TShara

The Rebel Vampire

It was cleaned of ash and soot by the restoration company only a few weeks ago. That would have gotten dust and all too. That's why it's so weird. After I thoroughly check heat, I'm going to see if maybe it's a software problem. I can also check and run it without my graphics card, just to see if maybe that's causing at least a part of the problem. Worst case, I'll ask my boyfriend about it. He has his Master's in Computer Science and literally started programming before I was born. So, he might be able to give me some more ideas if I run out of guesses myself.

Yay! Finished.

The Rebel Vampire

Joseph glanced down sharply at his master's eyes, verifying Alexi's sincerity in this, wondering just how addled his brain was by the blood loss. Much to his dismay, Master Alexi seemed perfectly serious. But surely the secret plan would work. Surely Leader Schumann would have no reason to make good on that promise.

Even Erik was shocked into silence, first by Alexi's admiration, then by the promise of his life should he be found a liar. You... you realize I just threatened to kill you, right? I'm not exactly winning any Mr. Congeniality contests here. I've hardly said a kind word to you since I've arrived here. And rightly so, I'm still a prisoner, grandiose promises aside., he thought incredulously, but he was not about to admit his modicum of guilt to the human who still held him prisoner. He's not making as much sense now. I should have seen it sooner. He's lost a lot of blood and his body needs to recover. I should end this now. Despite himself, Erik found himself touched by Alexi's “offering” of his life, though of course, he knew it could still all be part of some insane ruse. But he also thought back to that look of horrific pain on the human's face, his decision to give Erik blood and alleviate the suffering he had caused. He prided himself in being able to size a man up, but since he had failed with Seran, had led his own men and women into a trap, he was not so sure anymore.

“Careful giving me that offering, Alexi. Don't you know that I'm a dangerous criminal?” he finally joked.

Though not formally dismissed, Joseph had excused himself from the room for just a few moments, and returned with some painkillers and sleeping pills.

“Leader Schumann, I will retrieve the supplies for the restraining system after Master Alexi falls asleep,” he announced, anticipating any possible complaint from the younger vampire.

But Erik managed to show a bit of humanity, for he had finally looked past his own anger and indignation to realize just how weak Alexi was at the moment, and responded kindly.

“I understand, I can wait. And please just call me Erik, my title is a mockery when I'm chained like this,” he replied, his voice sounding much more calm. Joseph nodded and turned back to his master and friend.

“Master Alexi, please, take this to help you sleep and recover by the morning,” he requested handing Alexi two pills and some water.

The Rebel Vampire

No, I meant intentional on your part to show his state... :-)

Funny thing is, that's the first thing I thought of, but cool air is coming out of it... at least out of the front. I guess I need to check the sides and back, but it seems like heat might not be the problem. In any case, I just don't feel like messing with it right now.

I love how Erik is constantly just furious, righteously angry, downright threatening to kill Alexi... and Alexi's just like... "He's perfect for this. His passion is so admirable..." *bliss, admiration, happiness* Hello! A known terrorist just threatened to kill you... you aren't the least bit... even nervous?! lol

The Rebel Vampire

See, I just took it as intentional because he was falling into unconsciousness lol.

My gaming computer started blue screening and now it won't start... I'm rather afraid. I'm also too tired to mess with fixing it at the moment.

I'll try and get you a reply before I fall asleep though.

The Rebel Vampire

Alexi's... not making a ton of sense. Very nice touch to the point that his body is sort of shutting down at the moment. I think it might be finally coming through to Erik just how bad off he is right now... :-)

The Rebel Vampire

Oh, and thanks for complimenting my post. That made me feel very warm and fuzzy. :-)

I seriously hope you don't find Erik too mean... I get that Alexi is trustworthy, but he doesn't totally understand that yet.

The Rebel Vampire

Alright. Well, have fun with Erik's "trusting" death threats then. :-P

The Rebel Vampire

So, I have more I could write, but I wanted to give Alexi the chance to actually say something to Erik's little speech. That's why I don't like long posts sometimes, because they often cut down on interaction. If you want me to go on, then I will edit in the rest. If you just want Alexi to say something short, you could also tell me what it is and I'll just edit it in and finish it that way.

The Rebel Vampire

Erik's bloodlust was satisfied, so he was better able to control his emotions now. Still, anger had always been a close companion for him, and it threatened to rage against him now. For about ten seconds, he just sat there, seeming to fume, eyes glowing and face screwed up in indignation. I still could be being tricked here. It could all be an act, and look at me, dressed as a slave, chained up, and now being asked to wear a fucking collar?! But then... why go to all this trouble? The sadistic amusement of it? And... for some reason, I still think he's sincere, if incredibly odd.

When he finally spoke, his voice only carried a small fraction of the fury that had rage inside him only seconds before. It was calm and rational, but in its own way, more terrifying than if he had been screaming. Dark red eyes met Alexi's, seeming to bore straight through them.

“You know, human, it would be a lot easier for me to trust you if you would actually reveal what your great plan is. And it would certainly help if you would stop treating me like a fucking slave while you insist that you are trying to end slavery. And yet, despite all of that, despite the fact that I'm completely insane for trusting you, I still am trying to. I told you that I would become your puppet if it meant ending this nightmare for my people, and that offer still stands. You have shown your sincerity by your actions, despite the fact that you still refuse to simply explain yourself. So maybe I'm insane for allowing this, but yes, I'll wear the damn collar. Some minute amount of freedom is better than none. But know this, Alexi, if I find that you are lying to me, that somehow this is all just a cruelly elaborate trick, then I will take great pleasure in killing you.”

Joseph silently finished the stitches, choosing not to respond to the younger vampire's threat. He would die protecting his master, but he could also understand Erik's anger. Besides, Master Alexi could hold his own without his servant's help.

The Rebel Vampire

He wouldn't like it, but I can see him agreeing to it. He's really trying hard to force himself to put his pride and emotions aside and to be pragmatic. Expect some questions and complaining though. :-P