A day in the life, A vampire chronicle; By Thomas G. Arndt

Day 7

The next morning John woke up early, his movement woke Alice, he took the bedroll from under his bed, unrolled it and looked at a wrinkled blue shirt, under his breath he said," This will never do."

Alice saw what he was looking at, and said," Maybe we could find something in these closets."

She opened it shuffled around for a few seconds, and said," This looks good."

She pulled out a white silk shirt, with an almost silver glow to it, she then snapped the shirt, and said," Try this on, maybe we can find you some regular clothes than those leathers."

He then said," I wear a forty, with an eleven shoe, you might see if they have anything for you to wear also."

She turned with a smile on her face, and said," I think this will make you look very smart."

Then she turned around with a black suit, he grabbed the trousers, and started to putting them on, she turned and said," It is as if they knew our sizes, I think this will do for me."

She turned with a dark blue dress of gossamer, he then said," You might want to find some underwear that doesn't show threw the material."

He placed his Kukri knife in his belt, and then put on his shoulder holster on, so she asked," Do you have to go everyplace with that thing?"

He put on the jacket, it was long, all the way down to his knees, and replied," A good Enforcer never gets caught without the basics, you might want to put on a jacket or a long coat, it helps when you meet these types."

" Oh! Your not doing this for the trial?"

John then smiled, and answered," No, the kids don't like all this pomp-ed and circumstance, you'll have to help get the rest of the kids ready, I think I'll get Bert, and Bob and talk to them on what we talked about last night."

" That's good, can you see my bra thru this?"

John took a look then replied," Yes, but it actually looks good, don't take my opinion though, ask Anna, she seems to have a knack for what looks good or not, and you might want her help, get all the kids down to the meeting room, then I'll meet you there."

" Sounds like a plan, see you in five, or lets say twenty minutes."

She threw him some shoes, they were a low cut patten leather boots, as she pulled out, some old low cut, turn of the century boots. John put the boot on and zipped up the sides, then he said," It'll take a few minutes to lace them up, I'm going to get Bob, meet you down stairs, we have to make this fast."

John got up and went out the door. John then traveled the length of the hallway, and as he got to Bob's door, he thought, I should have gone to Bert's room first, well this will have to do, he lifted his fist and with one pound, Bob answered the door. John then said," Meet me down in the kitchen, and make it fast."

He noticed Sherri in the room, and so he continued," Sherri, make sure he wears something nice, will you."

He then turned, and went back to Bert's room, and repeated the same thing, but this time, it was Naomi, at this point he went to the kitchen, and Bob came up behind him, still trying to get on his shoes. John sat down, and gestured for him to sit down, Bob complied, then John said," I think we need to start going the route of what is proper, so I've decided, your going to be the houses judge, you've seen me conduct the meetings, just follow that format."

Bob nodded his head, at this point Bert came into the room, and asked," Whats up?"

Bob then said," John's handing out our new jobs."

So Bert sat down and looked at John intently, so he continued," Yes, don't think of it as a job, think of it as keeping law and order, and in this light, Bert your the new sergeant of arms, if someone doesn't like a ruling, it's your job to enforce the rules, don't worry I'm still here, if you need it I'll help you."

Bert nodded his head, but Bob asked," Are you going someplace, or something?"

" I don't plan to, but we always have to be ready for the worst, and I think it's time to be giving you guy's more authority around here, now your not the prince or princess, so your authority only is in place during trials. Bert your authority is a constant, but you have to be called upon by the judge or your leader, so don't think you can rampage around, or that's when I'm called, do you get my drift?"

Both Bob, and Bert nodded there heads with a yes, so he continued," As soon as all the kids are in the council room, come and get us Bert, now go to the room."

Bert then left, so John then continued," You'll call the least offensive first, which means Marion, then me, and finally Dreamia, because of our ways you'll be bound by the vote, and you only vote when a tie has occurred. You do have the power, to say what your vote would have been if an offense is bad enough, but try not to voice your opinion, except in the most trying of times."

It was only minutes when Bert appeared in the room, John thought this was to fast, but they all moved to the room, as they entered, he could see that they were all looking rather dapper, so he thought, this is good, now we can show that were better than they think we are. The trial was fast, everyone was found to be worthy of the unlife, and as so permitted to live, it was seconds after the trial was over, when they could hear a cars horn. John then stood up and said," To the Bat mobile," everyone just looked at him, so he continued," To the Cars, Bob go out front and tell them we'll be right their, and when I get there jump in, then we'll be off."

As he was walking out to the cars he heard Naomi say," I knew what he meant, but I didn't want to date myself like he just did."

" Oh, Sammy your with Naomi, and Alice your in my car, it'll be tight, but we can do it."

As they reached the cars, he could see they were going to need some more cars, well they'll have to take care of this later on, he then said," When Bob get into the car, someone will have to get on his lap, it would be nice if it were you Marion, but make your own choices."

Anna then said," We can trade off, you this time, and me next time, that is if it's alright with you Marion?"

Marion nodded her head, then John said," Good, now Dreamia, you hold on tight, here we go."

John started his car, and put it in drive, they were up front in seconds, Marion got out and let Bob in, then she sat on his lap, then they were off, following a little compact car. It only took about ten minutes, as they turned into an empty parking lot, John could see a stretch limo, he knew this was mister big, he made sure he parked fifty feet away, then he turned to Paul, and said," Go out to that little compact car, ask to be excused, then ask for the proper instructions for this meeting, when your done come and tell us."

Anna had to move to let Paul out, but he did as he said, Anna then asked," Why Paul?"

John then replied," He's the closest to a cape we have, I didn't know all the right things to say, but it should come naturally to him, and here he comes."

Paul walked to about twenty feet in front of the car and pointed to the ground, so John said," It's, show time."

John got out slowly, then helped out Dreamia, Bob then copied him, and helped out Anna, Both John and Bob then slowly moved over to the other side of the car, and in turn helped out Alice, and Marion. John smiled because he knew these actions showed a deliberateness, and the capes loved prompt, he then whispered," Make sure you have a girl on each arm, they like to see this in someone of importance, guy's do the same with Naomi, and oh shit, Dreamia, Sherri get over here, Tony, and Sammy help Dreamia."

He had not realize his mistake until right then, but it was all good, as they approached Paul, he said," The most senior of us needs to be in front, that would be Dreamia, and he already knows of her."

John thought, oh shit, but he also realized Paul didn't move, so he asked," Why are you still standing there?"

Paul then replied," I told them that I speak for her, they told me I must stand right in front, this was my job before, so I already kinda knew this."

To John some of why Paul was able to find Dreamia, and Tony now became clear, Paul was being groomed to be her keeper, this usually was a bad thing, but Paul just turned it into a good thing. At that moment the limo car doors opened, first came out two men, they helped out two very beautiful women, then moved to about ten feet from them, the women then helped out a young man of about twenty five or so.

He was the shortest of the bunch, he wore a white brimmed hat, with a red feather in it, a long white coat that went to the ground, it had a fur lined collar, it looked like lions skin, John then thought, man all he needs is, he started to walk, so John continued, oh there it is purple trousers. the man then said," It's nice to see you again Dreamia, and this is your new mouth piece, I see your hanging out with a different crew now, that's what you call this motley group, right?"

Out of the compact car came William, he then said," I'm sorry my Lord, I didn't know how to work the seat belt device, as the voice for Gytious, I present his glorious self."

" It's alright William, Dreamia and I are old friends, so all I ask is the one John with you, I need to speak to him with a matter of importance."

John knew this was his cue, so he brushed off Alice, and Sherri, he moved forward,but made sure he didn't pass Dreamia, then he said," That's me, what is the problem?"

William then said," We've lost someone, and you'll address him as my Lord."

John then showed his teeth, and replied," I think your boss already knows that's not going to happen, he probably already even knows who I am, or is that a mystery to you?"

Gytious then said," No, I already knew you were here, but I had to make sure your children were up to the job... Johnathan, oh I'm sorry you like John, but I know where all my children are, you see the America's were given to me in seventeen sixty four."

" But that honor is only given to... oh, your that Gytious." John then nodded his head, and continued," I give my thanks for Phoenix, did you foresee this?"

" No, and that makes this occasion, rather embarrassing, you see she's my personally picked princess of this city, and what do you call them, oh yes, Shovelhead's have stolen her from me, now as you know I have certain feelings, in this it will not allow us to get close to our target."

" You've undoubtedly brought some of your best, why don't you just kill them from long range?"

William then replied," Well we kill one, then they all leave, they take her with them, and as good as we are, you can only kill so many, and that's our problem."

Then John said," So you need us to hold them down, so you can kill them, wait you want us to get in there and rescue a cape, this won't sit well with the kids, well this is really going to cost you."

" See I told you this was going to be a waist of time."

Gytious then said," And as I told you we are prepared to pay on this case any price, now William they honored our sign's of peace, you offer them what I told you."

So William then said," Alright, we have two good pistol, two rifles, and three hand weapons, is this alright?"

John was about to say something, but Gytious then said," The rest William, OH! Let me, three bags of elder blood."

John then replied," She must be real important for you to offer that, two things, do you have any idea where she'll be, and when do you need her back, and I guess I should say we have an agreement."

The wind start to blow harder, Gytious grabbed his hat, and replied," Yes, you could say that, and as soon as possible, as to their where abouts, I'll leave it up to William to tell you, I want to get out of this damn wind."

They all watched him get back into his limo, and slowly everyone watch as his crew get in also, with the last one in the limo sped off, William pulled out a map, and came over to John, he pointed to a place on the map, their going to be here. John then asked," Are the capes going to look from the side lines with dirty stares, or is she important enough for there assistance?"

William then replied," We'll hold them in a holding pattern, but we really can't get close, so this will be your show. Also your equipment is in my trunk, here's the key."

" Tony, Paul do the honors, can we keep this map, we may need it. Oh, and we need time to get out of our good clothes, is this permissible?"

" Yes, Gytious already gave you the time, you have, I think now forty five, no an hour can you make the time, with the limits?"

" With my crew, no problem, but we have to be leaving now, everyone to the cars, you'll excuse me won't you?"

William then nodded his head, and said," I'll see you there."

John then jumped into his car, started it up, and pulled out of the parking lot, he then turned to the others and said," We won't have any time, so go to your rooms and change, get to the cars, and we'll deal out the new equipment then, only Naomi, Dreamia, and I"ll get the new blood packs, is that clear?"

Paul then said," Maybe we should give Alice, and Tony a cooler of blood."

" This is good thinking, use my old cooler, and that one that is only about half full, why don't you be in charge of this Paul, but you still have to move, so make it fast."

" Ok."

And the rest of the car ride home was silent, it took ten minutes as before, they all ran to there rooms, John threw his new clothes on the bed, Alice stopped to fold them, so John said," We don't have the time for this."

Alice then replied," We don't have the time to be civilized, it only takes a few minutes, you know I have to live in here to."

" I'm sorry, here let me fold them, you need to change to, is there any leather in there that will fit you?"

Alice then smiled, and replied," Of course silly, but do we always have to wear leather?"

John then smiled and said," No, we could wear what the police wear, but I don't see them giving it up, so leather is are next best thing."

" Why?"

" It won't stop bullets, but it will slow them down, We can take a hit, and the leather slows them down enough so we can take more hits, we take the blood just in case we get hit, this helps us heal, and it's good so we can get to the blood, do you understand?"

" I guess so, I just don't like the way it feels."

John had stripped down to his underwear, he then said," You must start getting dressed, we really don't have that much time."

" OH, I'm sorry."

As she pulled off her blouse, he quickly put on his leathers, and said," Get down to the cars as soon as you can, I have to go, and take those boots off, there real nice and showy, but in a fight they'll only get you killed."

John left the room, and thought, man what am I doing, taking two newbies to a gun fight, he proceeded to the cars, he was met by Tony, he said," I've given Alice the M-16, there was a sniper rifle, I took that, and another bull-pup, I gave that to Anna, the pistols were a Beretta and a Glokk, I gave one to Cibilia, and Marion."

John then smiled, and asked," What of the hand weapons?"

" A straight razor, Kukri, and a short sword, who will you give them to?"

" I don't think Alice is ready for close up yet, so the straight razor goes to Andy, maybe the Kukri will go to Sherri, but he short sword, I really don't know."

At this point Sammy came in and said," Mine if I use it?"

" Oh, I forgot about you Sammy, have you ever use one before?"

Sammy then came back with," Yes, it was ages ago, but I still think I know how to use it. "

" Good, I really don't have time to show you how to use it, where are the fucking girls."

John finished the statement just as they were coming out the back door, so he continued," Get into the cars, we need to be off."

They all piled into the cars, as they were driving to the sight, Alice asked," Do I really have to use this thing?"

John then replied," I hope not, but you see one Shovelhead coming toward you, you level it and pull the trigger, oh and make sure that little switch is on the A, not the F or S, when the shit hits the fan."

Then Bob said," Can you move your gun Anna, it's poking me in a bad place."

Anna then replied," Oh, I'm sorry."

" We wouldn't be so crowded, if I knew how to drive my truck."

John turned his head, then remembered he was driving, so he turned it back, and asked," You've got a truck Bob?"

" Well, Yes, my mom gave it to me, at well, I guess my last birthday."

" Why didn't you say something sooner?"

" You never asked?"

" And you didn't think this was important, does anyone else in this car have a car?"

Marion then replied," I have a little compact, almost like that one we followed, it doesn't run so hot though."

John then said," When we get back, everyone who has cars, go and get them, Bob I'll go with you, and maybe I could help you with that driving problem."

They got to the sight where John wanted to put the cars, so he stopped, Naomi then pulled her car into a bunch of trees, they all piled out, John then went up to Naomi and said," You take Cibilia, and Marion, and come in this way, I'll take Bert, and Sammy with me, and we'll come in this way, Tony you take the rest, and set them up here, we'll be feeding them toward you, so be on your toes. Marion, you and I have the target, Dreamia, you and Andy work your way in this way, you'll have to use your special talents here, we have a basic plan, so now go, and wait for Naomi, and I to start the fire works."

John moved with a deliberate use of his stealthiness, he then placed Bert, in between him and Sammy and whispered," The show really start's with you, as soon as you attack, I'll light them up, Sammy then we move as fast as we can, your not use to your speed, so don't be surprised on how fast you can move, now lets move, and stay low until the fire works start."

With this they all heard a crack of thunder, so they started to move, he could see Bert was good at this, but Sammy on the other hand was another story, Bert got within a few feet, when Sammy stepped on a branch, one of the Shovelhead's turned to see what the noise was. Bert didn't wait he was on the Shovelhead, and gutted him in minutes, John pulled his .44 cal revolver, and pulled the trigger, with a loud blast, all heads turned toward him, Naomi then jumped up on the other side, and gutted two more, John then Yelled," NOW!"

John turned on the speed, had his revolver away and both of his blades out in seconds, in a flash two were dead, Cibilia, Marion, and Sammy also killed one, they gained there composure, as they all killed one more, there were enough to stop this fight early. But then, several shots rang out, this was to many to just be his group, but John didn't have time to stop and count, in moments there was an additional eight dead, but it was the second volley that made the Shovelhead's run.

John could see several moving to a body, but as they got close, Dreamia just appeared, and started to lay a path of destruction with an Uzi, and a MAC-10, this didn't stop them,they kept coming toward her, then Andy appeared, and with his MAC-10 he laid out the rest, John knew he didn't have much time, so he turned on the speed. He was met by Marion, it was good she knew what he had said, Cibilia and Sammy moved past them, with another volley of rifle fire, all the Shovelhead's melted away, the fight was over almost as fast as it started.

John moved to a bloody hulk, of tissue and muscle, there was movement, so he pulled out his blood pack, and tore it open, then he poured a thick black goo into what looked like a mouth, the transformation was almost immediate. Only in seconds did the mast appear to be a body, Marion who was there, looked shocked, but John then yelled," Go get Naomi's blood pack!"

Marion then left at her best speed, John then turned to Dreamia, and asked," Will you please give me your elder blood pack?"

She then tossed it to him, he tore that one open and also poured it into her mouth, this time you could physically see her hair grow, and all the most severe damage disappear. Marion then reappeared, so John took the blood pack and shoved it into her mouth, then he picked her up, and said," Lead the way Dreamia, you seem to have the connection."

Dreamia then went out front, and as they moved toward a group of trees, even John could feel him now. As they cleared the trees, there was the group of six, the two girls came forward, and took the girl from John, the rest of the group came forward, so John then said," She was almost gone, we used all our elder blood to heal her, do you have compensation for this use?"

Gytious then spoke," Not here, but you can trust in that I'll make sure you receive it within a week, also I'll deduct one pack, for you breaking the law. Yes, I know what happened last night, and even though there was forces outside your control, Dreamia! This is still a law broken, but to insure our good faith, I'll guaranty the safety of your kids, but if those who I don't really have control over, find out, well you know my dilemma."

" Yes, but until their gone we have a common enemy, will we have to expect a visit from you or one of your crony's,?"

" My stay here is only transitory, as soon as she is groomed, then so is my stay, but as to if you'll see me again I think not, I think you'll see William, I'm giving him to Veronica as her Sheriff, but I'll have to ask you to respect there titles."

" If they don't fuck up I won't have any problems with them, oh can you tell them, that the kids are a hands off zone?"

" As of now they are a free state, they'll have no will over them, and if there isn't anything else, I must make my leave before that storm hits, you understand."

" Yes, I understand perfectly well, we also must take our leave."

John then pointed to the cars, he knew it was a long trip, so he grabbed up Dreamia, and ran to the cars, in seconds he was there, he then turned around, after putting Dreamia down, and went after another, Marion, Cibilia, and Sammy saw what he was doing, and repeated the act until all were at the cars. John opened one of the coolers, and threw a blood pack to everyone, he sucked it down fast, and then came a loud crack of thunder, John yelled," GET INTO THE CARS RIGHT NOW!"

With this he jumped in and started the car and peeled out, Dreamia had her death grip on John's arm again, Alice then asked," Why in such a hurry, it's only a little squall."

" Well it's not the rain, it's the lightning, even if its close, well it will make for a bad day, the faster we can get out from under it the better off we'll be, and it would be good if you all ran into the house. Plus I think we have a worse problem, they would have just killed her if their leader was dead, but hey didn't, so that one crew we ousted, may have been just an off shoot, this may have only been the beginning. How many did you see Bob, or Paul?"

Paul came back with," I didn't know we were supposed to be counting."

Then Bob said," I lost count at one hundred an thirty two, they were moving around so much, I had a hard time, but I got three myself, in fact Alice I think she got one."

John then asked," How many Paul, and Anna?"

Anna the replied," I got three also, Paul?"

Paul came back with," Is the number really important, I got a few."

Bob came back with," Missed, didn't you?"

Anna then implied,"No, he said a few, that means two, doesn't it?"

John then said," No count, this was bad, it's not important how many you got, OH! just shut up, and if I hear you guy's say anything of it, I'll be real mad, do you hear me?"

The rest of the drive home, was relatively quiet, John moved to the kitchen, and sat in what was becoming his favorite seat, as Naomi came in she was drenched, John then smiled, and said," Did you get a little wet?"

She gruffly came back with," I now your type can run in between the rain drops, but you don't have to rub it in, you know we have to talk."

" Then you know of my concern already, man what the hell are we going to do?"

Tony who entered the room last, and was surprisingly dry asking," What seems to be the problem, I mean we have an in with the local princess, and we were given complete freedom, I see no bad here."

Naomi then replied," They were stripping off her skin and tissue, thats why we used all our elder blood."

Tony sat down hard and whispered," Oh, then I also say what the hell are we going to do?"

Moments later a fifteenth figure enter the kitchen, and replied," I'll tell you what were going to do."

John looked up, it was Veronica, she continued," Your going to send out your scouts, and we'll find those son of a bitches who did this to me. I mean I don't want one of them left alive, the prince has given me some of my own scouts, and I sent them out immediately, I knew I couldn't do this by myself so I'm enlisting your help. I'm not established yet, so I really don't have anything to offer, but if you want the Princess's of the cities respect, then please help."

John looked surprised, and replied," A cape asking for help, well you have my support, but I only speak for myself, how does everyone else vote?"

John pointed around the table, the vote was, all except Bob who didn't vote, lets help. John then said," Well it seems they all agree with me, so it looks for now, you've got a group of fighters, who'll kick ass and take no prisoners, of course you really don't know what they have lost, do you?"

Veronica then asked," What did they loose?"

So Cibilia then said," Of the original six, none of these four are our sires, we think their all ash."

John then stroked her hair, Veronica then said," Their sire-less, oh you know what has to be done?"

John then turned to Veronica, and with anger in his voice replied," Would you put down your saviors, or is this the thanks you capes show kids."

Veronica then replied," In this I'm indebted, so they live for this reason only, but we must act, I will keep up to my end of the bargain, and no harm will ever come of these one's, and as it's my will in this city that's good, yes?"

" We will sleep tonight, then we will send out our scouts, I think we all need to reflex on what were going to do when the final place is discovered, so if you leave us to our reflection, and now I bow to you as the new princess."

John bowed his head, but never allowed his eyes to leave her, she turned and left, he could see William in the shadows, he opened an umbrella, and said, just loud enough to be heard," Mistress we must leave all this rabble, you can't be seen here."

John moved to the window and saw them get into that small compact car, yes she came along, man he's going to change her, if it wasn't for him, I think I could deal with her. He could hear all the others, saying," Can you believe how John talked to her, I think she'll think twice about messing with us."

John not knowing who said it gave general scolding," STOP! What you just saw was only vampire politics, she had to show a measure of compassion, she got what she wanted, and now we have to pay the price. Don't you know what this means? AAAHHG. I'm going to my room, ponder on this, some of you are going to loose your unlives."

John turned sharply, and stormed out of the room, he got up stairs and slammed his door, in moments Alice was there, John turned to her and said, with blood going down his cheek," I don't want to loose any of them, but now it's a gone conclusion, I thought I finally found a way out of this life, now I'm dragging them down with me, what am I to do, maybe I could just leave?"

" And allow more of them to die, no you know what has to be done, double all that you started, they all love you, I could hear it in there voices as I left, and you know they will go thru with it just to make you proud, is this what you really want?"

John grabbed Alice tightly and said," NO! All I wanted to do is have someplace to hang my hat, now I've created nothing but graves."

Alice then put her hand on John's bare chest, and said," Do you feel that, it's your heart, don't let it die on our behalf, we want you whole, and some of us now more than others, you have touched me, so I do this as a sign as to how much I've learned to love you."

She pulled off her shirt, ripping off her bra at the same time, then she said," I bare myself to you as my fire stirs for you, now will you show how much you love me, and take me for the very first time willingly."

John looked threw the haze, at Alice's glistening body, she who was so scared to show off her body to anyone, now showed all to John, John then held her hand on pulled her to him, then he replied," You of all the others have shown me the way back to my humanity, If your one of the one's to die, well I think I'd die to, so if you really want this, I will, but make sure first."

Alice gave John a great big smile and said," In all I've seen of these kids, you've opened up to me the most, in your turmoil, you've showed me the terrible things of this life, but you've also show me the humanity, there is a truth in the fact that you can find good in even the most evil of places. Now do your will with me, I really want this."

John then came back with," It has to be mutual, so will I take you, NO! But on the other hand, I will make love to you, if you will do the same for me?"

" With all my little heart, I think you might be the greatest man I ever met, and with this take this." She then kissed him on the lips, brushed his hair back, and undid his pants, then he said," I'll go gently, I know this is your real first time."

He then kissed her neck, she removed his trousers, then he started to kiss her breast with a gentle touch, she never knew making love could be so nice, in her past all she knew of it was the pain, it was like having your soul ripped from you. Then she thought maybe this is what she was looking for all along, someone who could love her as she was, not as a thing, they went on for hours, it seemed he was letting all the years go by, when all he knew was sex.

She was perfect for him, it was as if he was reborn, he could see all her thoughts, Then he wondered what would happen when the thoughts came to her. Yes, all the death and destruction he created in his youth, we had bonded so she had his thoughts also, how long would it take, if she ever knew the murder he was would this be the same, John got caught up in the passion again. She had a real touch for him, it effected him on a deeper side he never knew, her touch was so pure, he then looked up and saw that the sun was setting.