The Gwy, YD Series: Alternate Realities

Chapter 5

Vlad was walking the streets, looking around at the death and destruction of this new world. There was fire all around, derelict buildings, drained bodies lying around everywhere… This place even belonged to the vampires. There were even some humans being carted around by vampire's as trophy's or slaves, and some humans rounded up in the middle in a cage. Vlad didn't even want to think about what that was for. All the humans around seemed scared. There were a few breathers standing on a makeshift stage holding banners and megaphones. They were shouting about their mistreatment and their banners all had horrible, but probably true, things about the vampire community. A group of vampires were menacingly walking towards the group, obviously planning to stop the small rebellion… and maybe even kill them… Vlad wished he could help them but he didn't see anything he could do. There were way too many vampires around. As he looked at the world around him… how could he deny any more that this world was the worst of the two options? How could he deny any more? He sighed, walking alone through the dark of the night.

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He returned back to the castle to find his Dad sitting at the table in the throne room.

Vlad: Hey Dad.

Count: Hello Vlad.

Vlad sat down at the table and sighed. The Count looked between him and the throne as if he was unsure why Vlad chose to sit at the table and not on the throne. Vlad sighed and put his head in his hands.

Count: Are you ok, Vlad? Is there something wrong, son?

Vlad: Nothing. I'm fine.

He sighed again, changing his mind and deciding to open up to his Dad a little.

Vlad: Actually… It's just… nothing seems to have gone right for me lately. Everything is so messed up.

Count: What do you mean, son? I thought everything was exactly how you wanted? Vampires rule! And you rule them all. I'm proud of you, my son.

He said that, but Vlad sensed something different in his dad's tone of voice. It wasn't excited as he remembered it when his dad would say he was proud of him. And it didn't seem sincere. Vlad chose to wave that off for the moment, concentrating on his dad's questions.

Vlad: It's not what I want at all… It's like there's two versions of me… What is this world? This isn't what I want… Erin only wants to be with me because she's scared of me… Humans are treated like walking blood bags… or slaves… I just don't know if any of this was worth it anymore dad. And I can't find Ingrid anywhere.

This earned a strange look from his dad. The count took an unnecessary breath, as if the thing he was going to say next would be hard to say.

Count: Vlad… you know what happened to Ingrid…

Vlad met his dad's eyes, confused and suddenly worried for Ingrid's safety and well-being.

Vlad: Is- Is she okay?

Count: Vlad… Ingrid died a few years back… remember?

The Count's voice was gentle, speaking slowly, as if talking to a child. Vlad was shocked. Ingrid was dead. No. She couldn't be…

Vlad: No…

Count: You- You had her killed for rebelling against the council, remember?

The Count's voice remained the same tone, but now there was a hint of anger and sadness in it as well. Vlad looked up, even more shocked at hearing this. He shook his head in disbelief, a single tear sliding down his face and landing on the floor with a splash.

Vlad: No! No, I wouldn't… I couldn't do that…

Count: Vlad, I'm starting to worry about you… Maybe we should get you vampire doctor or a specialist or something...

Vlad looked up, trying to hold back the tears, his eyes watering.

Vlad: I need to go…

He stood up abruptly and walked out of the castle. He walked out into the starry night. He tried his best not to look at the damage and destruction. He was lost in his thoughts as he walked through the barren and damaged streets of the city. How could he do something like that? He would never hurt Ingrid! Sure, even in his world the two of them didn't always get along… But he could never hurt her! Despite everything, despite their differences, they were always there for each other. And now she was just… gone. And he was the one who had done it! Oh god… He walked for a while before finally deciding to return to the castle. He didn't speak to his Dad, he just went straight to his room. He sat on the edge of his coffin, holding his head in his hands. Gwynn appeared, her form translucent, ever fading as the days went on. She was smiling, but her smile disappeared when she saw that Vlad was in distress.

Gwynn: Vlad, what's wrong?

He decided he couldn't keep anything from her. He told her about everything that happened. She listened intently. Not once did she seem to judge any of his actions. And then she heard about Ingrid. She seemed upset herself. After all, Ingrid had been her best friend. She looked him in the eyes, showing her sincerity.

Gwynn: Oh Vlad, I'm so sorry. About everything.

Vlad nodded. She paused for a moment, thinking of the best way to go about what she was going to say next.

Gwynn: But… you know what you have to do, right?

Vlad blinked, looking confused.

Vlad: What I have to do?

Gwynn: Change the world back.

Vlad shook his head, not saying anything.

Gwynn: You're telling me this world is better?

Vlad: No… but- I can't Gwynn… everything I've done… My mistakes are fixed… And I… Oh I don't know.

She shook her head at him, sympathetically. She didn't seem angry or mad. She just seemed… upset. And disappointed.

Gwynn: This is probably the last time you'll see me, Vlad. I don't belong here. Whatever you choose, I hope that you are happy. I'll always love you. Goodbye.

Vlad watched as the girl he loved faded away, for the last time. He thought about everything that had happened. And he broke down in tears.

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