Puppet Master (Chapters 3-4)
Title: Puppet Master
Author: kijani
Fandom: Blood Ties
Pairing: Henry/Vicki
Rating: T... For now.
Summary: Christina is back, and she has plans for Vicki...and this time, Henry might not be able to save her.
Chapter Three: Smoke and Mirrors
"Son of a bitch..." Vicki groaned, her hand gingerly rubbing the back of her head as her eyes fluttered opened. Everything was still a little blurry (just as everything always was these days), but at least she was still in the same place she'd been when she was knocked out. It was familiar because it was hers. Her office. But then...? "Henry? Henry?" It seemed so empty. Where was he? What had Christina done with him? Vicki stood, her legs almost like jelly as she tried to find her balance. She dragged herself to her desk, practically falling into the chair there as she leaned forward, fishing through the door for her cell phone.
'You know the drill. Leave me a message...' Just his answering machine. Of course. If Christina had him, he wouldn't have his cell phone on him. Oh god, what was she doing to him? It would be her fault. It would be all her fault if he died at Christina's hand...
"Feels a bit lonely when you're here all by yourself, doesn't it?" Vicki knew that voice anywhere. Without getting up, she spun the chair in the direction that the sound had come from, and came face to face with none other than Christina.
"Christina...where is he? What did you do to him? Tell me you didn't hurt him...?" Vicki's demands quickly degenerated into pleas as she met the vampire's eyes. She could feel moisture behind her own lids and a pounding in her head, but she did not allow herself to cry. Not now. Not in front of her, of all people.
Christina shook her head and let out a long, low laugh as she took several small, calculated steps forward. Her hips had a bit of a sway to them as she moved, her arms crossed over her chest. Her gaze never left Vicki's. "Do you actually think I'd kill him so quickly? That would ruin the whole thing! No, no, no. Henry's fine...or at least he's fine for now. I needed you to be awake before the real games could begin..."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Come with me, and you're sure to find out." Christina's voice had a teasing quality to it, and she smiled as she took another step towards the PI.
Vicki shook her head. "Why would I do something stupid like that?"
"Two reasons, really..." Christina shrugged. "One: if you don't, I'll just make you. And two: if you don't, Henry will die."
"You're a liar!"
Again, Christina laughed. "Care to test that theory? You don't know where he is. I do. And he doesn't have his powers. We've got four and a half hours until sunrise, Victoria. Are you sure you want to stake his life on whether or not I'm lying to you?" She was silent for a moment, but only just. Without even looking back, she started to head towards the door. "Come on, now. I know you won't let him die..."
"Shut up!" Vicki growled, snatching her coat from the back of the chair and shoving her cell phone into her pocket as she followed the female vampire to the door. "He better be okay..." The last bit was spoken so softly that she wasn't sure if the other woman would be able to hear it, but it didn't matter. She said nothing as she followed Christina downstairs, until they got in the car. "Where are we going?"
"Henry's penthouse."
"If you've hurt him, I'll..."
"You'll what, exactly?" Christina smirked. "I told you Vicki, I'm not going to hurt him. I need you first. You have to be there. Without you, there really is no show. It wasn't what I originally had planned...but I think this ending will be so much better."
"What are you talking about?" Vicki couldn't hide the small tinge of fear that had crept into her voice. Her head was still pounding, and as the car sped forward, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of panic as they got closer and closer to their final destination...but at least she'd get to see him, too. To know that he was alright...
The car ride there was almost completely silent. Christina kept her eyes on the road, gripping the steering wheel so tight that her knuckles were white, and other than the sound of her own breathing, Vicki wasn't content to make any noise, either. She wanted to get it over with, whatever it happened to be. She wanted this whole thing to be done with. She'd help Henry, and then...then what? How could she? She'd already failed Coreen...
"We're here." Christina's voice cut through the silence like a knife. Vicki almost didn't hear her, but when the car door slammed, she snapped out of it, opened her own door, and looked up. Henry's penthouse. They were there. A small shiver passed through her body, but she ignored it as she forced herself to move forward. Henry. Henry was here. It was going to be alright. Somehow, somehow she'd get that terrible thing off of him, and they'd be alright...
"Hurry up!" Christina growled.
Vicki couldn't help but let out a yelp of surprise. "I'm coming!" she snapped.
"Come faster." Christina's iron grip closed around Vicki's arm, and she jerked the woman forward with all of her might, nodding towards the doorman as she made her way to the elevators. She didn't release her grip until they'd reached the top. Letting go of Vicki's arm, she shoved the woman straight into the door. The force of it was such that Vicki nearly went through it. Luckily, she caught herself.
"Watch it," Vicki groaned through gritted teeth.
"Can't help but be a little excited," Christina smirked. "After all, the real show is about to begin. This is going to be so much fun!" There was a joy in Christina's voice that sent an absolute chill down Vicki's spine, but she did her best to ignore it as she opened the door and moved slowly forward into Henry's penthouse.
As usual, it was dimly lit (mostly by candle-light). Vicki could hear classical music playing on the stereo, but other than that, she could hear nothing. It was quiet...far too quiet, and it was that silence more than anything else that sent her heart plummeting to the pit of her stomach. She felt as if her entire body were tied in knots. Running forward, she pushed open his bedroom door with a strength she didn't even know she had...and let out a sigh of relief.
"Henry!" She breathed. "I'm so glad you're okay! I thought she'd hurt you, and you...can you get yourself loose?" She moved forward to undo the restraints that seemed to hold him to the bed, not even thinking about the little instrument that still clung tightly to his chest. That was something they would worry about later, when he was free.
"Vicki...? No...get out..." Henry's voice sounded tired, and he clamped his eyes shut as though he refused to even look at the human woman who was trying to come to his rescue. "You came? I can't believe...you have to get out! Go! She wanted you here...don't you get it?"
Vicki shook her head. "I know what Christina wants, Henry. I don't care. I'm not losing you and Coreen. I'm going to get you out of here..."
"Leave!" Henry growled, almost pleading with her.
"No!"
"How sweet..." Christina cooed from the door. "Just the kind of thing I was hoping for. Dinner and a show..." She clapped her hands. "Well...dinner for Henry. A show for me. I always did love romantic tragedies..."
"No!" This time Henrys' voice really did sound desperate as he struggled against his restraints. "Vicki, get out of here! It's not worth it!"
"I know you won't hurt me. You're in control. You're alright. Everything is going to be alright..."
Christina let out a dark chuckle and sauntered forward, pulling something free from her belt. Vicki wheeled around in time to catch a small glimpse of the little blade. Confusion registered on her face as she watched the vampire move. She was going so slowly...what was she playing at? Vicki's eyes followed her easily, but stayed locked on the little blade in her hands.
"What the hell are you doing?" she demanded.
"This is the fun part I was telling you about," Christina explained, a glint in her eyes. "See, I knew you'd come along as soon as you knew Henry was here. That part was so easy. Now here's where things are going to get interesting. See Vicki, I'm going to give you a choice. Simple enough, really, so I'm hoping you won't take too long to answer..."
Vicki swallowed a lump that had grown in her throat and turned her gaze towards the female vampire. Christina was twirling the blade in her hand, an amused smile painted on her face. "What is it?" she whispered, her voice cracking slightly.
"Vicki, don't do it..." Henry's voice sounded so far off to her, even though he was right there.
"Do what, Henry? She hasn't asked me anything yet. I'm not going to do anything stu..."
"Here's the thing, princess..." Christina smirked, her grip on the blade in her hand tightening considerably. "Only one of you is going to get out of here. That part is your choice. You...or him. Now, you don't have too long to make up your mind, and if you're not too careful, the sun will make up your mind for you..."
Vicki's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. For a moment, all she could do was stare in shock at the other woman. Her chest felt tight, and for a second she couldn't even manage to breathe as her gaze darted between Henry and his sire...and that very sharp little toy she held in her hand.
"I..."
"Tick tock, Vicki. Hurry up."
"Vicki, don't..."
Vicki closed her eyes as she tried to shut out Christina. Her gaze focused on Henry.
"Don't do it," he repeated.
"Henry, I..." Vicki's voice broke as she choked on a sob, and she swallowed hard against a new lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. "I can't let...I can't lose..."
Henry shook his head. "No. I'm five hundred years old, Vicki. I've lived my life...over and over again. You haven't been given that chance. Don't do it. Christina can't be trusted. You know that. You know!"
In a flash, the other vampire was by Vicki's side, and before she could blink, she found herself on the floor. The force of it all nearly made her head spin again, and she let out a groan of pain as her back collided with a table up against the wall. "I almost forgot about this part..." She smirked. Before Vicki even had the chance to get up, Christina pulled the blade across Henry's throat. When she was through, she stood, liking it clean and practically sauntering back towards the bedroom door. "That's what happens when you don't make up your mind fast enough..."
Vicki screamed and rushed to Henry's side, but no amount of pressure seemed to stop the blood flow from his new wound. Her eyes welled with tears as she looked from him to his sire once more. It all seemed so surreal. His blood was surprisingly warm, and it quickly soaked through the sheet she used to try and stop it, staining her hands within seconds. Christina lingered by the door for only a second before opening it again, and turning her back on Henry and his human friend.
"Too bad..." she whispered. "I was really hoping for the surprise ending..." The comment was more for herself than it was for anyone else, but part of her knew she would be overheard.
"Christina!" Vicki's voice cracked as she yelled after the woman, choking on a sob. Her hands were shaking, but they still held the sheet tightly to Henry's bleeding wound. To her, it seemed like hours had passed...but in reality, it had been mere seconds.
"Yes?"
"I've...I've made my choice..." Vicki whispered. "Just...don't. Don't let him die..."
***
Chapter Four: The Final Act?
Christina nearly laughed out loud, but managed to contain herself as she returned to the room. The only indication of any true emotion was in the tiny smirk that now pulled at the corners of her mouth. She still held the little blade in her hand, and only a tiny hint of Henry's blood remained. Her gaze darted between Henry and Vicki, and her eyes glistened with excitement.
"Thank you for finally making up your mind, Victoria..." she said softly, her gaze finally settling on Henry. She approached the bed slowly, pulling the key to the Illuminacion del Sol from her pocket and sitting on his bedside. She inserted the key, and with a tiny click, the thing came loose.
As soon as he was free, Henry jumped up, letting out a growl of protest. "Leave Vicki alone, Christina. You can deal with me. Just leave her out of it. She hasn't done anything..."
"She made her choice, Henry. She chose you. Sit back. This is the best part of the show..." In less time than it would take a normal person to blink, Christina had narrowed the distance between herself and Vicki considerably. One boney-fingered hand wrapped around Vicki's throat, and with very little effort, Christina had the other woman pinned to the opposite wall. For the briefest of moments, she tightened her grip on Vicki's throat.
Henry rushed forward. "Christina, I told you..."
"Stay there, Henry. I'll only make it worse if you don't." There was no laughter in the other vampire's voice anymore. Even as she spoke to Henry, her eyes never left Vicki's. The prey. The food. A lesser being. Undeserving of all the hype...of his protection...his adoration.
"Christina..."
"No, Henry. This was her choice. Not yours."
"I don't care!"
Without another word, Christina brought the little blade up once more, pulling it in one swift motion across Vicki's neck. With that simple action, she released the other woman, allowing her to drop rather unceremoniously onto the ground beneath her.
"Vicki!"
Christina laughed, a strange low sound, once again licking the blade clean of the red substance that coated it. Turning around, her gaze locked with Henry's and she smirked, pocketing the little blade once more. "I was going to let you do it, Henry...but I decided that trusting you would make me just as stupid as this foolish human..." Christina practically spat towards Vicki.
A strong scent of copper filled the air as Vicki bled. The liquid stained her shirt, and was already starting to pool around her a bit. She clasped one hand to the wound, blinking furiously, but seemed unable to do much else. Her eyes, which seemed to slowly be draining of their color with every passing second, were locked on Henry as he looked on the horrible scene.
Once again, Henry rushed forward, swallowing a lump in his throat as he tried to get to her. There was a problem. Christina. Christina was all that stood between himself...between himself and saving Vicki. He could do it. He could. If he could get Vicki to a hospital...Why did she have to be so stubborn?
Christina's growl woke Henry from his nearly dream-like state, and the next thing he knew, a sharp pain in the back of his head alerted him to the fact that he had met the wall. Christina's hand was clasped tightly around his throat, and she had him pinned. Her fangs were exposed, her eyes red...and she gave no indication of letting up anytime soon. "Don't think so, Henry. That wasn't part of the deal, remember? It was one of you or the other. Why can't you just enjoy the show? This is the best part! The climax! You'll ruin it if you interfere..."
Henry's eyes darted around the room. He needed to find something...anything...that could possibly help him turn the tables. He had to. If he didn't hurry, it would be too late for Vicki, and Henry didn't know what he'd do...
His gaze settled on a tiny table located just below a portrait of his father. He wanted to laugh out loud, but he managed to contain himself. On the table just below the painting was a sword. Its shadow danced lazily on the wall. Henry had almost forgotten that it was there. It usually served as nothing but decoration, but the gears had already started turning in the vampire's head.
With a startling growl, Henry pushed Christina away with all the power that his strength would allow him. His gaze was focused on the sword as he moved forward. He didn't even pay attention to where his sire had fallen...none of that mattered at the moment. The scent of Vicki's blood was nearly overpowering now, and Henry had but one choice to turn the tables and even try to save her life...
He gripped the sword tightly, turning just in time to see Christina right herself. Once again, the other vampire's fangs were exposed, but Henry didn't care. He positioned himself between Vicki and the other woman, holding the blade so tightly that his already-pale knuckles were even more white than usual. There was a strange sort of determination in his eyes, unlike anything that his sire had likely seen before. However, Christina seemed unphased by her childe's attempt at turning the tables.
"You're too late, you know..." she smirked, motioning towards the still body of Vicki, just behind Henry. She was slumped against the wall where Christina had dropped her. Her skin was unnaturally pale, and she wasn't moving. Henry would not allow himself to look. He couldn't afford distraction. Not now.
Christina seemed undeterred by Henry and his weapon. She charged forward, that same smirk still playing on her lips. "You're too late, Henry. Too late. And both of us know you aren't going to do anything with that. It's all just a show. You can't kill me. How many times have you threatened it? You've never been able to do it. You can't. You're weak. You love me. You'd never hurt me..." Christina seemed strangely confident as she narrowed the distance between the two of them. "And now that the annoying human bitch is out of the way..."
Henry's grip relaxed only slightly on the sword, and he let out a sigh, a small smile coming to his lips. His shoulders slumped a little bit, but he kept his eyes on the other vampire. "You're right, Christina. I guess you've always known what's best for me..." His tone was subdued, and with the sword held at his side, he took several steps forward to help narrow the distance between them even more. "Haven't you?"
"Of course I have, Henry." she smirked, her voice surprisingly soft and gentle. "That's why I had to do this. I've been trying to show you for ages now..."
"I understand now." he nodded.
"I'm glad you finally understand..." Christina spoke softly.
"Yeah, I understand..." One swift movement. That was all it took.
Christina didn't even feel the pain. Her eyes widened in shock and surprise, and as she stumbled backwards, her gaze fell for a moment on the sword...the blade of which was now protruding from her heart. She fell without a word, that same stunned expression still on her face. Looking on, Henry's eyes shone with a dark sort of satisfaction. "...that you're a jealous bitch."
It took him a moment to register what had happened, what it meant...and to realize that the overpowering coppery scent still hung in the air. Vicki. Vicki's blood. Too much of it. No human was supposed to bleed that much...
Wheeling around, Henry dropped to his knees beside his human companion, nearly choking at the overpowering scent. He fought against everything he knew...his own instincts. That would only make the situation worse...right? Reaching out, two shaky fingers searched for a pulse on the woman. When he found none, Henry couldn't help but let out a strangled sob. He'd let her do this. He'd let Christina destroy her. He was too late.
Vicki's skin was already rivaling his in paleness, though her skin was still surprisingly warm. Henry closed his eyes for a moment, a million thoughts running through his mind. There was another option. One other option. Henry reached forward, gingerly moving a strand of the dead woman's hair from her eyes.
He could do it. He could save her.
...But should he? She'd hate him for it...wouldn't she?
Leaning forward, he placed a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm so sorry, Vick..." he whispered.
Author: kijani
Fandom: Blood Ties
Pairing: Henry/Vicki
Rating: T... For now.
Summary: Christina is back, and she has plans for Vicki...and this time, Henry might not be able to save her.
Chapter Three: Smoke and Mirrors
"Son of a bitch..." Vicki groaned, her hand gingerly rubbing the back of her head as her eyes fluttered opened. Everything was still a little blurry (just as everything always was these days), but at least she was still in the same place she'd been when she was knocked out. It was familiar because it was hers. Her office. But then...? "Henry? Henry?" It seemed so empty. Where was he? What had Christina done with him? Vicki stood, her legs almost like jelly as she tried to find her balance. She dragged herself to her desk, practically falling into the chair there as she leaned forward, fishing through the door for her cell phone.
'You know the drill. Leave me a message...' Just his answering machine. Of course. If Christina had him, he wouldn't have his cell phone on him. Oh god, what was she doing to him? It would be her fault. It would be all her fault if he died at Christina's hand...
"Feels a bit lonely when you're here all by yourself, doesn't it?" Vicki knew that voice anywhere. Without getting up, she spun the chair in the direction that the sound had come from, and came face to face with none other than Christina.
"Christina...where is he? What did you do to him? Tell me you didn't hurt him...?" Vicki's demands quickly degenerated into pleas as she met the vampire's eyes. She could feel moisture behind her own lids and a pounding in her head, but she did not allow herself to cry. Not now. Not in front of her, of all people.
Christina shook her head and let out a long, low laugh as she took several small, calculated steps forward. Her hips had a bit of a sway to them as she moved, her arms crossed over her chest. Her gaze never left Vicki's. "Do you actually think I'd kill him so quickly? That would ruin the whole thing! No, no, no. Henry's fine...or at least he's fine for now. I needed you to be awake before the real games could begin..."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Come with me, and you're sure to find out." Christina's voice had a teasing quality to it, and she smiled as she took another step towards the PI.
Vicki shook her head. "Why would I do something stupid like that?"
"Two reasons, really..." Christina shrugged. "One: if you don't, I'll just make you. And two: if you don't, Henry will die."
"You're a liar!"
Again, Christina laughed. "Care to test that theory? You don't know where he is. I do. And he doesn't have his powers. We've got four and a half hours until sunrise, Victoria. Are you sure you want to stake his life on whether or not I'm lying to you?" She was silent for a moment, but only just. Without even looking back, she started to head towards the door. "Come on, now. I know you won't let him die..."
"Shut up!" Vicki growled, snatching her coat from the back of the chair and shoving her cell phone into her pocket as she followed the female vampire to the door. "He better be okay..." The last bit was spoken so softly that she wasn't sure if the other woman would be able to hear it, but it didn't matter. She said nothing as she followed Christina downstairs, until they got in the car. "Where are we going?"
"Henry's penthouse."
"If you've hurt him, I'll..."
"You'll what, exactly?" Christina smirked. "I told you Vicki, I'm not going to hurt him. I need you first. You have to be there. Without you, there really is no show. It wasn't what I originally had planned...but I think this ending will be so much better."
"What are you talking about?" Vicki couldn't hide the small tinge of fear that had crept into her voice. Her head was still pounding, and as the car sped forward, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of panic as they got closer and closer to their final destination...but at least she'd get to see him, too. To know that he was alright...
The car ride there was almost completely silent. Christina kept her eyes on the road, gripping the steering wheel so tight that her knuckles were white, and other than the sound of her own breathing, Vicki wasn't content to make any noise, either. She wanted to get it over with, whatever it happened to be. She wanted this whole thing to be done with. She'd help Henry, and then...then what? How could she? She'd already failed Coreen...
"We're here." Christina's voice cut through the silence like a knife. Vicki almost didn't hear her, but when the car door slammed, she snapped out of it, opened her own door, and looked up. Henry's penthouse. They were there. A small shiver passed through her body, but she ignored it as she forced herself to move forward. Henry. Henry was here. It was going to be alright. Somehow, somehow she'd get that terrible thing off of him, and they'd be alright...
"Hurry up!" Christina growled.
Vicki couldn't help but let out a yelp of surprise. "I'm coming!" she snapped.
"Come faster." Christina's iron grip closed around Vicki's arm, and she jerked the woman forward with all of her might, nodding towards the doorman as she made her way to the elevators. She didn't release her grip until they'd reached the top. Letting go of Vicki's arm, she shoved the woman straight into the door. The force of it was such that Vicki nearly went through it. Luckily, she caught herself.
"Watch it," Vicki groaned through gritted teeth.
"Can't help but be a little excited," Christina smirked. "After all, the real show is about to begin. This is going to be so much fun!" There was a joy in Christina's voice that sent an absolute chill down Vicki's spine, but she did her best to ignore it as she opened the door and moved slowly forward into Henry's penthouse.
As usual, it was dimly lit (mostly by candle-light). Vicki could hear classical music playing on the stereo, but other than that, she could hear nothing. It was quiet...far too quiet, and it was that silence more than anything else that sent her heart plummeting to the pit of her stomach. She felt as if her entire body were tied in knots. Running forward, she pushed open his bedroom door with a strength she didn't even know she had...and let out a sigh of relief.
"Henry!" She breathed. "I'm so glad you're okay! I thought she'd hurt you, and you...can you get yourself loose?" She moved forward to undo the restraints that seemed to hold him to the bed, not even thinking about the little instrument that still clung tightly to his chest. That was something they would worry about later, when he was free.
"Vicki...? No...get out..." Henry's voice sounded tired, and he clamped his eyes shut as though he refused to even look at the human woman who was trying to come to his rescue. "You came? I can't believe...you have to get out! Go! She wanted you here...don't you get it?"
Vicki shook her head. "I know what Christina wants, Henry. I don't care. I'm not losing you and Coreen. I'm going to get you out of here..."
"Leave!" Henry growled, almost pleading with her.
"No!"
"How sweet..." Christina cooed from the door. "Just the kind of thing I was hoping for. Dinner and a show..." She clapped her hands. "Well...dinner for Henry. A show for me. I always did love romantic tragedies..."
"No!" This time Henrys' voice really did sound desperate as he struggled against his restraints. "Vicki, get out of here! It's not worth it!"
"I know you won't hurt me. You're in control. You're alright. Everything is going to be alright..."
Christina let out a dark chuckle and sauntered forward, pulling something free from her belt. Vicki wheeled around in time to catch a small glimpse of the little blade. Confusion registered on her face as she watched the vampire move. She was going so slowly...what was she playing at? Vicki's eyes followed her easily, but stayed locked on the little blade in her hands.
"What the hell are you doing?" she demanded.
"This is the fun part I was telling you about," Christina explained, a glint in her eyes. "See, I knew you'd come along as soon as you knew Henry was here. That part was so easy. Now here's where things are going to get interesting. See Vicki, I'm going to give you a choice. Simple enough, really, so I'm hoping you won't take too long to answer..."
Vicki swallowed a lump that had grown in her throat and turned her gaze towards the female vampire. Christina was twirling the blade in her hand, an amused smile painted on her face. "What is it?" she whispered, her voice cracking slightly.
"Vicki, don't do it..." Henry's voice sounded so far off to her, even though he was right there.
"Do what, Henry? She hasn't asked me anything yet. I'm not going to do anything stu..."
"Here's the thing, princess..." Christina smirked, her grip on the blade in her hand tightening considerably. "Only one of you is going to get out of here. That part is your choice. You...or him. Now, you don't have too long to make up your mind, and if you're not too careful, the sun will make up your mind for you..."
Vicki's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. For a moment, all she could do was stare in shock at the other woman. Her chest felt tight, and for a second she couldn't even manage to breathe as her gaze darted between Henry and his sire...and that very sharp little toy she held in her hand.
"I..."
"Tick tock, Vicki. Hurry up."
"Vicki, don't..."
Vicki closed her eyes as she tried to shut out Christina. Her gaze focused on Henry.
"Don't do it," he repeated.
"Henry, I..." Vicki's voice broke as she choked on a sob, and she swallowed hard against a new lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. "I can't let...I can't lose..."
Henry shook his head. "No. I'm five hundred years old, Vicki. I've lived my life...over and over again. You haven't been given that chance. Don't do it. Christina can't be trusted. You know that. You know!"
In a flash, the other vampire was by Vicki's side, and before she could blink, she found herself on the floor. The force of it all nearly made her head spin again, and she let out a groan of pain as her back collided with a table up against the wall. "I almost forgot about this part..." She smirked. Before Vicki even had the chance to get up, Christina pulled the blade across Henry's throat. When she was through, she stood, liking it clean and practically sauntering back towards the bedroom door. "That's what happens when you don't make up your mind fast enough..."
Vicki screamed and rushed to Henry's side, but no amount of pressure seemed to stop the blood flow from his new wound. Her eyes welled with tears as she looked from him to his sire once more. It all seemed so surreal. His blood was surprisingly warm, and it quickly soaked through the sheet she used to try and stop it, staining her hands within seconds. Christina lingered by the door for only a second before opening it again, and turning her back on Henry and his human friend.
"Too bad..." she whispered. "I was really hoping for the surprise ending..." The comment was more for herself than it was for anyone else, but part of her knew she would be overheard.
"Christina!" Vicki's voice cracked as she yelled after the woman, choking on a sob. Her hands were shaking, but they still held the sheet tightly to Henry's bleeding wound. To her, it seemed like hours had passed...but in reality, it had been mere seconds.
"Yes?"
"I've...I've made my choice..." Vicki whispered. "Just...don't. Don't let him die..."
***
Chapter Four: The Final Act?
Christina nearly laughed out loud, but managed to contain herself as she returned to the room. The only indication of any true emotion was in the tiny smirk that now pulled at the corners of her mouth. She still held the little blade in her hand, and only a tiny hint of Henry's blood remained. Her gaze darted between Henry and Vicki, and her eyes glistened with excitement.
"Thank you for finally making up your mind, Victoria..." she said softly, her gaze finally settling on Henry. She approached the bed slowly, pulling the key to the Illuminacion del Sol from her pocket and sitting on his bedside. She inserted the key, and with a tiny click, the thing came loose.
As soon as he was free, Henry jumped up, letting out a growl of protest. "Leave Vicki alone, Christina. You can deal with me. Just leave her out of it. She hasn't done anything..."
"She made her choice, Henry. She chose you. Sit back. This is the best part of the show..." In less time than it would take a normal person to blink, Christina had narrowed the distance between herself and Vicki considerably. One boney-fingered hand wrapped around Vicki's throat, and with very little effort, Christina had the other woman pinned to the opposite wall. For the briefest of moments, she tightened her grip on Vicki's throat.
Henry rushed forward. "Christina, I told you..."
"Stay there, Henry. I'll only make it worse if you don't." There was no laughter in the other vampire's voice anymore. Even as she spoke to Henry, her eyes never left Vicki's. The prey. The food. A lesser being. Undeserving of all the hype...of his protection...his adoration.
"Christina..."
"No, Henry. This was her choice. Not yours."
"I don't care!"
Without another word, Christina brought the little blade up once more, pulling it in one swift motion across Vicki's neck. With that simple action, she released the other woman, allowing her to drop rather unceremoniously onto the ground beneath her.
"Vicki!"
Christina laughed, a strange low sound, once again licking the blade clean of the red substance that coated it. Turning around, her gaze locked with Henry's and she smirked, pocketing the little blade once more. "I was going to let you do it, Henry...but I decided that trusting you would make me just as stupid as this foolish human..." Christina practically spat towards Vicki.
A strong scent of copper filled the air as Vicki bled. The liquid stained her shirt, and was already starting to pool around her a bit. She clasped one hand to the wound, blinking furiously, but seemed unable to do much else. Her eyes, which seemed to slowly be draining of their color with every passing second, were locked on Henry as he looked on the horrible scene.
Once again, Henry rushed forward, swallowing a lump in his throat as he tried to get to her. There was a problem. Christina. Christina was all that stood between himself...between himself and saving Vicki. He could do it. He could. If he could get Vicki to a hospital...Why did she have to be so stubborn?
Christina's growl woke Henry from his nearly dream-like state, and the next thing he knew, a sharp pain in the back of his head alerted him to the fact that he had met the wall. Christina's hand was clasped tightly around his throat, and she had him pinned. Her fangs were exposed, her eyes red...and she gave no indication of letting up anytime soon. "Don't think so, Henry. That wasn't part of the deal, remember? It was one of you or the other. Why can't you just enjoy the show? This is the best part! The climax! You'll ruin it if you interfere..."
Henry's eyes darted around the room. He needed to find something...anything...that could possibly help him turn the tables. He had to. If he didn't hurry, it would be too late for Vicki, and Henry didn't know what he'd do...
His gaze settled on a tiny table located just below a portrait of his father. He wanted to laugh out loud, but he managed to contain himself. On the table just below the painting was a sword. Its shadow danced lazily on the wall. Henry had almost forgotten that it was there. It usually served as nothing but decoration, but the gears had already started turning in the vampire's head.
With a startling growl, Henry pushed Christina away with all the power that his strength would allow him. His gaze was focused on the sword as he moved forward. He didn't even pay attention to where his sire had fallen...none of that mattered at the moment. The scent of Vicki's blood was nearly overpowering now, and Henry had but one choice to turn the tables and even try to save her life...
He gripped the sword tightly, turning just in time to see Christina right herself. Once again, the other vampire's fangs were exposed, but Henry didn't care. He positioned himself between Vicki and the other woman, holding the blade so tightly that his already-pale knuckles were even more white than usual. There was a strange sort of determination in his eyes, unlike anything that his sire had likely seen before. However, Christina seemed unphased by her childe's attempt at turning the tables.
"You're too late, you know..." she smirked, motioning towards the still body of Vicki, just behind Henry. She was slumped against the wall where Christina had dropped her. Her skin was unnaturally pale, and she wasn't moving. Henry would not allow himself to look. He couldn't afford distraction. Not now.
Christina seemed undeterred by Henry and his weapon. She charged forward, that same smirk still playing on her lips. "You're too late, Henry. Too late. And both of us know you aren't going to do anything with that. It's all just a show. You can't kill me. How many times have you threatened it? You've never been able to do it. You can't. You're weak. You love me. You'd never hurt me..." Christina seemed strangely confident as she narrowed the distance between the two of them. "And now that the annoying human bitch is out of the way..."
Henry's grip relaxed only slightly on the sword, and he let out a sigh, a small smile coming to his lips. His shoulders slumped a little bit, but he kept his eyes on the other vampire. "You're right, Christina. I guess you've always known what's best for me..." His tone was subdued, and with the sword held at his side, he took several steps forward to help narrow the distance between them even more. "Haven't you?"
"Of course I have, Henry." she smirked, her voice surprisingly soft and gentle. "That's why I had to do this. I've been trying to show you for ages now..."
"I understand now." he nodded.
"I'm glad you finally understand..." Christina spoke softly.
"Yeah, I understand..." One swift movement. That was all it took.
Christina didn't even feel the pain. Her eyes widened in shock and surprise, and as she stumbled backwards, her gaze fell for a moment on the sword...the blade of which was now protruding from her heart. She fell without a word, that same stunned expression still on her face. Looking on, Henry's eyes shone with a dark sort of satisfaction. "...that you're a jealous bitch."
It took him a moment to register what had happened, what it meant...and to realize that the overpowering coppery scent still hung in the air. Vicki. Vicki's blood. Too much of it. No human was supposed to bleed that much...
Wheeling around, Henry dropped to his knees beside his human companion, nearly choking at the overpowering scent. He fought against everything he knew...his own instincts. That would only make the situation worse...right? Reaching out, two shaky fingers searched for a pulse on the woman. When he found none, Henry couldn't help but let out a strangled sob. He'd let her do this. He'd let Christina destroy her. He was too late.
Vicki's skin was already rivaling his in paleness, though her skin was still surprisingly warm. Henry closed his eyes for a moment, a million thoughts running through his mind. There was another option. One other option. Henry reached forward, gingerly moving a strand of the dead woman's hair from her eyes.
He could do it. He could save her.
...But should he? She'd hate him for it...wouldn't she?
Leaning forward, he placed a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm so sorry, Vick..." he whispered.