Chapter 286
Holtz and Robin Wood were slowly building their little group. They had already recruited Dave Kirby, Fritz, and Janice. All students at unnydale Highschool. One week after the attack on the shelter Holtz went to see Conner. He told Wood that if nothing else this could be a way to learn more about the vampires' activities. Wood knew that Daniel also wanted to see his son. Anne had set up the meeting and left them to talk things out.
Holtz: How are you, Conner?
Conner: Okay, you?
Holtz: Your mother and I miss you. You know you're welcome back anytime.
Conner: What about my other parents?
Holtz: The one thing the four of us will ever agree upon is the desire to protect you. I understand if you'd prefer to stay in a sanctuary like this. Have they improved security since the attack?
Conner: Lorne said they did, but we're not anxious to test it.
Holtz: There's something I never told you. In the 18th century I was allied with Monseignor Rivalli. This was a time when the Inqizition was largely dying out. Rivalli fought against this, founded a group known as Inquizittori. They were monks and laymen who did what was neccessary to fight demons and vampires. The church knew about demons, but felt the Monseignor was a fanatic, he was excommunicated. When Angelus and Darla murdered my first family they turned my daughter Sarah into a vampire. I supposse they believed it would be particularly cruel for me to kill my own child. Except that I didn't. I tried to protect Sarah, even as a vampire. But Rivalli killed Sarah, so that I would have no attatchments to stop me. I killed Rivalli, then I went about my quest. I understand weakness, the desire to love something that is evil. But you will always be welcome in my house. Perhaps I'm as weak as I was then. But, whatever you do, or I do, let us remain father and son.
Conner: It could be difficult, to keep you all apart. But I'm willing to try if you are.
Holtz: Okay, let's try.
Conner: I'll get my things and come back, if that's okay with you.
Holtz: Yes, absolutely. Welcome home Steven.