by CJ England
She smiled at him. “You are the one who did it. My power just gave you a nudge in the right direction. The ability to change your form has always been within you."
"I can change back?"
"Of course. Just will yourself transparent, like you do when you wish to transform yourself."
Patrick stepped back from her and closed his eyes, concentrating. He felt triumph as his body faded away till only the essence remained. As soon as he was done, he willed himself back to corporeal form. He solidified with no problems.
"Well done, Patrick. You learn quickly.” Kira's smile lit up the room.
"Peacekeeper,” Patrick's voice roughened with emotion. “You have given me a great gift.” He reached over and took her hand in his. “Tell me what you want of me."
"I am Peacekeeper. I have come to join with you to help you care for your kind. There is a war coming. One that will be waged against all the supernaturals in the city. We must be prepared. We must stand together."
Kira could sense the interest of her three joined ones behind her. This was a piece of the puzzle they had not heard yet.
"To do this we must be joined, you and I. We will become a part of each other. You will also have a link with the others."
"Oh, Christ,” moaned Lucas under his breath. “Does this mean I gotta drop my pants again?"
Danolas stifled a laugh.
Gallegar looked away so Lucas wouldn't catch his grin.
Patrick frowned. “The others?” He glanced back at the three men who stood behind Kira. “These men?"
Kira nodded and walked back to introduce them. She stepped first to Gallegar. She looked up at him and her golden eyes melted with love. He wrapped a strong arm around her.
"This is Gallegar, King of the Vampires in this city. He is the first among the joined.” Gallegar inclined his head in greeting, but his face stayed impassive, as if he'd yet to pass judgment on this newcomer. He kept his eyes on Patrick as he bent and kissed Kira's soft lips.
Their kiss was intimate, and Patrick found himself wondering exactly what their relationship was. Could a human be in love with a vampire? Then again, was this Kira even human?
Gallegar dropped his arm and Kira moved next to Danolas. Her smile was bright as she put an arm around his waist. “This is Danolas, High Priest of the San Francisco Witches Society. He is my second."
Danolas quirked his mouth in a quick grin and tweaked the end of Kira's nose.
Patrick could see their relationship was more light and affectionate than she and Gallegar's, but then thought he might have to reconsider, as Danolas finished by running a caressing hand down Kira's long blond hair. He gave her forehead a quick kiss before she moved on.
Lucas reached out and took her hand possessively, pulling her next to him.
"And this is Lucas, of the Wolf Clan of Shapeshifters. He has been chosen as you have. His clan leader has refused our joining, but I still wish him to be with me.” Kira turned and tilted her chin at Patrick. “And your spies did not tell you the whole truth. While Lucas and I may have shared a bed, we did not share our bodies."
Patrick could see longing in the shapeshifter's eyes and mentally scratched his head. The dynamics of this group were curious.
"This joining,” Patrick said slowly, his gaze sweeping the three men. “You are happy with the results? It has done for you what the Peacekeeper has said?"
All three men smiled the same smile.
Odd the shifter would react as well.
"We are ... more than content.” Gallegar answered.
"My spies told me some of what The Peacekeeper can do for you. I have heard she knows the Words of Death over your people.” Patrick looked at Lucas, who still held Kira by the hand. “I was told of the pain you went through, shapeshifter. I know the words hold true."
"Oh, they're real all right,” Lucas informed him dryly. “Real enough I don't ever want to hear them again!"
"If you join with our Lady,” Danolas put in. “You will not only gain her protection, and share her powers, but some of ours as well. The joining binds you and Lady Kira. The link afterwards between us,” he motioned to Gallegar, carefully ignoring Lucas, “binds us together."
Patrick was silent for a time, and when he finally looked at Kira, his eyes were full of pain. His voice was softer and his accent more noticeable. “My people need a lot of help, sugar. I'm new to leading and I've made my share of mistakes. We have a lot of trouble in the Ethereal realm, and I think y'all have been sent to help me. When I took over from Sebastian, I was greener than a spring meadow. I've just been managing through trial and error."
He motioned disgustedly to the bouncers who still stood against the wall. “As you can see, I am not in control yet."
Gallegar frowned. “How long have you been in charge?"
"Just a little over a year.” Patrick clenched his fists at his side. “Ethereals are not used to following orders. They spend much time drifting, so it is hard to get them to see a need for discipline. And it has gotten worse lately."
Kira took a deep breath and let go of Lucas’ hand. “I can help you with discipline."
Patrick smiled. “No offense, but you are awfully little to throw a scare into anyone. I know you have powers. Hell, sugar, I saw ‘em, but how can that help me?"
"I can discipline them for you.” Kira touched his chest again. “Everyone has their share of troublemakers. Seeing what happens to them as punishment stops others from doing the same thing. That is where I come in."
"I don't understand.” Patrick looked down at the slim hand on his chest.
Kira sighed. “Your spies have told you I know the Words of Death over the witches, the vampires and the shapeshifters."
Patrick nodded.
"What they couldn't tell you is I know the Words of Death over the Ethereal People as well."
Patrick jerked away from Kira, his face tight with both anger and fear.
Lucas growled from his place behind Kira and made to move to her, but Kira stopped him with a little wave of her hand. “The words will be put under your control, Patrick. I will help when needed. You may use my powers as you see fit."
"That doesn't mean Kira is your servant,” Danolas was quick to point out. “She follows her own conscience as to using her magick. You work together. We all work together."
"You don't mean to use the words against us?"
Kira shook her head.
"How can I believe what you say? If you do know the Words of Death over us, allying with you would make us vulnerable. You could destroy us from the inside."
"Look at her, you fool.” Lucas lost his patience. “Does she look like she is lying to you?"
"Easy, my friend. Remember, until he is joined, he must not know the extent of your feelings," Gallegar mind-spoke Lucas quickly.
Lucas snorted, but went silent.
Patrick, of course, only heard Lucas. “She is a pretty little thing, and I can feel the power she possesses, but I am not blinded by it."
"You will only know for sure if you join with me, Patrick. I can give you many reasons why it needs to be so and why you should trust me, but that will only happen when you read my heart. I mean you or your people no harm."
"What about these guys?” Patrick jerked a thumb at the two Ethereals behind him. “You said you could help me with them."
Kira swallowed. "I do not wish to use the words." Her mind-speech sounded sickened. A picture of Lucas wrapped around her in a thrall of pain, flashed through all their minds.
Lucas went white, as he remembered.
"A Ghra ... You do not have to kill them."
Danolas comforted her. “He's right, my Lady. There is much pain before the third set of words is used."
Patrick watched them. “Can y'all talk telepathically?"
"Yes,” Gallegar answered, hoping to allow Kira time to come to terms with what she must do. “When we are linked, we can hear each other's thoughts."
"Even you?” Patrick questioned
Lucas, his eyes narrowed. He hadn't missed the pale face.
Lucas hesitated a heartbeat, before answering. “My Clan Leader has not approved the joining. I am not allowed to link without joining with The Peacekeeper.” His heart started to pound. He hated this pretense he was under. He wanted to be able to shout to the sky he too was joined with Kira. He held himself quiet with an effort.
"My wolf ... “ The loving thought caressed him, helped soothe his turbulent thoughts.
Kira turned to Patrick. “I can use the Words of Death to discipline your two Ethereals."
Patrick scowled at her. “I don't want ‘em dead, sugar."
Kira went on patiently as if he hadn't spoken. “The words can be used to cause pain. You can tell me when to stop."
Patrick thought of something. “Can I use them against my own?"
Kira shook her head. “No, your voice gives them no power. Only I can use them."
Patrick thought she sounded sad, as if using the words hurt her in some way. He knew that couldn't be true. No one did something that might hurt them. It was self-preservation. He rubbed his chin, feeling the rough stab of bristles that would never be shaved again.
"All right,” he said, coming to a decision. “But only as far as I choose."
Danolas gave a bark of laughter. It did not sound amused. “Believe us, Ethereal, she will be more than happy to call it quits. Before you even say anything, I wager."
"A Ghra...” Gallegar came forward and rubbed a comforting hand up and down her arm. “Can we help?"
"No, thank you anyway.” Kira sighed softly. “This I must do myself."
Patrick followed Kira as she made her way to stand in front of the two guilty shades. The rest of the men followed at a distance. All three were tensed to go to her at the first thought of trouble.
The shade leader stood silent as Kira looked long and hard at the spirits.
"What's gonna happen to us?” questioned one of them. He watched Kira with fearful eyes. The other spirit just stared at Kira, with a sneer on his rugged face.
"This is the Peacekeeper.” Patrick's voice was calm. “She will punish you for hurting Robin."
The two men exchanged glances, obviously remembering what had happened on the front stoop.
"We didn't do nothin'.” The second shade's words were sullen.
Kira spoke for the first time. “You disobeyed your leader. You hurt a child. That cannot be tolerated.” She looked at them sadly. “You are not even sorry you did these things."
Without another word, Kira stepped forward and laid her hand on them both. Her power held the men's essence in place as they squirmed and wriggled, trying to escape.
"Tomash nageth flune
Estra callis och."
The two shades screamed out loud. So abrupt and surprising was it, Patrick leaped forward to help them.
"No!” Kira cried out. But it was too late. By touching the two shades in the middle of the chant, Patrick himself had been caught.
Patrick felt nothing at first. Couldn't understand what they were shouting about. Then it hit him. Icy, cold nothingness. Absence of light. Of all feeling. A terrible, horrible sucking void where his body should be. He reached down to feel himself, but there was nothing there. Then the pain of the nothingness punched him. He was being extinguished from the inside out.
He choked, and fell to his knees. He could not draw an ethereal breath. What does a dead man fear? Except the total absence of his own existence. Patrick knew the Words of Death could snuff him out like a candle. What would happen to a spirit who ceased to be?
The other two shades were writhing on the floor. Kira quickly knelt beside Patrick, laying her hand on his chest, her eyes wild with fear for him. “Be at peace, Patrick. Be at peace."
As suddenly as the nothingness had taken him, it was gone. Patrick could feel himself tremble as he began to gain feeling in his essence once again. He drew in a deep breath and slowly stretched himself, as if taking stock on all body parts. He heard the other spirits’ screams, but it took a moment to register what they were.
Patrick prevented himself from giving the instinctive demand to Kira to free the other two men as well. He forced his mind to consider the fitness of the punishment. He shivered. If these two shades shared their experience, it would be a great detriment to any other disobedience.
She still touched him, her expression worried.
"I'm okay, sugar ... you sure pack a wallop! Give it another minute then let ‘em go.” He started to struggle to his feet, but found a large hand under his arm to help him. Patrick looked up into Lucas’ sympathetic silver eyes. With Lucas’ help, he stood.
"You only had the chant spoken over you once.” Lucas's voice was rough with feeling. “Try it two and a half times."
"There is pain such as you can't imagine,” Gallegar added, his face bleak in remembrance.
Patrick looked at Danolas for his opinion.
Danolas raised his staff in defense. “Hey, don't look at me. I took her word for it. Trusted her from the beginning. I just saw the words in her head. No pain that way. Just seeing them spooked me. Don't need to feel them."
Lucas snorted. “Coward!” The laughter in his voice took the sting out of the word.
Patrick touched Kira's arm. Her face was drawn as she watched the two shades on the floor. “Release them, sugar. They've had enough."
Kira's face eased. The words were spoken over the two Ethereals. They curled up on the floor weeping in relief. Patrick knelt next to them.
"What we just experienced were The Words of Death spoken over us just a single time. It takes three times to kill. I am told the pain gets worse with each repeating. These words will be used as punishment for those who resist my leadership.” He placed a callused hand on each of the men's shoulders.
A shade can touch another shade.
"Go, and tell all what has happened here. Things will be different from now on."
Patrick waited until the two shades gathered themselves up enough to stagger, literally, through the door. He turned to Kira, who was watching him tearfully.
"I am sorry,” she sniffled. “I did not want to hurt you too."
Patrick took her hand. “I was the one who jumped in where I shouldn't have. Got to experience the thing for myself.” He shuddered again. “Don't want to do that again!"
"It's too bad others of your people didn't see the demonstration.” Lucas looked around him. “It would have been more effective."
Patrick didn't say anything. He just rubbed his face wearily. Then in a hoarse voice he said, “It was seen."
Kira was the only one who could see the disturbed look in his eyes. “What ... what is it?” She squeezed his hand.
Patrick gave a broken sigh. “Stand very still,” he said. “Let me show ya what troubles y'all have stepped into.” He raised his hands to the ceiling in a commanding gesture. His fingers came together with a snap.
"Now!” he shouted.
It was horrible. They were all suddenly surrounded by Ethereals.
Lucas stepped back from a spirit who stood toe to toe with him, then cursed as he had to hop around to prevent stepping on a dozen more.
Gallegar hissed in agitation, glaring at the bevy of shades who were so close he could feel their cold breaths.
Danolas raised his staff instinctively, to push back the crowd that flew around his head.
Kira stood stock still, with Patrick at her back. There were so many spirits in the room, the energy level was full to the bursting. It was hard to take a breath. There wasn't a single square inch, other than where they were standing, that wasn't chock full of Ethereals.
She opened herself to them and immediately staggered as thousands of whispered voices filled her mind.
"Kira!” shouted Lucas.
The last thing she saw before she fainted was him lunging through the shades to her side. Patrick caught her as she fell, but he was roughly pushed aside when Lucas reached them.
"What did you do
to her?” Lucas stared at him through steely eyes as he gathered Kira into his lap. Gallegar and Danolas fought their way through the crowd and knelt down by her side.
"She fainted, Lucas.” Danolas stroked Kira's clammy hand.
"You didn't hear what went through her mind.” Gallegar touched Kira's face, his expression bleak. “She opened herself to the emotions of all these spirits. It overloaded her psyche."
Lucas frowned. “Why didn't I—"
He was cut off by a sharp mind-thought from Gallegar. "You cannot share our thoughts, remember?"
Out loud, the vampire answered the half-formed question. “You were busy stepping on shades. You didn't see her expression."
Lucas grimaced. He tried to touch Kira's mind, but got nothing. Grumpily he asked, “Can you sense anything?"
Danolas shook his head. “She is unconscious, but I do not see any damage on the psychic plain. She'll wake up in a second."
Patrick watched them as they hovered around Kira. They had moved almost as one to protect her. The shapeshifter was quickest, but then their kind always was. But the seriousness on their faces told him they would have gone through a wall to get to her if necessary. They had gone through and over a wall of shades. It would have been considered rude, if they had not been so worried.
He looked at Danolas. “You can examine her mind in the psychic realm?"
Danolas gave a nod of agreement. “One of our Lady's gifts to me was true vision. I can see many things on the psychic plain."
"She's beginning to move.” Lucas’ face showed his relief. He stared down at her until her eyelids began to flutter. “Honey, can you hear me?"
There was no answer, but her eyelashes fluttered harder.
Gallegar tried. “A Ghra ... Open your eyes for me."
Slowly Kira's eyes opened.
Lucas pressed a kiss to her forehead, pretense be damned. “You okay?"
Kira took a slow breath and struggled upright in Lucas’ lap.
"My Lady, we saw what you saw. With our link, we heard what you did.” Danolas smoothed his hand over hers.
Kira looked at them all, her tears overflowing. She heard Lucas curse again. “They are so unhappy. So lost. It is no wonder you cannot make them understand the need for your leadership. They see only their pain.” She looked at Patrick. “What has happened to them? Why are there so many of you?"