Wind whips your hair, the steely taste of fresh blood still lingering on your lips. The dark night atmosphere cools down your nerves, still slightly coiled up from tonight's hunt; another passing stranger, who you dutifully left in a warm,cozy bed of hay in a nearby barn. For a few moments back there, you thought he would wake up the whole countryside with his cussing and screaming. You feel kinda bad for knocking him out with his own backpack. But a vampire has to do what a vampire has to do. It's not easy in the desert.

Sand whips over the barren landscape. Clouds are scattered and scarce this cool night, occasionally drifting over the moons pearly surface and casting an eerie shadow from above. Once in a while a creature dares to pop out into the open, scuttling along; you can hear their heart beats, their very breath and pulse. This ability just makes it harder for you to fall asleep. Once you spot your small, previously-abandoned abode half-hidden in a patch of cacti and bushes, you land swiftly; dark, swirling smoke surrounds you as you transform into back into your slender, tall self, wisps of smoke coming off your pale, glowing skin. The glow slowly wears off as you will it to, leaving you as a tanned mistress of the west.

''What the fuck was all that screamin' about back there, Kan?'' Eridan asks you as soon as you set foot on the doorstep. You sigh.

''Let's just say some victims are not as quiet as others.'' You smile at the boy, who brings a flask of violet liquid up to his thin lips, emptying the flask and scowling. You find him to be pleasant company, even if he tends to have very dramatic spouts. After all, your kind is very rare nowadays. Especially in this part of the world.

''Find anything good to eat while I was away?'' You ask politely, sitting down on one of the brightly colored cushions you brought from your previous settlement. You have a tendency to decorate your environment in bright and brilliant colors; you're not too sure why. Usually vampires stray towards the gloomiest shades, like with Eridan and his fascination with violet. Perhaps it is another mysterious aspect of this life your mother gave you. The twinkle of ingredients and formulas catches your eye. Another mysterious aspect of this life as well you think to yourself. Why willingly curse someone to a life of infinite despair? Maybe to have the hope of a similar soul's presence and empathy?

''Not really. This place is fuckin' deserted, Kan. Except for that one weird farm out there, but I guess you've already scoped out that place.'' He sighs. ''When are we going to reach the headquarters already?'' Eridan asks you, leaning against you as you stir the coals of the fire. You hum, ignoring his question. Ever since he joined you on this endless escapade, this 'mission', he's never ceased asking this over and over again. By now, you had hoped he would have realized the both of you will be wandering aimlessly until the end of time. The 'headquarters' were destroyed decades ago. Your kind are a blurred legend. An illegal, sci-fi legend even.

''Soon, Eridan. Soon.'' You say with a soft smile, papping his wavy, raven-haired head. His scowl recedes into a calm expression. He leans against you, staring into the distance and pulling his worn scarf closer. Soon his breathing becomes slow and even; a peaceful slumber. You decide to put out the fire, tidying things up for the long journey to the next town tomorrow.

Laying down on the pillows once again, you remind yourself that some of these will have to be sold once you arrive at your destination. Though as the pale moonlight seeps in your window, you're inclined to think of a bright future in the still silence.

A future of three.

''Come on, we don't have all day.''

Eridan pouts, dragging along his backpack and putting on his violet cape. He opens up his matching violet and black striped umbrella, following you sleepily. You look ahead, over the rolling hills in the distance, the horizon undulating in the heat. Opening up your own dark umbrella, you wish you could enjoy day like in your childhood, though the desert sun is not allowing you to do so. Even though your niche in the vampire spectrum allows you to, the sunburn is just not worth it. The tiny abandoned adobe hut disappears behind you.

''Guh, it's times like these I wish we had a sand racer or some sort a vehicle. Better than being on foot...'' Eridan mumbles.

You rub his back encouragingly. ''It's only a couple hours away. Once we get there, you can rest all you want and we can eat something.''

He perks up a little. Your keen eyes scan the distance. No hunters. Good. Your kind may be mysterious, but there is always a ring of people who know of and believe in your existence, doing whatever they can to capture you or even be reborn themselves. A heavy price lingers on your head for those who can spot it. An even heavier price for those who carry the formulas.

Like you.

But it is safe out here. Thousands of miles away from home. Where no one can find you...

It's only too bad your eyes could not see the future.

''Whatever, mom! It's not like you would care anyways!'' You scream over the hum of your sand rider, your foot hard on the gas. ''Jeez, look, I'm not going to become another one of your little messengers or servants. I can be a hunter, a fucking farmer, or whatever, just tell your goons to lay off my trail!'' Bullets whiz past your face. Blood splatters from your dismembered arm. You cuss, snapping shut the cellular international communications device. Talking device. Cellphone. Whatever.

''Leave me alone!'' You screech, firing your gun over your shoulder with your still attached arm at the small team of riders tailing you. Your aim, or more like just your fucking luck, manages to throw one of the riders off of their rides, their body tumbling into the dust and vehicle spinning wildly into another man. You snicker and wildly grab onto the handlebar with your hand.

One remains. The Spinneret trade mark mask is unwavering; the menacing spiderweb etched across its glossy surface mocks you. You scowl.

You're tired of being in your mother's shadow. You're going to be the very best, better than she could ever be. With a sharp turn around, you spot a small silhouette in the distance. A town. ''Heh, seems like lady luck is on my side once again.'' You say, the weight of dice in your pockets poking against your skin. The narrow street of the town rushes towards you and engulfs you. Skidding to a halting stop, you dismount your badass, cerulean ride, and pull out your trusty silver pistol once again. The last goon steps off his sand-colored ride, one of the playing factors in why you were overtaken so easily. Stupid camouflage.

''Ready to go home, princess? Your mother is real upset with you, and it's starting to take a toll on all of us.'' He takes out a pistol from a worn holster. You smile, cocking your head curiously.

''Why? Here, no one can boss me around.'' You spin your pistol around your pointer finger deftly, glaring at him. ''How about we have a little duel?'' Sand blows by in the soft, warm desert breeze.

''You're only making it harder than it needs to be.'' He says with a condescending sigh, as if you're just a little kid who has no idea what she's doing. You're about to prove him wrong. ''Shoot on ten. Not my fault if you die.''

''Pfft.'' You laugh. You turn around on your heel, still spinning the pistol 'round and 'round. The man starts counting.

''One... two... three...'' You take a step with each number.

''Four... five... six...'' You stop spinning your pistol, prepared to shoot.

''Seven... eight... nine...'' Sweat forms on your brow. You halt.

''Ten!'' You turn around quickly, taking aim and firing in a dizzying shot of adrenaline. Your pulse thunders in your ears. Someone screams.

Then you realize it was you. Putting a hand to your face, you look at it, stained scarlet.

You're bleeding.

''Ahhhhhhh! M-my eye...! Urgh...!'' You tremble, supporting yourself on weak legs. The world spins endlessly, colors blurring into each other and black overtaking you. Glass shards cascade to the ground. In the distance, a shadow falls to the ground. Red. Red everywhere. You feel someone's hands on you. Soft and kind, they lead you into overwhelming darkness until all you can hear is the faint beating of your heart and a distant, sweet voice.

Bad break, you guess.

You hadn't expected this kind of situation. Not at all. Maybe it would have been wise to carry some bandages.

Once you had arrived at the town, Eridan began to tense up as usual from the hard stares. He folded up his umbrella once in the cool shade, following you into the bar with his rifle strapped onto his back; inherited from his mysterious father, whom he only remembers by his nick name, Dualscar. The name ''Ahab's Crosshairs'' is scratched into the well-worn wooden surface. You sometimes wonder if he wasn't orphaned and had a pleasant, normal childhood he wouldn't be wandering in treacherous areas like this.

At least he's with you.

''I'll have a glass of water.'' He says, eyeing the other people warily. You smile at him, rubbing his back and putting your umbrella into your pack.

''It's fine.'' You reassure him; he eases slightly, gulping down his drink. You order a glass of refreshing chamomile tea, relaxing with each sip. Glass tinkles from the inside of your pack; inside are formulas for every blood rank, passed down from ages ago. You doubt you could ever manage to find the ingredients in this day and age. But that is not a bad thing. You take another sip, taking a deep breath of dry, dusty air. As always, you're left wondering why you carry this burden. It is maddening.

VROOOOM-

Your eyes drift towards the outside world; loud gunfire and the sounds of a furious chase drift into the lazy town. As two riders halt in the middle of the square, Ahab's Crosshairs is suddenly in Eridan's hands. You shake your head sternly. ''Wait.'' He frowns, only half-listening when a girl, probably as young as you, hops off an especially expensive-looking sand rider, the vehicle hovering inches off the ground. Sand floats in the atmosphere and blurs the outlines of the two riders. Pistols are pulled out. You stand up, walking over the entrance. Other people stare or join you silently.

''One... two... three... four... five... six...'' Both duelists take matching steps, breathlessly preparing to shoot. ''Seven... eight... nine... TEN!''

With a blood-curdling scream, the girl claps her hands over her face mere moments after shooting, glass and pistol falling to the crimson-stained floor. No one moves.

You suddenly push through the bar doors, yelling for Eridan and attempting to support the wavering girl. You almost vomit at the gruesome sight of her blown eye, the soft tissue mixing with red, oozing liquid. But you hold her steady, her feeble, panicked, mumbling dying down as she passes out. ''Bad b-break... ugh... hhh... b-b...'' She mumbles before falling silent. Eridan barges through the bar doors, yelling your name and halts as soon as he sees the horrendous mess. His eyes widen. There's no time to lose. This girl is going to bleed out if nothing is done.

You set her on the floor, digging through your pack for antiseptic. A woman runs over to you, holding a bundle of rags. You take them and thank her quickly, wrapping them around the wounds after applying the antiseptic. People begin to crowd around you, their eyes looking down on you. Eridan shivers, regaining his senses. ''Alright, alright, clear the area! She can't work with all a you starin'!'' He says, shooing them away.

''We need to transport this girl to a softer surface.'' You tell the woman. She nods. She guides you to a dusty, small room in a nearby hotel. Eridan follows. You lay the girl down on the bed, checking her scrapes and cuts twice over. ''Eridan, I need you to make sure this girl's sand rider is not left out in the open.'' He nods, walking out of the room silently. It is hours before you leave the girl's bedside, wondering where she came from and fretting over her horrible condition. An eye and an arm. What kind of trouble would one have to go through to end up like this?

You push the bangs out of her face, gently pulling off her leather boots and wool socks, along with her dirty jacket. You wash the articles, visiting the bar to grab another cup of water. By then, the sun is dipping into the horizon, so you have no need for your umbrella. Though you are feeling quite peckish. Once in the safety of your bedroom, you pull out a small vial, sucking up the replenishing drink. You sigh, smiling.

''Did you park it in an inconspicuous location?'' You say to Eridan, who leans against the doorway, finishing up his own vial. The vials are wonderfully useful in times like these when drinking real blood is too risky. But they taste like shit.

''Ugh... yeah, whatever. But I wish we hadn't stopped here. This place is too small for us to be able to eat anythin'.'' He remarks sourly, placing his vial back in his pack. ''Even after the two years I've been travelin' with you, I still can't get over this mandatory blood fest every twenty-four hours.''

''That is the price of being a vampire. It's not like we can help it; our heightened senses, our specialized abilities, it's something to be grateful for after all.'' You laugh softly. ''I still can't get over you making the decision of being a seadwelling vampire. We are in the desert. There's no water for miles.''

''Yeah, well... back then we weren't. Back then I used to swim everyday with mom...'' He says wistfully. You remain silent, glancing over at the girl. With a curious finger, you trace the edges of the items the girl brought with her. Eridan sighs, mumbling something about taking a walk outside, shutting the door and leaving.

A cellphone. Something not found amongst poor people. Jewels. Gold bullets. A silver, grade A pistol. A bag of clothes, none worn out.

Wow. Just... wow. Are those real?

This is girl must have came from a prosperous family. You pick up the cellphone; you have one yourself, an archaic model that ran out of batteries long ago. It's not like you have any use for it now though.

''I bet you're jealous, huh?''

''Wha-!'' You gasp, almost dropping the device. The girl stares at you with piercing, blue eyes, her smile pained but confident. ''How-''

''I've been listening to your conversation, miss vampire~.'' She says smugly. ''I want in.'' She gets up, wincing.

''First of all, lay down.'' You place your hands on her shoulders pushing her back down gently. ''And second of all, don't you dare tell a soul.'' You glare at her with venomous eyes. She giggles.

''We've got a badass over here!'' She says, her hands flying up. ''I know all about you guys from my bitch of a mother.'' Your eyes widen.'' And before you ask any questions, don't. I know most of the legends are bullshit, but you guys aren't. How some of you carry the 'keys' to another life, or some shit like that. How your blood comes in different colors, each one with an awesome power of its own, all at least twice as dangerous than the average human. How every single one of you are worth a pile of gold. And how there aren't many of you left...'' She trails off. Your eyes widen.

''...No.''

''No what?'' She says innocently.

''No. I can't allow this to happen.'' You say, nervously glancing over to your bag. One half whispers to you, urging you to bring her under your wing and have someone, anyone, join you. It's better than dying alone. To have another to share this burden with.

The other half knows that is not the right thing to do.

''Why do you carry all those glass containers then?'' The girl says in an eager voice, inching closer. Her breath fans against your face; you look away, blushing. ''Maybe because the shy vampire doesn't know me enough? Heh... my name is Vriska Serket.'' Vriska whispers, her hand on yours. Her body presses closer. You can hear her heart, her heat and blood flowing.

''I want to be a vampire,too.''

That's when your control snaps.

The next thing you know her pupil is divided into eight, fangs protruding from her cerulean lips. She smirks.

''Now this is better.''

''YOU GAVE HER THE FORMULA!'' Eridan screeches.

''Calm down, fish boy. Now you won't be so lonely and maybe you could learn a thing or two from the best there is.'' Vriska says, wrapping an arm around the steaming boy. He only shouts some more; hopefully he doesn't wake up the whole town. Maybe if he hadn't passed out drunk in the bar last night he wouldn't be so moody. You chew on the inside of your cheek, wondering if it was a good idea after all. The cerulean formula she had chosen the night before gave her not only heightened senses and strength, but the power to mind control people as well. Fiddlesticks. She now wears a pair of shades instead of her glasses. You can only hope she doesn't turn out to be overly destructive.

''Kan, Kan! Vris is touchin' me!'' Eridan screeches, 'wweh's and chuckling echoing in the small room. You sling your pack over your shoulder, sighing again. Her wounds have repaired themselves nicely since she took the formula. At least that's one positive.

''Vriska, I think it would be best to unhand him before the whole town wakes up. And Eridan, do attempt to not make such a ruckus. It would only give me a headache.'' Eridan mumbles an apology. You separate them, ushering them out the tiny room. The sun's rays wash over the bleached sand, the unforgiving glint of the sun burning your eyes. You and Eridan unfold your umbrellas. Then Vriska taps you on the shoulder.

''Don't mind sharing do ya, fussyfangs?'' She says, one of her hands wrapping around yours on the umbrella handle. The nickname at first bothered you, but over the hours you looked after her it grew on you. Her smile is forcing your heart to do backflips.

''No, not at all.'' You say politely, hoping your nervousness is not noticeable. Are you intimidated? No, that can't be it. Maybe it's the prospect of a new vampire, no not that either... this whole situation is maddening. She walks besides you, her long raven hair swishing with her curvacious hips. Oh my. You look up at the dark folds of the umbrella, not noticing her beautiful bottom, or how her cerulean blood is making her utterly gor-

''Hey, where's my sand rider?'' She says, a panicked expression on her face. You look over at Eridan. He snorts.

''Not like you deserve it or anythin, but it's over behind that shed thin.'' He points at a crumbling excuse of a shed in the shade. Vriska pulls you hurriedly along, stroking her sand rider as if it were her child.

Looks like you have some stiff competition.

''Aaaaaaaand that's the plan!''

Vriska smiles, unable to keep her fangs from protruding cutely onto her lips. Cutely?

''Wait, so you just want us to fuckin' throw everythin' out the window and go to this x-marked place on the map?'' Eridan says. Vriska rolls her eyes.

''Look, this is obviously the awesomest idea ever. There's a great hord of treasure there, and we could leave this dumpy desert and go across the sea with enough gold!''

''Across the sea?!'' Eridan squeaks, looking over at you with an alarmed expression. ''Do you hear this, Kan?''

You fidget, the glint of the sand rider in your eyes. Th meager shade of the palm tree the three of you are now seated under isn't helping your sweat. Vriska tosses back her hair, smiling at you. You freeze. ''Well, how about it fussyfangs?''

''Well, I... it does seem promising...'' You stutter. Eridan throws his hand in the air.

''What about the headquarters, Kan?!''

''Pfft. Screw the headquarters, this is real and it might help your prissy attitude.''

You look up into the clear sky. ''Why not.''

''Yes!'' Vriska jumps up, doing a little jig.

''Why?'' Eridan says, bundling up in his cape and beginning to sulk. You get up, dusting yourself off.

''I see no harm in it. We can go back onto course after this little expedition.'' You pull open your umbrella. Vriska walks over to you, hand in her pocket. She leans in and-

And kisses you on the cheek.

''Knew you'd make the right decision.'' She winks. You blush, shocked and flustered as you mount the sand rider with her, wrapping your arms around her waist. What an advantageous form of transportation.

Four days.

Four days, and you're this far downhill. The formulas are still in your satchel, thankfully, and not stolen yet. This plan is not turning out as well as you thought it would. You've gotten to know Vriska, her scheming yet harmfully helpful ways, her moods, and you're still perplexed by the emotions stirring in your bosom, the rush and sensation of it all driving you slowly into a mad world where danger isn't all that bad.

''Fucking jesus, mom! If you wanted me to stay that badly, you should have just given me a little more respect...!'' Vriska hisses for the fourth time in the dusty, small passageway you have been crawling through for the past few minutes. Outside in the sun are a band of supposedly hired mercenaries. There's also a possibility they're after the treasure as well as Vriska.

Sulking behind you, Eridan is practically crawling, his pistol having been shot numerously and proving to be more than an ornament in the past few days. ''Damn it... my fucking cape... fuck... dirt, I hate dirt...''

''Oh my. It seems like they've found the tunnel entrance.'' You say nonchalantly, your previously bright fiery red skirt now stained and torn in half to allow more room for movement.

''Shit...! Eridork, get your rifle ready! We're almost there! We can just block the exit if we make it out...!'' Vriska commands, hurriedly glancing down at her faded map. You now have a clear view of the booty.

Oh, what has this ordeal done to you.

''Urgh...'' Eridan scowls, firing a few rounds into the darkness behind him. Screams and shouts echo, bullets being shot. The three of you crawl faster.

''Shit shit shit shit shit shit!'' Vriska whispers. The shots near. Eridan groans, and you can smell the acrid scent of blood. Screams, shouts, and blood invade the atmosphere, turning the small space into a miniature hell until the light grows steadily closer, faint but promising. You stop breathing. Eridan trips, and you have to help him get back onto his knees. Another bullet whizzes by.

''Hurry up! We're at the end already!'' Vriska shouts from ahead. You pull fervently, Eridan groaning in pain and trembling. Soon the both of you tumble out into a circular, clear cave. Nothing but more sand and dirt. Vriska shoots her pistol into the tunnel until there is no more ammo, her cusses evaporating into incoherent mumbling when she realizes the men are all dead. All of them.

''Bad break, I presume?'' You say, holding Eridan close. His shoulder is shot; you'll need to bandage that as soon as possible. Vriska looks over at you, silent and on edge. Then she smiles. ''Yeah. I guess so.''

After investigating the small cave, you and Vriska conclude there is no exit, and the only way out and in is through the stuffy and corpse-packed tunnel. You sigh audibly, leaning against the dirt wall. Eridan is asleep, having been bandaged and taken care of. Vriska sits next to you, staring blankly at the map and kicking a few pebbles around.

''What now, Captain Fang?'' You say, the title she chose rousing her from her trance.

''I... don't have a clue.'' She says solemnly. She tilts back her head and leans it against the wall, closing her eyes. ''I never planned for bullshit like this.''

You look over at her, the fact you're holed up in here with your romantic interest dawning on you. You clear your throat. ''Did you check the map?''

''Of course I did! Look yourself!'' She steams, jumping to her feet and kicking the map. She stares at the wall angrily. ''This was not how I imagined it... why do I have all the bad luck!?'' She pounds the wall with a furious fist.

''Perhaps it's not luck, but carelessness.''

''Whatever! Look, check the map! Nothing in there is going to help us now! We're stuck! Dead end! Game over!'' She shouts.

''Calm down.'' You say, placing Eridan carefully against the wall. You get up slowly, picking up and shaking the dust off the map like it was a misused toy thrown by a child. You roll it up, walking towards Vriska. ''There's always hope.''

''Pfft. Lady luck is a bitch.'' Vriska pouts. You can't help but giggle. ''What?!''

''Seems like Captain Fang is in need of some chill pills, as you would say.'' You gather Vriska in your arms, holding her gently as if she were a jewel about to burst into tiny shards, something precious and cherishable.

''I...'' Vriska starts, but you shush her, stroking her dust-covered hair. She calms down; hesitantly, she wraps her arms around your waist. Your heart is overcome with a gushing warmth, like the sun's soothing rays in winter.

''My mother used to say, seasons and seasons ago, that there was a silver lining in every cloud. And right now, the silver lining is being with you.'' Even you cannot believe what just came out of your mouth. You savor the moment as if it were gold.

''Well, my mother used to say stop bitching about it and get something done.'' Vriska looks up at you, regaining her composure. She leans in, kissing you on your lips and bringing you in close, so close your heart beats are confused as one and you close your eyes and can't stop smiling from the silliness of it.

''Let's get something done, shall we?'' You say, unrolling the map. Vriska laughs, an arm slung around your shoulders. You look at the map with anticipation, Vriska inches away. After a few minutes, you see something you haven't seen before on the bottom-left corner of the page. You stare intently at the ink scribbles in the corner of the page. Vriska raises an eyebrow.

When darkness leads to darkness,

the only way out is by fleshing out light.

It's written in fuchsia blood.

''I know what to do.'' You whisper. Something calls out to you. Vriska stands back, bamboozled.

''What? But we don't have any matches or any-WOAH.''

A glow emanates from your skin, the sun traveling through your veins strong and confident. Today is the day, Kanaya Fussyfangs Maryam stops running. Soon a great rumbling courses through the cave; rocks tumble around you, missing, dangerously close and Vriska screams, holding onto you as the scene crumbles. The tinkling of the glass formulas beckon auspiciously. Soon dark, green light floods into the room, mapping out a vast series of networks in a wide, bustling cave. People stop in their tracks. Others scuttle into the dark corners. One steps forwards as the last of the dust scatters. You smile at Eridan, who is now currently doing his best not to soil himself. Vriska gasps. The wide expanse reveals itself before you. You look over the people in awe, shock, fear, and compassion.

They clap. Fangs glitter in the light. One steps forward, his red eyes kind.

''Welcome, fellow vampires.''

The rest is lost in history. Forever afterwards, Vriska Fang became one of the most infamous vampirate in the eight galaxies, exploiting her mother's connections in order to expand the prestige and population of vampires everywhere. Eridan runs his own personal fleet under Vriska and keeps an eye over farther sectors. You've heard rumors he's found a nice vampire to walk the ages with. Ferari, was it? You look out the polished window capsulating the ship's deck. Nostalgia washes over you unexpectedly.

It has been a hundred years since your radiant discovery.

And now and forever, you walk the path of eternity with a woman who walks step by step with you, your arm linked with hers. A fleet of ships floats around you, lazily drifting in dark space. You smile.

''Nice day for a romantic stroll on another planet, isn't it?'' You comment. Vriska chuckles. She kisses you, her smile still able to dizzy you after all these decades.

''Lady Lucks agrees.''

And so do I! Sorry for taking such a horrendous amount of time to fulfill this request for homestuckTroll! And also, I am deeply grateful for all the reviews and such. I'm going to make sure to type some more one-shots in advance tonight, and make sure they're quick to the point. Adventure one-shots are pawesome, but it can really be nerve-wrecking to flesh out a whole plot and some romance in there. Hoped you liked it!

THANKS FOR READING!