A/N: I put them at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 15

Godric

Darcie nervously paced the suite, reminding herself of Eric. She had come back to the Hotel Carmilla, leaving Eric with Godric to deal with the police and the aftermath of the bombing. She had only given Luke the compulsion to tell the truth, since the truth was all that was needed to convict Steve Newlin. Perhaps, Stan had caused him to go over the edge and seek retribution for the death of his father. Yet, Darcie felt that darkness and hatred had always resided inside him, waiting for an excuse to come out.

Newlin had found a malleable victim in Hugo. Hugo's own desperate need for Isabel had driven him from love to hate. What terrible things Newlin must have whispered into Hugo's ear that would make him turn against the woman he supposedly loved. Of course, Hugo had been killed along with Isabel. Two other vampires and two human companions were also killed. Numerous humans were injured. The home was completely destroyed and would need to be torn down. For the time being, the vampires of Godric's nest were residing at the hotel.

Darcie might have been counted among those dead or injured herself, if Eric had not protected her. Yet, she wondered if she could have reached Hugo in time, if Eric would have just let her go when she first moved towards him. Eric had shielded her during the blast and those silver bullets that she dug out of him had been meant for her. Eric. He had admitted some sort of feelings for her. Yet, she was still sure that he was trying to manipulate her and make her care for him. But, those words whispered into her ear had not seemed like a lie. She had wanted to believe them and, in an instant, she had lost her resolve. She had responded just the way he had wanted, no doubt. Perhaps, he did like her, as much as he was capable of liking a human. But, whatever feelings he may or may not have for her had not stopped him from trying to trick her into drinking his blood. And that was an advantage over her that she would not give him. She was already succumbing to his charm. The attraction she felt for him grew stronger every day and being in such close contact with him was not helping matters.

What would happen when he came back tonight? Would he expect a continuation of what happened before they were interrupted by the bombing? Did she have the will to resist him tonight when she might not want to? Didn't she need the comfort of someone who cared for her to make the nightmare of tonight go away? She was weak and vulnerable, she decided. A wise man or woman knows when to run away from danger. Since, he might come looking for her, she wrote a note and left the suite.

She knocked on the door and waited in the hallway for him to answer.

"Did I wake you?" she asked.

"No, I can't sleep," said Jason.

"Can I stay with you tonight?" asked Darcie.

"Um, what about your, er, boyfriend?" asked Jason.

"He's still with the police and Godric," said Darcie. "I just don't want to be alone."

"Sure, come in," said Jason with a smile.

Darcie and Jason watched television on the bed.

"Are your ears still ringing?" asked Darcie.

"Yes, I think that's why I can't sleep, that and just thinking about things," said Jason.

"What things?" asked Darcie.

"The Fellowship," said Jason.

"Jason, why were you with them?" asked Darcie.

"It seemed like Steve and Sarah really liked me and that they believed in me," said Jason. "I know it was all lies now, but at the time it felt so good. You see, no one really just likes me for me. It's always my looks, my athletic abilities or my sex skills."

"I love you for just who you are," said Darcie with a little smile.

"Well, you're family, you have to," said Jason.

Darcie took Jason's hand and said, "I've never seen this side of you, Jason. You always seemed so confident, so cocky. I'm glad to find out that I'm not the only one who pretends."

"Now, what would you have to pretend about?" asked Jason. "You're pretty and so smart that I can't understand half the things that come out of your mouth."

Darcie giggled at that, along with Jason.

"I wasn't always pretty. In fact, I was a very awkward girl. My grandmother always told me that someday I would be pretty, but I had a hard time believing her. At my first social dance, only one boy felt sorry enough for me to ask me to dance," said Darcie.

"That's messed up," said Jason.

"Yet, as painful as those years were, I learned a valuable lesson. I learned that most people are very shallow and often fail to look beyond a person's exterior. I have never forgotten that," said Darcie.

Darcie saw a news flash on the television about Reverend Newlin being taken into custody along with a picture of his wife.

"Jason, did you actually have it off with her?" asked Darcie. "Because you can do so much better."

"Do you really think so?" asked Jason.

"Of course, Cousin," said Darcie. "Why if you weren't family, I'd be at the front of the line."

"I know you're trying to make me feel better, but thanks," said Jason.

Jason plucked at the comforter in thought for a moment.

"Can I ask you something?" said Jason. "You don't have to answer because it isn't any of my business, but why are you going out with Eric Northman? Because he scares the crap out of me."

"I guess that I'm attracted to that danger. He's gorgeous, of course. But, there is more to him than what you see. He's like a puzzle with all the pieces mixed up and I feel this need to put them all back together. Because maybe if I do, then I will understand him," said Darcie.

"He protected you tonight. He has to care for you," said Jason.

"Yes, I'm very valuable to him," said Darcie.

"Well, he had better treat you right. Or, scary-ass vampire or not, I will kick his ass," said Jason.

Darcie smiled and said, "I bet you could, too."

"Really?" asked Jason.

"No, not really," said Darcie with a grin. "But, I know you would try."

Jason turned out the light and said, "Goodnight, Cousin."

"Goodnight, Jason. Oh, by the way, why don't we go shopping tomorrow?" replied Darcie.

The next day, Darcie returned to the suite very late, so late that it was not so long until dawn. She had woken up late and spent the day and evening with Jason and Mr. Turner who helped Darcie find some suitable clothes for Jason. Then, the three of them had gone native and eaten at a western steakhouse. Even though Jason had not been impressed, she and Mr. Turner had enjoyed every minute of it. She had wanted to get cowboy hats and western boots for herself and Mr. Turner, but he had said that was going just too far. Being on a vampire's schedule had messed up her internal clock and it was late before she knew it. She had also been avoiding her problem of Eric. Yet, his mind was occupied with Godric and he had not sought her out.

So, she was not expecting the suite to be full of vampires. She stood in the doorway and clutched her shopping bag. Eric looked over to her and she could see the tension in his gaze.

"I'm sorry, I'll just come back later," said Darcie.

She backed up out of the doorway, but a blonde female vampire interrupted.

"Wait, is this the human that was involved with the rescue at the Fellowship?" she asked the vampires present. Since, of course, such a question would not be directed at a mere human like herself, thought Darcie.

"Yes," said Eric.

"She's your human, Viking?" asked the blonde vampire.

"Yes," said Eric.

The blonde vampire seemed to examine her like a bug under microscope.

"She will stay, in case I need her testimony," she said.

"As you wish, Ms. Flanagan," said Eric.

Darcie did not need to be a vampire mind reader to pick up on the fact that there was little love between Eric and this Ms. Flanagan. Darcie came forward and saw that Stan and Godric were also present. They sat on the sofa across from the chaise that Eric was sitting on. Two other vampires flanked Ms. Flanagan who was sitting in a chair. Darcie took a seat on the chaise, but at the end and away from Eric. She turned her eyes to him and saw that he was dressed in all black again. Black pants paired with a V-neck black sweater. His blonde hair was combed back off his attractive face. He turned his eyes to her, somehow sensing her study, and Darcie looked away.

"Normally, I would rake everyone one of you over the coals for completely screwing up. But, the fact that you somehow managed to get evidence that resulted in Steve Newlin being arrested and charged with the bombing is a coup that can't be ignored. What could have been a total PR disaster has turned out to be an amazing opportunity to garner public sympathy. And one of our biggest enemies has been disgraced. How you idiots managed to accomplish that is beyond me," said Nan Flanagan.

Nan turned to Stan and said, "You are a complete fool for going after Newlin's father in the first place. And you had better made sure that you covered your tracks or I will personally deliver you to the Magister."

She turned her eyes to Godric and said, "And you. You can't even control your own lieutenant? Plus, you let yourself be abducted. Just what the hell is going on with you?"

"Don't talk to him like that," said Eric.

"Don't talk to me like that," replied Nan with an icy smile. "Tell me all the details about this abduction."

"They would have taken one of us, sooner or later. I offered myself," said Godric.

"Why?" asked Nan.

"Why not," said Godric.

"They wanted you to meet the sun and you were willing?" demanded Nan.

"What do you think?" said Godric.

"I think that you are out of your mind. What's this I hear about a traitor?" said Nan.

"Isabel's human betrayed us to the Fellowship," said Stan. "Beady-eyed bastard."

"Well, at least she had the decency to get herself killed along with him," said Nan who turned her eyes to Godric and asked, "Don't you have a clue about what is going on in your own nest?"

"I take full responsibility," said Godric.

"You bet you will," said Nan.

"You cold bitch," said Eric.

"You want to lose your area, Viking?" said Nan.

"Oh, you don't have that kind of power," said Eric.

"Hey, I'm on TV. Try me," said Nan.

"I remove myself from all positions of authority," said Godric.

"What and leave your idiot second in command in charge?" said Nan. "No, you will remain in charge of area nine as sheriff, at least until after the Vampire Rights Amendment passes. You will rein in this loose canon of a lieutenant or drain him, I don't care. You will man-up and take control of this area, do you understand?"

"I don't want to resume my duties as sheriff," said Godric.

"Did I ask you what you wanted?" said Nan. "Unbelievable, you should be grateful that I'm not sending you to the Magister for your incompetence. And the only reason that I'm not is that you delivered Newlin's head on a platter to me."

Nan stood up and said, "I don't want to come back here because if I do, I won't be as nice the next time."

Ms. Flanagan departed with her vampire associates.

Godric sat in silence for a moment, his face devoid of expression. Eric watched him and then moved next to him.

"It wasn't that bad," said Eric, hopefully. "Darcie's plan worked out brilliantly."

"That was her idea?" asked Stan. "Pretty smart for a human."

"She's obviously smarter than you, you incompetent moron. The next time you get some brilliant idea to make a decision on your own, stop and do us all a favor," said Eric.

"Hey, I don't have to take that from you," said Stan.

"Stan, return to the hotel and check on the other vampires," said Godric.

With a frown and an almost growl, Stan left to do Godric's bidding.

Godric still sat on the sofa, his eyes looking inward. Eric watched him and knelt before him.

"Godric, please don't," said Eric.

"I'm so very tired," said Godric.

"I won't accept this. You have responsibilities as Sheriff, to your nest-mates and to me," said Eric.

"None of that matters anymore," said Godric.

Godric looked up into Eric's eyes and said, "Look in my heart."

"Please, listen to me," said Eric, pleading.

"There isn't anything left to say," said Godric.

Godric got up and left the suite, followed by Eric. Darcie knew where they were going. She had heard the word 'rooftop' from Godric's mind. One of those random thoughts that had escaped from the void of a vampire's mind. Not knowing if she could do anything or even if her presence would be wanted, Darcie headed to the rooftop after them.

She arrived to find Eric pleading with Godric. She almost turned away and left because she felt that he would not want her to be a witness to what he might consider weakness on his part. Yet, something made her stay.

"Two thousand years is enough," said Godric.

"I can't accept this. It's insanity," said Eric.

"Our existence is insanity. We don't belong," said Godric.

"But, we are here," said Eric.

"It's not right. We're not right," said Godric.

"You taught me that there is no right or wrong, only survival or death," said Eric.

"I told a lie, as it turns out," said Godric.

"I will keep you alive by force," said Eric.

"Even if you could, why would you be so cruel?" asked Godric.

Darcie heard them begin speaking to each other in a language that she could not understand. Eric began to cry tears of blood and he sank to his knees before Godric. Godric gently brushed his fingers over his hair, as Eric continued to cry.

"I won't let you die alone," said Eric.

"Yes, you will. As your maker, I command you," said Godric.

Eric sobbed, but rose to his feet and gazed at this maker. He turned and his eyes found her standing there. Somehow, she knew that he wanted her to stay with Godric, so he wouldn't be alone at the end.

"I'll stay with him," said Darcie.

Eric turned back and looked at Godric one last time. And then, he left the roof.

Darcie stepped towards Godric who smiled and said, "A human with me at the end, who would have ever thought that possible?"

Darcie looked at the horizon and then walked in front of Godric.

"Godric, why are you doing this?" she asked.

"We don't belong," said Godric.

"But, you are here, like Eric said," said Darcie. "I don't believe that our creator would have allowed the creation of something like you without a reason. Nor, do I believe that he would withhold his grace from you. You may be two thousand years old, but there are some mysteries like God that you can never understand. If you are here in this world, there must be a reason for it."

"Do you really believe this, Darcie?" asked Godric.

"With all my heart," said Darcie. "Godric, please listen to me. You feel that vampires have not evolved, that they only grow more predatory. The fact is that they don't know how to behave any differently. Your kind has always had to fight for survival. But, you have found a way to change and to think differently. You could be an example to your kind and show them the way. You have the power to make both humans and vampires listen. There is so much good that you could yet do in this world, Godric. Perhaps, this is your creator's purpose for you. I know you feel like maybe you need to atone for your sins, but your death won't help anyone. However, your life could serve a purpose much greater than yourself."

Godric was silent, but Darcie could tell that he was thinking over her words.

She took his hand and said, "Please, if my words have made any kind of sense to you and if they have caused any doubts in your mind, you must turn away from what you are doing before it is too late and come inside with me."

"I had only thought of myself in all this," said Godric. "My pain and despair."

"Vampires and humans are selfish creatures," said Darcie with a smile. "This, we have in common."

"How did someone as young as you become so wise, Darcie?" asked Godric.

"I'm not wise at all, Godric. Maybe, I'm only stubborn," she said.

Darcie gently pulled on Godric's hand since the horizon was growing lighter by the second it seemed.

Godric gave a long look at that horizon and Darcie squeezed his hand, causing him to look back at her.

"Please, don't give up and loose hope," said Darcie. "We humans have a saying, that wherever there is life, there is hope. It sounds corny, but it's true."

Godric searched Darcie's face and slowly a smile formed.
"I don't think Eric deserves you," said Godric.

"You're probably right, but I don't think he would see it that way," said Darcie, returning the smile.

Godric allowed Darcie to lead him inside just before the sun crested the horizon.

Darcie entered the suite and walked into Eric's bedroom. She found him sitting at the of his bed, with his shirt off. Probably because of his bloody tears, she thought. His head was down and she could see his blood dried on his face where his tears had ran down. She stepped to him and gently lifted his chin and kissed him in the cheek. He grabbed her hand in his and held on.

"Godric is gone," he said.

"No, he isn't," said Darcie, as she caressed his cheek.

Eric's eyes searched hers, not believing this, yet she saw a flicker of hope in his eyes.

"He's waiting for you," said Darcie.

"But, how? Why?" asked Eric.

"He changed his mind," said Darcie.

Darcie pulled him up and gave him a smile, saying, "Go on, what are you waiting for?"

A/N: I kept Stan since I kinda liked him and sj61 did too. Maybe Godric can whip him into shape. Downbelowgirl requested that I didn't kill Godric off, but I never had plans of doing that since I always thought he was so interesting. Thank you for all the great reviews and if you have an idea for the story leave it in a review, I always look for new directions.