Matters of War and Pregnant Women

Blue Drake Mansion

Diana sat at the Head chair of the Conference room, huge and dark, with its wide table meant to sit many, though only a few sat here tonight.

Huginn and Muninn the Raven twin sat on each side of Diana as she tapped irritatedly on the table's dark face. "Where are they?" Didi growled.

"I asked them to come but... I don't know if anyone listened?" Moonie sighed, rubbing her tired eyes.

"Boss or no boss. He left Dawn in charge. the bloody twats should have at least paid head to the damn call. What a Joke." Huginn had his feet up, a very annoyed look on his pale face, his Blonde hair tied up high, exposing the shaved sides of his head.

Diana was exasperated, exhausted... she wasn't a leader, the Noxium was... fragmented, it had been since Charlie... well.

It was hard to govern a Clan of Vampires with no real master, and so when she called for urgent meetings it was only fifty-fifty that there little "Sects" would actually show up-

"ROLL JORDAN ROLL, I SAID ROLL JORDAN ROOOOLLL, MY SOUL ARISE IN HEAVEN LAWWWD FOR THE YEAH THAT JORDAN ROOOLS"

Diana smiled, standing from her seat as the double door flew open and a little Blonde mink with her Wendigo mask on flipped into view, skipping and jumping manically with a crowd of a dozen or so behind her also wearing similar skeletal type masks.

"R-Rudy!"

"MY SOUL ARISE IN HEAVEN LAWD FOR THE YEAR THAT JORDAN ROOOLLL- agh, yew sombitch!" Spinning around, Rudy landed awkwardly, one of her horns which embedded itself into the floor, the Dirty blonde southern bell struggling to pull it free until the straps on her head broke and she flew up into the air, maskless before landing flat on the table.

The Twins looked at each other in confusion, but Diana continued to smile, as Rudy's head snapped up, her Magenta eyes staring with glee as she spoke: "Hello, Tasty. You called?"

Diana nodded "I'm glad someone decided to show up."

Rudy pushed off of the table, landing perfectly on her tiptoes, and tossing her rifled to one of the men at her side... Diana stared at them, in their weird clothes and Skeletal masks "Bone heads. Of course, the crazies of the Nox would follow Rudy."

"I'm glad you did, sweetness, I nearly ate one of these guys! Take a seat Boys! Madam Dawn called for a dayum meetin'!" The Boneheads followed her orders' and took a seat at the huge table, Hugie and Moonie seemed dissatisfied with their presence, but there were again interrupted.

The door opened, and the soft click of low heel shoes came from the doorway. Also with a large group, Diana saw Cleo in her sharp midnight black suit walking with her Sect in tow, all also sharply dressed, staring with red eyes as they removed their masks _"Keeping with the theme I see..." _Diana thought as she saw the Butlers. though what she did not see as Cleo quietly took her seat and folding her arms, was Camezotz, in a sleek fancy overcoat with a winding scarf covering her neck, her head masked and ears plated, she sat with the Butlers who she had fell in with.

"Hello Cleo, Cammie," Diana said. Cleo rolled her eyes, and Cammie gave a gentle but silent wave. "All we are missing now is Belle."

"You're not missing anything!" And finally, emerging into the room, wearing a Pitch Black overcoat with Yellow lines of the leaves, her classy blouse and jeans matched with high heels that click as she walked, was Belle. A Good many of the Noxium that she had recruited into her sect, also wore Black overcoats with yellow on their sleeves, following the Brunette Queen Bee as she waved happily "Sorry I'm late, I was having some issues with the Human Thralls, Russian Gangster's or no, those guys are pretty complacent!" She chuckled, as her Gang followed her to sit at the table.

Diana smiled as she saw Velka and barnabus in their Overcoats following... and grinned even wider as a huge, beastsly man with a friendly smile walked in, his Coat massive on his broad shoulders, as He moved around to sit on Diana's side "Didi!" Boris said happily.

Diana gave him a nod "How are the Yellow Jacket's keeping you, Bo-Bo?"

He shrugged, but smiled "Not so bad, for a group of vile Vampir." He chuckled.

And so, everyone was gathered.

• Diana and Her Loyalists.
• Rudy and Her Boneheads
• Cleo and the Butlers
• Belle and the Yellow Jackets

"So... we are all here." Diana said.

"For once," Huginn commented.

"Enough, Hal. Though He is right... I expected everybody to be a little more snappy." Diana said.

Cleo shrugged "I had business."

Belle agreed "Things have been busy trying to keep everyone in line with the lockdown going on! People are afraid because of Jormungandr showing up and I have a lotta mouth to feed."

Rudy drooled "So many lovely meals, locked away in their houses!"

The Nox began to squabble amongst themselves, roaring about their problems and issues... like crying undead toddlers, and sometimes, what toddlers needed was a firm hand.

The Swor of Lugh screeched out of its sheath, it's glowing blade erupting in a bright orange flame as Diana buried it into the table "SILENCE!" Diana cried, the Noxium recoiling, eyes glowing as they shielded themselves from the sword's fiery light. That go their attention. Pulling up her scabbard she allowed the blade to sizzle out, staring at all of them just as fiercely. Drawing up her sleeve, Diana flashed her Black-Drake tattoo "Do you know what this means? do you!? or did you all just get these imprinted on you for shits and giggles!? The Reason I allowed us to split and work in teams was so that we could function without our leader!" She pulled her sleeve back down, staring at them all ferociously "Lord Nox is gone, and Charlie is lost, it is not our responsibility to cry like little girls about our problems, it is our responsibility to protect our Master and protect this city in his absence. Now, do you want to carry on crying or do you want to hear the fucking news?"

They looked amongst each other, and BRudy raised an exited hands "I WANT TO HEAR THE NEWS!!!"

Everybody nodded in agreement and Diana took her seat, nodding in turn "Good. let's get to it then. We continue to Break Charlie in slowly as Planned, we don't need the worst to happen again. Fortunately... He's accepting the truth faster than expected."

The Nox mumbled in excitement "How much does He know?" Cleo asked.

Diana spoke "Aunt Hilde messaged me, where the knowledge of Monsters was rejected before or ignored, He fully accepted a full story on them, If I know my brother he'll be mulling over it for a while, especially since Remhilde told him, hopefully, that will smooth things out when He eventually sees one of you, which knowing how clumsy some of us can be... Belle." Diana stared at Belle who flushed. "He will. but Namina tracks his movements by night and Remhilde by day. He has already manifested his Enhanced senses, his ability to flit, his Claws and Teeth also returned though Rose doubts that He'll be able to control them yet-"

"Letting that Traitor back into our fold is a god damn mistake," Velka said in disgust.

Boris responded "There are things that you do not know, Vampir. Hold your tongue."

Velka growled "Like what? what don't we know!? stop holding it over our heads and tell us!? Ever since those Vampire-hunting freaks attacked the Cave, you've been keeping us in the dark, so how about you spill the beans?"

Diana considered the Nox, and they seemed to be in silent agreement _"Is this really my secret to share?" _She pondered... Diana stood and paced by the window, looking out into the woods as the moon hung high in the black sky.

"I told you of Charlie's Wager with Cain... you know the stakes... You know of our lineage, Remhilde told you herself in-spite of her dislike of your kind. We know of Dracula, and how Charlie is his Reincarnation, told to us from his own lips... *Sigh*" Diana rubbed her eyes "And now... Rose is Pregnant."

The Room erupted with voices, shocked, confused, doubtful "Bullshit." Cleo said.

"H-How is that possible!?" Belle whispered.

"BITE-SIZED MASTER FOR BREAKFAST!?" Rudy screamed.

Diana's ears perked up. They all perked up, Something... was coming very fast... no there were more than one... "BRACE!" Diana cried as something came hurtling through the doors, it forms unstable and flashing and out of immense speed as a flurry of red-streaked across the room, burying into the wall and sending bits of rubble everywhere.

Another appeared far more smoothly than the other, her form sliding across the boards as she Gauntlets and Boots gleamed. Her Rabbit Mask shining as she sped over to the woman who was imbedded into the wall gesturing to Diana "Help me, Hurry!" She cried ripping her mask off and dashing over to who Diana saw... was rose.

Rose's body was stuck there, uncotiously held in place as droplets of blood fell from her head "Rose!" Diana cried rushing over to Remhilde, who carefully began to remove her from the wall.

She was unmoving, but still breathing lightly, Her eyes half flickering open as long droplets of... crimson blood fell from her face where she's cracked her head into the concrete "Rose! Rose!? What happened!?"

Remhilde let her down lightly, the Red-head coughing as she sniffed to life, her light wounds from the collision still open "I told her to slow down... there's something not right." Aunt Hilde said as Rose mumbled.

"W-What happened?" She wheezed.

Belle moved over "You shot into that wall like a cannonball that's what!?"

Diana checked her wounds... "They aren't closing..." She whispered.

Remhilded nodded, feeling her pulse "She's warm, her heart is beating so fast... her breath is heavy, it's actually heavy."

"Rose... You're alive... y-you're more alive, I can smell it." Belle whispered.

Rose struggled to sit up, grimacing as she tried to tense her supernatural muscles... nothing... she prodded her ears, looking around in confusion "My Senses. My powers?"

Diana knew it before she even said it, she could feel it... "Rose... My god... You're Human"

---

Memories... springing like frogs on lily pads above you. You could see them on the surface of the Blue waters above when you looked hard enough from the sea bed.

Do you believe it? any of it?

The Shadowy thing that sat beside you on the sea-bed was still very small... only, it had a shape, now. Like a Bowling ball with tiny arms and legs. It sat close beside you, watching the memories above and out of reach.

"I feel like I should... but I don't know."

The Ball sighed.

That's because you're an idiot. hmf warrior indeed.

_"Fuck off You talking melon." _You scowled.

The Little thing paused, smiling.

THAT'S THE THE SPIRIT. NOW. Keep pushing. Keep using me, growing me... and we will reclaim the rest, we'll win and everything will be as they should be again.

You raised an eyebrow "Reclaim the rest? what are you talking about?"

Nevermind that. just.... Wake up!

You sat up from your bed in the Golden Suite, feeling considerably calmer than you perhaps thought you'd be. Warm arms hugged your mostly naked torso. You were only really in your pyjama bottoms, and yet here gripping unto your strong upper body desperately, was Daisy, in her nighty, tightly holding you as she let out a light trilling snore.

You recalled the Night before... stumbling in, high as a kite and head throbbing in pain. You let yourself in, to find her Asleep in your bed again.

Crouching beside her, you pushed one of her golden hairs from her face, a smiled at her beauty, even with the stupid face she made when she slept.

Sniffing at the air, you peered over at... why was there a Snake enclosure in your room, was that even allowed? You saw the long winding beast coiled within it, a Copperhead by the looks of it... "That's one hell of a pet..." You whispered.

"His name is Mister Copper..." You flinched, to see Daisy's eyes half-open, drowsily staring with those Amerthyst orbs "I hope you don't *Yawn* mind. I thought... he could use a nice home."

You smiled it off, you felt oddly comfortable... having a snake nearby, weird. "Sorry I kept you waiting, I didn't want to worry you I-uh... I'll sleep on the couch."

Daisy stirred up, you could see her nipples poking through her nightie "Y-You... we could... um..." She patted the side of the bed, shifting far off to the side to allow for room "This can be my side, and this can be yours?"

You sighed, crouching back down to her "I thought that you wanted space? because of... Jake."

She pressed her lips together "T-There's space... I'll stay over here, I... just so I can keep an eye on you?"

What was her deal, what did she want? what was Daisy Teresa so afraid of? too many questions Drake. You're a warrior. Act like it.

Standing and slipping off your shirt, Daisy beheld your body as You quickly slipped out of your jeans, She turned away for that one, flushing as You put on your pyjama pants, and slipped into the bed, making sure to stay on your side, as she lay on the opposite side. the Two of you falling into a slightly awkward and uneasy sleep.

So much for that huh? the girl clutched you like her favourite steady, smiling as she slept softly.

"Daise.... Daise..." You gently poked her arm, and the Blonde's eyes gently opened.

"Oh... Good morning. Jakey..." She whispered half-continuously. You frowned, shaking your head sadly as you pocked her

"Daisy, come on wake up." You urged.

She shot up, grumbling as her eyes opened in realisation. The Blonde mouthed wordlessly, before moving away, flashing you with an apologetic stare.

But you just tried to smile "Come on, time to get up. Oh and My Aunt Remhilde said um... The Sun is rising?"

Her eyes lit up "She said that? already? well... Alright, let me just get dressed."

You let her shower first, and then took one yourself, dressing and putting on your glasses as Daisy placed some freshly made waffles with bacon and syrup in front of you, and another part of Nox's journal "I think this is the next one He wanted you to read?" She said a little meekly. That awkward awakening still held a strong enough hold to do so, but you tried to ignore it, looking down at the page and carefully reading.

"Dear Chip. I hope you are well reading this because I am a little worse for wear... things aren't always how they seem my friend, you might look at something on the surface level and never give it a second glance but... that isn't the way to be, especially not in our world.

By now, you would have heard about the Drake's the Descendents, if not then you should Not Be reading this, everything in good time. but if you have then it looks like you're heading the right direction, just like I knew you would.

There is always more than meets the eye, Chip, everything has layers upon layers of bullshit to deal with, but if I'm honest, that has always been the fun part. I realise that you are likely yet to encounter all of them, but there are people that need me, and in my absence... they need you. I am asking a lot for you to trust me on but, the consequences of rushing things are too damn high to take chance, you understand.

I have some homework for you buddy, very important homework so take note.

1. You Follow Diana & Remhilde's guidance to the letter, you do not divert from their orders, as annoying as those two can be.
2. Danger is coming, there are things out there that cannot be reasoned with, that cannot be allied, and in this instance, you must meet them with ****. But you will find that to be easy, the key is control, always control.
3. Do not trust the Woman who calls from the lake. Do not trust Francheska Franklin, I have little experience with her kind, but it is possible that their intentions are not pure. And finally. Do not trust any woman with Red hair, under any circumstances... they are trouble.

Good luck my friend. Stay safe. Walk with an open mind and a level head.

Your Old friend: Nox"

Looking up from the journal, you huffed, rubbing your eyes and stared at the journal for a good long while, before closing it up, and handing it back to Daisy who seemed inquisitive.

"No Comments?" She asked.

You shook your head, mulling over the possibilities in your mind... no... the opportunities, and stood, smiling at her "Come on. I don't want to be late for class."

She pointed in exasperation to the full untouched plate "Aren't you hungry?"

You rubbed your stomach, strange, you never skipped breakfast "Nah... Pack it up I'll have it later!"

---

You sat in Morning Homeroom and listened to one of the Prefects spout out a bunch of Boring shit, in the meantime, you were scribbling in your workbook... well your 5th notebook, your fingers rapidly taking the notes as you prepared for double Science with Dr Ito... and then your ears pricked up.

Daisy doodled in a booklet just behind you, apparently too consumed to see Charlotte quickly pull up beside you, the girl's dark eyes looking on nervously "H-Hi..." she whispered so that the prefect couldn't hear her.

You sighed, closing your workbook "Hey, Charlotte?" Oh god please no.

She held her hands up at your expression "I-I know what you are thinking and... I just... I came to apologise, for how I acted in the garden, I was. I was being really stupid and..." You could tell that this was difficult for her, she seemed the blase type, and if you knew belle... which you hoped you did, she definitely wasn't accustomed to not getting her own way. "I... I like you, you could have been mean to me for acting like such a freak but you didn't so... thanks. Good, we are friends now. cool." She decided, hiding her flush as You smiled at her.

"You often decided who your friends are without their content?" You chuckled.

She folded her arms "I'm gonna follow you around either way so I don't see how it matters?"

Nodding, you pattered her on the arm, making her shrink down shyly "Alright kid. But I'm giving you a very cute and embarrassing nickname if tat's how you want to play it... hmm how about Lottie!? no... Harlie... Oh I got it! Cherry! perfect."

She grimaced "I hate that, do not call me that!" She growled lowly.

You smirked coyly "I'm gonna call you it either way so I don't see how it matters?"

The Cute Brunette held back a little smile, though she couldn't contain a small squeaky chuckle.

"Hey! you two, cut it out!" The Prefect cried in frustration.

You, Daisy and Charlotte walked through the hall on the way to Dr Ito's class, people were staring as Daisy held unto your arm and Cherry hovered around your side awkwardly.

Look at them, looking at you. You're a new man now, a better man... a King of Men. Stand tall and show them their once and Future King.

You smiled, standing tall and pridefully under everybody's gaze, with two very beautiful Girl's walking with you, you were finally starting to feel like the tides would change.

Dr Ito's class was easy as always. simple and Sweet... if Enhanced Astrological research was simple... which it was. but in your toil. You noticed Jane and the untouchables a few desks away.

She looked deeply sad, shifting uncomfortably with Duke's arm around her, You stared sharply, caging the deep spite that you felt for that cocky prick... but..

Chaz Bruce sat behind him, and you grimaced to see his Dark brown orbs staring deeply at you, almost contemplating you... god he was huge, even bigger than before, the guy was a brick shit house.

The Captain of the Football team flickered his eyes to Duke, then back to you, in a very "Is that what is bothering you?" Look.

You were confused as Chaz tore a piece of paper off of his workbook, scribbling on it and slipping it to Duke. Duke read it, then looked both confused and pissed at the same time, looking back at Chaz with annoyance... well, He looked up at Chaz with what was now fear at his terrifyingly stoney expression.

Duke's eyes flickered to you before He removed his arm from Jane begrudgingly, the Girl sighing in relief. Raising an eyebrow as Chaz, your bully refusing to look at you now... He got up abruptly from his seat, grabbing his back with his muscular arm before drawing out quickly before Dr Ito who ask why.

Camile watched him go, worriedly. You couldn't really comprehend what just happened, but you could comprehend Isabella, who stared at you darkly next to Vicky who was perplexed as to her boyfriend's sudden disappearance. Her silver eyes watched you quizzically, before eventually turning back to the page.

All of it was odd, yes. But it gave you an idea, made the nodes in your brain spark with a potential opportunity "Could I? Infiltrate the Untouchables? subjugate them, put myself on their level? is that even possible? I mean Vicky is... weird right now. Oddly friendly, Camile has actually spoken two words to you, more words than she has ever in the past 7 years and Izzy well... Izzy was a special case. but how should I play it? what is the key to popularity... a hobby perhaps, something that impresses people... Shit I don't have anything like that accept-- no, I couldn't do that in front of anyone. shit Charlie... shit..."

"You know I actually met your sister, Ms Alexandrov..." Daisy said as you mulled over your stratagem for a socially hostile take over of the Academy's pyramid scheme.

Charlotte frowned "Harlow. It's Harlow now." Cherry corrected.

Daisy smiled "It's nice that you took your sister's last name, you must be close?"

Cherry shrugged "Sorta... we weren't before. Hey, are you some kind of Servant or something?"

Daisy grimaced "No! How very rude... I'm a carer. I care." She corrected.

"How old are you anyway? like 40?" Charlotte asked bluntly.

Daisy felt at her face worriedly "I-I'm... I-I'm 30... Chippy I don't look 40 do I!? DO I!?"

You chuckled "No Daise, you don't look 40, you look stunning. Cherry stop being mean to Daisy. She's very sensitive."

Daisy nodded, hugging herself "Very very sensitive!"

Chuckling a little at the conversation, your attention was however diverted through the whole thing... to the table where the Untouchables, the Cheerleading squad and all the Jocks generally sat... Izzy was looking at You on your mostly empty table, contemplating you curiously _"Come on Iz. I know you want to talk to me, just do it... come over and talk to me..." _You gave her a half-smile, the Beautiful Latina sighing and turning her eyes away from you.

Sighing you poked at the food that you hadn't taken a bite out of yet, you felt a little hungry... but for some reason, you didn't really find this particular dish appetising, god you were surrounded by all of these beautiful ladies and you were sat here contemplating food, I mean how pathetic were you!?

"...Olla."

Staring up, you saw Silvery eyes on you, a beautiful Latina girl with platinum hair sitting across from you, and next to Daisy, who along with Charlotte looked quizzical.

You smiled "Izzy?" You whispered. She refused to look right at you "Chaz was asking about you, he's been staring at you all day, I don't know if you noticed?"

You nodded "I noticed... what does he want?"

Izzy shrugged. everybody was staring, including the untouchable's table. "He's been acting weird since He took time off, he just leaves halfway through lessons, including today. just thought you should know."

You stared into those eyes pale as winter snow, the cheeks sharp and deadly, face taught and beautiful as drawn violin strings, she was sharp as a knife, a knife that you had put in her hands, and begged to meet your guts... but Care was like war, brutal, simple... you merely needed to use the correct tools.

"I'm glad you're here Izzy." You said with a smile "Thank you, for telling me," You said, voice sickly sweet.

Kill em with kindness? you naughty dog...

Izzy stared uncertainly, perplexed by the certainty of your smile "I-I was just... I Hate you I-"

You lent forward, with your intoxicating grin of ivory teeth and red lips "It doesn't matter... You are welcome to sit with me anytime. I owe you that much."

Isabelle frowned, clearly disarmed and mouthed wordlessly, you ignored this, gesturing to the girls at the table "This is Daisy, she makes sure I keep out of trouble. and this is Charlotte. She's a new friend so go easy on her eh?"

Daisy waved sweetly, and Charlotte smiled "Hey. I like your hair, It's super hot, you should teach me how to dye it like that some time... my hair is always too dark!" Cherry said.

The Mighty Latina Unctouchable stammered "I... well... okay. Sure?" She spoke uncertainly.

Something in you smiled, deeply and darkly.

"The Right tools, Daisy and Cherry. A good start."

Isabella seemed oddly friendly with Daisy and Charlotte. they had a lot to talk about, their clothes, boys, the school dynamics, Isabella's plans for the future, which you listened keenly too "I want to work in History."

"History!? Really, wow Honey I did not have you pegged as that kinda Gal." Daisy said in pleasant surprise.

"I have always liked history, old things with stories, I wanted to discover untold things, untouched things who's tale has yet to be told. It's because of all the stupid books I used to read in a church." Isabelle chuckled, for the first that you had seen in years, But it made you smile in return.

Charlotte huffed "Kinda makes me wish I had a dream. My aspirations don't go much further than settling down with a family." Her dark eyes flickered to you before she sipped from her coffee cup, quickly pulling out a pack of gum and chewing it profusely before smiling at you sheepishly.

"There's nothing wrong with wanting a normal life. Cherry." Isabella said, softly. Her silver eyes flickered to you "Just count yourself lucky that you have the option... not many of us do." It was strange, like... she yearned to say these things to you directly, but couldn't. Just a sprinkle of her hatred kept her from doing so, one that you did not seem entirely misplaced.

"I'd like to have a family one day." You said happily "But travelling the world, visiting new places... That is given before I chain myself to the ground you know?"

Isabelle furrowed her lips and grabbed her empty tray, flushing as she stood "I-I promised Vicky, I'd help her with her with her homework so... By Cherry, it was nice to meet you, Daisy..." Her silver orbs refused to meet you as she whispered "Adios... Guapo..." and like that she was gone... but you felt a change, a change for the better.

You asked me once what the difference between us was? Mine was the mastery of warfare on the battlefield. Yours is the Mastery of warfare in the Human mind.... Can you hear me yet? it's driving me mad being in here alone. I... I miss you, my friend, we are incomplete, and you are broken, but with this little piece of me, we will rule. I promise.

You smiled even wider, touching your chest without a moment pause, softly, fondly, without even knowing why.

The Day passed, and much to your surprise, Charlotte gave her goodbye in a long drawn out hug "I haven't had any real friends before... you know.... Thank you..." She whispered as her small body grasped on your large one.

You hugged her back, people flooding past towards the dorms "You're welcome, Cherry. Anytime." You whispered.

She parted from you, flushing as her nose brushed against yours, the Brunette shrinking back as she scratched her head "Okaygottagonowbye!" She vanished into the Wind like a cartoon, leaving only you and Daisy.

"Your date with that Barista is today, right?" She asked softly. You raised an eyebrow.

"Did I tell you that?" You asked.

She shrugged "You... talk in your sleep. I'll leave you to it. Meet you back home, 'kay?"

You nodded at the tall blonde beauty "'Kay."

And then you were alone. You sat in your car, checking your watch and your hair in the rear-view... waiting for 8 o'clock to come, for the time to meet Rose to come.