Oh wow…sorry its been so long. School and all…and now im on the badminton team so I don't get home til like 6. Then I have homework and dinner. So writing is the last thing on my mind…along with flossing LOL

Anyway, I also had writers block. I do wish to continue this story, so its not discontinued lol despite your many beliefs im sure!

I think this story may only be half over…is that good? Haha.

K well…here we go! Lol

CHAPTER 9 (I think.)

Steve had one arm gripping Marisa's waist tightly. His other hand was clamped over her mouth. His lips formed into a sadistic smirk.

"Darren! My friend! My partner!" He pulled Marisa closer to him mercilessly, causing a tiny whimper to escape her throat. "My enemy," he snarled.

"You can't kill me, Steve!" I said desperately.

"Oh, but I can," he responded. "I've grown stronger. After you left, I spent the rest of my childhood devoting my life to studying your kind, so I would be prepared when I finally met you."

He whirled Marisa around so she faced him, and she glared fiercely.

"Release me," she said icily.

Steve grinned.

"You don't want to hurt me," Marisa said calmingly. "You wouldn't be able to live with yourself, would you? You're naturally good at heart, and I can see that."

I wondered what the heck Marisa was doing, but it seemed to be working. Steve loosened his grip slightly, his eyes losing focus. But then he broke through it. Raising one hand, he held it in front of her face and moved it in a circle, concentrating hard. Marisa tried to fight it; I could almost see the internal battle between them.

All of a sudden Marisa's eyes glazed over. Her face relaxed and her eyes fluttered. Steve smiled triumphantly, bringing her close yet again. I still couldn't understand what was happening.

Marisa took a deep breath, focusing her eyes on Steve. To my horror, she smiled slightly.

"Hello, dear," Steve said softly.

"Hello, Eli," Marisa replied dreamily.

My jaw dropped all the way to the floor.

"What?" I exclaimed.

Steve laughed maniacally. "Haven't you figured it out yet, Shan?"

He released Marisa, and suddenly he was behind me. Then he was on the stage. Then he was next to Marisa, one arm around her waist, and she wasn't resisting. No human could move that fast…

"Vampire," I whispered.

"Ah, the politically correct term would be vampaneze."

Fury boiled inside me. "What did you do to Marisa?"

"A little trick I picked up on the road." He was still smiling.

Hypnotism? Suddenly I had a flashback to when I had first been blooded. I was in the bathroom, with my little sister, Annie, standing in front of me. She had a dazed look on her face as I leaned in toward her exposed neck…

I had hypnotized her!

Before I could react, a high-pitched voice resounded from the doorway behind me.

"Steve!"

Someone raced past me, black hair whipping behind them.

"Jenn, now is not the time," Steve murmured. Marisa was unaffected. She simply stared into space.

"But Steeeeve I love you!" Jenn exclaimed, hopping up and down.

She gripped his free arm and he glared at her angrily. Without hesitation, he flung her across the room. Her small body smacked against the wall and she slid down, unmoving. I hustled to her side. She was out cold.

When I turned back, Steve and Marisa were both gone, with only a paper in their place. Slowly, I walked over and picked it up. It was a brochure that read:

Whistler/Blackcomb

Come visit the great city of Whistler!

Skiing and Snowboarding!

Inner tubing!

Bungee-Jumping!

Sleigh Rides!

And More!

The inside had a list of hotels and restaurants.

Was this a hint? Did Steve take Marisa to Whistler? It was the only lead I had, and I decided to follow it.

Quickly, I scooped up Jenn and took her to her room. After laying her on her bed, I straightened up and, on a last minute impulse, slipped the brochure under her arm.

I considered the journey ahead. Being a half-vampire, I couldn't flit yet, and it would be cold. Sighing, I made my way to Lynne's room.

Knocking gently, I waited until the sea-boy opened the door, bleary-eyed. His tiredness immediately vanished, though.

"What do you want?" he snarled.

I bit my tongue. Now wasn't the time to argue.

Steeling myself, I mumbled, "I need your help."

His eyebrows rose into his hairline condescendingly.

"Marisa's in danger, up in Canada, and I can explain on the way if you just help me. Please." I explained quickly.

Lynne studied me critically, then surveyed the hallway around me, before returning his gaze.

"Is this a joke?" he asked.

I shook my head.

For the first time I saw worry flash in his eyes. "Hold on," he said.

He disappeared from the doorway, only to reappear a few minutes later with a backpack and two winter jackets. He handed me a jacket while slipping on his own, then slung the backpack straps over his shoulder.

"Ready?" he asked.

I nodded, pursing my lips in determination.

"Ready."

Cheesy last few lines huh? Hahaha.

So…yea…I know what you're thinking. Whistler? How random is that? Haha. Well I just went to Whistler, so I have drawn lots of inspiration from there ^^ kk toodles!