The Mary Sue Virus: Beyond Death

[ladydeathfaerie]

Title: The Mary Sue Virus: Beyond Death
Chapter Thirteen: The Burden Of Proof 
Fandom: Anita Blake universe
Rating: 18 and up
Warnings: graphic sex and violence, language, anything else i can toss in.
Disclaimer: the recognizable characters and places contained herein are the property of LKH. i'm merely borrowing for the sake of entertainment. no money is being made from this venture. the Sues are the sole property of their originators, Ginevra, Dazzledfirestar, Nanaea, SilverFoxChan and ladydeathfaerie. the concept and title of The Mary Sue Virus are used with permission from Dazzledfirestar. all beta work, plot bunny shooting and ass spanking is being done by Gin.

The Mary Sue Virus: Beyond Death - Index Link 

Asher stared at the faces of the people that had gathered so far in the main area of the Circus. He frowned at the reasons that this meeting had been pushed up. He knew Jean Claude had wanted to give more time to the girls to acclimate to their roles in his life, but events had been set into motion that wouldn't allow for such luxuries. So they were going to explain everything. To everyone. Tonight.

He'd summoned Narcissus himself, who had come with a mix of his pretty boys and hyenas who knew how to fight. They were standing behind the man, who had taken one of the chairs for himself. As far from the others as he could get, Asher noted with a wry twist of his lips. At least the alpha hyena had been smart and come dressed tastefully in a pair of black slacks and a dark blue dress shirt. That had been something Asher had stressed when he'd spoken to the man over the phone earlier. The men gathered behind him were wearing dark clothes that either showed off their bodies or hid the weapons they carried.

Rafael had already arrived, with only three of his rats at his back. Rumor around the community stated that the rat king had been curious about the stability of St. Louis now that the biggest power was gone. His alliance with Jean Claude had been through Anita. The Master of the City was concerned about the continued support of the rats and hoped that this meeting would ensure such a thing. As far as Asher knew, the rats had been playing body guard for Aedan when she'd been away from the pard or the Circus. He felt that meant that, for the time being, the rats were still holding to the alliance.

Damian stood behind one of the other chairs, his hands resting lightly on Isis' shoulders. She had taken the chair and stared around her with curiosity and no small amount of awe. It was the first time she'd been to the vampires' lair and he felt she was rather impressed with the extent of the place. The two of them represented the pride. It was still slightly unsettling to think that Damian had gained the lions from Anita. Something such as that shouldn't have happened. Damian would never be a true master, but he'd gained an ability available only to a true master. It was a rather fortunate event, as no one had been able to contact Haven since he'd left town over a week ago. With Damian standing in as the Rex and Isis assuming the role of the Regina, the lions were just as much under Jean Claude's control as the pack or the pard.

The pard was the last group he turned to study. Minette was settled between Micah and Nathaniel, while Merle stood behind the three of them. Gregory was sitting at their feet. Asher felt a thread of sorrow wind through him at the sight of the woman sitting in what had once been Anita's spot. It had come as something of a surprise when Micah had announced that Minette was the pard's Nimir-Ra, that she had run her beast through his. It had also hurt. Everywhere there were reminders of what he'd lost.

He frowned. There were still two major parties missing from this get together. The first was Aedan, who was required to be here simply because she was Jean Claude's new human servant. She'd called to tell Jean Claude that she was running late and would join them as soon as she was able. The last they'd heard, the woman was on her way. The other was Richard. General consensus was that the wolf didn't want to come anywhere near the vampire because of the animosity that had hung between the two, brought to life by Anita's choice in which of them she wanted in her life.

The problem with that was the pack was still bound to Jean Claude even though the marks that had once made their leader something more had been shifted to another. The wolf was Jean Claude's primary animal and, if Richard chose to ignore a polite summons made by phone, there was no doubt in the vampire's mind that his long time friend would resort to less polite requests. Jean Claude wasn't above throwing out a bit of power to force the wolves to show up. It was a move that would anger and further alienate the Ulfric. But it had to be done. This was more important than Richard's pride. Asher wondered briefly if the wolf had even realized what Anita had done to him, that she'd given the marks he'd carried to Minette. If he hadn't, the meeting would prove interesting.

He turned his eyes lastly to where Jean Claude stood by himself. For all intents and purposes, the man looked as if he were bored with the whole mess. Asher knew better. Jean Claude had learned early how to hide his thoughts and feelings from others. More often than not, such moves were necessary to help preserve one's sanity when in the presence of the older and more twisted vampires that existed. It was safe to say that Jean Claude worried over the outcome of this meeting. There was much at stake here, other lives to consider other than his own. Jean Claude had found a place for himself here, a life that was as safe and as free as it had ever been. For many of their people. He wasn't ready to give it up. Neither was Asher.

A swirl of angry energy touched him a moment before the white panels that made up the walls parted to allow a small party of wolves to enter. Richard was at the front, his face drawn into such lines of anger and dislike that he hardly seemed the same man. There were four members of his pack with him. Shang-Da and Jamil were right behind Richard, while Sylvie and Stephen came next. The witch woman was with them, her curly hair hanging loosely about her shoulders. For the first time, Asher was struck with the thought that she was an attractive woman. The notion broad sided him and he found himself glancing from her to the other women present. Both Isis and Minette each held a beauty that he'd failed to notice before.

He allowed his gaze to drift to the woman seated before him on the couch. He stood behind her, a silent proclamation to everyone that the petite redhead with gemstone eyes and berry sweet lips was his. Janika's presence soothed his frayed nerves. Accepting Anita's death was harder than he'd expected. She'd been the first woman in a very long time that had seen him as something more than a freak. For whatever reasons, she'd loved him. And losing her had been a blow that had left him raw and exposed. Finding out that there had been two women with her that could have helped her and didn't hadn't endeared either of them to him. It didn't matter that they'd have likely been killed if they'd gotten out of the car and offered aid.

Part of him knew on some level that there hadn't been anything either Aedan or Minette could have done to save Anita. The odds had been too overwhelming. They would have been slaughtered along side of her if they'd acted. His heart, however, was convinced that they could have done something to prevent her death. And, as if watching her die hadn't been bad enough, they had taken her place in Jean Claude's life and his base of power. Each of them held a key part of the power Anita had given to Jean Claude as his human servant. Each one of them seemed to occupy more and more of Jean Claude's thoughts and his heart. Asher was afraid there was no room left for him any longer.

He wondered if he had the right to be so upset over the two women and their place in his friend's life. After all, wasn't he the one who'd gone and sought out a secret relationship with a woman because he'd felt Anita would never truly give him what he needed? How could he hate two strangers he barely knew when he had Janika to bring him laughter and joy? When he had a woman who wanted him, despite the scars and without knowing what he'd once looked like hundreds of years ago. Perhaps he should, at the least, give the newcomers a chance to prove themselves.

"What's going on, Jean Claude? Why are we here?" Richard's voice cut across the silence and all eyes turned toward the dark headed vampire. He stared at the Ulfric for a moment before giving a slight smile.

"We will wait a little longer. There is one more person that must be in attendance before I can bring this meeting to order," Jean Claude explained patiently. Asher saw the wolf's jaw tense, a sign that the man was about to explode. But another voice spoke before anything more could come from Richard.

"I've heard rumors, Jean Claude. Quite a few rumors," Rafael said quietly. "Some of them sound... ludicrous. Will you address those rumors tonight?"

"If I do not clear up any rumors you have heard with my announcements, then you are free to ask whatever else you may need to know," Jean Claude inclined his head toward the leader of the rats. The look of confusion that Rafael wore didn't clear but there was a flash of something in the man's eyes that told Asher he was pleased with the answer he'd gotten.

Before the silent tension could string tight again, Asher felt the brush of power and he turned toward the spot in the cloth walls where he knew a new arrival would come through them. Beyond that stood the large wooden door that guarded the entrance to cavernous lair beneath the Circus. Someone was on the other side of the door, angry and perhaps a touch frightened. A glance at Jean Claude told him that the other man was well aware of the new arrival. It was more than likely that everyone but the mortals knew someone was coming.

Keen hearing picked up the sound of the door swinging wide open. It was followed by a wash of power so intense that Asher found himself holding his breath. It felt so much like Anita, a concentrated ball of anger and the cold of the grave that he'd always associated with her. And it was growing, expanding. "I told you. I don't give a shit who you are. You don't belong here. Now go back the way you came before I put a hole in that designer suit."

"I assure you, my dear, that Jean Claude is expecting us," a smooth voice followed the angry one of Jean Claude's new human servant. The power surrounding the woman swelled a little with her upset.

"Aedan has arrived. And we have guests," Jean Claude said before anyone could move. There was a brief moment of silence.

"Fucking hell," the still unseen woman muttered. Laughter followed, a pleasant sound that was meant to soothe and calm. There was nothing more for several seconds, then Aedan was speaking again. "Don't try it. That won't work on me," she said, some of her anger melting away. The prickling of power went with it.

"Please, my dear. After me."

"I don't think so. You can go first," Aedan replied. Stubborn. What was it with Jean Claude and stubborn women?

"You do not trust me?" her unwanted companion asked.

"I'm not in the habit of trusting strangers," she replied. There was a telling silence, then more laughter and the curtains parted to show their guests. Augustine stepped in first and Asher took a moment to study him. He was perhaps a little taller than Aedan, wearing his usual suit. Short blonde hair curled against his head and his gray eyes were filled with laughter. Behind him came Haven, his short blue hair still sticking up around his head as if the man had been shocked. Pale blue eyes shifted across the room to settle on Isis and Damian's possessive hold on her. Aedan followed them. While she didn't have her gun in her hand, he could sense the urge to draw it hanging around her.

Jean Claude moved to greet his old friend, the two men silent as they did so. Then Jean Claude was at Aedan's side, his hand taking hers. She seemed to relax with his touch and allowed him to escort her to the other side of the room. There was a brief moment of awkwardness. Then Jean Claude stepped away from Aedan and drew all attention to him. "Thank you all for coming. I am humbled that you would attend a meeting on such short notice."

For a moment, it appeared as if Richard was going to protest the choice of words, but the woman at his side laid a hand on the man's arm and he remained silent. "As you all know, much has happened in the last week."

"I wish to offer my condolences, Jean Claude, on the loss of your human servant. Anita was a special woman and she will be missed by many people. I know she touched my life," Auggie offered.

"Thank you, Augustine. Yes, ma petite touched many people in her short life," Jean Claude agreed solemnly. Asher felt a pang of sorrow at the pet name. It was so hard to believe she was gone. "But she has left behind a legacy."

"A legacy?" Augustine's eyes flicked across the room to where Aedan stood, then back to Jean Claude.

"Oui. Our Anita has managed to find a way to live on after her death." The announcement brought the room to silence. Asher took a moment to glance around at everyone. There were varying looks of disbelief on nearly all the faces present. Only a small handful were carefully neutral. Ever the showman, Jean Claude waited until the air grew heavy with the desire to know. A few people shifted nervously in their seats.

"Get on with it, Jean Claude. What are you talking about?" Richard finally broke the pained silence. The vampire turned to the wolf and offered a faint smile.

"Very well," he said, then turned to hold a hand out to Aedan. She joined him silently, slipping her hand into his so that Jean Claude could press a kiss to her palm. The gesture wasn't lost on anyone in the room. Wide eyes watched as he turned to Minette and held a hand out to her. As with Aedan, when she joined him in the center of the room, he laid a kiss against her palm. A wall of tension sprang to life in the room, building from so many different sources that it was difficult to sort out who was contributing and who wasn't.

"What the hell is going on?" Richard demanded. He was out of his seat, glaring at Jean Claude and the two women at his side. Minette had inched closer to Jean Claude's side while Aedan had shifted away, her hands hovering with intent near her jacket and the gun she carried. "Who are they?"

"Allow me to tell you a story," Jean Claude replied, ignoring the Ulfric for the moment. "It is a story of three women alone on a darkened road. They are attacked by a large group of vampires and lycanthropes. When the attack is through, one of the women is left dying in the attempt to protect the other two."

"We all know this story, Jean Claude. We don't need to hear it again," Richard's voice was thick with grief.

"But there is more to the story, mon ami. And, as with all stories, it is better to tell it from the beginning." There was an edge to Jean Claude's voice that said he was unwilling to tolerate the wolf king's insolence here. Not now. Perhaps Richard heard it because he sank back into his seat almost bonelessly. "What you do not know is that, as Anita lay dying on that road, she accomplished a miraculous feat. I felt a large power surge just before Anita died. I did not immediately recognize what it meant because my mind was filled with concern for my people. Our people. How many of them would we lose with Anita? How many of them would die?"

"How many of your people did die, Jean Claude?" Augustine asked, voice filled with curiosity.

"Beyond Anita, none."

"How is such a thing possible?" Augustine sounded astonished.

"Anita was able to transfer her powers to the women with her as she lay dying on the road," Jean Claude's words fell like a grenade into the room, heavy with the potential to create mayhem and destruction. Richard shot to his feet, anger leaking hot and thick from him. His power spilled out to touch everyone.

"You lying son of a bitch!" Richard snarled out the words, a deep growl punctuating his speech. In the blink of an eye, the man was half way across the room, only inches from Jean Claude. Asher wasn't surprised to find that his friend hadn't moved at all, not even to lift a hand to defend himself. The same couldn't be said about the women beside him. While Minette had shifted back a few paces, Aedan had stepped into Richard until the muzzle of her gun was pressed into his chest. Her hands were steady and her gaze was empty. Waiting.

"Back off, fuzzy. Or I'll give you a silver piercing," she said in a low, controlled voice. Either Richard didn't hear her or he thought her to be insignificant. He took another step toward Jean Claude, face twisting into a mask of rage and hatred.

"Its your fault she's dead! And now you stand here and tell me that some one else has her power? You're lying! What the hell is this?"

Richard went silent with the hollow, metallic sound of the gun's hammer cocking back. Confusion swam over his face and he glanced from Jean Claude to Aedan as if he didn't understand how they'd all gotten there. "I'm going to tell you one more time, wolf. Back off or I'll put a hole in your chest big enough to drive a fucking car through. Can you come back from a silver round to the heart?"

Richard's seconds moved as if to intervene, but only made it a few steps before they were halted by the growl that rolled up their Ulfric's throat.

"That is enough, Aedan. Do not tease Richard so," Jean Claude reached out to lay one hand on the woman's arm. She relaxed her arms but didn't holster her gun. Asher watched as she eased the hammer back into its resting position and stepped back from Richard. Everyone in the room was left staring at her. The move had been something very typical of Anita when she was angered. It gave Asher a moment to stop and think. "Perhaps you should sit and hear the rest of the story, Richard. There is more to come."

The witch woman.... Rhiannon. The name came to him after a moment's thought. Rhiannon stepped forward and took Richard's arm, then drew him back to the couch. The man sank down into the cushions, his face that of a lost child. When they were seated again, Jean Claude once more drew the two women back to his side. Minette looked mildly shaken while Aedan was eyeing the Ulfric as if she wanted to see his head stuffed and mounted on her wall. When everyone had returned to their seats and all was silent, Jean Claude pressed on.

"Aedan and Minette were with Anita that night. I have seen some of the events that occurred and know that there was nothing they would have been able to do. If they had tried to help, they would have died." A glance around the room told Asher that Jean Claude had everyone's attention. Even Richard, who once again looked lost and sad, was listening to the man carefully. "She gave them her powers before she lost the ability to do so. Through that action, she has managed to save all of us."

"Such things are not possible, Jean Claude," Augustine's voice held disbelief though Asher could see that he was voicing the opinion of everyone in the room. Jean Claude turned to the man and gave him a wry grin that was filled with more than one meaning.

"No, they are not. And yet, look at the things ma petite was capable of that were claimed to be impossible. If anyone could find a way to share a part of herself in such a way, it would be Anita. But it was not just her power she gave them. There was more." Jean Claude reached back and pulled Aedan forward, his hand shifting from hers to the small of her back, a possessive touch that Asher found disturbing. Then he turned and drew Minette to his side, settling his hand in the same place on her as he had with the other woman. "Aedan is my human servant. Minette is my animal."

"The wolves are your animals, Jean Claude. I'm your wolf," Richard's voice held a note of confused panic. Asher turned to him and could see that he was trying very desperately to sort this out.

"Oui, the wolves are my animals to call. But now the leopard is, as well. I am sorry, mon ami, but the power of the triumvirate has shifted. The marks that bound you to me have been given to Minette. Anita's status as Nimir-Ra has been given to Minette. Micah has confirmed this." Jean Claude's voice was soft and gentle in an attempt to ease the wolf king. Richard was still trying to sort through what he'd heard, his face that of a lost little boy. "They've been given the fourth mark. The bond is complete."

There was silence as the group was given time to adjust to the information they'd been given. The room seemed to have been filled with doubt and suspicion. Asher couldn't blame them for it. He'd felt the same when Jean Claude had told him. There was still a lingering bit of those feelings whenever he regarded the women for too long. Finally, Rafael spoke. "What else did Anita give them?"

"Damian," Jean Claude swept his arm toward the vampire in question, drawing all eyes to him with Isis. Asher noted that the other man's deep blue gaze remained on Augustine and Haven. The two of them were staring at Damian standing behind Isis and the implications of such a move.

"Exactly what are you saying, Jean Claude?" Augustine's voice was sharp and flat.

"Damian was bound to her and should have died with her. But she gave him the ability to rise without her. He called to Isis and brought her to his side. He is the new Rex of the pride," Jean Claude explained, his voice soft. There was a note of something in it that Asher couldn't immediately identify. He thought that it might be something like satisfaction.

"There's no fucking way," Haven burst. "I'm Rex."

"And yet, here Damian stands. You would doubt my words?" Jean Claude asked mildly. Haven's gaze shifted between Jean Claude and Damian. A look that wasn't human passed over the man's face. It was the only warning given before Haven sprang into action.

In the blink of an eye, the werelion was across the room. Damian pushed Isis out of the way, her chair scraping loudly across the floor, and met the other man head on. Snarling and hissing filled the air as the two grabbed at each other. Haven's momentum knocked the two of them to the ground. There was a moment or two where it looked like the lion had the upper hand. He threw a punch that would have broken bone on a mortal. Damian simply rolled away from it, Haven's fist meeting the stone of the floor. There was a crunch as bone broke, then the vampire had the lion pinned.

Haven struggled beneath Damian, trying to throw the man off of him. Vampiric strength won out, though, and a tightening of the hand at Haven's throat drew a gurgling sound from the man. Everyone watched the two as Haven struggled for air, his body bucking in a desperate attempt to throw Damian off of him. A glance toward Isis showed that she was watching both of them with a gleam in her eye, as if she were waiting for one or the other to die. Augustine's voice came just as his lion's struggles ceased and the man lay limp beneath Damian. "You would allow your vampire to so abuse Haven? He was proclaimed Rex."

"Isis woke my vampire," Jean Claude pointed out mildly, his eyes shifting to where the woman stood. "He called to her, drawing her to his side. Her touch brought him out of whatever prison he was held in."

"Jean Claude," Minette said quietly. "Damian is going to kill him."

"It is his right as the Rex to kill any who would dare try and take his pride from him," Jean Claude told her, his eyes shifting from Isis to where Minette stood beside him.

"We don't have time for this," she informed him.

"You are right, mon minet," he agreed, offering her a smile before turning back to the two men. "Damian. Enough."

The red haired vampire lifted his head so that he could stare at his master. His eyes blazed green fire and his face had thinned. It was the same face Damian had worn when he'd been cut adrift from Anita, the crazed face of a revenant. Several long moments passed as the two stared at one another. Slowly, the desperate look in Damian's face faded away. It left him with an almost empty expression and he glanced down at the man he had pinned to the floor.

Haven was barely moving, still struggling for breath through the vise like grip of Damian's hand. Both of the lion's hands were clutched tightly around Damian's wrist, fingers digging into the flesh in the hopes that the pain would convince the vampire to let him go. Asher watched as the fingers about Haven's throat convulsed once, then lifted away. The room was filled with the lion's hoarse coughing as he tried to draw air into his lungs. Damian returned to Isis' side while Haven climbed slowly to his feet.

"This isn't over," Haven's voice was low and gravelly. He rubbed at his abused flesh while glaring at Damian. "The pride is mine. I'm Rex."

"Haven has first claim to the pride, Jean Claude. You know he was leading it with Anita's blessings," Augustine insisted. Asher studied the other vampire, curious as to why he was so anxious about Haven's place in the city. Jean Claude turned back to the blonde and regarded him silently.

"Damian has a legitimate claim. It was Isis who woke him from his sleep. She is the most powerful female in the pride. Damian called her to his side. Do you wish to challenge his claim to the pride?" Jean Claude turned to look at Haven with the last of his speech.

"Yes. I wish to challenge his claim to the pride," Haven nodded. He made his way slowly back to Augustine's side, hand rubbing at his throat. When he moved it away, there was a dark red mark were Damian's hand had held on and squeezed.

"Tell me, Jean Claude," Augustine intoned, moving closer to the man running the show. His eyes carefully roved around the gathered group, touching upon each person there for several long seconds before moving on. It was a calculated move, a way to ensure that they all saw him and paid attention to what he was going to say. Asher had to wonder just how long Jean Claude would allow this game to continue. There were more important matters to discuss. Much more important. "What does your vampire know of the pride? What can he possibly give them that Haven cannot? Despite his very long life, he has no practical knowledge of the inner workings of the pride."

"I can teach him what he needs to know," Isis' voice was strong and sure, carrying across the silence of the room to draw all eyes to her. She had gained her feet and had moved to stand beside Damian. Though they weren't holding one another, it was plain to see that she'd thrown her support his way. "I am Regina, right?"

"Yes, my dear," Augustine drifted over the floor to where the two of them stood. He took Isis' hands in his own, lifting them to his lips to press kisses against her knuckles. "There is no doubt that you are undisputed Regina of the pride. As such, it is your right and privilege to chose the most powerful male as your Rex and your mate."

"Well, that male right now is Damian. Anything he needs to know, I can teach him," she replied evenly.

"Of course you can. And I'm sure that both men would be more than willing to acquiesce to your decision, once its been made. But consider this. Haven is able to protect the pride both day and night. The vampire is incapable of such an act. He cannot even shift to be with you on the full moon. To be honest, who knows if this power granted him is even permanent? Perhaps it is nothing more than a fluke."

"I know what I felt and what I saw. Damian is Rex. He called to me," Isis insisted, a soft growl marring her words. A small finger of power wafted through the room. There was a hard stare on her face as she studied him, but the power seemed to wind around her and her face relaxed into a softer expression.

"Can that shit, Auggie, or I'll ventilate your nice suit for you," Aedan's voice was soft and empty of emotion. It was full of promise, though. Augustine turned to look at her and found that she'd stepped past Jean Claude, closer to him. There was nothing pleasant on the woman's face and it startled the visiting Master of the City. She'd yet to draw her gun, but Asher was sure that she could accomplish the task in short order. "Use vampiric powers on our Regina again and I'll consider it a breech in etiquette. That'll give me the right to use you as target practice."

"You see, Augustine," Isis spoke, her tone hard and edged with steel. "Even if Damian can't protect the pride during the day, she can. I think we're fine."

Augustine studied Aedan for a moment, his gaze assessing. He made his way back toward her, stopping only a few inches before her. "Where did you hear that name, child? Did Jean Claude give it to you?"

"No. It was in my head almost from the minute I saw you," Aedan frowned and shook her head, then turned to look at Jean Claude. "There was also an image of him over me and you were behind him. It was just a flash. What does it mean?"

"I will explain it later," he gave her a smile, then held his hand out to her. She took it and allowed him to draw her back to his side. Jean Claude then gave his attention back to Augustine. "Do you also wish to challenge Damian's claim on the pride?"

"Yes. Haven was here as Rex because Anita chose him. The pride is his by right," Augustine replied.

"Very well. We will settle this dispute at another time. There are far more important matters to be dealt with presently."

"Of course, of course. There is more pressing business to discuss. Do not allow me to hold you up. After all, this is not my city," Augustine replied. There was a tone to his voice that Jean Claude didn't miss. For the moment, though, the dark-headed vampire said nothing.

The room fell into a kind of tense silence, all eyes and every last bit of attention turned to where Jean Claude stood. Minette and Aedan still stood beside him. Asher found it surprising that Aedan hadn't tried to break up the fight between Damian and Haven, but perhaps Jean Claude had silently asked her not to. As it was, she was watching Haven and Augustine with an unsettled gaze and Asher was sure she wanted the comfort of her gun in her hand. He wasn't sure if that was something Aedan had always done or if it was inherited from Anita.

Rafael finally broke the tension. "So what you're telling us is that these two women inherited Anita's powers. That even thought Anita is dead, she found a way to live on in them."

"That is precisely what I am telling you, Rafael," Jean Claude nodded. "Aedan was given her powers over the dead and Minette was gifted with my marks. She has gained enough power to become Nimir-Ra. Through Anita's actions, I have been given the leopard as an animal to call along with the wolf. Through her gift to Damian, I have the lions. Through Asher, the hyenas," Jean Claude gestured to the head of each group as he spoke to punctuate his statements. He turned back to Rafael. "It was through Anita that I had the cooperation of the rats. I wish to renegotiate for continued support from you and your people."

"How do I know that you won't use the rats now that Anita is gone?" Rafael asked, arms crossed over his chest.

"I won't let him," Aedan replied easily. Rafael's gaze shifted to where she stood beside Jean Claude, studying her silently. The man's dark eyes were knowing as they took in all there was to know about the woman. It was an assessing gaze that seemed to make Aedan uncomfortable. She shifted almost nervously, then shook her head again. All eyes were locked on her as she stepped forward. "Anita had a great deal of respect for you. You and your people helped her when she needed it most. If it hadn't have been for you, she wouldn't have been able to.... " Aedan paused, as if she searched for the right words. "You made it possible for her to save people who would eventually become her family."

"She did my people a great service and freed us. She came to my rescue more than once. I owed her more than simple friendship. How do I know that you will continue to protect my people in her stead?" Rafael asked her seriously.

Aedan gave great consideration to the question before finally answering. "I could promise. But promises are easily broken. I could give you my word, but you don't know me well enough to know if its worth it or not."

"A very astute observation," Rafael gave a faint hint of a smile at her reasoning. Asher thought it likely the man was willing to agree, that he liked her well enough to agree without hearing more. But he fell silent, obviously waiting to find out what else Aedan came up with.

"By remaining an ally of the Master of the City, that would entitle you to help from Jean Claude and his people if there was ever trouble," Aedan continued, her face taking on a slight hint of worry and concern. "Trouble has already found its way here, Rafael. The pard was attacked by outsiders. I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't been there to offer my protection to them. I'm sure it would have been a blood bath. As it was, there were only a few scratches on our side."

"What about their side?" Rafael asked, curious. Aedan merely smiled.

"They had more than scratches," she confirmed. "And there would have been more damage if my rodere body guard had been there. I don't think there's anyone I'd trust more to watch my back than your people, Rafael. I might have resented having members of the rats following me earlier in the week, but they were attentive to their job. They're good at it. If trouble comes back, and I believe it will, I know I'll feel a hell of a lot safer with one of your men covering my ass for me."

"What kind of trouble do you expect?"

"No doubt word has spread far and wide that Anita's dead. Chances are good no one knows that Jean Claude already has a new human servant. They probably feel this territory is ripe for a take over. Not just the vampires, but the lycanthropes, too. They'll think he's weak, that his people are weak. Based on what I felt out there in the dark on that road.... Anita had way too much fucking power. And people know that. They expect Jean Claude to be crippled with the loss. They expect that the lycanthropes are just as bad. Too many of you were tied to her in one way or another. Someone is going to try and take things over. Regardless of what we may or may not feel about one another, we need to stand together as one. If we present a united front, people are going to think twice about trying to come in and take over."

"Aedan's right. Its already started," Micah spoke, drawing the rat king's attention to him. "We had a pard attack us at our house. The pard isn't strong enough to fight. Not without serious injury. Aedan put her life on the line for us, even though she didn't need to. She risked infection for us. And Minette was at my side, defending our leopards. It was something she never used to be able to do before. She's gained power since I first met her. If that didn't come from Anita, where did it come from? We need to stand together. We've done something here no one else has done. We actually communicate between the different lycanthropic communities. Don't let that die because Anita is gone. If someone's going to try and tear us apart, we're all going to need every ally we can get."

"This is still quite a bit to take in," Rafael frowned. So much information was being thrown around, it was a wonder any of it was actually being absorbed. Asher watched the other man for a moment. He was still convinced that Rafael would honor his agreement with Jean Claude. But now he was clearly thinking about what that might mean for him and his people.

"Rafael," Minette stepped forward until she was standing before the man. She took his hands in hers and stared up into his eyes. "We aren't asking you for anything more than Anita asked for. I wouldn't dream of asking you to risk anymore than you had to for people you don't know. I can't explain what happened out there on that road anymore than Aedan can. But I do know that Anita asked us to take care of her family. She made us promise to protect all of you. Won't you at least give us a chance to prove that we are what we say we are? I know its a lot to accept all at once. But I swear to God that its the truth."

"So you wish me to continue my alliance with Jean Claude and you ask for nothing more than Anita did?" Rafael asked, as if he really needed to get it straightened out. He looked from one woman to the next before finally giving his attention back to Aedan. She nodded.

"Please?" she asked him hopefully. "Like Minette said. Its really far too much to wrap your brain around right now. But its the truth. Give us a chance to prove it to you."

Rafael gave his attention back to Jean Claude and smiled. There was a knowing expression on his face. "I think I can see why Anita picked them. Very well. The alliance between the Master of the City and the rats stands. We will honor our promises. The rats are still friends of the vampires and the rest of the community."

"Thank you," Aedan smiled. Minette mirrored the look. Then they moved back until they were once more standing at Jean Claude's side.

"Thank you, mon ami," Jean Claude added. Rafael inclined his head in acknowledgement. Finally, Jean Claude turned his attention to Richard. "And you, Richard? Will you still honor the friendship between us?"

"The wolf is your animal to call," Richard pointed out, his tone sullen.

"Be that as it may, I would not wish to force you into something that you will resent at a later time. So I ask you if you will honor the friendship and alliance between us."

"We aren't friends, Jean Claude. We never were," the Ulfric snarled. Jean Claude sighed at that, a sound of regret that felt far too genuine to be any kind of ploy. Why was Richard always so difficult? Would he ever forgive Jean Claude for claiming Anita? It didn't seem likely. "You only kept me around because of the marks and the triumvirate. Now that those are gone, what do you really need me for?"

"The Thronos Rokke Clan is the largest group in the city's lycanthropic community. Whether or not you like me is irrelevant, Richard. It is for the good of my people, your people, all of our people that we try to reach some understanding."

"What you really want is to be able to use my people whenever it pleases you," Richard accused.

"That is hardly the case, Richard," Jean Claude shook his head. "I offer you the protection I've always offered you. I will ask no more of you than I did when Anita was alive. You have my word on this."

"Why should I believe this circus you've got going on here? How do I know that this isn't all some bullshit story you've all come up with? Anita's dead and there's no way she could have given her powers to those two! What the hell is really going on here?" he demanded, his gaze flicking disdainfully toward Aedan and Minette.

"What other proof of such an event do you need?" Jean Claude asked, his voice as empty as his face. Richard looked around, then smiled. It wasn't a pleasant expression.

"Anita made Jason her wolf to call. Her personal wolf. It helped her when she needed it. If these two really have gotten her powers, one of them will be able to call Jason to them," Richard replied, his tone smug. He crossed his arms over his chest, a superior look on his face that spoke volumes to his disbelief that such a thing would happen. Jean Claude merely inclined his head and turned to the two women at his side. "If they can call Jason to their side, then you have the full support of the wolves. I won't dispute your claims that they carry Anita's powers again. If they can call him."

"Aedan, Minette. I want you both to try calling Jason," Jean Claude told them. There was something in his eyes that Asher recognized. Opportunity. The dark-headed vampire was more than certain that one of them would be able to accomplish what Richard was asking. If they were capable, then Richard was going to be caught by his own words. Chances were good he was going to be as unhappy about that as he was about everything else.

"Call how?" Aedan asked, her gaze flicking to where Richard sat, watching both of them with satisfaction written across his face.

"Close your eyes and concentrate. Clear all thought from your mind. Focus only on Jason and call him to your side. You must use your mind to accomplish this," Jean Claude instructed quietly. Aedan stared at him a moment, then nodded and closed her eyes. Minette followed suit.

The room was plunged into silence as the two women took slow, deep breaths. Everyone's attention was turned to them. Asher felt Janika move beneath his hands. The motion brought his gaze down to her. She'd turned her face up to look at him, confusion and curiosity swimming across her porcelain features as if it were some kind of television screen. He offered her a silent smile. The look held a promise in it, the promise that he would explain all of this to her once the meeting was done and they were alone. She smiled, allowing her attention to drift back to where Aedan and Minette stood.

Time ticked by silently. Not a soul dared to move while they waited on the results of this experiment. Richard still looked smug in his certainty that the women would fail in this task. The air was heavy and thick with disbelief. There was also a thread of hope beneath it. Tension strung tight while they waited for something, anything, to happen.

Just as Richard was standing to gleefully denounce the attempts of both women, the cloth panels parted and a very confused Jason came through them. Richard stared, momentarily unable to comprehend what was going on. The blonde wolf moved closer to the two women, his actions slow and cautious. Jean Claude smiled. "Who called you, Jason?"

The young wolf moved closer to the women and sniffed at each of them. Then his gaze cleared as it settled on Minette. "She did. She called me. I had to come."

Jean Claude turned to face Richard. "Is this proof enough for you, Ulfric?"

Richard stared for a moment or two longer, disbelief still crowding his gaze. Then he sighed and resignation took over. His head hung a moment before he lifted it and looked at Jean Claude. "The wolves will continue their alliance with the Master of the City."

"Perhaps these games are proof enough for your people, Jean Claude. But I still find it difficult to believe that Anita was able to pass such things on to these.... women," Augustine moved forward, a calculating look in his eyes that didn't bode well. Asher gave a slight squeeze to Janika's shoulder, then moved forward to join the small group in the center of the floor.

Minette took a pair of steps back until she was behind Jean Claude. Asher reached out to touch her, a gesture meant to reassure and comfort. She offered him a slightly timid smile and pressed against him. Even Aedan stepped back into Jean Claude, her shoulders tense. The moment he laid his hand on her arm, though, she relaxed. "What more could you need for proof, Augustine?" Asher asked, motioning around them at the people who'd gathered for the meeting. "Do you imply that those here are lying?"

"Of course not, Asher. But I have seen nothing here that would distinguish these women as unique and exceptional. Anita was both these things and so much more," he replied, then bowed before the women in question. "No offense meant."

"Why would I take offense from a pompous windbag such as yourself? I was there. I know what happened. That's good enough for me and the rest of the people here. It should be good enough for you," Aedan replied evenly. Her show of spine brought forth a soft chuckle from the visiting vampire.

"She is charming, Jean Claude. Do you make a habit of picking servants with mouths on them so that you can find ways to punish them later? Does she speak to you like this when you are in bed?" The words barely fell from Augustine's mouth before Aedan was reaching for her gun. Jean Claude's hand on her arm stayed the action. There was a perfectly blank look upon his old friend's face. The room was still and silent, holding its breath while waiting for Jean Claude's answer.

"You demand further proof from me, despite the fact that you are a guest in my city? My word should be more than enough proof," Jean Claude told him, his voice pleasantly empty. "However, since you demand more proof. I will provide it. Another gift Anita gave them. Allow me to demonstrate."

Asher backed away from Minette, once more taking up his position behind Janika. Jason moved to stand by the wolves. Jean Claude stepped away from Aedan and Minette, putting distance between the three of them. Augustine watched with wide eyes, eagerly waiting for his proof. "I am sorry, Aedan. Mon minet."

There was the slightest flicker of power, a brief touch that rode the air for an instant and then disappeared.

Jean Claude closed his eyes and released the arduer.

Comments

Yay - more crack!

[nanaeanaven]

Oh fuck. He would do that, wouldn't he? Aedan's gonna be so pissed. I hope she doesn't shoot him. lol

Why does Richard always have to be such a pain in the ass? *shakes head* And Rhia gets to deal with his brooding after the meeting - oh joy.

Like this being from Asher's view point - great job.

Re: Yay - more crack!

[ladydeathfaerie]

well, you know how Jean Claude is. and we'll see how Aedan is after the fact. never know with that girl. of course, i have to get through the whole arduer thing, so we'll see.

Richard is Richard. its expected that he'll be an ass. i'm sure Rhia will handle him just fine.

i'm trying to show the story from more than one point of view. its more complete. as much as i like the first person, i'm always left wondering what's going on in every one else's heads as things go down. since there were five Sues, first person wouldn't work. but there's nothing saying i have to stick with just the Sues. so its kind of refreshing to try and dig into other people's heads. you know? what's scary is when i do it too well....

[dazzledfirestar.livejournal.com]

Wonderful work, hun! I have to feel a bit sorry for Janika... gotta suck to be the only one in the room without her own power. *shrug* At least she has Asher. *big grin* I suppose, with him, I wouldn't mind being just a pretty face. :D

And oh boy... what the hell is Jean Claude thinking? This is not going to pretty, is it? My god. *sniff* Is that an orgy I smell? LOL

Again, wonderful chapter hun! Can't wait to see where this goes!

[ladydeathfaerie]

actually, Jean Claude knows what he's doing. she introduced Augustine in Danse Macabre and he was fascinated with Anita's having the arduer. i forget the exact reasons, but it came into play with him. so, as i said... Jean Claude knows what he's doing.

i wouldn't feel too sorry for Janika. she's got the man with the orgasmic bite. *wiggles eyebrows* who needs power when you can have that? all the time.... well, some precautions should probably be taken. but you know what i mean.

orgy? you're going to have to wait and find out. i'm working on that chapter, so.... hopefully not too much longer. its about a quarter done.

glad you liked it, sweetie. hope it tides you over for a while.

[dazzledfirestar.livejournal.com]

*sigh* I really have to get reading... *grumble* stupid real life getting in the way of my reading time... *double grumble*

Hmm... orgasmic bite... *drifts to a naughty spot* Yeah, that would definitely make up for everything. lol I just meant that personally, I think I'd feel a little... small, insignificant maybe, in such company. That was all. :)

I'm sure this is tide me over for a while. lol In fact, I'm going to give it another read now! ;)

[ladydeathfaerie]

anything you need to know that comes up over the course of the fic, ask Gin or i. we can fill you in.

look at it this way. not many humans actually get to set foot under the Circus. most of them stay up top and play the games, see the shows... that kind of thing. beyond a few human servants here and there that accompanied visiting masters, there was Philip and then there was Edward, i think. i don't know that any other strictly human person has been down there. so Janika should actually feel special.

[sessys-fangirl.livejournal.com]

Awww....Poor Asher! He's feeling a bit doubtful about things again...* gives him a hug, then gooses him * ^^; Sorry couldn't resist with a behind like that near at hand...Ahem! Anyway, he shouldn't be worried about Jean-Claude's affections for him. They will always be there in some form or another.

And the Fight between Damian and the missing until now, Haven. Oh! That's going to be a sweet fight...

I loved the reference to the threesome between Auggie, Jean-Claude and Anita. That was great. ^_^ And once again Auggie gets to taste the arduer. Clever bastard. He did it on purpose making Jean-Claude call it. Auggie needs to be taught a lesson once again it seems....>.> I hope he doesn't make Aedan fall in love with him like he did with Anita. Sly bastard. But even that blew up in his face.

Hell, this whole chapter was great! So much going on! And so much to think about... :-)

[sessys-fangirl.livejournal.com]

Oh, and before I forget. I loved the fact that it was from Ashers point of view. Very refreshing.

Are you going to try that with the other members of this tale?

[ladydeathfaerie]

Gin and i thought it would be easier to show this chapter through the eyes of someone not directly involved in all the action. and Asher was the chosen one.

seeing as this is all third person, i'd like to give more insight into other people's thoughts and emotions. so hard to do with a first person fic. so yes, i'm sure i'll dig into other character's thoughts and feelings and the tale winds on.

[ladydeathfaerie]

i'm glad you liked it.

yes, there is quite a bit going on in this chapter. Asher is ever the kind of depressed one. i think he knows how Jean Claude feels, but it took him a very long time to accept that Anita loved him, too. and now she's gone and he's kind of adrift on that uncertainty again. having Janika will help. she doesn't know him from before so.... she loves him for who he is and it doesn't matter how he looks.

i don't know if Auggie's going to actually get to taste the arduer again or if he's going to be like the kid pressing his nose up against the window of a candy shop. got plans in the works, so you'll get to see what happens kind of bit by bit.

and yes. the challenge between Damian and Haven should prove interesting.

[ginevrasm]

Oo... So much cliffhanger! Tempted to plunge into the next chapter but my break is over. Awesome work.

[ladydeathfaerie]

you know me. there's almost always a cliffhanger. its how i roll.

glad to know you're still enjoying.