Blood Red Roses: Chapter 8

Chapter 8

An Elder's Request
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It took an entire day before the "appointment" was set for the evening after Anthony's and Patience's transformations. After a discussion with the twins while Desiree and Rose tend to the fledglings and Andrew busy analyzing himself and Morgan for their possible Turns; it was decided that Goliath, Brooklyn, Angela, Elisa, and Xanatos would serve as the witnesses while the rest of the clan watched over the remaining guardians while Matt had to undergo the Blood Contract with the two remaining hybrids.

With receiving the appointment, the vampires took the later part of the day after their rest to get ready. The women, save for Desiree who wore her insulated cloak as usual, donned the uniform of bell-sleeved dresses in their own coloring. Nora's dress was lavender with grey trimming and a brown belt that hung from her waist. She wore amethyst earrings and a silver-and-amethyst choker around her neck.

Patience had a little help with her attire, as her blindness prevented her from matching her jewelry with her attire. Her gown was a combination of dark orange and black. The one difference in this particular gown was a hood attached to it. The Time Guardian's brown hair was braided back so that she could feed without barriers and the only jewelry she wore were earrings and a choker of black onyx. She took her token from its resting place and left her chamber to meet her fellow vampires in the kitchen for an early "dinner."

Rose's attire was an emerald green with brown trimmings, keeping true to earth tones. She opened a chest she had recovered from her former apartment and pulled out a single accessory: a comb with three multicolored feathers protruding from a ring of snow-white fangs that were settled on shimmering blue scales. This was Rose's token from the Pillar of Nature: her Phoenix Plume. Even though she had short hair, there was enough to place the comb in the right part of her hair, the feathers draping elegantly.

Lucian's attire was a little more…uncomfortable than those of the remaining Circle. As Conflict Guardian, he wore a set of armor he crafted over the years. Unfortunately, the armor had to match his token, according to his sister. Lucian almost always felt uncomfortable whenever he had to wear the helm that was once host to the spirit of his infamous predecessor. The only weapon he intended to carry was a very prominent halberd, its blade sharpened especially for this occasion.

Anthony's attire was also different from the rest of the Turned members of the Circle. He wore a tunic that was as red as blood with the edges in dark green. He wore dark cotton pants and leather boots. Around his neck was a cloak as his hair was trimmed and styled so that his extra eye was exposed. The only jewelry he donned was a gold medallion that hung from his neck.

Once they were ready, the six left their rooms and met with Xanatos at the main lobby of the castle. He wore his usual attire, as he was previously informed that only the Circle would be required to wear formal clothing. Once he saw the six, he smirked.

"Well. It would almost seem that time has twisted itself."

"Laugh all you want, Xanatos. We weren't the ones who made such rules." Lucian growled as he and the others entered the black car.

Elisa was driving behind the car with her own red car in case the Sarafan got any ideas to stalk the Circle. Above in the airways, the chosen gargoyles glided to the rendezvous whilst keeping an eye out for Sarafan as well.

All three traveling parties noticed figures watching them from the shadows as well as other figures from different figures glancing at them as they drove along.

"Those are members of a lesser branch of the Night Watch. They were called to make sure we arrive safely." Nora explained both verbally and telepathically.

The sentries lead the grounded group to the rendezvous: an abandoned brick factory within the industrial section of New York. There were some sentries motioning the cars to drive in before they awaited for the gargoyles. Like humans, they were startled. But unlike humans, they weren't afraid.

"Are they…?" Elisa asked Rose as the two women met up.

Rose gave a nod, knowing what she was asking. As the gargoyles entered the building, Brooklyn immediately took notice at Rose. He felt his heart beat faster upon seeing her in her formal attire, confirming a long-stated fact that had never left his mind.

"She's beautiful."

The sound of Lucian clearing his throat snapped Brooklyn out of his thoughts and back to reality.

"Now that we are all here, we should enter the city in smaller groups."

"Why is that?" Elisa asked, once again on the defense.

It was Patience who answered.

"Because the Lift won't be able to support all of us at once."

As if on cue, a sound came from a nearby support column. An unfamiliar vampire approached the pillar and with a dagger, sliced his hand and with a finger, used the blood to write some sort of symbol the Manhattan clan was unfamiliar with. Perhaps not even Demona with all her sorcery could decipher the bloody symbol.

"What is he doing?" Angela asked Nora.

"Removing the ward."

The entire present clan was about to ask more questions when the image of a brick column disintegrated. In its place was an old-fashioned grated elevator inside the brickwork. It was large enough to support several people. Or in this case, three gargoyles and two humans. Nora, Lucian, and Desiree entered the car and pulled a switch, the elevator proceeding downward. Rose, Anthony, and Patience walked in once the car returned empty.

Upon the end of the second elevator trip, the vampires that were left behind motioned to the visitors.

"We recommend two at a time. This old heap isn't like it used to be." One male vampire spoke.

Heeding the vampire, Goliath and Brooklyn entered the lift and allowed the elevator car to carry them underground.

The trip was faster than a normal elevator only a little bit. But like with the previous trips, the elevator took a long time before they were met with a wondrous sight. As the lift continued its descent, the two could see a vast city underneath Manhattan. The glow of luminescent crystals illuminated the cave enough for the two gargoyles to see the details on most of the buildings to find them of gothic design. Supporting the massive cave were several large stone pillars, including the one the elevator was built into, kept the ceiling from falling on the city below.

At the center of the city was the largest pillar either of them had seen. It was clearly the tallest, the largest, and the thickest of the all the pillars. Light speckled on the pillar indicated that the inside was hollowed out to provide a sort of residence, yet from the look of the pillar it still was capable to hold the city above.

When the lift finally reached bottom, they were greeted by both the Circle and more unknown vampires, watching them all warily. Before their departure from the castle, the mortal visitors were informed that within the city of New Vasserbünde, security outside the city and surrounding the lift was always high to prevent any who would seek to do the vampire race harm. Unless escorted by a vampire recognized by the community or they themselves were welcomed in the city, the guards' orders were to kill on sight. So it was a relief that they had multiple recognized vampires in their company.

Upon exiting the lift, they waited for Angela, Elisa, and Xanatos to arrive on the next car. Like them, the three were marveled at the sight of the city that was right below their feet the whole time. A testament to vampire ingenuity for the sake of survival.

Amused, Lucian spoke to the mortals.

"Enjoying the sight, are we?"

"It's a beautiful city." Angela mused, her gaze refusing to leave the sight of the city.

Nora then spoke up, leading the Circle as usual.

"Perhaps after the meeting, we shall treat you all with a tour. But for now, we must make hast to the central pillar. That is where the council is awaiting us."

Remembering the reason why they were in New Vasserbünde in the first place, the five mortals followed the elder and younger guardians, while Rose and Desiree as well as some of the guards that had greeted them took up the rear and sides of the group.

As they made their way to the central pillar, both Circle and mortals took notice of the stares of the people around them. Vampires, most likely, murmured to themselves about the sudden arrival of five mortals, two human, in the company of six very influential vampires.

The company also took note of some who noticed that the each member of the Circle held their token. And it was also where the mortals learned that the number of tokens that the Circle possessed expressed the severity of the meeting at hand.

Was Anthony and Patience's premature transformations really that urgent? And exactly how great the urgency?

Whatever questions that had developed in their minds were forced to be set aside for the time being as they approached a large set of doors at the top of a flight of stairs. The passed through the doors and followed the column inside around to another set of doors. This time, the doors lead to a large council room with a giant luminescent crystal overhead, lighting the entire chamber.

Seated at the tall crescent council platform were the elders they had met, including Anita at the center of the council. Her gaze immediately fell to the Dimension and Time guardians, immediately noticing the change in the two youths.

"So it is true. Two premature changes in the same night, effecting the Circle."

A fair-haired elder named Marguerite approached the pair as they stepped forward to examine their mouths. Once she examined the fangs, she returned to the elders.

"It is no trick. Those fangs are real."

Clearing her throat, Nora stepped forward until she was standing next to the two premature vampires, the remainder standing several paces away.

"I mean not to interrupt. But as you can see, we have called the emergency meeting because of the significance. We feel the time of the Pilgrimage is drawing near."

Whispers were made amongst the council in a frenzy of emotion, another new experience the mortals had the rare opportunity to see. Unfortunately, none of the mortals understood why this frenzy was caused by the legitimacy of the younger vampires' prematurity.

It was Elisa who stepped a couple steps forward in order to ask the question has on everyone's minds. She stood next to Anthony, who was nearest to her, and spoke to the elders themselves.

"Look. I don't mean any disrespect. But what exactly is the 'Pilgrimage'?"

The Circle looked to the elders who, once again, conversed in silence. Nods soon became visible as Anita spoke.

"Very well. I will tell them."

She then turned her attention to the mortals.

"Normally, this information, would not be given to anyone outside the council or the Circle, much less to outsiders. But since this is a 'special' case, it is only right that you all should know."

She then motioned to some benches at the left of the chamber.

"Have a seat. Elder Cassius shall explain while the rest of us continue to debate."

Following the High Elder's orders, the five mortals walked to their destination while the Circle remained to converse with elders on the situation at hand. Whatever the Pilgrimage was, it was definitely something big.

Upon taking seats on the stone benches, an elder approached the pair. He was covered in a cloak like the rest of the elders and his head was exposed. Appearance-wise, he looked to be in his thirties. He had long black hair and an equally long black beard fell from his head. His grey eyes focused upon them as he spoke.

"I am Elder Cassius. I oversee the academics of the vampire world. I have been asked to answer any questions you have during the meeting."

He then turned his gaze to Elisa.

"To answer your question, Detective Maza, the Pilgrimage is an event all vampirekind has been awaiting since days of old. It is when we vampires shall return to Nosgoth and away from humankind."

This caught everyone's full attention.

Return to Nosgoth? But how was that possible.

"But…didn't Nosgoth disappear thousands of years ago?" Angela inquired the elder.

Cassius nodded at her as he continued his lecture.

"That is true, child. But it has been long been foretold that one day, Nosgoth will return to the face of the earth. And unfortunately, bringing back an enemy we are dreading to return. Something far worse than the Sarafan."

The five remained silent as Cassius uttered the name of the unknown enemy.

"The Hylden."

Immediately, the five remembered the night they had first met the Circle. The eight explained about the Hylden and the terrible war that resulted in the curse of the vampire race. But…how could this be? Seeing the reaction on their faces, Cassius spoke again.

"I take it none of their lordships had told you the Hylden remain."

"How is this possible? We have been told that the Hylden were sealed away at the end of your war." Goliath pleaded for an answer to such a question.

Cassius held out one of his hands at the gargoyle.

"Stay your anxiety, sir, and I shall explain."

Goliath fell silent, motioning Cassius to continue.

"Remember our late lord, Kain? Well, in circumstances beyond his control at the time, he found himself as the catalyst of the Hylden's return. But not by his own making…"

Cassius then turned his attention to Patience, who was conversing with Elder Marguerite.

"…but by the machinations of Lady Cambridge's predecessor: the human Mobius the Time Streamer. He tampered with the fabric of time in his blind ambition to exterminate our kind. As the founder of the Sarafan, he vowed to stop at nothing from 'purging the vampire disease' from the world."

He then returned his attention to the mortals.

"But what he failed to realized that by exterminating the vampires, the rightful heirs to the Pillars of Nosgoth, he had in turn unleashed the Hylden when a young Kain was forced to make a choice concerning the fate of the world."

"And that is?" Xanatos asked, not liking where this was going.

"To sacrifice himself as Balance Guardian to restore his pillar and balance, or to live and damn Nosgoth. The former seemed to be an enticing offer, but it only prolonged the inevitable."

"And that's the Hylden's return?" Elisa asked. Cassius nodded. "Yes. Vampire blood is needed in the Circle in order to protect the Binding that had kept the Hylden in the demonic realm for centuries. Since Kain chose to live, the Binding shattered and the Hylden broke free."

"But how is it that we don't see any Hylden today? Does it involve Nosgoth's disappearance?" Goliath asked.

Cassius once again nodded.

"After the birth of vampire hybrid colonies around the world and the mysterious death of Kain, Nosgoth seemed to have reacted to balance being returned and somehow knew we needed time for our numbers to grow. So, it vanished off the face of the earth. But not before prophecies of its return revealed."

It was then that Brooklyn managed to ask a question of his own. One he had been dreading to ask.

"And how are we all to know when Nosgoth is about to return?"

Cassius didn't need to read the young gargoyle's mind to know why he asked. It was evident that he cared for the Circle. Rose especially.

"The premature turns of half the Circle is the first sign. That means only one is left. In which case, we have to hasten our search."

"Hasten your search? For what?" Angela asked.

Cassius answered her grimly.

"There is one Pillar Guardian left to find: the Balance Guardian. With the known members of the current Circle, we have discovered them at young ages, the Lord and Lady Quinn being the first and youngest to be found. We have found them all within a year after the previous was born. However, the Balance Guardian has proved difficult to find. We have been searching for fifteen years. I am beginning to wonder if they are even born."

Cassius then proceeded to speak something completely different.

"On that matter, I wish to ask of you and your clan to aid in our search for the Balance Guardian. If Nosgoth's return is nigh, then they must be found to lead the Circle before the Pilgrimage comes."

The mortals were taken aback by this request as the elders, upon hearing this, hissed at Cassius.

"Are you mad, Cassius? This is strictly vampire business! This is no concern for mortals!" An arrogant balding vampire named Thurston hissed.

Cassius spoke to the elders calmly while the two clans watched.

"It is imperative that we find the Balance as soon as possible. At this point, any help whether by mortal or immortal hands, we will need all the help we can get."

"But what can we do? Even if we accept we don't know how to tell who the Balance Guardian is." Angela pointed out to the elders.

It was then that Cassius explained, gesturing to the present members of the Circle.

"I suggest having at least one of the older members of the Circle help you with that. Preferably those who have mastered the gift of flight and as they are connected thanks to Lady Quinn and the Pillar of the Mind, they should be able to easily sense the Balance Guardian's presence. At least one guardian should do for now."

As the council began another mental discussion, the Circle and the mortals decided to have one of their own.

"Now you all know the seriousness of this situation?" Nora asked.

The mortals nodded as Xanatos spoke.

"I must say this information intrigues, if not frightens me. You have all spoken fondly of Nosgoth and you must be very anxious to have your kind return there."

The Circle nodded as Patience spoke.

"My foresight has not been fully-developed yet. However, I am able to sense we shall find our missing member after several months. Sometime around Halloween."

Anthony looked to the Time Guardian and spoke.

"Any idea on who they are, Patience? If we have an identity-"

"Unfortunately, that part of the vision is covered in a very thick fog. I can't see them or exactly when and where they shall turn up. It seems for now we'll have to follow Elder Cassius' plan."

She then looked to the mortals, despite being blind.

"That is, if you wish to aid us."

"But what exactly does Cassius mean by 'the gift of flight'?" Elisa asked.

Anthony answered her as he looked to the twins and the Energy Guardian.

"We vampires have the ability to change our forms to fit our needs. A common spell is the ability to turn into a flock of bats in order to fly from place to place at an accelerated rate. I think only the twins and Desiree are the only one able to perform it, right?"

The twins and Desiree nodded as the latter spoke.

"Yes, but I am currently teaching Rose how to do the same. I'll teach you two after you go through the twins' classes."

The two newborns grimaced at the twins' courses, knowing very well what they will have to go through from now on.

Wanting to continue the previous subject, Goliath spoke.

"So once each of you has master this 'bat form,' you will be able to help in the search?"

The Circle nodded in agreement.

"The council aren't the only ones who seek the Balance Guardian. Unfortunately, not all who are in the search have good intentions." Lucian replied.

"The Sarafan?" Xanatos asked grimly.

This earned another nod from the Circle as Nora spoke.

"If they find the Balance Guardian before we do, there is no doubt that they will kill them."

This gave enough for the mortals to discuss once the Circle was called back by the council. Once they were out of earshot, Angela was the first to speak up.

"I think we should help. With the Sarafan out there, there is no way whoever this Balance Guardian is will be safe."

"I'm just as worried about the Hylden as I am with the Sarafan. With them, could at least have some of the members arrested. But I have no idea what to do if we get invaded by the Hylden. So I would have to agree in joining the search." Elisa added in.

"I must say I am also not fond of either of them myself. I suppose I could ask Owen about the Hylden and begin plans on how to defend us should the vampires fail." Xanatos replied as he stroked his beard in thought.

Goliath gave a nod before turning his attention to Brooklyn.

"And what of you, Brooklyn? Should we agree to the elder's request?"

Brooklyn didn't even hear Goliath. He was too wrapped up in deep thought for him to hear. He wanted to help in the search, but there was a fear that tugged at him. He was thinking about what would happen if they did find the Balance Guardian. His biggest concern was should the Circle be completed that Nosgoth would immediately return. Thus, forcing the Circle to leave the human world behind.

Forcing Rose to leave him.

For some strange reason, the very thought of Rose leaving filled him with dread. He wasn't sure if it was because she would be heading off to war with a race of beings that hadn't seen the earth in many millennia?

Or was it because there was a chance he may never see her again?

That last thought made the feeling worse to him. But he had to hold on evaluating himself for later. Right now, he had a decision to make.

"I think…we should look for the Balance Guardian. We've made a promise to protect Manhattan and those who live in it, right?"

The mortals nodded, wondering where this was going.

"So, the Balance Guardian could be among those we wish to protect. And as gargoyles, shouldn't we protect them as well?"

That made the vote unanimous.

The mortals will help the Circle locate the Balance Guardian.

They waited until the Elders and the Circle called them forth, Elder Anita speaking.

"We have agreed to allow Cassius to request your aid. What say you?"

It was Goliath who spoke for the group.

"We agree to help in finding the Balance Guardian and grant them the same protection we had offered the Circle."

Xanatos then spoke up, gaining the elders' attention.

"And I will also do what I can in aiding you from my home, whether you need something to cloak your homes or even weapons."

The elders nodded.

"That is very generous of you, Mr. Xanatos. But for now, our main priority is the Balance Guardian. If you could locate them and protect them, we would be very grateful." Elder Octavio spoke.

With some relief behind her stoic mask, Anita spoke to those present.

"I believe we have come to an accord. I call this meeting to an end."

With the High Elder's dismissal, the mortals and the Circle were free to move about in the rest of the city. Nora and Anthony lead Xanatos and Goliath on one tour, Elisa and Angela with Desiree and Lucian.

This left Rose and Brooklyn alone.
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Rose had immediately sensed a change in her friend as she wrote the notepad she brought with her.

"What's wrong, Brooklyn?"

Brooklyn read the note and looked at Rose. He couldn't help but admire the Nature Guardian's beauty. Perhaps it was her pillar's token in her hair or the way she was dressed. Whatever the reason, he found her more radiant than ever.

The silence made Rose uneasy. This was becoming one of those times where she wished deeply for a voice of her own. Even telepathy would be nice right about then. Writing a question mark, she managed to get the second-in-command's attention.

"Oh! Sorry, Rose. I was just…thinking."

This only increased Rose's concern as she led him to a solitary public garden. Despite being underground the plants were quite healthy. Upon reaching the garden, she showed her first message again, hoping to get an answer. Reading the note, Brooklyn answered her, not wanting her to worry.

"I'm just thinking…about when we do find the Balance Guardian."

"What do you mean by that?" Rose asked, wondering what was going on in the gargoyle's mind.

Taking in a deep breath, Brooklyn answered her.

"I'm…worried…about when we find them. Will you…leave for Nosgoth right away?"

Now Rose understood. Brooklyn didn't seem too keen on finding the Balance Guardian because of the result.

It took some time for Rose to think up an answer. Upon finding one, she wrote it down while Brooklyn leaned into to read it. He couldn't help but noticed that Rose smelled like…well…roses. It was a lovely fragrance. One so enticing that he would have kept on smelling had Rose not shifted to grant him a better view of her answer.

"To be honest, I don't know what will happen. None of us do. Not even Patience with her prophetic gifts. I am excited about seeing my vampiric ancestral homeland. All vampires are. But…I am also afraid."

"Afraid? Afraid of what?" Brooklyn asked, which he immediately regretted saying before Rose wrote another message.

"I am afraid of the Hylden, Brooklyn. More than the Sarafan or even the fact that the Circle and I have to lead our people until a proper king can be found. I was never a fighter. I'm still not. I have heard so many terrible stories about the Hylden that I don't know if there's a possibility that I'll even survive. If anything, I want to stay here with…"

The sentence trailed off as a blush formed on Rose's face. One that Brooklyn took notice. With a shaky hand, Rose finished her sentence.

"…with you."

In truth, Rose had no idea why she wrote that. She was happy living with all the residents of Castle Wyvern, even Owen who refused to have any part in their stay for some odd reason. But still, she couldn't help but write that she wanted to stay with Brooklyn than anyone else in the human world.

Could it be possible that…she was starting to view him more than a friend?

Despite feeling the same, Brooklyn immediately took note on Rose's behavior. She was scared and ever since she and the Circle started to live with them, she had become more dependent on him than her clan. And he didn't even mind. In fact, it made him happy that Rose depended on him and that he was willing to do whatever it took to protect her.

Placing an arm around Rose's shoulder, the gargoyle brought the vampire in for an embrace by both arms and wings. This act made Rose feel a little better if not confused. Why was he holding her like this?

Whatever the reason, she did not want him to stop.

"Perhaps we'll find out when we reach that bridge, Rose. I don't know if I can with permission, but I will do whatever it takes to protect you. I refuse to let any Hylden or Sarafan harm you."

"You are too precious to me." He thought.

No one knows if Rose had heard his thoughts. But somehow, his words, both vocal and silent, comforted her. His actions and words reassured her that she would not face the Hylden alone. Despite not wanting him to get involved.

As they left for the lift, Brooklyn continued to keep an arm around Rose and the vampire continued to stay close to him. It was when they reached the lift and returned to the castle that a thought struck them simultaneously.

"Am I…falling in love…with him?"

"Am I…falling in love…with her?"