There was once a teenager named Vincent. He wasn't much like other boys his age; he was shy and quiet, not very social all around. But, like other boys his age, he had his own fair share of raging hormones. He was intensely attracted to a girl in his History class, but that's a story for another time, perhaps. No, this particular story centers around his tormentor, Steven. Now, by High School, most kids grow out of their bullying phase, but not Steven. However, Vincent was the only one Steven tormented.

As one might imagine, Vincent did not very much appreciate Steven's behavior. On a regular basis, the asshole would jump him, steal his money, and kick and punch him. He normally got away with it, but sometimes he'd get caught. One might wonder why it was that Steven never got kicked out of school. Well, simply put, his father was the principal. Not very fair, is it?

Now, there were several occasions on which Vincent could have fought back; he was perfectly capable of defending himself. He was well trained in self-defense, and even thought he wasn't particularly ripped, he was fit enough to handle at least one attacker. The fact of the matter is that even though his parents poured money into his martial arts classes, they did not support violence, even if it was in self defense; they believed in turning the other cheek. If Vincent were to fight back, he'd be punished by his parents when they got word of it; not to mention he'd be punished further for getting suspended...again. No matter what, Vincent didn't see anyway out of his situation.

Today, he was lucky; Steven was absent from school, so Vincent had a chance to have a normal day for once. He had a very tight circle of small friends, and his crush, Katie, was included in that circle. Everyone except her knew about his feelings towards her, but again, that is a story for another time.

His parents were at work until seven at night every day, and since Vincent didn't have the patience to wait five hours for them to pick him up, he walked home. It was actually very convenient; it was only a ten minute walk from his school back home. Today was particularly pleasant, aside from the fact that Steven wasn't there that day. It was partially cloudy out, and it was fairly quiet, so he could actually enjoy himself. Usually he'd walk back home depressed from the day's events.

He looked down to check his watch. Five minutes from home; perfect.

As he crossed the street, his pleasant demeanor disappeared when he saw who was waiting for him on the other side.

Steven...of course. I knew today was too good to be true.

Steven had the build of a football player; he had red hair that was styled in a buzz cut. His eyes were brown, his skin was tan, and he was only slightly shorter than Vincent.

Vincent, on the other hand, was fairly slender, with a toned build. He had fair skin, black hair that almost went down to his collar, gray eyes, and was about 5'9".

"Sorry I wasn't at school today, Vince," Steven said in a mock-friendly tone. "I had a bit of a head cold, but I'll be back tomorrow, and the fun can start all over again."

Vincent just frowned and walked past him, bumping into him in a passive-aggressive manner. He probably just ticked him off, but he didn't care. He just wanted to get home.

"Oh, so you're walking away from me, huh?" Steven mocked as he followed Vincent. "You're very rude, you know."

Vincent said nothing in return.

Steven put a hand on Vincent's shoulder, spun him around, then pushed him into a tree. The push combined with the impact knocked the air out of Vincent's lungs; the next thing he knew, Steven was holding him by the collar of his shirt.

"Did you really think one day would change anything? Did you think you were safe, Vince? Well?"

Vincent took in a shaky breath, doing his best to hide the fear in his face. "Let go of me, Steven, or I'll-"

"Or you'll what? Hurt me? My dad's the principal; if I tell him, you'll be expelled from the shit hole my old man tries to pass off as a school!"

Vincent just stayed silent this time. What was he supposed to do? Steven, even though he had a brain the size of a wall nut, was right. He couldn't risk fighting him, even outside of school. He couldn't win; he wasn't invincible like Steven was, and Steven was about to prove it.

Steven threw him to the ground, and kicked him in the chest. Then, he proceeded to kick his back, stomach, everywhere but his jaw. Even Steven knew that hurting him that much was going to get him expelled. Steven kept beating him for five straight minutes; Vincent was covered with bruises, blood, and dirt; every last muscle was screaming in agony, but Vincent couldn't muster the will power to make a sound. Steven grabbed him by the hair, and lifted him up just enough so he could hiss in his ear.

"If you try to ignore me again, it will be much much worse. See you tomorrow, bitch boy." To seal the deal, he spat in Vincent's face, and walked away silently.

Vincent had stayed on the ground for a good ten minutes before finally deciding to get up and walk back home. It was only three thirty, but he didn't want to spend another minute out there. As soon as he got home, he allowed a silent tear to trickle down his cheek as he walked upstairs to his room. He stood in his door way for about thirty seconds, then his body started shaking. He breathed angrily through his teeth; the anger swelled, then he couldn't take it anymore.

"God dammit!"

He threw his backpack against the wall, not even startled by the sound of the crashing books. He flung himself on to his bed, swearing angrily underneath his breath.

"Why me...why does it have to be me, of all people? What the Hell did I do to deserve this? I've been trying to live a good life, but what's my reward? Shit! Nothing but shit!"

He ranted on and on like that for a good twenty minutes. It was days like these when he wondered why he didn't just kill himself. It was so simple: go down to the kitchen, pick up the sharpest knife he could find, then plunge it into his own beating heart. So far, the only person who was stopping him from taking his own life was Katie. She was the first one to catch on to his hidden suicidal thoughts. She made it her job to check in on him from time to time, and make sure he didn't lose the will to fight on.

He sighed as the thought of Katie consoling him surfaced in his mind. He slowly got off his bed, then went to his dresser and grabbed a fresh pair of clothes, then he went into the bathroom to take a shower. After fifteen minutes he got out and dried himself off, then put his dirty clothes in the wash. While he waited for the wash cycle to finish, he figured he might as well get started on his homework. He didn't have much work to do, but he needed something to keep him occupied.

He first had English, which he finished quickly. Then, he had French, which took him just a little bit longer since he had to pause every now and then to translate. Once he was finished with that, he reached into his backpack to grab his European History book. Just as he was about to grab it, he heard the buzzer for the washer go off. He stopped what he was doing, then ran downstairs to quickly put his clothes in the dryer. Once he was finished with that, he went back up to his room to continue his work. But when he reached into his bag to grab his History book, he grabbed something that was completely alien to him.

He pulled out a small leather bound black book; there was no title or anything of the sort; it was just a plain black book.

"What the Hell? This isn't my History book; I don't even recognize this thing. Where'd it come from..."

Vincent was curious by nature, so he opened the book and started flipping through the pages. This was so...interesting. The pages were full of incantations and rituals for summoning monsters, demons, and things of the like. He didn't know where it came from, but he was already interested.

Shouldn't I be concerned? This book isn't even mine, and more importantly, this would fall under the category of the occult. If my parents caught me with this...

Then again, they were hardly ever home, and hardly ever came in his room.

Okay, so there's little chance of them finding this. But still...I should try to find out who this belongs to, and how it got in my bag. Although, I can't think of a single person at my school who'd have a book like this. Well...if anyone wants it, they'd probably ask around about it soon enough. I can always just wait until then, I suppose.

As much as he hated to admit it, the book was very interesting; he couldn't tear his eyes away from it. He wondered if there was anything in there that might help him with his little situation with Steven. He laughed and shook his head; he doubted it, but only slightly. Then, his doubts were completely erased when he read a description of something called a Fel lasher.

The Fel lasher is a beast from the pits of Hell. Despite it's ravenous appetite for human flesh, it is very loyal to it's summoner. It will follow every bidding it's master gives without question, and will even perform the vaguest of commands. Even though it is not a sentient being, it has an inborn sense of tactics; it is a natural hunter. It stalks its prey patiently; it will even hunt for days if necessary. The Fel lasher has the body of a giant cat, with venom tipped antennae running along it's back. It has the head of a dragon, and the tail of a scorpion. It's shrill howl is enough to freeze a person with their own fear; though they will not be able to move, they will still be able to scream in terror and agony as the Fel lasher makes its victim into a meal.

Vincent set the book down for a minute. The summoning incantation and ritual was fairly easy. Cut your arm, and allow the blood to drop to the floor as you recite the incantation. However, the incantation must be completed at precisely midnight. If the incantation wasn't completed precisely at midnight, then the Fel lasher would kill the summoner upon appearing.

If I timed it right, I could- no, no, no. It's out of the question, I can't...then again, it would be a permanent solution to my Steven problem. But...there must be a catch. It can't be as simple as that.

He read on about the Fel lasher, and the rest of the description said that once the Fel lasher completes the task he was summoned to do, the summoner had the choice of sending it back to his home, or keeping it as a companion.

Well, isn't that convenient? Do I really want to go through two more years of torment from Steven, or should I end it here and now? It's only the fourth month of the school year...do I want to risk it this early on? No....no, I've had to put up with this torment all throughout Middle School, and I'm not about to put up with it any further. This ends tomorrow, once and for all.

It was ten minutes to midnight; Vincent had been practicing the incantation ever since dinner was over. It was fairly simple; the incantation took about thirty seconds to recite; forty five seconds before, he'd cut himself and let the blood drip to the floor, then at thirty seconds he'd begin the incantation.

Five minutes to midnight.

Is it really worth it? According to the book, when I summon a creature as fearsome as this, I'm sacrificing a small portion of my life span. Is it really worth the risk?

Of course it is...it's either this or be tormented for three more years. This ends tomorrow.

It was two minutes to midnight. He quickly ran downstairs and grabbed a knife from the kitchen. By the time he got back up, he had a minute till midnight.

Fifty seconds...

He cut straight down his right arm; he winced a little, but not much; he was accustomed to this; he had cut himself several times before. Once the thirty second marker struck, he began reciting the incantation. The words flowed out of his mouth, as if he were speaking fluently in a different language. The words of the incantation were deceivingly beautiful to the ear; ironic that they brought forth a murderous beast that would soon destroy Steven.

He completed the incantation at precisely midnight. His breath stilled, and it was as if he were frozen in place. After a minute passed, nothing happened...was it a bust? Did he say the incantation incorrectly? No, he was sure he didn't, so why-

Hello Vincent Adams.

The voice came from inside his head, and yet he felt a presence behind him. He slowly turned around, and standing on his bed was the Fel lasher he had summoned. It's fur was brown and yellow, and it's antennae were black with white stripes; and it's tail, of course, was black like a scorpion's. The scales of it's dragon head were black and blue, with spikes jutting out from the back of its skull, is if it wore a crown; it's eyes, however...it didn't have eyes? Did it see with it's other senses?

Brilliant deduction, my master. I see with my nose, ears, and touch.

"You know my thoughts..." Vincent said hesitantly; the book left certain things out. "And you're telepathic...interesting..."

You can't trust everything you read in books, my dear boy. Then again...I wouldn't know, since I can't read. Now, even though I know why I'm here, custom dictates that you tell me my mission. So, get on with it.

"You're not one for small talk, are you?" He asked sarcastically.

This time, the Fel lasher didn't reply.

"Fine. Well, there is a boy at my school named Steven Johnson. Tomorrow, I want you to stalk him, and wait for the right moment to strike. In short, I want you to do what you do best: Maul him."

Of course, my master. Anything you say. I see you're not one to draw things out, are you?

"This has been drawn out for five years, and not by choice, either. Tomorrow, it ends."

A long silence followed, then the Fel lasher finally said Are you part of the drama club? You'd fit in quite well there.

On the way to school the next day, Vincent learned many new things about the Fel lasher. For instance, they could turn invisible whenever they wished, and they could walk on walls as well. It was all very interesting, but Vincent didn't care much. All he knew was that today, his problems with Steven would end-- permanently.

Vincent's third period was History; it was the one class he had with Katie, and the first with Steven. As usual, Steven came to class late, and took his seat behind Vincent. He could practically feel Steven glaring at him; he was still angry about yesterday, it would seem. Vincent had to try his best to keep from laughing out loud as he thought of what was to come.

Now, this was usually the time Steven would raise his hand to go to the bathroom. True to his nature, Steven did as predicted. Vincent smirked as Steven left the room. Steven glanced at Vincent, and quickly glared when he saw and arrogant twinkle in Vincent's eyes. He angrily left the room, muttering to himself something inaudible. Now, all there was left to do was wait.

"All right class," the teacher said five minutes after Steven had left. "We're going to have a short essay. Take out a piece of paper, and-"

He was interrupted by ear splitting screams coming from down the hallway. Vincent struggled to keep himself from bursting out in laughter.

Yes, yes, yes! Well done, my pet. Well done indeed...

The teacher ran out of the room, and told the class to stay in their seats. After he left, everyone started muttering to each other, taking guesses as to what might have happened. Katie leaned over to Vincent, and whispered, "Maybe he fell in the toilet and can't get out." She said sarcastically.

Vincent chuckled and shook his head. "That would be wonderful."

That would be wonderful...but this is fantastic!

Ten minutes later, the teacher came back inside, his face completely drained of blood.

"Students...you are to go home early. Something...terrible has happened to Mr. Johnson's son. Until the principal sends out the call, you are to stay home from school. Good day to you all."

Good? So far it's going great.

As Vincent walked home, he kept reminding himself that once he stepped inside his house he could burst out in laughter. Until then, he would just have to contain himself.

So, master. I take it you are pleased by what has happened today?

Yes, very pleased, He thought back. Very pleased indeed. While I should not believe everything I read in books, it would seem it was right about one thing at the very least: You are loyal, aren't you?

Extremely, sir.

But sarcastic?

Our kind are known for that- well, to those who know of us, anyways.

Yes, I've been meaning to ask about that. He thought. Where did that book come from? How did it end up in my bag?

I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps you just have a magnetic personality, seeing as how you seem to attract the strangest things. Like that girl...uh, Katie, is it? I never did understand the females of your kind.

What do you mean?

Is it not obvious she is attracted to you? You humans are so clueless...

She's...attracted to me? Really? How can you tell?

Well gee...I'm telepathic, and I have to wait around all day to kill. So I wonder how I know?

Oh, shut up all ready.

Once he got home and closed the door behind him, he began to chuckle. Then, slowly the chuckle turned into laughter, which quickly transformed into a almost manic cackle. He was interrupted when he heard the phone go off. Usually when he picked up the phone, he sounded irritated, but right now he couldn't be happier.

"Hello, who is it?"

"Vincent....i-it's me, Katie."

"Oh, hi Katie!" He said happily; his happiness began to fade when he noticed the hesitation in her voice. "Is something wrong?"

"Well, sorta, kinda. How do I tell you this...well, Steven has been killed- no, that's not the right word for it. He's been mauled by a wild animal."

You don't know the half of it... He thought to himself.

"How do you know?" He asked in a surprised tone.

"I went poking in the bathroom before I left, and I saw...well, I saw-"

"You can stop right there, Katie," He said compassionately. "I know it must have been horrible, but what's done is done."

A ten second silence followed, then Katie finally said, "How can you be so calm? I mean, I know you hated him, but aren't you in the least bit...I dunno, concerned?"

Another silence followed, then he finally said, "To be honest, he deserved this. I don't mean to sound cold, but that's my opinion."

After another long silence, he said, "Katie, I was wondering...since we won't have school for a while, I was wondering if maybe you'd like to...I dunno, hang out at the mall tomorrow?"

It sounded like Katie choked on her tongue, but she finally said, "Yes! Yes of course, I'd love to! How's noon sound to you?"

"That sounds fine. See you tomorrow then. Bye."

He hung up the phone, then went upstairs into his room where the Fel lasher was waiting for him.

Well, now you have a choice to make: Send me back, or keep me as a companion. Quite frankly, I'd prefer to leave this place; it stinks of humans and romance.

He smirked to himself as he held the leather bound book he found yesterday, then thought, I read something about Blood Pacts in here. I have a proposition for you, my friend.

If the Fel lasher had lips, he would have smirked. Please, call me...Jalirtas.