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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
- 4
- 5
- 6
submission dated 8-11-05
author: FireCracker
(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)
Archive? You'd better.
Warnings: This is an Elseworlds Vampire Fic

Pairings: None here, just shapechanging

Blood Bonds 5 : The Conclave

Bruce paced the edge of his huge personal office, waning sunlight casting deep shadows on handsome features. His top assistant Lucius tapped a pen impatiently at the other desk. "Bruce, would you please sit still? You're making me dizzy with all that walking." Wayne turned idly. "Hmm?" "You've been acting jittery for the last hour. Got a hot date or something?" Bruce gave a silly grin, pulling at his shirt collar. "No, not exactly. Just a bit distracted." Keen brown eyes glanced down at paperwork. "I know these dow jones reports are a bit dry. Still, these early figures for this month look good. There's a three percent index increase in the pharmacy division alone." "Yes, I see." Lucius adjusted his glasses. "I think that meeting you had with Jasper changed his mind regarding those experimental supplements. I never saw such a quick turnaround in attitude-" "OOoooOOOOOooooOOO!!" Lucius covered his ears suddenly. "Good God! Are those wild dogs at it again?!" Bruce glided to the window, staring. Reflected in black shadows were four forms with glowing eyes. Forms that slithered through the thick wood surrounding Wayne Mansion. Lucius stared at his friend. "Bruce, you hear me?" "Of course." razor blue eyes stared into oncoming night. "Why don't you do something about those things? They could be rabid for all we know!" "No, I had them checked." "Say what?" Bruce smiled, turning to face his friend again. "You honestly think I'm crazy enough to have possibly diseased animals on my grounds?" A shrug. "I didn't say that. But aren't they annoying?" "OOOoooooOOOOoooOOO!!" Both men stared out the window now. Bruce shook his head. Lucius rolled his eyes. "I don't know how you put up with that racket. Besides, if they attack someone you'll be liable." "You worry too much." "You presume too much." Bruce pointed vaguely at the woods. "Stop fussing at me, Lucius. I have electronic stun wiring on all the parameters." "That keeps them in, but what happens when a guest arrives?" "The second set of wiring is edged around the outer garden." Lucius chuckled. "Sometimes I wonder if your airhead routine is just an act." Bruce spread his arms wide. "You never know? Maybe I'm a genius!" Lucius laughed even harder. "Hopeless! It's pretty late, though. We can pick this up tomorrow-" "OoooooOOOOOOOOoooo!!' "Do they ever quit that?" Bruce edged to the glass again, expression changing. "Not at night." Lucius fell silent, watching his friend. Those eyes were sharp, with a strange and almost feral glint. He'd seen this on several occasions but never pressed the issue. Bruce spaced broad fingers over panes of glass. The 'wild dogs' drew closer, shifting through underbrush. Inky black pelts glimmered under rising moonlight. One moved in front, strong head held high under sharp ears. "They're actually quite beautiful up close." Lucius observed. "Come to think of it, those aren't dogs. They're wolves!" "You're right." Bruce followed motion with his eyes. "OOoOOOOO!!" The first bayed, surrounded by the others. *Come out and play. Take off that suit!* "Incredible." Lucius was amazed. "They almost seem intelligent." Bruce spared a half smile. "True. Listen closely and they'll speak." Lucius rolled his eyes in amusement. "Yeah, right. You're really weird sometimes, you know." Another silly smirk. "That's me. Goof personified." The youngest wolf ran in circles around the others, yipping. *The woods are wet and wild. Hurry up!* "That one's just a puppy." Lucius noted. "Sure seems full of energy." Bruce watched with glittering eyes. "Yes. Shall we call it a day here? I think everything's covered for now." The middle aged black man stretched wearily. "I think so. You know, there was a time I never got tired. Getting old, I guess." Blue eyes blazed through deepening shadows. "Everyone wants immortality." "Eh. Maybe. But think of everyone you'd leave behind." "Not neccesarily." Bruce stared at a point on his friends' neck. "Oh, you're a philosopher now, hmm?" Bruce gave a shaded smile, fingering a curtain panel. "If someone offered eternal life to you, what would you say?" Fox laughed out loud. "I'd tell them to lie down." "The world is full of powerful beings, Lucius. If someone granted you a gift, would you take it?" Lucius stared at Bruce oddly. "This conversation is getting too weird, Bruce. And why do I get the impression you're serious?" "Because I am." Lucius patted a broad shoulder. "Uh huh, sure. Get some rest, we'll talk later." Bruce moved in close. "It's worth considering, you think?" Lucius backed away, slightly uncomfortable. He considered Bruce a friend as well as an employer. But many times he felt an undefinable fear around the big man, despite the carefree playboy persona. An overwhelming presence, those eyes... Strange, and shifting. Not human. "I...wasn't..." "Look at me." deep baritone purred. Sensual lips pulled away, revealing long fangs. Arms holding close... Lucius felt conscious thought fade, his features slack. Strange heat pounded his brain, buzzing white noise. Soft lips touched his throat as he fell. Bruce held his friend in a grip of iron, sinking into the sofa. Savoring sweet, heavy thickness that gushed hot over his tongue. Strong jaws gulped hungrily in a vain attempt to halt the craving. A figure materialized suddenly, watching impassively. Dick stood rigid, in a strange pose typical of his kind. He waited patiently for Bruce to note his presence. Bruce lifted red lips from his dazed friend, growling softly. Dick smiled his way. "You're quite fond of that one, I see." Crimson eyes were lit. "Yesss." A pause. "He has a family, father. Why turn him now?" Bruce waved a hand over Lucius, inducing sleep. He licked his lips briefly. "I value him greatly, Dick." Gleaming blue eyes flickered over the human. "But you don't want him like a mate." "No, of course not. But his talents and skills shouldn't be lost to time. True friends are a rare commodity." Dick ran a finger over the neck wound, tasting. "He's quite delicious. I could do with a sip-" Bruce bared his fangs. "I don't think so." Dick bared his own. "I was only joking. But I meant what I said about turning him, father. Despite his assets, it's too soon." Bruce watched Lucius sleep. "Who said anything about turning him? I merely want to extend his life, suspend his age. If he decides later, I will make it permanent." Dick frowned. "I know you, father." "I've never forced anyone, Dick." "But not for temptation?" Bruce grinned savagely. "Well, there is that. And I'm still hungry!" Dick pulled him by the hand. "Come, run with us. We've been waiting over an hour. The woods are wonderful tonight." A sniff. "Yesss. I smell magnolia blooms." Keen eyes were observant. "You're very pale again." Bruce hissed. "Am I? Sssso hungry." wild eyes fixed on his friend again. Dick blocked Bruce from the sleeping Lucius. "You already drank from him. Come, there's a robbery within five miles of the mansion." A shift, as 'Batman' coalesced around the form of Wayne. Dick likewise shifted to Nightwing mode, his costume forming from dark tendrils. "Dinner, then we run." "Perfect." Two phantom shadows bled into the waiting night. **** Rick considered himself a tough guy, having done time in both Arkham and Gotham Penitentiary. He was a big man, prone to violence and crime. But nothing prepared him for the sight that suddenly loomed large nearby. Batman stood tall, an apparition against the knight. Gossamer cape darker than velvet fanned everywhere, seemingly alive. "You creeps don't scare me." the thug snarled. Nightwing practically floated into the alley, a nimbus of purplish flame spreading from his form. He approached the would be thief first. "Busy night, friend?" Rick glared through infra-red goggles. "Nightwing. This ain't Bludhaven! You got no buisness here." "Crime is my buisness. I see you've brought toys." he glanced down at various equipment. Rick stood to his full height, pulling out a taser. "Yeah. And don't think those stupid sticks are gonna stop me." Dick held his hands out. "Whatever. Notice anything in particular?" "Hah?" Gray eyes widened behind the goggles. An inky black shape bloomed in front of him suddenly, forming a very familar enemy. "What the f-" "Very foolish." a deep voice growled as the Bat advanced. "Why are you in Cedar Heights?" Rick backed up slightly, reaching at a pocket in his gear. "Just passin' through, Bats. Wanted to make sure there were no sudden blackouts. I hear the transformer boxes konk out all the time." "You picked a bad time to steal." Fangs gleamed like points against the moonlight. "Shit!" the goon backed away in terror, eyes wild. He fired his taser point blank. Batman smiled savagely, still advancing. "W-what the hell are you, man?" "Hhhungry." the demon hissed, lunging forward. He grabbed the thug before he could run. Shadow cape enveloped both forms in a cocoon. Nightwing smiled, crouched on a fence nearby. Bruce felt his body pulse and swell, filling with hot essence. It was pure ecstasy, his drink. Rick gurgled as he lost consciousness, collapsing to the ground with a dull thud. The Bat handcuffed his victim to a light pole. Another icy smile. "Let the authorities find him." Dick landed soundlessly at his side. "Feeling better?" Batman smirked with satisfaction. "Naturally. He'll be confused enough in the morning." Nightwing embraced his sire, kissing blood from red lips. "Hmm. Not bad." "You always were a greedy child." Hands under smooth kevlar stroked the strong jawline. "And your favorite." An amused scowl. "Have I ever said so?" A purr. "You don't have to. I know." "Jason says the same thing. And Tim-" "Is spoiled rotten." Dick was smug, stealing another kiss. "Jason believes he's your favorite, but I know better." A laugh. "Your brother likes a challenge." "My brother is a nut." Dick glanced around the quiet street. "Shall we go? Everyone's waiting." "Come." The Bat lifted phantom like, merging with the dark. Nightwing followed, purple flames trailing his wake. **** Alfred sniffed the warm air, tail swishing. His excitable grandsons were tumbling nearby, growls loud in the nighttime quiet. *Yes, the blooms are full tonight! This brings back memories-* Tim ran in wild circles, turning Jason. *You say that all the time. So quit talking and fight!* The larger wolf head butted his sibling, sending Tim rolling. *Pay attention, punk!* The dizzy teen stood on wobbly paws. *Cheat! I'll get you for that.* Sharp teeth glistened. *Promises, promises.* Alfred paced along a small stream, yowling. Ancient or no, his blood ran hot. He sped to an outcropping and howled louder. The scene didn't go unnoticed. Batman and Nightwing glided over the grounds, forms shifting even as they hit landfall. They cantered quickly, joining their family. Bruce krinkled his nose in a grin, watching Alfred bay at the moon. *No fool like an old fool!* Dick whuffed, laughing. *Grandfather's gone crazy. Maybe we should hook him up with that collie down the street!* With blinding speed Alfred bowled into them, knocking Bruce and Dick on their backs. *About time you joined the party.* Bruce lay on the ground, getting his wind back. *Lunatic!* Dick wasn't doing much better, turned on his side. *Hell, you trying to crack my ribs?* Alfred displayed impressive cutlery. *Such tender children. Can't take a little play!* Bruce flattened his ears. *All right then.* he charged. Alfred dodged like lightning. Bruce carried momentum into his other sons, knocking them clear off the hill. Howling in surprise, Jason and Tim tumbled fifty feet into cold water. The big wolf laughed. *Sorry about that.* Alfred padded alongside, whuffing in delight. *A pity. They look like drowned rats.* Jason leaped from the water, enraged. His square head tilted up, fangs bared. *Yeah?* Bruce matched his expression with equally sharp teeth. *Yeah.* *Get him, Jason!* Tim cheered, flopping to his feet. Before the two could face off, Dick torpedoed Bruce into Alfred. Both wolves howled as they bounced down the ravine over the others. Dick stood triumphant atop the hill, tail raised high. *Suckers.* **** The family spent most of the night running and fighting. They finally settled in a deep thicket and groomed themselves. Bruce rolled on the ground, stretching and scratching his back. *A good night's run!* *And warm, too.* Dick licked Jason between the ears affectionately. Tim walked over Alfred, his too large paws caked with mud. Alfred swiped at him playfully. The silly teen ran in circles. *Tell us more, grandfather. About how things were back in the day!* *Which day?* Alfred reclined in sweet, soft grass. *I lost track eons ago.* Jason bayed. *The dinosaurs, of course!* Bruce stopped rolling around. *He never told me about dinosaurs.* Alfred whuffed in amusement, ears flicking. *I did, but you didn't believe me half the time.* *You never shared that memory with me.* *You never asked. Silence, while I tell a story!* Bruce snapped powerful jaws at Tim. The young wolf stopped spinning and flopped down. The big wolf sniffed. *Good. I was getting dizzy from all that foolishness.* Dick flopped his tongue out. *I thought it was just me.* **** Alfred held a captive audience, telling of ancient times. The family reclined in a circle under full moon. Crickets and birds made their presence known under a green canopy. *You said meals were easy once, grandfather.* Dick reminded Alfred. *So tell me please, how 'easy' was eating a brontosaurus?!* Alfred licked his haunches briefly. *I was referring to humans once they developed.* *And before that?* *Obviously, sheer size made such creatures a poor choice. There were other things to eat, fish and-* Tim barked in laughter. *You ate fish? Ultimate predator my ass!* A sharp cry as Bruce head butted his ribs. *Quiet.* Alfred snorted. *As I was saying, fish and smaller reptiles, such as Andropods and Tracysourases.* Jason thought that over. *Were they delicious?* Alfred slopped his jaws. *Not bad...reptiles have completely different flavor than mammals, as you know.* *You mentioned communication back then.* Dick stated. *Modern scientists always debate intelligence in species. How did you find the dinosaurs?* *Different. Simplistic. The world was young, and survival was the main concept.* *I doubt a dinosaur would have brains enough to build anything.* Tim sniffed. *They had no hands. I could say the same about humans without hands. What would they have developed?* Jason snapped at buzzing insects. *But what about complex brains, eh?* *What about them?* Alfred countered, eyes blue against the gloom. *Whales and elephants have more complex brains than humans. See them building any cities, flying to the moon? It's the same thing. They have no hands to express thoughts and ideas with. No manipulation of tools, no evidence of structured thought.* Bruce flopped on his back again. *Humans judge everything by their own physiology. Who cares? They're no more than specks in the universe.* *Yeah!* Tim barked again, plopping over Dick. *Without hands, cavemen couldn't make tools.* *No tools, no inventions, no wheel!* Jason added. Bruce lay on his side, tail swishing. *I had a most fascinating conversation with a jaguar once.* *Hunters make the most sense. Green eaters are always whining.* Dick yawned deeply, feeling muzzy. *They hate their place in the food chain.* *Insects complain the most, though, despite outnumbering everything else.* Alfred added. *Everything except microbes and bacteria.* Tim snipped. *Whatever, smart mouth. But back to the dinosaurs-* *What really caused their demise?* Dick wanted to know. *Scientists stumbled onto a fairly accurate account.* Alfred crossed his forelegs neatly. *The atmosphere changed when a large meteor hit near the central latitude.* *That was near the Yucatan, not the-* Tim stopped abruptly when teeth caught his tail. Jason dragged his sibling away from Dick. *Shut up, punk. Quit showing off!* Tim swiped at him. *Get off my tail, Jason!* Alfred cleared his throat. *Are you all finished?* *He is!!* Tim spun, butting Jason in the ribs. With a yelp Jason released his tail. The young wolf circled everyone triumphantly. Bruce turned his head to watch. *Sit still, Tim. And listen for a change.* The pubescent wolf sat, ears high. *I was just adding to the conversation.* *Fine, but listen now.* Bruce glanced over at his oldest son, lying comfortably in the thick grass. *Dick, are you sleeping?* One eye opened. *No, just enjoying the show.* **** The family decided not to return to the mansion. Five wolves glided through the woods away from Wayne Manor proper. Sleepy, they found a small cave to bed in for the night. Gotham was full of such geographical spots, primarily in the public parks. The grounds around Wayne Manor were no different. Thick forests held rock formations formed during the Triassic. Their favorite spot had a prominent rock ledge leading into the cave. Bruce was fond of the vantage point it provided. The coven rested as a pile of black fur among lichens and moss. Bruce eventually sensed something, waking him from sleep. He saw Alfred in silouette against the cave opening, staring into space. The chiseled head turned back his way. /Bruce. You're awake./ The big wolf nodded, glacier eyes his only mark in the cave. /Yes. Something is amiss./ Alfred tilted his head again. /We have company./ Bruce rose silently, stepping over his sleeping sons. /I doubted my senses earlier. Not now./ He sat next to his sire. *Conversation distracted me before. But there were times when it seemed we weren't alone.* Alfred kept staring hard into the woods, his strong profile that of a sentinel. *Someone with power excellent at cloaking themselves. But no vampire can hide from me!* Bruce closed his jaws with a snap. *The Monsantos.* *Yes.* Bruce stood, head low. *I'll look into it.* **** He moved like shadow, pelt gleaming like wet ink. Tracking along his senses, smelling aura like scent. Bruce cantered into the dark wood away from the cave. He paused suddenly at a quiet stream that wound towards the city aqueduct. Sitting tall, he pricked his ears. *Please identify yourself. This game bores me.* *Most impressive.* was the response. A dusky gold wolf appeared suddenly, glittering and still under moonlight. Bruce stared across the stream. The wolf was clearly female, by shape and muzzle. Her aura indicated great age. *Camille Monsanto.* he concluded. She nodded briefly, flicking an ear. *Greetings, Bruce Wayne.* *You intrude on my grounds.* *Not intentionally. I merely felt it time we met personally.* He paced closer, sizing her up. She was fairly angular and strong looking. *Do you like what you see?* teeth bared in a grin. Camille bayed in laughter. *I adore the sight. You're quite beautiful, I must say. That pelt reminds me of Assyrian water crystals.* *Spare me your idle flattery!* Camille snuffed. *Come, there's no need for hostilities. We should be friends, pool resources.* The black wolf edged towards her. *Explain.* Her long nose sniffed in his direction. *You remind me of someone I knew long ago.* *You spoke of cooperation.* Bruce was impatient. *Yes, well...* Camille tilted her head. Another golden wolf, more buff in color and barrel chested, cantered up suddenly. *Greetings, Wayne. I am Yuri Monsanto, brother to Camille.* Bruce glanced about alertly. *A game is afoot.* *No.* the burly wolf sat next to his sister. *Camille speaks truth. We saw the recent broadcasts with the so called citizens committee-* Their conversation was interrupted by another presence. A broad shouldered wolf slipped into view over an outcropping, eyes flaming like blue suns. Sharp ears lay flat. *All secure?* Yuri glanced up first at the dark shape. *That one I'm not familiar with.* Bruce barely turned his head. *Everything is fine, Jason.* The square head lifted. *Good. I thought it curious so many trails were fresh on these grounds.* *The Monsantos came for a chat.* Jason sat on the rock ledge, remaining above their line of sight. *Really? I hadn't even sent out the invitations yet.* *Invitations?* Camille wondered. *Yes.* Bruce swished his tail casually. *We planned to invite everyone to the Manor this weekend.* *What's the event?* *Your brother already spoke of it. We believe this 'citizens committee' poses a problem.* The golden she-wolf glanced up briefly. *It's possible, but I sense no immediate threat.* *At this time, no.* Bruce agreed. *But contingency plans need to be in place. The group appears to be well connected.* *Connected as in metahumans?* Yuri wanted to know. He watched Jason closely. *Our contacts tell us so. The Jsa and Jla, for example.* *Hell.* the burly wolf snarled. *That's all we need-* *Enough, Yuri.* Camille snapped. *We can debate the threat later.* *At the mansion this weekend.* Jason injected. *Formal, I trust?* *Of course.* Bruce replied. *Consideration will be made for the nightwalkers.* Camille bowed slightly, her tone mild. *Excellent, Bruce Wayne. I've heard you're a fine host.* Bruce lowered his head in turn. *Thank you. Also feel free to invite human pets.* Camille bayed happily. *I like you, Wayne! Perhaps we'll get to know each other better, eh?* amber eyes glittered. Jason coughed loudly from his vantage point. *It seems, madam, you have contingency plans of your own.* Yuri snuffed. *Children are so insolent these days.* *You speak ill of my ward.* Bruce commented. *Ward?!* Yuri kept staring at Jason. *You expect us to believe-* *Jason Todd, at your service.* Jason tilted his head slightly. *I trust we'll meet again at the Manor?* The burly wolf snorted. *Indeed we will, boy.* Camille stretched. *We've detained our hosts long enough, Yuri. Dawn will arrive soon, and there's much to do.* *Agreed, sister.* Yuri grinned at Bruce. *Your clan will be in full attendence?* Bruce returned the grin, exposing canines. *Everyone will be accounted for. The favor will be returned?* Camille krinkled her nose. *Of course. My daughter Diedre is most anxious to see your...ward.* wild golden eyes watched Jason. *Then extend my greetings, madam, until we meet.* Jason put on his most gracious manner. There was a small pause before the she wolf spoke again. *Your others are here, but not the old one.* *You sense that?* Bruce was somewhat surprised. Camille abruptly stood, ears up and alert. *His presence is concealed from me. But that's impossible!* Bruce was nonplussed. *Hardly an issue, Camille. In any case, tour the grounds as my guest before you leave.* *You are most gracious. Excuse my surprise, I dislike mysteries.* *Understandable.* Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of two more wolves, gleaming like black silk. One was quite young, with gangly legs and large feet. Yuri turned at their presence nearby. *More of your 'wards', Wayne?* *Of course.* Dick stopped near the glade, Tim in tow. *Greetings, Monsantos.* Camille looked him over. *Ah. Another handsome one.* *You're acting foolish, Camille.* Yuri admonished her. *I speak my mind, Yuri. You forget, we've never met in person until tonight.* *Okay, you see us.* Tim blurted, standing alongside Dick. *Now why are you here?* *Manners, Tim.* Dick growled. Camille paced them. *Oh, I don't mind. Cubs are so delightful!* *Don't patronize me. I'm not a kid!* Bruce showed his teeth again. *That's enough, Tim. The Monsantos are invited to view the grounds before leaving.* *But-* A low snarl. Tim fell silent, ears drooping. Jason chuckled from the ledge. *You look like you've lost your best friend, Tim.* Dick licked his dispirited sibling. *Stop it, Jason.* Camille watched them all, intrigued. *A fine group, Wayne. Is this a typical night?* Bruce nodded at his guests. *My wards are quite spirited at times.* Yuri turned, looking about. *Where blood leads, temperament follows. I would meet the old one, if he is in attendance nearby.* *My brother is quite insistent at times, Wayne.* Camille explained. *But I too am curious, for none can escape my eye.* her voice had an edge. *True power moves at will.* Dick retorted, his own voice tight. Yuri lowered his head a little. *There are no formal hostilities between our clans...yet.* Bruce turned in dismissal. *Nor should there be. The gardens are westward. I trust you'll enjoy them.* The big wolf melted into the green. Dick, Jason and Tim likewise disappeared without a trace. Camille huffed indignantly. *These modern clans and their arrogance!* **** The Monsantos toured the grounds briefly, ever vigilant. Yuri glanced up at the moon through tall trees. *A warm and wild night, sister. Perhaps the children should have attended.* *Unecessary, brother. I have what I came for. Wayne is everything I truly suspected, playboy persona aside. Still, he is young.* *Not too young for your eye, eh? Were you serious?* Camille glanced at her sibling as they cantered along. *Oh, don't get me wrong...on a proper night I might try for it! But the old one concerns me right now.* *Why? His buisness is theirs. Deidre had our contacts do a thorough search on his background.* *And what did they find?* *He is old, his history convoluted.* *Not surprising. But how old is the question?* *A few mega vampirii know him from the past, but data is sketchy past five thousand years.* Camille stopped at a stream. *Damn. I can find any trail but this bothers me.* *A more immediate concern is Wayne, sister. Just how old is he?* *Strictly speaking, a childe himself. Not even two centuries old!* Yuri grunted, swishing his tail. *His power aura belies that. By the pit, how did that whelp get so strong?* *Wayne's exploits are known to everyone. But I want his secrets, Yuri. Is he bolstered with spells? Whatever the source, I will find it!* *Most assuredly, you have.* a new voice sounded. Startled, the two golden wolves stopped in their tracks. Silouetted against the moon sat a black shape, eyes flaming blue in the gloom. Yuri found his voice first. *What madness is this? How do you appear unseen and unheard!* Alfred licked his haunches. *A simple trick, actually. I trust the gardens are to your liking?* Camille approached him cautiously. *Aye, well enough. But I'm more interested in you.* The dark head tilted. *Alfred Pennington, at your service.* Yuri moved alongside his sister. *How many names, old one?* A shrug of furred shoulders. *That is my name.* *Come sir, don't be coy. Why do the children have different surnames?* *Because they are adopted, and legal wards.* Camille snorted, her golden eyes wild. *You expect us to believe that nonsense?* Alfred put on an innocent expression. *It's all publicly documented.* A pause. Camille boldly sat beside Alfred on the outcropping. *Documents are easily forged. What purpose does the deception serve? My children are my own, publicly and privately. I see no point in silly games.* *Games?* Alfred bared his teeth. *You are guests on these grounds. Are the Monsantos so ill bred?* *How can you ask? Surely you know the purpose of our visit!* *Concern over the citizens committee, I would imagine. Their campaign against all vampires could pose a threat.* *We think so.* Yuri stated. *The Monsantos would prefer pooling resources with the Waynes. There's no need for friction.* *Sounds reasonable.* *I'm curious, old one.* Camille looked Alfred over. *Even now, you cloak your aura. Why? What secrets do you keep?* *My own, girl. What is it you want to know?* Camille bared her own teeth. *You dare address me that way? In olden times I was worshipped as a goddess!* *And I was the embodiment of vengeance.* Yuri added smugly. *Mortals called me Alabarr the Reaver.* It was Alfred's turn to be smug. *Hmm. Yes, I know. Our paths nearly crossed on several occasions. You were unaware, of course.* The she wolf snuffed in annoyance. *I don't trade insults like common trash, Alfred. Or whomever you are.* The black wolf appeared distant. *You're quite clever, Camille.* *You have no idea. I dislike mysteries and hidden agendas. You're clearly an ancient, yet oddly different. The question is, why?* *Age leaves a trail. You know this.* *Aye, but we hide in plain sight. This is the twenty-first century, Alfred.* *One of many, countless eons.* A pause. *Your name!* Sharp fangs shone. *It pleases me here to reveal it. Decilicus A'o am I, formed from the dark time, the first line.* *Lies!* Yuri blurted. *He is a myth, a legend even among ancients. No such vampires currently exist, at least in this dimension.* *And yet, brother, he conceals.* Camille considered. *Who has the power to resist our probes? One must wonder.* *I don't.* Yuri snapped, disbelieving. *I tell you they are dust, long gone and only remembered in storytelling. Alfred spins a good tale, but I'm not buying it.* *I've been called many things, but never an illusion.* Alfred responded, thinking. *Perhaps a parlor trick will do.* *No tricks-* Camille started to say, but it was too late. The black wolf disappeared without warning or trace. Yuri paced about the clearing anxiously. *I've had enough of this for one night, Camille.* The she-wolf agreed. *Aye, too many strange events occur in this lair. Truth or fiction, it's time to leave!* Burnished gold forms melted into the glade and were gone instantly. **** Seconds later, a family of dark wolves appeared in the clearing. Jason sniffed the warm air in triumph. *Watching them turn tail is pretty amusing.* *That really wasn't my intent.* Alfred appeared innocent. Dick curled his muzzle in a smirk. *Oh no, never that. I think it's one of the rare times they've been put in their place.* Bruce turned to see his youngest, still silent and withdrawn. *Tim.* The teen didn't answer immediately. *You're always angry with me about something.* *I'm not.* he nosed his son, licking affectionately. *Sometimes you just need to slow down.* *I was only protecting our pride and place!* *I may have seemed harsh, but not on purpose.* a small head butt. Tim rattled his sore skull. *Ouch. That hurt.* Bruce krinkled a grin. *Good. Maybe a headache will keep you from sulking!* **** They returned to the cave. Bruce and Alfred sat at the opening, watching sparkling stars.The others nestled in the back over thick moss and lichens. *What did you think of them, father?* *Interesting. It's been awhile since I've met an old world family. A pity the others didn't visit.* *We'll see them all soon enough.* *True.* *I think Diedre wants to meet Jason again.* Bruce raised his voice teasingly. Jason growled, opening an eye. *That makes one of us. She's unbelievably boring.* Alfred yipped. *True love...it never runs smoothly!* *Give me a break, grandfather.* *I'll leave the arrangements in your capable hands, Jason.* Bruce glanced over his shoulder. The gathering should be a gala event.* *Yeah, whatever...now how about some shuteye?* *I'm not wearing a tux!* Tim lifted his head suddenly. *Who cares, Tim? Now go to sleep!* Dick yawned loudly, not opening his eyes. *There's only two hours left until dawn! Do I have to hear all this noise until then?* Bruce padded to the back to join them. *Smartass.* Alfred followed him, amused. *It runs in the family.* THE END Next: Blood Bonds 6 The Gathering
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Blood Bonds