Chapters 7 and 8.

Chapter 7
(What’s Going On With Me?)
 
So of course, it was time to get serious again. We kept the sword because for some reason…it seemed important. Plus, we might need it later. We got our interrupted nights sleep, taking turns looking out for each other as we slept. Right away in the morning, when the sun was just beginning to come from behind the horizon, we started on our journey searching for Rapture again. Before we set off, I stole the hilt off the corpse of Rapture’s ally, and put it around my waist, placing the sword in its sheath and hanging it on the hilt.
We descended down the stairs, and out the building, welcoming the open air again. “So Vain…I’m glad your not hurt, and I’m really glad you came for me. I probably would’ve breathed my last breath in that minute you came.” I said quietly, feeling slightly embarrassed for letting my guard down. Of course, I still was clothed in that neon green corset, and the tight black pants. I felt…dirty, unclean. He turned his head slightly to look at me, and gave me a small smile. “Yeah I’m glad I wasn’t hurt either..” He heartily chuckled, “And…It’s no problem. But why of all people, ‘me’, did you let your guard down?” He asked, running his slender fingers through his slightly dirty snowy white hair. My cheeks flushed; embarrassed I quickly turned my head to look away from him. Why did I let my guard in front of him? And why was I thinking the thoughts I did before I was about to die? “After you left I fell asleep.” I muttered, why was I lying? “Ah.” He simply replied, as we passed a few vacant houses. “So do you think you can follow Rapture still? We’re quite far away probably.”  “We’ll go to the forest and start out there.”
The forest wasn’t far, probably about 15 minutes away. The secluded town was far from all the others, hidden in the vast forest. Curiosity struck me, where are all the owners of the homes?  As we walked by the houses, the only sound heard we heard was our quiet footsteps and breathing, but for me…I could also hear his heart. Bump Bump…Bump Bump…Bump Bump… I listened to the rhythmic sound of his heart beating as I looked back and forth among the houses, my raven black hair following the motion.
“Rave?” I heard Vain say, which startled me and made me jump, quickly turning my attention towards him. He towered over me slightly, about 6’0, and I, 5’7. “Yes?” I replied, examining Vain’s flawless face. His skin was pale but not too pale, not like…mine. His cheekbones slightly showed also, making his facial features show more gorgeously then they appeared. And then his sapphire eyes, when the sun hit them a certain way, they glistened. Almost like a sapphire gem on a ring. They looked totally make believe, not the kind of color you’d see on a normal human.
“You know, awhile ago while I was hanging out with Rapture, I heard this story….” I heard Vain say, and his voice echoed inside my mind. I was lost in thought as my eyes trailed each part I was thinking about.
His smile…It was so hard not to smile when he did, and it was amazing in a way, how he could smile when all this stuff was happening to him and his life could be taken away in a matter of a second. His smile was one you would never want to waste away.
My eyes trailed down his neck, his shoulders, and they started examining his chest and arms. It was unusual on how fit he was, when he hasn’t lifted weights or anything. I arched a brow as I thought about how much he might be able to lift. Maybe the strength of…a vampire…?
“Rave? Are you there?” He asked, stopping, which made me stop also. When I didn’t reply, he started waving his hands in front of my face, making me snap out of my little trance, and quickly turning my eyes to look at his face again. “What? I’m sorry. I was sort of… out of it.” I said, turning my eyes towards the ground. I heard him laugh, “I noticed. But anyway… I said that… When I hung out with Rapture, I heard from a female at the lab about something.” Curiosity of course got to me, like every other person, and I turned my attention back to him. “Oh really? And what’s that?” I asked, giving him a small smile. Wait…I smiled…What the heck is wrong with me?
For a second, I could see the surprise in his face, and he even arched his brow, but smiled back. “Well…I heard, there’s this small town full of teenagers. At least…they look like teenagers. And if you’re lucky, and they prove you worthy, they plant a kiss on your cheek, and they become your guardian, your protector, for eternity or until you say so.”
My eyes widened at this information, and provided me some interest. “We should…go there sometime. Or even soon, they might help.” “Yeah…that’s if you knew where to find them and if they exist.” He replied, and soon we were on that slightly decayed trail again, which lead into the forest. “You know…I’m curious, if ‘our’ clans know about us, that we’re their leaders.” Vain said shortly after a few minutes of silence. “Actually…me too. Is there some way we could find out?” I asked, holding my hands together behind my back as we walked. “I think I have an idea…” He muttered quietly, and soon we were both quiet. I watched him, waiting for him to move or say something, and then…a howl filled the air.
It was such a breathtaking sound, I strangely loved it. As soon as the howl ended from Vain’s mouth, my lips opened to say something, “What…did you say?” I asked.
“I said… “I need a clever shape shifter…to come to me because I have something to ask of them.” Vain replied, grinning. He probably loved the sound also. “You think they’ll come?”
“We’ll just have to wait and see,” Was his reply. And we stood silent, waiting for something to come, and soon our wish was granted. A russet colored wolf rushed towards us skidding to a halt a few feet away and leaning its head to the side. Vain and I stopped, and Vain nodded towards it. I was curious, and quite lost at what they were gesturing towards each other, of course…I wouldn’t understand. I was not a wolf, and I knew nothing about wolf movements. The russet colored wolf that has come to answer our question shape shifted into his human form, so it would be easier to talk.
Instead of it being a he, it was a female, and she was absolutely gorgeous. She had really long flowing blond hair, which stopped at the bottom of her shoulder blades, and deep green eyes. Her skin was a sort of tan, and she was really slender. Her jaw line rounded perfectly, and there was a sort of redness in her cheeks that brought out her beautiful facial features. She was clothed in a plain white dress, which hugged around her body nicely, showing off her figure. “So what is it you have wanted to ask?” She asked, her words coming out nicely, no stuttering or roughness of her voice. I looked towards Vain, who was still examining her, as was I, and she seemed to not mind at all.
“Um….“ He muttered, not knowing where to even begin, this woman didn’t even bother to ask questions to us. Well, do Nekorah have some sort of prophecy? About another shape shifter have some sort of hmm…tattoo on their back?” Vain asked, getting straight to the point. He had trouble finding the right words it seemed though.. “Yes, we do actually. The Nekorah leader is said to have some form of sun on his back, barely faded into his skin. He is in fact, supposed to be the…king of the Nekorah. I suppose you could call him that. Some say also, that he …or perhaps she, is supposed to lead us into battle.” The air around us gave me an odd feeling after she was done talking, as if the air started to thicken. As I looked around us, I noticed we were in a small clearing in the middle of the forest, nothing was around except trees, trees, and of course, more trees. Who knew when we would hit the next town, or even find Rapture? “One more question, have you found your leader yet?” asked Vain, getting ready to reveal himself. I turned my attention back to them, and watched the girl’s slight frown. “No, we haven’t.” She said quietly.
“Well then…You’ve found him now.” He said while grinning, turning around to have her face his back and picking up his shirt. I almost laughed at the other female’s expression towards it, her eyes widened and you could tell she was in complete admiration. “What is your name?” She asked, pulling down his shirt to have him know she’s seen it long enough. “Vain.” He replied turning around to face her again. Of course, I was being quiet, I was a vampire, I didn’t belong here at all, and in fact I actually realized now if he was going to be dragged back to his clan, I couldn’t come with. They’d try to murder me, even under their leader.
She quickly grabbed his hand, “Vain, you need to come with me, I’ve been waiting for this day, the Nekorah need to see their leader. We have been waiting long enough for you already.” She said while trying to pull him, she had trouble doing so. He planted his feet firmly on the ground, which made her try to pull, but couldn’t succeed. “Vain! We have to go, now. Please.” She begged, releasing his hand. “I’m sorry, but I first have to find somebody. And also, I’m not really sure if I can, I’d feel bad if I left my vampire friend here.” He said, turning his head my way and giving me a small smile, he must’ve figured out that I probably couldn’t go too.
I looked towards the ground, feeling out of place. I could feel the female’s eyes on me now. “Vampires are blood thirsty killers. Their hearts are black, and also, they are loners.” She muttered irritably. I growled from deep in my throat, and lifted my head up to look at her crossly. “I’m sorry, but in case you didn’t know, we have to feed on blood to live, just like you have to kill innocent animals, and sometimes even humans yourself. Also, incase you didn’t know, not all vampires have ‘black’ hearts and not all vampires feed on humans. And not all vampires like to be alone either.” I said furiously.
“Well, vampires cannot fall in love, for they do not feel.” She said furiously back, getting close to my face. I bared my fangs and hissed at her. “Vampires do have the ability to fall in love too!” I shouted, feeling my cheeks get hot. I could feel Vain’s eyes on me; it made me feel nervous acting like this in front of him, but why? Her lips went up for a snarl. “Enough! That’s enough.” I heard Vain say, walking in between us. “I’ll come with you, but just for a moment, after that I must leave, but I will come back.” Vain said looking towards the other female I all of a sudden despised. She looked towards Vain, smiled at him, then towards me, and gave me a sneer.
I crossed my arms irritably. “Rave. Find cover for now just in case. I’ll try not to be long, and I’ll hurry back.” He said, his lips going up to give me an apologetic smile. “Meh…” I simply muttered. The blond female started walking towards their clan, which hopefully wasn’t to far, and Vain was about to follow when he stood in front of me. He grabbed my left hand and pulled himself near me, his lips going beside my ear, “I believe vampires can fall in love too,” he whispered, which made me freeze, and made my cheeks flush. He didn’t meet my gaze after that, and quickly followed the other female.
After they were out of sight, I climbed up a tree, hoping it’d provide me a bit of concealment or perhaps help me find another place to hide within. However, with no luck, I pushed myself against the tree and sat on an uncomfortable branch. From having no entertainment, I started talking to myself.  “I wonder why Vain said that…?” I muttered, feeling nervous and embarrassed after I started having thoughts.
“Perhaps…he loves me?” I said quietly, smiling to myself. I wonder why I said I have a human boyfriend earlier…when I don’t? My human boyfriend dumped me right away after he found out I was a vampire…and even tried sending people to kill me…I also found out…that he was with some people that were trying to investigate me, believing that I was a vampire… He only went out with me to use me…  I frowned, feeling sadness overwhelm me, I hid my face in my arms. Thoughts rushed to my head, and I stopped on one, pondering about it.
Perhaps…I’ve fallen in love? I felt embarrassed to admit that thought; I usually liked to keep my impolite attitude, I never wanted something like this to happen, it would weaken me. Make me vulnerable. I knew how these things worked. If it’s true…that he’s fallen in love with me also, then I really have to make it end. I thought to myself, and felt something gnaw at my stomach.
It’s for my protection…and his.
Chapter 8
(I’m Sorry…This Has To End…)
I fell asleep in the tree, surprisingly, and don’t know for how long. I finally woke up when I heard a bush rustle nearby, but relaxed when I seen only a rabbit. The day went by fast as I was sleeping, and the sky was already beginning to darken. As soon as I began to question when Vain was coming back, I seen him approaching the tree I was sitting in a few feet away. I arched a brow as I noticed his new clothing. Vain was wearing a black T-shirt with fishnet sleeves, which didn’t cover all of his stomach, and left the skin by the belly button revealed. He wore black pants that rested on his hips, such as mine, but a bit baggier.
“Vain, what’s with the new clothing?” I called out, making sure he noticed where I was. He looked up at me, and grinned. “Hah, it’s quite cool isn’t it?” He asked, gesturing for me to come down from the tree. “Yes I suppose so…” I muttered, finding his new clothing rather attractive, I was after all, into the dark, sinister stuff.. I jumped down from the tree and landed on my feet. “Where did you get the clothing? And how did the uh…leader of the clan thing go?” I asked, walking towards him.
I can’t…fall in love with him anymore, I have to end it. I have to make him not fall in love with me…that’s if…he even has. I thought to myself, feeling that emotion that gnawed on my stomach earlier. “Well…That blond female, well her name is Steris, and she says the leader needs a new outfit. It helps pick out me from everyone else. Also…the leader thing went quite fine, everybody, well mostly everybody, didn’t mind that I was their new leader and was happy that they have found me now. They believe I’ll be leading them into battle and they’re already getting prepared.” He said, frowning at the last part. “I see…” I muttered quietly.
“So shall we start heading towards Rapture?”
“What’s the point? He hasn’t come for us, and nothing’s happened.” I said, walking to the tree and leaning against it with my arms crossed, my rosary hung around my neck, and I started fiddling with it.
“Rave…he will come for us.”
“Maybe he will…and maybe he won’t. He just doesn’t want the tribes to get together, for who knows why, but if he doesn’t want that to happen, then it won’t. It’s not like I was going to anyway.” The last sentence for some reason stung me.
My eyes paid close attention to Vain’s expression, but for some reason…I couldn’t read it. Was it Happiness? Worry? Or…disappointment?
“Rave, if you don’t marry me now. Then Steris will. Or…some other pack member.” He said quietly, running his slender fingers through his hair again, but slowly.
I felt like frowning, but didn’t. I wasn’t going to let him see my emotions.
“Out of curiosity, why?”
“She says…the clan needs two leaders. Within the first week, sometimes a month, they need to find a mate.”
Remember Rave…It’s for the best. You’ll move on.
“Ah, I see. Well…then marry her. I’m sorry but I just don’t have feelings for you, and I can’t marry you for the sake of our tribes.” I said, rubbing my arm gradually.
“Alright….then I suppose this is bye. I hope you’ll be okay on your own.”
“Bye.” I replied plainly, waiting for him to leave so I can keep to myself.
Vain gave me a minor smile, waved goodbye, and walked away.  As soon as he was out of sight, and I could hear him no longer, I collapsed to the ground.
I felt…horrible. I felt as if a big piece of me was missing already. Besides Revenant, he was the only one who really made me smile, who made me happy. Who made me feel…complete. “It’s for the best…I know…” I muttered quietly, as if speaking to the person inside of my head. I closed my eyes, and let the silent tears fall and soak into the ground. I didn’t feel like finding the other vampires, and revealing myself to them. I felt like being alone, never getting close to another person again, because I’m terrified to lose another person. And what’s the purpose of living if….you’re all alone?
“Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Rave love, I’ve been watching you and this isn’t like you at all, sitting around and moping.” I heard a memorable voice say behind me. I slowly turned around to face Rapture. He looked the same as always, but more…powerful. “Sulking over Vain, hmm? Well you might have to sulk a little bit more because now he’s with Revenant.” He said, smirking. I slowly got up upon my feet. “What…?” It seemed unbelievable. He nodded, “Yep, its true. But…I’ll give you a deal.” He said persuasively, leaning against a tree and tucking his hands inside of his pockets. “And what’s that?” I asked, trying to stay together. “If you give yourself up, I’ll release both of them and they’ll be on their way, I’ll never touch them again.”
I didn’t even have to question myself on that one.
“Fine, but how will I know you will let them go?”
The sun was just beginning to disappear beyond the horizon, leaving colors of orange, pink, and red. I saw Rapture gesture something to somebody unseen. One of Rapture’s allies pulled two males along. I noticed my brother straightaway.
“Revenant!” I shouted, happy that my best friend was not harmed at all. A black colored piece of tape covered his mouth, to prevent him from shouting, and a thick rope tied his hands together. He mumbled something I couldn’t recognize. And Vain followed Revenant right after, his expression sorrowful. I noticed Revenant’s nervous and troubled face, probably concerned that I was giving myself up. He kept mumbling, his words slurred and unidentifiable. “So….these two, for yourself.” Rapture said, his voice carried within the darkness.
“Fine.” I said quietly, walking towards Rapture. Rapture’s ally pushed both of the people I cared about most, over to where I was standing, and they stood where I once was. I kept my eyes on Rapture, and the other. Revenant’s unidentifiable words soon stopped, and I wondered what happened. I turned around to see him once more, and he looked like he was pleading. The tape on Vain’s mouth fell off, and I saw him smirk. “Wha-?” Was the only thing I managed to get out before I was tackled to the ground. I hit the earth hard, knocking the air out of my chest, making me unable to breath. The rosary around my chest pushed against my neck, it was painful..
I saw Revenant out of the corner of my eyes, and saw he was kicked by Vain, who made Revenant fall to the ground in pain. I felt dizzy, nauseous and confused. Soon the heavy weight that was on me disappeared, but I felt a cold blade against the back of my neck. Vain was not Vain, he shape shifted into a male I did not know.
Fuck…Not again… I thought.
“What an unintelligent vampire…And you‘d think they‘d learn the first time.” I heard Rapture say quietly behind me.
I growled from deep within my throat, I felt pure hatred for Rapture. If I ever get to him…I won’t ever give him even the slightest bit of mercy.
“So you think you’re going to kill her?” I heard a voice say, I could never forget that one either, his voice was calm, cryptic, dark, warm….
He came back for me…
I thought as tears blurred my vision.