As the energy filled liquid flowed in, Czarina’s hunger ebbed. She left the unfortunate college student with enough blood to survive. In the morning, he’d remember nothing of how he ended up in an alley. Too bad. It would have made him a wiser man.

While walking back to her house, pondering on the ignorance of humans, Czarina was shaken from her reverie by a piercing shriek. Following the direction of the sound, she encountered an unsurprising scene. A vampire was attacking a young girl. On the streets of New York City, this was a common happenstance. The Big Apple had been aptly named Demon Central by many (those who actually believed in the supernatural). Humans made themselves free meals, turning a blind eye to all things paranormal, refusing to believe what could not logically be explained away. Before she knew what she was doing, Czarina launched herself into the air with a deadly kick. The stupid girl didn’t take advantage of the momentary distraction. Instead, the bimbo lay on the ground screaming hysterically.

“Run you little idiot!”

In that split second, the assailant escaped. If there was anything Czarina hated more than weaklings, it was cowards.

“Freakin’ sissy,” she muttered venomously.

After a moment’s hesitation spent on thinking whether or not to pursue the matter, Czarina continued home. A tingle that started at the base of her spine alerted her to an unseen danger. Not one to disregard instinct, Czarina used her enhanced senses and telepathic abilities, stretching them to the limit. She felt something brush across her mind, but wasn’t quick enough to latch on. Soon no trace of the “peeping tom” was left.

The rest of the walk was uneventful. As Czarina sauntered through the doorway into her living room, she saw an unknown, yet somehow familiar woman sitting on the couch. The vampiress’s reaction was hardly what you’d call polite.

“Who in the nine hells are you?? And what are you doing here?”

By contrast, the stranger’s reply was calm and collected.

“Peace friend. My name is Tareana.”

She paused as if the name would mean something to the outraged vampire. When no response was forthcoming, Tara went on,

“I was sent from a group as an envoy. I believe we are known as Hekate’s Faithful to outsiders-”

Czarina interrupted scornfully,

“You mean the collection of do-gooders who think everyone, including non-humans, should get along as preparation for the end of the world due to some dumb prophecy? Give me a break. I couldn’t care less about the impending war.”

“Yes Rina, we are trying to preserve peace between races. We were hoping you’d join us. With your fighting techniques and incredible telepathic abilities, your services might be invaluable. Besides, you seem to have no trouble helping others…”

“ First, don’t call me Rina and second, I don’t help people. It’s survival of the fittest. Those who can’t make it don’t deserve to live. I only saved the girl because I hate cowards. You actually believe vampires-much less demons- will leave humans alone? Those that were changed did so of their own free will. They’re bent on the destruction of the weaker race in order to resurrect a stronger and more superior one. Those changed by force don’t give a shit who wins.”

Tareana’s answer to the bitter outpour was slightly sad.

“Is that what you truly believe? That there is no hope? I and The Faithful offer you a chance to live again. I know you remember nothing of your past, who your parents were, what happened to them…We can change that. Gifted healers can patch your mind together. In return, all we ask for is your assistance in our goal.”

“Look, I may not remember certain events, but what I do know is enough. I know my name is Czarina. I know I used to be human. And I know becoming a vampire was the best thing that ever happened to me. I am not weak anymore. Now I want you out of my house and don’t follow me anymore. Don’t bother denying it. I recognize it was you and that you’re a vampire.”

Tareana slowly walked outside and using the power given to all their kind, shape shifted. Only the most powerful could unlock that gift and she was one of them. As her form melted into the night, Czarina felt a twinge of…sorrow? She felt the woman had actually cared about her. Perhaps there was a chance for something other than isolation?

To take her mind off the storm of troublesome thoughts, Czarina went to walk in the woods nearby. Once again, she sensed the feeling of being spied upon.

“Show yourself, I know you’re out there!”

However it wasn’t Tareana that stepped out of the shadows, it was the vampire Czarina had beaten to a pulp (with one kick). He wasn’t alone either. Her next comment was said scathingly,

“Well, well , well if it isn’t the brave boy wonder. Gonna stay for the fight this time?”

With a slightly pinker face he retorted,

“Let’s see how tough you really are. I brought a few of my friends with me. I figured fifteen was a good start.”

“Bring it on.”

Czarina had been confident that she could beat him, but that had been before she realized he had brought his own personal army along. Their attacks came one after another, and they grouped together for telepathic blows. The battle was damaging her badly both physically and mentally. Czarina could have taken the clash skywards, but that meant shape shifting. In her weakened state, that was a risk she wouldn’t take.

Czarina felt something hit her head. Reaching up she touched some wet and sticky fluid on her head. Blood. Her concentration lost for a second, a knife slid between her ribs. Sliding to her knees, the enemies took advantage of the situation and began raining painful blows everywhere.

Right before she fainted, the most bizarre thing happened. The vampires seemed to be running away. A shadow loomed over her. Then there was nothing…