Nightfall

Cedric sat at the desk that he was given at the 'big house' as he liked to call it. Even before he had met Runi and Duncan, he had always called Windsor's house 'the big house'. The man had been very big on pomp and show, and the house showed it. There were more rooms in this house then would ever really be needed, however, that became advantageous as Cedric was able to take one of the many offices as his own. No matter what happened, and what was going on, he still had work to do.

He looked up as a knock came on the door. One of the first orders of business was here now. "Come in!" He called out, allowing Duncan and Samson to walk in, Samson of course having to duck to make it through the door.

Samson knew what they were there for, Duncan didn't. Cedric was trying hard to figure out how to explain things to the boy. Finally, after the two sat, and pleasantries were exchanged, Cedric got right down to business. "Duncan, how much do you know about what Windsor owned, and what has been transferred over to you?"

Now knowing that this was a serious discussion, Duncan sat forward. "Not much really, I just kinda figured others would be handling things. I mean honestly, I'm just a kid, and a kid can't own anything like this, can they?"

"Of course you can. A kid can own anything. There are just laws in place to 'protect' minors. If someone's parents die the assets become the children's even if they are minors. That would include a multinational corporation. A minor, of course, would need a guardian to look out for their interests and sign for legal documents. However, this isn't a normal situation either. When Runi declared that all of Windsor's assets were to be turned over to you, everything else became secondary. You are the full owner of all of the companies that Windsor owned, and have ultimate decision rights. Now of course, you can name other people to do things in your place, but ultimately, you own them all, and your word is law."

"Oh wow," was all Duncan could breathe out as he sat back in his chair, a bit overwhelmed by what he had just been told.

"Runi asked me to cover things for you for a bit, to give you time to become more comfortable with all the changes in your life lately; however, there is one thing that I think you really need to take an active part in. Not that you have to run things, but I think you need to help make a few decisions."

Duncan thought it over for a bit, and then nodded. If Cedric thought it was important for him to be involved, there must be a reason. Cedric picked up a folder, and slid it across the desk to Duncan. The boy took it and opened it up. On the top were the words, 'Black Sands Security Firm.'

Duncan looked up at Cedric with a question. "That's a security firm that not only do you own, but they are also the day time security here at the house. They specialize in security for Vampires, although they also do a lot of more mundane security functions for government. Right now, I am going to let Samson take over the explanations."

Samson smiled and nodded then turned towards Duncan. "When I got out of the military, I went to work for Black Sands, which is where I first met Windsor. I was told about vampires, and what my job would be. Of course, I had always figured that vampires were real, since I had run across a few interesting things during my time training spies. You have to understand something Duncan, the governments of the world know about vampires, and have for a long time. They help to keep the vampires a secret, and in return the vampires help out by giving money, and sometimes other things. I mean, think about it for a moment, If you were a brilliant scientist, what would happen if you suddenly had hundreds of years to do your research or whatever, instead of less than fifty?"

Duncan sat there shocked for a few moments. He'd never thought about that before. "That... that could make a huge difference."

"And it has... in more ways than any of us will ever know." Samson said seriously. "But back to the topic at hand... Black Sands. It started out simply as a protection and security detail for the wealthier vampires, but branched out from there. They have been used as vampire assassins, and sometimes a group that hunts down and kills certain vampires. They have a lot of specialized equipment and tactics that are designed specifically to fight and kill vampires." Samson had Duncan completely spellbound by his tale, and wanted to bring the boy back down to earth. "Now obviously they are no match for older vampires, at least one on one, but they are something that concern many vampires. And now, they belong to you."

"Oh... boy." Duncan said as Samson's last line hit him almost like a physical punch. "What... what am I supposed to do with them?" Duncan pleaded with Samson and Cedric to help him.

"Well first off," Samson said with a smile, "there's nothing for you to do 'with' them right now, I just wanted to make sure you understood the scope and power of this group, since they now answer to you. But there is something else you need to know, and some choices you have to make today. Black Sands has gotten a bit of a bad reputation lately, leaks within the organization have endangered a few contracts, as well as more than a few contracts that... well let's just say, there have been more than a few contracts that were not exactly on the up and up. Parts of Black Sands have become little more than 'guns for hire', and not in a good way either." Samson was happy to see a fire light up in the boy's eyes as he started to understand what Samson was getting at. "What we need to figure out is how to deal with this. If you're okay with Black Sands doing some very lucrative, yet shady deals, then we leave things where they are. If you're not, then you stand to lose a lot of money, but you will have a good reputation."

Duncan was certain that Samson was not trying to push him one way or the other. On one hand, Duncan had some plans that a lot more money would make easier, but, one thing he'd learned from watching how Runi acted, honor was more important than anything else. Suddenly he smiled as a thought came to his mind. After thinking about it more a moment, the smile turned into an almost evil grin as he looked at Samson.

Even with everything that Samson has seen and done over the years, that smile still set him on edge a bit. He was right to be worried, he'd think to himself later. Finally Duncan spoke up. "I don't really care about the money. From now on, any and all of the companies I own will operate properly. No scandals, no 'shady operations', nothing like that. As far as Black Sands goes, I want them cleaned up, and Samson, you're the man for the job." Samson's jaw hit the floor as Duncan looked over at Cedric. "Make sure anyone that needs to know, knows that Samson's word is as good as mine as far as Black Sands goes, and if they have a problem with it, they can talk to my Sire."

 

---

 

Roger looked over the guys that made up 'the gang' slowly. Almost all of them were there except Hank, who was still sleeping, and the two newest additions to their family; even though the two boys, Duncan and Ramon, didn't know they were family yet.

It was the night after Runi had re-turned Hank, and the gang had come together to talk. There were thirteen of them total, Roger being the physically oldest at sixteen, with Hank as the youngest, ten. Of course what they all knew too well was that Hank was actually the oldest having spent twenty-two years in darkness.

Hank may have been the first of the group, but he wasn't a natural leader. Roger was, and took to the position very well. They all had one thing in common, the same sire.

Hank had sought them out over the last twenty years, knowing instinctively that they were brothers of the blood. If it hadn't been for Hank, and then the others, most of them would never have survived being turned and then dumped.

They had survived as best they could, moving from abandoned building to abandoned building. Always searching for their brothers, and always waiting to find the asshole. Most of them didn't even know his name, and those that did, didn't want to think of it. To them it was just easier to call him 'asshole.'

Eight out of the thirteen of them were either twelve or thirteen, that being the age that Asshole seemed to like best, although they figured when he was really wanting to hurt someone, he was less picky.

They had become a family, relying on only each other, and welcoming in their brothers when they were found. But now they have been invited to join a larger family, and that's what Roger was asking about.

"Okay I have just outlined what Runi and I discussed last night while I was helping him prepare to re-turn Hank. Now I ask you again, is there anyone who thinks we either should or should not do this. Honestly, we're a family, and we need to make this decision as a family."

That's the one thing Hank hammered into them all, they were a family, they are all that they had, and nothing was more important than your brothers. They were all looking back and forth at each other, and then one of them started to open their mouth when there was a knock on the door. The kid snapped his mouth shut, as they all looked towards the door. After a few seconds, the door opened and in walked Duncan and Cedric.

They all knew Cedric, since he was the one that had tried to help them out the most, plus he was the one that called for their help the other night. Duncan, they didn't all know personally, but everyone had heard the story of the Council being.... dissolved, and Duncan being given everything that Winters had.

 

---

 

Duncan was real nervous. He didn't know what was going to happen, but he knew he needed to do this. In the short time that he had known Runi, the elder Vampire made sure to explain to him, in detail, how important family was. These guys here were his family. The fact that he didn't really know any of them didn't matter. They were all made by the same sire, and that made them family.

Yes, Runi had 'adopted' him, but deep down, the moment he met the first of his 'brothers' he knew it. Being in the room now, he knew that every single one of them were his brothers. "Sorry to interrupt guys, but I was wondering if I could talk to you all for a few minutes." Duncan said in a shy tone.

"Sure," Roger said forcing a smile on his face. "Come on in, and have a seat."

Once both Duncan and Cedric were seated, Roger stood up and looked around the room. "Real quick, I know you have met some of these guys, and have even met a few of them, but why don't we make this official?"

Duncan sighed and nodded. It looked like they were going to accept him into their family, which was a big concern for Duncan. Really, he didn't know why he was nervous, it's not like he knows any of these people. Perhaps Runi was right. On one of the first nights they were in the house, Runi sat down and told Duncan some of the things he'd learned about vampires.

'One thing that many current Vampires don't think about is the blood bond. I do not know exactly how it works, but what I can say is this; when one vampire meets another that is of the same blood, be it sire, child of the same sire, or something like that, they know it. Deep down inside they know that this person is related to them, it forms a bond that you can feel. Most vampires ignore it, because they ignore their instincts. But that does not mean it's not there."

So when Duncan walked into the room, he felt, down inside of him, that this was his family. That made him nervous. Just because they were related, didn't mean that they would accept him. However, now it sounded like they might.

"First I know we've met, but I'll start it off. I'm Roger Johnston; I was turned when I was sixteen, just over ten years ago. I'm originally from Indianapolis Indiana, but my family moved here when I was twelve. I met the Asshole when I was walking home after a football game. He toyed with me for almost a week before he turned me. When I woke up, I was alone. I stayed that way for about two weeks before Hank and a few of the others found me, and took me in. I knew what had happened, since Asshole told me all about Vampires, so when I woke up, I knew what I was." Roger laughed a little with no humor. "Not that the knowledge really helped all that much, but...."

Duncan nodded knowing what he meant. Before Roger could sit back down another stood up and walked over to Roger. He pulled Roger into a tight hug, and whispered into his ear. "That part of your life is over now brother... You're now a part of our family, and we will protect you." Roger smiled with tears flowing freely down his cheeks. The boy then turned around to face Duncan and the rest of the group while Roger sat back down. "My name is Jose Dardinia," The smallish Hispanic boy said with a smile, although the smile did not reach his yellow eyes. "I was turned when I was twelve, sixteen years ago. I was the first one that Hank found, and like Roger, when I woke up I was no longer human." Running a hand through his spiky black hair, Jose looked around at everyone, before focusing back in on Duncan. "Hank was the first 'brother' I ever had, but now I have many. I don't like being a vampire, but I would not change it if it meant losing my brothers."

Duncan nodded as Jose sat back down. The next boy to stand up was a straw blond haired boy, who was solidly built. "I'm Ian Anderson, thirteen when I was turned, which was fourteen years ago. Hank and Jose found me as I was climbing out of the dumpster that Asshole dumped me into after I was turned. For a long time I really wanted to just die." The blond boy's eyes fell to the floor, and one of the other kids jumped up and pulled him into a hug. For several seconds, the other boy whispered into Ian's ears before he broke the hug. Rodger almost couldn't stand it. He had come to terms with what had been done to him, but every time he heard his brothers talk about what asshole did to them it made his blood boil. The other boy wrapped an arm around Ian's shoulder for support as Ian looked back up into Duncan's eyes.

"They wouldn't let me. The first time I had to feed, Hank and Jose basically force fed me. I cried constantly for the next few nights." The tears were streaming down the boys face, but Duncan could see in the boy's eyes that he needed to say it all. "They wouldn't let me quit no matter how many times I wanted to. A couple months later, Hank told us that Asshole had turned someone else. When Dougie showed up," Ian gestured to the boy that had his arm around him. "He was in even worse shape than I was. Asshole really fucked with him before he was turned and dumped. Well, it made me realize that things weren't really all that bad. Now I realize that even though I didn't and don't want to be a vampire, I've got a better family than I ever had before, and I ain't gonna get rid of them."

Dougie grinned as all the other boys voiced support for what Ian just said. After a quick moment of allowing Ian to blush slightly, Dougie turned the boy towards him and kissed him hard on the mouth. Even though Duncan was still a bit unsettled by seeing two boys kiss, he could easily tell that this was not a lust filled, 'fuck me' kiss, this was a kiss that spoke of the love the two boys had for each other.

When the kiss broke, Dougie looked up and met Duncan's eyes. Duncan knew that this was also a bit of a test. He simply smiled and nodded slightly, which caused Dougie to grin widely. "As you already heard, I'm Dougie Masterson." He threw his arm back around Ian, and for a moment, Duncan was mesmerized by the dichotomy of the two boys. Ian was a fair skinned blond boy, where as Dougie was midnight black with a bald head. "I was also thirteen when the asshole found and turned me. I found out much later that Hank had just kicked the shit out of him before he kidnapped me. This means he was in a rather foul mood when he started." Even though Dougie was smiling, Duncan saw the shiver that ran through the boy as he spoke. "Since I don't feel like giving you nightmares, I'll just say that my time with the Asshole wasn't very pleasant, and leave it at that. But when I still refused to join up with his boys, he finally got sick of me, turned me, and used me as bait for Hank. Thankfully the Asshole just didn't realize how pissed Hank could be, and what happens when Hank gets that pissed off." Dougie grinned widely, showing off his pearly white teeth. "That was the first time that Hank took one of Assholes balls as a prize."

Dougie laughed again, and there was some humor in his laugh, though there wasn't much. "The biggest problem is Asshole didn't like the fact that I had a lot of pubic hair, so before he turned me, he shaved me from head to toe. Now I'll never grow any hair. Oh well." He shrugged, and then sat back down next to Ian.

The next boy to stand up was simply a large boy. His black hair was shoulder length; his bangs partially covered his yellow eyes. When he spoke, Duncan was kind of surprised at how deep the boy's voice was. "I'm Grant Wilson, fifteen when I was turned ten years ago." Duncan was rather surprised when Grant simply sat back down.

Roger stood up half way from his seat, "Grant's not being rude, he just doesn't talk about his time with Asshole." Duncan nodded, looked back to Grant and the boy gave him a half smile that put Duncan's mind more at ease.

The sixth boy to stand up was a well tanned boy with bleach blond shaggy hair, a little on the small side, but with a big smile. "Hey, I'm Quinton Saunders, but everyone just calls me Quint or Q. I was twelve when he turned me, now I'm twenty-two. Of course they still won't serve me at a bar, but what the hell." Q said with a giggle, and then he turned serious. "Asshole got me and my family, but played with me for over a week until Hank showed up. Asshole was planning on feeding my family to me after I woke up. Thankfully Hank showed up before I woke up. When I did wake up, Hank and the rest were there to help me deal with things. Just like the rest of the guys, I had some issues when it came time to feed, but with the help and support of my family, I've made it through okay."

Duncan nodded and smiled as the boy sat down, and waited for the next kid to stand. He didn't have to wait long as a small boy stood up. Duncan wasn't sure if he wasn't actually younger than Hank. He was just a hair short of five foot tall, with short brown hair but big yellow eyes. "I'm Andrew Lyle, but I like to be called Drew. I just turned twelve when he took me, nine years ago." Drew kinda faulted and Quint got up and stood next to him, giving him a one armed hug, as little Drew ran his arm across his face to wipe away some tears. When he looked back up, he had a bitter smile on his face. "You know, I thought it would be easier after having had to do this a bunch of times, but it ain't."

Duncan smiled back at the boy, and spoke up for the first time. "You don't have to say anything, just knowing that you're all willing to accept me... it's more than I could have hoped for."

Before Duncan was even half done with what he was saying, Drew was shaking his head. "No... I gotta." He took a deep breath and leaned a bit into Quint. "I had just come home from my birthday party, and wanted to go to my best friend's house, but I was grounded and my parents wouldn't let me go. I got sent to my room cause I was bitching to my parents about not letting me go. I... I even called my mom a bitch before I slammed my door." He took another moment to wipe away more tears.

Duncan even had to fight back the tears from the story he was hearing. "I snuck out after they went to bed, and was going to go to Dave's house, but Asshole grabbed me. He... He made me watch as he killed my parents, and my baby brother. Then he asked if I wanted to be turned or die. I begged him to kill me, he said he would, but I woke up three nights later with him laughing in my face. Hank showed up an hour later, and the fight was nasty, but Hank and everyone else got me away." Drew sank back down in his seat, with Quint right there with him.

"Thank you," was all Duncan said before the next kid stood up. This boy was short, slight and very Oriental looking. His large almond shaped eyes, and rich caramel skin contrasted greatly with the yellow eyes. When he started to speak, it was obvious to Duncan that English was not his native language. "I am Li En Lin. I was thirteen when I was captured by the Asshole, eight years ago. My family was on...vacation... in the US. He abused my body greatly before turning me, but he did not hurt my spirit. I train very hard for when we met him, and each time, I hurt him more and more. I am glad he now is destroyed, so that we may move forward with our lives."

When he sat back down Duncan was nodding and smiling. He knew that he had to help them move on, and he was hoping they would accept what he was going to try and do.

The next boy to stand up was a tall red head. "I'm Zane Daken. I was fourteen when I was turned, six years ago. I ran away from my druggie step mom and abusive dad when I was eleven. Made my life on the streets stealing and sexing. When Asshole got me, at first I thought he was just another John, but obviously he wasn't. He wasn't too bad until he started to hit me. Unfortunately for me, my mouth sometimes runs before I can think about it, and when he asked how he was doing, I actually told him that he wasn't really good at fucking someone." Zane grinned when he said that part, and then shuddered. "However, he is a lot better at torturing someone than he is at fucking. Thankfully when the guys got there to save me, Asshole hadn't had a chance to get too inventive yet. Thankfully..."

Duncan nodded as the next boy stood up. He was a very small and young Arab boy with dirty blond hair and a very cute button nose. "My name is Sarang Pico. I was only in the US about a year when I had the pleasure of meeting Asshole. My father got transferred here to head a division of the oil company. I got lost trying to find my way from the mall back to our home when a group of boys cornered me, beat me up, and when I woke up I met Asshole. He thought I was very good looking, and I shared his bed for over a week before he turned me. As with Q, I was not awake when Hank and the rest showed up. When I did wake, the first person I saw was Hank. He was very nice to me, and held me as I cried. I owe him much, and will re-pay my debt before I move on."

Roger spoke up before the next boy could stand. "Sar... you know that Hank doesn't believe you owe him anything."

Sarang nodded but there was a fire in his eyes that Duncan knew all too well. "Unfortunately for Hank, it does not matter if he agrees or not." Roger shook his head and sighed as Sarang sat down, and after a moment, the next boy stood.

"I'm Devon Turner, twelve when I was turned, sixteen now." The slightly pudgy boy said. He ran a hand through his short cut black hair and sighed. "Asshole actually convinced me that he loved me before he turned me. I've always been fat, and had no friends. Then I met this guy that said I was a good kid. For the next several months he made me feel better than I can remember anyone making me feel. Even when he introduced me to sex, I just wanted to do it to make him happy. Then he turned me, making me think that he would love me forever. That was until I woke up. The first thing he did was call me a slob that was only good at sucking dick. He planned on making me the bitch to all his other minions. Thankfully the guys found me after a few days, and got me out of there."

Duncan nodded as the boy sat back down. He wasn't really all that fat, but he could stand to lose a few pounds. Of course that wasn't really possible anymore. He was slightly surprised when two boys stood up next. But when he got a look at them, he could tell they were brothers. The older boy had longish auburn hair, while the younger one had short blond. The older one was couple inches shorter than Duncan, with the younger one being about four inches shorter, standing right about five feet tall. "I'm Tristan and this is my younger brother Felix. We were thirteen and eleven when we got turned, and we've only been with the guys for a little over a year. Asshole took both of us while we were sightseeing with our parents. We got separated, and Asshole offered to help. Of course he didn't and after he got us back to his place, things got really bad. He forced me to fuck Felix while he videotaped it, saying if I didn't he'd kill Felix while he made me watch. Then after he had his fun, he forced me to watch as he turned him. Then he turned me. Even though we weren't awake when it happened, Hank told me later that he took both of assholes balls when they rescued us." Tristan had tears running down his face as he told the story, but Felix just reached up, pulled him into a hug, and kissed him on the cheek.

"It's okay Trist... I don't blame you." If Duncan didn't miss his guess, this was the first time Tristan had to tell that story. His guess was confirmed when all the boys there turned the bothers hug into a massive group hug. He knew what was coming next, and for a moment, he was back in the room re-living what the asshole had done to him. It was so similar to what the brothers had to go through, it almost made Duncan want to vomit.

Duncan took a deep breath then stood up. He waited for the hug to break, then for everyone else to sit down. When he started talking, he knew he had their full attention. "Well, I guess first off, my name is Duncan McLeod, I'm fourteen and have only been turned for about a month and a half. I'm from Edinburgh Scotland. My mom was a school teacher, and my father a university professor. We were here for a conference my father was supposed to speak at. Asshole caught us out on the streets, and for some reason we followed him back to his place. He made me watch as he drained them, then... well I guess he drugged me or something before..." Duncan fought back the tears and pushed himself forward to complete the story, "before he raped me. After he was done, he asked me if I wanted to die or not. When I said I didn't, he laughed and said it was the wrong answer. I was tied face down on a bed when he sank his fangs into my neck. I tried to fight it, but it was pointless." Duncan paused for a moment to get himself back under control. His eyes were on the floor fighting the tears when he felt a pair of small arms wrap themselves around him. When he looked up, he saw Felix had wrapped him in a hug that he couldn't help but draw strength from. "When I woke up, I was still on the bed he raped me on, but everything else was gone. I managed to hide for over a week before an old man found me and tried to help me. When it came time for me to feed, I couldn't do it. The old man said he had to leave, but knew someone that could help me. When I woke up the next evening, he was gone, but had chained me to a bed. A few hours later, Runi showed up."

Felix broke the hug, and then looked over at Roger with a question. "I wonder why Hank didn't know about Duncan?"

Roger shrugged then answered Duncan's unasked question. "Somehow Hank always knew when Asshole turned someone, and was able to find him. I don't know why he didn't know about you."

Duncan thought about it for a second, but couldn't come up with an answer, so he just shrugged. So did Roger before he spoke loudly, "I know it's usually Hank who does this part, but he's not here right now." Roger then walked over and stood before Duncan. "Duncan McLeod, while I wish we could have met under better circumstances that was not meant to be. No matter what, you are my brother. From this point forward you are part of our family, and will be until you either decide to leave us, or you meet your final death." Roger then opened his arms, and hugged Duncan tightly. When Roger broke the hug, Jose was right there to take the bigger boy into a hug. One by one, all of the boys in the room took their turn hugging Duncan, and welcoming him to their family. By the time it was over, Duncan was openly crying, but had a huge smile on his face.

Once everyone had gotten themselves together, Roger got their attention. "Okay guys... remember we have one more of these coming up soon. Hank told me to hold off on bringing Ramon into the group until he was around. Since Hank is his Sire, it's only right. I do know this much though, Hank has already said that, even though he was the one that turned Ramon, and not Asshole, Ramon is still one of our brothers, and I agree with him." All around the room, nods of agreement were seen, and boys agreeing that Ramon was a brother were heard.

After a few minutes, Cedric, who was totally forgotten by everyone in the room, cleared his throat. All eyes fell on him, and Duncan smiled even wider. "Thanks Cedric." He then turned back towards everyone else. "I almost forgot why I came here in the first place."

He took a moment to gather his thoughts before he spoke again. "I don't know how much you guys know, but after Runi found me, and found out about what happened, he adopted me as his own Childe. Not like what he did for Hank, but basically said he would look out for me as a Sire would look out for his Childe. It was then decided that Runi needed to introduce himself to the Council. However, when we got there, Runi found out that Windsor was actually Asshole's sire, and had been covering for him. At that point, I was the only known Childe of Asshole, and when Runi killed Windsor, everything that Windsor owned was given to me." Duncan had everyone's attention by then, and took a moment to decide how to say what he wanted to. Finally he turned towards Cedric. "The night before last, I talked to Cedric, and he agreed to handle things for me. See, the problem is, I learned about all of you, and knew that you all were my brothers. It wasn't right for me to get everything and you guys get nothing." Roger started to stand up and say something, but Duncan held up his hand. "Please, let me finish." Roger sighed, and then nodded as he sat back down.

Duncan paced for a few moments, before he turned to Cedric again. "I think it might be best if Cedric were to take over. I'm not very good with numbers." Cedric stood up and patted Duncan's shoulder with a smile

"You're doing fine young man." Cedric then picked up his briefcase, opened it up, took out a piece of paper, then started speaking to all of them. "When Duncan came to me and outlined what he wanted to do, I agreed, however, I insisted upon a few changes, that he agreed with. So, let's get to it." Cedric looked down at the paper and then started to read from it.

"Daniel Windsor had a combined net worth of just over 1.4 billion dollars." Cedric barely paused as the gasps came from all those in the room. "Of that, roughly 750 million was in what we call liquid assets, meaning things that are tangible. What Duncan has set up was an equal fifteen way split of the liquid assets. Basically what that means is that each of you has several bank accounts that I have opened for you, totaling a little over 50 million dollars each."

 

---

 

Lugh found Colt standing right outside the back door, looking up into the stars. He could only imagine what was going through the boy's mind. Nothing that Runi said had warned them that he would have passed out, and still be sleeping halfway through the next night.

Lugh had checked on him only a few minutes before, and wasn't really surprised to see Samson standing right outside the door to Runi's room. The giant of a man was worried, and it was obvious. Lugh still wasn't sure what caused Samson to be so dedicated to Runi, but it was obvious that he was.

But then again, so was Lugh. He'd never met anyone like Runi before. He had the body of a small angelic child, but his mind... Lugh had never before comprehended a mind like that. The sheer size of the mind that Runi had was impressive to Lugh, but even more than that was the boy's capability of mercy and love. Lugh really didn't know if he could still be that capable after living as many years as Runi had.

Lugh had seen things sort of like this before. When he first joined the military, he had a captain with the type of presence that Runi had. Nowhere near the same level, but similar. Within a few days of being in the Captain's company, Lugh knew that he would have followed that man to the very gates of hell if that's where he led. It was a type of charisma that could never be taught. You either had it or you didn't. It wasn't so much an Alpha type personality; it was that, but so much more. It was a confidence in their own abilities, and the knowing that they would never give less than 110 percent. And because of that, you have no choice but do the same. Lugh could only imagine the type of military commander that Runi will be, when things start to go bad. He knew though, deep down inside, that he would be with Runi till the day that he took his final sleep. He'd only known the boy for a short time, but he knew that deep down in his soul, that he would follow Runi no matter where he led.

Lugh opened the door to go outside and Colt turned towards him. The tear tracks on Colt's face were obvious even as he tried to wipe them away. Lugh walked over and pulled the boy into a tight hug, and simply held him. "You know, you remind me of my own boy," Lugh said softly after a few moments of silence.

Colt pulled back and looked up into Lugh's bright yellow eyes. "You have a son?"

Sadly Lugh nodded. "Three of them..." Lugh trailed off as his own tears started up. Colt wanted to ask more, but Lugh moved them so that they were both facing the woods, with Lugh's arm draped over Colt's shoulder, as he started to talk. "He's a little older than you by now, always trying to keep his troubles to himself, and take care of his younger brothers. Always pushing his own problems and concerns to the side to help others." Lugh wanted to say more, but he choked up, and Colt didn't think he should push it. He could tell that it was a very open sore in Lugh's soul.

After getting himself under control, Lugh squeezed Colt into his side a little. "Don't worry Colt, I know this wasn't what we expected, but I know Runi's gonna be fine."

Colt turned slightly and looked up into Lugh's eyes. "Oh, I know he is. Even though he didn't tell us, it's normal for him to sleep for a night or two after something like that. He used up a lot more energy than any of us would have guessed."

"How do you know? Are you sure?" Lugh asked trying to figure out how Colt could know something like that.

Colt simply nodded his head, and then turned his head back up to watch the stars. After several more moments of silence Lugh finally spoke up again. "Then what's got you out here and upset?"

Once again Colt looked up at Lugh, and then turned his eyes back to the stars. For a moment Lugh was worried that Colt wouldn't answer him, but then the boy took a deep breath, and when he started speaking, it all came out in a rush. "I was just thinking about my family... well my 'other' family. Runi took care of my ex mom and dad, but I was thinking about the Harris's. Tanner had been my best friend for as long as I can remember. He lived about two blocks from my house. He's got a great mom and dad, plus two younger brothers and a younger sister that was just so cute. Dad told me over and over again that if I ever said anything about... about what he was doing, he'd kill them. Starting with Diana." Colt's voice started to break, and tears were freely flowing from his eyes. Angrily he reached up and wiped both eyes dry.

The silence was deep but finally Lugh jumped in to finish the story. "So when you left, you never told them anything?" Colt's only response was to shake his head. "Well, the threats are gone now, your ex dad is gone, so why don't you call them?"

Colt's eyes snapped towards Lugh while shaking his head. "I... I can't. It's been too long."

Lugh squatted down, pulled Colt into a hug, and then spoke in his ear. "Let me tell you this as a dad. If I had someone I loved like a son, and they went missing, I don't care how long it's been, I would always be thinking about him, always hoping that he would call and let me know that he's okay. They're hurting right now, and you can put that to rest. Call them."

Colt was openly crying now, but managed to get out. "But... it's like two in the morning."

Lugh couldn't help but laugh. "It doesn't matter, not for this." He reached into his pocket and pulled his cell phone out. He pushed Colt away from him gently, and then offered the phone to him. "Call them," he said with a gentle forcefulness.

Colt gingerly took the phone from Lugh's hand, and looked at it for several long seconds. Lugh stood up and started to walk away when Colt asked him to wait. The man turned around and smiled as he saw Colt punching buttons on his cell phone. He took a deep breath, and then hit the send button. Lugh's enhanced hearing let him hear as the phone started ringing. After three rings, a sleepy woman's voice said, "Hello?"

Colt took another deep breath before he very softly spoke. "Mommy..."

The change in the woman's voice was instantaneous. Lugh heard her go from half asleep to fully awake. "COLT?!?! Colt is that you?"

Colt hesitated for a moment then cried into the phone. "Mommy... I'm soo sorry..."

Lugh knew that it was time to make his exit, so he silently slipped back into the house. Leaning back against the door jam, he watched as Colt spoke to his 'mother'. She may not have been the one to birth him, but Lugh could tell just by the look on Colt's face, that she WAS his mother.

He couldn't help but think back to his own family. The ache in his heart went from a small fire, which was always there, to a raging inferno. It took almost all of his willpower to tamp that inferno down. Wiping away his own tears he got ready to turn and leave Colt to his conversation. However, before he could turn around a voice spoke from behind him. "That was a very nice thing you did."

Turning around, Lugh saw it was the head of the kitchen, Mary Connolly. The older, gray haired lady was leaning against the wall with a smile on her face. "I just did what should be done." Lugh said with a shrug.

Mary nodded sagely, before she turned to walk back into the kitchen, but just as she reached the door, she turned around and caught Lugh's eyes. "Perhaps you should take your own advice and call your family. I'm sure they're every bit as worried as Colt's was."

Lugh's eyes dropped to the floor, and by the time he could look up again, she was gone.

 

---

 

Silence reigned in the room as the different kids tried to figure out what to say. Finally Roger spoke up. "You mean, you're just GIVING us 50 MILLION dollars?!"

Duncan was blushing furiously, and had his eyes glued to the floor. Finally Cedric drew a deep breath and spoke again. "Not exactly, I wasn't done."

Roger's mouth fell open again as Cedric kept going. "I also set up a shell company that houses all the companies that Windsor owned. You all are now going to receive monthly profits which should be several thousand dollars. All going into the accounts that have been set up for each of you."

"Wait a minute?" One of the kids, Drew, asked in disbelief. "Are you trying to tell us that we're all rich?"

Cedric let out a little bark of a laugh. "Yeah, basically, you guys will never have to worry about anything again."

"What the hell are we supposed to do with that much money?" Felix asked from his seat on his big brothers lap, as he stared at Cedric with open disbelief.

Duncan answered that one before Cedric could. "Anything you want." He stood up, ran his hand through his longish red hair. "I know most of you never had much, and honestly, I can't really imagine that. My parents always made sure we had everything we wanted, and then some. I know what I'm going to do with my money, but I can't tell you guys what to do with yours. It's yours and only you can make that decision."

Duncan started making his way to the door, when Roger stopped him with a question. "What are you going to do with yours?"

Duncan turned around and looked Roger in the eyes. "When Runi first met you, he told you to spread the word around that Half lifes in trouble could come to him for help. Well, I might not be able to help in ways that Runi can, but the money will go a long way in making sure they have things like clothes and a place to live."

Duncan saw all the kids nodding, so he turned and starting walking out of the room. He knew that they would be discussing things, and didn't want to intrude. As his hand grabbed the door, a voice spoke up from behind him. "Duncan." He stopped turned around, and saw Jose standing a few steps behind him. "Why don't you stay? We want you to be involved." Duncan's eyes started to water as he saw everyone nodding.

"You sure?" He asked with a cracking voice.

"Yeah, you're a brother now." Jose said as he walked up and took Duncan by the hand before pulling him back down towards the rest.

 

---

 

Colt shivered as he woke up next to Runi. No matter how many times he slept next to him, it still was weird waking up next to someone who was cold. Looking at the clock, Colt saw that the sun was well and truly down for the evening so he knew that everyone else would probably be up and around by now. Not really knowing when Runi would wake, Colt slipped out of the bed and walked into the en-suite bathroom. He still shivered a bit from being cuddled up to Runi all day long, but he knew deep in his heart, that the small discomfort was worth the sense of peace that waking up next to Runi gave him.

Colt slipped off the boxers we has wearing and stepped into the huge, multi headed shower. At first he just let the hot water warm his body up, but then the lower part of his body 'woke' up. He hadn't had the need to take things into hand since he met Runi, but tonight, he just needed the release. It wasn't anywhere near as good when he and Runi made love, but tonight, he just needed the release.

After he was done and cleaned up again, Colt turned the water off, and proceeded to get dressed. He took a moment to check on Runi, and to satisfy his own worry, that Runi was okay. He knew deep down that Runi was fine, but still, he was worried.

When he walked out of the room, Samson was right there, in the same place he'd been since he carried Runi back to the room after the ritual. "How is he?" the huge man asked.

"He's doing okay," Colt said confidently. "He should wake up sometime tonight."

Samson shook his head in wonder. "How do you know?"

Colt smiled up at him and patted his arm. "Just trust me on this one. It would take a long time to explain, and it doesn't really matter all that much."

Samson considered his words for a few moments, and then sighed. He put both of his massive hands on Colt's smallish shoulders, then changed the topic. "I heard about your phone call to the Harris's. If you plan on going to see them, make sure you take a few of the guys with you." He got a wry grin on his face. "I ain't gonna be the one to tell Runi that you got hurt."

Colt let out an exaggerated sigh then said, "Fine... but don't worry, I'm not planning on meeting up with them till I've had a chance to talk to Runi. You know, figure out how to explain the whole vampire thing..."

"That should be interesting," Samson said with a small smile and a nod. "Go on, I think Mary has some food ready."

Colt's stomach let out a timely growl as he grinned then started running down the stairs. One thing he'd found out from his short time there was that Mary could cook. When he got to the kitchen Mary was just pulling some fried chicken out of the oven. Colt smiled as he took a big sniff of the chicken, but was quickly shooed away by Mary. "Sit at the table little one. I do NOT serve animals in my kitchen." Her grin gave away the fact that she wasn't mad, but Colt quickly turned towards the table. "Wash your hands first." Instead of stopping at the table, Colt picked up the pace and was almost running out of the kitchen to comply.

When he came back in, he saw Shane sitting at the table, getting ready to attack the chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and homemade biscuits. The two boys smiled at each other before they both dug in to the mounding plates of food that Mary put in front of them.

It was only minutes before they were forced to slow down. Not because they were running out of food, but because they were running out of room. They made idle chatter for many minutes; mostly about how good the food was, until Shane looked over at Colt with a very nervous smile. "Hey Colt... Have you ever thought about... well you know... becoming a vampire?"

Colt put his fork down and looked intently at Shane. Finally, he decided that he needed to be honest with his new friend. "Yeah, I've thought about it, and maybe someday I might do it. But for now..." Colt shook his head, "I've got things I need to do that I couldn't do if I was a vampire."

"Well..." Shane started before he looked down at his food, and played with it a bit. "I... I know there's a lot of stuff going on, and a lot of danger. I love Ramon, and I wanna be able to help him..." He trailed off, but Colt knew what else he was gonna say.

"Shane, look at it like this. The biggest thing that Runi preaches is family. It don't matter to him vampire or human, we're all family. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is this; every vampire in this house would give their lives before we'd get hurt."

"Yeah, I know that... it's just. Well... Ramon's never gonna get any older..." Again Shane trailed off, but Colt knew exactly what he meant.

Colt reached out and put his hand over Shane's and gave it a squeeze. "I can't speak for Ramon, but to me, that sort of thing just doesn't really matter."

Shane looked up into Colt's eyes and smiled. "Thanks."

 

---

 

Lugh caught Colt once again standing outside, only this time the boy wasn't crying. "So what's got your thoughts all wrapped up?"

Colt looked over at Lugh with a smile. "Just enjoying the night."

Lugh smiled while nodding, as he stepped up next to the young boy. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Lugh looked over at Colt, and spoke. "Do you think Runi is going to need blood when he wakes up?"

Colt considered for a few moments before he shook his head. "I don't think so, but I'm not positive."

They both considered the situation for a moment before Lugh sighed while nodding. "I think I'll take Aiden and Jaden out to get a couple bad guys. If Runi doesn't need them, I'm sure Hank might. And even if not, we really should start filling up the sub basements."

Colt looked over at Lugh with a somewhat pained expression on his face. Lugh knew it was hard for the boy to accept the fact that they had to kill people to survive, but it was a part of life the boy would need to learn how to live with. "Don't worry Colt..." Lugh said as he squeezed the boy's shoulder lightly. "Not only do I know Runi's rule on who becomes food, but I agree with it."

"I know..." Colt sighed. "And honestly, I don't have that big of a problem with it, it's just... well it's hard knowing how many people will die because of the number of people here."

Lugh nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I've never been in a home that had this many vampires. But, I have to look at it like this, with the amount we have to hunt; Philadelphia is going to be a much safer city."

Colt couldn't help but laugh as Lugh patted him on the shoulder once more. "You take care of Runi, and I'll make sure the basements are full for those that need it." He turned to head back inside but stopped before he hit the door. "Make sure to let me know if Runi wakes up before I get back."

Colt smiled and nodded. "You got it."

Colt waited a few minutes before he followed Lugh back inside. He waved to Jaden and Aiden as they followed Lugh out the door. Off to the side, Marco was standing in front of Hope who had her arms wrapped around him. The little ten year old Marco was soaking up the love of his new 'adopted' mother.

Colt smiled at the boy, who grinned back at him. Marco may have been the youngest boy there, but he was soaking up everything that Colt could teach him about staff fighting. Colt had made it a mission to not be defenseless, and he was taking what had been taught to him, to anyone else who wanted to learn. Marco may not have been the biggest or fastest kid around, but he took what he was being taught to heart. He was easily the most dedicated of Colt's 'students.'

Taking this opportunity to do something he'd meant to do for a while, Colt pulled the ten year old boy over to the sofa to talk him. Once Colt was settled in, with Marco on his lap, Colt took a moment to just cuddle with the small boy before he began. "Marco, I'm really glad you're taking the training so seriously, but you've got a few of us a bit worried."

"Why?" Marco asked his big brown eyes wide with wonder.

"Well..." Colt said trying to make sure he said this right without hurting the boy's already fragile ego. "We're just a bit concerned that you might be spending too much time learning how to fight instead of being a kid."

Marco's eyes hardened for a moment before they softened slightly. "I wasn't able to do anything to help my old family, but I will not let my new family get hurt while I hide in the closet again."

Colt then tried to do something he'd not done yet. He pushed his mind towards Marco's through the bond that Runi had created between them, and gave the smaller boy a tight mental hug. "You'll never have to worry about that again, I promise."

 

---

 

A young boy watched as Lugh led his twins away from the house and wiped tears from his eyes. He looked to the boy with him and spoke softly. "Go on. I'll lead him away, you go and get safe. I'll be back as quick as I can."

They looked into each other's eyes as the tears poured. The second boy threw his arms around the first boy and hugged him hard. After a few minutes, the first boy turned around the second, younger boy around and pushed him towards the door of the big house. The younger boy took a few steps then turned, but the other boy was already gone.

Wiping away more tears, the boy walked slowly towards the door. When he got there he reached up, knocked on the door and waited.

 

---

 

As he was walking in the front foyer, Duncan heard a soft knock come from the front door. Looking around he saw Colt and Marco sitting on the couch, with Hope nearby. Remembering what he'd been told, he walked over to the wall, and pressed a button. Throughout the house a tone sounded, alerting everyone that someone was at the door. Windsor had been very insistent that guests be greeted 'properly', now it was more for security purposes.

Duncan then went over to the door, and once Samson, and a few of the security guards were in the room, with others coming, he opened the front door. The funny thing was at first he didn't see anyone. He started to look around until he felt a tug on his pant leg. Confused, Duncan looked down and saw a mop of brown hair sticking out from a brown hoodie. When the little boy opened his eyes, Duncan almost passed out from shock. Staring back at him was a four or five year old boy with huge yellow eyes.

"Oh hell..." Duncan said as he glanced over his shoulder. Everyone that was gathered around had the same shocked expression.

 

---

 

Colt sat there in shock as Duncan quickly took the four or five year old boy off to get him cleaned up. The only clean spot on the boy seemed to be on his face where two tear tracks had washed away the caked on dirt. Colt had been shocked to see Vampires as young as Wyatt and Hunter, the twins that were rescued from the basement of the vampire sex shop. Thankfully they were off with Master Takamura getting their heads worked on, but why the hell would someone turn a kid who was only four or five years old?!

Colt was about to get up and follow Hope and Duncan when he felt something in the back of his mind. He stopped in his tracks and looked towards the stairway. With a grin on his face, he took off up the stairs. "Runi's waking up," he said to Samson and Jennifer as he passed them.

When Colt opened the door, he saw Runi sitting on the bed looking out the open window. Runi turned to look at Colt with a small smile. "How are you doing....?" Colt started to ask when the question died in his mouth. He moved closer to Runi with his mouth hanging open in shock.

"What?" Runi asked with some concern seeing the look on Colt's face.

"Your eyes..." Colt said as he now stood before Runi staring into his bright eyes.

"What's wrong with them?" Runi asked concerned.

Colt grabbed Runi's arm, and led him over to the full length mirror that was on the back of the door, turning on the main light as he did. When Runi looked at himself in the mirror he gasped in shock. His normal yellow eyes were now blazing a bright orange color.

Before Runi or Colt could comment any further, a voice came from behind them. "You see brother; it is just as I had thought."

Spinning around, Runi and Colt found themselves standing before both Anubis and Thoth. Both boys hit their knees immediately, bowing their heads. Colt might not truly believe in the Egyptian religion the same way that Runi did, but he knew better than most that, even if they weren't gods, they were very powerful entities.

"I should have learned many years ago never to doubt you, but it seems I shall never learn." Anubis said with a chuckle, before turning his attention towards the two boys. "Please rise. We have much to speak about."

"Do you know what has happened Lord Anubis?" Runi asked as he stood up.

Colt still found it strange to see an obvious smirk on the face of the Jackal Headed God. "Yes I do, however, you should know better than to expect a direct answer from me. Instead, let us ask you some questions." The large man said as he motioned for them to sit on the bed, while he and Thoth sat on chairs.

Once they were all seated, Thoth was the first one to ask his questions. "Runi, how much do you remember about your Sire?"

Confused by the question, it took Runi a moment to think about it. "A bit. I remember he was a powerful High Priest from far away that came at the behest of the Pharaoh, specifically to turn me."

Thoth nodded in agreement. "That is mostly true; however, your Sire was not one who was beholden to the Pharaoh. He did as he did because he saw something in you. Something special. Something that he had been searching for, for more years then even you can fathom."

Runi was in shock, so Colt was the first one to ask the question. "What did he see in Runi?"

It was Anubis who spoke to answer. "That is not for us to say, but for Runi to figure out."

"How? How's he supposed to figure that out?" Colt asked while leaning forward. "It has something to do with his eyes, doesn't it?"

Thoth grinned broadly. "Child, if you ever entertain the idea of joining the Priesthood, please let me extend an invitation to join mine. We would BOTH benefit greatly from having your mind in my service. Yes, it has to do with his eyes, as a matter of fact; it has everything to do with his eyes."

Before either boy could ask, Anubis spoke up. "Our time here is short, so let me say as much as I can. Runi, you were the last one turned by your sire, and his last hope. What has happened to your eyes has everything to do with what you did the night before last. Your Sire foretold this time, and asked that when it happened, I give you this..." In Anubis's hand appeared a large old text. He offered the tome to Runi who took it reverently and stared at the cover. "All the answers you seek are in there; however, some of it will not make sense yet. The only advice I can give you is the same advice I always give you... Follow your heart." Before either Colt or Runi could say anymore, The two 'gods' faded from site.

Runi stared at the book for several moments before he stood up and placed it gently on the table. He turned and held his hand out to Colt. "We should check on Hank and the rest of the house."

Colt took his hand, but had confusion written all over his face. "But, what about the book?"

Runi pulled him into a tight hug the released it, taking Colt's hand into his own. "It has waited this long, a short time more will not make a difference."

 

---

 

Runi and Colt walked into the room Hank was sleeping in, after passing Tristan and Felix, who were standing outside the room. The two brothers were acting as security for their 'father' figure. Hank lay in the middle of the bed, the same way that Roger had placed him two nights before. Runi went over and laid one of his hands on the boy's chest and closed his eyes. After a few moments, Runi opened his eyes and smiled. "He is resting comfortably. Although I think he's gonna be a bit surprised when he wakes."

"Why's that?" Roger asked from his seat in the corner. Colt jumped, not knowing the boy was there, but Runi seemed unsurprised. He turned towards Roger with a smile. "I wasn't positive, until just now. When Hank wakes, he will be as I was when I was first turned. Although, unlike myself, he will have twenty years of experience under his belt. His extras will be more powerful then he remembered, and they will be easier for him to do. It is something that I have noticed happens with those who have been turned in the way that has become the normal. The extras are harder to perform, and not as powerful as they could be."

"So it will be like he is your age?" Roger asked as he stood up and walked over to look down on the boy who saved him in more ways than he could count.

"No... he will not be as powerful as I. However, in terms that you would understand it would be as if he were... saying one to two hundred years old... once he learns to control it."

Roger looked up and into Runi's eyes while he grinned. "That should be very... interesting."

"Yes, I think it will be too." Runi said with a laugh.

 

---

 

Several hours later, Colt finally fell asleep. Runi was still engrossed in the book, and had been since the moment he returned from checking on Duncan and the young boy that he had taken under his wing. Duncan had a very protective streak when it came to the boy he had only met a few hours before, but that was not really a surprise to Runi.

Sometime after he fell asleep, Colt was woken by Runi's loud voice echoing throughout the room. "There is NO WAY!"

Colt shot to a sitting position and looked over at Runi. "What?!?!"

Runi was shaking his head only to stop, look at the book again, and continue shaking his head. Colt looked over at the clock and felt his blood run cold. "RUNI!"

"What?!" Runi asked as he shot to his feet, his hands going behind his back grasping the knives that were always there.

Colt jumped to his feet, and grabbed Runi by the hand. "Do you know what time it is?"

"No...." Runi said as he allowed Colt to drag him out into the hallway. Colt just stood there for a moment. "What?!" Runi asked somewhat upset by Colt's actions. Colt simply raised his hand and pointed towards the window at the end of the hall. Runi slowly turned and felt his jaw hit the floor while tears sprang to his eyes. The world outside the window was bathed in sunlight.

---

Editors Notes:

I don't even know where to begin. So many places that chills just ran through me. Places that I cried. Places that I smile and chuckled. So, I will end this with, "If you don't like this chapter, speak to Duncan's Sire."

There is so much packed into such a small space. Now off to edit chapter fourteen. LOL

Cynaira