The Spiral and the Fire

Allen and Genevieve reach their breaking points

2 years since the letter:

Just before dawn on a hill just outside of Saint Francis, Allen sat on a large rock drinking whiskey from a flask. Just before him were two undead half-bloods, each tied in silver chains to a tree facing east. Allen had already wounded them and they were weak to the point of being almost unable to speak.

“How much… do… they pay you… for this tor… torment?”

“Work has been… slow. I rid the world of this evil for the pleasure.”

“You… call us… evil? What… do… you call this?”

“I owe you no explanation leach. I do the Lord's work.”

The creature shook his head slowly and then bowed it as the sun shone over the horizon. A beam of light pierced the skin of one of them. He screeched in pain as smoke billowed from the small wound.

“Please hunter! We have… treasures! All… yours! Free us!”

Allen sipped another drink from his flask and smiled. The sun rose higher and the light fully touched their bodies. 

“Curse… you!”

“Yes… Many have. Oh just one more thing.”

He stepped up to one and with a pair of pliers, he removed his fangs. He tried to fight him but had no strength to do so. He then went to the other and did the same. As the sun rose higher, they both let out loud screeches and turned to ash. Allen didn’t bother to look at them but used a small pin to etch the date into each fang. Rutherford was eagerly waiting for him nearby and Allen rode back into town. After placing him in the stable he entered the sinking sun and sat at the bar. 

“Top of the morning ol’ boy! Here early again I see.”

“Just get me the drinks Leo. Four fangs, four bottles, one girl.”

“No need to fret ol’ boy. I’ve got you covered… except for the girl. You can have a girl and three bottles.”

“Fine.”

“By the way, my sister sent you another letter. Care to read this one?”

“Your sister is too good for me Leo. She’s better off on her own.”

“I think you’re right ol’ boy.”

“Screw off Leo.”

He smirked and walked away. Allen opened one of the bottles and filled his flask to the brim and returned the bottles to his room. For a moment he sat on his bed and kicked aside a garment from one of the women he was with the previous night. He placed his face in his hands and sighed. He took a drink and passed out. Still sitting he awoke later in the day and finished off his flask. He went downstairs to an already full room. He found his way to a booth where William Walton was sitting alone smoking from his jade holder. He sat with him in the booth and placed his face onto the table.

“What happened to you Allen?”

He pondered the question and immediately began to think of Genevieve. Everything in him wanted to unleash the flurry of tears that he had held back for two years. He composed himself and sat up for a moment.

“What do you mean? I’m fine.”

“For one… you look terrible.”

Allen gave a slight chuckle. He was certainly less recognizable than before as his beard had grown long and his hair unkept and almost touching his shoulders. It wasn’t his best but he had given no mind to his appearance for some time.

“And another thing… When you first arrived here, you wouldn’t lay a dishonorable eye upon these ladies, and I rarely saw you drink a drop of alcohol. Now both of those are ten a penny for you.”

“Two years ago we sat here and you all spoke that this life puts a darkness within you, and you’re surprised at my state.”

“We said darkness, not in need of intervention. Perhaps the liquor hides that away.”

Allen said nothing and placed his head back on the table. William stood to his feet and patted Allen’s head and returned to his own room. His head already felt dizzy and he considered taking a walk to think things over, but he hadn’t done that since he left Goldenmire. After some time a man sat down next to him and slapped his back. 

“You should really get some sunshine, you scurvy b*****d.”

He smiled when he recognized the voice of his good friend Geoff Wallace.

“How are you, you disgusting bilge rat?”

“As good as calypso allows me. Still wallowing in self pity I see.”

“What do you expect Geoff? I loved her and she betrayed me.”

“Yes, yes. You know I've been there as well. I guess in your case, it’s a bit different. Have you considered going back to that girl in Goldenmire?”

“No. She’s a good woman and she deserves much better.”

“She’d make a great mother.”

“HA! God forbid I ever bring children into this world. My curse will be them winding up like me.”

“There’s still good in you Allen.”

He scoffed and they continued to talk for a few hours before Geoff had to return to the port and continue his work. 

“Gotta work late tonight mate. Tomorrow we head to the Orient. Long trip.”

“Good luck.”

Allen heard a few men singing shanties in the corner, so he smiled and went over to the piano and began to play along with the songs they were singing. Another few hours passed and the sun began to empty. Allen still played the piano though soft and slow, playing for Genevieve wherever she was. After some time a young oriental woman sat next to him on the bench, and placed a glass of rum on the piano above him.

“Good evening Allen. I’ve seen you around.”

“Have I been with you before?”

“...No. I don’t believe so.”

“Then don’t call me by my name.”

She frowned and lowered her head. She sipped her drink and said nothing for some time. 

“Leopold… sent me to you.”

“You’re new at this aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

Allen looked at her and felt sorry for her as she was likely down on her luck or stranded. He tried to force himself to not think of these things but he couldn’t help it. They were still human beings in the end.

“Well I guess you better follow me.”

They stood and made their way to Allen’s room. She sat on the bed and looked at the floor while Allen opened a bottle of whiskey and took a large drink from it. He offered her a drink but she refused. He happily drank her portion and sat next to her.

“What’s your name?”

“Ichika.”

“That’s beautiful. What does it mean?”

“One thousand flowers.”

He smiled at the idea of the name. Someone had to find her so beautiful that they could only think of flowers. He imagined a tree in spring blossoming with many pink flowers upon it and that’s when the thoughts of Genevieve took over. He remembered the night they had spent under the tree back in Garrison. It had felt like an eternity since that moment and he still had dreamt of it often. Allen snapped out of it and had his evening with Ichika, though afterward he felt guilty. Normally he would send them away but this time he looked at her and felt a connection with her somehow. It wasn’t romantic but there was something about her that made him think that she was no simple call girl. He went to his mirror and pulled a straight razor from a drawer and began to shave his beard. He looked in the mirror and noticed Ichika as she slowly put her clothes back on. She reluctantly went for the door but Allen made the decision to stall her.

“Why are you here Ichika?”

“You paid for it sir.”

“No, no. Why are you here? Doing this?”

“I have nowhere else to go. I sought help after my family…”

“... After?”

“There are hunters here… my family was… taken by vampires. I came here to have a hunter help me find them. Instead they kept me here. To do this.”

Allen couldn’t believe it. Leopold was keeping her against her will. He became furious and punched a wall. She became frightened and tried to leave but Allen stopped her. In a moment many thoughts went through his head. This girl did not deserve the life she was living here, but if he tried to rescue her then he would likely have to leave Leopold’s employment and hope to find work another way. Overall his choice could not be selfish.

“I may be a royal b*****d but I can’t let you stay here.”

“You’ll help me? How?”

“I know someone.”

He grabbed his things and placed them in a leather bag and placed the Homicida on his belt. He opened the window and looked for a way down. Just a few feet away was a ladder that led to the roof. He reached out and almost stumbled but was able to grab the ladder and lead Ichika out. Suddenly a knock came at the door.

“Times up ol’ boy!”

“Damn!”

They rushed down into the dark alley. They made their way through to the street and walked silently past the Sinking Sun. 

“Maybe I should just go back sir.”

“Allen. And no I can’t allow that. 

They made their way to the docks, where there was little activity other than a few sailors going about their personal business. There was one ship that had chosen to do their loading and unloading this late, and in the midst of the hustle was Allen’s friend Geoff. 

“Geoff!”

He turned his head looking a bit startled but was quickly able to make out Allen’s voice. He scurried over and looked at Ichika with confusion. 

“What’s all this then Allen?”

“I have a stow away for you.

He looked at Allen as if he was insane. He scoffed and tried to return to his work but Allen grabbed him by the coat and pulled him back.

“I’m serious! She’s working against her will at Sinking Sun.”

“That’s not my problem! You deal with it.”

“I’m trying to! Allow me to do this good deed Geoff. Here take this.”

Allen handed Geoff a bag of gold coins.

“It’s all yours just please take the girl as close enough to home as you can.”

“...Allen… this is insane.” 

“I know.”

“Fine. But she’ll have to keep silent. Silent as death if you catch my meaning.”

She nodded at Geoff and began to follow him. Allen gently touched her shoulder and handed her a bag of coins as well. 

“My apologies young miss for… earlier. I hope this makes us even.”

“We’re square. Thank you Allen, you are a good man after all.”

Ichika kissed his cheek and went with Geoff. Allen himself sat on a wooden crate and pulled out his pipe and began to smoke. For a moment he was at peace and the world seemed to melt away. Deep down he was truly apologetic for the girl’s situation and hoped she would go on to live a happy life. Some hours passed and the ship departed along with Ichika and Geoff. It was only then that he thought maybe he should have gone along with them. After this stunt, he surely could not return to the Sinking Sun and now he had no place left to go. It struck him that this was the first time since meeting Genevieve that he had nothing and no one. Everyone in his world was now gone again. He bowed his head in sadness and pulled out his flask and drank all that remained within it and threw it against a brick wall. 

“Very dramatic Ol’ boy. But you owe me for the girl.”

Allen saw Leopold and a group of five men walking towards him. 

“I didn’t know you were in the slavery business. You’re a sick man.”

They surrounded him and glared at him.

“Gotta take what life gives ya ol’ boy. Like this beating.”

Suddenly one of them punched his side and soon they all began to attack him. Allen did his best to fight them but the liquor was taking its effect and he just stumbled and fell to the ground. They dragged him over to a barrel that was filled with dirty water, two of the men lifted him above it while Leopold forced his head into the water and attempted to drown him. Again Allen struggled to fight them but he couldn’t. He felt himself about to go unconscious when they dropped him to the ground. As he coughed and attempted to catch his breath, Leopold knelt down and undid the Homicida from his belt. He unsheathed it for a moment and smiled.

“I’ll take this as payment for the girl and for breaking my sister’s heart. See you in the obituaries Ol’ boy.”

He was too weak to try and fight and all he could do was cough and watch Leopold walk away with his blade that Genevieve gave him. Now he truly had nothing as he looked into the overcast darkness and fell into unconsciousness.

In the underground palace in Belladonna sat a number of high ranking Pure-bloods having a feast of blood. Among them, sitting at the left side of Demetri was Genevieve. To see her sitting and speaking so elegantly, none would guess that she had ever conspired against those she dwelled with. It seemed to Demetri that he had regained his sister and that whatever desires she had beyond Belladonna were gone. Genevieve in her heart still desired to rid the world of the creatures around her though now seemed like so long ago that her Allen had hunted together and her thoughts dwelled on him less with each passing day. In the least it was easier for her to go about her days than when the wounds were still fresh. Suddenly a tapping of glass was heard and all attention was on the one now standing. Samuel Augustus stood proudly at the attention he was receiving at that moment. Genevieve of course felt sick to her stomach at the sight of him and made worse by the sound of his voice.

“My dearest friends… it is truly an honor to feast with you this evening!”

A round of applause echoes through the dining hall. 

“To be among such admirable ladies and gentlemen is truly one of the most revering pleasures this long life can distribute within. It is you that I give the pleasure of this announcement. I, Samuel Augustus have taken the next step in this life and will take upon myself a bride! Miss Ruby Garçon from Edithburgh!”

There was a roar of applause as she stood up and waived at the crowd. Genevieve had known Ruby for many years and it came as a surprise to her that Ruby would choose a husband as sadistic as Samuel considering that she is a very kind and good hearted woman. Demetri stood to his feet and kissed Ruby’s cheeks. Genevieve gave her own well wishes but in her heart she could care less for his happiness. In her mind she became angry at the thought of being happy when her own was stolen away from her. To see Demetri embrace him with such tenderness and joy frustrated her beyond her own reasoning. All she received from Demetri herself was threats and pain when she was in the same situation. 

“Only on his terms I suppose.” She thought harshly.

In the coming weeks the palace was in a hurry to prepare for the upcoming wedding. Demetri had so generously offered the throne room as the prime location for the nuptials. Every night leading up to the wedding, there were parties of drunken debauchery in which she reluctantly attended but little did she actually indulge. On the evening of the rehearsal, she did enjoy the wine being served, and as usual she sat by herself feeling lonely within the crowded room. For hours she sat as the preparations and mock ceremony went on, finally concluding with a few sighs of relief within the attendees including Genevieve herself. As she stood to make her way back to her room, her shoulder was touched softly. 

“Miss Genevieve! I’m glad I caught you.”

She reluctantly turned around to see Ruby standing before her with a smile and a chalice of blood and wine.

“Oh yes Ruby! I’m sure you are excited for tomorrow.”

“Yes indeed! Everything is turning out perfectly. But there is one thing…”

“What is it you need? I’ll make sure it shall be done.”

“It just so happens that I have not chosen my maiden of honor and considering Samuel has chosen your brother as his witness, I was hoping to have the fairest of all the pure-bloods join me at my side as I become a wife.”

Genevieve was stunned for a moment. She hated Samuel and certainly did not want to be part of anything that would make him happy. Of course she was attending by default but being part of the wedding party was completely out of the question.

“I am truly sorry my dear but I must refuse. I feel like the honor should go to someone you're close with and I don’t feel like we know each other well enough.”

Genevieve turned and attempted to leave.

“Perhaps if I was marrying a MORTAL… you would feel differently.”

She stopped and took a deep breath.

“If you were marrying ANY one else… I may reconsider. Or… perhaps you should.”

“Do you honestly believe anyone here sees you as anything else but a dead mortal’s harlot?”

Genevieve became angry and turned to Ruby glaring at her.

“None of your opinions nor the opinions of anyone else who calls this place home, matters to me. As far as I see, the only woman who would happily marry someone like Samuel is not worthy to eat from the bowl of a sick animal. Perhaps you already know that and you’re simply marrying him as the only way you will ever be close enough to sniff the thrones. A person like that deserves all they have coming to them.”

Ruby’s eyes became red with anger and splashed the wine and blood from her chalice into Genevieve’s face. Genevieve too became angry and grabbed her by the throat and lifted her high off the ground.

“Must you have scars on your wedding day?”

Suddenly Samuel rushed to her holding a dagger in hand and attempted to stab her causing Genevieve to drop Ruby. 

“Do me the pleasure!”

As he was about to plunge the blade Demetri took his wrist and pulled the dagger from his hand.

“Don’t you dare lay a hand on her, Samuel!”

“My apologies, my liege.”

“You are dismissed. Everyone here is dismissed. Except you Sister”

Those who were looking on left the room. Samuel gently lifted Ruby to her feet and they too left the room, leaving only Demetri and Genevieve.

“I don't know what that was all about and please do not explain.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Still this is a momentous occasion and would have been second only to my own wedding, had Selene… anyhow I don’t need any more outbursts. And considering… your time of punishment has ended… I think it would be best if you left for a few nights.”

Without answering she forcibly turned around and went back to her room. It was early evening so she packed an elegant bag with a change of clothes and left through the long tunnels. Once she was outside, she took a deep breath and looked into the sky. She had a moment of freedom once again and instead of taking flight, she decided to walk a ways, removing her shoes to feel the grass on her feet. She suddenly had the urge to dance, so she dropped the bag and began twirling around in the grass with her eyes closed, feeling the evening breeze blow through her silver hair. The song in her head was one that Allen would play for her, she stopped and thought of him, and considered the unthinkable. She never promised to return after all and she would have a head start with the wedding taking place the next night. She became uncomfortable at the idea that she was indeed going to see Allen. Would he want to see her? And even if he does, how will he be? Would he want to stay with her? Genevieve had already decided in her heart that, though she loved him, she would not remain with him. She thought about it for a while whilst she walked, eventually making it into the town of Belladonna. She took in the sights that seemed less familiar since the last time she had been there. The tall fence that surrounded the towering cathedral was one of the few unchanged sights. She grasped the bars and looked into the courtyard where a small patch of lilies were growing. She was reminded of her friend Selene who seemed to have a sort of obsession with lilies. Maybe seeing her instead of Allen would be the less complicated path though in all she felt the need for closure was still about. She continued walking until she passed the infamous Glaive Tavern. Somehow seeing the tavern convinced her that she only had one choice and that was to go see him.

“I owe it to him to at least see him. Even if it’s only one more time.”

She remembered the place Allen had said he would be and suddenly flew into the air and made her way to Saint Francis. She landed just outside of town and walked into the bustling town, searching for the Sinking Sun. After some time she saw the mural of the sun and figured it had to be the place. When she entered the air smelled of smoke and liquor and all around were drunken men and loose women with a small band in the corner playing and singing joyfully. Genevieve looked around nervously in hopes of seeing Allen, but there was no sign of him. She approached the bar and signaled for the bartender. 

“Hello there Love! What can I do for you?”

“Evening. Wine if you please.”

“Ah the simple type eh love? Well here tis my finest in the shop!”

“Thank you very much Mr…?”

“Name’s Leopold love.”

“Leopold, yes. 

He poured her a glass of the wine and left the bottle winking at her. He then stepped away and began to fill pint glasses for other folks at the bar. She sipped on the wine, feeling the taste to be a bit odd. She continued to look around though there was still no sign of him, and then she noticed above the bar near the ceiling was a familiar sight. It was the Homicida on display like a sort of trophy. She felt strange and then again signaled for Leopold.

“How may I be of  service love?”

“That sword on display there… where did it come from?”

He glanced at it happily and turned back to Genevieve, smiling almost wickedly. 

“Oooh that there sword love is… special. I took it from an unruly demon of the underworld.”

“Ah. Do tell.”

“Well… you see love… he came into the Sun one night and began to act strangely. He took a young girl and feasted on her blood. He then began to eat her flesh before our eyes. He slipped out into the night and me and the boys here cornered him near the docks and I took a wood stake and stabbed the devil through his heart.”

“Sounds terrifying.”

As soon as she spoke those words, she began to see the room spin. Leopold seemed to melt away as she tried to walk but stumbled as the floor felt unstable. She looked to the roof but again it seemed to spin until darkness engulfed her sight. She could hear voices though they were muffled. Some time passed until she regained her consciousness. She was still uneasy but she could see the room she was in and the man standing in the corner looking into a mirror shaving. She attempted to stand but her legs felt numb, and her wrists were bound with a round. She realized she had been drugged, lucky for her it seemed as if nothing had happened yet. She became angry and her strength returned to her. She stood to her feet and pulled her wrist apart causing the rope to rip. Leopold turned around quickly feeling startled. Genevieve grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the ground and slammed him into the mirror. His eyes became wide as he struggled to get away. Genevieve bared her fangs and hissed sharply while her eyes were red with anger.

“Go on, cry for help!”

He just stared at her with a whimper shaking his head. 

“Where is Allen Slade!?”

“He’s… he’s gone!”

“Gone? Gone where? When?”

“He left about… a month ago. We had a… falling out! Took a girl with him and hit the road. Honestly love!”

She then dropped him to the ground and sighed. Her eyes became gray as she became frustrated. Now she had no idea where he could be and no clue where to even begin. She looked at Leopold again and smirked.

“Is there any information you can give?”

“The only acquaintances he had were my sister Gwen and a sailor named Geoff Wallace. He’s not likely to have gone to my sister, not that I would tell you where she is anyhow.”

“I suppose I can let you live. But you will see all of… this filth burn.”

She then bit into his neck and began to drain him of his blood. She let him survive and threw him into the street as she grabbed the Homicida and set fire to the Sinking Sun. Leopold laid in the street and watched weakly as it burned, cursing Allen’s name. Genevieve walked away looking at the Homicida, never looking back. Now she had to decide whether she should seek Allen or maybe even go to Selene. Things were even more complicated than before and she wasn’t sure what would be waiting when or if she found him.