Work Text:
“Stand aside Gabriel,” Jack warned, specialized rifle aimed straight at his best friend’s heart. Behind him the werewolf he had been chasing let out a pitiful whine as it tried to move away from them despite the pain of a missing forearm and a possibly broken leg. “We have our orders to help the village…”
“Look around you Jack! This isn’t helping anyone!” Gabriel shouted; arms thrown wide indicating the madness that surrounded them. The village they were in was up in flames, humans and monsters alike screaming in fear and agony. “This is a massacre!” Amber eyes blazed god in the fire that lit up the night sky around them. Sharp as ever as they stared unflinchingly into his own determined gaze.
“We were sent to take care of the monsters that were terrorizing the area.” Jack replied with conviction; hands steady, ready to take his shot with the loaded silver bullet. “The people of this village were terrified for their livelihood and lives. How can you defend them after what they’ve done?”
“Done what Jack?” Gabriel growled, the corner of his lips turning up into a snarl. “What proof is there that this pack did any of the things they are accused of? The words of the villagers’ ring empty without any sign of proof. There is no indication anywhere that the werewolves had once ever attacked this village or their livestock.”
“How can you say that when this village is burning down around us.” He rebutted, frustration entering his tone. He could feel the heat of the flames licking his skin from the burning building next to them. It was a wonder they could hear themselves over the roaring fire and the crashing of structures collapsing around them. “They did this, they attacked us here. Is that not proof enough?”
“Because we attacked them first!” Gabriel nearly roared. “The villagers deceived us! Use that brain of yours! This pack had done nothing to them! But their fear of what might happen led them to calling our guild in! They turned this into a problem when they lied to us! The only reason they attacked here is because we were the targets, we are the ones that sought them out and killed some of their pack! They even tried to flee when they were found, our guild were the aggressors.”
“They are monsters Gabriel it was only a matter of time! They are nothing but evil things that seek the destruction of mortals! Should we just wait around while they roam free?” Jack tried to argue but his voice was hardly full of his previous conviction. This is what he had always been taught and his loyalty had never wavered. But to see and hear his best friend contradict these ideologies made a twinge of doubt rise in his heart. He allowed the rifle to lower slightly, still ready to snap into action but less likely to kill the man before him should he need to use it. “Should these people just sit around waiting for the worst to happen? They are right to fear these beasts. We’ve all heard the stories of what they can do, hell we’ve seen it firsthand!”
“That’s just it! They’re only going from things they have heard!” Gabriel’s frustration was easily heard in his voice along with a note of what Jack knew to be exhaustion. “All they would have needed to do is have us come in to investigate the threat to their village and set up protections. They lied to have us kill creatures that have not done a thing to deserve it. This isn’t what we signed up for Jack, by killing without reason we are turning into the things these people and our superiors think they are.”
“We have our orders Gabriel,” Jack defended weakly. He looked to the Werewolf that had stilled behind his best friend. He would have thought it dead, but it was looking up at Gabriel with intelligent brown eyes. Those were not the eyes of the rage filled, bloodthirsty wolves they had fought before. He knew Gabriel did have a habit of going against their superiors for various reasons, but he just could not see Gabriel lying about something like this. He would not use this as a jest or to get back at their superiors. Either his best friend was telling the truth or he was under some kind of spell. “I don’t know what has gotten into you, this change of heart. Why would you do this now? This change of heart cannot possibly be you, not really. You have fought these beasts, these monsters beside me all this time. What have they done to you?”
“Fuck our orders,” Gabriel sighed out, barely able to be heard about the destruction around them. His eyes softened slightly though the golden shine of them remained. “Nothing has happened to me Jack and this is not a change of heart. Those we fought before were crazed, rabid. They needed to be stopped and I have been fighting this battle for a long time.” He slowly started to make his way towards Jack, steps silent as he moved forward. He stopped when his chest was pressed up against the barrel of his rifle. The absolute trust he placed with him nearly broke Jack.
“Not all creatures of the night want to be the way they are. It is a curse they did not ask for. There are those that just want to live their lives or to help protect humans from those that would cause them harm. You’ve heard stories of those are well, how is that so hard to believe as the beliefs that have led to this massacre?” Reaching out Gabriel placed his hand against Jack’s cheek in a gentle gesture of affection. “If you must think of them as monsters, you will have to count me among them.” He added sadly, he then bared his teeth giving Jack a good look at the elongated canine teeth that he always kept hidden behind soft smiles.
“What?” Jack breathed in surprise, eyes widening in shock. Though not to the extent of a vampire Gabriel had what he would call fangs. His thoughts raced trying to find some sort of explanation, the more instances of strange occurrences regarding the man standing before him came though his mind. The times Gabriel shrugged off wounds that would have left anyone else fighting for their life. Smaller wounds healed before they even returned home from a mission while his own still needed bandaging. The seeming excessive amount of stamina he had and the feats of strength he displayed. All together they added up, but each was hidden well enough for him to pass as just an extraordinary human. His heart twisted in his chest, his heart and head conflicting with the new information. “You’re a Dhampir...”
Gabriel’s lips lowered into a sad, soft smile. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you. They never would have accepted me. I wish it didn’t have to go like this...I never wanted to hurt you...”
“What are you waiting for Morrison!” The group leader shouted from the mouth of the alley. The two hunters startled away from each other, Gabriel’s eyes going wide. He looked to the silhouetted hunter behind Jack before turning with fear-filled eyes to meet his own. He had only intended for Jack to know, not the rest of the guild. He stepped back shaking his head slowly, mouth forming the word ‘please’ without any sound. His gaze pleading with Jack to not follow the orders he knew was coming. “Kill that traitor and infiltrator! That’s an order!”
Jack was frozen in his spot, not sure what action he should take. All his life he had been told that all creatures of the night were evil. They were monsters that would kill you without thought. His training reinforcing these beliefs through the years. His only known interactions with the ones that did cause problem and were terrible things. But this was Gabriel, someone he trusted with his life and had come to love more than anything in this world. He had never given any indication of the evil that supposedly possessed those with the vampire curse, even if it was only half.
Jack felt his hands shaking, he could not do it. There was no way he could shoot that man before him. Before he could begin to lower the barrel of his rifle he was roughly pulled from his thoughts as his shoulder was shoved and the shout of “Damn it Morrison, shoot!” Startled by the sudden touch and shout behind him his finger twitched and pulled the trigger.
Jack shot up from bed hand reaching out to ghost in his nightmare, eyes wide but unseeing. The vision of his best friend’s betrayed and devastated expression as he crumpled to the ground before him. The image began to fade as the cool air chilled his sweat slick skin, bringing him back to a reality he did not wish to return to. Whole body shaking he curled into himself, hands covering his face. He took in great, heaving breaths as tears fell freely from his eyes.
It was the one night that would haunt him for the rest of his life. He barely remembered what came after, everything fading away in the face of his grief. The thought that Gabriel’s last thoughts would be thinking that he had betrayed him, that he had followed the orders of their guild. That he had chosen to kill him and that it was not a rookie mistake. His finger on the trigger though he had never had any intention of hurting the other man.
He let himself feel the grief in its entirety as the dream faded, his body and mind calming within the quiet room he had rented for the night. He had lost more than his best friend that night, he had lost the love of his life, his soulmate. He had known from the moment that he met the older Omega that there would be no one else in this world for him. It was like everything had snapped into sharp focus within him, everything making sense after a life of confusion. He has watched the same sort of recognition play through Gabriel’s expression before it was hidden beneath the tough persona he used to protect himself.
It had taken so long for him to work through all the layers of defenses Gabriel wrapped himself in. He was the first person that Gabriel would take as his hunting partner, allowing himself to have a someone that he could trust for what seemed like the first time in a long while. Though he remained defensive for a long time Jack took things slowly. Over the years they had slowly become friends who could hardly be separated. Not long before that fateful night they had even started becoming even closer. The playful banter had turned to flirtation and casual touches lingered longer, held more intention. Jack had sworn to himself that after that mission he would ask his best friend for permission to court him. He was ready to stop the circling and take things a step further, he had every confidence that he was reading Gabriel’s feelings correctly as well. It was the next step and his heart had been soaring.
He had lost so much that night, more than anyone else would understand. His guild members had placed him in restraints and locked him up in Headquarters worried that he was under some kind of spell. They watched as he sat listlessly in his cell until they deemed him safe to release. He had gone to the quarters that he had shared with his partner and stayed there on the omega’s bed. Breathing in the last thing he had of the man who took his heart. As soon as the scent faded from the bedding, he had made the decision to leave. He could not stay here with the memory of what he had lost.
He had gathered up his clothing and weapons, taking a few trinkets from Gabriel’s possessions. His fellow hunters had just watched him leave without a word knowing there was nothing that would keep him from leaving. They had already lost one of their members, no one was willing to lose another by their own hands.
Finally letting out one last shuddering breath, he raised his head from his hands. No matter how many times that night haunted his dreams it never got any easier to deal with. Each time a little more of himself died with his lost love. He had been hunting on his own ever since hoping that one day he would be able to join Gabriel in the afterlife. He did not deserve a quick end by his own hand, he deserved to suffer until he was redeemed and allowed to finally rest for good.
Reaching up he placed one trembling hand over the silver, crow skull pendant he had taken from Gabriel’s possessions. He had not taken it off since he had pulled it from the few belongings that had remained at the Guild Headquarters. The cool metal warmed under his hand, loosening his chest and allowing him to breathe easier. It was such a simple reminder, but it worked to calm him more than anything else in this world. That even just a small insignificant piece of jewelry that had once belonged to his lost love was enough to settle his nerves and his anger. The strength it gave him was something he desperately needed.
Letting out a sigh he threw the thin sheets that had pooled into his lap off to the side so he could swing his legs over the edge of the bed. Methodically he stretched out his stiff muscles before standing and moving over the vanity where a pitcher of water stood next to a swallow basin and a simple cloth. Pouring some of the water into the basin he took up the cloth and dampened it. Quickly he wiped himself down before changing into clothing and armor. Rifle, sword and bag secured in place he made his way out the door and down the stairs.
He would pay for a meal knowing that this is what the Inn that he would be coming across in his journey. He was on the edge of the territory that had been being ravaged by some monster or another. Very few lived to share the tale making this the toughest hunt he had ever participated in. He knew other independent hunters as well as Guilds were also taking interest or had already started their attempts at quelling the beast deep within the forest. He would be on his own from here on out, and somewhere deep within him he hoped this might be the time he gets to join Gabriel in the afterlife.
It had been a few days since Jack had left the Inn and out into the wilderness in search of his quarry. The moment he had left the village he had felt that he was not alone in his journey. The feeling of being followed had not gone away, but had yet to feel like any real threat. Though he had searched for any signs of what might be following him, he was unable to locate any evidence. He knew better than to ignore the feeling and did his best to set up a perimeter with tripwires and traps to protect and wake him while he rested.
Letting out a sigh he pulled the cloak tighter around his shoulders as he walked down the once well-trodden path. The forest around him was eerily quiet, the only thing breaking the noise were his own footsteps. He knew from having checked the map that morning that he would be coming upon a small town that was rumored to have been completely abandoned. He was hoping to find some sort of evidence of what he might be dealing with so he could try to prepare. He knew it was a long shot but going in blind was certain death. If he was to die then he wanted to at least put up a decent fight to give others a better chance.
Coming across a broken-down cart, he knew that he was getting close. Before long the path began to widen and revealed the first building lining the edge of the village. Coming to the edge he had to stop and look around. The destruction was extensive, many buildings with broken windows, destroyed walls or just burned-out shells.
Crossing the boundary from the forest into the village felt like setting into a graveyard. Knowing that the bodies of those who had died possibly been left without a proper burial by those fleeing and trying to survive. He kept his pace steady he had nothing to fear from the dead and he would not disrespect those that had died here by hurrying through without a thought. Some may think it foolish, any number of creatures could be moving and living within the abandoned buildings. Especially creatures that were drawn to death and where a great amount of blood had been spilled.
Honestly, he would welcome them, thus far his travels had been uneventful. Though most would find it a blessing to him it was a curse. It allowed time for his mind to run rampant, to remember things that he would sooner forget. The nightmare from the other night still clung to him like a shroud and would not leave. He could use the distraction from the weight upon his shoulders.
Taking in a deep breath through his nose he was not surprised to find the scent of death, burned flesh, and smoke. There was not one thing he could distinctly pick out as strange, the ambient scents blocking out anything else. His sense of smell was highly acute but he knew he failed in comparison to the curse creature of the night. He knew they were already aware of him, hiding behind rubble. He knew that this village had been attacked some time ago but the fact that the smells had not dissipated yet was telling that something was making sure it stuck around.
Finally making it to the town square he stopped in the center and finally took a better look at his surroundings. He murmured a pray under his breath as he slowly turned to take in the full extent of the destruction. He prayed that those that had perished here had at least been able to move on and not be trapped here in their death. Or worse, cursed be brought back as something inhuman.
As he slowly finished his circle of observation something caught his eye. He could only catch a glimpse of something, but it was definitely something out of the ordinary. There was what looked like a gouge out of the corner of one of the buildings, it was too sharp of a line to be just a crack from the heat of the fires that raged through the village. Though dirtied with soot and broken windows the building had very little other damage.
Carefully he headed in that direction trying to keep some of his attention on his surroundings. His eyes stayed focused on the gouge in the wood noting that as he got closer he was able to tell that this was caused by something sharp. The force it would take to create such damage on the building would indicate great strength as well as a strong lethal weapon of claws. He soon found that it was the later as he moved to take a look around the corner at the wall that led into a dark, narrow alley. That one mark turned into four long gashes. Looking further he could see more such marks along the walls of the alley. They continued at random, near chaotic intervals before disappearing into the darkness further down.
He was sure that should he follow the path at the end there would be a corpse to greet him. Whatever this beast was had been chasing someone down, the savagery told by the claw marks on the wall. The poor soul who had thought to escape through here would have sealed their fate as there was no indication of light that would indicate another alley as a way out. Most likely a dead end with their last thoughts knowing they could not escape. Shaking his head to clear his head of those morbid thoughts he began to back away from alley. It was only the sound of rubble being kicked that allowed him to more out of the way of the attack of something that had managed to get up behind him in his distraction.
Pulling the silver sword from it’s scabbard he bared it in front of him as a Ghoul stumbled forward before catching their balance and turning back towards him with a deep rumbling growl. Jack cursed knowing that others would be soon to follow as there was rarely ever just one. They appeared in groups and could easily become overwhelming. It was not a surprise to see them here knowing what had occurred, but he was hoping they would ignore him. Hoping them distracted enough by their feast of corpses to let him pass without issue. However, his travels having been smooth thus far he should have known that it would not continue. The further he went into this hunt the more monsters he would run into. It had been wishful thinking that he might be able to pass by a few without being noticed.
He could hear the howls of the other Ghouls making their way to his position. He was not pleased to hear them coming from all directions meaning fleeing without a fight was not a possibility. He cursed under his breath thinking of how best to deal with this situation. Deflecting the next attack, he sliced the Ghoul’s arm off causing it to reel back with a shriek. Looking around he knew he needed to head down the widest street to keep himself from getting trapped. He could use the road he came in on but that would be taking him the wrong direction. He had not paid too much to see what it looked like to continue along the main road, but he knew it was his only choice. If he was going to get chased it was going to be in the direction he needed to go. Maybe if he got lucky, he would be able to find a way up onto the roofs and make his way overhead. Ghouls where not the best climbers so it would significantly reduce the numbers he had to deal with.
With that plan in mind, he stabbed his sword through the Ghoul’s chest, ripping it free to let it crumble to the ground. Without waiting to see if it was down for good, he turned and ran. Sword at the ready he dealt with the Ghoul’s that were starting to come out of the houses and alleys around him and took up their chase. The blade of his sword made easy work of those that got a little too close for comfort, all his attention on running and making sure he did not get caught. Finally, he saw a stack of crates that looked like they might take his weight and allow him to get up off of the street. Heading straight towards them he clambered up them as quickly as he could.
As he reached the top crate, the entire stack shook beneath him, the sound of grunting Ghouls trying to knock over the pile made obvious the culprit. With the stack swaying dangerously he lept to grab onto the edge of the roof to keep himself from falling down into the slowly growing crowd of Ghouls below him. Cursing he was not sure what would be best to do. He was not going to be able to pull himself up without the use of the hand that held onto his sword. But without it he would be left to fend off any monsters with his rifle, which was not ideal in situations like this.
Right then a Ghoul managed to jump high enough from the rubble pile to grasp onto one of his ankles. With a grunt he swings his sword down, hacking that the offending decaying limb knowing that the edge of the roof would probably not be able to take the added weight. He could hear the wood cracking, and just as he got the monster to release him be felt as his handhold broke away and he started to fall. This was it; he was done. There was no way he was getting out of this.
So, to say he was shocked when something wrapped tightly around his arm and arrested his freefall would be a massive understatement. Looking at his arm to see what had caught him he was surprised to find a black gloved hand with silver taloned fingers wrapped firmly around his wrist. He followed the black clad arm up into a bone white mask, partially hidden by a black hood. He was not sure if his luck had changed or not knowing of the man that had apparently saved his life. He was face to face with the notorious hunter called the Reaper.
The Reaper let out a growl and shook his arm slightly, the silver of the talons digging into his skin. The pricks of pain snapped him out of his surprise. He in turn gripped the man’s wrist, bringing his legs up he kicked off the wall as the black clad figure pulled him up and over the edge of the roof. It was done with surprisingly less effort than he would have expected. It was something he would have to question later once he was safely out of the village.
“Run,” The Reaper growled as he turned on his heel and took off across the roof. Without hesitation he took off after his savior knowing that to go against his order at this time was not an option. They were surrounded and being chased by Ghouls; he had no choice but to trust the other man.
The man who was leading him across the tops of the buildings was something of an enigma. Rumors of a shadowy figure taking on hunts had started up a few years back. A Mercenary taking on dangerous hunts on his own, but it was not just limited to the creatures of the night like most. He would take on contacts against rogue hunters as well. Those who overstepped into the realm of massacre or torture. He was highly sought after for what many would think were grey morals but he would only appear to those that he wanted to work with. It was not unknown that the man would turn on the one who ordered the hunt if they were found to be using him for nefarious purposes. He was an absolute rogue agent and since The Reaper saved him perhaps that meant he was not the target of a hunt.
He was pulled from his thoughts at the sound of a shotgun blast from before him. The shriek of a Ghoul as they fell from the roof indicated that The Reaper had hit its mark. He cursed himself for his inattention looking at the man that had saved his life to see him carrying two silvered shotguns within his clawed grasp. He took aim and fired quickly, taking down any of the Ghouls that had started to climb up onto the building before them. He needed to step up his game if they were going to get out of here without serious injury.
Pushing himself forward faster he finished off any of the Ghouls with his sword that managed to either avoid the shotgun blast or say standing. He kept pace just behind the other hunter to make sure that he was not in the line of fire. When he noticed that Reaper needed to reload, he took the lead and made them a path. At the first sound of the shotguns, he fell back to his previous position. As he pulled back next to, and then past the other man he heard him muttering something under his breath.
At first, he was not able to understand what he was saying. The cadence, however, sounded awfully familiar to him, something in the back of his mind trying to remember where he would have heard it. There were no words that he could hear between the gunshots and the howling Ghouls but there was no way he could ignore the fact that he recognized it.
Spotting the edge of the village they both prepared for the leap off into the edge of the forest. Once they were a little way in the Ghouls would give up the chase not wanting to leave their meals unattended for something else to come and take. They just had to make this jump and keep going. They pushed off the edge at the same time and landed in unison. Using their momentum, they pushed off into the forest. Weaving and dodging around the trees leaving the shrieking Ghouls behind them as they gave up the chase. They continued for a little bit longer before he had to slow down, he was not as young as he used to be, and the adrenaline was starting to fade.
Eventually he had to stop, leaning heavily against a tree in a small clearing. Closing his eyes he panted for breath, the cold air stinging his lungs as his heart pounded in his chest. After a bit he was able to slow his breathing, taking in breaths through his nose instead of gasping pants. It was only then that he realized that Reaper had stopped within the clearing with him. The scent of leather and gunpowder was strong indicating that he was near by. He was surprised that the other hunter had bothered to stay with him. If the other wanted him dead, he had plenty of opportunities to do so.
He was not sure what it was, but he felt comfortable around the other hunter. There was a sense of familiarity about him that he was struggling to pin down. The way Reaper moved, the sound of his voice, how in sync they were able to work. The cadence of what he was saying beneath his breath in the village. His mind was screaming at him, some instinct long forgotten that knew something he did not. It was only as his breathing slowed and the strong scent of leather and gunpowder faded that everything clicked together.
His eyes shot open, and he stared unbelieving at the man before him. Straightening up, his sword fell from numb fingers as he moved towards The Reaper. He knew that scent, though masked beneath other more potent smells, he knew who this was. It was something that he would never be able to forget. He smelled of a warm hearth, of warmth, of home. He stopped half an arm’s length from the other hunter who stood silently as he approached. Reaching up with trembling hands he pushed the mask up to reveal the face underneath. At the sight of the scarred, yet familiar face his heart raced harder than it had back in the village, he felt like he could not take in any air. Familiar Amber eyes staring back into his own shocked expression.
“What’s the matter Jack?” The gruff voice commented, a smirk crossing his lips. “Looks like you’ve seen a ghost.” That was the last thing Jack hears before everything goes black.
Jack slowly came back to the waking world. Though his eyes remained closed, it felt like the world around him was spinning. His mind was racing as memories flooded back to him. He almost did not want to open his eyes, fearing that what he had experienced was just another cruel dream. He was not sure if his heart could take it if that was all it was. But instinct told him it had been real, his best friend had been standing there just before him.
It must have been Gabriel that had been following him since he had left the Inn a few days ago. He knew he had not been alone but never once worried about his safety from whatever it was that was following him. His heart stuttered in his chest at the knowledge that he had being watched over. Though that thought did not allow him to feel joy for very long as the weight of a terrible reality hit him.
This would mean that Gabriel, the man he knew to be his soulmate had been out here all this time on his own. He had never even looked for him, even to bury him. He had been in such a state of despair that he could not bring himself to find his body. To look upon his lifeless form would have been too much for him. He had believed that his former guild had told him, that he had in fact died of the shot he had taken against him. He had never even tried and likely Gabriel knew it. That is why he took on the persona of Reaper, to separate himself from his previous life. To hide from those that thought him dead.
Finally he opened his eyes to stare up at the ceiling of what could only be a cave. He watched shadows and firelight dancing across the stone above him. The crackling of the fire soothed his senses knowing it was safe enough that the heat and light could be used without repercussion. Letting out a sigh he pushed himself into a sitting position from where he had been placed onto his bedroll.
Looking around he took in the small cave that Gabriel had found to set up camp in. It was big enough that they would be able to stand with no problem even at the back. It was closed off meaning nothing could come in from behind and the entrance was easily seen to keep watch. The ceiling even gently sloped up and out allowing all the smoke from the fire to safely vented out. The fire heated the space nicely, keeping the cool night air at bay.
Finally, he allowed his eyes to settle upon his once thought dead friend. His back was turned towards him, looking out into the darkness. The hood of his cloak was down revealing dark, gently curling hair that fell to the middle of his shoulder blades. Even in the light of the fire he could see streaks of silver within the dark locks. He sat in a slouched position that many would think as at ease but to Jack it just read as guarded and defeated. It seemed he was not the only one that was struggling with this reunion. Though he doubted that what they felt was the same.
After a few minutes of silence, finally Gabriel turned slightly to look over his shoulder at him. The one amber eye that looked back at him glowed gold, just like it did that night all those years ago. Jack had so much he wanted to ask, to say. But he knew in this moment it was the man before him that needed to break the silence. Thankfully, he did not have to wait long.
“I know the hunt that you are going for, it’s suicide to take as a solo mission.” Gabriel growled. “Though from what I have heard that seems to be a trend. You have no idea what you are going up against and even where it resides.” The older hunter finally turned back around to stare out of the cave entrance. Jack knew he could not deny the accusation and would not even attempt to try. Gabriel allowed him to live when he had every right to want him dead.
“I know that it is not in either of our styles to work with partners as of recent but as we are going after the same mark we may as well help each other out. I know where the beast that terrorizes the region holds up and I will admit that on my own I can’t hope to end it.” The Dhampir let out a sigh, and Jack could not tell if it was frustration or annoyance. It was a statement, not a request. He was not being given an option, not that Jack would be able to refuse. He would follow Gabriel to hell and back, just like he should have done before. He would not let anything stop him from helping the Omega that sat before him. He may have lost his chance of courting him, but he would be damned if he did not help him in whatever way he requested. It was the least he could do.
“How? What happened?” Was all he could manage to get out when it became apparent that Gabriel was no longer going to speak. He could wait on many of the questions, but he needed to know how it was that he was here before him now. Sitting with his back to the fire between them and handing out orders for him to follow. He knew it was not something the other would want to answer, the responding growl indicating as much. But apparently, he was feeling in a sharing mood.
“The werewolf that I had protected from you.” Gabriel began, voice softening slightly. “When our superior called out to you, he played dead. I collapsed onto him after you shot me. He waited until the guild left and cauterized his arm against burning debris. When those of his pack came back to see if there was anyone left to save, he protected me from them. He explained that I protected him from my guildmates who then shot and abandoned me. They took me with them and nursed me back to health.”
Jack listened in silence, trying to imagine the scenario his former friend was describing. The fact that a supposed monster was more willing to take care of and protect a hunter than their own guild. That they took him in when those close to him turned on him the second they knew he was a Dhampir. The werewolf had heard their argument and realized he was going to be left for dead. Made sure that he helped the hunter that had once been trying to kill him and his kin. And he could not even begin to imagine the pain Gabriel had been in knowing that those that had been his family would not be coming for him. He wondered when the Omega realized that even Jack was not coming to find him. Before he could follow up with anything Gabriel’s voice carried to him from over his shoulder.
“God to sleep Jack, you will need your rest. We have a long way to go and you’ll need your rest.” The finality in his voice left no room for question. With a silent nod Jack laid back down onto his bedroll, turning onto his side to watch Gabriel on the other side of the fire. It was the first night is a long time where nightmares did not plague him.
As soon as the sun rose, they packed up their little camp in silence. Without a word Gabriel placed the bone white mask onto his face and left the cave expected Jaco to follow. So, he did without question. He knew the mask now was just another wall that he meant to protect himself. Jack would not hold that against him and hopefully, at some point he may be willing to open up a little and remove that barrier. Let him gaze upon the face of the man he had missed so much.
Though silence had been his travel companion for so long that he was able to go for a time allowing Gabriel to be a shadow at his side. But eventually it became too much for him and he needed to hear his voice again. To assure him that this really was Gabriel there with him. So he started asking questions. Especially those that had haunted him for so long.
Gabriel had been able to hide himself as a Dhampir for years. He had not been affected by holy relics or blessed items leaving no one to question him. Apparently, because he was born of a holy line it allowed him resistance if not outright immunity. Holding silver or blessed items did not affect him but holy water would cause a slight burn. Silver weapons caused a delay in his healing which explained why he needed to be nursed back to health when normally he would be up and around in days. His reflection showed in mirrors just enough to be seen and no one questioned it. He had made sure to avoid mirrors or staying in their reflection for too long.
Jack felt like a puppy following its master through the woods and he could not bring himself to care. He held onto every word uttered, memorizing the sound of his voice. He was fascinated to learn that he could drink blood to help his strength and to help heal grievous wounds faster. The reason he never did though was because he hated the taste and what it would represent. He knew he would be judged for it, thought to be a monster. It was an easy thing to avoid since it was not needed, and he hated it.
Over the couple days they traveled together Gabriel seemed to relax slightly. His voice when he answered questions, as non-personal as his answers were, softened out of the deep growl and into more of what he remembered. His posture became less defensive though he would not allow Jack to share in any watch duty when they made camp. His trust had been broken and Jack did not blame him. Though it was showing another characteristic of his nature as he was sure any normal man would be exhausted and passed out long ago without any rest.
Though he was following the other hunter Jack notes that it seemed that he knew where he was going. He seemed familiar with the area, like someone who had been here a long time. He knew the best places to hunt or forage for food. He knew where to find the best shelter and areas to avoid the dangerous wildlife that called the forest home. As the forest began to grow thicker and darker Gabriel’s mood seemed to change to that of melancholy.
That night when they set up camp Gabriel was sitting and facing him. The Reaper mask was removed and tied to his waist. The look in his eyes was haunted as he stared into the fire. He watched the Omega for some time before he knew he needed to start up their conversation. It looked like the other needed to speak but was unwilling or unable to start. “There is something that you are not telling me about this hunt. I am here to help you; I need to know what we are up against.” Jack stated just loud enough to be heard over the crackling of the fire that sat between them.
“The beast that we will be fighting used to be a vampire.” Gabriel sighed after a little while of contemplation. Amber eyes closed as he hung his head, hair falling forward and hiding his expression. “To be more specific, it was my sire...my father...” Jack’s eyes widened at the admission, but he fought to not say anything or make a noise. He did not want to give the other close back up now that he was talking about something so personal. He did not want to betray the little trust he had managed to earn back.
“To make a long story short...my mother had fallen in love with my father. Originally, she offered her blood for the protection of her village. She would willingly feed him if he would protect them from other dark creatures. She did this in secret to protect both of them. Eventually their affection led to my birth.” Gabriel explained, the first bit of emotion lacing his voice. “Everything was going well; the village was protected, and I had a loving family. When I was a child, someone must have seen my father coming into our home one night. Because a few days later hunters came marching into the village and straight to my mother. She was killed without even a thought, believing that she if she was not already turned then a Thrall. They then took me; the innocent child then found into their ranks and turned him into a hunter.”
“When my father found out he went mad,” Gabriel continued. “He had lost his love, his soulmate. His son had been taken into the arms of enemies. He attacked the village for the part that they played and went back to his lair deep in the forests. There over the years he attacked any hunter, traveler or villager that travels within the deepest parts of the forest. As he became more corrupted, and his hate grew, his territory expanded, and more and more villages were attacked and destroyed. Eventually he lost all that was left of any compassion or humanity he may have had left. The best took over and he is nothing more than a monster. Something he never wanted to be.”
Jack could hear the waver in Gabriel’s voice. He wanted nothing more than to take him in his arms and let him grieve. Let him be vulnerable in a way that he was sure he had never been allowed. He could see the tears highlighted in the firelight. He knew that he had to say something, no matter how hollow it might seem to the man who was quietly suffering. “I’m so sorry Gabriel,” he muttered. “We’ll put him to rest and end his suffering. He deserves to find peace and to be reunited with your mother.”
At his words the older hunter finally lifted his head to meet his gaze. He could read the appreciation in those beautiful amber eyes. With that Jack allowed himself to lay down on his bedroll. In a change from every night before he turned away from the fire and the man that he loved. It was the only type of privacy that he would give him. Shutting his eyes, he knew it was going to be a restless night. He did not expect to hear anything more that night, but he did barely catch the quiet ‘Thank you Jack.” Whispered into the air between them.
Waking in the morning Jack sensed that this might be the last time he had a chance to talk to Gabriel. He needs to speak his peace in case they do not make it through this fight. There was so much they both needed to say and so little time. He knew emotions were running high, but this was something that he needed, and he suspected Gabriel needed.
Moving over to where the other was standing, waiting for him to be ready to move on, he reached out and finally placed his hand on the other’s shoulder. Gabriel flinched away violently with a growl, baring his fangs towards him. Jack lifted his hands in a placating gesture but refused to step back and away from him. “We need to talk.”
“There is nothing to talk about Jack.” The Omega growled, the scent of anger and distress radiating off him in waves.
“I’m not going to be able to help you with this if you can’t trust me.” Jack stated softly. In order to pull this off then needed to have each other’s backs. Right now he knew there was no such trust and though Gabriel may try to argue that point deep down he would know it was true.
“Don’t you speak to me about trust! You are the one who shot and then abandoned me!” Gabriel shouted, voice shaking with emotion that had been held in for so long. “I trusted you to have my back! I needed you to help me! But instead, you followed orders and shot me! You tried to kill me!”
Jack was never going to bring up the fact that it had been a mistake. It would not make a difference in the end. It would make the other feel like he was not validating his feelings on the matter. Jack was not the one that was betrayed so he had no right to try and defend himself in such a weak manner. He would take what Gabriel threw at him humbly and help try and pick up the pieces that were left.
“When I was healing, I kept thinking maybe you did it to protect me.” Gabriel’s voice breaking, tears streaming down his face. “That you would come back and find where I went. That you would find me...but you never came...you left me alone...”
“I’m so sorry Gabriel.” Jack managed to choke out, his own tears starting. His chest ached with sympathy for the pain he had caused. He slowly moved forward knowing that he could not leave him wallowing in his suffering. The Omega began to back away from him shaking his head, but his snarl faded, head dropped forward. “I have no excuses, nor would I try to come up with any. That night and the following days were the worst mistakes that I have ever made. If I could go back I would change everything about that night. I would have listened to you, protected you like I should have. Like I always had when you needed me. You mentioned when you first found me about this being a suicide mission and you were right. I was hoping that this might be the hunt that would end me so I could see you again.”
“You were everything to me.” Gabriel sobbed as he stopped retreating from the Alpha he had considered his world. “You were my best friend, my family. I was ready to be with you...to finally admit that you were my soulmate and take you as my mate. You were my world...I loved you...I still do...”
Finally, Jack reached out and pulled Gabriel’s shaking form into his arms. Immediately strong arms wrapped around him, clutching at his back and his face was buried into side of his neck as he cried. Jack wondered when the last time was that the other man had allowed himself any form of comfort. That he had felt a gentle touch or a kind word. Between the sobs he heard the shuttered ‘I don’t want you to die...’ that left the Omega in his arms.
“I’m not going anywhere, especially not now that I have found you again. I know I have a lot to make up for, but I plan on being able to do so for a long time. And I love you too...I’m so sorry for everything that I have put you through.” Jack assured, holding Gabriel tightly as he buried his face into the salt-and-pepper hair taking in the scent of his long-lost love.
He knew this would not fix everything, there was so much more they needed to talk about but at least they finally broke the wall that had been between them. He was willing to do anything in his power to make Gabriel safe and happy. He would spend the rest of his days making up for all the years of pain he had caused. They would get through this fight and figure things out afterwards. He just knew that going forward, they would be together.
They stood there, holding each other and allowing themselves to be vulnerable for just a little while. To take in the feeling of a hopeful future now that they have found each other again. Eventually, Gabriel began to pull away and Jack easily let him. He was surprised when a chaste kiss was placed upon his lips before the older hunter pulled out of his arms completely. He blinked owlishly at him, his face flushing, what he was sure was a bright red. That was more than he ever would have asked for in this moment but was something he had wanted for so long.
“You better keep that promise,” Gabriel murmured softly. “I’ll never forgive you if you leave me on my own again.” He knew it was something that neither of them would be able to stand. They needed to make it out of this together or die together. “Now, let’s go set my father free.”
It only took another half a day’s travel to reach the edge of the mountain where the beast’s lair was located. Jack could not help but stare in awe up at the fortress that had been carved straight out of the stone of the mountain’s base. The cold, dark spires crumbling from age and neglect. He looked towards his partner, taking in his saddened expression. Reaching out, he took Gabriel’s hand in his own and gave it a gentle squeeze. Amber eyes turned towards him, an appreciative smile curling his lips. They had spoken about their strategy on the way here so there were no more words that needed to be spoken.
Jack pulled his rifle from his back as Gabriel took up his twin shotguns. His love was going to act as a distraction, fighting at close range while he took shots from a distance. When the time came, Jack would switch to his sword for the finishing blow to the heart. Gabriel hoped to keep from shedding blood until his father was weakened enough that the sword would be able to finish him off. They were gambling on the fact that the smell of his blood would still read as familiar, distracting the beast long enough. It was the best chance that they had.
Making their way into the stone fortress their footsteps echoed in the decrepit halls. Gabriel led them straight to the main hall where they assumed the beast would make residence. It seemed their thoughts were right as the closer they got; they were able to start hearing the beast’s claws scraping against the stone as it seemingly paced, waiting for them. Deep growls filled their ears as they approached the half-broken doors leading into the main hall.
Pressing themselves up against the walls by the door, Jack looked down the sight of his rifle through a hole large enough for him to aim. He waited for the beast to come into his view and took his shot. The beast shrieked and reared back as the blessed silver bullet tore into its flesh. Gabriel took that as his cure to burst into the room, guns blazing as he came within range.
Jack stared in wonder at the immense speed and agility that the older hunter displayed. It was like nothing he had ever seen as Gabriel ducked and dodged around flailing claws and devastating bites. Shaking his head, he pulled himself back into the moment and continued to make shots. Bullets tore through bat like wings, grotesquely formed limbs and pale grey flesh. Thick, near black blood splattered to the ground making both beast and Gabriel slip.
Jack’s ammo finally came to an end leaving him with only his sword. The rifle hit the ground as he pulled his sword free of its scabbard. Both combatants were beginning to tired and slow down. The beast’s steps began to sway as it chased after Gabriel. Entering the room quietly, he tried to get as close as he could without getting in the way. He knew his time was coming as a claw came down onto the other hunter’s shoulder, ripping into his skin and causing him to cry out in pain.
He watched as Gabriel slipped and fell to the ground, clawed hand reaching up to press against the wound. The beast bared down on the fallen hunter with a deep, menacing growl. It was obvious when the beast caught the scent of Gabriel’s blood as the growl began to calm, turning softer and more inquisitive. Leaning further forward, the twisted, batlike face down to take in more of the scent. He watched as Gabriel removed his blood-soaked hand from the wound and reached up to let his father, touching his face as the growls turned more into a purr. The eyes appeared to focus slightly; recognition evident in his gaze. Jack knew this was his chance, he was not even on the former vampire’s radar.
He held his sword with both hands, one on the very end of the pommel to assure his thrust had the power it would need to get through the think hide. As he got within range, it seemed like their time was running out. The growls had returned and were increasing in intensity. He got himself into position just as the head reared back, mouth open with sword like fangs ready to take the final blow on his own son. Just before Jack thrust the sword up into the beast’s heart he heard Gabriel mutter the last words his father would ever hear. “I’m so sorry Father...”
Jack used all the strength that he had to shove his blessed, silver sword up into the beast’s heart. It shrieked in pain as it fell over onto its back from the force of the blow. He followed along to assure that it could not get away, pressing down to keep it pinned in its death throws. He was nearly knocked of his feet, but he was steadied by Gabriel as he came up next to him and added his strength. It felt like forever for the beast to stop moving and lay limp.
Jack turned to look at the stricken face of his partner, knowing there was nothing he could say that would make this any easier for him. When he was gently elbowed out of the way he stepped back and allowed Gabriel to take his sword fully into his own hands. Despite the gaping wound in his shoulder, he easily slid the sword free. Moving to a better position, he raised the sword above his head and brought it down on the beast’s neck, easily decapitating it. Assuring its death was final.
The clatter of metal echoed loudly in the now quiet chamber as the sword hit the stone flooring. Jack caught his love as he stumbled back from the corpse, sobbing as the emotions finally caught up with him. He quickly turned and buried his face into Jack’s shoulder, not able to stand the sight of the beast that had once been his father.
Soothing him gently, Jack scooped the Omega up into his arms and made his way out of the hall and towards the entrance they had used to enter the fortress. He would be able to go back and get their weapons, Gabriel’s comfort was his top priority. When he got them far enough away, he leaned back against a pillar. Sliding down he made sure to keep Gabriel within his arms and allowing him to settle into his lap. For a time Gabriel only cried, letting all the sorrow he felt out against the only person in this world he had left.
Eventually, Gabriel began to calm though his distress was still obvious. He pushed back just far enough to be able to look into Jack’s comforting gaze. Jack reached up with one hand to gently cup the Omega’s cheek, using his thumb to wipe away the tears from his face. He could not help the smile that graced his face as he leaned into the touch, eyes closing in acceptance of the comfort that he offered.
“Thank you,” Gabriel whispered quietly into the air between them. Warm amber eyes opening to stare into cold blue. “For everything, and especially for being here for me now. I love you Jack.” Leaning forward at the same time, lips pressing together in a gentle kiss. Gabriel’s arms came up to wrap around his neck as his own wrapped tightly about his waist.
“And I will be for as long as you will have me.” Jack replied sincerely when they finally parted. “I am yours in whatever way you will have me.”
“Good, because I don’t plan on ever letting you. The future is ours for the taking.” The smile on Gabriel’s lips translated into his voice. A matching on was on Jack’s lips as he was pulled back down into what he hoped was the beginning of a wonderful like with the man nestled in his arms.