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Blood Bonds	By : FireCracker Category: DC Verse Comics > Batman Views: 8881 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Batman series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
submission dated 7-12-05
author: FireCracker
(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)
Archive? You'd better.
Warnings: This is an Elseworlds Vampire Fic

Pairings: None, but plenty of tension. The family watches city wide

developments on TV.

Blood Bonds 4: The Paranormal Citizens Committee
"What's the point?" Tim wanted to know, asking no one specifically. The family had gathered in the conference room per request by Bruce. A sixty plus inch screen blared current news reports. Alfred watched the news anchors steadily. "It would seem another relatively obscure group seeks political power." "Okay, so? That's typical in Gotham. Some crackpot group is always on the airwaves." "There's more to this, young one. They want to mobilize law enforcement and citizens alike against us and our kind." A shrug."Big deal. They can't take us head on." Bruce glanced over at his youngest. "Arrogance is only a tool for intimidation, Tim. Don't be foolish. Having power doesn't make us invincible." "You think another self appointed group can do us harm?" Jason spoke up. "That's mighty tough talk, considering you took a full taser not too long ago." "And I'm still here, too." the teen was petulant. "You planning on testing the limits of every new weapon, bro? I'm not. Too much pain and recovery time involved." Dick rounded on him. "That's pretty surprising, coming from you." Jason watched the screen. "Look, I like a challenge. But in some cases its sheer stupidity to charge in with no clue. You should have seen some of the technology at Kisner Warehouse during that case I worked. Those cruds were selling 'dummy dna' to the highest bidder." " 'Dummy dna' ?" Alfred wondered. Jason nodded. "Strategy, grandfather. A means to take us out eventually. Some lab creeps decided to make designer beings based on their synthesized dna. Beings with the capability of giving us problems. A glorified hit squad made to order." "There's something else to consider." Dick stated. "From each injury we grow stronger. It could be a blessing in disguise." "Only if you don't consider down time, Dick. I'm not afraid of pain, but I'm not looking for it either." Jason smiled wolfishly. "I'd rather inflict it." "Well said." Bruce approved. "Still, our vigilante justice appeals to the majority of Gothamites." "Except for the Monsantos." Dick growled. Everyone snarled at the mention of their vampiric family rivals. "They laugh at our alter egos, say the strong should prey on the weak." "That's right." Tim piped up, angry. "I ran across one of their runners, a dude they turned last year. He said the word was out that we're soft, only preying on criminals." "And why not?" Alfred was indignant. "The wicked taste sweetest. I'd rather not cross the path of those idiots, truthfully. They annoy me greatly." Bruce smiled with steel. "I guarantee no humans think us soft. Despite our methods, they're never sure if we'll turn against them all." "Useful psychology, father." Dick noted. "Mortals always fear the unknown." "Of course. Uncertainty always plays in our favor. And even the Monsantos have sense enough to know that despite their objections." Jason snapped his teeth. "Bah. A dusty, old world family stuck in the past. I met the daughter, Diedre. Nothing special." "How come?" Tim was curious. A shrug. "Too self important. Don't get me wrong, I felt her power. But she wasn't impressive for some reason." "Victorians." Alfred noted. "They have a strict code of living. And quite intolerant." "Fortunate for them I'm not." Bruce stated pointedly. "And I find it curious they only deal with us indirectly, through servants or allies." "Diedre didn't recognize me, either." Jason stated. "Strange. I just assumed everyone had seen each clan." "She probably doesn't get out much except to feed." Dick snorted. "If that. I've seen pictures, heard her on the airwaves. Jason's right when he says she's nothing special." Bruce lifted an eyebrow. "Not intelligent?" "Only in an average sort of way. Pretty severe looking, too. Resembles her mother." "It could be pretense. I myself play that role as Bruce Wayne." Dick shook his head. "I don't think it's an act with her. I made discreet inquiries. She attended several universities, but never completed any courses." "Probably couldn't cut it." Jason cracked. "Average students always use the same cop out." Dick watched the screen again. "This Paranormal Citizens Committee is more an immediate concern." "Why don't we just trance them and get it over with?" Tim wanted to know. "Control would be easy." Bruce sighed. "You can't do that to everyone, Tim. It wouldn't work from either a practical or psychic standpoint. Linking with that many minds constantly would lead to madness." "Or worse, total fusion." Alfred pointed out. "A group mind with no awareness or potency." "Makes no sense." Tim replied. "You'd think adding knowledge and memories would increase power." "It dosen't work like that, bro." Jason tapped his forehead. "Your brain would be pea soup. A muddled mess of memories and knowlege with no way to access it. To make matters worse, all your powers would be neutralized." Tim blinked. "Oh." "Not to mention all the useless mental clutter-" "Quiet, everyone." Bruce hit the volume button on the remote. "It appears our latest citizens group is outlining their agenda." The family fell silent. **** The vampiric clan watched intently. Local news anchors were interviewing several individuals at city hall. The majority of attention focused on a large redheaded man in his fifties. "GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE. THIS IS PAMELA JACKSON, WTGK NEWS LIVE. HERE ON THE STEPS OF GOTHAM CITY HALL WE HAVE THE NEWEST CITIZENS COMMITTEE. THIS GROUP IS DEDICATED TO THE INVESTIGATION AND PREVENTION OF ALL MATTERS PARANORMAL. THE HEAD OF THIS GROUP IS A WELL KNOWN SCIENTOLOGIST, MR. NORMAN HUGHES." Dick pointed at the screen. "I ran into him at a fundraiser. He's angling for the governor's chair next year!" "What?!" Bruce couldn't believe. "He has contacts, big ones. Including people like Lex Luthor." Bruce curled his lip. "Maybe we should pay closer attention to this Hughes." The newscast blared on. "MR. HUGHES, THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME FROM YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE." "MY PLEASURE. OUR GROUP IS COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE PUBLIC FROM ABNORMAL PHENOMENA." "AND WHAT WOULD YOU CLASSIFY AS SUCH?" "STRANGE EVENTS AND BEINGS THAT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SAFETY OF GOTHAM." Jason snorted. "That covers a lot of damn territory." "Buncha crackpots." Tim piped up. "They sure aren't worried about all the metahumans. Maybe-" "They believe most metahumans are trustworthy. Unlike us." Alfred smiled wolfishly. "A legitimate concern, but a bit overstated." "THIS WOULD EXCLUDE GROUPS LIKE THE JSA AND JLA THEN, OF COURSE." "CERTAINLY. IT ALWAYS HELPS TO POOL RESOURCES FOR CONTIGENCY PLANS." "CAN YOU BE MORE SPECIFIC, MR. HUGHES?" "Please." Dick tapped his fingers. "So far we've heard a lot of nothing." "THE CITIZENS OF GOTHAM LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR. CREATURES FEED ON GOOD CITIZENS EVERY NIGHT. THESE THINGS MUST BE ROOTED OUT AND DESTROYED." "YOU REFER TO THE ESCALATION OF VAMPIRE ASSAULTS." "THEY COME UNDER ONE STATISTICAL CATEGORY." "As opposed to rape, murder, assault with deadly weapons, arson and vandalism." Bruce stated pointedly. Jason choked back a laugh. "Makes you wonder, doesn't it?" "ARE THERE ANY OTHER UNUSUAL ATTACKS LISTED IN GOTHAM CRIME REPORTS?" "WHILE NOT PRIVVY TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION, I CAN SAY WITH CONFIDENCE WE HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF OTHER BEINGS INVOLVED IN THESE ASSAULTS." "AND THESE WOULD BE?" "WE HAVE NEWS OF WEREWOLF ACTIVITY IN THE SEWERS. CITIZENS HAVE ALSO REPORTED LARGE, HAIRY THINGS SEEN WALKING THE FRINGES OF GOTHAM. DESCRIPTIONS VARY, BUT THEY APPEAR TO BE INCARNATIONS OF SASQUATCH." Tim fell back in his chair laughing. "NIGHTCRAWLERS HAVE FREE REIGN IN OUR FAIR CITY. WE AT THE P.C.C. ARE COMMITTED TO DESTROYING THE CAUSE OF OUR FEARS." "They should be committed, all right." Jason chuckled. "Hell, half those sightings are probably from crackheads and drunks." "This gives me a headache." Alfred complained. "I heard similar babble during the 20s. People lived in bomb shelters and waited for alien invasions." "War of the Worlds." Bruce added, shaking his head. "We seem to have a modern version." Dick barely contained his own laughter. "They're just fringe nuts, father." "Maybe. Unless they're backed by muscle. Listen." "WE AREN'T ALONE IN OUR CRUSADE." "IF YOU WOULD ELABORATE, MR. HUGHES." "JUSTICE WILL BE SWIFT, I ASSURE EVERYONE. THE LATEST MAJOR INCIDENT PROVES DRASTIC ACTION MUST NOW BE TAKEN. WE HAVE THE FULL COOPERATION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES." "YOU'RE REFERRING TO THE FIREFIGHT AT THE DOCKS AFTER VAMPIRES ATTACKED SEVERAL MEN." "YES. SEVERAL FOUL THINGS ATTACKED GOOD CITIZENS AND DRAINED THEM. THIS MONTH ALONE LOCAL HOSPITALS RECORDED TWO HUNDRED CASES OF SEVERE BLOOD LOSS." "GOTHAM POLICE ARE STYMIED IN THEIR EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY THESE CREATURES, SINCE THEIR VICTIMS APPARENTLY DEVELOP AMNESIA AT THE TIME OF ATTACK." "TRUE. WE HAVE CONTACTS IN BOTH THE SUPERHERO AND MYSTIC COMMUNITY THAT PROMISE TO POOL THEIR EFFORTS. THESE BLOODSUCKERS WILL PERISH. GOTHAM WILL ONCE AGAIN BE A BASTION OF ORDER AND SHINING SYMBOL OF FREEDOM FOR ALL AMERICA. DETERMINATION AND THE TRIUMPH OF HUMAN SPIRIT WILL NOT BE CRUSHED!" Bruce gawked. "He's a loon. Certifiable!" Jason pulled his chin in thought. "We'd better do a little digging into these 'contacts' he mentioned." "Did my first hunt cause all this?" Tim was subdued. "I didn't mean for things to get so out of control." "No, Tim." Bruce soothed. "This has been building for decades. Truthfully, I'm concerned." "You never leave a challenge unanswered, father." Jason pointed out. "Hiding in plain sight has always been our best asset." "True. But those not blessed with our strength will be at a disadvantage. Mortals can be quite ingenious." "Maybe a meeting is in order." Dick suggested. "All our friends and allies, under Wayne Manor proper." Alfred kept watching the news. "We need contingency plans for the metahumans. If they throw in with this 'PCC' it could mean all out war." "Our alter egos will prove useful here." Dick was thinking now. "Oh?" "Consider, grandfather. The public only knows our vigilante guises. They presume we're ordinary people with special training." "I don't see the connection." "We have latitude to investigate and get information. Our public and private lives are well documented. No one will make any connection between us and these 'attacks.' " "I've never understood the fascination for prancing about in costumes, psychology aside." "That's precisely the point." Bruce countered. "Humans are strange creatures. They pick and choose which reality to believe in. An urban legend seems more contemporary and less fantastic than a vampire. Even now they don't completely believe in our kind, despite evidence to the contrary." Alfred glanced at the screen again. "I suppose." "I'm more concerned with leaks than public opinion. We'll call a meeting this weekend, at a time convenient for everyone." "I'll send out the invitations." Jason offered. "Three days should be enough time." Tim thought of something. "Hey, the Monsantos could show up!" Bruce grinned darkly. "I hope they do. After all, we likely have common connections in our 'community.' " The teen cracked his knuckles together. "I almost wish they'd start something. All these potshots they take at us in the press. I say we do something about it." "It does get old." Dick commented. "At the same time, there's no law against free speech either." Jason stretched back in his chair. "War of words. The Monsantos are talkers." "Don't underestimate them, Jason." "I don't, father. But they seem reactive instead of proactive to me." "If they stay out of our buisness we'll stay out of theirs." "Huh. And if they show at the party?" A sharp smile. "Then we'll greet them properly." **** The day ended fairly routinely. Bruce retreated to his suite after a busy patrol as batman. Three muggings and one attempted robbery were thwarted. He stole a brief snack from one of the muggers before heading back. Dick and Jason were out prowling the fringes of Gotham and Bludhaven. Even Alfred had gone on a date. Bruce mused his sire might get lucky. He sprawled lazily under satin sheets. Powerful muscle rippled, easing tension from the days' activities. Rarely did Bruce turn in before three, but a busy schedule demanded he attend a buisness conference at nine. Sleep was of the essence. He'd nearly drifted off before he sensed a familiar presence. A lithe form glided to the bed, hovering. Bruce didn't roll over. "Tim?" the voice was deep in the quiet. "Yes." "No games. We have an agreement." "I'm not here for that, father." Bruce looked over his shoulder. "What's wrong?" Tim climbed over the big body. "I'm cold. Can't seem to rest." "Huhh." Bruce turned over, rolling Tim. He stared at his son closely, making a determination. "You aren't recovered yet." The teen shivered. "No, I'm fine. Just a little lightheaded-" Razor blue eyes cut through the gloom. "Did you hunt tonight?" "I went with Dick before he headed to Bludhaven. " "No incidents like the first time?" "No, father. My back still hurts, though." A pause. "Turn over." Tim complied, lying on his stomach. Bruce edged alongside, pulling Tim's robe off a shoulder. The scar was nearly invisible now, forming a white ring. Bruce traced a finger around it. 'It's a healing pain, Tim." "I just wish it would quit bugging me." Bruce rolled his son over again. "Yes. I noticed your reflexes and reactions were off during training." big hands rubbed the boy vigorously. Tim fell into the blankets weakly. "Oh, that feels good." Bruce kept massaging. "Any problems during patrol today?" "No. You could have gone with me, you know." Bruce smiled at his son. "So you could complain again? It's a no win situation." "No it's not, and AAAAHH!" Tim balled up in pain suddenly. Arms like steel bands held him securely."Under the blankets. Now." Still developing fangs chattered. "sss,,,ss don't know what's wrong-" blue eyes glazed over. Bruce pulled him under the blankets, holding close. "I should have forseen this. It's too soon for you to have a full schedule." Tim was trembling uncontrollably now. "Don't think so. I could easily-" "Quiet!!" the deep voice barked. A wide hand pulled the boy closer still, pressing his face against a broad shoulder. "Drink." Bruce commanded. Tim's face buried against a corded throat. /How did you know? I'm supposed to be hunting my own now./ Bruce rocked and cradled the teen as he drank. A smile lit handsome features. /You'll understand one day./ Silence, save for quiet suckling. Eventually Tim had his fill, eyes rolling up in exhaustion. Bruce sighed almost wistfully before succumbing to sleep himself. **** Bruce woke abruptly from a dreamless rest. Instincts older than time gave warning of his depletion. Thirst hammered his throat, burning like live wire. His youngest son still nestled securely at his side, resting comfortably. A brief smile as fingers ruffled the rakish black hair affectionately. He sensed another, far older presence in the room. Icy blue eyes were stark in the lifting darkness. A familiar form shifted, seemingly from the air itself. Alfred stood nearby, watching intently. "Is everything alright?" Bruce bared his fangs. "Must you invade my privacy at a whim?" The older vampire almost appeared apologetic. "It wasn't my intent. I came through the mansion and wondered where everyone was." "Dick and Jason are out on patrol. I expect they'll be back in a couple of hours." Ageless eyes focused on Tim. "When I saw the child missing from his room, I thought-" "You thought I'd lost control." Bruce growled, eyes blazing. Alfred approached the bed slowly. "Not exactly. I was concerned, especially after the incident this afternoon when Tim fell from the crossbars during training." Bruce glanced at his sleeping son again. "Yes. He came to me feeling weak and sick." "He looks much better now. Also, I sense his strength is returning." "SSss. At my expense, I think. The child will drain me dry!" Alfred chuckled. "Well, he is still growing." Bruce slipped out of bed, stretching. "Argh. And I thought Dick was impossible at sixteen." The older vampire smiled. "Well, Tim is going through the 'touch' phase. But I'm more concerned about you." Bruce turned at that, ignoring growing pain. "Me? What for?" Alfred touched his face. "You look like a marble statue. It doesn't take a genius to see you're virtually bloodless." "I can control this, for awhile. It's early, and I planned to get a drink before my meeting later." Alfred shook his head knowingly. "You'll never last long enough to hunt. Here." he offered his wrist. Bruce didn't argue, biting and gulping briefly. "Thanks." "I've warned you several times about total depletion, son. Despite your mental controls, hunger will win out." Bruce looked through his closet for clothes. "Blood isn't always available, father. And I plan to test those limits across time." Alfred could only stare. His son had potential he hadn't dreamed of, even now. "Listen to me, Bruce. You know the legend of our kind. Those who go too long without blood become living statues." "Only legend, father." "No. I've seen it, longer ago than I dare mention." Surprise registered on the big man. "You never told me this before." Alfred paced the room. "It was a time of skins and hunters. Humans babbled their sub language, while we communicated silently." Bruce was fascinated, despite his need to hunt. "Go on." Alfred smiled to himself. "Ah, the good old days. Meals were easy, and we were worshipped. The T'aguku Rak gave rain and fire to everyone they favored." A dark brow lifted in amusement. "Another alias, father?" A slight shrug. "Myself and three good friends. Unfortunately, none of them survived the ages. Treachery is a great equalizer." Bruce adjusted his red and white plaid suit. Alfred winced. "Why are you wearing that nightmare?" A slight shift in the air, as Bruce took on a bearded appearance. "Watch how ya talk to me, mister. Matches Malone don't play." Alfred rolled his eyes. "By the dark pit!" Bruce tipped his cap. "Ah plan to eat a sailor this morning. Be back in a bit. Watch my boy for me!" Alfred erupted into laughter. "You've many talents, child! Join the actor's guild, if detective work ever gets boring." "Ah can sing too, old man!" Another voice cracked with laughter. Tim sat up on the bed, covering his mouth in hysteria. "You two are a trip!" "Feeling better, I see." Bruce observed with a smile. "Much. I like drinking hi-test." keen blue eyes observed his sire. "You look weird." Bruce glanced down at himself. "The black boots are too much." "Yeah, since red checkered suits are cool. Are you kidding me?!" "Watch yor mouth, kid. 'Fore I belt ya." Tim laughed again at the disguise. "You got it, Matches." the boy sobered. "But seriously, why are you so white?" Bruce glanced at his hands. "I'd barely noticed-" Tim took one and compared it with his own. "It's almost like you're silk, or marble or something." "Your father and I have discussed this many times." Alfred said suddenly. "He's determined to test the limits of our existence." "Like the stuff the ancients did? But Bruce isn't that old!" "No, he isn't. And despite his power, I have to constantly remind him-" "That's enough, father." Bruce rounded on his elder. "We won't have this argument here." Tim was crestfallen. "It's my fault, isn't it? I drank too much." Bruce scrubbed the wild hair with his fingers. "Stop it, Tim. I gladly give my children whatever they need." "But-" A quick kiss on the teen's forehead. "No more arguing. Besides, I'm starved. Someone greedy drained me last night." "Someone named me." Tim grinned ruefully. "Of course." Bruce straightened and adjusted his ugly suit again. "Now if yall excuse me, ah got buisness." he tipped his hat and strutted out. They watched him go. Tim turned to his grandfather after a pause. "Is he okay?" Alfred stared at the door his son departed through. "Yes, but I have concerns." "Like what?" "His power, Tim. Your father is young, despite his abilities. I've never known any vampire his age with such strength." "But that's a good thing. Besides, we're all strong. No clan will take us on directly, not even the Monsantos." "My dear one." Alfred sat next to his grandson on the bed. "Never presume, never be overconfident. Stronger opponents fall to weaker ones all the time." "I feel a lecture coming on." The ancient laughed. "Maybe another day." "I think you're worrying about nothing. Father worked hard to be the best, learning and training." "The majority of his ability is inborn." Bright blue eyes went wide. "What? But I thought-" "That training honed and improved his talents? No, only time does that. His training gives him knowledge beyond his age, and the ability to apply what he knows more extensively." "Then...that means..." "We have more potential than any vampires that ever existed." a new voice sounded, rich and deep. Tim tilted his head. "Jason?" The Red Hood swirled into form suddenly, his flaming head a smile over dark military gear. "Live and uncensored, little brother. You look a lot better this morning." "Heh. Sip and sleep, you know?" A wink. "Do I ever. When you're older I'll tell you about it." Alfred coughed. "I trust Gotham is safe now?" "As safe as it can be, grandfather. I caught some of your conversation, by the way." Jason dropped his flame appearance. The ancient grinned. "Yes. My family has a power complex." "That's not so bad. You know what mortals say, if you've got it, flaunt it." "Works for me." Tim piped up. "He's worried about father." "So I gathered. Why?" Alfred sighed. "Convincing your sire he isn't an ancient is a difficult task." Jason frowned. "Father never said he was. I don't see your point." "If you heard our conversation you know the reason for my concern." Jason laughed. "Do all old people sit around and worry about everything?" "Do all young people brag like asses?" Alfred countered. "I didn't last this long by being stupid and taking needless risks." "Don't kid me, grandfather. Back in the day you did things wild. And what about that mortal you're dating now? I hear she-" "As usual you veer off topic as a diversion." Alfred retorted. "This conversation concerns your father, not my new friend." Jason plopped next to Tim on the other side. "I forgot, he's hip now." The teen snickered. "Sure. But really, you should have seen Bruce before he left." "I caught a brief glimpse of someone over the atrium. Some big, bearded dude in a polyester fire suit jumped the south wall in a single bound. Wonder who that was?" "Superman?!" Tim made a face. "Look, up in the sky. It's a bird. It's a plane! It's-" "Two loudmouthed clowns." Alfred finished impatiently. "Are you finished? I'm trying to have a serious discussion here." Jason yawned. "Well if it's that serious, shouldn't Dick be here?" "It doesn't call for a family conference, I'm just trying to get a point across." "Okay. You're worried about father's power. Mind telling me why?" "Even I can't explain his power level at so young an age." Jason eyed his grandfather closely. "We all know he's very strong, Alfred. But this isn't news." "None of you know the true extent of his ability, but I do.""Are you saying he has hidden power?" "I'm saying I sense his potential." "It's for the good of our clan, then. What good is potential if it isn't realized? Father always pushed the limits, getting stronger." A pause. "He was nearly stone this morning." "That's impossible!" Jason couldn't believe. "Only deprived ancients became statues." "No, its true!" Tim interrupted. "You should have seen him, Jason. He looked like marble wrapped in satin. Perfectly white. It was weird." "But would he really be stone?" Alfred shook his head. "Not true stone, but his body hardened with ancient power. This morning was the most extreme instance." "Everyone goes pale without blood." "This is more than that. My concern is that his power could outstrip his ability to understand it. Before you were all born there were glimpses of what was to come." Both young vampires were fascinated now. "How so?" they echoed.
"You know I didn't raise him, for reasons of my own. But I provided guardianship from a distance, and guided his way through others. I approved of his training, knowing he would need discipline and control for the future." "But what's the big deal?" Tim wanted to know. "I mean, others have come along with power." Alfred thought a minute, the breaking dawn casting shadows over his face. "Did your father ever tell you about our first meeting?" Tim shook his head. Jason nodded slowly. "I know about it. He made it sound like a beatdown, actually." "He may have thought so, but it wasn't." "But you controlled him." "Only by calling on all my ancient power. Had he been any other vampire, even as strong, it would have been much easier. His strength suprised me at the time, and is even greater now." Tim glanced at his brother. "But what makes him so different?" "Several factors, the main one being his bloodline. I was ancient, and a superior when he was conceived. Your grandmother had the blood of ancients in her veins and a presence. I know of no other circumstance where a child was conceived with those factors in place. Some, but not all." "Yeah, but we aren't just constructs of the past, grandfather." Tim disagreed. "Your brilliance comes from him also." Alfed continued. "What you say is true. Each individual is a unique combination, but some more so than others." "We all possess exceptional strength for our kind." Jason added. "In a few millenia, our clan will be unstoppable. Even powerful metahumans fear the future with us in it." "Your tenacity and tactical ability are his." Jason thought that over. "And Dick?" "Dick carries your father's intensity and practicality. Yet you are all different in your approach. It even reflects in your abilities." "You've spoken to Bruce about this, I take it?" "Several times, for all the good it does me." Jason clapped a hand on his grandsire's shoulder. "Look, don't worry about this. I see no evidence of father being out of control. He has the intelligence to deal with it, or ask for help." "Hmm." "And I think you're overstating things here." "You would. Your sire is barely two centuries old with power levels several times what they should be." "Maybe you should test him." Tim suggested. Alfred tapped his chin. "I have true ancient blood in my veins. He is my direct offspring, so some of that advantage is nullified." "He has no hope of matching your age, though. We grow stronger with time!" "That is my primary edge. He's actually far stronger than I was at the same stage." "You're kidding." Jason stammered. "No. Believe it or not, I was rather unremarkable at the time. But my blood was strong. Many sought my favor for it." Jason nudged Tim knowingly. "That seems familiar." "Yes, your line provides many pleasant advantages." "Then let's enjoy one right now." Alfred was curious. "What do you mean?" Jason hooked an arm around his grandsire and Tim. "Let's have some morning wine. Father always mixes a little blood with it for seasoning." Tim's eyes lit up. "Hell yeah. Nothing like being drunk first thing!" Alfred smiled as they headed downstairs. "Such lusty children." TO BE CONTINUED Next: Blood Bonds 5 : The Conclave
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Blood Bonds