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Dark Sagas 121 RetroSpect Trine, Part I

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Dark Sagas 121

 

RetroSpect : Trine

 

©2010 NGN

 

I.  Sorrow Spawn

II. The Emotional Life of Fish

III. Puppet Master Swan Song

 

 

Prologue

 

 

Scenes of the battle royal with L’Marionette and her faux vampire king Ramses played in Stefan’s head like a film reel. He wandered with Satin’s black silk scarf tied round his throat, heedless of the mid September warmth. He remained clueless as to whom or what might have taken Satin from him. Abandoned by Andrei months ago, he felt disconnected from emotion and largely removed from the chaos that seemingly floated in the air around him. Carlo, faithful to a fault had stayed, keeping his distance and a secret lover in Chinatown. Unable to hear his Maker’s thoughts Carlo presumed Stefan so caught up in his own concerns as to be unaware when in fact he was very much aware and it did not touch him anymore than anything else. Carlo’s unfaithfulness hit the ice of his reserve and slid down and off barely making a dent. The lover in question was a handsome creature, Asian enough to suit Carlo’s fetish though what his heritage might be left question marks in Stefan’s mind. His was a chill curiosity. The sort one expects from an insect studying a potential meal.

 

Carlo’s man was a tender young shoot. All of twenty three, he was a delicate beauty, undeniably masculine with an aura of supernatural calm. Unflappable, Andrei would have said if present to make a personal evaluation. Such innate calm in the face of a world gone mad was a thing to be noticed and appreciated. As such, he made a perfect distraction for Carlo, who was in much need of one. Stefan did not begrudge him it, or anything else he did to soothe the howling void within his soul Satin’s abrupt departure had created. Stefan’s singularity of focus kept his inner demons at bay, and also made maintaining a relationship impossible.

 

The spirit of Satin prowled his mind like a panther in a cage, wanting to be let out. He had to find her. There simply was no choice in the matter. By keeping his mind on the hunt and her he kept it off other things. Things such as Nikolai’s last hurtful words to him… lies, Stefan knew but still, they’d hurt him as much as Nikolai’s choice to return to Paris with Marquis…

 

Niki. The name slid down through the whorls of his brain and leaked out his eyes in tears he didn’t realize he was crying. Niki… He wiped the thought and his Maker away but not before the scene played out as if it had happened yesterday.

 

 

 

**************************************************

 

 

I.

 

Sorrow Spawn

 

 

L’Marionette waited at the place and time designated with Nikolai in tow, jerking him upright as if tugged by invisible strings. Ramses by her side smile arrogant as if to say, what do you hope to do here, don’t you know you cannot win? Carlo stood to Stefan’s right and Andrei to his left, refusing to allow him to meet L’Marionette alone. Satin acquiesced to their request she stay behind much to Stefan’s amazement. He suspected she’d show up anyway when his attention was diverted and he hadn’t been wrong. She couldn’t let the situation unfurl without her and there was no way in hell she’d let Stefan risk his neck without having his back. But for the moment she was absent. They were on neutral ground to discuss the matter. Tattoo Mom’s was a biker bar, filled to capacity with humans. None of them would risk a scene.

 

The door opened to permit humans to spill in and out on a whim, the crowd jostling for position like teenagers in line for a carnival ride. It was a carnival of sorts, though much darker than the atypical light bright on acid, funhouse madness and cotton candy stained fingered atmosphere one would expect at the fairgrounds. Bikers and their women parted like the red sea upon Marquis’ entrance, giving him a wide berth without knowing exactly why it should be so, only that instinct instilled over the past hundred thousand years of predator versus prey told them it was best if they did so. It was on par with a man’s natural fear of another man holding a knife. Rather than holding one in his grip, Marquis himself was the knife and they knew to get out of his way. He smiled for the crowd, nodding here and there as he passed through in a good natured fashion as if he weren’t a mortal threat. He loved their fear, sucking it up like a seafood fan does freshly cooked oysters, juice and all. His smile changed, tightening his handsome features as he approached L’Marionette’s table. Nikolai stiffened visibly upon his arrival, speaking low to the necromancer in French.

 

“I am well aware of his power.” She replied, tone dry as a desert.

 

Usermare known as Ramses II laughed brusquely. Stefan clenched his teeth at the sound, nails digging deep into a table leg.

 

Calm, mon amour. Andrei sent to him on a flood of positive reinforcement.

 

Motherfucker! I’m gonna rip out his heart and feed it to him! Stefan sent back, bristling with hostility.

 

“Do not forget why it is we are here Ivan.” Carlo said quietly, drawing Stefan’s attention back to the matter at hand.

 

“Right.” Stefan said, refocusing his attention on L’Marionette. “So...”

 

She raised her head slightly, looking down the bridge of her aquiline nose at him. “So.”

 

“An even trade is what I propose. We’re holding up our end of the bargain.” He hooked a thumb in Marquis’ direction. Inasmuch as he presently detested the immortal, it galled him to use Marquis this way.

 

There is no help for it amour. Andrei chided gently. Whatever the necromancer’s power, she could not read their thoughts. He and Stefan could speak freely at least.

 

“He is what I have come for.” L’Marionette assented. Nowhere was it written into the contract she should destroy those associated with Marquis, only Marquis himself. Using those associated with him to get to him, well, that was another matter.

 

“Why stop there beloved when you can have them all?” Usermare questioned. Add their powers to your own and you can be My Queen all the sooner. He sent to her.

 

Laying a hand over his, L’Marionette smiled. “I am Your Queen regardless and insofar as power is concerned Dearest, my own is sufficient enough.” She replied aloud.

 

“He would lead us as lambs to slaughter.” Carlo said evenly, temper and temperament cold as an Antarctic wind.

 

Before anything further might be said by the parties present, Marquis arrived, standing over them for a moment to let his power billow out and encompass them. The necromancer did not frighten him anymore than the august Usermare. In thousand years Marquis had lived he’d seen his share of powerful immortals. He refused to be cowed, especially by one who was so thoroughly wrapped around the finger of a mortal who played with vampires like a child with dolls.

 

Turning the empty stool in front of him around to straddle it, he rested his hands on the chair back with a sneer. “This is the witch I take it?” He directed his inquiry at Andrei.

 

“It is.”

 

“Upstart! You will address My Queen directly and with the respect due her station.” Usermare thundered.

 

She’s sawed hard enough on his violin strings to play him with a single pluck. Marquis sent to Andrei, mind voice full of mirth. Look at how well he’s played. Fool.

 

Instrument of idiocy. Andrei replied adroitly.

 

Lunacy is more like it. Marquis favoured Usermare with a lopsided grin full of derision, gesticulating towards L’Marionette with a flourish. “Your Exalted Majesty, I, who am but a worm in the apple of your eye strive to be worthy of speaking Your blessed name shall cut out my tongue for such insolence directly.” He was laughing at the Egyptian, his witch and at them as a couple. Queen indeed. She wouldn’t know one if Queen Elizabeth herself came to bite her on the ass.

 

“Worm, yes. That is what you are and We,” Usermare leaned forward till he was within an inch of Marquis’ face, “Will crush you like the invertebrate you are.”

 

“Such menace frightens me.” Marquis retorted flippantly in falsetto. Playing the dandy, he clutched an imaginary handkerchief to his chest in mock alarm. “My dear Sir forgive me, I meant no offense. Surely you know…” His voice dropped to a growl that was almost sensual, “I mean you no harm.”

 

Stefan fought to keep the smile off his face. This is going better than I expected. He sent to Andrei.

 

Don’t get your hopes up just yet. Andrei replied in kind, shifting his attention to L’Marionette and her puppet Nikolai. He had a special message intended just for Stefan’s Maker. Shutting Stefan out, he sent it, smiling inwardly in satisfaction as Nikolai appeared to coil inwardly on himself like a serpent.

 

Threaten me if you will but when all is said and done he will know you for what you are, bastard. Nikolai sent in reply.

 

My mask was left in the dust long ago. I will not be the one who shall be gutted by night’s end. Andrei replied smugly. But he was not yet done with Nikolai.

 

There was no love lost between them. They loathed each other utterly, their history centuries old. Nikolai the street musician who had stolen Marquis’ heart and attention from Andrei who had loved Marquis with all his immortal being and had done him a wrong that was far worse still. He took Stefan under his black wing and made him an immortal during a time of trial; one designed to strengthen Stefan so that he would seek Andrei out come hell or high water and seize him as was his right as a lover. Another theft, this one far worse than the first for Stefan was of Andrei’s own bloodline.

 

Nothing more than an urchin with a crumb of talent and Marquis made you forswearing me in the process. Andrei sent to Nikolai, letting the old festering hurt seep into his words like Sepsis to poison him.  You… who put his filth laden blood into my sister’s descendant and made him immortal on a whim. You, who left him to rot in a puddle of his own mental excrement for a lover who spurned you years before… Ivan would have found his way to me. I would have given him all he sought but no, you could not leave him alone. You had to have him, pollute him, ruin him. I will undo all that you have wrought. Andrei promised. I will unmake you.

 

After all these years you still hold that against me? Nikolai issued a telepathic laugh. You’re pathetic. He was already on his way out of the door. You can’t blame me for your failings Monsieur. It kills you to know Marquis loved me more, doesn’t it… as much as it does knowing Ivan…

 

His message was cut off by L’Marionette abruptly reining him in. I have not granted you permission to have discourse with him, puppet. You will keep your mind and mouth shut until I grant you permission otherwise. You will serve my purpose and nothing more. Although she was not privy to Andrei’s end of the conversation her psychic link to Nikolai allowed her to hear his.

 

Silently Nikolai cursed her, unable to speak or respond.

 

“As fascinating as all this male posturing is,” L’Marionette interjected into the exchange between Usermare and Marquis. “We have gotten away from the point.”

 

“Your point is to kill me Madame if I understand correctly.” Marquis stated bluntly.

 

“To dispatch you forthwith to the hell from which you came, yes, that is my mission.”

 

“Baldly put.” Marquis’ smile was toothy, attention going to Stefan. “Eloquent bitch isn’t she? To dispatch me to the hell from which I came. What do you think of that Lover? She imagines me to be a demon. What sort of exorcism does she intend, I wonder? I’ll bet the idea of her dispatching me anywhere makes you go all tingly in your happy place doesn’t it darling?” Marquis’ smile lengthened so that his fangs showed. “We both know how much you’d like me dead after the whole Satin incident.”

 

Stefan stiffened in response.

 

“I would not dignify that comment with a response.” Carlo said before Stefan could reply.

 

“Wouldn’t you? So you’re fine with me fucking her brains out then. Bully for you.”

 

Refusing to be baited, Carlo laid his hand over Stefan’s to keep him calm and directed the conversation back to L’Marionette. “Is that your only mission Donna?” He used the Italian word for lady with the respect reserved for women of nobility, not because he had a shred of respect for her but rather to facilitate further conversation. She was an egotist, that much was plain and she thought highly of herself. Better to pander to her ego than to crush it like an eggshell under an undiplomatic foot.

 

L’Marionette did not warm to Carlo on account of his words or pretense of respect. He was a vampire and they were not to be trusted. She took him and his manner at face value. “It is.”

 

“Then we need not engage in further hostilities for your target is here before you and we shall not interfere with you. All we wish is to be left in peace.”

 

 

She’ll leave you in pieces you little fool. Marquis sent to Carlo with a growl. What are the three of you playing at throwing me at her feet like a side of beef? We were supposed to be working together to destroy her!

 

She is no threat to me. Carlo responded sans emotion.  I live and breathe whereas you do not. Her necromantic powers have no effect on me. Usermare is more of a threat to us than she is and we can dispatch him to the netherworld quickly enough without you.  Carlo responded coolly. I would, however, be willing to work with you if you were not so hell bound and determined to wound Ivan. Satin means much to us all but she is everything to him and you do not care what you destroy or whom. Ivan would have taken the fall for you once. He will not do it this time and I will not see him destroyed on account of you.

 

“Ah, bein. All are aligned against me. It’s no small surprise.” Marquis rose, pushing back from his chair. “Come on then, I’ll take you on. Know this. I won’t make it easy for you witch.”

 

Stefan found his voice. “Let Niki go. Do that and we’ll leave the city tonight. You can do what you want with him. Just give me time to pick up my woman and we’re nothing more than a bad memory.” He looked Marquis directly in the eye. You can hate me if you want. I wouldn’t blame you if you did. I’d hate me. But you should know, what Carlo said is shit. We’ve got your back. Let the bitch think she’s got you, we’ll play it off like a betrayal. Am I pissed on account of Satin? Goddamn right I am. Do I hate you for it, fuck yeah… but this is a separate issue. I’m not gonna let this cunt take you out because of an old score some asshole from the fifteenth century has to settle. We got our own score to settle and if anyone is gonna erase your sorry motherfucking ass it’s me.

 

Marquis chuckled. You couldn’t kill me darling; you love me far too much for that. I’ll smooth your ruffled feathers later, I promise. I took things too far, I admit that. I won’t apologize, it’s not my style. My biggest regret is the bitterness between us. I would have it otherwise. Take him and go if she sets him loose. I can handle this. He turned his attention back to L’Marionette.

 

“Let the little prick go for God’s sake, he’s nothing but trouble. This one loves him.” Marquis pointed at Stefan. “The hell if I know why. I couldn’t point out one redeeming feature myself.” Setting eyes on Nikolai, he sent to him, Redeem yourself in his eyes and if I survive this, which of course you know I will, perhaps you and I can have a conversation afterwards.

 

Unable to respond Nikolai stared forward hoping to communicate his thoughts and support through his expression alone.

 

“My Queen…” Usermare began.

 

“Let it be said that I am a fair woman, one who honours a contract as well as terms of negotiation. You have met the terms set and so shall I.” L’Marionette cut the cord that bound Nikolai to her immediately. “He is yours. Now, be gone.”

 

Free to move under his own power, Nikolai flew to Stefan’s side. “Quickly,” He murmured, “Before she changes her mind. I don’t care what she does to me but you need to leave here, now.”

 

Taking Nikolai’s arm, Stefan led him away. “A deal is a deal.” He turned his back on L’Marionette and Ramses. Passing by Marquis, he spared him a look. When I have him out of harms way…

 

Get out of here. Marquis shot back quickly, and sprinted in the opposite direction. Ramses was instantly in pursuit. L’Marionette took her time in following, assured of her vampire lovers’ ability to corner and catch her prize.

 

When they were clear of the building, Stefan placed Nikolai’s hand in Carlo’s. “I know you hate him but please take care of him for me.” He pleaded.

 

Both Carlo and Nikolai were taken aback. “What do you mean; I cannot leave you to fight alone!” Carlo cried, turning Nikolai loose.

 

Andrei stepped in. “He will be alright on his own. Will he not?” Looking to Nikolai. “I presume you know where to go?”

 

Nikolai nodded. What will you say to him when I am not around? You want me out of the way.

 

“Satin is at the hotel in need of protection. Go there and guard her with your life.” Andrei said, ignoring him entirely. All that he meant to say had already been said.

 

“Consider it done.” Nikolai replied for Stefan’s sake. He latched onto Stefan one last time before he left to catch up with Marquis before his pursuers did. “Be careful of Usermare. The witch has him as a puppet sans strings. He’s a fool for her and she’ll use him to her advantage.”

 

“I know.” Stefan nodded. “I’ll be alright. Don’t worry for me.”

 

She’ll kill you if she gets the chance! Nikolai sent. Don’t allow her to. Oh, I wish I could go with you... Come back alive, Ivan, I…

 

Stefan smiled, pulling Nikolai into a tight embrace. “You don’t have to say it.” He murmured. I love you too.

 

Nikolai blinked and the three of them were gone.

 

Ah, calamity! There was nothing he could do but hope and pray two of them made it back.