The ignorance in the myths of others is easier to redeem
I've never questioned the answers given
To find the faith that's been lost within
Cause where I lay my trust in others...
...where it lies the ground is thin
-Lyrics to 'Trust' performed by Sarah McLachlan

Crimson Bonds Part 10

Fifteen votes.

The plea for more regulations had been backed by a difference of fifteen votes.

Even in hearing the opposing 142 that had been announced first, Treize knew the math. He knew how many votes were needed from the world's Representatives. And his stilled heart sank in his chest before the supporting 185 was declared. Suddenly, existence as he and his fellow Vampires had known it was thrown into complete chaos.

Fifteen votes.

But more than those fifteen votes were the many others that Nancy McAdams had managed to sway. So many others who in the past had backed the Infected and their rights... an unknown number of unmasked faced who had smiled and shook his hand upon every one of their encounters. Somehow, they had taken the opportunity to make their true intentions known through the protection of a secret ballot.

Immediately upon the reciting of the tally, the main hall erupted into the same havoc that was coursing through the Councilman's entire being. Dozens upon dozens of men and women shot to their feet, pointing and shouting over each other in accusation. Others raised their hands and denied their part in the passing of a new law. Quatre and the remaining public at large in the high balconies watched as what had transpired set in.

Noin and Abelo's blank facades were crumbling at the seams as they both began to look very much like they did not want to be standing at either side of the Moderator's chair. Though they managed to keep their expressions stoic, Khushrenada could make out the subtle vibrations that quaked their bodies. He saw the occasional clenching of their fists at their sides.

And all of these reactions came on within a matter of a couple seconds.

Quickly gripping the handle of the gavel, the Moderator pulled it from the breast pocket of his black robe to slam it repeatedly over the commotion. "Order! Order!" he bellowed as best he could in the drowning clamor surrounding him. His wrinkled face reddening when the shouts only grew, he cried, "I said order!"

That last scream reaching the rafters, the Senators reluctantly fell silent and turned their glares from their neighbors to focus back on the old man on the stage.

Half-sighing-half-huffing in frustration, his shoulders slumped and his age showed all the more as a tired look washed over his face. "I will not allow this structure of democracy to come apart. Let's not lose ourselves here," he requested. "We have a duty to see to how we as the world's Representatives see it fit to appease the livings and the Infected. The vote stands and we must look into what aspects of the Human-Vampire Treaty may need to be adjusted."

Fixing a stern look upon a shell-shocked Nancy McAdams, he decreed, "This is by no means going to eradicate the centuries of peace that has existed between our kinds. We will find a way to share this world together with only minor changes. As Moderator, I will also see that the only points of focus will be which were brought up in the appeal... the Harvests and the Vampire registrations. Since those were what brought the concern into play, that is all we shall look into."

The announcement of the vote was still all too overwhelming for the woman to comprehend everything. Only partially processing what was being enforced, her numb mind was able to make her head nod shallowly. What bit she did hear was just fine with her as she had never expected a victory in her case in the first place.

'Baby steps,' she reminded herself. Baby steps.

Peering to the Infected flanking his chair, the Moderator frowned sadly, "You may return to your Council, friends. I'll not have you standing there in the wake of this slight upon our government." low rumblings began, their sources not bold enough to make them loud enough to reveal their identities. Without the time for those people to blink, the man in charge crashed his gavel against the podium to bring an abrupt end to the sounds.

Their heads bowing deeply to their rescuer, the Infected walked to take up their empty places with their Clans while purposely not making a bit of contact with their loved ones lest they lost what little bit of control they were still grasping on to.

"Until we meet in two days time, this session and its outcome are adjourned," came the executive conclusion to the very long day with the crack of the gavel.

At that, the crowd slowly disbursed, no one making more noise than their shuffling feet would make. What few conversations were taking place came from hushed voices amongst themselves by faces giving nothing more than shock as everyone on both sides of the vote would have naturally had.

Not daring to look back at his committee, Treize commanded in a low growl just loud enough for them to hear, "Do not look upon a single soul, nor stop for so much as one word. Return to your homes with your families. We will meet at my home and discuss this once we have had a chance to weather the media storm that is coming."

Only too happy to leave the main hall behind them, the Vampires' relief was short-lived when they stepped out into the front lobby to be mobbed by the lights of video cameras that had turned on them along with microphones that were pushed into their faces.

Relena was able to sense her Companion amidst the crowded confusion and headed straight for him. Gripping her stricken husband's wrist, she all but pulled him behind her as they picked up their walk to escape into the night with the rest of their family.

Just as they had been ordered, the remainder of the Vampire Council slipped out into their own cars without a glance or an acknowledgment to each other. Driving off their separate ways, their cars faded into the blackness.

Ears ringing and unable to feel anything, Nancy was one of the last Representatives to walk out into the lobby. Upon her arrival, every journalist moved from the men and women that they were working on taking a comment from to rush her as they yelled for her attention, spewing off a surge of questions.

A young woman stood out about the others by hollering, "Senator McAdams! Senator McAdams, what does this victory mean?!

"How did you to convince your peers to turn, Senator?" an older gentleman with a pad and pen in hand asked loudly.

"Senator, do you believe that the outcome would have been different were the vote made by a show of hands?" yet another journalist pressed along with so many more.

Reaching up to feel a stray tear that she had just then realized was rolling down her cheek, the Councilwoman smiled widely at the first statement that came to her. Leaning towards the microphones and recorders held out at her, she breathed, "Today... was a wonderful day for mankind."

*   *   *   *   *   *

Midi was in her element.

A wide smile on her face, she threw open the double sliding doors that closed off the kitchen and the dining area of her restaurant. The morning teas and coffees were brewing, the pantry was fully stocked after an early delivery of goods and already, some of her regulars were standing outside for her to unlock the front door at a couple minutes to spare before her actual opening time.

"It's going to be another great day, everyone," the 'little mother' announced in fluent Polish over her shoulder to the two on duty chefs, wait staff and buss boys. "We have customers standing by." Breaking out into wide smiles, her team hurried in their last preparations for the morning rush. And they were ready right on time as always.

Opening the front door to her guests, Midi took hold of her yellow sundress' hem as she curtsied. "Hello, my dears," she greeted in their tongue. "Make yourselves at home."

The revelers of men and women varying in age and number of their parties of friends and family beamed as they streamed inside to take up their usual spots. Any new faces were ushered by the hostesses to any available spots. Before long, the entire diner was nearly full and the crew was hopping.

From there, the Latin Infected was helping where she could between catching up with her patrons and meeting the new faces so that they would feel every bit as welcomed. From the window peering into the kitchen, Trowa looked on with a proud smile as he shook his head in amusement. He knew that it was his wife's effortless charm that kept her business a resounding success every bit as much as it was due to her recipes and the food that she aided in preparing.

Looking back on their opening day, the Original recalled that it did not take long for good word on the diner to spread through the suburban towns nearby. This was the place recommended to every tourist that took residence in the hotels. There had even been the distribution of annual awards for the service provided there. And Barton could not have been more thrilled for his soul mate.

Yes, Midi was in her element.

The televisions playing quietly at either end of the wall behind the counter were changed over to the news networks by the older gentlemen who used the time to be brought up to speed on the local and world's big events. As she cleared off a booth's table, the little mother caught a few of her patrons leaning forward in their chairs with wide eyes as they stared up at the wide screens with soft gasps and surprised whispers exchanged.

Frowning deeply, the lovely Infected turned to face the screen at the same time that the stunned waitress behind the counter turned up the television.

Across the bottom of the image of a reporter, the words 'New Vampire-Human Treaty Laws' To Be Implemented' were displayed in bold letters. The journalist on camera stated, "For the first time since its creation centuries ago, the treaty between mortals and the Infected will be adjusted in accord to a Senate vote that went on late into the evening last night..."

Her hands falling limp as she stared in disbelief at the screen, the Vampire did not so much as jump at the sound of the glass she had dropped shattering at her feet. "T-Trowa," she stammered in a breath.

Materializing at her side, Barton matched her stunned expression while he peered up to confirm his own ears to what they had picked up. Like them, everyone in the diner was in disbelief and transfixed on the blonde newscaster.

"In a most unexpected turn of events, it was a secret ballot that could very well reshape the way Vampires and livings co-exist in this world," the beauty went on. "Though the details of this change remain on hold for further deliberation, there are a couple of key aspects that we know will be looked into..."

Gripping his wife's arm, Trowa told her softly, "I have to call our family."

*   *   *   *   *   *

The needle was longer than Anna had imagined it would be. Biting her bottom lip, she carefully rolled the thin syringe that was already filled with the clear serum hormone supplements between her fingers. At five inches in length, the puncture shaft itself was a little unsettling in person... realizing that all of it would have to enter her body to reach the desired target.

Without a circulatory system to carry the medication through her veins from a less evasive shot, the Vampire had to deliver it directly for it to work. Having been a nurse, she was aware of where she needed to pierce her abdomen and had Sally's private consultation to confirm and offer advice to get the task done efficiently.

Mentally, the Siren snorted for making herself nervous by over thinking the shot that she had opted to administer herself. She was not about to ask Wufei, Heero or Duo to be the ones to carry it out. The looks of fright on their faces when Sally first mentioned the drug administration was enough to let into their uncomfortable thoughts over the issue.

Someone had to do it. And it really was not that big of a deal in light of what joy it could bring in the end to her family... especially her brothers.

"Well, here goes," Anna muttered. Freeing a hand to lift the hem of her deep green tank top, she exposed her flat, toned abdomen and took a deep breath.

As instructed, she hit the mark swiftly, plunging the entire needle through her skin. Gasping sharply at the intense pain that spread from the impact hole through her torso, she had enough of a mind to inject the serum before her instinct to free herself of the agony set her hand to pull the syringe out again and drop it to the floor.

Eyes squeezing closed as she hissed for air through her teeth out of subconscious habit from her days as a mortal, Anna gripped the edge of the bathroom sink for support and doubled over from the burning, cramping sensations caused by the injection. "O-okay," she managed through the aching. ""Not a picnic... but it could be worse."

Still... she was relieved that she only needed to go through the process once a week until she conceived.

Three sharp knocks came to the closed door with Wufei calling urgently, "Anna? Are you alright?" Cursing under her breath, the redhead had chastised herself for not considering her husband to be searching for her... just close enough to hear her whimper at the injection.

Not waiting for her response, Chang turned the knob and pushed his way inside in time to see his wife trying to right herself despite pain displayed plainly in her gold-rimmed eyes. "Anna!" he cried, closing in on her and crushing the syringe beneath a foot that was not so much as nicked by the glass, though the sock on it was ripped apart.

Wrapping his Chosen in his scaly arms at the same time that he realized the reason behind her discomfort, Wufei kissed her forehead and whispered, "You shouldn't have gone through that alone, love. I should have been here with you."

Simply having him close was working wonders for Anna to forget the pain as she leaned against his chest, giggling weakly, "And have you hold yourself back as you watched me go through that? Yes, it's uncomfortable because of the amount of medicine in effect, but it has to be done." Straightening back out, she smiled at him, "See? It passes quickly. I've been through a lot worse than that."

His frown remaining, the Mimic cupped her face in his hands and sighed, "I appreciate your not wanting me to worry, but I am every bit as committed to what happens to you in this process as your husband and Other. Please don't shut me out for what you think is my own good when nothing would put me as ease more than being here when you need me."

Blinking widely, the Siren stammered softly, "I-I'm sorry, Wufei. I really didn't mean to make you feel like that." She shook her head, "It was a rash call... I truly thought it would just be easier for both of us this way while the kids are off on their camping trip. Looking back on it now, I would have been hurt if our parts had been reversed. Please forgive me. It won't happen again."

A sad grin tugging the corners of his mouth, the scaly Infected reassured, "Forgiven. But then I know that you only had good intentions in heart." Releasing her face only after he passed on a light kiss, he swallowed roughly when he stepped back and appraised the round puncture wound closing in her abdomen as he gently lowered her shirt to cover it once more.

Together, the couple stared down at the shattered glass that had buried into the blue rug at their feet. "Good thing Sally supplied me with a month's supply of syringes," Anna snickered.

With a snort, Wufei bent down to be the one to make fast work of the clean up by scooping the shards at no harm to his hands into the floor mat to roll it up into a tight ball that he tossed into the large waste bin by the door for a proper disposal later.

Shrugging, he smirked, "We needed a new rug in here anyway since the kids' foot traffic in here had worn that one out." His Chosen smiled lovingly and hugged him again out of gratitude for his understanding.

The moment was broken as soon as Chang began to return the embrace when they heard the sound of their front door opened followed by Heero's shout from downstairs. "Anna! Wufei! You need to see this! Now!"

*   *   *   *   *   *

For many hours after the vote had broken news, the shocking turn of events remained the primary center on every channel everywhere as more details and more analysts debated over what it all could mean. When there was nothing new on the topic, replays of the interviews and early reports of the initial unfolding dominated the airwaves.

Her eyes shimmering, Senator McAdams was the picture of pride and excitement in her widely smiling self upon television screens worldwide.

"This... is a wonderful day for humanity," a Polish translator recited over her actual spoken words. "This is a day that we livings finally decided to stand together to secure our neglected safety from the Infected..."

Lowering his emptied glass, Mark Barnett smirked as he stared up at the TV across from the bar stool he was currently occupying. This was the third in a string of bars that he had visited since waking to celebrate the unexpected announcement.

And now that he had a steady buzz from the alcohol, all that he needed now to cap off the day was a nice piece of ass. Slowly scanning over the thin crowd, he weighed his current prospects only to make an equally satisfying discovery...

To the Hunter's joy and great amusement, there was not a single blood sucker or Companion to be found. In fact, he had not come across a single one since he stepped out into the world early that morning.

No doubt they were scrambling... hiding in their little corners shaking out of a panic of what was waiting for them now. Their existences were about to be forever changed and all they could do for now was weather the storm until the dust settled to find out just how drastic a shift it would be.

All around the watering hole, from every table and around the pool tables, the patrons peered up from their games and conversations to take in the closest screen in the same keen from time to time. Even if they had been aware of the vote, there was still a sense of disbelief hanging in the air as there no doubt still was around the globe.

Raising the newly filled glass that the bartender slid before him, Barnett nodded to the woman on the screen, "To Senator McAdams. We need more great ones like you out there." Without realizing that he had spoken in Polish out of mere habit from his extended stay, he threw back the drink as several patrons standing and sitting close by turned their wide eyes onto him.

One of the prettier patrons that had caught Mark's eye remained at the crowded round table a few feet directly behind him and fixed the back of his head with a fiery glare. "What we really need is fewer closed-minded pricks like that ass," she hissed under her breath before focusing back on her friends.

A challenge. And the Hunter accepted.

The corner of his mouth creeping up, Barnett eyed the little temptress, his gaze following her exposed, crossed legs from their ankles to where they disappeared beneath the start of her red skirt. The curvy and yet athletic body she sported was his type as well as her shoulder-length dark hair. She would do for the night. After all, what fun would it have been if the game was easy?

Sliding off his chair, Mark pulled his balance together to walk smoothly over to his target. "My apologies," he said as sincerely as he could mange, pulling it off as easily as breathing. "It appears that I have offended you with my comment when I meant no harm. I blame the drink for allowing my bad history with a few bad Vampire seeds to get the better of me just now."

Her hand reaching up automatically to grip the large, oval pendant hanging from her neck to fall between her breasts, the native frowned deeply, "Well, there are some of us who owe our lives to Vampires. Myself included. It was a handful of their kind that save my great, great, great grandmother from the Warsaw concentration camp in the 1940s."

Taken aback by that, the handsome stranger to her offered that winning smile as he replied, "You don't say? And here I had been under the impression that the Infected were ordered to stay out of man's business when it came to the fight. The Human-Vampire treaty had decreed it to be so."

Green eyes revealing their captivation for the young man, the girl completely forgot the others at the table around her as she leaned close with a small grin. "Yes," she whispered, "but there were a few brave ones who could not sit back when they learned about the killings of innocents..." Lifting the silver pendant, she shared, "This has been passed down many a generation in my family."

Opening the oval to reveal it as the pendant that it actually was, she held it up so that her charming company could look upon the black-an-white picture within.

For an entirely different reason than the alcohol, Mark had to fight to keep himself upright when he took in the carefully preserved photograph. At the center of a group of shabby, frighteningly skinny prisoners of war were five beings smiling with them.

Though the image was a grainy one, the second ring around their irises. What was more... Barnett had seen those faces before in many a profile folder compiled by a certain researcher who had hired him...

...they were the faces of none other than the Barton-Yuy Clan.

TBC...

 

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