#4500  Penthesilea
     
The Ages Nightclub

The Midnight Show

     *The house was packed. Word had gotten around that Prince Palamedes would be attending the midnight performance and the cream of the city's elite had come. The Fire Marshall had finally put his foot down and several very disappointed up and comers had been turned away. Penthesilea had surveyed the crowd from backstage before she went on but had seen no familiar faces. That didn't mean much. Her family could look however they pleased but there was one face that she had searched for and it was not there.
The show had gone well. It was time for the last selection. The spotlight narrowed until she stood like a statue of fire and silver in a pillar of light. She stole a glance at the ring on her hand and then the music came up and then her cue. She sang.....

Every night in my dreams I see you, I feel you.
That is how I know you go on.
Far across the distance and spaces between us
You have come to show you go on.

Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on.**

     The audience was completely silent, not even the tink of ice in a glass could be heard. Penthesilea felt the inspeaking open. She had not done it. It would have to have been the work of one of her kin. She didn't care who heard as long as the one she sang for did because now and for eternity every song she sang would be for him. Even Apollo would have to share! At the very corner of her awareness, where it would not disturb her concentration, her divine Uncle laughed indulgently. He was no stranger to love....

You're here, there's nothing I fear.
And I know that my heart will go on.
We'll stay forever this way.
You are safe in my heart.
And my heart will go on and on.**

     The last note died away and the music ended. For a moment, there was absolute silence, then the room erupted in applause as the crowd came to its feet in a standing ovation. From the wings, Dante ordered the house lights brought up so that Silver could see. Gratified by the acclaim, she put the microphone back on the stand and dropped into a deep curtsey, letting the sound wash over her....*


**Lyrics from "My Heart Will Go On." (Love Theme from "Titanic") Music by James Horner, Lyric by Will Jennings
Copyright 1997 by Famous Music Corporation

#4502  Penthesilea
     
The Ages Nightclub

     *After a solid eight hours of sleep, Penthesilea descended into the club and a maelstrom of activity. First, she was escorted to the hostel by armed guards to retrieve her belongings. Once they were safely stowed in her suite, she began a round of rehearsal, publicity, fittings, rehearsal, photo shoots, more rehearsal and a trip to the city's most exclusive shopping district where she was dogged by independent photographers to the point that she wanted to do murder!
A particular point of interest was the very impressive engagement ring she wore. The vampire press already knew about her bloodbond and the celebrity press picked up on it quickly. The fact that she refused to name her lover drove the celebrity press to distraction. Speculation abounded and she was quickly linked with no less than a dozen unattached known half vampires. About midway through the day, Penthesilea reflected that it was a good thing that magick didn't work in Madridoor because if it did a number of obnoxious people would be toads even if it would have been redundant!
Finally, the nonsense was out of the way and Penthesilea was able to concentrate on the music -- and the real reason that she had come to Madridoor....*

#4504  Penthesilea

Winterhaven

     *Sir Michael awoke with the hangover from hell. He sat up carefully and decided that he probably wasn't going to throw up. Probably. He made his way to the bathroom and after a hot shower emerged feeling halfway human. Memories from the night before were beginning to come back. Drinks had been followed by dinner which was followed by dancing and more drinking and more dancing. Then he, the girls and their new friends had retired to the suite of one of the group were things had gotten.... interesting. Michael's thoughts stopped dead. He hadn't! He simply could not have! He looked. The connecting door to the girls' room was open.....*

#4509  Penthesilea

Madridoor -- Spike's Place

     *The crowd was screaming as Kodiak hoisted his 200 pound opponent over his head, held him for a full five seconds and then body slammed him -- hard -- into the canvas. The man, who was known to abuse women and had tried to gouge Kodiak's eyes out only moments before, did not move. Kodiak didn't know if he was alive and didn't care. He raised his arms in victory and circled the ring, accepting the adulation of the crowd. He saw Ares near the back of the room, collecting his winnings.

Kodiak: (inspeaking) I expect a cut of that!

Ares: (inspeaking) You? I'm the one risking my money here!

Kodiak: (inspeaking) But I'm doing all the work!

     *Ares laughed and Kodiak climbed down from the ring to accept the ale that was waiting for him. He threw back half of it and dumped the rest on his own head -- not that much of a waste considering the quality of the ale and such behavior was expected in such a place among such people. Again, because it was expected, he pulled the serving girl who had brought the ale into his arms and kissed her, his hands roaming down her back. She was a statuesque brunette with dark eyes and she did nothing for him although he left her breathless. He dismissed her with a slap on her behind and turned his attention to a man who had been watching him all afternoon and was now approaching. He had not taken part in the betting nor had cheered or booed with the rest of the crowd. He had simply watched and Kodiak wondered if the bait that he had been dangling was finally attracting a nibble. He hoped so. If not for his immortality, the wastewater that passed for ale in this place would have killed him already!*

#4511  Penthesilea
     
The Ages Nightclub -- The 2 a.m. show

     *Kodiak stood in the shadows near the bar. The 2 a.m. show attracted a different crowd than the other shows. Penthesilea's outfit left very little to the imagination and it was having an effect on the crowd which was full of vampires -- half and true -- and their mortal companions. Kodiak scanned the crowd. Many weren't even bothering to hide their fangs. The private rooms would be busy once the show ended....
     Kodiak heard a small sound coming from the shadows to his left. Someone couldn't wait. Somewhere nearby a vampire was feeding. He hoped that the woman was willing and that her companion had some consideration for her. He could see the avid expressions on the faces of the men as they looked at Penthesilea and the Darkness rose in him. She was his! He felt his own fangs emerge. He wanted to summon her to his side and claim her there in front of everyone. He did not. Such an action would surely cause a riot and he didn't think that the two of them could fight their way free of a mob of blood crazed vampires! He would wait...
     The show was finally over and Penthesilea left the stage. As the rush started for the private rooms, Kodiak slipped backstage and kept watch as Dante and several bodyguards escorted Penthesilea, still in costume, to a private elevator and stood guard as the doors closed. Kodiak smiled. He didn't need the elevator. She was his bonded. He knew where she was and as soon as she was behind closed doors, he would go to her.....

#4513  Penthesilea

Torao-Akio's Quarters

     *The old wizard shoved another pile of books aside and pulled another stack into reach. He was looking for the first mention of Black Lotus. He opened a history from the Syngin Empire and opened it.

"In the tenth year of the rule of Sarafina the Second, the scourge called Black Lotus first appeared...."


Torao-Akio did a quick calculation -- five hundred years ago. He returned to the book with increased interest.*

#4515  Penthesilea

The Ages Nightclub -- "Silver's" Suite

     *Penthesilea was relaxing in the tub when a small sound, a rustle of cloth, told her that she was not alone in the suite. Carefully, so as to make as little sound as possible, she slid her body over the side of the tub and onto the bathroom floor. Once free of the water, she grabbed her robe and pulled it on. It didn't offer much protection but if an assailant grabbed a handful of robe, she could gain precious seconds by skinning out of it. Then she picked up the knife that she had placed on the bathroom vanity before getting into the tub. The suite was sealed against vampires. That meant that her intruder was probably humanoid. She turned off the light, waited for her eyes to adjust and then slipped into her darkened bedroom....*

#4517  Penthesilea
     
The Ages Nightclub -- "Silver's" Suite

     *Penthesilea opened the bathroom door just enough for her to slip through. As she did so, she saw the figure of a man in the middle of her bedroom silhouetted by the light coming from the living room. She threw the knife at the middle of the silhouette and hit the light switch on the wall next to the bathroom door...*

#4519  Penthesilea

The Ages Nightclub -- "Silver's" Suite

     *Kodiak took only what was necessary for what he had to do. He supported his love with one arm while applying pressure to the wounds on Penthesilea's neck until they closed. Then he picked her up and carried her to the turned down bed. He laid her carefully in the middle of it, made sure that the bleeding had stopped and began to strip himself. He took a small, razor sharp knife from his pocket and laid it on the bedside table and climbed into the bed, pulling his lady into his arms. She was a little cold, despite still wearing her robe and he pulled the covers over them to warm her. It didn't take long for her to recover from her faint. As soon as he knew she was aware, he tipped her face up from where it rested on his chest and kissed her deeply.*

Kodiak: I'm sorry I startled you. I'll announce myself next time.
*Penthesilea was still a little lightheaded but she responded with spirit.*

Penthesilea: Please do. I'd rather not be a widow before I'm even handfasted. *Her look turned wary. * Are you back for good or will you have to leave again?

Kodiak: My training is done. Or at least as much as I can learn in the Temple. I will never be apart from you for so long again.      *The joy that lit her face was all the reward that he could ask.* We need to work on our relationship, my dear. It has been under too much strain with this long separation. You are too new to realize it but our bloodbond has begun to fade a bit. *He saw the flash of panic in her eyes and hastened to reassure her.* Don't be afraid. We will renew it now. * He reached for the tiny knife. His lady did not have fangs and never would but that was a minor inconvenience. He cut his wrist and gave it to her. He felt his lifeforce flow into her as he had felt hers flow into him only a short time before. She made a tiny sound of protest as he withdrew his arm and wrapped a temporary bandage around his wrist. Then he settled down with his arms around her as his blood did its work on her. When she looked up at him again he saw that she was more than ready to work on renewing the other part of their relationship and he was more than happy to oblige...*

Fade to black.....

#4521  Penthesilea
     
Torao-Akio's Quarters

     *The wizard continued his research. A pattern was slowly emerging as he traced the spread of Black Lotus through the centuries. Sometimes a history reported the first appearance of the drug further into the past, sometimes it was more recent. One thing was becoming increasingly clear. Large Magick Only Zones effectively protected their inner areas and the Zones beyond them from Black Lotus importation. Create a corridor of Tech Only Zones and match it with quick transportation and an area could fall to BL in just a few years. Torao-Akio took another long drink of a potion that was mainly caffeine and continued his research. He'd fold like a futon when it wore off but he didn't intend for that to happen until he had the answers he sought....*

#4524  Penthesilea
     
The Ages Nightclub -- Backstage

     *Penthesilea dropped her costume off with the costumer and was in search of the music tech when she heard a familiar voice calling her. She turned and was stunned.*

Apollo: Silver, darling! Why didn't you tell us you were coming to Madridoor! *Penthesilea's Uncle Apollo, dressed in an expensive white suit, strode up to her and snatched her off her feet in a massive hug. Right behind him was her Aunt Athena, also dressed expensively but a bit more conservatively than her half-brother.*

Penthesilea: It was a last minute thing. I needed to get away. (inspeaking) Fill me in fast. We're attracting attention!

Apollo: (inspeaking) I'm your publicist, Anton Zuccarello. Athena is your manager, Thia Fairchilde.

Athena: (inspeaking) I have your official bio ready and it can be confirmed if anyone decides to check. Since "Silver Steele" is a citizen of Cliffside, it can be done but not easily.

Penthesilea: (inspeaking) Documentation and false memories? *Both Gods nodded.* Good. Here comes Dante.
*Apollo put her on her feet and she turned to make the introductions.*

#4526  Penthesilea
     
Madridoor

     *Kodiak was familiar with the city and quickly realized that they were headed for one of the more exclusive districts -- the Garden District. So called because the mansions there had space enough around them for large, ornamental gardens. The car turned into a driveway blocked by a high security gate. Kodiak pretended disinterest as Kellen went through the security protocol when in fact he was paying very close attention. He decided that it was time to start "asserting" himself. He waited until the car had stopped in front of the mansion.*

Kodiak: Look at me. *Having no particular reason not to, Kellen looked at him. Kodiak locked eyes with him. Kellen could not look away.* You are completely loyal to me. You will do whatever I tell you to do when I tell you to do it. You will conceal your loyalty to me from everyone. And you will forget this conversation until I tell you to remember it. *Kellen tried to struggle but Kodiak was entirely too strong.*

Kellen: Yes, Darklord. *Kodiak smiled. It was a cold smile that his Lady had never seen.* I am completely loyal to you and I will conceal my loyalty.

Kodiak: Good. Let's go. *Kellen suddenly looked confused and Kodiak knew that the "forget" command had taken. They got out of the car. Kodiak winced at the bright sunlight and pulled his sunglasses from his pocket and put them on. Kellen led the way into the mansion.*

#4528  Penthesilea
     
     *The mansion was tastefully furnished and dark. Every window was covered by heavy drapes that completely blocked the sun. Kodiak quickly understood why when the first person he and Kellen saw was a woman in full demon-vampire hunting face. She looked at him hungrily. Kodiak ignored her and walked past, following Kellen. They ended in up in a study that smelled of leather, books and blood. A tall blond man stood by the fireplace.

Kellen: Mr. Keil, this is the man I told you about, Darklord Kodiak.

Keil: I have heard a lot about you, Darklord. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.

Kodiak: You have me at a disadvantage. I've never heard of you. *Keil smiled -- and morphed to hunting face. Kodiak didn't blink.*

Keil: You have nerve, I'll admit. And from what I've heard of you, an almost complete lack of morals if the price is right. *Kodiak winced inwardly at this assessment of his former behavior. That behavior was the reason that he had believed himself unworthy to love Penthesilea....* That is the sort of man I need. And, I assure you, the price is right.

Kodiak: I'm still waiting to hear what the job is. *Keil nodded his approval.*

Keil: As soon as a route can be secured, I will be importing Black Lotus into Madridoor. I am assembling a security force to protect my operation and I need a man to run it. You.

Kodiak: Black Lotus is vicious stuff.

Keil: But profitable. Serve me well and you will be richer than you ever imagined.

Kodiak: I can imagine quite a bit. *Keil grinned, showing his fangs. Damn! He admired the man's nerve.*

Keil: I'm sure you can. Do we have a deal?

Kodiak: Deal. *He extended his hand. Keil took it and the deal was done.*