Memoirs of a Vampire Countess: Cori...

Chapter 1

Blood Ring Revealed

I sat my night children down and told them I needed to reveal a long held secret to them. They looked at me, knowing it was going to be important. I asked them to show me their rings. They all held out their thumbs; Beth, PJ, Salem, Cori, and Lilly. I told them that below the ‘knot’ design, and above the inverted shamrock base, was a thin layer of liquid. I asked them if they could all see it. All looked, then nodded ‘yes’, after closely scrutinizing their rings. I told them that the liquid was the blood of an ‘Ancient One’. If ever in grave danger, they should break their ring open by the stem of the shamrock, drink the coveted blood, and use the powers that it brings to protect themselves. I told them that this blood was only to be used if there was nothing else that could spare them from certain death. Otherwise it was never to be drunk, let alone ever to touch their white skin. Its powers would either save them, or consume their night-life completely, so they should not drink of it unless death was guaranteed anyway.

PJ asked me why I had kept this secret until now.

I explained, I believe that a day will come when you have need to use your rings to preserve yourselves or each other, and neither I or coven, may be there to protect you. I can only pray I am mistaken… but I doubt this life would leave us so lucky.

Beth’s eyes danced with delight at the thought of more power and more invincibility. I warned them that I did not know what ill effects the powers may have on their already vampiric blood. They should only drink it only as a last resort.

"I believe it the one thing that will preserve your life, but may be so strong that it is possible it will even take your life. Drink wisely." I consulted.

Beth’s eyes still danced with excitement. The males and Cori looked at their rings with newfound respect, and even concern. Lilly looked at her ring too, knowing it was her very own first piece of jewelry, so it was a treasure. As well, I knew she thought herself one of the bigger vampires now, as this ring was the one thing she had in common with the rest of us. It held a secret too, which made it hold all the more status in her mind. I swore them to secrecy, and bade them never to tell another soul, living or dead. I also guarded them against drinking it in a moment of danger that would not take their lives. "As well, only one should drink of their ring, if it is ever truly needed, and the rest should be saved for another ordeal. You live forever, and it may be that another moment will arise when another is best served by drinking its contents." I finished.

They nodded, understanding that a secret like this was most dangerous and powerful to those of us confined to the night world. It was not the night that was a threat, it was others like us who were a threat. This ring; it would bring more danger than protection, should the secret of its power ever pass the lips of any of us. Not even the others in our Moon Coven knew of its power. Nor would they ever know, as long as I was alive in this night-death.

We were settling into the old barn with familiar ease, except for Zodiac and Annie. They had decided suddenly to leave the nest for awhile and travel the world together as companions. The males were digging an underground nest beneath the half rotted flooring of the barn. The entrance was disguised so cleverly, that even my Toby, who created its unique entrance, would not have found it if he had not been the one to make it. Here we could be safe for a short while, as long as we were not seen out and about, or followed. The life of a vampire is always about watching over your shoulder, but acting as though you care not to bother looking over your shoulder. The ones we most have to fear are those like us, for none of your human kind could ever be so threatening, with the exception of your vampire hunters. There was nothing to do but wait for the males to complete the space that would keep us safe. I walked to the shuttered window in the barn and looked out. I knew someone was waiting in the darkness for us. I could feel them, but I could see nothing. I waited and I watched, sure that at any moment, one would reveal themselves.

The males finished digging a room under the floor of the old barn, and when completed, we goons went down to explore it. After, we carried out the all too familiar tasks we had become accustomed to doing, with not a word being exchanged for hours. Obviously each were deep in thought. Eventually I was drawn once again to the shuttered window in the barn, wondering who waited outside for us, and what their purpose was. I decided that this time, it would be better to not wait to be surprised. When night fell, I left the barn, with no word to the others. There was no need for any of them to be risked once again. I walked directly into the woods to see who waited there. I sensed what I had before, although it was slightly different than with my former Master, Dimitri. This one knew me, that much I could sense, but I could not read anything more. It was not another vampire, as we are able to recognize our own kind. It was not a vampire hunter, as I would have smelled their blood by now. I walked through the woods slowly, alert to anything that might indicate the presence of another.

Finding nothing, I finally turned to head back to our make-shift coven, when I was summoned, Countess!

I looked in front of me and saw Sarah sitting on a branch high up in a tree. She looked terrible. She looked weak and pale, had cuts that were bleeding, and blood was dried to her skin. She had clearly been through an ordeal of some sort.

I stared at her for a bit, before asking, Why are you here?

She replied, "I had to come. Some from the Eden Coven have tried to take my life. Kaige told me to find you; that you were my only safety. He also said I should tell you to make contact with him when I did find you. I did not know where to go. Kaige said he only knew you went south. I started walking this way, days ago, and only chanced to hear commotion as I passed through this area. When I drew closer to the noise, I saw something happening inside an old place. It was only after watching for awhile, that I saw some of you leave that old place and come to this barn. I followed you here. I dared not come to you, as I know there are strangers watching you still."

Who is watching us? I asked.

She replied, "I do not know Countess, I have not seen them before. But I must know, where is my Master?"

I knew she was referring to Rune, and with nothing else I could say, I told her he was dead. Sarah jumped down from the tree she was perched in, and stood there staring at me, saying nothing. I slowly approached her, noticing an anger in her eyes that seemed to rival a vampire’s. I had never wanted to find out what might happen if this were ever to be the case with one of her kind, although I knew I was quite interested in what changes there might be in her demeanor, due to these formerly unexplored heightened emotions. She looked the same, all cuts and weaknesses considered. She didn’t appear to have had any idea that he was gone, so there probably was not the psychic connection I had anticipated between herself and Rune… which caused me to think the same about Moon. Still, she seemed angered beyond what Moon had ever displayed. What was the difference between the two? Could Sarah have had more of a connection to Rune than Moon did? Perhaps she was still too new to this connection to have any control over her thoughts and actions, unlike Moon, who had had years. I knew that I would need to bring her to the barn for the others to see. Unlike the others of my nest, Doc would only be interested in her condition. That was fine with me though, as he was the only one we could rely on to bring forward any concrete information at all about what might still come, regarding her changes. I would discuss her return with the others after she had settled in with us again.

Sarah and I walked into the barn. When the others saw her with me, they immediately gathered around her to gain answers to their questions. I stopped everyone and told Sarah to simply fill us in on what had happened since we left Eden Prairie.

She began, "I woke the next morning, after you had all gone, to find that Kaige was now Master. Rune was no longer there either. Kaige said that I would see all of you again with some time, but I was not to speak a word about this to anyone, only with him. I agreed, as I knew I was not welcome there by many. Several spoke of what might have happened to you. Some thought maybe Kaige had lied about not knowing where you were, but that was soon found to be not true. Others thought that perhaps he put you all to death, as that was still a possibility in the minds of many when I left only days ago. Even more thought you had all simply run off, trying to save Lilly from the wrath of another of the Ancient Ones. One who would surely put her, and all of you, to death. The Ancient Ones have been summoned again, to return to the Eden nest. Those of the nest who did not approve of Lilly want her dead. They harbor much anger and resentment towards the danger you put them in, by keeping her alive, and with them. One night I was in my chamber getting ready to sleep, and four of the nest came in to assault me with questions. When I did not have the answers they wanted, they threatened to finish me if I did not find the answers they wanted, and within a fortnight. So I left, not telling anyone of the nest, only your Master Kaige. Along the way, I ate whatever I could find, sometimes from the homes of those I passed by. One old woman let me stay with her for a day and a night, when she saw the blood from some of my wounds. She fed me and sheltered me. When I knew I had to go, I left in the middle of the night without a word. I did not want someone following me, or harming her, nor did I want to have to explain myself either. I walked and I walked, until finally I happened upon some from towns who recalled your wagon passing through. I kept on until finally I heard the noise from the place you were in the other night. I slept under the cover of some brush, and when I woke, I was fairly sure I saw all of you walking to come to this place. Before I followed, I went into the place you left, to see if it really was you. When I saw some of Lilly’s things, I knew it had to be you. I left as quickly as I could to trail you here. I have been in the woods, watching, ever since. I thought no one would ever come out, but finally, you did."

I stared at her, amazed by her story. A half human was able to find us, and worst, we had already been somewhat identified by townspeople. With her story now told, none of my nest had a single question for her. We would with time, I knew, as everyone would want to know particulars from within the Eden Coven since we had gone. Sarah looked over to Moon, Moon nodded to her, and the two of them walked over to the abandoned hearth and began to make a fire. I watched them closely. Would this bring another fight between them, or had they been together enough now to finally get along? It was as though they knew they had no link left to Rune, and now, only to each other. They stoked the fire; the rest of us observing closely but saying nothing. When the fire was blazing, they sat down and began to talk. It was as though they had always been close, and were now resuming their closeness in this new place, after a long absence.

The cats are down in the underground cellar. said Moon, as though filling her in on what she had missed while away on a vacation or such.

None will touch us anymore anyway. replied Sarah, We leave to find our dinner now.

Moon nodded and they rose to do their meal hunting.

Wait! I ordered, Who is looking for us?

Sarah spoke, It is those from towns along the way. They wonder who you are. As well, there are some of another kind who have been made aware of your presence. I know not whether they are human townspeople, vampires, or human hunters. Whoever they are, they seek you, but I learned they could not find you.

The rest of us talked after they had gone to do their hunting.

Doc was the first to speak, I don’t know what to make of this new behavior. It is as though the absence of Rune has bound them together. I don’t know if they are now bound in body and mind by Rune’s kiss, the condition from the cats’ bites, or by knowing that they are the only two of their kind.

Whatever it was, we could tell that they now had a pact. They knew their combined strength, and they knew it without even speaking of it. What I didn’t know was what they would do with it. Who would they be loyal to now, us or each other? What could they do if angered by one of us? I knew that it would require discussion tonight, within the rest of the Moon Coven. They would either become a part of everything we did from now on, or would need to be removed permanently. If they needed to be removed, I knew that Doc would have to find a way to harvest their blood. It was the only weapon against other vampires that we could use, which none of our kind could ever prepare for. They were no longer servants, they were equals in their own rights, and now knew they could take our lives with little effort, if desired. All they would need to do is infect us with their blood, and that could be done with a simple little scratch or bite. Suddenly a new respect for them came about, as well as for the new concerns. If they were our enemy, they slept in our midst. If they were of our coven, they held an added safety that none could match… as we had witnessed in the Edina Coven. Tonight we would talk.

Chapter 2

Sarah’s Return

Keeping watch on our surroundings, we found our dark drink for the night. Doc stayed behind as usual, working tonight on the blood he obtained, this time from both Moon and Sarah before they left to find their animal meal for the evening. We often brought back his drink, as he was not one to go out anyway. As a human doctor, it was required he went to see others in their homes, which was fine as he preferred to work indoors one-on-one, and he despised crowds. This one human trait stayed strong with him ever since he was turned by Master Nicholai. For the time being we had planned to bring the dark drink to Lilly as well. We feared what might come our way if she were recognized in this new area, by any others of our kind, as a forbidden child vampire. We did not want to lend cause for the High Vampire Council to be able to request council with us again so soon. However, she would hear none of that, so fed with the rest of us. We took care to keep her in the middle of us when at all possible, to minimize her being seen, and we hunted for her. She simply drank when we found one for her. Humans we passed seemed to merely take her for a child out romping with her guardians. She looked not as a human child though; her white skin, her vibrant green eyes, her piercing stare, and her fangs of course. As well, she was a vampire, so she was often dirty from head to toe. It is not often that we clean ourselves, nor do we care to. We sleep in the earth, after all. Our days had too often been filled with escape or trouble, too much trouble to tend to things that would help safeguard us in your human world if seen. It is ironic to me, how you humans see a dirty adult and only step clear of them, but seeing a dirty child is cause for concern. Is it about cleanliness and hygiene? Or is it about age? Does one age deserve better care than another? I recalled my human life, and I was always clean. It seemed normal to me then, but in this world, it did not seem to matter in the slightest. We slept in the earth, we lived in the earth, so we smelled like the earth. It is not a terribly bad smell, once one becomes accustomed to it. It is rather like the smell of a fresh mushroom. Not particularly strong, but not particularly displeasing either. One thing good about smelling of the earth, is that it is a natural smell. I have smelled many a human who reek far worse than we ever could. Cori pulled me to the side. I could tell there was something on her mind.

She said, I felt her too.

Who did you feel? I asked, curious as to what she meant.

I felt Sarah. When we were walking, I felt her too. I felt her when we were in the barn as well. she explained, Why did this happen?

I was surprised to hear Cori say this. I thought I was the only one who was aware of feeling as though I were being watched, or of being connected to last night’s presence which we now knew was Sarah.

I don’t know. None of the others felt her though. Do you feel anyone else right now? I asked.

She shook her head ‘no’. I told her not to worry about it anymore, as we now knew what was happening. She gave me the same look that I remembered the first time ever seeing her face, one of apprehension and concern. I could not read her thoughts, as usual. She had an unusual gift of veiling her thoughts well, while as a human. Now, as a vampire, they were impenetrable. I urged her to feed for the night and put other thoughts away for the time being.

Hunting was good. We found many in secluded wooded areas, fed, and partook of their human belongings. Those things we took, we would bring back to our temporary nest. I say temporary, as we planned on returning to the place the males had originally found for us, as soon as possible. However, we dared not return to that nest just yet. We did not want anyone who was there to know we were still in the area, or even alive. At this point, we night-dead, were better thought truly dead. I entered our current nest to find, to my concern, that neither Moon nor Sarah had returned as of yet. This didn’t feel right to my vampire senses. Yes, the hunt for food takes humans longer than for us, but it didn’t take half the night, and they didn’t need to feed repeatedly. I wondered where they were and what they were up to. I didn’t go looking for them though, none of us did. Whatever was happening, it would reveal itself with time. We all thought it better to not act suspicious. We were not able to access the thoughts of these two creations, so we would find no assistance with our dark gift of reading minds. It was a truly unique breed of half-vampire, half-animal, and former human… whatever you would call them. There were no others like them on the earth. We held the only two, and this we knew, because they were made through us. It made me wonder if there was anything else created in another part of the dark night-world. Perhaps another secret that one of my kind was harboring elsewhere. I would never know, as a vampire’s greatest secrets never pass their lips.

Doc and I watched the younger brood enjoy their evening together. I think this was the first time I saw all of them interact together in what you humans know as ‘play’. Lilly was the cause of this no doubt. She was always hanging on Cori, pleading with her to play. Cori was getting crafty as of late. She would tell her to play with Beth. Beth, who had no interest for things that were not of the hunt or power, would tell her to ask Salem or PJ. On and on the game would go until someone finally gave in. Tonight however, was different. Not only did she get everyone to play, they actually seemed to enjoy it. Even typically quiet Cori let out a few squeals. They played ‘catch me’. A ‘catcher’ would run to catch everyone, while the others ran as close as they dared to the ‘catcher’, trying not to get caught. Your human eyes would never have been able to watch, as their speed allows them to move much more quickly than your mortal eyes can follow. Vampire speed is so great, it would seem to you humans a mere wind has brushed past your side. Well, it would have been as a mere wind, were it not for the shrieks and laughter that came from all of them. Morning approached and we gradually headed to our resting places. Moon and Sarah had already taken a spot up in the loft of the barn, to ‘keep watch’, as they put it. It seemed to me that they actually wanted to talk, and wanted to do so in private. I didn’t mind, as their ‘keeping watch’ over us could only be of possible help. I did not know what these two were truly capable of, outside of the power of their blood to kill another vampire, but I was hoping to find out sooner than later, by allowing them more time together. I secretly hoped something would happen very soon, so I could perhaps unravel more of the mystery surrounding these two newfound creations.

As to the rest of us and sleeping arrangements; Salem and Beth had finally made it known that they were companions. I did not expect this from Beth, as she seemed too interested in her own agenda to give to anything (or anyone) except her own selfish goon pursuits. Cori and Lilly resumed their usual arrangements of sharing space during the dark sleep, although I could tell PJ had hoped that the news of Salem and Beth might spur cause on Cori’s part to consider him as companion during the dark sleep. It did not. Toby and I found our place, as did Noah and Cyan, who spent a lot of time together in night-sport. They would go off to hunt together and throw challenges at each other to keep the night alive. They had a need to feel their vampire abilities more often than did the other males. That left Doc and PJ, so they shared space, often talking into the early morning hours about the conditions of Moon and Sarah. I knew that PJ would save this information in the back of his mind, and use it well, if ever there was a need or a way. We slept, waking to Moon and Sarah preparing their meal above us. I had forgotten that this chamber was not sound-proof, like the one in the earthen level in Eden Prairie. We had fortified that one well. We heard nothing while in and could hear nothing in the nest while without. Here, everything was a disruption. It would have to do for awhile, until we could return to our intended nest. We desired no big fortifications here, no extra work whatsoever. In the past, all our efforts either failed us, or worked only half way. If we were to have unwanted guests, we would rather hear them when they approached, and deal with it as vampires’ will. No, we would do nothing more here, except exist for a short while.

Everyone turned in for their sleep, with the exception of Toby and I. It had been awhile since we had time to focus on our companionship. We talked about the return of Sarah, and what might be happening back in Eden, but eventually turned the discussion to the two of us. We regarded him as Master now, since his companionship had begun with me, although it was I who founded this Moon Coven. As well, he had been appointed Master in the EP Coven, so that status followed him. I did not care, as I had watched Masters at work within their coven, and knew the details and work to be unending. I cared not for the title, only to be a part of the decision making. I did not like being left ‘out of the loop’ any more than any other vampire. I told Toby my only concern was keeping us safe and away from other covens for a long time. He had the spirit of adventure in his dead blood however, and wanted to go off and see other places; to enjoy this time of no duties. I said perhaps we should go off somewhere in a few months, when all was back to normal and we were in our intended nest. He agreed quickly to this idea. I could tell he was tired of the same old repetitious patterns. He yearned for something more. I actually didn’t care what it was, I only cared that he was safe with my brood and myself. Perhaps I have not strayed so far from those things I once held dear in my human life after all. Silence fell around us for a few moments, so we sat motionless in the stillness. A rustling was heard from the loft of the barn, followed by Moon and Sarah descending the loft’s ladder. Toby and I turned to watch.

Where are you two off to? I asked.

We go out. said Sarah.

I don’t think that wise, considering. I said.

They said nothing, but simply walked past me, and out the door. Clearly they were not going to heed my words. I wondered if they would have listened to Rune.

Should we follow them? I asked Toby, after they had gone.

No he replied, Let them be. They may need this time to form their own companionship together, since Rune’s passing. I doubt those two can be up to too much, other than hunting their meals or collecting trinkets. They have been together only a day.

As we headed into our temporary chamber under the barn floor, I paused to look outside, towards the direction that Moon and Sarah had walked. I saw nothing, heard nothing. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I hoped for some sign that would explain what they were doing, when their usual pattern was to be asleep by now. Even I was getting tired, so it seemed very odd they would still be up, and out in the night no less. Toby and I found our corner in the earth and let the dark sleep overtake us.

It was the middle of your human day, when I heard ‘thumps’ from the main floor of the barn. I readied myself for a fight, conditioned by the past, therefore expecting trouble. I was not alone. Salem and Cyan were already ascending the stairs with looks of contempt. When we entered the main floor of the barn, we saw Moon and Sarah, covered with mud. They had obviously just arrived, with little care as to who they woke with their noisy entrance.

What has happened? asked Cyan, while Salem headed towards the door to look out. We were all poised for intruders.

It rained, wet, we’re tired. said Sarah, and off the two headed towards the loft without another word spoken.

We stood there, staring at one another. I could feel the anger at having our dark sleep disrupted, and having readied ourselves in battle mode. When we realized nothing was up, most returned to their dark sleep in the earth below. I sat with Salem for awhile. He looked from me to the loft, then back to me.

Something is not right! he said in a low growl, "They return with no meal, and look as though they were wrestling with demons."

I agreed, but dared not say anything. I didn’t want either Moon or Sarah to hear a discussion about them, in case Salem was correct. I beckoned him to follow me down to our chamber area. After the door to our hidden lair was closed, I suggested to all who were listening, that we needed to keep an eye on them.

How do we do that without them getting suspicious? Beth asked.

Cyan offered, I could go in animal form and follow them.

I said, No. They might mistake you for one of their meals.

Not if we are birds. stated Beth.

What about sunlight?! retorted Salem.

"We will follow as much as we can until we have to hide or turn back. And every night we can follow! We must, after all, gain insight as to their activities when together." Beth answered matter-of-factly.

You may. ordered Toby, Perhaps some of us can watch from a safe place later, if you find where they are headed.

It was agreed. Tonight Beth and Cyan would take flight, not as vampires, but instead as birds. They would follow Moon and Sarah to their destinations to see if anything was in the works.

It must be another coven! PJ said angrily, Why else would they leave for so long and come back with nothing!

We were all wondering if Sarah possibly had something to do with the attack on our Cottage Grove nest. No one should have known we were there, yet we were only there a few days and already attacked, and Sarah was the only one who knew we would be in the area. We had neither time nor opportunity to wrong or anger anyone yet. Someone must have informed them as to our presence.

Doc spoke, What if it has something to do with their changes? Perhaps they are simply adjusting to new physical changes we cannot yet understand.

Then that will be revealed in short order! hissed Salem under his breath, clearly not buying into that scenario.

None of us, except Lilly, slept the rest of that night. We split into our usual groups and talked, or did chamber activities to pass the time. As a vampire, one knows to plan for those hours when we cannot be out in your human world. The hours did pass, and soon it was safe to hunt again. We left in smaller groups tonight, hoping to catch sight of Moon and Sarah. Doc took Cori and PJ with him and I left with Toby and Noah. Salem would hunt with Lilly and work on her training. That left Beth and Cyan, who would hunt quickly together, then assume bird form, and wait outside the barn for Moon and Sarah to leave. They would follow them as long as the night would allow, or as long as needed, whichever came first. We would all be staying out later than usual tonight, each with a coven duty. Towns were to be assessed for wares and goods, danger spots were to be taken notice of, and any like us would be watched from a safe distance. We knew not of the covens in this area, their temperaments, nor if we were already found out. Nothing could be taken for granted… as usual.

I was still puzzled by several things. As Toby, Noah, and I walked, I spoke of my thoughts freely. I desired in return whatever thoughts they had.

They were such loyal servants. Is it possible they serve another Master, now that Rune is dead? Could they have lost all devotion to us, now that the bond between servant and Master is no longer? I challenged the thoughts of all walking with me.

Noah challenged me back, "Paranoia! What could two half human, half animal creatures possibly do that could threaten any of us? We are well aware of their only power against us! I say we simply guard our sleeping hours, so they cannot do us malice. They cannot match our strength, nor our speed. They have not the ability to read minds. All they can do to harm us, is to bite us. And I very much doubt our dead flesh would be of any interest to their carnivorous desires!"

Noah’s anger regarding this situation was clear.

Toby added, I concur. What is it that worries you? What do you think possible from them?

I looked straight ahead of me, saying nothing. How does one, human or vampire, explain something one knows but cannot define or prove? One doesn’t. Another waiting game is all this would turn out to be. Waiting to find out if what I feared was soon to be the reality. There was no way to guard against what was to come, because there is no way to prepare for something that comes from a kind who has never existed before. We finished our hunt for the night then ventured into the town. I saw a few shops I wanted to return to the next night, as I wanted things to keep the younger goons occupied in their temporary chamber, until we could return to our true nest. We bought nothing that night, nor did we take of anything. We simply departed quietly, after scrutinizing the area for a short bit, to ensure our safety. Soon enough I saw our barn off in the distance. All I wanted was to return and see what Beth and Cyan had learned.

Chapter 3

More Pieces To Our Puzzles

Upon entering the barn, we saw Moon and Sarah talking up a storm. Their talk was becoming somewhat gibberish as of late. They used broken sentences, and some words that they obviously made up. Even their voices were beginning to alter somewhat. I looked over to Doc, hoping that he would follow me outside for a bit. He was staring at them deep in thought, or scribbling furiously in the journal he always carried with him. I crossed the room slowly. I did not want to take the chance that Moon and Sarah would stop their talking, or their activities, which Doc was so carefully observing. However, it seemed they could care less who was watching them, or listening. I sat down beside Doc and looked into his journal. He was sketching their looks, and comparing them to the sketches of Moon when she was first displaying signs of turning into something other than our human servant. There were distinct similarities, such as the hair that slowly grew over their bodies, their ears shaping into a kind of slight point, similar to a cat. Also, they were both very thin now, and with skin as white as our own dead vampire skin. The hair that covered their bodies was white as well. It was as though the human female in them had also developed, but rapidly, and without the adult female weight gain that often accompanies. Their eyes were similar too. They had a sort of cat’s eye, with different colors, although the center of the eye which is always black for humans, was bright red for them. The iris on Moon was crystal white with bright blue flecks, while Sarah’s was crystal white with bright yellow flecks. Their reflexes were different as well. Humans are slow with their reflexes, but theirs were very quick, although not as quick as a vampire. Certainly they did not have our speed or coordination. Sarah was forever knocking things over and Moon was forever tripping over things. It would appear there was a klutziness to them, very unlike a cat or a vampire, but very similar to a human. They were, indeed, a strange creation. I had seen nothing in my human or vampire lives like them, nor had I ever heard of any such creature that resembled these two.

Doc was also writing down details that had to do with the testing of their blood. He would need more samples again soon. Every week he drew blood to compare to that of the week before. Then he studied his notes from the weeks he only had Moon to draw from. Every week was compared, details were noted, and everything was stored for safe keeping. His words and letters were unintelligible to me as a whole, but whatever he was documenting, I could tell he had been thorough. I could also tell that he was somewhat in love, perhaps even in lust, with this secret that only he was best able to define and predict. To say he liked his project would be an understatement. The rest of us had our past-times as well, but he clearly felt he had the most important of all, as it was a constant challenge for him to decipher and toy with. He rose suddenly, walked over to our mystery creations, and told them it was time again to let him take samples. Moon immediately held out her arm, and Doc drew what he needed. I noticed each time it was a little more blood than the last. I could see Sarah was not so willing, but she held her arm out as well. Her reluctance was clear. I could see the marks on both of their arms, from weeks of Doc’s required samples. Moon’s arms showed more wear and tear than did Sarah’s, from Doc’s samples being drawn more consistently. However, there were bruises and scabs on both of them. Some of Sarah’s veins were swollen in spots from her previous battles and escapes. However, they did not seem to mind. I noticed they did not heal as quickly as most humans, nor as quickly as the vampire in them, when they had a good feeding. In fact, they were quite slow to heal. When he finished, both Moon and Sarah licked the crook of their arms… just like a cat would do when bathing or tending a wound. Doc left with his samples, to his area in the chamber below, to continue his studies on these two creations. I followed him, knowing he would reveal whatever findings he had, although I could not yet tell if it would be any more than I had already been told by him. He lit candles in the chamber, opened his journal on a shelf on the far side of the room, and stared at it intently.

Have you anything new to report? I asked.

He turned to me and shook his head, "Nothing is like anything I have ever seen before. While studying to become a doctor, we not only looked at humans, but also animals. We studied the internal organs of both. At present, I can see only their blood, and it is nothing like typical human or animal blood in any way. Even the color is slightly different. It is not just the skin, hair, fur, and blood; the behaviors are even quite unique. Their language is altering, their eyes have altered, and their blood has been changing for weeks. It appears Moon may already be through with her blood changes, as she has stayed the same now for more than three weeks, but Sarah’s blood is still in what appears to be the last stages of transformation. It seems the final stage of the blood change does not coincide with the end of their physical changes. I do not even know if there is another process yet to come. Humans are born with most of what they are and will become. Vampires are changed into what they will become within moments of being turned. However, these creatures seem to be quick with their blood changes, and slow with their physical and language changes. Some of their former human characteristics seem to stay with them, such as their awkwardness and their form. The exception is the ‘filling out’ so quickly, as I’ve observed in Moon’s and Sarah’s bodies, although otherwise staying thin as we are. I do not know what this process might be like with a male human, nor if it is even possible for this to happen with male humans. I have nothing by which to reference."

Have you been able to understand any of their new words? I asked.

"Nothing as of yet. Their strange language only began when Sarah rejoined us. he affirmed, Perhaps is it something that is part of their creation only, and only with another of their kind can it be understood and utilized. Perhaps they simply created it out of necessity, due to the changes in their bodies, thus, their voices. I have been taught to dissect the human body and its illnesses. However these two I cannot dissect, even though they are in mostly human form. They appear not to be ill, but simply healthy creations of their own kind. Right now, it is all I can do to figure out what they are and what is happening to them during their own unique ‘turning’, let alone decoding their created language too. Perhaps, as their bodies alter, their need for their own language alters. It may be becoming more and more difficult to speak some sounds as their body alters. I cannot see a cat trying to speak like a human, nor a human understanding a cat’s message. We can only attribute meanings to repeated behaviors."

With that he turned and went back to his journal and magnifying lenses. I left him in silence… and to his medical puzzle.

Before I closed the door ensuring his privacy and concentration, I asked him one more thing. What do we call them?

He turned to me and thought a moment, finally saying, "Why don’t you decide that one for yourself, as I don’t imagine they have the ability to care in the slightest about such things."

Upon returning to the main level, the barn’s parlor, I was surprised to find that Moon and Sarah had already gone out again. Toby had ordered Cyan and Beth to take bird form again and seek them out, bringing back any knowledge of where they were, what they were doing, and if anyone else was involved. Beth was always eager to do this kind of work. Whenever given orders such as these, a vampiric smile formed within seconds on her face due to anticipation, even though her eyes grew serious. She was made for this life. I feared for her sometimes. It might take only a little to bring her completely to the evil side of this dark world. I feared that one day it might destroy her entirely, if she were to find herself in a situation she was not prepared to handle, due to her zest for the dark life and its many dangerous adventures. However, she may very well surprise us all and be more capable than many. She definitely had the passion for this dark life, and the desire; but did she have the control? This too, was another thing only time would tell. She was very stubborn and wanted things her way, so she would have to learn balance if she was to become the powerful vampire she wanted to be. I did not know yet if she was able to see this, but I knew with time she would, if she paid attention to the lessons in her path. She left with Cyan, and the rest of us waited for them to return, while watching the interactions of the younger goons to pass the time. Cyan and Beth would have to return before any light