Chapter Text
Eric POV
We arrived in Bon Temps in the evening and what I saw that evening confused me. In most towns and cities people aren’t running amok in the streets; but right now, this town is suddenly the opposite with people running around half clothed. There were also several stores along main street that appeared to be damaged and looted, requiring a lot of repair work. Adding to that were heaps of trash around the streets and sidewalks; some of them were on fire even. I wasn’t feeling too keen about being in town if this is what we were going to come across.
I turned to Sookie, and she seemed just as shocked as I was. “I don’t know what happened, but this is not the Bon Temps I know” Sookie said quietly. Jason spoke up as well saying “What have they done to my town? What’s going on? This is my town, and I won’t stand for it!” I had to admit that, for what Jason was missing in intelligence he makes up for with passion. He loves his family and town and will stop at nothing to defend them.
I found myself hoping that Sookie’s home was untouched but as we drove through town on the shuttle bus it became painfully obvious that that was very unlikely. Finally, we arrived at the airport shuttle VIP parking lot where we left our vehicles before flying off to Dallas. When I saw our vehicles were in good shape, I was grateful because it was one last thing to deal with. As we pulled in, I asked Sookie “I’d like to accompany you home since there are so many odd things happening in town, would it be alright?” I wanted her to have the choice should she want space.
Her face brightened a bit and she said “I’d like that. Besides there’s no telling what’s happening in town so it would be wise for me to bring someone with me. Thank you, I appreciate it.” I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so big.
Before leaving with Sookie, I gave Godric my keys and let him know I would be taking Sookie home before I would see him again and to go on to Shreveport without me. I’d fly home. “I’ll take Jason home as well,” said Godric. I paused a moment and then nodded in a show of submission, and he kissed my forehead gently.
I unloaded all of our bags and then loaded them into our cars before Sookie had time to blink. “I would have helped, you know” she said with a bit of a giggle. Then she handed me the keys to her car. I was surprised but gladly took the keys. As we began to make our way through town to Sookie’s home the town began to look even more destroyed. There was graffiti on houses, smashed windows, looted and destroyed cars, people slamming their heads into walls repeatedly, even more naked people and even fires. When we pulled up to the house it was full of people; even the front and back yards were full. I could tell Sookie was angry and I was angry for her. I looked around, my fangs dropping realizing there is a major threat to Sookie’s safety and parked the car in front of the house. Outside there was a large shrine erected. It appeared to be some sort of tree covered in grass, flowers, several types of meat, and Odin knows what else. It smelled positively disgusting and rotten.
The house had been damaged. It was covered in mud and what smelled like feces of some kind. There was dried grass mixed in with it as well. The windows were covered in mud as well, so it was impossible to see the inside once we got onto the porch. When we entered the house was in complete disarray. There was mud on almost every surface. There was blood and grime spread throughout as well. In addition to this there were hundreds of paper plates and plastic cups. The floors and surfaces were covered in several lit candles and branches looped around the banister. Apparently, someone has been throwing parties at my Sookie's house when no one was supposed to be here. In the background it sounded like a record player was playing a song, but it was running so slow it sounded slurred giving the house an even darker vibe.
In the sitting room among all the other debris was a massive bullhead mask that looked like it might be made of metal and sat on the fireplace mantle. Sookie became even more upset when suddenly a woman with dark brown, messy hair sauntered her way over to us.
The mysterious woman asked, “What are you doing in my house?” and smiled darkly. I could tell she was dangerous and could feel the waves of power rolling off of her. Sookie responded venomously “This is not your house!” to which the woman replied, “It is now” and walked further into the room until she was standing right in front of me, looking me in the eyes. I threatened her to leave and warned her of my age and she simply laughed. “My, you found yourself quite the specimen, though I dare say there’s nothing stopping him from leaving you, cold”
Sookie then with her hotheaded stubbornness said, “I’m not afraid of you” and was instantly pinned against the wall and lifted up by her throat. I grabbed the woman and threw her across the room, not caring anymore how dangerous she was. As she landed on the couch, I yelled at my dear one to run away and then sank my fangs into her neck angrily. She pulled me into an embrace and began raving like a madwoman “Yes! Ravage Me!” I regretted it as soon as I did. After only one pull of her blood, it had me violently ill. I began to vomit a black substance all while she simply laughed.
As I tried to recover the woman sauntered her way over to Sookie and said with extreme curiosity “What are you?” She seemed genuinely intrigued. Sookie’s response shocked me however when she yelled, “None of your business!” and a bright beam of light shot out of her hand, stunning the woman. Taking the chance to leave, Sookie practically had to drag me out because of how ill I was. All I could hear was the woman in the background shrieking about how fun it was to be bitten and blasted with light! But the woman didn't stay in the house. Instead, she followed us toward the car. I was still recovering so I yelled at Sookie to go and said I’d be right behind her.
In her panic, Sookie didn't get in the car and leave. Instead, she ran off as fast as she could out into the trees behind her property. The woman was hot on her trail and much faster than I thought. I was still heaving up large amounts of black goo, but I was able to regain some of my strength finally. I stood up slowly, retched again, and then vamped after Sookie. Suddenly I heard a scream and felt Sookie’s fear. She sounded like she was in pain. When I finally reached her, she was laid out on her stomach; her back was bleeding profusely, and she was in extreme pain. I dropped down to my knees and pulled her in close to me gently, bit my wrist and bade her to drink from me. She seemed reluctant at first but then started to suckle on my wound. But then the worst happened. Her body went into convulsive spasms and foam began to spew out of her mouth as she choked on it. I had to take her to Fangtasia and have her treated by Ludwig.
I scooped Sookie up carefully, powerless to stop the pain in her, and decided on a shortcut back to the car. On our way we passed through a meadow that was lit up with what looked like tiki torches and a bonfire in the middle. My senses being heightened meant I was able to take in the scene we stumbled upon. Everyone was naked! And they all had blackened eyes. In all my time on this Earth I have never seen anyone with blackened eyes. In addition to being naked and seemingly possessed all of the people were involved in a huge orgy. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I knew we had to get out of there. I had no idea what or who could cause such a thing to happen and was wondering if it were some kind of witch. I’d ask Godric and Ludwig if they knew anything.
I drove Sookie to Fangtasia at the top speed of her small car (which wasn’t very fast). The whole time in the car Sookie was whimpering and crying. There was nothing I could do to ease her pain on my own and it pained me to see her like this. When we arrived, I vamped us inside and laid her on a clean table with her back facing up. After I got her situated, I called Ludwig. Godric and Pam came in when they heard the commotion and were confused why I brought Sookie here and why she was injured. All I could say is “There is some sort of creature that has enthralled the town and taken residence in Sookie’s house while we were in Dallas. When we were trying to get away, she chased Sookie into the woods and attacked her. One of the most curious things was when I bit her it made me throw up some sort of black frothy liquid.” At this Godric’s attention peaked.
Dr. Ludwig arrived a few seconds later. She examined Sookie immediately and knew what it was. “She’s been poisoned and would have died had you not called me.” I explained to her what happened when Sookie tried to drink my blood and that seemed to light a fire under her. We removed Sookie’s shirt and immediately saw 3 long claw marks. Each one left behind a deep gash that was already oozing with pus. Sookie became conscious as she felt the pain Dr’ Ludwig was causing her asking who was working on her. Dr. Ludwig introduced herself as she worked.
Finding that any touches were too painful for Sookie the doctor explained how the toxin works but didn't have enough time to test to see which toxin it was. She pulled out a blue bottle of liquid and kicked everyone out so she could do her job. Suddenly, I hear Sookie’s blood curdling scream of pain. I immediately returned almost ready to throttle the doctor but restrained myself. She ordered me to hold Sookie down while she worked. It was terrible.
As she lay there with Dr. Ludwig treating her while she screamed in pain, I could only hope the pain would be short lived. The doctor continued to pour the liquid into the wounds, causing them sizzle almost the way peroxide would in a wound. The worst part was when the doctor had to use her fingers to dig out necrotic tissue from the toxin. It was deep in her back, and I could feel the fear coming off her in waves. Finally, when the doctor had finished treating her, she told me “You can give her your blood now, her body should accept it.”
I bit into my wrist and brought it to Sookie’s mouth. She began to drink so I decided to ask the doctor if we could talk about it. “May I ask you something doctor? I need to figure out what did this so I can neutralize it and get Sookie back home.” I asked her silently hoping she would agree to share some of her vast knowledge with me. She looked at me and sighed in annoyed manner and asked curtly “what is it?”
“Do you have any clue as to what may have done this to Sookie? The woman seemed ordinary, but she clearly has some abilities that humans do not. Her blood is a black sludge, she can transform herself into some sort of beast with massive poisonous claws, she has super speed and can enthrall entire towns into orgies. Even their eyes have gone fully black. Plus, there was a massive shrine.” I poured out all I had seen and knew that it was probably a long shot; but I had to try.
“It doesn't quite sound like something I have ever come across. Although...” she paused. “She might be a Maenad.”
My expression changed to amusement. “Maenads are part of ancient Greek folklore, aren't they?”
Dr. Ludwig looked at me impatiently. “Vampires were considered folklore and myths before as well. That doesn't mean you aren’t real, and it doesn’t mean she isn't real. The problem here is that Maenads are immortal. They have a natural ability to shield themselves from harm.”
Then Godric cut in and said “Based on the fact that she can incite madness, orgies and possess people it sounds like she is definitely a Maenad that worships Dionysus. They lose themselves completely in the practice of their religion. They often require a tribute from us, but this isn’t always necessary as sometimes they take their own tribute. They are dangerous and are fixated on becoming one with their God. Sacrifices and altars are definitely in her worship. She will only be vulnerable when her God comes to ravage her.”
I found myself surprised that Godric and Dr. Ludwig seemed to know so much about the creature they called a Maenad. I found myself wondering why I had never met one before. But then it’s probably better that I haven’t.
As the conversation about the Maenad concluded Dr. Ludwig quickly rounded up her medical bag and said, “I expect payment by the end of the week” and disappeared as quickly as she appeared. I gently removed my wrist from Sookie's mouth, and she slipped into a deep sleep. I didn't want to move her for fear of causing her further pain; Instead, I decided to make her as comfortable as I could. I vamped to our gift shop and grabbed a Fangtasia blanket and a T shirt. Pam had insisted on the gift shop because it would bolster our income. Apparently drunk humans enjoyed blowing money on random overpriced items. I indulged her even though I really didn't see any value in it; Until now. The shirt would be for after she woke, and the blanket would be for now.
When I’d finished trying to make Sookie comfortable Godric asked me, “Are there any lasting effects of what the Maenad did to you?” I checked myself over and didn’t feel any worse for wear. “It seems I managed to expel it from my system enough for me to heal.” I was relieved that I had been able to heal.
“I’m unsure what course of action to take to get rid of the Maenad. Sookie deserves to have her home back at the very least. As it stands, she cannot return until this is resolved.” The whole situation made me angry, and I began to pace. In all my 1000 years' experience I never expected something like that to happen because I had never come across it before.
Godric had taken a seat at the bar, and I could tell he was lost in thought trying to brainstorm our options. And since there was so much going on I could not go to my day rest as I was worried about Sookie. My eyes fell on Pam then. For more than 100 years we have walked the world together just as I promised her we would. I promised to take care of her and keep her safe. I promised to make her strong. And I had kept those promises.
I crossed the room to my childe. I could feel in our bond that she was worried. I could also feel that she was jealous. I took her hand in mine, and she looked into my eyes. “Why must you get involved in what happens in Bon Temps? Is it because of Sookie? Since when is a human more important than your life? Our Lives?!” Pam questioned me angrily. I knew her worry was coming out as anger as it usually does so I tried to soothe her the way only I could. I pulled her into my arms and held her close. I stroked her hair and said as calmly as I could “Pamela, your worry is unfounded. Godric and I will figure out a plan and we will all be safe. Have a little faith, I have never let you down before. Pamela vila dig, du är fortfarande ung och kommer inte att kunna kämpa mot det mycket längre.” I kissed her forehead and sent on her way. Before she descended into the basement to her spare coffin, she took one last look at me and then disappeared.
Sookie still hadn’t stirred so I made my way over to Godric and asked him what he thought we could do. “Eric, the only weakness this creature has is when she drops her shields for her God. I’m unsure how to accomplish that” Godric said with a slight chuckle.
I realized how hungry I was, so I made my way behind the counter of the bar and grabbed a couple donor blood bags from the refrigerator. I took a moment to heat them up and emptied each bag into a wine goblet. I brought my maker a goblet and one for me. He thanked me and I sat down. I sipped my blood and tried to do my own brainstorming. We sat in silence for a while and then suddenly there was extremely heavy pounding on the front door. The doors were locked so I wasn’t worried about intruders, but the noise was disturbing Sookie.
I vamped to the door aware that the sun had already come up. I decided to risk it anyways even if it were only so Sookie could recover. I cracked the door and asked in a commanding tone “state your business!” The person on the other side of the door immediately stopped banging and said “Uhh...Sam..Sam Merlotte from the bar in Bon Temps?” My fangs dropped and I said, “what do you want shifter?!” He took a deep breath and said, “My whole town has been taken over by a creature that I have no hope of defeating on my own and I got these 2 kids with me that need their mama back. Maryanne is trying to sacrifice me, and I have barely escaped with my life several times now.”
Godric vamped passed me, opened the door enough for them to come in and keep us out of the sun. In came 2 tiny humans and the shifter. Godric closed the door and invited Sam and the tiny humans to sit so they could talk. “Did you say Sam’s a shifter Eric?” Godric asked me. I nodded at him. Sam then saw Sookie laid out on a table and began yelling about her injuries. I immediately vamped to him and grabbed him by the collar “let her rest” I snarled. She shifted a bit at the commotion but still made no move to get up. Then Godric turned to Sam. “I think I may have a plan provided you agree to it and are able to shift to suit our needs.”
Sam seemed to be considering the idea when the tiny humans spoke “We’ve never seen a real vampire before! Can we see your fangs?” It amused me so I bared my fangs for them. I earned a couple gasps followed by giggles and put my fangs away. “Kobe, Lisa leave him be” Sam said and turned to my maker. “I can shift to any creature as long as it isn’t another human being. What do you have in mind?” he asked.
Godric nodded and said “very well, Dionysus is often depicted as a blue ox. A giant one. As a maenad, the only weakness she has is when she lowers her natural shields so her God may ravage her. If you can shift into a big blue ox, she may think you are her God and lower her shields for you. The only caveat is we have to let her capture you and begin the sacrificial process. One of us will then distract her so I can pull you away from the scene and save you with my blood. Then you can shift into the ox and hopefully give her the true death.” Sam seemed uneasy for a moment but after thinking it through he looked at Godric and asked, “You’ll save me?” Godric nodded to him.
“Ok, then you have a deal.”
At least that part is taken care of. After all of this was taken care of, I really needed to talk to Godric about what happened at Sookie’s house.