The Other Side

by: FEARLESS MASTER

Chapter One: Alliance

"This just in, reports of a break in at the RavenHart Pharmicudical on 53rd Street that resulted in the murder of the owner, Marcus suspect has been reportedly a Caucasian male with an extremely pale complexion. He is driving a Skyring Hybrid. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RavenHart Police Depot." The news report ran along with images to match the reporter's words.

I watched as Sapphire rolled her dark blue eyes in disgust as she turned back to face her customer, "So sad, people gotta steal to get what they want," she sighed in discontent, "So what'll it be for ya?"

"Straight Jack will be fine, darling." The man on the other side of the counter spoke in a strict Southern monotone. Sapphire poured his drink in silence. A drop of alcohol dripped onto the hand holding the glass in place and burned the hand she stilled rested on the bar. "Ow." she took in a sharp breath.

"That crime is seriously unacceptable, don't you think?" I sat down at the bar. "Evening, what'll it be?" Sapphire asked "Nothing thanks. I don't drink." I said dryly, tapping my fingers rhythmically on the wood. "I'm Lucretia Hexton by the way." I broke the eerie silence. The dull ambiance of Down's Jail seemed appropriate, as in this bar there was only the three of us.

"Hello," the man spoke again "Frank Chaplin." He shook my hand. His dark skin reminded me of a midnight sky. "So Frank, what do you do for a living?" I ask gingerly "I'm a preacher, and yourself?" I hesitated "What's the problem, child?" he asked gently.

I stared at the man before me and swallowed nervously, if he was a man of God, he certainly looked the part; his wardrobe complete with a black robe and a silver cross hanging from the necklace around his neck. "Well sir, I'm a little ashamed to admit this but I'm a vampire." I open my mouth and show my fangs. Frank just stares intently at me.

Sapphire is the first to speak, "You're a vampire? get out of here!" I stare back with a serious face. "I'm not like other vampires, I only thrist on... oh what's the point of even explaining myself, you would never understand!" I wasn't overemotional but the sensitive subject did irratate me. I started to get up from my seat."Wait, sit. Tell me what you are." Sapphire commanded

I sensed that she was interested. "Okay okay, I'm not just a vampire, I'm a vampire hunter. My mission is to kill all of the evil bloodsuckers, but I'm more than that. I'm a witch." This statement made Frank get up and leave. "I'm not an evil witch though," I continue explaining to my audience of one, the small overhead lamp inches from the counter flickered. "I'm part of a coven of women that devote their time to beauty and kindness. I know my appearal doesn't reflect that," Sapphire nodded, noting my black jeans, tank top and see through sweater, "But I mean no harm." I exhale and sit back down in front of the bartender.

"Then you and I have something in common then," Sapphire declared in a confident voice. "You're a vampire too?" I ask suddenly interested "No, I'm a witch." I assumed she was speaking in the same realm as me since her demeanor didn't indicate otherwise. "You in a coven?" Sapphire nodded in the negative, "Wanna join mine?" She looked up, "Wouldn't your other members mind?" I laughed, "No dear. I'm a coven of one." She gazed puzzling at my smiling face, "But you just said-."

"That I was apart of a coven who devote their time to beauty and kindness. You're looking at the only witch around here that fits that bill." I chuckle softly as she grew more confused. "Wanna get outta here? I can tell you more about who I am."

Without a second thought, Sapphire and I left the bar together and journeyed off into the dreary midnight city.

As we reached my modest one bedroom home, the conversation between Sapphire and I was proceeding into racy territory. "Listen," We sat down in the dark living room as I touched her hand gently, "I'm not into girls. You are really intoxicating," I took in a sharp breath as I pictured her bronze skin of her neck against my teeth, "But believe me you definately do not want to fool around with me." She looked into my glowing eyes and nodded, "Probably for the best, I've been burned too many times before." I was about to offer words of comfort, when my cell phone sounded my Enter Sandman ringtone. "Excuse me, I've got to take this; could be important." I got up and walked outside.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Lucretia, it's Tagman. You hear about RavenHart?" I confirmed, "Yeah, apparently some Edward Cullen look-a-like got away with the goods."

"That break-in at RavenHart was carried out by the Corps." he paused waiting for my reaction. The Corps. The name rang in my psyche with ferocious intensity. "Terrance," I addressed my associate by his first name, "That means that Callisto escaped from prison." I took a second to process the information. "You know what to do." The line clicked and I went back into the house.

I approached Sapphire, "So, you ready to join me?" She smiled and nodded happily. "Well, then I have some vital research that needs to be done." I explained the situation to her, after which she gasped in horror. "Don't worry," I gave her a soft peck on the cheek, "I'll protect you." This was going to be the beginning of the most intense alliance I'd ever made.

A/N: The end of my first chapter in my exploration of vampire fiction. What'd ya think? Please read and review!