Chapter 9

Krysta knew Andreios was inches away from her. She felt something tug her from inside. Something she felt whenever he was around. But she decided not to acknowledge his presence. She made herself concentrate on the place around her.

She welcomed the cold breeze that stroked her occasionally. This was her place in the park. Behind her was a big oak tree. It stood strong and sturdy. Around it was a clearing, there weren't any other trees near it. There was the occasional bush here and there, also a bench, a lamp post or a trash can. This tree was a loner. It overlooked the city and since the park was on top of a hill she could see the brightly lit place she lived in a called home. Above her she could she the stars hovering. With vampire eyes she able stars further than the human eye.

Andreios stopped short. He was arms length behind Krysta. He didn't know what to say or do. "How'd you find me?" Krysta asked tonelessly. It was the closest to an invitation to sit down Andreios would get.

"I wasn't trying to, we were just in the same place at the same time."

"Well don't stand there until you get arthritis," Krysta said into the distance. She still did not turn around to look at him. "Sit down and absorb the silence." She paused and inhaled, "breathe the darkness. That's where I find comfort."

Andreios was speechless. Krysta always had that effect on him. She was smart and fair. She has honor. He ended up just nodding to what Krysta had said.

"The oak behind me is like me," Krysta continued. "Like it I stand alone. It's different from all other around here. That oak has been there longer than the others. It overlooks the city and is the closest to the stars." She stood up and went to the tree. Andreios was now the one who couldn't see her. He didn't turn around scared that he would break the atmosphere she was in. Krysta was absorbed with her own story.

"I am strong like this oak. I come here to accompany the oak while it endlessly watches over the city."

"I didn't know you befriend trees," a voice in the darkness said.

Good mind blocks, Krysta said mentally at Vasili. She didn't realize he was there but wasn't bothered by it. She could have attacked if he had posed a threat. She sat on her place again.

It was Andreios that was shocked at Vasili's surprise arrival. He had been thinking a lot about the mission and had somehow become paranoid of any attacks. He thought for a second that Vasili was an enemy. Something still bothered him even after his senses had relaxed again.

"I guess it's a family reunion," Vasili said as he sat down on the other side of Krysta.

Krysta chuckled. "Trust you two to find me." As much as she hated them for barging in on her privacy like like that she couldn't be happier that this was how she spent her last night before her transformation.

----------

The three sat in the silence they were so accustomed to. Krysta was trying to absorb Andreios' and Vasili's presence, cataloging them, hoping that just in case, her memory would somehow remember that her two vampire companions were special to her.

"Krysta..." Vasili brought her attention back. Vasili was already standing infront of her. He didn't seem so tall from the way he stood because the hill sloped downward. He spoke softly, "Its almost time..." then he continued mentally, I think my little brother wants to talk with you privately... He paused and looked into her dark green eyes. His eyes searched her and Krysta felt that he wanted her to disagree with what he said. He had wanted her to tell him to stay. Slowly Krysta nodded. She thought Andreios needed her more. Vasili was strong enough on his own. Soon enough the place where Vasili stood was as black as the sky, as if it no one with intense brown eyes stood there recently.

"We should get going too," Krysta said staring into the distance.

"Yes we should –"

"Actually," Krysta interrupted thinking of something. "It's good we're alone here. I wanted to give you something." Her voice sounded like it wasn't hers. Krysta was surprised at what she was about to say.

"What is it?" Andreios inquired not knowing whether to be excited or dread.

"Well...since I'm going...I..thought I'd help you out." She paused to take a breath even if it was useless to her kind. "You need to be at your strongest. I can offer you my strength..." This time Krysta looked at Andreios' handsome face. She recited something she had been taught as a child. "A vampire who drinks another vampire's blood with their consent will not only be revitalized as if they have drank twice the amount of human blood, but will also temporarily posses their strength –"

"I won't Krysta," Andreios replied looking back into her eyes.

"Geez Rei, it's not everyday I offer my blood. Can't you appreciate that?"

"I do!" Andreios replied quickly, voice near hysterical. "I'm just overwhelmed. I'd love to...unite with –"

"To unite is hardly the term I used and the purpose of what I had intended," Krysta corrected.

"I would, but I shouldn't." Andreios spoke quietly but with determination. Krysta knew that she would not be able to change his mind. Sometimes he's stubborn for his own good, she thought.

"We should go then." Krysta said dismissively.