Where Is Nathan Moreau!
It was later that evening and Nathan and Julia were in the shop that Julia worked at.
“Thank you, here’s your receipt. Come again.” She told the customer as he left with his bag of candles and ‘Beginners Guide To Witchcraft’ book. Julia worked in a magick shop. Well, magic shop anyway. It was called Witching Hour Wonders. It was mainly for practitioners, not real Witches. Almost everyone has the potential to cast a spell, wield magick. Light a candle, stir the wind, float a feather. But only real Witches, with Magick in their blood – their bones, can cast real spells, perform real magick.
“So what do you think he meant?” Julia asked Nathan who sat on a stool behind her at the register.
“I don’t know, you killed him.” Nathan thumbed through a ‘spell book’. It was mostly poppycock.
“How many times do I need to say sorry. Sorry for not asking twenty questions first before killing the Vamp that tried to kill you.” She huffed.
“Sorry, thank you.” Nathan put the book down and softened his tone a bit, acknowledging her annoyance. “I just wish I knew what he meant.” Nathan thought about it. “It was weird huh? Last night Jack and I are attacked by a Basume and then today a Vampire.”
“Maybe it wasn’t you and Jack. Maybe it was just you and Jack happened to be there.” Julia offered.
“Maybe.” Nathan nodded in agreement.
“However…” She trailed off.
“What.”
“Well it’s just. A Basume, whatever. But a Vampire?” Julia made a face and raised a brow.
“What do you mean?” Nathan didn’t quite get what she was getting to.
“A shape-changer, unless it’s one of the Were’s is probably a free agent.” Julia shrugged. “But,” She paused, “Vampires are more controlled. They have to adhere to the laws of the treaty right?” Julia referenced the treaty between the supernatural’s of Northbridge. It stated that the Vampires had to register with the Vampire representative that sat on the council, could only drink from the willing or from donated bags and couldn’t hunt. If they did, there were usually consequences like being staked if it were severe enough. Today for example would’ve gotten that Vampire staked by his own people for exposing them like that. It puts not only Vampires in danger, but all supernatural’s.
Most of Northbridge was aware that the city wasn’t like other places, it held dark secrets and most knew of the rumors of the Witches and Werewolves that had helped found the city. Just because most people were aware of the “secret”, however, didn’t mean that the supernatural went around so brazenly. There was still danger in being open and loud.
“So,” Nathan groaned at the realization of what she meant. “if I was attacked by a Vampire that was registered, I’d have to go to…Marshall.” He said the name between his teeth. He was one of the oldest Vampires in the city, over 700, and sat on the council. “Odds are he knows who it was and maybe why he was after me.” Nathan groaned again. He knew Marshall only by reputation, and it wasn’t a super good one. His own father was on the Council and often spoke of his agitation with Marshall.
“Sorry.” Julia said with a grimace.
“It’s not your fault.” He shrugged. “Unless he was an out of towner, he had a sunlight sigil, so that means he was registered with Marshall.” Nathan hopped off the stool. “You guys got any Helianthus?”
“Should be by the lavender and sage. That wall.” She pointed to the herbs.
Helianthus was a type of flower. It was a lily shaped, resembling a starburst. It had a soft glow to it and was fiery orange. It held the power to weaken Vampires, ward them off, like garlic, holy water or crosses. Only for real. Vampires spread the rumors about garlic and other stuff so that humans wouldn’t know how to properly protect themselves. Witches were smarter.
“Thanks.” He grabbed a bag with some of the petals. “I wanna make this into a spray, cauldron?”
“Feeling Witchy?” Julia asked with a cackle.
“Yes, actually.” Nathan grinned devilishly and curled his fingers wickedly in jest.
“Hey, Miguel.” She called over to her coworker stocking the shelves. “Mind watching the counter while I go help Nathan with this in the back?” She stepped out from behind the register.
“No problem.” He smiled at her and winked, standing up and walking over.
“Thanks.” She blushed a bit. Nathan gave her a look and the two walked to the back room where the employees took breaks.
“Hmm.” Nathan commented once they were in the back room alone, the door shut.
“What?” She asked as Nathan grabbed a small cauldron and filled it with water from a small sink. “That’s meant for hand washing only.”
“Okay.” Nathan acknowledged. He sat it on the hotplate on a counter and turned it on low. “He’s cute.” He poked her with the suggestion.
“He is.” She agreed. “And?”
“You’re always butting into my love life.” He raised a brow and went to a shelf that held extra stock, grabbing a spray bottle.
“So that means you can but into mine?”
“Exactly.” He nodded. “He obviously thinks you’re cute.”
“Probably, but he’s a shifter.” Shifters were different than shape-changers. Shape-changers turned into supernatural beasts while Shifters either held the power to turn into other people or animals like dogs or cats. Sometimes bears or lions too.
“So!” Nathan pretended to balk. “That’s racist. Not wanting to date him because of who he is.” The water started to boil and Nathan dropped a few petals and stems into the cauldron.
“It’s not that, well not just that. What if that isn’t what he really looks like? And workplace romances hardly work out.” She reasoned. She knew it seemed shallow but if he lied about his appearance, what else would he lie about?
“Use a ‘true sight’ spell.” Nathan pushed the subject. “Here I’ll help.” He motioned for her to stir the concoction and he started looking for sunglasses or a magnifying glass or just a piece of transparent glass. “And as for the – ah here – workplace romance. You’re adults. Figure it out.” He held up some glasses he’d found in a cubby.
“Those are Cheryl’s.” Julia added more petals, the water started to slowly turn the color of the petals.
“We’ll give them back.” Nathan placed them on the table and held his hands over them. The spell already in his mind, the magick surging through him collecting in his palms. He spoke:
With this spell, grant me sight,
Reveal the hidden, reveal the light.
The spell cast over the glasses and the magick fell like a glittery dust over them. They glowed a soft yellow color and Nathan grabbed them, holding them up. He looked through them to test that they worked.
“Oof.” He pretended to see something ugly and made a face towards Julia.
“What?” She asked falling for the trick. “What is it?”
“Oh, honey. What spells do you use?”
“Just some light protection charms and aura cleansing.” She defended. “What do you see?”
“Nothing, just teasing.” He handed them to her. “You must not be hiding anything, go look at Miguel, see if he is.” He took over the potion making. It was nearly done. The petals were almost drained of color.
“Fine.” She put them on and walked over to the door, peeking her head out quietly so Miguel wouldn’t see.
“What do you see?”
“Shh.” She whispered. She didn’t see anything actually. A light radiance around him, sure, but that was to be expected. He was a supernatural. She’d known that would be there, but he wasn’t shifted. He truly looked like this. “Oh thank god.” Julia said, thankful he wasn’t ugly. Again, she knew it was shallow of her.
“What?” Miguel heard her exhalation and turned towards her, when he did he smiled and a soft ball of light formed over his heart.
“What!” She took off the glasses. “Huh? Nothing!” She spat out as he gave a quizzical look. “I was just checking on you. You good?” She held out a thumbs up.
“Er – yeah.” He held one back, smile still on his face.
“Okay. Yeah. Good. Holler if you need me.”
“Will do.” He laughed and she ducked back in. Nathan was bottling up the concoction, placing some more stem and petal pieces in the bottle for good measure.
“So, what’d you see?”
“Nothing.” Julia answered quickly. “Spargant Sparge.” She waved a hand over the glasses and put them back. “Nothing at all.”
“So what’s the problem?” Nathan asked as he turned the hotplate off and started to rinse out the cauldron.
“Shut up.” Julia answered, then she redirected the topic. “You know to see Marshall you’ll need to either talk to a council member or a Vampire to set up a meeting.”
“I know. I thought about asking my dad, but I don’t want him to worry.” Nathan leaned against the counter. “Which means…”
“You’re gonna have to contact a vampire.”
“Exactly.” Julia was loving this, Nathan was not.
“And the only one you know that you can trust is…” She grinned.
“I’ll call Jack.” Nathan groaned out the rest of her sentence. Julia just grinned her wicked grin. Nathan rolled his eyes at her.
The universe must hate me. Nathan thought to himself.
*****
“I need your help.” Nathan skipped the pleasantries and got right to it, sitting at the bar top. It was a slow evening for the bar. It would probably pick up later around eleven or so. Jack stopped his work. Jack had ignored his calls, so he’d come to his work.
“Hi, how are you?” Jack grinned. “Oh, I’m good thanks for asking. Good to see you.” He toyed.
“Jack. I’m serious. I was attacked in broad daylight today.” When Jack didn’t answer right away. “By a Vampire.”
“Shit.” He said under his breath. “You okay? Why didn’t you call me?”
“Yes. Vamps dead. But he mentioned something about money before Julia staked him.” Nathan explained. “And I did try to call you, you didn’t pic up.” Jack patted his pockets.
“I must’ve left it at home.” Jack groaned. “Sorry, so what do you need from me?”
“I need to speak to Marshall.” Nathan said it as if it were a simple matter to set up a meeting with the leader of the Vampires in Northbridge.
“Sure, let me wave a magick wand and make it happen.” Jack scoffed a chuckle out, waving his finger like the fairy godmother.
“Jack, I’m serious. Didn’t he turn you? Call him up.” Nathan reasoned.
“Yes. He turned me, but that doesn’t mean I can just call him.” Jack went back to work, counting the liquor bottles. “He’s like super busy all the time and hardly makes appointments with ‘underlings’.” Jack said the last part in a mock tone. “I’ve seen him all of four times, and one of those times was to turn me.”
“So how did you get him to turn you so fast?” Nathan prodded.
“I got lucky. Ran into one of his inner circle here at the bar actually.” He shrugged it off. “I think he took pity on me.”
“Jack. Please. I need this.” Nathan gave Jack the look he used to give him when things were serious. Like the time Jack was making jokes because he had been hexed by a Witch that Nathan had encountered and Jack didn’t know what to do.
Jack caved. “I can get him a message, but it might be a few days. Maybe a week even.” Nathan was about to respond, but he picked up a wave of strange energy.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. He thought to himself and the universe. Nathan turned towards the door where a very large man now stood at the entrance. He was probably eight feet tall and his muscles, muscles, had muscles. Shit…
“Where is Nathan Moreau!” The man boomed loudly, taking a heavy step forward. He was slow but Nathan could tell he was strong. The people near the door looked uncomfortable at the sight of the brute.
“Sorry, no one here by that name.” Jack said, his fangs out and voice deep. Threatening. He stood ready to pounce. The man ignored Jack and took a picture out of his pocket looking at it, then looking around the room. When his eyes settled on Nathan he grinned and crooked and broken teeth exposed years of fighting. “Leave.” Jack hissed, eyes darkening.
“Come with me.” The man’s deep voice carried across the bar. The few patrons that were there had scattered, wanting no part of whatever was going on.
“Sorry, you’ve got the wrong guy.” Nathan tried to convince the brute he wasn’t who he was looking for. He held up the picture then walked closer; in a flash Jack stood between the two. The man ignored Jack.
“I ain’t dumb. This is you. Now come with me, or I’ll kill everyone here.” He turned the photo around and it was a picture of Nathan at work.
“You can try.” Jack threatened. The brute grinned, looked down at him and cracked his neck. “Oh fuck!” He screamed as the man picked Jack up with one hand and threw him across the room. Everyone in the bar started screaming and running or hiding.
“Now.” The man growled.
“I’m not going anywhere-” The man ignored Nathan’s protest and picked him up, throwing him over his shoulder. “Put me down mother fucker!” He yelled, placing his palm on his back and using magick to try and electrocute the man.
“That tickles.” He laughed in response.
“Put him down!” Jack jumped through the air and kicked the kidnapper in the back of his knee. It took him off guard enough that Nathan was able to get out of his grasp and jump off his shoulder, landing on the floor. The man roared in anger and turned around, throwing a fist at Jack who dodged. Then he tried to grab Nathan again but Jack sped them out of his grasp. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Nathan summoned a knife from the bar and whisked it towards the monstrosity coming towards them. It hit him in the left side of his chest.
“Heh, heh.” He chuckled then ripped it out of his chest, the wound closed quickly and he chucked the knife. It landed in the wall to the hilt. Screams erupted from the people hiding against the wall, away from the danger.
“I was afraid of that.” Nathan said, sending chairs and tables crashing into the man. He and Jack backed away and the man just kept coming. The projectiles just bounced off of him.
“What the fuck is he?” Jack asked.
“I think he’s a Havock.” Nathan said in a panicked and annoyed voice.
“How do we kill it?”
“It’ll be tough, but they’re still technically human!” The Havock threw his own projectile now and the two barely dodge in time. The Havock ignores Jack and continues straight for Nathan. He grabbed Jack and tossed him over his shoulder, comically, cartoonishly. Jack landed in a thud. Dazed.
“Stop being difficult. He wants to see you alive now!” He bends down and Nathan throws a hand up and sends out another wave of energy. It knocked the brute back all of two feet. “Ha-” He started to laugh then a blankness spread over his face. Jack had taken an opportunity, with the Havock focused on Nathan he shoved his fist through the behemoths thick, dense back. Jack had gripped spine and twisted.
“Fuck that’s gross.” Nathan heard Jacks voice say. Jack pulled his fist out. The man collapsed to the ground with a loud thud that caused the bar to shake. The patrons started to whisper and the panic started to die. “You okay?” Jack shuddered and tossed the piece of spine to the ground. “This guy’s skin was tough to get through.”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Nathan took Jacks outstretched (and unbloody) hand and got up off the ground. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” Jack walked behind the bar to the sink and started washing his hands off. “What was that guy again?” He asked just as the man started to shrink and shrivel back to his natural form. “What the fuck? Another shape-changer?”
“No,” Nathan knelt down to the man and rolled him over. He was comparatively smaller, he looked to be about 6 foot with a slim, but athletic, build. He must’ve just wanted more results in the gym and wasn’t able to get them. “he was a Havock. They’re mortals who seek strength by augmenting themselves via a dark spell. Turns them into these huge brutes, but makes their brains kind of simple sometimes.” Nathan stood up. “Poor guy.” He’d have more empathy if he hadn’t just tried to kidnap him. “So, think you can get that meeting now?”
“I’ll make a call after I get rid of the body. The boss will want to meet you for sure now. He’ll want to know why a Havock followed you into his bar.” Marshall owned Bar Positive and a few other Vampiric hangouts. Jack walked around the bar and started to pick the guy up. “You sure you want to speak to Marshall though? He doesn’t do anything for free and this guy wasn’t even a Vampire.”
“Marshall is still one of the oldest beings in Northbridge and has ears and eyes everywhere. He’s bound to know something. Make the call.” Nathan nodded; Jack started to walk away with the body. “And Jack, make it quick.” He looked at the third assailant that had tried to kill him.
“No problem.” Said Jack as he carried the dead body away.
This shouldn’t be a normal thing. Nathan thought to himself.
*****
“Hey.” It was early morning and Jack was at the door, Nathan had opened it looking disheveled and puffy. His hair stuck in wild angles.
“Hey, good morning.” Nathan stood to the side, inviting Jack in.
“He’s agreed to see you.” He had good news.
“Great, when?”
“Now actually. He told me to bring you to his place.” Jack stood, hands in his jacket pockets, waiting for Nathan to get ready.
“Oh.” He said, in his oversized red pajama shirt and black shorts. He looked over himself. He had slept well and it showed in his demeanor.
“Yeah.” Jack thought it was cute. He missed waking up to Nathans puffy face.
“I’ll go get showered and change.” Nathan walked to his bathroom, turning on the shower.
“I’ll just chill here. With Celia.” Jack looked for her. “Celia.” He called and she appeared on the couch.
“I was on the ghost plane.” She explained.
“Ah. Watch some Tv?” He asked her. He liked Celia. He missed her too. He joined her on the couch and they chatted while Jack waited for Nathan. He missed this. The living room, the couch. The TV. He’d actually bought the TV; he left it behind and forgot to come back for it. It didn’t matter now though. Jack often missed a lot of his old life. Well, he missed his life. He was technically dead now. He didn’t necessarily regret his decision, it served a greater purpose, he regretted the price of his decision.
“Ready to go?” Nathan asked as he came out of his room, freshly showered and ready to figure out why the supernatural world was trying to kill him.
“Let’s go.” Jack stood. “See you later Celia.” He said to her and she replied in kind.
The drive to Marshalls didn’t last too long. Nathan lived in Riverside, while Marshall’s mansion was in Old Town near the old docks. Jack had a lead foot so that helped with the length of the drive.
“Wow, nice place.” Nathan remarked as Jack pulled into the driveway. It was an old colonial mansion with some modern additions to it.
“Yeah, Marshall has lived here since he was his own great-great-great-great-”
“I get it.” Nathan laughed cutting Jack off. Two men in black suits approached the car and opened the doors.
“Get out.” They both said. They were both tall and broad, with short, buzzed hair. One blonde, the other brunette. They both wore black sunglasses and wore earpieces. Nathan could tell they were both Werewolves by the energy they emitted.
“Nice to see you boys again.” Jack nodded to them. He looked almost like a child compared to them. He was tall and broad himself, but compared to these Werewolves?
“Marshall is waiting for you.” Blonde responded flatly.
He must not be paid for pleasantries. Nathan thought to himself, remaining quiet. They were escorted up the sidewalk to the front door. A butler opened it and they were ushered inside. The foyer was gorgeous. The columns, hardwood, décor, all of it. Nathan was jealous. His own family lived in gorgeous Victorian manor that had been handed down since they arrived in Northbridge, but this place was opulent. Gorgeous. Nathan and Jack wandered a few feet into the foyer and took in the surroundings. Two more security guards stood at the foot of the stairs.
“You’ll wait here, and I’ll escort Nathan to Marshalls office.” The butler spoke in his stereotypical British accent, approaching Nathan but then turning to Jack to inform him. Of course. Nathan thought again to himself.
“I’m not leaving you.” Jack tried to step forward but a security guard took a step forward too.
“I’ll be fine Jack.” Nathan told him. He’d brought his own protection just in case. He wasn’t about to see a pissing contest between one Vampire and several Werewolves.
“And you’ll have to leave that with me.” A security guard approached Nathan and held his hand out.
“What do you-”
“The Helianthus.” The guard cleared his throat, his hand still outstretched.
“Oh,” Nathan laughed lightly with nerves. “you mean this.” He produced the spray bottle from his jacket pocket. “Sorry, must have forgotten it was in the pocket.”
“I’m sure.” The guard resumed his post and the butler walked to the edge of the stairs to wait for Nathan. “You’ll get it back when you leave.”
“When you’re ready sir.” The butler spoke.
“I’ll be fine.” Nathan said to Jack who had reached out and grabbed his hand.
“I know. Just,” Jack stepped closer to Nathan and dropped his voice low. It didn’t do much good as almost everyone in the house were Vampires or had some form of enhanced hearing. “be careful. Marshall is…benign…in a way, but he can be cunning and tricky. Just get the information you need and get out of there. If he offers you anything-”
“I’ll be careful.” Nathan whispered to Jack. They were close and Nathan was tempted to give him a quick kiss for reassurance. Jack smiled softly down at him and exhaled another, silent, be careful. Nathan stayed in his gaze for another moment, the temptation growing.
He pulled back.
“I’m ready.” Nathan stepped out of Jacks grasp and joined the butler. He simply bowed his head and started the ascension. They walked up the stairs and started down a hallway lined with immaculate art and windows that exposed the perfectly curated lawn. The river and Atlantic Ocean off in the distance. “Wow.”
“Yes, it’s quite a stunning view isn’t it.” Butler acknowledged. “We’re here.” He knocked.
“Send him in.” A voice came through the door.
The butler opened the door and Nathan stepped in, the door shutting behind him immediately. The room was an office lined with shelves of old looking books, art on the walls, sculptures, vases and plants sat on surfaces. A large, ornate, rug sat in the middle of the room. An old antique desk sat in front of a fireplace with a man, Marshall, sitting at it, hunched over and writing in a notebook. A computer to his side cast a dim light across his face. Marshall looked up from his notes. “Ah, welcome. Nathan right?” He smiled, standing. He was about Nathan’s height. Marshall was a black man, with a rich, beautiful tone to his skin. The years of Vampirism doing nothing to pale it. Perks of wearing a Sunlight Sigil Nathan assumed. “Nice to meet you, come sit.” He waved Nathan to a chair in front of him. His gorgeous brown eyes almost glowed with an eerie light.
Nathan walked over and raised his hand to meet Marshalls and they shook. Nathan could feel the age coming off of him. The older the Vampire, the more powerful they were. Their strength, mind control powers, speed. Age made a formidable enemy, but in this case Nathan hoped a powerful ally.
“You’re Henry’s boy right?” He asked.
“Yes.” Nathan sat as Marshall did. “Yes sir, and I was hoping you could keep this between us. I know you see him at council meetings.”
“It won’t come up.” Marshall waved off Nathan’s concern. As old as Marshall was, he gave off a youthful demeanor. He spoke and dressed like one of those tech developers you always hear about. “So, Jack tells me that you’ve been attacked three times in what? Two days?”
“Yes sir.” Nathan nodded.
“Oh please enough of the sir.” He waved a hand and shrugged. “I’m only twenty-four, my father just passed leaving me all of his assets.” Marshall explained his backstory. “Hence the new attitude and fashion.” He laughed. “One of the many wonderful things of Immortality. Get to reinvent yourself every few decades.” He laughed again; Nathan joined him out of nervousness. This man seemed so playful but he knew in an instant Marshall could rip his heart out and drain him dry.
“Of course, sorry Mr. Jones.”
“Please, just Marshall.” He corrected. “Trying out a new, relaxed, casual boss vibe.” Marshall leaned over the desk, locking his fingers and resting his chin on his hands.
“Right…Marshall…well – um like Jack said, I’ve been attacked three times, once by a Vampire in broad daylight-”
“Not one of mine I assure you; I checked.” He interrupted for a moment. “Must’ve been a rogue.”
“Right well the Vampire said something about money while the Havock, from last night, said whoever sent him wanted me alive now.” Nathan explained. “So, I guess I’m just wondering if you’d heard anything.”
“I hear lots of things.” A playful smile danced across his lips. “I hear that you, a Witch from a prominent family, are the target of someone pretty powerful and badass – at least in my opinion.” He leaned back in his chair.
“So you do know something.”
“I do, I was approached. Given an offer.” Nathan’s blood ran cold, he’d walked into a trap. “Oh, calm down I can hear your heart pumping.” Marshall laughed. “I didn’t take it.”
“Why?” Nathan squeaked.
“Two reasons: A, I don’t need the money. I have more than I know what to do with half of the time. And 2, I have no quarrel with you. In fact,” He stood and walked over to one of his shelves. “I actually need your help too.” He grabbed an old book.
“Mine?” Nathan was curious. What could this 700-year-old Vampire possibly need form him?
“Yes.” With the book in hand, he returned to his seat. “See about fifty, maybe sixty, years ago, your great-grandmother sealed a crypt. Well a coffin in a crypt, and I need you to open it for me.” He gave Nathan the book, it was bookmarked and he opened it to the marked page. “If I’m correct, your granny used a similar spell to seal the box.” Marshall pointed to the page.
“Why? What’s in it?” It was an un-sealing spell. A rather simple one, but one that required the same blood that did it to undo it.
“I can assure you; it is of no danger. Just something of sentimental value to me really.” Marshall smiled, showing his perfect, white teeth.
“Sentimental value?” Nathan was skeptical. “Why would my great-grandmother seal something in a coffin if it wasn’t dangerous?” He asked.
“I may or may not have broken her sisters heart and she may or may not have done it to punish me for that.” He tossed his hands up. “I left town afterwards, got back about two years ago. You know, after my ‘father died’.” He put air quotes around the last bit. “It wasn’t super important to me until recently. I need it.”
“Right.” Nathan added a tone of skepticism to the statement. “First, back to my problem.”
“Ah!” Marshall raised a finger. “I’ll tell you everything I know, after you open my coffin.” He grinned again.
“I need to know why someone wants me dead – or alive now rather.” Nathan insisted. “And who.”
“And I’ll tell you.” Marshall agreed, standing up and outstretching his hand for the agreement. “After, you get me my relic.”
“You’re not going to let this go are you?” Nathan asked.
“I’m 782 – 83 this year actually – I can always wait until another Witch in your bloodline is born and ready for the task. I’m patient.” Nathan stood up. “So do we have a deal then?” Marshall asked. Nathan took his hand and shook it.
“Fine I guess.” Nathan tried to use his powers of divination to see if he was holding anything back or hiding something, but something blocked his vision.
Someone has warded him. He thought to himself as he shook the Vampires hand.