A/N: Quake speaking, this is my first official statement on FanFic and it is…bananas. Thanks all the readers who have enjoyed this story so far and I apologize on behalf of both me and Isil for taking so long to post. We both had a lot of stuff happen in the passed few months so editing was horrible. But good news, for you guys anyways bad for us, we have decided to elaborate farther than anyone could have expected, yes even us the writers. This story was on our minds over the past few months and we built upon it and now with more available time we will post more often. So…yeah…I think that's all I got. Isil, anything you want to add?
A/N: lol I think Quake got it all. Once again thank you to all who read and review. Here is a tip; the more reviews we get, the more our motivation to post quicker is, just a suggestion.
A/N: One last thing, mainly cause Quake wanted me to mention it. There has been a few vamp and werewolf fics posted on the forum since we started posting. That makes me smile, I know were not the first but it seems we re-awoken that idea so not all the fics are the same. To those writing them, good for you and keep it up!
Enough of this, ON WITH THE FIC!
Ch. 6- Reunion with Old Comrades
The sun had long since set in the city, the lights casted from neon signs and the light post illuminated the streets and the city's residents that choose to roam the night. It was a normal quiet night for the busy city, nothing seemed amiss to the mortals that inhabited it.
Yet high above the streets, up on dark roof tops that created the night sky, a large number of shadowy cloaked figures crouched. They blended with the night as they gazed down at the streets below them. They reminded silent, still statues in the night as though they were waiting for something.
In the center of all these buildings one stood out amongst the others, an aged cathedral style church. Upon its' roof top stood a single figure, his massive frame almost reaching seven feet. He was clothed all in black, a large leather trench coat blowing in the wind as his piercing green eyes looked off into the distance. He gazed towards the same direction as the rest of the shadows. To a human it would appear they were staring at nothing, yet the large figures sharp eyes stared intently at two figures walking side by side.
The large figure let out an animal-like growl when he saw the curly haired man and glared at him in disgust. His expression changed from one of loathing to that of respect and concern as his eyes turned to the man laughing beside him. His line of vision lingered on the laughing man a moment longer before he then turned his watchful gaze a few miles away. There a blonde figure was intently watching the two just as he was. The dark figure shook his head.
"Those two are in a heap of trouble," he spoke to himself, coming to a conclusion of his next actions. "I need to speak with the pup."
He tilted his head back before he let out a loud howl; it was incapable for a human to reproduce, instead sounding like a large wolf calling to its young.
Jeff idly played with his lighter as he laughed at his brother's expense. "I swear, Matt, only you can attract the stran..." He stopped mid sentence as his ears were invaded with a howl, one he knew all too well; one he had not heard in years and had missed greatly. "Taker..." he mumbled before taking off in the direction of the call, his heart racing as his Lycan half seemed to be awoken, taking full control of his body.
He did not think about Matt, his brother was pushed out of his mind as his animal instincts took over. He climbed, leaped and scaled up buildings on all fours with such speed that he appeared to be nothing more than a blur to any with sharp enough eyes to catch a glimpse of him.
It was not long until Jeff found his way to the source of the call. The young Lycan stopped at the edge of one of the church's towers on all fours in a sitting position, much like an animal. He stared up at the large figure across from him with a look of longing and respect.
After a moment Jeff finally found his voice. "Taker, you're the last person I expected to see again."
The larger Lycan was known solely as the Undertaker, Taker to the few within his pack who earned the privilege to call him that. None knew his birth name; the larger Lycan was so old it seemed to be lost in the sands of time. So he was dubbed the Undertaker, not simply because he struck fear in the hearts of many, but because of his loyal and father like nature towards his "children." Taker was known to change and take in the abandoned and beaten souls by society. He would "undertake" the task of showing them a better life through immortality and the life of the Lycan packs. Yet his gentle and fatherly side was never seen out of the close confines of the pack, instead he would let his eerie and dark side show. The man was the embodiment of intimidation and power, leaving him to be respected by his pack, and feared by his enemies. Normally his presence would not have effected Jeff, especially since not only was he is maker but also his Pack Leader, well his former Pack Leader.
That's what was worrying Jeff. It had been countless decades since he inexplicitly disappeared one night, never to be heard from again. Jeff did not know how Taker had found him, or why. He only hoped that whatever it was it did not involve the larger man's infamous wrath.
The Undertaker did not give Jeff time to question him as he cleared his throat. "Hello, pup, your scent has been a hard one to find," Taker watched as a small glimpse of joy grew in his young Lycan's eyes, it had been years since Jeff had heard his nickname from his leader. It also gave him some reassurance; if the Undertaker was going to hurt him he would not call him by that name.
The sigh of relief Jeff let out would have made the large Lycan leader smile years ago, but the times had changed and smiles were no longer a convenience but a rarity for the Pack Leader. Without loosing grasp of his stern glare towards Jeff, the Undertaker spoke once more in his booming voice. "I know why you left all those years ago, it is stobvious because yours and your brother's scents were so similar. Blood or not it doesn't excuse the fact that he is a Vampire. And to add insult to the growing number of injuries to the situation he is Adam's protégé."
Jeff felt as if Taker's words had physically slapped him, so harsh and deep their meaning really was to him. Jeff and Matt might have been brother's before their lives were changed by immortality, but their paths had been very different and long before fate reunited them once more.
The day Jeff had left his pack all those years ago he did so without any explanation, knowing he truly could not explain who his brother was without them attempting to kill Matt. He realized the only way to keep them safe from Adam was to make it appear that they were both dead. They seemed to have accomplished just that, but it did not come without a price for the young Lycan. Jeff missed his pack, especially certain people he had left behind.
Yet Jeff quickly shook those thoughts aside, now was not the time. He let out a soft sigh before he finally spoke. "I had to do it; it was the only way to get him away from that monster. He is not his protégé, not anymore. Vampire or not he is still my brother."
Taker looked into Jeff's eyes and saw no sign of doubt in the younger ones. "I respect your judgment, but you have been missed." The cloud of animosity and intimidation seemed to dissipate around the Undertaker as his intense gaze softened slightly towards Jeff.
Finally feeling as if it was safe, Jeff leaped from the tower he was crouching on to stand in front of the larger Lycan."Thanks Taker," Jeff said softly, a small smile playing upon his lips. Even after all these years, the Undertaker's respect still meant so much to him.
"Now, on to more pressing matters," The Pack Leader's expression lingered a little long on his the rare compassionate side before it returned to its normal daunting expression as he addressed the reason he had called the younger Lycan to him to begin with."That blood sucking bastard is after you and your brother."
What comfort Jeff was feeling in the presence of his maker was quickly destroyed at the mention of his brother's Sire. "I know; Adam confronted us not too long ago." Jeff cringed inwardly when he thought about the Master Vampire and he could not help the chill that settled in his stomach. He attempted to calm down his nerves as he began to pace. After a moment he glanced up at his Pack Leader. "He wants Matt, and knowing Adam, he won't stop until he gets him."
"Yes, his scent seems to permeate every inch of the air, the odor is unbearable." Taker raised head and sniffed the surrounding air, "But at least now I know his intent." He snarled at the thought of Adam before turning back to the still pacing Jeff. "Pup, let me ask you something, when is the last time you fed?"
Jeff stopped his pacing and glanced curiously at Taker. "Um, I had some raw meat this morning, why do you ask?" Jeff was unsure as to why his former Pack Leader would ask him such a thing. He highly doubted now was the time to worry about his diet.
Taker shook his head in disappointment, clearly not pleased with Jeff's answer. "You should know better than that. Even if you don't feed upon humans, as Vampires do, you still need the nourishment that a live prey brings, just like they do." Taker stepped away from the young Lycan in order to go more in-depth to his reasoning. As he continued to speak the look of uncertainty in Jeff's facial expression continued to grow.
"That is how we survive, through the nourishment of the living. Although we can live off both live and dead food since we are still living, if it is not fresh your body won't absorb as much strength. For creatures such as your brother…" That snarl returned once more in the Undertaker's voice as he continued. "…actual living victims are needed for survival and if their victim is dead, their blood will drag them into death as well."
He let out a huff of breath before going back to the point he was trying to get across. "Pup, you have to feed so that you and your brother will be able to stand somewhat of a fighting chance against Adam."
Jeff let out a sigh as he began to pace again. "I can feel that my body is not as strong as it once was, but that is simply because it is much harder to feed on live prey in a populated city without getting caught." He stopped in front of the large Lycan as he ran his hand over his purple hair in frustration.
It had been years since the younger Lycan had actually feed on a living person, deeming it necessary to not draw attention to him and Matt. Yet there was always something about taking life to feed his own immortality that unsettled him, made him feel dirty. He could not explain his reason; though he was pretty sure it had something to do with Adam. Anything that made him remotely similar to the Master Vampire was something Jeff despised more than Vampires themselves. Adam was known for the sick twisted pleasure he took out of toying with his victims before he drank them dry. Jeff had more respect for human life than that, more than most of his brethren in fact, choosing to go after the evil doers of the mortal realm instead of the innocent.
Jeff could not ignore Taker's warning, however. He had to get stronger, meaning he would have to feed on living flesh. But animals would not be enough, Jeff would have to swallow his morals and feed on humans once more if they wanted to stand a chance against Adam. "I suppose sacrifices must be made if we hope to fend off the Master Vampire."
Jeff let out a shaky breath as his thoughts raced at what would happen if they could not stop him, of what the twisted Vampire was really capable of. His eyes closed tightly at the memories of what the Master Vampire had done to him when he was so young, just for his own sick hunger. The memories caused his body to shake against his will.
Taker sensed the fears going through Jeff's mind. He knew only what Jeff had told him about what Adam had done to him all those years about when he was still just human, the very thought made his blood boil with hatred towards the Vampire. He could not fight all of Jeff's battles, he would have to face those fears on his own, but that did not stop Taker from worrying about it. Even if Jeff left the pack, he was still his pup, still his responsibility. "Listen, I don't care for your brother. He is a Vampire and your relationship is blasphemy. But I will protect my pups." Taker bent down, looking into Jeff's eyes. "I will protect you," Taker said in a firm tone.
Jeff's body stilled at the other's words. He slowly opened his eyes, his fears subsiding when he locked his eyes with Taker's. "Thank you," Jeff whispered, feeling his confidence returning with the knowledge that his pack still had his back. He nodded his gratitude before giving Taker that child like grin of his.
"Ewe, dog love!"
All eyes moved towards the voice.
"What do you want Vampire?" Taker snarled in anger as he looked towards the intruder.
Matt stepped out of the shadows from where he had just jumped on the roof. Matt held a similar look of hatred towards the larger Lycan as he glared at the Undertaker. "I was talking to my brother who decided to run out on me in the middle of an important conversation. So I chased him down."
When Jeff had run off Matt had lost sight of his brother earlier on and failed in his attempt to follow the seemingly possessed Lycan. Matt grew concerned as to what could have drawn Jeff away, leading him on a search for his younger brother. Imagine Matt's surprised when he found Jeff surrounded by Lycans.
Jeff instantly stepped between the two, feeling the tension between them, as well as the animosity and hostility coming from all the shadowy figures surrounding them on the different buildings.
After a moment, when he was sure Taker was not going to sick the pack on Matt, Jeff turned to his brother and raised an eyebrow, "Important conversation? We were talking about your choice in woman, which is worse than a blind man in an ugly convention." He snickered, but was quickly silenced by the annoyed look on Matt's face.
Jeff's cheeks flushed as he took out his lighter and started fidgeting with it. "Sorry...I go distracted"
Matt had originally planned to yell at Jeff, but the look in his sibling's eyes seemed to send away those thoughts so instead he simply patted his brother's back, "Its ok, Jeff." His understanding look towards his brother turned back to one of loathing as his gaze fell on the Undertaker once more. "So what're you bitches talking about?"
Taker bared his teeth at Matt's comment as he readied himself to lunge at the Vampire and tear him limb from limb, "How dare...?"
"Enough!" Jeff shouted as he jumped in front of Matt, hoping to keep him from anymore of Taker's wrath. He sharply turned around to his brother, casting the Vampire a warning glare. "Could you try being a little bit more respectful towards my Maker?"
He did not wait for Matt's response as he turned back to Taker. "Don't mind him; he is just grumpy because he hasn't gotten off in a bit." He gave a nervous chuckle, hoping Taker would take the bait and calm down.
The Undertaker and Matt stared at each other for a few moments; the tension so thick Jeff feared that static would appear. Taker sniffed the air and gave a cocky smirk. He could smell the fear coming off of the Vampire, but he also smelled the anxiety coming from Jeff.
He let out a grunt before turning to the younger Lycan. "Fine, transform so we can talk in private." He gave Matt another dark glare before he began to calmly remove his trench coat.
Jeff simply nodded, casting his brother a look asking him to behave before he followed Taker's lead and began to strip, not wishing to destroy his favorite shirt.
Matt averted his eyes, not wishing to see the two strip in front of him "Oh that is fine; don't mind me, I can wait." The sarcasm was practically dripping from his tongue as he muttered to himself as he took a seat on the floor. He crossed his arms and gave his surroundings an annoyed look.
When the Undertaker's body was bare of most of his clothing he let out an animalistic howl, much more intense and hostel from the one he uttered earlier in the night. He stretched his arms out, muscles twitching and convulsing uncontrollably as all his joints dislocated, only to relocate at odd angles. Jet black fur sprouted out of every pour of his being, covering the large muscles of his now beastlike body. His head morphed completely to that of a large wolf like monster, his piercing green eyes staring off into the night as he let out one last howl.
After a moment the large Lycan stood tall, towering over the occupants of the church roof top and all the other shadows around them. He gazed down at the smaller beast in front of him, a Lycan with dark brown fur and blonde streaks.
Matt glanced towards the two beasts for a moment before rolling his eyes and glancing around at his surroundings once more. He could feel a number of figures all around them on different buildings, lurking in the shadows. He had no doubt they were Taker's bitches, making sure their precious leader was not killed. Matt gave a snort, if only his brother would let him.
He turned back to look at the two Lycans. They seemed to be communicating through grunts, whines, barks and a few harsh growls from the black one. Matt figured they were talking about him.
It was close to an hour that the two Lycan's stood in conversation, at one point the smaller had sat back on its hind legs and contented with gazing up at the black beast that was the Undertaker in a pup-like manner, nodding casually but simply listening.
The night had been rather peaceful for Matt, aside from the constant barking of the two Lycans that is. Matt had a deep hatred for the beast; he hated them more than most Vampires. When he was with Adam he spent most of his spare time hunting Lycans. He despised everything thing about them, yet thanks to his time with Jeff he learned to tune all that annoyed him about them out and he grew to tolerate them, or at least just his brother.
That one thought began a long train of memories that kept Matt busy as the two Lycans had their conversation. Although his thoughts were never in his favor, they were the lesser of two evils in his current predicament. Either he became isolated in himself as he oversees his brother's conversation or he actually interacts with the Lycans surrounding them. An obvious answer, though not well liked, but obvious none the less.
Yet he found that for once his thoughts were without any darkness or pain. Matt mostly focused on reminiscing, both good and bad, about living with his brother. He began wondering if the reemergence of Jeff's pack would mean he would lose his brother. Leaving each other was a sore subject; for both brothers. It was something that never really crossed his mind since they went into hiding over a hundred years ago, yet now it seemed like a possible reality. But Matt had to hope the discussions, or the "negotiations" the back of mind kept repeating, were going well and it had nothing to do with Jeff leaving.
Finally the smaller beast stood while still staring intently at the black one. The black Lycan gave a soft grunt before licking the smaller one's forehead. In turn the brown Lycan let out a whine, tilting his head forward. With a chorus of howls, the two transformed back to their human forms. They stared at each other for a long moment in what appeared to be a silent conversation until finally Jeff turned to Matt, picking up his discarded cloths in the process.
"Let's go, Matt."
Matt was awakened from his erratic thoughts to see Jeff already telling to leave. "Finally," he muttered as he turned away, not wishing to see his brother or his maker naked as the two put back on their cloths. To Matt's surprise their discussion ended earlier than he expected. He felt relieved that they were leaving but at the same time wondered, for Jeff's sake, if everyone was on good terms.
Before he readied himself to jump off the ledge Jeff stopped and turned around. "Hey, Taker" He waited for his Pack Leader to face him, fully clothed once more. Jeff was silent for a long moment, not sure if he should say his next words. With hesitation he finally spoke, his cheeks flushing slightly. "How's Trish?" he asked softly, his eyes slightly averted so the elder would not see the pain and longing in them.
Taker's lips slowly curled to a smirk at Jeff's words, he could see the years had taken their toll on him. "Watch yourself; you have more than one thing to worry about." A typical response from the Undertaker as he ended a meeting with such another vague statement.
The Undertaker watched as Jeff's eyes widened at his statement. Chuckling, the Lycan leader jumped off the building into the night. Blurs of the Lycan's followers whizzed by from all directions as they followed their leader.
Jeff thoughtfully watched them leave, recognizing most of them from his years with the pack. Once they were all gone he shook his head, making a mental note not to walk into any dark alleys alone.
"Women," he muttered before glancing at Matt. "You ready?" He did not wait for a response; instead he simply stepped off the ledge, disappearing into the night.
Now alone on the church roof, Matt wondered about what had just transpired. None of it made sense. What was so important that I couldn't hear? Who is Trish?
Questions began popping in his head, a headache would soon ensued. Matt placed his hands on his head before he muttered, "Damn dogs, they gave me a headache." With one last sigh of annoyance Matt followed his brother's path and headed home after a long night.
A/N: Please review and comment