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Pyro had entered the Castle in a hurry. He'd gotten used to his vampiric tendencies, and was keenly aware that hunger made him erratic and impulsive. So when his stomach began to ache, he'd used his bat form to fly back home and moved quickly through the front door, ready to gorge himself on some of the livestock in their farms.
He'd paused, however, when he passed the ballroom, momentarily transfixed by what he saw.
Inside, Scott was teaching Shelby how to waltz. The elder vampire was leading Pyro's fledgling, adjusting her arms to the correct angles, pausing to tip her chin back. Scott's cloak and Shelby's skirts soared around them. Shelby was a bit clumsy, clearly inexperienced, but Scott was the picture of grace and elegance, his posture perfect and his movements smooth and poised.
They spun around the ballroom, and Pyro hovered near the entrance, unable to look away. Shelby gained confidence the more they danced, and Scott was clearly proud of her effort.
And then, he spotted Pyro and stopped the dance in its tracks.
Oh, no.
"Just who I wanted to see!" His sire patted Shelby on the shoulder, smiling. "We'll pick up our dancing lessons tomorrow, Shelby. I need a moment to speak with Pyro."
"Of course," Shelby nodded, her pale hair windswept after all of that spinning. "I'll be sure to practice before our next lesson!"
She scampered off, leaving Scott and his fledgling alone.
Reluctantly, Pyro stepped into the ballroom and approached Scott, ignoring his stomach's rumblings. "What can I do for you, sire?"
"What have you been up to?" Scott asked, his tone light and unreadable. "Hopefully not fraternizing with the town again."
"Of course not, sire!" Pyro said quickly. "I was-"
Scott stepped forward and took Pyro's hand, placing the other on his fledgling's back. "Do you dance?"
Pyro paused for a moment, caught off guard. "I have."
"Then let's begin."
Scott didn't take their dance slowly like Shelby's. No, he immediately began leading, taking broad, precise steps and pulling Pyro into the rhythm without another word.
Pyro had danced at parties before - he had no formal training, of course, but family members had taught him the basic footwork. This was not enough to keep up with Scott. His sire's arm tightened around him, adjusting his posture without slowing for a second as he hummed some unrecognizable melody. When Pyro stumbled, Scott kept him upright, leading him into a dip with that same perfect, self-assured expression on his face.
"So what exactly were you up to, then?" Scott asked, holding them in place.
Pyro was caught leaning back, straining to keep his posture straight. He was uncomfortably aware that, if Scott let go of him, he'd crack his head on the floor below. "I was gathering wood, sire. I came back here to get food, that's all."
"Hm." Scott lifted him up from the dip, seemingly satisfied with that answer. "You know, Pyro, the humans have talked a lot about this cure. It's not possible, of course - if it was, I would've heard about it sooner - but it got me thinking."
"About what, sire?" Pyro asked, still held close with Scott's hand on his back.
"I'm going to ask you a question, Pyro," Scott stated, "and I want you to be honest with me. Even if you think it will make me mad."
Pyro nodded, dreading what would come next. "Of course."
"If they really did discover a cure, would you take it?"
It was dead quiet. The ballroom seemed to make the silence echo, suffocating as Pyro tried to process this question. Involuntarily, he felt himself shiver, even though it wasn't cold.
Because the honest truth was that he knew his answer. His vampiric powers were incredible, and he loved the Coven, and the dominance and control made him feel so, so good... but he didn't want to live forever. Nor did he want to be ostracized or othered... he'd experienced enough of that already. Though he felt so far away from his humanity, he still craved it.
And he absolutely could not tell his sire any of that.
"I-" Pyro started to speak, and then stopped. Scott was still holding his hand, which had started to tremble slightly. "I don't-"
"Be truthful, Pyro." Scott gave him a knowing look. "I just want an honest answer."
He suddenly realized how hot and clammy and claustrophobic he felt, locked in closed position with Scott's bright red eyes staring directly into his soul. He didn't want to answer- no, he didn't have a fitting response- no, he didn't want to lie, because sire said to be truthful- but if he told the truth, Scott would be mad, and Pyro didn't want to face the elder vampire's wrath yet again.
Unable to contain himself, Pyro yanked himself free of Scott's grasp, stumbling backward and raking his hands through his hair.
"Pyro, dear." Scott shook his head, looking unbothered. "It's not a difficult question. Just tell me-"
Before his sire could continue, Pyro did the worst thing he could do, the stupidest, most childish, and most immature response possible, the thing he'd done that had gotten him turned in the first place: he ran, bolting from the ballroom and into the daylight without another word.
Behind him, he heard Scott sigh, and then rush forward as well, chasing after him.
Pyro threw himself across the gaps in the bridge one by one and sprinted into the forest, hoping to disappear before Scott could find him and see his shame, or catch him and reprimand him, or do something even worse. But he could hear Scott pursuing close behind him, feet pounding on the dirt, and Pyro could just imagine his elegant stride, not even breaking a sweat.
Sire was going easy on him. If he wanted to catch Pyro, he would have done so before he even left the Castle.
He wasn't sure where he was even going... to hide in his mineshaft by the Lake? Or to cower in the Crypt? Maybe he'd even race past Oakhurst, in hopes that Scott would get distracted and leave to find more interesting prey? Pyro wasn't sure, but he forced himself to keep running, climbing a hillside and pushing through brush into a small clearing, where there were-
Voices.
Two humans were entering the clearing on the other side, wearing silver armor and carrying shields. Pyro didn't process their faces, just flashes of details - blonde hair and a glinting pair of gold glasses.
The two spotted him, and they immediately unsheathed their swords, preparing to fight. But Pyro ran between them, uninterested in a confrontation. He would have raced past, maybe even escaped with the humans to distract his sire, if the blonde one hadn't stuck out his foot and tripped Pyro, sending him sprawling.
"Mister Pyro!" That was Ren's voice, immediately recognizable with his strong accent. "Stand down, laddie, you're outnumbered. We won't allow you to-"
"He's coming!" Pyro interrupted, pulling himself up to his feet and turning around to face the humans. "I have to go, I can't-"
"Pyro."
Both of the humans - Martyn and Ren, he finally processed - spun around at the sound of Scott's voice, swords at the ready. Caught between the elder vampire and his fledgling, they were instantly willing to turn their backs to Pyro, clearly the lesser of two evils.
Pyro cringed when he heard his name, scared to even look at the one who'd spoken it. He'd messed up, he'd made things worse, he'd ran like prey and was a disgrace, and Scott might not be as forgiving as he'd been before...
"Back off, Scott," Martyn barked. "Run back to your Castle, why don't you."
Scott was standing tall, unbothered by Martyn's warning. He glanced at Pyro and narrowed his eyes at his fledging before responding to the humans. "You're the ones keeping me from Pyro. Let him go, and we'll be on our way."
Martyn still had his sword drawn, but Ren had lowered his and stepped back. Pyro could tell that the older man could see everything: the fact that he was shaking, the panic on his face, the way he dipped his head in shame when Scott glared at him. Ren didn't look angry, he just looked... sympathetic.
"Pyro," he said quietly, "are ye okay?"
And though he knew he'd regret it, Pyro shook his head, his voice breaking as he tried to speak. "I- I can't go back-"
"He'll remain with us!" announced Ren. "Begone, you foul beast. You have no hold over this young man."
Scott rolled his eyes, stepping forward. "He doesn't want to stay with you, Ren. Pyro, come here and-"
"Stay back!" Martyn brandished his sword, though Pyro noticed the man's unsteadiness on his injured leg. "If Ren says he's with us, then he's not leaving."
"Oh, you think you can stop me?" Scott drawled.
"Two of us versus one of you," Martyn taunted. "Three, if Pyro fights alongside us."
"That's not happening."
The humans didn't waver. Martyn glanced back at Pyro, who was still shivering, wrapping his arms around himself. Ren put a comforting hand on the vampire's shoulder, and though Pyro initially flinched, he didn't stop Ren from touching him.
"This is ridiculous." Scott put a hand on his hip. "Pyro, get over here. I don't feel like burning in the sun for much longer."
"What did you do to him?" Martyn asked, tearing his eyes away from Pyro's shaking frame. "Don't tell me you vampires are monsters to each other, too."
Scott huffed. "Pyro and I were just talking."
"Well, he doesn't want to talk to you anymore!" Martyn insisted. "You're not in charge of him. If he doesn't want to go back with you, then he can come to Oakhurst with us."
Pyro's eyes widened, shocked by Martyn's words. He'd been nothing but antagonistic to the humans over the last few days... and they were still willing to take him back?
He'd never even considered returning to the Oakhurst. After Pyro was turned, his loyalty had remained with the elder vampires, unwavering. Staying with the humans would mean being outcast or hunted... at least with the vampires, he belonged.
"Oh, I'm sure you'd love that." Scott looked almost amused. "A perfect little test subject for the Doc, delivered right into your waiting hands. You could even keep him in that jail cell of yours. Sure, the silver would be suffocating... but at least you'd feel safe when you slept at night. Otherwise, you'd worry that poor, desperate Pyro might get a bit hungry..."
"No, I'm-" Pyro started, but he clapped his mouth shut when Scott started talking again.
"He's not exactly trustworthy, after all. Can't seem to control his fangs... though I suppose he is just a fledgling. Impulsive... desperate..." Scott sighed, "and he knows it. Don't you, Pyro, dear?"
Pyro stepped away from Ren, digging his claws into his own arms in an attempt to stop the trembling. Scott was never wrong, and Pyro really was hungry, his stomach aching and his vampiric senses sharpening at the scent of human blood so close by. As per the usual, he was making things worse, and if he lost control again...
But before he could pull away from the group, Ren wrapped his arms around Pyro, holding him close.
"It's okay, Pyro," he whispered. "Don't listen to his web of lies. He doesn't speak for ye."
Pyro tried to push the man away. "I don't want to-"
"You won't hurt me, Pyro." Ren looked back up at Scott, who was finally betraying a hint of annoyance in his expression. "Don't let that snake sink his fangs into you once again. It'll only poison you in the long run."
"Why won't you leave him alone?" Martyn asked. "You've got Owen, Shelby, and Apo... why Pyro, too? Is it some kind of weird sire thing?"
"I never asked him to call me that, you know," Scott sniffed. "He chose to."
"But I bet you love it," Martyn sneered, waving his sword in Scott's direction. "I'm sure you love that he's standing here shaking at the sight of you. If you had it your way, we'd all be groveling at your feet."
Scott couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't threaten me with a good time, Martyn."
"That's it." Martyn's face flushed. "No more talking. Let's fight, you and me, right now-"
"Oh, you want a repeat of that fight on the bridge?" His sire's voice took on a mocking tone, gleeful in his ability to make Martyn squirm. "You're already so unsteady now... I'd hate to break your other leg, too..."
Martyn advanced forward, jaw clenched, but Scott put up a hand to stop him.
"Of course, I have no intention to fight you. There's no need to resort to petty violence," he said smoothly, brushing a lock of pale white hair out of his face. "Once Pyro gets done throwing his temper tantrum, he'll return to my side where he belongs and we'll be on our way."
"He doesn't belong to you!" Ren spat, and though anger made his voice shake, his hold on Pyro remained gentle.
The elder vampire's smile widened, fangs glinting in the sunlight. "He likes it, Ren. Some people are leaders, and others are followers, and dear Pyro relishes in being told what to do."
"Then why is he terrified at the sight of ye?" Ren accused, turning himself so that his body blocked Pyro from looking at Scott. He'd released Pyro from the embrace, but Ren's hands remained on his shoulders, as if to steady him.
It didn't matter. Pyro still could feel himself wavering. Of course, sire was right. He always was.
"He's hungry and embarrassed," Scott countered, voice echoing in the clearing. "I asked him a simple question, and he couldn't bring himself to be honest with me, so he panicked and ran. Now, he's using you two as a shield so that he doesn't have to face me, putting you in danger in the process. He's still a fledgling, after all. Naive, prone to mistakes... if he comes back with me, I'll feed him and have a conversation about being truthful next time. No threats, no fear. I promise."
There was no immediate answer from Martyn and Ren this time. Neither seemed to fully believe Scott... but they were both listening.
Pyro could feel himself tearing in two. One part of him wanted to push Ren away and run back to his sire's side... after all, the sooner he gave up on this childish charade, the sooner he'd be able to grovel for forgiveness. But part of him wanted to dig in his heels and stay, even thought the prospect of turning his back on Scott terrified him. Sure, there was a chance that the humans would lock him in a cell or force him to undergo medical experiments... but what if they actually found the cure together? What if he could stand as part of a team, instead of kneeling next to someone else's throne?
Could he have someone like Martyn protecting him, defending him like a brother? Would Ren be a gentle mentor, helping him find himself again?
"Pyro."
He stiffened at the sound of his sire's voice.
"I know you're scared. Perhaps I came on a bit too strong, asking you that question outright. We can talk about it together, okay? Come to a mutual understanding."
Ren gritted his teeth. "Don't listen to him, laddie. He's trying to tempt ye to the darkness once again."
"We can't work this out if you don't come home. What would I tell the Coven if you didn't return with me? Shelby would be worried, you know. And Apo's just starting to get used to living at the Castle... imagine how she'd feel if you left her behind."
"Don't use Apo against him!" Martyn spat.
Scott ignored this outburst. "I still trust you, Pyro. I know you didn't mean to make a mess. You can make it up to me. All you have to do is come here, and we can go home together."
"He's coming back to town with us," Martyn argued, "and that's final. He doesn't want to go with you, Scott!"
Pyro heard his sire chuckle. "Well, I suppose that's his alternative. Go back and live with the humans, put your faith in the Doctor. But what happens when you can't find a cure? Do you think the humans won't grow wary of your constant feeding, or cringe at the sound of your skin sizzling in the sun? Or when you get too excited again, and they shrink back at the sight of your claws? What happens when you get hungry for something a little stronger than chicken's blood?"
Ren was muttering words of encouragement, but Pyro had stopped listening. He felt numb, processing Scott's word with an eerie stillness.
"I know what you're like, Pyro. You're cunning and clever, vicious like a vampire should be. Sometimes you get ahead of yourself, sure... but the Coven understands that sometimes, you bite before you think. Humans won't be as forgiving."
Martyn stomped his foot. "I swear, you had better-"
"You don't want me to be upset, do you, Pyro?" Scott's voice was chillingly calm. "Because if I lose my temper, well... their deaths will be your fault, won't they?"
Pyro clenched his eyes shut, feeling like he'd suddenly been drenched in icy water. He couldn't be- no, sire wouldn't- but what if-
"We can fight him off," Ren insisted, giving Pyro's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "It's all of us versus one of him. Don't let him intimidate ye, Pyro."
"That's right," Martyn insisted. "We've got you, Pyro. I promise."
In one swift motion, Pyro pushed Ren's hands off him and passed Martyn, forcing his face to stay neutral. He was still shaking, something he couldn't seem to control - but he'd already made up his mind. He couldn't be responsible for... well, he had to do what sire said. And Scott was right, as usual. The humans could talk all they liked, but he had no proof that they'd keep their word.
"There we go," Scott nodded, making eye contact with Pyro. He wasn't smiling, but there was a smugness to him. "Oh, and one more thing, Pyro? I don't want something like this to happen again. You know what I want you to do."
Hesitant, Pyro paused, unable to look back as Martyn spluttered in shock. He could hear footsteps coming up behind him - Ren, by the sound of it, trying to help.
"It'll be your first step to make it up to me," Scott nodded. "Do it."
"Please don't make me," Pyro whimpered, desperate.
"Now."
There was no point in arguing. Pyro spun around and slashed his claws, striking Ren across his face. Martyn lifted his sword and cried out in alarm, but Pyro was already retreating, blood on his claws.
"Stay away from me!" he hissed, baring his fangs. "Or else."
Ren didn't speak, clutching his face as blood seeped through his fingers. Slashes like that would likely scar. Pyro would leave a permanent mark on the man who tried to help him.
"That's it," Scott cooed, taking Pyro's arm. "I knew you could do it."
His sire started to walk, pulling his fledgling with him. Pyro spared a single glance over his shoulder at Ren and Martyn, who made no attempt to stop him from leaving with Scott.
Martyn had dropped his sword and was trying to mop up the blood running down Ren's face with his shirt sleeves, staining them crimson. Ren, meanwhile, had his eyes closed tightly in pain. When Pyro looked back, however, Ren opened them for a moment, looking both incredibly betrayed and deeply mournful. There was pity in those eyes.
Quickly, Pyro turned before he could see anything more. He allowed Scott to lead him through the forest, across the bridge, and back into the castle. They were both quiet, Pyro unwilling to acknowledge the situation, and Scott letting him simmer in silence. His sire's grip on his arm, however, remained firm.
Inside, Shelby had seemingly recruited Owen to practice waltzing. The elder vampire was stiff and largely unhelpful, but she didn't seem to mind, spinning around the ballroom with a smile on her face. When she spotted Scott and Pyro, she stopped and waved.
"I was wondering where you went!" Shelby said. "And why is Pyro's hand bloody?"
"Oh, he chased off some of the humans. So pesky, aren't they?" Scott's lie was smooth and instantaneous. "At least now you've got something to eat, Pyro. Go ahead, clean it up before it drips onto the new floors."
With all three of their eyes on him, Pyro reluctantly lifted his hand and licked Ren's blood from his claws. It didn't do much for his hunger, but at least it would satisfy his sire. He could tell that Owen didn't entirely believe Scott's statement, but thankfully, the elder vampire didn't press the matter.
"Good." Scott took Pyro's shoulders and turned him, so that they were standing face to face. "I'm glad we're done with that mess. May I have another dance?"
"Of course, sire."
And with that, Scott took his hand and pulled them into another waltz, with Shelby and Owen joining in as well. The two pairs danced around the ballroom, safe and sound in the Castle, far away from human interference. Scott's hand stayed pressed against Pyro's back, but he didn't have to correct his posture this time. Pyro held himself in position, unwilling to let his poor form ruin the dance for even a second.
"We'll address your transgressions another day," Scott muttered, voice low so that only Pyro could hear him. "But for today, I forgive you. I'm just glad you're right where you belong."