Blood Memoir: Blood Red Summer (LEA & Shade)

OoC: This is the theme of this thread. Lyrics and song copyright of A.F.I.

Sacrifice Theory

Hear one thousand screams. Hear one thousand voices. A solitary echo. Feel one thousand pains, but one is receiving a bloody invitation. Do you want to feel the warmth? To taste the life flow? Feel one thousand lost sinking into soft skin. Ingest rejuvenation. One to consume, one to renew. Demanded invitation. I offer grace, I offer blood. I offer everything till my heart is crystal clear. Do you want to feel the warmth? To taste the life? I want to taste the life to taste the life flow.



BiC: Ryiel. A vast, endless ocean of a world hosting a single island. To the right of it, a mountain called Babel rises into the sky, a majestic spiral of gray rock that appears to watch over the world unblinkingly. However, it was not the true guardian. Only the figure now standing atop it held that position. Arimas, a God whose mysterious powers didn't appear to have a limit. He gripped a ruby staff, and his eyes were focused on the heart of the island.

There was, at the core of the island, an impressively large crystal of two colors, and it appeared, much like a mature egg, to be hatching. Cracks were racing across it, each created by the mere exertion of Arimas's mental command. With a final snap and a multicolored flash, the two shapes sealed gently fell to the ground, hidden by the remains of the falling shards and stabilized by the grip of each others' arms. With a beautiful glow, the broken remains of the crystals divided, into two spheres of light, the red entering one form, and the blue entering the other slowly. There was a mass conflagration of energy that took birth around them, and when it dissapated, the reborn stood bare, in all of their phoenix-like glory.

With a swing of Arima's scepter, however, a black ooze took form on their flesh, intricately forming a substitute for clothing. Before they knew what was happening, they were now fully clothed in exceptionally light clothing.

Max looked down, examining his clothes. Into his shirt was embedded a design that looked like the structure of a black leaf. His left sleeve was missing, and a gauntlet was present on both hands. His pants were leather, and his hair felt much wilder. Strangely, everything looked dark. Raising a hand to his face, he touched something that made him smile. Sunglasses. Arimas knew exactly who he was catering to. He looked to his bare arm, and saw taut muscle of a skin color that seemed naturally pale, a chalky white. A deep red line encircled his arm, but he had yet to learn what it's purpose was. He searched for Jenorath, and to his satisfaction, it took birth in his grip from a wisp of smoke.

So, he knew now. All the memories had flooded back just before he had appeared to Mariana in the reflection. His body had been here all along, and like a living projector, he had casted a physical interpretation of his mind into the caves of that infernal angel. There he had met someone, someone he now felt extremely connected to. When he called out her name, he thought he did it with his own mouth, but it was, in fact, telepathy.

MARIANA!


He turned to her, and his eyes grew large when he realized how much she had changed.



OoC: This is a little short, but I want LEA to be the one to describe the reborn Mariana. ^^

Everything had been a blur once Mariana had consented to undergo rebirth. She remembered pain…intense pain, like she was dying. She had died. She knew that now. But she remembered being in Max’s embrace, the warm, safe feeling his arms had created, and the feel of his lips against hers most clearly.

She absent-mindedly put a hand to her mouth and gasped. She was pale now, deathly pale. Her clothes… No longer did she wear her silver robes or the simple blue dress she had always worn. She was clothed in a solid black, full body outfit but for a thick red line that traced the wide, open neck and then plunged straight down her midsection and her white sleeves that were slightly separated from the rest of the outfit, showing more of her new pale skin. A slight breeze made her skin on her sides tingle, and she looked down to see that there were slender openings on both sides of the upper parts of her hips. Part of her hair was over her shoulder, and she put a hand to it, feeling the silky texture and admiring its silver-streaked, midnight-blue shade.

MARIANA!

Mariana nearly jumped out of her skin in utter shock. That voice had been inside her head. She looked up in confusion and saw Max standing nearby, his expression a mirror of the shock that was lancing through her. For a moment, neither of them said a word as they both observed the changes the other had experienced. Mariana sighed in relief. If anything, Max was even more attractive to her as he was now. Still curious as to how he had spoken to her through her mind, she tentatively reached out to him with her own consciousness.

….Max? Was that you just now?

Yes. I think so. It seems that being reborn together granted us more than just new bodies.

Allowing herself to explore this connection further, Mariana found herself deeply connected to Max through more than just being able to communicate telepathically. She could feel him, and she lovingly embraced this feeling. Seeing his smile let her know she wasn’t simply imagining things. He walked over to her, still taking in how much she had changed.

Mariana…you’re so different… He put a hand to her cheek. Your clothes, your hair, your body, your eyes.

My eyes?

Yeah, have a look. He held up Jenorath’s highly reflective surface to allow her to see her face.

Mariana blinked several times. Her eyes were now a deep royal purple rather than their previous navy blue color. She had to admit to herself that they were breathtakingly beautiful. She also took notice of her bangs, which were now a solid silver color.

“That’s…me now…” she said out loud.

“Yes, it is. And you’re so beautiful, Mariana.” He stared lovingly at her before a slight, playful smile touched his lips. “Open your mouth.”

Mariana shook herself out of her inner thoughts and looked up at him. “What?”

He chuckled softly and gently replied. “‘Let me see your teeth. Just do it.’”

Mariana smiled, amused that he had turned her own words back on her. Obliging him, she opened her mouth, allowing Max to see her new set of teeth. Pleased, Max smiled and traced a black-nailed finger over Mariana’s fangs.

“You are so radiant, my vampiress.”

Vampiress. That word triggered something inside Mariana, and she noticed something else that was different. The taint that had plagued her for so long was nonexistent, and she was suddenly very aware of her wings. Taking a step or two back from Max, she stretched her wings over her shoulders to take a look at them. To her amazement, the stains that had occupied their white surfaces for so long had been erased. In fact, they were no longer white at all. Her feathers were now a deep midnight blue color that matched her hair. The shock threatened to overwhelm her.

“I’m…I’m whole again. I feel so…perfect.”

"You were always perfect, Mariana." These words had escaped his lips just as he thought them, and he saw the angel's cheeks flush red soon after. Brushing a spare lock of dark hair from his line of UV-proof sight, the vampire leaned towards Mariana, and she obliged him a gentle kiss. He smiled again, and the tinted glasses melted away, as soon as he no longer desired their presence.

Without the shades, Max could see Mariana's newest form more clearly, and it was indeed more breath-taking than his first sight of it, which was saying a lot. Those violet eyes told him more than anything, that she was happy now. Letting Jenorath dissipate from his grip, Maximilian's crimson eyes searched for Arimas. Sure enough, he was standing near the shore, as a small figure in black robes. A moment later, they were face-to-face.

"Lord Arimas...can I ask you something?"

"Yes, speak freely." Feeling awkward, Max finally decided to get a certain something off of his chest.

"Why do you choose such a diminutive form?"

"Well, most powerful beings eventually grow weary of intimidating appearances, and they have a large curiosity of what it is like to be like a mortal. I forgot what that feeling was like, long ago, and this is as close as I can get."

Feeling a little sorry for his master, even though he really didn't understand why he would want to be mortal, Max simply nodded his head respectfully, and turned back to Mariana. She was watching him, a broad smile still carved into her pleasant visage. Using one of his magical talents, the vampire melted into thin air, appearing behind Mariana. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he kissed the back of her neck, the smooth flesh as yielding as a newborn, which, in a way, was exactly what she was. Her response to this,laughter, seemed to peal even to the far borders (if any) of this premature dimension. Max lost himself in that laughter, it seemed, for when she turned in his arms to face him, it took a full two seconds for his eyes to shift from oblivion to focus on her exquisite face.

"Thank you for taking me here, Max." Her eyes moved to the cloaked benefactor standing beside the shore, and she took a few steps in his direction, before bowing.

"...and thank you, whoever you are, for your kindness. Nothing I can do can express how grateful I feel."

I am Arimas, and you are most welcome. I do not see children of Jehovah just everyday, and an opportunity to lend aid to one is simply not something you pass up. That, and Max is fond of you. There would be no end to his whining if I hadn't done something.

His voice rang elegantly in her mind, and she could almost taste it; he sounded oddly like a retired schoolteacher who just decided to have a little fun. She couldn't help it, and laughed again.

Hearing her own laugh amazed Mariana. She hadn’t laughed like this in centuries, much less expressed much of any sort of mirth since that horrible night. The mere sound of it filled her with an elation she didn’t know she could experience. Laughing for the third time, Mariana threw all formality aside and ran forward to wrap Arimas in a firm, appreciative hug. The vampire god chuckled softly and gently stroked the top of Mariana’s head.

I see why Max feels the way he does about you. Your heart is so full of love and kindness, even for those you had a right to hate. He lifted her chin up so she was looking in his eyes. And you have so much love for him that you willingly chose to become something that you, in your angelic nature, should have stoically opposed. That is true love, if I ever saw it.

He smiled at her then, and Mariana smiled back, giving him another grateful squeeze before releasing him. She turned her attention back to Max and exhaled a sigh of content. This was the happiest she had felt in a long time. And not only did she feel great emotionally, but she also felt great physically. That accursed taint was no more, and she felt a strength she had never known before contained inside her body. As she focused on this strength, however, she suddenly noticed that there was something missing inside her, and her eyes widened in fear.

“The Argentsigna! I…I can’t… It’s not there!”

Before she could erupt into full-blown panic, the calming voice of Arimas blanketed her thoughts.

Do not fear. I have it right here, whole and fully intact. It departed from your body during the rebirthing process, unable to handle you dying, but I have kept it safe. Here.

Mariana had turned toward Arimas and watched as the Argentsigna itself materialized out of thin air and floated over to her. It was, just as Arimas had said, still whole and unharmed. When the crystal finally reached her, it stopped just in front of her as if it were hesitating. Mariana stared at it, puzzled. The seal emitted a faint pulse of light, and Mariana felt one of her new wings involuntarily reach gently over her shoulder, its tip lightly brushing the Argentsigna. Several drops of her now-blue blood poured from the feathers and coated the crystal. In amazement, Mariana squinted against the ensuing flash of light that emanated from the crystal, and when her vision was clear again, a wondrous sight met her eyes.

A magnificent sword hovered before her, and she reached out to grasp the midnight-blue, platinum-entwined hilt. There was a shimmering sapphire set as the sword’s pommel stone, and Mariana’s eyes moved up the hilt to find the Argentsigna embedded right in between a pair of outstretched, sapphire angel wings. The blade of the weapon was polished platinum and had words inscribed in crimson on it: “Cursed until dying breath is any life who scathes the one whose pure blood forged me.” It balanced nicely in her hands, and she stroked a gentle finger over the Argentsigna as if to thank it. The second she made contact with the crystal, a thought entered her head, and the name of the weapon became known to her.

“Ashriel…”

The second the word had left her tongue, another glow of light bathed the sword, and Mariana found herself holding the Argentsigna suspended from a thin, solid black chain. She smiled and placed it around her neck, stroking it once more before sighing contentedly.

Yes, I did make a few modifications to your body, so it could utilize that seal more effectively. You now have the blessings of two deities, my child. You are truly set apart.

She gave a bow of gratitude, her eyes sparkling, and then walked back over to Maximilian, who at this point was sitting near the base of a black tree, looking at his hand with startled interest. He looked like he had just realized he had five fingers. Knowing that couldn’t possibly be the reason he was like this, she took a seat on the grass beside him, her back reclining against the straight wood.

“What’s wrong, Max?”

A little startled, not hearing her approach, he turned his startling bright eyes in her direction, facing her picturesque violet ones, and blinked twice in swift succession. He smiled at her, but the smile faded as he returned his focus to his hand.

“It did something, a moment ago. Like I was bleeding, but it was thicker than that.” Mariana looked, and noticed a dissipating scar, like a thick albino crease upon the wrinkles of his palm-lines. His eyes clouded over with concentration, and Mariana saw with a little fear that the scar was tearing open again; when the flower of flesh bloomed once more, she saw a shiny red substance slip out of it, rising a little, then freezing into a sharp point.

“That’s your…blood? It looks a little like mercury, what some of the elderly folk in Lochylnn took as medicine before I told them it made them worse. Besides, that looks like some sort of weapon…”

“Yeah, it’s pretty strange. I know it’s not just a random thing; it had to have come this way. After all, I just got it.” With this, Max turned his gaze to Arimas, who was looking out to sea. Maybe it was just his imagination, but Max would have bet money He was chuckling with satisfaction right now. Who knew? Maybe He had a few more secrets in store for them.

Feeling the warm touch of lips against the side of his face, Max turned his head to the left, and found himself slipping once more into the dream-like beauty that was Mariana. Her small, petite mouth was curved delicately as she beamed at him, her silver and dark blue hair shimmering in the light of three suns. Her skin, which was nearly as ashen as his own, was now more ample than it was when he had first met her, filling out her figure more nicely. A sudden urge to touch her hip filled him, and he was helpless but to do so. She placed her hand upon his when he did, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, ecstasy carved into both of their faces.

There was a kiss, long as it was lovely, and Max’s other arm slid around her back as he firmly pushed his lips to hers, savoring the taste of her soft, pink lips.

“You look as good as you taste, my angel. I’m so glad you’re here, with me, and that you’re happy this way.” As he was known for it, Max had left his previous mode of goodspirited fun and was now consumed by his growing affection for his radiant and sole “mortal” company. Stealing another kiss, the vampire watched as Mariana pulled him by the front of his shirt as she fell backward. He leaned his face inches away from hers, and grinned as he lowered his lips to each of her cheeks, stealing kisses as strange clouds swirled comfortably overhead.

“I love you. So much.”

“Oh, Max.” She pulled upwards and kissed his chin, then lay back flatly on the grass, positioned comfortably beneath his secure presence. Her voice a little shaky, Max heard her confess something that confirmed for him her insecurity.

“I don’t deserve you…”

“That’s not true. You do deserve me, every bit as much as I deserve you, although it seems a bit of a shocker for me that someone so perfect could enter my life…don’t say such things, okay? You’re much better than anyone who may have spoke ill about your wings in the past, as well as that worthless scum of an incubus who did this to you. Please, don’t let your self-esteem wane anymore. You’re worth the world to me, Mari, and as long as I’m around, you will be exalted, hear me?”

Upon Max’s utterance of those words, Mariana felt herself overwhelmed with emotion. Tears welled up in her violet eyes, tracing glistening trails down her cheeks. Visibly trembling, she slid her hands to touch both sides of Max’s face and leaned up to meet his lips with her own. When her muscles began to tire, she started to allow herself to relax back down to the ground, but Max’s arms wrapped around behind her and pulled her back up to lock her in a kiss once more. Mariana was shaking uncontrollably now, and Max sat up, holding her comfortingly in his strong arms as sobs erupted from his angel. He bent his head down to whisper in her ear.

“Mariana, I mean every word that I said. Don’t ever think you’re unworthy or insufficient ever again because I’ll have something to say about that.”

He pressed his lips gently against her ear before pulling away again. Having forced her shaking back down to a slight trembling, Mariana leaned her head against his and placed one of her hands on his chest, a few tears still trickling from her eyes.

“You’re…so kind to me…so amazingly kind. I never even imagined that I would find anyone like you.”

“I feel the same way about you, Mari. You are the balm that soothes and heals my soul. You breathe life into my dark heart.” He ran a hand through her shimmering hair and kissed her forehead.

Mariana sighed, allowing herself to sink into the immense happiness she felt. “Thank you…so very much. No words can express how grateful I am to you. I love you more than anything, Maximilian.”

The vampire smiled and ran a hand down her soft cheek and to her neck, where he stopped. His smile faltered slightly as he pushed her chin up to look at him.

“Mari…do you understand what you are now?”

Mariana’s eyes shifted to Max’s neck, where she could make out the outlines of his veins due to her now-enhanced sight, and she suddenly felt a strong impulse to…

“No!” She shook her head violently and then stared fearfully at Max. “What…?”

“Don’t be afraid of it. It’s the drive all vampires have. That lust for blood that is necessary so that we may survive.”

Mariana looked down, fear coursing through her. She had known. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she had known that making the choice she had would involve…this. But now that it was actually before her, she was frightened.

“I…I don’t know if I can—”

“You must, Mari!” Max’s sudden exclamation jarred Mariana, and she moved away from him a little. The vampire winced and softened his expression, attempting to calm her. “I’m sorry, Mariana. Forgive me. But you need to understand that you must drink blood if you are to survive. If you refuse… Do you remember those vampires we freed from that cave?”

Mariana nodded timidly.

“That’s what you’ll end up like if you refuse to drink. And I don’t intend to see that happening to you.”

“I…understand.”

“Trust me. After you’ve tasted it once, you’ll forget all about that mortal food you’re used to eating.”

Arimas interrupted the conversation, and Max and Mariana both glanced up to see him still peering out at the sea.

“You know, if you wish to taste life, you merely need to cup some of the sea water in your hands.”

Max appeared puzzled. “You never said anything to me about that before.”

“You never asked.” The vampire god chuckled amusedly.

Standing up, Max held out a hand to help Mariana to her feet, and she accepted his aid, still trying to quell the dread that threatened to surface. Gently, Max led her to the shore, where the waters calmly lapped at the sands. He wordlessly released her hand and stood watching her. Mariana sank slowly to her knees in the sand and stared at the water for several long minutes. It seemed just like normal ocean water to her. Taking a deep breath, she dipped her hands in it, trapping some of the liquid in her cupped hands. Max’s eyes widened, and Mariana’s heart was suddenly in her throat. There was blood in her hands. Max touched a hand to her shoulder encouragingly.

“Go on. It’s alright. Don’t be afraid.”

That intense urge that had lanced through her earlier was back, worse now that blood was so easily within her grasp. Surrendering to it, Mariana closed her eyes and put her hands to her mouth. She sipped tentatively at first, but once she had tasted it upon her tongue, she found herself drinking faster and more eagerly. Max had been right. It was as though she had never known anything else. And she wanted more.

After she had downed three more handfuls, she finally stopped and turned her gaze to Max. He was smiling at her.

“Did you like it?”

She breathed slowly, countless emotions raging through her all at once. “…Yes…”

Maximilian, who visibly seemed concerned a moment ago, relaxed as he heard her response.

Of course she likes blood. She IS one of us, after all. Honestly, Max, what were you expecting? The voice of Bastian had said, a mental interpretation of exactly what the rascal would say. Max felt a longing to see him then, and Solomon too; he just didn't think that was going to happen soon. He had sown the seeds of destiny in this place, and they had not nearly reached full fruition. Despite his and his lover's new bodies, he doubted this story would ever fully close. Something like precognition was hitting him now, telling him that many things would come to pass...

Maybe some things he would not like.

A moment later, Max realized those violet eyes were on him again, kick-starting the thought he had just before being caught up in that feeling of prophecy.

"If you thought that was good, you should now move on to something even more delightful." Just as Mariana was going to inquire what that meant, he once again exposed the smooth, pale, tube-like shape of his jugular vein. Her head drew back, but not as far as before. Her eyes were locked on his like an animal in the headlights, helpless to the coming of something most certainly terrible. This made her appear to him as cute, and he laughed a bit himself.

"Look, it isn't as bad as it seems. You just need to utilize your hypnosis."

"Hypnosis?"

"Yes. It's a vampire skill that can prove incredibly valuable. Now, here's how it works: Focus on my eyes, imagine a blissful place, like your heaven, and then try to pass it into my mind. My pain will be numbed, rewiring all touch as pleasure."

A moment later, Max was looking into deep violet. He could see through her eyes to a glorious gate. Humans were everywhere, laughing; the sky was white, a canopy of celestial clouds swirled magnificently; everything was pleasant.

"Is it working?" She asked, and suddenly he found her in the illusion as well, smiling a little uncertainly. Max was unable to answer. A heavenly choir was practically caroling within his mind. It took him a moment to realize that he could see the angels croon harmonically at what seemed like just seventy feet away. Stars were sparkling all around him, and as he felt the awesome sensation of teeth sinking into his neck, he wrapped his arms around Mariana, relishing the feeling of letting go, of passing on his energy into her. One to ingest, one to renew...

Moments later, he slowly felt himself fade back into the clarity of Ryiel. Mariana materialized into his vision even healthier looking than when he had first met her. She was still smiling. Max brought his lips to her neck, gently suckling the tender flesh there, while his fingers massaged her back. Mariana's exquisite eyes were locked onto him as he moved, her own hands stroking his chest as her lips danced on his cheeks. This was the life, no doubt about it.

Mariana was in a state of stunned realization. “I…I just…” The faint taste of Max’s blood lingered in her mouth. It had been the most wonderful thing she had ever tasted, and she remembered the almost animalistic satisfaction that had swept through her when she had sunk her fangs into his neck. Strangely, all of this was becoming increasingly less abhorrent to her; now, it just felt like the natural way of things. And even the fact that she was slowly becoming desensitized to her new vampiric nature did not seem to faze her in the slightest.

The old things, the things of the past, are gone now. Dead. What remains…is who I am now, and I will willingly accept that. I made my choice.

I’m glad to hear you say that.

Max was still massaging her neck with his lips, and so Mariana had been a little surprised to hear him respond to her inner musings. Although, she really should have remembered the bond she shared with her lover. She smiled and looked to see a thin trail of blood still trickling down his neck. Unable to resist, she ran her tongue over it, catching the last of the warm ecstasy, before leaning her head against his shoulder and releasing a slow sigh.

I love you. I don’t think I can say it enough.

It gets better every time you say it, Mari.

The angel felt Max’s lips relinquish her neck and move to tickle her ear. He pulled back, and Mariana looked up from his shoulder to stare into his ruby eyes. She sighed again.

There’s no doubt that I am…a vampire now.

Max’s eyes radiated concern. Yes…and you are happy as you are now?

Mariana leaned against him again, nestling her head underneath his chin. Of course I’m happy. I’m more than happy. I’m…I’m… She ran a hand down his chest and kissed his throat. I’m finally rid of my taint, and I’ve found someone who loves me wholeheartedly. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Intense adoration radiated from Max’s eyes, and he held her closer to himself, lovingly running his hands up and down her back. The moment was broken when Mariana suddenly felt a strange sensation in her palms, and she raised her head up to examine them.

What’s wrong, Mari?

There’s something…in my hands.

She showed her palms to Max. Embedded in the tender flesh were three pod-like shapes, a strange silver color with a hint of blue. They were arranged in a triangular pattern in both of her palms, with the base of the triangle closer to her fingers and the apex of the triangle closer to her wrists. They were glowing faintly, pulsating gently with a light that matched the color of the pods themselves.

What are they?

I…I don’t know. But I can feel a strong concentration of lunar and water energy gathering in them.

As one, the two lovers shifted their gazes to Arimas, waiting for any sort of explanation from him.

Ah, yes. The runic spheres on your hands are simply things I crafted for you both in order to better augment your powers. Nothing more. They dissolve and appear at your whim. Nothing more complicated than that.

Max grew in his curiosity, as this seemed to be something more than just Mariana's new trait.

Both of us?

Arimas turned, his small cloak rustling lightly in the wind he himself no doubt created.

Yes, yes. If you call forth what you call...Photokinesis, you can create and manipulate light just as you please, and those spheres can focus it enough to even create a heat-laser. Like a magnifying glass in direct sunlight, you will singe your enemies like ants. Do you understand?

Of course. It all makes sense, now. After turning his palms upwards, Max also saw orbs emerge from his palms. Each one was golden, an array not dissimilar to the three suns hovering above them in the red-tinted sky. Raising a hand to that very sky, Max focused, and he grinned with satisfaction as a radiant beam ascended into the clouds from the center of his palm. Lifting his other hand, he created a second beam, one that stood beside the first like a brother before they both dissipated in unison, as Max's will for them faded. It appeared Mariana was too distracted to try out her abilities just yet, because her violet eyes were still fixated on the deity standing not too far away from her.

I saw Max's blood become crystal...is that something I can also do?

Why, yes. Only yours works a little differently. His can create sharp shapes, like blades and such, while yours is, like yourself, more delicate-looking and peaceable, a defensive shield against the bleak powers of darkness, those that may seek to violate you...

This statement hit close to home. Could Arimas know about Lucilius? An incubus, in a way, is a vampire, so wasn't there a chance He knew where the sick demon lurked? If so, would he choose not to tell her to protect his own species? This was mere paranoia, she realized, and put these thoughts aside.

Max ran a hand down his chin, smiling as he relaxed and watched his lover and his God converse, not fully paying attention but more relishing in the perfection of his situation. He was in paradise, with the woman he loved and a savior who guaranteed salvation. His new body was also a plus. The vampire yawned, and Mariana turned at the noise. She smiled lovingly at him, and wrapped his arms around her waist and let her head fall to his chest. The vampiress then spoke in a cheerful solemnity that showed her slight change in character that came with this new body.

"Tired, huh? So am I...We've been doing nothing for so long...and now we want to sleep..."

This was the first thing said out loud in a while, and the following laughter reverberated in Max's mind. Mariana's beauty was acting as a sedative, also. Arimas, as understanding as ever, vanished in a red light that ascended to Babel that dissolved upon reaching the peak. Max looked at his lover and smiled ruggedly in his exhaustion. Touching his shirt, he looked with interest as it melted into a kind of feelingless black liquid that dissolved into his flesh. He looked at Mariana, and saw with a growing fascination that her clothing was melting also. He felt her bare flesh slide into his arms, and quietly, their first night together began.

Thusly, in that realm where the sky shines red, not blue, Maximilian and Mariana, now lovers in all truth, became one, from two.

A gentle breeze stirred Mariana’s hair, brushing a few strands across her nose. The tickling sensation brought her back into a state of wakefulness, and she slowly opened her eyes. It took her a few seconds to remember where she was, but the feeling of arms wrapped around her caused the memories to rapidly flood back to her. She had come to this place and had chosen to rid herself of Lucilius’s taint by becoming a vampire. After a long period of sleep, she had awakened to find herself in possession of a completely new body.

And last night… She smiled softly. Last night…

Mariana took a moment to listen to the slow, rhythmic breathing of Maximilian; she could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back. His arms were wrapped gently around her waist, and his chin was nestled comfortably on the top of her head. Still smiling, Mariana stroked a hand over his arm. She remembered being apprehensive and afraid at first. After all, the only experience she had ever had before had been with…Lucilius. But last night with Max had been as different from that experience as spring is different from winter. And she had loved every second of it.

Max inhaled once, deeper than he had before, and unconsciously relaxed his hold on her waist, allowing Mariana to turn over to face him. She couldn’t help but release a sigh of contentment as she gazed silently at him. Even in sleep, he was breathtakingly gorgeous. Everything about him was so amazing to her, and she wondered again how she had been privileged enough to even find him, much less have him reciprocate her feelings to the degree that he professed. Last night, when words had dissipated into higher forms of declarations of love, he had told her more strongly and convincingly than ever that he cherished her.

The sudden desire to feed broke into her thoughts, and she looked at Max’s neck longingly. Unwilling to disturb him, she instead slipped quietly and carefully out of his arms, lightly brushing his chest and kissing him softly on his cheek as she went. Standing up, she concentrated and willed her clothes to reform and stretched a little before stepping quietly to the shoreline. After drinking enough to satisfy that incessant craving inside her, she stood looking out over the sea, lost in thought.

“Good morning, my beautiful cherub.”

Mariana felt arms encircle her waist and lips press against the back of her neck. She turned around to find Max only half-clothed, and she stroked his bare chest as she kissed him lovingly on his lips.

“Good morning to you, too.”

For a moment, the two just looked at each other, absorbed in what had taken place last night. The almost reverent silence was broken by the Argentsigna itself. It pulsed, catching Max’s attention. Mariana looked down at the crystal and sighed.

“I suppose I should tell you what this is.”

Max hesitated, as if thinking something over, then replied. “I am curious as to what it is, yes. I…do have a confession to make… I…heard your story back in the cave when you were telling it to Drake. I sort of eavesdropped, if you will. I’m sorry if that violates your trust in me.” He lowered his eyes.

Mariana smiled and put a hand under his chin. “No, it doesn’t. You just told me you knew something already. If you had kept that from me, it would have been far worse. You could never do anything to lose my trust. I’ve given you my life, my everything.”

“And I will do everything in my power to make sure nothing happens to you, Mari. You have my word.”

“Thank you…” She kissed him again. “Well, so you know that the Argentsigna is one of seven seals on the infernal demon hordes until their appointed release during the Apocalypse. And you also know about…Lucilius…” She winced.

“Yes…and I know that it wasn’t your fault. He deceived you.”

Mariana sighed. “I know that, but…something else happened that night that I’ve never told anyone else about. There was…a little boy. I was so very fond of him. He was the closest thing I’ve ever had to a child of my own. And that night…Lucilius…” Tears began streaming down her face at the memory, and she began shaking with sobs. “Lucilius murdered him. He left his torn and broken body right on the altar of the church. Blood was everywhere. Cedric’s blood…” Her sobs worsened, and she leaned her head on Max’s shoulder. “And he had tried to save me from Lucilius… He didn’t deserve death at all. He was so innocent…”