"What do you call love,hate,charity,revenge,humanity,forgiveness? Different results of one master impulse: the necessity of securing one's self-approval."

Mark Twain

---

This is me, James Ferras. I am twenty seven years old and I was born in England, in a small town near London. Ever since I was only a boy, my dad was missing from home a lot. Mom always told me that he had a hard night job, which turned out to be pretty true. My father was a vampire slayer, but not just any kind. You see, vampires live by certain laws and they have agreements with humans, so that they could both live in pace. When I say agreements with humans I mean only with the O.S.O – Occult Secret Organization. My father was top slayer there. Why did they need slayers? Because there were some outlaws who wanted to live by their own rules and murder people.

My father was killed by one. The sick bastard came after me and my mom just for fun. My mother sacrificed herself, while I ran. I was only five. I was alone. After my parents have been murdered, I was given in the custody of John Gordon, chief of O.S.O, my dad’s best friend. It was fine; I grew up with his son, Daniel.

I didn’t mention that my only wish was to be a slayer, just like my dad, that one day I will be able to find the thing that murdered my parents and end its days. I feel only disgust for them and for the life they bounded me to live.

Now I am walking down the hallways of O.S.O. John called for me saying it’s urgent. I am looking at my watch: 11 p.m. A smirk flies on my face. I shove my hands in my pockets as I enter the office. Daniel is leaning by the wall, drinking some coffee. He is tall, with slightly long brown hair and brown eyes. He is wearing his usual cream colored hat. He smiles.

“Hey!”

“Hey,” I let out a grump. I then look at John.

He is sitting behind his desk going through papers. John frowns under his grey mustache, and then looks up at me.

“James, just the man I needed.”

“I’m expecting my orders,” I replied. “I can’t wait to wipe out another bastard.”

“Seems to me that this is far more serious, there is a group of rebel vampires who is trying to revolt against the actual king, Robert the Fifth. They seem to be scouting around, planning a strike.”

“Ish…” Daniel exclaimed. “That Robert the Fifth guy is a creep, no wonder there are rebels.”

“Well that creep signed a treaty with us. That means we are allowed to step in and help.” John fixed us with his deep brown eyes. “Meanwhile, back on subject…James, we have spotted one near London. I think it wouldn’t be a problem for you to check out the coppice near the outskirts, would it?” he grinned.

“I’ll be on my way,” was my reply before leaving the office.

I went in my changing room. I checked out my knifes and my ropes, pulled up my gloves. I gazed in the mirror. Inky black eyes were looking back at me, full of revulsion. I ran my fingers through my untidy ebony locks. I blinked once.

“Mommy, what’s happening? Why are we hiding? Where’s daddy?” I asked my mother while she held me tight in her hands, with tears running down her cheeks.

“Hush, my baby, everything is going to be alright. Daddy will surely come.”

I heard a loud dull sound and our front door flew across the room. Something entered our house, but it was too silent. My mother loosened her grip around me. It was quiet when, suddenly a tall silhouette appeared in front of us. All I could see was crimson, malefic, eyes. My mother screamed.

“Run, Jamie!” she let go of me and I ran close to the door. I gave her one last glance before the creature leaned towards her and ripped her flesh off with its fangs.

“Mommy!” I started crying and ran outside in the cold wind. I heard a wicked laugh.

“Foolish little brat.”

After three terrifying hours under a store’s cover, I had the courage to return home. My mother’s body was laying deserted on the floor. All her blood was drained out. I started crying over her body, hoping she would wake up, but she didn’t.

I felt like hitting the mirror. I hated myself for being so weak then, but no matter. I am going to kill each and any vampire who comes across my way. Putting my leather jacket I went towards the doors.

I left the building quickening my steps. I looked at my watch: 12 a.m. Perfect timing.

The silver moon was shining on the wiry September sky. Tree branches were outlined sinister in the moon’s glow. On the damp ground there was a colorful leaf rug. I picked up my ears and then felt a soft breeze. Oh, he was close. I pulled out my knife. Its blade shone in the night.

“Come out; come out, wherever you are!” I cried with a husky voice.

I heard other rustles then silence.

“I’m not in the mood for hide-and-seek,” was my last warning.

I was expecting a wild man to jump out of the bloom. I had myself braced for anything. Instead I heard a mocking laugh.

“Tisk, Tisk, Tisk…” I heard a hissing voice. “Quelle domage! You shouldn’t be out in the forrrest so late. Nobody knows what ‘ides inside,” a feminine voice came in reply.

I was rather shocked, when I saw a thin silhouette sketched in the moon’s pallor. She was medium tall and had alabaster skin. Her eyes were amber brown. She had short bronze hair, bob-style actually. She had a few pink tresses in between, how childish. She stared at me with her outlined eyes, while her purplish lips curled up into a smile. I took a step backward. She was the first female of her kind I have ever seen.

“‘Ello!” she saluted me. She had a French accent. “Look, I’m not looking forrr a fight. Leave now, je te plait,” she spoke in a friendly manor; her voice poured like silk.

“Too bad,” I firmly replied moving the knife in my hand. “I am.”

“Idiot…” she offended me in French as she took her combat position.

Was I supposed to go after her? Well, my mom always told me never hit a girl, but this revolting creature is an exception. I ran towards her and tried to give her a direct hit, but she stretched out her body like feline and retreated. She made a step backwards. Was she fleeing? I couldn’t let her escape, although her beauty was something related to an angel’s it is my duty to kill her. I still can’t understand how she can be so playful.

I jumped to her and pushed her into a tree’s trunk and captured her hands above her head. She just smiled. She looked a like a fair innocent maiden. Dear Lord, since when I was so poetic. I looked at her in the eyes.

“Please stop now…” she whispered in my face, her breath cold. I didn’t allow her to get any closer. “I rrreally don’t want to kill you!” she pushed me away her knee in my chest. I tripped and fell on the leafs.

She jumped on top of me. She was strong. I saw her hand move up, revealing her nails. She swung them across my face. They scraped my cheek, leaving a deep cut. Well that was sting. Her face was alarmed when she saw my blood on her hand. She took a deep breath and I felt that she wasn’t breathing anymore. She wiped her hand and removed her body off mine. I touched my cheek as I saw her trying to make a run for it, but I grabbed her boot.

“No, you don’t,” I felt her body falling next to mine. I had no time to grab a knife; I just had to immobilize her.

I was on top of her and gave her shoulders a firm grip. Her body was moving under mine. She gave in. I was too close to her, but still it seemed to me that she wasn’t a threat. Or maybe I am loosing my touch. She stopped she looked into my eyes, I looked in hers. She seemed to be afraid but it wasn’t for me, there was something else troubling her. Her eyes tried to be begging, fat chance.

“Je t plait…You don’t underrrstand. It is not about you. Let me go. I won’t do any ‘arm” she said.

“I can’t do that. Never trust a vampire,” I just said and tried to reach for my knife and stab her. She pushed me again. It’s hard to concentrate with a female vampire, that’s for sure.

She jumped at me and we rolled down a hill. She was on top of me. She pulled me by the collar of my jacket and pushed my against the ground. It hurt my head. I was rather woozy when I looked up at her. She grabbed my hand, I was afraid she would bite me by the wrist, but she looked at my watch: 3 a.m. She dropped my hand and gave a sight. She looked down at me.

“Merde…” she swore under her breath before she hit the pressure point behind my head.

My eye sight became foggy and the only thing I remembered was amber stones and pink locks.

---

I shivered under the blanket that was covering me. I was sleeping a moment ago, but now I’m awake. I don’t want to open my eyes. First I have to remember what happened last night since my body is aching. Hm…I’ve been sent on a mission to stop a vampire who was somewhere near London. She was a girl. She hit me and…well that’s all I remember. Wait! Am I dead?

Only one way to find out, I have to open my eyes. I slowly open them and look up through my lashes. Somebody is next to me, leaning over my body. I see…a décolletage. I abruptly close them back. Oh Lord, I am definitely not dead. I open my eyes.

I am sitting on mattress; covered with two blankets. There is a small table and a chair in front of me. The walls are grey and it’s cold.

“Oh-la-la, tu t’es réveillé ! “The sweet enthusiastic voice poured into my ears. It resembled to nightingale hum. Then I remembered.

“You fucking stupid bitch!” were the first words that came into my mind as I tried to get up. A pain stroke my body and I fell down. She was next to the mattress.

“Well arrren’t we crrranky today?” she asked me, ignoring the fact that I just offended her. I then looked at myself. I was only in my boxers, had my chest bandaged, my cheek and my forehead.

“‘Ow about something to eat?” she asked me and gestured to the small table. I felt my stomach growl.

“It’s probably poisoned, anyway,” I looked in the other direction. “Where the hell are my clothes?”

“Uh…they arrre next to you, but I took them off,” she replied. I was getting pissed, and then it hit me. My blood ran cold. Did she transform me? “Did you…” I hesitated. “…bite me?”

She had a little burst. “Excuse-moi, mais…Did you look in the mirrorrr lately? You arrre not that appetizing,” I calmly exhaled, and then another thought ran through my mind.

“Did you rape me?” I asked her. What? She looks like the pervert type.

“Now, James, I know you arrre dying for moi, but keep on drrreaming,” she replied. I was calm.

“You sick bitch, why the fuck am I undressed then!” I snapped at her.

“I ‘ad to ‘eal you, didn’t I?” she lightly answered. I was in disbelief. I examined myself. She really did. I looked up at her.

Now she was leaning by the table. Exactly as I expected: she was wearing the traditional black boots, black skirt and black blouse. Wrapped around her neck was dark pink scarf, how ironic…

“Why?” I asked her.

She looked at me for a moment, and then her perfect smile reappeared. “Oh, I’m surrre you would’ve done the same thing for me.” Like hell, she was getting on my nerves.

“Where’s my phone?” I asked her while I got up and started to pick my clothes.

“Oh, you mean that little rrringing thing? I brrroke it because it was annoying,” her simple answer came back.

“You broke my cell phone, you stupid bitch!” I was pushed to my limit.

“’Ey, is this the way you people trrreat yourrr saviorrrs?” she seemed to be getting offended. Chills ran down my spine as I dug my hands into my pockets: no knifes.

“Where are my knifes?” I asked her trying to seem calm.

“Oh, you mean those drrreadful things? They arrren’t necessarrry as long as you stay with me,” she calmly replied. I was alone: no weapon, no phone, God knows where with a vampire. I think she isn’t hungry; otherwise her reactions would’ve been more…aggressive.

“Okay…” I said in a low voice.

“Alors, ‘ave a seat!” she gestured towards the chair. I looked at her. “Well go on, I’m not going to bite you, yet…” I took a seat the table and looked at small tray of food in front of me. She just nodded. “Eat!” I took a small bite and then looked back at her. “Come on, Jamie! Be a good boy and eat.” I was shocked that she knew my name.

“How do you-“I started.

“Oh, I was looking at that shinny badge of yourrr’s. Yourrr name is James L. Ferras, you werrre borrrn on thrrree Decemberrr, twenty seven yearrrs old. Oh, and what do you know…top slayerrr,” she giggled.

“I am!” I snapped back at her. “And the only reason that I am not trying to kill you is because you took my knife!”

“You can always stab me with that forrrk,” she pointed to the fork next to my plate. “But I am surrre it won’t do you any good even if you trrry.”

“First of all never call me Jamie. James is enough for you!” I firmly told her. “You seem to know everything about me. Who are you? Or if you prefer what are you? Except that you are a heartless bloodsucking monster.”

I must’ve said something wrong because she stiffened and narrowed her look. She took two unnecessary deep breaths before recomposing her smile. It was a little faint now, but she deserves it.

“Je m’appélle Charlie,” she replied, her voice in hesitation.

“And…?” I continued.

“My name is Charlize Marie Bracieux Sant-Armand. I was borrrn in France, Paris April 6 1953. I’ve been twenty two forrr the past thirrrty two yearrrs. I now live in Crescendo, in les Montagnes Ural and I am a rrrebel vampire. ‘Appy?”

I gave a nod.

“But you can call me Charlie,” her smile reappeared as she tighten her scarf around her carved neck.

“People will start looking for me, you’ll see,” I calmed down. “Where the fuck is where we are now?”

“Well since you made me rrremain in England last night, we arrre in London. You like this place? Moi aussi. It’s wherrre I usually stay when I come herrre. It is Big Ben.”

I am stuck with a crazy vampire up in a tall clock with no knife. It is still wonderful that I am still alive.

“You sick-“I wanted to start spelling out profanities, but reconsidered. “Why am I still alive?”

“You arrre still alive, because I need yourrr ‘elp,” her voice shook me like an earthquake.

“Like hell I am ever going to help you our any creature of your kind. You savage, coldhearted monster you are just a stupid uncontrolled beast, incapable of controlling your body. You let yourself guided by instincts only!” was my reply.

She was fuming, her eyes burning light amber flames and I think I spotted a little color in her white skin.

“You listen to me and listen well!” she yelled almost piercing my tympanum. “I wasn’t the one that attacked you last night, you were! I took you back and ‘ealed you! Don’t you darrre call me a hearrrtless monsterrr now! The only monsterrr ‘errre is you!”

She started walking around the room caressing her temples and rubbing her eyes. She turned and looked at me.

“You make me want to rrregrrret that I didn’t kill you…” she muttered under her breath. I felt sorry for her. “You think I wanted this? Do you? You think I wanted to live a currrsed life? You think I like to kill innocent beings in orrrderrr to surrrvive? You think I didn’t trrry varrrious times to kill myself? But guess what? I couldn’t! I’d give anything to go to the beach, I’d give anything to feel my hearrrt beat one last time! Anything! You think I neverrr drrreamed once to get married orrr ‘ave un bébé! It’s everrry little girrrl’s drrream!” she came towards me I backed out. She stopped.

She was staring at me blankly.

“No use…you don’t underrrstand. You don’t want to underrrstand,” she fell on her bare knees, on the wooden floor. She cupped her face in her palms. I maintained the distance between us.

She was trembling and sighting hard. She had hiccups and then I saw it. She was crying. It is a bit of a shock since I didn’t know they could. After she poured crystalline tears she looked up at me with an unsure smile. She wiped her tears with her long fingers.

“I am desperrrate. I admit it. I am doing this forrr the betterrr of both of us, so if you would just trrry to listen to moi. I prrromise it is worrrth le listening.” I gave a nod.

“Robert le Cinquième…you O.S.O signed a trrreaty with ‘im, mais ‘e is not what ‘e seems. ‘E is a crrruel man. Crescendo should be a model forrr otherrr vampire villages, but it isn’t. Robert is going afterrr young ones, sucking theirrr blood trrransforrrming them, brrrain washing them. Why? because ‘e wants an arrrmy! ‘E wants vampire domination and we les rebelles are the ones who arrre fighting back. O.S.O doesn’t know anything do they? I am not making this up! It is too drrreadful to be made up. If you need proof I brought some brrroadsheets from Moscow about the ‘mysterrrious’ disappearrrances of sixteen yearrr olds.”

She said it all with passion. She said it all with watery eyes. I wish I weren’t there to hear her say all of those terrifying things. Yet I was. I didn’t know if I should believe her, after all my saying is: “Never trust a vampire.” I looked at the broadsheet. Its first title was: “Mysterious disappearances near the villages in the Ural Mountains”. I gulped. So it seemed to be true. I had to announce the O.S.O.

“You can’t announce them,” her cool voice filled the room.

“Why?” asked her furious and in disbelief.

“You can’t announce them, because they will not believe you. ‘Umans arrre to narrow minded. They will just trrrack me, meaning they will trrrack the group of few rebelles I’m with. I can’t allow that. I may be a merciful, but I will kill if I ‘ave to,” she gave me a sharp glare.

I took a seat on the mattress and looked at her. Those crimson red eyes popped into my brain again. Anger burned through my veins. I couldn’t allow other five year olds without parents. For the moment I have to forget of my own war and help in this one.

“I’ll help.”

Her face brightens up. “Merci…” she whispered and rose up. She came towards me and opened her arms. I took a step back. Her face regained its glitter. Did she just try to hug me? “Fine. We will be leaving forrr Portsmouth.

“Portsmouth?” I asked her in disbelief.

“Ah…well, we arrre going to ‘Olland. We will be taking a trrrain from London to Portsmouth. Afterrr arriving therrre we will take a ferryboat to Calais. We will spend a night in Calais at my vacation maison therrre. Frrrom Calais we will take a trrrain trip until we get to Amsterdam. Therrre we will meet some frrriends of mine,” she gave me a full description of our little journey. I nodded again, as I did many times today.

She smiled. Her smile was truly confident. It made her face radiate with perfection. I shook my head and tried not to stare at her. Her simple presence made the room to look like the royal chamber. Looking better at her, I could notice that her body was curvy and she was all dressed in black. How ironic…she was just putting on her pink coat. She turned at me looking similar to a living statue of Venus.

“Lets get to King’s Cross station,” she winked and opened the door revealing a gloomy old wooden stair case. It was so tall; I thought I’d get sick. But she started skipping it like a naïve and enthusiastic child. She almost gave me strength to believe that we could make it.

---