Fic: Unlikely Partners, Unlikely Heroes (Multi-Pairing, 18/?, PG-13)
Title: Unlikely Partners, Unlikely Heroes
Author: Kori/justagirl8225
Disclaimer: Not mine
Spoilers: Nope, 'tis A/U
Rating: PG-13 (eventual R)
Characters/Pairing: Multi-pairing; when I have a better idea, I'll let you know
Summary: For years they've coexisted, watching and protecting.. and then a new threat forces them to work together. Will these unlikely partners become unlikely heroes as well? Only time will tell.
Notes: Vampire based fic, and that's all I've got to say for now. Italics for flashbacks
Previously: Memories
Early 1800s - Brasov, Transylvania
Following the Austrian invasion of Transylvania, the ruling house deemed it necessary to foster relations with the human population in the major cities of the conquered territory. This political strategy proved most useful with the conflict in France, the ruling house then deciding to temporarily abandon the stronghold in Vienna. Previously, I had found myself in Vienna with Hunter and Patricia, mentoring to Melina, Jamie, and Evelyn. Because of my standing, I am stationed on my own, my first assignment of this nature. Patricia has been sent elsewhere in the territory while Melina, Jamie, and Evelyn have gone with Hunter. The townspeople have been appreciative of our efforts in fortifying Brasov and assisting with the safety of the trade routes in and out. Ivory has been assigned here on a temporary basis, though I am the official ambassador to Brasov.
I certainly cannot complain much about the location, there is much to be desired about Brasov.
My sole concern lies in the nearby Carpathian Mountains.
We have heard rumors about a pack taking residence there, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Still, I rest with a sword nearby, steadfast in my vigil and confirm the suspicions of the ruling house when I am on patrol.
“Be careful,” Ivory warns as I prepare for patrol in the stables, “there are strong rumors, not only of the shifters but of humans who would not hesitate to attack.”
I nod sharply, tucking a few throwing daggers into my boots. “You and Hunter have trained me well.”
The elder vampire graces me with a rare smile, handing me a full quiver of arrows to complement the full quiver on the saddle. “If you do not return by sunset, I will send reinforcements.”
I nod as I mount the horse and then secure the steel helmet, urging the horse out of the stables and into the surrounding foothills. My senses are on high alert as I venture further out of the town. Many a night have we heard the soulful sound of the wolf howl. Some nights I cannot help but wonder if it is in warning.
I suppose I will find out soon enough.
With practiced skill, I guide the horse through the mountains and I am almost beginning to think that the rumors are just rumors. But then I can smell the encampment and I ease myself slowly and quietly from the horse. I scan for some safe area and almost wish I had not taken the beast with me. Once I have found a suitable area for the horse to stay, I take the second quiver from the saddle.
I can hear the activity within the encampment and I know it will only be a matter of seconds before they are aware of my presence.
As I near the encampment, I notch an arrow, my steps slowing considerably by now.
The snapping of a twig causes me to turn quickly and I find myself face to face with a blond female. We face each other warily, circling, and it’s then that I notice she is not alone; a dark haired male having accompanied her.
They surprise me further when the female begins by addressing me in German.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” The blond addresses me first, neither of us willing to lower our respective weapons. “How did you find us?”
I fight the urge to scoff, not wanting to give away too much but also realizing that if I want to establish some sort of peace, I must identify myself somehow. “I am Amália, ambassador to Brasov from Vienna.”
“Válnak?” The man questions from behind me, suddenly standing so close that I can sense the muscles rippling in his body.
“Igen.” I see no use in lying, perhaps even letting down my guard because he has addressed me in Hungarian.
“Don’t concern yourself, Beth. She is of no threat to the pack.”
The blond still looks wary, “I will inform the elders… we should return to the camp and make ready to relocate.”
I can sense him nodding but he makes no move, yet. “I will escort her to the foothills.” He touches my elbow, speaking to me in Hungarian, “your horse is near, I can smell it.”
I wait until we are further away from the camp, “why didn’t you tell her?”
“She is young and naïve, better to let her believe what she wants.”
I retrieve my horse, setting the quiver back on the saddle, “you still could have told her.”
He arches an eyebrow, “and what good would that have done?”
I shrug, not really sure of how to answer that. “So, you know who I am. You have my name…”
“You can call me Phil.”
True to his word, he had escorted me to the foothills, just outside of the gate to Brasov. I know that I cannot keep the secret of the pack from Ivory, but I can at least give some sort of peace offering… an understanding of sorts, between our species. He accepted my offer and had then retreated back into the mountains.
“Ames?” Jamie eyes me curiously, “we’re here…”
I smile, shaking myself from my thoughts. “My apologies,” and I’m thankful that no one else was present to witness my mental lapse.
Jamie arches an eyebrow, “is everything okay?”
I nod, “fine, nothing to worry about.”
My sister does not seem convinced and I cannot blame her, but luckily she doesn’t question me further.
I have not shared that secret with anyone and I know that Punk hasn’t spoken of it either. Perhaps if the ruling house had known, they wouldn’t have sent me to San Francisco so many centuries ago.
After everything that has happened today, we have decided to hit the bars and clubs, selecting The Parlor as our first stop. I announce to our group that drinks are on me, handing my credit card to the bartender. I will not drink tonight and I know that Punk won’t either, our eyes meeting as we sit down at the bar. Tonight is about forgetting, not remembering. For the near future brings uncertainty and inevitable loss.
I repeat this mantra in my head as Punk approaches me, taking me by the hand and not giving me much of a choice before I find myself ensconced in his arms in the middle of the crowded dance floor.
Válnak = Vampire (in Hungarian)
Igen = Yes (in Hungarian)
Author: Kori/justagirl8225
Disclaimer: Not mine
Spoilers: Nope, 'tis A/U
Rating: PG-13 (eventual R)
Characters/Pairing: Multi-pairing; when I have a better idea, I'll let you know
Summary: For years they've coexisted, watching and protecting.. and then a new threat forces them to work together. Will these unlikely partners become unlikely heroes as well? Only time will tell.
Notes: Vampire based fic, and that's all I've got to say for now. Italics for flashbacks
Previously: Memories
Early 1800s - Brasov, Transylvania
Following the Austrian invasion of Transylvania, the ruling house deemed it necessary to foster relations with the human population in the major cities of the conquered territory. This political strategy proved most useful with the conflict in France, the ruling house then deciding to temporarily abandon the stronghold in Vienna. Previously, I had found myself in Vienna with Hunter and Patricia, mentoring to Melina, Jamie, and Evelyn. Because of my standing, I am stationed on my own, my first assignment of this nature. Patricia has been sent elsewhere in the territory while Melina, Jamie, and Evelyn have gone with Hunter. The townspeople have been appreciative of our efforts in fortifying Brasov and assisting with the safety of the trade routes in and out. Ivory has been assigned here on a temporary basis, though I am the official ambassador to Brasov.
I certainly cannot complain much about the location, there is much to be desired about Brasov.
My sole concern lies in the nearby Carpathian Mountains.
We have heard rumors about a pack taking residence there, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Still, I rest with a sword nearby, steadfast in my vigil and confirm the suspicions of the ruling house when I am on patrol.
“Be careful,” Ivory warns as I prepare for patrol in the stables, “there are strong rumors, not only of the shifters but of humans who would not hesitate to attack.”
I nod sharply, tucking a few throwing daggers into my boots. “You and Hunter have trained me well.”
The elder vampire graces me with a rare smile, handing me a full quiver of arrows to complement the full quiver on the saddle. “If you do not return by sunset, I will send reinforcements.”
I nod as I mount the horse and then secure the steel helmet, urging the horse out of the stables and into the surrounding foothills. My senses are on high alert as I venture further out of the town. Many a night have we heard the soulful sound of the wolf howl. Some nights I cannot help but wonder if it is in warning.
I suppose I will find out soon enough.
With practiced skill, I guide the horse through the mountains and I am almost beginning to think that the rumors are just rumors. But then I can smell the encampment and I ease myself slowly and quietly from the horse. I scan for some safe area and almost wish I had not taken the beast with me. Once I have found a suitable area for the horse to stay, I take the second quiver from the saddle.
I can hear the activity within the encampment and I know it will only be a matter of seconds before they are aware of my presence.
As I near the encampment, I notch an arrow, my steps slowing considerably by now.
The snapping of a twig causes me to turn quickly and I find myself face to face with a blond female. We face each other warily, circling, and it’s then that I notice she is not alone; a dark haired male having accompanied her.
They surprise me further when the female begins by addressing me in German.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” The blond addresses me first, neither of us willing to lower our respective weapons. “How did you find us?”
I fight the urge to scoff, not wanting to give away too much but also realizing that if I want to establish some sort of peace, I must identify myself somehow. “I am Amália, ambassador to Brasov from Vienna.”
“Válnak?” The man questions from behind me, suddenly standing so close that I can sense the muscles rippling in his body.
“Igen.” I see no use in lying, perhaps even letting down my guard because he has addressed me in Hungarian.
“Don’t concern yourself, Beth. She is of no threat to the pack.”
The blond still looks wary, “I will inform the elders… we should return to the camp and make ready to relocate.”
I can sense him nodding but he makes no move, yet. “I will escort her to the foothills.” He touches my elbow, speaking to me in Hungarian, “your horse is near, I can smell it.”
I wait until we are further away from the camp, “why didn’t you tell her?”
“She is young and naïve, better to let her believe what she wants.”
I retrieve my horse, setting the quiver back on the saddle, “you still could have told her.”
He arches an eyebrow, “and what good would that have done?”
I shrug, not really sure of how to answer that. “So, you know who I am. You have my name…”
“You can call me Phil.”
True to his word, he had escorted me to the foothills, just outside of the gate to Brasov. I know that I cannot keep the secret of the pack from Ivory, but I can at least give some sort of peace offering… an understanding of sorts, between our species. He accepted my offer and had then retreated back into the mountains.
“Ames?” Jamie eyes me curiously, “we’re here…”
I smile, shaking myself from my thoughts. “My apologies,” and I’m thankful that no one else was present to witness my mental lapse.
Jamie arches an eyebrow, “is everything okay?”
I nod, “fine, nothing to worry about.”
My sister does not seem convinced and I cannot blame her, but luckily she doesn’t question me further.
I have not shared that secret with anyone and I know that Punk hasn’t spoken of it either. Perhaps if the ruling house had known, they wouldn’t have sent me to San Francisco so many centuries ago.
After everything that has happened today, we have decided to hit the bars and clubs, selecting The Parlor as our first stop. I announce to our group that drinks are on me, handing my credit card to the bartender. I will not drink tonight and I know that Punk won’t either, our eyes meeting as we sit down at the bar. Tonight is about forgetting, not remembering. For the near future brings uncertainty and inevitable loss.
I repeat this mantra in my head as Punk approaches me, taking me by the hand and not giving me much of a choice before I find myself ensconced in his arms in the middle of the crowded dance floor.
Válnak = Vampire (in Hungarian)
Igen = Yes (in Hungarian)