Sanctuary's Fiend

by Andrew Lynch

  I knocked back the milk in one go. “I really don’t know. But I did agree to do it.”

  “Well that’s great, honey! Just take out all of the weird ‘u’s they put into their words, and stop him from calling football ‘rugby’ and you’re set!”

  “‘I guess, yeah. We’ll see when I first do it.”

  My mom turned sharply to my dad, who had recovered from his coughing fit, and glared at him. Sure enough, he looked like he was about to make a stupid dad joke. I don’t know what about. He was weird though.

  “Are you coming to the meeting tonight? Or is Ariel coming over?” my mom asked, turning back to me.

  “I dunno…” They always asked if I wanted to come. None of the other sixteen year olds ever went. They acted like there was no pressure on me, but they’d already explained why they always asked. Every other species of supernatural was represented at the meetings. But not vampires. Because I was the only one in Sanctuary.

  “It’s up to you, sweetie. No pressure. Maybe next week.” It was all said with a smile. Right, no pressure.

  “Yeah, maybe next week. I think I’ll just go out with Ariel.”

  Her face turned into a slight frown. “Oh. Where are you going?”

  “Just around.”

  “Well, stay in supernatural neighborhoods.”

  “Jeez mom. I go to school with humans. They aren’t that dangerous. They don’t know we exist.”

  “That’s right, and let’s keep it that way. You know what they could do to us.” The same story, every time. Did she think I’d forgotten since last week?

  “Most of them are my friends, mom.” Well, only two of them were really my friends, but she didn’t need to know that. Just because the rest never talked to me didn’t mean they were dangerous.

  “I know, darling, but if rumors start spreading, then a hunter might come to Sanctuary. And we don’t want that, do we?”

  Every warning they ever gave came down to ‘a hunter will come and get you’. Hunters were just normal humans. I really didn’t see how they could compare to the abilities and super strength an entire community of supernaturals could bring to the fight.

  “No, mom. Hunters would be bad, mom.”

  My mom turned to my dad. “Tell her, Tom.”

  “Your mother’s right,” Dad said.

  “Oh is she?” I asked, seeing he was doing what he usually did. “What’s she right about, dad?”

  My dad looked up from his phone. “Everything.”

  He certainly knew how to cover his bases.

  “Great job, Tom. Way to be an active parent,” my mom scolded.

  His jaw tightened. “I’m sorry Freya, but I’m busy arranging the meeting tonight. I’m not superman.”

  “I’m trying to teach her valuable life lessons, and you’re sending texts?”

  “Pictures too!”

  “How long until the meeting?”

  “Two hours.”

  “That’s just enough time to…”

  He caught her meaning and grinned. “My thoughts exactly.”

  “Wait,” my mom said. “Did you just use your powers on me, Tom?!”

  “Busted,” I said, sliding out of my chair. I knew exactly where this was going.

  My dad stuttered and spluttered, having no excuse for using his incubus powers to try and get out of an argument.

  “Get upstairs,” my mom told him.

  “Yes, ma’am.” My dad snapped a salute and marched upstairs. Still texting.

  “Oh God. You guys. Ick.” Just because they were open about sexuality with me did not mean I wanted to know they actually did stuff. As far as I was concerned they were both virgins. Virgin sex demons, yes. Ick, ick, icky. “I’m off to meet Ariel.”

  Chapter 4

  Reliquiae

  “So what do you want to do?”

  The usual?

  “Yeah. My mom gave me another lecture. Yours?”

  Same as every week. Yeah.

  We walked down the street, heading out of the supernatural neighborhood. The sun was beginning to set, but it was still warm enough for shorts.

  Every week on a Thursday evening, all the parents would get together in their big meeting and talk about stuff. I’d been once, and it bored me rigid. They had spent the whole night deciding whether or not old man McGaffy, who’d just moved into the big house on the corner opposite, was a human or one of us. They said he was so weird and old, he had to be supernatural. They wanted to send an official welcoming delegation to his house. Long story short, after a lot of embarrassment, he was human. Then they moved on to zoning laws. Also, it turns out that we’re not allowed statue gargoyles on our houses. Too much of a giveaway. The actual gargoyles were not happy. I left after that because I had more important things to do, like sleeping.

  While the parents were wasting time talking about that fun stuff, we kids had started our own meetings. All the kids got together and talked. Talked about things that really mattered! We were discovering ourselves. Our parents wanted us to integrate with humans. Deny our true natures. So we started a club to find out just what those true natures were. I’m a vampire, and all I know about my kind is that, unlike the movies, sunlight doesn’t kill me, and I can see in the dark. No fangs, no flight, no turning into mist, no super strength, I love garlic, and I don’t combust when I step in a church. I hadn’t been brave enough to stick wood through my heart - I figure that would kill most things, so wouldn’t prove much. Oh, and I was alive. My heart beat, I had blood, I was completely alive. I could hold my breath for a really long time though. That was useful on the swim team.

  And again, actually going along to this club was all Ariel’s idea. I definitely wouldn’t go on my own.

  She was always so keen to go. She and the other sirens huddled into a soundproof room and talked to each other. Aloud. In theory, with enough practice, one day Ariel would be able to talk to normal humans without causing them to spasm in ecstasy. Well, good for her.

  You’re looking forward to this, right?

  “Duhh. Sure. It’s great practice!”

  Unfortunately, this left me on my own. I’d have to talk to all the hormone enraged boys who were finding out just how strong and fast they were. Ugh. They got themselves all excited and then started showing off. It was so repulsive. Rick was far more refined.

  I bit my lip at the thought of him. I hoped I could see him again soon. Maybe he’d want some Friday night tutoring.

  We reached the road that separated our neighborhood from the humans. It was a normal street, just like any other. Green trees lined the road, accompanied by big green lawns and small hedges. The houses looked identical on both sides of the street. But on one side, only humans, and the other, only us.

  Until a month ago.

  Now there was one house filled with humans on our side. Rick and his dad, Mr. Anderton.

  No one knew how that had slipped through the cracks. It shouldn’t have been able to happen. Apparently, we had supernaturals in jobs working specifically to stop exactly that from happening.

  Oh well! The adults were always worrying about these silly things. If they paid more attention to us, then we wouldn’t have to have our own special club.

  I mean, just give me a book, let me read about it. That’s all I wanted. Not hanging around these testosterone fueled numbskulls.

  Speaking of testosterone fueled numbskulls, I heard footsteps behind me.

  “Hey ladies!” Johnny shouted, forcing his way between us. He rested his arms around both our shoulders, and as one, me and Ariel threw his arms off.

  “Hi Johnny,” I said, rolling my eyes and stroking my hair back into place.

  “You excited for tonight?” Johnny asked.

  I wanted to tell the truth - that I wasn’t at all. It would maybe calm his enthusiasm down and get him away from me, but I didn’t want to hurt Ariel’s feelings. ‘Yeah. Going to get lots done today. You?’

  “You know it! Me and the rest of the Elves are going to find out
just how strong our glamor is.”

  Elves. Arrogant. Tall, beautiful, and sexy, yes, but arrogant.

  “Didn’t you do that last week?”

  “Yeah, sure. But the others need to keep practising.”

  “The others, but not you, right?” He was so easy to see through.

  “Of course not! I nailed it last week.”

  Me and Ariel looked at each other knowingly.

  “See you there, slowpokes!” Johnny ran ahead. Well, he didn’t so much run, as just suddenly walk twice as fast as us. Elves. So annoying. I tried my best not to stare at him as he walked ahead. Elves had a thing for skin-tight clothing.

  What are you going to do while I’m off talking?

  “Umm, I guess I’ll see what the Succubi are up to. Always good to know exactly what powers my parents have I guess.”

  That’s a good idea, yeah. Going to try anything yourself, or just watch?

  “You do know what they get up to, right?”

  She nodded.

  “They go in, all looking normal, and then they start using their powers. Whatever it is they’re doing, I definitely can’t do.”

  Have you tried?

  “I wouldn’t even know how! They go from looking normal, to turning into the most beautiful, sexy things I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s ridiculous. Hey, maybe if I had that power, and really ramped up my sex appeal, I’d end up looking like they do before they even start. Normal.”

  She squeezed my hand. Texting expertly, without even needing to look at what she wrote with the other hand. Hey. Is this about Rick still?

  “Not really.”

  Well what’s up?

  “Come on. I’m surrounded by people who are all ‘exploring’ themselves and their powers, and are getting stronger. And I’m here, just being… me. On my own.”

  We were nearing the end of the street. A hole in a wooden fence marked the start of a forest.

  Ariel turned, looking worried, and I realized I’d said too much. Stupid, stupid. She needed this. This gave her a freedom even I couldn’t give her as her best friend.

  I interrupted her texting. “You go. Have fun. I’ll be finding out what my parents can do.”

  Her phone started buzzing with continual texts. The other sirens were wondering where she was. I pushed her ahead so she could go meet them in the makeshift den in the middle of the woods that we’d claimed as our clubhouse. I think it was an abandoned bunker or something.

  She looked back for a moment, but she knew me well enough to know I wasn’t going to talk about it anymore. She waved, and pushed open the bunker door.

  I debated turning around. I could just go back to my empty house. I needed to study more. Maybe I could catch up with Peter and Bhav, see how they were getting on. I knew they were having a hard time. I was sure they could use the support.

  I wrapped a strand of my hair around my hand and tugged gently. Nope. I was here now. And who knew, maybe tonight would be the night something actually happened. Most of the supernaturals didn’t start showing any powers until around my age, so… any day now.

  I trudged down the steps after Ariel.

  On my own.

  Chapter 5

  Reliquiae

  The next night I stood in front of Rick’s house. The only human house in this neighborhood. My parents loved it for that reason alone. For the last month, they’d had no need to go to the human side of town for that little extra buzz.

  Well, saying ‘side’ made it sound equal. Us supernaturals only made up about ten percent of Sanctuary.

  I’d had my hand touching the door for the last minute. I had meant to knock, but I didn’t have the nerve. Now I was just awkwardly patting a door. Come on, Rel, get a grip of yourself. You’ve been invited here.

  But every time I tried to knock again, I saw his face, and his smile, and heard his voice. What was I doing here? I wished I’d eaten before I came. I was too nervous to eat, and now I was absolutely starving. I’d been hungry since last night’s meeting in the bunker.

  I heard rustling from inside and the door opened.

  “Oh!” Mr. Anderton shouted, putting a hand over his heart. “My, Reliquiae, you gave me a shock.” He looked around outside. “Did we not hear you knock?”

  Okay, this was my teacher. Not Rick. I could handle this. “No, sir. I...uhh, I just arrived.” Okay, not bad, only stuttered once!

  “Well, do go in. I was just marking your test, in fact. Richard’s in the living room. Not to worry, I’ll be out of your hair all night. A teacher’s work is never done!”

  “He prefers Rick.”

  Oh my God, why did I just correct my teacher. And Rick’s dad. Get a grip!

  “Pardon?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Right. Well, enjoy.” And with that he went outside to throw away the trash he’d been holding.

  I stepped into Rick’s house for the first time. It was exactly what I had expected. A picture of the Queen hung on the wall, and the British flag hung proudly over the upstairs banister. I could see through to the kitchen where a large selection of teas were spread out.

  I made to call out to find Rick, but my voice caught in my throat. I cleared it, and Rick appeared from the door to my left.

  “Howdy, Rel,” he said.

  He was wearing a blue shirt, top button undone, and comfortable khakis. He was sliding around the wooden floors in his socks. He stood about four inches taller than my five foot six. His hair was mousey brown and messy. His eyes were a darker brown, the same color as my hair.

  I giggled. Oh God, I never giggle. “We don’t say howdy in Sanctuary.”

  “Wait… really?”

  Either he was really good at acting, or I was breaking some serious cultural barriers for him. “Really.”

  Whatever the reason, his puppy dog eyes were hitting me hard.

  “Well that’s a bit of a blow. Are you sure? The wiki was pretty clear on the subject. Next you’re going to tell me you don’t say y’all either?”

  “Well, that’s just a good contraction that you can’t go wrong with. But again, that’s more the southern states. Try saying it again.”

  “Y’all.”

  With his accent it sounded like he was saying ‘yule’ as in ‘yule log’. So cute!

  “Maybe don’t say it, okay?”

  He raised his hands as if to complain, but gave up before starting. “That’s probably fair.” He looked around quickly. “Oh, damn it. Look at this.”

  “Uhh, what’s up?”

  He pointed to the stairs. “My father, that’s what. So immature, honestly.”

  I looked again, but couldn’t see anything out of place. “What’s wrong?”

  “Just look at this. He knew you were coming so he thought it would be funny. I apologise on his behalf.”

  Just then Mr. Anderton walked back in. Apparently he’d overheard Rick and was chuckling to himself. “I’m sorry, Reliquiae, I simply couldn’t help myself.”

  “Okaaay. I’m really lost though.”

  His chuckling stopped. Both of them looked at me as if I was sick. Was this British humour? “Yes, sorry. I suppose the joke doesn’t translate well. I put up a picture of the Queen and our flag. Just teasing a bit. No offence was intended.”

  “Oh. I just assumed that was normal.”

  Rick cleared his throat and they both shuffled awkwardly. Despite the awkwardness, it was kind of unbearably cute to see Rick and his dad acting the same.

  “I’m afraid not. The British are rather more conservative about showing our… umm, national pride.”

  “I see.” This really wasn’t very funny, and the longer this went on it just became more uncomfortable. “I guess the tea selection is a joke too?”

  Mr. Anderton glanced at the kitchen in confusion. “Not at all. That’s just where we keep our tea.” Rick cleared his throat again. “Anyway, I’m off to the study to mark more papers. Enjoy yourselves.”

  And with that he went upstairs, pulling down t
he picture of the Queen and the British flag on his way.

  Rick’s cheeks were flushed when I looked back at him. “Do you want to sit?”

  “I do. It’s one of my top three positions.”’ He was so easy to talk to! I hadn’t stuttered once!

  “Oh great, this way. What other positions do you enjoy?”

  “Standing. Walking. Running, sometimes.” I answered, not skipping a beat. But just as I finished speaking, I realized what I’d said… and then what he’d said… did we just flirt? No. We were just talking about sitting down. On a couch, to be specific!

  The living room looked very ordinary. Nothing noteworthy except that one corner still had a few boxes in it. There was a picture of Rick, his dad, and another man all together on the mantelpiece. Two couches were around a wooden coffee table, facing towards a TV in the corner.

  I walked up to the picture. It looked like a typical fishing picture, but Mr. Anderton and the other guy were wearing uniforms of some kind - before I could see it properly, Rick darted round the other side and picked it up.

  “Oops. That’s not meant to be out.” He laughed nervously. “Just another joke from my father.” He placed it back in one of the boxes in the corner.

  “Wow. Mr. Anderton likes jokes more than I expected.”

  “Who? Oh, my father. Yeah. He’s always getting into some sort of trouble.”

  Teachers were amusing? This was new information to me. Although Mr. Anderton was probably the youngest teacher I’d ever seen. He was still really old though.

  “Would you like a drink before we start? Tea?”

  “I wouldn’t even know where to begin with that tea rack you’ve got.”

  “Oh, no. It’s simple really. Come to the kitchen and I’ll explain it.”

  “I think we can save that for another time.” He looked crestfallen that he wouldn’t be allowed to talk about tea. I was still really hungry though. “But, do you have any food? I hate to ask, but… I’m really hungry. Just something small.” I couldn’t eat too much in front of him. He’d think I’m a pig.

  “Of course! Let’s go into the kitchen.”

  I followed him in. “But still, no talking about the teas, okay?”