A/N: Death, death, death, death! :D Tell me if you like long chapters, coz I really don't want to drag everything out, but I also don't want it to be too short.

"Jason, what's going on?" I held onto the car seats for balance.

"I don't know. It's a signal from my dad. I just know something's wrong." The van hit a bump so I fell backwards. Nick was their to catch me.

"Careful," Nick smiled.

"How can you smile at a time like this?"

"I don't know, I guess this isn't important to me." I stared into his eyes and wanted to get out of his arms but was scared I'd go flying. Jason wasn't focused on me; he was more worried on getting to Max's. Lily looked at Hamish then held my hand trying to say 'everything was OK'.

Jason arrived at Max's place and didn't hesitate to rush in. Lily held her hand out so she could rush me out. Max was staring at the wall in his bedroom standing up with the light off. Jason turned the light on but Max didn't move.

"Dad, are you alright?" Jason asked.

"Would have been better if you didn't speed," Max turned around smiling at me.

"Did you send me a message or not?"

"Yes, but there's still no need to kill anyone."

"Well, if it's important then I'm damn well going to rush." Max raised his hand.

"Now is not the time to argue. It's the time to come together and trust each other." Max smiled at me. He must have known what I was trying to do at the fire.

"Dad, what is it?" Max's smile died then he sighed.

"Son, I'm going to die next week." What?!

"No you're not." Jason was as serious as Max was. Max closed his eyes.

"Listen son, I've been alive for two hundred years. I don't want or need to live anymore. I have a powerful gift and want you to pass it on to someone."

"Like who?" Max paused.

"Joey."

"Joey?! Why him?!"

"He's a Christian who I trust. And I trust you to give it to him." He held out his chain with a cross attached. "After I die he will have my full power. I want Mystery to give it to him. A vampire must never touch it." I took it from him. "It's only fair my gift doesn't get wasted."

"No- I'm not letting you die. When is it? Tell me! I'll have my boys looking out for you." Max frowned.

"Please Jason, leave it alone. Your boys won't be able to handle this."

"I'll never leave it alone. You're my dad!"

"And I am proud to be. But it's my time Jason, and you'll have to let me go." Jason looked down. "Come here." Jason looked up and squeezed Max in the embrace. "OK Jason, go take Tory home. Go on now." Jason nodded and nodded his at me as if to say 'let's go.'

At my home Jason made no attempt to hide that he was here. He went straight in through the front door and waited for me in the hallway. He got even more tense when my mum came out.

"Look who decided to come crawling back!" Mum said with a burst.

"Listen, ma'am, I'm here for Mystery. I'm her boyfriend and have a right to be here. You would let Kora have a boyfriend in her room, so don't give that whole speech. Don't fuck around with me tonight 'cause I'm pissed off. If you don't want me to rip your head off you'll go into your room, you evil wench!" Mum looked shocked and was about to return a smartass response.

"Michelle! You coming back in?" my Dad asked. Mum glared at Jason.

"Just don't make any noise." Mum went back into her room. I smiled.

"That was pretty bad ass." I got closer to Jason but he backed away.

"What?"

"Give that thing to Joey first." I held up the necklace and knocked on Joey's door.

"What's up? Oh, hey Mist." Joey answered.

"Hey, listen, Max wanted me to give you this." I handed him the necklace.

"He does?! Oh cool." Joey put the necklace on instantly then looked at me. "Anything else?" Joey went cold.

"No."

"OK then, bye." Joey closed the door. He must still be mad from what happened at Church. I rolled my eyes and climbed on my bed with Jason beside me. I thought about Max and Anna and realised I'm going to have to be more alert now. I couldn't even get to sleep now.

"No, stuff it. I don't want to fall asleep; it'll only me more worried that you'll leave me forever. Anna could snatch you- and I'll be without you."

"I know you're worried, but you're doing too much by being here with me- being alive. Save your energy."

"But I love you too much." I cuddled into Jason's chest.

"Yes, but I'm always awake- it's hard for a human to is well." I groaned. "Rest, now." I could tell Jason was smiling. I sighed then quickly drifted off into Jason's soothing cold hands.

Jason drove me to school after he made me breakfast. It was raining today- so it was better than walking there. But throughout the entire day I could feel people were staring at me and looking more agitated than they would usually. It made me feel a bit paranoid like they were on Anna's side. Jason tried to reassure me, but people looked seriously pale. Maybe it was just the lighting or they were sick.

The only thing that brightened up my day was seeing the biggest flyer of all on the wall. It was the prom poster- it was in four days! Usually I wouldn't go to these things because nobody liked me and I didn't have a boyfriend. But all that has changed now. I wasn't going to worry about the dress.

It just made me wonder if Jason was going to ask me. But the thing is he didn't ask me all day. It didn't really bother me I guess. I just thought it was a thing we could do as a couple. I mean, I wouldn't even care if Jason asked me romantically or not- as long as he mentioned it.

What am I talking about? I should be worrying about people attacking me not a stupid prom.

Jason drove me home because he wanted to apologise for last night. I didn't really care about my mum at this point.

"What you doing now? Are you going to yell at me in my own house? I can easily make her stop dating you." Mum crossed her eyes. Jason stiffened and blinked but then smiled- it looked like it was forced.

"No ma'am-" where's all this ma'am coming from? "I just came here to apologise for last night. I just got bad news and shouldn't have taken it out on you. Please accept my apology." Jason was nothing but polite. Not sure I liked it. Mum glanced at me then sighed.

"Whatever. What you guys doing now?" I smell a hint of being nosy.

"I'm taking Mystery out tonight for a special occasion. She'll be back before nine, I promise." Mum sighed.

"Fine, go ahead." I wanted to smile, but she wasn't exactly happy. She was probably just trying to be nice, but I could see right through her. She didn't like me being with Jason- and I didn't care. Kora came into the living room and smiled at me and Jason.

"Has Jason asked you to that thing yet?" Kora asked.

"What thing?" I acted oblivious.

"You know- only the most important social event of the freaking year. I'm sure as hell going." Kora always loved to brag.

"You know it's really none of your business."

"Oh, defensive! That must be a no. Good luck being alone!" Kora smirked then skipped into the kitchen. I sighed then Jason held my hand.

"Let's go," it felt like he was holding an insult in. "How can you stand those miserable people?" Jason asked outside. There it is!

"I don't," I smiled. Jason smiled back and wrapped his arm around me.

Jason took me to the movie Gravity 'cause he heard it was a good movie to cuddle in. No one was really there- which made it feel more like a date. I didn't know why Jason said 'special occasion' like he planned something. Neither of us was actually counting how long we had been going out…. It was still nice to cuddle up to him though. We could be separated any moment now.

After the movie a co-worker wanted help because they were short staffed- Jason wanted me to stay for an hour. Work was fine when I was just cleaning- but then I had to talk to Joey at the candy bar. Joey was with his friends that were at the church and six of his school mates.

"Hi Joey," I smiled.

"Hey Mystery, ten tickets to The Smurfs 2 please. Oh and 5 popcorns, three fantas, five cokes and a skittles pack." I took the money and laid the food on the counter.

"Have a good night."

"Oh we plan to!" Savannah smiled like she was rubbing it in. It made me a bit jealous because I got awful thoughts of Joey and Savannah sharing the popcorn. I was just worried for Joey…. I think… I don't know.

When my hour was up Jason wasn't there so I called a cab to take me to our hill place. But Jason wasn't there. It was getting cold. A sound came from the trees then a figure jumped down. The figure turned into Jason smiling. It looked like he had a bouquet of flowers.

"Jason, what's going on?" I asked but was quickly taken aback from Jason's hug. Jason smiled then kissed me passionately. When he broke away he kneeled down on the ground in a proposal position. "Jason?" he held up the bouquet.

"Mystery, will you go to the prom with me?" I gasped.

"Hell yes!" I bended down and kissed Jason with such intensity that he dropped the bouquet and cupped my face in his palms. He pulled me into an embrace that made me want to do even more. It was a full make out session. Jason smiled and sat properly afterwards.

"You don't have a dress for it do you?"

"Well, I think I was just going to wear my party dress."

"Why do that when you can wear a proper prom dress? My dad bought you one."

"He did what?! Oh no Jason, I can't accept that."

"Well too bad; it's non-refundable." I hid my smile wit my hands. Jason grabbed my hand.

"Come on, I'll show you."

The dress was black and silky at the bottom with blue in the top half. The black lines that went over the blue were fluffy. It would worry me too much because dirt could rub on the dress if I didn't lift it up. But it was one of the beautiful things that Jason had given me.

"Oh Jason, it's beautiful!" I hugged him.

"Yes, a beautiful dress for a beautiful girl." I blushed. Jason cleared his throat as he broke away. "My dad's making you dinner. I'll drop you off afterwards."

"Dinner? You guys have food?"

"Of course, my dad likes to eat sometimes."

"What does he eat?"

"Well, tonight he's having stir-fry with pasta swirls."

"Pasta swirls!" I ran into the kitchen to smell the food cooking.

"Oh hey Tory, tea will be ready in ten minutes." Max smiled.

"Sweet!" Max's cooking was really good. Jason said he went out to talk to his clan. Or he just went to have dinner of his own. Damn it, Hamish got to my head. "Hey, thanks for the dress, Max."

"Oh it's nothing. I figured it would be better and more presentable than that other dress. I know how important prom is to you." That was an understatement.

"Will Joey know all of this stuff after… you know?" Max nodded. Max was like a second father to me. He actually cared about me and was a good human being. "Max, I was wondering- was your two hundred life good?" Max had a sip of his water.

"Well, Tory, I've learnt a lot of things from my past. Some experiences were better than others. But yes, I did love it. To still be here and witness all of the earth's creations is more than I can ask for. Having extra time is just a bonus." Max chuckled. "Jason's going to have to control himself afterwards. I can't tell him what he should be doing anymore after I leave." I shook my head.

"You talk about death so easily."

"Well, I've heard it doesn't hurt. That it's just like drifting off to sleep. I'll be in a happy place, I promise. I'm not scared of death. You shouldn't be either."

"But death is such a depressing thing. Can't you fight for- a little bit longer?"

"Oh Tory, I'll miss you too. But there's no way of escaping death. It's going to happen sooner or later."

"Yes, but you know when it's going to happen. Doesn't that scare you at all?"

"I've thought about it for a while, and I've decided that's what I want."

"To die?"

"Yes."

"But-"

"Tory, please learn to accept it. I have, you should too."

Jason had just arrived right next to me. I could tell it was time to go home, even though I wasn't finished. Jason couldn't stay over tonight but he still had Hamish and Lily guard me outside. In my house Mum and the rest had finished eating their tea and were surprised to see that Jason had kept his promise.

Kora laughed at me because it looked as though Jason didn't want to spend a lot of time with me. She would usually go way past curfew. Joey was taking all the plates because he was about to start to wash the dishes.

Mum decided that because I was here I could help him. I didn't have a problem with helping him. It was just slightly awkward because of what we've been going through. Everyone else had gone in their room afterwards so they wouldn't have to talk to each other. So it was just me and Joey alone… great.

Joey had decided that he would wash the dishes and I would put them away. Apart from being nervous around Joey it went fine until I put the pot in the cupboard. When I turned around Joey was right there with his arms leaning against the cupboards above. The pot cupboard was in a corner, so I was trapped.

"Hey," I shakily said. Joey was staring right into my eyes- like he was searching for something.

"Hey," he smiled slightly then turned around. "How did it go?"

"Um, fine." I smiled nervously.

"Did he hurt you?"

"Well, no of course he didn't." he turned to smile at me.

"That's just great." Joey swung his arms and accidentally spilt the water on the shelf all over his white shirt. "Oh crap." His shirt was see-through now.

"Oh Jesus," I wanted to look away but I just couldn't stop staring. Joey laughed nervously then took off his top to reveal his tanned chest. I looked around the room not wanting to see his face. "I-um, I'll get a towel."

"Oh no it's fine." Joey ran to the bathroom then Kora's room. Kora laughed very loudly when he entered. "Shut up!" I heard him yell. I didn't move because I was frozen in shock. My heart was pounding in my ears because I couldn't get Joey's chest out of my head. I didn't want Joey to come out of Kora's room for once, but he did. He knew I couldn't move. "Are you OK Mist?"

"I-I…." there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it." When Joey opened the door Lily had let herself in.

"Hey, Mystery you OK?" Lily was surprised to see me standing still. "Oh my gosh! I could hear your heartbeat from outside. What happened?" I looked at the ground. Lily frowned then decided to hug me and walk me to my room. Lily had sat me on my bed and I had folded my legs and looked at my floor. "Mystery?"

"I'm fine- I just- I just want some privacy."

"OK then." Lily looked unsure but left anyway. I was thankful that she didn't take it any further. I still wasn't used to seeing Joey around to be honest. I knew I had to get over Joey- but my heart wouldn't let me. I fell asleep after a while but then I woke up in sweat because Joey's chest kept on repeating in my head. The scene just replayed and replayed. I obviously wasn't getting any good sleep tonight.

I think it's safe to say I wasn't prepared for Tuesday at all. It was cloudy again so that means more vampires could have an advantage. Jason had still been away so I had to walk. I don't think Jason cared much about me until I had gotten into a fight with Tom, Mazy and Dazy. Jason had been over at Max's house for two periods because he was still worried, but he came over because Max told him to.

Tom had come over with Mazy and Dazy by his sides like the three musketeers, except it went more like the opposite way. Somehow they had all found a way to make me feel like the enemy.

Tom had been strongly under the influence that he wanted that Tennis scholarship more than anything- that he didn't care about me.

Mazy and Dazy had given up being nice to me and decided that I just got a boyfriend to get attention. All three of them hated me going to the ball, let a lone going to the school.

It was as if my existence bothered them.

Jason didn't like the thought of Max dying, but he also didn't like me being picked on. He very deliberately walked down the hall with a mad glare that was directly aimed at Tom.

"You're a freak Tom."

"Speak for yourself." Jason wasn't in the mood to be messed with. He didn't hesitate to punch Tom in the nose. But Tom just laughed, there was no blood. It looked as though Tom had gotten a little pale since the last time I saw him. "You can't always protect people, Jason." Tom smacked Jason with his back hand- Jason flew to the lockers.

"Jason?!" I said. Jason was on the ground. People were staring now.

"I knew I should have killed you." Jason glared at Tom. Tom smirked.

"How's your Dad by the way?" Tom cocked his head and kept walking. Jason cursed under his breath.

"Stay here, Mystery." Jason sped walked to the nearest exit. Lily and Hamish had somewhat been five minutes behind Jason and looked at me like something was up.

"You know when Jason says stay he means go, right?" Hamish smiled at me.

"He's worried about Max. Aren't we all?"

"Well, Lily and I were thinking that if we went to Max's it would make Jason feel better." I nodded.

"Well let's go then." Lily grabbed my hand so we could run outside. Jason had left his van; he must have ran to Max's place. Hamish drove fast, but not scary fast.

When we got to Max's trees had been broken down and the meadow's flowers had all died. The front door had been belted down.

"What the hell's going on?" Lily said. I jumped out of the van and ran inside. I gasped at the site. Everything was broken and Jason was sitting over Max whose chest was covered in blood. Jason was crying in Max's neck.

"Jason?" I asked. Jason had looked up with tears in his eyes and blood all over his face. Max was- he was dead. "No! What-how- what happened?!" Lily and Hamish and the other four boys crowded around Max and Jason.

"It was her! Her and ten vampires! I couldn't do anything! I was too late! Max is….. dead!" Jason cried loudly and sobbed.

"No," I shook my head as tears swelled up and fell rapidly. "No!" I fell down to my knees. "Tom- he- he's-"

"He's part of this. He wanted to distract you and Jason while she did the dirty work." Lest said.

"That backstabbing son of a bitch!"

"What did you think? That Tom liked you?"

"Well, yeah."

"Yeah? He only did that to gain your trust. He's been with Anna ever since Holy died."

"How do you know this?"

"Because Holy and Tom went out before Holy met Jason. Isn't that right Jason?" But Jason was too upset to answer.

"You didn't tell me?!"

"Oh please, Jason tells you nothing." Hamish shook his head. I blinked hard.

"That army that Anna's raising? It looks like she has half the school behind her because of Tom."

"People are starting to disappear then come back way more different." Lest looked outside.

"What are we going to do?"

"Nothing- absolutely nothing." Jason spoke.

"What?!" Lest looked at Jason shocked.

"Not until after the ball."

"Are you serious?! Max died because we did nothing." Lily said.

"Mystery is going to have her ball. It's going to be special. This weekend we will get more people."

"Jason- I don't want more people to die just for my high school experience."

"Max wanted you to go to the ball. Holly will not win, I promise all of you." Everyone looked at me then went outside to get some air. But by this time the clouds had cleared and the son was out. I heard screams.

"Lily!" I yelled. They all ran inside with burns all over them.

"The necklace's- they aren't working." Lily fell on the floor. Jason looked at me.

"The only way they'll work is if Joey wants them to. Joey has the gift now." Jason looked down at Max then got up to go into Max's room.

"Well I'm not going to school by myself without protection. I'll wait till it gets dark then Hamish and Lily can take me home." But that didn't happen. Joey came over with an umbrella and his car.

"Joey? What are u doing here?" I asked.

"I had a feeling you needed me."

"What's the umbrella for?"

"Jason." Jason appeared right beside me.

"What do you want?" Jason asked.

"Hm, you don't know anymore do you? You got all your information from Max."

"So you must know that Lily and these guys can't go out in the sunlight anymore." Joey smirked.

"Yes, yes I do."

"Well?"

"Well- I don't trust them." I folded my arms. "You know I believe in the great of good- and good people go to school."

"Oh yeah? And what about Anna's army?"

"Well, if Jason's clan comes with you I'm sure they'll leave you all alone." I looked into Joey's eyes. The necklace has made him different somehow- apart from the predictions. Joey knows so much now, that means we'll be more dependent on him. That means I'll spend more time with him….

"Well, as long as Jason's coming-" I looked to see that Jason still had blood on his face.

"Jason?" Jason walked up to Joey and looked right into his eyes.

"I still don't trust you." Joey smiled widely.

"And I still hate you. I'm doing this for Mystery- and Max." Jason nodded.

School was normal after that- but Jason and I were still aware of everyone- the pale faces.

A/N:GAH! I need to take a break. I feel like the vibe has changed. Probably not. I lost 2 important scenes! . I needed to update this coz I was feeling guilty. I promise I'll update whenever I can. Thanks for the reviews guys! :D Next chapter will be better I promise.