Hello again! Here's the next installment in my 'Changes, Fate and Love' series. Nick/Nat and the crew belong to Sony/TriStar, TPTB, and the rest. I am just keeping them on life support. 'At the Beginning' is sung by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis. Again, no copyright infringement intended. Thanks for all of the positive feedback~ it really helps. Suggestions, questions and comments are welcome. E-mail me at: kcsmith@hotmail.com. Here it is. Enjoy! At the Beginning *Dr. Natalie Lambert/ Knight sat at the desk in her new office. Since returning to work after the explosion the previous year that had nearly killed her, and had killed Dr. Wiest, there were a lot of new changes. All city employees were now required to wear photo ID badges, which were scanned to allow access in or out of all non-public areas. The enhanced security did nothing, however, to prevent her guest from gaining access to her whenever he chose to do so. Lately, that was starting to really annoy her. "What do you want, LaCroix?" Nat asked, without even looking up from her computer screen. "My dear Dr., you sound irritated. I hope I am not disturbing you." LaCroix seated himself in the leather chair across from her. "Cut the crap, LaCroix. The only time you come here, is to try and place a wedge between me and Nick, or because you need me to cover for one of the younger ones' mistakes. Which is it this time?" Nat looked up and raised an eyebrow. She stopped and looked more intently at him, stretching out with her enhanced senses. Something was really bothering him, this time. "LaCroix? What is it?" Nat asked. LaCroix took a deep breath. "I'm afraid that it is the latter, Dr., that brings me here." "You seem upset about this one. Why?" Nat asked, looking him straight in the eyes. "Because this one is preying on young, homeless girls." LaCroix stated calmly. "I wouldn't expect that to bother you. You seem to loathe the human race as a whole, why would the lives of a few homeless 'street urchins', as you've called them, concern you?" Nat asked. She was beginning to discover another side to the seemingly heartless old vampire. "Because Dr., not only is he endangering the Community with his foolish attacks on these girls, he is breaking our Code in one of the worst possible ways." LaCroix actually hissed at her. Natalie leaned back in her chair and narrowed her eyes. "What's going on, LaCroix? And why bring it to me?" LaCroix leaned forward slightly. "Because you and Nicholas are now responsible for stopping these things." He told her. "And because...all of these girls were with child." He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him. Natalie's eyes grew wide, as the horror of what he had just told her sunk in. Suddenly she was furious. LaCroix felt the fury reverberate in the air around them, and marveled at how quickly she recovered. Nat swallowed hard, then looked at LaCroix. "What do you mean, Nick and I are now responsible for stopping this?" She asked him. "Shiloh has not spoken to you?" LaCroix asked, knowing full well he hadn't. "No. What's going on?" Nat asked. Just then, Nick burst through the door. He looked absolutely furious. "Nat, we have a real problem." He noticed LaCroix sitting in the chair across from Nat, and his frown turned to a scowl. Nat looked at him, feeling the fury radiate from him. "I know, Nick. LaCroix was just filling me in. Weren't you?" Nat looked pointedly at him. LaCroix hid his amusement. "As you wish. The High Council has decided that since the two of you are in 'Law Enforcement' in the mortal world, you are in the best position to cover up, and put a stop to, killings such as these. Your new 'gifts', Dr., are going to prove very useful along these lines." Nick looked at LaCroix. "What gives them the right to decide something like that? Don't we have any say in the matter? What if we refuse?" His anger was getting the best of him again. LaCroix was out of his chair in the blink of an eye, pinning Nick against the wall. His eyes were a feral red, and his fangs were descended. "You will do it, Nicholas, because it is your duty to your own kind." Natalie leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. 'Here we go again.' She thought. Both vampires looked at her. She raised an eyebrow, then motioned for the chairs in front of her desk. "If you're finished...?" She stated calmly. LaCroix's eyes narrowed, but he released Nick and returned to his seat. Nick, looking for all the world like a guilty child, took the other. Nat shook her head. "Well. The question now is, how do we catch this 'rogue' vampire, and stop him from doing this again?" She waited patiently for one of them to answer. Sometimes she felt more like a referee, than Nick's wife. *Nick took Nat's hand, as they entered the 96th precinct. They stopped at the front desk, to talk to Caprice, who grinned at the sight of the couple. She was glad they had finally gotten together, though she was a little disappointed that Toronto's most alluring bachelor had been snagged. "Hello. What can I do for you?" She asked them. Nick turned on the charm, and Nat just turned her eyes in his direction, grinning ruefully. She knew it was an old habit. She rolled her eyes and winked at Caprice. "Hi, Caprice. I need to know if you can get me the case files on the deaths of a few homeless, teenage girls? I know they weren't our jurisdiction, but I want to look at them." He smiled his most charming smile. Caprice smiled at Nat. "Sure, Detective. I think I can manage to do that for you." She turned to her computer. "I'll send them through to you." "Thanks." Nick said, turning to leave. Nat looked at him as they walked through the precinct. "You really need to stop doing that. Most of the women around here know that you're taken, but one day, someone is going to get the wrong idea." Nick looked at her, a puzzled expression creasing his brow. "Doing what?" He asked. Nat stopped and looked into his eyes. She laughed suddenly, as she realized, he really had no clue. "Nothing. I'll explain, later." Nick looked even more confused, but turned and continued on to his desk. "Well, if it ain't Toronto's most notorious couple!" Schanke exclaimed. Nat looked at Schanke and smiled. "Hi, Schank. Hey, Trace. How are you, these days?" Schanke raised an eyebrow. "Well, you'd know if you stopped by more often, Dr./Administrator Lambert/Knight. Geez, Nat. You need to lose some of those names. A guy could die from lack of oxygen, before getting it all out." Natalie grinned at him. "Well, if you'd lay off of the doughnuts, the souvlaki, and the beer, you'd be in better condition to say them." Schanke put on a mock pout for a minute, then grinned wickedly. "So, you guys expecting yet? The whole precinct is taking bets on how long it takes the two of you to make a little Knight." Natalie's eyes widened, as she blushed furiously. "No, Schank. Nick and I don't want to rush it. You'd better be nice to me, you know." Schanke raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why would I want to do that?" Natalie's face became absolutely serious. "Because I'm the Chief Coroner. I could kill you, and no one would *ever* know." She grinned slowly, a wicked gleam in her eye. Tracy burst into hysterical laughter. "Oh migod, Nat, that is the *best* thing I've heard in months!" Schanke laughed, too, although a bit more uncertainly. "Yeah, Nat. Real funny." Natalie gave Schanke an affectionate smile, then kissed him on the cheek. "You do know I'm just kidding, right?" "Yeah, sure, I knew that. You'd never hurt anyone, Nat. It's just not in your nature." Schanke said, relaxing somewhat. Nick exchanged a quick look with Nat. He saw the slightest look of sadness cross her features. 'Nat, don't. It wasn't your fault.' He sent to her. Nat nodded slightly at her husband. 'I know, Nick. But it still hurts.' Nick silently moved to take Nat in his arms, oblivious to the others in the room. She was hurting, and he couldn't stand that. Tracy smiled at the two before her, as Nick tenderly kissed Nat. She was just a little envious at what they had. "Okay, you two, cut it out. Your shifts are over, so take it home." She said, playfully. Nick looked at his partners, then to his wife. He grinned at her, and she grinned back. "We were just leaving." Nick said, to no one in particular. As Nick grabbed his coat, and a few files, Nat stood there blushing more every second. Finally, they turned and with a quick wave, left the station. Tracy laughed. "I give them another three months." She said to Schanke, as she gathered her things. Schanke shook his head. "Nope. One, maybe one and a half, tops. If she isn't pregnant, already." He picked up his stuff, and they left the station. ADULT: *Nick pulled the Caddie into one of the garages, then hurried around to open the door for Natalie. He took her hand, helping her out of the car, then pulled her into his arms. He kissed her passionately, inching his way to the security panel by the lift door. He released her lips, just long enough to punch in the security code, then pulled her body against his. They moved into the lift, their kiss never breaking. By the time the lift had reached the top floor, Nick and Nat's jackets and shoes were off. As they entered the loft, hands and mouths exploring, they quickly shed most of the rest of their clothing. They stood at the foot of the stairs in only their underclothes, still kissing each other. Nick picked Nat up, and flew her up to the bedroom. Nick's lips were caressing the skin of Nat's cheek, moving to her neck, and her shoulder. He removed the lacy satin bra she wore, his lips claiming one of the dusty rose colored nipples of her breasts. Nat threw her head back, gasping in pleasure, as Nick sucked gently on the now hard bud. "Oh, Nick," she gasped, "I can't get enough of you. I love the way you touch me. The way you fill me." She reached down and removed his briefs. "I need you, Nick." Her breathing was ragged, her legs felt like Jell-O. Nick pushed her onto the bed, removing her underwear, and groaning in pleasure, as she stroked his long, hard shaft. He kissed his way down her flat stomach, to her sensitive clit. He ran his tongue over it, smiling at the shriek of passion that emanated from Natalie. He looked up and saw that her eyes were closed, her hands unconsciously caressing her breasts. He gasped at how intensely erotic he found that to be. "Nat, look at me." He said, his voice lower, hoarser. Nat lifted her head up slightly, looking into his eyes. "Nick?" She wondered what was wrong. "Nat, trust me? Please? I want to do something different." He looked hesitantly at her, not sure how she would take this. "Something different? What do you mean?" She trusted him completely, though she was unsure of what he wanted. Nick moved from the bed and pulled up a chair, sitting so that he could see her. "I want to watch you." Nat's eyes grew wide, as the meaning of his words sunk in. "Wa-Watch me?" She stammered. She knew her face was flaming. "Yes. Please, Nat. Let me watch you pleasure yourself. I promise we'll be one. Just for awhile?" Nick didn't want to push her, but he did want her to do this. Nat, feeling a bit embarrassed, but also, strangely excited, nodded. "Okay." Nick leaned back in the chair, never taking his eyes off of her. He watched as she slowly caressed each breast, rolling the nipples between her thumb and forefinger. After several seconds, she slowly moved her right hand down, lightly touching her mound. She seemed a bit unsure, as she slowly, moved her fingers to hold open her labia. "That's it, Nat. Just like that. Touch yourself. Feel how hot you are. Stick your fingers inside and feel how wet you are." His eyes were golden, now, but he remained in his chair. Nat did as he told her, gasping at the feel of the hot, slick fluid that now covered her fingers. She moved one finger to her clit, rubbing it gently. Her embarrassment soon gave way to the intense feelings of pleasure she was suddenly experiencing. She opened up her feelings, wanting to share this with Nick. Nick growled softly, as he felt Natalie's pleasure through their link, and his own pleasure, at watching her. He watched in fascination, as she moved her fingers over the erect nub, slowly at first, then faster and harder. Her breathing became shallower, her eyes were closed tightly. She plunged two, then three fingers into her dripping cavern, her hips moving rhythmically. She gasped out his name, as her orgasm shook her body. Nick's eyes were now red, and he was furiously pumping at his throbbing erection. He wanted her. He needed her. "Natalie..." He growled. Natalie was gasping, still stroking herself, as she climbed to another climax. She needed Nick inside of her, needed to share this with him. "Nick?" She whimpered. "Nick, I need you. I need to feel you, to be a part of you. Nick! Take me now!" She gasped as she felt his hard shaft thrust deeply into her, his weight now fully upon her. She thrust her hips up to meet his, wrapping her legs around his waist. Their thrusts became harder, faster, and Natalie lost all coherent thought. Nick was relentlessly pounding Natalie. The feel of her heat surrounding him, made him lose all reasoning, as he moved inside of her. He growled again, as he neared his release. Nat opened her eyes at the sound of his growl, then turned her head, exposing her neck. She placed a hand on the back of his neck, pulling him toward her. "Please, Nick! Now? Take me, I'm begging you..." Nick stopped, momentarily taken aback. Nat had *never* begged him to take her. The vampire roared in triumph, as he planted his fangs in her neck, thrusting harder and deeper into her, than ever before. As Natalie felt her blood erupt into Nick's mouth, she felt Nick's seed explode into her. She was drowning in a sea of intensely erotic feelings. She felt the love that Nick had for her, the peace that now filled his heart and soul, and she pushed into them. Nick started to remove his fangs, but Natalie silently stopped him. 'Keep going!' She told him. He frowned in puzzlement, but continued. He felt her heartbeat waver, felt her losing consciousness, but he felt the compulsion to keep going. Her breathing stopped, and she went completely limp in his arms. "Nat?" Nick looked down at her, fear and pain attacking him. Her heart had stopped. "Natalie! Nat, no! Don't do this!" He sat up on the bed, pulling her still form into his arms. He began to weep, sobbing uncontrollably for several minutes. How could he have done this? Why couldn't he stop? Suddenly, Natalie took a deep, gasping breath. Nick pulled back slightly. "Nat?" Her heartbeat had resumed, though it was incredibly fast. She opened her eyes. "Oh, Nick... that--was *incredible*. " She said softly. "Thank you." Nick looked at her in stunned disbelief. "Nat? What the hell just happened? I thought I killed you!" Natalie smiled and gently caressed his face. "Silly... I can't *be* killed, remember? Not by mortals. Not by vampires. I had something to do, but I had to die, to do it." Nick frowned at her. "You want to explain that to me?" Nat touched his cheek again. "Not now, love. I'm really tired. Just hold me, and I'll explain it to you, tonight." She lifted up slightly, to kiss him. Nick frowned, but agreed. He lay next to her, pulling her close, then closed his eyes. "Nat? Next time, *warn* me first, okay?" Nat nodded sleepily. "MmmHmm. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry." Nick kissed the top of her head. As he drifted off to sleep, he thought, for once, he was glad he wasn't mortal. He was sure that if he were, he would have a migraine right about now... *Nat awoke to the sound of the shower running. She slowly climbed out of bed, willing her protesting muscles to move. She wrapped her robe around her, then slowly made her way down the stairs. She noticed the trail of clothing that led from the lift, to the stairs, and shook her head, grinning. Heading straight for the refridgerator, she pulled out the container containing her protein drink. After last night, she needed a little bit of a jumpstart. Retrieving a glass from the cupboard, she poured herself some of the chocolate flavored mixture, and downed it quickly. After polishing off the entire container full, she started to work on picking up the loft, still moving a bit slowly. Nick stepped out of the shower and dried off. He was still puzzling over the events of that morning. As he wrapped his robe around him, he thought about how he had behaved. He had killed Nat. True, she came back, but he had killed her. Instead of the gentle compulsion to stop he felt whenever he took her blood, he had felt an insistent compulsion to continue. Even when he had *wanted* to stop, knowing somehow, that he was taking too much, he had been unable to do so. He frowned slightly, as he headed down the stairs. He saw Nat moving slowly around the room, cleaning up their clothing and putting things away. He frowned even deeper, at the sight of her moving so stiffly and slowly. Nat felt Nick's presence, as he silently descended the stairs. She turned and grinned at him. "Good 'morning.'" She said to him. She stopped short, at the look on his face. "Nick? What's wrong?" Nick looked at the floor, his expression turning to one of pain and regret. "I hurt you, Nat. I promised I'd never hurt you." Nat moved to his side, gently touching his face. "Nick? I'm fine. You didn't hurt me." He looked at her. "Nat, you can hardly walk. I *killed* you, for god's sakes!" Natalie frowned, then smiled gently at him. "Nick, listen to me. I know that this is hard for you. I don't understand it, myself. Sometimes, something happens to me and I instinctively know what I'm supposed to do, even if I don't consciously understand it. Like after we got married, and I had to face down LaCroix. I just knew what I had to do. I didn't know how I knew, just that I did. And when that young vampire was attacking that girl. I acted on instinct. It hurts so much to know that she died, because I should have been able to stop it. " She placed a finger on his lips, to stop his protests. "Nick, I instinctively knew that I had to die this morning. That's why I gave into the vampire. I begged you to take me. I have never done that. Since the very beginning, I've made the vampire succumb to me. But in order to make you do what needed to be done, I had to relinquish my will to you. Sure, I'm a little sore. But I wouldn't trade the achiness I feel now, for anything. It reminds me that you and I are one, body and soul, and it gives me great joy and peace." She kissed him tenderly, opening her thoughts and emotions to him. Nick responded to her kiss, to the feelings and thoughts she projected to him. She had no regrets, no fear. She loved him and accepted him. They broke off the kiss, clinging silently to one another. Nick picked her up and carried her over to the sofa, sitting down with her on his lap. "Tell me, Nat. Why did you have to die?" He buried his face in her hair, breathing deeply of her wonderful scent. "I had to get some information. Nick, it was incredible! I was standing in a garden, wearing a long, white dress. There was this really bright light, coming from everywhere. Someone was standing behind me, and I turned to look at them. It was a man, with the kindest eyes you've ever seen. He told me not to be frightened, that I had done exactly what I was supposed to do. He placed his hands on my face, and I felt this incredible sense of peace and tranquility. He told me to close my eyes, and when I did, I suddenly knew all sorts of things I'd never known before. It took only seconds, then he told me to go back, for you were extremely distressed, and you needed me. I woke up, and you were holding me, crying." She touched his face, then gently kissed him. "I truly am sorry for frightening you. He told me, sometimes I would have to die, in order to get the information I need. You will generally have to be the one to do it, but don't be worried. I will always come back to you. I promise." She kissed him again. "I love you, Nick." She whispered into his ear. "More than anything." Nick looked at Natalie, eyes shining with blood tears. "I love you, my Natalie. With all I am." "My, my, how touching." LaCroix's voice said from behind them, dripping with sarcasm. Natalie laid her head on Nick's shoulder, toying with the lapels of his bathrobe. "What now, LaCroix?" Nick ran his fingers through her soft curls, glancing back at his sire. "What is it, LaCroix?" "I came to see what you intend to do about the current 'situation.' The others are getting impatient." LaCroix said, moving around to stand in front of them. He noticed the tender way they held one another, the look of love and peace in their eyes, and he turned away from them. Natalie caught the look on LaCroix's face, just before he turned to walk over by the window. She was beginning to understand a few things about the ancient vampire, and wished she knew of a way to help him, without making him feel as if his pride or dignity were in jeopardy. Nick tightened his embrace around Nat's waist. "We're going to take care of it, tonight, hopefully. Nat and I are both off duty." "Don't worry, LaCroix, we'll put a stop to it. Just like we did, last time." Nat assured him. The lift motor engaged, and Nat closed her eyes momentarily. "It's Shiloh and Aliyah. I suppose they want to discuss this with us. Do you wish to join us, LaCroix?" Nat invited. LaCroix looked slightly surprised by Nat's invitation. "No, I'm afraid I can not. I have other matters to attend to." He nodded briefly, then disappeared. Nat kissed Nick. "Are you hungry?" She asked him. Nick grinned at her. "No. I had a beautiful Coroner for breakfast. That should tide me over, awhile." He frowned slightly, but grinned again when Nat whacked him on the arm, laughing. Shiloh and Aliyah entered the loft. "Nicholas. Natalie. I trust you are well?" Shiloh said to them. Aliyah looked at the two before her. Something was different. "Natalie? Is everything all right?" Nat nodded. "Fine. Why do you ask?" "Well, we couldn't help but overhear Nicholas' remark. And you seem different, somehow, from the last time I saw you." She answered. Nat smiled at them. "I had to die this morning, so I made Nick kill me. I talked to a 'guide', I guess is as good a term as any, and he gave me some information." Shiloh looked at Natalie. "You made Nick kill you?" Nat nodded. "Yes. And before you freak out, let me tell you, he *had* to. The 'guide' told me that on occasion, I will have to die, in order to obtain the information I need. He also told me, that Nick will usually have to be the one to kill me, but to reassure him that I will return, and that he is not to blame." Aliyah looked thoughtfully at Natalie. "What else did this 'guide' tell you?" Nat looked at the group in the room. "You're not going to believe this." Nick frowned. "What, Nat?" Natalie touched his face, gently. "What would you say if I told you, that everything you think you know about being a vampire is wrong? That all of the old beliefs and superstitions you hold, are inaccurate? Nick, there is no cure. But, there *is* a way for you to experience all of the things you want to experience." Nick's face fell slightly, when she said there was no cure, but brightened again when she said the last part. "I don't understand. How?" Nat stood and walked over to the window, staring out into the night. "Have you ever heard of a prophecy about a 'redeemer'?" She asked quietly. Shiloh and Aliyah looked sharply at one another. "Yes. How do you know about that?" Shiloh asked her. "Because," Nat said quietly, "I've just been told that I'm it. I was sent here, not only to be a companion to Nick. Not only to soothe his soul and mind. I was sent, because I'm supposed to prepare the Community for the Millenium." Shiloh looked at Aliyah and grinned. "They *are* the ones." He told her. Nick looked at him, frowning. "What do you mean?" He moved to stand by Nat, in front of the window. Shiloh and Aliyah came and knelt before them. "We humbly offer our service and loyalty to you." Shiloh said to them. Nat and Nick exchanged puzzled glances. "Shiloh? What are you doing? What's going on?" Nat asked. Shiloh took Aliyah's hand and looked up at the pair before them. "You, Nicholas and Natalie, are the new rulers of the Community. We have waited a long time, for your arrival. A very long time, indeed." He told them. "You will restore our people and once again bring us the unity and hope we have been seeking. You are to be the greatest among our kind." Aliyah added. Nick and Nat exchanged startled glances. "How, exactly, do you know this?" Nat asked. Shiloh looked at Natalie. "This 'guide', besides telling you that you are the 'redeemer', did he say anything to you about Nicholas?" Nat nodded slowly. "What? What did he say?" Shiloh pressed. "He said, that the 'One Who Searches' shall search no more. For not only has his heart been healed, but his soul cleansed. His return from the darkness shall signal a new era, and, to begin the process, he must freely submit his will to the 'One Sent from God'." Aliyah looked at the two of them. "I know that this is personal, but when you join, who submits? You, or Nicholas?" Natalie blushed slightly. "Well, Nick tries to get me to submit to him, but I won't. I never have. Until last night, that is." Aliyah looked confused. "Last night?" Natalie nodded. "I needed to die. I don't know how I knew, I just did. In order to be able to make him kill me, I had to submit to him." Aliyah looked at Shiloh. They spoke silently for a few minutes, then turned back to the couple before them. "You two are definitely the ones we have been waiting for. We would like to go and speak to the Council, then we would like to present you to them. Until then, we must inform you that you and Nick are supposed to try and find the young vampire that is killing homeless girls. The Council feels that the two of you are best equipped to deal with the situation." Shiloh told them. "We will keep you informed. Until then, good night, and good luck." With that, they left, not bothering to use the lift this time. "Nick, do you think it's really possible that *we* are the fulfillment of some ancient prophecy?" Nat asked. Nick kissed the top of her head. "I don't know, Nat. If it's true, our lives are about to change, forever." Nat looked up into his blue eyes. "As long as we're together, we can handle anything." "Yes. As long as we're together, Nat." He looked intently at her for several minutes. "So, I guess we ought to start looking for this young vampire. Any ideas on where to start?" He asked. Nat nodded her head. "As a matter of fact, that's another thing I learned this morning. I know exactly who is doing this, and how to find him." She smiled. "I also have a big surprise for you. Let's get dressed." Nick and Nat dressed hurriedly. Nick in a pair of black jeans and a red t-shirt, Nat in a faded pair of jeans and an oversized white sweatshirt. "Okay, so what's this big surprise?" Nick asked her. Nat smiled. "Well, I may be a little shaky, so you're going to have to help me." "Help you what?" Nick asked. Nat's eyes never left his, as she levitated off the ground. "I've never flown without a plane around me before, so you'd better make sure I get it right." She smiled at his astonished expression. In seconds, Nick was in front of her, pulling her into his arms. "Don't worry, I promise." He smiled broadly at her. "You are going to *love* this!" He said, as he opened the skylight and led her out into the night air. *Nick and Natalie landed a few feet from the 'rogue' vampire, as he finished off his latest victim.They had gotten there as quickly as they could, but it was still too late. He turned and snarled at them, and in a heartbeat, had Natalie by the throat. "If you move, I kill her!" He growled at Nick. Nick stopped, his eyes flashing red, his fangs extended. "If you kill her, you answer to *me*, young one. Let her go!" He growled. Nat relaxed and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes, then said, "Let me go. Now." The young vampire tightened his grip on her neck. "Shut up! I'll kill you, if you say another word." Nat sent the thought out, as forcefully as she could muster. 'Let me go. If you do not obey me, you will die." The vampire faltered momentarily, unsure of why he felt the compulsion to obey. His grip on Nat loosened. Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind. The flash of red eyes and white hair stopped his struggles. He knew who this vampire was. LaCroix grabbed the young vampire by the neck, holding him at arm's length. "You would *dare* to harm a member of my family?" He roared. "No. No, I didn't know." He was struggling against the grip around his throat. "You have broken the Code. You have placed the Community in danger. You have attacked a member of my family. Now, you shall die!" With one fell swoop, LaCroix planted a wooden stake cleanly into the heart of the rogue vampire. He stumbled briefly, then looked at Natalie, who was now in Nick's arms. "Are you all right, my dear?" He asked. Nat, slightly taken aback, nodded. "Uh, yeah. Thank you." She turned confused eyes to Nick, only to see the same look upon his face. LaCroix turned sharply, looking at the corpse of the young girl. "Natalie, the child! It still lives within it's mother." Natalie rushed over to the body, turning her over onto her back. She felt the girl's stomach, then looked at Nick. "We have to take the baby, Nick, or it'll die." Nick picked up Nat's medical bag from where she had dropped it, then pulled out his cell phone to call for help. After he hung up, he stood by her. "Tell me what to do." LaCroix came up beside them, handing Nick several blankets. "Here. Use these." Nick looked at LaCroix momentarily, then watched as Nat carefully cut the dead girls abdomen open with the scalpel from her medical bag. She pulled the skin away, cutting through one layer at a time. "Nick, help me. I need you to hold this open for me." She said to him. Nick fought back the desire to taste the blood that was suddenly in front of him. He held the incision open, as Nat directed, closing his eyes. Nat cut away the last layer of tissue, then reached in and carefully removed the tiny baby. She wrapped him in the blanket LaCroix handed her, then began to clean and suction out the mouth and nose. The baby's lips were turning blue, as Natalie frantically worked to revive the infant. "Please, oh, please. Don't die. Fight!" She said, as she started mouth to mouth and CPR. After a few seconds, the pitiful cries of the child filled the night. In the background, sirens could be heard, as emergency crews arrived. Natalie looked at LaCroix. He was staring at the tiny baby boy, a pensive expression on his face. "LaCroix? Thank you, for your help." He turned his gaze to his 'daughter-in-law'. Then looked at Nick. "You're welcome." He said simply, then disappeared, before anyone could see him. 'Nick, we have to have a story to satisfy the Captain.' Nat said, silently. 'I know. How about, we were out for a stroll, and heard the screams. By the time we arrived, the attacker had fled, the girl was dead, and we saw the movement of the baby?" He glanced up and saw Schanke and Tracy getting out of the car. 'Sounds good to me.' Nat sent, as she wrapped the baby in another blanket and handed him over to an EMT. As Nat walked over to the waiting ambulance, to oversee the infant, Nick turned to Schank and Trace. "Knight?" Schanke asked. "Geez, partner, what the hell are you doing here?" Tracy caught sight of the gory mess before her, and turned away. "Nick, what happened?" Nick wiped his hands on a towel someone handed him, as he watched the uniforms begin to rope off the area. "Nat and I were out for a stroll, when we heard someone screaming. By the time we figured out where it was coming from, it was too late. We got here, to find her already dead." He looked down at the ground, sadly. He wished they had made it, sooner. "Nat saw the movement of the baby, and had to take it, so it wouldn't die, too." Schanke placed a reassuring hand on his partner's arm. "Nick, you did your best. You tried to get here, in time. It happens. I know it's hard, partner, but you've got to let it go." Nick looked up at Schanke. "Yeah. I know you're right. It's just..." His voice trailed off, as Nat approached. She had just given the same version of the story to the EMT's, the uniform's, and Captain Reese. "Hey, Trace? You okay?" She asked, noting the young woman's slightly green look. Tracy nodded. "Yeah. Thanks." Schanke looked at Nat. "I think you'd better go home and change, before you come down to the station to give your statement." Nat looked down and saw that her clothes were covered with blood and amniotic fluid. Great, just great. She glanced up, and saw the gold flecks in Nick's eyes, and his tightly clenched jaw. "Nick? Could you take me home, now?" Nick nodded, then took Nat's hand. "We'll see you, soon." He told Tracy and Schanke, as he steered Nat toward one of the black and white's. After speaking briefly with the officer, they got into the car, and were driven home. * Once inside, Nat looked down at her clothing, and began to cry. Nick came and pulled her into his arms, holding her as she sobbed. She cried for several long minutes, before she pulled away. "I'm sorry, Nick. I don't know what came over me." She told him. "Nat, it's okay. I understand." He moved closer to her, and removed her sweatshirt. He turned her towards the stairs, then took her up to the bathroom. He drew a bath for her, placing a generous amount of her favorite bubble bath in it. Natalie removed the rest of her clothing, then took Nick's hand as he helped her into the steaming tub. She sank down into the bubbles, sighing as she did so, and closed her eyes. Nick smiled at her, then kissed her forehead. "I'll be right back." He told her. She nodded her head, eyes still closed. Nick went into the bedroom and removed his own clothing. He placed both his own, and hers, into a plastic bag, then went back into the bathroom. He silently slipped into the large tub with his wife, then moved closer to her. Natalie instinctively moved into Nick's arms, sitting so that she was in front of him. She laid her head back against his chest, relaxing as he began to massage her neck and shoulders. After a few minutes, Nick wrapped his arms around her, and kissed the back of her neck. "I love you, Nat." He whispered to her. Nat smiled. "I love you, Nick." Nick pulled the plug on the tub, then turned on the shower. They washed one another, savoring the simple pleasure of being together. Nick gently washed Nat's hair, being careful to rinse all of the shampoo out when he was finished. He turned off the shower, and dried her off, then carried her into their bedroom and laid her in their bed. He turned off the light, then wrapped his arms around her. "Natalie?" He whispered. Nat sighed and snuggled down into his arms. "Hmm?" "I always thought that it was my mortality I was searching for, but I was wrong." He said, quietly. Nat turned slightly and looked at him, a quizzical look in her eyes. Nick kissed her tenderly. "It wasn't my mortality I was looking for, Nat. It was you." They lay together, content to be in one another's arms. As the morning sun crested over the horizon, Nick and Natalie silently contemplated the future, and what it held for them, as they drifted off to sleep. *Nick awoke to the sound of the door buzzer. He got out of bed and pulled on his robe, raking his fingers through his hair. Once downstairs, he looked at the monitor above the door, then pushed the release button. A few minutes later, Schanke, Tracy, and Captain Reese exited the lift. "Hey, hey partner! Rise and shine!" Schanke said, automatically seeking out the refridgerator. "Hi, Schank. Help yourself." Nick said dryly. "What's going on?" He asked Reese and Tracy. "Sorry to wake you, Nick. We checked out your story. Appears someone saw the girl being attacked by a young man. The guy had some sort of setup, where he was holding her down, while she was being drained of blood. This same witness saw the guy take off in a white van, just a few minutes before you and Nat arrived." Reese told him. Nick nodded slightly. LaCroix must have taken care of that end. "Any word on how the baby is doing?" "Yes. The doctor's said he was less than a month premature, so he's doing really well. He has some really odd stuff happening in his blood, though." Tracy told him. "Odd stuff?" Nick asked. "Yeah, seems there's this weird virus that no one's ever seen before attaching itself to the normal cells of the baby. They're trying antibiotics now." Reese answered. Nick's eyes met Nat's, as she stood at the top of the stairs. 'I know. We'd better check it out.' "Speaking of babies, " Schanke said between mouthfuls of leftover fried chicken, "When're you two going to have one?" "I don't think that's any of our business, Detective." Reese said pointedly. Nat had descended the stairs, and she moved to stand by Nick. "No. It's okay. We should tell you, anyway." She looked at Nick, then back to their friends. "Nick and I can't have children of our own." "Oh, Nat. I'm so sorry." Tracy said. Schanke's jaw dropped open. "Whoa, guys. Why didn't you say something? I mean, here I've been giving you such a hard time. I had no idea. I'm really sorry.." Nat smiled at him. "It's okay, Schank. You had no way of knowing." "You could adopt, maybe?" Tracy asked. Nat nodded. "Yeah. Maybe. We haven't really talked too much about it. We've just barely been married a year, so we don't really feel any hurry." Nick put his arms around Nat from behind, placing his chin on her shoulder. "You'll be the first to know, if we do decide to adopt. After all, you are all like family to us." Reese smiled fondly at the young couple before him. "Well, we'd better be going. See you tonight, Nick." He kissed Nat on the cheek. "Take care of yourself, Natalie. Don't be such a stranger." Nat smiled. "Thanks, Cap. I'll do my best. I've been so bogged down with paperwork, lately. Take care." As the group left the loft, Nick looked at Natalie. "I guess we should get dressed, so we can go to the hospital before our shifts start." He said to her. Natalie nodded. "I *really* hope it's not what I think it is." She said, climbing the stairs and heading for the shower. *Nick entered the lab where Nat was working. "Well?" He asked her. Nat turned to him, a frown creasing her brow. "It's definitely the vampire virus. It isn't nearly as dominent as it is in a full fledged vampire, but it is there. The question is, how is this going to affect him?" "And what do we do about it?" Nick added. Nat looked at Nick. "What does the Code say, Nick?" Nick looked at the floor. "Nat..." "I need to know, Nick. What does the Code say?" He looked up at her. "I'm not entirely sure, Nat. It depends on what happens. If he grows up, with things the way they are, he may become a hunter. In that case, the Code demands that he be destroyed. If he changes too much, he'll be stuck as an infant forever. Again, calling for his destruction. If he grows normally, and doesn't show any signs of becoming a hunter, he can be brought across." He looked down again. "The problem is, Nat, that if we let a mortal take him, it will be more difficult to keep tabs on him. And there's no one in the vampire Community that'd be willing to raise him, in case he does start to exhibit the hunter's traits." "What usually happens, in a case like this?" Nat asked him, although she already had a good idea. "They are usually killed as soon as possible." Nick said, sadly. "I've talked to Shiloh. He says that as the new leaders of the Community, it's our decision. The baby doesn't have any known relatives. His mother was an orphan that ran away from a foster home. If we leave him be, he'll be placed in foster care, until an adoptive family can be found." "But then, we lose track of him, until he starts hunting down vampires." Nat sighed in frustration. "So, it's official, now? We're the new leaders of the Community?" She asked. "Well, sort of. There's going to be a ceremony of some kind. Until then, though, I guess they feel the need to start breaking us in." Nick looked at the floor, shuffling his feet. "Nat?" "Yeah?" She asked, looking over the blood test results again. If only she had a better idea of what was going to happen. "We could take him." Nick said softly. Natalie stopped what she was doing, and turned around slowly to face him. "What did you just say?" She asked in shock. "I said, we could take him." Nick tentatively met her gaze. "I know we haven't talked much about it, but Shiloh and Aliyah said it could be done. No one else in the Community will take him, and we can't allow a mortal couple to adopt him. As the new leaders of the Community, we could keep a close eye on him, train him in our ways." Natalie bit her top lip. "What if he reverts to a full vampire, before he has fully grown? I don't know if I'd have the strength to destroy him, Nick." Nick moved to her, pulling her into her arms. "I know, Nat. But God has been smiling favorably on us, so far. Can't we have faith that He's using this as an opportunity to give us something we both want so dearly?" Natalie smiled up into his eyes. She closed her eyes, momentarily, then nodded her head. When she opened them, she had tears rolling down her cheeks. "Yes. We need this little boy, Nick. As much as he needs us." Nick kissed her tenderly. "I'll get started on the arrangements, right away." He told her, pulling out of her embrace. Nat nodded, smiling through her tears. "Okay. I'll see you in a few hours. Just let me finish up, here." Nick touched her face, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Don't worry, Nat. This is the right thing. I just know it." He turned and left the lab. *Early the next morning, Nick and Natalie lay in their bed. Nick had filled her in on what he had found out about starting the adoption process. If all went well, they'd have the baby in two weeks. Nat snuggled closer to Nick. "You know, I heard a song on the radio last night, that perfectly fits us." She told him. "Oh?" Nick raised an eyebrow, rubbing her bare arm and shoulder. "Mmm. When we first met, we were total strangers, yet we were starting out on this fantastic, insane journey--the search for your mortality. I don't think either of us ever dreamed we'd end up here. Nick, I thought that things like this--vampires and ancient prophecies and people with incredible power-- I thought it was just the stuff you read in storybooks. But here we are, living it. Not only have we found the answer to what you've been truly seeking, but we're standing on the threshold of the most exciting events to occur in who- knows- how- long. And it all begins with us, Nick. You and me." She raised up slightly to look into his eyes. "Do you feel the same sense of wonder and awe, that I do?" Nick looked at the beautiful woman in his arms. "I most certainly do, Nat." Nat looked away, almost embarrassed, then back to him. "Nick? I want you to start drinking human blood again." She told him. "It doesn't mean killing. You can have donated blood. I know that it's not *that* hard to get." Nick frowned. "Why, Nat? I don't understand." "Because, Nick, the guide told me that there is no cure. What happened to Janette, it wasn't as real as we thought. She was never completely mortal. He also told me, that you are too weak on the cow. You were a human, so you need human blood to be as strong as you're going to need to be. Please?" She looked pleadingly into his eyes. Nick thought about it. "I can go back to cow, if it doesn't work out?" He asked her. Nat knew he wouldn't go back, but she had to give him this out. "Yes. If it doesn't work out." Nick smiled at her. "Okay, Nat. Okay. I'll go back to human." Nat smiled in relief. "Thanks, Nick." She kissed him soundly on the lips. Nick pulled her back against him. "So, what was this song you heard?" He asked curiously. Nat grinned. "I was *hoping* you'd ask that. I went out and bought the single." She reached over to the CD player/alarm clock, on the nighttable, and pushed 'play'. As the soft strains of a piano began, Nat lay back and snuggled into Nick's arms. "Listen." We were strangers, starting out on a journey Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through Now here we are, and I'm suddenly standing At the beginning with you No one told me, I was going to find you Unexpected, what you did to my heart When I lost hope, you were there to remind me This is the start Chorus: And life is a road and I wanna keep goin' Love is a river I wanna keep flowin' Life is a road now and forever, wonderful journey I'll be there when the world stops turning I'll be there when the storm is through In the end I want to be standing At the beginning with you We were strangers, on a crazy adventure Never dreaming, how our dreams would come true Now here we stand, unafraid of the future At the beginning with you (Repeat Chorus) Knew there was somebody somewhere I need love in the dark Now my dream will live on I've been waiting so long Nothing's going to tear us apart (Repeat Chorus) Life is a road and I wanna keep goin' Love is a river, I wanna keep flowin' Starting out on a journey (Repeat Chorus) In the end I want to be standing At the beginning With You Nick looked at Natalie in silent wonder. That simple, beautiful song, expressed exactly what he was feeling for her, and he could see in her eyes, she felt the same. "I love you, Natalie." He said softly. Natalie smiled at him. "I love you, too, Nick. We're standing at the beginning of a whole new adventure, Nick. And I wouldn't want to be here with anyone, but you." Nick gently kissed her lips, then began sliding her silky nightgown off of her shoulders. Sleep could wait, work could wait. Right now, he wanted nothing more, than to make love to the incredible creature that was now, and forever, his wife. Hope you liked it!> KC