When the last vestiges of the sun’s rays had turned the sky from a bright blue to crimson on the horizon, Vivienne and her guests stepped out of Ravenstead manor. Vivienne stood mesmerized by the slowly fading purple haze for a few seconds, “Faye, mon amour.” She turned around and saw the other three vampires standing safely inside the door as the light faded away. “There are times that I have missed our sun.” She shrugged and half-laughed when the other three started moving when the first of the twinkling stars began pulsing gently in the sky. “Franco, I find it difficult to believe that you are afraid of the light after dusk.” Vivienne grabbed Faye’s hand. “Mon amour. Perhaps I wasn’t clear before.” Vivienne kissed her partner's cheek. “You know that sense of the sun being down?” Vivienne smiled when Faye nodded slowly, “Well, that means you are safe my love. You can in fact come outside and witness the coming darkness.”

Franco chimed in, “Doctor Moreau.” He strode confidently to the limousine waiting to carry the small group to Phantasmagoria. “I would rather not risk it for a few seconds of pretty lights.” His four blood bunnies laughed in unison. “You four…” Franco opened the door for the girls, “...Keep right on laughing, I will keep right on avoiding anything to do with the sun.” He bowed once to Vivienne after his gang were safely seated and climbed in the car.

Vivienne carefully watched Sylvie and Casey when the two passed by her without saying a word, oblivious to the world around them. “Faye, I do believe we have lost our Casey to another lady.” She winked and helped Faye into the automobile.

“Such a lady.” Faye laughed and sat down before yanking Vivienne inside.

Acting as though she were awkward and unbalanced, Vivienne playfully tumbled into the seat beside her lover and somehow managed to close the door. “Look at that, mon amour.” Vivienne sat playfully in Faye’s lap for a few seconds. “You look absolutely radiant.” Vivienne planted a long and sultry kiss on her partner, only stopping when the others in the small compartment either cleared their throats or giggled quietly. Crawling from atop of her partner, Vivienne seamlessly took her seat and resumed her stoic visage. “I apologize if that made anyone uncomfortable.” Vivienne gently wiped the blood lip print from Faye’s cheek. “All clean, mon amour.”

Faye rolled her tongue over her lips and laughed, “I didn’t know you bit me.” A realization dawned on Faye, “Hey, you didn’t share.”

“Yes, I did.” Vivienne pointed to Faye’s cheek. “I left you a visible gift rather than a tasteful one.” Vivienne blinked her innocent blue eyes when Faye waved her hand then turned to Franco. “Mister Tarsey, kindly advise the driver where we are headed.

“Oh, I told him while you were…occupied.” Franco mentioned after taking blood liberty with two of his ladies. “I believe that I should inform you that a few of the leaders are not exactly anxious to meet you.” Franco paused and gulped, “They are more scared than anything else.”

Sylvie seemed to come out of the talking trance she had with Casey, “Scared?” Her twin moon irises focused on Vivienne, “Petrified is the better word.” She tapped on her lip for a moment, “All but Issac that is. He’s obsessed with making you face judgment for your past actions.”

Vivienne raised one of her long elegant eyebrows, “Perhaps one of you should go in and see if you can speak reason to him.” Her playful nature disappeared quickly. “I am not beyond making a second example, if necessary.” She looked over to Faye, then back to the other vampires. “Since you are what I consider friends now, it would be unfortunate if I were forced to take action.”

Faye reached over and turned Vivienne’s head, “Viv.” Faye smiled, “Be nice.” Faye slipped an errant piece of hair behind Vivienne’s ear. “Let’s not mess up the great mood, okay?” She leaned over and kissed Vivienne softly, “You have nothing to prove.”

Turning and looking out of the tinted windows, Vivienne watched the various twinkle lights of the holiday season pass by. “You are wiser than me, mon amour.” Vivienne admired the cozy look of icicle lights flickering against the real icicles hanging from the gutters and windows of the homes they passed. “Peace is hard for me to fathom.” Vivienne looked at her two new friends, “I apologize.”

Franco poured himself an infused drink of bourbon and swished it in his small glass. “Issac is just one of us.” He sipped his drink, “I do believe that if you show the same courtesy to them as you did for Sylvie and myself, the others will come around.”

Once more Vivienne looked blankly out of the buildings passing by, watching the smoke from chimneys and the warm steam from the street. “I had forgotten how quiet this town could be.” She pointed to a few closed storefronts that were encircled with red and white lights. “Franco, what did the people around here think about Ravenstead?” Vivienne asked curiously.

“Most of them thought it was a closed museum, a revolutionary one.” Franco finished his drink and poured himself another. “The area has always been one for history.” Pouring another drink, he handed the glass to Vivienne. “Your plan to keep the little village open at the base of Ravenstead was a stroke of genius.” When Vivienne declined the drink, Franco handed it willingly to Faye. “It allowed people to see the manor close even if they couldn’t go in.” He shrugged, “The Hasselberry group even sold fishing licenses for your ponds. It made them a fortune in the long run.” Franco shook his head and sipped his drink. “I wouldn’t have guessed they were part of the Ripped.” Franco looked at his watch, “This is taking a bit longer than I expected.”

Vivienne pointed out of her window, “We have had a few detours.” She pointed to a crew working on the road. “It would appear that they are having some kind of problem this evening. I have seen three crews so far.”

“Probably utility work or a water main break.” Sylvie chimed in quickly. “The city has major problems with both.”

Franco snorted, “With as much money as we have donated to the city, you’d think they would have fixed them all by now.”

Faye caught the glimpse of lights and pointed to a three story building. “Is that what I think it is?”

Franco clapped, “It is about time.” He swallowed his drink in one fluid motion, “Welcome to our little jewel, Phantasmagoria.”

When the limousine stopped, Vivienne looked at the building before her. Taking up the better part of a city block, the three levels appeared stagger stepped and covered with tinted windows. White brick made up the majority of the structure, backed with gleaming stainless steel beams on the corners of the structure. The top of the building had a gaudy and flashing sign pronouncing its name. “A tiny Las Vegas right here in Petersburg.” Vivienne commented softly.

Faye downed her drink and set the glass down. “Exciting.” She bounced happily in the seat, “I don’t think I have ever been to Vegas.” She paused, “Or I can’t recall if I have.”

“That was part of the idea, young Faye.” Franco said as he reached for the door handle, “Shall we go inside and you meet everyone?” He pushed the door open and stepped out. “Come on ladies, I am sure your fellow blood bunnies have missed you.” Franco took the time to make sure all four exited the vehicle with his help. “You all get to gossip that you have been in the manor.” Giggling to themselves for a few seconds, the four women bowed to Franco and took off, heading for the front entrance.

Sylvie exited the plush car next, “Casey, it was wonderful to have met you. Do stop by when you get the chance. We are on the second floor. The only fortune tellers.”

“Same here, Luna.” Casey quickly looked at the twin vampires smirking at her. “Hey, She was being friendly. She asked all about my mom and dad.” Covering her heart, Casey added, “I promise. All she did was ask me questions.”

Opening her hand and waving to the open door, Vivienne gave her ward a thin smile. “Last time I saw that much interest, it came from my lovely Faye here.”

“Ha, Ha.” Faye flatly stated and followed Casey out of the car. “You act like I was the only one standing there frozen in place.”

One long shapely leg at a time, Vivienne emerged. “Simply stating a fact, mon amour.” Pointing to her right, “Faye, please escort me on the right.” Turning to face her ward, “Casey, appear serious and keep only slightly behind us.” Vivienne smiled, “Our guardian angel.”

“Celestial.” Faye corrected and laughed. “Come on, Viv. I have been waiting three days for this.”

Waiting until Franco and Sylvie had walked a few feet towards the opening of the sinful building, Vivienne pointed to the blood red brick that lay in the middle of concrete slabs and intersected in a big macabre cross. “A pleasing path outlined in soft yellow light.” She pointed to the huge crowd waiting to get in. “A trap that you willingly step in.”

“Why hunt when you can bring them to you?” Faye echoed the sentiment.

“Yeah, I can feel the others close by.” Casey tapped Vivienne on the shoulder. “This is…”

Vivienne turned and looked at her ward, “I agree, Casey.” Vivienne started walking toward the entrance, “Humans enjoy their vices and it would appear our brethren have found a perfect little setup.” She looked back at Casey, “This is little more than a food processing plant with pretty lights.”

Casey shivered and followed Vivienne, “Seriously making me think about becoming a vegetarian.”

Faye looked at her two companions, “You both are a killjoy.” She took a deep breath, “I like it.” Seeing the concerned look on Casey’s face, Faye stuck out her tongue playfully. “Might I remind you that we just killed probably fifteen people in the last few days?” She points to the line of people. “You both are funny. Morality when it suits you.” She shrugged, “I am willing to bet that not everyone going in gets fed on or even dies.” She paused and bopped her head to the music that was playing softly over the speakers outside the building. “This is the veil at its best. If they killed too many, it would draw too much attention.” Faye wrapped her arm around Vivienne’s, “This seems more symbiotic than it does a processing plant.”

“You both have great points.” Vivienne looked at them both, “It is perspective, I suppose.”

Vivienne stopped walking and faced them both, “I prefer to hunt like I always have.” Focusing her wild blue eyes on Casey, “You are safe, my ward. I know that you might have some reservations upon reflection.” Vivienne paused, “You are free to go back to the manor if you want, I will not force you to attend.”

Casey shook her head, “I’ll get over it.” She took a deep breath and offered a grim smile, “I know what vampires do, Vivienne. I also know that you are different.” She looked around and then back into Vivienne’s soft blue eyes, “I am in service to a lovely vampire. I am your ward and I know what that entails. Let’s just go. I won’t think about it.”

Finishing the short walk to the doors, the three met up with Franco and Sylvie waiting patiently so they could bypass the lines and the wards guarding the entrance. “What kept you?” Franco questioned with a friendly voice and turned to the guards. “Remember their faces, they can come and go as they wish. They are with my personal guests.”

The two watchful wards nodded to the trio. “Welcome to Phantasmagoria.” One of the wards pointed to Faye, “Keep your blood bunny close, others might want to hit that.”

Faye quickly covered Vivienne’s mouth as she was about to speak, “Thank you, I will keep a close watch on this one.” She gently pushed Vivienne through the door, “Go on bunny-blue, inside with you.”

Casey snickered as they walked into the huge lobby. “Holy crow.” She quickly scanned the area, “There are others like me all over the place.” She saw them take note of her. “They know me too, Vivienne.”

Lavish didn’t begin to describe what Vivienne saw as she scanned the area and walked further into the lobby. “Theatre.” Vivienne pointed out and began walking towards the well decorated stage. Carpeted flooring gave way to a solid black stone floor with rich yellow lighting emanating in a semi-circle to outline the section. The middle of the circle had the standard fare of tables and chairs, covered with tablecloths and a tiny candle flickering for shadow effect. A long curved bar made of brass had been built up one step up so the patrons could watch the events without being blocked by the people below. Finishing up the lush venue, Vivienne noted the long gold curtains with complimentary navy blue valances that outlined the entire theater. “Gold is the theme here, mon amour.” Vivienne walked to the edge of the carpet, “Marvelous.” She shook her head and pointed to the effects in the room, “the lighting and metal on the chairs were meant to reflect gold instead of actually being gold.”

“It is beautiful.” Faye added and slipped beside Vivienne. “What are you thinking?”

Vivienne looked at her lover, her blue eyes sparkling with the gold reflected from the room. “I am thinking that our brethren have done a fantastic job.” Pointing to the stage, Vivienne kept talking. “The stage is made of a wood that is giving off a pleasing purple. It is almost calming to look at.” She turned to Casey who was standing mesmerized. “Casey?”

Blinking her chocolate eyes, the ward shook herself free of the sight before her. “Viv. I…um, yeah.” She scratched her auburn-blonde hair a moment, “Right…it got me just then.” Nodding to the side sections, “Look there, that looks to be either a VIP section or a place where the others can feed without being caught.”

“Correct.” A light British female accent came from beside the trio, making Casey jump slightly.

Vivienne gently grasped Casey’s hand for reassurance, “Good evening.” Vivienne spoke and turned to face the woman that had interrupted them.

“My, aren’t you the morsel?” the woman spoke again, and quickly sniffed Casey and Vivienne. “Ward and..” She laughed, “Another bunny.” Spotting Faye’s green tiger eyes, the well built lady outreached her hand, “Livia Vegas, I knew there was a sister close to these lovelies.” She raised one of her white eyebrows, “A young one too. Impressive.”

Faye shook the woman’s hand, “It is all about control, right?” Faye winked and stepped forward. “I would have preferred that you talk to me before sniffing out my thrall and prize package here.”

Livia bowed lightly, “My error. It's rare when we have such a fine specimen of humanity here.” Livia flicked her platinum blonde hair behind her and looked into Vivienne’s crystal blue eyes. “Although…those eyes…” Livia felt a shiver travel the length of her voluptuous body, “...are to be wary of.” She shook her head, “I have never in my hundred and seventy years seen anything..like…them..”

Vivienne raised one of her eyebrows and crossed her arms, “I think I would have remembered eyes like your own, Miss Vegas.” Vivienne half pointed to the stage, “Violets on the tables to match the purple flower pattern in your eyes.”

“Yes!” Livia took an uneasy step back from Vivienne and company, “This little outlet is only half of my operation. The rest of it is backstage.” Adjusting her form fitting leather bodice and licking her lollipop red lips, Livia continued in a whisper. “The after evening shows happen back there, if you get my meaning.” Her flowery eyes opened as if hit by the sun, “Please tell me that your blue-eyed beauty here wants to perform.”

Faye snickered and looked at Vivienne, “What do you think bunny-blue?”

“Adorable!” Livia swaggered a few steps towards the stage, “Bunny-blue dancing, I love it.” She held up her fingers in a little square. “A lovely star is born, right?”

Ignoring the comments from Faye and Livia, Vivienne “So a brothel and a stage. Certainly sounds like Vegas to me.” Vivienne tapped on Casey’s shoulder again, “Look away from the glow, dear.”

Casey suddenly woke up and walked behind Faye, “Sorry about that Viv. I just can’t help it.” Casey addressed Livia, “What did you do that the glow does that, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Trade secret of The Velvet Underground.” Livia pointed to herself, “That is our name.” She then pointed to Faye, “I assumed that since you were looking intently over the area, you might be interested in joining us? I seldom see a freeborn vampire anymore.”

“Freeborn?” Faye inquired.

“Yes.” Livia’s British accent sweetly sang out, “Who ever made you isn’t here, so I assume they freed you after turning you. It is rare, but it does happen.” She pointed to Vivienne and Casey, “They would be perfect for us. I mean your thrall is delicious too.”

Faye stepped deliberately in front of Vivienne, her kaleidoscope green eyes swirling. “I will have to pass on the kind offer. This is our first time here, invited by Mister Tarsey.”

“Franco…” Livia shivered once more and her flowery irises closed, “...He’s only tried to find..” She gulped and stepped back, and nearly tripped on her feet. “Blue eyes…it…you…”

Vivienne uncrossed her arms and knelt over to kiss Faye’s neck. “Thank you, mon amour. You played the part well. Perhaps you should be on stage.” Vivienne watched as Livia’s hands started to shake, “Doctor Vivienne Moreau.” Offering her hand, Vivienne wrapped her arm around Faye, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Vegas.”

“I…acc…um…” The prostitute vampire barely managed to shake Vivienne’s hand.

“Quite the enterprise you have here, Miss Vegas. How many are in the Velvet Underground?” Vivienne politely asked.

Casey cleared her throat, “Viv. We have company.”

Turning to face the small group, Vivienne smiled. “Thank you my ward.”

“Be nice, please.” Faye echoed and counted the gathering crowd. “I don’t get the feeling that they are going to attack us in front of everyone. Just curious?”

Taking a couple seconds to assess the situation, Vivienne plotted out in her head the exact way she’d turn the crowd into fragments of dust should the situation become dire. Deciding to keep the light-hearted moment going, Vivienne reassured Faye, “Pleasant company, Faye. Mon amour, Thank you for your reminder to be nice.” She turned Faye to her and planted a gentle kiss on her lover's pink lips. “What would I do without your generous wisdom, mon amour?” Vivienne chuckled lightly and peered at Livia with her oceanic blue eyes, “Could you kindly answer the question, Miss Vegas?”

Livia jumped with the inflection of the word “could” from Vivienne and then laughed, “I..I..yes.” Her fear slowly faded and she swaggered a few steps forward, making her ample breasts bounce in her tight bodice. “F..five, with double that in thralls.” She pointed to the crowd around them. “They…they..um..” She sighed and shook her head, “...they would be useless, right?”

Knowing that she really didn’t have to answer, Vivienne smiled. “A fair sized group.” She paused and glanced at the others still gawking at her, “What did you do before you came to Phantasmagoria?”

“Roamed, mostly.” Livia’s flowery eyes budded once more as her fear subsided. “I have only ever heard rumors of your eyes, R..Raven…um Vivienne.”

Casey waved at the others as they one by one disappeared into the crowd. “Viv, I think our cover is blown now.” She pointed to one of the thralls sprinting up stairs and whispering to others as he did so. “What do we do now?”

Faye bounced in place, “We check out the rest of the place, are you kidding me? This is fantastic.” She turned to face Vivienne, “We are here to check this all out before your clandestine meeting, right?” Faye giggled.

Livia turned and pointed to the other side of the building, “My show is going to start in a few minutes. You are welcome to stay if you’d like and … um… watch, or just over there are our technical advisors.”

Casey scanned Livia and in her tight leather, “What show are you doing in that?”

Raising one of her long white eyebrows, Livia swaggered to Casey and stood close enough to almost touch their breasts together. “A live action version of the movie Heathers.” Reaching in a tight pocket, Livia pulled out a bright red sucker to match her lollipop lips, licked it once and then handed it to Casey. “I could always use another…Heather.”

A dangerous feeling rippled through the young ward and she embraced it. “Perhaps later. I am duty bound, Miss Vegas.” She tossed the sucker in her mouth, “Mmm, how did I know this would be cherry?”

Livia winked and walked back toward her stage, “Shame, really. You have potential.” Livia pointed once more to the other side of the lobby, “DEDSEC, is the name of the designers of the building and all of the nerdy things.” Livia licked her lips once more, “Cherry…cheery, same thing, right?” She disappeared behind a curtain and left the three alone.

Faye grabbed Vivienne’s hand and started tugging. “I see the shop from here. Come… onnnnn..”

Laughing lightly at her lover’s impatient excitement, Vivienne reached out for Casey’s hand. “You seem to attract all sorts, my ward.”

“I am used to guys hitting on me. I am not used to it from women.” She laughed at Faye, “Aren’t you older than me?”

A few minutes later, Vivienne and company stood outside the door of an almost hidden little business. “It would appear that this Kody is much less flashy than the rest of the bazaar.” Vivienne pointed to the sign, “Phantasmagoria Plasma works, a DEDSEC subsidiary.”

Frowning and curling her eyebrows down, Faye peeked inside the doorway and noted that it was a small office space with six chairs and two people working the entire place. “Blood donations?” Faye wondered and scratched her head, “Vivi-bean we must have the wrong place.” Shaking her hand free of Vivienne's, Faye stepped into the reception area and up to the desk, where she saw a younger looking person with messy brown hair looking at a green circuit board. “Excuse me? I am looking for..”

Kody looked up with their power button looking eyes, “Wait.” Their eyes flashed white for a second before speaking again, “Faye Moreau, green eyes, black-pink hair. Accompanied by Vivienne Moreau, alias, The Raven. Legendary blue eyes.” Kody set the tool he was using to the side, “I can safely assume you are not here to give blood.”

Shaking her head gently, the half-Korean woman looked confused. “I thought I would find a like minded group here.” She tapped on her chest lightly, “I recently rediscovered that I used to go by the name Cyberlily.” Faye then pointed at the circuit board, “Fascinated with technology.”

“Wait.” Kody’s eyes ‘powered’ up and shone white again, “Updating to include Cyberlily.” they nodded, “There we go.” They pointed behind themself, “We prefer not to hunt like the others and prey on the guests, I simply ask for blood donations. Most of the time it is blood bunnies that do it. We get a few people that come in from the little sign outside.” They shrugged, “It’s still blood, right?”

“Casey, want to stay out here and keep our back covered?” Vivienne offered.

Kody spoke up, “Doctor Moreau, No one really comes in here other than donors. No need for a lookout.” They opened a small drawer and pulled out a contact lens case. “Miss Faye, DEDSEC just isn’t obvious about what we work on.” handing her the case, “I am Kody Hensely, the others here call me ‘Code’. Feel free to do so.” They went back to work on the small board.

“What’s in the case?” Faye inquired as Vivienne walked quietly beside her progeny.

“A heads up display for your eyes, I figured you would be by and just finished them.” Kody shrugged and offered their hand to Vivienne. “Pleased to finally meet the Raven.”

Faye giggled and plucked a contact out of the blood fused liquid it was in. “This is amazing, graphene leads?”

Shaking the hand offered, Vivienne raised one of her onyx eyebrows, “You don’t seem afraid of me, Code.”

Sighing and placing the tool back on the desk, Kody stood up and flopped their messy brown hair to one side. “I don’t scare easily.” They shrugged, “It was logical really. If you were going to use that persona, you would hardly come in and be sociable. My data suggests that you would have just killed everything and not looked back.” They pointed to the dress and chiffon cape, “You appear to want to have a pleasant evening, given your elegance.” They looked at Faye, “Good guess, graphene is a newer concept for transistors, one that humans have yet to exploit properly.”

Placing the blood-infused contacts into her eyes, Faye looked at Kody. “Now what? I can see the leads and circuits. Amazing design.” She giggled, “I have never seen so many things on a die this small.”

Kody waved at Vivienne and Faye to move when a customer walked in. “Here to donate?” Kody smiled when the gentleman nodded, “Good.” They handed the man a tablet, “Fill out what you can and my assistant Dave will be with you in just a moment.” Kody watched the man take a seat on the other side of the lobby, “Miss Faye, the lenses are fueled the same way that you fuel anything else.” Koday tilted their head to the side, making their messy hair flop again, “If you understand me.”

Faye grinned and focused a tiny bit of her blood reserve on the lenses covering her eyes and the circuits blazed to life. She looked around and the leads scanned everything and sent the impulses straight into her mind, “This is nifty, but Kody..” She waited for a moment as the lenses scanned the vampire behind the desk, “This isn’t anything I can’t figure out already. I have a good guess of what everything in the room is already, down to how many beats that man's heart is doing.”

“Its usefulness comes from taking the mundane and making it relevant.” Kody paused, “Right now you are collecting information for the cpu’s to process and store. I gave you the newest models that I have made, they also have an update that will help you spot..” Kody’s voice became a whisper, “The Ripped. I managed to isolate an element that all Ripped possessed based on the few dead we have recovered.”

Faye kept scanning everything the contacts let her, “What element did you isolate? Franco said that there was no way to detect them really.” Giggling softly, “This is amazing. Makes what I did at the hospital look like child’s play.”

“That was you then.” Kody folded their arms, “I had a feeling that there was a bit of brethren in that attack.” They pointed at the contacts, “You don’t have to worry about data corruption or storage.” they laughed, “Antiquated.” Whispering again, Kody leaned closer to Faye. “Blood allows the barrier into our own mind, so you are only limited by what you recall or forget.” They leaned up and shrugged, “Don’t ask me how, I am good at infusing things, not getting the knowledge of how it works.” Picking up the board they were working on, “I was always good with this stuff.” Kody winked.

“Yeah, the hospital was Vivienne and myself. She did the leg work, I only exploited her being inside.” Faye watched the man in the lobby get escorted to the back and start getting pumped for blood. “Hey, Did Luna get the blood from you to give to Vivienne and myself?”

Kody nodded, “Sylvie is one of a kind and hard to say no to when she gets passionate about her visions.” They shrugged again, “It was only a few bags of blood. We bring in double that every night.” They chuckled, “Humans like to think they are doing good and helping out, it beats hunting.” Kody sat back down and grabbed the tool they were using and the circuit board. “I am working on a board that while infused with blood can effectively eat away wood.”

“Inventive.” Vivienne finally spoke, “You hope to resolve the human means of a stake in the heart.”

Kody looked up, their eyes powering up and glowing white. “I can see what makes you a hunter, Doctor. I have mentioned this to Issac and he doesn’t seem to care. He just wants to detect and kill the Ripped.”

“There is something to be said about directly getting rid of your enemy.” Vivienne added cooly, her blue eyes watching Kody carefully. “Consider me curious, my new friend, I must inquire as to why you are using a rather old looking board to design your newest infuser.”

Kody handed Vivienne the little circuit, “I find it is easier to develop things with more traditional components to ensure that it works like I want, then use the more rare and exotic resources when it is complete. Miniaturization without a proper mapping is a waste and time wasted.” Kody shrugged as Vivienne handed the board back, “If your reputation is true, then you did more than this when you stalked the others, right?”

“I would rather not impede the progress I am having in actually talking to our brethren by discussing how I once hunted.” Vivienne remarked and walked behind Faye and began rubbing her shoulders. “My lovely tigress here has been overly excited about meeting you.”

Kody smiled for the first time in their discussion, “Faye.” They pointed to one of the chairs, “You are more than welcome to join me here. Perhaps we can discuss how to get this working?” Kody pointed at the ceiling, “Doctor Moreau will be going to the council meeting soon enough and since I have no intention of attending, you and I could work on this.”

Conflicted between the offer to work on a tech project or the supple hands massaging her shoulders, Faye quietly bit her bottom lip until she finally made a decision. “Kody.” She looked back into Vivienne’s bright blue eyes, “..Kody, I would love to help you on the project after the meeting, if that is acceptable? I am the reason that Vivienne is here in the first place.” Faye reached over the counter and picked up the soldering iron that was partly hidden from view and carefully placed a chip on the board and quickly sealed it perfectly in line with what Kody had been doing. “There we go.” She winked and giggled, “Now just flash that

ROM with your instructions and it should be good to go.”

Kody scratched their head for a couple seconds and snort-chuckled, “Sure, come back when you have time.” They pointed at the solder points, “Fancy work.” Kody added, “Crimson Muse is on the other side of this office. Franco keeps it packed, he has about as much traffic as Livia does.”

Bowing lightly, Vivienne reached for Faye’s hand and pulled her out of the office. “Mon amour, that was the hint to let them work for a bit.” Hearing Casey giggle, Vivienne winked at her ward. “Help me drag her out of here or we will never get to the rest of this place.”

The three started walking and passed the central staircase and to the section with a red neon sign that had ‘Crimson Muse’ in script with a fancy violet rose at the end. When the three walked through the wide entrance, the boisterous crowd went silent as a graveyard. Casey approached a little podium with one of Franco’s thralls standing there in complete shock. “Doctor Moreau to see Mister Tarsey please.” Casey waited a few more seconds and then snapped her fingers in the thrall’s face. “Hi there. See me standing here, right?”

Blinking a couple times the thrall answered Casey but never took her eyes off Vivienne, “I…I see you standing there..bu..but..” He gulped, “...I am not really sure what to..um..do.”

Casey laughed and tugged on her business jacket, “Maybe walk and go get Mister Tarsey? We did just spend all day with him, so I think he’s expecting us.”

He trained his brown eyes on Casey, “Give…give…give me a minute to..to..”

When Vivienne took a couple steps forward, the man nearly fell over his own feet trying to back away. “Perhaps you can explain to me what Crimson Muse does?” Vivienne’s French voice softly coaxed the fearful thrall. “It appears to have a great deal of cubicles. What are they for?” Vivienne’s blue eyes gazed down the scared thrall’s frame as he appeared to wet himself. “Dire situation, indeed.” Vivienne pointed to the back of the large room. “Why don’t you go and get yourself cleaned up.” She looked over to her ward, “Casey, could you kindly escort him?”

“Sure, Viv.” Casey trudged behind the podium and grabbed the man by the arm, “Come on slick, let’s get you settled and cleaned up.” Casey and the man headed down the center of the plush carpeted aisle and through a door labeled ‘Muse’s Only’.

Faye scrunched her nose, “Was this the impression you wanted them all to have of you, love?”

“I wanted to be left alone and did it very forcefully.” Vivienne pulled Faye into her arms and gazed into her partner's green eyes, “There is the possibility I lived in a touch of denial as to the effect of what I started.” Vivienne bent down and kissed Faye, “Mmm, Mon amour. I doubt I will ever tire of your lips.”

Faye felt herself wanting to melt into Vivienne’s arms and to forget about where they were currently standing, “I love you.” She panted, “I love the way you make my mind go hazy when you kiss me.” Faye lay her head between Vivienne’s breasts and dreamed about being wrapped in the chiffon cape she was wearing once more. “Mmm, I regret leaving our room now.”

Franco walked up just after Faye spoke, “You two are simply charming.” He laughed politely, “I have not seen a connection between creator and progeny such as you have.”

“Love at first…I am not sure if it was sight or heat.” Faye pulled herself away from Vivienne, “It was very close and…” Faye fluttered her eyes, “...almost indescribable.”

Vivienne entwined her fingers with Faye’s, “What do you have here, Mister Tarsey? I cannot ascertain what exactly your company does.” Vivienne followed Franco as he walked past the cubicles, “I thought with the name, your company would be some sort of artist or dealer.”

“Much like the rest of Phantasmagoria, I sell fantasy.” The gentleman vampire pointed to an open cubicle, “It is a one on one place of self discovery and a little blood on the side.” He winked at Vivienne. “My progeny all help by using their abilities to find out the person’s deepest desire and try to get them to express it semi-private in the little cubes here. It can be anything really.” Franco smiled, “Most of my clients tend to want to do something with their hands and imagination.” Walking to one of the empty cubes, Franco opened a drawer and showed Vivienne the contents. “We keep the supplies to what the client may want in the back, here we keep the suggestions.”

Faye peered into the drawer, “Paper? Why not just keep all of the ideas on a tablet or something that they can download?”

“I don’t allow electronics.” A devilish crimson smile crossed Franco’s lips, “That would defeat the entire purpose. I can’t have them taking pictures of what goes on in here.” He closed the drawer and faced his two companions, “I want them to remember where they came and the fulfillment they had while here.”

Vivienne noted that the chatter in the shop had resumed, “They also pay for this privilege, right?”

“Yes.” Franco pointed to the second half of his shop, “They say that blood and money tend to go hand in hand, right?”

Faye heard her parents in her head as Franco spoke, “We sold an idea.” She flatly spoke, her eyes glossed over in memory, “Families come to the beach to live another life for a few days. Surfing, tanning, and building sandcastles.” Faye clutched her stomach tightly still hearing the echoes, “Others come out to show off their bodies, get pampered, drink, and go a little crazy.” Finally able to push the voices to the back of her mind, “All of them will get some sort of souvenir…” Faye trailed off.

“It would appear that you have recovered more of your past, mon amour.” Vivienne walked behind Faye and hugged her tightly, caressing her lover's hands. “Are you struggling?” Vivienne looked at Franco, “Would you happen to have..”

Franco held up his hand, “Let’s go into my office, Patricia is in there to serve your needs.”

Vivienne scooped her near comatosed lover into her arms and followed the Israeli vampire to his private lair. “I appreciate this, Mister Tarsey.”

Sitting down in his executive chair, Franco summoned one of the four blood bunnies that were entertaining themselves on a leather sofa. “Patricia, Miss Faye there could use your services.”

“Really?” The more mature looking woman jumped up and hurried over to Vivienne and knelt down, “When you are ready, Mistress.” Patricia cleared her long frosted hair aside to expose her neck.

Spotting an open lounge chair, Vivienne placed Faye down gently. “Miss Patricia, please sit with my partner, Faye.” Vivienne helped the woman to her feet, “Call me Doctor Moreau.”

“As you wish.” Patricia smiled and bounced her way over to Faye, and squished herself in the chair with the young vampire. “When you are ready, Mis…Um…Faye.”

Vivienne took the next empty seat and crossed her legs, “Overall, I am impressed with the way Phantasmagoria runs. Although I think it is the concept in itself that is causing your problem with the Ripped.” Vivienne pulled her hair to one side, “Alas, when do I get to meet this council?”

“We can head up to the chambers once Faye comes around.” Franco leaned on his desk, “The good news is, I have managed to get Issac to be polite.” He pointed at Vivienne and snickered. “He insists on arresting you.”

Reaching over to run her fingers through Faye’s black-pink hair, Vivienne shook her head. “That would not end well for anyone in the room.”

Faye blinked her eyes and weakly whispered, “Be nice.” Feeling the woman tight against her frame, Faye sniffed the blood bunny’s long and exposed neck. “Vivienne..a little help?”

Kissing the top of Faye’s head, Vivienne laughed. “It is still in place, mon amour. Patricia is quite safe.” Vivienne winked at the thirty something woman. “Thank you for your service, Miss Patricia.” Vivienne heard the bunny start moaning softly as Faye drank from her. “I suspect that you wish for me to tell the council the same story that I told you this morning?”

“That is the game plan, Vivienne.” He stood up just after Faye got to her feet. “That was fast.” Franco watched as Patricia walked over to him and adjusted his tie. “Thank you dear.”

“Very welcome, Master.” Patricia knelt down. “Will there be anything else?”

Franco squatted down and cupped the woman’s chin. “You have been faithful for years. After this council meeting, You and I will have a discussion about joining Crimson Muse.”

Stopping short of enthralling Patricia with a kiss, he stood up and then helped her to her feet.

“I would ask you to accompany me to the chamber, but Miss Faye just drank from you.” Franco laughed as she wrapped her arm through his. “Very well, Patricia.”

Vivienne quickly wrapped Faye in her arms, “Feel better now, mon amour?” Vivienne felt Faye bury herself in her chest and shake her head. “Good.” Vivienne lifted Faye’s chin so they could see each other, “Do you wish to stay here or come to the council chamber with me?”

“Wild horses couldn’t pull me away from you, Viv.” Faye stole a quick kiss from her lover, “Together.”

Patting his escort's arm a few times, Franco smiled and looked at Vivienne, “Shall we head up?” He strode confidently from his office and headed for the main staircase. “Let’s see Doctor.” Franco looked up in thought as they ascended the steps, “I will spare you the deeper details of this council.” Turning to see the intent blue eyes, Franco hesitated a moment. “I… um…” Pushing the quick echo of fear back, Franco clutched Patricia’s arm a little harder until he regained his composure. “This council isn’t a veil mee…meeting.”

Passing over the carpet and stairs without a sound, Vivienne gave a playful look to Faye when Franco seemed to stumble over his words. “I am being nice, mon amour.” Vivienne lightly laughed as if she read Faye’s thoughts.

“Sure you were.” She playfully stuck her tongue out, “I have seen that look before, you know.” Faye raised one of her eyebrows and patted Vivienne on the ass. “See?! There it is.” Starting to bop lightly while they climbed the second set of stairs, Faye swished her black-pink air. “You would be a terrible poker player. Your tell is in your lovely blue eyes.”

“Miss Faye, you certainly have a way of making Doctor Moreau less frightening.”

Conscience of Vivienne within claws reach of his neck, Franco re-lived the Raven’s dreadful attack on the original council, “Pl..please don’t mistake what I am saying.” His throat burned anxiously and pushed the vision from his memory, making him pause and quickly feed from Patricia. Licking the bright red blood from his lips, Franco resumed talking, “I meant that you are more…open when Faye speaks with you.” Patricia leaned heavily on Franco and he kept her steady on his arm, “Allow me to finish.” They reached the third floor and he pointed to a room with dark windows. “This is a regional meeting, so expect the folks you have met so far…” Quickly lost in thought, Franco squinted for a couple seconds. “Including yourself there should be twenty-one leaders.”

“Your problem with the Ripped is a region wide issue?” Vivienne inquired and then tapped on the black glass of the room. “I assume this to be sunlight proof.”

“Astute, Doctor Moreau.” Franco lightly chuckled. “On both observations. We can meet here without fear of time.” He and Patricia both shook their heads, “Yes, the Ripped are a huge problem across this part of the state.” He punched in a code on the door and the glass doors slid open with a light hydraulic hiss. “After you, Doctor.”

Shaking her long silky black hair behind her, Vivienne dropped the pleasant smile on her face and confidently entered the room. It took her a few seconds to scan the room with her blazing blue eyes. All of the leaders sat quietly around a circular bar-table made of the finest white marble. Vivienne could tell from the setup that the center was made so a speaker could face any member and get their attention. “Very nice layout, Franco.” Vivienne patted him on the shoulder. “I see my name plate there, thank you for…”

Interrupting the vampiress, a councilman at the far end of the table rudely commented, “Council-leader Tarsey, to you.” He folded his arms and leaned back, “Proper titles are in order, Raven.” He inflected his ‘R’ heavily.

Vivienne watched as Franco took his seat and Faye squeezed her arm, “Is that so? Then I have quite a few that you should know as well.” Vivienne stood calmly behind the seat that was labeled for her. “Currently that is Doctor Moreau. I have a litany of royal titles, but you and this chamber could be here all night addressing them all.” She held up a finger, “You did say the important one.” Vivienne’s eyes shone hungrily, “Raven.” Vivienne focused intently on every member until she saw them fidgeting, “Kindly tell me your name, since you were brave enough to say something first.”

Standing up as to prove a point, “Councilman George Wilmington.” He flashed his fangs and sat back down. “Lynchburg representative.” George looked at the closest vampires to him, nodding their heads and patting him on the back.

Vivienne pulled the chair back and waved for Faye to sit down. “I am not going to be part of this council.” Vivienne smiled and raised one delicate eyebrow, “I…” Vivienne licked her ancient fangs as they slowly dropped into place and their clicks echoed in the chamber. “..Made it known that I wouldn’t participate in any form of these beastly conventions.” She patted her lover on the shoulder, “However, Councilwoman Faye Moreau..” Vivienne stopped and felt the old rush of planning a hunt pulse in her dead veins. Taking a half second to assess the biggest dangers and a kill order, Vivienne’s eyes gleamed an inner fire she’d not felt in centuries. “...Will happily take my place. She…Is my voice here.” Vivienne scooted the chair up to the table and took a step back.

Murmurs turned into talking that turned into squabbling and then into near yelling as the various vampires tried to get their points heard. Faye’s HUD took in all the conversations at once, delivering the different concerns in an organized matter directly to her memory. Kody…this is so cool- Faye thought as the display kept targeting and bringing up the names of the speakers along with a quick synopsis of who, where and how many were in that leader's troupe. Her catlike green eyes sped over the room and Faye quickly formed her own plan should she need a quick escape. Faye gently whistled as her lenses suggested and the room fell mostly silent. “Perhaps I should answer the most commonly asked question first.” Feeling Vivienne’s hands slip back over her shoulders, Faye’s confidence soared. “Why trust, Vivienne?” She looked at her lover and then back over the council. “I asked her to.” Tapping on her small chest, Faye smiled. “I wanted to meet everyone and help Council-leader Taresy after he sent Vivienne the letter.”

“I would feel better if she weren’t here.” A small woman a few seats down from George spoke up. “Irene Cambell, South Hill.”

Faye politely bowed to Irene, “Vivienne is going to explain what she knows, Councilwoman Cambell.” Faye patted Vivienne’s hand, “We both will leave peacefully after she has done so.” Faye turned her green eyes to look at her lover, “You’re right. I see why you don’t want to be part of this.” She looked back at Irene, “You all face something you cannot control and has been doing damage to your..families.. If it were me, I would listen to anything that could help.” Faye leaned forward and looked at the table of vampires. “Vivienne and Casey are all the family I have, because of one of your shitty leaders.”

Irene and a few others sighed and said almost in unison, “Drake.” Irene looked at George and lightly chuckled. “George, You always hated him anyway. You were more than happy when Drake..ahem..volunteered to leave.”

Faye felt the chemistry change in the room and her lenses sent information to her showing the smiles crossing over the vampire's faces, with a little probability rating flashing of ninety percent. “Thank you Councilwoman Cambell.” Faye once more respectfully bowed.

When the others around the room started clapping lightly, Vivienne mirrored her lover's bow and took a step back, “We thank you.” She whispered to Faye, “See, I am being nice.”

Faye chucked and turned to give Vivienne a wink, when the door hissed open and a tall vampire with short blonde hair marched into the room. Faye’s hud captured the vampire's features and quickly threw up the information. -Issac Vogels. Security. Midnight’s Bite.-

“Come on human…” The self-proclaimed general dragged Raollet Mattson through the doors. “Esteemed council.” He pushed the Ripped captain harder making him fall to the floor. “I have captured the leader of the Ripped.” Picking the older man up like a rag doll, the militant leader made his way with his captive into the center. “I told you that DEDSEC would come through, we don’t need this murderous villain in this room.” He looked brazenly at Vivienne. “You should have stayed gone, we’ve done without you for what, two hundred years?” He threw Raollet to the floor with a thud. “Okay human, you wanted to speak, do it.”

Captain Mattson spit a wad of blood on the floor where he’d bitten his own tongue from the way he’d been handled. “So much for a white flag.” He crawled over and picked up his Cubs hat and placed it back over his salt and pepper hair, bill down. “I wanted to give you all the chance…” He groaned and stood up and brushed himself off. “...the chance to either surrender to me, or leave peacefully.” Captain Mattson held up his runed palm. “Close this hell hole and leave the area and nothing more will happen.” He stared at Issac, “Keep in mind that your own just lied to you, I am not a captive. I came here under a white flag.”

“You can’t do anything if you are dead.” Issac laughed and looked over the council. “Are you scared of an old man?” He laughed, “An unarmed old man at that.”

Vivienne took two steps and once more placed her hands on Faye’s shoulders and smiled. “Faye..” She whispered.

Raollet shook his head, “That is the fucking meaning of a white flag, jerk.” He wiped blood from his chin. “It is good to finally meet all twenty-one of you. In one place.” Captain Mattson bowed, “The honor is all mine.” He pointed around the room. “This is the opportunity to leave in peace.” He held up one finger. “A one-time offer, from the Awakened.”

Franco stopped holding on to Patricia and sat up in his chair, clearly interested in the precession in the center of the room. “Issac, leave the man alone.” Franco pointed to himself. “I am the council-leader, Franco Tarsey.” He looked around the room as order seemed to descend on the council chambers. “How long do we have to decide?”

Raollet stood quietly and looked over the council.

Franco sat back and looked at his brethren. “Well, what do you think of the offer?” A volley of comments echoed at the human representative and Franco raised one eyebrow when the man still didn’t answer any question devoted to him. “Brethren, I hear what you are saying.”

Raollet walked over to Franco and produced a single black rose and set it in front of the leader. “Sometimes the best love is tough love.” Raollet’s eyebrows went up in surprise when he spotted Vivienne. “Blue eyes…”

Franco hushed the small gathering, waving his hands. “Settle down now.” He concentrated on Captain Mattson, “It is pretty unanimous that we have to decline your offer, human.”

Raollet started to sway his head as music started to play from a hidden earbud. He brought his hands up beside his ears in the shape of twin guns and started to whisper-sing the song Gimme Shelter by the Rolling stones.

“Ooh, a storm is threatening

My very life today

If I don't get some shelter

War, children

It's just a shot away

It's just a shot away

War, children

It's just a shot away

It's just a shot away

Ooh, see the fire is sweepin' Our streets today

Burns like a red coal carpet

Mad bull lost its way

War, children

It's just a shot away

It's just a shot away

War, children

It's just a shot away

It's just a shot away”

He aimed his little finger guns as the song played in his ears, opened his eyes and pulled the triggers.

-Pop! Ping-

Water began spraying all over the room from the sprinkler system.

Blood curdling screams erupted across the council chamber. The scents of melting undead skin and bone mixed in the air with every drop of water that landed. Almost in unison the vampires around the table started jumping out of their chairs and tried to hide under the circular table. This only helped seal their fate. Green magic erupted around the table, bending it upward to create a circular pen. Within seconds the entire room was blanketed in a fog of purified steam that poured off the vampires. The vampires crawled around in the holy soup, rendered helpless as they would be in pure sunlight.

Raollet spotted Issac first. Wanting a bit of justice for his would-be captor, Raollet held out his runed palm and summoned a set of green tendrils and grabbed Issac. He lifted the police general in the air so that multiple sprinklers shooting holy water careened over the helpless vampire. He danced in place when his magic tore the vampire in half, leaving a holy wet puddle of garbage on the floor. “Holy water hurts don’t it you jerk.” He yanked Issac’s melted and steaming head and tossed across the room. Raollet spoke into his earbud as he kicked the various bloody stumps that used to be vampires. “Without a hitch. Captain Kino, come on in. Just watch out for all the steam.” He walked around the room kicking the heads of the mushy vampires, “Where are you blue eyes?”

Time seemed to almost stop for Vivienne. She’d heard the pumps of the trucks outside start, followed by a succession of clicks inside the building, then the song from Raollet. She’d gripped Faye tight and had begun to yank when the holy water began spraying. She watched helplessly as the drops rained on her lover and started opening her skin like torn tin foil. The heavenly water poured over her lover's head and shoulders. Vivienne found her moment as

Issac was lifted above them and temporarily shielded Faye from further harm. “Mon amour!” Looking up, Vivienne scooped Faye under her arms and jumped. Ripping through the sheetrock of the ceiling and clawing apart the metal junctions until she plowed out onto the roof. Pulling her injured lover to a safe spot in the open air, Vivienne cut open her wrist and jammed it to Faye’s lips. “Drink, my love…please…drink.”