A/N: It has been quite a few years since I last read VK, so I'm afraid it might ultimately become AU. I'll try to keep all the people in character, and if you have any queries, please ask me.

Disclaimer: I'll do this only once, I don't own any recognizable character; neither do I own the title.

PROLOGUE

Fatigue.

He was so, so tired.

(Ten… steps… more….)

He could see it. His destination, a grove, offering shade, sweet shade. The canopy, which could offer him a much needed respite. He could feel whatever strength he had seep away with every little drop of sweat that fell.

The coppice wove in and out of his sight.

Hunger.

Heavens knew how many weeks it has been since he had last tasted food. Word spreads fast in villages, rumours even faster. Eventually, it became impossible for him to even set his foot across the border of any village. He chose wilderlands instead, but to what avail? Death was approaching….

He has lived too long anyway.

Not for the first time, he cursed the day he was conceived. He was nothing but ill-omen to his parents, however much they refused to believe that. They tried to shield him, but he heard. He heard whispers, whispers that he was a demon in human form, who slowly killed his mother. That it was because of him his father wasted away. He himself tried to shut away those hostile barbs, but he was no fool. No, rather he was quite intelligent, his mental ability always surpassed his peers, nay, not only them, but also the elders. That's why, he understood, what they said was not wrong. His father tried his best to protect him from unwanted attention, good or otherwise.

But, his father didn't live forever.

He, on the other hand…..

(Seven….. more… steps….)

Thirst.

Bloodlust.

Deep inside, he wanted to believe that he wasn't a monster. But which normal criteria did craving blood stand for? Human blood, no less! He had tried to satiate himself with animal blood; the results were nothing short of disastrous. Only once did he make the fatal mistake of "tasting" human blood…

(Three….. steps…..)

He wavered, the world spinning in front of his eyes. His steps faltered suddenly, he could stand no longer. He didn't even had the slightest bit of energy to stop himself from falling, face down on the ground.

Blood.

He was bleeding.

His lips curved upward into a smile. Another thing that gave others the chance to be suspicious. He tried to lick it off, but his wounds had already healed.

(Was this…..)

The branches of the trees swayed with the breeze, inviting him with open arms.

Just like Mother.

Mother?

(….. the end?)

He dragged himself slightly, desperately. After quite a few tries, he succeeded in reaching the cool embrace, crawling on all fours, just like the day he was born.

(I am back, Mother.)

Sleep claimed him, brushing his hair away from his face with her invisible hands.

(I…)

Oblivion was better suited for him anyway.

(Who….. am….. I?)

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

A/N: This is just a test run; chapters will be longer (if I get enough response).

Umm, can anyone please list all the pureblood families that appeared in VK? Thank you in advance. ^_^ :D

Please read and review.

Thanks for reading.