Read Before Reading Blood+

I wrote Blood+ for my English class, it's supposed to be a short story. My short story limit was 50 pages with a minimum of 5 pages. So.. I wrote 41. ^^ enjoy. xD

Blood+

Danny Beecher
6/18/09
10 Honors
St. Hiliare

Blood+

Blood. It hung in the air like rain, think and rotten. Bringing that familiar gloomy overhead. My heartbeats shook within my chest. “Huhhf!” Another lap finished in agonizing silence. The only noise was my breathing, the soft wheeze, straining to slip into my lungs. Pumping my fists, I pushed myself, screaming in my head, ‘Go faster! Go faster you damn idiot!’
My footsteps were silent as I nearly lunged for more terrain to be overcome. Glancing down at the pager tied to my tanned thigh, it read 32. 32 miles in, I glanced at my watch; 15 minutes. It wasn’t fast enough. The boiling sun seared upon my skin, making my blood scream in unwanted pain. The wasteland track would suffice until the school could afford pavement. Whenever that would be. My shaggy black hair stuck to my face with sweat and my shirt was becoming heavy. Good thing my shorts were loose otherwise I’d be extremely uncomfortable.
Liquids streamed down my face and into my mouth, I let my tongue lather my lips with sticky saliva. Immediately I regretted my decision to do so, blood had piled ontp my taste buds and I further tried to quicken my race. A light growl escaping me as I heard approaching footsteps.
“Landon, pace yourself. You look like you’re running from the police, although you’ve had the experience.” the boy approaching me wore the required black robe and red satin finish on the inside. Dressed to suit, the spiked hair and bleach blonde color did not fit his complexion. And my brown eyes were dull compared the green sparkle of his. He was almost albino.
Growling I continued my sprint; lap after lap passing ina blur below my shoes. “Shove off Damien.” the words were a warning, but with my soft voice there wasn’t much room for intimidation.
“Ah, pissy this morning are we? Must be that time of the month. I’m sure the informatory ward has a shiny pink Midol for you.” his words stung into the air like a bee’s buzzing. Laughing like a hyena, the receding footsteps boomed into my eardrums, creeping into my skull like an unneeded insanity boost. Without hesitation my path curved sharply and the rising dust behind me left new tracks.
Fingertips creating their own heartbeats and my knees bent for the pounce. As his silk figure came into grip we fell to the ground in fury and loud shouts. Growling once more, my face was nearly pressed to his. My tainted breath hot and fast across his skin, a dark anger rising within me, “Never. Again.” I emphasized each word, making it quite clear that I didn’t need snappy comebacks to tear someone down.
The green eyes seemed surprised at first but soon smoothed over, the racing heart beat following its example. “Fine. Just get off.”
Standing, the breeze blew my hair from my face and the brown eyes seemed black from the shading covering them. The fine muscle toning in my arms sparkled within the sun, as tan as I was. Watching him rise, my mouth stayed shut and thin. The receding footsteps no longer piercing agony within my brain. He had achieved his goal. My run was over.
A light sigh slipped through my lips and I un-strapped the device from my thigh. 43 miles, not bad, but not good enough. I had reached a top speed of 9 miles per hour. I was lagging, I needed my human form in top shape. Intent on becoming fierce in every way possible.
My footsteps brought me to the showers in silence, stripping myself of the vile clothing and feeling the beauty of my naked skin exposed fully. The soft smile curved upon my lips and the heated water poured from the shower head, bathing my skin in crystalline beauty and fine liquids of shimmering power. Steam cascading around me.
After my shower I clothed myself well, school uniform and black robe. I acquired a green sating finish because of my house placement. The Noble House. Delicately, my fingers traced the white dress shirt. It was a long day.
Exiting the locker rooms; I traveled down the hall to my dorm, snatching my books and locking my door behind me. Thankfully, I had not been forced to share a room. My head held high and my gaze straight forward, I tried not to make eye contact, with anyone.
Suddenly, my books were falling from my hands along with another’s. bending down, I whispered, “Excuse me, my apologies.” The soft voice becoming more and more inviting like always. The delicate fingers and rough veined hands swiping up all six books and returning four of them to their owner. A young woman with long wavy blonde hair, quite tall with skin as white as snow. My heart quickened silently. “No worries.” she giggled and nodded her head. Pushing a few strands from her face to behind her ear, I bowed as she curtsied. “Have a pleasant day.” I finished quietly. Smiling very lightly, obviously nervous. I never did have luck with the ladies.
“And you as well Landon.” her smile as bright and straight. Unlike mine, I had a tooth out of place. It wasn’t bad, but I had perfection issues. Blinking, I nod and carry on my way. Everyone seemed to know my name.
Reaching the door to English I wait patiently for the day to begin, I was half an hour early, just like every morning. There teacher praised my preparedness, but was disappointed in my lack of feeling. I was afraid to dhow it, letting all the bottled feelings eat hungrily at my insides.
A castle, that’s what our school was. Giant and spacious, dorms were never in need ad each professor has his or her own room, office, and apartment on campus. Incredible to say the least, I had begun my normal day at Kingston Academy. In order, I went though my schedule, English, Biology, Economics, Ancient History, Advanced Progress Drawing, and finally to end the day with, Physical Education. A very boring day.
The important part is what goes through my mind all say. The intense feeling of losing oneself to the entire whole of your mind. Not feeling a thing. Complete numbness. Just raging thoughts and twisted memories.
A sinking feeling has begun deep within me, like the sting of a bee, I’m startled. My brain reacts like it always does. Attack! Quickly a brick wall builds within me, strong and layered with bricks upon bricks, until it piles over my head. Blinking on the outside, I’m robotic. I do exactly as the body has been trained, follow suit. Take notes, start projects, one after the other, a war has begun within me.
Inside of my heart, bombs are going off. Tick. Tick. Tick! Tick! BOOM! Gone once again, a scene right off the silver screen. The smoke is rising, clouding my feelings, smothering my tears and pushing them back away from my eyes. Lids sowed open, unwilling to shut, a searing pain eats at me. To drown my thoughts I need that flaming glass of gasoline. To ease the darkness of my soul, I shut everyone out. Images of dying children and flaming animals flash be hind my lids with every blink. My hands on the knife, I’m going to do it. I swear I will. What does it matter? Me dying or you? Think I won’t?! Want to test your theory?! Think you can really get inside of me?! HUH?!
BR-RING!!
Next class.
All day these thoughts enter my mind and dig their way beneath my nails, into my skin and swimming into my blood stream. I pass by people, I don’t acknowledge a single one of them. That voice is growing within me. It wants to burst, but I swear by the grace of god, it won’t get me. Not again.
Cleaning out my brains and sweeping them underneath the rug, I’m shaking it off. Soon another hit will arise and my mind will go blank. I don’t need a substance to get high, I merely fantasize it. Those clear words ringing, “I will get you Landon.” that piercing laugh. I spin around in the hall as the bell rings searching for that face. That distinct smell of flesh sliding up my nostrils. Fear. It overcomes me too much for my own good. Once again I’m yearning for death.
Physical Education has ended and my thoughts have just begun. Five p.m. and I’m once again contemplating life. No more of this torture, can’t I just be normal for a day? “Never!” I push that voice away once more.
Dinner will come with misery as I choke down food I don’t need. Thursdays take so long. The weekend is awaiting my arrival as my hunger claws my stomach and throat. Blood is all too common these days. And I needed it badly. Veins popping within my arms and around my body, muscles tensing as thoughts consume me. One more hit master, please? “Muhahahaha!” Oh god, no! I run from the Dining Hall, back to my dorm and into the safety of my shower. Stripping naked and bursting on the steaming water. My beautiful escape. Steam surrounds me, I can breathe once again.
“let go!” I’m trying to drown the voice out, and it’s not working very well. I’m falling to pieces and I know it. But I’ll let it happen. I won’t break. I’ll bottle it up. Not show it. And no one needs to know. I won’t be saved. And no one will notice my absence. Shaking my head I slip from the now cold water into the even colder air. Shivering I grab a towel and dry off. Once dry, I slip into my dark bed, naked and broken. The end of the day has arrived and my mind will finally shut off for a few hours. Soon I will drown him out.
Sleeping is something I have forced my body to do over time. I would be awake for days, left alone with my mind, it was horrific. Slowly wasting away was never an option then, I was just going insane with every second another sound didn’t enter my ears.
Suddenly my eyes shoot open as a faint tapping on my door sounds. It’s light at first, then a single pound upon the oak forces me up and into a robe within seconds. I make my way to the door and open it cautiously. Before me, a girl stands. Long browkn hair, hazel/green eyes, and a beautiful smile. Dressed in a black corset and tight black jeans, her eyes are set directly on mine, searing into me. I con not breathe. I can not move. For the first time, I feel something other than fear; nervousness.
“H-Hello?” I stutter.
“Good evening Landon. Mind if I come in? Not at all? Oh, you’re too kind.” she grinned and skips behind me into the room. Confused, I shut the door and follow, I don’t know what to say. She had sat down on the bed, a lighter in her grasp. “Light the candles.” she whispers.
Without hesitation, I light the 20 plus candles I have set up in my room. Immediately, shadows are thrown everywhere and I can feel the massive weight of everything I’ve suppressed. I wince. “Sit down.” Another whisper, I sit next to her.
“Landon I know you’re a vampire and I know you hide everything you feel. But don’t do it anymore.” Those words hit me like a train going 300 miles per hour. Just don’t do it anymore? How the hell was I supposed to do that? Just, BAM! And I’m cured? The scary part was, that was exactly what it felt like. Her words sunk into me like liquid fire. Already setting me aflame. I was smoking right in front of this unique beauty and all she could so was gaze into my eyes. She was. Staring quite intently, she didn’t seem to be breathing; I was copying her example.
My head arched and I gave her a queer look. What was I supposed to say or do? Honestly? With a sigh, she gazed to the gazed and removed her hand from mine, I hadn’t even noticed her touch, I was too numb. “Oh Landon..” she whimpered. Then, before I could say the words screaming inside my head, she disappeared. Just like that. She was gone. I slipped back into my bed after blowing out all the candles. Having my first dream in years, it was of her; and me.
The next morning a note was at me door, I was excused from all my classes due to the safety of my classmates, SHIT! That was the only word running through my mind. How could she do that to me? Was it even her? I didn’t know what to do. I turned around and there, standing before me, a man dressed in quite odd clothing, leather strapped boots, complete black cloak with a hood covering his face with shadows and a leather tunic, complete ling his ensemble with leather pants. Arms crossed and face barely shown, the man spoke, “Landon James, it’s time to come with me.” the heavy Irish accent threw me off and the deep undertone confused me, he didn’t fit his voice.
‘Why?” I was cautious, as always but this was getting all too weird. But who was I kidding? I was a blood sucking demon without a soul. The smell upon the air made me tense once again; it entered my mind: blood.
“Your time is due.” the voice was amused, waiting for a pathetic response. Fear, most likely. I wouldn’t give the satisfaction.
“Whatever.” I walked forward and with a snap of his fingers I was dreaaed and ready. I concentrated on not being surprised and stood before the man. “Ready to go?” My eyes were sparkling like those of a wounded dog; deep with thought and lost to all. The man merely nodded, placing his hand on mine, I fought back a shout. Flames engulfed us invisibly. My eyes glued shut now as my limbs trembled in his grasp. Legs shaking violently and about ready to give in, I peered around me, knowing my stomach was turning. “Puke.” he said and I obeyed. Bent over on que, the vomit slipped through my throat, caking vile bacteria onto my taste buds. Onto the sloop spilled, a light splashing arose and splattered the chucky inside of my intestines.
With a few coughs and sputtering, I let the feeling pass, cold sweat covering my entire body. Shivering, I gripped my elbows and stood in shame. The man walked forward and handed me a crimson towel, “Wipe your mouth and drop it on tip of the mess. It’ll clean itself.” Walking away the man beckoned me to follow. I wiped my mouth quickly and dropped the towel. Behind me I heard the towel come to life and start wiping up the vomit, cringing, I sighed. My silent footsteps followed his loud boot-snapping ones. I had no idea where we were or where we were going.
The walls were solid white and made of some kind of old cement, tapestries of ancestors and rugs with intricate designs covered the floors and walls. My mind reeled with thoughts of past lives, spirits, haunting, sending shivers my spine. With a sigh I followed the man into an empty room, a single window- barred- was placed tp the far wall. My heart’s pace quickened and the man pointed to a corner. I walked to it and sat as he pointed down. Suddenly she was back.
I stood with force, leaning against the wall angrily. “What did you do?!” I shouted letting my muscles tense and my veins show.
Her sigh sent my body into light shivers, “I told them everything” Her eyes looked away from mine, trying to fight back tears. I stepped forward and heard the sound of the door shutting. The man was giving us privacy. Before I could shout another word though, she had made her way across the room and into my grasp. The moment happened quickly. I felt the silk of her corset and the smell of her skin drifted permanently into my skull. Above all I felt the soft pressure of her lips on mine. No heartbeat sounded within me, struggling to understand what was happening. All thoughts escaped me, with her body fitting so perfectly against my own. The sweet speed of her fingers running through my hair nearly intoxicated me and my eyes willingly kept closed.
Finally, her embrace was gone, but her hands stayed in my hair so my arms stayed around her waist. Our breath was heavy and fast, searching for air. “I’m sorry.” she whispered. I could only shake my head. There were no words for this perfect moment. Everything about her electrified me, making an empty soul whole again.
Straightening her back, she looked me in the eyes, stern and determined. “it was a pleasure working with you Landon. Perhaps we shall meet again with time, for now I turn you over to Mr. Noble.” her words dug into my like razors. Sharp and clean. My stunned expression turned blank and I nodded in silence. As she disappeared another man leaned in the corner of the room, smiling. His lips didn’t quite curve up, but it was a smile nonetheless. Long sandy hair curves over his face, complete with scuffed sides and a sandy goatee. I bowed my head.
The man was quite bulky, large in build and tall. A soft voice did not fit him but it was the one he possessed. Surprisingly silent footsteps and a very elegant was of carrying himself, he stepped forward. “Hello Landon. I’m Christopher Phoenix Noble, it’s a pleasure. You can just call me Chris.”
With one eyebrow raised, I smiled and heard shuffling footsteps outside of the door. The man was becoming impatient, I thought, Chris was still smiling, a gentle laugh escaped between his lips. ‘We have to go.” the silent footsteps walked to the door and it opened without any cause for signaling we wanted to get out. Following the man, I noticed the way he was dressed. Cargo pants and a tee shirt on. Over the tee shirt he wore a dark navy blue button-up. I couldn’t tell if he was a vampire, warlock, demon, or just a plain human who knew a little magic, or was summoned there.
He had made his way down the long corridor and finally to a large oak door, a black handle hanging loosely in the middle of it. With a slight push it swung on its hinges, opening to the fresh air outside. “Welcome to Transylvania. It’s smelly, wide open, boring, and wicked sexy.” he laughed gently, it sounded a bit like a giggle, but I just grinned and looked around. What was I doing here? And why? I couldn’t tell, but it was certainly beautiful. A purple 1998 Saturn was parked on a trail a little off to the right of us and I pointed to it, “Who’s car?”
“Mine.” he beamed and started walking down the grassy hillside to the car, the trees offering a menacing home of delightful shadows and forgotten tales. I followed without question nor instruction, I just knew I couldn’t leave this man’s side, otherwise I’d be lost in who knows where Transylvania. As we approached the car his smile grew wider and his smile was genuinely sparkling. I couldn’t help but smile myself at the sight of it.
I walked around to the other side of the purple car with dragon decals on the sides, it seemed like a comfy little thing, and I admired the color greatly. Most men were afraid to show that a color didn’t matter, and by the looks of it, this man adored the color as well. It made me laugh and I snapped my buckle across my chest, watching him do so as well, then turn the key in the ignition and set the little car to life. “I love my car.” he giggled once more.
As the car pulled down the path, the man who had guarded the door came running from the castle we were stuck in. A sword in hand and an angry scowl upon his lips, Chris gunned the car, setting the engine to a loud rev and the speed meter to soar into the hundreds. Dust and dirt kicked up behind the car by the wheels speeding away from the pissed off man. Laughing, we made out way down the trail and into the darkening woods, soon we slowed down and he put his lights on, even in the bright days, Transylvania still seemed to acquire a dark cloudy overcast.
With a gentle sigh I let my head lag back against the seat and watched as the tree branches passed us by, one by one, not bothering to look back to see if the man had continued to chase us. My thoughts for once lingered on something else, her. That girl. Who was she? Why did she want me here? And why was she so damn confusing? This certainly wasn’t real, it had to be a dream. Chris had stopped the car and was staring at me for quite sometime before I noticed I was shouting things about her out. The feelings I felt during the kiss, the intense urge I had for her. Even the way she made my heart skip beats, his giggle cut me short and he nodded his head once I was done. “She is confusing, but she’s awesome.” his voice seemed to soothe me and I nodded, signaling that I understood exactly what he meant.
The car started up again and we traveled deep into the forest, I was trying to keep from falling asleep and I also tried from staring at him, he was very peculiar, different on so many levels, I was constantly switching from him to her, the smile still plastered quite clearly upon his lips. “What?” I finally asked.
“I can read minds.” he giggled. Ah, damn it.
I immediately flushed and looked out the window, trying my best not to scowl and pushing all the thoughts of either him and her from my mind, making him giggle once again. “You’re funny. It makes me happy.” his words drifted across the car and into my ears, making me dread every thought I had been thinking. Why couldn’t I tell that? He was a mind reader. But not just that? I couldn’t tell. He seemed to be a lot of things into one.
I looked back and frowned at him, the car was still going and he was leaning back with his eyes closed, and before I could stop myself I asked, “What are you?”
With a smile he replied, “I’m a vampire.”
Raising one eyebrow I frowned more and scratched my chin, “So am I.” he merely nodded, ‘how come I don’t have powers?”
With a gently laugh he slowed the car down and looked over at me, “Because you’re not at the level I am. You have to build your strength and study really hard to achieve this level of sexiness and power.” his smile was a little wider and he giggled again, turning the car sharply to the right, making my whole body shift to one side and my laugh protrude from my lips. He was very random.
“Hmmm….” I hummed slightly, trying to think of something right to say or do, he was quite a funny guy, and very laid back. I was instantly envious, I had been wishing for many years now to be stress free. Get all of this tension lifted off of my shoulders. He seemed so… innocent. Open, and free. All I could do was sigh at his example of charm and poise, things I had never possessed and always wished for. The looks didn’t even favor me, I was such an ugly person and compared to this vampire angel, I was nothing.
The car ride was quite short after that turn, we had arrived at a half standing old shack that seemed to be standing only because of the snow packing up the sides, we were on a mountain and the snow was three feet deep in every direction. Smiling, he parked the car and got out, I followed suit and walked inside behind him. The house was cozy and warm, small, but a home nonetheless. The outside certainly didn’t give it the gratitude it deserved, elegant paintings upon the walls, beautiful furniture, and amazing rugs. I was truly stunned at the sight, I had definitely not expected this upon it’s favor on the outside, and it only proved to myself in that moment that I too easily judged a book by its cover. For a moment, I let sadness overcome me, but quickly brushed it aside and realized I could change that in time.
Chris walked towards the fireplace and immediately started to get to work on building a fire, even though my skin was naturally cool, the frozen air and weather could still easily kill us. Grabbing a few pieces of wood, I slipped silently over and helped him as well.
Once the fire was built and the heat was circulating around the rooms, we sat comfortably in the front room, the leather chairs letting us sink into their depths and feel their warmth. It was quite relaxing, considering the events happening so quickly, being torn from everything I knew and starting somewhere I had never been before, I was in a strange culture shock. All the things around me were finally stinging me, and it hurt. I was feeling pain, suddenly my arms shook and my knees gave way, I slipped to the floor from my chair and the liquids pushed from my eyes for so long poured out like that of a waterfall. One after the other as tormenting memories consumed my vision. Wails of despair and loss filled the air and my entire body lay on the red and brown rug covered with animal hair. I could only cry, letting all the liquids blur my vision and make my nerves tremble.
Chris’s face was deeply saddened, his head cocked slightly to the side he slipped to the rug and rubbed his hand up and down my back, in between my shoulders and attempting to calm them from their nervously tense state. “It’ll be alright.” he whispered. And for some reason, I believed him.
During those long hours of wailing and sobbing into Chris’s shoulder, hugging him desperately I found him searching into my mind, finding all the reasons why I was feeling this way, and he too began to sob lightly. Feeling the pain and seeing the memories that haunted me so well, it was seeping into his mind as deeply as it has seeped into mine. I clung to him for a long while before my muscles could no longer find the strength to stay the way they were and I fell limp to the floor, letting my eyes droop and my wails slow to a soft sighing. Every few seconds I would choke on a few tears and they would slip out silently. My eyes had grown red from the rubbing and my sore muscles needed rest, so to please them, I closed my eyes fully and slipped away to a new night’s ease.
The sun hit my eyes with a fury, sparkling my skin and setting the room in a diamond gaze of crystals, smiling small I slipped to my knees and onto the comfortable chair close by. The leather once again welcoming me quite warmly and easing my sore muscles. Relaxing myself I laid back in the chair as best as I could and let the fire’s warmth skim across my skin.
Chris’s emerged from a side room a few hours later, I kept the fire blazing and he was in his outfit without shoes on. He hated shoes, I noticed that from the moment we got in his car, he took them right off and grimaced when he had to pull them back onto his feet. As the snow continued to darken the sky moments after I awoke, I noticed today would be very glum. I moved Chris’s car into a dry spot so the plow could move the snow for us to drive on the trail once more. It kept coming every two hours, up and down the road. He walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge, the light spilling out onto the floor as his monstrous hands picked up the carton of milk and opened it, chugging the bottle and then smashing the remaining container, slamming it into the trash and closing the fridge door. With a single raised eyebrow I watched him come over and sit in the chair next to me. “How can you stand that stuff? I’m still training myself to drink and eat.”
With a slight chuckle he responded with, “I’m over 3000 years old.”
My eyes were wide for a long moment then I nodded and heard the door creak open, a man walked inside, his face and body heavily cloaked with black jackets and pants, scarf and hat. I could only see his sparkling blue eyes. As he unraveled all the clothing I finally got a good look at his face, good face structure and large lips, his sandy hair matched Chris’s and it was just a bit shorter, cut to look like it flipped across his face. Broad shoulders and just as tall, the only real difference were, Chris’s eyes were smaller and the man’s stomach was bigger. Other than that, it was as if they were brothers, and it really wouldn’t have surprised me if they were.
Chris’s smile was wide and sparkling, “Landon, this is my brother Syn Alexander Noble.” The man smiled at me, and I merely nodded to his presence, I was in a bit of awe at how identical they looked. It was a bit comforting at the same time, it seemed like they got along and loved one another in a great bond. I was happy at the sight, wishing I at least had one sibling to call my own. I forced my legs forward and stood before them with a small smile.
“Ello Mr. Noble, It-” I started off, but then I was quickly and sharply scowled at as Syn cut me off with, “My name’s Syn, not Mr. Noble, Mr. Noble doesn’t exist.”
My eyes widened for a moment, but then I nodded and bowed my head, “My apologies sir, erm- Syn. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Landon.” I held my hand out towards him with a small warm smile. I didn’t want to offend him in any way and it had seemed that I already had, the stern look upon his flickering eyebrows made me cringe slightly and the light of the fire’s flames flashed across the darkened room.
With a small smile, Syn grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him, wrapping his strong arms around my and squeezing me in what seemed like a bear hug with ‘umph’. Choking slightly, I patted his back and laid limp in his arms. Once done, he laughed heartily and dropped me to my feet. Stumbling for a moment I grasped his arm and tried to breathe, Chris and him just continued laughing. Once I had air return to my lungs I laughed with them and smiled up at Syn, “It certainly is a pleasure. Why is there no Mr. Noble though?”
Chris’s smile gently faded and Syn sighed softly. “Because we’re not technically brothers, we changed our names, well, I changed my name fully to Syn Alexander Noble so that I wouldn’t have to live with the name of my father because I’m not proud to call him my father in the least, Chris kept the name his father gave him because he praised his father very much, to make us brothers, we changed our last names. I didn’t like my middle name, and he didn’t like his either, so we changed that as well. Making us brothers, Christopher Phoenix Noble and Syn Alexander Noble.”
With a smile I nodded and laughed gently, “But you look so much alike.”
Syn grinned and Chris laughed, “Yeah we do.” they said the words in unison then we all began laughing with one another, it was a bonded moment, I passed the first test and I let the sweat dissipate from my brow.
We all gathered around the fireplace and Syn told us of his adventures with the Guardians, apparently a hoard of vampire hunters out to get us. We were a few of the oldest ones still alive, they wanted us gone so it would be easier to kill off the newborns. And stop the vampire chain completely, kill us all off, so we become extinct. I wasn’t ready to die, why was this happening?
As Chris contemplated the tales I merely sat there staring into the fire, feeling my life start to escape from me already. I wanted to kill, I needed blood badly, my eyes were becoming a grimy red and black, the golden brown fading quickly, I didn’t want this to happen, maybe I could kill these vampire hunters, wouldn’t it be a heroic thing to do? Right? I had no idea, I didn’t just want to be another killer, but I also didn’t want to be hunted.
A soft sigh escaped me and Chris could read my thoughts, something I was becoming annoyingly aware of. He laid his hand on my shoulder and rubbed it gently, “No killing humans, even if they are hunting us. We do not kill for sport or food, we kill for satisfaction and the joy of being hidden for a bit longer. We do not mean harm, but they see it as we do, unfortunately.”
With a shrug I watched as Syn made his way to the kitchen and chugged some apple juice, I winced once more, how could they tolerate that stuff? I had no clue, I would only drink blood if I could, but to seem normal I became accustomed to the human nature of eating and drinking foods and waters of the earth. Something I particularly didn’t care for.
“Syn is a werewolf.” Chris smiled, reading my mind once more, “And I had to become accustomed to it as well, unfortunately, but now I rather quite enjoy sweets.”
Rolling my eyes I chuckled lightly into the still air, so many thoughts were running through my mind all the time, how was I supposed to be guarded around this guy? I built that wall back up inside of me and Chris frowned. I laughed loudly, slapping my knee with enjoyment. “I did it!”
He nodded, “I know.”
With a grin, very satisfied with myself, I leaned back with my hands behind my head and looked up at the ceiling, keeping my thoughts blocked and letting my mind wonder about her. Guarded safely behind those walls, her eyes bore into my mind like acid. Every moment with her intoxicated me, making me want her even more than I thought possible. Shaking slightly I snapped open my eyes, not realizing that I had closed them in the first place. Syn and Chris were at a heated game of chess and the sun had started to set. I had fallen asleep. But I didn’t dream?
“Nope.” my mind wasn’t guarded anymore, shit!
“Why not?” I asked, standing and brushing myself off, I was also wondering how long we’d be stuck in this little house thing.
“We’ll be here until Hannah shows up again to retrieve you, and I’m not sure, it only became unguarded when you woke up. You lost sense of what you were doing, so I snuck in.” his smile was bright and cheery as he looked at Syn, “Check mate.”
Syn’s fist slammed the table top in a fake rage, laughing slightly he shouted, “Rematch!” I smiled small and shook my head, her name was Hannah? It sounded so beautiful as I matched the face with the name, letting my heart skip several beats.
“Someone has a crush…” Chris sang lightly and laughed with joy. I growled gently and sank back into a leather chair by the fire, it’s warmth bathing me greatly, I kicked another log in, smiling I kicked in another and the fire grew in strength, I leaned over and stared at it for a long while, I even heard the two go off to their rooms. I just couldn’t take my eye off of the licking flames. They were so beautiful, graceful even. I wanted to jump inside of them.
I stood and tossed in three logs, then slipped out the door, the snow fell off of tree tops and all around me, but it wasn’t snowing from the clouds, it was a clear night, could even see the stars. I saw the snow and smiled as the light of the moon made my skin sparkle, then I heard a faint crunch and a swish. A bullet hit a tree and snapped it in half, landing right beside me, I hissed lightly and got ready to pounce, my eyes a flaming red as the hunger for blood boiled within me. Chris heard the bullet and opened the door, “Landon!” he shouted, “Get inside, now!” I ignored him.
Another crunch and a second tree was down beside me, I laughed and spat out, “Learn how to shoot you fucking idiot.” My words stung the air as the heat of my breath drifted into the air.
Suddenly three men with wooden stakes jumped out and pierced me altogether. My mouth hung open for a minute and my eyes were wide with surprise, the men stepping back slowly, chanting, “Die! Die! Die!” Chris was shaking beside me, his brow lifted with worry as he watched my body slip to my knees. “No!” he shouted and went to run out by my fingers twitched and I smiled, lifting from the ground and into the air with wings as black as night.
“Wooden stakes? Honestly?” I pulled them out quickly, one by one, dropping them to the ground with a cryptic laugh, “Come on boys. I’m hungry.” They all ran at once and I followed the one that had pierced through the heart directly. I landed on him and dug my teeth into his skin, pulling out chunks of skin and tasting the sweet blood upon my lips. It was suculent and much needed upon my lips. My tongue savoring every drop, I nearly dank the man dry before Chris grabbed me by the hair and flung me at the house, I fell against the side and snow covered me, I growled gently and he was before me in second, “Stop!”
“No!” I screamed, mad with power.
His face was an inch from mine, growling gently he whispered angrily, “Yes.”
I took deep breaths and licked my lips one final time, I shoved him off and brushed myself off, walking in the door, Chris following. Hannah stood, looking at the fireplace, I was happy and surprised to see her, but I hid both emotions well. “Why Landon?” She whispered.
Chris sighed and waved, returning to his room and falling back to sleep eagerly. I waited to hear the small creak of the bed before I did anything at all. I slammed the door shut and sank back into my favorite leather chair. She wrapped her legs around my waist straddling me. With a small smile I looked up at her and she rubbed my temples, “I worry about you Landon, I’m afraid I’ve fallen for you, and I don’t even know how. I merely watch you every day for a year, look into your records and read your mind, I found things I feared, I hated, and ultimately, everything, I loved. I don’t understand it.”
My smile merely grew and I pulled her closer to me, setting my lips firmly on hers, her hands slipped to around my neck as mine slipped to around her waist, our tongues dancing in anger and need for one another, she let her breath hitch slightly and giggled as I bit her bottom lip playfully. “Stop.” she whispered against my lip and rested her forehead upon mine. “I missed those lips.” She ended with.
“I missed yours as well Hannah.” she giggled as I said her name, aware that I now had one to match her voice, touch, smell, and image to. Her hands ran gently down the sides of my face and she took in a deep breath, smiling as her eyes met mine, then before I could even twitch her hand had moved away and smacked me right across the face, completely stunned I looked at her.
“Don’t you ever do that to me again!! You hear me?! I was worried sick about you! I saw those bullets and rushed here as fast as possible! And when those stakes hit you, my god!” her hands flew to her chest where her heart was and I could tell she was very displeased with my behavior this evening. I quickly pinned one hand to hers and the other to her mouth, her eyes growing wide as I looked at her.
“Shhh Hannah. I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’ll always be fine.” with a light smile I removed my hands from her and she bit her lip softly. Then her arms flew around my neck and she bawled her eyes out into my shoulder and the nape of my neck, mumbling about how worried she was and how she had in a split second just wanted to pull me close and hold me so I wouldn’t ever feel pain again. I could only wrap my arms around her and run my fingers through her hair, taking in long deep breaths and sharply letting them out as she crushed my ribs. Faintly I heard her whisper against my skin, “I love you.”
“I love you too.” I whispered back and she pushed up off of me. Straightening herself out she shook her head sternly, “I’m sorry for my momentary behavior just now Mr. James. I didn’t mean to offend you or catch you off guard in any way. My apologies.” she curtsied and bit her lip more, hiding fresh tears as a look of pure confusion overcame me.
“No…” I whispered, twitching slightly as my muscles started to ache for her touch to return.
“Yes Mr. James. I was being quite impolite just this moment I apologize, but your time to run is soon. Three months from this morning you are to go to the underground and take the crown, and from there you are to enforce our lives and lead your role as king. Thank you sire.” She curtsied and then gently kissed the back of my hand, a single tear slipping down her cheek.
I frowned and growled, “NO!” I shouted the word, but I was far too late, she had already begun to disappear and was now gone. I shivered gently and returned to the door, tempting myself to leave the house as I knew the hunters were still out there in their camp, planning their next attack, but instead I merely returned to the fire and fed it quite well, letting the smoke rose and the flames lick to life.
Sighing greatly, I sat in the chair and watched the flames, trying to find words to place this moment right, this feeling. I couldn’t come up with a single one expect for ‘love’. But I refused to think I was in love, she was quite the catch but there was obviously a reason why she kept pulling away, leaving me begging for more and hoping she’ll stay. I plead in my sleep, according to Chris.
As the days passed by, we played games, talked, and ultimately shared our entire lives with one another. Becoming brothers, bonding quite deeply. I now cared about these men as if they were my own flesh and blood, I needed them in my life and I wouldn’t ever let them go. I was always so happy to wake up now, and it had happened in such a short time. I could barely believe it, but the more I told them, the more I could trust them. I wanted to even, I wanted them there, every day, to wake me up and tell me everything will be okay. It was a feeling like no other. A brotherly love so deep they had become accustomed to calling me, “Fiscun Peter Noble” when we were out. We’d buy food, and see movies, go everywhere, especially since it was the summer days on the mountain, and no one knew I was a king expect for the four of us. So, to live my life, I shared it with my brothers.
As time passed and I found myself quite attached to them, I had forgotten completely about the three months mark until Hannah had appeared once more. She was dressed in an elegant black dress with satin finish and velvet sidings. I was stunned to see her, especially since she had caught me sitting in the living room at one a.m., a bottle of vodka in my grip and drowning in past sorrows. Complete with my naked, only thing I had was boxers on. Quite embarrassed and still a little buzzed, she placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at me.
I laughed gently and covered my private area with the bottle and both hands. “Uhm… excuse my informality, madam. But I did not expect company.” her face flushed immediately, feeling the blood rush to her face she turned with a slight smile and shook her head.
“No sire, I understand, I did arrive quite unexpectedly.” her light giggles shifted butterflies in my stomach and the blood now rushed to my face. Grabbing my jeans, I slipped into those quite quickly and snapped them. I coughed for her attention and she turned around just as I slipped on my tee-shirt.
I wasn’t facing her but I could hear her breath hitch and I sighed gently, feeling all those old feelings rush back into my mind, heart, and soul. I turned around quickly and said, “Why do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“You’re…” with a sigh I struggled to find the right words, “So beautiful, and you act as if you want to be with me, then pull away, just as I finally feel happiness sink inside of me.”
She bit her lip quickly then shook her head, “I- I’m not. I.. was just losing control.. I .. thought you were someone else for a moment..”
Those words stabbed straight into me. “Someone else, huh? Like Chris or Syn?! Well, they’re right in their rooms, go have fun.” Angrily I stormed to the kitchen and grabbed a soda, opening it quickly and chugging the whole bottle.
Her brow fused together and she huffed, “No! Not them!”
“Then who else?! Huh?! There’s no one else here? Am I just something to use as you fantasize somebody else? You’ve got me running circles in my mind, wanting you by my side at every moment and wanting you in my arms all night, and then you come here, look so incredibly sexy, show off everything I wish I had and then disappear like it’s nothing! I have feelings too Hannah!” I spat the words at her, growling as I searched for breath and noticed I had annihilated the bottle in my hands, making blood slip slowly from the pieces of plastic sticking out of me.
She didn’t move at all, her eyes were filled with tears and indecision, shaking gently as I continued to stare at her, now I was at a loss for words, I don’t know if it was the alcohol that made my tongue slip or just my feelings finally bursting in her presence. She whispered something against the wind, but I was too far away to hear it. I could only bite my lip and look down. “Hannah…”
“No!” she shouted, shaking in front of me now. “You think this is easy for me? I’m the daughter of a farmer and you’re a king. Royal blood, longer lines than I could ever imagine. I’m amazed by you, and you just stand there, all handsome and tempting and I have an arranged marriage to a blacksmith. I want you Fiscun! I want you.” she screamed the words now, tears smudging her eyes and falling onto her perfect lips, I trembled where I stood. I needed her in my arms right about now.
“Tomorrow’s the ceremony. Be there.” with that said she disappeared and I looked down, sighing, tears streaming down my face and my heart racing faster within my chest. I didn’t want it this way, but this was the way it was. I gripped the vodka bottle in my hand until it smashed into little pieces all over the floor, the blood pouring from my hand, and now little trickles of blood from my ankles and feet from where the glass stabbed. Growling, I walked from the room, smashing the glass beneath my feet.
I slammed into the bathroom and grabbed the tweezers as I heard Chris pick up my mess outside in the kitchen, I ripped small pieces of glass from my foot, the blood dripping onto the white linoleum floor and slipping into the small cracks, nearly staining the floor. I sighed and finally got out all the glass, rubbing my foot as if it was nothing, then I splashed peroxide on my cuts, letting it sting me gently.
Finally Chris slammed the door open and looked at me sternly, I had never seen so much rage built inside of him. “She loves you.” With that said, he turned sharply from the door and returned to his room, shutting the door and drifting back into sleep. I clicked off the light and say back down in the chair by the fire, I had slept here every night for three months now, even when Chris and Syn had shown me my room, I stayed there. I was constantly reminded of her there, constantly able to feel her there. I was yearning for her with every second. Those words came into my mind so quickly, “I have an arranged marriage…” and they slipped away once more, bringing tears to my eyes.
“No.” I whispered. “She’s mine…” Then I drifted to sleep.
As the morning came, Syn shook me awake and dropped a suit on me, “Take a shower and get dressed, we’re going to be late to the ceremony. So hurry.” He rushed from the room and returned to his own, tidying himself up. My head hurt, I must’ve drank a whole bottle of vodka that night, because I was certainly having a hangover.
Chris walked over and smiled, patting me gently on the back, and I knew he wasn’t angry anymore, which I was relieved about. I held Chris so high in my mind, he was the truest brother I had ever met, the words he told me always sang in my head and told me everything would be just fine. And I honestly believed every single one of them.
I grabbed the suit and rushed into the bathroom, taking a quick hot shower and drying off for the time was becoming alarmingly close. I dressed in gray jeans and white skate shoes, topped off with a dress shirt, vest, red and black tie, complete with a tailed dress jacket. I was happy with my appearance, quite a bit. My fedora placed exactly right atop my head. I smiled at my reflection for only a moment, then rushed from the house and into the front seat of that memorable purple Saturn. All the great times and memories floating into my mind, I was happy to see we didn’t have any snow either, it was hot and sunny outside, making it a time to actually roll down the windows.
Both men climbed into the car as well, and we were off, turning around and speeding down the road, our favorite songs playing on the stereo, I couldn’t believe it, I was happy once more, just like I had been striving to be. Chris spun the wheel this way and that way, I was worried about Hannah, it was such a vivid memory of her, she was the only thing on my mind, in my sleep and in reality. I really didn’t want to be without her, I needed her more than anything, without her I would be lost into the darkness with just my brother to rarely comfort me. Syn was a brother, yes, but he had recently gotten caught up in a girl himself, her name was Sarah and they were incredibly happy with one another, the only problem, she had a girlfriend. But that’s not my story to tell.
So we drove around the edge of the road, spinning past the turns and laughing along to the music, singing and content. I needed her right then, just as I was talking to Chris about her. I had turned to the side and saw him, talking straight at him, willing myself to spill all the feelings I had been hiding within me, all at once. Then I whipped my head around and only one word could escape my lips, “STOP! STOP! STOP!”
There it was, within moments, everything had changed, just like that. “Check mate.” Those words rang in my head as the car flipped across the road, right down the middle of the intersection. Our bodies mangled with glass and steaming plastic, our brotherhood falling down with the rocks of the mountain tops we had set ourselves upon. We had become invincible, nearly indestructible. All of us, we were all so strong, me being the weakest in fact. Nothing would stand in our way, until now.
The crash had sent me into hell, burning my flesh and searing my memories with what I thought to be heaven. All I could remember at first was the stop sign. Then everything hit me as I was transported to a hospital by helicopter. My fangs were hanging back as blood stung my nostrils. I needed to move, get out of here, I couldn’t stand the smell, it wasn’t just regular blood in fact. It was the blood of a brother.
As the wings above me flew past in fast sweeps of terror and hope. I was strapped in tight, nearly naked and covered with wool blankets. I didn’t remember much, not even my own name at first, I hadn’t wanted to, really. Chris, Syn, and Hannah. The only things running through my mind, and suddenly the headlights hit me. Smashing into my memory like a train coming off its tracks. Right at me, I fell to the ground and the broken remains of a bonded brotherhood smashing to pieces around my immobile body. I couldn’t feel a thing on my left side and barely able to feel tingles on my right side. I didn’t want this to be my fate. I needed to be with my brothers.
Hours passed, I was worried sick about Chris. They had said Syn was in the same hospital as me, I was relieved for that fact, one brother alive and well. But where’s Chris?? I needed to hear his soft voice, know his soft words were there. To know he was there. I needed my brother. Hannah ran through my mind constantly, she didn’t know. Would she know? Would she randomly show up here or at the house? Could she see me? I quickly covered my private area. Remembering the crash as my right hand rammed into my private area. “Owe..”
“Everything’s going to be alright.” his words rang through my mind, those were the last words he said to me as I saw the lights of the approaching Jeep illuminating his face. I wanted to cry. Why us? Suddenly, I was there again. Just hours earlier, in the crash. The car was being tossed around like a pebble. We were rolling. Flip after flip and all I could hear was that bloody damned song, ‘Too Bad’ by one of out favorite bands, ‘Nickelback’. How could this happen? How?
It was there, all at once, the blink of an eye, I was upside down, I couldn’t feel my entire left side, there was absolutely nothing there. His body was smashing it, it was him, Chris. Face all bloody, panting for breath, and I said, “Phoenix, everything’s going to be alright.” Those damned words. Why? Why would I say that? I didn’t know if it would be or not. I was giving him false hope, damn me. I circled the possibilities in my mind, he’s at a different place, getting better medical attention, Syn and I must be in pretty good shape then. That’s a relief. No worries, we’ll be out soon, get back in our cars, and drive along side one another, letting the air hit our face and burn into our skin. I needed the fresh air, and, to my surprise, I was in need of a hearty good Big Mac from the human fast food restaurant McDonalds.
My human family had gathered around me, tears and longing deep within their eyes, they cared as well, and I knew they had, I hadn’t seen them in ages, and now, under terrible circumstances. I looked at my little sister, her blue eyes spilling tears by the moment, I wanted to comfort her, but I had no means of knowing how. I pushed the crash from my memory and decided to crack jokes, making them all laugh with little delight. The neck brace around me quickly becoming an annoying attachment, I asked for it to be removed as quickly as possible. My nurse, David, said he’d try his best to do so, I hadn’t even noticed the needle in my arm on the left side, it was completely numb, no feeling whatsoever. It was the IV and there was actually two there, to my quick surprise, the heart monitor above me was singing to my heartbeat. I tried not to think of Hannah so it wouldn’t go off the rector scale.
The moments passed by and they ran my through a lot of tests, I kept slipping in and out of sleep, unaware of most of this. I was sweating like crazy, slipping in and out of an empty mind, something I never imagined. My mind, empty? It was impossible. It was relaxing and yet worrisome at the same time. I was reeling through memories and wondering about everything. As the minutes slipped into hours my family left the building and I was brought up to a room of my own. No longer in the Intensive Care Unit, but the Barbara Bush Children’s Medical Center. Room 649. There I slipped into a deep slumber and was rudely awoken by my new nurse, they changed every morning and evening, making it extremely difficult to get some sleep in that place.
As the morning passed and I attempted to walk, in a blue jonny and blue pants, I was nervous, sore and missing my brothers like crazy. Hannah’s voice was the only thing comforting me, and it was only mere memories of her. I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.
By noon my human mother had visited me and her eyes were red with crying, worrying. She was supposed to work today, looks like that wasn’t going to happen. As the noon passed by I had accumulated more visitors, Syn’s girl Sarah and his ex-girl Sara and her family. Sara has mothered his child and so I was happy to see her and the baby once again. I had missed them dearly. Even her sisters had come by as well. I needed to see familiar faces, show that familiar joy, everything was going to be alright.
I was fetched a wheelchair and finally allowed to go downstairs and see my brother, I was so excited, I needed to see him more than anything, I shoved my human mother away, this was a brother thing, I needed him, and I didn’t want her there. He was the one who helped me escape her. It was what I had been waiting for. As I entered the room, I grinned. He was smiling and happy. A moment I would never forget, his arm outstretched for mine, showing me his familiar smile and hearing that comforting voice. As I wheeled into the room I slapped my hand against mine and we did that old school handshake that would never fade, our marked word, ‘Word’ running through my memories.
His mother sat in her wheelchair across the room from me, she had lung problems and couldn’t really move much, so she was confined to a wheelchair, I didn’t like it too much either, I had finally begun to feel her pain. His aunt, who had been so rude to him the day before now standing behind his mother. (All of them human of course.) Tears in both of their eyes. We were already talking about Chris.
“We made it man.” I smiled.
“Yeah. Do you remember what happened? Chris didn’t stop.”
“I know. I remember yelling for him to stop, but he didn’t hit it fast enough.” I frowned slightly and just let the hope for Chris’s health to be as good as our rekindle within my chest.
Finally, his mother turned to us, tears welling in her eyes, she said, “Guys. We got to tell you something.” I turned to her with a small smile and upturned eyebrows, searching the heavens for hope of my brother’s health.
She looked down for a moment, searching for her breath, “Chris, he didn’t make it.”
And that was it. Four words that could crush your whole world. I couldn’t move, in the entire literal sense. I had no feeling, I had no motion, nothing but tears. I didn’t want to live. He didn’t make it?? What?! Are you fucking kidding me? NO! He was the strongest of us all, Syn just merely nodded and held it within himself, too afraid to show his emotions, I knew inside he was crying a river though, hell he’d fill up the Mississippi ten times over if he ever had the nerve to do so. I just let the tears slip from my eyes as the nurse told me my mother wanted to come in for this reason and I had refused. Now she was off to get her, to bring the woman I didn’t want to see by my side. I didn’t want to see anyone but Chris. And he was gone. All my hope, memories, amazing times, and the most I ever wanted was to just be accepted, he did it right away. There was nothing about Chris that I hated, I loved every piece of him. He was a brother from the day we met and I could sense it, but I was too afraid to feel it or accept it.
And once I had he was gone, just like that. Out of my life without another word. Just, gone. I wanted to die. It was the only thought running through my mind. To die, to end myself this very day, to no longer feel that pain of losing one of the closest people I had ever come across. All those secrets, all those memories, fell out the window of an upturned car. And there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.
My memories seeped through my mind continuously as people cried around me, sobbing into cloth and feel heartbreak. I wanted to run, to just get up and go. Leave this place and never return. I didn’t want this, I wanted out. Chris was all I had, he was my vent, my savior, everything I could have asked for in a brother. I would never see him again, never feel that hug or hear that voice. I remember the first time I stuttered in front of him, I hadn’t stuttered in years and I would only do it for Hannah, and as she ran through my mind, I began stuttering. Yeah he teased me, but he loved me. He was everything I could stand on, and he knew he could stand on me too. What was once an overload of charm and sanctuary, now seems like an empty graveyard with a few flowers to show the hole its made.
No one could erase this pain. Once I found out about his death I sank inside of myself, I could barely remember after that, not wanting to. It was the milestone in my life that showed me, maybe God’s too cruel, and he just wanted to steal my happiness, I mean, isn’t that what he had been doing all along? And now Hannah was engaged, to someone who wasn’t be. I didn’t even know the wedding date so I could object. I wanted to fall asleep and never wake up again. Never see another day, just, slip away. Could anyone ever imagine the pain I was feeling, just sweet words of ‘sorry’ and ‘get better soon’. All that worry and appreciation, it seemed pointless now. I needed to find hope, find sanctuary.
For three nights, I spent in that hospital, I dreamed of a Phoenix. I dreamed of Chris as a Phoenix. He had gotten those wings he had so badly wished for. He was that beautiful bird, to light up our skies and watch over our lives, but he would never know how badly I needed him down here. Down here in my life, to help me and let me help him. To give me a purpose than to just sit here in wallowing memories.
As the days passed and I returned home with the humans from the hospital I found it difficult to breathe. I wanted to be in a place where I could feel him. I wanted to be where I could hold him, tell him he was the perfect brother and show him the way through hard times just like he always did for me.
I let the days pass in misery, trying to forget how to wake up, or even how to breathe. Nothing good was coming of this pain inside of me, and I would not let it end, I wanted to be miserable. Finally, on the day of the funeral I dressed in black with a purple tie, his favorite color. I walked with a limp through the funeral home, feeling the now familiar crunch of my hip as I attempted to walk through the tear streaked room.
I sat behind his human family, the only real family I knew, my mother and father, and sister. The ones I truly loved as family. I needed them more than ever now and I had them, right there. I would never lose them, I repeated the words in my mind continuously as I hugged each of them, tears slipped down our faces with red eyes and broken smiles. It was a pleasure to see them, but under such terrible circumstances. If only I could have spent more time with them.
As the funeral passed by and people cried all around me I thought of memories, I thought of days I spent with him, how no one really knew him unless he wanted them to know him. I wanted to be just like him but I didn’t want to walk in his shoes, he felt more pain, he felt more sorrow, and he experienced more joys. I didn’t deserve that, I just wanted to know his wisdom, I wanted to feel his philosophy on life seep through my bones and set me on the right track. It seemed all my past mistakes were now haunting me, he gave me reality, in more ways than one, and with his help I could’ve accepted that.
Once the funeral ended and we all went our separate ways, I turned to the people I cared for the most, I leant on them, and I let them lean on me as well. I wanted to take away their pain, I wanted to show them joy and give them happiness, just like Chris had, and I would do anything to achieve that, it was the right thing to do.
Days continued to pass and I delayed going to school, I delayed going anywhere, doing anything, I stayed where I thought I was safe and broken. Nothing else to tear me to shreds, nothing else to break me apart. Finally, one night, Hannah visited me.
“They awarded you the crown, and once you are up to it, they shall knight you and you shall be king of the underground.” her head was bowed and her voice was shaky, along with her body. She was holding it all in and I desperately wanted her to show something to me, breathe life back into me.
“That’s good.” I whispered. I couldn’t ever breathe around her.
Her voice was cracking by the second, “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Yup.”
“I was worried.”
“I’m sure.”
She sighed gently and I held back a wince.
“I guess I’ll be going now.”
“When’s the wedding?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“Congratulations.”
A soft sob left her lips and she disappeared, vanishing right before my eyes like she had become so accustomed to doing. I let the tears streak down my face and across the bridge of my nose, I had been so rude to her, and I knew it. And now, I couldn’t take it back.
I tossed and turned all night, thinking of what I had done, and by morning I hadn’t had a wink of sleep. I limped around the house, thinking of what to do, I knew I didn’t want her to get married, I wouldn’t bear it to happen. So, I found my best tuxedo and showered better than I ever had in my entire life. I let the steam shift around me and the water soothe every muscle inside of me. I found, I didn’t like who I was becoming and neither did others. Chris was trying to show me that and I had finally understood. I needed to be who I was destined to be, who I had hid for so long. I needed to be me.
Once I got out of the shower, I dashed upstairs to my room and dressed quickly, letting the white cloth make my skin sparkle and the blacks reflect their beauty off of me. I was finely dressed and fit for any formal occasion with a purple bow tie instead of a regular tie. I was ready to go. I snuck out the door and to the intersection of that fateful evening. I let my body slip to the ground and sink inside of it. As I fell I found the air rushing all around me and I screamed. I wasn’t accustomed to this. As soon as I snapped my eyes open I slammed into the ground and the wind got knocked out of me.
Sighing and rubbing my back, I attempted to lift from the ground, only slipping onto my stomach. I laid for a moment and then lifted myself from the soil and gravel. Once standing, I brushed the dirt from my shirt and carried on. I turned this corner and that, just trying to find my way around this dark and grimy underground. It was very different from I imagined, much, nicer. I thought it would honestly be creepier, I guess I was wrong.
Finally I stumbled into a hobo and asked him about the wedding, he laughed at me and showed me a toothless grin, wreaking of alcohol and cigarettes; he pointed me to a sign that read:
Floor 1: Newborns
Floor 2: Childhood
Floor 3: Teenage
Floor 4: Adulthood
Floor 5: Marriage
Floor 6: Children
Floor 7: Death
I looked around, where the hell were the stairs?! I looked around blindly and the old man laughed with his toothless grin, slapping his knee with a hee-haw kind of face, eyes squinted and cheeks rosy. I growled and slammed the wall, a red light beamed and a door opened up to an elevator. He merely laughed more.
With one raised eyebrow I looked inside and shrugged, this must be it. I walked in and saw the floor numbers again, I needed to get to floor 5. I slammed the button and let the elevator slowly shut, sliding down and then up again at a speed I would’ve only knew was possible in my dreams, my feet nearly lifted from the ground. Once stopped I grabbed the railing and found gravity again, my ears popping at the change of altitude, I guessed I was on floor 7.
Once the doors squeaked open, married couples walked around merrily with one another, talking, gossiping, being themselves, I ran out and looked around. Where do I go from here? “Excuse me!” I called out to a man sitting on a bench, reading the newspaper.
He looked up with a small smile and nodded, “Yes sir-” but his words were cut off and his mouth hung open, eyes wide and brow upturned. “Sire! Excuse me, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to address you so informally, my apologies.” He began to get to his knees but I quickly shook my head.
“Don’t worry about it, I just need to get to a wedding. Hannah. God, I wish I knew her last name, all I know is her name is Hannah, and I can’t let her get married. I’m in love with her.”
My words were fast and worried. I needed to find this wedding and stop it before it even began. The man turned his head for a moment, then laughed gently, “Ah yes. Hannah Avery. She’s down to the left, Grand Hall.” He smiled and pointed, bowing his head. I shook my head and waved, running as fast as I could down the cement road, “Excuse me! Excuse me!” I shouted the words as I passed people by, seeing the giant sign, ‘Grand Hall.’
I spun around the corner, feeling my leg nearly fall off from the pain it was enduring, I couldn’t feel a thing in either one now. I had just barely gotten any feeling back. As I rounded that corner I could hear the priest distantly start the ceremony. My tears were welling up in my eyes, then I saw the names, “Welcome To The Commencement Of Marriage Between Hannah Avery and Travis Mathews.” This was it.
I burst through the doors, covered in sweat and growling. The priest had just finished with, “If anyone should object, may they speak now or forever hold their peace.”
I shouted at the top of my lungs, “I object!!” It ran through the walls and bounced from the ceiling, making the glass windows shake and tremble from the vibrations. My heart raced within my chest as I stared at her. She was so beautiful, her hair was slightly wavy upon her shoulders and the dress fit her perfectly, showing slight curves on her stomach, but making her look completely flat besides her chest; which was pushed up slightly, but covered mostly. She could only stare back at me, a small smile playing at her lips as tears streamed down her face.
My footsteps were shaky and my breath was a loud wheeze, but I continued to walk forward, my eyes on hers. Gently, I placed my hand on hers, grabbing her wrist and pulling her to me. As she entered my embrace her arms immediately found their way around my neck and mine around her waist. Then, once more, our lips met, fire burning within us more and more. I found it hard to leave her side at all. My heart beat furiously within my chest as she kissed me deeply, letting her tongue slip eagerly against my own. I kissed her back just as deeply. Then reluctantly we broke the kiss and I leaned my forehead against hers, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Smiling, we held each other close.
And then, I woke up.
The End.

Endlessly

Without a single breath I felt my body sink to a new low and knew from that moment on it was the beginning of something new. Something I had never felt before. A craving had begun to burn inside of my skin, somewhere unknown to even my own self. It had sunk deep inside of me, and burnt away my feeling, my personality, and even my sanity. As I questioned my life a sudden brush of cold washed over me and the soft motion of a smile slipped across my lips. This was it.
As the piercing strain had finally lifted from my flesh and the liquid oozed silently along the small lines of silvery skin, soon it would be final. It would begin and questions shifted throughout my mind, endlessly.

Chapter 1
Courage

I smiled warmly to the man with his legs crossed impatiently and his fists bawled tightly. There was something about him that made me want to hurl and not let a single tear slide to my cheek for it. A burning inside of my lonesome heart that provided the flame for this hunger to slit the man’s throat but I kept the fake smile with pride and nodded. “The doctor will see you in a moment.”
The impatience in his eyes only grew deadlier as he glared at me. The hazel twists inside the solemn green haunted me for a long moment. With a deep sigh his legs uncrossed and his hand snatched a ‘Seventeen’ magazine not far from his stubby little arms. The short and plump man ran his fingers lightly through his ruffled black hair. Brushing off the anger without another glance at the window I stood behind. I sat back down and let my face slump.
The uncomfortable maroon; coffee splattered, computer chair squeaked noisily as I twisted back to my computer. My silver eyes staring straight at me once again. The same old silver eyes that no matter what moment I looked away they’d always haunt me. I felt so cold to the touch and still no one cared. I never had a fever in my life nor have I had to take a breath. I could hold it for hours. Even my own doctor refused to think there was something wrong with me but I knew there was. Right from birth. My whole childhood, which I could not remember for some strange reason.
With a loud snap the door flung open and the doctor immerged with an angry scowl upon his face and eyes. “Fiscun! Stand! You’re fired!” I was startled heavily by his words and a look of pure sorrow slipped through my eyes. “What?!” it was all I could manage.
“You’re fired!” he shouted, this time his tone was not so strong and his fingers shook violently. I had been ace at this job since I had started it. With anger clear in my eyes I stared at the silver haired man. His burning black eyes beat me down to a mere sigh and I stood without question. My arms fell limp at my sides and another hunger grew inside of me. I needed to eat something. Oddly everything I ate that wasn’t from my house was revolting. I could not stand it and most formally refused to touch it.
“Goodbye Doctor Strat.” I said with a slight bow of my head, letting my shaggy hair fall back into my silver eyes and then stood straight once more. My brow only furrowed slightly as the image of a cow being chopped up into hamburger clouded most of my vision. I rushed from the office, bag in hand and jacket slung around one shoulder. I tried my best not to burst into laughter as I reached my motorcycle.
My Harley Davidson was all I really held proud to my name besides my Darkstar skateboard. As the shock of thunder boomed overhead a sigh escaped my lips and I let my leg slip over the bike, kick starting it like always. I slung my bag on my back and tightened the front straps so it stayed securely atop me. I revved the engine lightly, smiling. I put my helmet on and slammed the eye guard down with a chuckle. I strapped on my leather gloves and pushed up the kickstand.
With a loud screech the tires screaming against the pavement and I was off into the darkness. The parking lot was pretty empty and I was going to have an easy commute home. I drove to the exit of the parking lot without stopping; I drifted into the traffic and zoomed down the close to empty streets. The ride was short and boring. No radio. My iPod was dead so I had absolutely nothing but the wind to listen to. Things were plainly boring as the hunger ate at my insides, clawing at my empty stomach.
The dark alleys were grimy and gloomy, offering nothing of interest or entertainment, yet they called to me. Beckoning me in the strangest way. It was almost as if I needed to go down them. An urge that so quickly overcame my body and ran up my spine. Deeper than the hunger. It took full concentration and force to make me continue down the street and not slow to a stop.
Once I made it back to my house I parked the bike in the driveway and shut it off. I walked it slowly into the garage and locked it up, shutting off the lights and walking inside. “I’m home.“ I said dully. Not bothering to shout it throughout the house. Home. The word meant to be safe, comfortable, calm. Somehow I just never felt that way when I entered this house. When I entered this building it felt as piercing cold as my skin and as empty as those alleys.
No sound came back to me, so I glided silently to the fridge and grabbed a juice box, one my mother would fill for me. The only ones I could have. I didn’t know why I needed special food or drinks, I just did. I never questioned it or wondered why I was so special compared to so many others, I merely carried on like I was any other normal human being. This year had been different though. The hunger had grown stronger and I had become colder. I never slept and my eyes were becoming a golden black.
As I shut the fridge door my mother walked down the steps just around the corner, she was silent but yet my ears picked up every little wrinkle of a piece of fabric. “Hello mother.” I whispered into the darkness, reaching out and flicked the lights on so I could see her face. She was beautiful in every way. Her body glided just as silently as my own across the stone marble floor towards me. “Hello dear.” she replied with a brilliant smile.
I flashed my own smile to her and bowed my head, “Lovely evening isn’t it.” I was thinking about the alley again, it was beginning to haunt me. They circled my memories with a dark laugh clouding the good thoughts.
“They’re only alleys hunny. They will not harm you.” My mother assured me, she had this way of reading my mind like I was an open book. Sometimes I would get so frustrated with the fact that I could never keep my thoughts secret that I embarrassed her for a full week with only thinking about sex. Her face would flush and she’d slap my arm, saying ‘Stop thinking about that. You’re only 13.’
My mother and I have had our fair share of good memories and terrible ones, but in the end she was always my mother, the woman who’s golden eyes and perfect brown curls always captured me. Her lips were fine pointed and her eyebrows smoothly curved to the exact point. Not a single line on her was out of place. Perfection. The only word that would ever come to mind when I gazed upon her beauty. I always praised the fact that I had my mother’s eyes and lips. At least a little perfection was fit into me.
No silence in his steps nor softness in his touch my father trudged into the room. He did not have grace or perfection, mostly hair and stench. He always smelled of dog, and looked like one too. His skin was piercing hot and his voice was just as rough as his hands. Most of his body was covered in hair and his movements were lopsided. He always seemed awkward and out of place, but fine tuned to a point where he belonged.
The light glistened off my skin as well as my mothers, but only burned into my father’s hairy arms. His face was delicate and curved well, and his smile took your mind and eyes off of everything else. Not all the qualities about him were negative. My mother was madly in love with him though, and always would be. I could tell by the look in her eyes whenever he entered the room, or the hitch in her breath whenever he wrapped his arms around her. I was glad they still loved each other. It was meant to be.
“Oh, hello Am.” he smiled at my mother. Ambrosine Kali Walker-Noble. My mother’s full name, now. After marrying my father she added the ‘Noble’ part, but in tradition, kept her maiden name. She also gave me that name, Fiscun Peter Walker-Noble. I was now apart of two different families. My father having his same old name, Noah Jace Noble. He yawned lightly and placed his hand over my mother’s, and I watched as for once in her life a bit of color entered her cheeks and her eyes dropped to the floor.
Rolling my eyes I walked from the kitchen into the living room, the fire place ablaze with hungry flames. I could feel the gnawing in my stomach grow and I clutched it angrily. I really needed to feed this damn hunger. “Ma. I need food.” I called out a bit weakly. It was driving me near to insanity. I heard faint noises of giggling from my mother and knew it would be a while since I got anything to eat so I climbed the carpeted stairs to my bedroom.
I opened the door and shut it silently behind me. First door on the left. I was glad my parent’s room was on the other side of the house and on the first floor. That way I didn’t have to hear them trying to make my baby brothers or sisters. Black surrounded me and I stared into it as if it was the rest of my life in a nutshell. Black, darkness, gone, depression. All the things I had encountered a thousand times over and now once again.
Without needing light I slipped back onto my bed so I was staring at what should have been my ceiling. My fingers gripped into the bed tight as the hunger began chewing my insides and tightening the muscles in knots. I held my breath as I felt the blood burn; coursing through my veins. A grumbling softly rumbled from the depths of my chest and my neck cracked without the slightest movement. My entire body began shaking violently. Growling lowly I jumped from my bed and howled lightly into the darkness. Scaring even myself I ripped the door open, the hinges cracking and falling out of place, taking the whole door off of the wall. My hands were no longer human, nor hands, they had become paws. Thick burly hairs replaced most of my skin and a sudden warmth overtook my body.
I whimpered slightly, unable to speak, I almost fell to the ground. My paws clutched at the walls as if I was clinging hopelessly for dear life. My eyes burnt and I could feel my body shiver and stretch. My nails were growing by the second and to a fine tuned point. Digging deep into the wood and the depths of the paneling I pulled my body to its feet only to see I had grown a foot in a matter of minutes. My eyes stung with an unknown fire and I closed them immediately, my paws springing from the walls depths without a problem and slamming my eyes. Fresh tears falling from their lids.
Once my paws fell away from my face sharpened teeth, a prolonged snout, and narrowed eyes replaced its surface. I brought my head up and howled loudly, a growling growing deep inside my chest. My pulse was racing beyond compare as the hunger ravaged inside of me. I charged forward hungrily, smashing into the wall and falling on all fours then springing down the stairs, my tongue almost falling out of my mouth. Something was hitting the back of my legs so I glanced back at my body.
I was like my father, covered in hair completely and shaped like a beast. My eyes grew wide and I skidded to a halt. I wasn’t a beast, I was a wolf. A full grown out wolf. Several feet long and covered in thick black-white hair. I stopped that thought in my brain and went to say aloud, “Fur?” but only came out as a light bark. “Shit!!” more barking. I could hear distant thoughts trying to enter my own and I grew frightened, bolting for the door. I skidded across the kitchen, my paws clicking against the marble. More barking. I hadn’t tried to speak.
Before I could leave I turned my head to see another wolf. Larger than me and quite angry. Covered in a very dark brown fur and fangs bared followed by a low growling. My eyes were still wide and I whimpered slightly, I nudged my head at the door nervously and quickly, I needed to get out of here. Wake up from this dream. I was only dreaming, I had to be. Once the door opened a crack the other wolf lunged at me and I whimpered loudly, scrambling to my left around the kitchen table. The wolf hit the door and fell to the ground, but quickly regained footing and began the chase.
I skidded around the table and struggled forward through the living room, trying not to get my tail caught in the fireplace since it was still set ablaze with flame. I dashed around the couch while the other wolf merely jumped over it. I just made it by him in time to bolt again for the kitchen, the door open more from the other wolf smashing into it. He wasn’t too good on his footing either. Oddly this all felt all too familiar to me. The whimpering, the wolf, everything. Once I made it to the door and I smashed it with my front paws and bounded out the door into the city. The other wolf stopped at the door and whimpered slightly then howled into the night, long and growling. I was in for a night full of trouble..
The Depths Of The City

I bolted as far from what I had known as ‘home’ as fast as I possibly could. There was something wrong with that wolf. He looked menacing yet.. Caring? I couldn’t tell quite yet. The memory was fading as I slipped down an alley, searching for breath. It was the city, I would only have to deal with dogs, no wolves like that. Or so I thought. Just at that moment I had been proven dead wrong. Along with the wolf from the house three others were approaching me from the other end of the alley.
Cautiously I backed to the other end of the alley, hoping it wouldn’t be a dead end, it seemed to go for miles. I turned and bounded as fast as I could down the alley, hoping to get to the end and see a bright and shiny road, much to my surprise it was neither a dead end or a street, it turned. It went to the left and the right I bounded right, and quickly turned around, slipping past the wolves just at the right moment, they were chasing me alright.
I was new to all of this so I had no idea how to use my newly acquired limbs. I stretched them forward, whimpering once more as I heard the growling of the other wolves approaching. I had to escape, I thought, it seemed like I was dinner, and I hadn’t planned on that. With a quick movement I dashed into an open apartment door. My legs were moving much faster than I had thought possible. Legs, covered in nice gray matted fur. My eyes whirled at the sights I passed. People were now screaming, “Wolf!” It seemed to be some kind of night club.
My heart raced inside of me as my thoughts whirled to the wolves I though that were still bounding behind me. The loud music and shouting voices aggravated my mind and I howled a deep and loud howl. Somewhat more of a growl, but I hooked the note at the end to make it a howl. Most of the noise stopped and the people along with it, so I bolted for another door. I came out the other end of the building to an open avenue street. Police sirens wailing in the air.
I had right about now wished I could cry but no tears streaming from my eyes. My legs carried me to the nearest park, the night’s fog covered me quite well and a small whimper slipped from between my jaws as I thought of my parents and what that wolf might have done to them. I laid down by a bench and put my head between my legs. I had no idea what I was going to do. I looked up at the moon, it shone so bright in this dark hour of loneliness. I was going to lose everything and everyone I had cared so dear for over the years. I sat up and howled deep and low to the moon, it carried upon the air and into the night.
Once more I laid down and this time I closed my eyes, hoping I would just awake and find this to be a horrifyingly realistic dream. A hope I was wishing for so badly as sleep tingled across my aching muscles. My mind finally started to go to ease as I heard soft footsteps approach me. I was too scared and tired to do anything about them so I let them come closer to do to me what they will.
The very last thing I could remember of this horrific night was a soft and gentle voice creep across my ears with a “Goodnight young one.” The only odd part was, it sounded more like it was drifting across my mind, not my ears.

The Next Morning..

Light shimmered through the dusty windows of what looked like an old shed. My arms lifted above my head and I stretched in the sunlight. The familiar cold surrounded my body and my skin had returned to its silvery manner. The fur had disappeared and the strain along with it. My eyes scanned the room for food, I was starving, still. Finally, my fears hit me. Last night had to be true. I wasn’t at home, safe within my room. I was, god knows where, with, god knows who, for god knows what reasons. Quickly a sigh slipped between my lips and my head dropped to stare down at my naked body. My eyes grew wide and I dashed for a blanket, wrapping it tight around my waist like a skirt. Suddenly, the wooden door swung open and a girl stood in the bright sun’s rays.
My eyes strained slightly to see her. Long brown hair hung a few inches below her shoulders and curled at the tips. Piercing green eyes shone brightly within their hazel depths. Slim figure and dressed in a long silky skirt with a nice shirt my own makeshift skirt nearly fell from between my fingers. I clung to it as I asked, “Where am I? Who are you?” Across the wind my voice flew and into her ears. A smile formed upon her lips and she walked into the shed.
“Good morning.” He voice was pleasant and delicate. I could tell she was shy because she couldn’t look at me, her eyes averted mine and her face grew red just by my presence. Gently, her fingers placed on my free arm, “Follow me, please.” With a slight curtsy she turned and giggled as she walked from the shed. I followed without question, she seemed to be harmless.
Shining brightly in the morning’s hours the sun burned into the ground and sent me shivering. The warmth from last night hadn’t lasted but for some reason I was craving it. I didn’t want to be cold and I couldn’t exactly wrap my entire body in the blanket I had used. Her footsteps were gentle and carefully chosen across the stone path. The shed was right outside of a small little cottage with a homely fireplace. It seemed so familiar. The trees concealed it well and the sun made it visible. As we came to the door she turned and looked at me, tears streamed down her face.
Confusion filled my eyes and my brow pulled together gently. ‘What is it?” My words were the only thing breaking this silence and so the door behind her opened, showing my father. His eyes widened slightly and he pulled the girl inside, slamming the door in my face. Now confusion slipped from my eyes and anger replaced it. My fists bawled tightly and without another thought slammed on the door. Cracking it and shaking the house. “I’ll kill you if you hurt my mother!”
Suddenly, once again the door opened, just before my fist could slam it again. My father winced slightly and pulled me in. “I’m not cheating on your mother Fiscun.” he growled gently and pointed at the couch where my mother was laying down. Her eyes shut gently and a blanket covering her body. “Then who was that?” I asked, confusion finding me once more. This was getting ridiculous.
“That’s your sister.” he sighed gently and my eyes widened at his words. I couldn’t speak as the girl entered the room once more and waved at me, the tears gone now. The slender fingers gently moving in the air. I couldn’t feel anything and my mind only drew blanks. “What?”
First I lose my job, then I turn into a wolf, and finally I find myself asleep in a shed by a cottage deep in the woods, my father and mother there and some girl who I’m introduced to that is supposedly my sister. Finally, my legs break from underneath me and I just fell to the floor. My weight making me an anchor enabling me from moving whatsoever. Questions wouldn’t leave my ears and I shook my head, once more in confusion. “What?!” I nearly shouted, finally climbing to my feet, the blanket almost falling.
As my full height brought me back to life I realized how much taller than my father I was. I had never felt so tall in my life than at that point. No longer was I scrawny or different. I seemed tall and in control of things, scaring even myself. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m an only child!”
With a slight wince my father shook his head, “She’s not blood related, she’s your sister in a different way. Fiscun, you’ve ascended, and are now full blooded mix. I don’t know how you got wolf, you were only supposed to be vampire.” The words raced across me and I fought back tears. I had so many questions, but none would come from my lips. This couldn’t be happening. Jaw tightened and fists bawled, I walked to my mother, looking her straight in the eyes. “Mother. We need to take Noah to a hospital. He’s gone insane.”
Then, just like that all my nightmares came true. She shook her head with a gentle laugh. “He’s telling the truth Fiscun.”
My eyes widened in fury, confusion, and pain. How could this be happening? Did he brain wash her? Did he convince her of this with sex? How the hell was this happening. Then, if things couldn’t get worse two men walked into the house, laughing. One was quite tall and burly with long slick black hair. His eyes glanced at me for only a moment, and he returned to talking to the other man. Finally, his words ended and he stared at me. Failing to speak or move, he just stared. The other followed his example. They were twins. I could tell by the facial expressions and eyes, other than that, their heights were different and hair styles as well.
One, dressed in a pinstriped tee shirt and the other who had first stopped talking was dressed in a football jersey. The jeans varied in color and size, but not much different from the other. My brow was pulled together, mimicking their expressions in a way. Finally, one laughed and rant to me, tackling me to the ground with strong muscles and frozen skin. “Hey little brother!” the words were shouted into my ear and only confusing me more. What the hell?
“Um… little brother?” I asked, stiff in the hug as my body was slammed to the ground. Finally the man lifted us both up and he brushed me off with a chuckle. “Oh shit. You don’t know? I thought Noah had told you?” he looked back at Noah and my father just nodded in approval.
Once again he laughed and shook his head, “Oh, alright. You’re just in the denial stage. Don’t fret about it too much dude. It’s real.” Lightly brushing off his jersey his pony tail black hair was thrown back to sling at his back. His eyes were a deep navy blue, matching that or his brother’s. My eyes were wide and my brow still pulled tight. Confusion clouded me and I nearly laughed in insanity, so damn confused with all this.
“Sorry for my brother’s manners.” The other man came and stood next to him, “I’m Jeremy, and this is my brother Gregory.” Be fore he could start another sentence the man that had tackled me but in, “I’m Greg.” a grin slipped across his lips as he cracked his knuckles. Jeremy, the shorter one had his hair short in the back but his bangs long and in his face. I just noticed now as my eyes scanned over them that Jeremy’s jeans were tighter than Greg’s. Finally he spoke again and my eyes slipped back to look at his. “Anyways, we’re your brothers. Welcome to the family. Greg here is a vampire and I’m a werewolf. We’re oddballs too. Our mother was a werewolf and our father a mortal. When she had me first, I came out boiling hot and sweating but Greg came out cold. She never expected to have Greg, but loved and cared for him nonetheless. Out father abandoned her and long story short, Greg here got bitten before ascending and turned into full vampire.”
My eyes were twitching. Literally twitching as he finished the story, his voice was soft and gentle in the silent room and my mind reeled with questions at the words it had just presented to me. I glanced over at the girl who giggled once more and smiled at me. “I’m Sydney.” Her fingers waved once again, and my wide eyes just returned to staring at the two men. One smelled of dog and the other of death.

Phobia

Prologue
Direction: West. The wind was moving towards me in swift motions, signaling a storm. The clouds met in a gray frenzy as large beats of thunder smacked together in the air and my pulse quickened for a moment. I could smell them. They were seeking my body, hoping for my soul. They weren’t going to get it. Tingling and frozen fingers gripped the hilt of my sword. The silky fabric tangled around the handle and blew gently in the wind. A scent slipped under my nose and I was then glad the storm sent the wind in my favor. Within a few moments my body was in the air and perched upon a branch, eyes slanted, searching the horizon for swift movements. My hands gripped the branch for balance. The night had been long and my body could only endure so much, I was aching for sleep.
My mind was reeling as their scents continued to pass under my nostrils but they were nowhere in sight. I stifled my growl and slipped silently to the ground, my drop unnoticed among the howling winds. I would not be defeated, not again. Then, the clouds parted and the soft moon light shown upon the ground, all wind stopped and the storm’s speed slowed greatly, a man upon a large, cliff like rock, held his hands to the sky. “Shit.” Distant howling grew to growling and thrashing. I had controlled my beast. Damn it! He had sent newborns. “Fool.” Thrusting forward, my eyes didn’t leave the man, his tired eyes searching the forest for my being. The thrashing turned to thunderous slams of trees against the ground, and I struggled to train my body not to slack. Without the wind it was easier to move but harder to stay hidden. Then, from behind me a tree split in half and I bolted forward, not taking my eyes off of the man still. He was watching from the hidden depths of fear. Waiting for me. My screams. I wouldn’t hand him the satisfaction. Finally I was below the rock, I pounced. On top of the rock I viewed the man closely. Tattered clothing, rock and slacks, he seemed to be some sort of retired mage. The rings under his eyes signaled long nights, and the wrinkles upon his face showed old age. My fists bawled as I struggled with myself once more. “What do you want?” I growled. Tingling skin made shivers creep across me.
Light nails scratching across a chalk board, the man spoke, “You.”
I stifled laughter and replied with a smirk, “Sorry pal, I’m just not into that kind of stuff. But if you’d like, I’m sure there’s a hobo looking for a good time and is probably too drunk to notice how wrinkly you are.” My arms crossed in defiance as the thrashing trees behind me came to a halt and giant footsteps neared me. I had seemed to have struck a nerve in him because his fists were bawled and his head slanted to make his favor seem menacing, but he was continuously failing.
“You’ll pay for that one.” he whispered his response upon the wind.
Rolling my eyes I circled him. “If I wanted comeback,” I jumped at him, slamming his face with an open palm, breaking his nose and bringing his frail body to its knees. While he struggled to stop it from bleeding I took his head in my hands and swiftly cracked his neck, leaving his limp body to fully sink to the ground, finishing with, “I would’ve just wiped your mouth.”
My footsteps lagged as the wind swayed softly, welcoming the storm once more, but still, just as slowly as it did before. Confusion seeping into my pores and chills crumbled my spine as I heard growling from behind me. Finally my eyes widened in horror and I spun around to see a corpse standing, head tilting off of its shoulder and twitching madly. The eyes pinned on me and the stomach churning voice echoed, “Come and wipe it.”

Prelude To Another One Of Your Mistakes

The blood had stained the bricks and now the strain was on. With weak muscles and weary eyes I lifted a broken and shattered body from the dirt; my own. Tears had stained my face and I was no longer falling for the rockiest bottom had met my flesh and I was now trying to get back up. Weights falling down upon me with every second. My knees started to buckle as another liquid from my eyes slipped and a whisper emitted from my lips, “No. Please.”
As the rocks fell upon my skin and bruised my already black muscles I screamed out in agony. This hell had been my home for so long and I longed for it to change to something bearable and still I was stuck here. Without life, without hope, and without love. My heart; shattered, frozen, and now, gone. I let the rocks crash upon my skin and slipped once more to the ground; words of discrimination slipping in my ears and swishing upon my memories.
“Fag.”, “Gay.”, “Queer.”, “Freak.”. They all slammed into my mind over and over again. My jaw was cracked to the side and I tried to tighten my muscles to no avail. More liquids, so warm and gentle, slipping down mud covered cheeks. Lines of exhaust weakened my expression from a deep anger to a soft melancholy. Letting elbows crack and knees buckle my body crashes once more to the red dirt and black mud.
I cannot move as my lids slip and shut me out into an unforgiving blackness. A blackness so deep I could not remember a thing. It all just fainted away from the depths of my mind. A soft poem may be the only thing in there that recites:

Another One Of Your Mistakes

With darkened eyes I watch as the sun creeps upon my window sill.
Bathing snow covered surroundings in golden rays of light.
Savoring each ray upon its dew covered top; the leaves lightly shake beneath the cold blankets upon them.
Soft and shallow breaths may brush across a pillow’s top.
Escaping into a stuffy warm room, the breath is caught in the balance.
It can not reach a plant that needs to breathe.

A single sigh may not speak; yet it screams so loud.
Deafening this silence with its unexpected presence.
No sniffles or unwanted coughing, just silence in this weight upon strained shoulders.
Drooping eyes; with chocolate swirls inside them, blink involuntarily.
Soft skin; so gentle to the touch, twitches without question.

In a single moment the warmth of this minute is cut short with cold.
No snow may fall nor rain may pour.
The sun may shine but we don’t feel warm.
Sleet shall stay inside the clouds, and fog is nowhere to be found.
Just silence.

Slick liquids drip.
And silence smiles as it is finally broken.
The body found.
Cold on the ground.