Archive of Our Own ^beta

-Ary and Mat crept through the silent forest, fangs bared. They were searching for the Rebels whom their leader sent them to devour. Rebel Prince Laurence and his right hand man Kier, a once lowly thief befriended by the Prince, had to be out in the night somewhere. Forests were never completely silent unless someone were hiding there. "How are we going to do this? I don't want to drink their blood. We don't even drink human blood! But if we don't, our leader will kill us." Ary racked her brain for any possible solution. "Well, I don't know, but we'd better think of something quick!" Mat replied in a hushed tone. He pointed to a small clearing where two guys sat sleeping back to back on the ground, crossbow and sword ready. Ary nodded and crept quietly towards the crossbow wielding man. He was in his twenties, with black and red hair. He was of slight build, yet looked strong. He was the once-theif Kier. Mat crept up to the sword wielding Prince. He was slightly bigger than Kier, but still in his twenties. With a boyish face, he looked much too soft for the war they were all consumed by. Ary and Mat nodded to each other, spun the weapons away from the sleeping men, and had their hands bound in a matter of seconds. Both men awoke in alarm. When they found their weapons gone and hands bound, they fought at their restraints. Then they looked up into the faces of their attackers. Kier's eyes went wide, shocked to have been bested by a woman. Ary smiled at him, showing her fangs. Kier groaned as he realized his dire situation. Laurence looked at Mat with curious eyes and whispered "why?", before looking down at his hands in dismay. Mat touched his cheek with the tip of his finger, a gentle touch, and Laurence looked up at him. "Because we have to." Said Mat sadly. Ary shook her head no at Mat. "You can't tell them that. They don't need to know." Mat nodded yes and looked away.
-Later that night, Ary and Mat brought Laurence and Kier back to the vampire house. It was an old mansion that belonged to their leader: a well respected man in the community, though few knew him for what he was. "Act weak and defenseless. Well protect you, but you have to trust us." Ary whispered softly between Kier and Laurence. They nodded silently. "We'll have to bite you to make it look real, but i swear we don't deink human blood." Mat whispered to Laurence. The guys were not happy about the plan, but soon realizing they had no choice, they agreed. Mat bit Laurence gently at first, then hard enough to puncture skin on his collar bone. He flinched and Mat moved away quickly before Laurence's blood touched his lips. Laurence shivered. Ary chose a spot just under Kier's shirt to bite: just where his shoulder meets his collar bone. Kier shivered too and Ary moved quickly, but not fast enough. She gagged as she tasted Kier's blood. Now they emerged from the forest. The mansion was in sight so Kier began to fake a limp and Ary had to hold him up. Laurence stumbled, guided by Mat's hand on his bound arm. They approached the mansion doors and were soon let in by the butler. The leader waited for them in the entrance way. "Finally caught them, eh? Well done my pets. Keep them as your rewards." He said in his deep, rumbling voice. Then he left them standing in the doorway.
-"Ok, why are you helping us? I get that you don't drink human blood, but why spare us? You could just kill us and get it over with instead of playing with us." Kier said when they arrived in Mat and Ary's room. They had restrained them with chains around their wrists and bound them as comfortably as possible to one of the two beds in the room. "Well, we don't like killing is all. And you're kind of cute," Ary winked and showed a fang. Mat slapped her arm lightly and gave her a 'so-not-allowed' look. Ary shrugged and rolled her eyes, still smiling. "You're going to have to stay here and pretend to be our food source. It's not uncommon for vampires to keep humans alive for long periods of time, feeding off of them until they finally get tired of them, or they die." Mat said seriously. -"Fine, but will we ever get out of here?"Kier asked. Mat and Ary looked at each other. "Well, we'll bring you food and stuff..." Ary said sheepishly. She didn't know if any of them would make it out of this alive, but she wasn't going to tell them that. "What if we have to...er...go?" Laurence asked quietly. "Oh, we have an adjoining water closet through that door," Mat pointed to a small closet - like room with a toilet inside. "Yes, but...we're bound," said Kier with a tug at his chains. Ary giggled and produced a key from a necklace around her neck. "One at a time. We'll guard the door." Mat said and nodded to Ary to go unlock him. Once up, Kier attacked Ary. She deflected him easily and dodged a kick that would have broken her shin. She ducked under a punch, grabbed his arm and spun him to the ground, pinning both of his arms behind his head. "Now, that was a naughty trick, Thief," Ary said close to his into his ear. Mat and Laurence looked on with wide eyes. Kier groaned softly as his arms began to hurt. Ary stood him up, with a soft sound of pain from Kier, and walked him to the water closet. "Now either you can do this nicely, or I can ask Mat to come help you," Ary said into Kier's ear. He nodded and she let him go. He went, then washed up and went to lay back on the bed with no more problems. His arms were red from where Ary had held him, but he wasn't hurt. She chained him back up. "Do you need to go?" She asked Laurence. He shook his head no a little too quickly. Ary sighed and handed Mat Laurence's key.
-Mat unlocked him and he walked quickly to the wc and pulled the door to. When he was done, he let him chain him back easily. Ary sat on the bed by Kier and examined his arms. He flinched lightly when she touched him. "I'm sorry," she whispered as she looked at him. "Me too," he whispered back. "Ah, get a room you two!" Mat exclaimed. Laurence stifled a laugh. Kier gave Laurence a dirty look. Ary laughed. "Ok boys, bed time," she said. Mat rolled his eyes, but climbed into bed anyway. Ary tucked in the other boys and turned the candles down low before climbing into bed with Mat. "Wait, are you together?" Laurence asked. "No, we're twins. We were born together, grew up together and, hell, we were even bitten together," Mat answered. "Oh," Laurence said thoughtfully.
-"Wait, why didn't your bites turn us?" Kier asked. "Transformations can only happen at certain times. Like, during full moons, eclipses, and solstices. Our bites won't affect you," Ary replied with a yawn. "Better let her sleep, she's cranky if she doesn't get enough sleep," Mat chuckled as Ary's pillow landed on his head. Ary was soon asleep, followed not long after by Mat. Laurence and Kier stayed awake just long enough to make sure there was no escape before finally allowing themselves to sleep too.
-The next morning sunshine filtered through the velvet curtains and fell onto both beds. Laurence woke first and looked around the room. He hadn't looked at it much last night. It had been dark and he had been afraid. It didn't seem so bad now in the light. I mean, it was obviously a bad situation, but he could be dead right now, so it wasn't so bad. He looked out from his four poster bed out to a large room with a fireplace at one end. His bed was covered in blue velvet blankets, and blue velvet drapes hung from the posts of the bed. Next to this bed was a large bedside table, and on it sat a red-stained glass. He looked over that quickly to the other bed in the room. It was just like the one he laid in, but it was done all in red. He could see the shapes of Mat and Ary asleep beneath the covers. He looked to his other side to see a sleeping Kier. His mouth was slightly open, but he wasn't snoring. He was breathing deeply and seemed to be having a good dream. Laurence let him sleep. Everything seemed to have a fuzzy edge to it. Laurence realized he didn't have his glasses on. He closed his eyes again. -Ary woke next, not one to sleep too late. She sat up in bed and stretched, then looked over the Kier and Laurence's bed. She smiled to herself. -She thought they were cute when sleeping, especially Kier with the way he held his mouth. She sighed and prodded Mat on the arm. He didn't move. She rolled her eyes and climbed out of bed. She began getting things ready for the day, like the official report of what had happened last night and how they had bitten them into unconciousness. Once that little lie was typed up, she set to work cooking breakfast over the fire for Kier and Laurence. She started with toast and eggs, then a bit of grits in a little pot. She also put on some tea, which she missed desperately and still drank on occasion, though it burned like hell now. It smelled a wonderful aroma of jasmine and lemon. She busied herself with other housework in their room. -Kier woke to a smell that he would always remember to be the most lovely smell he'd ever smelled. He opened his eyes and looked around as best he could. He saw Ary bending over the fire doing something, probably witchcraft, and it smelled amazing. He didn't want her to know he'd seen her, so he pretended to be asleep. -Mat jumped up from a dream. He knocked his glass from the bedside table to the floor and it shattered with a loud tinkling. Ary gasped and turned around so quickly she spilled hot tea onto her black nightdress. Both guys jumped and opened their eyes to see what was happening. "Ow!" Ary screamed, quickly putting the tea pot down on the hearth. Mat quickly started cleaning up his mess. Then there was a banging on the door. "WHAT IN BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON IN THERE?" yelled an angry voice through the door. Ary gasped and ran to open it as Mat motioned for the guys to pretend to be sleeping. Ary flung open the door as Mat began to apologize and explain what had happened. The hooded figure in the door listened without moving except to write in a little notepad, then when Mat was done it handed Ary the paper it had been writing on and left. Ary read the paper, growing paler as she read. "Ary, what is it?" Mat asked with a slight tremble to his voice. "We've been asked not to disturb our leader's sleep anymore, and also to join him for dinner tonight," Mat's face fell as Ary read, "in his private rooms." "Well, that's something to look forward to..." Mat said sarcastically, "Ary I'm sorry..." She just nodded, ripped the paper to shreds, then went back to fixing breakfast. Mat went back to cleaning up his glass. Kier and Laurence looked from each other to the others in confusion. "What was all that about?" Kier asked once Ary shut the door back. "Nothing, just forget about it," she said distractedly. Mat flinched as he cut himself on a piece of glass. "Ow..." he said as red liquid beaded on his finger. "Wait, you bleed?" Laurence asked in shock. "Of course," Mat answered as he stuck his finger in his mouth, "our hearts still pump, just a lot slower than yours." Laurence looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought. "Hey, where are your glasses, Mate?" Kier asked him. "Dunno," he shrugged. "Oh, I've got them!" said Mat as he pulled the gold and bronze eye glasses from a drawer in the bedside table. "I took them off you last night so we wouldn't damage them if there was a struggle." "Why would you care about that?" Laurence asked, confused. "Not sure why I cared then. Now I care because I know you can't see well without them," Mat smiled and went over to Laurence. He placed his glasses on his face gently and smiled. "Better?" Mat asked. Laurence nodded yes. Kier jabbed Laurence in the ribs with his elbow. "Get a room, Mates!" He laughed. Ary laughed to as she walked over to them. "Breakfast is ready guys," she said as she reached to unlock Kier's chains. "Wait, they need to look bad. Like, in bad shape. In case one comes back," Mat said. Ary nodded, went to Kier, and ruffled his hair. Then she smiled and unlocked him. "We're already in trouble, Mat. They haven't been here that long. If they look too bad they'll figure it out." Mat nodded and unlocked Laurence. Both guys went to the table Ary had set for them. "I'll be back in a bit," Ary said to Mat "Can you handle them while I'm gone?" Mat nodded again and went to get a new glass from the cubbard. Ary leaped from the open window and moved into the woods. The guys enjoyed breakfast so much, they didn't even notice she was gone until Kier went to ask for some jam.
-"Where's she off to?" Kier asked as he spread jam onto his toast. "Oh, you know, around," Mat floundered for an answer. Ary had asked him not to say what she ate, she'd tell them in her own time, so he wasn't going to tell them. "Are we allowed to leave this room?" Laurence asked with a sly smile. "Of course not!" Mat said back. 'Pshhhh...prisoners...' Mat thought as he filled a glass with a cool, red liquid from the pitcher by the washbasin. He sipped carefully, for when the liquid touched his tongue his fangs decended and he didn't want to break another glass. "So, what kind of entertainment is there in a place like-" Kier stopped speaking as he noticed Mat's glass. His eyes widened a little and he nudged Laurence's arm to make him look. "Hey, I thought you said you didn't drink human blood," Laurence said with a twinge of fear. Had they been draining their blood while they'd slept? "Berry water," Mat said with a shrug. The guys relaxed with sighs of relief. They finished their meal quietly.
-Ary crept quietly through the forest, hot on the trail of her prey. She tread softly over the dead leaves with her bare feet. Her prey looked up suddenly and she pounced. Ary drained the blood of the rabbit she'd been hunting in just a few minutes. When she was done, she dug a grave near a tree and placed the body into it. In the custom of her ancestors, she thanked the rabbit for the meal and wished it many blessings on its journey to Heaven. After washing her dress in a stream not far from the mansion, she dressed and ran back to her window, drying the cloth with her speed. She leaped up into the window, startling Laurence and Kier, who were both now restrained again. "Pleasant trip?" asked Mat. "Of course. The warm fall breeze is always pleasant." Ary answered.
-Later that morning, as they all lay in their beds cooped up, Ary had an idea. "Hey, since we're all obviously bored and we know our leader doesn't like people out in the day time, we should do something! Why don't we try out this new thing we found? It shoots these tiny little balls like a crossbow with no strings! We found it with a group of Re-oof!" Mat elbowed Ary in the ribs. He didn't want her to mention the time their leader had made them take out an entire team of Rebels that had come too close to the mansion. Then Mat had a GOOD idea. "Instead, why don't we play a question game. You know, to get to know each other better?" The guys nodded.
-"Kier, you can go first," Ary said. "Uh, ok, fine. What's your favorite colors and why?" Kier stammered. "Really? That's a lame one!" Mat teased. Ary elbowed him. "Mine's turquoise because it reminds me of of the ocean, clear bright skys, and those odd little flowers that used to grow where we grew up," Ary answered, trying to make him feel better. She'd never admit it to anyone, but he really was starting to grow on her. And that was very strange considering they'd only known each other for a little while. "Mine is green, because it's like grass and trees and the eyes of someone I like," Mat said while staring at the ceiling. "I like purple. Not the girly purple, but deep dark purple. It's just, well I don't know, nice?" Kier answered his own question. "Well, I don't really have one. I like all colors. I wouldn't want any to feel left out," Laurence said. "Ok, next question!" Mat said with a smile. "Ooh, let me!" Ary kicked her foot in the air excitedly. Mat nodded. "Ok, so, how did you two meet?" She asked Kier and Laurence. Laurence looked at Kier, who nodded yes, then looked back across at Ary. "I found him in my stable where I kept Finn. He was cold, looked like he hadn't eaten in his life, and seemed to be soaking wet. He was also holding a crossbow at my chest, so I couldn't really tell him to leave. He just kinda stayed with me there until morning," "That's not the whole story, Beveridge. What he's not telling you is that the guards came the next morning and tried to lock me in the dungeons. What he's not telling you is how he fought them back with his sword and told them I was staying with him as a guest. He took me in. I was an orphan of the streets and he took me in, though I was quite the troubled 15 year old, wasn't I?" Kier asked. Laurence nodded. Ary closed her open mouth and wiped at her watering eyes. "Next question, please," she mumbled.
-"Ok, I've got one. Why don't you drink human blood?" Laurence asked. Ary blushed a little and Mat answered: "I didn't eat meat when I was human. Why would I start now?" "I ate meat before, but I don't want to hurt anyone. Same reason we didn't kill you when we first met: we care. Unlike those awef-...unlike some, we don't relish in killing. Also, human blood tastes bad to me." Ary shrugged. "So you've drunk human blood before?" Kier asked, shocked. Ary blushed brighter. "Uh, no. You already got a question, Kier. My turn," said Mat, coming to Ary's aid. "Ok, so I know the vampire side of the story, like how they just wanted to be able to be free and rule as co-kings or whatever, but I don't know the human side. How did this war start? And how did you two get in the middle of it?" Mat asked Laurence and Kier. Laurence's face darkened. Kier frowned. "That's a touchy subject for Laurence. I'll tell you, though. A couple of years after Laurence took me in, a man appeared in the King and Queen's court. He was simply dashing, and no one ever doubted his humanity. But a few weeks after he first appeared, he was found with his fangs sunk deep into the Queen's neck. He was a vampire, and he started this whole thing. Maeby he did just want to rule, but this was too much for anyone in the kingdom to bear. War broke out, and the Rebellion needed a leader. The King needed to rule, plus he was too important to lose, and...well he was never really the same after that. Laurence stepped in. Became what everyone needed," Kier stopped. Laurence's eyes were shut tight. Ary took both keys and unlocked them, then pulled Laurence up into a tight hug. "Don't cry little panda. We'll help," he seemed shocked and barely hugged back before Ary moved to hug Kier. "And you, little kitten, will be alright too," she said and smoothed his hair back from his face. Mat hugged Laurence, and they hugged for a long time.
-Pretty soon, everyone curled up together (Laurence with Mat, and Ary with Kier), and before long Mat and Ary were asleep again. They hadn't meant to, but being so close to the guys had made them feel safer and warmer, and after not feeling that for so long they couldn't help but be comfortable enough to fall asleep. "Now is probably our only chance. We have to take it!" Laurence whispered to Kier. He nodded and they gently untangled themselves from the arms of the twins. They crept to the door and slowly opened it. Kier peeked out to be sure no one was coming, then they left.
-Mat felt strangely cold. Just a moment ago, he'd felt so warm and nice and now...well it was different. Mat opened his eyes with a jolt. Laurence was gone. "Ary, wake up, they're going to get themselves killed!" Mat pushed her off the bed to wake her quickly. "Hey, ow!" She stated loudly. Then she realized what Mat had said and her eyes went wide. The twins took off in the most likely direction: deeper into the mansion.
-Kier stuck his head around another corner, then back quickly. There were 3 of the blood suckeres down that way. He pulled Laurence back and went to try another corridor. There were simply too many! He was a great navigator and already he was hopelessly lost. Running footsteps pounded towards them. Ary and Mat came around a far corner, spotted Kier and Laurence and motioned for them to wait and be quiet. Kier corrected his thoughts: he wasn't quite hopeless yet.
-"What the hell, guys?" Mat asked as he pulled Laurence back towards their room, arm tight around his waist. Ary escorted Kier along behind them, watching for other vampires. Kier and Laurence didn't answer. They couldn't.The twins had agreed to help them, and they'd thrown it in their faces.
-Just then, another pair of vampires rounded the corner. "Shit!" Ary exclaimed as she pushed Kier into a small broom closet. Mat and Laurence squeezed in not far behind. They shut the door quickly. "Quick, put these on!" Ary whisper-screamed at them, holding out maid dresses. Laurence and Kier looked at each other before each took a dress and dressed in it as quickly as possible. Then they waited for the vampires to pass before exiting the closet. Luckily, some vampires really are as blind as bats. Then 3 vampire guys and one girl came up a staircase as they were passing by it. They followed the maid-clad prisoners. Then each of the four vampires grabbed one arm of each of the four allies. Alice, the only girl, pushed Mat over and up against a wall. Her 3 pet - boys followed her lead, one each pushing Ary, Maid - Laurence, and Maid-Kier into the wall. Alice was a total bitch, and was so not worth the time guys gave her because of her looks. "Mat! Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't see you there," Alice said, trailing one perfectly manicured finger over Mat's arm. She smiled evilly. "We don't mean to hurt anyone, do we boys?" Rich, a brooding guy who looked as if he had legs for arms pushed against Laurence. "Of course not, A," he grinned as Laurence tried to push him away. He caught both his hands in one of his and Laurence  made a small eek sound. Ary wasn't having good luck either. Ramon, a native from a different tribe than hers and Mat's, had both of her writs pinned to the wall. He was staring at her. She didn't like being stared at. And he was inching closer to her face. She looked away. Kier had the biggest of Alice's brutes, Justin, to deal with. When I say that Rich had legs for arms, Justin had whole six packs for arms. And he was smelling Kier's neck, pressing his nose hard against him. "Beat it, Alice. We already told you we aren't interested in your vampire steroids shite. Let us go." Mat pushed her away. She pouted. "But I don't think you're playing fair, dear. These 'maids' are human!" "So? We're allowed to have food supplies." Mat stammered. "We were playing!" Ary shouted from behind her big wall of muscle. "Move." Alice said, and Ramon did. "What was that, Mouse? I couldn't hear you." Alice had her hands on her hips. "We...we were playing hunting...and we lost sight of them...for a moment. But we were just taking them back!" Ary was beggining to sweat. "Why don't they seem weak?" Alice quizzed. "We wanted them stronger for this game. You know, for more of a challenge." Mat broke in. Alice thought for a moment. "That sounds fun, actually. Come boys," she snapped her fingers and her brutes released Kier and Laurence. They walked on down the hall into another room. Ary, Mat, Kier, and Laurence all breathed a sigh of relief.
-Back in their room, Ary and Mat tried to think of what to do about Kier and Laurence. They agreed to let them stay unbound as long as the door was locked. Mat was busy fixing lunch for the guys while Ary cleaned up around the room. "So...why the maid outfits?" Kier finally asked. Ary shrugged. "Thought it would be fun..." Kier's face changed from questioning to shocked. "Are you serious?" Laurence asked dejectedly. "No, she isn't serious. She thought it would be a good idea because most vampires in this mansion are guys. And if they see human guys, they usually rough them up and sometimes they'll steal them and bring them back later all broken. She did it to save your lives. With girls, they usually only flirt or...whatever..." Mat trailed off.
-They made lunch for the guys and sat watching them eat. Ary and Mat sipped on a bit of what Mat had called berry juice, Ary only using a shot glass, and Mat with his regular glass. "So...there are more like us? More, uh, 'food supplies'?" Laurence asked quietly. "Yeah, there are. Some that probably aren't as lucky as you guys. Most vampires will drain victims dry within a couple of months. The longest I've ever heard of anyone remaining that way was a year. Then the leader stepped in." -They were all silent for a while, then Ary leaped up with a gasp. "Oh my gosh we forgot about the Ball!" Mat's eyes went wide. Ary jumped up quickly and ran into their closet. Kier and Laurence looked at each other, confused. The three guys could hear rummaging and banging sounds from inside the walk-in closet. Ary brought out three of Mat's suits and one of her own fancy ball gowns and laid them out on the blue velvet bed. "Ok, the Ball is tomorrow. If we work on it before dinner, we should be able to tailor these enough to fit both of you." Ary gestured to two older looking suits. "Mat, do you want to measure them or start on taking out stitches at the ends?"
-"Uh, I'll do the sewing, Ary. Last time you ended up sewing part of the bedsheets to your dress..." Mat stated as he took the sewing kit from Ary. She blushed and pulled out her tape measurer. Kier was finished with his lunch, so she went to him first. "Stand up, arms out," she said in a firm voice. "No need to be rude, I know how to be measured. Laurence's man servants had to do that anytime they made me a new suit. Laurence never let them make him anything without having something made for me, too." Kier said as he stood and put his arms out to the sides. She mumbled an apology as she measured his length from finger tip to finger tip across his chest. Next, she measured his upper arm, then lower. After that, she went on to measure his chest circumference. He squirmed and stifled a giggle as she brushed his side. Ary raised an eyebrow. "Ticklish?" She asked with a mischievous grin. Kier looked at her and gulped. Her smile widened. "Later, Ary, later. We don't have time for that now," Mat scolded from his place on the bed. He was busily taking out stitches in the jacket, then resewing them to the right size. She pouted a little, then went back to measuring Kier. She measured his waist next, then kneeled to measure his hips. Before she could get the tape measurer around his hips, Kier coughed a little and nearly bumped Ary's face. She leaned back just in time. She looked up at him with a little glare, then went back to measuring. When she was done she lightly pushed him towards his chair. "Laurence, would you please stand up to be measured?" Ary said with fake sweetness. Kier rolled his eyes at her, but watched to make sure her hands didn't brush over Laurence like they had over him. She measured Laurence with no problem. "Thanks, Panda," she said with a wink, the she looked at Kier and stuck her tongue out at him before going to give Mat the rest of the measurements. Kier looked at Laurence with a confused look and gestured to Ary. Laurence just shrugged.
-The measuring and sewing took up most of their afternoon. By the time the suits were finished, it was time for Mat and Ary to go to dinner with their leader. They fed the guys, dressed for dinner in simple outfits, then chained Kier and Laurence up again. "Sorry guys, but we can't lock the door from the outside. We'll be back late, so you try to get some rest," Mat explained. "Goodnight!" Waved Ary as they went out the door. Soon, both guys were bored enough to fall asleep.
-Mat and Ary walked briskly towards The Leader's private rooms near the middle of the mansion. They'd left a little late so they had to hurry, but they couldn't run or The Leader would be upset with them. More upset, anyway. They neared the door to The Leader's rooms, noticing more security guards than usual. Two guards opened the doors for Mat and Ary. They stepped inside slowly. "Welcome, my children. Won't you sit down?" The Leader's voice dripped honey, but Ary and Mat could sense the venom in his words. They sat down at his dinner table. A large metal covered dish sat in the middle. "Comfortable? Good. I'm so glad you've chosen to accept my dinner invitation. Sorry for being rude, but I've already eaten. I brought this one just for you." The Leader grabbed the metal lid from the table, revealing a human man tied up and knocked out in the center. Mat gulped and Ary gasped. The Leader smiled. "I'm so glad to see he is pleasing to you. Please, eat." Mat looked at Ary desperately. "Ah, Mat wasn't thinking earlier. He's already eaten. Our new toys are...uh...surprisingly delicious." Ary tried to make it sound true, but her voice cracked slightly. The Leader's smile faltered a little. "Then you eat," he said quietly to Ary. She gulped softly, then nodded and pulled the tray towards her. The man groaned quietly, but remained unconcious. Mat watched as Ary snapped the rope holding the man's hand down and pulled his wrist to her mouth.
-A knock on the door a few moments later stopped the horrible feast. Ary was feeling quite sick now. She laid the man's hand down at his side and laid her head on the table. Mat put a hand on her shoulder trying to see if she was ok. The Leader was occupied at the door for a few seconds, then another hooded figure came in the room. Another Leader. Mat's eyes widened. "Sorry, but I'll have to decipline my two naughty children here before we can have our...meeting. I hope you've eaten well. You'll need all the strength his blood gave you." The Leader walked towards Mat and Ary, and Mat shut his eyes tight.
-Later that night, Ary and Mat woke up outside of The Leader's doors. They looked aweful, with Mat's bloody nose and Ary's messy, tangled hair. They were bruised from head to toe and had many lacerations, which were covered by their clothes. The Leader was never one to flaunt his work. Simple make his point, then go on about his day. They helped each other up and began the long walk back to their room. The didn't meet anyone on the way, but stopped to rest several times. Finally, they made it back to their rooms. Mat quietly pushed open the door, trying not to wake Laurence or Kier. They made it inside and Ary shut the door quietly too. The limped across the room to the red velvet bed and had almost made it, when Ary stepped on a squeaky board and Kier's voice spoke in the darkness: "Ary? That you?" Mat sighed and turned in the lamps. Laurence woke up then, too, and mumbled something about pickles before realizing he was awake. "Guys, what happened to you?" Kier asked seriously. Ary tried to cover her busted lip, but he saw it anyway. "We're fine," Ary mumbled defensively. "That most definitely isn't fine. Mat, what happened?" Laurence asked. Mat just looked at the ground. "We can't help if we don't know, right?" Kier asked. Ary looked at him and nodded. "Then let us help you," Laurence offered. Mat nodded and unlocked them. Kier went to the water closet and brought back two wet clothes while Laurence tried to get them to remove some of their clothes so they could clean all of their wounds. "It's sad to see the mention of your nudity offends you so." He whispered to Mat, who's face turned bright red.
-Eventually, they did get Mat into just his small clothes, and Ary into just her shift, and they were able to clean and patch up their cuts and put rubbing oils onto their bruises. Laurence took care of Mat, and Kier took care of Ary. Something was wrong with her. She kept nearly falling over and she looked paler than usual. Then they helped them dress in their night clothes. "So, what's going on?" Laurence asked again. "Well, for one thing, Ary is not used to drinking human blood, so she's kinda sick right now. Don't worry, she didn't do it because she wanted to. It should wear off eventually." Mat answered. Kier took Ary into his arms, lifting her feet off the ground, and carried her to the blue bed. He then laid her down and went to get a non-bloody rag. He brought it back damp and laid it on her four head, then laid down close to her side. Ary didn't even protest when he pulled a blanket over them and put his arms around her. Mat and Laurence smiled, then Laurence pulled Mat close, gave him a puppy-panda look, and asked again: "What happened to you?" "It...it was just dinner. That's all," Mat faltered, his heart fluttering around in his chest like a caged bird. -"Truthfully, we want to get out of here. We want to be free of this place. And if we have the top two resistance leaders helping us, we should have no problem getting out and hiding with their help, right?" Ary thought for a second. "This is all hypothetical, of course. I mean, it's not like we're abused or anything by our lovely Leader and his cronies," as she said this she pulled up the long sleeve of her nightdress to reveal dark finger-shaped bruises marking her skin.-"Oh, I see now," said Laurence. Kier looked at the bruises and his face turned red. He clenched his fists and looked at the ceiling. Ary pulled her sleeve down and Mat showed a scar on his inner arm that ran from his wrist to his elbow. "Yeah, and they've never been so angry with us they've tried to kill us either," he rolled his eyes. Laurence's eyes went wide. "So, you need our help, and we need yours? Maeby we can make a deal." Laurence said softly, thoughtfully. "What do you drink?" Kier broke in. Ary and Mat shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, well...I settle for animals usually, though I don't like to. I have a mild allergy to the blood tablets Mat uses. It makes me sick." Ary answered, a little ashamed. Mat nodded and produced a small mint box from his pocket and shook it lightly. "So...about this deal?" Mat asked. "We'll offer you protection in the rebellion if you get us out of here safely," Laurence offered. Mat looked at Ary. She shrugged. "Sounds good," Mat agreed. "So when do we go?" Ary asked. "Tonight. You won't spend another bloody night in Hell," Kier answered boldly and pulled her tight against him. "No, that's no good. They've doubled the security tonight because The Leader has a guest. Another Leader," Mat interjected. "At the Ball tomorrow. I hope you don't mind, but we signed you up to sing at the Ball. The Other Leader requested live music instead of a gramophone. Three other humans are also playing." Mat continued. Laurence and Kier stiffened. "What if they hate us?" Laurence asked shyly. "How could they?" Mat asked dreamily, before catching himself and covering with a cough. "Hey, Laurence? Can you do me a favor? There's a, uh, something I want you to get out of the closet for me. It's the fluffiest thing I  there. Can you bring it to me?" Mat asked, partly trying to cover still and partly because nothing helped him feel better when he was upset than his fluffy blanket. Laurence nodded and went to the closet. He returned soon with Mat's blanket and wrapped it around him. Then they tucked themselves into the red velvet bed.
-Even though they hadn't rehearsed and they didn't know who any of the other humans were, they became confident that they could do it just from hearing themselves and Mat and Ary talk about it. Ary was still well sick, but she felt much better laying in Kier's arms. Mat was pleasantly surprised when Laurence laid his arm across his stomach and pulled him a little closer. Soon everyone was snoozing peacefully.
-The next morning Mat and Ary felt like they'd been hit by a carriage. They ached all over and though they were healing, their wounds hurt like Hell. Ary opened her eyes as the first rays of sun touched her face. She opened them to find that her face was snuggled close to Kier's neck and that he was holding her close to him. She closed her eyes again, not wanting to be awake yet. Mat felt warm. He didn't even open his eyes when he woke, but just laid there feeling the warmth of Laurence against him. Both guys continued to sleep for a few more moments before Kier started to stir. "Urg," he stretched, "Ary, are you awake?" he whispered as gently as he could. She kept her eyes closed, curious to see what he'd do. He smiled softly and smoothed a bit of her hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear with fingers as gentle as the first kiss of snow on skin. Ary smiled and slowly opened her eyes to him. She felt like her head was being pounded on by a mallet. The human blood still hadn't completely worn off. Kier could tell she was still more pale than usual. "Do you need something? A warm rag, or maeby I could hunt for you?" Kier placed his palm on her cheek. "No, nothing please. Just don't get up," she muttered in a quiet voice. He held her closer.
-Laurence woke cuddled close to Mat. He'd slept on his side all night clutching Mat, who was on his back, close.
-Laurence smiled at Mat, gave him a light kiss on the cheek, then got up and started making breakfast. He didn't know how to make the blood tablet juice Mat drank, and he didn't know where to get any animals for Ary, so he settled for making porridge for himself and Kier. Mat laid in bed blushing. He'd tried hard not to move when Laurence kissed him, but he was so shocked he couldn't help but blush. Once he was calm enough, he sat up in bed. "You're making breakfast?" Mat asked Laurence. "Yeah, but I'm not sure how to make you and Ary's breakfast. Can you help me with that?" Laurence replied. Mat nodded and got up. He fixed himself a glass of blood tablet juice. "That's all there is to mine. Ary's is a different matter. Since both human blood and the blood tablets make her sick, she usually has to hunt at least once a day. But in her current condition she might not need to eat anything else for a little while," Mat sipped his juice. Laurence nodded and fixed up everything on the table. Then he went to wake Kier, whom he found awake in bed holding Ary gently as she slept on his chest. "Breakfast is ready," Laurence said. Kier carefully got up, waking Ary again anyway, and went to have breakfast. Ary pulled a book from her dresser drawer and while everyone else ate.
-Later that day they were all just sitting around the room. "Bitch, you should probably try to eat something now. Kiertten, go with her, make sure she doesn't end up tripping over squirrels. Again," Mat said as he started changing his clothes. Ary sighed and got out of bed to get dressed. Kier, already dressed, tried his best not to watch Ary changing. He really tried. But he couldn't help watching as she changed into her black hunting dress. "Hey, can someone help me with my corset ties? Usually I have no problem, but-" Ary stopped talking as Kier took the strings from her and easily cinched her into it. "Better?" Kier asked. Ary nodded. "We'll be back soon," said Ary as she took Kier's hand and pulled him to the window. Kier and Laurence exchanged a look. They were both thinking the same thing. This could be Kier's chance to get away and alert the Resistance. Kier shook his head no, closing his eyes in shame at the thought. They were going to help them escape tonight at the Ball. And there was no way in Hell he would leave them here now that he knew the truth. Laurence nodded that it was wrong. "Kier? Ary needs food. Go," Mat said as he pushed him toward the window a little. He nodded and they leaped out the window, landing in a pile of leaves and rolling to their feet. The took off into the woods, quietly, but as quickly as possible, leaving Laurence and Mat alone in their room.
-Ary and Kier snuck ad quietly as they could through the forest. Ary was surprised at how quiet Kier was. She was having trouble keeping up, but was determined not to show it. They hadn't seen anything yet, but they were following some tracks that looked fresh. It got very quiet. Ary looked around, apprehensive. She leaned close to Kier and whispered: "Someone is following us!" Kier's eyes widened. "Well, I guess I'm not as sneaky as I though," Alice and Justin stepped out into the clearing. Ary gasped and took a step back, Kier moving to stay close to her. Justin winked at Kier and Ary stepped between them. "Ok, so you're not sneaky. Why are you following us?" "We wanted to know what you were doing. I mean, what reason could a vampire have for hunting? Then I realized it must be for your little pet here, not a maid but a very attractive guy, apparently. Justin certainly seems to find him attractive. Can we play with your pet?" Alice nodded to Justin. He took a step toward Kier and Ary. Alice leaned against a tree to watch. Justin grabbed Ary around the waist and picked her up. She kicked at him and pushed away, but as she was she was only as strong as a human. She couldn't fight him off like this. Kier picked up a stick and ran to hit him with it. The stick broke against his back and he dropped Ary and turned to Kier. "You, my little piggy, will make a most lovely dinner, after bed time," Justin said suggestively in his sickeningly deep voice. Kier's eyes went wide as Justin's hands locked around his waist. Ary was up and hitting him before anything else could happen. Justin pulled Kier tight against himself with one arm holding him there and with his other hand he locked Ary to his side. "Wait, no, stop!" Ary begged as Justin began to walk deeper into the forest with them. Alice smirked and followed them.
-Mat and Laurence sat alone in their room. They'd both been reading quietly for some time. It was nearly time to get ready for the Ball. "Ok, where in Hell are they?" Laurence asked worridly. "I was just about to say that. Come on, we'll find them," Mat said as he got up and went to the window. They dropped down into the leaves and Mat picked Laurence up so they could run faster. They followed Ary and Kier's trail to the clearing where Alice and Justin had found them. "Hey, isn't that the scarf Alice was wearing?" Mat asked. Laurence nodded and pointed to a large area where leaved had been disturbed. "That looks like someone struggled there. What if Alice has Kier and Ary?" Mat's face hardened, then he took off to Moony Cave, a cave popular for vampires because of its seclusion from the mansion and everything else.
-Ary struggled against her chains. She and Kier had been placed in the back of an old cave. Justin was currently trailing his massive fingers through Kier's hair while Kier moved away as much as he could. Alice was nowhere in sight. "Hey! Heeeey! Leave him alone you...frigging big...thing!" Ary screamed, trying to get Justin away from Kier before he tried anything else. Justin studiously ignored her and continued gazing at Kier with hungry eyes, trailing his other hand down Kier's shirt. Kier shivered and closed his eyes, struggling to move away. Ary growled in frustration and kicked out at Justin. Her foot connected with his leg and he finally turned to look at her. Ary gulped. Justin moved away from Kier and moved so he was over Ary in such a way that she couldn't move. He stared at her face for a long time before moving her hair back off of her neck. He leaned in close to her exposed skin. Ary's heart sped up and she struggled to get away. Kier struggled too, yelling all the while: "hey, stop it! Come back over here. Look, I'm a guy. You like tiny guys, right? Leave her alone!" Justin laughed a low growl of a laugh, then slowly opened his mouth over Ary's neck. She gasped and closed her eyes as her breaths became ragged and her whole body shook. He lowered his mouth to her neck. "Now you don't want to ruin your supper, do you, Justin?" Alice's voice broke through the pounding of Ary's heart and Justin stopped just centimeters from plunging his fangs into Ary. Kier and Ary breathed sighs of relief. Alice dumped a big pile of blankets onto the floor. "There, now you won't hurt him so badly when you have your...fun," Alice grinned evilly, "and he'll last longer." Ary groaned as she realized what was happening and tried her best to break her chains. She couldn't. Justin spread out all of the blankets to make a fluffy bed, then picked Kier up by his chains and laid him on the blankets. "Wait, please stop!" Ary pleaded, almost in tears. Vampires were never gentle with their prey unless they were trying to preserve them. Justin laid down next to Kier and pulled him close. He then trailed kisses fro  Kier's cheek to his neck. Kier trembled and fought to move, but Justin was too strong. As his lips touched Kier's neck, he opened his mouth. Fangs bared, Justin bit into Kier's neck. Kier screamed in pain and Ary cried out, fighting all she could. Alice watched, indulgent in her sick pleasure. She loved it when Justin preyed on his victims. She never saw the blade that removed her head from her shoulders. Her head rolled to the ground with a sickening thunk and Justin leaped up, ready to fight.
-Mat and Laurence charged in, swords bared. Kier laid on the blankets moaning. Justin wiped his mouth and looked from Alice's beheaded body to Mat and Laurence. Ary cried freely, still trying desperately to get free. Justin charged Mat, and Laurence dove behind him to unchain Ary. "Is he a vampire now?" Laurence asked as he tried to use his sword to break her chains. "No, there is no special thing that would turn him. He'll be alright. We just need to get him out of here," Ary said, calming down into a wondrous rage. Mat dodged Justin, being much faster. Justin was relentless. Laurence finally got Ary free and went to take over fighting for Mat. Ary went to help too while Mat switched out to check on Kier. He was bleeding from his neck wound, but luckily Justin had not pierced the main artery. Mat began quickly cleaning and dressing the wound. Ary and Laurence fought Justin. Ary using her broken chains and Laurence with his sword. Justin was such a force of brute strength that he didn't even need a weapon. He punched at them, and they did their best to dodge and attack back. Realizing his current method was getting him nowhere, he spun Laurence's sword from his hand, grabbed Ary hard and puller her back to his chest, then drew the sword to her neck. Everyone froze. Ary whimpered softly and did her best not to move. Laurence's eyes went wide and he put up his hands in a calming gesture. "Hey, hold on, wait. Justin wait. You kidnapped them. You were drinking Kier's blood. We had no choice. You have a choice now," Laurence slowly moved one hand closer to the hilt of his sword. Justin's arm tightened around Ary and she winced in pain, feet off the ground. Mat was still working on Kier's neck and couldn't help at the time. Kier seemed to have passed out. Ary was helpless. It was all up to Laurence.
-"I know why you did it, and I know what I deserve, but I'm not letting all of you out of here alive," Justin rumbled. "Fine, fine. But not her. Let her go and take me instead," Laurence held up his hands in surrender. Ary breathed a soft "no!" Justin thought for a second, dropped Ary to the ground, and stepped over her to stab Laurence through the chest. Ary gasped and punched straight up where he was standing over her, causing him to miss Laurence's chest and only graze his arm, then Justin fell to the ground; Ary rolled out from under him as he was falling. Laurence was quick as he dove for his sword, grabbed it from Justin's loose hand, then plunged it through his heart. There was a hiss of pain from Justin, then he looked over to where Alice laid and smiled, then his head fell back and he laid still. Ary got up and ran to Laurence and threw her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you! You don't know what they were going to do to Kier! Just...thank you," Ary lightly gave Laurence a friend's thankful kiss on the cheek, then ran over to check on Kier. "He's fine. Don't worry. I think he passed out more from fear than anything else. I mean, Justin was a huge freaking pile of muscles. I wouldn't want that anywhere near me either," Mat assured Ary and Laurence. They performed a small burial ceremony for them then Mat picked up Kier and they began their trek home.
-Once they were in their rooms, Mar checked the time. "Good. We still have about an hour before the Ball. Laurence, you fix you and Kier some supper while me and Ary get him dressed," Mat said, pulling out Kier's suit from the closet. Laurence nodded, went to go, then stopped. "Oh, Ary I almost forgot. We found something for you on the way here," Laurence tossed his messenger bag to Ary. She looked inside to find one healthy rabbit. Her stomach rumbled. "Oh, uh, t-thanks," she stuttered as she ran to the closet with it. She didn't like anyone to see her eating. Mat rolled his eyes with a small laugh, then started to change Kier's clothes. Ary came out a few minutes later jumped out the window to perform the burial, then came back up and washed up. By this time all that needed doing was Kier's buttons on his shirt and jacket. Mat let Ary take over that and went to fix himself some blood juice. Laurence was still busy at the fire cooking. Kier started to wake up as Ary was doing the buttons over his stomach, his chest was still exposed. Ary stopped, hands raised over his buttons as he opened his eyes. He looked up at her and grinned. Two fangs showed between his otherwise perfect teeth. Ary dropped the button and gasped. Her heart pounded. "Kier, how do you feel?" Ary asked quietly. "I feel..." his mouth tripped over his new fangs a little, "strange; I'm very thirsty," he muttered, raising a hand to his mouth. Ary stopped him before he could touch his teeth. "Mat...?" Ary was clearly freaking out, but trying not to show it. Mat walked over, took one look at Kier, and then ran to the window. "There's no way! There isn't an eclipse, there's no solstice, no explanation!" Mat frantically checked his Starmap. With sudden realization, he noticed a slight notation in the maps. "A falling of stars? There was a Starfall today?" Mat looked out the window again, confused. "It's daylight so we never would have known," Ary said, still holding Kier's hands. "What's going on? Is Kier alright?" Laurence came over after laying out the food on the table. "Kier will be fine. I think I understand what Justin was planning now. The easiest way to turn a new vampire back human is to make them feel human again. The easiest way to do that is..." Ary trailed off, blushing bright. Mat nodded and took Laurence's arm. "Wait, what's the way? What's going on?" Laurence continued to ask questions as Mat dragged him out of the room. Kier looked up at Ary with a confused grin. Ary smiled shyly, then began undoing the buttons of his shirt.
-Mat and Laurence walked around the mansion looking for a safe, quiet place to be until it was safe to go back into their room. "So they have to...they...to change him back?" Laurence asked after Mat explained what had to happen for Kier to be human again.  "As long as it's less than 2 hours after he's turned, yes. That's all it takes," Mat shrugged. They walked into the library. It was usually empty, as most vampires were probably getting ready for the Ball by now. The sat down on one of the sofas in the room. "Is that the only reason for a vampire to...well..." Laurence trailed off, unable to finish his question for the embarrassed color his cheeks turned. Mat grinned. "Of course not, silly Lapanda. Vampires quite enjoy that too. There are always reasons for that," Mat winked and leaned back against the pillows on the couch. Laurence's face changed to a look of determination. All at once Laurence pulled Mat into his arms and kissed him hard on the mouth. Mat was shocked at first, then put his arms around Laurence and deepened their kiss.
-Ary lay on her side beside Kier in a tangle of blankets. Kier's fangs had receded and he was now human again. He held Ary close for a while before trusting himself to speak. "Are you alright?" Kier whispered gently as he smoothed Ary's hair behind her ear. She nodded, feeling very good and very strange. "Can't you speak?" Kier teased with a small laugh. He was feeling better than he ever had in his whole life. Ary rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at him. He laughed again. "We're going to be late for the Ball if we lay here any longer," Kier said with a small sigh. He didn't want to move. Ary gasped and leaped up quickly. She ran around the room throwing Kier's clothes to him and pulling on pieces of her own in a frenzy. "No! We can't be late! Not for this! Mat would kill me if we were late!" Ary froze as the door handle began to move. She squeaked and dove into the closet as the door opened and Mat and Laurence came in, both smiling smugly. "Just us. Don't worry, we're not looking! We just need to get dressed now so we're not all late," Mat laughed as he noticed giggles coming from the closet. "Ary, get dressed! We've got to go. We need to get Kier and Laurence to the Ball now so they can help the others set up," Mat said as he began changing. Laurence started changing too, and Kiergot out of bed to get ready too.
-Once in the ballroom, Ary and Mat put Kier and Laurence on the stage and chained them to the rings on the floor. Bands were often featured at the Balls, so the vampires had had to find ways to keep them there. Mat leaned in close to Laurence, appearing to bite his neck, but really he whispered: "don't worry, we've got the plan. We'll be alright." Ary and Mat left the stage as more vampires brought up their prisoners. Luke, a tall guy with black hair, was chained in behind the drum set. Drew and Shane, both blonde and born on the same day but not twins, picked up their bass and guitar, then Kier and Laurence both took a mic. Drew and Shane picked at a few chords, then Luke joined in with his drums. Next, Laurence brought his voice into the mix, and Kier accompanied him with sounds from his own mouth. Soon they were playing together as if they'd never done anything more naturally. The vampires danced around the Ball room in elegant swirls and waltzes. Ary and Mat danced together, not wanting to dance with other vampires unless they absolutely had to.
-Time passed quickly for Kier and Laurence. They grew to enjoy the singing, and the rest of the band was great company too. Luke, as it turned out, was the biggest out of all of them but also a big gentle giant. In between songs, he told them of his many animal friends and how he's take long walks in the forests just to hear the trees whispering to him. Drew, the most quiet, had been abused by his vampire master. He didn't talk much, but when he did it was something important like when he'd announced the arrival of the Leaders to the Ball quietly so no one but the rest of the band heard. Shane had a bit of a split personality. On one hand, he was Shane: sweet, artistic, and quiet. On the other hand, he was Barrone: excitable, roguish, and somewhat severe. You could easily tell the transition from Doctor Jeckle to Mister Hyde by his goggles coming down over his eyes. His goggles remained up for the duration of their set.
-The clinking of a small bell announced that the Leader had an announcement to make. He stood at the top of the tall staircase, looking down on all the Ball-goers. "Tonight is a glorious occasion. Tonight you shall witness the birth of a new Leader. Bring him forth," the Leader's voice rang out loud over the Ball. Everyone went quiet and every eye was locked on the balcony as a man was dragged forth between two vampires. He staggered, as though drugged, and they dropped him at the feet of the Leader. The Leader knelt down and raised the man's face to look him in the eyes. The whole Ball was holding its breath in terror. This kind of thing wasn't supposed to happen here. It wasn't for the eyes of the public. And they really didn't need another Leader! I mean, one was plenty for anyone, and two was definitely bad news, but three? How would they cope? Panic filled the eyes of everyone as the Leader laid his palm against the man's temple. A storm began to rage outside. Darkness decended on the man. He gasped, then a long harrowing scream pierced the air and the man began to glow, his skin appearing to melt from his body. Before that was complete, one of the vampires threw a dark black cloak over him. The once-man thing stood up. A Leader had been made. "I'm so sorry to tell you this, my dear Children, but the new Leader is hungry. And you shall be his first meal," cruel laughter rocked the walls as the new Leader decended into the crowd. Latching onto the nearest vampire, he plunged his fangs deep into his flesh and proceeded to drain him dry. Mass hysteria broke out as everyone ran for the exits. Well, almost everyone. Mat and Ary ran for the stage where Kier, Laurence, Luke, Drew, and Shane were desperately trying to break free of their chains. Shane watched in fear as the new Leader drank deeply from his master. His goggles slid down over his eyes, and Barrone appeared. He easily ripped his chains free of the stage as Ary and Mat made it to the stage. Each of them pulled free the other four boys' chains. Then they took off running for the back door. No one was getting out of the front doors. The Leaders had locked them all in. Barrone had no trouble, but Luke, Drew, Laurence, and Kier were having trouble keeping up with Art and Mat. "It's no use. They're too slow. We'll be caught before we reach the back doors," Barrone said roughly. Mat nodded, then had an idea. He grabbed Ary, stopping everyone. "The maids' quarters. The big bed sheet basket we used to sneak out in before we got a room with a window. Follow me!" Mat rambled as he took off deeper into the mansion, everyone in tow.
-The new Leader continued to ravage the Ball as the Leader locked himself in his rooms and left his many guards at the door to protect him. When a new Leader is born, they eat until their soulless bodies feel full, physically and spiritually. Leaders did more than just drink the blood of their victims: they also ate their souls. After the initial feeding, however, Leaders can go for years without another feeding.
-Mat slammed into the maids' quarters, everyone close behind. "There!" Ary shouted, pointing to a large cloth basket on wheels. "Get in!" Bellowed Barrone. Kier, Laurence, Luke, and Drew climbed into the basket quickly, a little afraid of what Barrone might do if they didn't. Ary, Mat, and Barrone grabbed onto the basket and began propelling it down the halls towards the back door. The four inside the basket held on tight. As they rounded the corner to the back door, Rich and Ramon stepped into the hall to block their path. They stopped the basket with ease. Ary, Mat, and Barrone tumbled head first into the basket on top of Kier, Laurence, Luke, and Drew. "Ow!" "Shit!" "Fuck!" "Awe, Hell..." rang out the voices from the basket. Rich and Ramon pushed the basket into a side room and locked the door behind them. Everyone scrambled to sit up in the basket, with little luck. "Well, it seems as though we've caught ourselves some little mice," slurred Rich, his usual brooding manor clouded by drink. Ramon nodded, also clearly drunk. He reached into the basket and plucked out Ary, who was quick to fight. He pulled her close against him and she pushed away as best she could. He walked towards the single bed in the room. Cries of protest broke from the tangle of bodies in the basket. Rich reached in and pulled out Laurence, pulled him close, and took him to the bed also. "Hold this," Rich said as he dropped Laurence onto his stomach beside Ary. Ramon laid on top of them so he could hold them both down. Laurence and Ary struggled, but even together Ramon was just too big, and their current position made it even harder to fight. Rich walked back to the basket. Everyone was still having trouble moving. Rich pulled the draw strings on the top of the basket and closed the top off so no one could get out even if they did untangle themselves. Rich sauntered back to the bed. Ramon moved so he was more on Ary, then Rich laid down on Laurence, pinning him too. "We know it was you who killed Justin and Alice. The whole cave reeked of your scents. But don't worry, we know about your other friends too. They'll have their turn," Rich panted a little, his adrenaline and drunkenness making him dizzy with rage. Ary and Laurence gulped and tried harder to free themselves. Inside the bag, they were finally untangled and fighting to untie the top of the bag. Laurence gasped as a hand went under his shirt. "Wait, no, come on we need to get out of here! If the new Leader finds us, we're done for!" Laurence spoke hurriedly as he squirmed under Rich. Ary whimpered softly, unsure of what to do. These guys were drunk! They wouldn't listen to reason! Ramon started to undo the lace at the back of Ary's dress. Just then, a ripping sound filled the room. Barrone burst through the basket, sending fabric and wood flying all over the room. He and Mat pushed Rich and Ramon off of Laurence and Ary, who struggled up off the bed, then ran to Kier, Luke, and Drew. Ary stood in front of them, ready to block any attacks. But it turned out her protection wasn't needed. Barrone and Mat took down Rich and Ramon with no trouble. A couple of punches to their guts and both guys were on the ground in pools of their own drunken vomit. "Ok, shhh, it's alright now. Calm down," said Drew as he ran to Barrone. Barrone looked at Drew, then his eyes softened and he raised his goggles from his eyes. He then pulled Drew into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I don't mean to scare you, Darling, I'm so sorry," he spoke softly to Drew. Drew nodded and kissed Shane's cheek gently. ☆Screams could be heard from outside their door, then the door burst in, blown off its hinges by a vampire who was fighting for his life. The new Leader was in hot pursuit, fangs bared and hissing. The vampire didn't stand a chance as the Leader locked on and tackled him to the ground. Gurgled screams filled the room as Mat, Ary, Kier, Laurence, Luke, Drew, and Shane ran past the grisly scene into the hall. Carnage was everywhere. Bodies lined the floor and each seemed only a mummified remnant of what used to be vampires and their 'food supplies'. The gang ran down the hall and down to their last chance: the back door. Surprisingly enough, there were no guards and the door opened easily. They ran out into the night and they were free. "Great, we're out, but now what?" Ary asked, panting slightly from all the running. "Come to our camp. Please?" Kier asked, taking Ary's hands in his. Ary looked, confused, at Mat. "Won't the Rebels, I don't know, kill us?" Mat asked incredulously. "No, not if they see we're safe and as long as we stay close together," Laurence answered. "Maeby we should go for it, I mean we don't really have anywhere else to go, do we?" interjected Luke. Everyone nodded, then Laurence took Mat by the hand and led them all towards the Rebel camp.
-As the sun was coming up, they arrived at the Rebel camp. "Halt, who goes there?" shouted a hidden voice from amongst the tents. "It is I, Prince Laurence, appearing on this soil to bring light and hope," Laurence answered. "And I Kier, the Prince's..." Kier trailed off to whisper to Laurence:"Do I really have to say that? Fine..." He continued: "I Kier, the Prince's bitch..." Kier folded his arms across his chest, pouting. Deep laughter could be heard from within the tents. "Come on in, you filthy hooligans!" rumbled the same deep voice. Laurence and Kier ran into the tents to embrace the largest man Ary and Mat had ever seen. He was at least seven feet tall with a pronounced belly and a long beard. He looked to be an oversized dwarf! "And you brought...?" the dwarf-man's voice trailed off. "Friends. We brought friends, Mikael," Laurence assured him. Mikael nodded, looking at each new face with his trained eyes. He spotted Ary and Mat's fangs easily, and Shane's 'difference', too. "Father?" asked a deep voice from the back of the group. Luke stepped forward, eyes searching for any sign it could be true. "Luke? Son, is that you?" Mikael stepped up to Luke and touched his face lightly. "You've changed so much! Grown a beard to match my own and my gosh boy you've grown taller! It's been...so long..." Mikael trailed off again, then embraced Luke tightly. "I thought I'd never..." "I know, father, but I'm here. It's alright!" Luke hugged back.
-That night, after being thoroughly questioned and evaluated all day, they all stayed in the camp. "We've got a bit of a shortage of tents considering we didn't know you were coming, but we've got one large one in the middle we've been using as a command center. You can all sleep there tonight, then we'll figure something better out tomorrow. We've got a couple of extra blankets, but you also might have to share," Mikael said to their group. They muttered their thanks and followed Mikael to the tent. "By the way, I wouldn't mention the, uh..." Mikael trailed off, motioning to his teeth. Laurence nodded, knowing if his army found out they were harboring vampires and a changer that there would be Hell to pay, no matter that he was the Prince or not. Ary and Mat were careful not to speak unless they were absolutely sure no one else was around. Drew would have to do his best to keep Barrone at bay. Drew leaned in close to Shane, speaking softly: "Don't worry, Darling, I'll make sure you don't change in your sleep. You'll just have to sleep with me." Shane blushed slightly, then nodded yes as he brushed his fingers lightly through Drew's blond hair. "I'd like that."
-In the tent, everyone was trying to figure out how to fit in the tent. Though it was a large tent, it was difficult to find space for all six people to sleep (Luke having decided to bunk with his father). Shane and Drew were cuddled close together under the large table that dominated most of the tent. Kier and Ary laid next to them on one side, while Mat and Laurence laid on the other. It was a right squeeze, but eventually everyone was able to get comfortable. "So we're safe for now, as long as no one knows, right?" Ary whispered to Kier, not wanting to wake anyone up. "You should be, but if someone finds out they might not listen to reason. We've got to do something to insure your safety, but I have no idea what that could be..." Kier trailed off, fearing he might scare her. Ary just nodded, then rolled over to sleep. Kier closed his eyes and listened to Ary breathing until her breaths became slow and sleep overcame him. Drew and Shane slept soundly together, having no incidents of changing. Mat and Laurence talked for a while, then Laurence hummed to Mat until he was asleep.
-The next morning, everyone woke slowly. Drew and Shane here, Ary and Kier there, Mat and Laurence somewhere. Ary leaned over to Shane: "Hey, just out of curiosity, they gave you vampire steroids, didn't they?" Shane nodded silently. "He doesn't like to talk about it," Drew protectively pulled Shane closer. "I understand. I'm sorry," Ary laid back down. Shane nodded.
-Mikael and Luke came to collect them. "Everyone is looking forward to seeing their Prince returned. My only concern is the, uh, sun. Does it...?" Mikael trailed off, making an exploding sound and pushing his hands apart. "No, that's just a precaution to keep humans from hunting us in the daylight. That way, they think it's a trick of the light if they catch sight of our fangs," Ary explained. "Ah, good. Then follow me!" Mikael led them out into the sun; the cool morning air kissing their skin was charged with enough good energy to ignite the souls of everyone in attendance as Prince Laurence took to the stage (currently a flat waggon).