“For every one of mine that dies because of you, I will press this,” Unending replied, and caused another arrow of pain to shoot through Death.
“Stop!” she cried out, close to falling to her knees.
“Do you concede? I can do this all day.”
“Your insolence will be your undoing!” Death snarled.
Unending smirked. “Maybe, but at least I’ll go knowing I’ve done the right thing. Immortality isn’t such a bad thing if you use it wisely. Look at all the time you’ve had on your hands, and you still don’t know when to let go. It’s almost pathetic.” She paused and inhaled deeply, choosing her next words carefully. “Let me make myself clear. I will give a conditional form of immortality to those who wish it. And you won’t lay a finger on any of them. Should they live longer, so be it. Should they live forever, again, so be it. Should they wish to end it and move on… so friggin’ be it. But you will never hurt my people.” She wiggled her thumb above one of the dots. “Otherwise, you know what will happen.”
“How the hell did she pull this off?” I murmured, trying to wrap my head around this unexpected development.
“That stone was the holder of seals,” Time whispered. “With one seal still inside Death, Unending can control it. From what I can see, all it does is cause pain—the kind of pain that no mortal will ever feel.”
“I will never forgive you for this!” Death said. “You had no right!”
“I had every right!” Unending shouted. “Maybe later, when you decide to use reason instead of that stupidly short fuse of yours, we can revisit this issue. Until then, you’re my bitch. I made the Thousand Seals. I know that spell better than anyone and thank the universe I didn’t take it all out.”
Phantom walked over to her mother’s side, trying to act as a bridge between warring factions. “What’s the worst that could happen if you let the vampires live? They’ve done nothing but help us since day one.”
“You’re taking your sister’s side?” Death croaked, utterly astonished.
“No, I’m choosing my own side,” Phantom retorted, increasingly disappointed. “Ugh, Unending is right. You do need that seal inside you. At least for a little while.”
“I could wipe you all out, right now, and start over,” Death said. “New Reapers. New rules. None of this garbage.”
“You won’t,” Lumi cut in, her skin shimmering as if the Word himself was talking through her. “There is a balance in this world, and Unending’s actions going forward will not affect it. If anything, vampires have proven themselves necessary to the universal ecosystem. Should you kill everyone, should you destroy your own creation, you’ll do nothing but prove how backward you really are. You’ll end up alone. Regrets will eat you up on the inside, and there is nothing more dangerous for this universe than Death off balance.”
It took a couple of minutes for this new reality to sink in. She didn’t like it one bit, and I was willing to bet she’d soon look for a way to undo the last seal and get back at Unending. For the time being, however, she allowed herself a deep exhale as she offered Unending a faint nod.
“So be it,” she said. “Use your gift. But use it wisely.”
My lips stretched into a smile, my heart already racing. If Death really wanted Unending gone, all she had to do was destroy her. Unending wouldn’t have been able to stop her. But this conflict between them was about control and nothing else. Death was learning that she couldn’t control her first-made. It had to suck, but she would have to learn to exist with it.
“If this goes wrong—if a single vampire hurts an innocent creature—I will destroy you, Unending. And I will destroy your creation, as well,” Death warned her. “Remember that before you proceed.”
Unending gave her a stern look. “I’ve grown since we were last together,” she said. “My mind is not what it was five million years ago. I dare not consider myself wiser than you are, but I am definitely wiser than I once was. Rest assured, you will never have to intervene. Nor should you, for that matter. Each of us is capable of fixing our own mistakes. And if we fail to do it ourselves, we have people like Tristan, Esme, Lumi, Kailani… Derek and Sofia, and everyone else in GASP to turn to. Our fellow Reapers will be happy to help, too. This world doesn’t have to be as black and white as you think. It can carry itself in a million different shades, each wonderful or scary in its own way. Whatever the future brings, we can handle it.”
Death did not have anything else to say. All words had been spoken, and Unending had made her decision painfully clear. To be honest, I pretty much agreed with every argument she’d made. Before we’d even learned of Death’s existence, our sole focus had been to do good and to protect the innocents of this universe, supernatural or otherwise. We weren’t beacons of righteousness ourselves, but we had always done the best we could with what we’d had.
“What will it be, then?” Lumi reiterated her original question. Deep down, I felt a little safer knowing she was under the Word’s tutelage. Not even Death herself could harm her. Well, technically speaking, Lumi could still die, but not today. And not at the hands of Death. “Do the vampires get their mojo back? I’m asking because they would never dare ask you themselves. They’re too nice.”
Kailani chuckled, and Hunter stifled a grin of his own. They were absolutely right to laugh, and Lumi was absolutely right in her assessment. Neither Derek nor I would’ve asked for vampirism to be returned to us. We’d told Unending that we were okay with whatever she decided.
Mira smiled. “For what it’s worth, I feel amazing. I’ve been around for too long.”
“Yes. We’re ready to walk into old age now,” Kemi added.
“Perhaps the day will come when we’ll feel the same.” Rose sighed. “But I admit, today isn’t that day.”
Lumi nodded slowly, then kneeled and placed a palm on the ground. A tree grew from the barren dirt, its leaves lush and green and shiny. Its branches reached for the heavens, stretching and multiplying, gradually becoming heavier as blossoms emerged all the way to the tips. Within seconds, as Lumi hummed softly, the flowers withered, and peaches grew in their place. Perfectly round, pink peaches.
“Think about it this way,” Lumi said as she stepped back. “I invite you humans to take a bite out of a peach.”
Derek and I looked at each other. Without hesitation, we walked toward the tree and each plucked a peach from the lower hanging branches. I gave one to Thayen, knowing he’d never tasted anything other than blood. He deserved to know what mortality had to offer.
“What are you doing?” Unending asked Lumi.
“I’m showing them what they would have to sacrifice. We both know you’ll keep the original conditions of vampirism,” the swamp witch replied.
“What, even the dependence on the night?” Kailani chimed in. “I mean, that wouldn’t be the end of the world, since they have a day-walking cure now. It would be a shame for this whole Visio mess to have been for nothing, right?”
I took a bite out of the peach, its sweet taste caressing my tongue. It had been a while since I’d last enjoyed something like this. “Mm, this is delicious,” I mumbled. “Last time I had a peach was during my pregnancy. Wow.”
“It’s as good as I remember it,” Derek added, chewing with childlike delight.
Thayen, on the other hand, was conflicted. “This is strange…”
“What do you mean?” Rose asked as she got a peach of her own. Soon Caleb, River, Esme, Kalon, Tristan, and all the surviving Seniors were helping themselves to this simple yet wonderful fruit.
“It tastes amazing,” Thayen said. “But I still remember the taste of blood. It’s all I’ve ever known.”
It dawned on me then that Thayen would never be an Aeternae again. The concept had completely slipped my mind, though it was important. “Honey, the thing with vampirism is that it’s not passed down genetically. A vampire can only be made. If Unending is kind enough to give it back to us, we’d have to turn you. And if we turn you now, you won�
�t grow up. You’ll forever be an eight-year-old boy. Well, look like an eight-year-old boy, anyway…”
Unending inched closer, scythe in her hand. “I understand what Lumi is trying to say here.”
Thayen gave me a pensive look, and I knew he was contemplating a lifetime of being able to taste a peach and anything else his stomach desired versus a life restricted to blood. Unlike most kids his age but much like the Visentis boys, Thayen was more mature and more intelligent, capable of discerning the complexities of a vampiric existence.
“There is something I should point out, however,” Unending said. “Kailani got something wrong regarding the day-walking cure. It was synthesized from the blood of Aeternae, who no longer exist. Therefore, the power of their blood no longer exists, either.”
“Oh, so the cure no longer works,” Amal realized, understandably bitter. “All that work for nothing. Damn…”
“I could include the gift of day-walking into vampirism,” Unending replied with a shrug. “But the idea of it was that it served as a price. In return for immortality, you surrendered yourselves unto the night. The force of life, the blood, was to be your only sustenance. In a way, your evolution made the attainment of immortality a much fairer trade.” She took another deep breath. “I feel like it should stay the same, whether you like the idea or not. I’ve put myself at great risk to reward you for your selflessness. I think original vampirism is the only sort of immortality I have to give.”
Derek nodded slowly. “I agree.”
His answer surprised me. “We came all the way here for the day-walking cure. You lost your ability when you were turned human. If she turns you again—”
“He’ll belong to the night once more, yes,” Unending replied. “As much as I hate it, Death has a point regarding this issue.”
“I know,” Derek muttered, frowning slightly.
“Dad, for what it’s worth, we’ve existed as vampires for a long time. We’ve learned to live peacefully with the night and the shadows. We’ve got precautions in place. The Shade is still our haven with its eternal twilight,” Rose said. “As much as I love the taste of this peach, I want to be a vampire again. I miss the strength, the heightened reflexes, the feeling of pure force flowing through me like a current. So I’ll belong to the darkness. I’ve lived with it before, and I will continue to live with it.”
“I agree.” Esme sighed. “As much as I would’ve enjoyed completing the cure, I’m okay with the night, too.”
Unending smiled. “You people never cease to amaze me. What do you think, Mother?” she asked Death, who replied with a grumpy huff. “She’s not in the best of moods right now, but I’m sure she agrees.”
“I’d like to be a vampire again,” Derek said. “I’ve been around for quite a while, but nowhere near as long as Mira or Kemi.”
The former Lord and Lady Supreme of Visio chuckled, holding each other close. I found comfort in seeing them together like this, even after such a long time. I knew in my heart that Derek and I would be the same in a couple million years, provided we survived for that long.
Slipping an arm around my husband’s waist, I looked at Unending. “I’d like to be a vampire again, too. Give me the night. Give me the bloodlust. It’s who I am and will always be.”
“I’ll make it simple, then,” Unending continued. “I shall return the gift of vampirism as it was. To the Trakkians, well, I wish you nothing but health, peace, and prosperity. May you all thrive all the way into the sunset of your lives.” She looked to Derek. “Come here, please.”
Derek took the first step, and Unending touched him with her blade. A faint red glimmer slipped from the metal and onto his skin, spreading and vanishing beneath his clothes. Minutes passed as we waited to see what would happen. “Ow,” he grunted, revealing his teeth. Blood dripped from his gums as fangs grew over his canines, retractable as before. “Damn it!” he cried out, blood seeping from his fingertips, as well. Claws emerged, and Derek sucked in a breath, the color fading from his skin.
The sun began to burn him, but the Night Bringer was kind enough to spare us the effort of pulling on our hoods and masks, as he raised his weapon and turned the skies pitch black. Kailani threw a sparkle into the air—it exploded and shone like the moon, hovering above us and casting enough light to remind us of midnight in The Shade.
I was brought to tears by how everyone was pitching in. By how things were falling back into place, our lives and happiness restored, one gesture at a time.
“It is done,” Unending announced, then turned to me. “From Derek, it has spread back to where it was before.”
I would miss the taste of peaches, but as my toothache subsided and I ran the tip of my tongue over my sharp fangs, I felt whole again. Rose, Caleb, Tristan, River, and Esme were back to their old selves, and surely all the vampires across the worlds had also been restored. Their smiles meant everything to me. Their happiness was my happiness, and what was taking place here felt so right.
“What about you?” Unending asked the surviving Seniors. “I do not wish to reward the Trakkians with Aeternae immortality ever again, but since we’re here, perhaps I could gift you with vampirism, if you want it. You, the Seniors, have a special place in my heart… Or will you choose old age?”
They all nodded in unison, led by Mira and Kemi. “We fought for something here,” Mira replied. “Thank you, Unending, for your kindness, for your gift…” She teared up, her lower lip quivering. “I’m sorry we didn’t do better by you. I hope… I hope—”
“Stop it,” Unending said, wearing a loving smile. “The past is the past. We cannot undo or change it. You’ve all come a long way since I last saw you, and that alone is enough for me. If ever you long for immortality again, you can always reach out to a vampire of GASP. You know the conditions. You know the price that must be paid.”
Mira wiped her tears, her shoulder resting against Kemi’s. “We’ll make sure the rest of our people never forget what happened here today. The Trakkians must always remember who they were, what they did, and what they allowed to happen. It’s the least we can do to repay you for everything you’ve given us.”
“Good. No one can ever forget.” Unending sighed.
As the atmosphere relaxed around us, with Death quiet and sullen in the background, I could finally see a clear future ahead. I wasn’t sure what it would entail exactly, but I was content with what we had and determined to make the most of it.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to become a vampire,” Kalon said, drawing Unending’s attention. “I’ve never known the life of a mortal, and I have a lot more to live for. Besides, with Esme by my side, I doubt even an eternity is enough.” He held Esme’s hand and gave her a loving look. I knew, right then and there, that these two were absolutely meant for each other. His selfless sacrifice, her warrior nature—they just clicked in all the right ways.
“So be it,” Unending replied, giving him the gift of vampirism. Despite the mild pain, he seemed to welcome the feel of his claws and fangs. It made him giggle like the happiest little boy as he swept Esme off her feet and into a tight hug, showering her with kisses. They deserved this more than anyone else, especially after the Black Fever scare.
The Reapers were all content, though they gave Death the occasional awkward and wary glance. None of them wanted to step between her and Unending, but it was easy to tell that they didn’t exactly disagree with their sister’s somewhat extreme method of getting what she wanted. I could see why they’d said that Unending and Death were more alike than either would’ve liked to admit. Hardheaded and determined, powerful, equal parts wise and prone to emotional weakness. Unlike Death, however, Unending had proven herself capable of admitting her faults.
Death still had a long way to go on that front. My only hope was that the seal would stay put, and that she would leave me and every other vampire alone. Our relationship had never been hostile, but one could never really tell with entities like Death or the Word or even the Hermessi and wh
atever else was out there that made the universe tick.
Thayen tugged at my arm. “Sofia?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“I’d like to spend some time like this before I am turned,” he said. “I’d like to grow up first.”
“That is a wise choice,” Derek replied.
Ansel gave Thayen a smile. “You’re not the only one. I’m taking my time, too, and so are Moore and Tudyk.”
“That’s a smart choice,” Trev chuckled as he put an arm around Kalon’s shoulders, pulling him closer. These two had been friends since Trev was merely a child, and I could see the joy in his eyes as he gazed upon a healthy Kalon. “You’ll like being mortal, trust me.”
Kalon raised an eyebrow at him. “You loved being an Aeternae, admit it.”
“Yeah, but the food, my friend. I miss it…”
“There is no rush, younglings,” Lumi advised, smiling at the Visentis boys. “Vampirism will still be there when you’re ready for it.” Her response got a faint scoff from Death, which made the swamp witch chuckle. “Oh, don’t be salty. You are still an inevitable force of the universe. No one’s chipping your crown.”
I would have expected Death to respond, but considering the glow persisting inside Lumi, I had a feeling she was still conveying the Word’s message. Taking Thayen’s hand in mine, I gave him a warm smile, wishing I could do more for him. “It’s going to be okay,” I said.
He’d seen enough for a whole lifetime already. He’d been through so much, and he was only eight years old. I planned to make sure that the rest of his life, no matter how long or short, would be lived to the fullest. I planned to make sure that Thayen got a better chance, a better family, and a better world to live in.
“Perhaps we should all get going.” Death cut through the silence. “My children and I have a lot of work to do. Spirit’s chronicles must never be found or used ever again. Otherwise, I can easily see a spiteful Trakkian picking up where the Darklings left off.”
“Hold on,” Time replied. He vanished. Moments later, he reappeared with an armful of scrolls and journals. They looked old and well worn. He dropped them on the ground and set them ablaze with his scythe. The fire burned in a peculiar shade of turquoise, consuming the papers and their leather bindings. It crackled several times, spouting green sparks all around, but in the end, nothing survived. “This is everything,” he added. “I’ve scoured the entire planet.”
A Shade of Vampire 86: A Break of Seals Page 23