Lafayette to her. She closed her eyes because she saw a flash of something that pained her, but she had learned that some things can't be changed. Payton, Sam and Lafayette watched as Jesus approached the shop. When he neared the shield, he stopped and called out.
"Marnie, are you in there?"
The door opened and Marnie walked out. She was wearing a brown leather jacket over a dress and a small smile was on her face.
"Do what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, old friend?" she asked.
"I want to talk to you," said Jesus.
"I can't lower the shield," said Marnie. "If you want to come across, you must have the power to do so inside yourself."
Jesus seemed to focus and then walked into the shield. Immediately, it blazed into view where Jesus made contact with it. Jesus struggled to move through it as Marnie calmly watched. He gave a cry and, as he started to penetrate her barrier, a blue-faced demon's head was superimposed over his own face. It only flashed for a second and then Jesus was through. Marnie gave him a measuring stare.
"You've learned things while you were away," she said.
"It's a long story," replied Jesus.
"We've got time," said Marnie. "At least, until sunset. Then, things are going to get a little exciting."
She motioned for Jesus to go inside and they disappeared into the building.
"What the hell was that on his face?" asked Sam.
"It's a Latin thing," replied Lafayette. "So, what now?"
"We wait," said Payton. "And give Jesus time to intervene."
Once inside, Tara stood up and Jesus moved to her. She hugged him and asked, "Are Lafayette and Sam okay?"
"They're both fine," said Jesus.
"You surprise me, Jesus," said Marnie. "You forgot to mention that there was a demon attached to your family."
"Marnie, what is going on?" asked Jesus. "Why are you trying to wage war on the vampires?"
"Because she's totally bat shit crazy," hissed Cassie, who was rapidly progressing to an out-of-control state.
"Silence," warned Marnie.
Cassie whined and Holly pulled her into her arms and tried to reassure her. Marnie watched them in aggravation and then turned her eyes back to Jesus.
"Vampires thought that they were untouchable, but they are wrong," said Marnie. "I'm going to show them how wrong they are."
"In case you haven't noticed, they have a witch of their own," said Jesus.
"Antonia and I together can defeat her," said Marnie.
"Marnie, this is crazy," said Jesus. "This isn't the Marnie that I know. You taught me so much about magic and being responsible about wielding power."
"You mean that I was a pushover," said Marnie. "Everyone walked all over me. Made fun of me behind my back. When that vampire came here and attacked us, I realized that I was not going to lie down and be bullied any more."
"Marnie, there's a big difference between standing up for yourself and what you are doing. You're holding the coven hostage and you've kidnapped Tara," said Jesus. "You've even tried to kill that girl out there."
"She's a little more than just a girl," replied Marnie. "She's under that blonde vampire's influence. She will try to destroy all of us."
"Then, for christsakes, just let us leave," said Cassie. "I don't want to die here."
Marnie sat down in a chair and eyed her coven. She pulled out a ceremonial dagger from her jacket and twirled it in her fingers.
"Those vampires and their little creature don't care if you are willingly here or not," said Marnie. "They will kill all of you when sunset comes which is just about here. We are just unimportant humans to them. They won't think twice about spilling your blood."
"This is all your fault," screamed Cassie.
Marnie threw down the dagger and said, "Sunset is here. Go on and take the knife if you have the courage."
Cassie hesitated just a second and then moved to the dagger. Marnie watched her and just as she was reaching it, Marnie sent it through the air at her. Jesus leapt at the last moment and shoved her out of the way. He managed to save Cassie, but the dagger landed in his chest. Marnie's eyes went wide and she stood up. Jesus crumpled to the floor as Tara and Holly rushed to catch him.
"That wasn't meant for you," hissed Marnie.
Cassie scrambled out of the way and cowered in a corner. Marnie moved and stared down at Jesus who gasped in pain.
"I can save you," said Marnie. "Just give me your power."
"You can't trade powers like Pokemon cards," replied Jesus.
"I can just take it from you," said Marnie.
"Like hell," said Tara.
Jesus weakly smiled and said, "It's sunset, remember?"
"I'll be back to deal with you," said Marnie.
She turned on her heel and headed to the front of the shop, followed by Roy. Jesus groaned and Tara pushed him back to the floor.
"What should we do?" she asked. "You're the nurse. Should we pull it out?"
"No, don't touch it," said Jesus. "I'll bleed out too fast."
"Holly, get some candles, birch bark and some spices," said Jesus. "And, something of Marnie's like a scarf and hurry."
Holly left and Tara looked down at Jesus. "You need to be still. Lafayette will kill me if something happens to you."
"I'm doing this for Lafayette and everyone else," said Jesus.
Tara held his hand and Holly knelt again beside them. "Tell us, what to do," she said.
Eric arrived with Bill and the rest of the vampires, but he moved immediately to Payton. He looked her over to make sure that she was okay.
"I woke up and you were gone," he said.
"Things have been happening," said Payton. "I knew that you would be able to sense me and know that I was alright."
"The vampires are going to attack the shop," said Eric.
"Bad move," replied Payton. "At least, right now it is."
"What do you mean?" asked Eric.
"Just this," said Payton.
She threw a rock towards Marnie and it struck the shield and a blaze of light erupted where it made contact. The rock disintegrated and didn't hit the ground.
"It goes all the way around," said Payton. "It's made up of sunlight and it's totally lethal to your kind."
"Can you break the shield?" asked Eric.
"Yes, sunlight is a basically a form of fire," said Payton. "But, Marnie is still a problem as long as Antonia is with her. I'll keep her busy, just don't get in the way."
Payton got off her car and moved towards the barrier. Eric watched her and turned to gaze at Marnie in anger. Marnie stood and watched Payton approach.
"Coming inside, Demoness?" asked Marnie. "It's not so easy."
"Watch me," said Payton.
Payton simply walked into the barrier and for a moment it flared up and Payton seemed to be engulfed in flames. Her shadow rose up the barrier and a vague shape like a pair of wings appeared for just a second. But, Payton stepped to the other side and her shadow disappeared.
"Easy as pie," she said.
"How did she do that?" demanded Roy.
"Shut up, Roy," said Marnie.
"Feeling a little nervous, lately, Roy?" asked Payton.
"You know what's happening to me, don't you?" he asked.
"You get back everything that you send out, Roy," replied Payton. "That's a basic tenant of magic. Didn't Marnie teach you that?"
Payton looked over at Marnie and said, "But, Marnie hasn't exactly been playing fair. You've made many mistakes, but your last one is your undoing."
"What are you talking about?" demanded Marnie.
"Jesus was sent by me," said Payton.
"I took care of Jesus," replied Marnie. "He's dead."
Lafayette listening from the sidelines uttered a gasp and moved to the barrier, but Eric grabbed him and easily held him back.
"Stay out of it," he said.
"But, Jesus," sobbed Lafayette.
"If he really is dead, there's nothing you can do for him," replied Eric. "And, Payton is still vulnerable and you will not endanger her."
Payton closed her eyes and said, "You're wrong about that, Marnie. Feel something different about yourself?"
Marnie raised her eyebrows and seemed to waver on her feet. Inside the shop, Jesus was finishing his spell with Holly and Tara's help. Holly jumped back when his demon face appeared again. Jesus uttered the final words of the spell and his face became normal again.
"It's done," he said and he closed his eyes.
Holly grabbed his wrist and felt for a pulse, which she didn't find. She gently laid his hand on his chest and turned to Tara.
"I'm sorry," she said.
Tara sobbed and pulled Jesus's head into her lap.
Back outside, Antonia began to free herself from Marnie's hold. She forcefully ripped herself out and left Marnie disorientated in her wake. A peaceful smile came over Antonia's face and she vanished from sight. Payton stared at Marnie.
"Now, it's just you and me," she said.
"I'm no pushover even without her," said Marnie.
Marnie began to cast her spell and a ring of fire encircled Payton. The flames leaped higher, but Payton stayed in place. With a loud whoosh, the flames roared and enveloped Payton while Marnie smiled in satisfaction. However, her smile began to falter as a figure could still be seen within the fire. The flames roared higher and Payton's voice could be heard.
"Fire can't kill a dragon," she said.
Payton stepped, unhurt, out of the fire. With a motion of her hand, she sent the fire out towards the barrier, which ignited and blazed like an inferno. The flames climbed up into the sky and when they died down, the barrier was gone. She turned her gaze back on Marnie and Roy. Roy looked at her and suddenly he started to see the shadows again. Those dark shapes began to move towards him. He closed his eyes and, when he opened them, they were surrounding him. He could now see that they were the images of the people who had been killed at the cemetery fight. Their unblinking eyes seemed to stare through him. He backed up away from them.
"Make them go away," he cried.
"I'm not making them appear," said Payton. "You are."
He began to back up from her, unaware of what he was walking towards.
"Roy," began Marnie.
"Shut up," he hissed. "This is all your fault. Can't you see them?"
"See who?" demanded Marnie.
Roy faced the images and said, "I didn't mean it."
He turned and ran right into the street and was mowed down by a truck being driven down the road since the warding spell had been lifted. Eric stepped forward and looked at the mess that used to be Roy.
"I had plans for him," said Eric.
"Sorry, but he was running from his own demons," said Payton.
Bill moved up with Eric and he looked over at Marnie and bared his fangs. She faced them both and lifted her chin.
"No one lives forever, not even you," she said.
"As your King, I'll handle this," said Bill to Eric.
Payton moved inside the shop and was closely followed by Eric. The screams of Marnie followed them as they made their way to where Jesus lay. Lafayette was sobbing over his body and Payton knelt beside him. She had seen an image of Lafayette crying in grief earlier and she had guessed that Jesus was going to die. A part of her had wanted to stop him from going inside and trying to reason with Marnie. But, she had been sure that Jesus knew the risks that he was taking. Sam rushed inside also and quickly found Tara. He swept her into his arms where she cried on his shoulder.
"Can you save him with your blood?" asked Lafayette looking at Eric. "I would do anything."
"He is already dead," said Eric. "My blood can't heal that."
Payton gripped Jesus's still warm hand and knew that he had only just slipped away. Those that have just passed through the curtain could still hear the call of someone that they loved.
"Call to him, Lafayette," said Payton. "He can still hear your voice."
"What?" asked Lafayette, in confusion.
"If you love him, call him back to you," insisted Payton.
"Jesus, can you hear me?" said Lafayette. "Don't leave me like this. I was just getting used to having you around and I don't know how I'm going to live now, without you."
"Keep talking," said Payton. She held Jesus's hand and began to cast a spell.
"I have the power to reach across the veil
My faith is strong and will not fail
Jesus, gave his life for another
As if he was that person's brother
The cord of his life was cut before its time
To not honor his sacrifice would be a crime
Right the wrongs done here tonight
Bring back his soul and end this blight
The dragon's tears are never cried in vain
Heal our broken hearts and end our pain."
Payton held her hand over Jesus's wound and continued to chant as Lafayette called his name. Suddenly, Jesus's body jolted as if from an electric charge. His eyes flew open and Payton stared into their depths. As she watched, the clarity came back into his eyes.
"Lafayette?" he said.
"I'm here, Baby," replied Lafayette.
"I…I think I went to heaven," said Jesus.
"I don't care where you went as long as you came back to me," said Lafayette.
Eric reached for Payton and pulled her back with him. He always knew that she had the power to command the dead, he just wasn't sure how far she would intercede. Maybe, she truly felt that it was not Jesus's time. Eric was relieved that he had been the only vampire to witness this power. The less that anyone else knew about her the better. He caressed her and searched her eyes. He wiped away a stray tear and Payton took his hand.
"It isn't over, yet," said Payton.
"But, Marnie is dead," said Eric.
"That doesn't mean much for a witch," replied Payton.
"This witch crap is really getting old," grumbled Eric.
A/N: Payton would know that killing Marnie isn't going to be the end of her. Everyone else should too because of Antonia. However, I am not planning that hokey graveyard scene and Marnie is not skipping off to the otherworld unscathed.
I could not let Jesus die, but Marnie doesn't know that Payton saved him.
I know that scene with Eric drinking Roy's heart like it was a juice box was so cool, but it just didn't fit into my story. I preferred Eric being more concerned with Payton.