Chapter 1 - Knightfall

"Mmm... I don't think so," "Eddie" replies coyly as he continues to advance, even as Vlax becomes (literally!) paralyzed with fear. "You know... watching you flounder around has been delicious. You've unwittingly done more to disrupt Seattle's court than I ever could have alone. Here I just planned to come into the Emerald City, sew a little chaos and discord, and run before I got hunted down... but you... you've put out communications that will draw state and even federal attention! Oh, they'll struggle under scrutiny like that! Unfortunately for you... I have to dispose of you before you realize how wrong you've been about... well, everything really... and call off what you've set in motion."

With that, Vlax notices a flick of his assailant's wrist, and a switchblade glints in the faint light.

"You've seen my handiwork. A shame it isn't October... because I intend to carve you up something impressive. I think I'll keep your badge though. It will make a nice addition to my collection."

The first slice cuts into Vlax, across his right forearm. The pain snaps him out of his paralysis... but all he can think to do now is try to run. Unfortunately, this... thing...this monster... is between him and his escape!

Vlax squeezes the trigger as he tries to dash past "Eddie," but as soon as he thinks he's past the man, "Eddie" is right there in front of him again -- laughing as his blade glints in the light.Cut after cut... nothing deep, but each slice is a biting pain. An image of the girl's dad flashes in Vlax's mind, as he slows... collapsing onto his back as his eyes go dim. He can feel his life seeping out of him with his blood.

Vlax hears the unmistakable sound of a shotgun, immediately followed by what sounds like a... dog, maybe?... snarling as something rushes past him. Then he hears "Eddie"'s voice scream in pain. A lot of thudding, then something hit something metal. Another shotgun blast. More snarling.

Silence.

He sees two forms standing over him.

"A Noctuku? I didn't think they existed. Thanks for the help, Sheriff." A woman's voice... Kimberly's voice.
"This is the cop huh?" A male voice... Vlax doesn't think he's heard it before.
"Yeah. The asshole. Tells me some little girl and my super get killed, so I start looking into it, give him a tip, and he tries to come down on me like the wrath of god. I swear, you do something nice for someone... no good deed, I guess."
"Auspex?"
"Oh Christ, Hank, I could smell the blood as soon as I got on the floor. So yeah, sends a cop to kick in my door during the day as a thank you for doing his job for him."
"Door trick?"
"Door trick."

The male voice chuckles before continuing. "So, the Prince said everyone gets one Childe. You're really going to use it on him?"
"Fuck yeah. I have more than enough time to teach him not to bite the hand that feeds."
"That is amazingly vindictive. I'm not sure that's healthy."
"Yeah, well, neither is kicking my door in."
"You are a petty, petty princess."

The male voice laughs. "That was the worst curtsy I've ever seen. Don't let Yuri catch you. She'll make you take lessons. Anyway... he's dying. Shit or get off the pot."
"Yeah, yeah... find him his first meal, would ya?"

As Vlax's life slips away, he tastes metal dripping into his mouth. Seconds later, his entire body feels like it's on fire as he sits bolt upright. He wants to scream, but no sound comes out. His stomach feels like it's eating himself, his head is pounding, and every nerve feels like it was set ablaze.

A man drops onto the ground beside him, and Vlax instinctively knows what to do. He bites the man, and sucks. The blood tastes rich and sweet, filling him in a way food never did. Eventually a strong hand jerks his head away. Kimberly's voice orders him to lick the bite. He does so... Vlax is starting to get his head on straight. He sees a large man wearing glasses. Then he sees Kimberly, squatting in front of him.

"Alright asshole... let's go talk about my door."