Chapter Seven - Flight of the Counts
Christine sensed them long before they came into view. She felt her eyes heat and her body tense, ready for a fight if necessary. In the glow of the setting sun they emerged from the trees. A pack of seven ferals, five boys and two girls, walked in the gloom of the shade. Kylo turned to Christine. "Who are they?" he growled, he sensed the danger too, and was readying himself to retrieve his lightsaber. "It's alright", she assured him. "They aren't stupid enough to be looking a fight". They came closer, stopping at the stone steps of the manor. The pack's ages ranged from seventeen to twenty-six. Dark witches and warlocks clad in black leather and heavy chains. The leader of the pack approached them, a face Christine knew too well.
"Mason, I expected better of you. I didn't think you were brainless enough to come here", Christine called to him, hand twitched as vapours of red energy slipped between her finger tips, and eyes turned a mixture of emerald and ruby.
"What can I say?" the twenty-two-year-old replied, scratching the nape of his neck, "I've always been more of the brawn type".
Christine narrowed her sparking eyes and felt her power rumble deep within her. "What are you all doing here? You were exiled from the coven. You have no right –
"Save us the formalities", Mason interrupted his own eyes a mixture of rose and gold. "We ain't here to fight you, Adrienne".
"Don't call me that!" she snarled violently, "My name is Christine".
"Not to us it ain't", Mason stated calmly, "And it ain't to your mom neither".
"Marthe is none of your concern", Christine spat, voice laced with venom. "She is gone. For good".
The young warlock raised an eyebrow and chuckled to himself. "You haven't changed a bit Adrienne. Still deluding reality to make yourself feel better".
Kylo felt himself tense up, clenching his lightsaber tightly. They may not have wanted a fight, but he was sure to bring one to them. "Leave now while you still can", he demanded, voice calm yet loud and assertive. Mason switched his attention to him, his face contorted in disgust. "Who's this?" he challenged, "Your boyfriend Adrienne? I guess you have been busy"
"My life", the witch seethed, "is none of your business. Last warning Mason, you are not supposed to be here. Leave now or I will kill you".
The warlock dismissed their threats, and instead tutted. "You know … I never understood that. You were Marthe's right hand girl, hell, you did a lot worse than any of us. And yet, you were welcomed back with open arms. The rest of us? Tossed aside by our own coven, while the girl with the most blood on her hands got to go back to her cosy life", he shouted out, eyes never breaking contact with hers. "And Adrienne … the Shadow plane isn't as unbeatable as you and your precious coven think it is. Marthe will break free … and you will come home. Don't forget, in the end she controls the ultimate power". With each word the warlock spoke, Christine's anger built and built until her entire body was trembling in a fierce rage. However Kylo had halted completely, the ultimate power. Could that have been the power source that he was searching for?
"I've heard enough of this", she snarled. "If you won't leave then I'll make you". Kylo reached to hold her back but it was too late. She charged down the steps. Mason, backed up, realizing the danger. Christine shot out her arm, a bolt of red energy hitting Mason squarely in the chest, sending him flying. An angry scream came from the pack of ferals, and a girl lunged at Christine. She had predicted the move, and caught the girl mid-air by the throat, holding her in position with her unnatural strength. "Nice try Chloe", she hissed and flung the girl onto the gravel.
The other pack members circled Christine as Chloe stumbled to her feet. Mason still on the ground recovering from Christine's attack. Kylo Ren had been an observer at this point, but as the remaining witches closed in on Christine he knew it was time to act. He clicked his lightsaber to life, it hissed and crackled and his whirled it in his hand and charged forward himself. For a moment he regretted not wearing his usual attire, as intimidation of the enemy proved extremely useful in battle, but he had done without before. One male witch spun to face him, sensing the threat, but he had reacted too slowly, and at once Kylo pierced the witch through his chest. Another scream from another female, who ran to her dead mate. A mistake, Kylo thought on her part, as within seconds she lay dead beside him. Two twin warlocks broke from the third who was locked in deadly combat with Christine. The brothers worked as a team – advancing towards Kylo with agility and caution. Kylo felt the force flow through him as he channelled his power within, however his distracted mind was focusing on Christine, trying to make sure she was safe. This distraction almost proved fatal as one of the pair shot an electrifying bolt of blue energy at hid direction. Acting quickly, Kylo froze it mid-air, willing the force to bend to his will. Instantaneously, he commanded the bolt, shoot back at the warlock, who, was too slow to avoid it. It ripped a hole through his body. His brother screamed beside him, but did not lunge in a fit of rage as others had, instead, his lips moved fast, and Kylo felt his vision blur, and a searing white noise ring in his ears. Disorientated, he stumbled back, as both his senses worsened. The brother proceeded forward, honing in for the kill. Christine, finally overcoming the Warlock, saw what was happening, and ended his life quickly, racing forward. Kylo fell back, almost fully blinded and unable to hear. He felt blood trickle from his nose and panic set within him. Christine screamed a countering spell, and made quick work of the brother.
The battle over, her attention turned to Kylo, who had fallen victim to the tumultu curse. A coward's weapon of choice, but deadly nonetheless. She knelt down beside him, and touched her fingertip's to his forehead. Using her own energy, drew out the curse that was embedded in his head. Quickly, both his sight and hearing returned to Kylo, and the first thing he saw was a battered Christine. Her lip was slip, and bruises already littered her left cheekbone. A deep gash flowed blood on her right temple, and three long scratches poured blood from her neck. But still, they both were alive. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Kylo shrugged as she helped him to his feet, "I should be asking you that". He himself had sustained far less severe injuries, a few measly cuts, Christine looked worse for wear.
Both their thoughts were interrupted by loud spluttering coughs, together, the pair turned on their heels, Mason was still alive. Instantly, Christine felt a strange sorrow wash over her. These people, kids, had once been like family to her, and now all but one lay dead around her feet. She walked slowly forward to the defeated Mason, who lay feebly on his back. "Go ahead", he spat, his eyes fuelled with malice, "kill me".
Christine shook her head, "You were like a brother to me once ….", she trailed off. "Why did you come here, Mason?"
"She told me to", he answered bitterly, and Christine sighed, "She was sending you to your death, you must know that".
He growled, "I would die for her, you, must know that".
Christine turned from him, her eyes heavy and tired. "Go, Mason, I won't kill you".
"You'll regret it if you don't", he snarled hoarsely, "The Adrienne I knew would never show mercy".
"The Adrienne you knew was never real", he told him honestly, "Just a girl, deluded and under a powerful control by a ruthless woman. The girl you knew, was a distortion created by Marthe, it was never the real me. That, is why I was allowed to return. You followed her willingly, by your own free will. I never had a choice, and when I was finally freed, I left". Kylo listened intently, he saw, once more through his own delusion, that his past mirrored Christine's.
"That's what they want you to believe", Mason grunted. Christine felt sadness for him, so lost in Marthe's spell, his mind poisoned with her wretched mother. "Go home", Christine said finally, "Go to your mother, your sister. You are on a course destined for death".
"No, you are", with his words, Mason quickly outstretched his hand, one final attempt to do his Master's bidding. Christine stepped back, taken off guard. But the boy's strike never occurred. He froze, choking and eyes bulging before his head dropped to the ground in a lifeless motion. Kylo quickly lowered his own hand, having killed Mason through the force. Christine was for a moment, stunned, and gazed at Mason's lifeless body.
"My, my, would you look at that brother, and you said he was dangerous".
Christine and Kylo jumped at this new voice, they turned, to see the Vicomte and another standing amongst the dead. Christine's mouth parted in shock, "Uncle?" she stammered.
"Little Christie, it has been too long", the older man smiled warmly. He was taller than the Vicomte, and was tanned with silver hair and laughter lines, the human age of 55. His eyes were warm and welcoming, and was much the opposite of his younger brother, who stood rigid as a statue, his mouth stretched in a thin line. "Father", Christine whispered, her previous guilt resurfacing, "You have come home".
"I wasn't very well going to leave my own daughter alone", he answered his voice void of any emotion, and his gaze fixed upon Kylo Ren.
"Come on Gary", The Comte teased his brother, "Why must we be so cold? There is victory to celebrate", he smiled, gesturing to the dead lying around them. Christine felt a lump form in the back of her throat, she didn't feel like celebrating. "Ah. And you must be the young man I have been hearing about", The Comte said, and extended his hand to Kylo, "Xavier La Vedette, pleasure to make your acquaintance".
Kylo hesitated for a moment, before returning the gesture, and the two men shook hands, "Kylo Ren".
"Uncle, what are you doing here? You never leave Paris" Christine questioned, her suspicion aroused by the presence of her Uncle.
"Your father insisted I come", the Comte replied, "After all, this is a delicate matter". With a click of the Comte's fingers, the bodies of the young ferals disappeared. All traces of the carnage eradicated with a simple gesture. "Come, we all have much to discuss".
The four retreated to the manor. Christine still shook up by the fight that had taken place. Ever since Marthe had been defeated, Christine's life had resolved into quietness and filled with helping others. Ever since Kylo came into her life, it was as if she was a young girl again, knee-deep in blood and battles.
The Vicomte barely glanced at his daughter as they came together in his study. The last time they had encountered, Christine had emasculated him, and injured his pride. It had been different when they had been fighting against one another, his vicious ex-wife had full control over his daughter's mind, and when they fought, he was not truly in battle with her. When Christine's mind was finally hers again, she fully submitted to her father, and was once more the obedient young girl who he had raised.
Comte Xavier poured three glasses of bourbon from his brother's scotch cabinet. Passing one to Garadox, and then to Kylo. "I would offer you one", he mused to Christine, "But I'm sure your father would cause a fuss". Christine giggled, always feeling at ease around her Uncle. The Vicomte remained silent, the company of his brother was tedious enough, but to be in the same room as the alien Kylo Ren, who within moments of knowing his daughter, had swayed her away from him.
Xavier leaned against the oak desk, and took a drink of his bourbon, "So", he began, "Where do we go from here?"
"What do you mean Uncle?" Christine asked, feeling a sense of unease.
"Well, in the past two days, we've had aliens, werewolves, and now warlocks", he said, in a matter of fact way, "Obviously, something is amiss".
Kylo downed the contents of his glass, Christine's Uncle was obviously a smart man, and he doubted that he could deceive him.
"Christie darling, perhaps you should go and tend to your wounds. If you do not mind, your father and I would like to speak to this young man in private", Xavier spoke once more. Christine tensed beside Kylo, fearing to leave him at the mercy of her father, the Comte sensed her fear, and tried to satisfy her concern, "Don't worry child, your charge is safe, and we mean him no harm, go and rest".
Christine bowed her head gently, and before she left, spoke to Kylo in his mind. Alert me immediately if my father tries anything.
You'll be the first to know, Kylo answered her, and with great reluctance, she left the men alone.
Kylo felt the anxiety build within him as he was left with Christine's father and Uncle. The Vicomte was yet to touch his drink, but already the Comte poured Kylo another, "I respect a man who can handle his scotch", he smiled, "shows a strong character".
Kylo did not answer him, simply because he did not know what to say, instead, the Comte continued to speak. "My boy, I do not know what planet, or galaxy you hail from. I have dealt with many other-worlders before, and it is clear to me that you are friend, not foe. After all, you have saved Christine's life a number of times in the short time that you have been here". Kylo felt a strong relief at the Comte's words, he had expected to be interrogated harshly, instead, he was being praised.
"I am aware that you know of Christine's troubled past, she must have told you by now given the circumstances. You are not from this planet, so do not feel obliged to help at the risk of your own life. I know people who can fix your craft, and have you off this planet safely within the next week – if that is your wish". His offer would have been perfect for Kylo if his lie had been true – but in actual fact he could leave the planet whenever his mission was complete, and so the Comte's offer was not welcomed to him. He had to think of something, anything to dispel this from happening.
"However, if your wish is to stay – I won't stop you".
"What?" The Vicomte exclaimed finally, slamming his glass on the desk, "You told me that you would get rid of him!"
The Comte shook his head, "Brother", he stated calmly, "I said I would help him leave, I will not force him to go".
"He brings danger to this family! Look at Christine, did you see her face? She almost died" Garadox shot back, furious that his brother had deceived him.
"The boy did not will those warlocks to appear, they came for her and her alone. And who helped her defeat them? Who saved her from Mason, and from the werewolves? It was not you, nor was it I. This family brings danger to itself, not the boy". The Vicomte fell into a brooding silence, but his brother did not stop.
"You hate what is unfamiliar to you brother, and I understand, after that vile hag, why would you not be wary of strangers? But Master Ren here is not an enemy, do not for the love of the gods make him one!"
Kylo felt a tang of guilt hit him, little did they know that he was an enemy. Yes, he had saved Christine those times, but only because she still proved useful to him, but her death would come soon, and by his hand. She was a lamb who had befriended a wolf, and here was the Shepheard defending him.
The Comte turned from his brother, "Kylo my boy, the choice is yours. I feel obliged to warn you, that wretched Mason was telling the truth. Marthe is planning something, and I fear we have caught on too late, and the warlocks will not be the last. If you choose to stay, there is a risk".
Kylo Ren shuddered, there is an even greater risk if I don't stay, he thought.
"I, feel as though, I am needed here", Kylo answered carefully.
Garadox growled whilst Xavier smiled, "I was hoping that would be your answer. We'll need all the man power that we can get for what lies ahead, and you are a bloody force to be reckoned with my boy". And with that Xavier patted his Kylo on his back in a very fatherly manner.
"Now, how about you go and get Christine, it's getting late, and I would much like to catch up with my niece".
Christine had carefully healed herself, she was not as quick as Kylo, but she was experienced enough to leave her face as good as knew. She sighed, tidying away her jars and elixirs. The day had begun with such promise, but it had taken such a drastic turn that her head was left spinning. She was exhausted, and filled with conflicting emotions and many questions. Despite the relief of having her father home, she also secretly wished it was still just Kylo and her. Now, Christine had concerns of her father lashing out again, and his distant demeanour troubled her greatly, as did the arrival of her uncle. Yes, she was delighted to see him, but she knew he would not have come if the situation did not call for his presence; and that meant trouble was brewing. Everything that had occurred over the past few days was too much for the young witch to process, and her head ached with uncertainty and unknowing, she felt as though she was walking around blind.
A knock on her door drew Christine out from her mind, she shook her head, brushing her worries aside for the moment. "Come in", she called.
Kylo emerged slowly, looking much more relaxed. Christine smiled, "I see you are still in one piece".
"The same could be said for you", Kylo commented.
"Nothing that couldn't be fixed with a little sage and wolfs bane", she shrugged.
"Your Uncle wishes to see you", Kylo stated, Christine had guessed as much. She had slipped into a long nightdress with an accompanying dressing gown with her hair pinned back. Both her Uncle and Father were devoutly traditional, and as much as she despised it, Christine donned the title Vicomtess, when in their presence, she had to dress in such a way, to her own chagrin.
"I thought as much", she mumbled.
"You don't seem to happy about it", Kylo commented.
"I am happy to see him …. but worried as to what brought him here … it all seems so … foreboding", she answered.
"There is only one way to find out", he reminded her.