Sympathy for the Undead

By:

Saslyax

Chapter IV

"My Kin"

"Gone. All of them."

Empty makeshift beds, Gregory's muzzle and bindings lay on the ratty wicker chest, traces of dusty footprints, fallen strands of hair, and a faint scent, are all that remain of my children. I must have been in a healing slumber to sleep through their day-walking maneuverings. Dusk arrived only moments ago. The children have been gone for quite a while.

Did they even get a glimpse of repose? The comet summons all of its lost souls, to gaze upon it tonight. They must have felt the burden to free us from our vampire curse. If only they did not feel like they have to bare the weight of my responsibilities. I lay useless like a crippled man. How I fail my children!

Tony must be the little devil on my children's shoulders. My claws dig into the arms of the moth-bitten chair. This human manages to turn our ways upside down. We Sackville-Bagges always stick together and avoid humans. Now, my children fearlessly head off into dangers. I am not sure whether this is fate's humor. Maybe it is finally time for my children to age, spread their bat wings, and fly into adulthood, with my approval or not.

"They could have gone to the cliff. Tonight is the night. Mortality beckons." Freda's eyes sparkle with the light of the moon. I have not seen her eyes twinkle in this manner since lifetimes ago. It brings a smile to my face.

For once, I too feel something deep within me, telling me fate may favor us tonight. It is an odd, foolish comfort.

Quickly, my eyes widen, my undead heart shrieks as if staked, and I frantically pat my chest, praying it is not true. Its familiar weight has to be around my neck! It always is. The key to our salvation is out of my protective care!

"Gregory! He has stolen the amulet." I look as if I am on my death coffin. My skin can be no paler. I dwell on the human blood he drank and his rant about grandeur warfare. "He will crush our hopes. His final mockery."

Freda strides over and sits next to my frail side. She continually shakes her head and gently grasps my trembling hands.

"No. He is a rebel, but that treachery is beyond him." Her words are soft as silk, and her smile is full of certainty. "If he has taken the amulet, it is to make the call."

Kind Freda. Always thinking the better of people. I am not sure if Gregory will call the clans, or throw the amulet into the sea. I stare into Freda's eyes and her faith floods into my veins. Mother's instinct is usually right about these things, but I have to prepare for the worst outcome. I must pay the consequences for my son's actions, for I was chosen to be the amulet's keeper.

Slowly, I sit up and pull up towards my dearest Freda. It is as if I am under her vampire influence. I believe my son will make the right choice: Mortality. Freda manages to grab my heartstrings once more.

Mesmerized, I say, "Then we should go to the cliff too." I can barely look at my lovely, as I whisper the truth, "I am still very weak. I will fall from the sky, if I flew."

"We'll find a way," she smiles.

"-Not like him to stay out this late!" It is the sound of pure, parental worry. I know it all too well.

Dear Lord. The awful spousal shouting rings in my sensitive eardrums. How did I remain ignorant to our company upstairs, until this very moment? I pray our family squabbles are not as deafening to the outside's ear.

"What's "like him" these days, every since he met that Rudolph," says a more composed male voice. They must be Tony's parents.

"I thought you liked him?"

"I never really met him. Well, I mean, I did, but he was wrapped in foil."

I cannot contain my grin. I glance at the crisp rolls of silver shreds littering the floor. My children must have used this as a sun shield. I should be livid at their idiotic wit, but my chest puffs outward and my heart swells. My brilliant children!

However, I do not like how rudely they talk about my son. Rudolph has impeccable manners and a capable head and heart. These commoners have no respect. They only carry foul words, filthy garbs, and not a gram of honor to their name, if they dare misjudge my son!

"I know, but we've never even seen him," Tony's mother persists.

"We've never even met his parents," the male sighs.

She continues, "That's it! I'm calling the cops. Or the coppers, whatever you call them here!"

They finally show eye to the folly of their parental skills. If only they know of the threats their son faces by fraternizing with vampires, but we do not need anymore hindering, human interference! My eyes meet Freda's, and we know what to do to rectify this slopping situation.

We gracefully fly out through the spider web-cracked cellar window, in our noble bat forms. We make haste to change back once in the moonlight's full glow. Freda gives the door a firm knock.

Our poise is straight, our etiquette is at full power, despite the jabs to our son, and our charming compulsion is ready to pacify the minds of two, worried parents.

Freda leans against the oak doorframe. The moonlight highlights her dark beauty. She gives Robert a Siren's smile. Their eyes lock, and Robert is at Freda's seductive mercy.

Freda winks, gives a slight wave of hand, and says, "Hello, I am Freda Sackville-Bagge," Robert can barely form words due to my beloved's exquisiteness. He cannot think evenly enough to engage in formal introductions. "Rudolph's mother. I am sure you are worried about Tony."

"Tony?"

Now, Freda overdoes it. The man cannot think or breathe without my wife's tempting whispers.

"We know who he is! We want to know where-"

Ah, Tony's mother. It is my turn to step in. I appear from the shadows like a dark knight. My influence is not nearly as strong as Freda's, due to Rookery's assault, but she is entranced in seconds.

I steal her words away and say, "Tony is going to the cliff with Rudolph and Anna to watch the comet."

She still has some wit about her when she inquires about Anna. I continue, "She is our daughter. Dare I say your charming young man has cast quite a spell on her." I play with my words in a jesting manner.

"Frederick Sackville-Bagge, at your service." My lips graze over her succulent flesh. This woman is full of life. I can almost feel the life energy beneath her skin.

How I wish Freda to be alive and warm again, but our love has strengthened throughout the years. We never doubt the other's love, even when we make play with human minds like this.

Tony's mother is too flustered to make introductions either. She blushes at my charm and murmurs like a love-struck girl, "Hi." She blinks, slowly. "How about it, Bob? Want to see a comet?"

"Sure." Robert will follow Freda to the world's end, but then his face scrunches up in a disturbing way. "Are we supposed to be in costume, like you guys?"

"Costume?" We spit simultaneously.

What a terrible insult! Now I know where Tony gets his horrid manners. Our garbs are not as opulent as they used to be. Years of hiding in darkness rid us of our precious garnishments and riches, but our dress is still better than their odd, commoner's costume.

"Uh… Shakespearean aristocratic thing, like you guys?" Robert stutters, and he looks down at the dirt. His hands repetitively squirm about in a maddening way.

I strut forth with purpose, and I proudly state, "I do not wear the costume of an aristocrat. I am an aristocrat!"

The foreplay of our vampire influence is over. We can finally aid out children like proper parents. We occupy part of their minds, and they feel our urgency to walk in the comet's full grace. It is the first time I feel something close to guilt at influencing humans. Tinkering with their minds is hardly the polite way to introduce ourselves to Tony's parents, but alas time is not on our side. We have to forgo the proper ways of etiquette, but maybe things can be genuine one day. They may be good companions, if we become human tonight.

They are so smitten with us; they overlook to shut the door. I flick my wrists to close it for them. I do not want any unwelcomed guests in Tony's home, when he provided shelter to us so graciously.

Another "car" as Tony's parents call it, approaches. It savagely roars at us, and its eyes glare searing light into my eyes. A distraught old man stumbles out of the "car," with a wooden stake and hammer in his trembling hands. He reeks of Rookery; Has Rookery hired an amateur in his mad quest?

My eyes narrow at the intruder, and Tony's parents sense our uneasiness. We take a wary step back into the shadows, while they move closer towards this uninvited guest, as if to guard us.

The man proclaims, "Hold up, Thompson! I've got a job for you! You might not like it. Oh, we didn't like it three hundred years ago, but we did out duty. That's the point. Duty." The man holds his hands up high to display his axe and gives us a crude show of vampire staking. "Use the blunt end of the axe. One. Two. Three. Rip! It's over."

"What are you talking about?" Bob does that ugly gesture with his face again. Freda and I are baffled too, but we stay composed. Who is this man? Rookery is the only hunter around that I know of.

"You have to drive this stake through Tony's heart."

His portrayal of staking Tony is grotesque. I can picture his previous staking motions, but this time, Tony replaces some unknown vampire. I want to drain this human of all his blood, and then stake him myself! Our minds are still linked with Tony's parents. Our emotions drive and feed off each other.

"Oh, my God!" Lady Dottie screams, and her hand races to her own heart.

It is my shock, as well as hers. He talks about staking a child just because he is a sympathizer! He is as filthy as Rookery.

The old man has the gall to cheerfully smile at us. "No worries! He's already dead. He's a vampire, Bob. It's not easy for a father to hear, but your son's a bloodsucking fiend!"

"Okay, don't worry. I'll handle this." Bob turns to face us for the first time since this man appeared. Just what we need: attention on actual vampires.

"Take them." The man shoves the tools of murder forth. "You'll thank me in the morning."

Robert growls, "I've had enough of all you people and all your vampire bullshit! And don't call Tony a vampire ever again! And how dare you embarrass me and my wife in front of our guests?" He points his hand to us once more. "These are aristocrats!"

Freda really pours her ferocious anger into the normally mild Robert. Without her influence, he may not have lashed out at his higher so cheekily. Even though Freda lends her assertiveness, these emotions and words are Robert's. I am almost giddy Robert puts Tony's safety before employment obligations.

"Aristocrats?" The man puts on his eyeglass to inspect us closer. He will notice what we are soon, so I step in and give this old fool some of my vampire influence. It is aggressive and forceful; unlike the calm, seductive way we compelled Tony's parents.

"Yes, my Lord. And Tony happens to be my son's best friend. And Robert is right. Tony is no vampire. Now drop that axe and take your leave." It is increasingly difficult to show politeness to this, this human!

I dwell on his words, of Tony being one of the undead. I think of Gregory, but I am convinced Rudolph would not allow Tony to become condemned to our fate. I am certain of my words. Tony is just a sympathizer. I will make this human know this!

"Yeah, take your leave, or you'll be building your own gold course, Buddy!" My anger is so tangible that Robert mimics part of my words in a fashion that he would not normally speak.

"Alright. I'm leaving." His weapons slip from his sweaty palms, and he returns to his "car" with a blank mind.

"You hear that, Dottie? I told him to take his leave!"

"You were wonderful."

The couple embrace, and Lady Dottie is content with Robert's aggressive tone. I sense that she was never really fond of Robert's boss. We have to cut their mini victory short.

Freda reminds, "Bob, the comet."

Robert nods his head and takes the wheel of this horseless carriage. I open the door to this odd carriage, for Lady Dottie, and my manners as keen as ever. "My Lady."

I glare at the old fool still observing us in his "car." I sense new blood nearby. I know the newly turned vampire will take care of this fool when our influence ends, and he realizes what we actually are. This man will not interfere with us ever again. The fledgling understands what he must do. It is not of my approval, but he threatened Tony! The man will pay dearly.

I do not look forward to being in one of these mortal's four-wheeled death carriages, but it is the only way we can travel to the cliff in time. How I miss horse and carriage. There is a lot less fire and gut spilling involved. I do wonder what magic is involved to get this heavy thing to move without horse. How I would rather fly in the sky's vast hand. I try to settle in the plush seating.

Only moments into the drive, the haunting ring of the call soothes my itching discomfort. Freda and I glance at the other, and we know that it is Gregory. Freda was right! How could I ever doubt my son? I need to see him. I do not like how we last spoke to the other.

I lean forwards and ask, "Robert, could you drive a little faster, please?"

"Darling, do you hear?" Freda sounds so elated. It has been a long time since we were close enough to call the clans.

"Hear what?" Dottie turns around and asks. I forget my influence on her is feeble.

"The call," Freda explains like it is clear as night.

"It is Gregory, our eldest son. He is calling the clan." I try to put more power within my words. She gives me a hesitant looks, but turns around and accepts my clarification. How Freda forgets Lady Dottie is not underneath my full power.

Robert, still underneath Freda's full influence shrugs off our odd responses and complies with our wishes.

Gregory and Anna are the first to arrive at the cliff. I am glad to step out of that infernal "car" and see my children safe. Anna runs over to us and explains how Rudolph and Tony are after the stone. I give her a pat on the head for assisting Rudolph and Tony. How I always brushed my daughter off and treated her like a wilting blossom.

"May their quest be fruitful," I tell her.

For the sake of our mortality, their quest must be bountiful.

I turn to my eldest. "Thank you, Gregory." I smile and nod at my son.

How it ailed me to see them frozen in time. I am so honored to have my children. They move forwards with the drive of the comet: Gregory is ready to embrace humanity, Anna possess a mind sharp as her mother's, and Rudolph has finally made a good friend for the first time since he has been turned.

Gregory swirls the amulet faster in the air. The call rings louder, and it quickly screams to the other vampire clans that are near. They flock and flood the overlook by the sea. It is a wondrous sight to behold. Vampires at peace, ready to be human once more.

I almost forget about Tony's parents. Freda's influence still weighs heavy on Robert, but mine wagers. I hear Lady Dottie's shrieks of shock. Not all the other clans have gotten by on mere cow's blood. Their blood is a delicacy for a flock of hungry vampires. I shoo them away and put Tony's parents underneath my protective wing.

I declare, "Leave them alone. They are friends."

I hear the murmurs of disbelief and doubt within the clans. It is understandable since I was very hostile to humans the last time we gathered, but I stand strong. I put on a show of authority. I do not need a vampire uprising. Even in my weakened state, I flare out my powers. I am still the leader they chose, and I prove that I have grown better, despite my misgivings.

The agony of the wait is tense. The comet glows and taunts us that we have little time. I feel like the feeble child and a wicked parent, for putting such a huge responsibility on two small children. I deserve a stake to the heart.

I face the vast clans and state, "After all of our wandering, all of our waiting, I have left our fate in the hands of two small boys. It is my entire fault. I will not even ask for your forgiveness. I do not deserve it." I cannot even face their horrified, disgusted looks. My eyes shift towards the ground, and I feel as foul as Rookery. I can barely stand to be within my own skin. I await to face their ruthless retribution.

"Tony's near. There in the sky!" Anna jumps and excitedly points to the sky.

Rudolph and Tony descend from the clouds. The comet highlights them in a holy glow. Even if they do not have the stone, I am glad for their safety. I do hope the clans do not lash out at my family and human friends.

His concerned parents smother Tony, and I embrace my entire clan, even though show of compassion is ill suited in front of a crowd of anxious vampires.

I am shocked when Tony parts through the sea of vampires and tugs on my robes. He grins, "I think you've been looking for this." Tony holds up the glistening beauty of the Stone of Attamon. He is eager to relinquish its power to my.

I gently take it from his small hands. "The stone!" I am surprised by his diligence to us. He found the stone in days, when I could not find it in centuries!

I look down and smile brightly at Tony, "Thank you, my friend." I turn towards the rest of the vampires and yell, "The Stone of Attamon is ours! " I hold the stone high, for all to see.

We howl into the night at out victory. I hold up both the stone and the amulet for the comet to see. I begin to chant the archaic words that bring our salvation. The red glow of the comet showers upon the stone, granting us its magical properties. We are all mesmerized by the comet's beam, until this damnable floating contraption blocks our view.

Rookery rides atop it and laughs like a mad man. He kicks the stone out of my hand, and I fear it will be like three centuries ago, when his ancestor foiled our ceremony. Rookery catches the stone and cackles manically. He proclaims, "I'm going to send you all to Hell!"

I hiss at the prospect of him condemning my family to an eternity of tortures. I leap for his throat, but he takes out his glowing cross. I am instantly repelled and blinded by unholy light. Rookery spins in a circle, creating a protective, vampire-free zone. We all shriek as we are uselessly repelled and singed by his cross.

Fortunately, Tony's parents hastily leap into the battlefield. They give Rookery a well-deserved beating, especially Lady Dottie. Rookery tries to repel the humans with the cross, but laughably fails. A few punches to the face, a nice jab to the gut, and a good shove off the cliff. They are just like their son. Compassionate and brave. These strangers help us even without the use of our influence.

The stone flies out of Rookery's filthy fingers and lands in Tony's welcoming arms. Once again, our fate is in his hands.

Rudolph shouts over the panicking crowd, "Tony, you know what we want! Wish it!"

I am surprised the boy knows what we truly desire, but I have full faith he will grant us our wish. Tony's nose scrunches up, as he concentrates. I witness his full desire to help us. I can practically hear his mental chanting. The comet's beam shoots towards Tony's skyward arms.

After a brief pause, the comet's power creeps along our feet. I can no longer focus on Tony, only on the comet's magnificent pull. I manage to glance at Freda, and we share one, last happy smile in our vampire existence.

I feel the power of the comet beckoning me. I turn to face Tony, the boy that saved us all. I smile at him. It is the only thing I can do at the moment, with the lull of the comet pulling me away from reality. I want to say "thank you," but I do not have time. The crimson mist begins to fog my mind. I feel memories dying and modern, Earth knowledge replacing them.

However, I have a feeling I will meet Tony in another life and get the opportunity to express my gratitude. He is part of my family, and I never forget kin.

To be continued…

Sorry for the very long update… I hope this chapter is still worthy after all these years. I promise to finish this story. Just one more chapter to go. I have the majority of it planned out. Hopefully, I'll finish it soon.

Posted: 8-22-13