Of Gods and Monsters

Found

"There is love in me the likes of which you've never seen. There is rage in me the likes of which should never escape. If I am not satisfied in the one, I will indulge the other." 

- Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 

Ambrus felt his whole body tremble with anxiety as he watched the young man latch his violin case and make idle chatter with Elek. Any wrong move from him could lead to his untimely death, and force Ambrus's hand into simultaneously outing himself as the stalker he was, and outing themselves as devils. He sat, poised to pounce, as he watched them converse. Thankfully, Elek's humanity clung to him like no other, fooling even this boy who undoubtedly had been trained to see through this very situation. In a way it gave Ambrus a sort of perverse delight, to know that this person---this vampir hunter, was being so easily and completely fooled. However, the larger part of him feared for Elek.

He sat, head low trying not to draw attention, watching every move they made. The conversation seemed to be going rather well, from what he could hear and see. His vampir hearing allowed him to expertly eavesdrop, being able to listen as if he were sitting right next to them. They talked about predictable things, mostly. It wasn't until two things occured that immediately made Ambrus stand on edge. The first, was Elek stupidly reaching forward and grabbing this boy---this Lukas's---silver crucifix. He mentally cursed his fledgling for his indiscretion as he watched a slight flicker of pain cross his graceful features. However, he was proud to see that Lukas was ignorant to the burning his fingers were no doubt receiving.

However, most alarming, Elek had broached the topic of vampir's himself. Anger flickered through Ambrus as he chasted Elek in his head for his reckless behavior. However, he immediately felt guilt. For all Elek knew Ambrus had effectively abandoned him, left him alone and without a true cause or companion. It would make sense for him to act a tad bit reckless, but still, he couldn't help but be fearful and annoyed. Elek you son of a bitch don't do this, please don't lead him to think you're one of us. Don't get yourself killed because of me.

"Vampír?! Herr, erbarme dich! They're damnable creatures. I've had the good fortune to never run into one and hope to continue to, God willing."

Lukas's voice bellowed, causing the rest of the train to glance for a moment in irritation, and then resume their previous activities. Ambrus was relieved to see that he wasn't suspicious, at the very least. Elek, however, hunched his shoulders slightly at the reaction. Ambrus's heart tightened. Ah, it made sense now. Elek, in his rejection, was looking for some acceptance---some companionship. And had once again, been utterly denied. He felt pity and guilt rise up in him just as the train came to its final stop, Vienna.

--

Ambrus followed the twosome using the night and the crowds as cover, ducking out and in here and there to avoid detection. He didn't have to try hard he figured out. Something about this Lukas fellow had completely muted Elek's perceptive qualities. In fact, after a short while of testing his limits, Ambrus was able to follow quite closely without so much as an eyelash batted in his direction.

Lukas showed Elek around Vienna was some degree of charm. He could hand it to the boy that he was at least amicable, even if he was a killer. Elek seemed happier, which made Ambrus a bit more grateful, but it also made his heart hurt significantly. He didn't want to be forgotten so easily. It was selfish, but he couldn't help but feel the pings of jealousy as he watched on.

Of course, he led Elek to the one place he knew he'd love, Burgtheater. The curious thing was how enthusiastic about it Lukas was, certainly more than Elek. For its part, the theater was brilliant, but he already knew that. He'd already seen it, after all, in his own travels. After a bit of time, Elek remembered himself, and produced a pocket watch. Ambrus felt himself warm at the realization that Elek had kept his gift.

"I'm afraid I don't have much time to linger here, Lukas. I have to find an appropriate lodging for tonight. And I'm much fatigued from our journey. Although, I'm very much grateful for this amazing tour you've given me of Vienna and your theater. It's quite brilliant."

At this point, Lukas had invited him to a hotel nearby, with the promise of an invitation the next night to the theater. This relationship worried Ambrus. He was happy that Elek had a distraction, but this distraction was dangerous---no, deadly. His intention was to simply make sure that Elek had himself setup in Vienna and then to leave him to his explorations, but now---now he wasn't quite sure what to do.

He watched Lukas leave The White Rose Hotel, walking with gusto. Without thinking clearly, Ambrus followed behind in the shadows. Lukas traveled a ways in the dark and dreary alleys, making his way back to his home at the theater, but stopped under the light of a streetlamp. He seemed to be in thought, clutching something tightly in his waist pocket. Ambrus leaned in a bit further from the shadows in an attempt to make out what it was, and severely miscalculated.

In that very instance, Lukas launched forward, grabbing Ambrus by the neck and throwing him forward into the lamplight. He did this and simultaneously revealed the object in his waistcoat, the very gun Ambrus had seen earlier in that night. He pressed the gun to Ambrus's neck and it immediately burned, but Ambrus kept his wits and pushed the pain away.

"Sir! I beg your pardon!"

Ambrus yelled, feigning surprise. Lukas narrowed his eyes.

"You've been following us since the train station. I saw you, behind him, staring. Who are you and why are you following my friend, Elek?"

Ambrus mentally cursed himself. So he had been noticed. Lukas had waited expertly until Ambrus had been fooled to pounce. A true master. But, he didn't relent.

"I beg your pardon? I'm just a vagabond passing through. I overheard your tour and found it fascinating, so I admit, I tailed along to listen."

Ambrus said, not daring to even breathe. Lukas eyed him for a long moment before pulling the gun away and releasing him.

"I suppose if you were one of those blood suckers you'd have killed him before that point. I'm sorry for the trouble, but you really can't be too careful. Devils are everywhere, anywhere that the shadows can conceal them."

Lukas said, shoving the gun back in his waistcoat. He offered Ambrus his hand.

"Again, I'm sorry for the trouble."

Ambrus merely stared at it, with no intention of taking it.

"I don't know what you're on about, but I think it's best if I take my leave now."

Lukas grimaced and then shoved his hands in his pockets angrily.

"Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but just you wait. One day, a very unfortunate day, you'll wish you'd heeded my words."

And with that he turned his heels and left into the darkness again. Once he was certain he had gone Ambrus let out breathe he hadn't been aware he was holding.

Reaching upwards he touched the spot on his neck the gun had pressed against, burned and marred from its touch. A perfect cross etched into his pale skin.