Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Scott was very displeased. 

Humans were annoying, that much was obvious. He understood that to them, they were creatures hunting them down. Of course he knew that, he's been alive for many of centuries. However, the lonesome creatures call them monsters when they attack on sight.

He's a bit pissed at the state of his home. He'd think that the people of Oakhurst would want to maintain such a beautiful structure for like... a museum or something. At least give a purpose to clean it so he didn't have to rebuild the centuries of disrepair its fallen into.

But, when Pyro returned home and told the story of Avid striking him when they were talking, he felt even more angry. Of course, he was always annoyed when that certain human got involved, but it wasn't simply because of that. It was... protective. Of his fledgling.

He hadn't felt like this in a long time, but he's not unfamiliar with it. He's felt similar ways back when he was turned a long time ago, and turned some of his friends. While, none of them called him Sire because it felt weird for people he got along with to see him in such a higher light... it was essentially the same thing. He turned them all, they were his childes. His coven. And he had an instinct to protect them because of it.

He feels similarly with Pyro, especially because they continued to call him their Sire. He never asked the younger vampire to, but he just seemed to fall into that kind of role. He didn't complain, who would when someone shows you respect? Especially when they mean it; when it wasn't just teasing or messing around. 

He continued to glance over at his childe. He was frustrated with the humans for attacking a part of his coven. Who did they think they were? They don't even have a lot of beacons, so why are they getting so bold? Just because they got their hands on a little bit of holy water? Stupid humans. He had no issue slaying them even without his vampiric powers, he didn't need the extra help when dealing with their kind.

He couldn't help himself from continuously looking over at the other. Whenever the younger was around, his gaze just ended up landing on him. He sees the slashes of his clothes, the burn marks on his skin from the sun and the holy water they were splashed with. The more he looked, the more anger bubbled underneath his undead skin. Emotions were always hard for him to feel, a consequence of being undead for so long, but when it came to his coven...

He had half a mind to go out and kill the humans at the moment. However, he needed to finish rebuilding his home. Humans are less of a priority for him. A bigger priority of his was to take care of his fledgling.

He, as a sire, will have instincts in him to care for those he turned. It's his role to help the baby bats learn to fly until they're ready to do so on their own. He's done this before, his old coven ended up splitting their ways at some point to create their own power. It was bittersweet. But, those instincts are hard to control now more than his hunger. The instincts to protect and nurture his kind. 

He sighed. It was getting late... er... early. The sun was coming up and he hated getting burned as much as the next vampire. The smell of burning flesh was hard to get out of his hand tailored outfit. One thing he can praise humans for is some of their senses of fashion. When he reigned, he and the human tailor got a long quite well. He understood not all humans were insufferable, just most of them.

They were now in the completed building. Owen and Shelby went off to find more food, so that left he and his fledgling alone. The loyalty of Pyro was one to be admired, even when the other was obviously a bit scared of him at times. When talking about the meals he stole from his sire twice, the poor thing shrunk in on himself as if he were a child waiting a horrible punishment.

To the disbelief of humans, he was not a cruel creature. Sure, he ruled over a town for centuries and brought terror into them, but he was also rather merciful in his opinion. He needed to eat, and humans were the most fulfilling thing he can eat. Its as if a human being given the option to choose to eat between ground beef or steak. Obviously they'll both fill, but people would prefer a perfectly cook steak, no? Especially he would, he would not stoop low to eat a lesser thing when he can have a meal for a noblemen such as himself. 

When he ruled, he made sure his people were kept in good conditions. The town was kept clean, the last thing he wanted to do was feast on the sick. It always ruined their taste. He protected them from other creatures wanting to slaughter them. Even during famines, he housed some of the humans within his castle so they could work to gain the food they harvested and bred for him. He's not evil. 

So, when it comes to his childe who stole food from him, of course he's frustrated. But, not enough to resent to poor thing, as Pyro is very obviously worried was the case.

"Pyro."

The younger stiffened, but immediately gave him their attention. "Yes, sire?"

He smiled, outstretching a hand. "Come here."

The other was hesitant, but listened. Coming over and standing right in front of him. Scott put a hand against his fledging's cheek, causing him to look at his sire in surprise, but leaned into the touch.

He glanced over Pyro's body, looking at the scars and scabs up close. The sun, holy water, silver.. all those things that did damage to his coven. His childe. While the boy was now a higher ranking vampire, obvious to the white hair he now possessed, he was still a baby bat. Eager to pounce, unable to control the hunger completely. 

Which, is why he had a bit of an idea. Especially since he already shows such willing fierce loyalty. If him attacking Cleo when he was being fought by her and Martyn served any proof. 

"Do you trust me, little flame?"

The younger looked up at him with wide eyes. As a puppy did to their owner. "...I... I don't know."

He tilted his head, "you don't know?"

"...You... you scare me, sire."

He knew that. "What do you fear I'll do?"

"....Hurt me?" The other tried. It must've been hard to ruffle through their emotions when they have loyalty to him, but also don't fully trust him.

"...Perhaps." He would hurt him if he needed to. "But, I am not an anger filled beast, Pyro. I would not hurt you unless you've provoked it."

"...I stole your meals."

"Which I have forgiven you for." Partially. 

"...You're strong, sire. Forgive me for fearing that."

He smiled. "...I suppose there's no wrong in fearing the strong." He tilted the fledgling's face up, "however. I do not wish to harm you, little flame."

"...You don't?" He could hear the uncertainty in their voice.

"Of course not." He supposed they didn't know much of vampire relationships. "You're my childe."

"...Childe?"

"I turned you. And I am responsible for teaching you the ways of a vampire. Why would I want to hurt my fledgling?"

"...I... I'm important to you?" The younger's eyes got impossibly wider.

"Of course," he spoke softly. "I wouldn't put an effort to keep you around if you weren't."

"...Right... of course..." he could hear the happiness in their voice. "...thank you, sire."

"No need for that." He raised a finger up to the younger's cheek. "I just need you to trust me."

"...I... will do my best, sire." 

"What causes the distrust?" He questioned. "Other than my strength. What are you afraid of?" There has to be more to it than just inferiority.

"...I'm scared you'll leave me, sire."

He blinked, "...leave you?"

"...Yes... I don't want to be left alone..."

"...Pyro. You are mine."

"...Sire?"

"You belong to me."

"....I... of course I do, sire, but what does that-?"

"You should know how possessive and protective I am with my things, Pyro."

"...So... you're possessive of me too...?"

"There you go. Took awhile to put that together, hm?"

"...I trust you, sire..." they said. "...I want to and I will."

"Good." Scott grinned, "because I have a give for you."

The fledging looked excited, "you do?"

"Yes. Which you'll have to trust me for."

"Of course, sire, anything..."

"Close your eyes."

The younger vampire immediately complied. Eager to please his sire as ever. The older only caressed his face once more before putting a finger to his mouth.

"Open."

The other obeyed. Revealing the sharp fangs of what they were turned into. Scott moved his finger to the fang and pricked it against it. A dribble of blood forming at the tip of his finger. 

Pyro's eyes snapped open at the scent of his sire's blood, eyes showing the conflicting feelings of wanting to pull away, but also having to obey Scott's words as his sire. As well as the sweet blood...

"Si-"

"Shh." The elder silenced them. "Trust me, little flame. Close your eyes."

They looked up at him for a bit before reluctantly closing their eyes. He opened the wound against the younger's fangs a bit more before a drop of blood slid off his finger and into their mouth. Pyro made a small noise at the flavor, but kept his eyes shut. Almost forcefully.

He pressed the bloody finger against the other's tongue. "Go ahead, childe. You know you want to."

Without any further words, Pyro closed his mouth around his finger and drank the blood. Drop by drop, like a thirsting man. And they were, technically. The hunger never really goes away, it just becomes easier to manage. 

They took as much as the tiny wound could offer. Scott may be generous, but it still is his blood. The more his childe eats, the hungrier he gets. It was fine, though. With each drop of blood they drank, he could see the scars and scabs on their pale skin fade away. He couldn't help but smile at it. The instincts of a sire winning as he couldn't help but feel pride in helping his fledgling. Even at the cost of his power. He almost didn't want to stop the other once all the burn marks were gone, but... well. They had their fill.

"Pyro."

The other only hummed, sucking on his finger to get as much of his blood as they could. 

"Pyro." He tried again, more sternly.

The younger opened his eyes, dazed off of the blood.

He couldn't exactly be annoyed at the expression. "Enough."

The other whined, but obeyed the word without any struggle. Wiping at his mouth.

"Feel better?" He asked.

"...Yeah... thank you, sire..." they glanced over their form, seeing the burns gone. Although, their tone was noticeably slow. 

He felt as if his mind was a bit fuzzy himself, too. But, this was typical when creating blood bonds. Their emotions somehow tying together in some form. So, he assumes that fuzziness he's feeling is significant to his poor fledgling.

"Get some rest, Pyro."

All the other did was nod before almost falling on him. He caught the younger and led them over to a chair on the long banquet table. He'll move them to a room soon, but currently none of the rooms are maintained enough for any of his coven to have a comfortable rest in. 

He looked over his fledgling and sighed. He opens the other two aren't in the sun. Not that either of them would want to heal the same way as he did with Pyro. He supposes he'll need to personalize it for them if he wants to make sure they're okay. 

For now, he's hungry after having someone feed of him. So, even in the blazing sun, he went out to get food.

Chapter Text

These sun burns were awful, but hunger pains hurt more. Even in the afternoon, peak of the sunlight, he had to be out and on the hunt. He's gone around, slashing the animals that somehow had more braincells than the humans did with their fear of him. While the humans continued to try and make their way on to his property.

None of the animals tried to cross the bridge that literally said "keep out", but the humans apparently as less literate than them!

He made his way to their town, turning invisible and seeing how the little humans are doing. Even with two of the enemy amongst their ranks, whether those two let the humans know what they were or not. He wonders when the seeds of doubt will start to grow. 

Regardless, he spent ages hand breaking every block of silver and destroying them. His hands hurt by the end of it, actively hitting a block that burned him would do that. He'll probably need to wear gloves just so he doesn't have to look at the hideous scars they left. Horrible, he's always missed being able to look at himself in a mirror, but now he's not even wanting to. He doesn't want to know what he looks like covered in burn scars.

He was walking back to his castle and noticed one of his coven mates talking to... Avid. The peskiest human of the bunch. He held the urge to roll his eyes just as the sight of them. Why was Shelby talking to him?

He wasn't aware if she knew she was part of his coven. The open invitation he gave her to welcome her into his castle to be his roommate should've been obvious. Plus, she read tons of stories about vampires, right? Even these... fanfiction things. He didn't fully understand that one, why would people write lies and consider that to be literature? Whatever, that's beyond his knowledge and generation. A lot changes in 600 years.

Anywho, he's nosey. So, he turned invisible and walked over to eavesdrop on their conversation. He has a right to know what's happening with his coven, anyways.

"-And then I got turned."

"Well, have you found it? Look at you." The human looked at her with conflicted emotions.

"Yeah! And I was so excited, and I went to town. And you were building a jail cell."

"Can I be honest? That jail cell was for me... in case I got turned. Which I'm asking please don't do."

"I'll have you know- I have hurt a single please; no human blood for me-"

Well, she had a point. She's been doing a pretty good job in holding back her thirst. He assumed it was because of the fascination of who she was turned to be.

"Really? Your eyes are very red."

"That was- a lot of sheep. Which I did feel a little bad about."

"Are- are you hungry? We have food at town, I can get you some mutton..." he handed her some.

Well, free food is free food.

"I'm glad you haven't touched humans- I can't see you being the type of... person to do that. Can I be honest? Someone close to me also turned into a creature and... I- when you turned, I felt the same way! Like... I let you down." Why was he so attached to her? Because she went a long with his silly ideas? "And I don't want the same thing that happened with her- where... she attacked me. And... only one of us could make it out."

And it had to be you.

"I don't want that! I want to believe that you can be good, and you can come back to town with us! Where... you can eat all the meat you want- and you can even take a drink-"

A drink? Damn, he really wants her to come back. 

"You really think they're gonna let me back in town? Martyn killed me, they're shooting on sight."

"What?!" 

Of course. When a vampire kills a human, it's every vampire is bad and tell the world to be afraid of them. But a human kills a vampire, then no one bats an eye and they keep their mouths shut. 

"Martyn burned me in the castle!"

And now he really wishes that he dove down after he shoved the blond boy off the bridge to finish him off. How dare those lowly humans harm his coven. One who hadn't even tried to make an enemy of them, no less.

He stepped forward. He wanted to take his anger out in the human just in front of him... 

"It's not like he did it on purpose, he nearly burnt down the town with that, he doesn't know how to control it."

Oh. So he's just stupid.

"Listen- all I know is that once I got turned, the vampires are the ones that accepted me. They're the ones that want to spend eternity with me."

"I accept you! Do... do you trust them?" 

With how vulnerable the human looked right now, he was basically asking Scott to pounce on him and take his blood... but if he did now... then it proved Shelby's point wrong. 

"They're my friends and family now. And if someone tries to kill me or them again...? I will kill them first. So maybe you should just back off."

He looked over at the younger vampire, almost proud. 

"I get it... but... I know you're good. And so.." Avid tailed off, looking around as he stepped in his invisible form. "...Someone's here. I can hear footsteps."

Shelby looked almost directly at him, but still shook her head. "You're talking crazy."

"Shelby, please don't let them- please don't let them hurt me."

"Well, maybe go back to town and stay there!"

The human began to go, "okay... but- I still believe in you!"

Just as Scott turned visible again, he heard her hiss at him. He only smiled more at that. "That was a really good hiss."

After overhearing that conversation and then what happened between the humans and Pyro... of course he was more annoyed with the humans than ever. They're trying to convert his coven to their level and he's not standing for it. He was out in the hot sun, hunting. He didn't know where 2 of his coven were, but they'll be home by nightfall for them all to plan. 

Shelby was the most recent one to be affected by the sun, so she was initially surprised at the feeling, he could tell. She likely has moments where she forgets that the sun hurts her and goes out into it without a second thought. Her burns aren't as bad as elder vampires were, but there were a lot more of them. She shouldn't have so much when she just turned to a level where it can hurt her a few days ago. It would've taken him at most a century to have as many as she does now! It would be impressive if it didn't worry him so much.

He overheard her during her conversation with Avid, she didn't want to touch human blood. He understood that, some of his past coven only ate animals as well. For as long as they could, of course. They always end up giving in at some point. However, he had no intention of pushing the inevitable to happen faster. So, he was going out and slaying animals with bottles to store their blood. He wanted to drink it, he's a hungry from Pyro drinking from him earlier. But... unfortunately, the instincts of a sire were winning too much and he's more focused on helping out his coven than himself. 

Shelby wasn't his fledgling. She was his childe's fledgling. A grand-childe? He didn't know, but he did feel responsible for her too. It was an odd feeling, but it was winning. He's been asleep for way too long, on his own for way too long to be able to fight against these instincts. So, here he is, in the burning sun, working his ass off for his vampire version of vegan coven mate. His roomate, or something. He's not sharing his bed with any of his coven, but he will be damned if they're uncomfortable. They're going to be alive for eternity, of course he wants them all to be comfortable. Even if he needs to go out of his way for one of them because she's going through a phase. 

He struck down animal after animal. Filling up bottle after bottle because their blood is a lot less powerful than his blood. It will take a hell of a lot more animal blood to heal sunburns and silver burns than elder vampire blood would. Curse his picky coven mate.

The sun burned, but he kept going. Drinking some as he needed to at times, but ultimately ended up storing more than he drank. He's hungry, but his coven comes first. Why? Vampires are selfish creatures, but somehow, he's not feeling very selfish. He's protective of what's his, he doesn't want damage to come to what's his. But, when did he prefer to damage himself before damaging his coven? It made no sense. He's been alive for a millennia, and he's never had instincts like this with his old coven...

Whatever. He continued going as his clothes were stained in blood from animals running. The cursed sun making it harder for him to move without being in pain, so he was struggling more than normal against animals. Ones who knew to run whenever he got too close, as well, so he had to chase them. How embarrassing. Him, a nobleman, chasing livestock for one person. What has he become.

Once he got enough, he killed the last one and drank it. It wasn't enough, not to heal his own burns and scars. But, enough for Shelby to do so when he got home. It was getting dark, anyways. He should return. 

Once he got back, he washed the blood off his clothes. His old tailor made sure his outfits washed off liquid quickly, as blood can get messy depending on the way he received it. So, cleaning the blood off of it was no issue. It more retained the smell rather than the look. Smelling like blood was no issue for him, however.

He entered the finished build and saw the other three there.

"Scott! We were waiting for you!" Shelby perked up after seeing him.

He smiled tiredly, but entered the room with the grace he always had despite it. Although, he ignored the worried look his fledgling gave him. Right, the other could feel his emotions now that they're blood bonded. 

"Well, of course I had to make my entrance."

"Being fashionably late suits you so well, sire." Owen teased, making Pyro huff.

He only smiled. "Of course it is." He made his way to the head of the table. "Anything new happen this morning?"

"They're being oddly quiet," Owen's once teasing tone gone, replaced with suspicion. 

"Yeah, I haven't seen anything today," Shelby added, "...they haven't even gone for any of the beacons yet."

"...I was... asleep for most of the day." Pyro mumbled, "sorry, sire."

He just shook his head, feeling the sheepish emotion his fledgling was feeling. "No issue."

"Asleep?" The other male questioned, "we don't sleep."

"Yeah! I thought we were nocturnal. Like cats! Or owls! Or even big foot!"

"...Is big foot nocturnal?" Pyro asked.

"I don't know! But we'll never know until he's found!"

He smiled at her imagination, but shook his head. "He had a development. It's been handled. Let it rest, Owen."

The other elder vampire squinted eyes at the two of them before sitting back, letting it go. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, listening to Scott was still showing respect. Even if it was out of principle of hierarchy. 

The meeting was uneventful simply because the humans were. There was nothing to worry about. But, now he could go give the bottles to who they're intended for.

"Shelby."

She perked up and looked at him, "yeah?"

"I have something for you."

"Oooh, I love gifts. What's up."

He handed her a bag of bottles. "Should help with the burns."

She looked at the bag and her eyes widened, "that's a lot of blood! How- where! We don't have this much livestock!"

"I was busy this morning and just got lucky."

"Really lucky! Wow- wait..." she lowered the bag. "...Who's blood is this?"

"Animal."

"...Really?" She looked back in it, "all of it?!"

He nodded, "hence the amount. Animal blood isn't as fulfilling as human, but you haven't hurt any yet. I'm sure when you do, you'd want to do it by your own terms."

"...Well, I'd prefer not to do it at all, but thanks so much! They were starting to feel weird... it's definitely worse than getting sunburnt as a human..."

"Well, when you're human, your skin wasn't burning the same as it does now."

"...Yeah... it's taking some getting used to.." she looked down at herself. 

"It has many perks and few downsides. Such is life."

"...Thanks, though, Scott. This means a lot."

"Of course."

He just needed to go out and hunt again for himself. He doesn't need as much, though, as he saw Owen's burns were gone after he turned to his white haired form. He wonders how that happened...

Chapter Text

He hated sleeping. After being forced to do so for 600 years, he'd think he's had his fill. But, alas, the sun burns he gained from hunting for Shelby, almost to an illogical amount, he's tired. Perhaps his fledgling is tired as well, too, and it's not helping his case. During the night, they're supposed to be doing stuff. Going out, terrorizing the humans that hurt his coven. Yet... here he was. Next to the coffin he was forced to rest in. It was quiet. He needed the quiet for a second.

Oh, how complicated his life has gotten. Having an emotional tie to one of his fledgling, the other one absolutely hates everything about him and his coven. The two others that his fledgling turned weren't as tied into his importance, yet he already went out of his way for one of them. It was like taking care of a puppy. They're cute, so you want to make sure they're comfortable and safe. He wanted to make sure his coven was safe. 

It's been so long since he's had a coven. This one was practically thrown on him. Not that he particularly minds, but it's going to take some getting used to for the intense protectiveness he feels for them. His old coven left on their own accord after they grew from being a fledgling to a vampire strong enough to rule on their own in some other town. Some part of him wonders if he's ready to raise young ones again. His old coven leaving him to move on was bittersweet and it did hurt him a little. His current coven leaving him would probably do the same, and he's just signed himself up for it.

Odd... he's never really thought much about it. Perhaps it's Pyro's fear of being left behind that's flowing into him. That makes more sense.

"Scott."

He nearly flinched at the interruption, but turned around to see Owen.

"Did you need something?"

The other only looked at him silently.

"Owen?"

"You look awful."

He raised a brow, "how dare you. I put so much effort in my appearance, I don't need to be degraded like this-"

"Not- like that. You're burnt. Pretty bad."

"Ah." He looked at his hands, the sun scars visible. His face probably in no better state. "Yes. That happens. I just need to feed later, I'll be alright."

"Are you... nesting?"

"...Excuse me?"

"I talked to Pyro after the meeting... you gave him your blood. I saw Shelby with a huge bag on my way, said you gave it to her to help with the burns, and you've been really focused and rebuilding up the castle..." the other trailed off. 

Scott scoffed, "getting Pyro to do my bidding with no possible chance at disobeying me was merely a logical move."

"But you go on a rampage to every corner that the beacons allow us to go in order to get animals for Shelby."

"We all need to eat."

"Then why haven't you?"

"I'll get to it."

"And the castle fixing fixation?"

"It's my castle, of course I want it fixed." He sighed, "so full of questions today, huh? I liked when you sat back and minded your business."

"Im not trying to question you, I'm just-..." he caught himself, cutting himself off.

"You're what?" The elder tilted his head, "worried?"

"...Do what you want." The other turned and walked away, expression unreadable.

He watched as Owen took quick and uncharacteristically heave steps out of the crypt.

It was an odd encounter. Owen wasn't one to show his emotions unless it involved his past. Had he unknowingly triggered a memory? That's no good. He's all for teasing his coven, but when it ends up hurting them... 

The other elder vampire was always to himself. More isolated than his over two coven mates. Almost as if he didn't know how to interact with other vampires. He doesn't know much about Owen's past, only things he's overheard the humans talk about. How odd was it that the vampire felt more comfortable talking about his past with humans than his own kind?

He didn't know who Owen's sire was, but he did know that they clearly didn't walk him into this kind of lifestyle well enough. While some vampires prefer to be alone,  majority end up working together in covens. Usually whenever vampires are lone wolves is because their sires abandon them or die-

...

Oh.

Was... did his burns make the other worry that he was dying or something? That would be irrational, but emotions tend to be. He's not dying, of course. They can't. But, maybe Owen lost his sire and Scott, as the eldest vampire around, happened to remind him of them? Typically a vampire old enough to be without a sire didn't just listen to another, even if the other vampire was older. So, Owen just listening and not putting up much of a fight over Pyro... didn't make sense. Unless he's not old enough to be without a sire, and it was just forced. 

He's not Owen's sire and he won't try to be. Nothing could ever replace a sire, he knows that very well. He aged out of having a sire, so he won't ever understand the loss of one. It must've been awful. How can he make the other feel more welcomed?

...

He's never taken in strays before. He highly doubts Owen would take a liking to him trying to replace his sire. Not that he is, he just... wants to let the other vampire know that this coven is open to him if he wants it. Scott wouldn't mind teaching him the ropes properly if he was okay with it. He just needs to figure out how to offer it without being insensitive...

The next day- er... night, he was more finishing up his castle. His loyal fledgling came over and gave him bottles of blood from the chickens. He drank some, but never left the castle even as day started approaching. He needed to fix it up. What kind of sire would he be if he allowed his fledgling... what kind of coven mate would he be to allow his coven to sleep in a crypt? With the deceased humans that his old people buried down there. He allowed the humans to bury their dead under his castle when he ruled over the town. They wanted a pretty place for their dead to rest, and who was he to deny that his castle was the place for them?

He felt odd for his coven to rifle through the graves of his people, but he couldn't deny that their clothing were good choices. His tailors of the past made sure that the dead were buried with their most prized possessions and best clothing for the afterlife. Human culture and all that, he didn't mind it. More treasures for him, and now his coven benefited from it. 

Despite how dapper his dead was dressed, they were still corpses. And sleeping next to corpses was simply a no. They may be undead, but they do not need to rest with the ones who are completely so. 

Currently he was taking care of his chicken coop. They laid eggs despite the fear they have of who is currently their caretakers. He watched as some of them huddled to the further corner of him as he entered, but noticed a chicken still sitting over her nest. He approached her, thinking perhaps she's one of the more protective mother chickens, and noticed all of the eggs under her. He almost laughed as she pecked at his hand, feathers puffing up.

"A broody one, huh?" Even in the face of fear, she was actively preparing for her eggs. 

Isn't that something...

"Scott. I got more stone," Owen said, turning from his bat from into his vampiric form. 

"Ah." He stood out of the coop, "perfect, at least some part of the castle will be fixed up. A little cleaning and it should be good enough..."

Although, good enough was taking it lightly. It was still far from the pristine visual it used to be, but... it's livable. He supposes.

"Also- I have something for you." The other suddenly said.

"Oh?"

Owen then handed him a bottle of blood. He's getting many hand outs today. "It's gonna get brighter soon."

He accepts it, "yes. Any amount of animal blood to prevent it from getting bad helps."

"It's not animal blood."

He froze. "...Who's?"

"...A humans."

He raised a brow, but the other was clearly set on not saying more. "...Did you turn them?"

"...No."

A blood bag, huh? Wonder who would agree to that... "Is it the same human who turned you to this form?" He gestured to Owen's white hair.

The other stiffened in surprise at him putting that together, but nodded.

He hummed. "Well. Blood is blood." He opened the bottle and drank it immediately. Although, with elegance, of course. He's not a hunger craved vampire, he has some class.

He drank it and saw as most of his burn scars from the previous morning went away. He smiled. "Much better."

"Good. Nows not a good time for you to ignore yourself."

"Awe. Sounds to me like you care."

"That's-" Owen rolled his eyes. "You know... sires after making fledglings can get focused on taking care of their childe. More than taking care of themselves."

He nodded. Of course, he knew this. He's turned people before, it's just been awhile since he's gotten these instincts that it'll take some time to adjust back to them. Considering he'll have them until Pyro grows more. "I've been alive a lot longer than you have, Owen. I can take care of myself."

"Yes, I'm not doubting that...."

He knew it probably came out of a place of trauma. Was his sire going through their brooding phase and that's what made them weak enough to be taken from him? 

"Good. We may be able to get this done enough to start preparing our rooms."

"Yeah, Shelby's still calling dibs on being in the room closest to you. Pyro was arguing with her for it."

He chuckled, "right. Well, Shelby was my roommate first. I suppose Pyro will have to deal with it."

"Damn. You're cold to him."

"I treat him how I want." Although, if his fledgling truly wanted, he would allow him to make a smaller room next to his. If he wants to go through all that effort. "Do you have any preferences for yours?"

"...Mine?"

He glanced over at the other, "your room." He clarified. 

"I- but..." Owen stared for a few seconds, "this is your home."

"Yes."

"...I'm- I'm not sure if I should... it's your territory."

"Correct."

"I'm not tied to you in any way."

Not yet. "And? Are you questioning me?"

"It's not my place to be. Of course I'm questioning you."

He sighed. "You're too worked up in the idea that you don't belong that you're too blind to see the blatant invitation in front of you."

"Hey! Wha-... invitation?" The other stepped back, "...you're... welcoming me... into your home?"

Perhaps he came on too strong. This should've been a more delicate process for loner vampires, but he's never been one for patience. 

"If you so wish."

"..But..."

"Owen, 8 claws are better than 2. Not only that, but socializing is something you can clearly got more of. Or would you rather take your chances with the humans?"

Owen scrunched in disgust.

"I assumed so."

"...I'm not your coven."

Unknowingly, he is. "I'm not saying you are. I'm saying you're welcome to be."

"...You really are nesting..." the other looked away, "isn't taking in strays a generally stupid idea?"

"As if you scare me."

"I've killed nearly 3 thousand people."

"People." He echoed. "I am no human." Plus, with how Owen was acting.... he highly doubts the younger could mentally handle killing him even if he wanted to.

"...You're not letting this go?"

"No. Plus, its merely logical to keep all of us together. The more of us to scare off the humans."

"...I guess." The other sighed. "Fine... I'll just... take whatever room."

"Please, you're living under my roof. As if you'll have an unpersonalized room."

"Oh, heaven forbid I live minimalisticly."

"Heaven doesn't forbid it. I forbid it. Now tell me what you want."

Owen only sighed.

Chapter Text

Finally the rooms were set up. But, with how dusty every corner of his castle was, he couldn't be happy enough to celebrate. While none of his coven could get sick, it's the principle of it! He's not going to just accept living in a rundown building! Oh, these were the times he wishes for humans to come in and clean out of fear of him... or for stuff. He still have a large supply of his riches, after hiding them in a vault long before he fell asleep. Far underground no human should find it. While the riches that resided within his castle have more or less been stolen. He only had a few gems and jewels around the actual building. 

Oh well, it's not like he's broke. Could you imagine?

Him?

Poor?

Ew.

Regardless... it was always a pain to clean, but it must be done. Even when vampires are undead, they still have dead skin cells they shed. Which creates the oh so hated dust that coated the walls and floors of his poor castle. Unfortunately, these humans aren't as good as his old humans were. Oh, how weird it feels to miss their kind. Alas.

The night was falling, so he decided to scope out how the humans were doing. They've been oddly quiet as of late, not fighting to get back their beacons despite how much weaker they are as more of them are claimed by his coven. He'll never understand the priorities of humans.

He was scooping the land and saw the clothes of someone running into the woods. He tilted his head, wondering what human would be so bold as to go off on their own...

Well. Nothing a little bit of stalking can't hurt.

He turned invisible and followed behind who he saw. Hearing the cries of an animal dying, he made his way over and saw... Cleo. Attacking animals on sight and eating them. She didn't even seem to sense him. She must've been really hungry if she's acting like a wild animal. That poor pig.

"This is just sad." He said suddenly.

She stiffened at the sound of his voice and turned around. Looking around, but vaguely in his direction. Likely her heightened senses working a bit more now that she ate.

"What are you doing here?"

"Observing." He turned visible.

She looked at him, surprised at his appearance, but bit back what she was going to say. "Right... I figured you didn't care what humans did."

He shrugged. "I don't."

"Yet, why are you here?"

"It's night. It's easier for us to get around."

"And you just happened to find your way back to town?"

"You act like there's many places to go, Cleo. I don't know what you want from me."

They bit back their amusement and wiped her mouth. "Right. Well, town is being pretty boring."

"And that's why you've decided to go on a late night hunt?" He tilted his head, "not enough food for their pet vampires?"

She just sighed. "Between them, me, and Apo, we run through cows."

"They haven't suspected you two?" How surprising.

"Not yet." They wiped blood off their hands. "They're more paranoid than anything."

He blinked. The blatant lie was almost cute, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Silently curious to who is aware of her situation. "So nothing much has changed since I was around."

"Not really."

"Owen told me you got elected as mayor."

They grimaced, "yeah. Since I'm the most level headed considering our situation."

Well, her attack on that pig would've said something against that level headedness. "You're doing quite well, all things considered. Surrounded by humans as a youngling. It's hard to keep those instincts inside."

"It's definitely not easy," she agreed. "It's just taking... a lot of animals. Some mobs too. I don't need too much blood, I just need enough not to starve."

But she could have so much more. "Right. Well, it doesn't look like you're getting that much."

"...There's only so many cows I can eat before the town runs low."

He nodded. Some nagging feeling was making him upset that one of his kind was on the verge of starving all the time. But, this was a fate Cleo was willingly signing themselves up for by staying in town. He knows that he can't trust them...

but...

The instincts are way too hard to ignore.

"You know," he glanced over to the direction of their castle. "We have chickens. Loads of eggs all the time, so we have a pretty good supply of blood."

"Chickens...?" She looked confused, "but don't those give only a bit of blood? How is that enough for the 4 of you?"

"Bottles." He waved his hand dismissively. "You know. Drinking from a fancy glass makes you feel fuller. It's vampire math."

"...Huh." She stared in thought for a few seconds. "I mean. Isn't that your stuff? I thought vampires were territorial."

He is. "Well, obviously not for free."

They nodded, expecting something like that. "What do you want? I'm not getting you human blood."

"None of that. I need you to breed the chickens."

"I thought you had a supply?"

"We hatch them." He clarified. "All of us are too high a level. We can't breed them, no animal are comfortable enough around us for them to want to."

"Is that why you look like..." they gestured to his getup.

"I'm always looking fabulous, Cleo. I don't know what you mean."

She rolled her eyes. "Right. Well... you want me to do your dirty work for a cut or food, basically."

"You could always lure a human over to us instead-"

"No, no," they quickly cut him off. "...It's just like you nobles to make commoners do your chores."

"Exactly. I'm not sure what else you expected of me."

Cleo shook her head, but she was amused. "I'll have to take you up on that soon."

He smiled. "Come by anytime and ask for me."

The next night, they were all in the meeting hall as a knock was on the door. He saw the younglings stiffen up at it, but he held up a hand for them to relax. 

"Pyro. Get the door."

The younger listened and went to open the door, a bit surprised to see Cleo.

"Oh," Owen said in surprise as well, "I wasn't expecting to see you around any time soon."

"Yeah... town's running low on meat and mostly shifting to grains... and uh. I'm here for that exchange we talked about, Scott?"

He nodded. "Right."

"Wait, what deal did we make with Cleo?" Shelby asked him.

"They have the ability to breed our animals. They just wish for some blood in return."

"Oooh! That's smart!"

Of course it was. It was his idea.

"...Well, I wasn't made aware of this," Owen gave him a stern look, "and I think this was a decision that should be made by all of us."

"Isn't Scott the sire or something, though? Don't all of you listen to him?" Cleo asked.

Huh. So they knew about the sire stuff... although Pyro was never one ashamed of calling Scott his sire, he assumed the humans might take it as a noble thing. But, perhaps the humans did know something after all...

"Whatever," Owen dismissed. "I'm just saying."

"Wait!" Shelby said, looking between the two elder vampires, "is this because Scott's br-"

Owen quickly put a hand over her mouth and cut her off. He looked over at Cleo, who looked suspicious at the cut off, but otherwise said nothing.

"Enough talk. Pyro. Would you mind showing them to the chickens?"

"Yes, sire." They complied as they took Cleo out of the hall.

"Scott." Owen looked over at him sternly. "You can't just be making deals like that!"

He raised a brow, "was it not a logical one?"

"Yes! But you know damn well that's not the only reason you did!"

"Wait, I'm confused," Shelby interjected. "Why are we not talking about Scott brooding?"

He rolled his eyes. He really disliked the term. He is a highly intelligent creature, he is not to be compared to a simple chicken.

"Because." Owen emphasized, "it makes Scott not think properly. All he's worried about is his coven, and nothing else. Not even himself."

"...Is that why he gave me all those blood bottles even when he was burnt...?" She looked at him sadly, and to that he couldn't look her back.

"Yes. And we don't know if we can trust Cleo- hell. We can't trust Cleo. She's working with the humans, she still lives among them. Some of them have to know by now and they're only letting them stick around if Cleo has something to offer them." 

"...I don't know, maybe they realized vampires can be nice!" She tried.

"Shelby," he glanced at her. He, at moments, found her optimism amusing. However, it was just sad when she literally watched them burn down their- her house.

She shrunk into her seat. "But... why is it such a secret other than that?"

"Scott's vulnerable right now." The eldest hated being called that. "Because he's fixated in making us comfortable and will go to longer lengths for it. That could be used against him."

"Us?" He echoed.

Owen looked away at the word, "you view me as part of your coven whether I like it or not."

"Come on, you know you like it." 

Shelby looked at him with a sly grin, "so... is Scott just like- in momma mode?"

"Do not call it that," he grimaced.

Owen laughed, "yes, pretty much."

"Don't encourage it!"

After a bit, Pyro and Cleo rejoined them in the hall. She thanked him and left with a good enough meal to last her a few nights since she didn't eat much to remain a lower level. Even if it may have been stupid, he was happy to help her. 

Chapter Text

Having his coven fuss over him was both touching and annoying. Now that Owen spilled the beans to both Shelby and Pyro about the sensitivities of being a sire, they're more worried about him. Fussing over him like he's a drowning cat whenever he so much as lifts a finger. He would usually enjoy this kind of treatment, but it's an odd feeling receiving it from the people he's supposed to be pampering. It just feels wrong.

He ended up having to turn invisible and dip from his own coven. They were fussing over him, but at least Pyro was set on making him an extremely comfortable bed. While Scott may not need an actual place to nest like that, he appreciates the thought. And he wouldn't mind having a comfortable place to rest, either.

He was just strolling through the dark forest, although not dark to him. Night vision and all. Walking through the quiet forest as he felt a deep worry in him. However, what did he have to be worried over? That was probably Pyro. Perhaps they noticed he was missing. Yikes. He should probably make his way back home, but he just needed a bit of air for a few minutes.

On the way back to the castle, he saw a surprising face.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in." 

The redish-brown haired vampire turned around and looked surprised, before her expression shifting to disgust and anger. "Oh. You."

"Don't 'oh, you' me. What're you doing by my castle? I thought you were pretending to be human."

"...None of your business."

"It, quite literally, is. This is my home."

"Home. Yeah, right. You have no right to have a place you can have safety when you're a monster." She spat.

He grinned a bit, "feeling feisty today?" 

"I don't have to show you any kind of kindness."

"...Right." He sighed, "well, what are you doing here? I'm sure you didn't want to pay me a visit."

"...No.. I'm just making sure Cleo's fine."

"Oh? Where are they?"

"Getting chickens... I didn't want to step near any more of you guys."

"So you left the poor farmer to defend herself. Some solider."

"She can handle herself."

"You're handling yourself quite well too," he nodded. He could see the blood thirst in her eyes, she was likely hungry too. Cleo did say the town was shifting more towards grown food sources than livestock. Poor, poor baby bats. When will they learn humans aren't their friends?

"Shut up."

"My, aren't you a cheerful one to talk to," he sarcastically commented. Seriously, what's her deal? He knew he turned her and all, but still. There's no need for her to be such a stick in the mud, especially to her sire.

He knows some fledglings fight against those urges to be loyal to their sires. Such is life, some of them think they can fight it. It's sadly cute to think they could do it forever. She'll cave. They always do. And when she does, he's a gracious sire. He'll allow her a room. However, she has to want it first. 

"Fill up bottles," he suddenly said after a bit of silence.

"Huh?" Her eyebrows furrowed in anger and confusion.

"Glass bottles. Of blood. I'm sure some drop off some of the mobs, and that won't be as suspicious as bottling animal blood while near town." He didn't want to poor thing to starve. 

"..I don't need advise from you." She all but growled.

"Such anger," he tissed while shaking his head, "you ought to be a bit more grateful to someone who's trying to help you."

"Help me?!" Apo bared her fangs. "You turned me into this! You didn't help me, you hurt me!"

"You, quite literally, asked me to turn you." He tilted his head, "it was voluntary."

"Voluntary my ass!" She shouted, "I only said to do it so you didn't turn anyone else! Then you went and killed Cleo too, you blood-crazed monsters!"

To be fair, that wasn't him. That was his other fledgling doing his diligence of protecting his sire. He would not take the downplay of his childe's actions. "The humans entered my home. I was defending my place that they trespassed over. None of it would've happened if they just left us alone."

"None of it would've happened? You and Owen both lived among us, pretending to be us! You turned Shelby and Pyro on your own."

"We're hungry, Apo. We need to eat too."

"Not humans!"

"Humans are our main food source." He rolled his eyes, "of course we're going to go for human blood. They're the most filling. You think that's just a coincidence?"

"You could live off of animals or mobs, you don't have to attack humans!"

Most young bats try to think that way. That they can survive off of something so small. But, they always end up caving for delicious human blood instead. It's only a matter of time.

"You have much to learn, Apo."

"I don't need to learn anything from you," she glared, "I want to even see you."

"Then close your eyes?" Didn't she know that this was his castle? Of course he was going to be here.

"Shut up. I'll kill you!"

"You've already tried that one." He gestured to himself, "multiple times."

"You still feel the pain, right? You deserve to. You're a monster."

He did feel the pain, especially when she did put him down with silver. However, he didn't particularly mind playing with his food before. Now, however, she is no longer his food. But, whether she likes it or not, and whether he likes it or not, she is his childe. 

"If you want to kill me again, I have some free time." He looked at his wrist, where an old gold watch used to rest before his 600 year nap, but that was gone. He wonders if someone stole it off him, or maybe it was the witch that put him to sleep... "if it'll make you feel better."

"I- I don't need you to ask me to do anything! I do what I want!"

"Well, get to it, then. Your anger issues are seriously at an all time high. Even when you were human, I can't imagine how other humans felt safe knowing someone like you was defending them."

He watched as she clenched her fists in rage. Her own claws sinking into her skin, causing her blood to drip down as all she did was state at him. She was angry, the look obviously showed so. However, the instincts that's probably running through her to not hurt her sire was likely very annoying.

"Because they'll know I'll throw myself into a fight with someone who deserves to be put down, no matter their status. Or if they're monsters."

He looked at her amused, "you seem to really stick to that 'monster' thought process, you know."

"That's what you are."

"Yeah, I guess." He tilted his head, "but. Last I checked... we're not the ones who have been attacking the humans. We don't charge up in town, claws out, and start slashing, do we?" He stepped closer, making her step back. "But, they? They've come into my home. They've attacked my fledgling on sight. They've lied, hurt, and stole from us."

"They're just defending themselves-"

"From what?" He felt some of his own inner rage try to surface, "what's burning down Shelby's house going to protect them from? She's not even living there anymore. Burning down my castle when none of us were doing anything to them?" He stepped closer and closer, she stumbled from the roots of a tree trying to maintain the distance. "Tell me, Apo. Who are the true monsters?"

"...None of you are innocent," she glared, "Owen even went on about killing 2,999 humans with his bare hands. You turned me and did whatever the hell else to humans for however long you've been alive. Pyro was just as happy to eat me when Owen brought me up to you two on the mountain."

"And Shelby?"

Apo furrowed her eyebrows, "I don't know, but I'm sure she's done something-"

"I'm sure she has," he chuckled, "or perhaps... you just want to paint her in that light so you can keep that narrative going. That all vampires are bad and humans are good. When there's history upon history proving who's the real evil ones. You should even know, soldier. What humans will do for things necessary for their survival. How can you call the livestock innocent after all that?"

She didn't say anything, only glaring harder.

"You're so fixated on this mindset that you haven't even tried to consider that we are just creatures trying to live too. That we are things that feel emotions. Just because we're immortal doesn't mean we're not living." He looked down at her. "And you. Are as much as a vampire as they are. But, with that thought process. You really do sound human." He said that last word with disgust.

She bit her lip. Her hands were shaking in anger. Perhaps fear? He is her sire, so being talked down to by him probably has an emotional impact on her.

"All that emotion you're feeling right now? You're a vampire feeling it. Not human. We're not emotionless monsters. You're proof of it."

"...I'll kill you."

He looked at her almost sadly. It's just way too upsetting to know one of his fledglings is so ignorant that it looks like it hurts them when their values are conflicting. Like she doesn't know how to grow and form new ones because she doesn't want to. It's just sad.

Then, she pulled out her silver sword. He only sighed, unfortunately unable to get through to her. To bring her home. She was young enough to not be burned by the material, but it must be uncomfortable for her to hold regardless. 

He was ready to accept her killing him for however many times she wanted. Anger was a hard emotion to get rid of, even if he did find a way to convince her otherwise, it would take a lot of management classes to turn it somewhere else. They stepped out a bit into the forest before his castle. However, he then felt a spike of worry- no... panic run through him. Which was weird... he's not worried-

Pyro!

He immediately adjusted his senses to find his blood bonded fledgling, seeing that he was with the Owen, Shelby, and Cleo. The younger was bringing the other two coven mates along, he noticed the change in aura about the two of them through his senses tied to his little flame. What the hell happened?

As Apo rushed over to him, he felt it. The panic and worry... it was for him. Shit! Pyro must've felt him accepting his death and- they can't see this! Not when they feel like this over him dying again even though they don't die permanently!

He quickly zoned back into the current vampire in front of him, it was almost as if time slowed down as he could feel the presence of his other fledgling approaching quickly. Before he could even think about it, he looked Apo directly in the eyes intensely, his own glowing red.

...

She stopped a bit in front of him. Dropping the sword and standing still. 

He sighed. He hated having to use this one, it always caused him larger drawbacks than any other of his abilities. He especially hated having to use it on his fledgling. 

"...Apo." He said sternly, even though she wasn't in any state to try and argue at the moment. "...You may kill me whenever and however many times you want if it'll make you feel better. But." His glowing red eyes turned a darker shade, "Never. Harm me in front of my coven. This is an issue between the two of us only. If you are to kill me, it will be with privacy and no others around."

As he heard footsteps approaching, he snapped and Apo fell to her knees. Breathing heavily and pressing hands against her body before looking up at him with fear, anger, and confusion. 

"What the hell did you do-"

"Sire!"

He turned at the shout and practically got tackled by Pyro, who looked up at him with complete worry in his eyes. 

"Sire! Are you okay? Did something happen? Why did you feel like-"

"Pyro." He ran a hand through the younger's hair. "Shh. I'm okay. Thank you for the concern."

"Scott!" Shelby came next, Owen not far behind her, but not looking as worried. "What the heck did you do! Why is Pyro so-"

"What is Apo doing here?" Owen questioned, cutting her off. 

"We were talking," he simply said.

All he received was a stern look. As stern as it could get when he could see the obvious concern that was in the other older vampire's expression. 

"...Yeah... talking." Apo stood up, patting down her pants. "...I'm.. gonna go. Tell Cleo that I left."

He only nodded as he watched her walk off the other way.

"...So, what happened?" Shelby asked once she was out of the way.

"...Later." He sighed, looking down at the childe currently stuffed into his chest. "..You're not gonna let go of me, are you?"

"Not... if I don't have to, sire...?" Pyro would let go if he told him to... but... 

He sighed. "Turn into a bat."

The younger immediately complied and turned into a bat, allowing Scott to carry them in his hands. 

"We are talking about this later." Owen declared.

"Yeah, yeah."

Chapter Text

The humans were quite nice to him, overall. Flattery always gets somewhere with him. So, after a lovely conversation with the humans before, imagine his surprise when they came up and attacked his coven when they were turning a beacon. Humans did so too, what was the big deal?

He wasn't happy to be splashed with holy water, even if he got the brunt of it. The burns were fine, but what he was angry about was the fact that it splashed on Owen and Pyro as well! Oh, it's been a long time since he's been angry. Genuinely so. He was upset when he overheard Pyro try to turn back, he was upset when some of his fledglings refused to join the coven properly.

But hurting his coven?

Oh, he saw red.

Once he could move again, he just started swinging. Er- clawing. Scratching at the humans without a care. He got his claw caught on his fledgling at some point, which he'll have to apologize for later, but he didn't care. He was able to corner one of the humans and didn't let up, even as she fell. Even as she started begging. He would usually enjoy humans begging for their life, but not ones who hurt his coven. His fledglings. Did they know how bad holy water feels? How much it burns?!

They'll learn.

Eventually the pleading went silent as he beat her practically to death. But dying for hurting his coven is too merciful, much too merciful. So, he sunk his fangs in her neck. She tensed, but she didn't scream. Likely in shock of it happening until he pulled off her neck.

"...How could you...?" She stared up at him with fear and hurt.

"Quite easily," he answered, wiping her blood from his lips. 

He watched as the humans and their newly acquired enemy run off. He's amused to see how the town finding out about that will play out. But, he had to check in on his coven. There was another new addition somewhere else, after all.

The day after recouping in the castle, with their... not so trusted new addition of Apo. He decided to head out. Of course, not without the fuss of his fledglings, but they couldn't say much around the new addition to the castle. They couldn't trust her, all of them knew that. But, he now understands that there are some even among his coven he kept close that he couldn't trust. Truly such a shame. 

He was going out to hunt, now they had another stomach to feed. One that was genuinely his fledgling, while they were at it, so it only made sense that he had to provide for the newcomer. He bottled animals. He understood the other wasn't fond of the way blood tasted, but there wasn't much he could do to bypass that. So, he just got some of the more bland tasting blood, aka, through chickens. They provided the least tasteful, and lowest amount. So, he'll be out for awhile. Oh, what he does for his coven, even when they're obviously not wanting to be there and are a liar. He's way too soft on his fledglings.

Speaking of fledglings, as he was out hunting, he heard footsteps coming up from ahead. He wasn't afraid of them, especially when he sensed the two of the three vampires left in the village were the ones approaching, but he turned invisible nonetheless. Not that he'd admit it, but he was a bit happy to see Cleo showing Drift the ropes of how to hunt as they went by. Out of anger or not, the baby bat was his fledgling now too. 

"Its not as scary as I thought it would be," she said, wiping the blood of a pig off her mouth.

"Not really, it's actually quite nice. Having all this strength," Cleo nodded, "you get used to the hunger, though."

"Yeah, that... it doesn't feel good."

It never does.

"You think you can handle it?"

Drift nodded, "yeah- I mean... Leg's has sheep, but... there isn't enough to feed all of us now... I can hunt for myself too!"

The redhead nodded, "alright. Come back before night. Mobs will still attack you."

She nodded, "right, yeah, I promise. I'll be fast. As fast as I can... since they don't wanna show up."

Since they were both low level vampires still, hunting in the day was easy for them. Unlike Scott, who has to hide in the shadows just to listen in on this conversation. Although, animals were out more during the day, annoyingly.

Cleo left as Drift moved through the trees, looking for animals. He kept an eye out, but watched as she inefficiently used a weapon to get them. He knew she didn't have her claws, but still using steel weapons when knowing that even if it doesn't bother her as much as higher levels, prolonged use of it would still cause burns to form on her hand. She could at least wear some gloves or something. The sire in him is screaming at him; she was his direct childe, after all.

"You're very inefficient." He said, causing her to flinch.

"Who- where?!" She looked around, unable to pin him down. It's just pathetic that she doesn't even know how to do that yet, but she has only been turned for less than a day.

He turned visible. 

"You!" She backed up from him.

"Yes, it is I," he bowed dramatically.

"Wha- what're you doing here?! I thought you came out during the night!"

"...Well, we're not bound by the night," he sighed. "You'd think you would understand that by now."

"I know that." She sighed. "Just... what do you want?"

"Just seeing how you're doing."

"Why? You have no reason to care about me, I'm not coming with you. I'm not working with the other vampires."

"That's fine," he waved a hand dismissively. He expected that. "It's just pathetic to see you not using your new gift to your advantage." 

"...It's not a gift," Drift looked away, uncomfortable. 

"Whatever you want to call it. But, you should use the new skills you have to your advantage."

"...How...?" She hesitantly asked. 

He tilted his head, "well. Not being able to pinpoint me is an issue. Living in town where the humans can sneak up on you and stab you with a stake isn't the most safe environment. You need to be able to sense danger."

"They wouldn't..." she trailed off.

"Yes, yes. Humans and vampires living in coexistence while they're terribly afraid of each of us whenever we so much as smile and show our fangs."

"...It's not their fault they're scared..." 

"It's their fault to react violently when we aren't doing anything to them."

"You turned me! And- probably a lot of them too!"

"You guys attacked first. Not only that, you used holy water, and you have no idea what that does truly besides working to your own convenience. I wonder how you would feel after them using it on you."

She didn't maintain eye contact, staying silent. He sighed, walking to the side and turning invisible again. She looked up, looking around in slight panic.

"Scott?"

"Close your eyes." He said, pacing around so his voice didn't stay in one spot too long. "Find me with your senses."

Her nails tug into his palms, but she ended up closing her eyes. Taking a few deep breaths, a habit that'll break eventually when she realizes she no longer needs to breathe. He stood still, allowing her to figure it out.

Eventually, she looked over at his direction. Not exactly at him, but over at him. He remained still for a bit, wondering if she'll be able to pin him down directly. However, an approximation is good progress. After a few seconds of her unable to find where to stare exactly, he turned visible again.

"Good." He smiled. "You'll get better at it."

"...I..." she looked conflicted, "...thanks."

He smiled. She likely didn't want to, but he was her sire. So, she likely had instincts to respect him. "It's not a problem. If you need any more lessons, you know where to find me."

"Cleo can teach me... I think I'll be okay."

He huffed, "Cleo's a baby bat as much as you are. They're impressive, but they don't know everything."

"Baby bat...?" She repeated, confused.

"Speaking of that. Have you flown?"

"Ah... yeah. Cleo taught me."

He nodded, "good. Practice whenever you can, it's a very convenient way to get around."

"...Right..." she looked down, "...why... are you helping me?"

Because she's his childe whether she liked it or not. "...It's pathetic to see one of my own not use their abilities to their fullest potential. You're no longer human."

She looked back up at him hesitantly. Unsure of what to say. But, he didn't care. He, once again, turned invisible and walked away back to his castle. He had his main coven to take care of before the vampires that didn't even care enough to see their, now, own specie's perspective.

Chapter Text

He sat on his throne as Pyro gave his report of his scouting mission during the morning. The humans were united and on the move, much to their dismay.  He heard wind of what their most anger filled- well, now that Apo was amongst their midst, the title will have to be fought for. But, their most vengeance filled coven mate, perhaps? Said to the humans.

Declaring war was not something to be taken lightly. Owen was not his to punish as he could with the others. He had full right to do as he wishes to his fledglings. And their fledglings, he had ties to as well. However, Owen wasn't one he had a margin of control over beyond hierarchy. He was elder, so the younger showed respect in that aspect, but was otherwise more independent than the rest of the baby bats.

Alas, all he could do was subject Owen to cleaning the crypt by hand. He sat watch for it to as he made the younger scrub some of the graves he and his coven have defiled for the sake of their new clothing pieces. Which, he wasn't exactly sure how to feel about still when he remembers each and every person buried down here. But, they were humans, and when did he give a crap about dead ones? 

At the moment, they were all sat together, having their usual meetings during the time before their prime as the moon rises. Seated next to him were Shelby and Pyro, as usual. Owen next to Shelby, and Apo seated away from them further. No matter how much the nicest one among the tries to invite her, Apo seems set on secluding and isolating herself. So what if she does? As long as he knows she's not starving, which he realized he'd have to force because she won't willingly drink blood, that's good enough for him.

He then felt a presence approaching. Not human, one of their kind, so he didn't bring attention to it until the doors of the hall were slammed open. There stood the one he never wanted turned.

Avid.

He was a bit winded, which was odd for a vampire as they don't need to breathe. But, he supposed the other was still living among humans, so breathing was necessary to blend in. Or perhaps he was still in pretty bad denial over the whole being turned thing. If that were the case, why would he show his face in the castle that only help vampires in their population?

"What are you doing here?" Owen was the first to speak, claws dragging into the wooden table in warning.

And poor Shelby just refurbished the table a few nights ago. How rude.

The warning worked, as Avid ducked into himself a bit more, fear but a mixture of emotions radiating off of him.

"...I just.. I needed.... some advise." He looked nervously among them. "...I figured... you- um. Specifically Scott... would have some answers?"

He felt the tension grow thicker the second his name was brought up. The protectiveness of his bonded childe more obvious to him, but he saw the way Owen's claws further dug into the table, as Shelby sat up straighter, and even as Apo stiffened. How surprising.

"Oh?" He tilted his head, "come seeking my knowledge?"

"...Yes... if that's okay."

"Why would that be okay?!" Pyro almost hissed, hands slamming on the table as he stood up. "Sire wants nothing to do with you!"

He gave his fledgling a look, and they immediately sat back into their chair. Turning his attention to the now even more shaken baby bat.

"What do you want?"

"...How... how do we stay as human as possible?"

"You could stab yourself with a stake as any human would do they second they know," Owen aggressively suggested. "Perhaps burn down your own home too while you're at it. Since you showed us such kindness to do."

Avid had the sense to look guilty. "...That..." he looked as Shelby, who... hadn't maintained the eye contact. 

She glanced over at Scott, her eyes conflicted, but he can see what she wants. She wants him to hear the newbie out. 

He sighed. "You can't."

"...There has to be something-"

"Avid." He cut the other off, who immediately shut up. "...Even if I were to know that. I have no reason to tell you when you'll just waddle back with the livestock playing make believe."

"Well, considering you're so old- "

"Mind your tongue," Pyro glared.

Avid flinched at the aggression, "Um. Experienced. I figured... there has had to be someone.... who could still like... eat food? Or... or something..."

"Again." He rolled his eyes, "...why would I tell you?" This one wasn't his problem as much as Cleo were. Fledglings of his fledglings, but the ones who don't stick to their own kind. He isn't as concerned over the ones who betray their species.

"...Look, Scott, I get that we've had some difference-"

"You- kinda did accuse him of my murder before," Shelby interjected.

"...I thought we were passed that...?" He asked sheepishly.

"Passed? That's what started this." He waved, summoning Pyro over as they pushed his grand chair away from the table. "Believe me, Avid. I may have more time to be understanding than you, but I can be petty. We have eternity now for me to, unfortunately."

"...I just... have questions. And- I don't know what you want from me for us to move on so I can get more of an idea of whats happening!"

"You don't know." He rested his chin against his hand. "Well. You can make up for it with one thing."

The other perked up, "what is it?"

He smiled, fangs exposed. "Apologize."

The other looked at him bewildered. To be asked if something so small or if it was-- once again-- not wanting to damage what little pride the one before him deserved to have, he didn't know. 

He heard Owen scoff. Mumbling something about him being too nice. Perhaps this was rather merciful for what vampires often do for those who show disrespect. However, he often enjoyed reshaping the people's mental state rather than doing permanent reshaping of their very being. He wasn't a fan of getting his hands dirty. 

"...I..." Avid looked away. "I'm sorry."

"Sire has given you a chance to make amends and you treat it without respect?" Pyro glared even harder.

The other flinched and quickly looked at Scott. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry."

He tilted his head. "For?"

"...For- for... for accusing you of hurting Shelby... and- and for being disrespectful."

He hummed. The other stood under his gaze. Shaking, but noticably breathing a bit harder. Unnecessary and a habit that'll die along with other human necessities as they get older with the centuries. 

"...Was that... satisfactory?" Avid questioned boldly.

He stared at the young one for a bit. "Come here."

The other stiffened, but listened. Approaching Scott in his chair. 

"...Yes...?"

"Satisfactory would mean you meant it." He sighed, "that was half assed."

The other looked scared, "no- no, I meant it! I swear, I can prove it-'

"Precisely. I will give you something to show."

"Yes! Yes, what is it? What can I do?" How eager.

All Scott did was grin.

"Grovel."

There was another tension in the air. The demand was just a blow to anyone's pride. One that no self respecting vampire- person, would ever want to do.

However, Avid didn't hesitate before falling on to his knees. It almost surprised him if he didn't expect it. Avid was a special case, one who didn't like Scott before. 

That has changed for some reason. He wasn't sure what caused it, but he could hear it, see it when Avid was still human. The way his heart sped up when he saw Scott in the village during the day. Initially, the elder thought it was because of fear. But as the other not only complimented him, but downright flirted? Of course he knew. And it would be useful if he could keep that connection on a tight leash. 

He's sure Avid wouldn't be complaining about it.

"Must we stay...?" He heard Apo speak up, glancing at Avid on the ground uncomfortably.

"You may leave if you wish," he dismissed. "Wouldn't you want to see one of those who banished you from the village you stayed in be put in his place?"

Apo didn't say anything, biting her lip, but staying put.

Scott's attention once again returned to the vampire on his knees. "Well?"

"...I apologize sincerely for disrespecting you, sire." 

He blinked. The title was rightfully placed, even if he wasn't Avid's sire. However, he could feel emotions forming in him, jealousy. He glanced over at Pyro, who was not holding back on glaring at Avid. Who, was too busy looking up at Scott.

"Good." He made note of the way Avid beamed at the praise, "and for what else?"

"...For accusing you falsely before..."

He nodded. "And them?" He turned his attention to the coven, who were watching with mixed emotions. 

Avid looked at all of them. "...I'm sorry Owen for being rude to you out of turn. I'm sorry, Shelby, for burning down your house. I'm sorry Pyro for attacking you before..."

He nodded. "Anything for Apo?"

He looked at the vampire in question for a few seconds silently. "...I'm sorry for running you out of the village..."

Apo didn't respond to that. She just looked away. The way the apology was said was odd, and it only confirmed some of Scott's suspicions.

"Good." He placed a hand on Avid's head. "I suppose we may talk, then."

The younger leaned into the touch and smiled, "...yeah... okay. Um."

"We will walk and talk." He stood up, the other clumsily getting up as well. 

"Right- yeah, thank you... sire."

He smiled took Avid on a small walk. He could feel the frustration and anger that his bonded childe was feeling through this, but this was an important move for him to make. Getting a new vampire around his finger while also tightening the bond with the one he already has by making him fight for it. That'll teach Pyro to go against him.

A strategic play. One that dances with emotions, which he has no problem pulling the strings for if it'll do him good in the end. And his coven.

If the humans believe Avid, and Avid is loyal to him, he'll be able to keep his coven safe. And he'll have eyes on the ones in the village, too. He'll be able to offer his help and support to all of his coven, in the end.

No matter how unethically it's done.