Damian's Immortal

"I'm not taking you there, kiri."

"Bring him here," Sofi said promptly. "Jule, he has to be there. You won't save her without him, and you're running out of time."

"You don't pull any punches, Sofi," he growled. "Where's Damian?"

"Charles found the Other. Damian went to scout things out."

"Who's Charles?"

"He's a Hunter vamp we borrowed from Jonny," she explained. Jule's brow furrowed, and Sofi smiled. "I'll explain later. Xander's waiting."

"Is Darian here? I'm not bringing an Original Vamp here without some sort of backup."

"I'm here, Jule," Bianca said from behind him.

"Great, so I can piss off both my brothers."

"I just meant I can fix anyone who decides to brawl," Bianca retorted.

"Darian's here," Sofi replied with a laugh. "I'll go get him."

"At least then we'll stand half a chance if the vamp goes ape-shit crazy."

"We'll be fine, Jule," she assured him. "Just don't tell Damian or Dusty."

Jule ground his teeth. Silently cursing Oracles, he Transported back to the mountainside. The vamp hadn't moved, as if he and Sofi already knew Jule would facilitate.

"Y'all are cutting me no slack today," he said.

"Wise Oracle," Xander said with a cold smile. "Take me to her."

Jule raised his hand, and the Original Vamp rested his on top. They Transported to the study where Sofi, Bianca, and the Grey God awaited. Xander's attention was caught first by Darian.

"Gatekeeper," the vamp said. "You're negligent in your duties."

"As soon as I figure out what they are, I'll take care of that," Darian shot back. The vamp frowned.

"You will when you're ready, Darian," Sofi said.

"Gatekeeper, Oracle, Healer, Original Immortal," Xander said, taking in everyone one-by-one. "You have a message for me, Oracle, and an answer I seek."

Jule shifted forward as the vamp held out his hand, palm up, in the traditional greeting to an Oracle. Sofi stepped to him, unafraid, while Darian edged closer. She placed her hand on the vamp's, and her eyes began to whirl hypnotically.

The Original Vamp closed his eyes. Their exchange was silent. Sofi dropped her hand, and the vamp remained still, as if letting her magic settle.

"You are certain?" he said at last.

"It's not the only answer, but it's the most likely," Sofi replied.