Ilikehats2: protégé?... hmm… I didn't go see the movie, but I know what happens

Chapter 23: Council of Elders

(In Dracula's castle)

Dracula and 4 other vampires walked into a large room. It's decorated with red drapes around the sides of the earthen walls. A bright, reddish-orange fire is burning in the huge fire place which illuminated the room. The stone is ancient and still sturdy, strong enough to carry and support the vampire king's 'decorations'. The 5 vampires sat around a long table one would think would be used for a great feast. The 4 chairs the king's guests sit in are uniquely designed. Each is a marble color and the arms are designed in the style of slithering serpents. The cushions are deep orange hues on the 'seat and back' of the chairs. Dracula's chair is basically the same who used during his time with the Cabal.

'Phase two…' Dracula thought to himself. "Let the Council of Elders begin." The vampire king calmly stated. "My lord, members of the council it's all good to see you again." The blonde man said as he dusted off his tan brown dress pants. "Lupa ot membersihkan teman lama (Forget to clean up old friend)?" One of the council members chuckled.

This vampire is on Indonesian origin. He's the same height as the blonde man, looks to be around the same 'physical age' around 30 or so, and is slender in build. He has no hair on his head, and is clean-shaven. He's wearing golden yellow suit and pants, a red tie, and brown shoes. The blonde man smiled.

"I was excited to get here soon, Budi. It's good to see you still you have your sense of humor." He replied, warmth in his voice. "Saya tidak pernah hilang (I never lost it)." Budi chuckled. "Können wir wieder mit der Sitzung (Can we get on with the meeting)?" Another of the council grumbled, rubbing his head.

This man seems to be in his late 50's, has graying hairs running the length of his slicked-back hairstyle. His jaw and above his upper lip is covered in thick, wiry gray hairs. His skin is a pale caucasian, and is marked with scars. He's as tall as his skin, but is a broader man. His suit is a deep walnut color with his pants being a matching hue. His huge brown shoes stamp on the ground with agitation.

"Impatient as always Eornost." The blonde man sighed. "Glad to see you remember my personality, Samuel." Eornost hissed as he slightly showed his fangs. "Che non intimidire nessuno qui (That doesn't intimidate anyone here)." A soft, feminine voice sighed.

The woman that the voice belonged to seems to be in her early 30's and is Italian in origin. She's as tall as Samuel and Budi, about 5ft. 4 in. in height. Her wavy, light brown hair is shoulder length; her complexion is light and fair which goes well with her soft, yet sharp features. Her figure is slim in build, which can is finely defined by her beautiful, blue silk dress.

"Stavano solo cercando di recuperare il ritardo (They were just trying to catch up)." She added calmly. "Thank you Paula. At she…" Samuel started to say, when Dracula raised his right hand up to silence them.

The other 4 instantly went quiet. They expected him to lash out in anger. But he did the opposite.

"Please no fighting, we're all friends here. May we begin?" Dracula asked.

The 4 were still silent.

"Is something wrong?" The vampire king inquired. "No of course y lord, we just thought you were angry." Samuel answered. "Apologies if I frightened you, I've been guilty of that in the past. But let us begin." Dracula replied, a guilty smile on his pale face.

The other council members nodded. Dracula smiled.

"Sono le voci vere mio signore (Are the rumors true my lord)?" Paula asked.

To answer her question, the red aura appeared around the vampire king. It beamed brightly, but didn't hurt the vampires. They gasped in shock and excitement.

"Incredible! This means..." Samuel gasped. "Wir müssen nicht von den Menschen nicht mehr verstecken (We don't have to hide from the humans any longer)." Eornost bellowed, a grin on his face. "Indeed." Dracula chuckled. "Apa yang Anda rencanakan Tuanku (What do you have planned my lord)?" Budi asked. "To give those here the cure of a vampire's only weaknesses." Dracula chuckled. "How did you acquire these… The Pure of Heart… You finally found one!" Samuel laughed. "Che ha quel dono che attraversa il loro sangue (Who has that gift running through their blood)?" Paula asked. "One of the super-powered mortals from New York." Dracula answered. "Captain America?" Samuel asked.

Dracula frowned at the mention of the super-soldier. For so long the vampire king thought the man out of time was the key to gaining his new power. But he was mistaken. The answer laid in one younger.

"No… Captain America wasn't who I gained this power from." Dracula answered. "Thor?" Eornost continued. "No." The vampire king answered. "Who?" Samuel asked. "Spider-Man." The lord of vampires chuckled.

This shocked the council. They had seen the news of the famous wall-crawler/web-slinger. At first they didn't think much of the arachnid themed hero. But once the vampire world heard he defeated Dracula, they were shook awake.

"Hast du ihn töten (Did you kill him)?" Eoronost replied. "No… I wanted to see what kind of vampire he'd make. His transformation has been most intriguing." Dracula answered, a chuckle in his voice. "Was he the one you were sparring with? I could tell he's a newborn... but I didn't realize he was the one has the Pure of Heart power running through his veins." Samuel gasped. "Interesting isn't it." Dracula said. "Tutti abbiamo visto lui, lui è piuttosto bello (We all saw him, he's rather handsome)." Paula purred.

The other council members, even Dracula, were surprised by her words.

"Anyways, during All Hallows Eve is when I shall gift all vampires present with this new physical power. Even the Hulk was unable to defeat me." Dracula continued, changing the subject. "Fascinating. What about..." Samuel started to say when Dracula interjected, "Spider-Man's immune to the weaknesses of a normal vampire. The vampirism in his blood is now similar to my own. Except only I have the mystic power."

Samuel nodded, understanding his king's words.

"My mortal servants will guard us while the ceremony takes place. The mortal heroes will eventually discover this place, but by the time they mount a suitable attack… You all will be stronger than before." Dracula continued. "Ich freuen mich auf mit Blick auf und tötet den Hulk (I look forward to facing and killing the Hulk)." Eornost chuckled as he cracked his knuckles. "We will not kill them." Dracula ordered. "…Verzeihen Sie mir, mein Herr, aber nicht wir immer unsere Feinde zu töten (Forgive me my lord, but don't we always kill our enemies)?" Eornorst apologized.

Dracula stayed silent. A particular individual's memories went through his mind, describing a moral code few possess, and fewer honor.

".. I believe the would be more useful as servants. It would be wise to have more mortal servants to defend us if the need should come." Dracula answered after a few moments. "Suono ragionamento mio signore (Sound reasoning my lord)." Paula replied.

Dracula smiled and bowed his head in thanks. She hesitantly nodded back.

"Is there anything else?" Dracula asked.

The other members of the council remained silent.

"This first meeting is over. I'd like you all to stay with me in my home while my plans continue to deploy." Dracula asked politely.

The other members nodded. Dracula smiled. With that the others left as they took their mist forms. Dracula growled as he grabbed his head with both hands.

'What am I doing?... What is wrong with me?! Is Peter's… No… Yes… It is… I'll have to have a talk with him soon… Before the ceremony… He needs to know…' Dracula thought to himself.

Dracula changed into his mist form and exited the room.

To be continued…