A/N: Holy Caped Crusaders, Batman! I can not believe I got 56 reviews for the last chapter! That's more than I got for my first chapter and it was more than twice the length! I guess this is what happens when you pair an evil cliffy with the promise of a preview to those who review. Huh, I wonder if it'll work again, hmmmm...
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters or anything else here. I'm writing purely for shits and giggle purposes. Please don't sue.
One last thing, big shout out too my totally awesome Beta, slcurwin, for putting up with me. She laughs and all the right places and makes me feel so smart. Thanks! Also lets not forget my growing number of helpful interpreters, 94larkla for the Swedish and my Scottish sweetie Senga!
Chapter 24
Previously…...
Eric's world crumbled around him, for all he could see was his love, his heart and soul, his Sookie. After struggling for many minutes to gather the will to speak, he finally asked, "Varför? Varför tillät du vårat giftermål om du ändå tänkte ta henne ifrån mig i slutändan?" (Why? Why did you allow us to be married if you were just going to take her from me in the end?) His voice was rough with barely suppressed grief. She wanted his Sookie.
Now…
The Pythoness finally turned her unseeing eyes onto him and exploded in laughter. Okay…not the reaction he expected. "Det är inte din själsfrände som jag vill ha, din kärlekskranka idiot! Jag vill ha siaren, Adele. Hon har synens gåva, precis som jag. Jag vill lära henne hur hon ska utnyttja dess fulla potential, men jag ämnar även att hjälpa henne med hennes telepatiska gåva. Ja, jag vet om hennes extra sinne. Jag förutspår att hon kan åstadkomma storartade saker om hon lär sig att kontrollera sina gåvor." (It is not your mate I want, you love struck fool! I want the seer, Adele. She has the power of sight, same as I. I wish to teach her how to harness it to its full potential, as well as her telepathy. Yes, I am aware of her extra sense. I foresee great things for her if she learns how to control her gifts now.)
Relief flooded Eric's system. Not Sookie, she did not want Sookie. He almost wept in his moment of reprieve. 'Eric I don't believe she could separate us even if she wanted too. Calm down your giving me heart burn.' He chuckled at his mate. 'Ja min älskade.' (Yes my beloved.) When he focused his attention back to the ancient vampire beside him, he noticed she was gazing at him with her unseeing eyes, a cocked eyebrow and a smirk.
"You will find this enhanced bond very useful in the coming years, as well as a few 'perks'." Eric's curious look caused her to chuckle, "Two souls have become one. You will both gain aspects of each others attributes and divide each others weaknesses. Many will attempt to part you, use you against one another, and your children will be pawns to them. If knowledge and strength are used in equal share, none will succeed." Then a shadow seemed to pass over her eyes, a glaze she got when she was passing on 'prophecy'.
"Take heed to my warning man from the north and woman from the south, dangerous times lay ahead, and change will be swift. Use the knowledge learned from study to bring equality, match opposites together and peace all will know. Listen not to my words and chaos will reign." She blinked a few times, "Now that we have that cleared up, my task at the Summit has ended and I have a new pet to train. I will expect Adele to be here by dusk for our departure." She turned to leave and instead found herself face to face with not one but four angry telepaths.
Hunter stepped forward with his arms crossed over his chest and a serious scowl on his face looking every bit Eric's 'mini me'. "You can no have my Gwan. She don wanna be tuwned inta a vampiya!"
She raised a silver eyebrow, "Really? Have you asked her?"
Hunter froze for a moment turning slowly to look at Adele, then the AP, then back to Adele. It was obvious that there was some sort of silent conversation going on.
Sarah piped in then, "It's stiw wude. You needa ask Gwan no Ewic! She no a fing you can buy owa take!" She looked like a mini Pam, with her hands on her hips, complete with matching dress and tiny heels.
Sookie took the conversation over when she asked Adele, "Gran? Is this something you'd really want?"
Adele looked a little guilty. "Well I can't deny that it hasn't crossed my mind in the past few years, especially lately. I'd like to see your babies born and all my great grand children grow up. Let's face it dear, I'm not going to last forever without a little help. My health hasn't exactly been what it used to be. I've always wanted to travel and from what I hear you're going to be doing a bit of wandering in the future."
The AP chuckled, "This is true and it has been a long time since I've been around a child, your patience will certainly come in handy."
Sarah and Hunter looked at each other and said, "What kid?"
"My new pet, of course."
"But he's a grown up!"
The AP's chuckle turned into a full blown cackle, "Everybody is a child from my perspective; however in Newlin's case you two are more 'grown up' than he is."
"She does have a point," Adele said. "Nobody can argue with how well behaved you've been, and so cleaver to help Sookie and Eric during the ceremony."
"This is true. Hunter you were so quiet when you got that knife, I didn't even know you were there." Eric bent to give his son a smile and 'fist bump'. Lafayette had finally worn off on him a little.
"Sarah you had everybody wondering if I had magic of some kind when you carried my train down the aisle, all while hiding your brother and yourself from everybody. All Steve Newlin did was argue, complain and cry when he didn't get his way. So I think it's very clear, who's more of a 'kid'." Sookie smiled as she gave Sarah a cuddle before she stood back up, with Eric's help.
"Perhaps you both could assist further by choosing a new name for my pet. I dislike the one he has now and I believe a new one would help him get more use to his new life."
Hunter looked very thought full for a moment then asked, "What's your name?"
Another toothless but fangy grin enlightened her face. "It has been so long since any have asked and even longer since I have been called by a specific moniker that I have forgotten my original one. You…..and your family however, may call me by my first title, Pythia. I believe this is only…fair…considering we shall all be 'kin' in a way, baring of course, Adele's acceptance of my proposal." Pythia stared at Adele, awaiting a response.
Adele blushed for a moment much to Sookie's surprise, Eric's amusement and the children's confusion. "Well, I, umm, could I have some time to consider? How soon do you need an answer?"
"The next 72 hours is an exceptionally uncertain stretch of time. Murky are the crossroads with which we navigate. I prefer to be gone by dawn however I am willing to wait until the Summit's end. I will need your answer by dusk on the morrow."
Adele nodded her understanding as Eric suggested they rejoin the festivities, considering Pam was hovering just outside the alcove in eager curiosity as to what drew all four telepaths to them in such a huff.
After another half an hour of socializing, dancing and general political wrangling that Eric always despised at these functions, he was about to suggest an early departure back to their 'rooms' when there was a disturbance at the food table set up for the few 'breathers' in attendance.
Sookie had been dodging the constant attempts by Quinn for a formal introduction all night and he had finally cornered her by the buffet. "Hey Babe, I noticed you've been dodging me all night. The name's Quinn. I thought I'd introduce myself and offer a dance though I don't usually go for the 'chubby' ones there's something about you that caught my eye. What da ya say?"
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his arrogant condensation, "I say no thank you Mr. Quinn. I've already met my quota of pompous, supercilious, meat heads for the year. Please feel free to go hit on someone less 'chubby'. I'm spoken for."
"Hey, wait a minute babe. You didn't give me a chance to….."
"To what? Thrill me with your adventures in the 'Pits', charm me with your wit, try to convince me of my own stupidity for being with a 'Fanger'? Please spare me. I'm not in the mood." Sookie knew all too well who Quinn was and his reputation. She'd seen him during her trip to the Queen's palace, because his company was planning the event, much like tonight. He was so self absorbed he only saw what was right in front of his nose and it was Sookie's misfortune that she wound up in his line of sight tonight.
She turned to go back to her table when he grabbed her arm. Before she had a chance to react, 'the mighty Quinn' found himself on his ass ten feet away with a hulking Tray standing in front of Sookie. "She said 'No' Quinn. Do yourself a favor and listen for once. You of all people should respect a woman's choice. Let's not cause a scene." The incident had already drawn the attention of most of the room. This might as well have been part of the evening entertainment. Several of the vampires in the room could be heard whispering bets on whether the wolf could take the tiger.
Just as Quinn regained his feet, they were joined by the rest of Sookie's party. It was Pam with her snarky wit that broke the tension, "Geez, you two are fighting like cats and dogs…oh wait." A number of snickers broke out around the room. "Quinn, your being a naughty pussy…cat, do I need to call the vet and have you declawed?"
Senga made her way behind Quinn, ""Kitty dont make me pull yer tail, ya wee shite, you will ney enjoy it but a will." She made a show of sniffing the air. "Now go find yer rank arse a litter box and remember the next time ye try tae force yerself on an unwilling lass you may noo wanna do so tae one recently wed."
Seeing no other way to leave the situation gracefully, Quinn growled lowly at Trey, "One day soon wolf," he backed away slowly and disappeared behind a staff entrance.
"Ack, it's far too bad kitty there is such an arse, with them pretty shiners ay his eh wid make such cute babies." Senga mocked as she batted her eyes in dramatic fashion.
"Yea, that's what he thinks too." Sookie mumbled as she snuggled into Eric's side. The night had taken its toll; she was exhausted and a little achy. Her back had been sore on and off all day. Eric was absentmindedly rubbing circles along her spine as he coaxed her into a chair.
Sophie-Anne picked that moment to vie for their attention. She'd been so preoccupied about keeping her throne that it didn't really hit her until that moment that what she'd been feeling all night was jealousy. She wasn't jealous that Eric had one of the only known telepaths as his bonded and now pledged mate (well, maybe a little) but she was terribly envious of that close connection they seemed to share. She knew that as her Sheriff, Eric was obligated to allow her to borrow Sookie's talent whenever she asked. So though having a full telepath as her own was tempting and desirable, she wasn't about to risk what she had left of her children and the kingdom she'd fought so hard to keep, by incurring the Viking's wrath. Her children were her greatest loss. First, Hadley. She would be willing to admit that the girl wasn't all that bright to begin with, but she'd been badly damaged psychologically for years by her demented Uncle's actions. Hadley's self deprecation also had a large impact to her self-esteem which was just compounded by the drug use. When she decided to turn Hadley it was in the hopes that she could slowly begin to heal all those many wounds her soul had endured during its short life. She had gone through a similarly tragic beginning and had over time been able to truly make something of herself. She'd hoped to do the same for Hadley, but her sudden disappearance and then learning of the betrayal by one of her own children, brought on a case of melancholy that deepened to depression with Andre's death.
Her Andre had been with her for so long she felt like she was missing part of her and waiting for it to grow back to no avail. Losing one of them was bad but losing both had made her take leave of her senses enough she'd considered for a moment that she'd take Sookie as her next childe instead. She was part of her beloved Hadley and as cleaver as her Andre, the best of both worlds, right? No. She was livid at first during the ceremony thinking of it as a competition she'd lost. Yet, as she observed them that night she saw real love passing between the Viking and his Telepath. Had this been during her human life, she just knew some epic poem or song would have been written to celebrate and chronicle their love (even in this century it was still likely to happen). Now she was simply resigned to continue on alone. Perhaps she'd find another worthy of being her progeny but that would not happen in her foreseeable future.
"Eric, I wish to extend my congratulations. It is obvious to anyone with eyes that there is a strong bond of love between the two of you." She lowered her head and said softly, "I wish my Hadley had been here to see how happy you've made her cousin. Perhaps I may speak with you and your pledged before you both retire for the evening? I wish to discuss a few state matters with the both of you."
"I have a better idea," Pythia said with all of her authority. She turned to Senga, "Is she here?"
"Aye and a wee horrid leprechaun she is at that," Senga replied.
"Excellent. I'd like for all the Kings and Queens in attendance to meet me in my suite within the hour. North Man, I'd like you and your mate to attend. Perhaps this would interest you as well Adele, but I believe the children should retire for the night." She nodded at Hunter who was obviously struggling to keep his eyes open.
"Pam will you escort the kids to their room? We will meet you there after the discussion." It was obvious to Pam the meaning behind his words. Take the children to the safe house and don't be seen leaving.
She nodded but addressed the AP directly. "Milady, if you don't mind, the children told me of your desire to rename your pet. I have a few suggestions." When Pythia nodded her consent, Pam continued. "Well, I've only had time to think of a few like 'Bible Banger' and 'Jesus Creepy' or if you'd like something shorter how about 'Creep', 'Loser', or 'Lunch'. I've got more suggestions and if you'd like I can make a list." Her eagerness was as obvious as her giddiness.
Pythia nodded, hiding a smile, "Confer with the children since it was originally their task and I will review the suggestions." She began her exit with Senga, Eric, Sookie and Adele in her wake along with most of the Kings and Queens following shortly behind, any not in the room to hear the AP's decree were being notified.
Elsewhere…..
"And you are positive of this information?"
"Yes, Sire. The entire Summit was witness to the events and several in our delegation heard the Pythoness' decree of the secret meeting. We're hoping our spy will be able to learn more afterwards. Should we continue with our original plans?"
"Yes. Inform the witch to begin the casting and find a way to fix the idiot's mistake. We need him close enough to feed us accurate information. Let him know failure is not an option. His family is counting on him."
He disconnected the line without another word to his minion and he looked at the frightening figure looming in the corner. "It is true, she's pledged to the Viking. She's untouchable to our kind under penalty of final death."
"Leave the Telepath to us. We know how to deal with her kind and I have the perfect pair to send in greeting. Now was the human able to complete his task before he was caught?"
"No. That meddling little bitch somehow caught wind of them despite our precautions and the security at the hotel was notified. They figured out the ruse and collected them all."
"Fuck!" The dark stranger was furious. "What the fuck is the rotting world coming to when you can't even rely on fanatical extremists to do their damn jobs!"
"Relax, it's been remedied." The other man poured himself a warm blood from the warming carafe. "By noon tomorrow both of our problems will be resolved." He grinned, both fangs gleaming in the light before he sipped his AB- like a fine wine.
The figure in the corner chuckled menacingly, "We shall see. If nothing more it will further move the pieces into the perfect position to… be… crushed."
XOXOXOXOXOXO
There are plenty of different types of silences. The quiet of a summer night under a full moon, the stillness one feels right after a heavy thunderstorm, the peace of a graveyard after a funeral, the hush of a baby's sleeping breath, or even the calm of a moonless sea, yet nothing can truly compare to the silence of a room full of vampires that are frozen in shocked awe, Sookie felt loud just breathing. Every monarch in Amun clan had just listened to the hour long presentation by Ludwig which detailed her almost two year study that Eric helped fund.
Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, Pythia broke the silence. "Our plan for this information is simple. We need to find other humans that have this essential spark and convince them to become more than what they are now. They must not be turned, well not all of them. They will play a vital role in human survival in the coming years. Finding them will be difficult. The good doctor was barely able to locate the hundred volunteers needed for this trial. That does not mean that there are not more out there.
"And just how are we to locate these 'remarkable' talents, out of the throng of ordinary humans?" The King of Missouri scoffed as he asked what he clearly thought was a futile pursuit.
Pythia spoke sharply, "Any creature with Fae blood, including Daemons, will be able to sense the spark within. However, the delightful Miss Stackhouse has thought of a much more efficient way to weed out the desirable humans." She arched an eyebrow at Sookie.
When Sookie mentioned the idea to Pythia earlier in the evening she had no clue that she'd now be required to share it in front of all these monarchs. "Well, I ….I was speaking to a friend about how hard it was for Dr. Ludwig to gather all the participants she needed and I wasn't sure how we'd be able to find more. She suggested we do what J.K. Rowling is doing for witchcraft. She says that since the first book has been published, the number of natural witches coming forward to find suitable covens to train with is triple what it's been in the past three hundred years. Most of them never knew there were other's that could do what they could. Perhaps, if we get someone to write stories geared toward young adults and add just enough facts for those with suspicions to find their way to the right people….,"she trailed off at the end. Her back was truly beginning to pinch after sitting for so long.
Russell smiled brightly as he looked at his husband then at Eric and Sookie. "What a magnificent idea! This could work quite well…how fast could you get a first draft ready? I have a large investment in a publishing house that we could use."
Sookie blanched, "Me?! I'm not a writer. I wouldn't know the first thing…," she was cut off by the King of Indiana.
"Nonsense, who better to write these stories than someone who has firsthand knowledge of the information? Plus, having children yourself will undoubtedly give you insight into what that age group will respond to, right?"
Pythia chuckled knowing full well the outcome of this discussion. "This, as they say, is the easy part. The more difficult task will be doing so before time runs out. As you know, my 'sight' has guided our kind for millennia. It is what prompted us the time was right to reveal ourselves from legends and myths. This is no longer the case." Vampires don't fidget normally, but at this discovery many of the royals shifted nervously.
"Your Grace, what do you mean this is no longer the case?" It was Russell, sitting hand in hand with his new husband, which bravely asked the question burning everyone's tongue.
Pythia choose her words carefully. "Who here is familiar with the Mayan's?
"My second, Isabelle came over within fifty years of the first Spanish conquistadors. She said that the few vampires that were indigenous to this 'New World' were as primitive as the humans that inhabited it and she believes they were just as quickly killed off. She's told me of an encounter she had with one upon first arrival. She said he spoke to her in a language she'd never head before or since and then literally disappeared before her eyes. She swears he 'shifted' into the form of a fox." Stan Davis said as he and a few of the other Kings, chuckled at this. It was well known that once a 'shifter' was turned they lost that ability.
The AP however, did not laugh. She instead nodded looking interested and curious. "The Mayans were very good at reading the stars. It is said they learned to do so by Gods that came down from the heavens. They did not. There have been many eras of civilization; we only inhabit the most recent. There are a few in this room who come from extinct peoples and cultures that know all too well the changes of the winds. That time has come again. The Mayan long calendar is coming to an end soon. This will mark the beginning of a new cycle on this Earth. Should we expect our kind to survive we must prepare accordingly. I have already begun by finding a new seer to take my place." Pythia turned her head toward Adele whom had visible paled. "She's been blessed with the sight and needs my guidance to harness her gift to the benefit of all. What I am tasking you all to do for now, is find these humans and bring them to Dr. Ludwig and then help us to implement the strategy the North Man has come up with. In exchange, we will match you with one of the study participants that have willingly decided to be turned."
"Why would you presume any of us would want the burden of training a new childe?" The queen of Alabama said.
"Because, if my theories are correct, any human with the essential spark, when turned, will result in a Vampire with unique abilities," said Ludwig. "For years, it was thought to be a random occurrence. Some vampires have a gift others do not. It was difficult for me to prove because only the Fae can detect the essential spark in humans and once you've been turned the 'spark' is no longer detectable. My theory was supported however by the discovery of new information. Besides the half dozen study participants that have already been changed, all of which have developed a gift of some sort, I know of three Vampires in this room all with powerful abilities and all reported to have the 'spark' before their turning." It was easy for the monarchs to guess two of whom she spoke. All knew of the AP's gift and Eric's ability of flight was almost as well known. "My guess is that if any of you possess an extra ability of any kind it is because you to were once a human with the essential spark." This caused a few in the room, including Sophie-Anne, to give pause to the true meaning behind this piece of information.
Pythia nodded in satisfaction at the progress she 'saw' coming from this session and decided to put the vampire rumor mill to use in their favor for once. "Excellent, now that this is settled I will be meeting with the other clans as well as the European monarchs and other world leaders regarding this information, once this Summit is over. We have less than seven years before my time as your oracle ends. We need to begin at once. However, it is imperative this stays quietly between the monarchs for now." Nothing increased gossip more than telling those who knew it not to share it.
While the AP and Dr. Ludwig ran through the instructions for each kingdom, Sookie felt blindsided. 'What just happened? Eric how the Hell am I going to write when I'll have four children to bring up? It was just a suggestion; I didn't mean to imply that I would do this!'
Eric kissed her temple to reassure her when he felt a pain radiate through his abdomen. He'd been feeling her discomfort ever since the ceremony ended, but did not know what to make of it. Yet, this time he knew that pain was sharper and more focused than before. 'Lover what was that?'
'You felt that? They haven't been this bad before and they always stopped after a few minutes. Oh Crap!' A sudden puddle formed between Sookie's feet. 'I think my water just broke!' And by the look on the face of every vampire in the room, the scent inhibitor was no longer working.
A/N: Hmmmm...well I guess we'll see if the reviews for the last chapter was a fluke or not. As promised before I will give a sneak peak relief. I don't like to keep anyone in suspense for long since I hate it so much when I'm on the receiving end. That and I'm really bad at not giving out spoilers. So if you reeeealy DON"T want to know, just say so.
Next, I have a request! I'm taking name suggestions for good ol' Stevie boy. Any great ones will be rewarded by being included on Pam's list. If any jump out and smack me as perfect I'll of course acknowledge your wonderful contribution when the AP announces his new moniker.
One last reminder, I love all the reviews, favs, and follows I've gotten for this story. (I've amassed quite the army of minions, LOL!) BUT, I can not tease anyone if you sign in as a guest. I got a few last chapter and I felt really bad that FF just wouldn't let me respond with thanks. So my undying love to those that did review and I hope to see my inbox completely blown up with tease request come morning. Until next Sunday my lovelies!