Elias was typing away on his computer, checking over new information sent to him on the family's private email server. There were a few updates, but it was mostly theory-crafting from the Generals.
Scrolling down, Elias noticed he had a few messages sent to him from Sebastian. He clicked on the message's attached video file and waited for it to download, hoping it wasn't a virus about to ruin his day.
The file downloaded, and to his surprise, nothing 'odd' happened, so he double-clicked and hit play. What he saw was Vasili-who should have been getting trained in 'the basics' by Maranda-pressing an absurd amount of weight on the bench press.
Elias tilted his head back and groaned as Sebastian spammed him with more messages.
[Young Master! You must put an end to this, he is breaking the Master's records!]
Elias rolled his eyes and sent back, [If dad wants to hold those records, then he should get stronger.]
Elias knew that would ruffle the man's feathers, so he sat and waited for him to 'barge into' his office.
A few minutes passed in silence before Elias decided to look at the rest of the videos out of boredom. Vasili was definitely mostly Dragon, that level of power simply wasn't there for Lion-based shifters, even if there were a million different species of them.
Elias looked at his messages and noticed that his father had sent him a file too, [Look at this! Your Blood Brother is really something. He is making me want to get back into shape...]
Elias stood up, it was time to put an end to this.
-----------
Vladimir chuckled to himself as he sent the message. Elias had been spending too much time in the General's Chat to be completing his main mission-taking care of his Brother.
Waiting for his Generals to assemble, he sat his laptop off to the side and began his Seer trace. There were no words to verbalize as the casting method was strictly somatic and ethereal.
Vlad appeared within himself and pulled the fog of his soul into the shape of a ball, a crystal ball, to be more accurate.
This technique was common for humans, but wholly unreliable unless someone had...more to offer the realm of the Divine.
Having done this a million times, Vlad siphoned off a portion of his Essence, making himself slightly weaker for the time being, and offered it without reward.
The presence seemed to muse over the situation, pretending that it wasn't excited by the offering, before swiping out and devouring the Essence whole.
"Eternal Spirit of the Divine! Would you lend me a glimpse of the Mortal Realm in return?"
The pressure seemed to swirl around Vlad, offering nothing in return.
Vlad bared his soul, letting the Spirit touch his 'corrupted' and 'mutilated thing.'
The Spirit dug into his soul, which wasn't pleasant, as their energies were opposites, but it had to be done.
The Divine Spirit seared his soul wherever it passed through. It was going from memory to memory as it figured out his character.
The Spirit finally relaxed and returned before speaking, "Young One, it seems you have met with my kind before. I will show you a future of your world in return for your Essence, just as my kin have done before. Now, go, you are needed in your world."
Vlad gave an elegant bow in return, offering his deference to the Spirit as it gifted him with a memory.
Opening his eyes, he could see the Generals gathered around him in waiting.
His head was groggy as he explained the situation, "My Divination was a success. I have been made aware that the Shifter Court is likely the next target."
General Osteonox instantly spoke up, "My Lord! We mustn't warn them! What are a few 'dogs' and 'cats' compared to catching whoever is targeting the Young Lord?!"
General Argent spoke up with a sigh, "Withholding a Divination of such import violates the 52nd Accord. We must prepare."
Nox's ashen face and pale eyes pierced Argent's air of disinterest as the Vampire's jewelry began to flow around his fingers and neck.
Vlad swatted their magic away, "Enough. We must act within the bounds set by the Accord. I will contact the Court and offer them the decision to use their own as bait. While I expect them to agree, I suspect it may involve Vasili's presence. His position as Alpha will be revealed within the week, maybe sooner if he keeps his antics up."
Vlad breathed calmly as he spoke, "We will stage for war. Have your men and women rested. Our stocks of blood must be tripled-run a Red Cross Drive. And we need attire for the young Chimera. Someone contact Giovanni, please."
The Generals looked around in confusion, the four of them thought they would be called to help plan the war. They were shocked when their Lord suddenly pulled out a binder from his storage ring and handed it to General Tabum, who quietly received the plans.
The Generals cracked open the binder and began going over the points of interest for their side, General Osteonox spoke, "It appears you have already given this some thought, Lord Dragos."
Vlad nodded and waved them away, all except for General Morbus. The master of Death magic knelt before Vladimir and asked, "My Lord, what is your command?"
Vlad tapped his chin in thought, there were so many ways to play this. Gesturing, General Morbus rose to his feet and stood tall, hearing, "I need you to focus on Warding. I know you want to 'throw Blight' with the others, but I need you to focus on defensive structures. We need Charms, Personal Wards, Daywalking Amulets, and so much more. Focus on Enchanting for now, then when the time comes, you may 'ride forth on your pale steed.'"
The Vampiric Lich bowed its head, "As you command, my Lord."