Sophia was too engrossed with her conversation with Cloud to notice the eerie presence of another, silently watching and listening to their conversation.
Angelus: ...It seems this Cloud needs to be taken care of.
-----------------------------
Knowing of Sophia's true desires, Angelus hurried to his next appointment.
This next meeting just became even more crucial.
The silence weighed like stone in the heavily garlic scented room. Had he been a pure vampire with full vampiric sensory perception, he would have most likely left the room unable to endure the putrid smell.
But it pleased him that they were taking precautionary measures to contain him.
Angelus stood alone before three influential Witch Coven Council members.
Angelus' impatience burned him from the inside, but it would not be wise to speak first.
Samuel: What is this, a staring contest?!
Samuel Lexus. A prodigy in the way of elemental magic, he earned his seat and respect in the Council for his raw magic affinity and combat abilities.
Angelus took note of young Samuel's irritation, and decided it would be better to address the other two in presence for the meeting.
Zaela: Sammy, show our poor guest some manners, please. I'm sure this handsome young boy is just showing us respect and enjoying the aroma of this gorgeous room. Isn't that right, Angelus?
Zaela's high pitch voice dripped with sarcasm.
Zaela Fore. The Guidance of the Waters.
She was a long standing member to the Witch Coven Council. Flattery won her influence, and her eventual monopoly on the Fountain of Youth poured out money and power from the most powerful supernaturals to her deep never satisfied pockets. Of course, those on the Witch Coven Council often received discounts for a taste of its water and its anti-aging abilities.
Zaela: I do hope your father and mother are doing well.
Angelus bowed slightly and diverted his gaze away from Zaela's deathly glare. His father was the only one who had a secret supply of the water from the Fountain of Youth, from the time of the Great War's end, before Zaela overtook control of the fountain's usage.
The large amount that almost dried out the fountain was kept hidden by Ivan Vale for the private use of his wife. Even Angelus himself didn't know where they stored such large amounts of water.
There was more than a few times witches, most likely Zaela's men, had been caught lurking around in the vicinity of the Vale mansion, searching for the hiding place.
Zaela: Bael, say something, please.
The figure at the center continued to hold Angelus steady in his gaze.
Bael Renatus. Formerly named Bael Libertas. Current leader of the Witch Coven.
Angelus, as well as all other supernaturals, knew of his struggles to power.
His father, Maximus Libertas, married a young witch widow several years after the end of the Great War. Maximus married her in secret, uneasy about his decision until his final days but not knowing why. Maximus was then found guilty and beheaded for deception and treason, and put his family name to shame.
As a half witch, Bael's magical powers were not great. In his determination to break free of shame that haunted his family, the shame he had done nothing to deserve, he trained to hone his skills. He renounced his family name, and became known for leading a troop of witches into putting down skirmishes throughout the supernatural realm. It seemed like his father, he too had a way with tactics.
As he gained fame among the people, he was awarded a seat in the lower council. Through his hard efforts and sacrifices, Bael rose to the rank of leader after many difficult years, just several months prior to this meeting with the death of the previous leader, as the magical properties of the Fountain of Youth wore off on him.
There was dissent among the council in putting a half witch in that high position, but through the loyalty of a few in power, such as Zaela and Samuel, Bael just barely won the election.
Angelus looked into the silvery blue eyes of the old man in front of him.
All depended on how many of his lies he would believe.
Angelus: Please, allow me to-
Angelus was cut short by Bael's baritone voice.
Bael: Angelus Vale. You are here upon the favor of your mother, Sharon. Her kind efforts to knit together the supernaturals have earned you the right to stand before us. However -
Bael paused briefly to look even more intensely at Angelus, who did not avoid his piercing stare.
Bael: - that right is to stand before us, and that only. Your father's name is a curse within the Council, and your brother is wanted on more than one account of murder of our kind, but remains elusive. You do not have the privilege to speak.
Angelus put on the most neutral expression he could before speaking calmly.
Angelus: You of all people should know a family's history is not a reflection of one's own merit - although the world will always see to make it so.
Bael's expression did not waiver.
Zaela rose and walked towards Angelus, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
Zaela: The smart boy knows how to use his words. I am more than curious to hear your reasons for having your beautiful mother arrange this meeting. Also...
Zaela surveyed the room with an exaggerated movement of her head.
Zaela: Why does Sharon not grace us with her own presence?
Angelus smirked unintentionally. Flattery was glued to this woman's tongue, and it was beyond irritating.
Was this how he sounded when he used his words to get his way?
Angelus: My mother is... not well. I requested to attend alone.
Zaela: Why does she not drink from her secret reservoir? I'm sure free water must taste very sweet upon her precious lips. Get her feeling good in no time.
Samuel: Who's being disrespectful now, b****? We're not here to let you satisfy your hatred against his parents on Angelus for not being under the influence of your freaken fountain.
Zaela shot a glare at Samuel. Her tone changed to an almost unrecognizable evil tone.
Zaela: Hold your tongue, Samuel. You do not want to push me.
Samuel: Yeah, old hag?! Bring it!
Zaela: OLD?!
Bael: Silence!
Bael: Angelus, you may speak. But be aware, you are responsible for the words you produce before us. You are but a young dhampir, and will be easily disposed, even by my weak hands.
Zaela's tone returned to the usual high sugary tone as she addressed Bael.
Zaela: Oh please, Bael. You don't give your marvelous strength enough credit.
Bael: Angelus, speak.
Finally, Angelus' plans were initializing.
Angelus: I have but a humble proposition.
He paused for dramatic effect.
Samuel: Well?!
Angelus: There are rumours of continual disturbance within the Witch Coven, particularly within the Council itself... Recently linked with questioning Bael's leadership.
Samuel: How dare you walk in here and say-
Zaela: Samuel, the disturbance within the Witch Coven is not a secret. Everyone knows. Has known.
Zaela's eyes flashed suspiciously at Angelus.
Zaela: The disturbance's connection to Bael's leadership is however not information a vampire could have come across by normal means. The results of the elections are not yet publicly announced and were to be after confirmation in the next Council meeting.
Angelus: I have long been concerned with the weakened state of the Witch Coven and have kept open ears to rumors, and done my own... research. A prime example - Seth is but one half vampire and the witches have yet to capture him for his crimes.
Zaela: You are diverting my statement quite cleverly, but you see, boy, I have been in business for a long time. I will not let you slip past your comment -
Bael: It does not matter how he knows. What matters is what he wants with the knowledge he has.
Zaela: Bael - you know Sam and I are both dearly loyal to you. If there are spies or -
Bael held up his hand to silence her.
Angelus: I will provide means for you to stabilize your position.
Samuel: What could you possibly do?
Angelus: I will deliver Seth to you for any judgment you see fit.
After a moment of wearing a blank confused expression, Zaela laughed in a high shrill pitch.
Zaela: You, offering your own brother! How very... chivalrous of you, boy.
Bael walked up to join Zaela in front of Angelus.
Bael: Seth's capture is not a proposition, but justice. It is the inevitable. It is something that should be done with no return.
Angelus: Of course, Seth's deliverance to you is just to show my allegiance to your cause. I ask nothing in return for that deed.
Bael: No man wants nothing in return for his work.
Angelus: As you said, that is justice. If there is any motive, it is to earn your trust. However, there is another proposition I will make in exchange for a deed on your half.
Zaela: What is it you want, boy?
Angelus looked Bael straight in the eye, focusing all this energy on him.
Angelus: A seat within the next Council meeting.
Zaela: The Council meeting is held at a place where even the purest of witches do not know the location if not on the Council. You think we would allow a vampire to attend?!
Samuel: Bael, this is a load of crap!
Bael: What is it that you have to offer in exchange?
Angelus: There are other rumors, rumors revolving around your father, Maximus Libertas.
The witches fell silent for a time, observing Angelus' face.
Samuel looked ready to jump into a fight, Zaela looked desperately worried, and Bael, contemplative.
Zaela: And what exactly would these rumors be?
Angelus: He was beheaded for his deception and treason against the Coven, an alliance with a vampire during the Great War. There are rumors that this alliance was more than just that.
Zaela: What are you saying?
Angelus: Maximus and his vampire accomplice had a child together. Bael's half sister.
Samuel: WHAT?! Bael, what is this? Is it true?!
Angelus: She takes after the mother, blonde hair, red lips, silver eyes. I can give her to you.
Zael: Bael, were you aware of this?
Bael: Maximus only spoke of such a woman that seemed to appear in his dreams. But I have heard the vampire he was in alliance with matches that description.
Angelus: The child was born human, blessed with the right mother. The vampire alchemist gave her child a potion of everlasting youth before her suicide.
Samuel: There is no proof this girl Angelus knows is the same girl.
Zaela: It doesn't matter if this human is truly their child or not. Rumors are poison. And a human child! We don't need another reminder of Bael's impureness. One human is a small price to pay for his success - she must die before she or someone else claims to be this long lost sister of Bael. Tell us, who is this child you are to deliver to us?
Angelus: My adopted sister, Sophia Vale.
Zaela scoffed and waved her hands in disbelief.
Zaela: You lie. I haven't seen her myself, but I heard rumors of a blonde beauty, a full pure vampire, evidenced by her fang size and blood color.
Angelus: My father spread rumors of the kind in order to hold her as leverage when the appropriate time comes. Everyone knows loyalty is a merit held high by witches, and a immoral love child by a former leader elected by the Council... there are a number of morale, moral, trust and power issues linked to this for the entire Witch Coven.
Samuel: I don't believe this.
Angelus: I originally wanted a position within the Council, but realized it would be foolish, and dangerous for a new leader to pull. Show them at this next meeting that you have the power to bring down the infamous Seth, as well as the heart to pursue peace by allowing me, a vampire, to attend your meeting. Let me be to your Coven what my mother is to ours, an envoy of integration, a proof of security and understanding.
Bael: And what do you gain from this?
Angelus paused and decided to make changes to his original plan and improvise his answer to this question.
It wouldn't hurt to add a bit of truth to this whole play.
Angelus: I wish to fulfill my dream.
Bael: Your dream?
Angelus: Yes. I dream for influence, and for internal peace. I dream to calm this raging dissatisfaction within my chest.
Angelus: And sacrifices makes dreams come true.
Bael: ...Very well. Leave, and we will send you word of our decision.
Angelus: Thank you for your time.
Angelus bowed and retreated backwards out the door. The door shut after him.
Zaela: I will send him word of a different location and see he is alone and unarmed before taking him to the meeting. Sam, arrange reinforcements.
Samuel: Psh, I will be more than enough.
Zaela: Bael, I don't trust him. However, if he does hand in Seth, that alone should suffice to earn you more trust.
Bael: ...He said the vampire Maximus had alliance with committed suicide. Public records show she was killed by the War Council after Ivan told of her location. Only those of the upper Council have access to historic records of what truly happened to her.
Zaela: So, he knows things he should not.
Bael: We will keep an eye on him. He takes too much after this father to let be.
Zaela: What about this Sophia girl? Damn this unearthly rumor... words have destroyed more men than swords. It would be stupid to take this lightly, true or not.
Bael: Samuel. Find her. If she is a true vampire, do not go against her alone. Even you cannot be guaranteed survival against a pure breed. But if she is indeed human... You know what to do.
Samuel: Got it.
Samuel groaned as he sunk back into his chair.
Samuel: Damn it, I hate getting my hands dirty.
-----------------------------
Angelus approached his final destination for his preparation.
The night was passing, and it would soon be morning.
He had a sinking feeling that perhaps telling the Witch Council members Sophia's name before it was guaranteed she would complete her potion could cause problems.
However, it was also highly likely the Witches would not send someone after her. And if they did, they had no way of finding her here, far from her homeland in search of Cloud.
Pipper: Pepper, tell him we are not open for business... I don't care if he can't hear you, I don't want to talk to him.
Angelus: It seems you are no longer afraid of me.
Pipper: ...What do you want?! I don't care what you do to me this time, I will not help you!
Angelus: Pipper, please. I have never laid a hand on you, and I have always paid for your services. All this time it had only been Seth that has tortured you, has it not?
Pipper: ...You just stood and watched. And you gave me payment that I didn't ask for.
Angelus: That is because I, like you, am weak. Seth is my older brother, I am helpless against him. I too have been bullied by his strength. Not to mention you have not once returned what I had given you as payment.
Pipper: ...Where is he?
Angelus: That is what I am here to speak to you about. I am in need of your assistance once again, for the last time.
Pipper: ...What is it?
Angelus: You heard how Seth ran off last time we've met, screaming Sophia will not become human, did you not?
Pipper: ...Yeah, he did.
Angelus: I'm afraid he meant it for real. He can't stand me or Sophia getting our way, and refuse to let us fulfill our dreams. He will prevent Sophia from becoming human, and to do so, he framed Sophia for the murders he committed. Now the whole Witch Council is after her head.
Pipper stood up in panic.
Pipper: You--you-you are lying!
Angelus: I understand why you do not trust me. But, I had nothing but Sophia's interest in mind. What I said last time, telling you to make her dream come true, that was sincere. I wish nothing but her happiness. That is also why I was so adamant about asking you about Cloud. I wanted to protect her.
Pipper: ...Fia... Is she, is she alright?
Angelus: For now, she is-
Pipper: PEPPER, WHAT DO WE DO?! Fia, she's... she's in danger, we have to... we have to do something!
Angelus massaged his forehead. Perhaps he was a little too strong with the lie. Now Pipper was not listening but instead worrying, oblivious to his speech.
Angelus placed his arm on top of Pipper's shoulder.
Angelus: Pipper, make me some potions for me overnight. You don't have to make potions to make me stronger, if you lack trust in me. What I need is potions to kill others... silently, quickly and without much effort.
Angelus hung his head and tried to remain as serious as possible.
Angelus: It grieves me that I must cause harm to others, but it is a small price to pay to save Sophia. Someone must protect her... I know if you were not blind, you would be beside her fighting off those who come to harm her. I will kill every single witch that comes my way. I dream to create a happy world for me and for her. And remember what Sophia says, Pipper.
Angelus: Sacrifice makes dreams come true. A few of their deaths will pale in comparison to the happiness in fulfilling our dreams.
Pipper: ...She told you that as well?
Angelus: ...Of course. We are close, she and I.
Pipper: ...I can't make you anything in the short amount of time. The only ingredients I have are for poison fog that is uncontrollable. If you breathe it in while you are using it... you will die too. But it takes time to make...
Angelus: I will gather whatever ingredients you need to create more potent poisons besides that one. I am sure you have the skills to complete them faster than normal.
Pipper: But-
Angelus: Of course, I am not asking you to do this for free. I always pay for your services.
Angelus guided Pipper to a clearing a short distance from the pond.
The sun began to rise. Angelus felt the sun singe his face and absorbed the sweet pain.
Angelus: Ah the sun... I have always wanted to be the sun. To be able to inflict such pain... with the power to kill even the strongest of vampires.
Pipper: ...Yeah Pepper, I know you like the sun. ...I guess to vampires, the sun is pain. To most others like us, the sun is happiness.
Pipper: But Angelus... what is this? Pepper says its... a body?
Angelus continued to let the sun sear his face.
Angelus: Your payment.
Pipper: What?
Angelus: I have heard from your clients, you only seek one last ingredient to finish your elixir.
Pipper: ...
Angelus: In fact, this is the only ingredient you've asked for a long while. Unable to produce it, you've had fewer clients approach you throughout the years. For Sophia, you've made exceptions and asked for ingredients that you do not even require.
Pipper: ...That's...
Angelus: For my previous payments, I have provided you with samples of an alternative to this ingredient... and you've never complained. I figured, this matches close enough to what you are looking for. But you needed more of it, a lot more.
Angelus: The last ingredient needed is pure, aged human blood.
Pipper: ...I...
Angelus: Humans at an old age are often not healthy, and their blood is tainted. To live over 100 years with pure, healthy blood for humans is rare, and to vampires, like vintage aged wine... too precious to give such amounts to you, even to fulfill their desire.
Pipper: Who is this?
Angelus: Her blood is not pure by normal means, but due to the effects of the water from the Fountain of Youth she has been drinking throughout her life. It seems for your purposes, as long as the blood is aged and pure, it does not matter how it became that way.
Pipper: ...But who... where did you find this person?
Angelus: Let's just say I have known her my entire life, and she has lived long enough. She wished for nothing but the happiness for her family, and her son, and by dying she has fulfilled her dream.
Pipper: ...I can't... this is...
Pipper knew this was the last final component to achieving his life long dream... but knowing the physical body of the person was there in front of him... knowing he would somehow have to drain her blood and use it for the elixir... Pipper grew sick at the prospect.
Angelus: DO THIS, Pipper. Take her, take her blood. Make me the potions. Let me save Sophia from Seth and the witches. Then you, Cloud and Sophia can figure out how to make her human, and you can also be freed from your curse.
Pipper: ...
Angelus: This is how much I have sacrificed for my dreams.
Angelus started walking away becoming more irritated at the early sun's rays, leaving the bewildered Pipper with his mother's body.
Angelus: How far will you go to makes yours, to make Sophia's, come true?
-----------------------------
While Angelus was speaking with Pipper, another event was taking place not too far from their location at the Ribbon household.
Miki: This is nice.
Tae: My parents use to do this often, I heard.
Miki pointed out different constellations she could make out while Tae listened attentively.
Miki: ...Thanks for letting me stay over. Your mom is very nice.
Tae: She knows you're special to me. And no, it's... my fault in a way things got harder for you and Kiki.
Tae held Miki's hand while Miki blushed.
Tae: ...But you do know I had to let her know, as I told her before. My feelings for you and her are not the same.
Miki slowly pulled her hand from Tae's and continued to gaze up at the sky.
Miki: I know... it's just... still hard... Even if I know that I feel the same way for you.
Cloud: Sorry, bro, I interrupting something?
Tae glanced over at his younger brother, and a woman walking behind him.
Tae: ...No, what's going on?
Cloud: Where's mom?
Tae: She is attending a client's party. Apparently they are celebrating her recent painting she sold to them. You didn't tell me she picked up painting and writing.
Cloud: Yeah, well, that's a long story... but hey, I like... need your help?
Sophia: Miki, its is nices to sees you agains.
Miki jumped up at the familiar accent of Sophia's voice. The monotone of Sophia's voice was replaced by a more cheerful tone, but her manner of speech was still the same.
Miki: Sophia... what... why are you here?
Cloud: Whoa, what? You two know each other?
Sophia: Yes, we've mets in colleges, didn't we?
Miki: ...Yes, Sophia, she... uhm. We're... friends.
Cloud: Wait wait... WAIT... does that mean you know that she's uhm... er-
Tae: That she's a what?
Miki: ...I'm not sure what you're asking.
Cloud: You know... a... uhm...
Sophia: A vampires?
Cloud: Sophia!! If you say it like that then...
Miki: Vampire?
Cloud: See?? You just scared the crap outta her girl...
Miki: ...No, I... I knew.
Miki had an idea from what she had seen.
She knew they were not humans, but not witches. She remembered from long ago her parents mentioning vampires, and how they were enemies, to be careful. She couldn't tell what Seth or Sophia were exactly from her encounters with them, but now she knew for sure.
Cloud: This is goin' so fast... Tae, you believe this, man?
Tae: Well... I...
Sophia: Cloud, Miki is a -
Miki: WAIT - don't tell him -
Sophia: - a witches. Ands Tae knows. He is not a strangers to the supernaturals.
Cloud: ...WHAT?! BRO, what is this? You didn't say anything about this supernatural crap! You're dating a WITCH? Like, a REAL witch?
Tae: Cloud, calm down.
Cloud: No way man! I had to get freaken BITTEN to believe this, okay? You could have said something man. It hurts. I woulda believed you. I thought we shared everything.
Tae: Bitten? Who bit you?
Cloud: That ain't the point man! Here I was -
Tae: CLOUD!
In a blur, Seth appeared from behind and kicked Cloud in the back sending him flying towards the bushes.
Seth: You F***n get away from her now!
Sophia: SETH -
TAE: Who are you?! Cloud - are you alright? ...Miki? Miki, what's wrong?
Miki stared in horror in silence once again at the sight in front of her. He was here. Sophia had promised to keep him away, but he was here. In front of Tae's house...
Tae was in danger. What could she - what was she going to do?
However, Seth ignored Miki completely and turned to Sophia.
Seth: What the HELL is this crap about you being HUMAN?!
Sophia: Seth, go homes.
Seth: ANSWER MY QUESTION!
Cloud: UGH, shit... what the hell? Sophia?
Seth grabbed Sophia's arm and tried to drag her away.
Seth: We're going home.
Sophia: Lets gos.
Seth: I said, WE ARE GOING HOME.
Sophia: Nos.
Seth: FIA. What the hell is wrong with you?!
Sophia: Leaves me alones, you sickens me.
Seth: I don't care. You... You told me once long ago how much you love being a vampire. What's this... F***. What's wrong with you?!
Sophia snatched her arm away from Seth's hand.
Sophia: Stops pretendings to knows me. You ares nothings buts a murderer.
Seth: F*** YOU SOPHIA. I TOLD you never to say that to me -
Murderer.
The word echoed in Miki's ears.
Miki could not hold her composure any longer.
She screamed, crumbling to the ground.
Tae: MIKI! What's wrong?!
Miki: IT'S HIM. HE... HE... HE IS THE ONE WHO KILLED NIKI!
I am sorry this update took FOREVER to post... had a lot going on this past week!
In order to make up for lost time, this entry shows a lot of things that have been set into motion according to Angelus' ultimate goal which will be revealed in the next entry, or the one after.
Yeah, yeah, aged blood... blood is renewed within the body and such but let's just ignore science for the sake of the story, ok? ;)
As I posted in the NOTICE on the side bar, all previous comments got lost when I changed templates. I did not delete the comments a few of you kindly left! Thank you once again, and hopefully you all will continue letting me know what you think of the story :)
Until next time!
