Sylvie

Chapter 8: Destiny or Decision.

Dropping back by their house to pick up an extra helmet in order to avoid police entanglements, Sylvie drove the couple to the bar so that it could be opened on time. By the time they’d reached the strip mall parking lot, the rain had stopped long enough for Sylvie’s regular bikers to have arrived and start acting like a bunch of fraternity boys.

Waiting for the soft thrum of Sylvie’s engine to stop, a guy named Ryan jokingly spoke up. “Guys, look. Sylvie has another one.” He lightly cackled as the other guys started hooting and jeering at the couple. “What’s that number twelve or thirteen for the year?”

Sighing from inside her unwanted helmet, Casey flipped up the visor and tapped Sylvie on the shoulder. “I should go over there and have dinner.” She teased, “I am hungry enough.”

Pulling the key and using the kickstand, Sylvie unbuckled her own headgear and fluffed her blue-gray mane so it curved around her neck as usual. “They are harmless, Casey.” She added, “Boys will be boys.” Facing the heckler, Sylvie whistled to get his attention. “Ryan, Darl’in?” She faked her southern accent to the point where Casey started laughing, “Ryan, You're just upset that you weren’t number eleven, sweetpea.”

Mirroring her mistress’s action, Casey freed her head and flipped her strawberry-blonde hair to each side and then winked playfully at the man. “Sylvie..” Casey ran her hand over the leather jacket the older vampire was wearing. “..You have got to get me one of these. I love it.” Spotting the name of the bar, Casey pointed at the neon moons. “Clever. I’m gonna love this place.”

Holding up one finger to Casey, Sylvie turned and waved down the leader of the frat-pack. “Jim? Can you keep them busy until Amber gets out here, M’dear?” Witnessing a quick nod, Sylvie held out her hand for Casey. “Sorry about that, It’s kind of their ritual to give me shit.”

Happily clasping Sylvie’s hand, Casey trailed Sylvie to the bar door. “Boys are dumb.”

“Totally agree.” Sylvie ushered Casey inside and gave her progeny a quick overview of the business. “You can do whatever you want to, really.” Sylvie followed her familiar pattern of turning on the lights and heading for her office. “I am a very low-key boss. I like to make drinks, so I do that.”

Once they passed the kitchen that split the two sections, Casey saw the small dance floor. “So cool.” She ran up and played with the switches until a bright spotlight hit the floor. “There…there, that was what I saw in my dead-state? I don’t know what to call it.”

“That is as good as anything.” Sylvie blew Casey a kiss, “You just named it.”

Dousing the bright yellow light, Casey cheerfully followed Sylvie into her office. “Hey, You have all this cool stuff to wear, and I am in this yellow top with red swirls on it.” She grimaced, “I really have to change my wardrobe.” She held up her gold and glittery purse, “Look at this thing.”

“Martin should be in the back stocking things. He typically gets here with his crew a few hours before opening.” She poked at the disco purse, “He can get you whatever you want.” Sylvie walked to a small cabinet flipped through a few tees and finally stopped. “This should work for tonight.”

Catching the purple top as it was tossed across the room, Casey shook out the shirt and took a look at the imprinting. “Eight-ball vodka?” She looked at the back and saw the huge black and white pool ball with the brand name under the image. “I like it.” Checking out the size, Casey frowned. “I am pretty sure that this isn’t going to fit right.”

Closing the little closet, Sylvie faced Casey with one eyebrow raised with curiosity. “Wait a damned minute.” She paused, “I distinctly recall a very tight-fitting suit that Martin had made for you, along with a certain donning of armor that barely held those in.” Sylvie playfully pointed at Casey’s large chest. “Now you are in a bar where sex appeal is almost expected, and you’ve gone prude.”

Quickly sticking her tongue out, “I am supposed to be a changed woman now.” Walking to the office door, Casey secured the lock and tossed the tight tee over her frame and moved around a bit. “Feels good. You sure this isn’t a breach of contract? You are gonna have your girlfriend being ogled by all these sweaty guys.”

“I’m good with it.” Sylvie walked up to Casey and hugged her tight. “You should be used to people gawking at you.” Mulling over a thought, Sylvie added, “I do have concerns with you being around all these people.” Sylvie purred playfully, “We might be able to get away with a dozen screaming outside, but thirty to fifty in the restaurant or double that in the speakeasy would be a little more complicated.”

“I see your point.” Casey gently pulled away and rubbed her chin in thought, “Can I ask a favor?” Casey waited for Sylvie to nod, “Control me.” A quick shiver went down Casey’s spine thinking about feeling Sylvie’s words dancing in her head all night. “As long as you feel it’s necessary.” She panted with excitement.

Moving behind Casey without a sound, Sylvie rubbed her partner’s shoulders and slipped her hands down her sides until she held Casey’s hips firm. Leaning a hair’s breadth from Casey’s ear, Sylvie called to her blood and their bond then whispered. “Let my words be liquid lyrics of love. Hunger only exists for bottled blood or our faithful bunnies. My sweet echoes are with you dancing, holding your resolve strong. You won’t harm the living this evening, will you?”

“Mmm, no. Love has my hand.” Little locks seemed to click in Casey’s mind and she embraced the sweet command. “Oh, my. That is..” Casey felt her legs weaken and she leaned heavily into Sylvie. “..The best feeling. I don’t even smell the guys outside anymore.” Turning her head, Casey mewled and kissed Sylvie’s neck. “Thank you, Châtelain.”

Partly shocked by the response, Sylvie took a step back and scratched her head lightly. “What did you call me?”

Spinning on her toes, Casey faced her creator. “I called you, Châtelain. It’s French.” She winked and grabbed Sylvie’s hand. “It is the mistress of the castle. I wanted something unique and special for us.”

“I love it.” Sylvie beamed and hugged Casey again. “I am suddenly very happy that you spent time in France.” Leaning close enough so that their lips lightly brushed together, Sylvie further purred, “No one else but you.” Deftly, Sylvie slipped from Casey’s arms and regained her senses. “Whew.” She panted, “You are a bundle of desire aren’t you?” Pretending to wipe sweat from her forehead, Sylvie acted flummoxed. “One good name deserves another.” Sylvie crossed her arms and leaned on her heels and thought for a few seconds. “Humm..Let me match..Oh, I have it!” Sylvie wiggled her finger towards Casey. “Paramour.” Emulating Casey’s excitement, Sylvie took her partner’s line, “It’s French.”

“I think you were around Vivi, too long, Châtelain.” Casey felt chills run the length of her spine using the name. “Paramour. It’s great.” She paused and smiled, “Maybe just in private between us? That way we don’t sound crazy to the rest of the world?”

“Agreed.” Sylvie winked.

“Agreed.” Casey echoed and raised one of her eyebrows, “However..” She blew Sylvie a kiss, “..no more stealing my lines.”

Clasping Casey’s hand, Sylvie pulled the unsuspecting vampire behind her and headed for the back of the building. “If we keep this up, the place will never open on time. I want to let Martin know he’s gonna listen and obey you too.”

“Will that go over well? Last time I talked to him, we sorta..kinda..made out on the bus to the manor.” Casey shyly commented.

Sylvie stopped her insistent tug and looked behind her, “Casey, I knew that. You and I are bound to each other and a couple. He needs to know his place.” Turning back around so fast that her short hair caught air and floated for a moment, Sylvie resumed her march. “You have more pressing things to be worried about, rather than Martin.”

“Like?” Casey inquired and let herself get pulled along.

Refusing to slow her pace, Sylvie gave a couple of small answers. “Your glamor and alternate forms. Our charm alone is the most powerful thing we have to preserve the veil.” She paused, “So that is imperative to learn and use.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Casey jabbered, “Are you telling me that I can pick what I look like as a bird or something? I can be as cute as Viv and be a silver fox?”

Laughing to herself, Sylvie finally reached the back door. “Yes and No.” Seeing one of Casey’s eyes widen with confusion, Sylvie added, “Yes you can pick your forms. No, I doubt you can be as cute as that fox.” Nibbling on her lip, Sylvie finished, “Did you think you’d be stuck as a bat?” She twisted her hands around to make a little bat image. “Eeep..eep.”

Upon hearing the cute sound from his mistress, Martin turned and faced Sylvie. “How delightful!” His voice came out light and jovial. “It’s been a few days, Mistress.” Spotting the alluring Casey, Martin bowed. “Greetings again, Miss Rivers. I am simply overwhelmed this evening, two beautiful women in front of me, and I have nothing to offer.” Walking to Sylvie first, Martin kissed both of her cheeks and then mirrored the action for Casey. “Alas, I was fibbing.” Playing around like he was some magician, Marin produced a couple of small violet carnations. “Couple of flowers, for a couple of flowers!”

Taking a moment to tuck her flower behind Casey’s ear and blend it with her coppery-blonde hair, Sylvie held up her hands in a square. “Flawless.” Sylvie walked beside Martin, “Meet my lovely new progeny.”

“Hi, I think we’ve met before.” Casey tapped her lips, “Martin Shores, right?” She teased and saw the gleam in his eyes. “Martin, you look hungry.” Playfully looking around the small dock they were standing on, Casey chuckled. “Almost to the point your mouth is watering.” Posing to the side, Casey fluffled her shoulder-length hair and imitated ‘Betty Boop’ the best she could.

Glancing to his mistress, Martin casually ignored Casey’s comments to confirm what he’d just heard. “Really? You finally did it?” Watching Sylvie bob her head slowly, Martin smiled and kissed both of Sylvie’s hands. “This is a momentous occasion!” He cheered and took the happy moment to kiss Casey’s hands as well. “Miss Rivers, I humbly offer my services to you. If I may?” Martin opened his arms for a hug.

“My pleasure.” Casey walked over and hugged the man softly. “Let me be the one to tell you, Sylvie and I are..well..” She winked at Sylvie. “Together.”

Taking one of his arms, Marin wrapped it around Sylvie and mushed the three into a tight hug. “We are going to have such a fabulous time!” Holding the trio together a few more seconds, Martin finally let go of the ladies and entwined his fingers. “We have a long time to get into lots of trouble.”

Sylvie pointed to the bottles of chilled blood. “We will need two times the order I usually ask for. Can you accomplish it, Martin?”

“By your command, Mistress. I will do it.” Martin gallantly affirmed. Giving Sylvie a slick smile he kept going, “There’s more on your mind, isn’t it?”

Nodding, Sylvie walked over to Casey and took her hand into her own. “I have my hands full getting Casey up to speed in her new..body.” Clearing her throat she pressed on, “What have you heard or seen concerning Alan Brown? He came in last night and was pointing out some odd news.” She paused, “Talking about something being my fault.”

Quickly issuing a few orders to his small crew, Martin headed inside the bar. “I didn’t want to interrupt the others, and they honestly don’t need to know.” He walked to a quiet section and leaned against a wall. “He’s got Amos coming tonight, Mistress.”

“Really?” Sylvie raised her eyebrows, surprised.

Pursing his lips for a second, Martin confessed further, “He’s thinking that Amos can help convince you to do the jobs he needs done so he can take the lead of the regional council.”

Scratching her copper-red hair, Casey appeared confused. “How do you know all this stuff, Martin?” She looked at Sylvie, “Who’s Amos?”

“My creator, dear.” Sylvie quickly answered Casey and resumed talking to Martin. “I haven’t had a vision of any kind since I felt my third-eye close at the lake.”

Briefly pointing his finger back to Casey, Martin grinned. “So it was Casey. Your instincts are impeccable, Mistress.” Happy with the approving look in Sylvie’s eyes, Martin volunteered what more he knew. “You and I both know he is entirely too young to assume that role. However, in light of last night's events with Jester and his troupe, You might consider backing Alan.” He paused for a breath, “Jester is pretty angry. He wanted Virginia Beach, now it’s loosely off limits again.”

“Probably for the best anyway, what if Vivienne comes back?” Sylvie unconsciously wrapped her arm around Casey’s waist. “She’d just purge whoever was there, without any consultation.”

Pushing himself from the lean he was in, Martin shrugged and nodded in agreement. “Alan thinks that if he can get someone like you to help him, it will go a long way. Amos is just back up.” He chuckled, “Most everyone likes you anyway, Mistress. Perhaps you should consider leading the council? A precog can’t be a bad thing, you could alert the others before something happened.” He raised one eyebrow and grinned.

“No interest.” Feeling a light kiss on her cheek, Sylvie winked at Casey. “What was that for?”

Blinking her gleaming golden eyes, Casey seemed to also be dancing in place. “You said no interest and I suddenly hear the song ‘Who’s That Girl’ in my head.” Spotting the wondrous look coming from Martin, Casey tapped one of her temples, “You know, Madonna?”

Laughing, Martin politely teased, “I know who it is, Mistress Rivers. I was wondering how it relates.”

“Oh!” Casey laughed, “You don’t know. I hear music in my head from time to time. I was wondering why she didn’t want to command the council, and I thought…who is this lovely woman?” Casey gave Sylvie another dainty kiss, “So the song just popped in my head.”

“Fascinating, Mistress Rivers.” Martin resumed, “Alan intends to give you a laundry list of things to look into, then tomorrow night when you meet in the Swift Creek lightout shelter, the issue about Richmond will come up.” Rubbing his chin for a few seconds, “I already said that Jester and his troupe will be there. Hunter Keenan and Danellia Cole said they’d be there as well.” He shrugged, “The rest are younglings that I barely know.” He winked, “I’m still gathering information on them.”

A mild concerned look came over Sylvie for a couple of seconds, “Jester and Amos. That will be an interesting reunion.” Feeling Casey tighten her grip, Sylvie confidently looked at her partner. “Not like that. Amos and Jester don’t particularly care for one another. Conflict of personalities.” Sylvie took direct command, “At least we have to contend with Amos and Alan this evening.” She took a breath, “Martin, leave something to record the events tonight, I want to review it.”

Imbued with a tiny bit of blood that Sylvie didn’t think about, the contacts Sylvie had forgotten existed began to send green check marks in her vision seconds before Sylvie heard Code’s voice. “Experimental mode for visual and audio recording available for use with ten percent blood reserve.” Code paused, “Continuing prior query for odd news..”

“Code stop!” Sylvie blurted and accidentally startled Martin. “Sorry, Martin. Somehow these contacts activated and I can record the stuff myself.”

Tilting his head to the side, Martin swirled his finger in a small circle. “Was that the little green lights I just saw? That’s wicked.”

“Just a little gift from Kody.” She winked, “I guess I can use these and they will be none the wiser.” Sylvie touched the flower that somehow appeared in her hair, then graciously thanked her ward. “Martin, You are the best.” Temporarily, Sylvie pulled herself away from Casey’s grip and gave Martin another hug. “You go on and finish what you need to do, I know you are busy.” Sylvie added, “I know you offered, but I want to put this in writing so to speak.” Sylvie looked at Casey, then back to Martin. “Listen to her commands as though they were my own, subject to change only by me.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Martin grinned wide, “Welcome to the small family, Mistress Rivers.” Bowing a final time to both vampires, Martin headed back to the loading dock. “Mistress?” Martin waited for Sylvie to acknowledge him, “ I left the proposal for ‘In The Dark’ that I discussed with you on your desk. Let me know if you want to take a chance on it.”

“Will do.” Sylvie waited for Martin to disappear from view before walking Casey to the front bar. “I am not a fan of my maker showing up.” Opening a small cooler marked private, Sylvie pulled two bright red bottles out and twisted the caps off then handed one to Casey. “We aren’t exactly the best of friends these days.” Drinking some of the blood in the bottle to soothe her aching throat, Sylvie set the bottle on the bar and shook her head, “We haven’t spoken since before Phantasmagoria opened.”

Holding the bottle under her nose to relish the aromatic scent that percolated out, Casey tipped the bottle to her crimson lips and allowed the thick iron-rich flavor to cool her own throat. Taking down about half the bottle, Casey licked her lips playfully. “Ahh. Good stuff.” Trying to lighten Sylvie’s mood. “Oh come on, it can’t be that bad?” She set her bottle beside Sylvie’s and leaned back against the dark wood. “No secrets, so tell me what happened.”

“Short version? He was much like Vivienne. He thought that Phantasmagoria was a rotten idea and would make the city reliant on vampires to survive.” Sylvie shrugged and took another drink from her blood bottle. “What I mean is that he hated the idea so much, that he actively went to the council and tried to show his point.” Frustration in thinking about the past made the elder vampire pinch the bridge of her nose. “What he didn’t know was that Franco was involved and the head of the regional council, so his protest fell on deaf ears.”

Deep within her mind and body, Casey felt the struggle that Sylvie was trying to explain. Walking to her partner, Casey lightly rubbed Sylvie’s back. “I know hindsight is terrible, but it looks like the guy was right. He might not have nailed exactly what would happen, but he did get close.” Reaching for Sylvie’s chin, Casey urged Sylvie to look at her. “If he’s coming with this dude Alan, I doubt it’s to rub your face in failure. He could have done that days after the attack.”

Swiftly tilting her head down, Sylvie managed to kiss Casey’s soft hand. “Thank you.” Sylvie tugged Casey close to her by the belt loops on her jeans, “How is it that you know more than I do, and I’m two-hundred and seventy-five years old?”

Happy to once more be within Sylvie’s arms, Casey walked her hands up and over her partner’s shoulders and into the blue-gray locks. “Mmm, I am not really sure. I have an oddball artist mother, who will tell you every practical thing in the world.” Casey twisted a few strands of Sylvie’s hair, “Based on what happened with Viv, I think, I was kind of a party girl.” Casey placed a delicate kiss on Sylvie’s nose. “I don’t honestly remember, the fog is still there.”

Intensely feeling the charged air between them and seeing the soft gold look in Casey’s eyes, Sylvie’s light anxiety disappeared and was replaced with the desire to kiss her girlfriend. “We’ve been skirting this for a few hours now.” Drifting her lips over Casey’s ruby-colored lips, Sylvie stopped so her hot breath could pass between the couple. “Only if you are ready, Paramour.” Sylvie whispered soft as silk.

Content to let Sylvie take her into their first romantic kiss, Casey’s melodic mind erupted with an older song that she instantly recalled her mother playing. Rather than first delving headlong into the kiss that she knew she wanted, Something within Casey told her to let the soft tune from her lips to Sylvie’s.

-Jackie Wilson..good call Rivers. Mmm..Higher and higher, let her know how you feel.-

“Oh..mmm, my Châtelain..” Casey’s coaxing murmur escaped her lips, “Nothing would please me more..” Casey began to lightly croon the lyrics pulsing in her head;

“..I'm so glad, I've finally found you
Yes that one, in a million girls
And I whip, my loving arms around you, honey
I can stand up, and face the world
Let me tell ya, your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)
Higher (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on (love keeps lifting me)
Lifting me (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)..”

Once Casey reached the end of her impassioned song, she nodded to her creator and lightly bit Sylvie’s partly pouty lower lip. “Ready when you are..”

Unlike the hyper-sexual tension that Sylvie saw and experienced for Vivienne and Faye at the beginning of their lightning bolt relationship, Sylvie had the benefit and detriment of knowing exactly how experienced Casey was in the realm of love and passion. While Sylvie had little flashes of heat running the length of her nerves, She didn’t want to do what others had done and make this special moment a blip in history.

-Just do what you’ve been doing, be yourself…Oh, that bite! Sun above she’s amazing.-

Worry turned to a white-hot flame when Sylvie had the feeling of her lip being teased. Sliding her hands from Casey’s waist and along her slender body, Sylvie stopped when she reached the nape of Casey’s neck and massaged lightly as she dropped her fangs into place with a soft click. Finally touching their lips together, Sylvie suckled Casey’s lower lip while making sure that her sharp fangs lightly scraped Casey’s tender flesh. Hearing the pleasurable moan coming deep from Casey’s chest, Sylvie took a second to use the small amount of blood that came from her fang-play. Spreading the ardently charged plasma over both their lips, Sylvie gracefully pushed herself into their first kiss. Easily swirling her tongue with Casey’s, Sylvie moved her head and mouth so that her fangs grazed and scratched her girlfriend’s supple digit.

Good wasn’t remotely close to how Casey felt the moment Sylvie’s sweet lips locked to her own. Good barely described the intense emotion of the moment passing in her mind. Good couldn’t live up to the easy-flowing sensations of passion that were now passing through Casey’s body with the small flexes pressed against her lips. Living in the moment that Casey counted through the drops of blood that escaped her tongue and was captured by Sylvie’s swift licks, Casey gently draped her arms over Sylvie’s sloped shoulders and gave herself completely to the woman she was bound to.

-Nothing left to hide behind, Rivers. You feel it in your bones. You can give her everything.-

Comforted by the little thought of finally being able to be vulnerable, Casey subtly dropped her weight until she knew that Sylvie had her completely. Purring from deep within her chest Casey swayed until she felt herself in a light dip, all the while still bound together by their kiss. Unwilling to take any level of control over their embrace, Casey contently waited until Sylvie swirled her tongue inside her mouth first then matched the pace with gentle and subservient licks to let her partner know the impassioned invasion was welcome.

All too soon, Casey felt herself get pulled so that she was standing straight and Sylvie’s sensuous lips had pulled back, ending their first kiss. “Mmm, You can do that again.” Casey curled into Sylvie’s arms and purred lightly. “I get the feeling that it’s never..” She sighed, “..been like that.” Looking up into Sylvie’s half-moon irises, Casey kept warming up to her partner. “While my memory is misty, I don’t think I have ever had a k-kiss where I haven’t been..well, felt up.” Casey giggled.

“Not quite the moment for that kind of kiss, Casey.” Sylvie ran her hands softly up and down Casey’s back, “There is another place and time for that, wouldn’t you agree?” Sylvie gazed lovingly into her partner’s gold orbs.

Fluttering her eyes briefly, Casey broke the intense stare the two had been locked in and then nuzzled back into Sylvie’s chest. “Yeah, It feels so good to not be just admired for boobs or my ass.”

Feeling the joke suddenly hit her like a brick, Sylvie giggled. “You have an ass? I couldn’t see it from the size of your tits.”

Laughter took Casey by surprise and she pushed herself away from Sylvie playfully grinning wildly. “Oh, I was..” She caught her breath between intense snorts, “..not ready for that. Good one.”

“I do hope we are not interrupting anything, Ladies.” Alan boldly walked around the bar where he’d sat the night before. “Oh, now don’t give me that look, Sylvie. You knew I was coming back.” Alan brushed his brown hair to the side and then pointed to the back. “Martin was kind enough to allow Amos and myself to come in without any fanfare.”

“Taini. Long time no see, my dear.” Amos spouted in a distinctly British accent. Standing the average height of most men, Amos Whitelock also sported rounded black hair, deep-set brown eyes and finally the odd feature of a handlebar mustache. “Aren’t you going to offer your former master a drink?”

Black new moon irises peered across the bar, “You lost the right to call me that. Sylvie is my name.” She lightly kicked the refrigerator behind her. “I save my drinks for paying customers or friends. You aren’t either.” Sylvie glanced back to Alan, “You never mentioned him.”

Casey walked and stood to Sylvie’s right as she watched the situation unfold. “Your master?” Casey inquired and darted her setting sun yes between the two men. “Care to introduce me?”

“You wound me, my little tart.” Amos outstretched his hand to Casey. “Amos Whitelock, you are?” He paused and sniffed the air. “Really now, a newborn and you belong to Taini. My day just gets better by the minute.” Briefly shaking Casey’s hand, Amos took up the seat beside Alan. “You finally managed to do it?” Amos smiled at Casey. “Welcome to the family.”

Deciding that the best course of action was to get the unwelcome vampire pair out of her establishment, Sylvie played along. “Casey, the one with the mustache is my creator, Amos Whitelock. Beside him is Alan Brown.” She paused and entwined her fingers with Casey’s. “Gentlemen, this is Casey Rivers. My progeny and girlfriend.”

Glancing at his watch, Alan pointed at the door just as it unlocked. “Right on time. Open for business.” Sitting as straight as possible, Alan smiled. “Two of your terrific Bloody Madelyn’s. Your bartending skills are the best, Sylvie.” Alan raised his eyebrow and looked at Casey. “Are you the one who serves..” He gulped nervously and felt the blood drain from his face.

“Yep, Served. Why do you ask?” Casey lifted her hand and kissed Sylvie’s. “I can call her if you’d like. Did you want to tell her anything?” Suddenly feeling territorial, Casey looked at Sylvie’s creator. “Sylvie politely asked you to not use that name.” Casey slipped behind Sylvie, making their eyes shine like an eclipse. “In fact, I am the only one allowed to use it.”

Seeing Alan mouth the word ‘Raven’, Amos held back what he was going to say in favor of twirling the end of his mustache for a few seconds. “Sylvie.” He half-squeaked, “I didn’t come here to argue, I came here because Alan said he was going to ask you for some favors and I wanted to add one to the list.” Amos looked at Alan and then back to Sylvie. “If you don’t mind. I know we aren’t the best of friends, but this is for love..” He paused, “..and our collective hides.”

Confused as to why these two were asking her for favors, Sylvie nearly snapped. “You two are perfectly capable of doing these little tasks yourself, why are you bothering me with these things?” Waiving at the two blood bunnies as they arrived for their shift, Sylvie continued, “I moved out of Petersburg to get away from all the mess there. It’s peaceful here. I am still trying to get rid of Phantasmagoria, the court cases are over. What’s left?”

“What I’d mentioned before.” Alan tapped on the bar. “This is still technically your mess.” Adjusting his silk tie, Alan smiled. “May I please have a drink?”

When a pressured and reassuring squeeze came from Behind Sylvie, She reluctantly gave into the request. Turning slightly so she could see Casey’s adorable eyes, “Thank you.” Sylvie cooed and kissed Casey’s pale hand before gathering the items to make the drinks. “Alright Alan, I did promise I would hear you out.” She poured the vodka over a splash of tomato juice and blood, and mixed the concoction in her metal shaker. “What are these breaks in the veil?”

Amos spoke first. “Sylvie.” He paused when Casey set a drink in front of him that she’d made. “Thank you.” He looked back to Sylvie, “You didn’t know this but I was in love with Livia Vegas.” Amos twisted his mustache and then pointed to Casey, “You, dollface, remind me about her quite a bit. If I am being honest.”

“Don’t call me dollface.” Casey raised her eyebrow and then faced Sylvie. “I met her too, he’s talking about my boobs.” She rolled her eyes.

“True she was voluptuous, Miss Rivers, but that isn’t all. Your lips matched the same shade of red, and you both have a swagger and presence about you, she used her hips so much more..” Amos stopped talking when both lady vampires had crossed their arms and stopped serving drinks. “..Fine, I’ll get to my point.” He lightly chuckled and took a sip of the Bloody Madelyn. “Perfectly balanced, Casey. Thank you.” Content when all Casey did was shake her head, Amos kept going. “I later found out that she kept a journal of her business and a journal of private information.” Amos almost seemed to be dreaming as he spoke, “She liked the tactile feel of a pen and paper. She wrote down everything, nothing digital.” Sipping more of his drink, Amos finished up. “Those two books had her entire dealings in them. Who, Where and more specifically what they were. Some outright say vampire, some say town council, or even city manager.” He stopped for a breath, “The other was personal information. Her time as a vampire, what she planned to do, how she planned to work, and her ideas for visiting other places. Even her experiments with blood use.”

“You are hoping that I get a vision and get these books back, aren’t you Amos?” Sylvie slid Alan his drink, “Always looking for an angle on how to profit from my gift.” She shook her head, “I am not your pawn anymore.”

Alan cleared his throat right after he took a hefty gulp of the mixed drink. “S-Sylvie. It’s a veil break, and it was in your place.” Alan tapped lightly on the bar. “I can’t see it as anything other than leftovers from the mess Phantasmagoria left behind.”

“Fuck.” Sylvie ran her hand through her short blue-gray hair, “Fine.” She glared at Amos. “I am not going to bring them back but to confirm their destruction.”

Swirling the end of his long mustache on his index finger, Amos nodded and then smiled. “Might I ask you to spare any personal correspondence between Livia and myself?”

Kissing Sylvie on her cheek, Casey breezed by and to a computer terminal to read the various drink orders coming in. “I have these.” She snickered, “I don’t know how I know, but I can make most any drink there is. I have the bar, you deal with those two.” Casey grabbed four pint-sized mugs and filled them with beer, setting them on a tray for pickup. “Don’t worry, I can hear what’s going on.”

Watching Casey move around the bar as if she’d been born to it, Sylvie took the time to think about the request. “Amos, no. I am not going to stop and read the ledgers to find anything personal for you.” Sylvie faced Alan, “What do you have?”

Amos held up a finger, “Dear? How do you plan to find the books? I’ve not said the rest of the story.” Spotting the look of annoyance on his progeny, Amos stopped trying to be coy. “You are still no fun. Very well. Rumor is that Haley Grant found it right after the attack.” He laughed, “She was a frequent customer of Livia’s establishment and knows my face.” Amos took down more of his drink and wiped his mouth, “Before you ask, Yes, I have been to her home and tried to find it. My hunch didn’t pan out and I was nearly caught.” He shrugged, “I am no spy, Sylvie.”

Hearing the spy comment sent a chill down Sylvie’s spine and she noticed the curious look on Casey’s face. “I wasn't hiding anything from you, Casey. We’d just never gotten around to discussing it.” Lightly rubbing her temples, Sylvie sighed and confessed, “I used to be a scout for my tribe. I wasn’t a very good one, but I was one all the same.” Sylvie glared at Amos, “All I did was watch colonists and report back, I never planned anything and I certainly have no skills at breaking into a place.”

Having dipped a small glass in lime juice and then rimmed it in sugar, Casey made a quick rum and cola to send out into the restaurant, “Something tells me he’s holding something back. There’s more to Amo’s story, Sylvie.” She refilled a couple more beers, and then smiled at Amos. “She’s got a contingency plan and is probably blackmailing you.” Casey tapped on her head, “I don’t know how I know, maybe I can see the deception in his eyes, but the news reporter has turned the files digital and has them in some way set to release should he show up or if she disappears.”

Sylvie balled up her fist and shook it at Amos, “You prick. You absolute jackass.” Turning her venomous look to Alan, Sylvie added, “You knew this was going to be a bitch, that’s why you have hit me with this bullshit of cleaning my own mess.” She flipped her thumb back at her former master, “That ass knows Haley a little more than in passing, she knows him intimately.” Furious, Sylvie took a couple of steps back and leaned against her computer terminal. “Out with it, Alan. What else is on the plate? No more bullshit.”

Unwilling to feed into the tenseness of the moment, Casey skipped and partly danced her way up and down the bar as she made drinks. “So far this isn’t anything we can’t handle, Sylvie.” Casey paused and winked lovingly at her partner. “We can easily charm Haley and that ends the blackmail.” Casey laughed, “Why Amos didn’t think of that, I don’t know.”

“I did.” Amos laughed and pointed to Amber as she approached with a drink order. “You call them blood bunnies. I’ve adopted the name gifted, so yeah. Mostly immune and loves being fed on.”

Noting that the situation was quickly deteriorating, Alan spoke up. “The other couple things shouldn’t prove to be terribly difficult.” He shrugged, “Both are still linked to Phantasmagoria. First is Franco Tarsey’s skull. It's being studied at a local university, because the police had no idea what to do with a skull that has fangs in it. They weren’t sure if it was real or not.” Alan opened a small hand notebook and tore off a piece of paper. “That is the name of the anthropologist looking at his skull. Another seek and destroy mission. I figure that there are notes the doctor has taken on them, but won’t that robotic pigeon friend of yours help with that?”

“Kody? They aren’t around, I have no clue where they went.” Sylvie raised one eyebrow, “Their name is Kody. Robot pigeon is a bit insulting.”

“My apologies.” Alan quickly amended and continued, “Consequently it’s one of Kody’s designs that’s also on the list.” Alan flipped a few more pages in his little notebook and tore out the page. “That I am told is some super computer chip-thing. Graphite..graphics..spirograph, Fuck if I know what it is.” Tossing the little page across the bar, Alan finished up. “It’s got notes with it that indicate vampiric blood use. It needs to be recovered or destroyed as well.”

Settling down behind Sylvie once more, Casey rubbed her maker's shoulders. “We can do these things, they aren’t overly complicated.” Casey nuzzled into Sylvie’s neck, “Let’s call it an adventure..Pleeeeeeaassseeeee?” Casey heard hip-hop start playing in her mind and laughed as she wiggled her hips for Sylvie, “Can you hear it too? Casey laughed and winked at the other two vampires. “Oh, I hear music most of the time. Right now I have an older song, ‘This is how we do it’ banging around in my head. It’s making me want to bounce.” She saw the confused look that came over Alan and Amos, “Singer, Montell Jordan. Really guys, just because you are old, doesn’t mean you have to act it.”

Happy that Casey was able to uplift the melancholy feel that had been festering in the air, Sylvie calmed down and smiled as Cassy kept mixing drinks and moving to a beat in her own head. “Very well, I’ll clean up this mess.” Sylvie held up a finger. “I don’t think I will be able to finish this before the weekend, so the idea of you using it to help bolster your favor with the others in the area, isn’t going to work Alan.”

“Funny you mention that, Sylvie.” Alan smiled and tucked the little notebook in his inside breast pocket. “Swift Creek Mill House lightout won’t be ready until next week anyway. It apparently fell into disuse.” Digging out his phone, Alan tapped a few screens and then looked at Sylvie. “How is next Wednesday?” Alan smiled, “Veronica said you might be willing to let Martin help us restore the Mill House?”

“How is Ver-” Sylvie stopped in mid-thought and wiped the thin line of blood dripping from her nose. “Casey…C-”

Split-second timing aided Casey and she was able to catch Sylvie when she tattered and fell backwards. “Sylvie are you alright?” Casey patted her maker's cheek and looked up at Amos. “H-have you seen this before Amos?”

Nodding briefly, the older vampire affirmed that he had. “Miss Rivers, you might want to carry her into an office, that is her third eye controlling something. It could be a few hours before she comes out of it.” He held up his Blood Madelyn, “You might also want to be ready to hunt after.” He downed the drink and twirled his mustache up, “She gets quite hungry after an intense one. I’ve seen her decimate a village.” He paused, “Her own.”

“She gets violent?” Casey queried both Alan and Amos and frowned when both of them nodded nearly at the same time. “Should I get her home, or is the office better?” Casey half-asked without really wanting an answer.

-Office, Martin, home. In that order, Rivers. Get moving.-

Waving to the two gentlemen, Casey heaved Sylvie against her frame to make it look like the sleeping vampire was drunk. “She said we’d do it, so we will. Stay as long as you want, drinks are well..on me.” Dragging Sylvie’s limp form to the office, Casey passed Amber on the way back. “I haven’t seen Veronica tonight, so you and Jessica have the bar, alright?”

Amos bowed to Casey, “Miss Rivers, it’s been a pleasure to meet you. I do hope to see you again very soon. Take care of our girl, alright?”

Amber kissed Casey on the cheek, “Grats by the way..” She giggled, “..Mistress. I just wish I had been your first fang, I bet your points are like diamonds.” Amber shivered happily. “Don’t worry, We have everything under control.”

Less than five minutes later, Casey had Sylvie resting comfortably on the sofa in her office and her iPhone in hand. “Martin, how close are you to the bar?”

“About fifteen minutes away, why?” Martin inquired with concern in his voice.

Digging around in Sylvie’s pocket, Casey found the keys to the motorcycle. “Cool.” She paused, “Oh, Martin. You know I have no gift for this sort of thing. I am used to following, not being followed.”

Laughing over the small speaker, Martin spoke softly, “Sylvie does this from time to time. I will be there and get you both and the bike home. Will there be anything else, Mistress Rivers?”

“Just hurry, I don’t want her to wake up and go into a frenzy this close to the bar.” Casey hastily added and then ended the conversation. “Come on baby, hold out while I get you home.” Casey muttered and squeezed herself beside Sylvie. “I’m here. Just squeeze my hand if you need me.”

—

Opening of Sylvie’s third eye always left the vampire mildly disoriented and confused for the initial few seconds it took for the vision to wash away the blurred haze. Combined with the intensity and use of blood for the eye to operate fully, it left Sylvie weak enough that she’d typically fall to the ground. This time, she felt a set of unseen arms carry the burden of her weight as the vision began to present itself.

Surrounded by a mist that was slowly burned away by the golden sun above, Sylvie discerned a large shape through the milky haze and walked in that direction until she found a line of free-standing windmills. Unlike the older windmills, these were made from modern materials and gave off an audible sound of gears turning along with the warble that came from the blades as they spun in the wind. Incessant grinding echoed in front of Sylvie. Familiar with the older sound, she immediately knew that it all came from a large collection of millstones moving and crushing something hard. Below the swirling blades an ‘A’ frame metallic cage held a long stainless steel rod that as it twisted, turned a solid stone that was easily the size of a huge dump truck tire.

Sylvie walked up to the small pit carved by the millstone and waited for the heavy slab to pass before looking at what it had just crushed. A crystalline white powder made the majority of what was left over, with little sparkles of red and green and an occasional blue flake mixed in.

-Heliotrope, more specifically a version of jasper.-

Sylvie felt the sun beam behind her and cast the shadow of the necessary eclipse confirming that what she was witnessing was the truth. A little warning alarm buzzed and it rained more of the gemstone that she’d thought about moments before. Reaching inside the pit, Sylvie picked up one of the raw gems and studied its pointed green and red ends.

-This is bloodstone. But what is bloodstone powder good for?-

Sylvie pulverized the raw gem and rubbed the contents into her palm, and focused on her older books about gemstones and their properties.

-Toxin cleaning, blood purification, Metativie properties, it helps..no that can’t be it.-

Suddenly, Sylvie felt her darkness surround the area around the vision, spinning wildly around trying to get closer to the windmills in what appeared to be an effort to stop them. Grabbing a handful of the ground dust, Sylvie walked to the edge of the silent beast spread around her vision like a vice and held it up for the windmill blades to carry the particles around the edges of her vision.

Reeling back from the bloodstone, Sylvie got a look at her inner darkness. Mischievous and deadly diamond-shaped eyes peered from the shadows. Her inner demon had no mouth or nose and appeared to be amorphous in nature and created four arms with six claws to prove it. Content to not attack, Sylvie’s shadow tapped its claws on the swirling bloodstone barrier and pulled away after hearing a little tinkling sound as though glass shards bounced into one another.

-Mystical? What, what..um…Negative energy or spirit protection, binds and dissipates foul spirits.-

Sylvie felt the sun beaming down on her neck and gladly turned into the loving glow, and in turn felt her third eye stop pulling blood use and close.

—

Hunger. Overwhelming burning in her throat. Bolting upright, Sylvie barely registered that Casey was in the room. Sniffing the air, the ravenous vampire smiled as her eyes shifted to new moons. “Now we hunt, my Paramour.” Sylvie wiped the bloody drool from her lips, “Are you with me?”

“You have me locked down, My Châtelain.” Casey outstretched her hand, and blinked her warm golden eyes. “I will happily hunt by your side, just let me do it.”

“After Dark is off limits.” Sylvie felt her heart begin to beat wildly, “The other half of Branders Bridge road has a set of older apartments that have no security. Let’s start there.” Sylvie licked her lips and pointed east of where they were. “About a half mile.”

Free to experience the monstrous side of her nature, Casey’s music went from upbeat and happy to something closer to gothic classical. “Can you tell me what the vision was about?”

“Blood. Specifically Bloodstones, though I don’t have everything. Something about its powder.” Sylvie opened her back door and darted off. “Try and keep up.”