by E. R. Willis
We gazed into each other’s eyes. That is until Nyx showed up. “Hey! You want some cookies?” she asked, holding out a platter filled with a variety of cookies.
Blaze grabbed some for us. She left us, but I felt shy now. I can’t believe that Blaze thinks I’m pretty! He’s pretty handsome himself. Goodness! I can’t look at him now! “Starr, why don’t we walk in my garden? The night must embrace the new you,” he said, standing up.
I put the cookies on a napkin and took them with me. Blaze and I shared them as we made our way to the outside of the fortress, but inside the walls. There we walked through flowers, herbs, and plants. It’s like walking into an enchanted forest. “Are all these yours?” I asked.
“Yes. The ones here, and outside of the fortress…” he said, trailing off. He looked around, and held a finger to signal me to stay quiet. “I heard something outside of the walls. Let’s check and see. Stay close to me.”
Blaze and I walked silently along the walls until we hit the gate. “Humans,” Blaze whispered to me.
I looked closely and saw two people standing at the gate. They are talking to the vampire guards. “Stay here and out of sight,” Blaze said as he walked over to them.
I watched from a distant. “What seems to be the problem?” Blaze asked the men.
“We have been hired by a wealthy person of the name Ravine Katz. He sent us here because his daughter and her friends got shot by Lord Obsidian of this place,” one man said. “We came here to arrest the person.”
“Oh? I’m Lord Obsidian. Oh yes. I recall the incident. They all got what they deserved,” Blaze said, eyeing them down.
“Then I ask you to come with us. You almost killed them,” the other man said.
“That’s too bad. I wanted them dead,” Blaze said, laughing.
One of the men faced Blaze, and punched him hard in the face. Blaze’s head turned slightly, but remained unharmed. Blaze’s face looked angered. He took the man that punched him by the neck, and lifted him up with one hand. “You pathetic human!” Blaze hissed. The man’s body fell limp in Blaze’s grasp as a strange dark aura surrounded him. The aura surrounded them both, but the man’s body began to decay until it was nothing but a skeleton. The other man tried running away, but the other vampires got him.
“What do we do with this one?” one of the guards asked.
“Whatever you want. Deal with any more people like that for me. Don’t let any escape,” Blaze said, commanding the vampire guards. They nodded and began feeding on the man until all of his blood was drained. Then, one of the vampire guards cut off the man’s head with one powerful strike of the hand. The nails of the vampire guards are deathly sharp and durable.
Are they really that sharp? I looked down at mine. They look normal to me, but who knows? I hope I don’t ever have to do that. I don’t think I can kill someone? “Starr, let’s go back into the fortress. I’m still a bit hungry,” Blaze said. I nodded, and the both of us went back inside to the banquet.
Chapter 12
For the next two weeks, I kept up a schedule. I’d go to sleep before the sunrise, and I’d wake up once the sun went down. I’d work my hardest in the kitchen. I work for both the bakery, and for us. It’s quite fun, but now I have to slow down. School starts tonight.
“Remember, keep away from mirrors and garlic. I’ll come and pick you up when you get out,” Blaze said, dropping me off.
“Okay, but what of my fangs? Wont people see them?” I asked.
“Yes, but I doubt they’ll suspect anything. Look at me, I go to banks and to stores. Sure they see them, but the people tend to ignore what they saw. Just don’t speak up as much if you’re so worried,” Blaze said. “I’ll be here at the time you told me to come. Go. Learn new things, and perhaps, you can share them with the kitchen. We wouldn’t mind trying new foods.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks,” I said, getting out of the car with my backpack.
I walked inside the school and got into my class. The whole night was good, until three suspicious looking people came in. I couldn’t believe my eyes. They must be from the same wealthy man. Ravine Katz. I know Blaze have been telling me that the guards have been killing them, but now they want to pick on me? This is not good.
The men talked to the instructor. The instructor looked up at me and said, “Starr, these gentlemen want to ask you some questions. Go with them.” Oh great. I gathered my stuff and went to them. They led me to the outside of the school. That’s where we stopped, and under a tree at that.
“We finally found you, Starr. The girls reported you, but we saw no trace of you. Until now. The girls say you would attend school. We checked the day time, but you weren’t present. So, we tried the night. Here you are,” the first man said, boasting.
“Yeah, so what do you want?” I asked.
“The girls said that you were with Lord Obsidian. We want him to pay for what he did. You can tell us where to find him. We’ve lost so many men trying to locate him. Also, you need to come with us. You fought them, and are an accomplice of Lord Obsidian,” the second man said.
“They attacked me. Did they tell you that? I bet they didn’t! Or did they pay you to look the other way? They tried to kill me! Lord Obsidian defended me. I’ll never tell you where he’s at, and I’ll never go with you crooks!” I said, running away from them.
“Shoot her!” I heard one of them shout from behind me. Too late for that. I turned a corner of the school building, once there, I turned into a bat. I flew up and over the school. Blaze taught me how to use my vampire powers every night for two hours after my job at the kitchen. I’m so glad that I paid attention, and that I’m a fast learner.
I stayed up on the roof, watching them search for me. “We lost her,” the third man said to the others.
“Hurry. Let’s head on over to the Shady Thorn. Lord Obsidian owns the place. I’m sure she’s going over there. She can’t be that far,” the first man said.
The men hurried over to a car and drove off. Great, my first day of night school and its ruined. I’ve got to go, and fast! School is almost over, and Blaze is on his way to pick me up. No! They might drive by him and stop him. I have to warn Blaze! I took off into the night sky, and followed the men. I made sure I stayed out of sight. I flew above the car at a decent height.
A few minutes later, I saw Blaze’s car coming from the opposite direction. I flew up and landed on a tree. The men must’ve saw him. Their car slowed down and turned around. They sped up and followed Blaze. I took off again to catch up to them. Both cars are pulled over. Blaze and the men are out of their vehicles, talking.
“Lord Obsidian, we found you. Where is Starr? Have you seen her?” the second man asked.
“What have you done with her?” Blaze said, gripping his walking cane tight.
“We lost her. I know what you are, Lord Obsidian. I just never though Starr was one too?” the first man said.
Blaze sighed with relief and said, “Good, it means that I taught her well. Oh, so what am I? You tell me, because I don’t know what you’re talking about? I’m just a business owner.”
“You and Starr, and probably the rest of the people in that fortress, are vampires! I never believed in such fairy tales, but now I see that it’s true!” the first man said.
“Vampires? Who told you such lie?” Blaze said, smiling an evil smile.
“Quit protecting yourself! I know it’s true! We are going to hunt you, and your whole family down!” the first man said, holding out a crucifix in front of him.
“Oh, poor deluded human. That does not harm me,” Blaze said, laughing. “Come on, try again.”
“I…I don’t get it? Oh, what about this!” the first man said, taking out a handful of garlic from his pocket.
“Ugh! They smell horrid, but other than that, it doesn’t hurt me,” Blaze said.
“Stop wasting your time on him, and shoot!” the third man said, pulling out a gun. The man pulled the trigger and out came a bullet. A sil
ver bullet.
Blaze held out a hand in front of him. He caught the bullet. It didn’t hurt him like it should. That’s amazing! He let the bullet drop to the ground. His palm is bloody from where the bullet hit him. The wound closed up by itself and healed when Blaze licked it. Blaze licked the remainder of the blood on his palm and said, “Enough of this!” Blaze touched the ground beneath him. A huge dark mass appeared from the ground, and rushed to the three men. The darkness thickened around them as they fought against it. The men yelled out in pain, and within a second, it stopped. The dark mass dissolved, and the men went with it. There are no bones, flesh, or blood. What happened to them? Where did they go?
I turned into myself, and jumped off the tree where I was watching the whole thing. “Blaze, what did you do to them?” I said, going towards him.
“Ah, there you are. I’ve sent them to hell. They’re souls were corrupted, so it worked out just fine. They were going there anyways,” Blaze said, smirking. “So what when on with you?”
I explained everything to Blaze as we traveled back to the fortress. He didn’t like the sound of it. I didn’t either. They could’ve killed me! That gun fired silver bullets!
“I fear that they won’t stop until they kill us. You remember those dreams of fire and shadow? I think we found our answer,” Blaze said, speeding up.
“How will they know though? You sent the people to hell,” I said.
“Yes, but if Ravine Katz realize that they are gone, he’ll send more. I’m sorry, Starr, but school is going to have to wait. We can’t have you going and people tracking us down,” Blaze said, eyes turning red. “We have to let Lord Erebus know.”
Chapter 13
“What! They attacked the both of you?” Lord Erebus said, hissing.
“Yes. I say we double our guards, and prepare for war,” Blaze said.
“War? What if it doesn’t happen?” I asked.
“It will. Look how many of those men already tried getting in? Twelve in two weeks, and now this? Starr, we must face this,” Lord Erebus said. “Starr, come with me. Lord Obsidian, go round up everyone. We are having a meeting.”
Blaze left without hesitating. Lord Erebus and I walked up to the throne room. He took a seat, and we both waited for everyone to show up. The tables began to fill up with vampires. Blaze came back after a while and joined us. “My loyal family, do you all recall those dreams? The dreams of fire and shadow, and that we came to a conclusion that it meant war? The time is near! Lord Obsidian and Starr got attacked today. All of this has to stop! As of now, we must double our guards, and get ready for a war!” Lord Erebus said, eyes fixed on everyone.
The vampires gasped. They started mumbling among themselves. “Do not be alarmed. We have done this before. This fight will be just like all the others,” Lord Erebus said, calming everyone down.
“Lord Erebus, but you are a kitten. You can’t transform yourself into a demonic form like you used to,” one vampire said.
“Are you saying you don’t have faith in me? I will lead you into battle just like all the other times,” Lord Erebus responded.
“Yes, we know that, but I think Lord Obsidian should do that while you stay put, and out of harm’s way,” another vampire said.
Lord Erebus sighed. He sounded depressed. Poor Lord Erebus. “Quit worrying!” I shouted. “I will try to make him better. I’m going to do whatever it takes to cure him!”
The vampires gasped, and started chatting among themselves again. Lord Erebus turned, and looked at me, shocked. “Starr? You’re doing this for me?” Lord Erebus said, eyes brightening.
I nodded. “Yes. I shall get started right away,” I said, bowing.
Chapter 14
For a whole month, I made different types of food and beverages. None worked so far. I can’t give up though. I have to keep trying. Everyone else is doing their part. The guards have already fought many, and the others are practicing with their weapons. There was even a small battle, but we quickly won. The whole nation is terrified. They know what we are now. I can’t believe that the news is already telling the other nations about us.
We live in Inferior. That is what the planet is called. Inferior has only three nations, and two oceans. Each ocean divides each nation. The first nation is on the top of the world. It is called Glaciem. It’s a very cold and snowy place. The ocean beneath Glaciem is called the Misty Ocean. The next nation is Paradisus. That is where we are now. It’s the center nation of the world. It’s filled with cities and towns. It has good climate all year round. The ocean beneath us is called the Lavender Ocean. The last nation is at the bottom of the world. It is called Ignis. It’s hot and dry, and it looks like a desert.
The city we live in is called Vile. Everyone in Vile is avoiding us, and are fearing us. Gosh! Now the teachers know about me. That isn’t good. What about my schooling? I wanted to ask Blaze about it, but now isn’t the time. He’s been busy training vampires. When I would take the food to Lord Erebus to his throne, I’d sit and watch Blaze. Blaze would yell and teach the vampires on how to fight with their weapon of choice. I’m guessing Blaze is a weapons expert as well? The vampires are wielding swords, axes, daggers, spears, hammers, staffs, and bows and arrows. Not to mention pistols. Every vampire knows how to shoot a gun. Except me.
I took some food to Lord Erebus at his throne. Blaze was there too. They must be talking about strategies. “What are these? Pillows?” Lord Erebus said, staring at them like if they were from another planet.
“They’re called dumplings. You can dip them in soy sauce,” I said, trying not to laugh.
Lord Erebus took one in his mouth, dunked it in the soy sauce, and ate it. “These are extraordinary! Lord Obsidian, try one before I eat them all,” Lord Erebus said, eating another one.
Blaze did so, and said to me, “Yes, they’re delicious! You must show the kitchen how to make these one night. Everyone will love them.”
They ate the food, but it didn’t work either. Lord Erebus is still a kitten. Damn it! What can it be?
“Lord Erebus! Lord Obsidian! We are under attack! We can’t stop them!” a vampire said, running towards us.
The four of us ran out of the fortress. At the gates, an army of vampires stand defending us. A tank is nearing closer and closer to the fortress while shooting at the gate. A group of vampires are shooting bullets at it, while other vampires are deflected the tank’s attacks with dark magic. “Lord Erebus, Starr, stay put,” Blaze said, rushing towards the tank.
Blaze stopped, and stood in front of the moving tank. What is he doing? Is he crazy! Blaze touched the ground, and a black mass rose up. Oh, he’s doing what he did the last time with the three men! Will it work though? The dark mass rushed to the tank, and disappeared inside of it. The tank kept going, but stopped after a while. “I’ve dealt with the situation. Go and study the tank,” Blaze said, commanding the vampires.
The vampires did as they were told. Blaze came up to us and said, “I don’t get it? How did our bullets not stop the tank?”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
“The bullets we make for ourselves are enchanted. Our bullets can pierce through anything,” Lord Erebus explained. “If we can’t figure out a way to stop those tanks, Blaze might have to the next time.”
Lord Erebus sighed and went back inside the fortress. “This is tiring. I need a walk. You want to join me?” Blaze said, holding out a hand. I took it, and we went into this garden.
We looked at every plants he had. They’re all pretty. A specific flower caught my attention though. “What kind of flower is this?” I asked Blaze.
“Oh, that’s a purple passion flower,” he answered.
“They look like UFOs” I said, admiring them.
“Wait! What did you say?” he asked, grabbing my shoulders.
“That they look like UFOs?” I said, unsure if that was what he wanted me to say.
“Starr! You’re a genius! UFOs! That was the other thing the healer said! I
couldn’t remember what the word was, but that’s it!” he said, excited.
“What does this mean?” I asked, confused.
“It means we are closer to curing Lord Erebus! It might even be that flower? Give it a try. Make a tea, or something with it?” Blaze said, cutting a few and handing them to me.
“All right. I’ll do it now,” I said, taking them. Both of us ran into the kitchen. I began making a tea. I didn’t added anything else. Just water, the flowers, and a little bit of sugar to sweeten it.
I poured some into a teacup, and both of us went to Lord Erebus’s throne. He was asleep. “Lord Erebus?” Blaze said, flicking one of Lord Erebus’s ears.
“Ouch! That hurt! Lord Obsidian, that’s not funny,” Lord Erebus said, waking up with a jolt.
“Try this, Lord Erebus,” I said, putting down the tea in front of him.
“Tea? Sounds good to me. I need something to relax anyways,” Lord Erebus said, looking down at the tea.
Lord Erebus began drinking. He stopped after a few seconds. “I…feel weird,” Lord Erebus said, falling on his side and rolling off his throne.
“Oh no! It’s hurting him!” I said, horror filling my heart.
“No, look closer. It’s changing him,” Blaze said, stepping back.
The both of us gave Lord Erebus space. His kitten body glowed a dark red color. At first, it wasn’t bad, but the color got brighter and brighter. It got so bad that Blaze and I had to look the other way and close our eyes. The brightness lasted about a full minute before disappearing. Blaze and I turned our gaze at Lord Erebus’s body.
“Uh oh!” I exclaimed, covering my eyes again.
“Lord Erebus, it’s great to have you back, but you are naked,” Blaze said, bowing to avoid looking.
“It’s great to be back! I feel great! Thank you! I feel like throwing a party!” Lord Erebus said.
“That’s good, but could you put something on? Please?” I said, eyes still covered.