Students from all around the compound came running at the sound of screams. The first to arrive stood aghast at the scene that lay before them. Sunlight shone through broken pieces of roof, burning Liam as he lay there, unable to move. More disturbing was the body of young Kayla on the floor, her pink hair soaked in her own blood that seeped from a gash in her throat and a gaping wound on her head.
Standing in a dark corner, a bloodied knife in hand, was a short woman of Japanese descent; a grin on her face. After getting over their initial shock, the students moved quickly, dragging Liam away from the shaft of sunlight to a darkened corner, while others moved to restrain the woman in the corner. She fought them, but after a few minutes, fell unconscious. It was only after she passed out that they learned she was also a vampire.
The Master of the school was collected, and it was determined that the young woman, for her act of hubris and her violation of the sanctity of the school, would meet Final Death and be Unmade. With the help of some of the Master’s more skilled underlings, this feat was accomplished. The body withered and decayed before their eyes, until it was nothing but ash. With this act now complete, they collected the ashes, and set them aside.
Kayla was tended to while this happened, her body cleaned and prepared for a funeral. Once prepared, as was custom, her body was cremated, and ashes collected to be stored in an urn. Liam was tended to as well, but he did not stir or awaken come evening. Concern began to set in, however the Master declared that Liam still had mental activity, and thus could not be dead. He set out a decree that Liam was to be kept safe, until such time they could determine how to wake him.
Liam’s room was repaired, though his body lay elsewhere, in a safer place, should anyone else try to finish what had been started. A month passed; then two. It was near the end of the second month that someone got the idea to try to feed Liam. How they came to this conclusion, no one was able to determine.
After a time, Liam’s eyes fluttered open, and he began greedily drinking from the source that was feeding him. Unfortunately, the poor student who had thought of feeding him was killed that night, as Liam’s Beast fed deeply, and drained the poor man. With the Beast momentarily sated, Liam’s mind came into focus, and he snapped to attention, looking around. His last memories were of Sayuri attacking Kayla, as he lay burning in sunlight, unable to get to safety.
Studying himself, he could see a large part of him was a mass of burnt flesh. Finally, he noticed the student who lay on the floor next to him. Horrified as he realized what he must have done, he carefully picked up the student, and carried him out to where the Master resided.
“Forgive me.” he said, laying the student before the Master, before kneeling and sitting back. “I did not mean to kill him.”
“It is good to see you awake.” the Master said. “I must ask, however… what happened?”
“I must have been in a deep sleep – we call it torpor. I believe he fed me…” Liam trailed off for a moment before continuing. “I was not mindful – I latched on and fed… I’m sorry.”
The Master sighed a little. “It cannot be helped now. We will make sure he is taken care of.” he said, and called forth some students to take the body away.
“Is Kayla alright?” he asked after the students carried the body away.
“I’m afraid the other woman killed her.” the Master said sadly.
Liam hung his head. First, he had failed to save her brother. Now, he had failed to protect her. “And Sayuri?” he asked after a moment of silence.
“Gone. She has been Unmade, for daring to attack us.” the Master said. At Liam’s confusion, he explained what that meant. “Magick was used to ensure she couldn’t be reborn, and would not find respite in the land of the dead.”
Liam listened to the explanation and nodded. “Thank you, for all that you have done for me.”
The Master held his hand up. “Please, speak your mind.”
Liam fidgeted slightly for a moment before looking at the Master. “I have caused you a great deal of trouble. I should leave.”
“If you feel it is necessary.” the Master said. “However, you are welcome to return, should you see fit. You have been a most promising student.”
“Thank you, sensei.” Liam responded. “Perhaps I will return one day. For now, I wish to head home.”
“I understand.” the Master said, ending the conversation.
Liam stood, then made his way back to his room to pack what belongings he had brought with him. Slinging his b ack over his shoulder, he made his way through the compound, bidding farewell to those he saw. It took time to walk to town, but he eventually made it, and hunted up a place to stay for the day, double and triple checking that it would be secure in the day. Nevertheless, he slept in the bathroom that day.
Having signed over his share of businesses to Tavi, he was not as wealthy as he had once been. He still had his personal funds, so he made arrangements the following evening to make his way back home on a private flight. It would be a long one, he knew, but on a private plane he could at least try to be certain he would not be disturbed.
By the following evening, his plane had landed. Being back in the city, he couldn’t help but feel a certain peace. He was torn, however, as to what to do first – see Tavi, or visit Vince. He closed his eyes a moment and sighed. As much as he might be forgiven, he really ought to see Adam first. Before stepping off the plane, he made sure his body was largely covered. Jeans and a hoodie covered most of the damage, though there were still burns on his face and neck, despite his best efforts to heal those while he’d been on the plane.
Pulling the hood low over his face, he headed toward the car rental location inside the airport to rent a vehicle, then made his way to the Chase building. He nodded to the guards outside as they let him inside, and he made his way to the elevator, and headed up. He stepped off, and looked around, noting some familiar faces, but some unfamiliar ones as well. There weren’t as many people there as he was used to seeing, either. Still, Adam was easy enough to spot, so he headed in that direction. Liam lingered, until Adam were free, then cleared his throat.
Adam sighed. “Can I help you?”
“I’d like to introduce myself, if I may.” Liam responded.
Adam studied him closely a moment. “State your name and Clan.”
“Liam McKay, Toreador.”
Adam frowned. “Liam is dead, my friend. So who are you really?”
Liam glanced around. Some attention had been drawn. “I am certainly not dead.” he insisted.
Adam leaned back in his chair, studying Liam further, then glanced around the room. “Let’s talk elsewhere.” he said, though there was insistence in his tone.
Liam nodded, and followed the older vampire back through the room, into the hallway, and down to his office, whereupon they both entered, and the door was closed behind them.
“Let’s try this again.” Adam said, gesturing for Liam to have a seat across from the desk, where Adam now sat. Once he was seated, Adam spoke again. “Take your hood off, and introduce yourself properly.”
“Liam McKay. Toreador.” he repeated as he pulled his hood back. Largely, he knew he looked the same, save for the burnt flesh on his neck and partially on his face.
“It is you.” Adam said, a little surprised. “Whatever happened?”
“Sayuri.” he said, with a slight growl.
“I’d heard that.” Adam admitted. “I meant the burns.”
“I was exposed to sunlight. I was lucky to have been pulled away from it and only fallen into torpor. I only awoke recently, and haven’t been able to heal much.” Liam explained.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Adam said with sincerity.
“What’s this about me being dead?” Liam asked.
Adam sighed. “As I understand it, the young man you left with came back, a box full of ashes and some of your belongings.”
Liam closed his eyes. Things were going to be more difficult than he thought. “Is Tavi okay?”
“Tavi is doing reasonably well. She’s been busy, and stressed about some things, but that’s…”
“… par for the course.” Liam finished.
“Exactly.” was the response. “She misses you. They all do.” The inference from the statement wasn’t difficult to miss.
“Do you think it would be okay if I saw her? Or do you think it would be too much of a shock?” he asked.
“Perhaps it would be best if you fed first. As far as I know, Tavi is at the club, but she may be busy with Nick as well.” Adam theorized.
“Nick?” Liam asked, quizzically.
“Her new coterie mate.” Adam admitted.
“Oh.” Liam said, sounding a little deflated.
“Perhaps I should prepare her first.” Adam offered.
“Would you?” Liam asked.
“Of course. You’re a friend, after all, and I don’t want to cause her any undue stress.” Adam said, picking up his phone. Before he could dial, however, a knock sounded at the office door.
“Enter.” Adam stated, and after a moment someone poked their head in.
“You’re needed, sir.” was all they said. Liam studied this new person, frowning a little. They were unfamiliar to him. Where was Declan? Why hadn’t he been the one to inform Adam? Had something happened to him?
“I’ll be right there.” Adam said, before turning to Liam. “Why don’t you go ahead and meet with Tavi at Arcadia? I’ll do my best to get in touch with her before you arrive.” he promised.
“Alright. Thanks, Adam.” he said, following Adam out, though he headed through the main room to the elevator, whilst Adam took a seat in his usual place before promptly being surrounded by the Primogen – some of them, at least.
As he headed toward his rental car, he decided to opt to grab some food. He was low on blood after having healed, and he didn’t want to make a mistake and frenzy in front of anyone. Moreover, he didn’t want to cause Adam undue trouble by causing problems. With this in mind, he also decided to keep the fact he was alive to a minimum – he didn’t know what kind of issues his sudden appearance would cause.
Debating for a moment, he opted to feed at the Rack, rather than Toreador territory, or his former domain. He indulged deeply from a pair of victims, letting them fall unconscious before tucking a couple of bills into a pocket and leaving. He didn’t think he’d taken enough to call for help, so he just left them, and hoped the money would help.
Back in his car, he turned toward his old place, wondering what Tony might have done with it. When he drove past, he did not expect to see a yet to be opened recording studio. What the hell’s been going on since I left? He wondered, parking in Arcadia’s lot.
Liam sat for a time, wondering if he were doing the right thing for several minutes, before shaking his head of the intrusive thoughts. Stepping out of the car, he made sure his face was well hidden, and stood in the line outside the front door. By the time it was his turn to enter, Ben had left his post for break, and an unknown was carding him. After a moment, Liam was let in, and he made a beeline for the office, hoping Tavi would be there, and not somewhere else.
Upon approaching, he caught movement out of the corner of his eye, but paid it no mind, considering he was in a crowded club. He poised himself to knock on the door before pausing, feeling eyes on him. He turned to look first left, then right, before knocking, trying to remain aware of his surroundings. After a moment, a young woman of average height, dark eyes, and nothing more than some dark fuzz for hair answered the door.
“Can I help you?” she said, sounding annoyed. Liam blinked – could this really be Sierra? He tried to stifle a smirk at her appearance.
“I need to speak with the owner, please.” he responded.
“About what?” she demanded.
Liam repeated himself. “I need to speak with the owner.”
Sierra scowled, and was about to speak again, when Tavi’s voice piped up from behind her.
“It’s alright, Sierra. I can handle this.” she said, before coming into view. “Let them in.” she stated, after Sierra just stood there, giving her an are-you-sure look.
“I got my eye on you.” Sierra said under her breath as she let Liam into the office.
Once the door had closed, Tavi sat behind her desk, with Sierra taking position near the door, but in such a way that it gave her a vantage point if Liam were to do anything shady.
“How can I help you?” Tavi asked, using her best professional tone.
Liam reached up to his hoodie, preparing to pull the hood back, but hesitated, once again wondering if he was doing the right thing. The hesitation passed, and he slowly lowered his hood, giving Tavi a faint smile. “Hey, Tavi.”
Tavi stared in disbelief. “Huh? What? How?” she said, rubbing her eyes and blinking a few times, then pinching herself, as though she were attempting to make sure she weren’t dreaming… or lost in the Madness Network.
Liam opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Tavi. “Why aren’t you dead? Why didn’t you call?”
“My phone was destroyed.” he said quietly. “I only woke up yesterday.”
“Woke up?” she asked.
“I was in torpor, not dead.” he admitted.
“Kayla?” came a hopeful voice from the doorway.
“She wasn’t so lucky.” he said sadly.
A choked sobbing noise came from Sierra, and Tavi got up to quickly give the other woman a hug. “Take some time off.” she encouraged. “Go find Jim, or talk to Elias.”
Sierra protested, but after several insistencies from Tavi, she left, though which option she chose, Liam didn’t know. He tried not to listen in. With Sierra gone, Tavi made her way back toward her desk, though instead of sitting behind it, she flung her arms around Liam and hugged him tightly. “We missed you, Bubblewrap.”
“I missed you too – all of you.” he said, hugging her back. “I never should have left. If I hadn’t, Kayla would still be alive.”
“Kayla’s death isn’t your fault – it’s Sayuri’s.” Tavi stated as she pulled away.
“You know about that?” Liam asked.
“Kiyoshi came by with a box of ashes and some of your things. I’m pretty sure, at this point, he didn’t know they weren’t yours.” she stated, referring to the ashes.
“Probably. Sensei told me they were keeping my resting place secret from most of the compound, in order to keep me safe.” he explained. “It’s good to see you.” he said, giving her a smile. “I can’t wait to see everyone else.”
Tavi’s smile faltered. “I’m not sure how everyone will take it.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“You leaving was hard on people. Your death was even worse. I don’t know how people would react to your being back.” she admitted.
“Happy, I would think. Why, do you know something I don’t?” he asked.
Tavi squirmed a little. “Ollie would be happy, I’m fairly certain.”
“Okay….what aren’t you telling me?” he pressed.
She sighed. “Vince is dating someone. I don’t know how he’d take things, knowing you’re back.”
“Oh.” was Liam’s only response.
“You don’t have room to talk – you had other partners.” she pointed out.
“It’s not that. I’m okay with Vince having other partners. I guess…” he trailed off.
“You guess what?” she asked.
“It’s just a surprise, that’s all.” he said, putting on his best smile before standing. “I’m sorry to cut the reunion short, but I need to eat and find a place to stay.”
“You’re welcome to stay here. And feed in the domain.” she offered.
“Thanks for that. But if you don’t know how people are going to react to my being here yet, it’s probably best I don’t stay here. No offense, but you tend to get a lot of company, and my just appearing when someone is over might not be for the best.” he explained.
“I suppose that’s fair. Just promise me you’ll replace your phone.” she chided; gently.
“I will.” he promised. He gave her another hug before pulling up his hoodie, then slipped out of the office and Arcadia altogether. He felt bad about lying to Tavi, but he needed to get out of there. He truly didn’t mind that Vince had found happiness, but he had to admit that it stung a little that he seemed to have moved on so soon.
Liam sighed, and shook his head as he climbed into the rental car. Get over yourself, he thought before turning the car on, and pointing it in the direction of a hotel where he felt reasonably sure he could be safe. Maybe, eventually, he’d see everyone else – gradually. Or, he might just leave Phoenix altogether, and let people continue to believe he was gone. He had time to weigh the options and decide.