Disclaimer: AAR, it's all yours. Except a few things, which are of course mine.

TigrisInHiding: -_- Was it that obvious?

Thanks to Griffinkhan, who beta-ed for me.

Chapter Four: Memories

The sound came from my right. I stay where I am, trying to sense if the person is a threat or not. Their aura is not strong, and they have lost a lot of blood. If I were to go to them, I would be able to hurt them long before they could defend themselves. Curiosity overcoming my instincts, I go to see what has happened.

A young witch lies on the ground, behind some bushes. Her back is to me and I cannot see her face. What I can see of her tells me that she will die soon if help is not given.

I turn to leave. What is it to me if another witch dies? It will mean less danger to everyone, and besides, she is a fool to have come so close to New Mayhem. Her stupidity itself is enough to condemn her.

There is no room for stupidity. If you do not have the ability to survive, why are you even trying? The world is not a game; there are no breaks if you do something foolish. If you cannot win, do not go up against those who are stronger than you. Stay out of their way, or die young.

I am about to leave when the witch calls out.

"Wait," she says, her voice raw with pain. I turn around to look at her. She has pushed herself into a sitting position, and is leaning against a tree. One arm is folded against her body. It is broken. There are multiple gashes, all of which are bleeding profusely. Just as I think that is all she will say, she speaks again.

"Please." It is one word, but full of meaning. There are no others within calling distance for her, and any others who might find her are young vampires, or older ones taking the scenic route to the town. She will die if I leave her, and if I stay, it will be I who might not live as long as I would like to. While witches have helped vampires in need, there are very few vampires who have helped the witches.

I take a step closer, and she catches sight of my face. Her face takes on an expression of hope.

"Alexander?" she whispers, almost disbelievingly. I am very surprised; my brother and I look almost nothing alike. However, the last time I saw my reflection was a few years ago. I shake my head.

"No, child," I reply with a smile. She sees my teeth, and her face turns paler than it already is. She knows she is doomed.

"But perhaps," I continue, hoping to get something out of this encounter, "you can tell me about this…Alexander."

The witch looks surprised. This is not the normal reply for a vampire to make, not when there's blood around the place. I do no wish to tarry though, and brusquely tell her to hurry up. She complies.

She is Alexander's apprentice. He took her in some years ago, after receiving word that there was possibly another Triste in the area. She has only recently started going out on missions alone, and only after years of rigorous training. I ask for her name.

"Rachel," she replies, looking at me unflinchingly in the eye. I pause. My brother Alexander took on an apprentice named Rachel, and if her story is correct, soon after my fight with Aubrey. Rachel, who was going to die tonight. Rachel, who, in a way, did die tonight.

Rachel Weatere was an innocent. Tonight, a few years ago, I had fought Aubrey and won. Tonight is the anniversary of Rachel's death.

Must another Rachel cared for by Alexander die?

I swiftly walk over to where she is. Rachel freezes, expecting me to injure her, or kill her. I do neither, but bring her and myself to the nearest SingleEarth hospital with my mind.

We appear just outside the front doors. With no tree trunk to lean against, Rachel slumps to the ground. I do not worry though, for there are already two Smoke witches coming through the doors. I watch as they check her pulse and aura, and call for a stretcher. As I turn to leave, one of them calls out.

"Wait," she says, coming after me. I turn to look at her. She is shorter than I am, though not by much, and her name badge reads Caryn.

"Thank you," she says with a warm smile. "If you had not brought her here in time, she could have died."

I nod, but say nothing. It was not out of the goodness of my heart that I brought Rachel here, and Caryn does not need to act like it was. I take one last look at Rachel, before leaving SingleEarth to return to my home.

I reappear in my bedroom as the first light of dawn appears in the sky. I drop onto my bed, unwilling to think about the consequences of my moment of weakness. Instead, I drift into a dreamless sleep.