Notes: I do not own any of the Blade or Blade 2 characters. They are the property of New Line Cinema. All original characters belong to me. This story is in Alternate Universe format.

Whispers In The Dark

The cold sheets of rain that fell on the streets of Prague could disguise almost anything. What it couldn't disguise was the odd ripple of power that seemed to fill the night air. Mortal and vampire alike could feel it. To a mortal, it was as if electricity was tickling along their skin. But to a vampire, it was a much more ominous feeling. To them, it felt like a faint ray of sunlight lightly touching them. More than one nightwalker shuddered as the power passed over them. They might not have felt that way if they could have seen its source.

The two cloaked figures strolled slowly down the dark street, their voices lowered as they spoke. The taller of the two was covered in a midnight blue hooded cloak embroidered with unusual symbols. The other wore a Kerry green cloak with no hood. Anyone looking at them likely would not notice them. And that was precisely how they wanted it. But there was a slight problem.

"Tone it down, Rayn. Every blood drinker in Prague probably feels you," a slender young woman instructed her companion. "Sorry, but I'm nervous. We shouldn't be here, Emma. It's too dangerous," Rayn murmured, glancing nervously along the street. "We can take care of ourselves. Don't worry so much," Emma replied, resting a gloved hand on Rayn's shoulder. Rayn's green eyes widened in disbelief. "They're faster than us. How can I not worry?" Emma smiled slightly. "Time is irrelevant to us when it needs to be. Maybe I should have brought 'Rissa with me instead. I don't think you're ready for this kind of task, kiddo," she sighed, leaning against a battered looking lightpost. "Yes, I am ready. And we both know that 'Rissa thinks with her hormones. Isn't that why the Mother hasn't allowed her to go with you for nearly a year?" Rayn stood in front of Emma, her hands on her hips. A soft giggle escaped Emma. "Yes, that's why the Mother keeps her close. And how do you know about that? It's supposed to be a secret," she asked curiously, one delicate eyebrow raised. This time, it was Rayn who giggled. "Everyone knows about 'Rissa's last outing. It's practically a case study in whatnot to do when you're sent on a task by the Mother." Emma shook her head, still giggling. "That is too true. Maybe she'll learn something from it." Rayn rolled her eyes. "This is 'Rissa we're talking about, remember?" "I know."

"C'mon, Rayn. Let's begin the task," Emma said, straightening up and moving away from the post. Rayn hurried after her. "So where do we start?" Rayn asked, "The Mother didn't tell me." "She wouldn't. But she did tell me." "So?" Emma looked at Rayn with serious pale violet eyes. "We start at the House of Pain." Rayn's pretty face crumpled. "That doesn't sound too good." "It probably isn't," was all Emma would say as they continued on their way.