Dark Matters

A/N: Many thanks to Nicola for beta-reading this chapter for me!

Chapter 15: Feeding-time

It was a comforting sensation to have his powers coming back, even though the vampire knew it would not heal him completely. Today he would rest knowing that when he woke up he would be much stronger than during any of these past month. Vladislaus wrapped the dead girl up in the blanket she was lying on and put her on the floor. His servants could clean up tomorrow.

After that he went to bed himself, falling asleep, as far as it could be seen as sleep, almost instantly. Some said that the more powerful one was the more troubled his sleep. With Dracula it was the other way round, if he even chose to rest, since it had not been really necessary. He and his brides had been stronger than all the other vampires and could withstand daylight and could make up for lack off sleep by drinking more blood. Not that they needed that much of it anyway and even less with each year.

Thus the Count was not surprised as he woke up feeling perfectly satisfied. He felt even stronger than last night. Striding from the bed he walked, still naked, to seek something to test his strength on. Down at his little ball room he saw a gigantic iron candleholder about his height. The main beam struck him as humanly impossible to bend.

Just as he was about to stroll down the stairs, Vladislaus became daring and focused to see if he could change into his bat-form. Triumphantly he stretched his wings out that grew, reluctantly, but steadily. Having enough room he leapt down after he finished the transformation. It was not coming as easy as it should have been and he felt a slight drawback on power that reminded him that he still needed the mage's help to return to full strength.

Angrily he grabbed his target and bent the candleholder like a small twig with very little effort. Before he could think of other ways to test the success of last night's adventure, the sound of the door bell interrupted his train of thought. Turning towards its direction he changed back almost automatically. Looking down he realised that for the first time in centuries his clothes had not automatically grown back.

Maybe it was time to choose a new set of standard clothing that would accompany him over the next few centuries. They had to be black but if he recalled the shop-owner had left some suggestions. The doorbell sounded again but instead of being upset he warped two the bed chamber without the slightest problem and open his wardrobe. For now the tight cut black pants and the satin shirt of the same colour he had tried on briefly yesterday about the same time would have to do.

Dracula dressed in no particular hurry. If it were his servants that rang so impatiently he would teach them a lesson, if it was anybody else, he would see what to do. Six rings later he was dressed and warped down. Enjoying very much that he had not to walk anymore over long distances, he opened up. To his surprise it was Alicia standing in front of the door.

Raising an eyebrow, the Count addressed her. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Good evening, to you, too, Count," she said, dryly. "Lace had to leave the town on urgent business for a few days, so he asked me to show the library and answer any questions you may have."

He did not need to be able to read her mind to know that she was about as happy to be here as a dog in a blizzard. The girl looked rather pretty despite the sour look on her face but that did not put Dracula off from the fact that he was getting angry at her being so indifferent about him. If he had been back in Transylvania this would have been the moment to drag her inside and show her who was the master. But as he was in Los Angeles he just replied politely.

"I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important."

"Not really," Alicia replied and sighed.

"So it is my company that bothers you so much," Vladislaus said.

"Count - not all my worries and troubles have to do with you," the girl replied, firmly.

'How fortunate,' Dracula thought.

This could work to his advantage. Provided that he was able to solve her problems it would be beneficial to his plans for her.

"Then why don't you show me the library now?" he suggested.

Alicia nodded and waited for him to close the door before she turned and walked to the elevator. It was obvious that she was not in the best mood. The dancer was even grouchier than during the ball. Her steps were fast and forceful, Dracula did not saw the need to hurry like this, but he did not want to make an argument of it.

Once they stood in the cabin the vampire said: "I hope you have slept well."

"I guess I did," she replied and hit the button with the eighty-eight on it. "Just not long enough."

"So what troubles you?" he asked her once the doors were closed.

"Lace told me to show you around - not to outline the roadmap of my soul."

Feeling slightly thrown off as she mentioned her soul, he nevertheless came up with what he figured would be a good reply.

"You already told me about your mother's death. What could be a more difficult and personal subject?"

Alicia mumbled something that sounded like she admitted that he had had a point but was not ready for further communication. Seconds afterwards they reached the library and the dancer strode forward to a huge counter with three young people behind it. Opposite of him were huge stained-glass doors, giving a hint what was to be expected in the inside. Facing the counter was a huge stone basin filled with earth, lots of green plants and stones. It even had a small fountain.

"It's supposed to bring fresh air in to the waiting room and looking at it is considered relaxing," Alicia said slightly amused, seeing his doubtful look.

"Well, it seems Lace has a foible for growing things," he said.

"I guess you are more into dead things," she replied, before turning to the young women behind the counter. "Hi Cindy, I am sure you have heard of our new guest - Count Dracula."

"Yes, I have," she said with more than just professional courtesy.

"Count this is Cindy, she recently became our chief librarian," Alicia continued the introduction.

"A female librarian, what a nice century this is," Vladislaus told her.

"Are you an avid reader?" she wanted to know.

"If I already wasn't - I'd be one now," he continued the flirt.

"Swell," Alicia interrupted. "The system here is quite easy, the librarians are here all night and day, you can read in the library or you can take the books with you. In which case you have to check the books out at the desk here."

"Another of Lace's rules?" he said still looking at Cindy. Dracula was curious if an obvious flirt with another woman might bring something out in Alicia. The vampire did feel that she was annoyed, but he had the notion it was not out of jealousy. He figured that he just needed a more worthy opponent to bring out any hidden tendencies. Cindy was pretty but Lace's future apprentice was a different league.

"People tend not to return the books - so we have to keep an eye on things. If this was your library, I think, you would do the same."

Dracula grinned. "If this was my library, I doubt I let anyone near my books, except maybe a talented female librarian."

"Figures, but I doubt that you and one person could take care of all those books", Alicia replied.

"There can't be that much books on this floor."

"Not on this floor, the research terminals take up quite a lot of space, but on the other nineteen floors there are quite a few bends to dust," she retorted.

"This library covers about twenty floors?" Dracula said, surprised.

"We got over eight-hundred million different titles, and our microfilm and online archive is even larger," Cindy answered.

"Despite not knowing about what a microfilm or online is, I'm impressed."

"Well, you'll find a lot in here that will help you catch up with modern times," Alicia said.

Dracula was a bit upset about her remark. Obviously everyone knew about his huge gap in knowledge. It was only natural considering what had happened to him, but he hated to be connected to any kind of weakness.

"In case it is not too much to ask, how about you continue your flirting later, while I show you the basics - or better yet, why don't you let Cindy show you around", she continued.

"Well, I would not dream about keeping you from your duties, I'm sure Cindy and I will have enough opportunities in the future."

Rolling her eyes toward the ceiling, Alicia turned. "Just follow me."

Kissing Cindy's hand good-bye he went after Alicia through the huge doors. There was large open spot where a lot of desks with strange things stood, but even more fascinating were the huge shelves filled with books. They did not waste much room. The books had become a lot smaller than he was used to, but the mass alone impressed him more than any before mentioned number.

Alicia led him around this level explaining that the seating arrangements at the outside windows were on all levels. Also never more than half of them are used. Looking at the comfortable sofas Dracula could imagine how comfortable it must be lying there reading something in the respectful stillness of this location. The view of the city was somewhat spectacular. Later he found out that in some floors the windows were lined with chairs and working desks.

There were also two small cafeterias, were people could stop by for a drink. For the rest of the library eating and drinking was of course not allowed. The opening times allowed for a less crowded atmosphere. Alicia assured him that quite a lot of people came here. Still with that much space and only three thousand allowed in, a lot was not that many. At least not with about three million registered citizens in Los Angels.

The city library itself was even bigger and books could be exchanged, if necessary, except for a few titles that had to remain here. There were two librarians on each level ready to take requests, organize books from town or fetch them from their resident locations. The only thing that really bothered the Count was that he could not see all the readers.

For now Alicia explained him were he could find what kind of book and how he could locate them without help. Finally after she had shown him around, she lead him to an area with history books. "Here, 'Technological advances in the last 150 years' that would be my recommendation," the former dancer said.

"Why not? I take it with me, something to read after dinner," Dracula replied.

"Fine, I show you threw the check-out procedures and then if there isn't anything else you need to know right now, I leave you to fetching something to eat."

Vladislaus had to smile at her way of putting it. Something about her made him believe that she was just playing hard to get. So maybe acting less interested was the best way to proceed. "Oh I'm sure Cindy and I can handle it alone," he told her.

Alicia grinned: "And I'm sure she won't be there anymore. She has better things to do than spending all day at the check-out."

"Oh, well, but you go and solve your problems anyway, I think I'll have a second look in the vampire novel section - it sounded interesting."

To his surprise the young woman actually smiled and her face softened a bit. "Sounds like a good plan, I wish I could say I have one nearly as good."

"If there is anything I can do ...", the vampire offered.

She shook her head. "If there was something that could be done, Lace would already have set things in motion."

It was not what he had wanted to hear, still she seemed a bit less hostile. The magician proved to be an annoying competition, also he was obviously not even interested in her the same way as the Count. Before they went their separate ways she told him where he could find her in case he was in need of further assistance.

Following his idea he went to the horror novel compartment and took a closer look at the vampire novels. He was amused about how many there were. Closing his eyes, he took a random book out. Dracula expected that this would really be a funny thing to read. Mortals writing about a creature they had never met. He checked-out both items and returned to his quarters. Now it was time to get something to eat, later he would have a look at the history book.

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"Hi, there", Sonja said cheerfully as Alicia stepped into the living room. The dancer had not been awake when her friend left to fetch the Count and was now wearing a facial mask to support her heavily stressed skin. Alicia could tell that her friend was just about to finish her all morning beauty treatment. Parts of her legs were still shining from the body lotion, her morning gown was loosely tied and she lay out-stretched on one of the sofas with her eyes closed.

"Well, at least one of us is in a splendid mood," Alicia said and set down on the padded stool that went with the sofas.

Sonja sat up slowly. "Was it that horrible yesterday?"

"No, it has nothing to do with the Count. Lace just came to me earlier this morning. He left the city and wouldn't tell me why. It has something to do with the Crusaders, I'm just worried."

"Please, he can handle a whole battalion of those creeps. I'm sure he had a very good reason for not letting you in on what is going on", her friend told her.

"Maybe, you are right, I just thought he trusted me by now," Alicia frowned.

"I guess Lace trusts you about as much as he can bring himself to trust someone", Sonja said and began to rub her friend's shoulders gently. "And you have been up ever since and - you're really tight."

"It's not that, I had to tour-guide the Count around," Alicia replied slightly annoyed.

"And?"

"What and, he made his advances, then tried to make me jealous by flirting with Cindy," Alicia explained as Sonja interrupted her for a moment with muffled laughter, "I don't know what Laces sees in him."

"Well, it is hard to say, what Lace finds so fascinating about pretty much anyone", Sonja said in a teasing way.

"Oh," Alicia gave her playful hit with the elbow.

"He, I - of course - was referring to Lady Rain," Sonja continued and then bend down to whisper in her friend's ear, "I totally understand why someone would go crazy about you."

"Oh please," Alicia replied uncomfortable. "It's not that I can understand you having made that move on me, but we know each other for so long - why would a total stranger like Dracula being so boringly persistent?"

Sonja drew back a little but continued her massage. "Well, another proof of how I failed miserably to explain to you the concept of passion and sexual attraction. Just take my word for it. One good look is all that it takes."

"Oh please, Sonja not again."

"What?" the dancer shrugged her shoulders.

"You have cast that one look that is needed on Dracula, haven't you?" Alicia confronted her.

"He is gorgeous, if he is half as good in bed as he dances ..."

Alicia groaned. "Haven't you learned anything from that dreadful episode with Dallas?"

"I have," Sonja said and backed up, "but you don't. I had a good reason to tell Lace that punishing him wasn't necessary, that everything that happened was my will, too."

"Don't tell me, you dated him to get cut up and raped."

Sonja walked up and down, she was more than slightly angry. "See, that's it again. I knew I was risking a lot going with him, that he hadn't exactly the best reputation with women, but that was what attracted me to him."

"So what do you want to do now?", Alicia asked loudly as if she wanted to wake up her friend. "To repeat the same thing with the Count? Do you realise that this time you won't get away with just a few cuts and some bruises? He is a vampire and he will kill you if don't keep your distance. Opportunity makes the thief."

"He is not like Dallas, maybe you don't see a difference, but he isn't nearly as cruel. Besides, Dallas fancied me, while the Count is obviously more into you."

Sonja strode out of the room.

"So now you are running away from argument," Alicia barfed at her.

"Yes, I am," the dancer replied, "and if you don't mind I need to attend to the stuff on my face."

With that the bathroom door was shut loudly.

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

Returning to his quarters he called upon his servants to ask Virginia whether she would like to go out and hunt with him at this time of night. To his surprise the man wasn't upset at all, bowed and went to visit the lamia. A visit upstairs in his bed room revealed that they obviously had cleaned the corpse out and tidied up the room.

That was service the Count could get used to. At all times he had always had to be rather careful with his human servants, but this was obviously different in this city.

He placed the books on the large table upstairs, took his leather coat and played with the thing in the living room that made music. The automated voice asked him which music files he wanted to download to his list and that wasn't an easy question, especially since the only songs he knew were church related and didn't interested him anymore and he wasn't familiar with anything else. So he was relieved when he discovered some familiar names like Mozart or Beethoven on the lists.

"Maybe you should try the option to select your music by style," Virginia's soft voice caught his attention. He hadn't heard her come in and he only realised her presence fully as she was approaching him and the feeling of coldness ran over his skin.

"Did I startle you? I'll try and remember to knock next time."

"No, don't do that, I have to learn to recognize the presence of other undead. I hear the heartbeat of anything living and I sense my creations, there must be away to sense you," Dracula told her.

"Very wise, one can never be too careful. So shall we go or do you want some more help with that?" the lamia asked.

"You can tell me on the way," he said and took his coat.

Together, talking about music, they went downstairs, where a huge black car with a driver waited for them right in front of the main entrance.

"Do you always drive down there?" the vampire wanted to know.

"Why waste time walking, when you can spend it hunting?" Virginia replied with a wicked smile.

Dracula knew this was going to be fun as he had always loved to hunt in company. The lamia was, of course, not like his old brides whom he missed dearly in this moment but she came very close. He wondered if Alicia or Sonja would make nearly as good hunting companions. Then again hunting had always been more fun with Marishka and Aleera, while he imagined Alicia being more like Verona - going for the quick kill without toying around much. Then again, Verona had had her advantages, too.

Passing through the Street of Success, the car slowed down and Virginia lowered her window. "Hello Chris, I'd missed you at the party."

Dracula took a look at the head of the Nightcrawlers, and he could see that despite his age he was well trained and fit. Even though he could not see him directly, as part of his body was shielded by the car, the Count recognized from the heat signature of his body that the man was turning left and right with care.

"Well, I'd like to come," he admitted slowly, "but Lake has been acting weird ever since that vampire set foot in town. She has nightmares and says the end of the world has come."

"That's quite flattering," the vampire said aloud and smiled at Christian's startled reaction.

His thoughts were now even easier to read, the man was a bit upset about loosing two of his men, but even more he was concerned about his lover. Still he controlled his anger and he was smart enough not to blame him for what has happened. Vladislaus sensed a good deal of interest, mixed with fear and respect, as well.

"Well, Count, do you plan the end of the world?"

"Not at the moment and frankly, I don't fancy the idea of a world without humans that much," Dracula replied. A time without blood wasn't anything he wanted to experience again.

"That's what I have been telling her, but she is convinced that you are the messenger of Armageddon for us all," he shrugged. "Anyway, my problem, you two have nice evening."

Since it was evident, that he did not wished to address his personal problems in front of the vampire and had tried to play it down, Vladislaus decided to let it go. There was always time to learn more about Lace's loyal subjects.

"Thank you, Chris," Virginia said and they went on.

"You seem to get along with him quite well," Dracula asked her.

The Lamia smiled: "I worked under him, that was when he was quite young and before he met Lake. For a mortal he is easy to get along with. Plus he kind of reminds me of my husband."

"Your husband?"

"I was married, I was really lucky. His father had lost his older sons through war, he was too sick to marry himself and so I got a very handsome and young husband. Despite the miserable times, I was really blessed. That was of course before I was bitten," she said.

"I had no idea," he stated not knowing what else to say. This moment was a bit too emotional for him to cope with.

Virginia noticed and shook her head signalling that he need not feel bad about it. Both felt quite relived as the driver stated that they had arrived in Merry Ville. He opened the door for his two passengers and was then ordered to turn the car and wait for them. Excited, Virginia winked at him to follow.

The lamia lead him through the dark streets and showed him where to find the best victims and how to avoid drug-addicts or other distasteful specimen. They made it a game to scare some poor brothel visitor, who ran away in panic and was terribly surprised as the Count appeared out of nowhere. Maybe it was a bit silly of them, but the adrenalin did wonders to the taste of the otherwise pitiful blood.

Also it would have been much more fun to explore the Golden City during a hunt, Vladislaus could not complain. It was fun and after the first taste of blood they separated, leaving the corpse behind for the ghouls. The lamia went to find a replacement for a recently deceased member of her little snack-room that the Count had already become familiar with and he intended to do the same.

Walking down a pathway he saw a well dressed woman standing with his back to him. She was obviously talking to someone in the building one inch from her left shoulder. Things were exchanged through a window until it was shut abruptly. The moment the woman turned her face back to the street, he appeared out of thin air right in front of her.

Her eyes shot wide open and the face turned ash-white. Stepping back, Dracula recognised her. It was the girl he had seen on his first night at Christian's side. Lake was the name, he had heard earlier.

"So we meet again, Lake," he told her.

The woman continued to stare at him, her back at the wall. She swallowed once, but didn't say anything. Goosebumps appeared on her neck as Dracula moved his face closer to it. He assumed that there was no rule against killing her right on the spot.

"Do I remember wrong or did I already heard you talking?" Vladislaus began to tease her.

Swallowing again, she replied surprisingly calm: "Why should I bother?"

"You don't have any last words?"

"No," she said, "when I die, I won't have a chance for it. I know ..."

The reply confused the Count. She was scared beyond her wits and still she talked as if she knew that he wasn't going to kill her.

"Why do you fancy another form death?" he asked her removing the hood of her cape. "Aren't you being scared of what I could do to you?"

"Worse things could happen to me," she said with her voice trembling.

"I agree," the Count whispered against her throat.

Lake closed her eyes only to miss that Dracula was taking a step back. Slowly she dared to look at him. Vladislaus turned away from her. He hadn't had any interest to kill her from the beginning. The vampire had no intention of turning Bale into an enemy, when he might have some use for him some day.

"Wait," the woman suddenly said. Having his attention, she added. "May I touch you?"

"You say that as if you were considering touching fire."

Nodding slowly, she replied: "I do. I now your arrival here will bring death to this city and I - I have to learn more."

"I don't have any intention ..." he began, but she interrupted.

"No, but that won't change anything, this city is doomed and you are the key, please ...?" she raised her hand.

Vladislaus let her and Lake's cold fingers made contact with his cheek. Gasping in shock, she withdrew after a few seconds.

"And, did you learn more?", he wanted to know.

"I saw a face, the face of an unholy demon, an immortal, a fallen saint ...", she was still breathing heavily and the Count wasn't sure what to make of her words. "... he wore the signs of a holy man, but I knew his true-self. He is the one responsible for your death, only if you can destroy him in time, you alone can save us."

Lake turned back homewards, but Dracula wanted to know more. "You are talking about Gabriel," he said, stepping in her way.

"Please, that is all I know, all I could learn, I - need to rest."

Looking more closely at the woman, the vampire saw that she was worn out. To do whatever she just had done had taken a lot of strength out of her. Something told him that it had been for real, that this woman was special and possibly an ally. Dracula swept her of feet and carried her on his arms.

"I agree, let me take you home."