Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. It has no intentions of resembling any real persons dead or alive. This is entirely from my imagination, with a little help from already established sources. This story is based loosely on the comic book character "The Punisher" from Marvel Comics. Other characters may appear from Marvel comics as well as DC Comics.
Punisher and all related characters copyright Marvel Comics.
Blade and all related characters copyright Marvel Comics.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel copyright Joss Whedon, United Paramount Network and Warner Bros. Respectively.
The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice.
I have written another story on nifty entitled "Tales of a Real Dark Knight". It is in the Celebrity/Boy Bands section. Batman may appear in this story once or twice, as the Punisher may appear in "Tales of a Real Dark Knight". Any comments may be sent to authorjames2002@yahoo.com
Thank you and enjoy.
Chapter 3 Meeting New People
Due to all the intensity of the Vampire War and battle with Apocalypse, the group decided they needed a night off. Tandy and Ty decided to go to Columbus Eagle Bar on North Third Street, although they had a bit of a discussion about it.
"Why do we always have to go to a gay club? We're not gay," Ty said.
"But we are still different from the rest of the community. We're mutants. At least at a gay club, we won't be shunned by the patrons. Gay people know what it's like to be rejected simply because of being different. Besides, most of OSU's crowd attends there. You go there, you can get in free."
"Fine, we'll go to the Eagle. But we'll leave if one of us doesn't want to stay, okay?"
"That's fine with me."
And off the two went.
Johnny and Michael decided on the Club Diversity on East Main. Michael wanted something low-key. He wasn't much of a clubber. Neither was Johnny, but Johnny knew the importance of getting out.
Blade decided to head over to Blazer's Pub on North High Street, north of Axis. He wasn't into a clubbing atmosphere but a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. After all he'd been through excitement was the least on his list of things to do.
Davey and Harris were heading to the Union Station Video Café. Davey had heard through Ryan that many of the guys were heading over there for the evening to enjoy themselves. He invited Davey to join them. Naturally, he took Harris.
Soon everyone was gone leaving Whistler behind to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Blade entered the pub and settled down at a corner table with an ice cold beer. Music played in the background and he listened to conversations going on all around him. Being part vampire had many perks. His hearing was better than the average human's.
He was amazed at the topic of conversations going on around the pub as well. They ranged from people losing a loved one both literally and figuratively to work problems. There were several who were getting over being single again and some just looking to hook-up with another person for the night.
'At least I'm not alone in that regards,' Blade thought. 'I know the pain of being single. Michael was a real possibility. He had the same type of job, the same drive I have, hell, he even was good-looking. But he found another. I guess it proves I'm destined to be alone.'
"Excuse me," a soft voice said to Blade. He looked up to see a woman standing in front of him.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"The bar looked pretty full, and people seemed to have someone to talk to, except you, that is. I was wondering, could I join you?"
Blade was taken back by her request. Most people avoided him. He always looked stern and had the bad attitude going for him.
"Sure," he finally said.
"Thanks," the lady replied as she sat down. "I'm new in town. My name is Tia."
"Blade," he said and the two shook hands. "What brings you to the thriving city of Columbus?"
"Family, actually. I have been looking for some long lost family members. I know they came to America and the last hunch I had said they were headed this way."
"What family member? Mother, father, sister?"
"Brother, to be honest. Last I heard a few months ago, he was coming here." After a moment, she asked, "Would you be willing to help me?"
"Sure."
"Thanks. I would appreciate it. I wouldn't know where to look."
"I might be able to help with that."
Davey and Harris arrived at the Union Station and looked around.
"There's Ryan," Davey said. "Come on!"
"I'll get us something to drink. What would you like?"
"Sierra Mist," Davey answered and headed toward his new friend.
Harris went to the bar to get the pop.
"Hey, sexy," Ryan said to Davey as he approached. "I see you brought Harris." The tone of his voice was a little disappointed, but Davey did not catch it.
"Yeah. He's getting us some pop."
"I talked with some of the judges. I think I know some cute guys who are going to make it to the competition."
"Oh, is it Harris?" Davey asked.
Ryan laughed, "I wasn't referring to him."
"Oh," Davey said sounding let down.
"I think he's getting in. But I was referring to you."
"OH! That is so cool!"
"Yeah. I'm really happy you got in. You've got talent. And you've got the look. There are some guys that just have the look, like those guys." Ryan pointed to a small group of guys over near the large video screen. "And there are some who just have the talent, like Harris. But you, you have both."
"Thanks," Davey said smiling.
"Hey," Harris said as he came up to his boyfriend who started to move with the music a little bit.
"Hey," Davey said taking the drink. "Harris, this is Ryan. Ryan, Harris."
"Nice to meet you," Harris said to Ryan.
"Yeah, likewise," Ryan said. "So you guys come here a lot?"
"Not really," Harris replied.
"I used to go the Axis a lot," Davey answered. "That's a cool place."
"I'll bet," Ryan replied.
"Vampires used to be drawn to that place," Harris said, testing Ryan's hearing.
"I can imagine," Ryan replied, confirming to Harris that he wasn't really listening.
'He's only into my boyfriend,' Harris thought to himself. 'That's all he cares about.'
Ty and Tandy entered the Eagle and started dancing right away. As they danced, a young man approached Ty and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey, Ty," the dark-haired guy said.
"Hey, Aaron, what's up?"
"Not much. I'm surprised to see you here. You normally don't go out although I figured you would eventually. You always seemed like the guy who enjoyed himself."
"Yeah, I normally have other things going on. But not tonight."
"Who's this?" Aaron asked.
"This is Tandy, my girlfriend."
"Really? Nice to meet you."
"Back at you," Tandy replied.
"How did the competition go?" Ty asked.
"It went okay. I don't think I got in. There were so many people and a lot of them sounded better than me, I thought."
"I know two guys who tried out for that," Ty replied. "Davey Navarre..."
"And that Harris guy. They sounded awesome together. I'm sure they'll get it. I talked with my ex, he was one of the judges, and he thought those two would definitely get it."
"Really?" Tandy said. "God, I hope so. Harris has been excited for this competition."
"Yeah, they sounded great. I'll be surprised if they don't get it."
"I hope you get in, too," Ty replied.
"Yeah. If not, it's all cool. I hooked up with several of the other guys trying out. We're here getting plastered and then we are going to have an orgy later. See you around."
"See you," Ty said as Aaron turned and walked away.
"Is he serious about that orgy business?" Tandy asked.
"Probably. He's a horn dog. He's always looking for sex. He even tried to get me to let him suck my cock. He knows I'm straight but his reasoning was 'A blowjob's a blowjob.' After a few more tries, he realized he wasn't getting into my pants and went on his way looking for someone else. God, I hope he doesn't get an STD or something."
Blade and Tia exited the bar and walked toward Blade's motorcycle.
"I really appreciate you giving me a ride home," Tia said with a smile. "I'm not sure I trust the people yet."
"Even me?" Blade asked.
"You have a kind face. I think I can trust you."
Blade smiled and climbed on his motorcycle. Tia mounted behind him and held on as he started the bike and drove her off into the night.
A short while later, Harris left Davey's side to use the bathroom. While away, Ryan moved a little closer to Davey while dancing and brushed his hand over Davey's butt. At first Davey just took it as an accident. Noticing Davey didn't respond, Ryan grabbed Davey's butt.
"Hey!" Davey said jerking away from Ryan.
"Oh, sorry."
"I'm with someone," Davey replied. "Harris."
"You mean you and he are..."
"Boyfriends."
"Oh, my apologies."
Ryan looked at Davey surprised that the youth would date someone who looked like Harris.
Davey just nodded off the apology and went back to dancing. Harris joined him shortly and let him know he was going to sit down and that Davey could go on dancing. Davey gave his hand a squeeze and continued dancing while Harris went over to their table and sat by himself.
Ryan looked from Harris to Davey, rolled his eyes, and went back to dancing.
"This is my stop," Tia said.
Blade pulled over to the side of the road and cut the engine to his motorcycle. Tia climbed off.
"Thanks. I really appreciate this."
"Not a problem," Blade replied with a slight smile. "When would you like to meet tomorrow?"
"Probably around 8:30. I won't be available any earlier. Let's meet at Blazers."
"Sure thing. See you tomorrow at 8:30 at Blazers."
Tia smiled and headed into her apartment building. Blade started up his motorcycle and drove off.
Ty and Tandy dance for a while and left the Eagle, deciding they were too tired to stay out any later. As they headed toward his car, Tandy stopped walking. Ty stopped with her and looked at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm not sure exactly what it is, but something is wrong. I can almost sense it."
"Is this a Slayer thing?" he asked in a whisper.
"I don't know."
The Vampire Slayer closed her eyes and released Ty's hand. She turned her head slowly as if listening for something off in the distance. Her body turned following her head and, suddenly, she stopped. Her arm went up and she threw out her hand. Several light daggers went across the parking lot and into some bushes. Several screams came up from the bushes and were silenced.
Ty looked at her and ran toward the bushes. Tandy opened her eyes and followed behind him. They arrived to find a pile of burning ash.
"They were vampires," Ty said. "Humans wouldn't have burst into flame. How did you do that, any way? How did you know they were vampires?"
"I don't know. I could just sense their presence."
"Sounds like your Slayer skills are improving."
"Sounds like."
"Whistler will want to know."
Tandy nodded. "Maybe we should check the area for any more vampires before we go. We don't want any to slip by and kill any of your friends. Well, maybe Aaron, the Sicko."
Ty chuckled a little but agreed about the vampire hunting.
To Be Continued...