Undying Vengeance

by Burnham, K. L.

  “That would be my fiancée. Now if you’ll please hurry I have places to go.” It took all of his willpower not to scream.

  “Yes sir.” She responded. “These are odd things to buy.” She stated scanning the price of the roses.

  Armani was sure the things seemed a rather odd combination: a gas container, roses, a card, a large box of matches and coal.

  “I suppose so but when the furnace is broke at your house one must do what you gotta do to keep warm.” Armani knew that would shut her up. He was trying his best to be polite but if she kept asking questions he would snap.

  She didn’t say another word and bagged his items handing him the roses. “I don’t want to crush them.” She smiled. “Have a nice day, Armani and reconsider singing. Your voice is Heavenly.”

  “Not in this lifetime.” Armani smiled, thanked her and rushed out the door to his Navigator. Blakesley Cemetery was his next stop.

  The ten minute drive to the cemetery he managed to do on auto pilot.

  The cemetery was dark, cold and dreary. Lamp posts lit the first couple rows of tombstones.

  Armani pulled up to Simone’s tombstone. The angel had been repaired and he thought he saw the stone lips smile at him when he exited the car while cradling the dozen roses like a delicate newborn.

  Armani walked to where Simone’s body lay six feet under. Her soul was free and at peace singing with the angels in Heaven but he felt like a failure. If only he had been alert he could’ve saved her from the attackers and none of this would’ve happened. But dwelling on would’ve, should’ve and could’ve wouldn’t change what happened. He had been drugged and was helpless to protect her in her time of need. It was time for him to lose the shackles and escape his own private insane asylum.

  He stared at the angel admiring what a glorious majestic being she was and wondered if this is what the angels looked like who took Simone to Heaven.

  Armani dropped to his knees, wiped the snow away, kissed the ground and set the roses against the marble stone, fresh tears falling like a waterfall.

  “Simone, I miss you and I can’t live without you. You are everything to me and you are free now. But, the choices I made are too much for me to bear.” He paused and took a breath looking around the cemetery. Avenging her death and saying goodbye wasn’t closure for him. He knew what he was going to do to obtain closure and in the end he would be with Simone forever.

  “I am coming home, my sweet Simone.” Armani said and rubbed the marble stone. “All I want is to hold you in my arms. I am dead inside and only you can bring me to life.” He stared at the roses and wept. Armani pulled off his white mask and wiped the tears. Life as he had known it was over and the life he now lived was soon to end. He set the card next to the roses. He stood and stared at the stone angels face. A peace comforted him like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s day.

  Armani turned and walked away from the grave. Before getting in the Navigator he glanced at Simone’s grave and smiled. He would see her soon.

  The black hawk flew overhead watching Armani. He sensed that something wasn’t right. His needed to make haste and warn Donovan of Armani’s pending plans before it was too late.

  The hawk’s eyes glowed yellow and he flew fast zigzagging up and down in the air like a man on a roller coaster. Time was of the essence and he needed to alert his master of what he had seen and heard so Donovan could stop Armani from sealing his own fate.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Armani exited the highway in search of the abandoned warehouse he had researched online. It was the perfect place to end his life. All he wanted was to die and be with Simone and not live a pathetic existence for all eternity as a vampire. He had been deceived into crossing over with the promise that once he avenged Simone’s death he would be reunited with her and that was far from the truth. Donovan had told him that to force him to comply with the request to become a member of The Dark Ones. As far as Armani was concerned, Donovan and Victor were both self-serving vampires only looking out for the good of them selves first and foremost and The Dark Ones second.

  Armani pulled into the parking lot of the large abandoned warehouse. Chills ran up and down his spine. The McKeller Furniture sign stood at the entrance. The old warehouse was dark and eerie reminding Armani of the haunted attractions in horror and thriller movies. Armani parked and stepped out of the Navigator wrapping his cloak tight around him. He pulled the coal, matches and full gas can out of the backseat.

  “Perfect,” he said staring at the roof of the warehouse. The fall was far enough to kill him as long as the pool of fire he was jumping into burned with intensity. With his jaw set stubbornly he walked to the center of the building where he’d build the fire.

  He spread the coal in a large circle and placed wood on top. Armani walked around the circle, a crooked grin on his lips. What would Donovan think when he couldn’t find him? Armani will have won in the end. He would not live his life being something he didn’t want to be. What would Victor think? He’d be upset but he was the type that would get over it and replace Armani with a new recruit. What of Rex? Armani sighed. His best friend would be devastated but time would heal his wounds and his best friend would move on and live a productive life. Armani smiled. Everything he owned was willed to Rex. Armani was a wise man and had met with an attorney making sure his riches went to Rex when he died. He left no loose ends upon his death.

  Armani shuddered. His keen ears heard a rustling in the bushes a few feet away followed by a low growl. The hairs on his neck stood. He turned, shocked to see a large man, head held high with long flowing gray hair walking towards him.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” Armani asked in a demanding tone.

  The man’s black cape swished around him and he raised his hands in the air. Long bony fingers with nails three inches long protruded. He got closer and Armani saw his eyes were glowing bright blue like the sky on a clear summer’s day.

  “Do not be afraid, Armani.” The vampire said his voice low. “I am here to bid you farewell.” He stopped in front of Armani and gazed down at him.

  Armani swallowed and looked up into the vampire’s eyes. “Who are you?”

  “I am Julius, the founder of The Dark Ones.” He smiled and stepped back. “No, we have never met but I’ve seen and heard of many a vampire such as yourself who are turned against their choosing and I want to applaud you for the strength and courage to choose your own destiny.” He turned and stared at the old building. “Good spot for a suicide.” He stated. He fixed his eyes on Armani. “If I were you I’d make haste and complete your mission.” He paused. “If that’s what you really want to do.”

  Armani picked up the gas can and poured it on the coal and wood. “That’s what I’m trying to do but I keep getting interruptions.” He said hinting for Julius to leave him. “Why are you so concerned with me fulfilling this quickly?”

  “That’s easy,” Julius said. “Donovan will be here soon to stop you. That damn hawk of his had his eyes on you at the cemetery and surely rushed to your home to warn Donovan of your intentions.”

  Armani took off his mask and threw it aside. “I realize that but how do you know so much?” He asked confused.

  Julius smiled. “I am five hundred thirty one years old.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “Didn’t Victor tell you that I am the one who found him as a helpless beaten child?” He asked. “I rescued him from his despair and turned Victor into a vampire.”

  “I think he may have mentioned something like that. I don’t really remember.” Armani stated not hiding the irritation in his voice.

  “Yes, that is me.” Julius said like a proud father. “The problem is that Victor needs to be destroyed. He has chosen evil and we need you to help defeat him.”

  Armani shrugged. “That’s not my problem, Mr. Julius. You can take care of that problem with Donovan. He’s a good vampire. You don’t need me. After all, I didn’t choose to be a vampire. I was deceived and I am choosing to end
my life tonight.”

  Armani rubbed a match on the box and threw it on the gas covered coal and wood. Small flames licked and lapped and within minutes the fire exploded into massive flames.

  “Get to the top of that building and do what you have to do.” Julius ordered.

  Armani grasped Simone’s engagement ring attached to the necklace and placed it inside his shirt. He stared at Julius. It was odd that he was so intent on him killing himself. “Why are you so interested in my death?” He asked.

  “Quite frankly, Armani, I’m not.” He said walking away from Armani. “I’m not staying to watch. I was sent by an angel of God to try to persuade you to choose life.” He turned one last time. “And you don’t have much time. If you fail, Victor will curse you and make it impossible for you to ever die. You will forever be a vampire with no hope of escape and the memories of Simone will haunt your aching heart forever.” He raised his arms and said, “You can join me in the fight for good or you can kill yourself. It’s your choice, Armani.” Julius closed his eyes and ascended to the stars, his black cape and long gray hair flowing behind him.

  Armani shook his head. What next? He stared at the fire roaring before him. He was ready to finish this once and for all. He ran toward the door and floated to the top of the stairwell counting thirty flights of stairs. If he were still a human he’d be too drained to throw himself off the building and was thankful for the first time to be a vampire.

  Armani clutched his cloak, walked to the edge of the building and stared out at the forest surrounding the warehouse. A cool breeze blew on his face. He inhaled the fresh air and smiled. It was time. Steadying himself he looked down at the massive fire frolicking to and fro waiting to be fed. Armani was pleased with his work.

  “Soon,” Armani whispered. He stepped away from the ledge, dropped to his knees and clutched the necklace. He kissed the ring and tucked it inside his shirt next to his heart. “Now and forever we will be together my sweet Simone.”

  Armani raised his head to the Heavens and screamed, his body shaking with sobs. He hoped he would be reunited with Simone. Julius’ visit troubled him. He was having second thoughts about suicide but then again Victor and Donovan had lied to him to make him cross over. Why should he be faithful to the ones who lied to him? That made no sense. And for all he knew Julius could be lying to him too.

  Armani stared straight ahead and saw a vision of Simone dancing in a beautiful lacy white dress. “Oh, my love I am coming home to you this night.” Armani said and stretched out his arms trying to grasp her but she disappeared. Armani wanted to hold Simone more than anything in the world. His heart ached like a parents at the death of a child.

  “I’ve struggled long enough with this existence. Life will never be the same without Simone!” Armani hollered into the empty dark sky. “I will wake a new man reunited with my beloved.” He slowly walked and stopped at the buildings ledge. Tears cascaded down his cheeks. “God, forgive me for the choices I have made.” He sincerely prayed.

  Armani closed his eyes and saw Simone and the way her beautiful angelic smile lit up her whole face. He saw the two of them on the boat when they first met and danced together and her true excitement and glee upon his marriage proposal a couple years after. He felt the longing the two of them had to start a family once they were married.

  He opened his eyes and thrust his cape behind him with force lining his toes along the buildings ledge.

  “I rebuke the darkness that has imprisoned me for too long. It is time for me to take my last breath and fall out.” He looked toward the Heavens. “God, surely you understand that no man can live with the pain, agony and loneliness that I have endured these past few months without Simone.” He sighed, closed his eyes and whispered, “Forgive me.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  The hawk wildly beat its body against Armani’s front door with no response from Donovan. Where was his master? He flew to the side of the house landing on the windows ledge. Cocking its head to the side he saw Donovan sleeping the rest of the undead. What careless behavior on his master’s part. Why would he allow himself to fall into that type of sleep in an insecure environment? The hawk screeched and beat its head on the window. Donovan rustled but didn’t wake.

  The hawk soared high above the house, did a three sixty in the air, eyed the window and flew toward it at light speed. He smashed the window, shattering the glass into bits and pieces. The hawk landed beside the couch with the grace and agility of a gymnast.

  “Who’s there?” Donovan asked startled. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and sat up. He saw the hawk standing before him, with wings outstretched and eyes as yellow as the sun. “What is it? Where’s Armani?” He asked looking around the room half expecting Armani to appear. “Shit.” Donovan jumped off the couch and threw his cloak on. “What’s happened?” He asked feeling panicked.

  The hawk led Donovan to the crystal ball, focused and replayed Armani’s visit to the cemetery.

  “What have I done?” Donovan asked. He set the crystal ball aside. “We must get to him before he commits suicide.” Donovan cursed himself for not paying closer attention to Armani. Such a new vampire filled with so much pain. He should’ve never left him alone. Victor would make him pay for his neglect of Armani. But, that was the least of his concerns right now. He had to save Armani from his fate.

  “Come, we must go.” He said. “We don’t have a second to waste.” He ran to the door, pushed it open and looked at the hawk standing beside him. “Where is he? You must know my friend. Take me to him.”

  The hawk screeched, spread its shiny black wings and took flight. Donovan followed suit. The cold wind slapped his face like an angry wife upon finding out her husband cheated. He kept his eyes glued to the hawk hoping its senses were on target with Armani’s location and prayed they wouldn’t be too late.

  Armani’s heart beat like a drum in his chest. He swallowed the lump in his throat and looked at the starless sky. He hated being a vampire and felt like a monster. This was the end. Armani wiped the sweat from his face and stared at the red and orange flames dancing in the wind waiting to devour him.

  Armani blinked twice and rubbed his eyes. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Dressed in a white wedding dress, Simone appeared next to the fire staring up at him. Her long hair blew in the breeze, a sympathetic smile on her face and compassion in her eyes. She stretched her arms out to him and whispered, “I understand why you killed those men and you’re not a monster.”

  A red tear trickled down Armani’s cheek and he tried to smile. Simone brought him the peace and courage he needed to follow this through to the end. Armani took a deep breath, closed his eyes and mouthed, ‘Simone.’ He spread his arms like an eagle ready to take flight. “It is finished.” He whispered.

  From afar Donovan saw Armani standing on the ledge, ready to fall to his death. The hawk dipped up and down in the sky trying with all its might to get Armani’s attention. It was no use. Armani was focused on something below and nothing and no one was going to stop him from completing what he had set out to do.

  Donovan cursed the fire waiting to envelope his friend. He and the hawk were two hundred yards away when he saw Armani free fall from the building’s ledge descending like a torpedo toward the fire.

  “Armani, lift yourself up!” Donovan screamed. “Fly Armani!”

  Donovan cried out in anguish. They were too late. Armani was going to die.

  Armani fell into the middle of the fire and screamed in pain. A loud explosion filled the night sky and balls of fire rolled toward the Heavens.

  Donovan and the hawk were thrown backward.

  Donovan wiped the debris off his face, lifting his head to stare at the place where Armani ended his immortal life. “God rest your soul, my friend.” He placed his head in his hands and wept bitterly. “I have failed.”

  The hawk bowed its head in reverence and patiently waited for his master.

  Filled with anger, sorrow and regret Donovan
wiped his eyes and rose to his feet. “Come, my faithful guardian, we must report to Victor what has happened.” He held out his shaking arm. “The Dark Ones must continue their work.”

  The hawk nodded and flew onto Donovan’s outstretched arm.

  Donovan glanced at the fire and lowered his head praying to a God he hoped would have mercy on Armani’s soul. He exhaled and walked from the abandoned warehouse without a backward glance at the fire burning like the forces of hell devouring what remained of Armani.

  Julius hid behind the bushes watching Donovan walk away and disappear like the setting sun. Julius’s heart went out to his old friend but he had plans of great proportion and in the end The Dark Ones would prevail.