A/N: Hey guys! Well here's a shocker, my first fic over 200 words!!! Sorry if there are a bunch of mistakes, but I currently don't have a Beta (if you know somebody that would be interested, could you give me a heads up?). If you're able to get through this chapter, there is another A/N at the bottom for your fun-filled choices. On your mark, get set, read!

The Light in His Eyes

Chapter 1: Soul

BPOV

The definition of a soul, can you give a definitive one?

Many people have contemplated if we do indeed have a soul, philosophers and scientists alike. There have been many indications of a soul to those who search it out, whether it be "light in the eyes" or the kindness of actions.

I, for one, believe in souls. Sadly, most of the world's population does not, thanks to the emergence of the once "mythical" vampire race. No, they didn't exist in just our imaginations and stories, these creatures were real.

Contradicting the beliefs of many countries' folklore of secrecy, a vampire revealed himself to authorities after saving at least a dozen people from a burning building (on many floors) within a span of just a couple of minutes, on one of the many winding streets in Chicago. His name was Carlisle Cullen.

When confronted on how he was able to perform such a feat by bystanders and law enforcement, he confessed his nature and gave quite a show on some of his abilities of strength and speed (not to mention the fangs protruding from his mouth in response to his previous heightened emotional concern for others). Carlisle went further in his explanation, stating that he was a "vegetarian" quenching his thirst on the local wildlife, and included his adopted family in that category.

To say that this came as a shock would be an understatement, globally the human psyche went into frenzy. Vampires existed. What were we supposed to do with this information? Run for the hills? That was a suggestion by some, while others embraced Carlisle and his philosophy (he had worked with numerous people before his proverbial outing at a local hospital) and accepted the rest of the vampires that stepped forward and declared that they valued human life.

The Cullen family/coven (depending on your attitude towards their kind) were thrust into the spotlight, and they made use of their fame, donating to charities, and using their diplomacy to advocate equal rights for their race in our world.

Their diplomatic endeavors were needed sadly, as many people found the idea of vampires both dangerous and revolting. The discovery of vervain as a repellant and form of protection brought a sense of relief for those with prejudice against vampires. It also created a dangerous weapon against them, because it could be shot through guns in the form of darts. Unsuspecting vamps that mingled with humans regularly could be gunned down, and with too much of the herb, could be incapacitated. This resulted in dismemberments and flaming pyres, resulting in numerous "deaths", seeing as some didn't consider vampires alive anymore with the absence of a heartbeat to begin with.

The interview I was currently watching in class was part of the new curriculum for my high school history requirement, since Dr. Cullen's words would forever be inscribed in our history. I was supposed to write an essay regarding the issues raised and my predictions for the future. Although I had never really enjoyed history, I found this topic fascinating.

How anyone could ever doubt that his kind didn't contain souls? I never would. Looking into the eyes of Carlisle Cullen on television, I saw light and kindness.

I saw a soul.

A/N: SOOO.......? What did you think? I was planning on expanding this into a multi-chap fic if I recieved enough feedback telling me it was worth it (or not). If you didn't notice, I am not sticking to SM's definition of vamps, but hey, we need variety in our lives, right? As of right now, I have no idea where this is going, so I'll just leave it at an M rating for the time being, and I have a couple of ideas swirling around, so hopefully I can produce something you will all enjoy... Thanks again for reading!

-gg