Triduum Forces

A/N – A/U Halloween special. When supernatural forces descend on Port Charles the most unlikely people come together to stop them. How will Jason and Elizabeth connect and in the end, can they have a future?

This isn't super scary or anything but I'm having fun trying to write something a little different. I make some stuff up and I tweaked some existing supernatural creatures, myths, and legends. I hope you like it. There's a link in my profile for the banner.

Chapter 1 – The Castle

Elizabeth wandered through the hallways of the large castle deep in the hills that loomed ominously over Port Charles. In two weeks, it would be All Hallows Eve, a celebration that usually only left her bemused and craving chocolate. But this year, it was more than just an excuse that mortals used to dress up and collect sweets. It signified the start of an ancient prophecy. Walking towards a large window, she opened the curtains and stilled herself as she watched the lights in the distance. People were probably eating and shopping and had no idea what danger lurked nearby.

The Triduum of All Hallows was approaching and on the last day, All Souls' Day, a battle would begin that could change everything. What made this year special was the planetary alignment that coincided with the normal celebration of the dead. That along with an ancient prophecy could change the world forever. The undead would converge on Port Charles and they were all looking for the same thing; to feed and destroy. However, it couldn't be just any blood.

Rumor had it that a child had finally come of age; a child that had a unique bloodline. Emily Bowen Quartermaine was a direct descendant of Elizabeth Bathory one of the most famous female vampires that had ever lived. Whoever turned Emily could use her as a supernatural weapon of sorts. Mixed with the right host blood, she could be unstoppable; an undead wrecking machine. Anyone she turned thereafter, would also possess her strength as well. The mere thought of a relentless army of the undead was why Elizabeth's presence was requested. Not only was she a Dhampir (half-human, half-vampire), but she was also a powerful witch; the last of her kind.

"Elizabeth." Jasper Jax said as he came up behind her. "It's time."

She looked over at her friend. "She's on her way?"

"Yes."

"See that no harm befalls her."

"Of course, your brother Francis is escorting her himself." Jax said quietly.

She smiled. "Good." She said walking back towards her room. "I'm just going to go freshen up."

He nodded and watched her walk away. Elizabeth was a beautiful woman; almost ethereal. She could exist without drinking blood which was not a common trait amongst the general vampiric population. There were ways to survive on synthetic blood and cunning witches could also create potions to quell the desire for human blood if one so desired it. There were also powerful spells that could allow a vampire to become a day walker, and make them more tolerable of silver. But, few vampires had access to that kind of magic. It was as if the witches served as a way to equalize the playing field; that is if they were on the right side.

Jax had met Elizabeth in London in the 18th century. They had become fast friends and always stayed in touch. A loner, she spent a great deal of her time preparing herself for this battle and honing her skills. She also was a talented artist and liked to spend time in Italy painting and exploring. Jax always felt like she was looking for something more but would never allow herself to partake of it.

Jerry walked up to his brother. They had been side by side from the beginning having been turned at the same time when their village was viciously attacked. Knowing that there were strength in numbers, they had never traveled too far apart. In the next few days, there would be several different vampire species as well as other friends who would be there to prepare for battle; all of them aligned with Elizabeth to protect Emily from the horrible fate that could befall her. There was nowhere Emily could hide; they would find her. The location of Port Charles would help them contain the carnage.

"It is dangerous bringing her here." Jerry said quietly. "There are too many enemies watching us."

"I know but she insisted on it. If need be, Elizabeth can conjure a protection spell for her trip home." Jax said.

Jerry nodded. In addition to their soon to be guest, Elizabeth would need to be protected at all cost too. They couldn't afford to lose her. She was their last hope for winning the battle.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Francis curiously looked into his rearview mirror. He smelled no fear from the older woman who sat quietly in the back seat. She was a mortal who was being driven to a place where she could be considered dinner but yet she was calm and rather stoic. A smirk crept onto his face. It was almost admirable. Francis Corelli was known as a Lycanthrope (werewolf). He had been bitten when he went to aid Elizabeth during an epic battle between vampires and Lycan in their region. Werewolves were usually an enemy of vampires but Francis was not typical in any way. He understood the importance of balance. That is why he had decided to spend eternity protecting Elizabeth and aiding in her various quests. He would lay down his life for her and never strayed too far from her. She needed her space but he gave her just enough. Losing her was just not an option.

"We're here." Francis said driving down a dark road.

The woman leaned forward and gasped as she saw the castle looming in front of them. It was one of the most stunning buildings she had ever seen.

Francis smiled at her reaction as he drove closer and then finally stopped in front of the entrance.

She smiled as Francis held out his hand and she slid out and followed him up a few steps. Taking a deep breath, she walked through the towering doors that could easily lead to her death.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Jasper smiled and walked towards her. "Lila, thank you so much for coming."

She smiled sweetly. "Thank you for trusting me."

He held out his arm and she held onto it as he led her down a hallway into a smaller room. She looked around and was left breathless by the art and beauty that surrounded her. The room was bathed in a warm light from the fire and there were lit candles seemingly everywhere and then she caught a movement and Elizabeth seemingly stepped out of the shadows.

Lila smiled at the beautiful woman walking towards her. The Quartermaines possessed no supernatural powers but her ancestors were known vampire hunters which made her alliance with the vampires even more interesting.

Liz smiled at her warmly. "Welcome Lila, can we get you some tea?"

"That would be lovely dear."

Liz looked over at Francis and he disappeared through a door. "Please, have a seat."

Lila sat down in a comfortable looking chair and looked upon Elizabeth once more. Even though the woman practically glowed, there was a hint of sadness around her that couldn't be missed.

Liz sighed. "Is it that obvious? I had the notion that I had hidden it so well."

Lila was taken off guard. Had she read her thoughts?

Liz smiled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to, sometimes it just happens before I can stop it."

Reading minds was as natural as breathing for her.

Lila nodded, not sure what to say but she was saved when Francis was suddenly by her side handing her a tea cup.

"Thank you Francis."

He smiled and left the room.

Lila took a sip and then placed it on the table beside her. "I am aware of what is about to happen. Two weeks ago, I received a letter that Emily's deceased mother had left for me to read. It detailed her ancestry and foretold a story that I found hard to believe but dared not ignore. I need to know how to protect my granddaughter. She's a special girl and I can't let any harm come to her."

"I understand. Emily needs to stay a mortal and I plan on doing everything I can to assure that."

"Thank you Elizabeth." Lila said softly. "I know it is a risk for you to be here. But I can't tell you how relieved I am that you are on the side of good."

Liz smiled. "Have you told anyone else?"

"Only one other person; my grandson Jason Morgan."

Jax spoke up. "Jason is an enforcer with the mafia correct?"

He had been lurking around the town getting to know its inhabitants.

"Yes, but he's so much more than that. He had an accident which caused him to be able to shut off his emotions and focus. He can sense things that most people can't and he's physically very powerful. Jason is willing to protect Emily with his life."

"Does he know that you are here right now?" Jax asked.

"Yes."

Elizabeth stood suddenly. "Someone is approaching. This is most unexpected."

A loud rumbling of a motorcycle could be heard and then there was silence until Francis started arguing with someone and soon thereafter the doors to the room burst open and Jason stood in the doorway frantic and out of breath. "Lila."

"Jason, how did you find me?" She said surprised that he would take the risk when he seemed like he was okay with the visit earlier.

Liz tilted her head and watched the emotions play out in the gorgeous man's eyes that stood before her. He had on a leather jacket, fitted jeans, and a black t-shirt. Lila was right, Jason's body was definitely built for the fight. His hair was longer and fell at the bottom of his ear on the sides. She studied his facial structure before noticing his cerulean blue eyes again.

"I knew of this place but I thought it was vacant."

Jason was known to take off on long rides and just disappear. He loved riding in the area.

"I followed you and waited at the edge of the property. You were taking too long and I needed to make sure that you were okay."

He looked around the room and then his eyes locked on Elizabeth and it was like all the air was sucked out of the room. She was radiantly beautiful; almost seemed as if she was glowing and he couldn't look away.

Liz stood up and walked towards him and noticed that Jason backed up a step so she froze. Without saying a word she smiled and silently communicated to him. When Jason heard her in his head he jumped. "It's alright. You will not be harmed here."

"How?" He muttered. When Lila had shown him the note he thought it was some crazy prank. He certainly wouldn't have put it past his brother to do such a thing. He still couldn't get used to the idea that there were vampires in Port Charles and God knows what else. Lila had explained to him how the Quartermaines fit into the history and he was stunned by her revelations.

"Please, come sit down." She silently beckoned to him.

Lila watched them curiously. Jason wasn't known for trusting people outright. He preferred to work alone. She was surprised he was being so compliant and that Liz transfixed him so.

He slowly walked towards her and then sat down next to his grandmother and took her hand.

Liz sat back down and began to talk. "Do you understand the situation with Emily?"

"I do. The letter was very specific. I just don't understand how you can protect her. If the legend is true the sheer number of the undead will be impossible to fend off." Lila said.

"I know it may seem that way but I have spent a century preparing for this battle and I assure you that I do believe we can win." Liz said softly.

Jason couldn't stop staring at her. There was something about her that drew him in and he wondered if it was part of her vampire traits; like she was bewitching him or if it was something else. Everyone was staring at them with mild amusement as their stare down continued.

Liz couldn't help it and grinned at his thought. It was true that vampires could use mind control over humans but it just wasn't something she engaged in.

Jason glared at her to get her to stop reading his mind. It was making him feel like he needed to censor himself.

"I'm sorry. I will try not to further invade your private thoughts." She mentally voiced.

"What are your plans?" Jason asked aloud.

"Emily will need to be on hallowed ground when the light of the moon is in direct alignment with the rest of the planets. This should occur at 3:00 a.m.; the witching hour. There is a small church in town that should serve our purposes quite nicely as a fortress of sorts."

"Queen of Angels?" Jason asked.

"Yes. If we can keep her from turning for that hour, she will be saved."

"How can I help?" He asked.

"We could train you. There are special tools that can be used to fight them off as well as protection spells I will cast."

"What about up until then? Is she safe?" Lila asked.

"Yes, they will not attempt to take her until the Triduum starts. I also have some people watching her just in case."

After the All Hallows ball, she will be brought to the castles, but the less Lila knew about their actual plans the better. They couldn't risk someone using her to find that out. The transport would be dangerous.

"Where would I train?" He asked.

"Here if that is okay with you." Liz stated as she watched him carefully.

"Are you sure that I am safe here?" Jason asked wondering if Jax was a vampire too.

"Yes. I do not require blood to survive. Jax and Jerry will not harm you. I will have some unpredictable guests showing up but they will know better than to touch you."

"So you are a vampire?" Jason asked wishing she would say no. It was hard to suppress the commercialized knowledge of vampirism and he wasn't sure what was truth or pure fiction.

"Partly, you see I am half-vampire, half-mortal. I am also a powerful witch. I will protect you. There is no need to worry."

Jason didn't even know what to say to that. Elizabeth was about 5'2 soaking wet. But he knew better to underestimate that which he knew little about. "Can I go get some clothes?"

"Francis can bring you some clothes on his way back from taking Lila home."

She watched his muscles ripple under his shirt as he tensed. He looked over at Lila who nodded her approval and then he took a deep breath. Protecting Emily was his first priority.

"Okay, I'll stay."

He called Milo and told him to pack some clothes for him and include some several pair of sweats and gave him Francis's name.

"You will stay in the room next to mine so I can make sure that you are protected. There will be several others arriving during the next week to help us plan. They can help us train you for battle as well." Liz stood. "It is done then. Lila I will send word to you tomorrow through Jax. I will need a few things of Emily for my protection spells." She said handing her a list that had appeared out of thin air.

"I will get them for you."

"Thank you for your help."

Lila stood up and smiled. "It was lovely meeting you Elizabeth."

Liz smiled and watched Francis lead her out of the room as Jax darted out a side door.

A/N – Let me know what you think!