All right so this might not be my most reviewed fic but the reviews I have gotten amuse and please me, seems the readers like it. Since I have this chapter done I am updating this fic, /purr. I like to update when I have a chapter done, or not too long after, and I like to reward the readers who take a moment and leave a review. Some leave a few words, others a quote and a comment, but all took the time to share something. I adore you all, signed in or not, you are just as important to me.
I went back and edited chapters 1 and 2, nothing big just a little more detail added, good yes? As always please feel free to leave thoughts, ideas, pleas, or whatever else pops into you head in a review. Chapter 4 is being cleaned up so it will be postable by the end of June. I will update this based on reviews, and how many other things I get done. If you like Gundam Wing and Vampires then I have a few other fics lying about you may enjoy. Hope to hear from you all soon. Aishi-chan.
WarNinGs: Politics blah, more back story, more of why I liked Hilde in the show and hopefully why she is liked in this fic, and murder.
Aishi Say
"I'll never age and I'll never die,
Unlike all the stars in the sky,
But why?
Cause I'm a Vampire.
Dear,
For whose victims I shed no tears.
I am neither sweet nor sincere,
And I'd rather drink blood then beer,
Cause I'm a Vampire."
A bit of Future Bible Heroes' song 'I'm a Vampire. This entire song is just a bit snarky and I love it. Feel free to YouTube search it and give it a listen, and yes every chapter after one will have either Vampire lyrics or a chunk of the title song here.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
Silver eyes looked around the human city seeing very little of interest, modern cities all seemed to look the same. At the word mother she turned, focusing where her daughter was pointing and blinked, smiling as she listened to her fellow red head speak. The youth had been mentioned before, a stray her daughter had taken a liking to. She had not seen her so happy since before her friend's murder, Tobias had been a good man. This one was mortal, lighter of hair, and colder of eye. A prowling wolf among the sheep most humans had become, a sad fate for such spirited prey. Dark eyes focused on a familiar, narrowing at a challenge, otherwise calm looking. Sighing as if bored the human flicked their wrist before slashing, the familiar falling to the ground, head rolling away from their killer. Whipping the long glinting blade off on black jeans the human shook his head at his foe, returning the blade back up his sleeve he looked up. Katherine smiled in greeting, receiving a smirk and a nod before the human turned and walked away. "Interesting stray."
"He's really sweet under that stare of his, I'm glad you like him Mother." Katherine knew the smirk and nod meant he had no time to stop and say hello. It was probably for the best, she was not sure how he would take meeting her mother just yet, meeting the family was always a big step.
"Pretty stare, knowing, sees through masks. You want the stray yes?" Rachelle always thought her daughter had fine taste in her male companions, none would ever betray her.
"Yes I do, but not like that, do you think Father would be pleased with a male heir?" Katherine glanced at her mother thoughtfully, it was more then a whim.
Rachelle frown for a moment before smiling a little with a nod, her husband would deny them nothing, "Welcome the child to our house if you wish. I have always wanted a son, and he makes you smile like you use too."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
Rachelle sighed opening her eyes before turning her head sensing a life near, "Who?"
"Did I wake you?" Trowa asked walking into the candle light frowning slightly, he had not meant to wake her.
The Vampieress smiled fondly reaching out her hands, squeezing his hands when he took hers, "No Dear One. I was just remembering, remembering the night I first saw you, pretty stray kitty. Come, sit, speak."
"You seem better, how long?" Katherine had said decades but he wanted to know from her, he had to know what answers to beat out of someone.
"Longer then you have walked. I am told a Made is the best to feed on since you were once mortal…magic can be so silly sometimes. The talks?" Rachelle watched those dark eyes, they so clearly betrayed his every thought to her.
Trowa sighed, politics had always bored him, "Nothing, Winner still preaches peace with all four races, yet speaks out against us as magic born mistakes."
Rachelle kissed his knuckles, "Winner grew fearful of us long ago, our darker natures should be respected. Does the child shy away?"
"Quatre? No, he was only afraid to touch me the first time, timid little mouse. His father dared to ask me why, it shut him up at least." Trowa looked away, neither one of them would ever understand why, they never could.
"Winner knew no pain until he began to hate, his wife was not so blind, nor their child." Rachelle smiled to herself, so long ago.
"Human's are no better, the louder one calls for peace the more they incite war, sometimes I think we are destined to destroy ourselves." Trowa would not be surprised, the other three races were not so different, the same things set off their little wars.
Rachelle turned his hand sniffing at his wrist, "You are no longer so limited, free to live as we should. You are not worried?"
Trowa frowned before shaking his head, "Not my nature. If you need my blood then take it, I can take another's when I need to."
Rachelle rubbed her cheek against his palm, "The Winner boy, I would very much like to meet him someday."
Trowa smiled absently, "Someday Mother, his father be damned."
"Perhaps," Rachelle whispered before striking, short but sharp fangs piercing flesh darker then her own had ever been. Swallowing a few mouthfuls she released him, looking up she smiled, "Go, sleep now hm?"
Trowa glanced at the blood that had flowed down his palm nodding, "Good morning Mother."
Rachelle licked her lip meeting dark eyes, so much more alive without the ice, "Rest well my son."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
'I owe you no answer but I will still give it to you regardless. She gave me a place to come home to.' Quatre frowned looking out his window at the rising sun, Barton made it sound so simple. A life of solitary survival in a cold world had become a life as a protector of a pack, killing for other's survival beyond his own. Why choose such an existence, nothing but fighting and death? What had the humans done to him to make him such a beast? Sighing he closed his eyes 'Why?' 'She cared.' The answers were in essence the same, Barton's lack of compassion had a clear cause, the Made's loathing of their former kind made a bit more sense now. "What happened?"
"Quatre what is wrong?" Iria frowned at her brother when he just sighed, he had been quite since the gathering had ended.
"We don't create people like Barton do we?" Quatre asked turning to face his sister, "Only humans abandon their own right?"
Iria looked away feeling the sting of her leaving her friend to morn alone, "No Quatre, all the four races can be so cold to a child it turns them into a monster."
Quatre nodded absently, turning back to the rising sun feeling nothing but a chill, "Shouldn't we help them?"
"Quatre, once one cares for nothing it is all but imposable to make them care again. The sad fact is a Lamia's blood may restart a heart, but it cannot make it feel." Iria knew he was talking of Barton, her father had shared the conversation. "Death is a mercy for the lost, more so the pity for the immortal."
"To live so long caring for nothing…I cannot even fathom it. Do you think Kathyarine cruel?" If Barton was as dead inside as he lead others to believe she very well may be.
"In a way, if she changed him simply because she missed Tobias, and he reminded her of him in some way." Iria was silent for a moment as she thought back on the man Barton had replaced, Kathyarine had never slept with him either. "The Tobias I remember was a gentle soul who hated the dark side of his nature, Barton seems to thrive on it. If the child was truly so alone one simple act of kindness bond him to her then…she is kinder then any of his own race."
"It is no wonder the Made come to despise humans so much, so many lost and broken, seeking what they cannot even name. You do not think me a fool?" Quatre turned back to his sister, still not sure how she had been able to walk away.
"For pitying Barton no, your gifts work on all, even the mad. Just remember sometimes humans do reject someone because they know something is wrong with them. That one is a savage sure as you are a saint, you will never truly be able to understand him. Nor should you want to, such ice is best left for the demons whose blood he shares." Iria had heard all about the spell, leeching soul energy off the living through their blood like the demonic beings they were.
Quatre nodded sighing, Barton did not feel like a demon, even if his blood was mixed with the Dark. "I cannot help someone who does not want it. I will do what I can to remain civil, but it is best not to get too close, a dog can only have one master."
"That they can. Get some sleep Dear One, we will do what we can to bring peace when the sky is darker." Iria turned, closing her brother's door frowning at the far wall, peace was never free.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
"Hil he's a crazy person," Duo reminded his friend and fellow Witch with a sigh.
"That does not mean he can't be cute, I have to have something to look at while everyone is talking." Hilde teased trying to picture what a savage Vampire would look like clean and calm, it was not easy.
"Oh he's cute, in a kitty meets fox kindda way, but he's a Vamp, not so bad when amused though." Duo had to admit he was starting to like the guy, though he still wanted an apology for their first meeting.
"Ooh, well that one reminds me of a wolf and a hawk, now you have me doing it." Hilde pouted, watching the dark blue eyed Vampire stop and speak with a Lycan.
"Huh? Oh Hiro Yui, Barton and him are tight, well as tight as people like them get. Good call on the critters, wolf griffin." Duo smiled, Hiro was more his type, wolf intensity versus feline coyness, plus no not nice meetings.
Hilde frowned studying him for a moment, he looked very clean and very calm. "You should say Hi."
"Hil you don't say Hi to Blood Knights just like that, especially not the elite crazy ones. Would you walk up to a wolf and pat him on the head? Wait you just might, aw Hell bad example." Duo tapped his chin trying to think of another one when he noticed a shadow. Turning he blinked at Hiro, "Um…Hi."
"Maxwell-san," Hiro greeted with a slight nod of his head, while not a friend this Witch was not a foe either. "Have you seen Barton-san today? Winner-san perhaps?"
"Cat's at home, heir stuff, and I'm sure he's trying to make sure everyone is getting along alright. As for Barton I haven't seen him since before the meeting last night, he's probably staying away from the happy masses." Duo assumed he had asked because he had been told about their little talk, or the other figured Quatre's best friend might know something.
Hiro nodded agreeing with the other's logic, once more Barton's profiling skills proved useful. "He prefers being useful rather then just hanging around being useless."
"I hear ya, unless I'm lazy, or tired, I don't like just standing there and looking pretty." Duo watched this other Vampire comparing him with Barton. It would not surprise him if he was also more casual around friends, they both seemed the type.
Hiro tilted his head slightly at the phrasing, the Witch was rather boushen with that hair. "Likely. It is nothing that cannot wait. Arigato Maxwell-san."
"Wait a second Blue Eyes!" Duo reach out grabbing the other's wrist stopping him, looking up he met dark eyes, letting him go sitting back up. "You don't have to just walk off like that, Hilde here is harmless too."
Hilde smiled at the confused Vampire, Duo was so impulsive sometimes. "Please sit if you want. I fear I am rather curious, but it can be hard to find an honest…what are you called back home?"
"Kyuuketsuki or vanpaia would be acceptable," Hiro had heard both, the latter was rather self-explanatory, the former was rather literal.
"Ky u ke su ki," Hilde repeated slowly getting a nod at her pronunciation, pleased she smiled a little before frowning. "Vanpaia sounds like just another way to say the world but what does kyuuketsuki mean?"
"Breath in blood devil is the literal translation, however bloodsucking is the wording most would use." Hiro was use to rewording translations so Westerners would more clearly understand, different cultures used different phrasing.
"Blood sucking devils…sounds like what a close minded Witch would call your kind. You might be a blood drinker, but I wouldn't call you, or Barton, a devil." Hilde had never met Barton, heard of was another story, nasty tempers did not make one evil.
"To an innocent no, but to a foe we are Shinigami, death god from my homeland. It is why we work so well together, he has more patience for strangers though." Hiro had never cared much about first impressions, or making friends with anyone, Barton had been intuitive and skilled. Respect had become friendship, both needed someone they could trust outside of their clans.
"Shinigami, Duo uses that word all the time. Dressed up as one last Samhain, I love flowy clothes!" Hilde had wanted an outfit just like Duo's after that, it had looked so comfy.
"You Witches often know of many kami, Barton-san knows many as well." Hiro frowned slightly in thought before turning his dark stare to Duo. "What does the Maxwell house think?"
"We want an understanding, we can have that. Lycan and Lamia don't kill more then they need, and we don't treat them like monsters. What does the Yui clan think?" Duo thought that was fair enough, since wiping out large numbers of your food source was not how he would do things.
"The Yui and the Bloom clan believe an understanding is reachable only if the Witch covens stop trying to control our every move. Hunters do not like being told how to hunt, after all, even less so by those who do not hunt at all." Hiro found it quite annoying when he had to defend his every kill to some coven as if his was a minor lord.
"Well you guys are suppose to protect us all from the humans, but that is a lot harder now, they are way better armed. Guns may not be able to outright kill you, but enough blood lose can fuck ya but good right?" Duo had heard enough blood lose lead to a coma like state, regrowing limbs or organs that fast had to be taxing on the body.
Hiro frowned, discussing Lamia weakness with outsiders was not something he normally did. "Both Lycan and Lamia are blessed with rapid regeneration, after repairing so much damage we will slow down, even stop healing until we feed. Such damage is very hard to achieve even with modern firearms since humans tend to stop aiming when a shot to the head does nothing."
Duo cringed at that, living through that kind of pain no wonder they were so feared, "Circle Daybreak can only win over so many."
Hiro shook his head, it was best to avoid humans and leave their races a myths, well besides Witches that was. "I protect the three races not the fourth."
Hilde frowned a little, someone was not a human lover, "They aren't even a real circle anymore, ever since the Witch hunts that is."
"Well, yeah, but some Twilighters would fit in. Cat feels for them, but even he knows not all humans will welcome even our race, let alone the two that feed on them. No offense," Duo did not want to insult the Blood Knight for more reasons then one.
"None taken, every hunter has their prey. Lilith's dream simply created a new form of predator, your magics are not always effective against demons. We do not need their names to send them back, we do it the simple way." Hiro was fine with being part demon, Barton had commented once the pure could not face the Dark and walk away untainted anyway.
"Demons have their place, it would be nice if they would just stay there." Hilde muttered sighing at the dark clouds starting to form above, "I guess then you Blood Knights would be kindda bored huh?"
"We would adapt. I will see you both later Maxwell-san, Hilde-dono." Hiro bowed to the pair before heading off again.
"Hilde-dono…I rather like that. Duo what do san and dono mean?" Hilde knew Duo knew, he had a few Japanese friends so he could follow Hiro better then she could.
"San is your normal Mr. or Mrs. honorific, dono is for a lady, they are very polite, but you don't outrank him so he was just being polite." Duo thought it was kind of sweet of Hiro to use dono on a Witch who was not, in fact, a lady of high birth.
"Well I may not be a high noble but my rank as a magi is worthy of the title, we are both better then we look." Hilde winked as she stood, "I'm going to head back before it rains, it's a little chilly today to get soaked."
"See ya Hil!" Duo called before getting up as well, "I wonder if Cat is actually busy?"
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
"Hil and Hiro are getting along, he's a little stiff but not so bad really." Duo smirked when Quatre jumped before turning to frown at him. "He was looking for you, or Barton."
"I have not seen Barton since he turned his back to my father." Quatre sighed before nodding to the chairs before his desk.
"Your old man huh? And what did he want with Fangs anyway?" Duo could guess but Daddy was not as observant, and had not seen them together yet, as far as he knew.
"I am not entirely sure what was going on myself. Father started talking about his informal attire and the fact he was an heir, and Barton retorted asking why my father wishes to become his enemy. I have no idea why he asked that, Father was being civil really, it was almost like they were picking up another conversation." Quatre sighed again, had Barton sensed something that caused him to hiss as he had, or was it something else?
"Face it Cat your old man no likely the immortals, and they know it. The only reason Cy hasn't used your clan for scratching posts is he likes ya, who wouldn't, you cutie you?" Duo cooed the last few words grinning at the blonde, someone was slow today.
"Cy," Quatre repeated softly, Barton's bangs did hang in his eye so it was a valid nickname really, and very Duo. "I really do not wish to think about his claws and my family."
"Yeah, ouch for them. Don't worry the guy might just have been in a mood. Peace talks and Punks are not peanut butter and chocolate here. I wonder if he and Hiro are the only Blood Knights here?" Duo knew this was an informal meeting so having only two would be fine, those two did not need back up.
Quatre sighed, face in his hands groaning, "It seems Father is calling in the most dangerous Lamian and Lycan Lords and Alpha here. I really do not know what he hopes to accomplish. Neither race may be fans of our recent pushes for peace, but they are not about to start open war over it either."
Duo propped his feet on his friend's desk, careful of the stacks of lose paper. "Well we of the gray side of magic seem to agree with that. The Wolves and Bats are still willing to talk, not all their kind are human haters. Pops probably wants a nice causal sit down to try and keep it that way, rather then a formal gathering. Cyke's clan is a nasty one, few would vote war if they voted peace."
"The question is will the Bloom choose peace? With war the Vampires could very likely take over our world, they and the Lycan are better trained and harder to kill." Quatre sighed chin in his hands, "Barton did not seem inclined to listen to my father, though he seemed annoyed by him so that could be why."
"You want to know what his clan is thinking ask him," Duo did not see a problem, rumors stated his temper very well, as well as his blunt honesty. The guy did not lie, he might make you work for it, but he would speak the truth even to a foe.
"I cannot just walk into the Lamian's side of the island and knock on his front door." Quatre knew he could do just that, all there knew him, but that did not mean he could or should.
"Well I can if you want, but he'd likely make me earn it." Duo frowned tilting his head back with a sigh, "Cat and a fox."
Quatre blinked at his friend, not having to ask what he meant after thinking for a moment. "Likely, he trusts you, but I'm not sure he would open up just like that."
"Not the type. Yui seem incline to side with us, they never back down from a fair fight, but they often decline starting one." Duo was fine with the most powerful of the Japanese clans being on their side, even if their heir was not a human lover.
"Hiro is a noble warrior after all, Barton may be more of a rogue but I trust him, and I want him with us." Quatre glanced at the storm brewing outside, "His reputation alone would help assure the lesser houses wanting to fight would…see the error of their ways."
"Why Cat how sneaky, I approve. The guy loves playing boogieman to fellow monsters, plus he's already here. Know any Lycan clans who are with us?" Duo was not sure who was around, he was never big on politics.
"Perhaps, but none here, few packs chose to come just for talks, most are small and already with us." Quatre was not surprise many Lycan felt pity for the humans they had to kill where Lamia seemed less concerned.
"Well more will be coming so we might get lucky, at any rate we won't be bored soon." Duo stretched before getting to his feet, "Maybe you two can do the talking thing tonight. I'll see ya later."
"Goodbye Duo," Quatre responded mind already elsewhere, as it had been most of the day.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
"What do you mean Winner has called in all the High Born clans?" Katherine asked frowning at her father, "This was informal, wasn't it?"
"Seems all that cheering went to his head, the fool. He wants to gauge how likely we who will decide things will do just that." Lord Bloom was fine with the logic, but did not like the fact the Witch Lord was using a meeting as an experiment.
"And what will we be deciding Father?" Katherine was the next in line, it was her duty to see the will of the Bloom clan was carried out.
"Peace, the Witches may be trying to choke us with their collars, but in the end they will ease up, or many who are borderline will choose war." The Lord was tempted but petty fighting would lead to headaches, talking was fine for now.
"And we shall lead them no doubt," Trowa drawled from the doorway he had leaned in, profiling was a gift.
"Of course we will, our clan has long been protectors of our world, we will not sit back and become pets to the Witches." Gold eyes regarded the former human, it seemed his wife had not fed as deeply this time.
"That is fine by me, there can be no peace as long as our very right to exist is questioned by those who need never fight to survive. What Mother saw in that man I will never know." Trowa had always hated those who refused to try and understand those not like them. He understood what he hated, it was why he hated it.
Lord Bloom smirked at Barton's willingness to wage war with the rest of the clan only to frown, "Long before your mother became ill they were good friends. He had always been weary of our darkest side, but back then he was not so blinded by his fear and hate. Bad dealings only made things worst, monsters we may be, but we are not soulless."
Trowa chuckled bitterly, "How human. All threats to our survival are to be eliminated, all enemies to this clan are to be executed. Those are my orders, a soul would only get in the way."
"Trowa don't say that, please? The humans abandoned you, we did not accept you so you could become just what they thought you were." Katherine hated it when her brother spoke like that. She knew that was how he felt, but on some level he had to know it was killing him.
Trowa looked away, "I am what they thought I was, I don't know how to be anything else really. Do not worry Kathy I gave my word to stay by your side until the end. If war comes it will end long before you."
Katherine smiled fondly as she walked up to him, gently turning his face back around. "Trowa you have yet to fail me. What was the other part of our promise?"
"To become happy. How can I be happy if you are in danger, and Mother is wasting away?" Trowa sighed placing his hand over hers, "I am trying."
"I know," Katherine assured him softly, he had become more expressive since they had first met, more like the man she knew he really was. "If Mother can be helped we will find a way, if war must come you will strike down those who stand before us. I simply do not want you to forget yourself in all of this. I do not want the price of my life to be what I love in you."
"It will not be. What do you think of all of this?" Katherine could order him not to fight, but that did not mean she would. She had been very clear in her explanations before she had changed him, she was the only one who worried about the price.
"If the Witches wish to order us about, rather then treating us as the equals we are, then we must correct them. Do what you do best, respecting our power will help them remember why they do should not want to fight us." Katherine smirked as she tugged on his bangs, "Just try not to ruin any shirts I like hm?"
"Yes Sister. I am going to go hunt now, I would prefer to be at my best for another round of meaningless speeches." Trowa smiled before kissing his sister's hand and walking off, war would slow down any progress they could make helping their mother. If a few had to be torn apart so he could focus on those he loved so be it, the island could seep crimson into the surf for all he cared.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
"Hil can't we just show up for the end and say we went?" Duo was not looking forward to all the talking about the same old things.
"Someone has to be level heads, and Quatre cannot do it all." Hilde reminded her friend, turning when Duo did a human skidding on the grass. "Who?"
"DEMON!" The human cried getting back to their feet wooden blade drawn, "I'LL KILL YOU!"
"Should we stop them?" Hilde asked eying the Slayer, some did go after Witches.
"Depends on which Vampy they are trying to kill," Duo answered, keeping his own eyes on the male.
"You have done a rather poor job so far human." Trowa reminded him dropping from the trees above, straightening he snatched the human from the ground. "Foolish little man, you will pay dearly for crossing me."
"You will burn in Hell for this!" The Slayer spat, cringing at blood red slightly glowing eyes, "Monster."
"Exactly," Trowa agreed, bearing four wicked fangs before striking, those who challenged him to the death always got the death.
Hilde stared at the four fangs like those of an animal, teeth behind them still looking so normal. Blood dripped from the Vampire's jaw as he fed before he dropped the corpse turning, red laced eyes focusing on Duo, "Um Duo?"
"Hey Cy. Bad day?" Duo tried not to stare at the blood, but it was rather hard not to out of the corner of his eye.
Trowa sighed before licking blood from his lower lip, "Annoying really. Who is your friend?"
"Hilde Schbeiker," Hilde answered trying to read the Vampire's mood, "Barton?"
Trowa nodded, amused when the dark haired Witch just blinked at him but did not appear afraid. "Quatre already there?"
Duo shrugged not really sure, "Maybe man. You going? I mean you are an heir and all but…not your style."
Trowa crossed his arms, "No it's not. I swear that man is either blind, or really does want to start a war." Frowning he tapped his claws off his upper arm annoyed, martyrs, saints, and their fanatical followers.
"I'd side with blind myself. The guy needs to make up his mind really, we equal or we aren't." Duo preferred going with equal, simplified but not exactly wrong.
Hilde walked up to Barton tilting her head at him, "What do you think?"
"I think in a war your kind would lose badly, many of we monsters are annoyed, and we are not all that merciful when annoyed." Trowa had never been all that merciful anyway, the innocent were safe from him no one else was. "We are the same really."
Hilde smiled at the softly spoken afterthought, humans and them perhaps? Reaching up she wiped the blood from his chin eying the smear on her thumb. "You use to be human, but really what am I but a human with magic and a longer life? Shouldn't you be scary looking?"
"Common misconception that monsters are always scary looking, quite a few look human until it's too late to get away." Trowa did not mind this Witch, her reputation of being insightful and gutsy seemed well enough earned.
"Are you warning me to run Mr. Vampire?" Hilde asked batting her eyes in mock innocents at him, Duo had said he was all right calm and she had to agree.
Trowa smirked at the game many played with his kind, often getting a nasty bite for their trouble, "Perhaps."
"Can't make me," Hilde informed him holding out her blood smeared thumb, "You missed some."
Duo blinked at Hilde, surprised she was playing the cat and mouse game with Barton of all people. The Vampire appeared honestly amused by her game as he leaned in closing his mouth around her thumb. Pulling away he chuckled when Hilde examined her thumb as if looking for holes, "Flirting much?"
"Duo he's harmless really…well to me. Right Barton?" Hilde turned to look over her shoulder at the taller young man, she doubted he was older then thirty really.
Trowa smiled, hand resting on her shoulder, "You are too amusing to become a snack my dear. You are going to assist Quatre yes?"
"Yes. I'm no lady, but I am gifted so I have some say in things. Will you being helping too?" Hilde knew the Vampire were the more borderline group, they did not have to kill, and not all enjoyed it.
"I will do what I can, but my first loyalty is to Katherine, who likes him. His father would not welcome my assistance unless it was to kill something." Trowa was not all that broken up about it, he did not care much for the lord.
"Who wouldn't man? Don't worry about it, just glare at a few people and that'll shut 'em up." Duo patted his shoulder, grinning when the Vampire frowned at him questioningly, "Good kitty."
"I guess we should probably head in huh?" Hilde asked, moving between them she took each of their arms, "Come along boys."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
"Sir, so far the nastier of the clans have yet to arrive, they should be attending the meeting tomorrow night." The young looking brunette informed her master glancing at her smart phone.
"Wonderful. If the clans wish to war it is beast I know now. From here they can start nothing, the spells have been put into place to seal this island off if it comes to that." Lord Winner did not like the idea of having to do so, but that was worst case.
"Completed before the first invitation was sent. Your son and daughters are seeing to things with our guests." Brown eyes looked up, "What do you think?"
Lord Winner sighed softly, "I think I am getting too old for this. Ah Quatre, do come in. That will be all."
"Father do you think it was wise to request the strongest clans to come here without any official reason to behave?" Quatre knew a few of the clans hated each other outright, mostly Lycan, and only did not spill blood during council ordered truces.
"Yes. Those who would start the war will be here, we shall convince them peace is best for all, or we have failed." Lord Winner turned to his son and heir, he looked so like his mother in white, she would have been so proud of him.
Quatre nodded, thinking back on Barton's retort to his father the night before. Made who had once been human were often the first to incite revolt, they did not understand the larger world as those born into it did. Barton had made a valid point however, talking down to those you wished to enlighten was never the way to go. "Some will always give into to their darkest nature, race matters little then."
"This is true, but humans have so little power. The Lamia and their demonic gifts are the biggest threat when lost. They may look human still but transformed they are nothing but monsters, the Lycan simply beasts." He had seen the true faces of many demons, his son may feel for Barton as a lost soul turned monster, but if his son saw the Made's true form he might just change his mind.
"And will they all be here?" Quatre knew few would ignore a summons by a High Noble, informal or otherwise. It could still take over a day to get there, portals were draining, and few Witches of that power would create one simply for a meeting.
"By this time tomorrow those who would start or stop a war will be here, those who refuse my invitation are of little concern. I will be relaying on your gifts to judge the moods of the crowed, especially your fellow physics." Lord Winner turned towards the door, "Some may hear you where they would ignore me."
Quatre nodded as his father walked out of the room, before absently glancing at the full length mirror, "Barton for one."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
Hilde smiled entering the large hall with Barton and Duo, the looks of shock were enough to make her purr. If those fools would try talking to Barton like a person they might just see that he was one, until they tried she counted herself one of a lucky few. Sitting down she turned when Barton sat down to her right without being asked, glancing at her he smirked a bit. Grinning back she turned to Duo who took her other side, feet crossing on the glass coffee table. "I am going to be very popular after this."
"Well yeah, you touched him and lived." Duo teased getting a mock sigh from the Vampire, "There, there Cy she loves you for you."
"Why is Quatre friends with you again?" Trowa asked crossing his arms as he leaned back, "He must enjoy being pink."
"Cat likes just about everyone, I mean he did make nice with you. The tall, cute, and brooding type is not his." Duo had to admit he prefer his coy sense of humor more then its darker version, Quatre was not big on teasing people beyond friendly.
"Well I think you're cute, cuter when you smile." Hilde ignored Duo making faces behind her, knowing her friend. "You don't smile much do you?"
Trowa shook his head, "Not really. I didn't have any reason to human, now I spend most of my time hissing." Trowa closed his eyes with a sigh, "We cannot all be Duo."
"I am a happy person really. What was it like being human? I often wonder what it would be like to lose all my powers, but you never had any right?" Duo was not sure if the human had been a psychic or not, he was not even sure how old he was.
"Prying is rude Duo. Quatre probably hasn't even asked that yet." Hilde chided turning to frown at Duo, not that Quatre would hurry up and ask.
"It's fine Hilde. I'm precognitive and good with animals, but I wouldn't called them powers. Being human is not something I miss, I learned how to fight and kill by doing. Quatre would not enjoy hearing my life's story very much, neither would either of you." Trowa glanced at both of them, frowning before looking away, "Stop with the looks."
"Barton I'm sorry. I mean, I guessed people were cold but…do you hate them?" Duo knew if Barton told Quatre the emotional Witch would want to hug the former human. The blonde could make people feel so much better, but not everything was fixable with a kind word and a hug.
"They are my prey, our relationship has not changed all that much, I am simply harder to kill then I was. Do you think I should?" Trowa had had this conversation before, Katherine had cursed humans for their false humanity. His mother had just stroked his hair assuring him he would never be alone again, their simple kindness had won his fierce loyalty.
"Midnights aren't big on welcoming humans into our world, they have proven time and time again they try and destroy what they do not understand. I don't hate them as a whole, some do practice our ways and mean us no harm. I don't think you should hate them, but I don't think you should love them either." Quatre was Twilight, he and Hilde were Midnight, Barton would be one of them if he had been born a Witch.
Hilde nodded, "Duo's right. Those who are worthy of love should be loved, those worthy of hate should be hated. I knew you were no threat to me and here we are. You could always do that too, it means somewhere in your line there is Witch blood."
"Those I love are very few, those I hate do not tend to live long enough to do more then beg. Kathy said I was well suited to this form, though she regrets the fighting I am required to do. I never knew my real blood so for all I know one my parents was part Witch, it hardly matters now. Kathy will enjoy meeting you Hilde, and you as well Duo."
"She's here right?" Duo asked looking around, he knew what she looked like but did not see any hot red haired females with short hair about. There was no mistaking that form as anything but, not that he was going to say anything.
Trowa closed his eyes for a moment, "No. She is still outside, Quatre is here though, the room to your left Duo."
"Right psychic. I didn't know you could sense Cat so well with all these Witches around…a little creepy." Duo commented not looking towards the doorway Barton had indicated, he always thoughts Vamps couldn't track like that without exchanging blood.
"I think he just saw him Duo," Hilde gave Quatre a little smile before standing, "Play nice I'll be right back."
"Sneaky man," Duo complimented with an impish grin, the man under the scary mask was showing a lot of promise.
Trowa smirked, propping his own booted feet onto the table, expanding his pack was not so bad after all, "Cat."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
Quatre sighed not pleased with his father's plans, if fighting broke out it would be up to the Knights of the three races to keep the peace. Barton and Yui he knew were two but for a meeting this big that seemed insane. Walking into the main room he looked up spotting Barton sitting in one of the chairs, Hilde seated to his right, Duo at her left. The long haired male was sitting there ankles crossed on the table, Hilde leaning forward looking at Barton, the Vampire glancing at him. Hilde turned smiling, she said something to the two males before walking up to him, "How?"
"Oh Barton is a gentleman if you treat him like a person and not like a big scary monster." Hilde reminded her blonde friend, knowing that was how he had gotten the Vampire to play nice.
"Well, yes, but why are you three together? I thought he would be working, or with his sister…how long have you been here?" Quatre was very confused, Duo and Barton were starting to get along all right, but them showing up together would also have been strange.
"Duo and I were just on our way here when some hunter got thrown into our path. We asked each other if we should step in, and he just drops down like a cat. A little hissing back and forth and the hunter was lunch. Those teeth looked so painful, kept most of the blood in his mouth unlike some I have seen. I had no idea who he was until Duo started talking to him, he calmed down rather quickly then. Even let him clean the blood off my finger."
"How did you get blood on your…the hunter's," Quatre answered his own question, frowning as he looked away for a moment. "Why?"
"To prove he didn't scare me. All the stories and rumors you'd think he was Satan himself. He reminds me of a stray, a little weary of people, but once they are sure about you harmless." Hilde straightened her knee length lavender skirt, "It is probably what Katherine saw at first as well since they are close."
"They are, how do you know they are? Have you seen them together?" Quatre was use to knowing things about people like that, but Hilde was not empathic, though she did have a lot of empathy.
"The way he said her name, tone tells you a lot. He reads people like I do, though he has powers to help, I don't." Hilde glanced over her shoulder, the boys were doing exactly what she had asked.
"You do a wonderful job just like Duo, he does not retract his claws for just anyone. My father should not be so quick to write off all Vampires as monsters. I am worried these meetings he is having will end badly." Quatre glanced at Barton who looked as relaxed as a dozing feline, Duo yawned and he smiled a little. "They just look bored."
"You know Duo hates long speeches," Hilde reminded her worry prone friend, he seemed comfortable so she wasn't worried. "And Barton seems to think this whole thing is a fool's errand, he may be right."
Quatre sighed softly before glancing at the former human, hoping it was just his dislike of his father. "I hope he is wrong, Father wants to avoid civil war as we all do."
"Some of us more then others, those who may not listen to him will listen to you. We are all here to support you Quatre, you are not all alone." Hilde hugged her friend, "Come say Hi while you can."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
"I want coffee," Duo whined opening his eyes, at least he had a nice comfy chair.
"Go fetch," Trowa replied keeping his head bowed, coffee sounded good to him but he didn't feel like moving.
"Too lazy," Duo yawned glancing at the Vampire, did they even have to sleep really?
"Conjure it," Trowa had seen Witches summon things out of thin air with the right reagents and spells, useful looking trick.
"Not a Mage in World of Warcraft, I can't just snap my fingers and poof snackage. If you have a transmutation or summoning item on you hand it over and we'll talk." Masters could learn to do it without an aid, but he was no where near old or powerful enough to turn pure magic into anything but a weapon.
Trowa opened an eye glancing at the Witch, "Sorry, I just kill your kind not collect your toys."
"Listen bub, try not to remind me you can hand me my ass too often, or we'll have to see just how well you can." Duo turned his head catching a smirk as a green eye closed once again, "I'm serious you jackass."
"mm hm. Hello Quatre," Trowa opened his eyes looking up, tilting his head he frowned slightly, "Whatever put that look on your face?"
"Oh he's just worried this will end badly and all Hell will break lose," Hilde answered sitting Quatre down in her former spot before turning to Trowa. "Something you know more about then any of us."
"All Hell breaking lose has been the norm of half my existence, or sure seems like it. If the Covens fail to convince the Houses and the Packs we will not be subjugated then they will get to see how monstrous we truly are. Trust me my dear it is not pretty." Trowa extended cat like claws for a moment, "Trifle."
"Cyke if you are going to talk about war again you could at least not sound so bored, death dealing might be humdrum to you but we are normal." Duo sighed opening his eyes, "And I still want coffee."
Trowa sighed leaning forward, normal people never understood him, not even his creator did entirely. "It was when I was still mortal. I fought to survive everyday of my human life, it taught me how to survive in this world long before I knew it existed. The redundant fighting proves no race learns from the mistakes of the others."
"That is not true Barton, we want to end all this unnecessary fighting and pain. There is no reason why we cannot exist alongside the humans and each other." Quatre could feel nothing but ice and it hurt, did he really have no hope left?
"Quatre's right, only the Lycan must kill to survive, needless killing is wasteful and breeds more hate. The humans forget this so quickly," Hilde sat down beside Barton with a heavy sigh.
Quatre bit his lip as Barton closed his eyes looking away, the more he heard about the other's former life the more he wished he could do something. The worst thing to do to a feline was make it feel cornered, and if the talks went badly many would feel that way. Hilde gave Barton a little smile when he touched her hand, her empathy for her friends was almost as strong as his own. "We can change things, can't we?"
Trowa turned at the question, no one had ever asked him to change anything but himself. He was a master of inflicting pain and those close to him only seemed to suffer, right now two of them looked miserable because of him. Sighing he wondered why anyone even wanted him around except to kill something, "How badly do you want it?"
"Pretty bad bub, you volunteering to play Reaper?" Duo knew how having a sucky childhood messed with you, ice could only hide pain for so long.
"I slay who I am ordered to unless I have the need or right to. If the Bloom side against you that is the end of it." Trowa leaned back in his chair closing his eyes, "Kathy rarely sides against her father."
"Can't you go fuck you to her if she did? I mean you aren't a ghoul here," Duo knew it was law to obey your creator but that did not mean they had no choice, did it?
"I will not betray my sister. If she bids me to destroy the Covens then they will fall, or I will." Trowa frowned slightly at the Witches, use to those looks.
"She would not order such a thing, her father yes, but not her. I have met her, and she use to be Iria's best friend." Quatre knew there was a slight chance Katherine would decide to take revenge for his sister's betrayal, siding against him in war was another matter.
"Use to be there Little Buddy, just how pissed is Sis over that huh?" Duo had heard all about the hissing, but he wanted to know how she felt really.
"She is not planning to kill her in her sleep if that is what you are worried about. If Iria is smart she will refrain from calling me a savage, or a pet, in my sister's presence again." Trowa was use to both words, he agreed with the former.
"A savage would have torn that hunter apart not just drained them…right?" Hilde could see how that insult had caught on, he was very scary hissing.
Duo blinked at her along with the other two, "Well yeah…I guess so. Lycan kills always look like that so…Cy a little insight here?"
Trowa frowned glancing from one violet eyed Witch to the other, unsure if they had received a blow to the head recently. This conversation was jumping from tone to tone too often to be considered normal. Deciding himself a little confused was better then everyone else upset he let it go. "Disemboweling and dismemberment are usually the result of extreme rage no matter which race you are talking about. They are effective means of making a point, but I prefer to inflict a lot of pain while leaving them mostly intact. I scare all sides for a reason, and it is not my looks."
"Kitty Vamp hiss," Duo mocked making paws with his hands, "I've heard a few stories so…new topic?"
Hilde giggled at Duo, Barton just shook his head but smirked just a little, "How about how only Witches really look ravishing in purple?"
Duo chuckled, nodding towards his female friend and fellow Midnighter, "Behold, enough said."
"Kathy may just disagree with you there, but still, very nice example Duo," Trowa was not use to happy people, but he was starting to like them.
"Well all true Lamia were, or are, descended from Witches so I guess a few concessions can be made." Duo did not trust everyone, childhood had taught him that. Hilde and Quatre were family, Barton was not family but he was really starting to like him.
Trowa tilted his head considering the logic, joke or not, and had to side with Duo, Katherine even had their rare eyes. A hand on his shoulder drew a smile as he tilted his head back, "Sister."
"Brother," Katherine greeted fondly, pleased by his smile, turning she noted Quatre and Duo, the female did not look familiar but was sitting beside her brother comfortably.
Hilde blinked as a red head in rich deep violet moved up behind Barton, a crimson nailed hand resting on his shoulder earning a smile. His sister was paler then he was, hair blood red, eyes so like her own, she looked the part of a lady, "Lady Bloom."
Katherine nodded at the young women with a friendly smile, "Brother Dear introduce your new friend hm?"
"Hilde Schbeiker, my Sire Katherine Bloom, the meeting starting soon?" Trowa asked glancing around the room, people were sitting down but that did not mean soon.
"Soon enough, and please Katherine, we are all friends here, or will be. How nice to see you not acting like a brute." Katherine teased taking a seat next to Hilde, growing up without a kind word had a way of making one cold and often blunt.
"Hilde is no more afraid of me then they are, I only hiss at the stupid." Trowa reminded his sister stretching, "At least this is informal, PC is annoying."
"True, but some of us were raised as nobles not strays, not that we all act it. Mother use to love these little gatherings, she had a gift." Katherine sighed softly, folding her hands in her lap, she missed her mother and hated the idea of her fading away.
"We still like ya Milady. If I doze off wake me when it's over kk?" Duo closed his eyes folding his arms as he bowed his head, no coffee so he might as well take a nap.
Hilde shook her head at her fellow dark eyed Witch, "Quatre you're being awfully quite, still worried?"
"Just thinking really. Lycan prefer actions to words, and I fear the Winner House rarely sides against the Witch part of the council." Quatre could count the times they had, and those were when the council tried to pass something blatantly unfair. Balance in power was the key to peace, the universe was all about balance and counterparts after all.
Katherine nodded thinking back to her father's last recount of one such meeting, "True, but when you do you see all are treated fairly, that can go a long away."
"Winner has never been as vocal in his dislike of the Lycan as he has our kind, they are beast we part demon. He should worry more about the Houses then the Packs, if the Lamia want war the Lycan will hardly stand in our way." Trowa understood the Winner's logic, wolves hunted and killed, demons corrupted and took, generalized but not entirely wrong.
"They were also created by mistake us design, I may very well be part demon but I have a soul, just as any Witch does. And you Brother Dear, are not the monster many claim you are, unless they have earned your wrath." Katherine was well versed in the tell of Lilith and her quest for immortally and power, her small coven had become the first Lamia. Named for the blood drinking demons of old, they had spread their blood creating the Houses as they stood today, and their army of Made and ghouls to fight for them.
"So what if the first Lamia were dark Witches seeking power from whoever would give it? I have meet a few who are just as humane as I am, your brother would never lift a finger against me." Hilde knew he could but he never would, she was trusted, harmless, safe.
"Why would he? Those he claws are spiteful harpies not worthy of the life they were given, or traitors, either way vermin to be disposed of. I would never choose someone so undeserving to become my blood, nor would they be worthy of it." Katherine had been intrigued at first but many were, under the mask was one of the sweetest souls she had ever met. If only he did not hide it so well behind his feline indifference, too long avoiding humans had created walls she was still running up against.
Quatre glanced at Barton, curious what his first impression of Katherine had been. She seemed to have seen the human in him soon after meeting him. The blonde understood how she might have felt, letting him get close for a moment had been enough. It had nothing to do with him being a Vampire, he had never used some spell or dark power, he had simply let the mask slip. Dark eyes turned to him questioningly and he looked down, he had not meant to get caught staring. "My father only likes you because Iria use to, him he is not sure about."
"I have that effect on people, or so I have been told." Trowa enjoyed confusing people, confused people could not lie very well. Glancing at Duo he frowned slightly, this imp of a Witch was not someone one would think the polite Quatre would seek out as a friend. Empathy had to be an interesting gift if it drew him to such people. Mercy, pity, compassion were not feelings he had needed growing up, they only got in the way. Strange how becoming a monster had allowed him to explore his humanity, "He is hardly my concern."
"Brother having your new little friend's father wanting to kill you would put a strain on your relationship. I am surprised he still tolerates me since his daughter no longer wishes to." Katherine turned up her nose a little, forgiveness would take a long time, if Iria even wanted it.
"Sis would probably think you cast some spell on us too, not sure why he's so paranoid, you don't all act like jerks who can't understand the word No." Duo had no doubt their powers were formidable, old bloodline, and one look could tell you Barton had been dangerous as a human. As he understood it the streets had taught Barton to kill where he had learned to steal, both had learned not to be overly trusting.
Quatre sighed not sure if he liked where this was going, Barton and Katherine did not seem to think too highly of his family, except for him. "Enough do. He blames the demon in them but that seems like an excuse, though he may not be entirely wrong."
"Blood Knights were originally created to slay the monsters of our kind, as well as defend us from our foes. We are the most likely to slip into nasty habits, our very natures leans towards the primal like Lycan, but also the dark humans try and hide. Even Midnighters do not practice demonic magic anymore, well not legally." The creation of the Lamia had been a direct result of such practices and the Covens had chosen to outlaw such dark chaotic magic's. Only a few elders knew such paths to the end of countering any spell casts by a rouge warlock or foolish humans.
"Humans love messing with dark magics, poseur Wicca and Satanists read a few words, screw up a spell, and die if they are lucky. Mage Knights have their hands busy, I'll stick with killing monsters and demons." Trowa was fine slaying inhuman things of nightmares, he was one as well, it was also fun.
"San?" Hiro asked walking up to the group frowning slightly, it seemed his friend had a knack of adapting to many situations indeed.
"Hiro, need something?" Trowa asked his fellow Knight and often partner, he was use to him calling him San rather then using his first name.
"Iie. I see Hilde-dono is enjoying your company as well." The dark haired Witch was agreeable, Duo took a moment to get use to, but he rather liked him as well.
"It helps when one is not afraid of me. Looks like Winner is ready to grace us with his promises again, not enough caffeine in my system for that." Trowa got to his feet not in the mood to listen to empty promises without a caffeine fix.
"Agreed. Come, we have a few moments before any fighting would break out." Hiro did not expect the talks to go without some sort of hitch, he never did.
"True. A little fighting could be fun, Sister?" Trowa turned to the red head waiting for any orders she might give, she did like Hiro.
"Oh go play guard dog with your friend, don't start any fights now you two." Katherine shook her head, "I pity anyone who starts anything tonight."
"Hiro is a nasty one too, though calm he's pretty cool," Duo opened his eyes, talking was more interesting then listening.
"Hiro is so like him really, earn his loyalty and he will do anything in his power to see you safe. I find that a very redeeming quality in a man," Katherine smirked a little, every man close to her was loyal, she made sure of it. Loyalty that was not at all built on sexual desires, such ties were fleeting and base.
"I think he's sweet, and very cute," Hilde chimed in smiling when Duo snorted, "Duo you are still my favorite."
"I know Love, but I think he might mind if all you two do is gush all night." Duo knew the type, Barton was confident nothing more, very feline.
"He probably would, especially since he isn't here to roll his eyes at us." Quatre found him interesting and would enjoy learning more about him, but now was not the time. If the talks failed he might never get the chance to, a thought he disliked.
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
"San, Winner-san is not going to stand for another of his heirs deciding we are not so bad, especially not his only son." Hiro knew Winner would not stand for his son siding with the Houses over the Covens if it came to that.
Trowa sighed, tying his long bangs back into a short and tight tail, "That fool will do nothing. Quatre wants peace and is willing to actually listen to us, he likes you as well."
"I got the impression from Duo he likes most people who are not drooling mad men. He seems sweet but he is no Knight, neither are his friends." Duo and Hilde had the heart but not the physical training, Mage Knights had to be strong to face off against a Blood Knight.
"One can learn, besides who exactly said only Knights can befriend Knights?" Trowa frowned at a familiar, "I will take any ally I can get."
"Agreed, but if war does come I would prefer more warriors then philosophers on our side. If he can convince his father to listen your gifts will truly impress me." Hiro trusted his fellow Knight's gifts and skill, but sometimes he had to see something to believe it.
"Hiro if I could see to that I would, you give me too much credit sometimes." Trowa snatched a glass downing the blood with a frown, "It's sweet really."
"You have yet to fail me, as I have yet to fail you. If war comes I will stand with you until the end, former human or not there is no one I would rather have at my side." Hiro could care less if Barton had been born a human, he was loyal, skilled, and as dangerous as any pureblooded Knight he had ever met.
"And you shall have me, but for now we are both rather useless," Trowa set the glass down on a passing server's tray absently. "Looks like we won't have any fun until the nasties show up tomorrow."
Hiro sighed, sitting down watching the masses gesture and yell but nothing threatening, "Should we rejoin our friends?"
"No. His father would notice us all acting friendly, Kathy is a fellow pureblood heir, and a former friend of the family. She is also of no interest to him," Trowa was fine with that, Lord Winter might have been friends with his mother once but not now.
"As long as she is no threat to his children she would not be, speaking of them," Hiro frowned at Iria, he had heard the story of her betrayal.
Trowa huffed stray bangs from his eye crossing his arms, "There is one thing I like about her."
Hiro tilted his head confused by the statement, "Oh, and what would that be?"
Trowa smirked at his friend before sneering at Iria, "She's not in charge."
As We Dance With The Devil Tonight3
I am sorry any and all Iria fans who read this, I like her in the show but she is a logical bitch for the fic right now. I am crossing my fingers you all like this nice update, you did right? Right? If you do not have an account you might want to pop in every month or so to see if I have updated anything, holidays you got off of school for tend to get updates. Any ideas for later fics or chapters welcomed.