Another Knight
January 2002
Jarvinia

Disclaimer:  The characters of Forever Knight do not belong to me, and
are used without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended.
Other characters not part of Forever Knight, however, are mine.

This story takes place one year after the events of 'Last Knight.'

I would like to thank my beta readers, David and Liz, for all of their
comments, suggestions and grammar corrections.

May not be archived without permission.  Although if you'd like to,
please ask!

Feedback is welcome at jarvinia@hotpop.com

Enjoy!


~#~#~#~#~


Another Knight - (01/10)

Natalie dropped a report off at the 96th at the end of her shift.
Making her way to the exit, she ran smack into Tracy and the
detective's partner.  She refused to look at the man.  Instead, she
turned to Tracy, and softly said, "Hi Trace."

"Hey, Nat.  I haven't seen you around the precinct lately.  How are
you?"

All she wanted to do was to get out of there.  It wasn't Tracy.  She
just didn't like the precinct anymore.  It had been different for the
last year.  She didn't like the stares that people gave her whenever
she was in the precinct.  "Fine.  I need to go...I'll talk to you
later."  Natalie turned, nearly bolting for the door.  Again, she was
stopped, the young detective's hand on her shoulder.

"Natalie, Nick isn't coming back.  He's been gone for over a year."

The ME pulled back from the light grip, and her eyes fell on her
friend's partner who was standing what seemed like inches away.  He was
about average height, a little shorter than Nick.  The short black hair
and faintly Asian features were in stark contrast with the officer he
had replaced.  He was nearly as young as his partner, his thin frame
matching hers.  The young man quietly slipped away, walking over to his
desk.

"Nat, you've got to stop going over there.  His place is empty.
Whatever happened to him, he's not coming back.  If he was, wouldn't he
have already done so, or at the very least contacted you?"

Natalie held her jaw clenched shut, not allowing herself to respond.   
Looking down momentarily, she silently left for her car.  However,
placing the keys in the ignition, she did not turn them.

The short conversation with Tracy initiated memories.  A year ago,
those memories were infrequent and jumbled, but now, they were brought
on by any mention of Nick.  Even thinking about him lost her to the
past....

~~~~~~~~~~

She was cold, frozen to the bone, and she couldn't move.  To take in a
breath was impossible, and she couldn't feel her heart beat.  She was
more or less dead, and her surroundings seemed like a dream.

Merely a few feet away, she could see him.  Nick was standing, his back
to her, LaCroix before him.

She strained to hear what was being said, and after a moment she could
faintly hear Nick.  'You are my closest friend.'  That's what he said,
but the words confused her.  As Nick turned and knelt down, now even
closer to her, his features radiated resignation.

Behind him, she could see the elder vampire standing stoically, the
words nearly unleashing a rage just below the stone surface.  'Damn
you, Nicholas,' he cursed, and she could see the object in his hands: a
wooden staff.  Seconds later, LaCroix held it up, and she watched in
horror as it came down.

Time slowed as the staff pierced Nick's chest, but the scream that
echoed though the room was not his.  Instead, it was his father's.
Nick didn't move, his only reaction being a whisper she couldn't hear. 
The next thing she knew, LaCroix was kneeling in front of Nick, holding
his son's now limp form to his chest.

What seemed like an eternity passed before the Roman slowly lowered his
son to the floor.  Nick's eyes seemed to stare right into hers, but
there was nothing behind them.  No hope, no guilt, no life...nothing.

She wanted to scream and she wanted to cry.  Still, her muscles
wouldn't obey, and no sound came forth.  Yet, LaCroix turned at
something.  He looked straight at her, disbelief pouring off his
features.  With a glance back at his son, he hesitantly approached her.
His hand brushed against her cheek, but she could feel nothing of the
touch.

Abruptly, LaCroix stood, and walking across the room he picked up the
phone, his attention never straying from her.  The room started to fade
out, blackness easily replacing the surroundings.  She saw the vampire
approach her once again.  Then, as LaCroix glanced back to his son,
Natalie felt darkness engulf her.

~~~~~~~~~~

That fateful night finished its replay yet again.  Natalie had
helplessly watched as LaCroix killed his son, and only his last actions
gave her hope.  When she'd awakened two days later in the hospital, she
had been grilled about what had happened.

They had found her at Nick's, the result of an anonymous caller.  The
call had been traced to the loft, and that part of her memory became
clear.  LaCroix had apparently sensed her life force, and instead of
leaving her to die, had called for help.  When the paramedics arrived,
they found only her, nearly completely drained without a mark, a large
pool of blood, and a broken off wooden staff....

~~~~~~~~~~

She'd been awake for about an hour.  Nurses and doctors were flying
around her, making sure she was all right, and asking question after
question.  She didn't answer any of them.  She wasn't even sure she
knew the answers.

Not much later, Reese managed to get through the mess, and Natalie
found herself very relieved upon seeing a familiar face.  "How are you
doing?" he asked her.

Hoping her voice wouldn't betray her, she told him, "Okay."

"Do you remember anything?"

She made to speak, then shook her head.  Amnesia, that was the best way
out of it.

He sighed.  "What do you remember?"

"Going over to Nick's...telling him about Tracy's...."  She trailed
off.  Tracy....

"She's okay."

Her head snapped up, and she felt to room spin a little.  "What?"

"They got the charts mixed up.  Another woman, also blonde and with a
similar injury, died last night.  Tracy's still unconscious, but the
doctor's think she'll pull though just fine."

She was stunned.  Tracy was alive.  Nick was....  "How much do you know
about what happened?  Do you know what happened to Nick?"

He sighed.  Then, Reese related the situation to her--everything from
being one of the first on the scene, the shock at seeing her, lifeless
on the floor, to the pool of blood and broken off staff.

As Natalie listened to the information, her hand flew to her neck, but
she found no bandage.  Only smooth skin met her fingertips.  Slowly,
she remembered the rest of Reese's explanation.  The blood was Nick's. 
That much she knew.  The broken piece of the staff puzzled her for a
moment.  Then, she realized it was there because LaCroix had taken him.
He had to break the staff to get Nick out quicker and easier.  She kept
her mouth firmly closed, not daring to voice any of her thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~

That night, LaCroix had taken Nick with him.  The uncertainty it had
brought scared her.  Knowing she was alive, would LaCroix try to revive
his son?  She kept hoping that he did and that Nick would contact her.

Yet, it had been a year.  Only she knew what had happened that night.
To the others, she had been mysteriously attacked, and had no memory of
the event.  Some speculated that Nick had attacked her.  Others saw
them both being the victims, remembering the blood.  She'd feigned
memory loss in the hospital, and she still kept her story to this day.

Tracy remembered nothing of the night she was shot.  Nick had explained
that he had changed before his partner, yet the young detective no
longer remembered the vision, or her last words to him.  Natalie had
therefore kept her knowledge to herself, and it was gnawing at her.

As she sat in her car, Natalie allowed Tracy's comments to brush over
her once again.  Others thought her crazy for her denial to Nick's
absence, but she had to hope.  She had to know what happened, and
unless for some reason LaCroix contacted her or Nick returned, she
would never know.

Starting the car, she pulled out and started for 101 Gateway Lane as
had become routine.  Moments later, she pulled up to the warehouse
loft, and immediately she noted that the shutters were open.  The
morning before she'd been sure she closed them, but perhaps she hadn't.
No lights were on, and she quickly entered the alarm code, taking the
elevator up to the main level.

Entering the dark room, she walked into the kitchen and placed her
things on the table.  Reaching to pick up the remote, she stopped.  It
was no longer on the table where she had left it.  Two minutes later,
she had found it, haphazardly tossed onto the couch.  Something was
definitely amiss, she decided, and proceeded to close the shutters.

Going to the upper level, she carefully opened the door to Nick's room,
and hit the button on the remote.  As the shutter descended, she could
see the differences in the room.  On the table next to the bed was a
neatly stacked pile of clothes, and on the floor was a towel.  Neither
had been present the previous morning.  Looking slightly to the right,
she noticed the un-made bed.  Realizing someone was in it, she inhaled
quickly, her hand quickly covering her mouth.

Approaching the sleeping form, at first she could see nothing.  Once
she was within touching distance, she still couldn't make anything out.
Cautiously, she gently pulled the comforter down, and she nearly gasped
in surprise.  Within the mound of black fabric, she could now see him. 
His thin, pale face seemed like that of a child's, and waves of gold
framed the immortal features.  Nick had returned.


Another Knight - (02/10)

For several minutes she stood transfixed by the sight before her.  He
slept like the dead.  There was no movement, not even from breathing.
Yet, she didn't notice.  All she could see were his paler, thinner
features, and worry began to fill her.

As he lay perfectly still, she couldn't get the feeling of fear to
leave her.  He had returned to Toronto.  Truthfully, she hadn't really
expected him to return.  She had known from the start that her hope was
useless.  Now, her wish had miraculously been answered, but why?  What
had brought him back?

Slowly, she reached out to him, her hand resting against the side of
his face.  She pulled back abruptly, before once again replacing her
hand.  He was cold.  Much colder than that first night they had
met...too cold.  Reaching for the covers, she pulled them completely
off.

He was curled slightly on his side.  His black pajamas seemed loose on
him.  Still, he did not move or show any reaction to her presence.
Tentatively, her hand found his wrist, and she wrapped her fingers
around it.  They nearly reached.  She could feel the bones easily, and
even in the dim light their definition was clearly visible.

Slowly pulling her hand back, she once again took in his total
appearance.  As she had noted earlier, he was thinner and paler.  His
hair was on the long side, its golden locks damp and slightly curling.

He looked angelic as he slept.  Gently, she replaced the covers, trying
not to disturb him.  Watching him, she fell sound asleep in the chair
across the room.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie was startled awake as the elevator hummed to life.  Looking
over at the clock, she noted it was past sunset.  Amazingly, she had
slept the whole day away with no dreams and no nightmares.  In fact,
she had already slept through the first hour and a half of her shift.

Realization struck her, and she hurried down to the lower level to see
who entered.  As far as she knew, other than herself only Reese and
Tracy knew the alarm code, and while there, she always had it turned
on.  Once to the stairs, she could see Tracy looking up at her.

"Nat?  The morgue is wondering where you are.  They couldn't get hold
of you at your place, and didn't know where else to look.  I came by,
figuring you would be here."  The detective paused, taking in the
room's darkness, and her friend's tired appearance.  "Natalie, you've
got to stop doing this to-"

"Tracy, I'm not coming into work tonight.  Even if I had woke up
earlier, I still wouldn't have gone in.  I'm staying here for a while."

"Nat...."

"I have to stay here," she sternly stated.  She knew Tracy wouldn't
understand unless she knew.  Taking in a breath, she kept her words
calm, "Nick came back sometime last night."

Tracy was stunned.  "Wha...?  He-he came back?  Where is he?"

"Upstairs, sleeping."

"C-can I see him?"

Nodding, she replied, "Yes, but we need to be quiet.  I don't want to
wake him up."

As Tracy returned the nod, they made their way upstairs.  Entering the
room, Tracy passed Natalie, going right to where Nick was.  She
couldn't see him, and reaching for the covers, she pulled them down as
Natalie had.

At first, the man revealed to her was a total stranger.  Then, she
recognized the golden hair and the features, although thinner, of his
face.  Indeed, Nick had returned.  Reaching for the covers, Tracy
pulled back at a sudden motion.  His eyes opened.  He was awake.  But,
upon looking closer, she could see that he was not looking at her.
"Nick?" she prodded, but no response came.  "Nick?" she repeated, her
hand slowly approaching his face.

Natalie watched her friend, and as an almost imperceptible flinch
crossed his features, she pulled Tracy's hand away.  She didn't know
what he would do, as she hadn't seen him awake yet.  Natalie continued
to pull, leading Tracy out of the room.

Stopping on the balcony, she suggested, "Why don't you go in to work?
We don't both need to be here.  I don't even know what I'm going to do
for the rest of the night."

"But, Nat-"

"Please, Trace," she pleaded.  "Go to work.  And please don't tell
anyone about this.  I want Nick to decide if he wants his reappearance
known or not."

About to protest again, she realized her absence would only cause
suspicion.  Besides, she couldn't really do anything there other than
confuse Nick.  As far as he knew, she was dead.  "Okay, but I want to
know how he's doing.  Nightly."

"Of course.  Now go, before Reese has to look for you too."  When Tracy
didn't budge, she explained, "Don't worry about me.  I'll call in
sick."

Tracy hesitated a moment before nodding, and headed toward the
elevator.

Natalie waited until Tracy was on her way down before returning to
Nick.  Approaching, she knelt on the floor in front of him.  His eyes
were open, but they were unseeing.  The image momentarily took her back
to before he left, as he lay dead on the floor, impaled by LaCroix.
She shook the memory off, and reached out to him.  At the flinch, she
didn't retreat, instead continuing to his cheek.

He pulled back at the touch, for the first time his eyes meeting hers. 
Yet, there was no recognition.  "Nick?  It's me.  Natalie."  The dark
blue depths stared back at her, and she coaxed, "Nick?  What's wrong?
Please, tell me."

Slowly, he pushed her hand away, his grip as weak as a child's.  "H-how
do you know my name?  I have never seen you before."

The question and subsequent statement broke her heart.  Somehow, he had
lost his memories of his time in Toronto.  Once before he'd lost his
memory, and after that he'd changed, if only slightly.  Would it happen
again?  "I'm your friend.  I met you nearly six years ago."

He glanced away, and tried to remember their meeting.  But, he came up
with nothing.  "Where am I?"

"At your place, in Toronto."

Looking at the woman before him, Nick tried once again to place her.
Doing so, he could feel his hunger rise.  The vampire was trying to
free itself.  He'd gone too long without feeding and his escape would
soon come to an end.  Feeling himself change, he turned away from her. 
Unexpectedly, he found a warm hand gently turning his head back to her.
As his eyes met hers, now golden with need, he saw no fear.

Natalie watched the combination of worry and confusion flash across his
face.  "It's okay, Nick.  I know what you are.  You don't have to hide
from me."

As he listened to her words, he felt comforted by them.  The gold faded
from his eyes.  She knew about him.  If she was trusted with this, then
perhaps he had trusted her with more.  "You said you're my friend.  Can
I trust you?"

The words momentarily stunned her.  Nick was asking if he could trust
her, something that had taken months to develop when they'd first met. 
"Yes, Nick, you can."

His eyes darted away for a second before he spoke, "Then, trust me when
I ask you to leave.  It's not safe for you here.  LaC-"  The words
stopped of their own accord, as Nick realized he didn't know how far
her knowledge extended.

LaCroix.  Of course he'd come after Nick.  "No.  I won't leave.  I know
who LaCroix is, Nick.  I've met him, and I'm not afraid of him."

About to object, Nick stopped.  He could hear the determination in her
voice.  She would not be dissuaded.  "You should be," he eventually
told her.  "You should be afraid of him, and of me."

"But, I'm not."

"No.  You're not."  As she waited for him to continue, he realized how
easy it was to talk to her.  She knew who and what he was.  She knew
about a part of his past LaCroix that refused to reveal to him.  Now
that he was once again in that life, he could find out what was lost,
what was so important to LaCroix that he not know.  "What do you do?"

"What?"

"What do you do?  Your job, what is it?"

The question was a bit sudden, but he hadn't backed away from her.  He
hadn't shut her out.  "Umm.... I'm a coroner, a medical examiner."

He took in the piece of information, then asked, "What was my job?  Did
I have one?"

"Yes, you did.  You were a homicide detective for Toronto's Metro
Police Department."

"A cop," he muttered, a faint hint of amusement on his lips.  "How did
we meet?  Was it through my job?"

She tried not to laugh.  "No.  You didn't become a detective right
away.  First, you woke up on my table."  She paused, waiting for him to
comment, but he didn't.  "You were trying to stop a bank robbery.  They
threw a pipe bomb at you for your trouble, and well, it exploded."

The information confused him.  He'd died, yet stayed in Toronto risking
discovery.  Why?  "Why did I stay after the robbery?"

"Because I made an offer you couldn't refuse.  I offered to find a cure
for your vampirism."

Now, he knew why LaCroix didn't want him to remember.  If LaCroix knew
of her, and he most certainly did if they'd met, she would be in
serious danger when he arrived.  As he'd already revealed his location
earlier when the vampire had surfaced, he reached out for LaCroix.
Although his skills were less than well practiced, he could feel his
father nearing their location.

"Nick?"

Turning to the questioning voice, he realized he'd zoned off.
Remembering the name she told him, he explained, "Natalie, LaCroix will
not be pleased when he arrives.  I can feel his approach, and I don't
know what he'll do to you."

She clenched her jaw slightly.  Not because she was afraid of the elder
vampire, but she was nervous.  What would LaCroix do when he saw her?
What would he do to Nick?  "Well, then I guess we'll find out.  Why
don't you get some rest?"

After a moment of silence, she turned to leave, but was stopped by a
light touch to her arm.  "I'm not tired.  Could you tell me more of my
life here?  Perhaps I'll remember something."

Nodding, she sat on the edge of the bed.  "What do you want to know?"

"Everything," he stated.  "Starting with my name."

For hours, she proceeded to relate his time in Toronto, at least what
she was privy to.  The events were unfamiliar to him, but he listened,
hoping that they would initiate his memories.  When he fell asleep, she
quietly exited the room.  Retrieving a pillow and blanket from the
closet, she settled down on the couch to sleep.


Another Knight - (03/10)

As a scream ripped through the air, Natalie bolted awake.  It was Nick,
and he was either having a nightmare, or LaCroix had arrived.  Running
into the room, she discovered it was the latter.  The elder vampire was
holding Nick tightly in front of him as he tried to free himself from
the grip.

Hearing a bone snap, she pleaded, "LaCroix, stop!  You're hurting him!"

Both vampires froze at her words.  Nick waited for his father's
reaction, and LaCroix' grip loosened slightly at the interruption.

Icy eyes snapped toward her with a glint of gold.  "You have no place
here, mortal!  As I am sure you are aware, he will heal."  He paused,
the gold completely filling in the blue.  "My Dear, you have interfered
too many times, and despite what you might believe, you will regret
that interference!"

Nick's eyes widened at the threat, and he once again began to struggle.

The elder vampire held his son as still as possible.  Even as weak as
Nicholas was, LaCroix knew that he would have difficulty getting his
son away from here as long as he was conscious.  After a moment of
thought, he broke the younger's neck in one swift movement.  Holding
the limp form of his child to him, LaCroix glared at the mortal.

She stood before him with a look of horror plastered on her face.
LaCroix' action had been without hesitation, and not a flicker of
concern stared back at her.  "How?  H-how could you do that to him?"
she demanded, horror becoming anger as she tried holding back her
tears.

"Nicholas is mine.  I may do with him as I please."

As he effortlessly picked Nick up, Natalie tried to think of something.
LaCroix was going to leave and take Nick with him.  There had to be
something she could do.  He walked toward the door, undoubtedly
planning on taking the skylight and possibly disappearing forever.

She reached out, her hand lightly touching the vampire's arm.  "He may
be yours, but if you want him at your side, he must go there of his own
free will.  Forcing him will only make the situation worse."

LaCroix halted at the touch.  How dare this mortal tell him how to take
care of his son.  How dare she!  His eyes burned bright with anger, and
he spun toward her.  As she jumped slightly at the action, he went to
reply, but no sound came forth.  Despite her disruption, her statement
was truthful, much more so than he wished to acknowledge.

Natalie decided to continue, as she was still alive.  "If you take him
from Toronto, he will rebel.  Eventually, he will regain whatever
memories you have taken.  Decades into the future, if he remembers, you
might lose him for good."

The vampire closed his eyes, turning his head slightly toward his son. 
Again, the words rung true.  This truth was the only thing that
prevented him from ripping the mortal to shreds.

"Please, LaCroix...." she pleaded.  "I think I have an idea of how much
he means to you.  But, if you love him, let him stay.  Give him a
chance to return on his own.  If he chooses to go with you, I won't
stop him.  Give him the choice."

He turned away from her, prepared to leave.  Once again, she reached
out.  The touch stopped him, but he merely stood, his eyes focused on
the door, and waited.

"LaCroix....  Please do this for Nick."

He faced her, trying to decide a path.  This mortal had possibly done
more to rip Nicholas away from him than any other.  Yet, by taking his
son from her, he was only pushing him farther away.  He wanted, he
*needed* Nicholas to return.  As Janette was no longer his, Nicholas
was all he had left.  Of course he had other children, but none had he
kept closer than Nicholas.  None had shown more potential than
Nicholas.

By doing as the mortal asked, he could regain his son, at least
partially, with hope that Nicholas would eventually return to him
fully.  It would be difficult for them to return to Toronto,
particularly for his son.  Nicholas had disappeared under questionable
circumstances, and returning to his work could prove both tiring and
dangerous.  His son had nearly overstayed as it was.  They could only
return to Toronto for a couple of years, and what was a couple of years
to an immortal?  If her words did not ring true, he could always leave.

Watching her patient features, a faint smile graced his lips.
"Perhaps....  But, it must be understood that I may leave, with
Nicholas, anytime I wish."

Natalie stood still for several moments.  The condition meant Nick
could more or less disappear without notice.  At the same time, he was
allowing Nick to stay.  If she agreed, she would be acknowledging
LaCroix' possible future actions.  If she didn't, he would take Nick
with him then and there.  "I understand," she stated, and waited for
his reaction.

Once again, he looked at his son and carefully carried Nicholas to his
bed, gently tucking him in.  "Leave us," he commanded without turning
to her.

She hesitated, but with a repetition of the order, she reluctantly
obeyed.

LaCroix waited until her heartbeat faded from his senses before
beginning his task.  Pushing up both his sleeve and his son's, he
proceeded to slice their forearms with his fangs.  He sat on the edge
of the bed, allowing his blood to flow into his son.  The blood would
be enough to heal his injuries, but he would need more, much more,
before his strength returned.

Nicholas had starved himself in his attempts to escape him.  Now that
he had no reason to run, perhaps he could get Nicholas to feed.  If
not, Nicholas' doctor friend would come in handy.  She could certainly
convince him to feed.

Feeling the sun rise above the horizon, he realized that there was
probably no blood in Nicholas' loft.  He had closed the Raven, leaving
only one major source of human blood in the city.  Picking up the
phone, he called the vampire in charge of it.  Not only did he place an
order, but he also announced his presence.  He was once again the
eldest in Toronto.

He had refused the delivery of the bottles.  He had an alternative
plan, one that would test the mortal.  A smile crossed his features.
This might not be so bad after all.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie flopped down on the couch.  LaCroix was letting Nick stay, but
how far would he consider her words?  The vampire's only interests were
his own.  Yet, she also believed that he would do anything to get his
son to return to him.  Anything, including this.

Staring across the room at the piano, she wondered what had happened to
Nick over the past year.  His memories of his time in Toronto had been
taken.  Whether it was of LaCroix' doing, or just a fluke, she didn't
know.  Nick had been running from his father, but the reason hadn't
been stated.  Then, came another question.  Would Nick want to return
to his job, or not?  And if he did, would he want Tracy as his partner?

Although she didn't hear anything, Natalie turned toward the stairs.

LaCroix paused his descent momentarily at her action.  He raised his
eyebrows slightly, before continuing down.  Natalie stood as he
approached her.  "My dear, I am impressed.  Few mortals can sense the
approach of one of us."  He studied her for a moment, then continued,
"I have a task for you."

"A task.  I am not your servant!" she stated angrily.

"Indeed, you are not.  Nicholas will wake soon.  I'm sure you've seen
the state he's in.  He needs to feed, as in time will I.  I ask that
you pick up a crate for me."

"Why can't you get it yourself?" she asked honestly.

"It is day.  Nicholas could wake before sunset.  Need I say more?"

The task had suddenly become more.  By picking up the crate she was
possibly helping Nick as much, if not more than LaCroix.  "Very well.
Where do I go to pick it up?"

Handing her a piece of paper, he told her, "This address."

Looking at it, she faintly recognized it.  "This is of a wine
distributary."

"Yes.  Another of my kind owns it.  It is a useful cover, don't you
agree?"

"I suppose, but why would they allow me to pick the bottles up?  I'm
mortal."

"You underestimate your presence in the Community.  Your service,
particularly with the Fever, has earned you a great deal of respect."

She was stunned.  The Community knew about her.  Even more surprising,
was their respect.  Yet, this was LaCroix who was telling her this, and
she wasn't sure what to think of his words.  Eventually she asked,
"What time are they expecting me?"

"This morning."  He could see a touch of anger flash at the comment and
was pleased.  She glanced toward Nick's room, and he assured her, "I
cannot leave.  You must know that."  He smirked at her concern, as it
was useless.  Even if he could leave, there was no way he could leave
with his son.  Nicholas was too weak.  For several minutes, LaCroix
stood absolutely still.  "Are you going to go, or stand there all day?"

She swallowed, feeling her nervousness rise at the dangerous glint in
his eyes.  "Whom do I ask for?"

"You need not ask for anyone.  All you must do is mention to the
secretary that you were sent by Lucien LaCroix.  After that, the matter
of getting the crate will be simple."  He smirked again, this time more
prominently.  "Don't worry.  No one will harm you.  In fact, if anyone
so much as threatens you, I want to know."

She took a step back at his glare; one that she suspected was enough to
frighten most vampires.  Although looking at her, the emotions were
directed at something else.  Probably whomever she was going to meet.

"Okay, I'll be back as soon as I can."  Natalie put on her shoes, and
grabbing her purse and keys went for the elevator.  Glancing at
LaCroix, she left.  Within a minute, she was on her way to the
distribution center, and had forgotten about her worries back at the
loft.

She was nearly shaking, wondering what this pick-up was going to
involve.  LaCroix said it was simple, but did anything involving the
vampire Community really end up being simple?

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Arriving at the address, Natalie found a modern building.  It was
exactly as she expected.  She parked in a visitor's parking spot, then
entered the building through the main doors.  The entranceway had a
high ceiling, and held several displays on different wines and their
origins.  She continued to the secretary, and once the woman was off
the phone, Natalie explained, "Lucien LaCroix sent me."

The woman stood up, and without introducing herself, spoke, "Of course.
If you'll follow me, Signore Vinattiere is waiting for you."  She
quickly led Natalie through several corridors, up a flight of stairs
and to an office.  She was left outside the room before she could
protest.

Waiting a moment to get her breath back from their quick pace, Natalie
paused before knocking.  Immediately, she was told to enter, and did so
closing the door behind her.

The room was a sort of office, but it reminded her more of a study.
Then, she realized that was exactly what it was.  The rest of the
building she had seen was filled with light, white walls, and a modern
architecture.  It was an environment that would be very difficult for a
vampire to spend his day in.  Her present surroundings were what she
would imagine a vampire's office to look like.  It could belong in a
different time, the several objects on display a mix of different time
periods.

Looking around the room, she could see the back of a leather chair
behind a large cherry desk.  It turned, revealing its owner to her.
The man had an olive complexion, dark hair and green eyes, and was
younger than she expected.  He looked to be in his mid-late twenties,
but he had an old world air to him.  From her immediate impression, she
guessed he was in actuality a little younger than Nick.  But then, she
could be wrong.

The man before her stood, and silently walked around the desk to stop
in front of her.

"Dr. Natalie Lambert, am I right?"  The mortal nodded, then he
commented, "LaCroix mentioned you would be picking up his order.  I
have heard much of you, Doctor.  But, I must say, I have not been told
of your beauty."  He reached out toward her, his hand stopping a mere
inch from her face.  The glare he received warned him back.  Lowering
his hand, he took hers, and with a kiss, stated, "Antonio Vinattiere,
originally Antonius de Piamonti."


Another Knight - (04/10)

To herself, Natalie had to admit she was flattered.  Yet, how could she
not be?  With the combination of a vampire's charisma and their old
world customs, who could resist?

Antonio released her hand, a pleased smile gracing his features.  He
walked over to a small round table, retrieving two bottles.  "These are
for my gratitude.  One is for LaCroix, and the other...the other is for
your assistance to the Community."

She was momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered.  Accepting the
bottles, she offered, "I appreciate your offer.  Now, I was wondering
where I am to pick up the order?"

A faint flash of disappointment crossed his features, but he quickly
recovered, and nodded.  "Yes, of course.  Please, follow me."

She did so, and was thankful his pace was slower than his secretary's. 
He led her, not back the way she entered, but through another door,
then through dark corridors until they were once again on the ground
level, in an almost completely empty room.  Inside was a young man and
a single wooden crate.

"Nathan, assist Signora Lambert with the crate.  Then you may return
home."

"Yes, sir," the young man replied, his boyish features still apparent.

"Doctor, perhaps we shall meet again.  Give Lucius my regards."  With a
bow, he disappeared back the way they had come.

Nathan silently carried the crate to her car, and she was surprised it
fit in the trunk.  Now, the only difficulty would be getting it out,
but she had time to deal with that later.  Thanking the young man, she
watched as he nodded and hurried off to his own car.

It was time to return to the loft, and she worried about what would
happen come nightfall.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Getting the crate out of her car and into the loft hadn't been as
difficult as she had expected.  Once inside, she carried the bottles to
the kitchen.  LaCroix wasn't on the main level, but that didn't really
surprise her.  She figured he would be with Nick.  As a last thought,
Natalie pulled one of the bottles out of the crate before going up to
Nick's room.

Entering, what she found was not quite what she expected.  Nick was
sleeping, which wasn't a surprise.  However, LaCroix, who she'd been
certain would be watching Nick's every move, had apparently fallen
asleep.  He lay on the other side of Nick, and at that moment, she
couldn't help but notice how much they seemed alike.  They were both
absolutely still, at least for a moment.  Then, she noticed the
occasional movement from the elder.

Approaching LaCroix, she hesitated before lightly resting her hand on
his shoulder.  The reaction was immediate, as the vampire sat up and
turned his glowing eyes to her.

Recovering, he turned the now blue, weary eyes to her.  "I see you have
returned.  Did you have any trouble?"

"No.  Although, I will say Signore Vinattiere seemed a little too
pleased to meet my acquaintance."

"Yes, Antonius does seem to go out of his way.  In my opinion, he
spends far too much time bribing and cajoling his elders.  Also, I
believe he should have chosen a different name."  At the mortal's
apparent confusion, he explained with a smirk, "Vinattiere means 'wine
dealer'."

Gracefully standing up, the vampire walked around Natalie, and quickly
checking on his son, headed downstairs.  She followed, carrying the
bottle with her.  He approached the kitchen table, where she had placed
Antonio's gifts.

As LaCroix held the bottle of blood, she mentioned, "That is a gift
from Antonio.  The other, although I'm a little confused, is for me."

Picking up the bottle of wine, he silently read the label.  Then, he
gave a slight laugh, mentioning, "It's from one of Vinattiere's
vineyards."

"One of his own wines?"

"Yes, a relatively unknown, fine wine; a rarity in the market.  Some
collectors would pay several hundred for a bottle of this--
particularly from this year.  At least, those that know of it.  But,
someday Antonius will learn not to put his name on everything he can.
It is dangerous."

She was amazed at his description.  Expensive wine.  Then, she realized
he hadn't said what the currency was.  "Several hundred dollars?"

"Dollars, Canadian or American, even Pounds Sterling.  It depends on
the desperateness of the buyer...and the greediness of the seller."

"So, Antonio isn't just a distributor?"

"No.  He grew up in the vineyards, and he often ends up back at them.
Only in the last century has he meddled in distribution, in wines of
*all* vintages."

She caught his meaning reading the glint in his eyes, and suddenly
remembered the bottle in her hand.  "Here," she declared, handing it to
the vampire.  "You are probably hungry."

Shooting a glare at her, he took it.  Yes, he was hungry, more so than
usual.  But, over the last couple of months this hunger had become
common.  In his search for Nicholas, he had repeatedly gone days or
longer without even a drop of blood.  This time, he had gone a full
week.  Hungry was an understatement.  Nearly starved was a better
description.

After retrieving a glass, he firmly suggested, "You should get some
rest, Doctor."  As a hint of worry crossed her face, he assured, "I
will tell you when he wakes.  It will not be for several hours yet."

Watching his retreating form, she eventually found herself back at the
couch.  She wanted to ask about what had happened over the past year,
but apparently LaCroix didn't want to talk.

The Roman had told her...no, ordered her to get some rest.  Basically,
he was showing that he wanted to be left alone.  Well, she would wait
until Nick woke, but she wouldn't sleep.

Sitting, she tried to think of something other than the present
situation.  But, she couldn't.  It had been a year since LaCroix had
taken Nick, and now he had returned to his home on his own, even
without his memories.  That had to mean something.  Nick did still
remember, if only in his subconscious.  With a yawn, she told herself
to focus, but that too slowly failed.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

With a light touch and gentle calling of her name, Natalie awoke to
find LaCroix standing over her.  She'd fallen asleep.

The vampire immediately straightened.  "Doctor, Nicholas is beginning
to wake up.  I think it would be best if you were the one present when
he fully wakes."

LaCroix walked over to the kitchen area, and she approached, asking,
"Why me?"

"As you have witnessed, we are not currently on the best of terms."

There were several things she could say in reply.  She didn't know why
Nick was running from his father, but could probably guess that LaCroix
had something to do with it.  Now, LaCroix' actions had severely
wounded his son.  Luckily, Nick wasn't mortal and was presently waking
from his injuries.  "Very well."  Turning, she went to Nick, not
looking back.

Cautiously, she entered Nick's room and approached him.  He was, as
LaCroix had mentioned, beginning to awake, and she sat on the edge of
the bed softly caressing his face.  "Nick?"

Leaning into the warm hand, Nick opened his eyes.  Looking over at the
woman, he held onto her wrist, not wanting to let go.  At a stiffness
in his neck and arm, he closed his eyes, recent events suddenly coming
back to him.  Yet, had it been real?  It sure felt real.  He met the
woman's eyes, and remembering her name, asked, "Natalie?  What
happened?  I remember LaCroix coming, and then you came in, and-"

"Shh...it's okay.  He didn't hurt me."

Nick abruptly sat up.  She held his shoulders, preventing him from
moving any further.  He tired easily from the action, but didn't lie
back down.  LaCroix was right, at least, about the condition of his
son.  A mortal shouldn't be able to detain a vampire, at least not a
healthy one. That morning, Nick must have used nearly all of his
remaining energy trying to get away from LaCroix.

He now held onto her shoulders as well, and demanded, "LaCroix' here?
Where is he?"

Natalie didn't get the opportunity to answer, as Nick's attention was
diverted to the doorway.  She watched his expression and saw first
fear, then a combination of fear and anger cross his features.  Turning
toward the room's entrance, she found LaCroix.

The elder vampire stood in the doorway silently.  Nick just stared, and
watched as his creator walked toward him, setting a bottle of blood and
glass on the nearby table.

Nick was stunned.  LaCroix rested his hand on her shoulder, pulling her
back and away from his son.  With a glare, Natalie backed even further
away, not sure what to expect from the creature before her.

"Nicholas..." he purred as he sat slightly behind his son.  One hand on
the younger's shoulder, the elder poured a glass of the thick red
liquid.  LaCroix pulled Nicholas back against him with one hand,
gripping him tightly against the chest.  With the other hand, he
brought the glass toward his son's lips, only for his child to turn
away and pull against the tight hold.  He could feel the vampire in
Nicholas rise, feel as his eyes burned golden and fangs dropped.
"Nicholas, drink..." he urged, feeling the effect of the hunger, but he
received no reaction.  "Mon fils, you must drink," came another,
slightly more forceful, attempt.

This time, Nick didn't just pull away from the tantalizing sweet smell,
but with a burst of strength, he broke from his father's grip by virtue
of surprise.  He flew out of the bed, although he didn't make it much
further.  Trying to gain his balance on his feet, he started for the
door.

Although determined to flee, his body made its way toward the floor
only to be caught by the mortal, sending them both to the ground.  Nick
looked up at her, at the woman who was now clutching him to her.  He
could feel the blood course through her veins, smell its very aroma.
Yet, he didn't move.  Not toward it, not away from it.  He didn't dare
move for fear that his hunger would take her.

"Nick?  Please do as he asks.  You need it..." Natalie pleaded while
stroking his hair.

When he seemed not to hear her words, LaCroix approached closer.
However, he did not reach out for his son.  Instead, he handed the
glass of blood to the mortal.

"Nick?  Please..." she said, moving the blood toward his lips.  It was
too easy for him to turn away, and he did so turning into her shoulder,
making it impossible for her to try again.  "LaCroix?  I need your
help," she stated.

LaCroix looked to her and considered his actions.  He desperately
wanted to help her, help his son.  Nicholas needed to feed, and she
could not get him to drink without help.  If he tried on his own, it
would be impossible to both restrain and feed Nicholas--the same
problem the doctor was having.  He debated his options.  Hoping his son
would listen to the doctor's words, he approached, kneeling behind the
younger vampire.

Gently, he pulled Nicholas away from the mortal, and once again to his
chest.  Unlike the time before, he would be prepared for his son to
struggle, and would keep his grasp firm.

Bringing the glass toward him, Natalie held Nick's chin, once again
urging him to drink.  LaCroix leaned down, and whispered, unheard to
the mortal's ears, "Nicholas....  Mon fils...I ask you to drink.  Do
this for me.  I have no wish to see you like this...there is no reason.
You are home.  Mon fils...drink."  All the while, his voice stayed
calm, and soothing.

As a reward, he watched as his son took first one sip, and then another
until he had steadily drank the nourishment down.  Taking the bottle
from the table, Natalie refilled it until it was empty.  Still seeing
the hunger within him, she quickly retrieved two more bottles from the
crate.  Almost as if she was never gone, she filled the glass, and he
drank until the second bottle was also empty.

Nick's hunger had been assuaged, not fully, but now he needed rest.
His father took him in his arms, and within moments, Nick was sound
asleep.


Another Knight - (05/10)

Natalie watched with amazement as Nick practically melted into the
elder vampire's arms.  Only moments before had he forcibly pulled
himself from that same grasp.  LaCroix held Nick, rocking him faintly,
whispering foreign, yet obviously soothing words.

The sight confused her.  From what Nick had told her and what she had
previously witnessed, she had seen no indication of this gentler side
of Nick's father.  But, here he was before her, cradling his son,
comforting him.

She stared for several minutes, and ever so slowly LaCroix stopped his 
actions.  Next, he replaced Nick back in his bed, tucking him in as a
parent would a small, frightened child.  The action was unneeded,
merely another gesture of comfort, of protection.

Glancing back at her, LaCroix' features revealed only compassion.  At
the same time, she could see his worry.

Turning back to his son, LaCroix took in his son's presence.  He was
weak, but gaining strength rapidly from his recently consumed
nourishment.  When Nicholas awoke once again, he would be hungry.  He
could only hope Nicholas would readily take the blood offered.

Natalie watched only a moment more before she left them alone.
Although night had fallen, she too would rest.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Waking, Natalie noticed she had slept for four hours.  That was
definitely long enough.  She was the only one on the lower level, and
deciding to check on Nick, she went up to his room.

Entering, she once again found both vampires sleeping.  Nick had turned
on his side and was facing her.  LaCroix was lying behind his son, for
the most part flat on his back.  The elder's hands rested haphazardly
on his stomach, and one leg was bent.  The upper half of his body
seemed to have been pulled in by his son's, enough that LaCroix could
bury his face in his son's golden locks.

LaCroix looked much out of character.  Not only was his position
strangely relaxed, but he was also missing his shoes and socks.  After
another moment, she noticed his collar was unbuttoned, and the sword
pin she'd seen him wearing earlier was oddly missing.

As she lightly touched Nick's cheek and looked him over, she couldn't
help but repeat the action on the elder.  Thankfully, neither noticed
her actions.

Abruptly, the phone rang.  Rushing to the lower level, she hurried to
get to it before it woke the sleeping vampires.  It only managed to
squeal out two, long, annoying rings before she picked it up, and asked
who it was.

Tracy.  Of course the young detective would call her.  She hadn't yet
informed her of Nick's condition, and it had been twenty-four hours.
Tracy had wanted to know nightly of his state.

"Hey, Nat.  I asked, 'How is he?'" came a second time.

This time, Natalie heard the question, and replied, "Better.  I'll know
more in a few days."  Truthfully, she didn't know how Nick was at the
moment.  He still had to recover more from his self-imposed starvation.
Then, she remembered the reason she had rushed down the stairs.
"Trace?  Next time, let me call you.  Nick's sleeping, or at least I
hope he is."

"Sorry.  I guess I should get back to work.  Eric is probably getting
ready to hunt me down."

Eric was Tracy's new partner.  Eric Hall.  He'd transferred to Toronto
from Vancouver about three weeks after Nick went missing.  At first,
their partnership had been temporary, everyone still hoping they'd find
Nick.  Slowly it became permanent, as hope was lost.  Only she had
remained hopeful.  Accordingly, her dedication had been rewarded.

"Natalie?"

She pulled herself back to the conversation, and remembered the
detective's last statement.  "Yeah.  I'll call you in a couple of
days."  They both quickly said their good-byes, and hung up.

Sitting for a moment, she hoped the noise hadn't woken Nick up.
Natalie went back upstairs, and entering, found LaCroix bending over
his son.  The elder vampire kissed the younger on the forehead before
straightening and turning to her.

About to comment, he held one finger to his lips, and walked past her
out of the room.  Pausing for a second, she followed him down the
stairs.  She sat down on the couch, watching as he retrieved a glass,
and filled it with blood.

Only as he approached, did she notice his appearance.  He was walking
on his bare feet and his collar was still undone.  Even more, his
clothes were slightly rumpled from sleeping in them.  Yet, there was
still an air of power that emanated from the vampire, warning others
away.

Eventually, she stated, "I must say, you aren't quite what I had been
led to believe."

Taking a sip from the glass, he glanced her way.  "Explain," he
insisted, wanting to know her thoughts.

"Well...from what Nick had told me, and from what I had seen of you, I
thought that you were a..." she trailed off realizing where her words
were leading her.  She was going to accuse LaCroix of being a bad
parent, of not loving his children.

Apparently, the vampire realized her direction as well as he stated her
thoughts.  "You find it hard to believe I could love anyone, including
Nicholas, from your past experiences.  Au contraire, dear Doctor.  It
is just that I rarely show my feelings."

"I see that now, but why don't you?"  She had to know.  Know why he hid
from his son the very thing that could hold them together.

LaCroix pushed the reasons around, considering what to tell her.  "Such
emotions are for mortals.  To show them is to be weak.  But, most
importantly, my relationship with Nicholas is private.  I do not like
others' interference."

The last was directed right at her.  In reference to her own
interference, no doubt.  As he turned away, he finished off his glass,
and stared across the room.  She saw the glass strain under his grip,
and standing up, took it from him.  Walking to the kitchen, she
refilled it and handed it back to him, hoping she didn't just make a
mistake.

Focusing on the glass in his hand, he wasn't sure what to do.  This
mortal was far more than she seemed.  If she had not taken the glass,
it would have lost its battle, shattering.  The pieces would have in
turn sliced his hand, possibly releasing his tight hold on his
emotions.  She noticed it, and whether or not she knew the full
implications, she took action.  There wasn't even a vampire he knew
that would do such a thing for him.  No, he couldn't quite say that.
Nicholas would, but only when they were on good terms, something that
they had not been of late.

To himself, he admitted that he admired this mortal before wondering
why that was so.  Not only had she continually stood up to him, never
broke under his words in the past, but she was continuing to do so now.
She wasn't afraid of him as others were.  But, there was more to it
than that.

Examining her more closely, he listened to her pulse and took in her
aroma.  Suddenly, he knew the answer, or at least part of it.  This 
also explained what his son found in her, something that he should have
noticed before.

Her blood smelled strongly of roses and wine, a scent similar to an
ambrosia he had favored in his mortal days.  Nicholas' aroma was the
same ambrosia, honey and spices replacing the scent of roses.  She was
so like his son.  He would not give up his mortal values, and she would
not give up on Nicholas.  That was proved over the past year.

Still, the greatest similarity was his observation on their potential. 
If Nicholas would only listen to him, give in to the vampire, he could
easily rival himself in the vampire community despite the younger's
age.  Natalie showed this same potential.  Perhaps he should...no,
Nicholas would never tolerate it--not now.

His gaze was making her nervous, and she got up, excusing herself.
LaCroix' silence was overwhelming, and just sitting there was too much
to handle.  Going to the kitchen, she decided to make some toast.  She
was hungry, and didn't care what LaCroix thought.  Glancing back, she
noticed his attention was no longer on her, and she let out a breath
she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

Sitting back down, now with her buttered toast, she randomly asked,
"So, are you going to reopen The Raven?"

Her question seemed to startle him slightly, but he swiftly recovered. 
"Yes, I believe that I will."  He returned to watching her, now
hungrily devouring her meal.  Before she could continue with another
question, he asked one of his own.  "Do you think that I should once
again become the Nightcrawler?"

She was stunned.  LaCroix was asking her for advice.  "Umm..." she
started, but faltered.  Taking a moment to think, she told him, "Well,
I guess that depends upon if you enjoyed doing the show or not."
Looking to him, he waited for her to continue.  She turned her efforts
to trying to remember the common topics of the program.  He would often
focus on Nick or the Community, and discus some type of 'lesson.'  He
would also use the show to give information to the Community.  Finally,
she stated, "Yes, I think you should.  Besides, I'm sure your fans will
enjoy your return."

LaCroix raised his eyebrow at her last comment.  At the same time, he
was a bit surprised at the solidness of her answer.  Although before
asking her opinion he'd already made his decision to return to the
airwaves, he had wanted her reaction.

The doctor's first reply had nearly been in the form of another
question, and had been quick.  The second, however, had been thought
out, and was much more certain.  She hadn't allowed her opinions and
judgments to mix.  He liked that.

Abruptly turning his senses to the second level, LaCroix could feel
Nicholas stirring.  At his movement, the doctor stood and moved toward
the stairs, ascending them.

Entering Nick's room, Nat approached and watched as he slowly woke.
His eyes met hers, now devoid of the hunger she'd seen earlier.  Then,
he quickly turned his body away from her.

Reaching out to rest her hand on his arm, he pulled away, and she
asked, "What's wrong, Nick?"

He tensed, clenching his teeth for a moment.  "You said you were my
friend.  If so, then why do you help him?"

"Because he was right.  You needed the blood, Nick.  I could watch you
starve yourself no more than he could."

Nick remained silent at her explanation, his body relaxing slightly.
Suddenly, he tensed a second time, and almost immediately LaCroix'
voice could be heard.

"You are hungry, Nicholas.  You must drink more."  The elder vampire
tried to rest his hand on his son's arm, and received the same reaction
Natalie had.  "I can feel your hunger, you must not ignore it...you
must feed...."

"I can't, not now.  My stomach hurts..." Nick protested, curling
himself into a ball.

"It is the hunger.  If you feed, it will go away."

As Nick shook his head, LaCroix mover even closer to him, and Natalie
stopped him with her hand.  "Give him time, LaCroix.  If his system is
anything like a mortal's, then his body will need time to get used to
the blood again.  Please, don't force him."

His anger boiled at the doctor's interference.  However, he didn't know
much about how their bodies handled starvation, not on the scale
Nicholas had undertaken.  Perhaps the mortal was right.  In the past,
his use of force had merely driven his son further away.  "Mon fils,
what do you wish me to do?" he asked, deciding that this time he would
listen.  If it didn't work, he had plenty of time, all eternity in
fact.

At first, only silence replied.  Then, Nick whispered, "I want to be
left alone."

Stiffening for a moment, LaCroix suppressed his anger.  "Very well,
Nicholas.  I will be at the Raven.  However, I insist you feed later." 
The Roman waited, and receiving only silence, turned and focused on the
mortal.  "I trust you will notify me of Nicholas' progress, Doctor?"
Receiving a nod, he handed the bottle of blood he'd brought up with him
to Natalie.  Then, he walked out the door, taking off from the balcony.

Natalie waited until Nick relaxed before approaching him.  "Nick?"
Getting no response, she repeated with more concern, "Nick?"

"Would you leave me alone for a while?" he firmly requested, keeping
his back to her.

Although she didn't want to leave, she could understand why he wanted
to be left alone.  Everything was overwhelming him.  Nick still didn't
remember her, or anything from Toronto.  His relationship with his
father was just as rocky as when LaCroix first came to Toronto.
"Okay...I'll be downstairs if you need me."  Pausing, she turned to
leave.

"Leave the bottle.  Perhaps I'll have something later."

Carefully setting the bottle on the table, she glanced his way once
more before leaving Nick to rest.


Another Knight - (06/10)

Abruptly, Natalie woke from sleep.  Not aware of the reason, she looked
around from her position on the couch.  It didn't take long before her
eyes stopped on Nick.  He was leaning against the fireplace mantel, his
eyes staring into the dragon's.  Quietly, she stood up, making her way
over to him.  "Are you feeling a little better?"

Keeping his attention on the carved wooden creature before him, he told
her, "A little.  The hunger is still gnawing at me, but I can drink
only a small amount before I feel sick."

"It'll go away, give it a little time."

Neither spoke for a minute, then Nick turned and voiced, "I didn't mean
to accuse you of betraying me earlier.  I know now that you wouldn't do
such a thing."  At her confusion, he explained, "Some of my memories
are returning, but only a few."

Natalie took a step closer, her expression hopeful.  "What do you
remember?"

"My last night in Toronto."  He watched her sharply inhale.  "I
remember my partner getting shot.  Then, later, you told me she had
died, but she was here, two mornings ago....  That night I had killed
you, then asked LaCroix to do the same to me.  Apparently, things
worked out differently.  You're here, I'm here...."

As his eyes faded off past her, Natalie could nearly see the events
replay themselves.  Once Nick had returned the majority of his
attention to her, she probed, "Do you remember your partner's name?"

"Tracy," he replied a mere second later.  "However, that's all I
remember of her."  Resuming focus on the carved dragon, Nick added,
"That night I was going to leave...I probably should have."

"Why do you say that?  It's the past, and can't be changed."

"Then why have you helped me?  What I am is rooted centuries in the
past.  If the past can't be changed, why have you insisted that I can?"

Natalie cursed to herself.  She would have to think before she spoke.
"Events can't be changed, but people can.  You've proved that to me.  I
still believe we can find a cure...."

"A cure?" he scoffed.  "I'm not sure I want it anymore.  Something
inside me has changed over the past year.  What, I don't know.  I have
no memory after that night until about three months ago.  Since then,
I've been running from LaCroix, starving myself so it would be harder 
for him to find me."  He turned away.  "I'm not even sure why I'm 
running...."

"What do you want?  Do you want to stay here, or go with LaCroix?" she
prodded, wanting to know where he stood.

"I don't want to go with LaCroix, not now.  Here is as good of a place
as any.  If I leave, he'll just follow me."  Nick closed his eyes for a
second, a yawn being covered up by a deep breath.  "I'm going to get a
bit of sleep."

Nick immediately made his way toward the stairs, not giving Natalie a
chance to comment, but she did anyway.  "But...you just got up."

His attention snapped to her with a coldness in his appearance that she
hadn't seen for many years.  "I've been awake since LaCroix left.  As a
result, I am tired."  Resuming his destination, he quickly made his way
up the stairs and out of sight.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Tracy twirled her pencil in her fingers.  She wanted to know how Nick
was doing.  Suddenly, the utensil went flying out into the open,
hitting one of the other detectives as they walked by.  She apologized
and carefully retrieved the object.  Rising, she found Reese standing
above her.

"Detective Vetter, is something bothering you?"

"Um, no...why?"

"Since last night you seem preoccupied, like you're worried about
something.  I know Natalie took Nick's disappearance real hard.  Is
that what's bothering you?  Going over to his place last night?  You've
spent so much time working since that night that I'm afraid you never
got over his disappearance."

"He...that's fine.  It's not a problem."

"By the way, do you know why Natalie's off?  She said something about a
sick friend, but I haven't heard anything about that.  We've tried
calling her, but best we can guess, she's back at Nick's waiting for
him to come back."  He shook his head.  Nick was one of his best
detectives.  "I wish he'd come back as much as she does, but it's not
going to happen."

Tracy just stood, her gaze down turned, one hand rubbing the other.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Tracy...I know something's up.  You haven't been this out of it
since...well, since...I don't know when.  It is Nick, isn't it?"

"Ye...I mean, he's fi...I-I..."   She cursed under her breath.  "Nat's
going to kill me."

Reese just stood there, not sure what to make of the detective's
stuttering.  "How about we go talk in my office?"

She nodded, starting her way to the suddenly chilly room, sitting in
one of the wooden chairs.

Closing the door, Reese focused on Tracy.  "Now, what's this about
Nick?"

"Uh..."  What was she supposed to say?  She'd already nearly spilled
it.  "Nick's um...he's um...here."  There, she'd gotten it out.

"What?"

"Nick...that's why Natalie didn't come in.  She's taking care of him."

"He's sick?  Why isn't he in the hospital?"

"Would you be able to get Nick in a hospital?"  Realizing she'd spoken
aloud, she apologized, "Sorry....  Truth is, I don't know why.  I don't
know how he is either.  Natalie hasn't told me much."

He watched the silent detective.  "How about we go over there?  I want
to make sure he's okay...and I need to talk to Natalie, too."

As Reese approached her, she quietly told him.  "I wasn't supposed to
let anyone know.  Natalie wanted to let Nick decide if he wanted his
presence known."

"I won't tell anyone else.  Especially not until I know what's going
on.  Come on, detective, let's swing by his place."

Hesitantly, she nodded and soberly followed Reese out of the office and
to his car.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Natalie sat watching Nick as he slept.  About a half hour after he'd
gone upstairs, she had followed.  Finding him sound asleep, she had
pulled up a chair and watched him.  Until now, he'd been peaceful, and
although she'd seen the nightmares worse, she couldn't help but be
concerned.

Nearly asleep herself, Nat became wide awake at the sound of the
elevator.  Glancing at Nick to make sure he was still sleeping, she
silently made her way out of the room.  Descending to the lower level,
she found two people.  Not only had Tracy come, but Reese as well.  The
captain wasn't supposed to know Nick was back, but apparently he had
found out from Tracy.

"Trace, I thought we had agreed to wait?"

Wincing, she responded, "I know.  I guess I couldn't keep focused, and
then I just spilled it.  Don't worry though, only the Captain knows."

"How is he?" Reese inquired as the two approached Natalie.

Natalie held back a moment, not really sure what to say.  "Better than
he was forty-eight hours ago, but he still needs rest."

"Can we see him?" Tracy asked, worry etched on her face.

"No, he's sleeping, and I don't want to disturb-"

"I'm not sleeping," Nick stated from the top of the stairs.

Reese was a little startled at his appearance.  Nick wasn't dressed,
his black pajamas hanging too loose on his thin frame as he walked down
the stairs.  His face was a bit thinner and paler than the last time
he'd seen it, and he didn't look well.  At first, the man before him
looked like a complete stranger, but at the same time, Reese knew this
was Knight.  There was no doubt about it.

"And as to how I am, I'm fine."

Although not one believed his words, none of them disputed it either.

Tracy took a few steps closer, "I came by a couple of days ago.  I was
surprised you were here.  Why'd you come back?"

Natalie watched Nick for his reaction.  On the surface, he remained
calm, but she could see the conflict underneath as he struggled to find
an answer.

"I'm not sure.  My memories are a bit mixed up.  All I can remember
about you, is that your name is Tracy, and you were my partner a year
ago.  I also remember you were shot and the announcement of your
death."

Tracy dropped her jaw a bit.  Nick had lost his memory, now for a
second time.  He didn't really remember her at all; she could see it on
his face.  "I-I'm sorry, I guess I shouldn't have started in on the
offensive like that.  And about my 'death'...apparently they got me and
another woman mixed up.  Our injuries were similar, and the charts got
switched."

After an awkward moment, Reese began a new subject, although he wasn't
sure Nick would have an answer.  "Are you returning to Toronto?"

Nick nodded faintly, "Yes, I think so."

"I want to let you know, that you still have your job, if you want it. 
Metro would be more than glad to take you back, once everything gets
settled, that is."

"I don't know...." Nick protested, not having thought much about all of
the details of returning.

"Just think about it.  Let me know what you decide, and take your time.
I don't want you to be forced into anything.  You got that, Detective?"
Reese assured.

Nodding, Nick explained, "I know.  I just haven't thought much about
what I'm going to do."

"Well, know that you are welcome to come back."  Pausing, the captain
turned his attention to Natalie.  "Doctor, I know you would rather stay
here, but we need you to come in.  They're shorthanded with everyone
either off, or out sick."

About to protest, she turned to Nick.

"I'll be fine, and I have some stuff I need to do."  At her concern, he
argued, "They need you at the morgue, and I will be fine."  Seeing Nat
hesitate, Nick told her, "Go on."

"Okay, I'll be back as soon as I can."  Natalie grabbed her things and
followed Reese to the elevator.

Tracy, however, did not immediately follow.  "Hey, Nick, I guess I'll
see you later.  Come by the precinct sometime when you feel better."
Catching up to the others, the three rode down in the elevator.

It was nearly an hour till sunrise.  Although he'd gotten some of his
memories back, Nick knew that only LaCroix could give them all back.
As soon as he heard the cars drive away, he quickly dressed and left,
the only sound being the skylight closing and a faint whoosh of air.


Another Knight - (07/10)

As the early afternoon sun beat down on her, Natalie made her way to
Nick's.  Entering, she could immediately tell something was wrong.
Nick wasn't downstairs, and when she went to his room, she found it
empty as well, his pajamas haphazardly tossed on the bed.

That morning Nick had said he had some stuff to do.  If he wasn't here,
the only place she could think of looking for him was the Raven.
Grabbing her purse, she made her way back out to her car.

Ten minutes later, she found herself trying to get in the front doors. 
Discovering them locked, Natalie made her way to the back doors.  They
were unlocked, so she slowly entered the dark, empty club.
Instinctively, she found another door near the bar.  Cautiously opening
it, she made her way up the stairs on the other side.

At the top of the stairwell were two doors.  One had a little plaque
with 'exit' above it; the other was just plain.  Natalie turned the
knob on the second door, revealing a large, spacious room.

Although the walls were solid white, and the carpet a cream color, the
dominant shades in the room were black and brown, with a bit of deep
red thrown in.  Various boxes and small statues sat on a bookshelf and
the few tables in the room, and several candles were spread throughout.
In one corner sat a covered piano, and she wondered if LaCroix played,
or if the instrument was for Nick.

Hearing a faint noise, Natalie turned her attention to a hallway.
Walking to the last door on the right, she pushed the partly closed
door open to reveal the room.

Nick and LaCroix were both in the room, but paid no attention to her.
Both vampires were kneeling on the ground, the palms of their hands
pressed against the other's.  Approaching a few more steps, she could
see LaCroix' golden eyes boring into his son's.  LaCroix spoke, his
words quiet French, the tone of his voice chilling her.  He was
hypnotizing Nick to make him remember, that was her first guess as she
watched them, the emotions twisting through Nick's body.  She knew they
were connected, and could nearly feel it in the air around her.

Abruptly, LaCroix released Nick's hands, revealing a deep slice across
their palms, the blood bright red.  LaCroix stood, his eyes looking
down, waiting for his son's reaction.

Natalie watched the wounds begin to heal before her eyes, her attention
focusing on Nick.  He was fighting something, that she could see, but
the question was, what?  Placing his fingers on his temples, he seemed
to be in pain, yet it was more than just pain.

Nick felt his memories course through him, those of the last year being
the strongest.  He saw faces flash before him, their lives being
revealed to him as he drained them.  With the removal of his memories,
he had become a killer, a cold-blooded killer.  After that, the next
most prominent group of images was from his time in Toronto.  He had
spent those years in a much different way: helping people.  What had he
done? 

Letting his hands fall, Nick opened his eyes, stating, "No, this is a
lie, I could not have done this, not for any reason.  What have I
become?"

"You have 'become' nothing.  It is what you are and what you have been
for centuries."  Catching a hint of betrayal from his son, LaCroix
mentioned, "You wanted your memories back.  I have given them to you.
Now you know why I took them away in the first place, and why I
initially refused to return them."

After a few seconds he fell to his hands, but otherwise made no
reaction.

"Nicholas, remember that this is what you wanted."  When Nick again
remained silent, LaCroix simply told him, "Rest, mon fils.  You've had
a long day."  Turning to Natalie, LaCroix gestured toward the door.

Preparing to protest, she stopped when the vampire's eyes flashed
amber.  Clenching her jaw, Natalie exited the room.  LaCroix followed,
closing the door behind him.  Then, he led her back to the main room,
telling her to sit.

Doing so, Nat watched LaCroix leave, only to return a minute later with
a glass and a bottle.  He poured the glass half-full, but didn't
immediately take a drink.  Instead, his eyes stared into the ruby
liquid before savoring a sip.

The mortal was silent, waiting for him to explain himself, no doubt.
Yet, what was there to explain?  Nicholas came to him of his own will
to get his memories back.  His actions were his son's will, and blame
for the result was not his own.  But, he couldn't help but wonder if he
should have given all of Nicholas' memories back.  So many times over
the last year he had nearly lost his son, and the only thing that
prevented his child's destruction was the removal of his memories.

Finishing off his glass, LaCroix hoped his son's silence wouldn't
recreate the past, and force their removal once again....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Year Before:

Everything had been set to leave.  The Raven had been closed, and he
had finished packing, planning on taking his son with him that night.
But, he would no longer be leaving.  Not yet.

Gently, LaCroix laid his son on the covered couch, thankful his things
had not been picked up.  Removing the broken off end of the wooden
staff, he immediately sliced his wrist, allowing the blood to drip into
his son's mouth.

Nicholas neither swallowed nor made any reaction.  Their link had
disappeared at the loft, and had not returned.  For a little more than
an hour he had tried several different ways to give Nicholas his blood,
eventually succeeding.

For nearly eighteen hours his son slept deeply.  This was expected
after obtaining a fatal injury.  Yet, something was wrong, their bond
seemed different somehow.

Just after sunset, Nicholas woke.  By then, LaCroix was thoroughly
exhausted, drained not only of energy, but also of blood from
continuously giving it to Nicholas.

Sitting up, Nicholas leaned against the back of the couch, his eyes
locking with his father's.  "Why, LaCroix?  Why didn't you just let me
die?"

With a second pronunciation, LaCroix finally answered, "Because it is
not yet your time."

"Then, why didn't you just refuse?" his eyes searched his father's, but
no answer was forthcoming.  "Finish it.  I made a promise to Nat, and I
intend to keep it."

"The mortal lives.  You did not kill her."

Nicholas shook his head.  "No, I killed her.  I felt her heart stop;
she cannot be alive.  Finish it, LaCroix."

LaCroix poured his glass full, then handed it to his son.  "Drink."

"I do not want it."

"I said drink.  I am taking you somewhere, and you need to have a
little strength.  Now, drink."

Reluctantly, his son drank two glassfuls.  Tossing the younger a shirt,
Nicholas put it on.  LaCroix handed him a jacket, giving him a second
to get it on.  Pulling his child to his feet, he half carried Nicholas
to the roof, taking off without protest.  Landing at the hospital,
LaCroix quickly led them to Natalie's room, where the mortal lay deep
asleep.  "She lives," he told his son, hoping seeing proof would be
enough.

"It is not her, it can not be.  I drained her blood, listened to her
heart stop.  This is just a trick to make me think she's alive."
Staring a moment longer at the sleeping mortal, Nicholas turned
quickly, and left the room.

By the time LaCroix reached the outside, his son was already in the
air.  Following the weak link between them, he found himself at his
son's loft.  Nicholas lay motionless on the roof, his body having used
what little energy it had possessed.  Carefully picking his son up,
LaCroix flew them back to the Raven.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"LaCroix?"

"LaCroix?" Natalie called a second time.

Turning to the mortal, he allowed his icy eyes to meet hers.

Natalie saw the look, the still focusing pupils.  She had often seen it
on Nick's face when he'd been caught in the past.  "What were you
remembering?"

"Nothing," he replied sternly, turning away.

"I know it's not nothing, LaCroix.  It's about Nick, isn't it?"  After
a moment of silence, she demanded, "LaCroix, tell me what it is."

"Nicholas...I took his memories away to save him."

When LaCroix didn't continue, Nat prodded, "You did this after
you...staked him?"

"Not right away, but yes."

She moved from the chair, to sit on the couch.  "Tell me what happened,
please."

He met the woman's eyes again, then related the memory that had
replayed itself for him.

As he stopped, she stated, "But you didn't take his memories away."

"Not then.  It was about a month later.  I asked Janette to come...."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Eleven months previous)

LaCroix watched his son as he had for the past four weeks.  Two weeks
before he had taken his son to Montreal in the hopes that a change of
location would help.  It didn't.

Nicholas lay in the bed, not asleep, but not awake either.  When he
wasn't sleeping, he would stare off into space.  Trying to get a
response had proved useless.

"LaCroix?" came a woman's voice from the door.

Turning, he found Janette.  His link with her was gone as she now
belonged to Nicholas.

She moved toward the bed, getting as close as she could.  "Nicolas?"
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Janette placed her hand on his.
"Nicolas?  Look at me."

Before she could call again, LaCroix interrupted, "He cannot hear you,
Janette.  He will not speak to me, and I doubt you'll have much more
luck."

"Then why have you asked me here?  If you don't think I can help, what
can I do?"

"I'm going to wipe his memory of the last several years.  I may need
help."

"The last several years.  LaCroix..." she began incredulously, but her
words faded off.  "Isn't there anything else you can do?"

"Reach out with your link, what do you feel?"

Janette did as she was told.  When the bond between herself and her
sire was as strong as she could get it, she didn't understand.  "I can
feel nothing more than his presence.  What is this?"

"It is all that is left of him.  What little blood he has is the same
way.  His body will no longer take my blood or any others'.  Taking his
memories is my only choice."

Abruptly standing, Janette moved behind LaCroix and placed a hand on
her ex-sire's shoulder.  "There is another choice.  You can give him
what he wants."  When the elder stiffened, she continued, "Nicolas has
never truly wanted to be one of us.  At times he has lived his part,
but he always regretted it afterwards.  Let go of him, LaCroix."

"No.  He is mine," he forced, keeping his emotions in check.  "I will
not let him destroy himself.  Either help me, or leave.  Choose now."

Stiffening, Janette stated, "I will have no part in prolonging this."
As a flash of anger crossed his face, she reminded him, "I am no longer
yours, and you have no say in my actions."  Turning quickly, she
stormed from the room, not daring to look back.

LaCroix focused on his son's unseeing eyes, looking away just long
enough to cut both his palm, and Nicholas' with his fangs.  Placing the
wounds together, his eyes locked on his child's.  "Nicholas, look at
me.  Nicholas...."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"That was the first of three times I removed his memories.  The first
attempt didn't entirely work and the second time I tried taking more of
his memories.  Finally, I removed everything and tried to get him to
accept his nature.  For a while, it was working.  Nicholas was
indulging fully in his desires.  Then, something changed...perhaps he
started to remember, I'm not sure.  Eventually, that change led him
here."  LaCroix faded off in his explanation, clearly being caught up
in the past.

Natalie was silent at his words.  She wasn't sure what she would have
done.  Would she have gone with Janette, agreeing Nick needed no more
suffering than he'd already had?  Or would she have helped LaCroix,
possibly making matters worse, but helping Nick live?

And what of LaCroix' other attempts?  Nick's mind had to have been
written and rewritten, and she could only imagine the difficulty it
would be to hypnotize another vampire.  That had to have been why
LaCroix had needed the connection with Nick's blood earlier.  LaCroix
needed a way into Nick's mind, and the usual methods weren't strong
enough.

LaCroix snapped out of his thoughts, turning to the mortal.  "Either
stay, or leave us be.  Whatever you decide, do not upset my son."

The last was an icy glare.  Despite LaCroix' apparent agreement with
her suggestion to let Nick remain, he was still LaCroix.  He didn't
wait for a reply before he stood and was on his way down the hall.  She
watched him enter Nick's room, then waited for him to exit, but sleep
claimed her first.


Another Knight - (08/10)

Waking, Natalie heard voices coming from across the room.  When they
changed over and over again, she realized it was the TV.  Sitting up,
she found Nick sitting in the chair next to the couch, absently
flipping channels.  He stopped, and flipped the device off as Natalie
made herself comfortable.

"What are you doing here?" he prodded, wanting to know why she was at
LaCroix'.

"When I got off work, the loft was empty.  I figured you would probably
be here."  Pausing a moment, she asked, "How do you feel?"

"Will everyone just stop asking me that!" he snapped.  Then, seeing
Natalie jump slightly, he inhaled deeply and then apologized, "Sorry.
I'm just tired of being asked how I am.  Just to let you know, I'm
fine."

Immediately, she knew it was a lie from the completely even, hard
timbre of his voice.  Nick was not fine.  When he'd stared at the black
screen for a couple of minutes, she probed, "I know something is
bothering you.  Please tell me what it is, Nick."

Preparing to argue nothing was wrong, he stopped.  What reason did he
have to hold back?  At least this way, she would be able to fully
realize what he was.  "My memories of what I've done in the past year."
Seeing her confusion, he explained, "I've killed, Nat.  So many times
I'm not sure I can count them.  And I enjoyed it.  Deep down I still
want to, but...I know it's wrong."

Nick's revelation was not what she'd expected.  Again, Natalie wasn't 
sure what to think.  She could also see a hint of guilt cross his
features, but it was different than what she'd seen in the past.  It
wasn't as strong or certain as before.  "What are you going to do?  Are
you going to stay here?"

"In Toronto, yes.  I'm also going to try and return to work, although
I'm not certain I should.  What if I can't control it anymore?"

She waited a second before answering.  Her question had been meant to
ask if he was going to stay at LaCroix', but apparently Nick had taken
it another way.  "You'll do fine," she assured.  "But, Nick, if you're
coming back to work only to make up for what you've done and really
don't want to...then you shouldn't."

"I want to come back.  It's just...by now Tracy has a partner, and I
don't think I could handle another one."

Feeling his uncertainty, she nodded.  If Nick did return to work, it
would have to be with Tracy, otherwise it wouldn't work.  Then, trying
to lighten the mood a bit, she commented with a faint smile, "You know,
if you return, you'll need to get a trim."

Nick shook his head slightly, and could tell it was a little on the
long side, it's ends almost certainly uneven and ragged.  Once he'd
started to run from LaCroix, he hadn't had much time to do anything
else.  "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Well, then you should probably get it cut before stopping by the
precinct.  When do you plan to do that?"

"Perhaps tomorrow night?" he suggested, not sure when he wanted to go.

Nick had only been back for a couple of days, and he didn't look much
better than he had the first time she saw him.  His complexion was a
bit less pale, but he was still really thin.  "Don't you think that's a
little early?  I mean, you're still-"

"I'm fine, Nat," he stated, cutting her off.  "I need to do something
other than just sitting."

"Okay..." she started.  "Would you like me to cut it?"  When he didn't
answer, she added, "Or would you rather have LaCroix do it?"

"You."  As soon as he had said that, he felt something, and turned to
his side.  LaCroix stood at the hall entrance.

"You aren't seriously considering going back to work, are you?"

Nick met his father's gaze, firmly stating, "Yes, I am."

About to comment, LaCroix was cut off by Natalie.

"Let him do what he wants, LaCroix."

Glaring at the mortal, LaCroix was beginning to lose his patience.  The
doctor had given him many suggestions, and despite his dislike of her,
he had to admit Nicholas seemed to be behaving better without the
force.  He could tolerate this a while more.  Turning back to Nicholas,
he told him, "Do what you wish, but I think your pursuit to return to
work is foolish.  There will be too many questions to answer."
Focusing on the mortal for a second, he turned and exited the
apartment, leaving for the club.

As her attention settled on Nick, Natalie saw that he noticed
something.  When he passed it off, she was relieved.  Now wouldn't be a
good time to explain LaCroix' change in behavior.  Watching him pour
the final contents of a bottle into his glass and then drain it without
hesitation faintly startled her.

Quickly, he took both to the kitchen, then disappeared down the hall.
Returning, he was dressed to leave, and mentioned, "I guess we should
go back to the loft.  I need space from LaCroix...and that haircut."

Nodding, Natalie stood and led Nick to her car.  As he got in, she
noted he seemed much stronger than he had the previous night, a result
of the blood no doubt.  In silence, they drove to Nick's loft, nearly
three hours left until dawn.

On the way over, Nick had asked her to cut it as soon as they got back.
Once she had a pair of scissors and Nick's hair was damp, she asked,
"How much do you want cut off?"

"Just back to whatever normal is.  I'm guessing you still remember."

She nodded, but before beginning, she asked, "So, what's with you two,
anyway?"

"Just the usual.  I want one thing, LaCroix wants another...they don't
mesh.  I wish he'd just leave me alone."

Natalie shook her head.  "I hate to say it, Nick, but if you're going
to stay and LaCroix' going to stay, shouldn't you two at least pretend
to get along?"

He shrugged.  "I just want everything to go back the way it was."

"I know, Nick.  I know.  Everything will work out.  It might take time,
but it will work out."

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

The next night:

Walking into the precinct produced a sudden halt of activity before
everyone returned to work.  Natalie went as far as Reese's office, but
didn't go in with him.  Closing the door behind him, Nick was indicated
to sit.

"I talked to the Commissioner and IA.  Both are going to allow you to
return to work.  IA will be questioning you, but I don't think you'll
have anything to worry about."  Reese watched the man before him, but
his statement caused no reaction.  "I want you to work with Tracy
tonight.  Not officially, but just to get back into everything.  Make
sure you really want to come back."  When Knight again remained silent,
he asked, "You got that, Nick?"

"Yeah, I know.  I really do want to come back though."

"I still want you to make sure.  Now, go on, and if it's too much don't
hesitate to go home.  Just tell someone first."  Reese emphasized his
last sentence, and then nodded toward the door.

Nick slowly stood, and exited the room.  As the captain watched him
leave, he couldn't help but notice how thin Knight was.  He barely
looked well enough to stand.  Reese hoped this wasn't a mistake.


"Hey, Nick," Tracy called as he made his way over to her desk.
"Natalie mentioned you would be coming."  About the same time Nick
reached her position, Tracy saw her partner approach.  "Nick, this is
Eric Hall.  Eric, this is Nick Knight."

Eric held his hand out, which was hesitantly taken.  "I've heard a lot
about you.  I moved here just after your disappearance."

Nick's stance told her that he was uncomfortable, and Natalie tried to
change the subject a bit.  "Come on you guys, I have that report ready.
It's over at the morgue.  I have a couple of things I want to go over."

Both Eric and Tracy nodded, and the four started for the exit.  Nick
made to follow Natalie, but Tracy suggested, "Nick, why don't you come
with us, we can fill you in on the case on the way to the morgue."

With a glance to Nat, Nick followed the two detectives to Tracy's car. 
Getting in the back, he listened to Tracy and Eric's description of the
current case.  He only partially listened to the actual words, the
majority of his attention focused on the interaction between the two
detectives.

The explanation flitted between the two, but remained smooth.  They
seemed to get along well with each other, their voices animated and
eager.  Eric was Tracy's partner, more than he had been to her, or ever
could be.

"Nick?" Tracy called.

Looking to her, he realized the car had stopped.  He'd lost track of
what was going on around him.  "Sorry, I guess I should pay a bit more
attention."

"It's okay...."  Before she could continue the radio came to life.

"I'll get that," Eric offered.

Nick told the two he'd be inside, and left before Tracy could comment. 
After a second, Eric waved her off, telling her he'd meet them inside.

Walking slowly down the corridor, she stopped just outside Natalie's
'office.'  About to go in, she could hear Nick and Nat talking, their
voices slightly raised.  Curious, she listened.


"Nick, you said you wanted to go back to work.  You can't just back out
on your decisions...."

"Yes, I can.  I still want to come back, but I can't break up Tracy's
partnership.  She and Eric get along, more than we ever did."

Natalie realized where he was going.  "That doesn't mean you have to
give up."

"I have to.  Reese won't let me work alone, and I'm not sure I could
handle another partner.  Tracy's worked hard to get where she is, she
doesn't need me as a partner."

"Don't you think you should give it more time?"

"No," he quickly responded.  Then, evenly, he told her, "Tell Reese I'm
not coming back, but don't tell him, or Tracy, why."

Turning, he went toward the door, and nearly ran into Tracy on the way
out.  He only looked at her a second before continuing the rest of the
way down the hall.  Nick passed by Eric about ten seconds later, then
disappeared through the doors.


Approaching Natalie and his partner, Eric asked, "What was all of that
about?"

"Nothing," the coroner stated, making her way back into the room.

Tracy followed her, demanding, "That wasn't nothing.  I heard your
conversation."

Natalie stopped just before reaching her desk.  Tracy had heard their
discussion, and Nick hadn't even noticed.  But then, he was too caught
up in the situation, and still a little weak.

"Nat, he's not coming back, is he?" Tracy guessed.

Pursing her lips ever so slightly, Nat replied, "No, but I think he'll
stay in Toronto."

"Wait a second," Eric interrupted.  "What are you two talking about?"

The two women glanced at one another.  Then, Tracy turned to him.  "I
overheard part of a conversation between Nick and Nat."

"And?" he prodded, wanting to know what happened.

Natalie took over, "Nick doesn't want to come back to work because it
might break your partnership up.  Reese won't let him work alone, and
another partner would just be too much."

"If I transferred, he could come back though.  I mean, April's been
trying to get me to transfer back to Vancouver...." he suggested.

"And Nick doesn't know that, right, Nat?"

"No, he doesn't.  If Nick did, I think he might change his mind, but I
don't know.  I'll talk to him in the morning about it."  Looking at the
clock on the wall, she noticed they were taking too long.  "Come on,
let's get down to work.  I know you two aren't fond of morgues."

At that, Tracy laughed, glancing to her partner.  Eric hated the morgue
even more than she did.

Watching the interchange, Natalie knew that in some ways Nick was
right.  Eric and Tracy were a good team.  But, she also knew that even
if Nick hadn't come back, Eric would transfer anyway.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she grabbed the autopsy report off her
desk.  Handing it to Tracy, Nat began her overview....


Another Knight - (09/10)

After he and Tracy drove back to the precinct, Eric told her he needed
to get something from home and would be back as soon as he could.  As
unobtrusively as possible, Eric obtained Knight's address and drove
there.  It was a warehouse.  He double-checked the number to make sure
he was in the right place.  Seeing that he was, Eric got out and moved
toward what he guessed was the entrance.  Noticing the security system,
he hit the buzzer, hoping Knight was there.

Five seconds later, Nick's voice filtered through the speaker, "Come on
up."

The security system clicked off, and Eric cautiously entered the
building.  Getting in the elevator, Eric listened to its grinding.
When it stopped, he slowly opened the door, revealing the dim room
beyond.  Eric walked fully into the room, watching the other man put
something into the refrigerator.  "Nice place.  A little dark and
expensive for my tastes, but I like it."

Nick shrugged the compliment off.  Eric wasn't there for social
conversation.  "I'm not coming back to work.  Tell Tracy not to
bother."  Leaving the kitchen area, Nick sunk into his armchair.

"Tracy didn't send me.  She doesn't even know I'm here."  Receiving
silence, Eric moved to stand in Nick's view.  "She overheard you and
Natalie...."

Nick visibly winced.  He knew she had been at the door when he left,
and had hoped she was just entering.  Being caught up in his
conversation with Natalie, he hadn't checked if anyone was listening
in.

"She really admires you, Nick.  If Tracy had the choice, I'm pretty
sure she would rather be your partner."

"You're her partner, and it should stay that way."

"I just wanted to tell you that you *can* be her partner."  As Nick was
about to protest, Eric explained, "This isn't a sudden decision.  My
fiancée has been trying to get me to transfer back to Vancouver.
Neither of us have any family or other connections here, and it's hard
on both of us.  If I transfer, I'm sure Reese would assign you as
Tracy's partner."  Seeing the hesitation, he added, "Please consider
it, Nick."  Eric watched the other's eyes focus on the fireplace before
walking to the elevator and taking it down.

Listening to the elevator descend, Nick grabbed the remote.  Opening
the shutters, he walked over to one of the windows.  Midnight was less
than an hour away and the sky was clear and dark.  From where he was,
Nick couldn't see the moon, only the stars' light illuminating his
view.

Considering Eric's words, he knew they were truthful.  If they'd been a
lie, the vampire would have sensed it.  Nick carefully debated his
decision.  If Eric had already been thinking about transferring before
his arrival, then perhaps he would return to work.  He would talk to
Natalie about it, even though he knew what would be said.  She would
tell him to do what he wanted, and that was to go back to work.

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

That morning, Natalie had indeed dropped by, her opinion the same as he
had figured.  By the time she left, it was after sunrise.

Now, it was night, and Nick was on his way to the precinct in the
Caddy.  It had started right away, but then Natalie had mentioned she'd
started and drove it every couple of weeks.  Pulling into the lot, he
saw Tracy's car, so he knew both she and her partner would be there.

On the way in, he passed by a couple of surprised detectives, and then
made his way over to the captain's office.  As the door was open, Nick
knocked on the doorframe.

"Come on in, Nick," Reese suggested, keeping a friendly tone.  The
captain then watched him close the door and sit in the chair across
from him.  "Eric mentioned that he told you about the possibility of
transferring.  I want to let you know moving here has been hard on him
and his fiancée, April."

"Yeah, he told me.  That's why I came."

"Originally, I refused his transfer because of Tracy.  She didn't need
a third partner in just over a year.  If you come back, you'll be
partnered with her, and I can approve Eric's transfer.  Now, are you
sure that this is what you want?"

Allowing himself to think it over once more, Nick nodded.  He didn't
move as Reese went to the door and called Eric into his office, waving
Tracy to sit down when she stood to follow.

"Nick's decided to come back, which means your transfer will go
through.  I want you to finish the week up, and Nick will join you
starting tomorrow night."

Eric calmly nodded, and as Reese dismissed him, went back to his desk.

Nick made to follow, but was stopped with Reese's voice, "Once IA has
interviewed you, I'll be able to reinstate you.  Be prepared, I don't
know when it will be."

Nodding, the detective made his way to the door, and then approached 
Eric and Tracy.

"I'm glad you're coming back, Nick," Tracy commented, suppressing a
hint of excitement.  "So, when are you officially here?"

Shrugging faintly, he replied, "Whenever IA decides to do their
interview.  Probably sometime next week."

"I'm going to tell April the good news.  Be back in a few minutes,"
Eric said before scooting away from the two.

"Nick, I want to let you know that no matter what IA decides, I know it
wasn't your fault that I got shot."

"But, Trace, it...."

"You didn't know I was there, and I shouldn't have been.  If you had
known, things would have turned out differently."  Pausing, Tracy
waited for Nick to protest again.  When he didn't, she demanded, "I
don't want to hear you blaming yourself for what happened.  You got
that, Nick?"

Giving her a nod, Tracy relaxed, but he didn't.  Tracy insisted he was
not to blame, but Nick knew otherwise.  He now had a perfect memory of
that night.  He should have realized she was there.  It wasn't her
fault.

When she had seen him for what he really was, Tracy had frozen, and so
had he.  That's when she was shot.  The handful of words she'd said
afterward still stung him as the truth they were.  'You could have
trusted me.'  They were still painful.  Tracy remembered none of those
last few minutes.  The memories were lost with her recovery, something
he was still dealing with.

"Hey, Nick," Eric exclaimed putting a hand on Nick's back, making him
jump.  "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Shrugging the hand off, Nick let his nerves settle down a bit before
answering.  "That's all right."

"April's surprised that the transfer's going to be approved, but
ecstatic that we get to go back to Vancouver."  He glanced at his
partner briefly.  "I have to admit that I've missed the city a bit
myself.  I grew up there, as did April, and all of our family live
there.  I'm glad that you came back," he said to the other man.  "Even
more so that Tracy gets her old partner back."

"What about you?" she asked, aware he probably wouldn't be as lucky.

"I'll find out when I get back to Vancouver.  I'll let you know what
happens once I get there."  Taking a slight pause, Eric brought his
thoughts back to work.  "I suppose we should go interview Mrs. Benson
before it gets too late.  I called her after talking to April."

"Yeah, you're right.  Nick, are you going to tag along?" Tracy asked
hopefully.

Nick shook his head.  "Not tonight.  I'll be here tomorrow night,
though."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'll see you later," he mentioned before starting for the exit.

Eric and Tracy watched Nick leave before they headed for her car.
Entering the parking lot, they arrived just in time to see the Caddy
drive away.


Another Knight - (10/10)

One Week Later:

Eric had left for Vancouver the night before.  For the last several
nights, Tracy had been officially working solo, with Nick 'helping out.'

Three hours before, Nick had started his interview with IA.  So far,
she'd heard nothing about how it had gone.

"Trace."

The voice from behind her just about propelled her to the floor.  Her
chair tipped backward, and then she felt herself being caught.  Once the
chair was again upright, Tracy turned to find Nick trying to suppress a 
grin.

"You shouldn't sit like that," he advised, gesturing to the desk in the
process.

Recalling the way she had been sitting, she agreed.  Before he'd called
her name, she'd already been leaning back in her chair, her feet up on
her desk.  It was something she found herself doing often.  "Yeah,
lately it's been becoming a habit.  Although I have to admit, that's
the first time I nearly found myself on the floor because of it."

Nick moved around to his desk, and sat down.  Tracy looked at him for a
moment, and it felt a little strange to see Nick across from her.  Over
the past several months she'd finally gotten used to having Eric
sitting there.  "So, what's the verdict?"

Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved his badge, and tossed it to her.
"I'm officially your partner again."

She took the badge, and opened it up.  Indeed, he was, although his
picture was a bit different.  He looked...she wasn't sure, but he
seemed darker, as if something was bothering him just under the
surface.  She closed the badge, handing it back to him and trying to
shrug the feeling off.

Grabbing a pile of papers, she passed them across to Nick, plopping
them on his desk.  "Then you can help me with some of this.  Eric's
last day was last week, and he wasn't able to help me with any of it.
Until now, you haven't been able to either, but now you can."

The expression on his face was identical to ones she'd seen many times.
With so many things different about Nick, she had wondered how much
else had changed.  He was still thin and his manner seemed strange.
Not his behavior, but the feeling she got when he was around.  Nick had
been wearing a lot of black and other dark colors, more than he usually
did, and he somehow seemed...well, the same way his badge photo seemed-
-darker.

"Anything interesting happen while I was away?"

Nick's question brought Tracy back out of her thoughts.  "Umm...no,
just wrapping up the Carry case.  Reese will get it before the end of
the night."

*+.*+.*+.*+.*+.

Nick arrived home about a half hour before dawn.  Natalie had mentioned
she was coming over to talk, but wouldn't be there for a few more
minutes.  Approaching the refrigerator, he felt a faint tingle at the
back of his mind.  Turning, he found LaCroix several meters away.

As his sire moved toward him, Nick stated, "I did not invite you here."

"I don't need an invitation, Nicholas."

"What do you want?" the younger demanded.

"What I have always wanted: for you to stop this foolish game."

"This is no game, it is my life!"

LaCroix bristled at the tone of his son's voice.  "This 'life'," the
elder began with disgust, "is a game, and a very dangerous one at
that."

Nick's anger began to boil.  "This is no game, LaCroix!" he repeated.

Why wouldn't his son listen to him for once?  When Nicholas looked
away, LaCroix took the opening.  Flying at his son, he pinned the
younger against the far wall by the neck.  "Nicholas!  This is
dangerous!  You do not belong in the mortal world!"  He could feel the
vampire rise in his son, and watched as gold dispelled the blue.
"Returning to your work is foolhardy.  Perhaps they don't notice
anything now, but you will not be able to remain here for long.  You've
already stayed in this city for far too long.  Continuing this 'life'
will only create problems.  You know that."

Struggling in his sire's grasp, Nick managed, "I...am...staying...."

LaCroix allowed his grip to tighten slightly.  When he felt a mortal's
heartbeat on the edges of his senses, he hissed, "They are mortals, you
are not.  You are a vampire.  Your place is with me, not among them!"  
As the elevator door opened, LaCroix released his son.

Natalie entered Nick's loft, only to find LaCroix there as well.  Nick
was falling to the ground, and once he'd gained his balance, he glared
at LaCroix.  The vampire was clearly visible on the surface, a snarl just
beneath it.

"LaCroix!" she exclaimed, rushing toward Nick.  "What are you doing to
him?"

"I am giving him advice that he would take if he were thinking right.
Nothing more."  LaCroix started toward the center of the room.
"Consider my words, Nicholas.  You are too close to the mortals.  It
will cost you."  Glancing briefly at the mortal, he lifted into the
air, flying out the skylight.

As Nick leaned against the wall, Natalie watched as his features
returned to normal.  "Nick?  Are you all right?"

"I'll be fine in a few minutes.  Just give me a little while..."

"What did LaCroix want?" she questioned, wanting to know why LaCroix
had come.

He considered if he should tell Natalie about what happened.
Eventually he just stated, "He doesn't think I should return,
particularly to work.  You heard the rest."  Nick moved away, and sat
in his chair.

"Will he try again?"

"Of course he will," he nearly laughed.  "If he didn't, I would know
something was wrong.  Despite his goodwill of letting me stay, LaCroix
wants more than that.  He wants me to come back to him.  What he
doesn't get, is that I won't.  Not now."  Nick considered his words, and
realized something was already up.  LaCroix never let him off that
easy.  When his sire wanted him to leave, they left, whether it was of
his own will or not.  But, this time he was still there.  LaCroix'
goodwill was out of character.

"Nick?"

He came back to his senses.  "Yeah, I'm here.  I was just thinking."

"I wanted to stop by to see how the night went.  I'm guessing it was
better than the last few minutes?"  Receiving a faint nod, she
continued, "So, how'd it go?"

"IA cleared me of fault for Tracy's shooting.  They also cleared me for
the rest of what happened that night."

When his eyes met hers, a shiver shot down her spine.  Nick seemed
different.  His features seemed to be shady, like he was concealing
something.  It was something she had noticed during their first
meetings, but it had slowly faded as they had become friends.  Now, it
was back.  "That's good though, isn't it?"

Nick broke his gaze, responding, "It means I get to return to work, but
it just doesn't feel right.  Those events were my fault....  And then
there are the things I've done in the last year.  Natalie, I've become
what I hate, but my hatred seems to be waning."

As he looked up at her, Nat could see the pure confusion battling
within him.  A question raised itself, and she didn't know the answer. 
Was it too soon for Nick to return to work, or should he just move on? 
"Do you want to stay here?  I mean, really want to, without doubt?"

He allowed the silence to surround him, bathing in the strength it gave
him to answer.  "Yes, I want to stay.  But, I'm different.  I don't
want to search for a cure, not right now."  Seeing her disappointment,
he told her, "You can continue looking if you like, but if you find
something, don't expect me to be thrilled."

Natalie wanted to scream, to tell him to keep looking, to do something.
At the same time, she didn't want to push him into anything.  As when
they first met, she would have to be cautious in her words and actions.
"I understand, but I will keep looking, if you don't mind."

"I don't mind," he stated, before his stare was lost to one of the many
objects of the room, undoubtedly to some long past memory.

Her eyes focused on Nick, and she wondered how long he could hold out,
how long it would be before he left.  Not right away, that much she
knew, but he could only stay so long.  To herself, Natalie wondered
just how much the man before her was like the mortal he had at one time
been.  Yet, with how close the vampire was to the surface, she would
guess this was similar to what he'd been like not long after he was
brought across.  If LaCroix was careful and the circumstances were
right, he could snag Nick up and regain him.

Suddenly, Nick looked at her, and Natalie realized it was just after
sunrise.  "I guess I should go then?"

Nick nodded, and as she reached the elevator, Nat took another glance
at Nick before leaving.  He listened as the crate descended, and her
car drove away.

Telling her he wasn't going to search for a cure anymore, made him feel
like he was somehow betraying her.  At the same time, he knew he had
to.  He had mixed feelings, and although he had decided not to kill,
mortality wasn't one of his current goals.  Humanity, perhaps, but not
mortality.  Toronto would be his home for now.  He just wished LaCroix
would stay further away.  If he had more space, perhaps they could get
along.

The last year had worn him down physically, and now that he had all of
his memories back, mentally as well.  He needed to work.  LaCroix
didn't understand that, but Natalie did.  She didn't push him into
something he didn't want.  LaCroix was allowing him to stay, although
the distaste for his choice had already made itself known.  His father
would just have to put up with it.  Toronto was his home, and Nick
Knight was his life.

~fin~

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the story!
Comments, suggestions, etc. to: jarvinia@hotpop.com