Dance With The Devil Tonight

by Aishi-Cc

Amidst talks of war and peace among the nonhuman races of the Night relationships begin and change that will bring about the end of the Night or it's salvation as well as their own. 3x4x3, 1x2x1

6. V Is For Vampire

For those who like watching bigots square off with those they hate this chapter should be enjoyable. Politics, feuds, bigotry, all that fun stuff. There is some backstory and the like so it is not all just hate speech. I am hoping this will amuse most of you, the next chapter will have blood and maiming.

WarNinGs: A lot of hate speech and racist rhetoric, nothing else that hasn't been in this fic before.

Aishi Say

"Do you like our white skin?
Do you like our eyes?
Do you want to follow us through the night?"

From 'Children of the Night' by Blunengel, love this band so enjoy.

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Lord Winner frowned at the report he had been given, the implications hard to ignore. The Three Suns were normally only a loud thorn in the sides of those who wanted peace, at worst they caused the fighting just to keep the hate alive. They were the largest group of purists, seeing everyone as one of three groups. Human, Witch, and other, and other was just a nice way to say corrupted, unwanted, evil. Winner knew not all Lamia were evil, even if they were all part demon, and while he did not overly trust them he did not wish to see them all destroyed. There was still a small group who sought a cure for both the Lycan cruse and the Lamia corruption, wishful dreamers mostly. Shaking his head he was not sure how he would keep the Suns in line without the officialness of an officially called gathering. Looking up at a gentle knock he smiled at his son, "Where have you been all morning my son?"

"Speaking with Barton for part of it," Quatre answered knowing his father might not be too happy to hear that.

"Barton...why did you go to him?" Lord Winner trusted his son but his gifts sometimes got him into trouble, following your heart was not always the safest way to live.

"He and Yui are the unofficial heads of security as they are the highest ranked Knights on the island. Him being the highest ranked Made on the island will make him a personal target of the Three Suns, even if they only talk too much. He has assured me he will not start killing them as long as they do not try to kill anyone. I know they tend to only insight others to violence, but this is an unofficial gathering with few Knights so they might just be a bit bolder then usual." Quatre was thankful his father seemed only curious, he really did not want his father disliking Barton.

"I noticed Barton did not seem to mind you as he does others, if you can keep him calm then you have my blessing. Katherine is Rachelle's daughter and I see some of them in him, perhaps I am simply being sentimental." Lord Winner knew what a weaken Lamia looked like and was sure last night Barton was weak not just reminding the masses what he was. It had to have been Rachelle, only she or Katherine would have fed on him unwounded. Since there had been no serious fights he could wright off Yui as a cause, and was thankful for that. It made sense then that it had to been Rachelle, but why? Had she attacked the child in a fit of madness, or was she not nearly as bad as the rumors claimed? He wished to know but was unsure if Barton would speak much on the subject, perhaps he would open up to Quatre? "Quatre you have met the Bloom what do you think of them?"

"Think of them?" Quatre asked confused for a moment, his father was clearly thinking of something sentimental, but he was not as good at picking up not broadcasted thoughts as he was emotions. "Katherine seems to be much as you and Iria described her, as I assumed she would be. Her younger brother is more of a mystery to me. He dose not wish me any harm Father, though I do not believe he is overly found of Iria."

Lord Winner nodded, even Rashid did not believe the young Made wished to harm his son intentionally, which was more then fine with him. "Considering the history your sister and his has that is understandable, if not a bit regrettable. Tell me son does he confide in you? Please do not look so alarmed, I simply ask because your gifts..."

Quatre could feel his heart continue to beat too quickly under his hand, his father had startled him. "His past is very dark Father, he does not like to speak of it since it upsets me more then it might others. If you wish to know something Father I could ask him, he is honest at least."

"Bloom are not known to be liars...I am not sure if I really wish to know. Your mother would chide me for some of the choices I have made, the mistakes I could have avoided. I am beginning to think I made a terrible mistake." Lord Winner did not relish the idea of causing the fighting he was trying to avoid, or getting his two youngest children caught up in war.

Quatre hugged his father, not needing any gifts to know he needed the comfort, "Do not worry Father Barton and Yui both like me enough to protect me. I am going to go get ready, Hilde and Duo will be meeting me in about an hour."

Lord Winner blinked before returning his son's embrace, the boy could charm the Devil himself, "Thank you Quatre, go I will be all right."

Quatre nodded, his father had moments just as everyone else did, "I know Father. Do not worry about the Suns, they do not want the full fury of the Bloom and Yui clans hunting them down." Turning he headed out of his father's den, not adding if they hurt either of his new Vampire friends he and his older friends would join in the hunt.

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Hiro frowned rubbing the bridge of his nose already annoyed with the added work he had been forced to do because of some self-righteous Witches, who would be happy to see him and his entire races staked and burned. The scent of very strong hot coffee drew his attention, "That had better be for me."

Trowa chuckled at the Lamia that could have been his brother in another life, as well as this new one he had been given. "You do remember I am not your sired don't you?"

Hiro opened his eyes, smirking at the Made he had grown closer to then he had ever thought he could, thankfully the other had turned out to be just as he appeared. "So you will not share then?"

"What a horrid friend I would be then," Trowa teased before holding out the large black mug in his right hand.

"Indeed," Hiro agreed just as mockingly as he took the mug, sipping the hot liquid he sighed contently, blood kept him alive but never awake. Aware of Trowa chuckling softly at him he debated growling, very few were allowed to tease him so. He decided to just allow the other to laugh as he wished enjoying his coffee, soon work would have to be done.

Trowa shook his head at Hiro, not surprised he was ignoring him it was nothing new. Sipping his own coffee he turned when he felt eyes on him. Frowning he did not recognize the Witch who was blinking at him as if he was somehow a surprise. -Hiro do you know that kid?-

Hiro opened his eyes glancing over Trowa's shoulder, they looked unsure but nothing more, -No, he acts like he has never seen our kind before.-

Trowa sniffed, his sense of smell not as acute as a Lycan but still nothing the sneeze at, -As young as he is he may not have.-

Hiro shrugged unconcerned, if Witches wished to shelter their young so be it, -I'm heading in now, you?-

-No, I'll met you in a sec,- Trowa answered heading towards the child.

-As you wish neko, just watch your paws.- Hiro tossed his mug to the stone ground unconcerned, Trowa could handle some infant Witch even if he had still been human.

Trowa did not bother sending a response as he stopped before the golden blonde with brown eyes, titling his head at him curiously. "Why do you stare child?"

"You are Barton are you not?" The boy asked sounding more curious then afraid.

Trowa nodded, very few called him by his first name, "I am yes. Have you come to see if the rumors are true?"

"You are a demon in a pleasing human guise, a killer, nothing more then a beast who can talk like a man." The child spat, blinking when green eyes flashed crimson glowing like a blood moon, "Mistake."

Trowa frowned at the child before picking him up by the front of his jacket, "Almost, everything I am I became because humans did not want me. I learned to fight and kill but they had no use for me and so I was discarded, the first being who ever showed me true kindness became my sister. You and your order may think me weak, evil, perverted, whatever insults you prefer but just remember people like your parents create things like me. Now run back to your kind before the next monster you meet decides you look good enough to eat." Dropping the child Trowa walked calmly past him ignoring the whispering crowd, Knights existed to kill what bumped in the night. The Three Suns had already ruined his good mood, pity he was fine enforcing their thrice compounded karma rule. Rank hath its privileges.

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

"I'm telling ya Cat this whole Three Suns things is going to turn ugly, and by ugly I mean Cy throwing corpses around with his teeth." Duo was half expecting the two Knights to show up in full Knight tier II armor official gathering or not.

Quatre sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose stress headache already threatening to form. "Trust me Duo I am well aware they will provoke a fight if not directly starting one. If they do they will get clawed, as is what happens when pissing off a Blood Knight."

"And what really sucks you can't just give him a hug and make it all better. I mean I get the whole we Magic Born are awesome, because we totally are, but I am in no mood to rule the world. Gods the paperwork alone would do me in." Duo could not fault the fact that Lamia, Lycan, and the Made existed because of dark magic but that did not mean they should just be undone. What about the Made who had been turned to save their lives, or because they fell in love with a Lycan or Lamia? If the spell was undone and the Lamia and Lycan became Witches again, or as they would have been otherwise, what would happen to the humans? Would they revert to a dying state, if that been the case, or rapidly age, remain human and return to aging again at their normal rate? Barton had not been dying as far as he knew but he appeared to be late teens early twenties, so about a quarter of the way through his natural life span. If his mother and sister did not rapid age to death, he assumed Katherine was older then most Witches lived naturally, then what? Mom would be dead, sis would be ancient if not dead as well leaving him worst off then he had been five years ago. Add the fact Hilde, Quatre, and himself would outlive him by a lot, and maybe Hiro too depending on that aging thing, it would be like soul crushing painful. Dark magic could extend a life but that had risks, and Quatre would likely veto the idea outright. "I'm glad there is no cure."

Quatre blinked when Duo muttered under his breathe after a long pause, his emotions dark and sad, the blonde could understand. His friend was not the only one considering humans short life spans, "I would not mind if it was something that could only be done willingly, but overall I agree."

"Yeah I guess if a Vamp fell for a Witch who went nope on the immortal trip that would solve things for them. Who knows maybe I'll come up with something like that? I mean a cure is unlikely but another spell that acts like one maybe not so much." Duo shrugged, no doubt people had been working on something like since finding the undo spell was made in to a big fat no no.

Quatre frowned slightly, unsure if Duo was thinking about their futures or simply using an example they could both easily relate to, Duo could be rather Freudian at times. "At least Vampires do not have to kill...I do not think I could kill someone every month like Lycan."

Duo nodded, drinking blood would take some getting use to, eating organs out of a live victim was a whole other thing, and not at all sensual. "And letting that go. So you think we'll be able to hang with our new fanged friends after this time? I mean Cy's not going to offer up his blood with those Sun haters running around. And let's face it Vamp Kitty is going to need a drink and a good laugh after babysitting those fucks."

Quatre tilted his head, Duo's sometimes head scratching slang and idiom filled dialogue aside he often made solid points. "They may want to relax by killing someone, but we should still make an offer, we are all friends now."

"Your Dad cool with it?" Duo knew the old man knew they were hanging, likely that was all he knew.

"He agrees keeping Barton calm is good, he seems to be warming to him a little, which is preferable." Quatre did not care if his father was warming to Barton because of memories of Lady Bloom, the former friendships of the sisters, he knew Barton was no threat, or some combination. As long as his father did not mind him spending time with Barton he was not going to give him the third degree about it.

"The guy did shut up those noisy puppies for ya so woot Brownie points with pops." Duo totally got that, Barton did his job while making a point of publicly showing respect for Quatre by sitting down when told. Winner may not like, or entirely trust, Vamps in general but he did know the Bloom and Barton was a Bloom born one or not. "Plus no posturing or growling at you when you got in his face for killing the naughty puppy."

Quatre frowned fingers curling around his chin, Barton had just sat back down without a word or even glare of protest, Quatre had neither the rank or authority to give him orders in truth. Hiro had been quick to stand down as well, a relief, he was grateful the Yui heir had taken a liking to him as well. "You're just happy they both can understand you."

Duo grinned, "Not only that but they adore me."

"Who adores you?" Hilde asked slipping between the pair, curious about the conversation she had just walked into.

"Barton and Yui," Duo answered as he hugged Hilde's shoulders in greeting, best adopted, unofficial, sister ever.

"Exquisite taste of course," Hilde teased hugging Duo back, she loved the braided goofball to death, most of the time.

"And neither of them here to roll their eyes at you both," Quatre had no doubt Barton would find this amusing, Yui he was not as sure about.

Duo pouted when Hilde giggled, "Harsh man. Hil Babe come on be on my side, it's more fun."

Hilde wished they would be able to just hang out this time but she knew better. Hate groups caused problems, and having fun while her newest friends were treated like crap was not going to happen. Duo would try, he was one to try and raise spirits, but a little smile now and then was then best he would likely get. "Come on boys, once this is over our fanged duo will need hugs and lot of sugar, we all will."

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

"I know many of you gathered here feel we of the Order of the Three Suns are unfair to you simply because of what you are. To be fair to those born as a Lamia or a Lycan it is not your fault, a child can no more be blamed for their race then they could be their color or ethnicity if they were human." The Middle age looking Witch bowed his head for a moment, he truly did feel sorry for those born as tainted, they had no chance to escape their fate. "Sadly judging one on appearance is still such a prevalent human prejudiced, as if the color of one's skin matters more then what lies beneath it." Even a few of the others seemed in agreement, it was a good sign. "And yet do we not suffer as the humans do form the delusion of that which is beautiful must be good? Is not a pleasing form just as dangerous to us as it is to them? I ask the Mades who sit here who can still think was it worth it? Is vanity and lust all that is needed to sell one's soul to the Darkness?" Eyes narrowed at him from around the room, his brothers and sisters sneering at those who glared. "Why just last night there was a killing because someone spoke up, out of place and overreacting perhaps...but to be killed so coldly and it being accepted is shameful. Yes they were a Lycan, a magic born mistake, but mistakes can be corrected rather then simply erased."

"You forget Lord Leogan that the Lycan killed was instilling violence and was slain by a ranked Knight of the Blood, all in accordance with the laws set by the Council of Three." Lord Winter remind the Witch who may pity those born as monsters but felt none for those who bore or created them, and even less for those who chose to be created.

Brown eyes turned to Winner for a moment, not surprised he spoke of laws. "Since this is an unofficial gathering of the Three, Lord Winner, I must disagree. The only two ranked Knights here are both Bloods, no Lycan or Arcane ones came to offer their services."

"Lord Yui and Lord Barton are here as much as heirs as they are as Knights, since this is unofficial. Even in the human world gatherings that grow violent are stopped by police, would you have preferred a full on riot?" Lord Winner was not known for condoning acts of violence, one life to prevent a riot was a pity but acceptable. The Lycan had been no innocent, and had suffered little pain if any, the kill had been quick and clean.

"Lord Winner it hurts that you would even imply such a thing. I am simply trying to make a valid point, which I may have deviated from a bit mind you. Simply stated I would feel more at ease if the only ones with the right to openly kill whomever they wish were not of one race alone." It was not an unreasonable request, official gatherings had ranked Knights of all three Orders for that reason alone.

Lord Winner frowned when his fellow lord brought up a valid point he actually agreed with, at least in principle since he trusted Yui and Barton to do their duties. "I fear the only Knights of our order here are only Squires, and will not gain rank until after Samhain. If you wish for my son and young Master Maxwell to act as Knights I have no objection."

Lord Leogan frowned slightly, Quatre was no hater and Duo was opinionated but not a lover of the other. "They are young and not fully trained, but I have no other objections."

Quatre frowned before turning to Duo, who looked as skeptical as he likely did. When his friend shrugged after a moment he nodded standing, "As long as Lord Yui and Lord Barton do not object to our assistance we are willing."

Lord Winner glanced at the two Knights, sure they were talking to each other even though they were controlling their expressions and movements that others did not always do. The pair had been working together for roughly three years, he had not seen the pair work together before in a serious environment. Green eyes were focused on his son, frown thoughtful, normally that would annoy the lord. The fact the pair were considering if it was safe for them all to allow Squires to function as a Knight was comforting. Quatre turned to look at them both when the crowd seemed supportive of the neutral blonde and the honest brunette, also comforting. Barton nodded slightly before turning to Yui, the Lamian Knight nodded toward the crowd and Winner interpreted that as Yui giving Barton the lead. "Lord Barton?"

Trowa turned his attention to the elder Winner, starting to see what his adopted mother might have seen in him long ago. "They are acceptable."

A Lycan with a pair of thick sliver braids stood, tailored pale gray pantsuit complimenting her tall willowy frame. "The Knights of the Moon are ready to serve, however we are content to leave things to the Bloods for now. Barton's kill was justified, and he is not bad for a Bat."

Trowa bowed his head at the grinning Lycan, "Lady Greymane a pleasure as always."

Lord Leogan frowned slightly, Lady Greymane was an Alphaess who had Knight level 2 training but had never passed the final test. She had arrived this morning since Greymoon and Greymane were not friends, though he had not realized she had any in the Lamian houses. "It is refreshing to see everyone being so reasonable."

Quatre did not need powers to feel the annoyance at that remark, focusing on his own he tuned out Leogan. The man's followers were all focused, a few others wanted to claw the lord, most were mixed somewhere in between. Turning he glanced at Barton, dark eyes were narrowed like a hunter just watching and waiting. Sighing softly he turned to his father, "Father it is getting late, and we both know Leogan will do nothing but stir up his followers if he is allowed to ramble much longer."

Lord Winner blinked at his son's choice of words, ramble was more of Duo's take on such things. "You may be right, but I am not sure how to end this with him acting like he is being silenced."

Quatre frowned in thought, turning to Duo who jerked his head slightly at the pair of Knights on the second story. Nodding he turned his attention back to his father, "Perhaps by turning Leogan's request against him?" Standing he smiled slightly when Leogan stopped talking, he had wanted Witches to act like Knights then he would act like the ones he knew. "Apologies Lord Leogan but I would feel better if we continued this tomorrow. Duo and I are not fully trained, and working security is a bit out of our comfort zones."

Lord Leogan frowned slightly at the young blonde, his request was reasonable, though he did not enjoy the idea of leaving the young pair alone with the Bloods. Oh well if the young Squire wished to risk his life there was only so much he could do to protect him, "I am sure you both will be quick studies. Go in peace all." Watching the masses raise and begin to file out, turning to his right hand when he came up to his side. "I know he means well, but I fear young Quatre does not understand just what he will be working with. See to a lesson, but try to not harm the boy he is one of us not one of them."

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

"Aw come on we should just say fuck 'em and drink coffee and eat really bad for you sweet things." Duo muttered at the pair of Vamps, Hilde he knew was on board, Quatre he was not sure.

Hiro sighed, "Don't tempt me Duo, Leogan and his flock should be sheered as soon as possible."

Trowa sneered, shrugging when Duo frowned at him, "You are hoping to provoke a fight, or shall we just snuff out the sun we know to be false?"

"I am not about to give their group anything they can use to condemn us, otherwise I would say drain and crucify them all." Hiro had no use for fools in his life, if they wanted a war they would be shown more blood then they had ever bargained for.

Quatre frowned, he did not like the idea of this island becoming a bloody tomb, "And they would be happy to stake and crucify both of you."

"Golgotha revisited," Duo whispered, noting Hiro's confused look, Quatre's shake of his head, and Barton's raised brow.

"Fitting. Hiro take Duo with you, we might as well pass on a few things while waiting for the mobs and torches." Trowa had always wondered about angry mobs, fire and wood were not a Vampire's friends.

Duo tilted his head at Barton, surprised he knew what Golgotha was, "He has a point Blue Eyes. The Suns are talkers not fighters, nasty spells take time and reagents, and Cat may not be as nasty in a fight as me but he can hold his own just fine."

"Attacking either of us would be unwise since Maxwell and Winner are both respected as neutral, and both of them are rank 2 Knight of the Blood. I do not like the idea of goading them into a fight but they are just so...I feel nothing but contempt and dishonesty from them." Quatre sighed shaking his head, being around them for too long was painful.

Trowa frowned at the blonde, he looked like his head was starting to hurt, "Do not worry Quatre we kill fast, they are a threat to us all and must be stopped. Come you may try your sweet words before I use my claws, mercy will confuse and annoy them."

Duo chuckled at Quatre's what look before he frowned at Barton's back, there would be some words about that comment later for sure. "Don't worry Cat I'll use my words first too, might as well see what being a Knight is really going to be like eh?"

Quatre turned his attention back to Duo, it did not seem like such a bad thing, and he had no doubt Trowa would rip anyone who tried to harm him apart joint by joint if asked. "You just want to throw fire balls at loudmouths." Duo grinned an impish grin and Quatre shook his head at him, "Good luck with that."

"Worry about your own luck boy!" Duo called as Quatre walked up to Barton before they headed off. Turning to Hiro he watched dark blue scan the world around them like the predator he was, intestacy was damn sexy. "You mind if I call you Hiro too? I prefer Duo myself, but I understand if you don't want to use my first name."

Hiro smiled at the remaining Witch, "Hiro is fine Duo, I trust Barton's judgment when it comes to allies." Crimson leached into sapphire like blood in water, fangs curving as they erupted along with claws, ready to draw rivulets of blood.

Duo had never seen a Vampire's eyes change slowly they always just seemed to flash to red and then strike. Red seeped from the outer ring of blue, joining the red seeping from the slited pupil. Fangs and claws curved as the grew to a length designed to maim not flat out kill. "Look guys I know we are green, but riot breaking up 101 is not the class I want to ace right now, savvy?"

"Maxwell stand aside, we simply wish to remind the Knight their kind cannot do as they please."

Duo got between the small group and Hiro frowning, "Look, I am planing on being knighted after Samhain so how about we stop with that kind of bashing huh?"

"Stand with the Lamia and you can be taught the same lessons!"

Duo sneered hands erupting in purple flames, eyes glowing with a lavender sheen, "You want to dance with a Midnighter then lets dance." Flames flew at the braided brunette and he laughed meeting them flame for flame. "You kiddies any good with dark magic?" Sneering Duo began speaking under his breath, flames darkening to lavender tinted black. Black flames tore through orange like they were nothing, blue slowing them. Hiro hissed from somewhere behind him but more annoyed then anything so Duo did not turn. With the last of his laying on the ground nursing their burnt hands he sneered tossing a dark flame ball up and down. "See I might be new at the hand to hand shit, but playing with fire I aced already."

Hiro growled at his slashed victims, laughing when they cringed, gnashing his teeth they got up and ran off dripping blood as they ran. Turning he smirked at Duo's grin, "Worry about your own luck indeed."

"What can I say I figured you letting Barton take the lead would piss them off, those guys were green, pitiful." Duo was hopeful at least one of those fools would grow up, if not they wouldn't grow up much more.

Hiro nodded licking crimson claws, he was use to beating down fools, "You showed them mercy as they claimed to offer to you. Next time I face any them they will not be getting back up as anything but Dolls."

Duo sighed, catching splatters of red on the pale cobble stones, not half of what those short claws could do. "Wanna go meet up with Hil?"

Hiro frowned as he glanced off in the directions the others had gone, they would be fine he knew but he still had an uneasy feeling. "Are you sure you want to be seen with me?"

Duo walked up to Hiro, taking his bloodied right hand, "You think I'm scared of you Hiro?"

"You really should be," Hiro reminded the braided youth evenly, he wished him no harm but a monster was still a monster.

Duo shrugged, "Just keep those pointy things to yourself and we'll stay good friends promise. Come on Hil will be happy for the company, and no doubt Cat and Cy will come along once they had their fun."

Hiro glanced at his bloodied hand being held by clawless ones and could not help but smile, he could get use to those hands very quickly if he allowed himself to. "As you and Hilde wish."

Duo released the Lamia's hand so he could hug his arm, there was no doubt it belong to someone very strong. Smiling at the demon in a pleasant human form he had to admit he liked that answer, "I knew there was a reason I liked ya."

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

"Father seems to have decided you are not someone he needs to keep me far away from. I am not sure exactly why, I guess it really does not matter as long as he is not planing some horrible fate for you." Quatre shuddered at the memory of what had happened to Aroree's lover, if Trowa was killed like that what would he do in his grief? Mades did not come back any more the Lamia did, death number two was permanent. Blinking he looked up when Trowa laid a hand on his shoulder, trembling stopping.

"You worry too much about your father. Killing me will only ensure the death of his house, you and you alone are safe from the Bloom wrath." Trowa was not overly concerned with what Lord Winner thought of him just then, Iria either for that matter.

Quatre sighed, pale hand slipping over a darker one without thought, "Thank you, but I do not enjoy the idea of outliving my entire family like that."

"Of course not yours wanted you," Trowa closed his eyes just listening to the world around him, in no mood for surprises.

Quatre bit his lip once again reminded the family Trowa had chosen had been the first to want him, what kind of monster had brought him into the world originally? He felt a prick of annoyance and turned his attention to the group who was circling them, clearly the Made wanted a fight. "What do you want?"

"We want the thing that still calls itself Trowa Barton."

Quatre blinked at hearing Trowa's first name outside of his home, not that it was impossible for others to research the Made's human life. "You have no authority to take him anywhere, this is your only warning."

"Already so lost to your brothers and sisters aren't you child? Did you learn nothing from that sister of yours?"

Quatre glared, they were not doing themselves any favors pissing him off as well. "Wanting the Bloom as allies does not make me lost, it makes me safe."

"There is no safety in the arms of demons, only pain and death!"

Quatre blinked at the wall of flames, blue white and fueled by magic, "Harming me will only unite the Winner and the Bloom against you."

"Who said we seek to harm you brother?"

Quatre turned, Trowa snarled at the Witches who stood inside the dome of flames, eyes not just crimson but burning. Claws were fully extended to six inch sickles rather then just claws, fangs bared, teeth directly in front and behind also pointed and ready to puncture and tear. Skin paled as Vampires did when they went to stage one, ears pointed to finish the inhuman look. Quatre had seen a less intimidating version of this form before, this was the last step before going demon, a step he did not wish to see again anytime soon. The 'leader' stood outside with a few others all looking smug as they watched the Made hiss at the flames like a horror movie Vampire would a cross in their face. Fire was one of the few things that could kill all three of the inhuman races, though casting flames that could burn a demon took a lot of power. "Stop this now, this will not end the way you want it to!"

"I fail to see how that is true Lost One. The beast cannot cross the flames, containing demons is easy when you have their names. Irredeemable Soul you will burn in flames, you would have lived longer if you had rejected the Red One."

Quatre felt the flash of rage, a trapped animal who was in no mood to be taunted. Those inside were focused on holding the flame cage, if they faltered then those outside would be in danger. Chanting under his breathe he began to gather his power, he had been learning a few nasty tricks of his own. Striking he lasted out with lighting, arching branches hitting the five before him. Turning from the smoking fallen he watched the Made strike, pale claws dripping red gore as he turned to snarl at the gathered group outside flames that had weakened to orange. The group kept the fire up and Quatre sighed softly, area of effect attacks were draining and he had not had enough practice mage fighting.

Getting a bad feeling he looked up, frowning at the chanting Witches unable to hear them or read their lips through the flames and their waves of heat. Glowing red glare was focused on them, he was unsure if the Made could see them more clearly. Sudden movement caused him to cry out, freezing in shock when he realized what had been cast. Trowa stood before him an arrow like shaft of fire burning in his right shoulder. The Made grabbed the flame causing it to flare, roaring as he tore it free, Vampires did not like being burnt anymore then humans did. Turning he flung the arrow like flame back at the six Witches, who were frozen in shock. Quatre blinked when the Flare Arrow blew as it was designed to do, much like a grenade, killing the remaining enemies with a flash of intense flame.

"Barton?" The Made ignored him, falling to his knees, left arm all that stopped him from falling forward. "Trowa?" Quatre whispered kneeling before the wounded young man, he was a mess. Lifting his face Quatre tried to ignore the black gaping tear that had been an intact right shoulder moments ago. "Can you hear me? Trowa?" Crimson blinked, focusing on him and thankfully not in a clearly about to attack him way. Smiling in relief the blonde reached out stroking Trowa's cheek, "I...Trowa?"

"Get away from me,"Trowa ordered eyes still closed, weak and in pain he was dangerous to be around. It was one of the first things Katherine had drilled into him, attacking friends was a nasty habit to get into.

Quatre bit his lip, logic told him Trowa was right, but he looked so vulnerable and in pain, how could the blonde leave him like that all alone? If more of the Three Suns, or just anyone who disliked him, came along Trowa would be slain. Leaving any friend helpless to die alone did not sit well with him, and it was not going to happen. Ignoring the warning, and the hiss that followed, he took the Made in his arms, careful of his half detached right shoulder. "You are not going to attack me so just be still, gods you are a mess."

Trowa sighed, resting his head on Quatre's shoulder, his warmth and scent were comforting, "Hopeless."

Quatre smiled at the softly spoken gibe, he could feel the weakness and the pain but not the hunger, perhaps because there had not been much blood loss. "Thank you."

Trowa would have shaken his head if that would not have been a bad idea, "I can take more damage then you can, simple math."

"If I was just a Squire I would accept that logic, we both know we are friends now, or are you foggy?" Quatre would not be surprised, pain and injury effected the brain, not that he cared if the Made could think too clearly just then.

Trowa sighed, the blonde was so sentimental it was sweet, even if he was not use to people he had not known long to care so much, or even at all. "Slow yes."

Quatre glanced down at the badly burnt right hand laying on cobblestone, some dark blood had seeped from the charred flesh of the wrist, there was little left on the hand. He knew charred flesh could feel no pain, but were black became angry blistered red pain began. Glancing at his own pale right hand he bit his lip, "Would you drink?"

"hm?" Trowa murmured, he had allowed his mind to wonder as he kept his senses open to threats.

Quatre frowned slightly, Trowa did not sound very awake and he was worried, "If we are attacked again you should be able to fight. It is better for me to pass out then you...are you still awake?"

Trowa tilted his head, frowning at the blonde's worried face, it matched the fear he could smell and did not like at all. "You aren't scared?"

"A little. I know weaken Vampires cannot always control their impulse to feed, but you could easy bite me right above my heart now and you are still." Quatre had not really thought about it until just then, he could not even feel Trowa breath against his shirt. Half open red eyes just stared him unsure, Hilde had been the first mortal friend who had offered up her blood so it was still a new concept. Smiling reassuringly he hoped Trowa would accept his help as well. "You were harmed helping me so Father will not smite you, or Katherine, I promise."

Trowa closed his eyes with a long sigh, Quatre was not about to let it go, "And if I refuse?"

Quatre blinked, he had not really considered Trowa saying no and not changing his mind after being assured Quatre was not afraid and Katherine would not be harmed. "Why would you?" Trowa closed his eyes but said nothing, Bloom were stubborn things. "I can just force my blood down your throat when you pass out if you are going to be stubborn about it."

Trowa chuckled softly, the blonde really did sound like a polite version of his sister sometimes. "Witches...so sentimental."

Quatre smiled at the teasing, holding up his wrist for the Made to strike, pulling away his wrist if instinct took over was safer then blasting the wounded Made from his throat. He would have liked to hold Trowa's remaining hand, he found such contact comforting. The little fear he felt was on instinct taking over, not of Trowa himself, Quatre knew him well enough to be sure of that. He bit his lip when he felt warm breath ghost over his wrist, Trowa's breathe was always so warm against his pale skin. The tip of the Made's tongue tasting his wrist surprised him, he had no doubt it was instinct but he was not use to being licked by anything bigger then a dog. Four sharp fangs pierced his skin, a moment of pain and they were completely forgotten. Sighing he closed his eyes, he knew from Aroree that a willing bite was pleasant but stories were one thing. Resting his cheek on soft hair he moaned softly in protest when Trowa raised his mouth, wrist feeling oddly cold. "Done?"

Trowa frowned slightly at the Blonde's comment, channeling his inner Duo for a moment it seemed, shaking his head at him. Glancing at his shoulder for a moment before laying Quatre down, blinking when a pale hand took his refleshed right one. Ignoring the pain from the raw red flesh that was very sensitive to touch. Crimson eyes flashed when he looked up, hand pulling from the blonde's as he stood frowning. The four who were watching him were not Witches they were Vampires so not Suns, narrowing his eyes at them he bared his fangs. A cloaked female, a noble from the groups deference, stepped forward. She looked down at Quatre, who was even paler then normal at the moment, a bit of blood on his wrist from the bite. Turning to him she titled her head as if considering something before shaking her head at her men. "Epine."

The female bowed her head slightly at the French word meaning thorn, the Lamian tradition of nature taken names was the normal after all. Thorn and Bloom were more casual rivals then blood, so they could get along if they choose to. Since Thorn was such a cliche sounding Vampire name they had kept the French, though she liked using Thorn in her head or with friends since it sounded less formal. "Barton." She greeted with a thick French accent, smiling a little when he hissed at one of her men who got too close to the unconscious blonde. "De vos amis?" She nodded to the Winner son, Winner and Bloom were not official allies though they did have a truce from a few past friendships.

Trowa turned back to the lady, frowning slightly at her fair question, "Dans l'affirmmative?"

The female smiled, the other's French was very good, not that most Lamia did not speak it since it was an old tongue. His answer of if so was a bit challenging, he had been changed to be a protector and it appeared to be a default state of mind, interesting. Deciding to be kind rather then rude she held up her hands slightly. "Paix. Ne pas avoir de mauvaises intentions, est-ce que tu me crois?"

Trowa frowned slightly, doing the math of his chances in a full out fight, he was not one to trust another's good intentions, "Pas vraiment."

"Comment rafraichissante," Lady Epine smirked, few would be so candid, even cheeky, wounded and out numbered. "Etre encore," She soothed as she walked slowly forward, having no intention of seriously harming him. Barton held still but still ready to fight if need be, at least he did not consider her an open lair. Stopping within arm's length of him she looked him over more closely, his injuries were clear. His shoulder had been badly burned, arm partly detached, right hand had been burned as if he had been holding something burning. Looking back up she smiled again, such determined eyes for one so young. Looking down at Quatre she whispered under her breath before striking, left hand grabbing her right arm, snapping it even as he collapsed against her. Flicking her arm she ignored the bone snapping back into place, broken bones were minor annoyances to her kind. Stroking the back of Barton's neck she smiled amused, feisty thing, "Shh...Ll sera en securite, je promets." Turning form the unconscious Made she was holding she nodded to the blonde on the cold stone, "Amenez-le."

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

"So you think Quatre and Barton got attacked too?" Hilde asked nibbling on a slice of lemon supreme pie, tart plus sweet was her preferred stress combination.

"Well we got jumped, and they were after Yui there not me." Duo licked some jelly from the corner of his mouth absently. "They make our kind look bad, dumb asses."

Hiro glanced at Duo over the rim of his mug, he still had a bad feeling but no solid lead still. "They were poorly trained."

"Well yeah they were just sent to scare me into not working with you duh, as if right?" Duo scoffed before grabbing a second doughnut, no haters were going to ruin his night.

Hilde frowned, Duo was clearly not concerned and not just acting like he was not, she knew him too well to miss the difference. Hiro seemed uneasy about something, she did not know him well but he was not really hiding it. "Shouldn't they be here by now?"

"If Cy broke a claw Cat would drag him home like his hand was about to fall off, gotta love the guy though. You got a bad feeling Hil, or you just worrying out loud since Cat isn't here?" Duo knew Hilde was very good with puzzles where Quatre and he were better with people, so Hilde sometimes picked on things they missed.

Hilde shook her head at Duo, even if he did have a point, "Maybe a little of one. Not sure why when Barton is as dangerous as he is, and will not hold back just because Quatre is with him."

"I do not work with fools who would risk death just to spare another's feelings in battle." Hiro muttered under his breath, if Quatre could not handle the violence of a Knight's life then it was best he know that before reaching rank 1. "This surprises you?"

"Just that you'd come out and say it, I guess I really shouldn't be huh?" Duo smirked a little at the quizzical look, what was it about intense eyes when they were confused anyway? "I hate gore myself, thought I can live with causing it."

"We are Midnighters Duo, Quatre isn't, maybe if he wasn't so empathic...I will never understand the Suns, the humans that created Barton, any of it." Hilde wiped her eyes when Duo took her hand, "I'm fine Duo."

Hiro shook his head but he understood, "Those who have pure hearts cannot, that is why Barton is fond of you Hilde. Do not worry if there was trouble there would be screaming, lots of screaming."

Duo chuckled, he had to admit Barton and Yui both had made messes like that in that past, "No telepathic call for help either huh?"

Hiro shook his head, It did not take long to call out mentally, "No."

"Well there you go no screaming masses or mental help me's." Duo frowned after a moment, "Though now I am worrying a little."

Hiro chuckled with Hilde at Duo, he was endearing and loyal if not tactful, "I will call him and settle this." No doubt Trowa would find this whole thing amusing, he had taken to having friends rather well now that he had taken the chance on them. Closing his eyes he sought the link he had with the Made, normally it took but a moment. Frowning he sensed nothing, nothing at all, even if Trowa was simply unconscious he would feel him there. "iie."

"What?" Hilde asked when the Lamian Knight paled, looking sick suddenly.

"He said no," Duo answered softly, laying a hand on Hiro's shoulder feeling him tremble, "Barton isn't answering?"

"Even if he was knocked out or drained he would still be there for me to sense, since he is not...," Hiro trailed off hanging his head, how could this have happened? Trowa was too well trained and skilled to have been killed by some hate group, even with Quatre there to worry about.

Hilde looked to Duo who hung his head, "He can't just be dead like that? The protective spells on this island itself protects all from personally directed spells and besides Yui who could...no."

Hiro growled, ruby eyes glowing as he looked up, "If they have killed Quatre as well I will kill every cursed Sun here, rules be damned."

Duo sighed, if Quatre was still alive and Barton was not then he had to be hurting as much as Hiro, "We should find Quatre. He might still be alive just out of it, if not we can get to the revenge."

Hilde touched the side of her neck, what would become of his mother now, did she and Katherine know? "Those who snuff out the merciful deserve none themselves."

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Katherine sighed as she sat down on her bed, Trowa was out with his new friends, and while happy for him she missed having him all to herself. Hiro was loyal she already knew that, Duo and Hilde were both charming, and Quatre was something all the more special. She had given the former human a family, a purpose, and a home but she could not give him what Quatre could, a completed soul. It warmed her heart to know that in a few years the child had found everything he had ever been denied, without even really having to try. Flopping back on the bed she closed her eyes, after this gathering was finished she would have to give her brother a little personal time. Gods knew he had earned it, not that he seemed to take personal days, sick days she had to growl a lot. With some help from Duo she had no doubt something could be worked out, Witches were clever little things. Plans came to a halt with a sudden pain in her chest, a pain she had only heard spoken of. Her mother had spoken of the bonded a Lamia had with those they sired, Dolls, Ghouls, and the like it was nothing but control. Normal Mades were bond more strongly but Trowa had been her equal, truly of her blood. "Trowa...poor child, please be at peace now. You don't have to fight any longer, Tobias see to him for me...please?"

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Quatre groaned sitting up, face in his hand his head fuzzy, "Ow."

"You should lay still child you are weak."

Quatre glanced at the young looking women, age was no easy thing to tell with a Vampire, "Who?"

"Awake I see."

"Sister?" Quatre blinked at the cloaked figure, it had been a few years but even with as many sisters as he had it was hard to forget the sound of one.

Pulling her hood back Aroree smiled in greeting, she had always had a soft spot for her baby brother as most of them did. "Brother. How are you feeling?"

Quatre lowered his hand to his waist, right knee remaining raised, "A little tried but just fine thanks to Barton. Where is he?"

Aroree chuckled at her brother's sudden change of mood, he was adorable worrying over others. "Your Made protector is here so relax hm? Honestly a little nap and some blood and good as new."

Quatre frowned, Vampires did have the easiest time naturally healing themselves, "He came with you after you told him who you were?"

Aroree frowned tapping her chin, "He might have done that but no. Oh do not frown I did not harm him, not that one more wound would have mattered to him. Now answer a question of mine hm? Did you offer your blood, or did he help himself?"

Quatre frowned at his sister, "I offered, he is my friend Sister...well now he is...it's a little complicated."

"I take it Father Dear has no idea?" Aroree did not even bother to hide her sarcasm, she had no love for her father.

Quatre sighed, he needed no gifts to know his sister's state of mind, "He does not seem to mind Barton, perhaps because Iria was friends with Katherine."

"Katherine is not her creation, you see I have seen his handy work firsthand, for a creature so new to this world it was impressive." Aroree had found him far more pleasant company they she would have believed from rumors, perhaps because she was no threat.

"Your...he tried to end her suffering?" The first conversation with Barton that had come up, he had sounded aloof then but they had not been friends then. "He admitted to being there when we first met, he called her house a rival."

"More friendly then that really, at least now. Yes he came to see our father's handy work, an heir to a rival house showed me more pity then most of my kin. Katherine choose well when she bond him to her for all time, Lana thanked him for trying." Aroree wiped her eyes, Quatre had cared, he had always cared.

"Aroree...I am so sorry," Quatre did not know what else he could say, Father had changed since then, he might even accepted Trowa without decades having to pass.

Aroree nodded, her gentle baby brother had won a killer's protection and she was thankful for that, Barton was as dangerous as Quatre was kind. "You are the only one I still consider kin Quatre, the only one who cared...who always cared. Come I will take you to your friend now."

"Did you bring him here because of Lana, or me?" Quatre really did not want to talk about his family's shortcomings just then, he may still end up suffering them as well.

Aroree chuckled softly as she began walking, "As soon as I pay one debt that boy racks up another, perhaps the Thorn and the Bloom should officially join forces hm? As it is the Epine have no love for the Suns, and I will be happy to add my forces to Barton and Yui. I only came here because of the rumors anyway. Who would have guessed you would befriend both Barton and Yui in less then a week, very impressive."

"All I did was not shy away and be honest, they seem to respond well to being treated like people who happen to be very dangerous, and not just homicidal maniacs." Quatre was in no mood to defend his friends constantly, even though he knew he did not know them all that well truly.

"I see you have had this conversation before, be at peace you know I know Lamia better then you do. Now these Suns were they after you both, or just him?" Aroree knew hate groups went after anyone they felt like in truth, hypocrites the lot of them.

"Leogan was not happy Duo and I sided with the Knights over the Suns so likely both of us, though who the Flare Arrow was meant for I am not sure." Quatre would not have fared so well if it had hit him instead, and not just because a Vampire's body was harder to seriously damage let alone kill.

"A Flare Arrow? Nasty spell, and that explains the burned hand and half removed arm, they had better not have been aiming at you." Aroree had seen the mess Barton had made of them, there was a reason Knights were so respected and feared.

Quatre bit his lip, he really did not want to think about the damage Trowa had received, "He already took care of them."

Aroree smiled at her brother, she knew him very well and much preferred him now to the brat he had been. "Knights are not to be trifled with, and while young he is most certainly a Knight."

"That was not why Katherine changed him," Quatre was sure his fighting skill had helped but he knew why Katherine had done what she had done, at least he did now. While he did not entirely understand Trowa he had gotten to know him well enough to know he wanted him in his life as well.

"As an heir yes it was, as her brother of course not...well maybe just a little, noble brothers are nice to have. Ah here we are, you are both dismissed Lord Barton and I have an accord." Aroree nodded to the large guards, even if her house was an enemy of the Bloom Barton would spare her because of Quatre, at least for today. Opening the door she nodded to her brother, she did not have to worry about him. "Feel free to examine him as closely as you wish, you can't wake him without knowing the trigger."

Quatre turned, frowning at his sister but let it go, it made sense she would want to keep Barton calm and comatose was pretty damn calm, as Duo would say. Ignoring Aroree he turned his attention to Trowa, who he had been worrying about. The burned and bloodied shirt had been removed, logically, the pants and boots were not what he had been wearing. Ignoring the change he focused on the right hand that had been charred last he had seen. The skin looked sunburned but the hand was a hand again, there was some faint bruising as if it had been crushed which confused him. Turning to the shoulder that had been badly damaged as well he frowned, there was still some angry red where the spell had struck and a thin line where the flames had burned through the shoulder as it was pulled free to be thrown. Reaching out he trailed his fingers along the red flesh feeling nothing, no pain, no emotions, "What spell did you use?"

"Sleep of the Dead, any tracking spells would register his 'death' as would anyone physicly attached to him. It is an old spell that effectively 'kills' it target, and is not covered by the wards cast on neutral meeting ground because it is not lethal." Aroree had always enjoyed finding little loopholes, Midnighters were like that.

"That is why he does not exist to my gifts...Katherine?" Quatre turned blinking, "She thinks he is dead?" That was horrible, not that there was anything he could do about what had been done.

Aroree nodded, her brother's face fell, "Yes, so do the Suns so for the moment he is safe form them. I am sure Katherine would prefer temporary death to permanent death, a bit of blood and he will be good as new I assure you."

Quatre turned back to Trowa stoking his cheek, it felt so strange not being able to feel anything but physical warmth when touching the Made. "Did you do this because of me?"

"Not entirely no, I did owe him from Lana but he was protective of you. Oh he acted all aloof about it, but I know how to read those tough guy types, bad boys can make good friends Little Brother." Aroree smirked to herself since Quatre was not looking at her, he was focused on Barton. It had to be strange being an Empath and feeling nothing but the body of another, perhaps interesting in a different context.

Quatre nodded absently, half turning when his sister spoke of bad boys, Hiro could fit that description as well. "Yes they can. You are not going to warn or chide me?"

"You know how Father can be so you need no reminders from me on the subject, as for chiding I think you have made a very good choice. Just because I prefer ladies to men does not mean I cannot appreciate one now and then." Aroree chuckled when Quatre turned to frown at her, "I approve of your crush and you frown at me so...adorable."

Quatre shook his head before turning his attention back to Trowa, he looked peaceful, "I want to know the trigger."

"Miss talking to your Attack Kitty hm? Again with the frowning, too cute, just kiss him." Aroree giggled at his blink, "Sweetie he won't even know, besides it is such a classic I couldn't help but master that version."

Quatre did not want to think about what other versions might entail, "You and Duo and your constant pranks."

"It is why you adore us. Now I will go see to getting you both something to eat, fill him in I will be back soon." Aroree waved walking out, she knew her brother would be perfectly safe for a few moments.

Quatre sighed but he had to admit he did love them both even if they did drive him insane at times, not that Aroree had since Lana had died. Part of him wish to just let him sleep, but he knew Trowa would not be happy to hear his sister had been made to suffer just so he could get a moment of peace and quite. Laying his hand on the Made's chest he leaned close, licking his lips absently as he raised his head. Pale fingers clenched when his gifts felt a spark and the Made sighed, "How do you feel?"

Trowa yawned, hands on his face for a moment before running his fingers through his hair with a sigh, "Better then I should, you?"

Quatre smiled when Trowa turned to frown slightly at him, arms folding above his head. "A little worried about you, but otherwise just fine. See?" He held up his completely healed wrist for the Made to see, his sister had been very thorough.

Trowa chuckled closing his eyes, "So my nose was not playing tricks on me."

"Why Lord Barton I am not sure if I should be insulted or not." Aroree teased entering the room, two of her people setting a tray and large pitcher down before walking out. "I see your humor has returned."

Trowa propped himself up, frowning at the help before turning his attention to the Lady, "Feel insulted if you wish Lady Epine, it is your right. Now did you have to shock me, or was that just for kicks?"

Aroree giggled as she filled a deep gold lined crystal chalice. "A bit of both, you did break my arm."

"Trowa?" Quatre asked frowning, frowning a bit deeper when Trowa ignored his question and just sat up. "Will you lie back down?"

"Relax Little One he is fine, a bit thirsty I would imagine?" Aroree held out the chalice with a smirk, "I think I will enjoy working with you."

Trowa returned the smirk as he took the chalice, "It has been amusing so far."

"There is no need to flatter me, as long as you have my brother's favor you have mine as well," Aroree teased as she filled a whine glass.

Quatre sighed, he was use to Trowa and his sister bantering, his own sister and Trowa not so much, "At least you two are getting along."

Aroree smiled at her little brother,"I have never crossed his sister, and he is a most noble rival as ever there was one." Trowa bowed his head and raised his glass at her compliment, she did the same.

Quatre shook his head but relaxed a bit, at least they were not circling each other like two beasts ready to pounce on each other teeth and claws at the ready. "I am just thankful Father does not hate him."

Aroree huffed before setting her glass down, taking the pitcher handle, "He learned a little too late those with fangs are not always as monstrous as those who do not."

Trowa frowned slightly as Aroree refilled his chalice, "This place is not an Inner Circle safe house so why can't I call anyone?"

"That shock you teased me about was a spell known as the Sleep of Death, I effectively severed your soul from your shell, it will take a bit more blood to fully revive you so drink up." Aroree had wondered when he would notice he could not call out just yet.

Trowa frowned, lip curling in a snarl, "Excuse me?"

Quatre placed a hand on his shoulder, "It was the only way to convince the Suns you were dead so you could heal. Now relax please?"

Trowa sighed but raised the chalice to his lips once more, Aroree had no reason to lie, and he was feeling better. "You want to ease up before my left shoulder needs to heal as well."

Quatre blinked before lifting his hand, he had not realized he had been squeezing so hard, "Brute."

Trowa smirked as he chuckled softly, "I am not sure how you keep forgetting that."

"He always did try to see the good in people, or we outsider types. You should eat a little something Little One, after all a pint of fresh blood won't cure all your ills." Aroree had need a few sips, her brother's wrist had thankfully only been nipped not torn.

Quatre shook his head but accepted the plate, he was hungry now that he did not have worry occupying his mind. "You forgot about a nap."

Aroree chuckled at her little brother, "So cute."

Trowa nodded before turning his head, frowning slightly he finished his drink. -Sister?-

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Katherine Bloom glared at her shatter mirror, her blood long since dried and flaky. Her forces were gathering to descend on this island like a plague come dusk. Leogan and his followers would be torn asunder the likes of which the world had not seen since Dracula's glory days of impaling. She would have her vengeance, they had not only taken her brother they had also condemned their mother to madness. Getting to her feet she turned from the ruined vanity, freezing when she thought she heard her brother's voice. Closing her eyes she focused, laughing in relief she caught the vanity to keep from falling to the floor. -Brother? How?-

-Quatre's sister Aroree is here with a small unit. She cast the Sleep of Death, and now that she broke it I'm not dead...or whatever.-

-You are with Quatre and Aroree then?- Katherine knew Aroree and Trowa had no animosity for each other, and with Quatre there things would stay civil.

-Not exactly sure where but yes, she is more then happy to join us in killing every last Sun on this island. Winner may be friendly but try and hurt something they care about and they can get very nasty.-

-Have Yui and your new Witch friends meet us us at that abandon bunker I showed you our first day. My forces are already moving to swarm this island come dusk, add then to what we have here and no Sun will live to see another sunrise.- Katherine slipped off her ruined dress, glass and blood did a number on even black. Slipping into well tailored black pants and a dark crimson button down she sighed.

-Understood. Once this done we will see about helping Mother.-

-You can hardly give her your blood if you are going to be spilling it for another worthy cause. Will I need to bring snacks?- Katherine asked as she buttoned her blouse before tucking it in, she was never one for constricting clothing.

-Aroree has already seen to refreshments, and Yui can see to his own meals.-

Katherine chuckled, she and Yui got along just fine. -I will see you in a few hours then Triton-

-Yes you will Kath-

Katherine smiled, she loved that fool. 'Mother when you wake you will be so happy.'

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Duo rubbed the bridge of his nose, Quatre and Barton's bodies had not been found near the burnt corpses they had left. Hiro said Katherine had not taken them, but the blood was mostly Barton's, and enough to mean he had been hurt bad since some of it was charred. His own locator spells had gotten him nothing, he just hoped the Suns didn't have them to mutilate and display. Hilde had gone to talk to the Winners, Hiro had talked to Katherine for a short but intense few minutes. The Bloom were on the warpath, Yui's men were ready to strike, and the Winner were likely looking for a way to make war on the Suns legal and sanctioned. With Quatre a potential victim of a Sun attack, and a respected figure among all three races, it should not be all that hard. Duo blinked as he walked into Hiro, who had just stopped dead, "ow."

-San-kun? How?- Hiro knew the feel of the Made's mind, the sound of his voice, there was no mistaking them now.

-Aroree used the Sleep of Death, it has been lifted and I am just fine now. Quatre is with us and we are meeting Kath and the others at the forgotten safehouse in 30, bring the Witches with you. At dusk we descend and they all die-

Hiro sighed softly, the more things changed and all of that. -Duo is with me, Hilde will be back with us shortly. I had no idea that sleep could be cast here.-

-It is not necessarily fatal and so it still works, or so they tell me. If you need to feed do so, Aroree only seems to want to share with me.-

Hiro smirked, it was nice Trowa and Quatre's sister were getting along, -I am fine. Hilde is here I will fill them in so I will talk to you again soon.- "Barton and Quatre are alive, we will be meeting back up with them shortly."

Duo blinked, Hilde gaped at Hiro before turning to Duo, "When did this happen?"

"He why my nose is a little sore?" Duo teasingly asked as he moved to stand next to Hilde.

"Yes, Sleep of Death thanks to Quatre's sister Aroree. Our forces are gathering and we are starting the slaughter at dusk." Hiro was more then happy to have an island of targets to choose from to vent his frustrations on.

Duo frowned slightly, "Aroree always did like loopholes, a girl after my own heart really."

Hilde bit her lip, Duo was into learning about all shorts of old and obscure spells, "But he's all right?"

"The burns have healed thanks to some fresh blood and sleep, being one us has its perks." Hiro did not feel the need to go into any sort of details, the Witches were not stupid.

Duo nodded, Hiro was fitting in just fine, "Anything else we need to know Blue Eyes?"

"No one will think less of either of you if you are not as bloodthirsty as we are, literalness intended." Hiro respected the Witches, while not warriors they were fighters, which was almost as good.

Hilde smiled a little, warrior types did not always play nicely with more laid back types, "We owe them for trying to kill Quatre if nothing else, after all no one's thrown fire at me yet today."

Duo hugged Hilde's shoulder, she was a great friend to have around, "Poor Hil Babe missing all the fun."

Hilde giggled, playfully shoving at Duo, "Save your sympathy for Quatre."

Hiro shook his head at the pair, Trowa had always told him working with spellcasters was hardly boring, "Get it out of your systems because there will be no bantering once we enter the Blood's Quarter."

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Quatre followed Trowa through the maze of tunnels that lay below the island, some of them hundreds of years old. Heavy boots went up to a little below his knee, tight laced and strapped three times. Pants were well fitted cargos tucked into the boots. High collared shirt was sleeveless, a choker was adorned with a flared winged bat with the Bloom crest bearing shield where its body should be. Thick leather cuffs were fitted to his wrists, fingerless gloves finishing the black and silver outfit. Trowa did not seem to mind the attire at all, and the Witch had to admit it looked good on him. "Comfortable?"

"Starting to think your sister raided my closet back home, not that I'm complaining mind you." Trowa answered stopping in front of an ancient looking metal door.

Quatre blinked, he had only seen Trowa in button downs not this, "This is what you usually wear?"

"When I know I am going to me fighting all day yes, boots are best for breaking laws." Tracing a glyph in blood Trowa opened the door.

Quatre shook his head, the punk reputation just kept making more and more sense. "I'm sure they are." Entering the room he blinked when Duo attacked him, lifting him off the ground, "Duo, I'm fine really."

Trowa patted Duo's shoulder as he walked around them, blinking when Hilde threw her arms around his neck. Chuckling he held the Witch back, "It is nice to see you too."

Katherine grinned at the pretty Witch who was happy to see her brother, he could use a few female friends. "Well as long as you do not make any friends prettier then me I guess I can stand them."

Hilde turned, hands on Trowa's chest, "Thank you Katherine."

Katherine chuckled at the girl, she was not the lest bit scared of her brother, "Just don't go getting any prettier, or I will have to rethink things." Turning to Aroree she frowned slightly, "Still a little annoyed with you."

Trowa shook his head, Katherine was so protective, "You're both pretty. So now that we are all here?"

"Greymane and her packmates are covering the docks and the woods, there will be no one sneaking off the island, or hiding in the woods till it's over. The Suns may not have killed any of us but they still tried, and no one hurts our friends and family." Katherine was not in a forgiving mood, and she doubted even Quatre was in much of one right now.

Aroree nodded in agreement, "Epine forces are moving to protect our territories while we are out killing, since I brought more with me then some of the other Houses."

"So escape routs cut off, hidyholes plugged, and safe-houses are being located...what will we all be doing?" Duo asked frowning slightly, it sounded like everything was pretty well covered.

"Why killing them silly, what have you two been teaching them anyway?" Katherine asked turning to her brother and Yui.

Hiro rolled his eyes, "We have been a bit busy on'na, they are fast learners."

"Stop bonding, seriously, Lycan having all the fun," Trowa shook his head, use to this short of thing.

Duo chuckled at the bantering, everyone was getting along so well it was nice, "Aw Vamp Kitty is bored, how cute. So after all the killing and general mayhem who's down with coffee and really bad for you sweet things?"

"Is that your answer to anything stressful or simply annoying?" Hiro asked frowning at his fellow brunette, he did not sound like he was joking.

Duo tilted his head at the Lamian Lord, "Duh."

Trowa shrugged opening the door, "Sounds fine to me, mayhem before coffee."

"Don't go encouraging people, either of you, oh never mind," Quatre sighed, he did not understand some people and he was fine with that.

Katherine smirked at Duo as she walked up to the last door leading to the outside, opening it she sniffed the cooling air. Looking up she blinked when a shimmering white dome descended over the island, "Well I'll be damned."

Trowa frowned at the magical forcefeild which was meant to quarantine the island in case of a cuop, or some other such disaster. All neutral meeting sites had such defenses in place, Knights were made aware of such things. "Leogan has powerful friends, or he is even less honorable then we thought."

Quatre frowned following Barton's train of thought, "It would not surprise me if he started planing this the moment he heard Father was planning on this meeting. Taking out so many in power would throw our world into the kind of chaos that allows such uprising to get off the ground. They have to be feeling cocky since they still think you are dead."

Aroree huffed a bang out of her eyes, "Leave it to our fool of a father to allow all of this to happen. Thoughts anyone?"

"There are three crystals, so we should simply split into three teams and take them out while our forces clear the island of the Suns and their allies as they move to back us up." Quatre frowned at the shimmer which was actually rather pretty, magic was like that.

Katherine caught Trowa smirk slightly and nodded, "Sounds like our best bet. Once the field is down our cavalry will be able to clean up the mess for us. Trowa you and Quatre take the left, Yui you and Duo take the right, we ladies can handle the middle ground. Is everyone all right with this?" Trowa nodded as she knew he would, Quatre nodded after a moment, Hiro bowed his head, Duo shrugged before nodding, Hilde smiled, and Aroree grinned, "Wonderful."

"This is going to be messy, horrible, and just a bit fun. Last group to take out their crystal pays. What, staying alive is one thing, free drinks is another?" Duo frowned at the looks, did Vamps not make beats like that?

Katherine looked to her brother who just nodded slightly, Yui shook his head amused, Aroree just grinned before nodding. "Very well Witch Rules for this one it is. Good hunting to you all."

Duo grinned giving Hilde and Quatre each a hug before patting Barton's shoulder, "Glad you're not dead, stay that way."

"Planning on it, keep that braid of yours intact." Trowa smirked at Duo before turning to the tower that was his target. "So Yui time to go to work again."

"Always seems to be my friend, it is time to show these baka what a tier two Knight can do." Hiro was annoyed and ready to smite those who stood in his way, he did enjoy his work. Trowa nodded as he pricked his left middle finger before allowing his blood to cover the crest on his ring, Hiro doing the same. Tapping the blood covered hissing bat seal he sighed, a shadowy like substance which harden into an armor hard second skin. Pulsing red plates seemed to bleed into place over the chest, abdomen, and front of the throat, mostly darkening into a very dark crimson plate, the center masses connected by a few vein like cracks. Cuffs formed, three bone like spikes growing from them, a similar spike growing from the shoulders, two back swept horn like formations grew from the helmet. The skeletal muzzle like design had glowing red eyes with whips of smoke flaring from the far corners like candle flames, a few cracks near the eyes looked like scars. Black claw like armor formed over natural claws, black cape flowed like smoke behind them as they turned. Hiro armed with a sword at his back, and two at either hip, Barton had a broader blade at his back, a blade at either hip. The blades really the only differences in their gear besides the cracks, which were slightly different on each of them. Hiro raised his fist, nodding when Trowa tapped his cuff with his own before he turned heading off.

"Well that is intimidating looking," Hilde commented, she had seen Arcane knights mostly, they did not look that scary in comparison.

Aroree ignored the Witch as the other pair walked off as well, her own breastplate was black and decorated with twisting thorns. Iron messed with magic and she did not relay on her spells to win anymore. "Knights of the Blood do spend much of their time slaying demons, intimidation is part of their charm."

Kathrine smiled, her crimson rose adorned battle dress glinting in the faint glow of the dome. "Do not worry Hilde dear they will be just fine, Trowa was hard to kill when he was mortal. Now let us get going before we have to pay Duo's bill."

Hilde smiled as she nodded, "He can rack up quite the bill when he celebrates so that would be a Hell of a bill."

As We Dance With The Devil Tonight6

Chapter 7 will have blood and other Vamppy things so there is that to look forward to. If anyone would like to pass on who they think should lose the bet feel free to put it in a review. If enough vote I will do what I can to make them happy. I will try to get more fics like this up, so you will not have to relay on older work while waiting for updates. Ta ta for now.