by K A HAMBLY
‘Something isn't right'’ I slipped my hand between the buttons on my shirt, checking if the Ankh was still there, until I realised if it wasn't I wouldn't be here now.
‘Paranoia,’ I thought that was something only humans’ experienced.
The whole city felt like it was closing in on me. Desperate to get out of the busiest part of the city I walked and walked until I found myself in the backstreets. Although it did not take too long for somebody to notice me again.
‘Yo mister!’
‘Oh crap, what now?’ I was feeling a little tetchy and hungry. I glared over to the street opposite. There was a bunch of youngsters sitting on the steps of a derelict building, looking over at me curiously.
‘What's up?’ My accent was deeply strange and foreign, which probably only enticed their curiosity even more.
I stood waiting on the opposite side for a response. I clenched my fists tightly thinking they were going to start a fight, when suddenly the dude with the green Mohican got up and walked over.
Tension mounted.
My body felt like I was shifting.
I growled lightly under my breath. Just when I thought things were going to get ugly, the guy handed me a leaflet.
‘You look like the kind of fella that might be interested in this,’ he said.
I took the leaflet from his hands. He stood there perplexed, as if he has not seen a foreigner before.
‘Yeah, um...’ Was all he could say.
I sensed there must've been a billion things in his head right now, but unlike a child, he wouldn't admit to calling me a vampire.
I decided to put him out of his misery.
‘I'm Finnish.’
‘Oh that's it then...well, come to the Zone tonight dude. It's a new club, plus we have The Ramones playing a one off gig...’ he said backing away from me.
‘The Ramones?’
‘It's a band...y'know, music?’ he laughed nervously.
He looked at me as if I had fallen from mars, but I knew what music was. I heard it on my jaunts out in Helsinki.
‘Sure, I'll be there.’
Finally, now I have some connection with this crazy world.
‘So where's the best place to hang around here?’
‘In the Bronx? You gotta be kidding right,’ he shouted over, as I watched him walk back to his mates.
I stuffed the leaflet in my pocket, and continued to walk idly around the corner.
‘That bloody motorcycle again.’ This time the mysterious driver lifted up his visor and looked at me before speeding off.
I had a sinking feeling this had something to do with the prophecy.
Chapter Six
‘Get a job, you bum!’
I glanced up at the young man in the pinstripe suit and briefcase, who had the audacity to make those assumptions about me. I pulled my sunglasses down, and shot him a glare with my eyes. They had a tendency to shift from ice blue to a hint of yellow when I was angry. It always seemed to freak people out. Moreover, I was right; he flinched and could not walk past quick enough. I sniggered to myself as I watched the office workers rush past on their way home. At least they had the sense to stay away from me.
It was almost dusk, and the city was beginning to show its true colours. The darkness always brought out the worst in places, which I knew very well. For a while, I sat on the steps of the cathedral wondering what my next move should be. The motorcyclist had not shown up for hours. Therefore, I had time to conceive a plan of action if things went awry.
Yet, as always I found my mind wandering and my thoughts quickly turned to the prophecy. Father had relied on me to return the Ankh to Egypt. I never fully understood why, I guess there were some things he just could not talk about. All I knew was it had to be returned one day to save our souls, as he used to tell me, but with The Others lurking, God knows where, I knew I had to keep the Ankh out of sight before they end up on my trail again. Besides, what would happen to me if I returned it? That was not something I wanted to think about right now.
For now, at least, I wanted a taste of living; even though I knew, I was half-dead. Suddenly a few specks of rain tapped me on my shoulder as if demanding me to get a move on.
I put my hands in my jacket pocket and pulled out the flyer I got earlier. I un-crumpled the paper and read the advert. Why not, I thought, at least I would be dry, and it is not as if I have anywhere to go tonight.
The humans were almost becoming second nature to me anyway, when it dawned on me, I have not eaten a single thing all day. ‘Damn I'd better get something to eat. Just to be on the safe side,’ I mumbled to myself. I stuffed the flyer back in my pocket and got up in search of the food I was promised by the butcher. He said he would leave it outside the back entrance of the shop after closing.
It was pitch black apart from the flickering of the lamp in the lane, and unnervingly quiet. I could smell the blood from the scraps of meat a few yards away. Thankfully, my sense of smell leaned more towards the animal rather than human these days. Of course, I did not want to analyse it, as part of me was glad this has happened. Yet the other half of me, the non-demonic part, did not want to crave blood at all.
It was not fun to be a vampire these days, especially with my recent discovery that the media had gone into frenzy over us. I had such a shock when I arrived in New York and saw all the commercial crap for the vampire films and books that were out. If only we could descend back into the shadows again and become the princes of darkness that we truly are, I thought as I sat laughing to myself. Ah well, I had better make the most of it here, maybe Hollywood would come knocking on my door one day.
I took the meat from the cardboard box the butcher had kindly left and sunk my teeth into it. I had not fully realised how hungry I was. Feeling satisfied, I wiped my mouth of the excess blood and broke down.
This was becoming repetitive. The meat seeking, blood craving, demon dodging was a curse I wanted to be shot of. As I sat back against the brick wall, feeling somewhat sorry for myself, I happened to look up and notice the flicker of the street lamp become more erratic.
A frown drew across my face. Without any warning, the sound of a revving motorbike came closer and closer. I sensed I was in danger, so I leapt to my feet and snarled. I could feel the vampire surging through my body. With my teeth clenched and my fists ready, I knew I could take on whoever dared cross my path. The bike was now heading towards me almost blinding me with its headlight. As it swerved in front me, blocking me up against the wall, I suddenly felt ready to release the demon. Not that I wanted to shift. I felt I had no choice but to defend myself. I stood my ground as I could now feel myself shifting completely into vampire mode.
The fangs began to descend from the gum and my eyes became lucid. My head tilted back as the pain shot through my spine. I had not shifted for so long I had forgotten how it felt.
‘Nooo! Don't fuckin' do that,’ the voice boomed from the helmet.
I inhaled. It was human blood. This had to be a trap. I tried desperately to stop the transformation, as I knew I was far more dangerous when I was complete. I sank to the floor on all fours withering in agony, as my whole body allowed the demon to come through. It was no wonder Father had taken us to Scandinavia away from the humans. Who in the world wanted to live like this?
Wait a minute. I know that accent. It reminded me of the man outside the house in Finland.
Now I was confused. I controlled my breathing and relaxed a bit, hoping the shifting would somehow stop. I looked up at the figure in black leather that sat on the motorcycle waving its arms about like a lunatic.
‘Don't fucking shift completely; you will be in so much danger. Just try to control it.’
He knows about the vampire. ‘You've been following me since Helsinki. Who the fuck are you?’ I seethed
I kept a watchful eye on him as he removed his helmet.
‘I'm Stride. It’s nice to finally meet ya Jyrki.’
‘What? I know you too,’ I said, bewilder
edly. He pulled his long grey hair out of his ponytail and loosened his scarf a bit.
‘That's bloody better. Yeah, I know you Jyrki, so you can calm down now. I’m not going to bloody hurt ya, as if I could anyway.’
‘So h-h-how do you know who I am? You're not one of...Those are you?’
He smiled and began to remove his leather gloves before stuffing them in his jacket pocket.
‘Hey, do I look like a fucking demon?’
I laughed nervously. He probably was not aware demons could look like a regular person.
‘Maybe it’s best if I explain things somewhere else. Hop on the back.’ he said, passing me a helmet.
I was hesitant.
‘Look, you are more of a danger to me, ok?’
Of course, I had to agree with him. Now that I was standing next to him, I sniffed. He seemed very much human.
‘Now get rid of those fangs alright and no nipping me on the neck.’
For a human, he did not seem too bad. I had my reservations of course, but I picked up some good vibes off him. Also, he wasn't so easily freaked out when he saw me change whereas any other human would've.
‘So, er, where’s the accent from?’
‘Scotland. Can you understand me all right? A lot of folk around here have trouble with it.’
‘Yeah, I understand you perfectly. It’s just that I’m sure I’ve heard it somewhere before that’s all.’
I caught him smiling as he put his helmet back on.
‘Anywhere particular?’ he shouted over the noise of the revving engine.
‘Let's go to the Zone club. It was where I was headed to anyway,’ I shouted
‘Right you are boss.’
CHAPTER SEVEN
Stride rode the motorcycle like maniac. Between getting soaked and windswept, I somehow felt a bout of nausea as the passing of the neon lights on either side of my head was making me disoriented.
At least when I run, I thought, it is more like a fleeting sensation of being here one minute and there the next.
I could not wait until he parked up. I was beginning to have visions of the Exorcist scene in my head.
Please I silently begged, don't let me do it.
Finally, I could see the venue on the right hand side of the road. Nerves began telling on me as I saw the long queue of people waiting outside. I just hoped the last bit of food I had would last me.
‘Stride, take the next turning,’ I yelled, tapping him on the shoulder.
‘No problem, so ya like The Ramones then?’ he hollered in his thick Scottish accent.
‘Excuse me?’
‘The bloody band we've come here to see?’ he laughed
‘Oh, I've never heard of them until today.’
‘You what?’ he laughed at me again, ‘then what have you been doing all these years, hiding in the woods?’
‘You're not far off,’ I shrugged. What have I been doing all these years though?
He took the next right turning and parked up opposite the venue. I was so relieved to get off the damn thing.
‘Now, which pocket did I put it in?’ he said to himself
I watched him as he prattled about with the numerous pockets that he had on his black biker jacket.
‘What are you doing?’ I asked, looking at him curiously.
‘Oh! Don't mind these,’ he said as he pulled out a wooden stake and a knife before throwing them into his bag.
‘They were just for precaution that's all,’ he assured me with a smile.
‘I certainly hope so. So who are you then? And what do you want with me?’
His smile disappeared and a look of concern drew across his face, which alarmed me greatly. I had every reason not to trust him. I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. If he were working with the Others, then I'd kill him. That was my plan, actually, it was the only plan I had right now.
‘I'll explain what I can in here rather than outside, the music will drown out our conversation. You never know who’s listening in these days.’
I nodded in agreement. I looked at him with his head of long white hair and his American Indian beads dangling from his neck onto his plain black T-shirt. He was by far the most eccentric human I ever come across.
‘So, are you ready then? I am quite looking forward to this, I have not seen a good band since...Oh Black Sabbath in the 70's, and that was in Glasgow. What a night that was. Remind me to tell you about it sometime,’ he said.
I had a feeling this was going to be a long night.
It was still raining. I took one look at the queue and thought fuck it. The door was manned by two huge guys. They did not faze me at all.
‘Hey Stride, follow me.’
We walked past the long line of people standing beside the wall of the venue. As I passed, I could sense the women were staring at me and giggling. I returned the favour and smiled back at them, almost sending them into frenzy. I knew women found us vampires far more attractive than the average man, but usually once they get too close, their lust often turned to fear. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Stride flashing them a wink, when I realised they were laughing and mocking him behind his back.
Poor guy, I smirked. I do not think I had this much fun in years.
‘How the fuck did you do that?’ he said obviously catching on to his failed attempt at wooing the opposite sex.
‘Luck,’ I shrugged.
‘So how are we supposed to get past those two Rottweiler’s then - luck too?’ he said, pointing at the security by the door.
‘C'mon… we can get in, no problem. Just watch.’
I only had to look at the guy.
‘Alright mate...Er, Mick.’ I said reading his security pass. ‘We can go through ok?’ I said quite confidently to him. I half expected him to throw me onto the kerb, but he just stood by the door with his arms folded. Stride edged away slightly. The doorman looked me up and down again, with a curious frown on his face. After a few seconds of deliberating, he nodded his head.
‘Go on, go through.’
‘How did you do that?’
‘One of the advantages of being a Vampire,’ I remarked. Either that or they thought I was a member of the band.’
Stride laughed.
‘Jesus, it fucking stinks in 'ere.’
I nodded in agreement. The stench of stale beer and piss was even making me wince. We walked up the staircase to the bar, dodging the youngsters sat on the steps drinking and smoking. A couple looked at me inquisitively then carried on sucking each other's faces off.
‘Get us a pint will ya? Oh and here's some cash, as I know you ain't got any.’
He thrust a ten-dollar bill into my hand and went to find a table at the back of the room.
‘A pint?’ I muttered, looking at the strange piece of paper he pressed into my hand.
I had read about currency in a book back at the old farmhouse, but I had never seen it with my own eyes before.
‘Hey, move it fella,’ some guy shouted as he walked past me.
I realised, I was standing in the way of the incoming crowd, coming through the door, as I could hear the snide remarks of the youngsters as they brushed passed me. I walked over to the bar, not sure of what to ask for when I caught sight of the women dressed in fishnet and patent leather miniskirts dancing seductively around a pole on the stage. A smug look drew across my face. The intense beat of the industrial sound pounded against my chest, almost as if I had a heartbeat. I felt like I belonged here, another reject of modern society.
‘What are you having?’ I heard the barmaid call.
I edged closer to the bar and smiled at her. She leaned over; knowing very well her bust almost bulged over her red corset. Not that I minded but I could see the lust in her eyes, as she looked me over. She flicked her long dark hair over her shoulder and fluttered her obviously fake dark lashes at me. I averted my gaze to the ten dollar bill Stride gave me to calm my nerves.
‘Um...’ What was I supposed to say, I did not know
of any alcoholic drinks. Feeling stupid, I turned to the guy sat next to me.
‘Whatever he's drinking,’ I said to her.
‘Then it’s two beers okay sweets.’
The moment was becoming a little too intense. She never took her gaze off me as she slid her hand over mine before taking the note. I felt a slight shiver up my spine as I felt the warm touch of human flesh against mine. I was sorely tempted.
‘It could've been blood for all you know,’ I heard the guy next to me say.
Feeling more at ease I turned sideways to make conversation. The guy was knelt over the bar sipping on his drink. His long black hair draped over the shoulders of his leather jacket. I was so glad of the interruption.
‘Then that would've been perfect,’ I replied
If only you knew, if only you knew.
‘Hey, I'm Blaze by the way,’ he said holding his hand out in a gesture.
‘I'm Jyrki.’
‘That accent isn't American?’ he asked
‘No, I'm Finnish...’
Just as I was about to say something else I heard Stride hollering from across the room.
‘Where are the drinks?’
‘Bloody Stride,’ I muttered.
The barmaid put the drinks on a tray and smiled at me seductively before serving the next customer. I held the tray up with the beers hoping it would shut him up.
Blaze sniggered.
‘It looks like your old man is thirsty.’
‘He isn’t my old man, thank fuck,’ I said as I left the bar.
I walked over to the table, careful not to spill my drinks on anyone. The place began to fill up quite quickly and I almost had to wedge myself between the tables.
‘Take a seat...’ Stride pointed out a chair and took his pint off the tray before I had a chance to sit down.
I sat waiting until he had a sufficient amount of drink to satisfy his thirst. Slowly he placed the half drank glass on the table and looked at me. He leaned over the table and in a whisper, he muttered in my ear.
‘I know you are a New Blood,’ he said as he sat back and folded his arms.