En Route to Belfast, Kilkenny
9 May, 2011
21:36—Stephen's Perspective
:-:
It's been an hour or so since Natalie's traveling party left Dublin. Evening traffic is making their travels all the more extensive.
Stephen left his rental car with a local Freeway Enterprise branch, an Infinity-funded and owned car rental chain. He's now at the wheel of a 2010 Grand PM; his friends, Natalie and Theodore, are his passengers.
I told them. I did the best I could, and…
—those two…
Before leaving, Stephen took a moment to speak with Stuart and Dawnavan. Their conversation was held in the privacy of the institution's break room.
A dimensional box of pure whites, silvers and tans: Not the most fitting set, considering what Stephen had to tell them… Perhaps under the stars; that would've been better. But the chances of rain were and still are high.
"Thanks for coming, Stu, Dawny…"
Stephen is normally boisterous and carefree; a walking beam of virile energy. At that moment, he was calm, warm and gentle, and his voice was soothing.
Always the assertive one, Stu approached. "What is it, Steph?
You're usually not like this. Is something troubling you?"
"—just an old paddy needing to make a confession…"
"Confession? Of what sort, old boy?"
"—the 'sort' that leaves me feeling weak. The sort that would normally be accompanied by tears, but vampires shouldn't cry.
If I did, I'd lose blood. That's not good. But I have to say this before I leave, so…"
It was hard. Not because of anything petty like human supposition.
No. It was because…I was afraid.
For more reasons than I could think of, I was afraid of what would happen.
Dawnavan saw Stephen's fists tighten; a battle against himself. The supportive one, Dawnavan approached the old vampire and took his right hand.
Stephen remembered that touch: A few years ago, Stephen debuted on the main roster as a heel character, and he was nervous because he had to hurt someone per word of their superiors… It was a challenging task, and, as he feared, his nightwalker strength cost a man his career.
Dawnavan came to him and held his hand…in the same manner: Gently.
"Steph, don't be afraid. Whatever happens, we won't hate you.
What you have to say…it must be beautiful, I just know it."
Stephen's a man from the old world, so romantic sayings are received well; the type of man that appreciates warmth and kindness.
I accepted their love: Stu stood there with that silly grin on his face, awaiting my answer. Dawny supported me, giving me something to hold on to.
So, I crossed my fingers…and told them the truth.
"...You didn't know how old I was until just recently. Personally, I hoped it would stay that way; me being the mouthy one that kept you two in line… But God saw a better route for us: The truth came forth just in time.
I…am a father; a dad. I'm also a husband; a provider, lover and supporter. Even after these things were taken from me, I protected them, stored them as memories in my heart… I sought a better route; one I found with Infinity. As a radical, I found family, friends, loved ones; everything that was taken from me…
—I now have these things again. Save a wife, of course. But even *that* has been covered: I've fallen in love with helping others. Along the way, should I find a reason to march again, I want you two there...because…"
Stephen faced his friends, his heart heavy and his eyes warm.
"—you two… *You* are my sons.
I love you as if you were my own; the spawn of my seed. Please, Stu, Dawny, say you'll love me back just as much."
They didn't need to say anything… Stu and Dawny embraced me; a gesture that said so much more than words ever could.
And I didn't cry. A father sheds tears, yes, but I don't have that luxury. I felt it though: The love of a child.
They're just sprogs to me… But I love them so much. I'd do anything for them, and I thought it best to let them know that.
It would've killed me—letting the truth simmer and not be said.
"Good form, pa. Thanks for always being there." That's all it took: Stu's approval; something Stephen occasionally gets, but this time around…it was special.
"Yes…A+ job, dad."
Dawnavan tightened his hug a bit, squeezing the love out of Stephen. And for the first time in a long while, the old vampire released a father's laugh.
It was a defining moment in their friendship.
That lifted my spirit so much. I still haven't stopped smiling… I can't stop; it feels too good: Knowing those sprogs accept me as a father figure.
The road to Belfast seems so much brighter now.
Natalie notices how happy Stephen looks. And like any friend, she takes a crack at him to break the silence.
"Well, well, Paddy. You *sure* are red in the face tonight."
"—Stop gawking at me, ya silly old bird."
"Ta-HA! You told them, didn't you?"
"As if I would tell you that. Mind your own business, Kate." Theodore giggles under his breath, remembering how carefree Natalie and Stephen act when they're together. The driver sees him laughing via the rear-view mirror, and calls him out. "And just *what the friggin' hell* are you titterin' at back there?
Don't make me park this thing. I'll kick your stony arse all the way to the Bell!"
Theodore teases him by feigning intimidation.
"No~! Honey, save me from the scary old man!"
"Why you…overgrown bum-suck! You just wait!" This laughter… This is what Stephen wants the most: Happiness, on and off the clock.
I love when things are like this: Everyone's smiling; so refreshing. Before anything else, I'm a father… And I have several heads to look after.
I'm…so happy.
But right now, I have more work to do. Here's hoping things always stay this way.
Should I lose any of these smiles…I don't know what I would do…
En Route to Belfast, Kilkenny
9 May, 2011
21:50—D. Remedy's Perspective
:-:
Three strong existences… They're coming, fast.
Looks like this is it.
Dead Motion knew the traveling party would take the road to Belfast from Kilkenny; it's the quickest route when traffic dies now. And considering how fast Stephen drives, catching up with the WWE shouldn't be too hard.
The sibling headhunters pull a daring stunt: D. Remedy walks forward and stands in the center of the road, a ghostly white territory spreading from his frame.
Stephen, Natalie and Theodore are instantly triggered!
"Shite!" Stephen is forced to hit the brakes just in time to avoid a collision!
Natalie closes her eyes and screams, holding onto the the car! Theodore also closes his eyes, but only for a few seconds… The car comes to a halt.
"I-Is it over…?"
"Aye, TJ. Good thing your paddy has a hard foot."
Natalie holds her unnerved heart, before noticing the reason for their sudden stop: A lone cloak and hood brandishing an ornate sword stands in their way.
"—Boys, I think we're in trouble."
Stephen and Theodore also notices them: The sibling headhunters… Stephen parks the car. Everyone then abandons the vehicle to confront the headhunters.
That was some crazy shit to pull. But it had to be done, and it worked: We got their attention… I'm sure they should know who we are.
"Good evening, Infinity. How's the trip to Belfast?"
To be asked something so easy-going after pulling a *stunt like that*...
Stephen snags D. Remedy by the collar! "You out of your mind, fella!?
I know you're our enemy, but what the FRICK WAS THAT!?"
He pushes the elder sibling away single-handedly, but D. Remedy quickly recovers and responds. "The best entrances get people rowdy.
And that's good, doctor…because *we* came to 'hang up your coat'."
Stephen realizes what D. Remedy is implying: They're here to kill him. Thus, he retreats and takes his place aside his fellow radicals.
I hesitated… It's hard. I don't know if I can kill him.
But I have to try. We're outnumbered three-to-two. Considering I'm the one pulling the strings here, might as well call it "three-to-one".
Natalie ignites her hands with fuchsia-colored flames. Theodore crystallizes his arms and hands. Stephen's eyes turn completely green with a single blink, his hands seeping with a corrosive acid.
"You want my head, fella? *Come and get it*." The Irishman's inviting words burn the headhunters, just as much as his toxins as they meet the earth.
Theodore supports him. "But you'll have to deal with a 'triple-threat'."
"Best in the league. Can't you handle it, whippersnapper?"
Natalie never fails when her womanly touch is needed.
As expected from radicals: They operate as a team; their greatest strength is unity. Their unbreakable bond has sustained them for centuries.
They're *this* powerful, and they haven't even released their existences yet? What kind of monsters are we up against here?
Keep it together, Rem. Remember: Together, we're unbeatable!
Li'l Thrill keeps his elder brother focused, strengthening D. Remedy's posture against a trio of seasoned radicals. Right. Thanks, li'l bro!
"Oh, trust me. I can handle it… We *both* can.
Unite, Jagged Edge!" D. Remedy finally makes an existential cry, releasing the surficial bounds of their power. Dead Motion's sync rate shoots sky high, inciting a typhoon from their frame that forces the radicals' defenses!
The rumors are true: Dead Motion is the strongest headhunter team employed by the church… Their existence is massive. The radicals are struggling just to stand!
"—Storm Resonance!" D. Remedy advances to deliver a decisive blow, Li'l Thrill's Cutting Edge ready and raring for the kill! "Die! No Love!"
We have to do this. No matter what, we *can't* back down now!
…Everyone…
—we're sorry. Please…please forgive us!