SHIFT 2 - Purgatory

Traitorous Affair

“Nagisa, you may want this as well.” Aradia made the small vampire witch pause.

Turning, Nagisa looked over at her. In her hand, she held it, the staff his father had given him, the morning after he killed the rogue dragon. Nagisa blinked. He had all but forgotten about it! He was pretty sure that he had left it at school. Aradia’s black painted lips were etched in a cold smile.

“It belonged to his grandmother.” She nodded toward where Lord Ellington was holding court.

Nagisa’s own, silver painted lips broke into the same wicked grin. He pulled the staff into his hands.

“Lets have fun!” He giggled.

“Ryu Queensire!!” the announcer called.

They all rushed toward their seats. A shadow fell on Nagisa. He glanced up to see Ziren at his side.

“You gonna get him out of there?” Nagisa asked.

“Nope. I'm just going to be here when he comes out.” The dark head swiveld to look down at the vampire.

“You thieving little wench!” a hiss sounded nearby.

Nagisa turned his head. Ellington was standing gripping his cane as if his life depended upon it. His red eyes glowed with the blood he so recently consumed. They were locked on Nagisa. No, not on him, on the staff in his hand. Nagisa smiled.

What no one else noticed was the slight change in the staff Aradia handed him. Yes, it still was the same wood, but now it had symbols of power craved into each end. Not just any power, either. These were for lightening magic. There was only one witch, Nagisa knew of, that could use such a power. He spun the stick around in his hands.

“I SAID NO WEAPONS!” Ellington bellowed.

“Well then, I guess you came ill prepared for this civil war.” Nagisa sneered down at him.

The man straightened. His fangs glistened in the sunlight as he pressed his tongue against them. Suddenly, Nagisa was behind a strong back. An arm as strong as steel was hiding him. He looked up. Reginald stood there, shielding his youngest son.

“This has been a long time coming.” The stoic man spoke.

He raised his voice. Not too loud, but every vampire in the stadium heard it.

“I, Reginald Romanari, alienate myself, and the blood of my of spring, from the clan Romanari. We will no longer draw power from the head of our clan. Nor shall we sustain him! I am the head of my own clan!” he insisted.

“Go dad!” Xavier snorted next to Nagisa.

“I invoke the right of challenge.” He proclaimed.

“He just challenged him for the rule of the entire coven?” Lucifer looked stunned by Faraday’s words.

No one suspected that Reginald would do such a thing. Nagisa looked around his father. That was it! Why hadn’t he seen it before! Reginald saw it, or maybe he just knew! Ellington was dying! He was sick. It was why he refused to fight Nagisa! He needs the clan alliances to sustain whatever it is that was affecting him!

“I, Nagaisa Romanari, pledge my life, my blood to my sire, Reginald Romanari. Long live my dad!” he shouted out.

“Damn!” Xavier hissed.

“I, Lucifer Romanari, pledge my life, my blood to my sire, Reginald Romanari!” Lucifer declared.

Mori was next. Marcus laughed. “Can’t have you lot out doing me!” He stepped to the railing, declaring his own allegiance to his father. One by one, they all did it. The twins coming in last. Then, a voice spoke from beyond the wall.