Blade had gone back to his book after Charles spoke to him, but he wasn’t absorbing it’s contents. He was thinking about what Charles had asked him. Had he thought about becoming a vampire? Of course he had…Richard had made it seem like it was the culmination of everything. That, should he prove himself a worthy subordinate, he would one day be rewarded, knowledge would be opened up to him…and on and on. It had taken a few years to catch on.
He had become a ghoul, first and foremost, when Richard thought him worthy of that gift. But…he was secretive, and didn’t like to share. He kept his knowledge to himself and let Blade look at the dregs if he were lucky. Richard, he knew, had been torn on whether or not to embrace him. He’d overheard him talking to an associate…likely one of his pack…about the matter. He could revel in the natural skill Blade possessed, earning status by proxy, which seemed unlikely…or he could keep blade a piece of property and lord over him so he never came to his potential.
But now here he was, faced with a new Domitor, and an honest opportunity at potentially becoming a vampire, after only a year. Not even quite a year, not that he thought about it – just about eight months. So what did he think of that? He looked down at the book, and tried to re-read the pages he hadn’t been absorbing.
For starters, he thought, it would make it far more easy to learn Thaumaturgy, being of the blood. That’s the biggest bonus right there. The other things – longevity, immunity to illness – he already had as a ghoul. Could he in fact survive, night-to-night drinking blood? He thought he could – it didn’t disgust him, as it might some others. What else could benefit him? He thought for a few minutes before realizing that, to a extent, he was already thinking like some of them did. That thought led to an obvious conclusion he’d overlooked: he would no longer be property. He could be his own soul, earn his own status in the community and be treated, theoretically, with some measure of respect.
Still….did he really deserve it?
He sighed, and set the book down, opting to sleep, though he set an alarm. He intended to try talking to Chance after he came in, and try to garner his opinion. After all, he’d been with Charles a little longer, and Blade did view him as being the ‘boss’ of Charles’ ghouls. Besides…he considered him a friend. So he slept, and he slept deep. When he awoke, he felt tired still, but got out of bed anyway, and made his way to the office to look for Chance.
Chance was behind the desk, and had been for a couple of hours. He was attempting to ensure that the bills were paid, that they had food enough to feed the guests, as well as trying to keep track of the volunteer chores checklist, as to what had been done, what needed to be done, and what could wait. He was entering information into the computer when Blade knocked and came in.
“Hey man, what’s up?”
“Work.” Chance said, gesturing to the desk. “What’s with you, I thought you were usually asleep at this time.”
“Typically, yes. But I’ve got something on my mind, and I’d like to talk it over with you, if I may.”
“Sure man, go for it. I can wait on this.” he said, turning his attention away from the computer and onto Blade.
Blade paused for a minute, thinking on how to start, then just sat down. “Did Charles talk to you at all recently?”
“No…why, is everything ok?”
“Yes, as far as I know. He came to talk to me last night, concerning Lucius. He asked my opinion on making him a ghoul.”
Chance raised an eyebrow slightly. “Really? I didn’t think him a likely candidate.”
“In a normal situation he’d probably fly under the radar. But he’s been exposed to our world, and letting him know that what he’s seen is something other people understand might benefit him in the long run.”
“I suppose. I mean, obviously it’s beneficial – but I sense there’s more. What else aren’t you telling me?”
“Charles is also thinking of trying to go after the vampire that was after Lucius. He came to me to ask for information about my hometown, and about the kind of person Lucius used to be. I directed him to Mandy and Claude for more information. No idea how that went.”
“Hopefully they were able to help. I don’t like the idea of him going after that other vampire though.”
“Nor do I, but he’s not stupid either.”
“While true, one can’t plan for everything.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Blade thought for a bit, then decided to just say it. “Charles also asked me if I had put any thought into becoming a vampire.” Chance didn’t answer right away, so he continued. “He thinks I’ve made great progress. He’d have to ask permission, of course – which he may or may not get.” Another pause. “He told me to think about it.”
“Have you?”
“Yes.” he said, relaying last night’s thoughts on the matter to Chance.
Chance was doing well at masking a feeling of jealousy that was coming up. He wasn’t sure why it was there, exactly…but it was definitely that ‘why him and not me?” mentality. Charles had his reasons, he reminded himself, and calmed down a little.
“Well, it sounds like you’ve got your answer then.”
“Yea, but I came to ask what you think.”
“What I think?” he mulled it over. “Well, you have made some great progress since you were taken from what’s-his-douche.”
“Richard.”
“Yea, Dick-Face. Anyway, you’ve been doing great. I know you’re studying texts he has…and I haven’t heard much but I’m guessing you’re doing well there too. Charles must see something worthwhile in you, to bring you into his clan and make you of his blood.”
“You ok with it?”
“It’s not my choice to make.”
“I know that, but we’re friends, aren’t we? Are you ok with it?”
Chance sighed. “To be honest, there is a slight feeling of jealousy – more than likely blood bond related. If Charles says you deserve it, then you do. I’ll support that choice, and you.”
“Thanks man. It means a lot.”
“Sure, no problem.”
Chance watched as Blade left the room. Once he was gone, he leaned back int he chair and rubbed his temples. He had meant what he said – that he would support the choice. He trusted Charles, and it wasn’t like Blade was a slouch. It was that ugly little part of him that was bugging him. Shaking his head, he went back to work, hoping the task would push that ugliness away.