Renegade's Revenge - Dark Love 2

CHAPTER 9

Azrael gave William hand a firm squeeze as they appeared in his home. The boy had not taken well to the Dark Paths. Though it wasn't any wonder why. For a mortal, Mage or no, who had never seen the likes of what existed where light never touched, it could be a harrowing experience. "You are in my lair pet, you are safe now."

William was shaking so badly that his teeth rattled. He was glad that Robyn, in her present state, had been asleep for the trip. He would try to convince Zak that when it was time to leave that a plane was a hell of a lot less nasty.

"Azrael?" Torin was up and coming towards them before they could even get settled. "What happened?" The pain that poured from all three wrapped around him, in a solid wall of agony

"Torin," Azrael motioned for him to come close. Torin for his part knew that it was serious. As he had told Casey the night before, Azrael almost never used his full name, preferring the endearment. "Gabriel's girl there needs you. She is badly abused physically, and has suffered a great loss. Mere moments ago she learned that someone had murdered her brother." He gathered his Mageling close. "She is in great pain dearest. A pain, that I. fear could cripple her. Look, closely, child she is like you and Mage born. Newly linked and just now at the beginnings of her powers."

" Fuck me ." Torin shook his head, swearing. Azrael was right. At this moment a shock like this could be death to a new Mage. "How long has she been out?"

"It is not catatonia, I placed her in this state. It was prudent to stop her from affecting all around her. She projects as if she were Kin."

Torin whistled low. She was that much a, wild, talent already. He had his work cut out for him. "Will her Master allow me to work on her? I'll have to take her down to the workroom. Any thing else and she will disrupt the whole house. And we have enough instabilities between Selene and Casey without adding death agonies to it."

Azrael was so proud of his Chosen, soon to be Childe. He was thinking, weighing all the variables. For one so young, it was almost unbelievable. But Azrael had learned quickly that his Mageling was anything but average. "If Gabriel believes that is the best course, he will allow it. But love, best you be, very, careful. My Grand-Childe has held his two as equals, not knowing any other way. Call all Kin by their name with her, for no man is her master. I will allow this, for it is not my right to dictate how another of my line holds those he loves."

Torin nodded. The idea of someone not giving his master the honor due him and respecting it with the title he deserves was a strange one for him, but if that was the way it went. Then he'd go out of his way not to rock the boat, especially, not, right now. "Will you help me?"

"Why do you ask? When have I ever allowed you to take on something that might test your limits and not been there. Wait my love the physical damage from her assault will sicken you, even without the bleeding of her heart. Not even Derrik and his excesses will even compare to the abuse that this child has suffered. Gabriel's will alone is all that keeps her from falling from pain." He brushed a lock of hair from Torin's face. "Forgive me my love, but it may be tomorrow before I have time to fulfill my promise to you. When I sought out my Grand-Childe, I never in all my wildest dreams believed I would also be faced with his two. Or that animals would wound his love so badly."

Torin caught his hand. "I have all the time in the world. And I wouldn't be worthy of your Gift if I begrudged her your time. Let me take care of her, and we'll talk about my re-birth when we have time. Who knows this might be good for me. A final gift to mortality before I give it up."

Azrael beamed. There were no few that would envy him his Childe in this one. His honesty and instinctual goodness would be a plus in his training. Too often was strength mistaken by coldness, "Gabriel?" He looked up from his pet.

Zak looked up from the pale face of his pretty one. "Yes?"

"Will you allow me to take her from you? I would loathe having her unshielded when she awakens. Torin is a Healer, and can help her if you allow it. But I would rather have her in my work room under full shields before I bring her up from her slumber."

Zak looked at her face. No, he didn't want to be separated from her. She needed him right now. Needed his love and support. But she needed healing more. He would be with her always, but if they could not build back what cruel fate had torn down then it would not matter how often he held her. She would never be the brightness he fell in love with. "She will be frightened if I am not there."

"Yes, but you would do more damage that good Childe. Her pain would echo from her to you and back. Better a few moments of fright, that can be dispelled, than the difficulty working with her as she fed from your pain as well as her own." It was a hard thing, to love and want to help and be unable. Azrael could well feel for his Kin. "Your boy needs you as well. Settle him while we settle your bright Mageling. My word, no harm will befall her in Torin's care."

Zak bent his head and kissed Robyn's brow. "Forgive me." He allowed Azrael to take her. "She will be difficult." He warned.

"Yes, I imagine she will, and rightly so. She as suffered greatly, and deserves to be allowed to feel her rage. Now go, William is suffering as well, and needs a healing only love can offer."

William watched, confused, as Azrael carried Robyn from the room. "Hey." He moved to stop him. "Zak, where's he taking her?"

"To his work room. Relax lover, my Grand-Sire knows what he is doing. The boy with him is a Healer as well as a Mage. If anyone can help her to find peace, it is he." Arms gathered his love to him. "Don't be afraid, no one will hurt either of you. I swear it. I would never expose you to danger, intentionally. I love you, I love her." The others in the room did not matter; his life was wrapped in the youth in his arms. He was helpless to help Robyn, but he would not stand by and let William suffer.

"Is Rob going to be okay?" He had grown up with Adrian. The man had been as much a big brother to him as he was to Robyn. When his parents had been so disappointed with him because he failed to live up to their standards, it had been Adrian who had stood up for him. And after his bad time when he was a teen-ager, Adrian had been there for him, even when his own father had forbid him to talk about what happened, preferring to just pretend that it had never taken place.

"Of course." Zak moved slowly, leading him to a chair. "Azrael is ancient. If anyone can help her, he can. Think, now of you love. Robyn will heal, I promise." He pulled him into his lap. "Were you and this man close?"

"I've known Robby since I was nine years old. Grew up with her. Adrian practically adopted me. After Robyn's parents died, and he took up raising her, I almost lived with him." The tears came. "Zak, he was. I can't explain Adrian to you. He was good. I mean, really, good. He believed in what he was doing, and was willing to back up those beliefs. So much of what Robyn is now, is because of him." It hurt to talk. To face the reality that one of the finest men he knew was dead.

Zak didn't try to hush his pain. Tears were healthy, as long as he could keep him from walling up his grief; there was hope for recovery. It was one of the first things he had learned when facing death. Give into grief. Honor you pain and the person you mourn. "I'm here." He whispered rocking him. "I will always be here, go on love, and cry."

Michael watched on, all the room did. It didn't take a great leap in reasoning to know that the death was a brutal blow to both the children. "Maria." He looked for Azrael's first pet. "Precious, that drink, the one that you gave to Jason that first night. Is there more here?"

"Yes," she agreed with the thought. "I will go fetch him a stiff drink. I'll bring the bottle with me. It might take more than one. It calms fears, but we've never had to use it on someone in mourning. Death of someone we love just doesn't happen here." She looked at William with sympathy. The blow was too much for him. It had been years since she had seen anyone in her house suffering through such grief. Well, they all would do what they could to help. She first off by going to retrieve what Michael wanted. After that it was all just a matter of time and patience.

* * *

Azrael led Torin into the workroom, waiting till he had closed the door before calling up the shields that always lay waiting here. No one would suffer because of her pain. And she would be safe from the painful emotions that echoed through his house with the bringing of two more untrained Mages in grief. "Tori, a glass of water please." He laid her on the table for a moment. "She will need something to deaden the pain a little, a sedative for now." The lock released with a touch of his hand, opening to display shelves of bottles and jars. The compound he wanted was the one he used for backlash. It would deaden her centers without harming her in anyway. It should also work as a tranquilizer, to deaden her senses.

"What are you giving her?" Torin watched with interest.

"A sedative, it will ease her emotional pain, as well as deaden her powers for a while. One, problem, at a time, "go gather her up, take her to the couch, "there. She will be quite distraught when I wake her. Better it be somewhere comfortable, and somewhat away from my work area."

Torin wondered briefly where she got the dye for her hair. He had seen a few teens with colors similar, but never bothered to inquire where they found the dyes. He smiled at Azrael as his Master knelt in front of them. Glad that he was there. If she reacted badly, the Elder vampire and adept would calm her quickly. "I'm ready."

Azrael reached out and touched her cheek gently. "Robyn." His voice just a breath above a whisper. He would monitor his voice carefully for now. "Come back to us, little one." He banished her sleep slowly, allowing her to come to her senses gradually. There would be enough pain and fear without yanking her from the safety of her slumber.

Her eyes opened slowly, almost as if she were drugged. Dull, moss green eyes looked up at Torin, not understanding. "Who?" Thought was still a little hard.

"Tori, a friend of Azrael's. I'm a Healer, he brought you to me." Torin radiated calm, poured peaceful quiet energy at her. Hoping that it would help to ease the shock that full consciousness would bring. "They were worried about you."

"Azrael?" It still wasn't clicking with her.

"Do you remember me pet?" Azrael laid a hand on her forearm. "I was with you when the news came. I brought you here, where it is safe. Do you remember?"

Yes she remembered him now, and as she focused on him, it all came back. "No." She moaned. "They killed--." Adrian was, dead, he brother was dead.

"Yes Robyn, I know." He held out the glass. "Here precious, drink this, it will help you." He waited to see if she would fight him.

But he needn't have worried. She reached for the glass without thinking the shock stung her severely. He was glad that she had taken the water without an argument. He wasn't sure that he could have talked her into it with out resorting to dominating her if she had. "Gabriel and your William are upstairs. They will be here for you when you are ready to go to them. But for now, relax you are safe. Remember, I told you that this would be your home."

"No, I have to go back. Take care of everything." She couldn't just hide now.

"Take care of what little one. I will have Maria make the necessary phone calls tomorrow. We will see that your brother is interned properly."

"Interned?" She struggled with the word. "You mean, like buried?" She gave a protesting cry as he nodded. "No, oh ga'damn, no. We don't bury our folks." Stick him in a box; shove him in the ground.

"Cremated." Tori whispered. "We'll make sure he's cremated." He gritted his teeth. The pain even with the drug in her system was sharp. "Relax, you'll make yourself sick."

Robyn lay back. 'Adrian was dead. Her brother was dead' . The words kept echoing in her mind. There would be no more arguments over her lifestyle and friends, no more Sunday dinners, no more football games. Her brother was dead.

"I want to see him." She tried to sit up, but the drug in her body made that hard. "Please, I need to see him, to say goodbye."

Azrael shook his head. He had heard what the mortal detective had told William. "No child, there is no way that you can do that. It would be impossible. He was hurt very badly."

"What did they do?" She stared at him in horror. "Tell me."

Again Azrael made soothing noises. "I do not know all I know is what that detective said. I am assuming that it was horrendous." He took her from Torin as the tears fell again. "Cry precious, feel your pain." Had she been his, he would have gone mad with her agony. "Remember him as you last saw him. Grant him the respect and dignity that he deserves. Viewing him will only hurt you more."

Robyn rested against him, tears choking her. "Why? Why did they have to kill him? Why couldn't he just leave it alone?"

Azrael moved slowly, pushing her back into Torin's arms. "I can not answer that child, I did not know your brother. But perhaps it was because he was a man of honor. Honor demands that justice reign supreme." He took the glass from the floor. "I will return in a moment. Sit here. Tori will not harm you."

Robyn lay there, numb. What was she supposed to do now? Her whole world was gone. Tears course down her cheeks unheeded. Nothing mattered now.

Azrael went and added more of the backlash powder to the water. Her tolerance was high. This was good it promised that should she be trained her abilities were vast. "Robyn, will you drink again, child. You are still projecting greatly. This is not good."

This time she looked at the glass. "Wh-what is it?"

"A sedative. It will dull your senses, as well as ground out your centers. You are a projective empath. Your pain is great, and it spreads from you to all those near. Will you have my house suffer with you?" He smiled as she shook her head and drank. "Your trust warms me Robyn. I had feared that I would not succeed in convincing you to trust me."

Robyn looked up at him. Stopping to think about his words. Trust was a strange thing for her, either she did or she didn't, and she never considered how she made the choice. But he was right. Not only was he a stranger, but a vampire to boot. Did she trust him? The question didn't warrant consideration. Yes she trusted him, Zak had said he was safe, and she knew it was true. Even in the pain she was in, her inner voice, her instinct led her. "Zak." Was her only explanation?

"Ah, yes. Gabriel." He sat beside them. "Your trust for him covers me?"

She nodded. The world had gone a little fuzzy around the edges. All the Lines were softened. "What am I gonna do," a, tiny voice.

"Mourn your loss, and try to go on with your life. I am sorry pet, but that is all any of us can do. I know your pain, have lost siblings over the years, children and friends as well. But life is for the living, and we must live. Your brother would not wish you to fall now. Surely a man with such honor and dedication would expect you to go on. Will you allow Torin to help you? To heal the wounds not only to your soul but to your body as well?" He brushed the hair from her face. "I will see you supported during this. Gabriel will be there for you, for his bonded as well, and if the pain proves too much for him, I will care for you myself. Great is the debt my Kind owes you. Had it not been for you and others like you, my Grand-Childe would have never survived. Anything you need, little one, if it is within my power, I will grant it to you."

"I want my brother back." He words were more a moan of pain than a statement.

Azrael's eyes closed briefly. The child thought too much of his Kind if she was asking him to return the dead. Death was ever a part of his life, for he had caused it many times, but the negating of it, once the soul was fled was Gods domain, not his. "That is not within my power, child. Would that I could, for you, I would move the heavens to return the part of your soul that now lies dead. But alas, power I have. But only God can create life."

Torin shifted his body, pulling her closer in an attempt to create a feeling of security. Part of his soul, a part never touched before ached with her. Reached out, embracing the sorrow she felt, trying to take it from her. He had no idea why, nor did he understand the cause. But something in him, the silent part, cried with her pain. "Close you eyes Lady, let me give you what comfort I can. I wish I could take the pain, but I can't, it is yours. Though if I could, I would for you. But I can dull it take the sharpness from the edges. Make it so you can stand it, without it ripping you to shreds." It was then that he realized that he was beginning to sound like his Master. Azrael really was creating his nature.

Robyn looked from Torin to Azrael. "Hey," she mumbled. "You're glowing." And he was, all around Azrael. There was a soft red glow. "What gives?"

Azrael chuckled softly. "It's the drug child, you are seeing more because of it. My power is not easily seen, but now your centers are dulled, but activated. Later, now that you can see, I will train you how to use it. But for now, do what Tori suggests, and, allow him to help you. The power that Gabriel has over you, that blocks the pain of your body will not last past the drug."

Robyn looked back at Torin. He was glowing too, but not like Azrael. Azrael's was bright. Torin's was very soft. "You're not a vampire are you?"

"Not yet, though soon." He grinned. "I'm one of Azrael's, Chosen, I am supposed to become a Fledgling tonight, but we may have to hold off a few days. Let everything settle down again. Now, can I start to work on you?"

"What--what are you going to do?" Her whole body felt dull. She knew her brother was dead, and yes, she was sad, but it just didn't hurt like it did a few minutes ago.

"Well, I would like to see if I can make the state you are in right now permanent. But without the dulling effects, you can't walk around like this for days till your emotions settle. So I'm going to settle them for you. But you have power too, so I need your permission to work on you. Other wise it's a big taboo." Torin pushed just a little. 'Come, on sugar, let me help you. It won't be bad, I promise'. He prayed.

Robyn shrugged, why not. She couldn't bear the thought of loosing Adrian like this. Every time she thought about it, her heart wanted to break. If he could make it bearable, then let him. Deep down in her heart, she couldn't stand feeling so vulnerable. "Okay."

"Rest your head against me. It's best if you just relax. If you feel strange, or suddenly experience funny vibrations, don't worry, it's only me." He smiled down at her, arms tightening as his channels open.

Funny vibrations didn't even begin to touch explaining how she felt. It was like her whole body was suddenly dipped in warm Jell-O. The energy around her thickened, and pulsed. Her heart, which was so close to breaking beyond repair, shifted, and began to hurt less, and less, as Torin sped up the emotional healing process. Letting her mind face the loss as if it were weeks old instead of mere hours. Placing the barrier of false time upon her. There was no way he could sever the tie, and completely make her forget, but he could begin to put it behind her.

Sweat beaded on his brow. This was one of the hardest workings he had ever attempted. And as he began to feel his own control lag, as the price of his crafting began to take its toll, he reached out for his master, seeking the stronger and purer power that was there.

Azrael looked on. Proud of his Chosen, as the boy went to prove his worth, yet again, but even as he watched on and cheered the wonder that Torin wrought, another part of him began to stir. A warning, a, cry of intrusion, Torin had gone too far into her soul; his power was blending with hers. Becoming one, as he strove to heal her. * Torin ! * He tried to break the link, separate the two. * Pull back now, you cannot go there, you have gone too far . * But even as he cried out, he knew it was too late. The two, had, bonded soul to soul. Torin's healing had taken on new levels.

Torin heard Azrael's warning. Even as he began to sense danger himself, but he could not pull away, did not dare. To do so now as linked to her as he was, to damn her to not only the pain of her loss, but a crippling in her soul. He had no choice. Complete the tie, or doom her to a life as a cripple.

He made up his mind, even as Azrael began to pull on his soul. He knew his Master would be angry with him, perhaps even punish him for what he was to do. But he would not leave her like this, could not. So in a final burst of power, he gathered himself up and locked in the link. Making them one, binding them together for life.

Azrael wore a look of rage as Torin came back to himself. "What have you done?" He demanded. "Have you lost your mind boy?"

"Oh, Ga'Damn." Robyn pulled away from him, "let me go."

Azrael gently pulled her from him. "Relax precious," This was not his pet, there was no way he could undo what had been done. "I'm going to lay you here. I promise, I will not let anything happen to harm you."

Torin watched on in fear, as Azrael laid Robyn on the floor. "Please, Master--." He cried out as Azrael grabbed him. "I had no choice."

"' No choice'! " The slap knocked him to the floor. He fell over Robyn, twisting to keep from landing on her. " 'You had no right' ."

"Azrael! No, Please." He had to explain, to make him understand. "I couldn't pull away, I would have crippled her, maybe even killed her. I was too far in." His eyes watched Azrael's hand. His master had never struck him. Had never had reason. "Please, I didn't mean to do it, but once there, I couldn't sever the tie."

Azrael stood over him, a variety of emotions playing over his face, from anger, to grief, to resignation. "No, I suppose you did not. But how could you go so far?"

"I didn't mean to." His head hurt where Azrael had slapped him, but his heart hurt more, both from the wrong he knew he had committed, and from Azrael's anger. "I swear, and once I realized what I had done, I--I couldn't pull back, it was too late." Tears ran down his face. "Master, forgive me."

Azrael looked from the confused green eyes that stared up at him, to his Chosen. There was nothing to be done now, and further words of blame would not change anything. "Come here." A hand reached.

Torin did not even consider that Azrael might hurt him. If he did, it would be no more than he deserved. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it. I only wanted to lessen the hurt. She cut at me so."

Azrael rocked his Chosen. "Ssshh, Tori, precious, it is over. You are more versatile than I gave you credit for being. If this had been with one of the pets of my house, I would congratulate you. But this one belongs to Gabriel." Azrael knew he had a potentially sticky political problem on his hand. "I am sorry love. But I must turn you over to my Grand-Childe. You must confess your crime, and accept his wrath." He tightened his arms around Torin as the boy froze. "He is my blood, and under my protection. I have given my word that no harm would befall the two he claims. So it is his right to see you punished for your error."

Torin had been ready for Azrael to punish him. Accepted that even as he completed the tie, but the thought of someone else touching him frightened him. Azrael would never do his true damage. He knew this. But the other, angry with what he would see as a theft. "Will you let him kill me, Master?"

"Of course not. She would die, he would never do that." Azrael looked down at him appalled. "Tori, precious. You were wrong. Erred greatly. But you did not harm her, or take her soul with malicious intent. You sought only to heal. I will make sure Gabriel understands this. Beat you, probably. Take you to the dungeon, maybe. But kill you, never. Now finish what you have begun. The child is a mess, take my power and heal the wounds of her body. Then we shall see what my Kin demands as justice."

Azrael watched as Torin moved to sit beside the girl. It was the first true mistake the boy had ever made. But he knew that he should not be surprised, Torin's training was moving into areas that due to their, complexity, gave him ample opportunity to stumble.

"Hi," Torin extended a hand to her. "I'm sorry about what I did. Will you let me finish healing you? I can't screw up worse."

"What the fuck did you do to me?" There was no way in hell she was getting anywhere near him. "Don't touch me." She pulled away.

"Robyn." Azrael reached for her, pleased that she still trusted him enough to let him gather her close. "Please believe me, Torin meant no harm. He is young, and you are so like him in your abilities. He went too far into your being during your healing. He has soul-bonded to you. The two of you have become one. He had no right and no reason either than he loathed risking your health. For had he pulled away without completing the link once started, you might very well have died. Would have been soul crippled for certain. Lost your powers and been nothing but head blind for the rest of your short life." He felt her tense. "He will pay for what he has done, this I promise. But for now, please, child let him heal the wounds on your body. Then we will seek out your protector and see what he demands as payment for the wrong done to you." He made shushing noises as he pressed her back into Torin's arms. "Trust me Robyn, he will violate your soul no more."

Torin looked at the bruises on Robyn's face. "Close your eyes Mistress. I will be quick." Someone had gone to great lengths to do as much marring without any real damage as possible. 'She should have been in a hospital' . He thought angrily to himself as he healed the marks on her face. What were the doctors who saw her thinking of?

Robyn watched as he lifted her shirt. Too much had happened. Her mind was in a whirl. But even though she knew what he had done to her was wrong, she just couldn't seem to gather up the strength to be angry.

"Oh, damn." Her face was bad, but the sight of the fist shaped bruises that covered her chest and abdomen sickened him. "Somebody is going to pay for this." He swore as the marks faded.

"Yes pet, someone is. Megel has already given Gabriel his word that he would help him track down these monsters and seek Kin justice. Is she healed?"

"Yes, Master." Torin kept his eyes down. Azrael wasn't angry with him at the moment, but it wasn't a good idea to test it. "If you will take her, I will go explain my wrong to her master, her friend."

"I can stand up and walk, thanks just the same." Robyn struggled to stand up. "Answer me a question Azrael." She stopped. "I can call you that right?"

"Yes, dear. Now what is your question?"

"What happens now? Is this soul-bonding thing like soul mating? Am I stuck with him for the rest of my life? What about Zak and Will? Do I have to become one of you now, what?"

Azrael couldn't fault her, her questions. Was even surprisingly pleased with them. She deserved to know what was to become of her now. Nor did he relish the thought of answering her questions. "It depends on you, precious. No one can make you accept the bond. You can refuse to complete it on a physical level. But I must warn you, that if you refuse, then much of what will happen, you have little to no control over. Torin is to become my Childe. Unless you are willing to complete the tie, and at least become blood-bonded to one of us, I dare not give him the Gift. You would not survive his transformation. So I would eventually loose my Chosen, for you would continue to age, and when you died, so would he."

Robyn looked at him in anger. "Hold up here, now. I didn't do anything, remember, he was the one that caused this fuck up. So quit trying to lay a guilt trip on me. It's not my fault he screwed up. You can't make me feel sorry for him."

"That is true. I cannot. But I can make you see what is to be life for you now. You need training; your powers will be greater than you ever dreamed now. Even without the completion of your tie. I am the only one here what with Torin being my Chosen that can train you. Without that training, you will not be able to stay here, or be anywhere near another Mage or vampire, you will drive them mad." He saw and heard her next thoughts before she could voice them. "No, I will not hold your training in ransom. You are right, you did no wrong, and deserve no punishment. I will train you regardless of your choice." He touched her cheek. "But child, will you be able to be near Torin, work with him, live in the same house with him, and not finish the tie. Look at him. Feel that which is between the two of you now. Can you live with it only half complete?"

Robyn looked at Torin; she didn't want to care. He had messed up her life. First Adrian, and now this but as she looked down at him, saw the guilt and the pain in his eyes, it was like something inside of her twisted and she could feel what he felt. The horror of his actions, the resignation to want ever was to come, and his need for her forgiveness and understanding. "No," she turned away. "I don't want this, I want to go home." She was ashamed as she broke down into tears. "Please, Adrian is dead, and now."

"Let us go upstairs, perhaps together with Gabriel, the three of us can decide what is the best option for all concerned." He rose, holding out a hand. "Come child, let us go see your love."