Sunrise had come, and AJ immediately took flight and was on his way. 'They could be anywhere?! Where should I start?!' We have what you could call a sixth sense. It's especially strong with our new ones… Of course! AJ could use his vampiric power to try to locate his kin. This was going to take a lot of concentration. AJ squeezed his eyes shut and prayed. 'Please God. Please guide me to them. This is probably the most important thing I've ever done in my past two lives. I've screwed up so many times before. Please don't let me blow it.' He felt a chill rush up his body. He let the wind guide him. He wasn't sure how far or how long the Higher Power had led him, but the zephyr had mysteriously disappeared. He looked down at a magnificent shoreline. The sands were a dark brown in the swarthy night and the water was pitch black. It would have been a grand sight in the sunlight when you can see all of the true color. He landed just where the waves broke upon the dunes. The water was warm.
"Wow. Why didn't we find this place before?" He scanned the beach and came upon a unique feature in the jagged cliffs that jutted into the sea. It was a cave. Something told him to go inside. " *sigh* If there are bats in there, I'm out!" He cautiously entered the cavern not knowing what to expect. It was pitch black in there, but just like cats, vampire eyes could adjust to the dark better than humans. It seems like cats were related to vampires more than bats were! 'Good God, where am I going?' He put his hands on the cold damp walls trying to feel his way through the maze. 'I'm going to get lost! I just know it!' Suddenly, two hands out of nowhere reached out, grabbed him, and pulled him through a passage in the wall.
There was no time to scream or react. He was flung to the hard ground. He noticed quite a lot of pairs of feet. The room was actually lit and the fire's reflection flickered on the shiny floor.
"AJ?" a deep voice called.
AJ was too stunned to respond. He just slowly raised his head until he could see the person to whom the voice belonged to. Towering above him was a blonde man.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry! We thought you were an intruder!" The man offered his hand to AJ to help him up. He wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but he took it.
"Uh…"
"Oh you don't remember me do you?"
AJ nodded his head a little embarrassed that he couldn't figure out who he was.
"Well, let me introduce myself again. I'm Hans."
Hans? Now AJ knew who he was! He was the vampire with the leg injury who met Valencia at the door of the castle when he first arrived to inform her of the surprise attack by the Daemoniacus.
"Oh! Hi, Hans." He looked around and saw some relieved and familiar faces. "Hi, everyone. Long time no see."
"AJ."
AJ turned around and came face to face with a very saddened Hans. He knew he had to get this out now. Better sooner than later.
"U-u-umm," his voice quavered as he spoke. "I'm I'm here because, umm, I have something very important to tell you all. You see, in Florida---"
Hans interrupted him. "Valencia's dead." AJ looked at him shocked.
"H-h-how---"
"We felt it."
"Oh."
There was a long and uncomfortable pause. Everyone avoided eye contact with everyone else. AJ looked at the ground. He was the first to break the silence.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, "if it wasn't for me, she would've still been alive." He felt a massive hand land on his shoulder.
"No one's blaming you, AJ. We know it wasn't your fault."
AJ looked up at him with tears in his eyes. "How do you know?"
"We knew of the situation before she left. I wanted to accompany her for her own safety, but she wouldn't hear of it. She had to go alone, or else Damian would have killed you. We realized that there was a very good chance that she…may never come back."
AJ suddenly became angry.
"How can you be so understanding?! She's dead! The woman who has been your leader, friend, and mother for over five centuries died in my arms! Can someone please kill me, hurt me, or at least yell at me! How can you just stand there and accept it?!"
"Death is just a part of life. You can't have death without life and you can't have life without death. We as vampires have to learn to embrace that. Yes, we will miss her and always love her. But nothing's going to change that she is gone."
"If that's the way it goes, why couldn't she accept the fact that if she didn't go, I would've died?! It would've been no problem then!"
"But she knew you had a lot more to live for!"
"She did, too! She had you guys and this war isn't anywhere near over with!"
"True, but you had a mother who had lost you once. Valencia knew the pain and she didn't want her to go through it again. Valencia didn't want to go through it herself neither. She loved you greatly you know."
"I know," he whispered.
"And Valencia grew weary of this war. All these years of fighting and chaos had taken its toll on her. You can only do so much in your lifetime. She needed one to take over when her time was up…she chose you."
AJ's eyes grew wide.
"She did what?! Why?! Why me?! I am NOT qualified to take over this clan! Why didn't she choose you or someone else?! Someone with more experience and and and more military know how and---why me?"
"She knew that you were a fast learner. And we are clueless about the modern world. Our ancient tactics are ineffectual. You must know of contemporary weaponry."
"Yeah, but…the closest I have ever been to war was when I had my Battleships game when I was eight! I don't know anything about---oh my God, this sucks!"
He plopped himself down on the floor and put his head in his hands, shaking it in frustration. Hans bent down to his level.
"AJ, please? We need you."
AJ looked up at him then at all the people around him. They stared at him with hope and pleading in their eyes. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.
"After all she's done for me, I guess I owe her this. I can't guarantee winning, but…I'll try my best."
"That's all we're asking."
AJ got up and clapped his hand together. "Ok, first thing's first, we have to find out what terrain we fight best in then get them there. That shouldn't be too hard since they seem to follow our every move. Then we need some heavy artillery. Does anyone know some sort of army base or something where we have access to all different kinds of weapons, you know, not just guns and stuff cuz that won't help, unless we blow their heads off…that could work, and cross bows?"
"Yes, I do."
"Good. And we'll also need the traditional stake, of course, and a lot of bottles of holy water to drown them in."
"We've got that also."
"Great! Ok, now for the plan. You got a paper and pencils and stuff?"
Someone handed him a pen and a sheet of paper.
"All right, this is how we're going to do this…"
Three weeks later in Florida…
"Denise, do you want to go out or something?" Toni asked hopefully. "I'm bored out of my mind!"
"I don't know. What if AJ---"
Toni rolled her eyes. "He's got the key! He'll let himself in! Besides, we can't keep letting men run our lives!"
Denise stood up full of new found confidence. "Yeah! Men run the country! That should be enough for them! Where do you want to go?"
"I don't know. Are they're any shops or something opened this late?"
"Well…the boardwalk is full of life all night. We can aimlessly wander around there!"
"Great! Let's go! Tonight's ladies' night!"
"Toni, every night's been ladies' night for the past three weeks!"
"Yeah, but still."
Toni and Denise fixed themselves up a bit, grabbed their purses and jackets, and left determined to have an enjoyable evening.
"So what are we going to do?" asked Toni as they rode in the car.
"I don't know. We'll figure something out when we get there. I'm assuming you've never been to this side of the ocean before."
"You assumed right. Actually, this is only my second time to the ocean period."
"Really? Wow. What held you back?"
"My brother. He wouldn't let me do anything. But now that's changed. I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself."
"You certainly can. When was the first time?"
"It was back in Romania, not too long ago. The second time AJ and I met, he took me to the beach. It was so beautiful."
"Yes, it was."
Both of them had a moment to daydream.
"Denise?"
"Yes, Toni?"
"I just want to thank you for everything."
"Oh Toni, you don't have to thank me for anything."
"Yes, I do. You've done so much for me. You've let me stay in your house, quite comfortable might I add, you've taken me shopping and sight seeing so I can know my way around, you've given me advice on everything from makeup to men, sorry I'm a little new on both departments, and most importantly of all, the thing I have to give you and God the biggest thank you in the universe for is for bringing the best guy in the entire galaxy into this world!"
"It was my pleasure!" she chuckled.
"You're the closest I've had to a mother in a very long time."
"And you're like the daughter I always wanted. Who knows? Maybe in the future you will be."
“ I highly doubt that!"
"Why?"
"Well, first of all, I don't think AJ is anywhere near ready to settle down…"
"In the future."
"No use. AJ's gonna be a rambunctious twenty-one year old forever. I, however, will age over a matter of time, and we would not look right. Secondly, what's the point of getting married if we can't have kids?"
"Artificial insemination."
" I don't think so! And lastly, we can't be happy as long as the Daemonaicus reek havoc on this earth."
"You got me there."
"I know. Sometimes I wonder if it will ever stop."
"Well, it can't go on forever, can it?"
"When both sides are immortal and descendants are more than easy to find, that's a very realistic outcome. If you can call it that. This war's been going on for over five hundred years. I don't think it will slow down anytime soon, so ending is out of the question."
"Is it possible to make peace? How would we know when it ends?"
"Unfortunately, unlike you humans, the Daemoniacus enjoy all the bloodshed and chaos. War isn't hell for them. It's their way of life. They live on the pain and suffering of others. The only way this war would be won by good is if all the evil is destroyed."
"In other words, the Desmondontidae have to kill off every single Daemoniacus member."
"Yes."
"But that's impossible!"
"Actually, it's very possible! It's just that that difficult feat takes a lot of time, planning, organization, bravery, accuracy, and most importantly of all, a strong, qualified leader. They're lacking several of those factors."
" Poor Valencia."
"I know. She was…she was a great person."
"Yes, she was. God rest her soul."
The rest of the trip was made in silence. They were both thinking.
Finally the car stopped on the side of a street near the boardwalk entrance.
"Ok, we're here," Denise announced.
They got out of the car and Denise beeped on the alarm.
"How about we just walk around a bit?" suggested Toni.
"That's fine with me."
The boardwalk was surprisingly teeming with people. It was a Friday night after all. All the local kids hung out here with their friends and steadies, smoking, talking, walking, kissing, whatever they wanted to do. Denise suddenly felt old.
"Oh my, I think I'm the oldest person here, thirty years all their senior."
"You old? What about me?! I think I'm a century and a half their senior!"
"Yeah, but you blend in well. I stick out like a sore thumb!"
"Aww, it's not that bad!"
"You wouldn't know."
Just then, a short stubby guy with a pencil thin mustache and slicked back black hair approached them, smirking. He had a flamboyant zoot suit on and wore a lot of rings and cheap looking jewelry. He looked like a pimp.
"Hello, lovely ladies," he said confidently. "I seem to have lost my number. Can I have yours?"
Denise rolled her eyes disgusted by his sleaziness and corny pick-up line. Toni smiled and answered.
"Sure. It's 911."
"Whoa! Why is that, toots? Because I'm gonna need the oxygen after you take my breath away?" he snickered.
"No, because if you come near us one more time, you're gonna need the ambulance," she simply replied, still smiling. That seemed to discourage him.
"Oh, ok then, bye babe." He walked off in pursuit of a young pretty blonde.
"Good going, Toni," Denise chuckled.
"Ugh, that guy was greasier than whale oil!"
"I know! But you know, it actually felt good to be hit on!
Although I'd prefer it being done by Matt Damon!"
They strolled down listening to the click click of everyone's shoes striking the wooden floor. Almost everywhere they looked, couples were publicly displaying their affection, whether it be simply holding hands, kissing, whispering into each others' ears, or doing it on the beach. Toni and Denise fell out of place again.
"I miss AJ," Toni sadly stated.
"So do I."
"Yeah, but I miss him in a different way. I miss the way he used to kiss me, hold me, touch me, say sweet things to me, whine when I'd leave him for five minutes…I miss the way he loved me." She could feel the cold tears forming in her eyes. She turned her face the other way, so Denise wouldn't see her cry. But Denise knew anyway.
"Oh honey, come here." She hugged her. Toni sobbed on her shoulder. "It's ok. He'll be back."
"But he didn't contact us in any way to let us know that he was ok. What if he wants to stay there forever? What if the Daemoniacus found him and…" She didn't want to finish that sentence. "How could he just leave like that? Doesn't he know how much we care about him?"
"Of course he does. But it was just something he had to do. Don't worry, he said he'd be back. He'll be back. Now, dry your tears." She handed her a tissue from her purse. "If you keep crying, I'll start crying. I don't want to do that cuz then my mascara will run." She tried a little humor to lighten her up.
Toni gave a strained giggle and blew her nose.
"I guess I ruined my make up then, huh."
"You don't need it as much as I do, believe me."
"I'm sorry. I guess I can get a little too emotional at times.”
"It's ok. Are you all right now?"
"Yes."
"Ok, now let's see…you know what? I just noticed that you don't have your ears pierced."
Toni touched her lobes.
"Oh, no. My brother said it was unnecessary to have more holes in your body than the ones God gave you ."
"Really? Well, he's wrong. God gave us the power to use tools so we can build and adorn ourselves with jewelry. You want your ears pierced?"
"Umm, I don't know. Does it hurt?" Toni asked nervously.
"No. Well, you might feel a tiny pinch, but that's all. It's all done in a second."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course! Just look at AJ! We all know how men can't stand pain and he's got THREE holes in ONE ear! Come on, do it."
"Oh ok!"
"Great!"
She grabbed her hand and they flew down to the nearest piercing place. They also did body art. A tall man covered in tattoos, with eyebrow, lip, bellybutton, tongue, nose and nipple rings, and rainbow colored hair assisted them.
"May I help you?" he asked kindly. Looks can be deceiving.
Toni stared at him in awe while Denise spoke.
"Yes. My, uh, niece here wants to get her ears pierced."
"Ok. One hole in each ear?" Toni nodded still staring. "All righty. Hold on just a minute please." He walked to the back of the room where a desk was and pulled out a drawer. He then took out the piercing gun. "What earrings would you like?" He pointed to a glass display case containing a lot of different kinds of earrings.
"Umm, I like…these," Toni said, finally out of her trance. She wanted a pair of small light blue crystal earrings.
"Good choice. They match perfectly with your beautiful eyes," he complimented her smiling.
Toni blushed and smiled back. "Thank you."
He took out the first earring and put it in the gun. Then he rubbed disinfecting alcohol on her earlobe. "Just stand still. Don't worry, this won't hurt a bit."
"Ok."
He lined the sharp part of the earring to the middle of her lobe and pulled the trigger. She jumped.
"I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" the guy asked concerned.
"No, it just startled me, that's all."
"Ok."
He followed the same procedure with the other ear. In a matter of seconds, it was all over.
"There you go! All done!"
"Really?" Toni went to touch her ears, but it hurt. "Ow!"
"Oh don't touch it yet. It's going to be a little sore for a while."
"It feels hot!"
"Yeah, it's supposed to. Don't worry, you'll get used to it in a few hours."
"Ok. Thank you very much. How much do I owe you?"
"Eight dollars, miss." She handed him a ten dollar bill. "Thank you, miss, ma'am. Have a good night."
"You, too."
"Thank you, good night."
They walked away.
"Man, did you see that guy?! If AJ ever gets like that, I'm going to have to hit him!" Toni laughed.
"So, how does it feel?" asked Denise.
"Really weird."
"That's ok. You'll get used to it."
"I know."
They continued to stroll quietly until Toni stopped.
"What?"
"You know, getting two extra holes in my body was a very daring thing for me to do. I feel great!" Toni stated excitedly.
"I'm glad to hear that."
"I want to feel great again!"
"You mean you want to get another piercing?!"
"No! Don't be silly!"
"Really, I was about to say---"
"I want a tattoo!"
Denise look at her with wide surprised eyes. "What?!"
"I said I wanted a tattoo!" Toni repeated.
"Toni, are you crazy?! You were terrified of getting your ears pierced just a moment ago and now you're saying you want a tattoo?!"
"Yeah, well I learned from my experience! I bet it's not as bad as people say it is! You said it yourself, just look at AJ! Come on, let's go back!"
She grabbed her hand and dragged her back to the piercing/tattoo parlor. The same guy came up to them again.
"Hi again! Did you forget something?" he asked smiling.
"Umm, no, actually…" Toni simpered. "I want to get a tattoo!"
"A tattoo?! Are you sure? Who gave you that idea?"
"Myself. I'm in a daring mood right now."
"Uh, ok. Follow me."
Toni and Denise followed him to the back of the room where he told her to sit down on a comfy chair beside a table containing needles and little bottles of different colored inks.
"What do you want and where?" he asked while slipping on some plastic gloves.
"Umm…"
"Are those needles sterilized?" Denise asked peeking over his sitting form.
"These are disposable."
"Oh ok."
"So have you made up your mind?"
"Uh, yeah, I want a rose with 'Toni' in script under it on my right upper arm."
"Ok. Is Toni your boyfriend's name?"
She blushed. "No, it's mine. It's short for Antonia."
"Oh, so you don't have a boyfriend?"
"Actually, I do. His name's AJ."
"Cool name. I'm Walter."
"Nice to meet you Walter."
"Likewise, Toni. AJ's a lucky man."
Toni turned a crimson red. "Thank you. You're quite the flatterer."
"I try. Ok, I'm gonna start now. Just relax." He took the needle and dipped it in red ink and held it above the spot she wanted the tattoo.
"Ok."
Denise took a seat on the other side of Toni so they could chat to take Toni's mind off the pain. It didn't work. Every five seconds Toni would wince. But she knew it would be worth it at the end. She would surprise AJ when he came back.
"It's going to be such a surprise to AJ!" Denise exclaimed, seemingly reading Toni's mind.
"Oh yeah. Do you think, ouch, he'll like it?"
"Of course he will! It's going to be very lovely."
"He better!” she winced, “ I'm doing this for him! Ow!"
"Sorry." Walter muttered.
"You are?"
"Well, actually, I'm doing it for the both of us."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I have this strange idea stuck in my mind that all this pain and suffering I'm going through will somehow make us become closer. Stupid, isn't it?"
Both Denise and Walter said 'no' at the same time.
"It's a very sweet idea. He better appreciate this!" said Denise.
"Man, I wish I had a girlfriend like you. Vicky broke with me cuz I actually GOT a tattoo! You must really love him to do this," added Walter.
"Yeah, I do. I adore my little AJ," Toni declared smiling on the outside while her insides were blue.
An hour later, he was done. He stepped back to look at his masterpiece and nodded in satisfaction. "You like it?"
Toni looked at it and smiled weakly. "It's very beautiful. Thank you."
"No problem."
She showed it to Denise.
"Yes, quite beautiful."
She paid Walter than they left.
"Denise, is it ok if we go home now? I don't feel too well."
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah, it's probably just cramps. I had a lot fun though, thank you."
"Ok. We'll go home."
They seated themselves in the car then left. The ride home was silent. Denise looked over at Toni. She did look out of it. She didn't know how she could tell since vampires are naturally pale and don't breathe, but she could. They arrived a few minutes later. Toni was trembling at the door.
"Toni, are you sure it's just cramps? You're shaking. Are you ok?" she asked concerned.
"I just---I don't know," Toni answered getting scared and worried. Something was making her very nervous and she didn't have a clue what or why.
Denise opened the door, stepped inside, and switched on the lights.
Toni
followed close behind and walked into the living room. Her eyes
widened and
she gasped.
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