by K. A. Poe
“Colorado Slayings – Man, Bear or Mystery?”
Beneath the title it read “Your place for paranormal news!”
I clicked the link curiously and was brought to a page with a black background and red text. There were links to the side relating to UFOs, crop circles, Sasquatch, chupacabras, vampires, werewolves, witches, and all sorts of other supernatural things. I ignored them for the time being and spotted the article about the Denver ‘slayings’. As the page loaded, I noticed I had begun shaking a little and the hairs on my arms were standing. I inhaled deeply.
“Recently, a supposed bear attack occurred at the Denver Zoo. A Ms. Janet Hobbs was viciously attacked by one of the bears while feeding the animal. Her injuries were severe, ranging from deep scratch marks across her face and mid-section and two identical deep puncture wounds along her right wrist. What would cause this bear to attack this woman? Not to mention, these distinct markings on her wrist do not match the bite of a bear, but more closely resemble a snake bite.
Over the past few weeks, three other Denver citizens have been found attacked – with similar injuries, namely the wrist markings. Progressively, more and more incidents were spotted in nearing cities of brutal attacks, similar to the one on Janet Hobbs (Just the most recent in this string of ‘incidents’) – unfortunately, most of the other victims were not as lucky as Ms. Hobbs. Is there some sadistic murderer on the loose, attacking people in the exact same manner? Is it really the fault of animals, both wild and zoo-kept? Or is this something entirely different?
Tell me – did the word 'vampire' come to mind at all as you read this article? If so, you might be on the right track. If you are familiar with my other articles, you will know that I believe these Night Walkers are lurking around in our world, preying on our blood. These are definitely no mere animal attacks.
Keep your eyes open, and be wary! They could be anywhere.
-Amanda G.”
My eyes grew sore from reading the bright red text against the black background, and my hands hadn't stopped shaking. Clearly, I wasn't the only one skeptical about these ‘bear’ attacks. I closed the browser and sat for a moment, thinking over what I had just read. What would Salem think, would he agree or would he think I was over-reacting and digging too deeply into this? It was odd thinking how if I had found this website just a week ago I would have laughed and considered it bogus…but not anymore.
I stepped down the stairs carefully, still a little rattled from what I had just read. The coolness from the refrigerator felt relaxing against my skin as I browsed through its core. I hadn't realized how empty it was getting – there was half a gallon of milk, some orange juice, and some leftover spaghetti from who knows when. I dumped the pasta and poured a glass of juice.
“Looks like I'll be going grocery shopping...” I muttered aloud to myself. I searched for the envelope of funds Janet had left me with and pocketed some of the money before hiding the envelope beneath the microwave. As I was leaving the house, the phone rang and I hastily picked it up; Karen was on the other end.
“Oh, my god, Alex! I’m so glad I got a hold of you. I've been trying to call you all morning and you never answered! I even made a trip over to your house hoping to find you, but no one answered. I have been so worried!” she rambled on to the point that it was hard to catch each word. “I saw the news about your mom! Why didn’t you tell me last night!? Are you okay? Is she okay? Do you need anything?”
Once I was positive she was done talking, I sighed and spoke into the receiver. “I'm as okay as I can be. She’s in the hospital and doing better, and I'm sorry I haven't gotten hold of you. I should have known you would be panicking when you heard about it, mom was always close to you, too,” I smiled at the memories of how fond Janet had been of Karen, how she often treated her like another daughter. “I’ve just been so overwhelmed with mom leaving and now this,” I said, unable to tell her the whole truth, “and I didn’t want to ruin the party you worked on for me. I’m sorry.”
“I'm just glad it was nothing worse and that you're okay.”
“I’m fine, and I will let you know if I hear anything else about mom. Thanks for calling,” I said awkwardly, surprised by my eagerness to get off the phone. There was so much on my mind; even a conversation with my best friend wasn't going to be enough to distract me. “I need to run to the store, and like I said - I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay, Alex, I understand. Just keep in touch, okay?”
“I will,” I responded and hung up.
After making a very quick grocery run, I dropped the food off at home. My attempt to get a hold of Jason failed again. I decided to drive over to Salem's house to tell him about the site and see what he thought – assuming I could find the way there again. The twisting road was even more terrifying when I was alone, but I eased my way slowly along the asphalt. I met the familiar dirt path with a groan, not looking forward to the bumpy ride. Fortunately, the turn to the left came into view before long and I was relieved to find I had miraculously remembered just how to get there.
The magnificent Victorian appeared empty when I pulled up. I sat in the parked car for a few minutes, admiring the vast house. I hadn't noticed the wide windows on the top floor before; they looked almost like two large eyes staring down at me. I shivered. My gaze was soon distracted by the surrounding nature. A cobblestone path started at the back of the house, curving off into dense foliage. My curiosity got the best of me and I exited the car. I hoped Salem wouldn't mind me trespassing around his house.
I followed the thin, winding path through the thick forest. There were berry-speckled shrubs here and there, and the sound of rushing water. I glanced behind me, shocked that I could no longer see any evidence of the house or my car. It was amazing to be amongst nature for a change. A white bunny stood out from the surrounding green. I slowly approached it, wanting to get a closer look.
I jumped back and almost screamed when I saw a pale hand slowly, carefully reach through the shrubbery and grab the rabbit. It wriggled helplessly as it was pulled out of sight. The noises coming from behind the bush were unbearably disgusting – the high-pitched squeal of the poor bunny, the sickening slurping sound...I covered my ears. I tried to run but my legs felt like jelly. Part of me knew what was going on, but my mind wouldn't let me admit it.
“S-Salem?” I whimpered with my eyes locked on the spot where the white rabbit had stood just seconds ago.
I heard the crunch of twigs and the thump of something hitting the ground. “Alexis...” his silky sweet voice met my ears, and I shuddered unexpectedly. “What are you doing out here?”
I couldn't see him; he was shrouded by the wilderness. “The house seemed empty, and I saw this path out here...and I thought maybe I would go exploring while I waited for you to get back from wherever you were...and there was no lights on…and…” my voice trailed off when he emerged from behind the bushes.
His appearance was startling. The pale blue eyes I had begun to admire were brightly tinted with red. Blood stained his pale hands, which he promptly hid behind his back. He looked ashamed, “I was hoping to avoid you seeing me like this,” he said quietly, keeping his distance.
“No...It’s okay...” my voice was just as quiet, “I understand what you were doing, and I’m not upset.”
He arched a brow, “You aren't the least bit scared?”
“Oh, no...I'm a little disturbed,” my laughter lacked any humor. “It's just something I’ve got to get used to, right?”
“Or you could avoid me altogether,” he suggested with a frown.
“I'd rather not,” I whispered.
“There is a creek not too far from here, if you would like to see it while I...clean up.”
“Sure,” I replied warily, eying the spot again where the rabbit had once stood.
11. TWIN SOULS
We walked down the winding path for a few more feet until it broke off and our shoes fell upon dark soil and gentle green moss. The sound of water grew loude
r with each step. As I looked around the area, I saw that we had come into a clearing in the dense forest. The surrounding trees formed an arch overhead and brilliant rays of light eased through the branches and leaves. Ahead of us, beneath the archway, was a magnificent, long creek lined with large stones varying in size and color. A fallen tree lay across the water, forming a natural bridge.
I watched in awe as Salem gracefully leapt up and walked across the log. He smiled back at me expectantly, but I shook my head. There was no way I was climbing across that thing! I could easily picture myself tripping, falling into the creek and smashing my head against one of the many large creek rocks.
“I will keep you safe, you know that,” he called toward me as he hopped off the opposite side of the tree, ran his hands through the water and cleansed the blood off. “At least come to the water’s edge.”
I obliged, walking to the edge of the rippling creek. I sat on the moist soil, pulled both of my shoes and socks off, and slowly inched my feet into the shallow water. It was freezing cold!
“How can you stand how cold this is?!” I said as I pulled my feet out.
“It feels pleasant enough to me,” he grinned. “Let your feet adjust to the temperature.”
I reluctantly lowered my feet back into the ice cold water. Gradually, it didn't feel quite as cold.
“See, it's not so bad.”
“It's still a lot colder than I was expecting!”
Before I had a chance to react, Salem had crossed the water and was at my side, pulling me further into the water. Despite my shouts of protest, he continued dragging me in. I shivered against his chest as he held me. “It's even colder with you next to me,” I laughed through chattering teeth.
He just smiled down at me. I was relieved to see his eyes had returned to their familiar pale blue. I gazed up toward the sky, noting it was beginning to darken and realized I had never gotten a chance to convince Jason not to have the party. I groaned.
“What's wrong, Alexis?” he whispered into my ear.
“It’s late and I didn’t get a chance to get ahold of Jason yet.” I sighed.
“Oh, I see,” he said, the disappointment in his voice clearly evident.
“No, not like that. Jason’s just a friend. He’s supposed to be throwing this big party tonight at my house and I really don’t want it. I tried to call him and have him put it off to another night or forget about it altogether, but I never got ahold of him.”
“Oh,” he replied quietly, “do you need to leave, then?”
“Maybe...I don't know. Is there a phone at your place?”
“No, but that could easily be arranged,” he laughed. “Or better yet...” he held out an empty hand and his eyes twinkled violet momentarily. A small cell phone materialized against his palm. “This ought to work.”
“You're amazing, do you know that?” I grinned and took the phone from him. I quickly dialed Jason's number – finally he answered!
“Hey Jason, it's Alex,” I said into the cell.
“It's about time! The party is in less than an hour and I’ve been trying to call you for the past two hours!” his voice sounded a little strained.
“I tried calling you this morning, but you never picked up.”
“I was out picking up some stuff for the party. Are you at home?”
“No...” I muttered. “I'm at least twenty miles away from home.”
“How am I supposed to throw this party if you're not there?!” he nearly shouted.
“There's a spare key under the owl statue beside the front walkway. I'll try to make it home before the party is over, just start without me. And remember your promise!”
“No alcohol,” I could hear his voice relaxing, “You better make it, it wouldn't be the same without you.”
“I'll try to make it, I promise.”
“Great! So, have you tried out the laptop yet?”
A sudden queasiness overcame me as I recalled the articles I had read. “Yeah...I used it a little today,” my voice was distant, “just to test it out. I'll definitely use it more, though.”
“Awesome, glad you're using it. See you soon!” he said excitedly and hung up.
“Something is bothering you,” Salem said as I hung up the phone. He took it and laid it on top of the fallen log.
“Is it that obvious?” I scowled.
“Your expressions are easy to read,” he replied. “What is on your mind?”
He climbed onto the makeshift bridge and helped me up. I sat beside him, letting my feet dangle over the edge and rest in the cold water. I didn't know where to begin, whether with what I heard from Paul or what I had read online. I decided to start with the story that was less painful to tell and rambled on about the articles.
“You believe it is a vampire doing it all, then?” he asked once I finished talking.
“Yes…I don’t know. I mean, doesn’t it seem a little weird to you? Before it was more about Janet than anything, but now I know the same thing has been happening to more and more people,” I blurted out quickly. “How likely is it that a bear is doing all this?”
“It’s not very likely at all,” he grimaced. “You may have been right all along. But there is more you want to tell me.”
“Yeah…” I sighed. “This won't nearly be as easy as the stuff about the articles, though...”
I retold the story Paul had told me early this morning, keeping my eyes focused on the rippling creek as each word fell from my mouth. Salem was silent the entire time, waiting patiently for me to finish. He cringed at the mentioning of Raziel.
“I'm so sorry, Alexis,” he said quietly and draped an arm around me, pulling me closer to him.
“Would it bother you if I said I was tempted to...help Paul find Raziel and put an end to him?”
Salem gazed down at me, I couldn't read his expression. “It doesn't bother me exactly, not in the sense you mean, anyway, but the thought of you hunting,” he recoiled as he spoke the words, “Once you begin, it's hard to stop...”
“I wouldn't hurt any more of your kind, I swear.”
“You say that now. It is more the chance of you getting hurt that I do not want to think about,” he shook his head. “I won't allow it. You need to avoid it at all costs. It is in your blood to be a hunter; you would not be able to stop so easily.”
I didn't respond. I wasn't sure what to say. I didn't want to hurt Salem or myself, but at the same time, I hungered for vengeance against the monster that had taken my mother from me.
“There's another reason,” he broke the silence, and I could tell from the sound of his voice that it wasn't something I wanted to hear.
“What?”
“If you kill him, you kill me, and any other vampires he created.”
“No...” the word was barely audible. “Paul has been searching for him ever since the incident...what if he finds him?”
“Then I can only hope he doesn't succeed,” Salem frowned. “Had it not been for meeting you, I honestly wouldn't have cared to have died by now.”
“Salem, what if...” I could hardly get the words to come out, “what if Paul finds you?”
“He's found me before,” he grinned slyly. “I told you already; I am smarter than he thinks. I imagine Raziel is hardly any different. In fact, he is probably smarter and quicker than I am.”
“Oh...” I wasn't sure how to respond. I sulked, leaning my head against his shoulder and thinking as I pulled my feet out of the water. “I’ve got one more question.”
“More?” he laughed. “You are full of them!”
“I'm sorry. You would be, too, if this were the other way around!”
“I suppose you are right.”
“Your accent...it sure doesn't come from anywhere around here,” I commented. “Where are you from?”
“That is one question I was actually surprised you had not asked yet. While my ancestors may have originated in Massachusetts, I was born and raised in Wales,” he smiled, appearing to be reflecting
on old memories.
“Wales...” I said in awe. “How did you end up here, of all places?”
“I have traveled most of the world,” he said thoughtfully. “Eventually, I decided to settle down someplace.”
“But why here?”
“You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Alexis. I know you will object because you already know my other secrets – but this is something even I cannot quite comprehend.”
“I think I can handle it.”
“I am not so sure,” he looked up to the sky. The glow of the moon could barely be seen between the shrouds of trees. “It involves you.”
I jerked my head up from his shoulder and looked directly into his pale blue eyes. “How could it have anything to do with me?”
“That is exactly why I don't think you will understand.”
“Please, just tell me,” I begged.
“Very well, but promise me you won't laugh.”
“I promise.”
“Here, take my hand,” Salem said as he stood up from the log. By now it was already dark, but I reluctantly took his hand and followed him as we began to walk further into the woods along the path. I had to know what he was going to tell me, late for the party or not.
“I am sure you have heard of Plato in school,” he commented as we delved deeper into the forest.
“Yeah, sure,” I said, somewhat confused. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Let me finish,” he smiled. “According to history, he wrote of humans originally having four arms, four legs, and a single head made up of two faces.” I stared awkwardly at him. “But, in fear of their power, Zeus split them all in half, condemning them to a life of searching for their other half... I don't necessarily believe in that, however...”
My expression told him I was still unsure where he was going with this. “Alexis, do you believe in soul mates?” I believe his cheeks would have flushed at that moment had he been human.