Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 16:57:15 -0500 To: FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com From: SheHulk Subject: (Fic)(Xover) Little Girl Lost A Forever Knight / Bubblegum Crisis crossover Little Girl Lost --------------------- By She-Hulk (shehulk@neocomm.net) Part 1 MegaTokyo 2036 AD Police Headquarters Nene shut off her computer with a small sigh and leaned back in her chair. The noise level was dropping in the station room and she could hear herself think again. It had seemed as if the day would never end. Nene wondered if the boomers had all decided that today was the day to go on the blink. Over two hundred calls of boomer malfunctions had filtered through the office today, causing Nene to whine loudly at one point, “What are we, Genom’s customer service?” The outburst had not gone over well with the captain and Nene had found herself in his office. She saw Naoko approaching and groaned. She had her ‘matchmaking gleam’ and Nene was very much afraid of what that meant. “Nene! Want to go with me to a new club? I hear that this place is Hot!” Naoko winked at her as she perched on the side of Nene’s desk. “Come on Nene, gorgeous guys and wonderful music. What more could a girl ask?” “Food. Sleep.” Naoko waved her comments aside. “You can sleep anytime! This club can’t wait!” “Are they about to close down?” “Nene! I’m serious!” “So am I! Seriously tired! Not tonight, Naoko. I really need to get some sleep. Maybe later?” Naoko wasn’t giving up. “I’ll pay.” Nene hesitated and Naoko moved in for the kill. “I’ll buy you dinner, too.” Nene sighed deeply and found herself nodding. “All right. Let me get my stuff together. What’s the name of this place, anyway?” “The Raven.” + + + + + LaCroix sat quietly in the far corner of the Raven and studied the patrons. Music poured from hidden speakers, adding to the confusion of the smoke-filled room. The lighting was blue and red, casting garish shadows across the human’s faces and LaCroix smiled at the swaying bodies. So many choices, so much time. Bodies were packed onto the dance floor, gyrating in whatever dance was now the fad. The smells of sweat, perfume and alcohol reached his heightened senses and he wrinkled his nose slightly. Such a strange place, MegaTokyo. He had opened the club here after hearing of the problems that this city had with violent deaths. Just the kind of place he liked. With so many falling victim to the boomers, no one was likely to notice a few more. He had hunted well since his arrival and was confident enough now to consider expanding his ‘family.’ The stray image of Nicholas flashed through his mind and he forced it away. That was past. He had his future to consider now. He got up and made his way through the press of bodies to the bar. A couple of young women pushed in front of him suddenly and he was forced to stop. The crowd had thrown them off balance and LaCroix saw the redhead stumble back towards him. He caught her easily and helped her to stand. She turned to face him and LaCroix inhaled sharply. She was smiling at him in gratitude and embarrassment, but the smile wasn’t what had captured him. It was untouched air that surrounded her. She exuded innocence and he felt a slow smile steal over his features. Perfect. Nene stared at the tall gaijin and wondered why her heart was pounding so hard. She felt like she had just jumped in front of a boomer. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes off his. They were so beautiful. Nene began to tremble and was startled when Naoko spoke to her. “Come on Nene, let’s get something to drink.” LaCroix watched as she was pulled away and followed silently. The other girl was of no consequence, but the redhead was exactly what he’d been looking for. He slipped behind the bar and motioned the bartender away from the girls. “Hello ladies, what can I get you?” Naoko ordered her drink and turned to Nene, who was staring at LaCroix. “Nene? What do you want?” Nene blinked and shook her head as if to clear it. “Uh..I don’t know...” LaCroix leaned over the counter close to her and stared into her eyes again. “Maybe I can suggest something?” His voice was like silk, flowing over Nene and drawing her deeper into his gaze. She felt herself nod, but didn’t know what she was agreeing with. LaCroix mixed their drinks and presented them with a flourish. Naoko dismissed him, not liking gaijins and tried to catch the eye of a young man across the bar. LaCroix noticed this and turned the man. It took only an instant to compel him to ask Naoko to dance and then he returned to Nene. “I haven’t seen you in here before. Your first time?” Nene nodded and sipped the drink he’d given her. “Yes. My friend wanted to come, so I....” She trailed off as his eyes caught hers again. She was drowning and it was the most delicious thing she’d ever felt. Everything fell away except for his eyes and some small part of her was trying to warn her that this was wrong. “My name is LaCroix.” The words washed over her and she sighed in pleasure. His voice was so soft and Nene wanted it to wrap around her and never let go. He was asking her something and she struggled against the tide of lethargy that encompassed her. “Nene....my name is Nene.” He smiled and Nene grinned happily back at him. “How very nice to....meet you.” The room was cold, but Nene didn’t feel it. She was in LaCroix’ arms and all she could feel was him. LaCroix picked her up and laid her on the bed gently. He kissed her forehead and whispered to her. Nene sighed and began to unbutton her blouse. He watched as she dropped it on the floor and smiled as she lay back against the pillows, waiting for him. LaCroix knelt beside the bed and leaned over her, letting his hands settle around her tiny waist. “So perfect. So innocent.” He kissed the side of her throat and Nene gasped in pleasure. The rough feel of his tongue caused her to shiver and he pulled her closer to him. Nene curled around him and arched her neck back, exposing her vulnerable throat. LaCroix smiled again, revealing the extended fangs. Nene was oblivious. His eyes changed to a predator’s gaze and he ducked his head to feast. The sharp pain caused Nene to jump, but it was too late. Euphoria filled her and she wept with pleasure as he drained her life away. Consciousness began to fade and Nene slipped into the darkness with a small sigh. LaCroix made himself stop and raised his head. his animal eyes focused on the dying pulse in Nene’s throat. He tore a gash in his wrist and pressed it against her mouth, forcing the blood inside. Nene didn’t move at first, but then she inhaled deeply and her eyes flew open. She began to drink. The taste that flooded her mouth was incredible and she drank greedily. Nene felt the odd rush in her body and tried to think. LaCroix was over her, his wrist at her lips and she was...drinking...his blood! Nene gasped and tried to pull away , but LaCroix was strong. He forced her to continue and Nene whimpered in distress. “Drink, my dear, for with this I give you a most precious gift.” Those animal eyes were the last thing she remembered. + + + + + Linna pressed the button again and frowned at her watch. It was after one and Nene hadn’t shown up for their lunch date. She’d called the police station, but today had been Nene’s day off and they had no idea where she might be. Linna gave up on the doorbell and began to pound on the door. There was no response and Linna felt a flicker of unease. This wasn’t like Nene. She decided that Sylia should know about this. She hoped she was overreacting, but if she wasn’t.... Sylia adjusted the radio to Nene’s frequency. There was no signal and Sylia wondered if Nene had been unable to activate the tracer. Priss and Linna were out searching for her, but they were operating blindly. There was no way of knowing where Nene might be. Their last contact with her was yesterday when she’d arranged to have lunch with Linna. Sylia lit a cigarette and worried. + + + + + Nene awakened slowly, her mind sluggish. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling above her blankly. It wasn’t hers. Nene tried to remember where she was, but all that came to her was a handsome bartender and a strange drink. Dread made her sit up and fear caused her to gasp when she realized that she was in a strange bedroom. She pushed the covers away and was relieved to find that she missing only her shirt. A wave of hunger swept over her and she clutched her stomach. Nene looked at her watch and found it gone. She frowned and stood up, closing her eyes when the room began to spin. A loud sound reached her and she opened her eyes slowly. Something was beating loudly against the window. Nene crossed the room on unsteady legs and pulled the curtain aside. The night sky greeted her, but she could see nothing but trees. Nene watched the darkened lawn in surprise. She could see a small mouse scrambling through the grass. Nene shook her head. Impossible. She looked for the source of the noise she had heard. The beating came again and Nene focused quickly. She stared and couldn’t believe the sounds that were bombarding her ears. Thunderous beats gave way to other sounds of the night and Nene fell back as the onslaught hit her. She covered her ears and sank to her knees beside the bed. The moth continued to beat against the window, not realizing the chaos it was inflicting. Nene sat in the floor and wondered how this could be possible. A slight sound behind her caused her to leap up and back into the window. LaCroix stood in the door and watched her with a slightly amused expression. “I see you’re awake. Hungry?” He held a wine bottle up and Nene felt the wave of hunger again. “Where am I?” She edged forward and snatched her blouse from the floor. LaCroix smiled as she hurried into it and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. Nene watched him warily. “You’re in my home...your home, now.” Nene gasped and shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’m leaving. Right now.” She marched towards the door boldly, hoping he’d move, but un-surprised when he didn’t. LaCroix laughed pulled the cork from the bottle. Nene smelled blood. He was in front of her in an instant and she didn’t have a chance. He caught her around the waist and pulled her against him. “Not as good as fresh I’m afraid, but it will sustain you long enough for you to take your first prey.” Nene was horrified at what he was saying. She struggled in his embrace, but LaCroix merely tightened his grip. He raised the bottle to her lips and Nene cringed. She tried to turn away, but her own hunger betrayed her. The scent of the blood filled her senses and she was lost. Blood rushed into her mouth and she felt LaCroix laugh again as she drank. Nene was curled up in the corner of the bedroom. LaCroix had left again, saying that he would return with something a little ‘fresher’. Tears ran down her cheeks and Nene saw the tiny red splashes on her hands. She had listened to him as he told her what she was now, but it hadn’t meant anything at first. It was the bloody tears that had finally driven her change home. She was a vampire. Nene moaned and thought of Sylia and the team. What was she going to do? She couldn’t tell where she was and even if she managed to escape, she knew he would come after her. HE said that the daylight would kill her and she had to...feed to survive. Nene didn’t want to die, but to drink from someone..... He would return soon and she would have to take her first victim. The idea of it terrified her. She reached behind her, under her blouse and squeezed the back of her bra strap. The tiny click told her that the tracer had activated. She didn’t want to endanger the others, but they were her only hope. + + + + + Sylia stared out at the night sky and wished Nene would contact them. Priss was slouched in a chair beside her, her normal surly attitude magnified by the circumstances. “Damn Nene! Why does she pull this crap now?” Priss’ outburst meant little. Nene never did this. She was never out of contact this long. She was never late for meetings. Now or any other time, this was bad. Priss kept shooting furious looks at Linna who was monitoring the radio. Linna threw up her hands in a ‘what can I do?’ gesture. The sudden shrill beep caused everyone to jump. Linna adjusted the volume and began to trace the signal. “I’ve got it!” Sylia’s voice was like ice. “Let’s move!” + + + + + LaCroix left the young boy in the living room, knowing that he wouldn’t move. He opened the bedroom door and motioned Nene to come out and join him. She did so reluctantly. The sight of the teenager caused her to balk and LaCroix pulled her into the room. “No. Please.” “You must. To survive.” LaCroix’ voice was soothing, but Nene was beyond that. He pushed her towards the boy and Nene could hear the rapid flutter of his heart. She could see the pulse beating strongly in his throat and the hunger crept over her. She was touching his face and try as she might, she couldn’t seem to pull away. The boy’s eyes were blank and Nene avoided looking at them. She bent over him and felt LaCroix’ hands on her shoulders. “Feed, my dear. Embrace your hunger.” Nene shivered and ran her tongue over her fangs. Oh God. She looked into the boy’s eyes. Forgive me. She touched his neck and let her teeth sink into his throat. Blood flowed and Nene moaned. As the boy died, so did a part of Nene. She watched his body fall and wanted more. LaCroix turned her to face him and smiled at the gleam of hunger that still burned brightly in her eyes. “Shall we go hunting?” The windows exploded inward and Nene fell back, away from LaCroix. Three armored figures stood in the room and Nene ran to them. Linna caught Nene in her arms and carried her out. Sylia turned to LaCroix. Her voice was electronically altered, but he could hear her fury. “I don’t know what sick game you were playing, but it ends here.” She and Priss opened fire, but LaCroix was gone. Priss cursed and checked her scanners. “He’s gone! How the hell did he do that?” Sylia didn’t reply as she studied her own scanners. They registered no trace of him and she scowled at the body that was left. “The boy is dead. Let’s go.” They backed out of the room and were gone. LaCroix stared down at the mess and sighed. + + + + + The Knight Sabers arrived back at Lady 633 in a somber state. Nene hadn’t spoken since they’d rescued her. She hadn’t responded to their concerned questions and she’d flatly refused to go to the hospital. Linna had stayed close to her, but Sylia noticed that Nene kept looking at her in fear and she wouldn’t let anyone touch her. She was nervous and edgy. She finally asked if she could take a bath and lie down. Sylia got her settled in a guestroom and met the others in the living room. “We should have killed the bastard!” Priss was outraged and looking for blood. “Sylia! Did she tell you what the son of a bitch did to her?” Sylia shook her head and poured herself a drink. Linna was sitting on the couch, her arms wrapped tightly around her updrawn knees. She didn’t want to be the one to say this, but it had to be said. “Do you think he raped her?” Priss swore and stormed across the room, looking for matches, but really trying to fight back tears. She lit a cigarette with shaking hands and stared hard at the curl of smoke. Sylia felt the burn of the scotch as it slid down her throat and cursed herself for not acting sooner. She thought of the boy and wondered what part he had played in all of this. Priss cursed again and Sylia turned. “We should have killed him.” Sylia nodded. Nene let the water pound over her as she cried. Red water swirled down the drain and she wept for the life of the boy who would never become a man. Nene searched her conscience and was faintly appalled to find that she felt only the slightest twinge of guilt herself. LaCroix had caused this, but still, shouldn’t she feel ‘some’ responsibility? Nene wondered if she had truly become a monster. She’d been surprised to see her reflection in the bathroom mirror. That must have been a myth. She wondered what was myth and what was real now. Vampires weren’t real, but here she was. The water was very hot and Nene knew that she shouldn’t be able to stand this temperature. So much to learn. She turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. Smells and sounds reached her and she heard the others in the living room. No, she hadn’t been raped. God, if only that was what had happened. She could recover from that. Nene dried herself slowly, smiling without humor at Priss’ declaration. Yes. They should have killed him, but could they? How did you kill a vampire? Did the old wooden stake trick work? Or did it take something else? She shivered, but not from cold. Sylia had given her a robe and she pulled it on gratefully, unwilling to wear her own clothes. They smelled of him. Of blood. Nene crossed the bedroom and opened the sliding door. She stepped to the edge of the balcony and hurled the clothes over the side. She didn’t bother to watch them fall. The sound of a heartbeat alerted her to Linna’s presence, but she didn’t turn. Linna had seen her toss her clothes away and knew that whatever had happened was much worse than they suspected. She joined Nene on the balcony, careful not to touch her. They stood quietly for a long time, neither one knowing what to say. She realized that she would probably have to leave the country if she wanted to keep this a secret from the others. She forced tears away and listened to the steady throb of Linna’s heart. Nene began to feel an odd tingle. The faintest glimmer was coming over the horizon. Soon the sun would rise, but Nene wouldn’t see it. She walked back into the bedroom and held the door open for Linna. Linna left, but her expression betrayed her hurt. Nene couldn’t do anything about it now. She had to prepare. She closed the sliding door and pulled the heavy drapes shut. Would that be enough? If a small crack of light got in would that hurt her? Did she need a coffin? Nene pulled the covers off of the bed and made a pallet in the large walk-in closet. She shut the door and laid a pillow across the bottom. Nene felt the pull of sleep and curled up in the farthest corner. As the sun rose, consciousness slipped away. + + + + + Sylia terminated the link and scowled at the blank monitor. The police had found no traces of a body when they had returned to LaCroix’ mansion. Once again she regretted not killing him when they had the chance. Sylia began contacting all of her informants, trying to find information on the man who’d taken Nene. By late afternoon, she gotten a name. Lucian LaCroix. A Frenchman who’d immigrated to this country a year ago. He had opened a nightclub called the Raven, not far from Genom Corporate headquarters. She began to search through the Paris records. Linna knocked softly on Nene’s door, not wanting to startle her. It was well after lunch and she figured that Nene would be ravenous by now. She blinked back tears at the memories of Nene’s appetite. Her prayer wasn’t directed at any one god, but to anyone who might be listening. Linna opened the door a crack and peeked into the dark room. The curtains were drawn, but she could see that the bed was empty. Linna pushed into the room and then into the bathroom. Nene was gone. Fear hit her, but she forced it down and tried to think calmly. Nene had been extremely upset, unable to stand anyone around her. She wasn’t behaving normally so Linna had to imagine what she might do under these circumstances. She pulled back the shower door. Empty. Then she dropped down beside the bed and looked under it. Again, no Nene. Linna opened the closet door slowly and sighed with relief when she saw the pillow lying in front of the door. Nene was asleep in the back of the closet and Linna wept to see her best friend reduced to this. She closed the door and went to Sylia. Sylia looked up as her office door was flung open. Linna stood before her, angry, but crying. “We have to kill that monster! I went to check on Nene, but she wasn’t in bed. She had hidden herself in the closet, Sylia. Like a child hiding from the monsters.” Her voice broke and she drew a deep breath. “We're going to kill him.” Sylia closed her eyes and clenched her hands into fists. She had been hesitant to bring Nene onto the team, but she had turned out to be the most important member. Her cheerful optimism had provided them with them one thing they didn’t have enough of: hope. “We’ll kill him, but not before we destroy his world.” + + + + + Priss sat in the back of the Raven and stared at the man behind the bar. Her fingers were inches away from her gun and it took all of her control not to end this now. Sylia had been firm. Sylia had been a virtual iceberg since last night and Priss was thrilled at her bloodthirsty attitude. Priss slipped her hand into her pocket and let her fingers rest on the remote control. The boomer waitresses were new and in perfect condition, but that meant nothing to the virus Sylia had designed. Priss pressed the switch and sat back to watch the show. The waitress carried the tray of drinks high over head and set them down on the appropriate table with a thump. She then picked up each drink and poured it into the laps of the customers. They howled and jumped up, catching LaCroix’ attention. He hurried to the table in time to be struck in the face by a chair. The virus was designed to bypass certain logic circuits. They wouldn’t harm any humans, except for LaCroix and then only a little. The three boomers converged on LaCroix as all of the customers fled. He began to hurl them across the room and they smashed into the wall one by one. He stared at the broken boomers in fury and puzzlement. Something smacked into his forehead and he grabbed the offending object. It was a plastic dart with a suction cup on one end. He looked up and saw the fourth boomer holding the toy gun. A familiar voice began to emanate from the boomer and LaCroix grew angrier. “You’ve crossed the wrong people, LaCroix. Now it’s time to pay.” He heard the tiny click inside the boomer and leaped behind the bar as the boomer exploded. Priss laughed as flames began to consume the building. Sylia’s warning should have given the bastard time to get clear, but the incendiary device would level the club. She gunned the engine of her bike and waved to the fire trucks she passed. + + + + + Nene opened her eyes and knew that it was night again. She stretched slowly and got up. The closet door was still closed, but she smelled Linna’s scent in the room. She’d come in while she was asleep. Nene stepped out into the bedroom and spotted the suitcase on the bed. She pulled out a change of clothes and smelled Priss on them. She’d been to her apartment. Nene got dressed, trying to ignore the gnawing hunger. She was going to have to feed soon or the hunger would overtake her. The curtains slid back and she studied the city. Where to begin? Nene left the apartment and headed toward the elevator. The doors opened and Linna stepped out. She saw Nene and froze. “Nene! Where are you going?” Nene backed away as Linna came near her. The sound of the blood rushing through her veins was loud. “Uh...I...was going out for some dinner.” Nene winced at the thought. Linna was smiling and Nene watched in horror as she reached out and hugged her. “That’s our Nene! But you don’t have to worry, I’ve been cooking all day! Come on, let’s get you fed.” Nene was dragged back into the apartment. Linna seated her at the table and began to fill a plate for her. Nene saw all of her favorite foods and quickly wiped away bloody tears. Linna sat the plate down in front of Nene and smiled at her. Nene looked morosely at the food and then back at Linna. The hunger was rapidly growing and all she could hear was the beat of Linna’s heart. Nene shoved away from the table and ran into the bedroom, slamming the door. Linna was right behind her. She shut the door quietly and moved to stand behind a weeping Nene. Linna wrapped her arms around her and Nene stiffened. “Don’t. Please leave. Before I......before I hurt you.” Linna hugged her tighter and spoke firmly. “Nene. You won’t hurt me. I just wish you’d let me help you. We’re all so worried about you. Talk to me Nene. You know you can trust me.” She hesitated, then plunged ahead. “What did he do to you?” Nene gasped. “Linna...please. Just go away. I’ll hurt you.” She pulled Linna’s arms away and moved to the window. Linna frowned, but didn’t leave. “We love you Nene. Nothing that has happened to you can change that.” Nene laughed wildly and turned. Linna saw the bloody tears and involuntarily stepped back. “Do you still love me, Linna? Can you love a vampire?” Linna took another step back and the predator reacted. Hunger exploded through her and she was across the room in a second. Linna flinched as she found herself face to face with Nene. She felt her grip her arms and tried to back away. She couldn’t break free. Nene whispered softly in her ear. “I can’t stop it. It’s eating me alive. I hear every beat of your heart. Every swish of your blood as it moves though your veins. I’ve tasted it, Linna. It’s so sweet! It rushes through me and I live.” She kissed the side of Linna’s neck. “I’m sorry. I tried to leave, but you wouldn’t let go.” Linna was shaking. She felt the brush of Nene’s lips and flinched as her tongue followed. Horror swept over her as she realized that Nene was tasting her, like a favorite desert. Suddenly she was falling, landing on the bed behind her. Nene was crouched over her, her eyes inhuman. Linna gasped when she saw her teeth. Nene gripped the top of Linna’s blouse and tore it away. The cloth shredded like paper and fluttered to the floor. Linna tried to buck her off, but Nene was incredibly strong. She held Linna down lowered herself over her body, pressing her into the mattress. Linna opened her mouth to scream, but Nene silenced her with her lips. The kiss took her by surprise and she felt the probing advance of Nene’s tongue in shock. Nene explored her slowly, letting her teeth scrap over Linna’s lips. The sharp prick of Nene’s fangs brought Linna back to reality and she began to struggle again. Nene broke the kiss and stared down into Linna’s eyes. She couldn’t control Linna like LaCroix had controlled her, but she could make her stop struggling. Linna felt the desire to flee leave her and watched as Nene bent to her throat. The sharp pain jolted her back to awareness, but the ecstasy was upon her. Linna wrapped her arms around Nene and pulled her closer as she fed. Nene was dimly aware of the fading heart beneath her, but it took a while for the meaning to register. Linna was dying. Nene jerked away and stared down at her best friend in horror. “No! Oh No!” She laid her head over Linna’s heart, but knew that she was too late. There would be no time to get her to a hospital. Nene began to sob, burying her face in Linna’s dark hair. Vague images of LaCroix filtered through her mind and she remembered what he’d done to her. Without giving herself a chance to think about the consequences, she opened the vein at her wrist. Linna tasted the warm, salty liquid and drank deeply. She opened her eyes and saw Nene over her. The blood spilled onto her tongue and she shivered at the changes she felt occurring within her. Nene’s eyes were apologetic as she held her wrist to Linna’s mouth. Linna closed her eyes and sank into sleep. + + + + + Priss was whistling as she stepped out of the elevator. The bomb at LaCroix’ home had been very powerful and had leveled the structure. Priss loved this kind of work and chuckled at the thought of LaCroix’ reaction. Sylia had contacted her and told her to stay with Linna and Nene tonight as she was hopping a plane to Paris. She was having trouble finding anything out about LaCroix there and Sylia figured she could accomplish more in person. Priss opened the apartment door and glanced around. No sign of Linna or Nene, but then it was pretty late. She pulled off her jacket and dropped onto the couch. She turned over onto her side and was soon asleep. In the bedroom, Nene had pulled Linna into the closet and tried to make her as comfortable as possible. It was only about three o’clock in the morning and she still had time to go hunting. Part of her was terrified of running into LaCroix, but she needed to find blood for herself and for Linna. Nene opened the bedroom door and moved silently past a sleeping Priss. + + + + + The guard slumped to the ground without a sound and Nene helped herself to his keys. She opened the door to the freezer units and began to fill the large canvas bags she’d brought with her. Nene stared down at one of the crimson packs and laughed without humor. When she had filled the bags she stopped and drained several pouches herself. Nene placed the empties into her bag and closed the door as she left. Nene walked calmly passed the unconscious security guard and shifted the large bag in her arms. The blood bank would come up a little short tomorrow, but there would be no evidence. Nene’s skills with computers had come in handy and she’d erased all of the security films. The guard would remember nothing. + + + + + LaCroix reached his coffin just as the sun broke the horizon. He had fled to his backup retreat, when he’d discovered the destruction of his house. The rattle of the subway overhead caused him to scowl and he snapped the lid shut. Even the convenient use of his club had been denied him. LaCroix intended to find those women and make them sorry they interfered. Then he would bring Nene back to his side where she belonged. + + + + + Little Girl Lost ------------------- By She-Hulk (shehulk@neocomm.net) Part 2 The sun was high when Priss awoke and she groaned at the bright light. She really didn’t function well during the day. Priss knocked lightly on Linna’s door. No answer. She opened the door and found an empty room, the bed still made. Priss knocked on Nene’s door and pushed it open. No one. Priss remembered what Sylia had told her and opened the closet door. Nene and Linna were lying side by side in the closet. Priss frowned and considered Nene’s arm, which was wrapped around Linna’s waist. Priss shrugged and closed the door. . Priss finished stashing the bags of drugs under the under the seat of LaCroix’ car and quickly left. A brief conversation with the police and she was on her way back to Sylia’s. She would almost miss LaCroix after they killed him, she decided. She hadn’t had this much fun in years. Priss tossed her jacket on the couch and headed for the kitchen. It was well after dinner and she was starved. She opened the refrigerator door and stared blankly. Priss closed the door, drew a deep breath and opened it again. They were still there. Bags and bags of blood filled the refrigerator and Priss looked around making sure she was in the right apartment. Priss wondered if she’d accidentally inhaled some of those drugs. She nodded briskly and went to shower. Linna woke when Nene left the closet. She lay quietly, trying to remember why she was in the closet to begin with. She gasped as memory returned and her hand flew to her throat as she sat up. There were no wounds. Linna felt an odd cramp of pain and realized she was starving. She got up unsteadily and stepped into the bedroom. She gasped as the odd hunger continued to grow. Linna started for the kitchen. She passed by Sylia’s door and heard the shower running. Linna stopped. Actually she could hear each drop of water as it hit the shower wall and Linna wondered distantly how this was possible. A low thump reached her and she felt herself focus intently on the sound. Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Linna opened Sylia’s door and crossed to the bathroom. Thump, thump. She was so hungry. Priss’ body was a vague shadow behind the frosted glass and Linna couldn’t believe how loud the beating had become. Thump, thump. The steady rhythm seemed to vibrate through her and she pulled the shower door open, wanting to get closer to it. A tiny part of her was trying to tell her this was dangerous, that she would hurt Priss, but the hunger was too great and Linna stepped into the shower behind Priss. Priss didn’t hear the door open, but she felt the hands that touched her shoulders. She jumped and turned. “Linna! What the hell are you doing? Trying to give me a heart attack?” She scowled at her. Linna’s clothes were soaked, but she didn’t notice. She was beyond all thoughts. There was only the hunger and the sound of a heart. She moved closer to Priss until the other girl had backed into the wall. Priss felt the cool tiles at her back and a tremor of unease went through her. Linna looked up at Priss and she gasped. Her eyes weren’t human. Priss tried jerked away from Linna, but she had caught her hands and forced them against the wall on either side of her. As Linna bent to her throat, her lips parted and Priss could see the sharp fangs. “No!” Priss twisted wildly, trying to get away. Linna raised her head and stared into Priss’ eyes. A strange lassitude enveloped Priss and she stopped struggling. Her head fell back against the tiles. Linna felt the skin part under her lips and closed her eyes as blood filled her mouth. Priss screamed at the pain, but she couldn’t force her away. As she slipped into the void she thought she saw Nene. Nene dropped the empty bag into the trash and picked out a couple for Linna. The first hunger seemed to be the worst. The sound of Priss’ scream had her racing into the bathroom. Nene yanked open the shower door, ripping it off of its track and sending it crashing against the wall. Priss’ expression was blank as Linna drank from her. Nene groaned and tried to pull Linna away, but the other girl had no intention of releasing her prey. She wrapped her arms tightly around Priss and refused to let go. Nene quickly realized that she was not going to be able to stop her. She sank to her knees beside them and waited. Linna had been lost, but as her hunger was satisfied she became aware of what she was doing. She let go of Priss and watched her fall away in disbelief. “P....Priss?” “Move.” Nene rested Priss’ head in her lap. Linna was staring at them in shock. As Nene bit her wrist, Linna jumped and she focused on what was happening. “What are you doing?” Nene explained as she held her wrist over Priss’ mouth. “She’s dying. It’s the only way I know to save her.” Priss began to drink and a moan escaped Nene at the incredible feeling. Linna watched Priss drink and then looked at Nene. Her eyes were half closed, pleasure clouding her features. Linna began to cry. + + + + + Sylia sipped the incredibly old wine and studied the man sitting in front of her. Nicholas deBrabant had ancient eyes and Sylia wondered what he had seen to age them so. “An excellent vintage. Are you sure you won’t join me?” Nick smiled and shook his head. “I’m afraid that wine goes to my head and I suspect that I will need all of my wits about me. You are a formidable presence, Ms. Stingray.” “Sylia, please. You cast a rather long shadow as well, Mr. deBrabant.” She waved a hand to her surroundings. “You have become something of a legend in the international stock market.” Nick shrugged and filled her glass again. “Nick. I seem to have some small talent, nothing more. You came to France to find someone, yes?” Sylia set her glass on the cherry wood table beside her without drinking. “Yes. I am searching for information on Lucian LaCroix.” A startled gasp had them both turning. A young woman was standing at the doorway. Nick rose and went to her. The concern covering the woman’s face was dispelled at his approach and she smiled as he kissed her. “Hello, darling. I want you to meet someone. Sylia Stingray, may I present my wife, Natalie.” Sylia shook hands with Nick’s wife and realized several things. When Sylia had appeared at Nick’s door, he had immediately bowed and greeted her in Japanese. His wife did not share his knowledge of Japanese customs. There was a faint smell of antiseptic and Sylia looked at her hands. Strong and long-fingered, the hands of a doctor. They settled again and switched to French. Sylia brought the conversation back to LaCroix. “You seemed upset when I mentioned LaCroix. Do you know him?” Sylia wondered if this woman had been attacked as well. A shared interest in a shell company had connected Nick with LaCroix and led her here. Maybe there was something else. Natalie looked at Nick and he answered. “That would depend on why you were looking for him.” “Oh, I’m not looking for him. I know where he is. I’m just gathering information now.” Her voice was flat. “Why?” Sylia stared into his eyes and felt something pulling her into them. The temptation to follow was strong and she shook her head. The feeling dissipated and she watched Nick sink back in his chair, faintly disappointed. “Nice try. I’ll overlook whatever that was and tell you anyway. I want to know everything I can find out about this man. His financial status. His assets. What and who he cares about.” Sylia met his gaze calmly and continued. “When I have discovered all that he holds dear, I will destroy it all. Then I will destroy him.” Natalie shifted restlessly and frowned at Sylia’ cool statement. “Why?” Sylia stood and walked to the fireplace. The flames were warm, but Sylia shivered. “He took someone from me, from her family.” Nick closed his eyes. “I see.” “Do you? Well maybe you can explain it to me. Nene has shut herself away and won’t speak to anyone! I have no idea what that monster has done to her. I’m afraid to think of the possibilities.” Nick scowled at her words. “You got her back? Safely?” Sylia stared into the fire. “We took her back by force. He was holding her at his estate, but she managed to contact us. She refuses to go to the hospital and she won’t let any of us near. I hope that you do not call this man friend, Nicholas deBrabant. Because he is a dead man.” Natalie looked at Nick in horror. “My god, Nick! Do you think he...?” Nick waved her to silence as Sylia turned. “You know what he did to her, don’t you?” “Yes. Was there a another person there?” “If you count the body of a young boy, yes. He was dead when we arrived. The police found no evidence of a body when they arrived and could prove nothing. What happened to her?” “I can’t think of an easy way to say this. LaCroix is a vampire.” Sylia watched the answering service pick up again and closed the video link without leaving a message. She’d been trying to reach her apartment for the last four hours, but no one was answering. Sylia tapped the folder in front of her. Something had gone wrong and she was afraid that she had no team to return to. Sylia refused to consider what she was thinking. She couldn’t do anything about it from Paris. Sylia called the airport and arranged for a flight home. She prayed that there was someone left to yell at. + + + + + Priss jerked awake and sat up. She blinked rapidly and focused on the two girls sitting in front of her. She frowned at them and realized that she was in a closet. It was pitch black, but she had no trouble seeing them. That disturbed her, but she was distracted by the memory of what had happened. She glared at Linna. “You bit me!” Linna ducked her head and Priss easily made out her chagrined expression in the dark. Nene tossed her something and Priss’ hand shot out caught it. The speed of her reaction surprised her and she stared down at the blood bag absently. The empty ache demanded attention and she automatically brought the bag to her lips. Priss felt her fangs open the plastic and drank the cool liquid inside. She crumbled the empty bag and tossed it aside. Nene threw her another one and she finished it as well. The reality of what she had just done hit her and she began to swear. “God damn it! What the hell have you done to me?” She saw Linna look at Nene and Priss ran her tongue over her teeth again. The sharp points were pretty obvious clues to what had happened. She sighed. “Damn. He’s a fucking vampire!” Nene started to cry and Priss moved to her. “It’s okay. There wasn’t anything you could have done against something like that.” Priss reached out and wiped the red tears away. She licked her fingertips and shook her head. “Damn, what a rush!” Priss looked down at herself and saw that she was still naked. “I think we should move this discussion, don’t you?” + + + + + Nene tasted the blood and frowned at the bag. She reached for another one and tasted it. Nene emptied the contents of both bags into a single wine bottle swirled the mixture. She sipped and a pleased smile crossed her face. Priss had watched the whole process. “What the hell are you doing?” Her voice was puzzled and amused. She handed Priss the empty bags. “Taste both of these.” Priss did and shrugged. “So?” Nene just grinned and poured some from the bottle into a glass for her. “Try this.” Priss drank and immediately noticed the difference. “Hmmm! How did you figure that out?” “I noticed the different flavors at the blood bank, but I didn’t exactly have time to experiment.” She jotted the formula down and began to mix more bottles. Priss laughed at her look of serious concentration and turned to yell, “Hey Linna! You’ve got to come see this!” + + + + + Sylia opened the front door and set her bags down in the entrance way. She heard voices in the living room and knew she was going to have someone to kill. She’d been extremely worried at the loss of contact with the others, but apparently they were all right. She kicked off her shoes and padded silently into the other room. She froze. Her three team mates were in the middle of a discussion and didn’t seem to notice her arrival. Sylia stared at the wine bottles and empty blood bags and tried to make some sense of what she was seeing. “So the kid was your first victim.” Priss was laying across a chair staring at Nene. Smoke curled from her cigarette as she filled a wine glass with blood. Nene nodded as she drained her own. She opened another bag and refilled her glass, then poured the rest into an almost full bottle. She corked the last bottle and sipped from her glass. It was rather like eating potato chips. “Yes. I was terrified, but I couldn’t stop myself. I was so glad when you guys burst in, but I didn’t know what to tell you. All I knew was that it would be daylight soon and that I needed a place to hide. So I locked myself in the closet and hoped I’d survive.” She sighed and looked at Linna. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Linna. I was going hunting when you stopped me and I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t very well say, ‘Gee Linna, I really would like to stay and chat, but I’ve got to go hunting for blood.’ I was afraid of what you might do.” Linna was indignant. “What I might do? Nene Romanova! You don’t mean to sit there and tell me that you thought I’d kill you?” She tossed a pillow at Nene. It flashed across the room at an incredible speed, but Nene blocked it easily. “Just grab a stake and spike my best friend?” Linna crossed her arms and sank into the couch with a huff. Priss snorted and tossed her the bottle. “Why not? You sure as hell didn’t hesitate to climb into that shower and take me out. You’d have thought I was an all-you-can-eat buffet. You can be rather ruthless, Linna. I don’t blame Nene for not telling you or anyone else for that matter.” Priss had smelled Sylia’s perfume and had heard her heartbeat when she’d entered, but she didn’t draw attention to her. She was pretty sure that the others already knew. Letting Sylia overhear them might be easier than trying to explain it to her directly. Sylia could be rather unnerving at times. “Sorry. The hunger caught me by surprise.” Linna sipped at the blood and wished Sylia would say something. It never occurred to her that she might hurt them. Sylia would find too much use in this new development. Nene turned in her chair and faced Sylia. “Hi. You gonna stand there all night or do want to join us?” Sylia sank onto the couch beside Linna and stared at each of her friends. “LaCroix is a vampire.” Priss laughed and her fangs flashed. “What was your first clue?” Linna frowned at her. “Cut it out, Priss. That’s not funny.” Sylia opened her briefcase and pulled out a thin folder. “I met with one of his ‘children’ in Paris. Nicholas deBrabant. He and his wife are vampires. They’ve been trying to find LaCroix since he disappeared over a year ago. They don’t really want him around, but they figured that knowing where he was safer than not knowing.” Sylia flipped through the small amount of information Nick had given her. It wasn’t about LaCroix, but about how to survive as a vampire. She had known after talking to Nick that LaCroix had brought Nene over. She just hadn’t expected Nene to take the rest of the team in her absence. “LaCroix has a weakness for innocence. He’s drawn to it and feels compelled to corrupt it. Mr. deBrabant was a crusader, several hundred years ago. LaCroix brought him over against his will.” “Damn! Nene must have been irresistible.” Priss drained her glass and wished she could have five minutes alone with the bastard. Sylia passed the folder to Nene. She read silently for a few minutes, then looked up at Sylia in confusion. “I don’t understand.” “After I found out about LaCroix, I realized what had happened to you. I knew that there were things you’d need to know to survive, but that LaCroix wouldn’t be likely to tell you now.” Sylia looked at the others in exasperation. “Imagine my surprise. If you’d answered my calls, all of this could have been avoided.” Linna winced and raised a slow hand. “I turned the audio off so it wouldn’t disturb Nene.” Sylia shook her head. Too late now. She remembered the other things that Nick had told her. Extraordinary strength. Acute hearing. Increased reflexes and speed. Eternal life. Sylia considered these to be definite pluses. The blood lust and dangers of the sun were small prices to pay. “I’m afraid there is no known cure for vampirism.” She pulled her blazer off and laid it over the arm of the couch. “I intend to begin research immediately, of course. It’s ironic. I had briefly wondered what would happen if Nene brought the rest of the team over, but I never thought it would actually happen.” Sylia began to unbutton her blouse. She shrugged out of the garment and tossed the silk aside. “Nene brought you two across.” She stared at Nene. “I think it’s only fitting that you bring me across as well.” Priss laughed suddenly. “I knew it. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist the power.” Nene frowned. “Are you sure about this?” Sylia’s voice was calm, rational. “Yes. I know exactly what I’m doing. LaCroix will come for you, Nene. We need every advantage when that happens.” Priss laughed again and motioned for Linna to move aside. “Right. Very noble of you, Sylia, to make such a sacrifice. Too bad that you have to take all of the ‘extras’ along with it.” She was genuinely amused by Sylia’s decision. It was so like her. Sylia looked at the others and suddenly smiled. “Let’s just say that I don’t think I’d like to be the prey in a group of predators.” Linna seemed truly upset at the idea, but Priss just stared at her. Priss’ eyes shifted and her fangs descended. Sylia spoke quietly. “Unless you have other ideas?” Nene smacked Priss on the top of the head and growled, “Enough! This isn’t a game!” Priss pulled herself back under control and scowled at Nene. “It was just a joke!” Nene ignored her as she knelt on the couch next to Sylia, her expression serious. “Last chance, Sylia.” Sylia saw Nene’s eyes change and a tremor shook her. It wasn’t fear. She laid back against the couch and raised her chin, exposing her throat. Nene touched the side of her throat with soft fingers, then lowered her head. Sylia was lost. + + + + + Nene felt the strong pull of Sylia’s lips on her wrist and gasped at the surging heat that coursed through her. It was so wonderful! She was growing weaker and she forced herself to stop Sylia. Only she couldn’t. Sylia wouldn’t let go. Nene tugged on the hands that were gripping her wrist, but she couldn’t move them. “Uhhh! P-Priss! Help me! She won’t let go.” It took all three of them to break Sylia’s hold. Nene stumbled away from her, shocked at her strength. Linna caught her as she fell and carried her to a chair. She held a glass to Nene’s lips. Nene drank the blood quickly, staring at Sylia’s unconscious form. “How is she so strong?” Priss refilled her glass and shook her head. “I don’t know.” Sylia opened her eyes and stared at the closet shelf. The rustle of movement beside her caught her attention. Nene and Linna were asleep on one side of the closet and Priss was lying next to Sylia. She sat up and ran a hand through her hair. “This is ridiculous!” Nene jumped at the sound of her voice and stared at her groggily. “Sylia?” Nene watched Sylia step over her and Linna as she left the closet. “I’m sure you’ve got a reasonable explanation for why we’re jammed into this closet, Nene. Why don’t you join me outside and let me hear it.” Nene winced at her tone. Priss rolled over and groaned. “Oh god. That hasn’t changed, I see.” She grinned at Nene. “Nene’s in trouble! Nene’s in trouble!” She ducked the pillow that came flying at her and laughed. “Good grief! You still can’t hit the side of a C-class boomer!” Linna burst out laughing at that and Nene tossed her hair in a gesture of dismissal. “Fine. Act like children!” She stormed out and slammed the door behind her. The two women stopped and looked at each other. Laughter echoed through the closet again. Nene found Sylia in the living room. Three empty wine bottles sat on the coffee table. Sylia opened a fourth and filled two glasses. Nene accepted the glass she handed her and curled up on the couch, preparing for a lecture. Sylia stood in front of the huge windows, staring at the city around them. Her voice was soft. “There’s a great deal to learn now, isn’t there?” Nene sighed and tried to explain. “LaCroix told me that the sun was deadly to vampires. I didn’t know where else to hide at first. I didn’t expect to be sharing the space with three other people.” Nene frowned and stared at the ruby sheen coating her glass. “Besides, I didn’t want to leave the others alone. It seemed safer to keep them near, you know what I mean?” Sylia turned to her and smiled. “I know. You were protecting you children.” Priss strolled in and leapt over the back of the couch, landing neatly next to Nene. She laid her head on Nene’s shoulder and looked up at her with puppy dog eyes. “Gee, Mom, can I borrow the car?” Nene shoved her away and laughed. She looked back at Sylia. “I don’t feel the same protective urge with you, why is that?” Sylia shrugged. Linna handed Priss a glass and shot Sylia a look. “Probably for the same reason it took all three of us to pull her off of you.” Sylia frowned at them. She didn’t remember. Sylia crossed to a painting that was hanging near the windows and pulled it away from the wall. It swung silently on it’s hinges and revealed a control panel of some kind. She punched in a code and a low, faint rumble filled the room. Nene and the others watched in amazement as huge metal shudders slid down over the windows. “I designed this building to withstand all manner of disasters and calamities. I think we can come out of the closet now, don’t you?” Nene sank low in her seat and didn’t look at the others. Linna stared at the shudders as Priss began to laugh heartily. “Now that’s Sylia for you! Always stacking the deck in your favor, aren’t you?” Sylia raised her glass and the others joined her. “It pays to be prepared.” A slight frown touched her features and was gone. “We have a lot of ground to cover. We have to organize our old lives to mesh with our new. Mr. deBrabant said that a clean break was usually best, but I disagree. I’m not prepared to give up everything we’ve achieved.” She expected the others to agree and wasn’t disappointed. “We now have a distinct advantage and I wish to use it to it’s fullest.” Priss laughed again and pointed a finger at Sylia. “You think we can tumble Genom now.” Sylia smiled, but didn’t answer. She didn’t have to. + + + + + LaCroix re-read the newspaper article and smiled. The blood bank had been robbed. At least his daughter was keeping herself well fed. The article said that over half of the stock had disappeared. A wild thought occurred to him and he paused. “Could she have?” The amount of blood missing was enough to feed even a new vampire for several months. Surely she had overestimated her need? Once born the thought would not dissipate until he was forced to concede that it was entirely possible. Nene could have brought someone across. He laughed suddenly and thought of the white armored leader of the Knight Sabers. “Have you found that you are nurturing a young cobra at your breast? Has my little predator fallen upon her ‘family’ and devoured them?” LaCroix wondered at the delicious irony. + + + + + Sylia watched the levels of the readout rise and called out to Priss. “That’s good, Priss. Can you push any harder?” Priss glanced over her shoulder and shot Sylia a ‘get real’ look. “I could probably shove this thing through wall and well into the next room. The question is, do you want me to break your toy?” Sylia laughed and shook her head. “I don’t think that will be necessary. You can stop now.” She made a note on her chart and checked the level Nene was fighting at. Sylia did a double take and waved Linna over to watch. If not for their vampiric sight, they would have been unable to see anything, but a blur. Nene’s blows rained down on the hapless hologram and the level bells rang out in a steady rhythm. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. The control panel in front of Sylia sparked and they jumped. The computer surrendered the field to Nene with a defeated hiss. Nene watched the training pod dissolve and punched the air with her fist. “YES!” She danced around the training room and laughed in delight. As she jumped into the air, Sylia noticed the way she drifted back down. She spoke to Nene over the intercom, but it was merely a habit. Nene could hear her through the thick glass easily. “Nene that was excellent. I want you to try that jump again, but this time see if you can consciously make yourself stay up, okay?” Nene grinned and complied. It took several hours of hard work, but eventually they managed to master the rudiments of flight. Linna seemed to grasp the ability more easily than the others and Sylia wondered if anything from her human form had influenced her vampire form. Priss seemed to be the strongest of the group, while Nene’s speed was unrecordable. The differences were minute in actuality, but it was curious none the less. She made a mental note to call Nick and ask him. The sun was rising as they settled down for the day. Sylia was setting the computer up to analyze the data they’d collected when she heard a human heartbeat. She turned to find Mackie standing behind her. “Mackie!” He set his bag down and hugged her. “Surprise!” She pulled back and frowned at him. He laughed at her fierce expression. “I thought I’d come home for a visit. Germany is nice, but I missed home. I noticed that Priss has taken up residence in my apartment. Something happen to her trailer?” For the first time in her life, Sylia was speechless. How was she going to tell him? She had thought she would have more time. In the end, Mackie provided the opening. He was frowning at the metal shutters over the windows. As he went to the control panel, Sylia realized what he was doing. She was across the room in a heartbeat and caught his arm as he opened the picture. “No! You can’t raise the shutters, Mackie.” He stared at her in concern and put his hand over hers. “What’s wrong?” “A lot has happened since the last time you visited. I guess I’d better start at the beginning.” Mackie stared at his sister in disbelief. “What?” Sylia patted his knee and nodded. “It’s true. It’s all true, Mackie. Nene brought Priss over after that.” She knew there was no good way to break this next part to him, so she just said it. “I asked Nene to bring me over.” He started to protest, but she held up a hand to stop him. “It’s already been done, Mackie. I’m a vampire now, just like the others.” “Why? Why would you choose this?” His voice was low and he was looking at her like he’d never seen her before. Maybe he hadn’t. Sylia sighed and felt the pull of sleep. “It’s not something I can put into words. I know that there must be a way to reverse this, but I need time. I’ve started analysis of our blood, trying to find a cure, but it may take years. Decades even. If I died before the others got help, then I’m afraid that they would never find a way back.” She laughed without humor. “The others think that I did this to gain the power and maybe part of that is true, but I couldn’t let them face this alone. Please try and understand.” Mackie shook his head as if to clear it and wondered if he was lucky enough for this to be a nightmare. “I guess I need to think about this.” She stood and brushed the hair away from his forehead. “I need to sleep. We can talk again after dark. Remember, leave the shutters down on the others sections. You can raise them in here and in the gym.” Sylia hated to leave him alone with this, but she could barely manage to stand. Mackie saw her sway and looped her arm around his shoulder. As he helped her into bed she saw the fear in his eyes. “I’m all right, Mackie, I just need to rest.” He said nothing and she drifted into sleep watching him watch her. Priss slid back into bed and thought about what she’d overhead. She had misjudged Sylia. Priss smiled wryly. But not by much. + + + + + Nene burst into tears when she saw Mackie and hugged him fiercely. Mackie let out a little yelp as she squeezed too hard and she pulled back in alarm. “Oh Mackie, I’m sorry!” He touched her cheek and stared at his bloody fingers. Nene ducked her head and stammered an apology. “I-I’m sorry Mackie. It just happened.” He smiled and hugged her this time. “I’m just glad you’re all safe.” He turned to the others. “Sylia tells me that you’ve managed to surpass every testing machine we have. I guess I’ll have to get busy building tougher equipment.” Sylia frowned at his words and shook her head. “I don’t think you should stay here, Mackie. It’s not safe. LaCroix will come after Nene and you’ll be in great danger when that happens.” “I’m staying, Sylia. I’ve thought about it and my place is with the team.” Sylia raised a brow in question and he blushed. “No. I don’t want to join you. I don’t agree with what you’ve done, but I’ll help you anyway that I can.” + + + + + LaCroix stood over the bodies of the two police officers that had tried to arrest him and cursed roundly. Those witches had struck again and he was beginning to become irritated. Now he was wanted by the police. LaCroix had not been able to focus on Nene since she’d left him. He had been forced to rely on his human and vampire network which hadn’t found anything. He silently rose to the roof as another police car arrived. Little Girl Lost ------------------- By (shehulk@neocomm.net) Part 3 Sylia studied the hardsuit designs and realized she would have to scrap the lot. They just couldn't withstand the new strength of the team. She waved a hand at the screen and spoke to Mackie. "It won't work. The suits just weren't designed to take that much internal pressure. Any ideas?" Mackie frowned and pointed to a list of materials they had considered when they had first built the suits. "Here. We discarded it as being too heavy, but that isn't a problem now. Do you think this would work?" Sylia smiled and patted him on the arm. "Mackie you're a genius! Let's run some simulations and see if the computer simulation agrees." Nene stared at the ceiling and groaned. She was bored. Sylia and Mackie were shut up in the lab and Priss was at Hot Legs. She looked over at Linna and tossed a pillow at her. Linna didn't stop reading her newspaper, but deflected the missile absently. "I'm bored! Linna? Are you listening to me?" "No." "Come on Linna, let's go see Priss." Linna did look up at that. "You know you can't go out where LaCroix might sense you. Besides, Leon will probably be at the club. It would look pretty suspicious if he saw you there when you're supposed to be sick." Nene scowled wandered over to watch the city. "I know. But what am I going to do?" "I don't know, just don't leave the building." Nene stiffened suddenly and turned to Linna in alarm. "Linna!" Her voice was low and urgent. "I can feel another vampire!" "This surprises you?" "No! I mean outside, in the hallway!" Linna focused and felt the strange vibration. It was not familiar. "Get Sylia!" Nick rang the bell and froze as he heard the distinctive click of a gun hammer being drawn back. He slowly turned around and found himself face to gun with Sylia Stingray. Nick noticed the change, of course and frowned. "I see I'm too late. LaCroix found her." Sylia laughed and lowered her weapon. "No, I'm afraid Nene managed quite capably in his absence. Come in." Nick watched the group and was struck by how close they were. They way they teased each other spoke of years of friendship. Nene laughed at something Linna said and he saw the sweet air that still surrounded her even after her passage into the night. The casual way they handled the blood consumption disturbed him, though. He sipped from his own glass and tasted human blood. Had they killed for it? Sylia saw him frown and knew what he was thinking. Nick had warned her that Nene would be feeling intense guilt over what she'd become and that a substitute of cow's blood might be easier for her to accept. Only Nene had felt no guilt. Nor had the others. She drank deeply from her glass and realized that Nick had been describing his own guilt. "Is the vintage not to your liking, Mr. deBrabant?" "It's fine." He met her level gaze. "I just wondered about the source. It's very.....rich." Linna laughed and pointed to Nene. "It's Nene's special mix. She cleaned out a blood bank and has been experimenting with different blends." Linna lifted the bottle and read Nene's notes. "Let's see. One part A- to three parts O+. I think you've got a winner here, Nene." Nick shook his head. "That's rather dangerous. It can call attention to you." "That has already been taken care of. I've just purchased a small research company for the express purpose of providing the supplies we need. There will be no more robberies." Sylia filled her glass again. "You are disturbed by something." "You all seem rather casual about this. I don't understand how you..." He trailed off as Sylia raised a hand. "Please. Let me finish for you. You are wondering why we can drink the blood of mortals without the guilt you yourself feel. You don't know us, Nicholas. We have lost our loved ones, some to disasters, some by the hands of monsters who call themselves human. We have struggled for years against an overwhelming foe, yet we persevere." She stood and faced the city. "You have not walked these streets with us, seeing the death and the hopelessness. Watching as people are crushed under corporate machines and their blood used to grease the wheels of 'progress.' There is little morality in this city and sometimes I think that we are the sole possessors of this virtue." "I drink without remorse because I am still what I have always been; a predator among predators. If I didn't have such convenient means of gaining supplies then I 'would' hunt the streets. Believe me, we could feed every hour of every night for a hundred years and not even scratch the surface of the evil in this place." The sound of slow clapping caused everyone but Sylia to start. Priss stepped forward and picked up a bottle from the coffee table. She pulled the cork out with her teeth and spat it away. Lifting the bottle to Sylia she spoke with a razor sharp edge. "The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen!" And she drained the bottle. Priss wiped the blood from her mouth and turned to Nicholas. "deBrabant. You know LaCroix well, right?" She sneered as he nodded. "Then tell us how we can kill him. How do we destroy this monster?" Sylia was concerned at Priss' behavior. "What's is it?" Priss faced her. "Leon's dead." Nene gasped. "No! Oh Priss, he can't be!" "Daley's gone, too. They found the bodies outside of the Raven. Since boomers had trashed the place it brought the investigation under the AD Police jurisdiction. They tried to arrest LaCroix and the bastard killed them." Priss hurled the bottle at the window and watched it shatter into dust against the armored glass. Hot tears escaped her and she clenched her eyes closed to stop them. "The cops think it's another 33-S." Her voice broke and Nene held her while she cried. Nicholas saw Sylia and Linna move to stand bedside them. They hovered protectively, but he sensed the rage building within each of them. Nick realized that LaCroix may have just made the biggest mistake of his undead life. + + + + + They continued to train in the days that followed, honing their skills under Nick's watchful eye. He marveled at how quickly they adapted to their new abilities. Sylia tapped the computer screen, catching his attention. "See here? The suit was originally designed to provide protection and enhanced strength. We've discarded all of the components that provided the muscle and that left more room for better armor and more weapons." She entered a command and the digital display changed. The list of weapons that scrolled out beside it was impressive. She handed Nick a glass vial filled with silver liquid. "What's this?" "Silver nitrate. Mackie has been running some tests and it turns out that this stuff is lethal to us. It turns our blood into poison." She held up a bullet. It was over four inches in length and he could see the strange jacket that made it distinctive. "An exploding tip, filled with silver nitrate. I'm hoping this will give us the edge we need to finish LaCroix." Priss' sudden curse filled the air. They watched as she stormed across the training room after Linna. Linna laughed and easily dodged her wild swing. "See? Slow as a turtle!" Sylia started to rise, but Nene flashed by the pair and sent them both toppling. "I don't think either of you have room to talk, do you?" She grinned and they both went after her. Nene let out a small yelp and fled. Sylia shook her head and returned to her explanation. + + + + + Mackie adjusted the scanner and nodded at Sylia. "Ready when you are." She stepped onto the pad and the ring began to lower. It reached the base of the pad and rose. Mackie looked at the new readouts and compared them with the old ones. He frowned. "You'd better come see this." Sylia saw the changes and smiled. "I thought so." "What is that?" Mackie was half afraid that he knew the answer. "Adaptation, Mackie. Father was right." + + + + + Priss felt him before he entered the club. The faint tingle reached her as she finished her last set and she scanned the crowd as they cheered. She heard the door open and knew that LaCroix was here. Priss cursed mentally and left the stage. She raced back to her dressing room and changed quickly. She grabbed her jacket and turned to find LaCroix standing behind her. "Don't you know how to knock?" Priss slipped her jacket on and shoved her hands in the pockets. Her fingers curled around her pistol and she thought of Leon. "I don't sign autographs, if that's what you're looking for." LaCroix merely raised a brow. "If it's a game you want, then I must disappoint you. I desire only one thing from you, Miss Asagari." He had her by the throat and against the wall before Priss could react. She gasped as he began to squeeze. "This will not kill you, but it will cause you unnecessary pain. Where is she?" Priss gripped the gun and pulled the trigger. The bullet was wild and clipped LaCroix in the side, but it was enough. The bullet exploded and he fell back, screaming. Priss ran from the club and took to the air. + + + + + Sylia watched the people on the street dozens of stories below. She heard Nene step out and turned to scold her. Nene held up her hand. "I need air, Sylia. I hardly think LaCroix will fly past and see me." Linna joined them and the studied the city below them. Nene sighed. "Do think it's odd, about the blood I mean?" Linna shrugged. "I guess it's part of the whole package, isn't it?" "Yes, but it just seems so normal. You remember how I was before. This kind of thing would freak me out, now I'm mixing the stuff like a wine maker! Is that normal?" Sylia laughed and shook her head. "I think you're trying to hard to find something to be guilty about. You are not the same person you were, Nene. We've become so much more than we were before. I think that the things you're feeling are part of the instincts we possess now." Linna spoke softly, almost afraid of what she was thinking. "When Priss told us about Leon.....I thought..." She frowned and forced herself to continue. "My first thought was of the blood, then I thought of Leon as a person." Sylia smiled. "Leon was a good person, Linna. He will be missed. The thing you have to remember is that you are not human any more. On an evolutionary basis, we are a different species now." She waved a hand toward the city. "We're stronger than they are, that makes them seem distant, separate." Linna saw the shape coming toward them from the sky. "Nene, get inside! Sylia, there's somebody coming!" Sylia focused on the intruder and gasped. "It's Priss!" Priss spotted the Lady 633 and wiped the blood from her eyes. Her strength was fading fast and she doubted she would make it to the building. Bloody sweat covered her and she was shivering. She wondered if she would die from the landing or would she be dead before she hit the ground. Priss heard someone calling to her as she fell Linna caught Priss and struggled to keep them both aloft. She hadn't tried to carry someone before and it was harder than she would have thought. Sylia appeared beside her and helped carry Priss back to the roof. She was delirious, but Sylia understood. "There...he..I tried...shot him...it hurts.....Sylia..." Mackie replaced the blood bag with a fresh one and checked the needle in Priss' arm. Sylia was tearing the rest of her clothes away and washing off the sweat so she could see. "There." She pointed to a small scratch on her side and Nick frowned. "That's it? That's what's making her so sick?" Sylia pulled on a pair of surgical gloves as Nene brought her a surgical kit. She laid the instruments out and looked at Mackie. "Keep the blood transfusions going. If she wakes up, she if she can drink some as well. Linna, move the scanner over Priss." Linna adjusted the scanner and Sylia watched it as she made the first incision. "She said she shot LaCroix. He must have been too close when the bullet exploded." She nodded to the screen. A tiny sliver of metal was visible. Sylia caught the piece and removed it. "Linna change the scan to infer-red." The screen changed and Nick saw several white areas. "What are those patches?" "Silver nitrate. Or rather the effects of it. It's killing whatever it comes into contact with." Sylia picked up a larger scalpel and began to excise the 'dead' flesh. Priss screamed and tried to sit up. Linna and Nene held down her arms as Nick grabbed her legs. Priss cried out again as Sylia removed a large chunk of flesh. Sylia paused and looked at Mackie. He held a goblet of blood to Priss' lips and she drank deeply. Two more glasses and Sylia began again. Priss clenched her teeth against the pain and prayed she would pass out. No such luck. Sylia removed the last of the infected areas and ran the scanner again, making sure the wound was clean. It was and she wrapped the gapping hole lightly. The regenerative sleep would heal the rest. Priss felt a warm wet cloth wash away the sweat from her face and looked up to see Nene staring down at her in concern. Priss' voice was faint. "Sorry about the car, Mom. I guess I'm grounded?" Nene's eyes filled and she smiled. "You're damned right you are!" + + + + + LaCroix had thought he was dying at first. The fire in his side was excruciating and for a brief moment he wished he would die so that the pain would stop. But his thirst for revenge was stronger and he forced himself to act. Pulling his shirt away, he stared at the ragged wound. LaCroix knew that it wasn't a normal bullet that had struck him. He had felt it explode, felt each white hot piece as it violated his flesh. He reached for dagger beside of him and began to cut. + + + + + Priss opened her eyes and stretched as the door opened. Sylia entered with Nene right on her heels. "Hi. I guess you want to check me out, huh?" She tossed back the blankets and Sylia began to cut away the bandages. Priss looked down to see unblemished skin and laughed. "Excellent work, Dr. Stingray. You'd make a fortune in cosmetic surgery." Priss idly ran her fingers over the scar on her other side and thought of things she couldn't change. Sylia saw her eyes darken and spoke quietly. "Are you hungry?" Priss shook away her memories and grinned. "That was a joke, right?" Priss lit a cigarette and refilled her glass. "So now he knows who I am. It won't take him long to find out about the rest of us." "Are you sure you hit him?" Linna's voice was low. Priss laughed, but there was an edge to the sound. "Yeah. I'm sure. He fell back, but he was getting up again as I left." "He's an ancient vampire. They are almost impossible to kill. I know, I tried once." Nick frowned into his glass. "Maybe we should offer LaCroix a deal." Sylia waited for the explosions. "Are you out of your mind?" Linna pushed away from the table and began to pace. "He almost kills Priss and you want to meet with him? Am I the only one who thinks this is a very bad idea?" Priss shook her head. "I don't like it either. I'd prefer him dead." She glanced at Nick. "But I don't see that we have any other choice. We can't keep hiding." Priss flicked the ash from the tip of her cigarette. They all heard it hit the glass of the ashtray. Life had gotten very complicated. "If we could get him to agree to leave the country..." Nick's expression was doubtful. "LaCroix is a law unto himself. I don't think he'll agree to that, but he might agree to stay in the background." "I don't want him near me!" Nene was on the verge of tears. Nick sighed. "He brought you over, Nene. There are ties between you now. LaCroix won't be willing to let go that easily." Sylia spoke quietly. "He doesn't have a choice. He either leaves or we kill him." "Or he kills you." It did not take long for LaCroix to hear that Nicholas was in MegaTokyo and wanted to see him. He was immediately suspicious. Time to renew old acquaintances. This part of the subway had been part of the infamous Paradise Loop a few years back. The development of Geo City had brought about the refurbishment of the old line, but parts of the system were still the same. Nick walked down the darkened tunnel cautiously, his ears straining. Rats scurried away from him and squealed in protest. Nene clenched his hand and tried to remember that she was a vampire now. They couldn't hurt her. She easily made out their furry bodies in the dark and gulped audibly. Nick smiled at her encouragingly and they continued to descend. Sylia was right behind them. She hadn't liked the idea of this meeting place, but she'd been given little choice. LaCroix had insisted they meet in the abandoned station. He would agree to nowhere else. Linna's voice was a mere vibration, but Sylia heard her. "I've got all three of you on screen. Priss is in position." Sylia said nothing as she touched the ear piece. Linna received the signal and radioed Priss. "Sylia's ready. Let's just hang back and hope we're not needed." She waited for Priss to reply. After a moment's silence, she tried again. "Priss?" Nick stopped on the edge of the platform as LaCroix emerged from the shadows. Torches had been placed all around the platform and the light flickered over his features in a gruesome display. "LaCroix." "Hello, Nicholas. It has been too long." He smiled at Nene and she trembled. "And you Nene. Are you well? I hope these last weeks haven't been unpleasant for you. Come closer and let me see you." Nene felt herself take an involuntary step forward. Sylia placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her and didn't react as Linna spoke in her ear. Nick moved in front of her and met LaCroix' gaze steadily. "I don't think you understand what's happening here, LaCroix. You've managed to hurt a great deal of people. Oddly enough they want you dead now. I can't say that I blame them." "Ah Nicholas. Are you still protecting the weak and innocent?" LaCroix shook his head. "Such promise, such energy, wasted. I wonder if she needs your protection? I believe that Nene is everything you could have been, Nicholas. I smell human blood on her. Does she hunt what you will not? Does she bathe in the blood of her prey, while you dine on the swill of animals?" Nene broke loose from Sylia and confronted LaCroix angrily. "What I feed on doesn't concern you! I didn't ask for this! You brought me across by force and you have no right to try and claim me!" LaCroix laughed silently and walked into the center of the ring of light. Nene stood her ground and lifted her chin. "I won't go with you and if you try anything then we'll..." She trailed off as he stared at her. LaCroix lifted a hand Nene saw the pieces of metal as they fell to the floor. "Or you'll what? Kill me? An interesting toy, but hardly a threat." She stepped into the circle and he touched her cheek. "You have no idea of the trouble you caused me, little one." Sylia pushed past Nick and faced LaCroix. "Get away from her." LaCroix saw the gun fixed on him and laughed. "Why Nene, is this another child? How marvelous! I had no idea you would be so...prolific." LaCroix ignored Sylia and turned to leave. "You can have your freedom, child, but Nene will come with me." Sylia released the safety and he stopped. "Unless of course you want your 'sister' to die?" He held up Priss' helmet, it's face shield smashed. "No! You bastard!" Nene lunged after him, raking her claws across his back. He turned and sent her flying across the platform with the back of his hand. She hit the wall hard, crushing the bricks and slumping to the ground. Nene reached for her gun with bloody hands and opened fire on her master. LaCroix was still advancing on Nene and Sylia shot him in the chest three times in quick succession. He staggered back as Nene and Sylia continued to fire. LaCroix roared at them and picked up something from the floor, hurling the steel bar at Nene. She screamed as it pinned her shoulder to the wall. Sylia's kick caught him in the side of the head, knocking him down. He grabbed her ankle and tossed her toward Nene. She managed to keep from crashing into Nene, hitting the wall beside her instead. Linna burst onto the platform and strafed LaCroix as she moved to shield Nene and Sylia. He fell back into one of the tunnels and disappeared. Sylia knelt beside Nene and Nick went after LaCroix. Sylia pulled the bar out as Linna went after Priss. Linna raced into the dark recess and armed all of her weapons. She shot through the cramped confines and ducked low ceilings as she searched for Priss. A steady reading on her screen told her she was going in the right direction. The sound of a low moan reached her as she turned a corner and found herself in a small nook. Priss was lying against the wall and Linna was horrified to see a long stake splitting the front of her armor. "Priss!" She knelt beside her friend and was amazed to see Priss look up at her with a faint smile. "Hi. S-Sorry I missed the....show. Ugh...damn...that hurts." She saw Linna's face and shook her head, groaning as the movement echoed through her body. "N-Not that bad....missed.....heart." Linna gripped the wood and pulled it out quickly. Priss screamed. Nene moaned and clutched her shoulder. Sylia held a bottle to her lips and wondered what was happening in that tunnel. Nick found LaCroix in a distant crawl space. He was in bad shape, but Nick knew that he would survive. Hadn't he burned LaCroix beyond all recognition before? "LaCroix. It's no use pursuing this. They won't let you play your games with them." LaCroix gasped and pushed himself up against the wall. "Y-You disappoint me Nicholas. I thought you knew me better than that." "I do know you. I know that even as hurt as you are, you'll recover. I also know that you'll try again and they will fight you every step of the way." He sighed and reached into his coat for a bottle. Nick pulled the cork and handed it to LaCroix, who stared at him in surprise. Nick shrugged as LaCroix drank. "You were right about Nene. She's a hunter, though you'd never guess it to look at her. But she's a pack hunter, LaCroix. You cannot make her a solitary hunter, she won't survive. Those women are her family and they will not let you take her from the pack. Look what happened when you took her the first time. If you continue to try they 'will' find a way to kill you." LaCroix tossed the bottle aside and stared at Nick. "Then perhaps I should eliminate my mistake. It might not be wise to let such a slip continue to grow and flourish. I understand that they can come back to haunt you." Nicholas shook his head. "You could. Or you could leave them in peace. Will you destroy this pack, this family? Or will you let them go? The ultimate decision lies in your hands, of course. Are they worth the trouble it would take to kill them?" Nick waited in silence for LaCroix to decide. LaCroix heard the distant rumble of the subway above and looked at Nick. He thought of the way the others had tried to protect Nene. They had been determined ruthless and cunning. All admirable traits. LaCroix sighed and wondered where this family would be in a hundred years. Maybe it would be amusing to find out. "Perhaps you are right, Nicholas. Perhaps I was hasty with my choice. I will leave this 'pack' in peace. A little age might accomplish what force will not. It is not as if I will run out of time." + + + + + Nick emerged from the tunnel to find the others waiting for him. Priss was leaning against the wall beside of Nene. They were both covered in blood and didn't look too good. Sylia and Linna lowered their weapons when they saw that he was alone. "Where's LaCroix?" "He's gone. He won't be back. LaCroix has decided that it may not have been wise to bring Nene over. She's too much trouble." Nick didn't tell them that LaCroix said he would return. They didn't need to worry about that for a century at least. Nene handed Priss the bottle and she drained it quickly. Priss wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and glanced at Nene. "Nice. Kind of spicy. New mix?" Nene laughed and winced as it jarred her shoulder. "Yeah. I added a shot of AB- to my first mix. Gave it a little pep." Linna shook her head at them and lifted Priss into her arms. "If you two gourmets have finished your critique, then I suggest we get out of here." + + + + + Sylia looked at him thoughtfully. "You're returning tonight?" "Yes. I miss Natalie and I need to attend to a great deal of business. It tends to pile up when I'm away. You must visit us some time. Natalie would love to meet you all." Nene handed him a sealed container. "I can't thank you enough for what you've done, Nick. I know you don't like to drink human blood, but you seemed to like the double A mix so I thought...." Nick grinned. "Thank you. I'm sure we'll enjoy it." + + + + + Sylia saw Nene's excited expression as she hurried into her office. Sylia shot a look at Linna. "I think she's been experimenting again. Up to another taste test?" Linna laughed as Nene scowled at them. "I think I can manage." Nene stuck her tongue out at Linna and withdrew the letter she'd received from Nick. "I got this in the mail today. It's from Nick. Apparently another vampire was visiting Natalie when he returned and sampled some of my mix. She's thinking of re-opening the Raven here in Japan. She wants to know if I'd be willing to manage the club." Linna laughed and reached for the letter. "Hmmm. Jeanette DuCharme. Very French. Are you going to do it?" "Why not? It'll be fun." Sylia tried very hard not to laugh at Nene's enthusiasm. + + + + + The Raven was crowded but Nene picked out the vampires easily. The humans in the crowd were unaware, of course. Which was exactly the way Nene wanted it. It wouldn't do for her special customers to become known. She heard the music start and saw Priss take the stage again. She shook her head, recognizing the song. Talk about throwing yourself into a role. Priss poured energy into the song, letting her own emotions shape her voice. Both the lyrics and the feeling were old. Close your eyes and walk the endless night to sleep Nene smiled as she set a glass of 'wine' down in front of the gaijin vampire sitting at the end of the bar. He returned her smile and winked at Nene as he raised his glass to her. Nene felt herself flush and began to wipe the spotless bar. No good-byes And no more promises to keep Sylia appeared in front of her and Nene jumped. How does she do that? "Hi, Sylia. How'd your meeting go?" Nene automatically filled a glass and set it before her. Sylia sipped and tapped the leather folder she'd set on the bar. "Not bad. They agreed to everything I wanted, but they weren't happy about it." Her meeting had been with several of the more powerful vampires in the city. Sylia wanted to bring them together in a sort of tribunal to help keep some of the wilder vampires in line. "The Raven is now considered neutral territory and any vampire who ignores this will find themselves in for a nasty surprise." It ends tonight And fills the emptiness in me You must give in You must give in Nene felt Linna enter and filled another glass. "Sounds good. I just wonder how long it will take you to maneuver them into taking a position against Genom." Sylia smiled into her glass. "Who says they haven't?" Linna sat down next to Sylia and looked at Nene. "Close your mouth, Nene. You look like you've just seen Quincy." A game that you can't win The hunger Nene snapped her mouth shut and shook her head. "I would have never thought that you could become anymore ruthless..." She paused when she heard a gasp of pain. Nene slipped from behind the bar and headed toward the back of the room. The music plays The fire burns The soul departs The fever breaks Linna watched Priss and spoke absently. "She's really getting into this, isn't she?" Sylia tugged her sleeve and nodded to Nene. "This should be interesting." She saw the couple that had drawn Nene's attention and winced. "He's in for it." You can't turn back You can't turn back Nene grabbed the man by the back of his jacket and lifted him from the chair easily. He let go of the woman's wrist he'd been twisting and looked down into Nene's furious gaze. "You will not hurt her again. You understand?" He nodded blankly and she dropped him back into his chair. She turned to the woman. "Do you want me to call you a cab?" The woman nodded and Nene led her back to the bar. The night bleeds in black The hunger The woman left and Linna erupted in laughter. "Nene the Enforcer! I love it!" She ignored her and made a margarita. The human waitress took the drink and Nene turned to Linna. "Did you want me to let him keep hurting her?" Linna stopped laughing and shook her head. "Of course not." "Won't people question your....strength?" Sylia was frowning and Nene groaned. "No. They think that I've got synthetic limbs. Priss suggested the idea. It lets me flex some muscle without worrying about who sees." You must give in You must give in Linna laughed again at the thought of Nene 'flexing muscle'. Her laughter died as the dark haired vampire from the end of the bar slid onto a seat next to her. Linna's face fell when he only smiled at her and then focused completely on Nene. "Hello." He held up his glass. "Very rich for a 'house' brand. May I have another?" Nene felt herself flush again and took the glass from him. His fingers caught hers and she looked up sharply. He smiled and Nene felt her toes curl. "Yes?" "What's your name, blue eyes?" Nene told him and he repeated it softly. The vampire brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. "My name is Vachon." A game that you can't win The hunger The hunger Shimai NOTE: This story assumes that Vachon (and Tracy!) did not die and that the events in the last episode did not happen. APOLOGIES: To all Lucian LaCroix fans, I humbly beg your pardon. Trying to recreate his character was the hardest thing I have ever attempted and I know that I probably failed miserably. I also knicked the song from the Forever Knight CD. (I have no shame!) To all Forever Knight fans: I'm sorry for any perceived missuse of the FK people and please know that I only had the best of intentions.