A day in the unlife, a vampire chronicle; Thomas G. Arndt

The beginning, day 1

John had been a vampire for thirty one years, he start out simple enough, and for the last ten years he needed no one, when the shit hit the fan, he seemed to always be in the middle of it. He had come to this town because as usual he'd been drawn. Well at least in this small city it wouldn't happen again, he had arrived here two nights before, it usually doesn't take long, but no one had contacted him, so he felt it was a bust, all he had left in his pocket was a little over $48.00.

This wasn't much, so he thought if he could just make it to Dallas, or Kansas City, but first he had to feed, he didn't now this town so he'd have to be discreet. He wouldn't need any tools of his trade, so he went out to put his bedroll away. He could only make it to one of these cities by dawn, so he was forced to scramble, damn why hadn't there been any vamps here.

His title was Enforce, but he liked some of the others, like hey ass hole, or fuck wad, of course these titles usually got you killed, his true title seemed more of an insult than the others. There was one thing, upon arriving in this city, he had a strange feeling of dread, he couldn't put his finger on it, he knew something was going on here, but he couldn't afford to stay any longer, one more night would zap his finances.

He had move to the rear of his car, he couldn't escape this feeling, it seemed to fill him up, as he opened the trunk the hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up. With a speed only vampires could see, he turned around, his knife was out in seconds, and to his horror he saw the angelic face of a young boy, he used everything in his power to stop his blow, and came only centimeters from slicing into to him. John showed the relief of not killing an innocent child, then he said," Your one hell of a lucky bastard, do realize it took me everything to pull back my blow, if I hadn't you'd be dead right now."

The young boy then answered," You've have my eternal thanks, I'm glad I'm still standing here,"

John blink his eye's in disbelief, then he asked," You sound great than your years, just how old are you?"

A voice from his left replied," Yes, he's our oldest."

John jerked to his left, his fists were at the ready, he then saw another boy, then he said," Don't ever do that again, you really don't want to see the beast in me."

A young boy maybe a year or two old then the first one was standing there, John then realized he didn't hear any heartbeats from either boy, so he asked," How long have you two boy's been vamps?"

The younger of the two replied," I was turned just over a two month ago, Bert was turned I think he said four or five months now, what is it Bert?"

Bert replied," About four and a half Andy, but were not here to discuss our ages, we really need someone's help, we saw you come in, and since you weren't with no one, we felt safe approaching you, we could tell you were one of us, we need help with all that shit."

John then rapidly looked at each on, then he returned to packing his trunk, he then said," I'm no baby sitter."

Andy then came back with," We don't need no damn baby sitter, we need some one to show us the ropes, you know our true nature, show us how to be vampires."

John turned his head to Andy with a jerk, then he said," First of all, you never speak of our true nature in public, that shit will get you killed."

Bert then smiled and said," See that's why we need your help, we really don't know this stuff."

John then shrugged his shoulder's and said," I'm no baby sitter, but I really don't have no where else to be, why the hell not."

Andy moved to the front seat of John's car, he then said," I got shot gun, we'll take you to our haven, oh you can stay a few nights can't you."

Bert ran to the other side then cried," Road trip!"

John smiled, this was new, but he had experienced a lot in his short life, he got in and started up his car. He then looked at Andy and asked," Since your taking me somewhere I take it there's more of you?"

Andy replied," Four more, my bad."

Bert jumped in with," Yeah, we have Bob, Cibilia, Anna, and Paul."

Andy smiled and said," Their a real good crew, we haven't anyone to show us the ways, I hope you can help us, we really need it."

John pulled out of the parking space, then he asked," You'll have to show me the way, by the way what happened to all your elders?"

Andy then pointed to the road and said," Make a right, then another at the railroad tracks, we really don't know, they all went to check on something, but they never came back."

" Shovelhead's," Bert added," That's what my sire said, they had to check on some Shovelhead's, he said they'd be right back, well you know the rest."

John had heard that term many times before, they used it so they wouldn't have to use there true names, they were sometime called the dark ones, they were what most people thought of when they thought of vampires. Most mortals didn't even know they existed, but when you saw a vampire in the films they were always the mutt vampires, he then asked," Did they ever use a term, mutt vampires?"

Andy then answered," I heard Cibilia's sire use it."

Bert then said," Make a left right here, our haven is in that old run down warehouse."

John looked around and said," This real bad, all these open fields, plus a railroad tracks."

Andy then asked," Yeah we've been here only a little while, but it's home, you see we kept being discovered, we've lost about half of us, but we've survived by relocating to a new havens every time."

John then said," Well open fields, and railroad tracks attract all the things you don't want, it maybe the best to relocate again, somewhere in town."

Bert then said," Pull in at the loading ramp, then you can hide your car."

John replied," Good thinking."

And he put his car in the loading dock. As he turned off hid car, he turned and said," Look this life is a hard one, all you can do is try to do better than the next guy, if you don't, then it's simple, your just dead. Now lets go in and meet the others."

Andy jumped out and ran to the door, Bert got out after John, he put his hands behind his back just as John had done, they then walked to the door, Andy then used a series of rapes, and knock's. The door then swung open, and there was a boy about the same age of the other two, Jesus their siring then young here, John thought.

He led them thru a series on turns, then to a large space in the middle of the warehouse, he noticed they had used old boxes to make a maze, and there was an older vampire laying down wounded, with two beautiful young girls helping him. Andy with worry on his face asked," What happened?"

The oldest of the two young girls replied," We got jumped again, I got away, I came back for Bob, we were lucky they didn't kill him, but we can't stop the bleeding."

" Jesus," John then said," you guy's are green." John then threw his keys to Bert and continued," Go get my little cooler out of my trunk, and hurry up we don't know how long he's been bleeding." John then took in the two girls, and with a serious look he asked," What did they look like, and did they smell bad?"

The older of the two girls replied," They looked scruffy, or unkempt, oh and they smelled real bad, almost like shit."

John saw a well build girl with fire engine red hair, the other had blonde curly hair, real thin, but was as you might say build, she could easily turn heads, Bob then said," They're almost looked wolf like." With his comment he grimaced and added," Cibilia had made her escape, then it was when the claws seemed to come out, I knew I was dead, but all I could think of was,' yes she got away."

John then said, with a frown on his face," First lesson, you never ever leave a comrade behind, one way or another you should have found away to take him with you, up until he gets dusted of course."

John took a deep look at every face, he then saw Bert running in with his cooler, so he said," Bert go into the cooler and pull out a blood pack for Bob, Bob suck it all down, you'll heal with in seconds. Now tell me your name, and any strange abilities you seem to have?"

Bert then said as he threw a bag bag to Bob," My names Bert, I have these strange claws, and I seem to be able to see peoples heat signatures, a kind of heat vision if you will."

John then asked," Bert tell us how old you are also, and I mean both dates, living and dead."

The younger of the two girls said," He's seventeen, my name is Anna, I'm eighteen, well I'm almost eighteen, if only I'd lived two more weeks, I don't know if I have special powers, but my master told me, if men start to pay close attention to me, pick the ones I want then their yours, is that anything you can use?"

John nodded his head, she then added," I also seem to be able to see things real clearly, it's almost as if I have x-ray vision, not like bones and stuff, but it seems as if I can see heartbeats, or the lack of them."

The last unknown vampire stepped forward, he then said," Yes lets tell him our life's stories, we don't even know this man, and were trusting him to save us."

Andy then said," Paul sit down and shut the fuck up."

John then answered," Paul is right, and on a normal day you'd all be dead already, Paul I give you my word I won't kill you yet, now tell me of yourself?"

Paul then said," Yes, well I guess I can tell you what I know, I'm just a plain ordinary vampire, nothing special, and I'm seventeen."

Cibilia then said," Ordinary, we got caught by this security guard, Paul started to talk, and it was as if the words coming out of Paul's mouth, started to come out of his also."

John then asked," Cibilia is it, tell me about your self?"

Cibilia then said," Up until tonight I thought I was just super strong, but hell today I moved like the wind, I was scared out of my mind, then I moved so fast I don't think anyone could see me."

John gave a small chuckle then he said," Cibilia we maybe kin, I can teach you alot, Andy lets go with you now?"

Andy smiled and said," I see things, it's like I'm seeing in the future, but that seems to be all, I don't seem to have anything else. Oh I'm sixteen, Cibilia is twenty, she was our newest turned, Bob I guess it's your turn."

Bob then said," I'm Twenty two and a half, I was turned six weeks ago now, I don't know if I have any special powers, but an unusual thing happened tonight, that Shovelhead was going to kill me. I was real scared, then suddenly he turned to dust, it was the strangest thing, it seemed to almost leap out of me, then dusted."

John then said," I think you have the potential of being the greatest among these six, if I'm right you maybe what we call a blood mage. Did you feel a slight weakness after he disappeared?"

Bob then replied," Yes, I think you can call that a weakness."

John then said," You have to learn control, but I think I've got it right."

John then used his speed, and was next to Cibilia in a blink, he then said," Stay close to me girl, and I'll show you things you never thought you could do."

Cibilia then screamed," What the hell?"

He then continued," Anna if I'm right you maybe able to do this trick also, but I don't think we're kin, just similar. Bob pull that bandage off now, I think you'll see that your no longer hurt, of course you still maybe a little stiff, these are the simple things of being a vampire. One always keep blood near, two only use it at the last resort, and control your powers, if you can do this you'll be ok."

Bob pulled the bandage away, he saw the skin was smooth, he then said," Damn, It was that easy, all I had to do was drink blood."

John then asked," How may times have you drank blood?"

Bob then said," Not very many, you see we keep messing up, then we end up killing the person, were just not good at being vampires."

John then said," Your young, I'll take all of you out and show you how simple it can be, and if you do it right you never have to kill your target." John then turned to Bert, and he said," You can learn how to control the inner beast, which it seems you've learnt something of this, but what ever you do never go hungry."

Bert had a curious look on his face, then he asked," How'd you know I was hungry? "

John gave him a crooked smile then replied," I've been a vampire a long time, there is a look, you look close to death, it's almost a dull look, this would be my clue to take advantage of you. It's a good thing I'm here, a worse vampire would have dusted you by now, you can say I'm one of the good guy's, but you'll learn that there is no such beast."

He turned to Andy and said," Ok you've got what we call insight, this can get you into trouble, but were here now, so we'll protect you."

John then leaned on his elbow and said," Anna your one of the beautiful vampires, you walk into a crowd and all heads turn to you, this in it's on right is a curse, and a blessing. Your type uses the blood to enhance there looks, it's as much a natural thing, as an unnatural influence, you'll have to learn how to turn heads at the right time."

John went to Paul, he looked at him closely, then he said," You, your a great influencer of minds, if I'm right of your type, it's best to have you around when we get in trouble with the authorities, but I really don't have anyway to be sure about that." John smile then continued," I think your kind call it Dominating the mind, or using there thoughts."

John then moved to Cibilia, then he said," You are the most familiar to me, my little Princess, as I said I think we're the same kind, our passion is so that one minute we're smiling, then the next we're ripping their heart's out."

Cibilia then replied," I'm your little Princess, but don't get nasty with me."

John smiled and said," Don't get me wrong I know how far to push you, and I would never what to drag out your little beast."

Andy then interjected a question," There's that word again, exactly what is the beast?"

John sat on one of the many empty crates that littered the floor, then he replied," The beast, well its in all of us, were demons with a human body, we survive thru him being there, now its not a devil. I've learned enough to know he has no power over us. Yes he's our lord, and if he gets out of where ever he lives, were in alot of trouble, until then we serve the beast within, does this mean he controls us, well in a way he does. Let me explain farther, we've been given a free will to do what we want to, but he wants to get out, so we must make sure he never does, so we can't be stupid, we have to watch what we do, and once we take care of our first order of business, we'll go feed."

Andy then asked," First order of business?"

John smiled then he said," Yeah we have to find a new hideout, then we take care of the blood." John then looked skyward and continued," The blood, it's the nasties part of our existence, that will be my first lesson, how to feed without in sighting a riot. That'll be number one, number two will be how to keep your humanity, these are the two most important, how to defend yourself, and best way of going unseen are later training. You see were very visible creatures, and its best if we can stay out of the lime light, so you have to learn this little trick, its not an easy one, but you'll learn."

" You see we have gifts, or special powers, some of them are second nature, but some you have to work at, the later you need one of your own kind, this we do not have. The prior will be easy to see, and I can direct you in the right ways, everyone except you Bob, your powers are a complete mystery to me, I hope we can find a book or something for you. One thing I must tell you before anything is done, when you feed don't kill, you never have to, when you bite, you have a little while, take what you need, then bit your lip and lick the wound, and go on, don't ever over to it, there plenty of blood in a city to go around. If corpses start to show up, the police are forced to investigate, if they investigate and they find us, remember this, they can hunt us during the day, we haven't got a chance."

Anna then came over to John, she put her finger on his knee, so John said," Yes Anna, its obviously easy for you, but remember your powers won't work on other vampires."

Anna then answered, with a shocked look on her face," What powers, I'm not using any powers?"

John looked deeply into her eye's, then replied," Yes, this really isn't a power, its a feat, your trying to us seduction on me, its also away to manipulation, but with my eye's I can see thru it, we all have ways to discern this, and its up to us weather we give in or not, naturals don't have this ability."

Anna then asked," Naturals?"

John then replied," Naturals, yes your all new, were the unnaturals, and we are all vampires, but we aren't the only ones, only humans are naturals, most unnaturals hide in the skin of humans."

Cibilia then asked," Unnaturals, I've never heard that word, my sire called us neonates, and fledglings, what is the right word for us."

John then replied," A neonate is one who knows nothing, a fledgling is usually one who is young, in a way I'm still a fledgling, they usually stop calling you that once you reach fifty years old as a vampire, I'm only thirty one years old, but I'm also called a junior elder. To be a true elder you have to be at least one hundred fifty years old, I'm a bad ass in my own way, so I'm called a junior elder, if you can't take care of yourself, you'll always be called a fledgling."

Andy then chimed in with," You said we have to move, but I really don't understand, we haven't been attacked for almost two weeks?"

John turned to look at him, then he said," Your Andy right? Well Andy the railroad tracks attract things, then you add wide open spaces, you get things that are real nasty, but your in luck, I got here before the full moon."

Everyone was looking at John, so he continued," Why do you think the Shovelhead's haven't attacked, do they know where you are, I don't know, but if they do, there just waiting for some nasty to take care of you, and this is a perfect hunting ground, so we have four days to find a new place, the sooner the better."

Bob then said," No one has bothered us, I'm not sure we shouldn't use these things to protect us."

John then said with an angry voice," Have you been listening to me, if you want to stay you'll loose me, you've already grown on me, but I will not watch you all die. The Shovelhead's won't come here, and why do you think that is? "

Cibilia then answered, in a shy voice," Because there more scared of whats coming, then us."

John then looked at each one in turn as he said," In four days the full moon cycle starts, to put it in the simplest words, we have to be out of here, if we don't accomplish this a lot of you will be dust, do you want to be no more?"

Paul asked in a sarcastic voice," Then what, are we going to be attacked by werewolves?"

John then said," Now your getting it." Everyone's head turned to him, so he continued," You said you've been here for just about two weeks, has anyone disappeared without a trace?"

Anna then said," Yes we were nine, three of us just weren't there one day, we were putting out one man patrols, then one day Bob came back and started two man patrols. One disappeared on a one man patrol, and the other two disappeared on two man patrols, they never came back, are you saying they were killed? "

John then replied," No, I wasn't there, but its likely that is it, you see, to some of the nasties, we're like a big T-bone steaks to them, so they go out of there way to hunt us. We need to stay out of their scent trail, the sooner we can do this, the better we'll be off, in a sense, the longer we a stay the stronger our scent is to them."

Andy then said," We could go to our last hideout."

Bob then said," No, we lost three there."

John then said," So you had twelve, were any of them your sires at all?"

Anna then replied," Yeah, he told us, what ever you do don't leave, I think his name was Antoius, he left one night, he said he had to find one other vamp, that's what he called us, we were his little vamps."

" Was he the prince or just another vampire? "

Bob then replied," We really don't know that much about him."

John then continued," Well what ever he was, it may have been best to do what he asked of you, but we can't dwell on that, for our next step I'll need two of you, Bert, and Cibilia, you'll go with me. Bob start one man patrols, keep it close just in case we find some place. Paul crazy signals won't keep out anything that wants to get in, just watch the door, if you see anything you don't like just yell run. Bert grab my cooler, and lets go, I need the both of you in the front seat, now lets get the hell out of here."

Andy then jumped in as they were walking to the door," And what if something does come in, what the hell are we really to do."

" Run like hell."

Then Cibilia added," And hope they don't have guns."

Cibilia sat next to John, and Bert hung halfway out the window, John started up his car, he then turned and said," Ok, where are we going?"

Cibilia then asked," What?"

" I don't know this city, do you know of some abandoned houses or something, take us there?"

" Oh, there are these few, the neighborhood isn't the greatest, but I can take you there."

" Good, so start giving me directions."

" Go back to the railroad tracks, go the other way down them, then make a right, at the seventh stop light, make a left, go let me think, I think its four stop lights, then make another left, as you go down this street, watch to your left, when you see some empty duplexes, well thats them."

John pulled out, then he said," No radio, we need to be stealthy, Bert keep your nose out there, tell me if you smell anything strange."

John did everything as Cibilia said, and in fifteen minutes they were looking at some empty duplexes, John then whispered," I'm going to pull a little down the street, Bert then you jump out, and jump the fence, hide some shadows, when we come threw the fence come and show us what you've seen, then we'll begin our search."

John pulled down the street, Bert jumped out, he was over the fence in seconds, John then directed Cibilia to follow him, they got to the edge of the fence, John put his hand in the edge of the fence, then he pulled it open. Cibilia was the first thru, John followed, Bert came a few moments later, John then whispered," We start at the farthest house, we check for loose boards, when we find one that's our new haven, this is a good location Cibilia, now stay to the shadows, until we get to the first house."

John then directed them to move, they got to the first house, John looked around, he was about to move out when Bert pulled him back, Bert then pointed to a lone figure, John caught it, then he moved his finger to the top of the houses. To his horror there were three figures about to pounce. John then whispered," Cibilia what ever happens your to take care of the lone figure, and I don't mean kill, I think its the other three we need to watch, so when the shit hits the fan, keep an eye on it, are you ready to get your claws dirty Bert?"

Bert just smiled, it was as if he had been ready for this a long time, John didn't have much more time to think, because one of the figures jumped off the roof. John turned on the juice, and as he moved the lone figure screamed, the figure that tried to jump her didn't see her move so he missed, but John didn't, he had his Kukri out, and the Shovelhead head was heading to the ground.

A second figure tried to jump the girl as she ran, but Bert had caught him, he ripped him open with his claws, John couldn't stop to admire his work, there was a third. He tried to jump John, and he actually hit John, John shrugged the blow off as if it was nothing, he then dragged his knife thru his neck as if there wasn't anything there. The third figure had a look of horror on his face as his head hit the ground. John then moved to Bert, and he said," Follow Cibilia's scent, I'll bring the car around."

John then moved with speed, and Bert made it to the street as John came around the corner with the car, he pulled next to him, then he asked," Can you jump in, or do I have to stay away?"

Bert replied," No the girl is wearing strong perfume, I can us that."

Then he jumped into the car, they only moved a couple of blocks, to a small bar, John looked at Bert and said," Your not ready for the public, you really need to work on your control, so stay here."

Bert nodded his head, John found the trail easy to follow, at the door of the bar Cibilia met him, she then said," I'm to young to go in there."

John Smiled, then he put out his arm and said," Stay close, I have to find out how much she knows, I really don't want to kill her if we can, keep an eye on everyone else, they may try to protect her, we just don't know anything here."

This bar was was filled with older patrons, there were only two that could be their targets, he pointed at one of the empty chairs, she moved as if she wasn't even there, so he did the same. One of the girls was obviously drunk, then the other lifted her head and said," Are you here to kill me?"

John then replied," No I just wanted to make sure you were safe, we took care of those gang bangers for you, what were you doing there anyways?"

She smile with relief and replied," Sherri and I were kicked out of our apartment, she got so drunk, I think this is the first time she's drank, I was looking for a place to crash, she really needs to sleep it off."

John gave a closed mouth smile, then he said," Isn't that funny, that's what we were doing, well not a place to sleep it off, just a place to crash, did you find someplace, we had only arrived when we saw you were about to get jumped."

She then replied," I found a place with a loose board, I'm not sure I can get it off, but I was going to give it a chance when they jumped me, are you sure all those gang bangers are gone?"

John couldn't stop his smile, so he covered his mouth and replied," Yeah, I'm sure, maybe we can pool resources, we both can get a place to crash, and we can be on our ways in the morning, my crew sleeps late, so if you don't see any of us, please don't wake us. By the way do you have a name?"

" Oh, I'm sorry, the names Marion, you'll have to help me with Sherri, you don't mine do you?"

John moved to her side, it was a little fast, but she was to close to see clearly, plus she thought the booze was playing tricks on her, he lifted her up as if she wasn't anything, Marion took her other arm, Sherri woke for a few seconds, she then said," Your so nice, and so cold, you take good care of me, I love you, hey where are you Marion."

Marion then replied," I'm right here Sherri, now go back to sleep. we got you, we have a place to sleep it off."

Sherri then let her head fall, John then said," Cibilia, go tell Bert to get into the backseat, Marion we'll put her in the backseat, don't worry Marion, Cibilia, and Bert will take good care of her."

" I'm still not sure of this? "

" Sherri and you take the lower floor, we'll take the highest floor, then you can make sure we don't do anything."

Marion nodded her head, as they approached the car, John then took Sherri and placed her next to Bert, then with a nod, he directed Cibilia to get in, after she had gotten in, John allowed Marion to get into the car. He moved over to the drivers side of the car, he then said, as he was pulling out," Cibilia you'll take my car and get the others, Bert you'll help me with Sherri."

He looked at Marion, and she was looking at Bert with suspicion, so he continued," The boy's a demon in battle, it's really to bad he had to learn at so early an age, but I'm sorry, where are my manors, this is Cibilia, and that's Bert, they don't shake hands, their really suspicious of everyone. Can you tell me which house were going to, or am I going to follow hand direction, you know your quit lovely."

He said all these things to calm her, but he felt he may have over done it with the last remark, she gave him a shy smile, then she replied," Thank you, it was that one where they almost jumped me."

John then moved the car to the space behind the house, then got out and said," Bert hand me Sherri, Cibilia just go over the seat, the keys are still in the ignition, Marion you'll have to show us the way."

Bert past Sherri out, John then leaned over to Cibilia, and he said," Take it easy, this is my car, we wouldn't want you to get stopped, oh and tell the kids about our guests."

John then with Bert's help, moved in behind Marion, she then directed then to a lower window, she said," That's it, but I could only wiggle it."

John reached over and with a simple pull freed the board and said," You must have loosened it."

He knew with his strength he could pull this house down, but he also knew he had to be careful with mortals. She then took a long look inside, he then said," Ladies first, Bert I'll go in, then you pass Sherri down to me."

Bert nodded his head, so they did everything in turn, and finally with Bert coming in, he then said," Lead on lovely lady."

Marion moved up a flight of stairs, John was thankful, because some of these houses were split top to bottom, but these were true duplexes, when they got to the top of the stairs, Marion was having a problem opening the door. John put Sherri in Bert's arms, then with a little shove, Marion and he cleared the door, a mattress feel over then he said," That was our problem."

He knew that if he wanted to he could have shoved the door off it's hinges, but he showed as much restraint as he dared, they then moved until they found a room relatively empty, Bert and John put Sherri down, then he said," Bert go get that mattress, and we'll put her on it."

Bert moved out, so John continued," There's four more you haven't met, Bob he the oldest, but he got hurt, so Anna is nursing him, and then you have our youngest Andy, and I guess lastly you have Paul."

Bert was coming down the hall, John then said," Good Bert, just place it in the middle of the room, then Marion and I'll put her on it."

They did everything as John had said, Bert then said," John there's a couple of old chairs in what looks to be a kitchen, maybe we could go in there and let her sleep it off."

John smiled at Bert, then he said," Shall we my lady?"

Marion gave him a small smile, then they moved to the kitchen, John took one of the chairs, he dusted it off, and said," Your throne my lady."

She came back with," Why thank you my prince."

She looked at Bert as he took the only other chair, and asked," Isn't he a little young to be out on his own?"

John gave her a low look as if he was sorry, then replied," They've had it hard, I'm there defunct leader, there is four underage, they've been threw the system, and each and everyone has barely survived, they barely trust me let alone anyone else. Don't worry they'll listen to me, but they maybe stand offish, everyone except Anna, she's a kind soul, and a good nurse, we'll have her look at your Sherri, she'll be able to tell if she's going to be ok."

John had then realized that he hadn't had time to make sure that she was the right kind, so he was going on blind faith that he was right, Marion then said," Your to kind, can you tell me the ages of the these ones?"

John then said," Bert go out and direct them to this room."

Bert left, so he continued," Let me think, Andy he's sixteen, Bert, and Paul their both seventeen, and then theirs beautiful Anna, I think she just turned eighteen, Cibilia she's twenty, and lastly theirs Bob, he told me he was twenty-two, a motley crew to be sure, but a good lot, how old are you and Sherri."

Marion then said," We're the same age, I'm a little older, but she just turned thirty three a little while ago, she was holding the house together, but then we all lost our jobs, if I may, how old are you?"

John smiled then said," Oh my of all the one's to forget, I'm thirty four, I'm not a native to this city, but they found my heart strings, so I said I'd give them help, so here I am."

" Where are you from?"

" I'm kinda of a nomad, but originally I'm from L.A. The last town I was in was New Orleans, nice place, but I like the drier climates, I was moving west when I came upon this crew, they were in the worst place, my first order of business is to find a better place to live." John stopped for a few seconds, then asked," Hey, this maybe asking to much, but maybe you could help me, they need a mother figure, and your recently cast out also?"

John already knew the answer, but he felt it was all part of the show, Marion then replied," Me, I'm no mommy, I barely know how to live myself."

John nodded his head, he then asked," So where will you go after here, if I may be so bold?"

" Hell I don't know, I'm just winging it by ear, I think I hear the car coming, maybe I should look in on Sherri."

John smiled at her, he had heard the car coming long before she had, but he didn't want to say anything, with the fear he may say so to early, he then said," Yes, I think your right, you really love her don't you?"

" Yeah, we had another girl friend, but she just got up and left when all the troubles started."

John realized he was smiling, he hoped the darkness hide his teeth, but he put his hand in front of his mouth and said," That's when you know who your friends are, why don't you stay here, I'll just send in Anna, and maybe Paul, she's real good, and if there is something wrong, she'll come and tell us."

Marion started to get up, he reached over to grab her, as he touched her, he realized his mistake, so he pulled his hands to his lips, and he blew on them, and he said," It's a little chilly, I'm sorry I tried to grab you, there all so young, and I'm starved for adult conversation, I just don't want you to leave right now, please sit down, please!"

Marion then sat back down, they she said," Yes it is a little chilly, are you really sure about this Anna?"

John could hear the car pulling in, so he replied," To be honest, no, but she is a good girl, and if she gets scared she will come to us, I can promise you this."

With this Cibilia came in the room, behind her was Anna, so John asked," Anna, have Bert show you where Sherri is, take a good look at her, take Paul with you, we need to know how she is, by the way hows Bob?"

Anna then replied," Sure thing John, you can see Bob for yourself."

Bob then came in, he pulled up a box, then he said," Almost good as new, who is our friend John?"

John then answered," Oh, just a lady Cibilia and I met in a bar, oh behind Cibilia, that's Andy, he's a little shy, when he speaks he may sound a little funny."

John was unsure of this, but this was a cautious move, Cibilia then said," A hi again, we just recently met John, he's been a great help, I think we'd be dead if it wasn't for him."

John then said," Stop Cibilia, your making me blush, it's the least I could do."

Bert then came in, he then said," John, Anna and Paul are settled in with Sherri, she's taking a good hard look at her."

Marion then asked," She's taking a hard look at her, whats that supposed to mean?"

Anna came in, she was in a tizzy, she then said," John I think her heart is about to stop, what do we do?"

John jumped to his feet, then he said," We take her to the hospital, Bert give me a hand, Marion I'm sorry, this may have been a bad idea, she may have been poisoned, we have to act fast, and hope were on time."

Marion then replied," No! She's all I have left."

John kept Bert in front of him, so he didn't move to fast, and as they entered the room, he saw to his horror, that there was blood coming from Paul's lip, and a little blood trail down his arm. He then asked," Paul what have you done?"

Paul then replied," Anna told me to take care of her, I did what I could, but I heard her heart stop, and this was all I could think of."

Marion then cried out," SHE'S DEAD!"

John then said," Paul they have to ask, you did the wrong thing."

Paul started to cry, John then added," Children, watch her journey into the undead, she's now one of us, and she can never leave."

Marion then said," NO! I have to be able to give her a good funeral, you can't keep the body."

John then replied," You could have the body, if there was a body to keep, but I'm sorry Marion, you've seen to much, you have to stay with us until Pauls judgment, we have to wait for three hours, Cibilia she'll be your charge until then. Paul make sure Sherri is comfortable until then."

Sherri's whole body then writhed in pain, so Marion then yelled," LOOK WE CAN STILL GET HER TO THE HOSPITAL, SHE CAN BE SAVED."

John took her face, then he said," No Marion, this is only the beginning of her new journey, her body is dying, it's always that way with our new ones."

Marion then asked," New what, what the hell is going on, and why are your hands so cold?"

John then said," All will be explained in three hours, go now with Cibilia, and please don't try to run, she can tear you limb from limb, I really want to be able to explain things to you."

Marion was then taken to the kitchen, she looked for anyway to escape, once Cibilia moved to one of the doorways, so she made her move, only to see Cibilia had cut her off. Cibilia then said," Are you going to be nice, or am I going to have to hurt you."

With this Marion returned to her seat, she wanted to cry, but she felt if she did her captures would feel delight in ripping her a new one, so she just sat from then on. She had watched a lot of horror shows where the heroin would do exactly what they shouldn't do, so she felt if she just sat there maybe she could survive this. She tried to engage Cibilia in conversation, but it was always met with,' Shut the fuck up.' She wasn't looking at the time, but it seemed to move so slowly, when she would ask, do you know what time it is, Cibilia would give her the same response.

There was some movement, and John entered the room, he then said," Cibilia, I'll take over from here, you can join the others, the transformation is over, take this other chair, make sure Paul sits on it."

John then moved to Marion, he smiled at her, then he took her arm, he then said," Go ahead and take your chair, the trial is about to start."

Marion then said," If your going to kill me, just do it now."

John then put his mouth to her ear, then he whispered," That's not my decision, but you'll see, if I had my way you'd be allowed to survive this, but if we are anything, everyone has a decision in this, so just sit pretty, and we'll get this over with."

John then led her to the living room, the boy she hated was sitting in a chair right up front, John moved the chair right next to one of the girls, it was that Anna, she leaned on her knee, she had a hard time hating her. John then moved right next to Paul, he looked at everyone, then he said," Good, she's here, I guess we can get started."

Marion looked around, she saw all the kids right there, she then was curious. John started, he said in a calm voice," As you all know, Paul has committed a grave crime, he has created a new fledgling without their knowledge, in this he has to face his accuser, do you want to say something before we cast our votes?"

Then a familiar voice sounded," He is guilty, and he has to be judged for this, I was brought into this life without my knowledge."

Marion's eye's teared up, it was a little stronger, but yes it was Sherri's, she then said," Sherri? How? Why? Oh my God, your alive."

John then said," So to speak, Sherri you can refuse this gift, and call for your own death right now, or you can walk the walk of our unlife, will you make your choice right now."

Marion then yelled," NO YOU HAVE TO STAY WITH ME!"

Sherri then replied," Don't worry, they've explained everything to me, and I have no thought of giving this up, I choose the unlife."

Marion felt she had a much more liking for this John, he then went on," Paul your guilty of a great crime, the rest must now cast your fate, do you wish to make a plead?"

Paul then cried," I'm sorry Sherri, I didn't know, were all new here, but I am guilty of what I did to you, please go kindly on me."

John then said," Sherri your our newest, you start the vote, I now you've been wronged, but please think of what he did, and know he didn't really understand, so do you call for his death or do you wish the unlife on him."

Sherri then said," I'd wish this on no one, but I can feel for him, you have told me my of my choices, so I say as I'm so close, I cast no vote."

John smiled, then he said," Ok, start the vote, I'll cast mine only if there's a tie, and Paul you can't vote."

One at a time, they all stood up, and one at a time they said,' The unlife.' John then said," As your leader I find him for the unlife, but know if you ever do this again, I will not wait, you will be dusted, in all they must be given the choice, now for you Marion, please come to the front."

Marion moved to the front, John put out his hand to the seat Paul just vacated, so she sat down, he then continued," Marion as I've said, you now have a choice, you've seen to much, we can't allow you to live, so you must now die, it is your choice of how, you can pick death, or you can pick to walk this life of the unlife."

Marion heard everything, she was so scared, but she had to ask," I don't know what to say, can you tell me of this unlife?"

John then said," You see none of us are alive, we are all condemned to this unlife, but in this unlife we try to do all the good we can, you stumbled into it, and with it you're being given a great gift, now is there anything else you'd like to know?"

Marion now had tears running down her cheeks, but she heard Sherri's choice, so she replied," I just want to be with my girlfriend, so I pick the unlife."

John then moved to her, and lifted her face, then he said," Child wipe your tears, your now one of us, but you've given yourself another choice, you have to pick your infecter, you can pick from any of my children, Cibilia with her rage, Anna with her kindness, Bert with the beast within, Andy with his visions, Paul as he is the infecter of your friend, and yes even your friend."

Marion then had a wild thought, she felt she had to pick Sherri, and as she opened her mouth, she heard coming out," John."

Everyone was surprised by her choice, but no one was as surprised as her, John moved to her side, then he said," Sister daughter, you've given me a great honor, your unlife is now in my hands, if ever you need to be protected, I will be there, and as I'm the greatest among these few, your now the second greatest, do you wish to be infected right here, or would you prefer another room?"

Marion then said," Can we lie down, I don't really want to stand up, I'm so tired, all I want to do is sleep."

John then lifted her up, he directed her to the same room where Sherri was just in, she reared up, so John said," I'm sorry my daughter, but its the only room we have with a mattress, do you want another room?"

Marion shook her head no, so they continued, he then sat on the bed, he pulled her into his lap, she then had a fearful feeling that she was about to be raped, and all these kids were about to watch. John then said," See her life, it ends tonight, Bob pull out my blade, and cut my wrist."

Bob did as he was told, John then whispered," You must drink when I tell you?"

Marion nodded her head, so he continued," As we all have before her, she now suffers death."

Marion could feel his teeth piercing her skin, she felt light headed, then he released, and he said," Your life is going out of you, now drink the elixir of unlife."

She leaned her head down, and started to drink John's blood, she didn't know how she knew this was the sign, but she just knew. He then continued," Now feel your life running out of you."

She could feel him bite again, it sent shivers down her spine, then everything started to look weird, he then said," The deed is done, you now approach your own death, and with the elixir of unlife you will now make the journey into our existence."

She could feel nothing, it was so pleasant, then came a pain, it was in her chest, she closed her eye's, he whispered to her," This is only the beginning."

He then said out loud," Look at the first pains of her soul trying to release itself from her."

She then felt a greater pain, it seemed to fill her body, everything started to dim around her, she then thought, so this is death, its not so bad, but then at last a pain came that was so bad, she cried out, she could feel it thru her hair, and her fingernails, when it went away, there was only darkness.

She woke up, she looked around, all the kids were gone, she then thought, maybe it was just a dream, but she could see things now she couldn't see before. The room was full of a glow, she then looked up, no it wasn't the light, she then felt a hunger, she put her hand to her chest, and she said," Man I need a burger."

She then heard a familiar voice," I'm sorry, you can never eat one of those again."

She jumped higher than she had ever jumped before, almost to the other side of the room, she turned and saw John sitting on the mattress, then it was to her horror she realized it wasn't a dream. John then said," Your my fledgling now, and if you have any questions, just ask me, I'll do the best to answer."

She could now see this almost handsome man, he almost looked like he was in daylight, she then asked," So you raped me, and now I'm your property?"

John smiled, then he replied," No on both counts, your one of us now, you are one of the undead."

Marion then asked," The undead, your not talking about a Blah, blah...vampire are you, and if you are, what drugs are you on?"

John gave a smile so wide it revealed his teeth, then he replied," Oh! I see you really didn't understand, yes vampires are real, and your now one of us."

Marion then reached up, she could feel her new teeth, she then said, in a small whimper," No, not Sherri, she can't...she just...why?"

John then replied," Yes...I'm sorry he didn't know the law, she had no choice, but you did, was it the wrong one, do you want me to end your unlife, I can see now I didn't inform you enough, are you hungry, if you are you can drink this."

He then lifted a cup, she took it then she started to drink, it was so good she had to ask," Is this some kind of new drug, it tastes so good."

John picked up a small bag, he then said," No, just O positive, but this is your first time, the hunger never really goes away."

Marion then said," What I'm drinking blood?"

John then looked down and said," Damn I've done it again, your a vampire, we live off blood, you have to drink, or my fourth child will die."

Marion then asked," So this is your fault, which ones did you make?"

John smiled, then he replied," My only child here is Marion, your my child, as Sherri is Paul's, I will protect you until your ready to go out on your own, but I dare say, Paul, and Sherri, well its the blind leading the blind their."

Marion then said, as she turned for the door," I can take care of myself thank you."

John then asked," Where are you going my child?"

Marion then replied," Well if I'm not your prisoner, then I'm going to find Sherri."

John then said," Look under the door, you see the glow of the sun, if you walk out there your walking into your death."

Marion then asked," The sun will kill us?"

John then replied," Yes, we are creatures of the night, come here we'll sleep right here until the sun sets."

Marion then came and sat down next to him, she then asked," The sun moves, won't it eventually shine on us?"

John then replied," Yes, but that's what the mattress is for, we don't sleep on it, we sleep under it."

Marion got up, then she gestured for him to move, she then got under it and she said," Now don't try anything, all I want is to be held."

John then said," Marion! That would be sleeping with my own daughter, I would never do that, but there will be a time you'll have to pick one of the others, you never have to love them, but you'll have to sleep with them, this day we break all the rules except one."

Marion then said," And which one is that?"

John as he laid down behind Marion whispered," No one has sex, unless asked, you are your own person, it always has to be your decision."

Marion then asked," Can you put your arms around me, now that doesn't mean any funny stuff, all I want is your arms."

John did as she asked, he then thought, why did you have to ask for me, your so pretty I can love you forever, but this can't ever happen, John you must be strong, she's only a child, and what were you thinking, now your strapped with eight fledglings, oh what the hell do you do now. She must work out, she has such a perfect body, John your the elder, and the Enforcer, you have to show strength, just close your eye's, enter the sleep of death, and with this everything went black.