[Tenebrae16] No Light [Somewittyname]

[Somewittyname]

Rose leaned back in her seat and remained quite as Benard spoke. As she listened she couldn’t help but feel sorry for the young man, she had once been in the same situation and when her sire had been killed she felt free and that was when her powers were able to grow. Standing up the woman nod “I see … of course I will take Jean but you should tell him that you’re leaving. He does have a bound with you whether you like it or not and he is probably feeling your dread. I was able to tell what he was when I met him in the flesh … such a sweet boy; I really do hope he is one of the lucky ones and stay as so.” Rose said the last part softly to herself. Most likely Jean would be changed man by the time he was past the normal life span. By then he might cold and cruel himself.

Jean stood in his room and often looked out the window to see nothing but the farm hands returning home and the moon peeking from behind the clouds. Looking down at his feet the young man closed his eyes, his hand going into his coat pocket and holding the small wooden cross that Jasmine had been kind enough to give him when he was still getting use to everything. Yes, even when told that he was now a blood sucker, monster, no longer a child of the Lord’s, Jean still believed in his faith and there was always a slight hope that he might be able to go back to a normal life. That was of course smoke from a fire.

“Very. All I know now is that she cannot claim runaway pets without cause and if they still remain on this country’s soil. No wonder she is preparing to move to America, I heard she had recently taken up land there. Of course she would go there, I heard since many of the sires that had been there had been killed off, that the kin have made their own consul and refuse to allow any elders take over the American consul. They act more as the humans than actual vampires. Its quite sicking.”

[Tenebrae16]

He relaxed a little, relieved that Rose understood, but he was visibly worried when being told that he should probably inform Jean. It was true what Rose said they shared a bond of sorts. It was one thing for humans to have a friendship and another for vampires to like each other. It was the reason why most vampires remained cold to the world, regardless of if they were alone, around mortals or surrounded by vampires. Any bond between a vampire with real feeling was always painful when it was broken and it almost always never lasted. Even worse for a vampire such as Jean with his talents. The same could not be said for the thing that chained Benard to Claude. He sighed and nodded to Rose. He couldnt just leave without telling Jean after all even if it could only be a quick goodbye with how close he could feel Claude and Javert now though. He had to admit to himself that he wpuld miss the younger man even though it had not been long since he first found Jean all wild an hungry in the woods. Fond memories.

"Jean?" His voice came out audibaly weaker then he wanted, he hated sounding so weak as he knocked on Jean's door. He planned his words out carefully. A quick fast farewell without giving any false hope that they would meet again. If both Claude and Jean sought to find him, he may just have to run forever before he bought himself enough time and money to escape them fully into a new country. It would take a long time and knowing Claude, his patience would run thin before then and he may not even want to keep his pet anymore. That off course would mean that Benard would probably be less alive than he already was. He didnt want to think about it and risk worrying Jean further since he knew the boy would still be talented enough to know or at least feel what he was thinking, especially with how close they were.Nevermind, he would be okay with running if he had to, what he wasnt that good with was going back to being alone. Before, at the very least he had servants. Now, he would just have his darkness.

[Somewittyname]

Turning on his heel Jean looked at the door for a moment before slowly going to the door. “Yes?” he asked opening the door and looking up at Benard, clearly he knew what was happening. Even in still young state his powers were devolved enough to pick up the emotions and a few stray thoughts. Biting his bottom lip Jean frowned as he closed the door behind him as he went into the hall way. “They’re getting closer, he’s getting closer.” Leaning against the door Jean sighed softly “I can figure out what you’re thinking … I don’t like it but you know best. Right?” he asked keeping his head down.

Jean stepped away from Benard and started away from the older vampire. His mind started to work quickly and without even thinking over the plan Jean disappeared through an open window and some servants who still stood at the mansion began to follow and attempt to keep Benard there in a way that would not harm the man and that would give Jean enough time to see if there could be some kind of trade or offering.

“We should be getting close; I can see farm hands going home.” Javert said as he kept up with Claude. Stopping the vampire looked back to see a shape forming, head down and body almost as stiff as wood. “Javert … Claude … I know you’ll laugh at me but is there a deal we could make?” Jean’s voice came out weak and clearly he didn’t even want to be there. Javert looked to Claude.
“Deal? You’re lucky enough if you aren’t buried for what you’ve—“
“I’ll take any punishment … I’m your pet and I’ll accept that role. I’ll even help find you the best people who would be easy to control … I just have one request … would you listen? The both of you. Please, I beg…”

[Tenebrae16]

"Jean..." Benard said slowly as the door opened to reveal the younger man, but he found he had no words to continue. Instead, he just sighed and ran a hand through his already messy hair. This was going to be harder than he orginally thought. His green eyes fixed on Jean as he closed the door of his room and started down the hallway. Benard followed closely behind, a small part of him amused at the fact that Jean now stood infront. That amusement was washed away as Jean stopped and stared at the ground. Jean was no idiot and Benard's suspiscions were only confirmed when he admitted to knowing what he was thinking. Sighing, he did not dare to even place a hand on Jean's shoulder to comfort him. This would be a quick goodbye.

"Jean, it's been fun and...." I'll miss you. Thanks for just keeping me company. It's safer this way for you. I'm sorry.. "Yes, it's for the best Je-" He barely had time to finish his sentence when the younger man stalked away from him. He had expected sone anger, but what little he could feel now was almost entirely different. His eyes darted to Jean as the younger escaped through the window and he began to follow when his path was blocked by servants. They tried to gently restrain him, obviously it was not too hard to break out of their grip and knock them gently aside. He hoped Rose would not mind. Quick as lightening, he went after Jean.

Claude stared at the younger vampire, trying to work out what sort of trick he had hiding in the darkness and what sort of trap was this. One didnt live as long as he did without being cautious. His ears perked up at the mention of a deal though and he licked his dry lips, flashing a wicked grin. "Has my pet already abandoned you? Ha, well let us here the terms of this deal." It was unmistakenable, this was raw weakness coming from the vulnerable vampire. With no near by servants to control and Claude and Javert at their full strength while Jean looked as if he might not have fed in a while. It was perfect and entertaining to watch the man beg them both.

He was just considering the deal when suddenly his eyes darted to the left next to Javert and he struck a hand out, grabbing a materialising Benard by his collar. "Well, it looks like both pets have returned. Perhaps this deal is un needed."

"No no..." Benard struggled, choking as the collar dug into his neck. He glanced at Jean, a glare that told him to leave quickly. Them he turned to Javert and taunted in a raspy voice, "Don't you want your precious shadow back Javert? Another deal for you. A trade. Jean for your shadow. Let him go and you can have it back or else...I'll destroy it and you know you cannot live without it."

"You aren't strong enough."

Claude said, trying to call his bluff. Benard smirked, mirroring his sire's as he glared at him with those amused eyes just like how Claude would look down gleefully on his broken will and body. It made Claude feel a little unease though he pushed it away and tightened his grip on Benard's neck causing the other's eyes to bulge a little a he clawed at his neck. He managed to gasp out, "Not unless I bind it to my shadow. It won't last, but I'm sure the sun isn't too far away from rising. You of all people should know what happens after I am gone, Javert might as well have suffered the same!" It was hard to tell how much Benard was actually lying though he kept trying to tell Jean to just run. He wasnt going to allow anything to happen to him.

[Somewittyname]

Keeping his face in whatever shadows there were in the dimly lit hallway Jean shook his head for a moment and stopped before speaking softly “I’m sorry … If I never came onto your land this wouldn’t be happening. You should have killed me that night, I don’t fit into this world and sooner or later it’ll just end me which may be the better than just being a blind sheep.” Jean stared at the rich red color of the carpet, even seeing the blood color was making the boy slowly turn insane with the hunger.

As he ran through the woods (too weak from not feeding) Jean found the two men were eerily close now. Jean kept running, he didn’t want Benard to fall into his master’s hands. Even if he hadn’t shown it, Jean was surprised by how long Benard had been in this life and with his sire. He couldn’t picture the horrors he went through but could feel them. If anything the boy felt like he was reason this was all happening, maybe if he had stayed with Javert or just stay in the burning sun Benard would be safe still. Seeing their silhouettes through the branches of dying trees the boy looked back from where he had come from, he could kiss his humanity good bye.

Clearly offended by Claude’s statement about being abounded by Benard the boy shook his head and shot him a glare, he wanted to just make the older vampire disappear but he knew that may never happen. Grunting softly Jean shook his head “No, he has not. The terms of the deal are simply monsieur: I shall find you whatever pet you want, bring them to you, and if you like even trick them into making the choice of following you blindly without question … I won’t run and I will follow all of your orders and my sire’s … but you must give Benard his freedom and let him live his own life. Unlife … whatever you care to call it.” Jean said as he kept his head down and waited for a response. In a chocked voice he spoke up again, Javert taking as much pleasure from watching his pet beg for someone else’s freedom well now treating the two men as if they were gods now “Please … please … Master Javert,” the boy’s eyes glowed a soft amber color as he looked up “I promise not to run away and I will take both your punishment and monsieur’s punishment. Please just …” his voice cracked and Jean felt completely exposed, weak. Looking back down he was ready to be struck or ordered to do something.

“Hmm, what do you say Claude? He is mine so either way it’s a win for me.” Javert said. Looking as Claude grabbed his pet the man glared at Benard for a second before grinning to himself. Now everything was going back to normal.

“Benard?” Jean’s head popped back up feeling his friend’s present. Seeing that Claude already grabbed him the boy took a step forward, mouth open, as he was about to plead for his friend. But with that glare from him he stepped back and looked away. I just wanted to make things right … I owe you my life …

Javert was surprised by the boy’s taunt but none the less was ready to tear his organs out if Claude allowed him too. “You little prick.”

The boy started to take small steps away from the trio as his emotions and thoughts started to clash with one another. He wanted to stay and protect Benard, but Benard was protecting him again and he would have made his act go to waste if he just ran, but he couldn’t just run. He didn’t want to be a coward again. Why did you have to come? Damn it Benard why didn’t you just stay back at the house?

[Tenebrae16]

"Well, it looks like we have two deals...if one of them doesnt wish to withdraw. You know the terms of having a contract Benard. Once you promise something, backing out would require punishment." Claude didnt really seem to care which deal to make, seeing as he would get a pet either way. Though Jean was rather tempting, he couldnt steal another's though and he doubted that even with the help of Jean he would be able to find another talent as strong as Benard's. They were very rare after all and he was surprised that a shadow and a mind talent were even in the same country let alone region. It would take too long as well to have to break one's spirit and resiliance all over again and train their powers. A decade and Benard still was a little too rebellious still, it would take too much time starting all over from scratch. There was also the possibilty that Benard was completely serious about destroying Javert's shadow even if he had to kill himself.

"At least I wasnt stupid enough to lose my shadow.." Benard choked out, still clawing at the hand tightening around his neck. Even with fear coursing through him, he still continued to smirk and taunt Javert hoping to provoke the vampire enough so that he would forget about Jean. He could still hear Jean's voice clear in his head, unsurprising when Jean could hear his thoughts already. The boy was truly powerful, a shame it would be to let such powers be controlled by someone else. He could already project his thoughts upon others through intense feeling.

Go back to Rose, she'll take care of you. She'll take you to America as promised. Don't be stubborn, I'll be fine. I've lived the good life far too long anyway and you owe me a life don't you? Well, go live it then. There was a break in his thoughts as he seemed to contemplate something. His mind flashed back to what Jean had said in the mansion. Glancing over at the man, he managed a small smile to accompany his loud thoughts. Dont be sorry. Claude would have eventually gotten out anyway. I might not have made it this far. Rose will teach you the dangers. At least I had someone standing by me this whole time. Thank you Jean...

His thoughts were suddenly cut off as he felt a searing pain burst through his head and he closed his eyes as he felt Claude release him. He was too surprised and stunned to stand, collapsing to the floor. Claude smiled wickedly, lifting his hand as the shadowy chain appeared in his hand. Yanking it, he placed one foot on Benard's back as he lay on the ground helpless. There was the sound of bones crunching as Benard feebly tired to squirm away, biting harshly down on his lip to hold back a scream of pain. He just wanted to stay motionles on the hard dirt ground while his bones mended themselves, but Claude had other ideas has he yanked him up by the chain attached to his collar. His head was forced up to meet Claude's gleaming eyes full of amusement at his pet's pain. "Would you really dare?"

"I'll find anyway to kill myself, as long as I take Javert with me. You want him to live? You let Jean go and you can have his shadow back and your pet." Benard said softly, he was answered by a slap across the face along with a few cuts from Claude's sharp nails. The growl of his sire was all too familiar and he knew what he had done wrong. In a soft barely audible whisper he said, "My sire...."

"At least you havent forgotten your manners." Claude seemed pleased to have this obedience coming from his rowdy pet, but just words would not spare him the fate that awaited Benard. His smile disappeared as he looked up to glare at Jean. Waving his hand at the boy to shoo, "You may go now boy, I make good on my deals." His next words were to Javert, "Let Rose handle this troublesome animal. Once you have the full strength of your shadow back, you can share the task of disciplining my pet with me. He needs to be taught a lesson for disobeying his master. Perhaps a couple weeks without feeding would do him good."

[Somewittyname]

“Cocky little bastard, you stole it.” Javert growled softly. His mind now focus on Claude’s pet, Jean wouldn’t be of much concern anymore. Benard had more to offer and Claude already had him under his thumb; Even through Jean say he would be just as a pet Javert knew the boy would at least put up some fight to just annoy them. Benard on the other was already broken or at least would be quickly after Claude got done with him.

Jean remained quiet and upon hearing Benard’s thoughts the boy frowned as his eyes tried avoiding that damn smile. He felt as if that smile would have done him in better than the sun itself but the same time it always seemed to put him in some kind of ease. Stepping back the boy gave a small, weak smile back as his eyes meet with Benard’s for a moment …I will then … Benard I’m going to miss you … very much and I promise to thank you somehow when … we do meet again.

Javert watched Jean for a moment as Benard fall to his knees. He saw the boy wince, his hand reaching to his neck as if the collar had been around his neck. The boy just seem to contacted with Benard now, he wasn’t very surprised when it came to this kind of vampire, they thrived more on the mind just as much as they thrived on blood. Javert’s attention was turned back to Claude since he knew that he was in charge of all of them. The vampire wouldn’t be shy to say it, when it came to such matters Claude would speak for the both of them. It was natural as the day they meet.

The boy glared at Claude before he started walking up the path back to the mansion. Passing them his eyes stood on Claude the whole way before he finally was further up the path. Good-bye Benard … I’ll always care for you.

Javert remained quiet as he watched his ex-pet walk away from them, shoulders slump and just whole body screaming of regret for walking away. Probably an order from the pet “Yes, it would be best. I rather not worry about my servants trying to kill me in my sleep, who knows what thoughts can go through his head now. Let’s begin the journey back, my home is the closes. I’ll have my servants prepare a carriage for you and it.”

************************************************** ************************************************** ******

Returning to the mansion before sun rise Jean found himself being greeted by Rose and her butler at the front steps. He had been out all of the night, mainly blowing off steam and going through everything. Welcoming the young kin in Rose sighed softly as she walked him back to his room and watched over him as he took his coffin and laid down. His eyes barely held the rich color of amber and now he seemed paler, if that was even possible. The boy still felt Benard’s presents and it was bittersweet. Turning in his coffin Jean held himself and hummed to himself.

In her room Rose stood alone, her butler stood with Jean to make sure the boy would do well. Looking around Rose sighed softly taking the yellowing paper out from her book and re-read it. It was simple for the consul to just make Rose wish she never existed, the new law was for any kin who did not have a sire would be punished by death if they left the country. Of course Jean would be able to move freely now, his sire had abounded him and left the young man to rise himself in his new life.

"At least one of us will be able to live a life ... poor boy."

[Tenebrae16]

Good bye...Desolee

He felt the collar tighten around his neck and waited till he was sure Jean was far away from earshot and never coming back before he dared to let out even the smallest sound of pain. He had to remind himself this was for Jean as he was yanked up onto his feet again by the chain. The pain that seared through his neck was familiar, but far from bearable. Once he was sure the young man was gone, he let of his hold on Javert's shadow, watching it fix itself right beneath its righttful owner. With Javert so close, he doubted he could hold onto it for much longer anyway. The shadows were becoming a little hazy to him now though he wasnt sure if it was the lack of sleep and feeding or just because Claude didnt want himto try and escape again. He wasnt going to, they would go back for Jean if he did and he couldnt let that happen.

"Best to let weeds go and clip off the thorns of what we have now." Claude said with a smirk as he yanked Benard forward by the chain. He glared down at his pet, cold fury burning in his eyes as he looked down at him. He would break him. Benard looked up into Claude's eyes despite the evident fear in his own. Best to make eye contact or risk being punished. Old habits of his were returning, not all of then good, but made to please his sire. Waving a figer at Benard, he hissed softly, "Remember what I thought you pet. Listen to your Sire, Obey your Master and Serve the One who owns you."

Listen. Obey. Serve. He hadnt heard that in a long time and his eyebrows furrowed as the chant repeated in his mind either out of his own doing or because Claude wanted him to renember. Those words filled the silence of the night with their ever repeating pattern and Benard was distracted by them. A hard slap to his cheek brought him back and he looked up to see Claude glaring disapprovingly at him like he was a young child caught eating sweets after dinner. It took him a moment to remember and another moment too long to scramble to apologise for not saying 'Yes Sire' , but the wicked grin that spread on Claude's face told him he was too late and he would have to take his punishment.

"Have your servants prepare a room for my pet as well if you would not mind." Claude interupted Javert, giving another tug in the chain which made the collar dig tighter into Benard's skin. He smirked and that image made Benard's gut churn and his heart let out a few weak beats, "No curtains over the windows, remove all the furniture and make sure he gets a good nights rest. I wouldnt want an unhealthy pet after all. Ah that reminds me, he is to sit on the floor of the carriage. Animals are not allowed to sit after all.

He wanted to protest, to fight back, to run away, but he had promised himself over. He would have to take and bear whatever toture and humiliation that Claude and Javert planned to put him through. At least he knew, once that was over, he would just have to be good and obedient and he wouldnt be punished too harshly. Listen. Obey and serve. It would all be alright then. Closing his eyes, he tried to pretend he could still hear Jean talking to him. As a friend by his side, but there was nothing but silence and the sounds of hooves against gravel as the carriage arrived.

Claude had wasted no time in exectuing his punishment. As if being locked up in a bright room wasnt enough. The sun had started as a mild itch and grown into a burning sensation over his entire body as the rays shone in through the window. Hos only salvation was a dark corner in which he curled himself in and awaited the night. Not enough direct sunlight to kill, Claude had been careful as always. Death was far fron his reach, he would have to wait for the day Claude ot too careless in his punishments or got tired enough to dispose of his per. For now, he just huddled in the corner wishing he still had the ability and will to cry. Fatigue and hunger were getting to him slowly and he couldnt even plead with Claude after his punishment. He would just have to wait.

[Somewittyname]

The nights after Benard was taken back by his sire Rose wasted no time in training the young mind after she saw his powers affect any servant that even passed by his room. Projecting his emotion onto the humans that now seemed depressed. It was mainly to keep the boy busy and keep him away from actually thinking about what had happened or what was happening to his friend since now he was returned to his sire. She couldn’t even come to think about what Jean was thinking. The woman even went as far as to have her butler start drugging the blood that Jean was being given to keep him unconscious during his slumber. Had to be hell for him, even frightening or confusing. The signs were already showing up of how the drug was affecting him.

“No! I don’t want any more blood … it doesn’t do anything, it’s like I have to feed on something else.” Jean busted the double doors open as he started through the hallways; servants stepped aside and watched their young master trying to get away from their mistress Rose
“Jean please calm down! Come back and after we finish tonight’s lesson I will research what you need—Valjean!” Rose grunted as she dissolved into mist and re-martialed in front of the young man. “Calm down, I know you are upset about what I have been doing and with this—“
“Upset cannot even describe how I feel at the moment! And the last thing I want is this damn urge … I’m tired of this urge, it keeps buzzing around in my head and, and, and…” pushing pass the older woman the young man went outside and start to practice anything and everything.

Recovering slowly Javert found himself often in home or just going to Claude’s home to check on his old friend. Along with checking how that thing was doing, Javert had bitter feelings to the thing since it was the reason why he had lost his child. The man started to explain the new and pending rules to his friend. Soon just making a list and putting side notes along the rule to explain it in deeper detail. He was better with a quill than speaking.

Rules

1) No sire is allowed to turn more than one human into a kin every century
2) If a kin wishes to leave the country they must be accompanied by their sire.—the kin may leave if they have been abounded, but if the sire is dead before the adult years the kin must be found a new sire.
3) Sires may keep their kins after the adult years if it needed
4) Landowner ship may be turned over to any vampire, it must be in writing as well as approved by at least one consul member
5) …
The rules went on but nothing really affected them.

It had been month and Rose came to find what the boy needed. She found he need to feed on life energy; he could feed basically on anyone of thing as long as they had some kind of energy to spare. His first feeding went … better than worst. A servant ended up in a state of death-like slumber for two nights but Jean was much better than before. He was easier to talk to and now willing took the drugs, just as Benard has told him Jean would allow Rose to take care of him and help him settle in America


It was two nights away from Jean going to America when a consul meeting was called. Rose attended the meeting without her butler and stood in the back row as usual, she always stood silent unless she heard something she disagreed with. Either way she mainly was just there to keep from being watched on and to keep her mail room clean of all the pest of letters. Javert noticed her and sighed as he took his usual seat, saving the seat beside him for Claude. The meeting was not in motion.

[Tenebrae16]

Things did not go all that well for Benard, but as he predicted it soon got better or at least less severe. He still couldnt speak from his first punishment, but slowly he was healing and even with the lack of feeding and sleep, he was physically still healthy. Physically he was fine, but he was also starting to remember his earliest days after he died. Claude was in charge. Claude decided when he fed and when he was allowed to get a real day's rest. After the punishments, Claude started to train him again and he actually missed having someone with real wisdom to guide him even if messing up meant getting a day in the sun room or even worse. It was the mindset of a pet returning. Maybe it was just because he was being reminded of how it all used to be or maybe Claude had just managed to really break him this time. It didnt matter, as long as he listened, obeyed and served and he wouldnt be punished by either Claude or Javert when he ame to visit. Both seemed to enjoy taking out their anger on every slightest mistake he made. He had to be careful.

He watched from a dark corner as Claude read over the rules. He could recite them by heart to his sire, but Claude would rather have Javert tell him than a lowly pet. He was only to wait until he was called upon and told what to do. Everything else didnt matter. It was easy to forget everything else like how his life used to be when Claude wasnt around, before dying and even the inbetween before all of this. He was never good at remembering names anyway. It was much easier than anything else. All he had to remember was what he had been trained in and his manners to his sire. That was all, simple and easy.

"Mundane things, I'm surprised that the consul would even change this much. I'm sure they would be glad to know I am back though since my pet has taken the liberty of taking my place for the time I've been 'busy'." He glanced over at his pet who looked up from his dark corner. The shadows seemed to forever be shifting around him, curling like arms of mists and partially blurring his figure. It kept him cool when he was kept locked up and it made it harder for others to sense him. His eyes seemed to contrast against the lively whisps of darkness, something claude found more entertaining than fear and hatred. Emptiness, the perfect obedient pet. Benard was getting there at least. It hadnt taken long to break him all over again, even faster with the help of Javert. It was all too easy. That worried him.

Those gathered around the table were old faces and some new ones that Claude had seen before they were part of the consul. They looked over at him with a sense of awe. It hadnt been that long since he was gone, but they still held respect for him even if he didnt dabble too much in the politics of the consul. He merely remained as close as he could to the members though and as long as he did that, most rules and regulations set would go to his liking. Nice to see such 'friendships' hadnt detoriated over a decade or so.

His scanned over the crowd, eyes lingering on Rose in the back as he passed by her. Close to him followed a whispery shadowed figure that was soon evident to be Benard the closer they passed to Rose. Claude had brought his pet along to show that he was still in charge and that the rumors were false. Benard no longer wore the collar this time, but there was no evident sign of relief on his face though one night suspect his pains with the healing marks on his neck. He glanced over at Rose, his eyes sweeping over her without a hint of recognition or any other feeling for that matter. His bright green eyes were now slightly dulled and seemed partially hidden by the shadows trailing around him. He kept in the shadows, far from Claude until his sire called upon him. It was close to the bavk, where Rose and the shadows were, but he payed her no heed, eyes focused on the starting meeting.

Claude looked up as Jeferson took his place at the head of the table, older thanhe looked. Much older and yet seemingly oblivious to how corrupt some parts of the consul were, but he couldnt be blamed. After all he had to look over all of the vampires in France. Some people could be overlooked even standing in the same room as he was.