Chapter 1:

It’ll be fine, they told me. You’ll meet new people, and befriend them, they told me.

Well, they were wrong. Sure, I have a few friends in this god forsaken class, and that is much better than what I’d hoped for. That isn’t the problem. No, the problem is the others…they just can’t leave me alone! I hate them; they always tease and bully me. Trust me, it is a long story, and I am not even going to tell you what they have done. Let’s just say it hasn’t been good to my self-esteem. Well, whatever. It’s okay.

It’s okay… That is my main choice of words when something is bothering me. I don’t know why, but I am not the type of person to bite back. I am the person who backs away, and say “I am sorry”, even if I haven’t done anything…yeah, I know, lame right? Well, that is just who I am, so if you have a problem, please speak to my parents about it.

Speaking of parents…that is something else I am not entirely happy about. Sure, I love them, but I don’t see them. Not anymore……..They are not dead, if that is what you are thinking. No, they just live different places from me. I cannot live with my father. He has done things to me that made me have to go to a psychologist…and my mother was not able to take care of me. My brother was always the favorite. You could call me the black sheep, because that is what I was with my family.

Please, do understand that I hold no grudge against them, because I still love them more than anything, and I miss them a lot. Don’t ask why, I don’t even know myself, but I do know that family is the most important thing to me.

So, where do I live now? Well, I live in a foster family in Denmark. Yes, Denmark. That is my home country, but I always speak English, because I love languages. I even think in English. But that is not the-

“…Hanna! Would you be so kind and solve this problem on the chalkboard?” My teacher said, bringing me back to reality.

“H-huh…oh, eh, sure, I’ll do that!” I said, and heard the others snicker. Great, just great!

I stood up from my chair, and walked over to the waiting board. My teacher, Yvonne, handed me the chalk, and I began solving the problem. The others were in full spirit, and seemed to have several conversations behind…the heck? Why does Yvonne not say anything?  Gee, what enthusiasm!

When I finished, Yvonne looked it through, and nodded slightly. She then told me to sit down again. I did.

“Then, class. We have a new transfer student. He will be joining us today, so take good care of him!” She said, and then continued: “We need someone to show him around the school…hmm, let’s see…Hanna; you are to show him around in the breaks!” My teacher said, a bit too happy for my liking. Again, why me?

I sighed, and gave a small nod. Yvonne was satisfied with that, and she proceeded to call the new student in.

The door opened slowly, and a tall, black haired boy walked in. He was stunning, to say the least. I am not kidding here, I speak of my heart, and you can believe me, because I have never been in love yet…and I am 15 years old. Not that I am now, but he really is eye-candy! His body is not thin, but not overly muscular either, so normal built is the word, but not either…it is kind of hard to explain, because there is more than just that. His eyes are a piercing sea blue color, which seems to drag everyone in. His face and skin look very smooth, and he is just perfect. No matter how hard I look, I just can’t find anything wrong with him.

Every girl in the room is blushing, and the boys are fuming with…jealousy? Gee, grow up guys!

I sigh again, and bow my head, not wanting to meet his eyes. Sure, he is gorgeous, but so what? I hardly know the guy!

The boy walks up to Yvonne’s desk, and even she seems captivated by him. Hmpf. Luckily, she snaps out of her daydreaming when the boy looks at her with a questioning look.

“Oh, excuse my rudeness!” Yvonne laughs nervously, and then says: “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Yvonne Hansen, and I am your homeroom teacher. It is very nice to meet you!” She proceeds to shake his hand, and he nods at her, then turn his gaze at us. I decide it is time for my sky-gazing time. No need to feel unwanted attention. This is about him, not me.

“Why don’t you introduce yourself?” Yvonne asks him with a smile.

“Alright” he answers, “My name is Eric Clovess, and I come from America. Please treat me nicely.”

“Well, Eric, let’s find a seat for you.” She scanned the room with her narrowed eyes, and, to my luck, there was a free table besides me. Oh shucks, how lucky I am…not.

He looked at me for a brief second, but that was enough for me to notice him widen his eyes. What now, am I too ugly, that I make people like him stunned? Come on, for crying out loud!

He sits at his new table, and seems awfully comfortable. He looks at me yet again, and I feel more and more uncomfortable. I mean, what is it? Is something stuck in my face?

He then did something I did not expect. He smiled. Why would he smile, and why me? Nobody smiles at me…not knowing what to do, I smile back, a bit awkward. I then turn to gaze at the sky once again.

Even though I wasn’t looking at him, I could still see the small frown he suddenly had.

“Hey…my name is Eric, but I just said that” He smiled sheepishly “It’s very nice to meet you. What is your name, if I may?”

I stare at him for a brief second, and then answer “Eh…my name? Sure, well, I’m called Hanna. It is nice to meet you too.” I said, not too bright, not too dark.

He frowned again. What was his problem?  I was about to look outside again, when I suddenly remembered:

“Oh, yeah, I am supposed to show you around in our breaks. I hope you’ll bear with me!” I said.

He smiled again, his perfect white teeth almost blinding me. Note to self: get some sunglasses.

“I’d like that. Thank you Hanna.”

We did not speak to each other after that, because the lesson had started.

I sighed for the…’I don’t know how many’ time. This was going to be a long day.

2: Chapter two

Chapter 2:

 

300 hundred years ago: London, England.

A lone boy sat on a bench in a park called St. James's Park. The view was amazing, as always, and the boy loved to come there when everything was too much. This place was soothing for him, and it made him feel safe. Something about the nature was just…magical. He didn’t know if others felt that way, but for him it was normal.

He had just had an argument with his older brother, Charles, and he fled to this park soon after. He wasn’t the person to hate anyone, but Charles came close. His mother didn’t care where he was, or when, and his father had died shortly after his birth. He felt very lonely at times, but this park made him feel needed; he had no idea why, it just did.

And he was thankful for that. He didn’t know what he would have done without it. Sometimes, life could just be too much, but he refused to do any self harm; he wasn’t like that.

No, despite the harshness of life, he still found it beautiful. He knew everything could change for the better, and he knew everyone had a chance in life.

The sun was slowly setting, a signal for the boy to get home soon. He had been daydreaming all day, it would appear, as it was his favorite thing to do. Scratch that, his second favorite thing, the first being art.

Yes, he was very feminine, but that did not bother him. It bothered Charles, though, thus resulting in all those fights. Why couldn’t he just accept him for who he was?

He slowly got up from the bench, stretched a bit, and began walking home. On the way, he noticed, that he was alone. No one could be seen, and the streets were empty with the exception of dust and him.

‘How odd’ he thought. ‘There are usually some people around this time of the day. This is the first time I have been alone here, and that says a lot, because I come here almost every day.’

He shrugged, and continued on his way home. When he neared the street before his own, he heard someone scream. He was startled, and looked everywhere for the disturbing noise. He saw a woman run towards him, blood fussing out of her left arm, and he identified the scream to be hers. His eyes were huge with surprise, and a sudden rush of fear took over him. What was going on? 

The woman was so terrified that she didn’t notice the boy, and ran right into him, knocking them both down on the ground. Her blood began to cover his shirt and pants, and he could see she was beginning to get dizzy.

“H-help…” She said weakly, and passed out.

“Shit!” He cursed, something very unlike him.

He wriggled out of the woman’s body, stood up, and grabbed the woman around her arms, getting her to stand, and then held her in bridal style.

That didn’t last long, because as soon as he took a step, a huge black shadow came upon him, and made him fall once again, giving him a Maverick with the woman on top of him.

“Urgh!” He shouted in pain. That seemed to have been a bad idea, because the black shadow took this opportunity to shrink, and fly into his mouth, making him cough profusely.

“…What…the hell was that…?!” He was starting to feel weird, as if something was toying with his internal organs. It hurt, and it hurt a lot. His eyes began to close, and soon, he could see no more than darkness…

 

Present year, Denmark, Copenhagen.

“…And that was it for the first lesson, class” Yvonne said, silently overjoyed that it was over for her part. “Remember, you have an essay to write till Friday!” She finished, and walked out of the class.

I sighed, and began putting my Danish books away. I could feel someone stare at me, and I had a feeling I knew who it was.

“So…” Eric began, “Should we get going? I mean, for the tour?”

Urgh…that’s right, I forgot…….Don’t judge me! I know it’s only been an hour since I was told to give him a tour! I just have the memory of a pensioner!

“Eh, sure, come with me.” I said, as I stood up from my table, and began walking towards the door.  He followed me, and together we exited the classroom.

“This here is the main hall, where our morning assembles and traditional songs are held. It’s huge, isn’t it?” I asked.

He looked around us, and sure enough, it was enormous!  The hall was at least two kilometers long, if not more, and it was round, with three floors high. There were classrooms all around, and in the far end of the hall, was a scene with some small stairs, where the principal usually held his speeches.  On the ceiling was a huge compass watch, so huge that it looked like it was the whole ceiling. The school was colored in many different colors, but red and blue was the most common color, if one were to look close.  On each different floor were small fences, obviously to prevent the students to fall down.

“…Yes, it is huge indeed.” He replied. It looked as though he was a bit impressed with the size of the compass on the ceiling. No surprise there, I was too, when I first saw it.

The break went with me showing Eric the library, the principal’s office, the three floors, the dentist, the music room and so on…Yes, I showed him everything in just 15 minutes. Though, at some point, I got the feeling he wasn’t paying attention to what I said, and every time I looked at him, he smiled, as if I had caught him doing something he wasn’t allowed to…now what was with that? Weird dude…

“Well, that was it…I hope you enjoyed the tour, ‘cause you aren’t getting a second one!” I said to him as we neared the classroom again.

“Yes, thank you for the tour, it was very nice. This school seems interesting.” He replied.

I made a face that said ‘Wait, are you serious?’ and he just laughed.

“Not a fan of the school, I take it?”

“More like the archenemy of this hellish place…but I guess the school hasn’t done anything. It’s those who go in it. Well, whatever! See you in class!” I said and entered the room.

Eric’s POW:

Hm…this is not how I thought it would go. On the other hand, I would also have been surprised if she’d suddenly just loved me…It didn’t seem like a problem with the others, though. Why is this person so different?

“Hanna, huh…” I said, a little smirk showing on my face. This was interesting indeed. She had the sweetest blood I had ever smelled. It took every ounce of my willpower not to flash my fangs and bite that delicate neck of hers…

“No…” I snapped myself out of it. “This isn’t good…She’s just like him…”

I walked into the classroom, and sat at my place next to Hanna. She was watching the sky again, which she did a lot. What was so fascinating about it anyway?

She noticed me staring, and looked over at me, and I just smiled again, revealing pearly white teeth. She squeaked and closed her eyes, as if the light had hit her eyes. Oh….my teeth.

Note to self: Stop smiling so much…

She looked away again, and a few minutes passed before our English teacher came. It was a huge man with a jumpsuit on….

Hold on…

JUST. A. MINUTE.

The jumpsuit is……PINK?! And what the hell is with his face?! Why are the lips so red…is that mascara I can see?

Omigawdnogetthisthingaway!!!  

He’s so muscular, yet…the hell?! His eyes, they-they…are they sparkling?!

Oh no…he’s coming over here!

NOOooooo!!!

Hanna’s POW:

…the hell is wrong with him? He looks like a small child that just saw his worst nightmare come true…Sure, Mr. Baylon is pretty weird, but who isn’t? …this is actually kind of fun. I didn’t think someone like him would react that way!

God what I would give to have some popcorn now!

Oh well, I’ll just watch the show without…perhaps this day won’t be as bad as I thought!

“Hello there~” Mr. Baylon said to Eric, who only looked more and more terrified for each step he took. Haha, this is better than going to the cinema!

“I don’t think we have met yet my darling~” Mr. Baylon continued, “What is the name of such a pretty face~?” He asked, and did his famous wink towards Eric.

Eric had the face of a horrified meme, and he was beginning to sweat profusely. I could hear him swallow hard, and he took his shaking hand out to greet the creatu-teacher.

“He-hello…my n-name is Eric…” He answered shakily.

“Ooooh myyyyy~ <3 What a lovely name! It is a pleasure to meet you Eric dear, my name is Frans Baylon, but you can call me baybay~” Mr. Baylon said while squealing like a little girl. Alright, even I was beginning to get scared. Mr. Baylon had always been a weird creatu-teahcer, but this is the first time he has acted like that! Perhaps…no way….

“Th-thanks…I guess?” Eric answered.

“Aww, you’re very welcome!” He then walked away from Eric, and started the lesson. The whole hour Eric had not moved an inch, and he was as pale as a ghost.

The lessons went by surprisingly fast, and now it was time for lunch.

I took out my lunchbox that I made, and began eating. I usually sat alone, but Eric still hadn’t moved from his spot. I actually began to worry a little.

“Hey…hey..HEY!!” I shouted.

His eyes opened, and he snapped out of his little role as a statue.

“H-huh?”

“It is lunch time you douche! I just woke you up!”

“Oh…” He said, looking around. Most of the students had gone to the cafeteria, so there weren’t many. But there was a certain table, with certain girls, who always stayed in the class.

Eric then looked at me, this time with no blinding smile, and continued to sit there, without getting his lunch out, or anything. That was a little weird, so I decided to ask:

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“I’m not hungry” He said, just as his stomach growled. What a bald-faced lie!

“Well, your stomach says otherwise” I said with a knowing grin on my face.

Eric blushed and scoffed. “I can manage” was his only reply.

Hm…

“Have you perhaps…forgotten your lunch?” I asked, my grin looking more like a cat’s now.

He scoffed again. “S-something like that…”

Double hm…

I looked at him, and then at my lunch. Seeing as I always make far more than I can eat, I decided to offer some.

“Here,” I said, giving him some of my food on my lunch box lid. “I have more than enough for the two of us, so dig in!”

He looked at me with a surprised look, as if I had grown a second head. Was it really that unnatural to offer some of your food?

He slowly took the lid, his eyes not moving from mine.

“Thank you…”

Eric’s POW:

Well, THAT was unexpected! Never in my dreams would I have thought she would share…Not that I know her, but considering me being new and all…and our awkward moments together…

But…this just confirms my suspicion. She is just like him.

Perhaps…no…I shouldn’t get my hopes up.

My stomach growled again. Damn! I really am hungry, and however sweet it was of her to offer her food, it just isn’t going to satisfy me…

I guess I know what I should do this afternoon.

“Thank you…” I tell her, and she nods.

I begin to eat, not really feeling like it, but I do it anyway, as to not make Hanna upset.

I quickly stop though, as I can feel someone approaching us. I look behind me, and see one of the girls from the other table make her way over here. I narrow my eyes. I’m not a vampire without some abilities, now am I?

I can clearly read her mind, and she isn’t very nice towards Hanna, that is for sure.

When she finally stands in front of Hanna and me, I already know what she is going to say, and I do not like any of it.

Perhaps she could be a nice meal….No, hunger aside, I have to defend Hanna!

“Hey there, Eric….Hanna” She says, clear hatred when mentioning Hanna’s name. I glare at her.

“Hello….?” I say, not knowing her name, and not really wanting to.

“Oh, hehe, my name is Helena!” She giggles, which makes me roll my eyes. I hate girly snobs like that.

“I was wondering…why are you still sitting around this ugly bitch?” Her smile did not falter; on the contrary, it became more apparent. “You do know, you are allowed to sit wherever you want in the breaks, or?”

I can see Hanna tense up, and I know by now that her words and attitude is a routine for her. Poor girl, has she been suffering from these bitches a long time?

Seeing as I didn’t answer, Helena continued.

“Why don’t you come over to our table? Where the cool and pretty girls are? You are much better off with us than with this thing” She said, putting emphasis on ‘this thing’.

Hanna glared at her, and her eyes were full of hatred. Oh…the feeling was mutual.

“After all, this thing should just drop dead, don’t you think?” Helena finished.

Okay, that was it.

I rose from my seat, my fists balled up, and I unleashed some of my dark aura to scare her a bit.

It worked.

“I’ll tell you what, Helena. I decide who I want to sit with, and who I don’t. You are definitely one I would never sit with, even if my life was on the line. Who do you think you are, insulting Hanna like that? She hasn’t even done anything! If you think you’ll win me over like that, you can think again!” My rage was practically spilling out in the air.

Helena stood there, completely dumbstruck. Her eyes were wide open and her mouth was slightly parted.

Oooh, but I wasn’t done yet.

“You know, I think the bitch here is standing right in front of me. And she practically reeks of jealousy towards Hanna, so she had to insult her, just to make herself feel better. You know who she is?” I asked with a sadistic smile.

“You, my dear” I spat.

My eyes locked upon her neck, and I had the urge to rip it out, and suck all of the red liquid out of her, partly because of my hunger, but mostly out of rage. I had met many people like her, and I just can’t stand them.

“So you better get your ugly butt out of here befo-“I began, but was interrupted by Hanna.

“Enough” She said, her voice emotionless, and her eyes blank. “Enough, Eric… It’s okay”.

She gave a small, forced smile that only reflected sadness.

This was the first time I noticed the pain in her…Just what had happened to her?

Helena still stood in front of us, apparently paralyzed, until I growled:

“Fuck off!”

She did.

Hanna then turned her head to the window, and was once again looking at the sky, not bothering to eat her remaining food.

It was then that I decided:

I will help her, even if she isn’t him.

I will protect her, even if she won’t like it.

And I will stay with her, even if she protests.

3: Chapter three

Chapter 3:

 

300 hundred years ago: London, England.

There was no mistake; he definitely heard a scream coming from around the corner. His whole body flinched, and soon after, it seemed to run towards the sound on its own. Normally, he wouldn’t even bother to check trivial things out like that; he was immortal, and he had experienced a lot of things with the years, so a small scream like that should be nothing. But, his feet were still dragging him, and the closer he got, the faster his legs went. It was a strange sensation, really. He supposed it had to do with the feeling he felt before all of this, like an evil present of something that wasn’t supposed to be in this world. Not that he could say anything, seeing as he didn’t belong anywhere either.

Every night, every day, every hour…heck, every second was the same to him. Nothing happened in this immortal life of his, and he went with the routine like always…but this was different. This was not something he usually did. His heart beat faster and faster, as he got out of a narrow corner, only to see a young male kneeling with a woman right beside him. The woman was unconscious and obviously injured, and the smell of blood hit him like a train. He groaned, feeling dizzy with hunger. It had been a while since he fed…far too long when standing in a situation like that.

His narrowed eyes focused on the boy kneeling, and he could barely see the black haze-like shadow shrinking and diving for the male’s open mouth. The boy let out a strangled scream, and he fell down, rolling with pain in his entire body. It seemed as though the shadow was tearing him apart from the inside, and the male coughed up blood.

Sweet, sweet blood; the most delicious he had ever smelt before. His mind became fuzzy with bloodlust, but a part of him held back. That part was surprisingly strong, and it felt as if he was hit in the face. He blinked, and his vision slowly came back. That was when he regained his mind; he had to do something.

Running up to the slowly dying boy, he stood there for a second, seeming to debate what to do, when realization hit him. He had encountered something like this before! The thing currently invading the young male’s body was a shallow leacher! It was known for eating its victims from the insides…

Now, if he remembered correctly, there were only two ways to get it out without KILLING the host;

1: Make the host drink a mixture of holy water and plasma

Or

2: Certain chants from the bible, along with a powder made of crystal

He didn’t exactly carry any of these things with him, so he had to think further…

What if…what if he were to drain the shallow leacher out? Would that even work? Hell, he didn’t have time to question himself! He could only pray that he wouldn’t lose control, and suck the poor boy dry after cleansing him of the leacher.

With that in mind, he picked the male up, and brushed some of his light brown locks away from his neck. His breathing became heave, and he licked the spot he would bite. His now long fangs scraped the nape of his neck, and bit down hard.

Blood immediately flowed into his mouth and he closed his eyes in bliss as he took a large gulp of it. The taste was beyond the word delicious, and he found himself taking another large gulp. It really had been too long.

It lasted like that for another few seconds, until he heard the boy faintly whimper. He stopped drinking his blood, and mentally slapped himself for losing control. Instead of drinking, he focused his mind and mental powers to the male’s whole body, as he concentrated on getting it out. He pushed with his mind, hard and strong, while his powers seeped into the boy. It took some minutes, but the beast roared, and flew out of its host quickly.

It went for an escape route, but he had already grabbed it with his free arm, and squeezed it to death with his “black hand magic”.

Everything became quiet once more, and the only sounds were his own ragged breathing, and the two beating hearts of the humans, though, the boy’s were quite faint. Slapping himself mentally once again, he lifted the boy up to his shoulder, and took the woman in his arms. He had to get them to a hospital.

Despite everything, he still felt good. After all, he saved a life…

 

Present year, Denmark, Copenhagen.

Hanna’s POV:

The final bell rang, and school was over at last. It might only have been seven hours, but it sure felt a lot more than that.

I sighed, and put my books in my backpack. I swung it over my shoulder, and began to leave the classroom. As I neared the exit, Eric caught up to me. He looked at me, and his eyes showed something that I hated:

Concern, pity…it practically shone from his eyes, it was THAT obvious.

I hated it, the look people gave me, like I was some sad little girl that gets bullied all the time. They look at me as if they feel with me; feel my pain…but, then why? Why didn’t they help? In all, they are just onlookers…They watch, but they do nothing.

I stopped my train of thought, as it dawned upon me that today was different. Today, someone actually stood up for me. No one had ever done that, and it felt kind of weird…in a good way.

Having that in thought, I overlooked his pitying eyes, and gave him a small, genuine smile. His eyes widened, but they quickly settled to fit his broad smile, though, this time without teeth, which I was grateful for.

“Thanks…for earlier.” I said with an obvious blush on my face. I was kind of embarrassed of the whole episode, but I still earned him my thanks.

He joined me, and we walked together.

“Don’t worry about it. I just hate bitches like that girl…Helena, was it? Screw her, don’t let any of her words get to you, ‘kay?”

Even if he didn’t tell me that, I would have been over it sooner or later. Life moves on, and you can’t sulk and feel bad about yourself forever. I learned this the hard way, so there was no need for his concern, really.

Still…it felt nice, in a sense. He’s really different from the others, I’ll give you that. I just don’t get why he’d choose to hang out with me of all people. God, I really think about things too much. I’m just happy to have someone to talk to.

Perhaps we could become friends?

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, and there wasn’t a cloud to see. It was the perfect weather to be out, and it certainly would be a shame to stay indoors…too bad I’m an indoor freak. I don’t like being outside for too long. I usually just go home after school, and watch some TV or play on my beloved computer…yes, beloved! Got a problem with that?

My foster parents, especially my foster mother, wanted me to go outside and hang with friends and such. Oh how I hated their persistence…but I guess it was their way of showing that they care.

I looked over at Eric, who had been walking with me for a while now, and I couldn’t help but wonder where he was headed to. Did he live close to me or something? He seemed to be lost in thought as well…

As we walked, I found myself studying his face and feature a little closer. He really was perfect, his nose, eyes, cheekbone and the lot…but as I looked, I noticed that he was extremely pale...I mean, paler than before. Was he getting the flu?

I unconsciously scooted away from him a little, and when he looked at me with questioning eyes, I slapped myself mentally. Great move, just great!

“Is something the matter?” He asked.

“Ah…Haha..no, not at all. My body just moved on its own and…yeah…” I blushed hard, and I noticed that he flinched. I raised an eyebrow.

“What about you? Are you okay?”

He gave me a smile, and it looked false. He looked like he was in pain.

“Yeah, it’s nothing; I’m just feeling under the weather.”

Did he say under the weather? He sounded like an old man.

“Alright, I guess…do you live close to here?”

“I do. I live in that rusty-red house over there. “He pointed towards it, and my gaze followed. It was a relatively normal house, with two floors and a brown rooftop. The garden was not tended to, and the grass had grown almost wild.

What surprised me, was, that my house was only two blocks away. We were practically neighbors!

Seriously, this day was getting weirder and weirder.

“I will take my leave, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He said, and walked up to his house.

I stood there for a second, and then moved towards my own. Time for watching television!

Eric’s POV:

I unlocked my door, and went inside. The heat was killing me today. Not only that, it was hard being with Hanna when I was hungry. Her blood taunted me every time she blushed…who was I kidding? It taunted me with each heartbeat!

Although, it was well worth it, since I saw a genuine smile from her! She had seemed so gloomy after that bitch made those retorts, but luckily, I had some influence on her mood…or, at least I think I had.

The more time I spend with her, the more I realize how alike they are. Perhaps my mind was just playing dirty tricks on me, and I don’t believe in reincarnation, so…

Maybe I was finally getting over everything? Would I finally be able to start a friendship with another person that wasn’t him? I guess only time could tell. For now, I should focus on the problem at hand.

As if on cue, my stomach growled. Damn, it sure was loud today.

I walked into the living room and looked at my few belongings. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to pass as normal. I was never the person to care for objects anyway. The only reason I had them, was if someone were to visit, and that rarely happened.

I walked into my kitchen next, and went out of the backdoor. This part of my garden was even worse than the front yard. One would probably think that I was raising a jungle here. Though, I was glad that I lived where I did; a kilometer away or so was a forest, full of animals, and it was the perfect place for me to hunt.

Animal blood didn’t even compare to human blood, but it kept me fed for a while. Besides, I had stopped hunting humans a long time ago. It was a new age, new rules and laws…so many things changed, and so fast.

I moved with my vampire speed, and was at the forest five minutes later. My fangs had extended, ready to pierce any animal in sight. I hated this side of me, but it was a part of me; of who I was. I spotted a deer at the end of some bushes, gnawing on some grass, still unaware of the danger nearing. I crouched down, nearing it slowly, like a predator nearing its prey. Once close enough, I waited for the right moment, and lurched.

It shrieked and tried to run, but I caught it by its neck, and held it strong so it wouldn’t escape. Deep inside, I felt sorry for the poor animal, and gave a small apology, before I sank my teeth into its neck, piercing its skin and arteries.

Blood flowed immediately, and I gulped it down greedily. It slid down my throat, into my stomach, and one large swallow of blood after another went on until the poor deer was out of blood. I tried to get more out, but to no avail. I let the now dead deer go, and I watched it fall to the ground with a thud.

I wiped my mouth, and proceeded to walk back home. As I got to the forest’s entry, a black shadow emerged out of nowhere, and I widened my eyes.

Why was it…?

The shadow took the form of a large human male, but only it’s red, glowing eyes were prominent on it. It didn’t really care about how it looked.

I instantly tensed, and got into a fighting stance, ready to take on this new foe, but it did not attack. It stood there, doing nothing but stare at me. I lowered my arms a bit, but not enough to let my guard down. Just as I was about to move, it spoke; it’s loud, dark and rusty voice booming in my eardrums.

“So we meet again, vampire. Still as ignorant as always, I see.”

Meet again? What did it mean by that? I had never seen that shadow-creature before…

“…And I see that you do not recognize me, but no surprise there. I know you, but you don’t know me.”

This was getting nowhere. I wanted to get this over with, get home and take a nice, long shower.

“What do you want from me, creepy stalker?”

Its eyes shone even more at my remark, and I had clearly made it mad. I had the urge to ask ‘U mad Bro?’, but choose against it. No time to play with fate, I had a bath waiting at home.

“And your cockiness is still present, you damn vampire. Listen, and listen closely. I’ll take away what you hold dearest, just like in the past. I came here to tell you, and you can do nothing about it.”

It laughed evilly, and I facepalmed. God, antagonists were so stupid! They tell the heroes their evil plans, and in the end, their plan was ruined by said hero.

“I’m looking forward to destroy your so-called life all over again. I shall see you again.”

With that, it vanished, and I was left standing alone again. I walked home, and sat down at my couch. Sure, that douche-shadow didn’t look like a threat, but what it said unnerved me.

He will destroy what I hold dearest? Just like in the past? Destroy my life? All over again?

Things were about to get dangerous, and in all my thoughts, Hanna appeared. At first, I was confused as to why she would appear in my head, but then I realized.

I had to protect her, even if I didn’t know her that well.

It was a feeling I had…

She was in danger.

4: Chapter four

Chapter 4:

 

300 hundred years ago: London, England.

It had been a few weeks since the incident happened. The hospital had immediately tended to them, and while the woman regained consciousness a day after, the male stayed unconscious for five days straight. Although his condition wasn’t critical, he still felt bad, for being partly responsible for the boy’s blood loss. Thus, the reason he had watched him for the past few weeks. He felt like a stalker, but quickly shoved that feeling away. He was only concerned about the male’s wellbeing…right? So why did he feel the need to talk to him?

The boy was currently sitting on a bench in a nice park, and he was alone, but didn’t look lonely. He looked like he was enjoying himself, like he had done the week before. The boy came to this park every day, and he wondered what this place meant to him. The past week, he had only observed, but the growing need to start a conversation, drove him to walk over, as he revealed himself from his hiding place.

The male didn’t notice him, until he sat on the bench. The boy looked at him, then around them and saw that there were many empty benches, and it looked like the boy was confused, as to why he had chosen to sit with him.

They both sat there for a couple of minutes, neither saying anything. He decided to break the silence:

“…Nice day, don’t you think?”

He cursed himself for the awkwardness in that question.

“Yea-yeah…” The boy said, just as awkward and scratched his neck, where faint bite marks could be spotted, the ones he had made on that day.

He licked his lips, which were suddenly very dry.

“My name is Eric. If I may ask, what is yours?”

The boy looked into his eyes, and stayed quiet for some time.

“My name…I’m called Michael.” He said, turning his head away, not really feeling too confident.

Eric thought about what he should say, when Michael began;

“You know, not many people sit here. Only a few people, like an old lady from around here, accompany me…not that I mind you being here, I mean, it’s a free country.”

Eric was a bit surprised by this boy’s…no, Michael’s sudden talkativeness, when he was quite shy just a moment ago. He didn’t complain, though, as this lessened the thick awkwardness hanging around them.

Feeling a bit more confident, Eric answered “I hear that a lot. People usually don’t get me, and some even avoids me because of this, but I think it’s nicer to sit with someone, rather than being alone.”

He chuckled, a very nice sound in Eric’s ear.

“Yeah, I feel the same way, but sometimes, a person just needs time for themselves…being with friends and loved ones are great, but every man needs quality time alone.”

This person was actually pretty deep, and Eric liked his company.

“I know. Just let me know if you need time alone. I wouldn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“Don’t worry about it. Strangely enough, I don’t mind your company. Like you, I am an awkward person that people tends to avoid. My brother, for example, is constantly after me, telling me what to like and what not. I feel suffocated. So I usually stay here in this park. Don’t you find it almost…magical?”

Eric looked around, trying to locate this “magic”, when he realized that it wasn’t meant like that.

“Yes, it is quite beautiful. I’ll be sure to visit more often.” Mostly because he was there, and Eric felt some kind of connection to Michael, however weird that was.

In all of the years he had been alive…or, undead, he never felt so natural. Like this was the beginning of some destined friendship…

But in good, there would be bad, and Eric knew that. He was a vampire, and Michael was human. Unlike the famous belief, vampires weren’t made, but born. There was no way for Michael to be a vampire. Still, he could cherish this newly started friendship, and live it through with him, until Michael took his last breath.

Eric was used to seeing people die, after all, he was immortal. He had stopped counting the years that went by a long time ago. It wasn’t worth it, and it wasn’t worth starting a relationship with someone who’d eventually leave him.

That was what he felt. That was how Eric had always thought. But this boy made him think otherwise. He was afraid of bonding with others, but he felt like he had to with Michael. He was used to run, but now he had to get used to stay. Like his later mother had once said; ‘Learn to live and love. It’s good to be cautious, but it’s not good to run from reality. Face it, and you will see.’

Perhaps it was time to stand face to face with reality, and stop being a coward?

In any case, here he was, doing what was against his thoughts and feelings.

And it felt…good.

“That’s great! We’ll probably be seeing each other a lot more often, then! Be sure to say hi. You can always find me here, and if not, I’m either in school, at home or to my art lessons.” Michael said enthusiastically, giving Eric a smile.

He snapped out of his thoughts, and smiled back.

“I’ll be sure to talk to you as much as possible.”

Michael looked down for a second and Eric was afraid he had said something wrong.

“You know, you are the first person not to comment on my art lessons. I really appreciate that. Nobody understands why I, a male, love art so much. Even my art teacher, who is female, tells me to stop. I guess she says that, because the other taunts me quite a bit.”

Eric felt bad for him, and wanted to comfort him, but he couldn’t. What COULD he do, when they’d just met? Besides, he would never be able to open up like that. He never shared any of his stories, past or inner thoughts. It was far too risky.

So, he said what he could.

“Don’t let it get to you. Believe in what you believe, and screw the others. Stay strong and hang on to your dreams.” Wow, he sounded like a philosophic.

He looked up again, and gave a small nod.

“Yeah, I’ll never give up. Thank you…Eric.”

Eric gave him thumbs up.

The sun was slowly setting, and Michael looked around.

“Wow, it’s already this late…I have to go now. I guess…I’ll be seeing you?”

“You bet, friend.” Eric grinned.

Michael’s eyes widened at that one word and tears welled up in the corners of his eyes. His smile turned to a wide grin, teeth and all.

“Yep!”

And then he left, leaving Eric alone at the bench, the only company now his thoughts.

 

Present year, Denmark, Copenhagen.

Eric’s POV:

I woke up to the blinding sun, and I quickly covered my head with my pillow. My alarm clock rang in the background, and its annoying little beep sounds drove me crazy.

Why I had chosen to attend a school in the first place was out my mind. Oh, wait…I was bored. I cursed myself and my “bright” idea, as I got up and out of bed.

Getting ready for school was no hassle and since I had fed yesterday, my stomach was still quite full. I was looking forward to see Hanna today, and I wondered if she had experienced anything out of the ordinary. I hoped not.

As I grabbed my backpack and walked over to my door, the bell rang, and I jumped slightly from the shock. What, a big mean vampire getting scared of his own doorbell? I’m so manly.

I briefly wondered who it was, and opened the door.

Hanna’s POV:

I had NO idea what I was doing. Why, oh why was I standing in front of Eric’s door, not to say RANG HIS BELL? I must have lost it already. I wonder if I took one of my dog’s pills yesterday, instead of my own…

Oh well.

It didn’t really matter anyway. As I mentioned before, we were practically neighbors, so why not walk together if we attended the same school?

The door opened, and a surprised Eric stood was what greeted me.

“Well, good morning to you too!” I said sarcastically.

He snapped out of it, and scratched his head in embarrassment.

“Yeah, morning…”

He looked me up and down, and I tensed a bit. Was there something wrong with how I looked today?

“You have nice bed hair today.” He chuckled, and I blushed.

“Well, you…!” I stopped, and looked at him. He was still as perfect as yesterday.

“…Never mind.”

He raised an eyebrow, but did not say anything.

“So, what brings you here? Aren’t you going to school?” He asked dumbly…well, it was a dumb question in my head.

“Of course I am! You are such a douche! I’m here so we can walk together! Or, are you not going to school?” I narrowed my eyes.

Realization seemed to hit him at that. Good for him.

“Don’t worry; I was just about to leave for school. Shall we go, then?” He smiled.

I nodded, and we walked down the road, towards the school. As we walked, he made small talk here and there, and I could do nothing but nod.

He sure was lively today. And to think I was worried about him getting the flu…

“…But, really, what is with your hair today? It looks like you haven’t brushed it.” He asked.

“Yeah, you’re right. I overslept, and didn’t have time to brush it completely. I had a weird dream tonight, and I blame it for my lateness.”

“You had a weird dream? What was it about, if I may ask?”

Was this dude serious? Did he want to hear one of my lame dreams? Talk about strange…

“You really sound like an old dude sometimes, you know that?”

He gave me a lazy smile as reply.

“Alright, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to tell you…It started out with me standing in completely white. There was nothing, except me, and all I could do was wander about aimlessly. Yet, even though there was nothing, I felt like I was home; I felt strangely connected to that place, like I knew it from before.”

I paused for a second to inhale some air. Eric was looking at me with dead serious eyes. He was very interested in the story, I could tell just by looking.

“I stayed like that for who knows how long, wandering about, until I came across a mirror. It was the first object I had seen in that place. I didn’t know where it came from, but it was there. I looked into the mirror, and the weird part of my dream was, that I saw a boy in my reflection, not myself. We did not look alike, but had a few common traits, such as light brown hair and blue eyes…But when I moved, he did the same, like it truly was my reflection.”

I looked at Eric to get some kind of response, and saw that his eyes were widened. Why would he be shocked of my dream? After all, a dream is a dream…

“Is…is that everything? Is there more to your dream?” He asked in a low voice, and I frowned.

I thought for a second, and then a light bulb hit me…curse those light bulbs…

“Actually, there is…Right at the end of my dream, I saw a black shadow-like creature floating and clinging to the boy in the mirror. It was kind of creepy, and it had red eyes. But after that, I woke up.”

Eric nodded, and thanked me quick for telling him. We did not speak the rest of the way, and I wondered what had made him act like that.

XxXxXxXx

The first few hours of school went by normally, and it was time for lunch once again. I had my usual food with me, and there was still a bit too much, so I thought if Eric maybe wanted something today as well. I turned around to ask him, but only to meet thin air.

Where had he gone? I didn’t even notice he left…Some stealth this guy had!

I sighed, and turned back to my food, digging in.

It’s not like he’d stay at my side the whole day, no, that would be stupid. Even with that thought, I still couldn’t help feeling a bit lonely…

Had I become attached to him after only two days? No way…

Eric’s POV:

I should probably have told Hanna that I left, but my thoughts just wouldn’t leave me alone. They were so wild, I was afraid they’d spill if I spoke out loud.

What was up with me anyway? It was a dream, and she said so herself. But, what she told me…What she described…

And that boy in the mirror…Light brown hair and blue eyes…Could it have been Michael?

No, damn it, no! There was no way Michael could have appeared in Hanna’s dream. How weird did that sound anyway? As said before, I didn’t believe in reincarnation!

It must have been the work of that shadow I met yesterday! It had to be its doing, or I was going crazy. Michael was dead, and he had been dead for a long time. Sure, Hanna and Michael might be similar, but so what?

That shadow was for real yesterday…I thought it was some kind of sick joke, but…

Anyway, that was all the more reason to be cautious and protect Hanna. Still, why us? Why would it want to destroy our lives?

For the past 200 years, my life had been peaceful, if not boring, so why now?

Deciding that strangling me with my thoughts wasn’t going to help, I walked back to the classroom.

As I entered, there was truly a sight to behold.

Hanna’s POV:

I was eating my food slower than usual, and I felt surprisingly sleepy all of a sudden. I yawned, and looked out the window, watching the clouds as I usually did. The clouds had various forms, and I found it entertaining, that I could see many different things through the shapes of the clouds. Today, I could see the form of a baby, as well as a horse. The other clouds were too difficult to tell.

Seconds turned into minutes, but for a moment, time was still. The clouds weren’t moving, the birds weren’t flying, and no sound could be heard. I looked around the classroom, a bit bewildered. What was going on?

As if my question was heard, a huge shadow materialized right before me, the exact same shadow that appeared in my dream. I let out a scream, and its red eyes shone dangerously. The others in the class weren’t moving, and the shadow formed into a tall man.

Like a cloud…

My vision began to blurry, as the creature seemed to walk right into me. After that, I blacked out, and I was only able to hear my thoughts, like I was trapped in a cage in the dark.

That was when it spoke;

“Kill them. Kill them all, every single one of them. Kill those who hurt you, kill those who oppose you.”

It began to hurt all over, and I screamed again. I tried to block the sound out, but it kept going.

“Kill them, kill them, kill, kill, kill….”

“KILL!”

I lost it. I was no longer me. Where was I? Who was I?

Someone, please help…

I didn’t know what I was doing. What was I doing?

Someone…

I heard screams. Whose screams?

Please…

I saw something red. What is red?

No…

I heard laughter. Am I laughing?

No…

The door slammed open. He’s here, he’s here!

STOP IT!!!

Eric’s POV:

Hanna was out of control. She was laughing profusely, and she kept scratching the other students…what in the world happened while I was gone?!

I could smell human blood, and I knew she had gone too far. This was not right, something was wrong…

I saw her eyes, and they were blood-red. Was she possessed?

“Hanna, no, let them go! Stop it all!” I shouted, and ran over to her.

She kicked me in the shin, and I cried some manly tears, before I grabbed a hold of her hands. I threw her down on the ground, and sat on her back so she wouldn’t hurt anybody else.

She was screaming and kicking and scratching, and her voice sounded more and more demonic. There was no doubt, she was possessed.

And I had a feeling I knew who was behind it.

I had no time to think, so I sat her up, and hugged her. She hit me, kicked me and scratched me, but that didn’t matter. I had to calm her down.

I whispered soothing words into her ear, and held her firm with one hand, while the other caressed her back slowly.

“Its okay, Hanna, everything will be okay.”

She screamed again, but not as loud as before. Was it working?

“I’m here for you, Shh, I’m here…You can fight it, you are a strong person.”

Hanna’s POV:

Someone was holding me. Someone was whispering to me. Who?

Eric?

What was he saying?

…Strong?

I could do it?

Do what?

“It is just your imagination. There is no one here. You are all alone, and you will always be alone. Now kill”

No…I heard it, I heard him! I’m not alone!

“You will rot and die if you stay with him. Join me, and we shall kill everyone who opposes us!”

Shut up, I would never do such a thing!

“You speak nonsense, Hanna. You don’t even know who you are…”

Yes I do!

“Are you so sure?”

I…AM ME!!!

“….We’ll meet again.”

It was gone, the pain, the screams, everything. Darkness took a hold of me once again, but this time I was out.

But I felt safe.

I felt strong arms hold me, and I knew I was safe.

In the back of my mind, I thought I heard Eric say something…

“You did it, friend.”

Friend…

It sounded nice.