Note: Hey guys, I just wanted to say that a few people have been leaving reviews saying that I've completely pushed Darren out of the way at times, ect, and that basically Ariel is getting all of the attention. The reason for that is because everyone has already read a twelve book series about Darren, so my fanfic wouldn't be as original if it didn't mostly revolve around someone else. But I do appreciate the criticism and I'll try to equally balance the attention or something. Thanks for pointing out the things that need changing everybody, I hope you'll continue to do so :D

Chapter I

There was probably only an hour left until dusk, and I was still busy packing and unpacking my things. I figured the trip wasn't going to be easy- nothing ever was for us- so I wanted to make sure I was one hundred percent prepared.

It's been six years since we've ventured out into the unknown.

I looked over my shoulder to see Ariel lounging across the floor of the tent. She had finished packing and fell asleep hours ago, and I had been at it all day. Though she still had the appearance of a child, inside Ariel was a young women. If it hadn't been for our vampiric blood, we'd be about eighteen right now, but we looked about twelve.

"Why am I so much more anxious then she is?"

I couldn't help but smile every time I looked over at her, sprawled out on the floor, sleeping quietly. It had been about seven long years since I met her and fell in love with her. I still am, but I don't think she'll ever love me back..

Six years ago, Ariel and I had kissed twice. The first time was on accident, but the second time had been completely planned out by her. I think she loved me back, but.. Things didn't work out.

"Mr. Crepsley? You know how Ariel is a princess and all? Is she gonna be forced to like.. Marry someone, like another prince? Does it work that way with vampires?"

He looked at me suspiciously for a moment, then tapped his hands on the table in front of him. "Ariel simply has a mission, and that is to uphold peace within the clan. We predicted that she would be ready for Vampire Mountain at a later age, but since her time began as a child, she might be needed for.. dire times. I do not think she would be forced to marry, but love would get in the way."

"Oh.." I felt my heart sink.

"I should not have to say this, but do not fall in love with her."

I laughed nervously. "Too late.."

That conversation had taken place shortly after I kissed Ariel. When Mr. Crepsley told me that, I told Ariel we should just be friends..

The book that had been in her hand one minute was now flying through the air towards me. I fall backwards as it connected with my face.

"I thought you cared!" She sobbed. "You led me on! How could you do this to me, Darren?"

I looked into her eyes and saw for myself how destroyed she was. My heart completely broke as she stormed out of the room, crying.

I fell to the floor, covered my face and cried.

We slowly began to build our friendship back, and Ariel had forgiven me by now, but I often think what would have happened if I was allowed to date her..

Evra looked over at me, than at Ariel, and gave a short laugh. When we met Evra, he had been a snake-boy, but now he was more of a snake-man.

"Do you think I should pack clothes for warm weather or snow?"

Ariel started laughing. I guess she wasn't asleep.

"Do you think sun-shy vampires would set there base in the tropics?" She answered with a question.

"..Shut up!" I shouted, but smiled after turning around. Her and Evra laughed as I unpacked the shorts and t-shirts from my bag and threw in warmer clothes.

"Seriously though," Evra said a few minutes later, in the deep voice that had hit him awhile back. "I heard the trip is no beach. I can go with you guys if you want."

I would've jumped at the chance to have Evra tag along- We never hang out as much as we used to, now that he looks so much older than me- but he had his own life to lead. It wouldn't be fair to drag him away from the Cirque.

"That's okay. Keep my hammock warm for me."

"Snakes don't like the cold anyway, right?" Ariel asked from her position on the floor.

"Right," Evra laughed. "I'd probably fall asleep and hibernate until spring!"

Even though Evra wouldn't be coming with us, he helped me pack. I brought some warm clothes, a thick pair of boots, some cooking utensils, and my diary.

"You should probably bring a rope, too, for good measure."

Ariel stood up, stretching her arms behind her head. "That's okay, vampires are good climbers."

"True," He said, turning to her. "But would you like to be hanging of the side of a mountain, with only your nails for your support?"

"Of course!" She returned in harmony with another voice. Ariel cocked a brow, and we all looked over toward the entrance of the tent.

I froze when I saw Mr. Tiny standing there, with a twinkle in his eye and his hands behind his back, probably holding that heart shaped watch.

"Vampires thrive on danger." He boomed, taking a few steps into the tent as if he were a part of the conversation all along. "They're peculiar creatures, and they love a challenge."

Mr. Tiny stuck out his hand toward me, and all though I was scared stiff, I immediately reached back and shook it. He then took Ariel's hand, but she pulled away and sneered at him. I stared at her in disbelief, but he only laughed, then reached for Evra's hand. Evra took a step back and shook his head furiously.

"So, I hear you're going to depart for Vampire Mountain very soon," He said, picking up my knapsack and peering inside. "Take matches. The winds that gust around that mountain have the potential to cut through even your tough skin."

"Thanks for the advice," I said as Ariel took a book of matches from her pocket and tossed them to me.

"Are my little people near?" he inquired.

"They're probably in their tent. I bought them some food awhile ago, I think they're still eating."

"Excellent." Mr. Tiny beamed, and started for the exit. "Oh," He paused. "One more thing-"

"Hm?" I asked. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Ariel making threatening motions toward him, since his back was turned.

"One last thing-" He turned back around to face us, and Ariel immediately stood still before he did, and made a straight face.

"Tell Larten not to leave until I've had a word with him."

"Uh, we're kind of in a hurry. I don't think he'll have time to-"

"Make time." He replied before leaving the tent.

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Mr. Crepsley was grumpy when I woke him up- he hates getting up before the sun goes down- but stopped complaining when I explained why I had disturbed his sleep.

"Mr. Tiny.." He scratched the long scar that went down his face. "I wonder what he wants?"

"I don't know." I shrugged. "But can we just leave? I don't feel like going to see him. You can handle a few hours in the shadows, right? We'll just-"

"That will not be necessary- We best just go see what he wants, and get it over with. Bring me my finest cape."