The Night Life: Exodus of Evil

by Natasha Davis

  “I love you grandfather. Thank you for all of your help, and I too hope to see you again very soon. Take care of yourself and Lauren for me.”

  “I’ll see to that, don’t you worry.”

  Dalton left the lab with his shoulders hunched down. I know he’s feeling sad, and there’s probably more that he’s not telling me, but it makes me feel good knowing that I have family to count on when I need it.

  I decided, that even though saying goodbye is always hard, its time for me to get this over with. I changed into the gear that Damon had given me, and studied the blueprints of the route I was going to take, until I had them memorized. Once I felt comfortable enough to complete my mission, I left the comfortable place to go and get my Ava…

   The Night Life Part Three

  The town itself looks so vague and boring. If only Jess were here with me to bring some color back into my life. The houses are all painted the boring brown color. And the town itself holds a luring aroma of fear and danger. I’ve been to the town it seems like a hundred times over the past month and the smell and feeling never goes away. It just seems like it gets more and more stronger with every passing day.

  I’m just glad that my parents leave me to my own, now that I’m eighteen. Even though, I have to come to the college campus every day to undergo a series of lessons, from the town’s local witches and warlords, the town is still boring. There’s only one out of the five people that I have to mingle with daily that I even half way like. She’s growing on me, I guess I could say. Her names Amelia, she has black as night long hair that hangs down to the small of her back. She has dark brown eyes and fair skin. To me, she looks like you’d think every witch looks like, but her personality on the other hand, is bright and puts off a warm feeling. She just makes me want to be around her. Which, all together makes me wonder if it is really her, or a spell that she’s cast over herself?

  I’ve learned a lot over the last month in lessons. Now, I can honestly control my powers, while feeling comfortable. In the beginning, it was very hard. Being in a strange place, around new faces, I was always at unease. But these lessons and having some family time has helped immensely. I still can’t get a tight grip around my parents. I know they are up to something, but what that something is, I just don’t know.

  I still can’t understand why, Jess hasn’t made it to the town yet. I haven’t seen his mother or other relatives in the town much lately. That itself makes me wonder, if he’s here and everyone is just keeping it a secret, but why they’d do something like that is beyond me. My mind has been on him a lot lately. I just have this bad feeling that something is wrong, and that something is going to blow up soon. I’ll figure it out, because I always do.

  Other than the bad aroma, I get from the town’s surroundings, the day isn’t all that bad. Granted there aren’t a lot of guards out during the day or any others stirring around either, the day just has a somewhat brightness to it. This is the first time that I’ve felt somewhat comfortable about being out in the daylight. I’ve been use to the night life for some time now, and the daytime just seems wrong.

  While pondering over what lies’ ahead, and thinking about Jess, I made it to the college campus in record time. The huge brick structure itself is a monstrosity in this town. Aside from the community hospital, it’s the biggest building here. I still find it funny that I never see my parents roaming the streets; greeting their guests and those who call this god forsaken place home.

  I walked up the cobble stone walkway, and made my way finally through the college doors. Once inside the college, I’m greeted with a polite hello and welcome to Deerneck College from a receptionist, that I know I’ve seen a thousand times. But she just keeps greeting me and the others the same way. It just feels eerie. That it is wrong and I can’t put a finger on why. After receiving my friendly greeting and waving her off, I decided to stroll on through the campus. Taking a different route than usual, I’ve never explored the campus thoroughly and don’t know why I all of a sudden feel the need to, but I go along with it anyway.

  I usually just head up the stairs to the left when you enter the college, but I decide today that will not be my chosen route. I walked through the front lobby and a set of doubled doors. I turned left and headed down the hall. I can see that it’s a dead end, but go that way anyway. Once I turned left and made it to the end I could see a set of restrooms on my right hand side, and a huge library on the left hand side of the hallway. Since, there’s nothing down here that looks out of place I started walking down the other direction.

  Once walking I heard some young adults laughing and could tell by the aroma being put off, that something was going to go into another direction with those two. I passed up an elevator on the left and turned right down another hallway. All I could see is a set of empty classrooms. Which at this hour, you’d think that they’d be occupied with as many students we have here in Deerneck, but today that isn’t the case. So, I decided to turn around and explore the other end of the hallway. This end was something all together, much like the other end of the hall with the class rooms, but these rooms where occupied with students. The rooms were eerily quite and scary.

  I peered into a classroom and found the students sitting in their seats with these expressionless faces. It was almost like they are being hypnotized, and really don’t know where they are and why their there. But, before I decided to turn around and walk off I saw a white tall figure looming about the room, then he all of a sudden turned a woman’s head sideways and took a bite out of her. Fear and adrenaline ran throughout my body. The woman didn’t even scream in response. Any doubt that I had earlier has been answered now. This place is most defiantly possessed, but the question is by whom?

  I decided, now is a good time to retreat. I most defiantly didn’t want that vampire to take a bite out of me. I ran to the far end of the hall that held a sign exit above the door. I pushed my way through it and ran up to the third floor, which is where I’m supposed to meet Amelia and the others. It wasn’t until I got there that I realized that I went up instead of down, and just couldn’t quite figure out why. Any other normal person with their wits still intact would’ve ran down the stairs and gotten the heck out of here as fast as you could. But not me, no I decided to run up. Luckily I found Amelia, Chaz and Chase waiting for me out in the hall.

  Amelia looked at me with questioning eyes, “Is everything alright Ava?”

  I paused for a moment and held up my finger. I didn’t want them to know what I just seen. And giving that their sanity is still with them, and then I was quite sure they knew what was going on in this town. And since that is the case I just don’t feel comfortable enough in trusting them. Not even Amelia.

  “Sorry, I over slept. What are you guys doing out here in the hall?”

  “I sensed that you were scared, and I didn’t know whether to come looking for you or to wait.”

  “How do you know when I’m scared and when I’m not?”

  “When witches and warlords are around each other for a long period of time, we get use to the way others are feeling. Now to my earlier question, why were you scared?”

  “Oh, it’s nothing really, actually when you think about it, it’s kind of silly. I was getting off of the elevator and a man came running up to the door once it had opened. I wasn’t expecting it and it scared me. I’m sorry, if I caused you any alarm. Like I said it’s really silly, once you think about it.”

  “Okay, if you say so. Ava just in case you ever run into danger or trouble around here, I want you to know that you can call for one of us at anytime, and we will come to your rescue.”

  “Well thank you for letting me know that. But, I honestly think I can take care of myself.”

  “We know that you can take care of yourself. But, there’s always a time that even the strongest vampire alive needs a little help. Given that, don’t ever underestimate anyone that lives with in these walls.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “A
s you know that there are a lot of supernatural beings that live here including yourself. And that you may not fear. Just always remember there are those who don’t have a spec of humanity left. And those you have to be most careful around.”

  “Okay, thanks for the advice Amelia. If I ever need you, I promise to call upon you.”

  She just smiled at me and looked at the other witches and warlords. Who were pacing about the room as if trying not to hear the conversation taking place? It’s almost as if Amelia has said more than she’s suppose to.

  “Once again, I’m sorry to keep you guys waiting. How about we get to work? I know yesterday we’ve mastered the last thing I needed to know, to control all of my powers. And today, I’m supposed to watch you work your magic. Do any of you have something already prepared?”

  Amelia smiled at me, “Actually, I do have something prepared. Sometimes I like to prepare in advance, so that way you can get in and out before night fall takes over the town.”

  “Okay, what do you have in mind for me?”

  “Well I want to show you a protection spell. It’s actually the same spell that was taught to me by Dalton the alchemist. So, now I’m going to teach it to you.”

  I tried to keep the look of wonder off of my face. But, somehow I don’t think I recovered fast enough. I’m sure Amelia saw me, before I could.

  “I think that will be helpful and interesting. I’m ready when you are.”

  The air in the room started to get thick and full. The refreshing scent of it swirled all around me, covering my body inch by inch, once that had settled Amelia started chanting loudly.

  What’s done is done.

  Let it now be undone.

  Let the brightness of the full moon’s wane.

  Cleanse my soul of defile and stain.

  Let now my harmful spell converse.

  And lift from me this vile curse.

  Now I enter my sacred space.

  Return my soul to its proper place.

  Embrace my apologies for what I’ve done; disband my spell with the daybreak’s sun.

  Once the spell was complete everything in the room became so calm and collective.

  “What kind of spell was that? I’ve never felt such power before.”

  Amelia sat down for a moment to gather her bearings, “It’s a reverse curse spell. It has been created so that you can use it against those whom put bad spells on you. You’re supposed to repeat it three times. But anymore, the power just drains from my body when I use my magic.”

  “Have you told anyone about this?”

  “No because there’s no one to tell. Our parents can care less with what happens to us, just as long as we’re making the mistress happy.”

  “Who’s the mistress of the town? Can I meet her?”

  Everyone looked at me like I was just being stupid and smart. I just shrugged my shoulders. I really don’t know what the big deal is; just a straight answer is all I’m asking for.

  “So, none of you are going to answer me?”

  “Are you being serious? You really don’t know who the mistress is?” Chaz emphasized with his fingers once he said mistress.

  “If I knew who the mistress is, then I wouldn’t be asking you, now would I?”

  “Maybe not, but how do we know she didn’t put you up to this. Maybe she just wants to see how much we’ll talk.”

  “If it’s that big of a deal then don’t tell me. Maybe one day, I’ll get to meet this mistress everyone keeps talking about.”

  “You know Ava, for such a pretty girl you sure can be a ditz,” Chase mouthed off.

  “Okay guys, are we just going to stand around and badger me all day, or are we actually going to learn something?”

  “What would you like to learn?” Amelia asked.

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind knowing a little more about the town, how it was founded, by whom and so on and so on.”

  “Well not today, maybe tomorrow we’ll touch base about that.”

  “Why can’t you teach me about the town today? You asked what it is I want to learn, and so I’m telling you.”

  “I just don’t think today is good enough for that. I was kind of hoping you’d be more interested in learning more witchcraft skills.”

  “Well considering, that is all I’ve learned over the past month, you can see why exactly it is that I don’t want to learn anymore right now. To be honest, I’d like a little break from all of the learning crap. I’ve been in a cave for ten years, and now my parents take an interest in me learning witchcraft, for what? Do any of you know?”

  “Well they think that your life is in danger by not knowing your heritage. So now, you know and you can use your skills responsibly. We’d think that it would make you happy and more comfortable about yourself.”

  “Actually, no it doesn’t. It really puts me at more of unease than you realize. Now, that I know what I’m capable of, just means they’ll be a time that I have to use my power, and those that know me will only expect me to use it. I know something is about to happen, and frankly you all know what that something is. I can feel it. So, until someone starts giving me some answers then I’m not going to learn any more of this crap.”

  “Okay, give me just a few moments Ava. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “Whoever it is that gives you permission on my behalf, tell them to come in here. I think they should ask me what it is that I want, not what it is that they want. I can care less about that.”

  “I really don’t know what you’re talking about Ava. Give me just a minute, I’ll be right back.”

  They peg me for a really dumb person. But I’m not, and I’m not going to fall into their destructive paths. Either their willing to help me learn about this town and everything within it, or they don’t help me at all. And we all know that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. I’ve heard that expression so much from Davie and Kim over the years, that just thinking it now almost makes me sick. I’ve always had people to tell me what to do in my life, now I’m eighteen and I don’t have to listen to anyone. Not even my own darn parents. Which, you’d think that since I’m back into their lives, they’d take more of an interest in my whereabouts and getting to know me a little more, but that’s not the case either. I’m just beginning to get really tired and fed up with all the crap that’s going on around here.

  “Why don’t you two morons stop staring at me like I’m an infected creature, and tell me what’s going on.”

  “We can’t tell you anything more than what we’re instructed to,” Chase said.

  “So it is true. Someone is telling you what to teach me, and what not to teach me? And who would this person be?”

  “That someone would be me.”

  I turned swiftly around to face the woman who made that statement and found my mother Patty staring straight at me.

   2

  I made my way out of Dalton’s’ house and into the bright sunlight that shines through the overcast-ed clouds. The brightness of the sun tells me that its mid afternoon and night fall is closing in. I run casually in between the houses that are spread about on this side of the town, trying to make my way to the path that I need to be on. The cabin that sits on the hill is about two miles from Dalton’s’ and will take me sometime to get there and that’s without even running into trouble. And I know that with this place, trouble isn’t hard to get away from. Even though, the last couple of times I’ve walked through the town I’ve gotten lucky, well I can say that I don’t feel the same about this time.

  At least, now I can say I’m ready for a good fight, and I have enough bottled up anger to defend myself. Though the times before, I’d defended my self if I had to, but I’m really glad I didn’t. Right now, I’m worried about Ava, and I can say I’m worried about myself. Getting to the cabin in one peace will probably be a miracle in its self, let along getting back out.

  There are many things that I didn’t consider when accepting this adventure, probably for the same reason I don’t wa
nt to think about them now. I’m afraid for once with what lies ahead of me, and I’m not too happy about that feeling at all. I don’t like being scared or intimidated. Those are two things that I don’t like and never had or will. The town is awfully quite today, which if I think about it, it always has been. The eerie feeling that I get from this town is all too over whelming. You can smell and sense the fear and danger that’s put off by the people that surround this town. Even though, those people may stay in their homes all the time, only coming out when absolutely necessary, now I see what grandfather was talking about. Don’t let them capture you, and if that does happen take the other option that you have available, meaning death. And I can agree with him that would be more of a luxury than living here. I can’t see myself living in a town that I always have to look over my shoulder in fear, worried that someone would be lurking around, just waiting for the chance to attack. Well, kind of like right now.

  The hairs on the back of my neck are standing with tension. The muscles in my body ache and throb in response. I can sense someone approaching, but for some reason I don’t know from which direction. I look over my shoulder, to the right and the left of me and I don’t see anyone. I think to myself that maybe I’m just being a little overly paranoid.

  After that thought, I decided that I need to keep moving, I haven’t even gotten out of sight from my grandfather’s house. Fear had prickled my skin from the thought of that. I guess the reason I haven’t left this spot, is because, being near that home is comfortable to me. After all, I did spend the last month there in the basement, where it is safe. Man Dalton would be ashamed of me if he knew just how scared and cowardly I was being. He’d probably send me away with one movement and leave me there to rot.

  I scurried away from the shadows of the little brown house and across the back alley to hide beneath the pine trees for some shelter. I really didn’t think there were any other trees or flowery decoration aside from the Bradford pear trees. It’s funny how the little things in life can distract you from what is really going on. I jumped from tree to tree trying to keep from being seen. I know there aren’t a lot of other vampires on duty during the day, but some is most defiantly out there. And the few that are there are well over three hundred years old. I was told, you have to be a very old vampire to out last the sun’s harmful rays, that or you have what I have, a well thought out spell. Which, at this particular moment I’m very proud to have.