Monsters and Mortals
Book 1: The Reawakening of Monsters
By Katelynn Matta
1

Lucia, now that we are in this damnable little hick town, what should our lies be?
Oh, must you always be so pessimistic? We're just, starting anew'�again.
Well, I for one want a cool name, maybe Etienne.
You just want that name because you're a fan of the Three Musketeers.
So?! Anyway, Nessa, Clara, who do you want to be?
Well, who's ever heard of a Clara this side of the turn of the century? I think I'll go by Evelyn. Close to my heritage, yet different than the original.
I don't think there is any name close to Nessa, so I'm gonna go with'�random name out of a hat'�Caroline!
Ok, Nessa is Caroline, Clara is Evelyn, and Marcus, you're Etienne. Deal?
Wait, Lucia, who are you playing as?
You're right, I suppose Lucia won't do in this new world, will it? How about I go with. . .Vivienne, alright?
Am I too late for the role play?
Cassius!
None-other. So, can I still play?
Alright, who do you '
I wanna be gay.
Ok, but who do you '
I wanna be gay.
Cassius, I got it, you want to be gay, I can understand that. But what I'm trying to say is who do you want to be, name wise?
Oh, I don't know, Lenny?
Ok, no one else needs to show up, right; and all have our identities chosen? Good, now, you will be these people as long as we remain in Washington state, deal?
Deal.
Deal.
Deal.
Ok, deal. Let's get going.

* * *

One word, that's all it takes. One word to instill either fear or hope in a person. One word. Coven. That particular word immediately gives way to a question. What kind of coven? We all know of Vampire, Werewolf, and Witch covens. But on the other hand, there is the coven of Jesus Christ, and the covens of ancient gods. Then there are the people who make up the coven. Religious followers, psychopaths, vampires . . .
Whether people will admit it or not, covens are everywhere, even in schools. The two most famous covens in my school are the Coven of Carus and the Society of Vampire Hunters. The Vampire Hunters consist mainly of two people in our area. John Doyal, who swears he's the descendent of Gabriel Van Helsing, and Estella Commings, who swears she descends from no one famous. Everyone wanted to either be them, or be like them. Estella was beautiful and brilliant when it came to science. John was crafty and extraordinarily gifted at things like metal and wood shop.
And then there was the Twisted Trio of the Coven of Carus. They were said to be witches, one for each of the deadly elements. There was Caroline, who claimed to have supernatural powers came from the Realm of Fire. Vivienne, whose powers were that of the Realm of Earth. And there was Evelyn, whose magic was connected to the Realm of Water. They also claimed to be Vampires, bloodsuckers. I'm not sure if anyone believes them or not. They are said to be dangerous, so dangerous that not even the skeptics dare question them. Such is the power of rumor, yet still the skeptics speak'�
They say Vampires and scary things like that can't exist. But the way I see it, everyone has to believe in Vampires, even just a little bit. For there are only two kinds of people in this world; the believers and the nonbelievers. The nonbelievers are all but wiped out, coincidentally from not believing.
And then there's me. A nobody. I didn't belong to a group or club or coven. And as far as I knew, I didn't have any friends either. The way I saw it, if I dropped dead in the middle of the school halls, no one would notice. I'm the kid who sits in the front of the class and knows the answers to all the questions the teacher asks. Always raises my hand, but even the teacher fails to see me. I'm also the kid that has to take a year book to school every day just to prove to the kids that I'm not a new student. . .although sometimes I wish I was.
Like I said, me, the no body. The one no one saw, talked to, or thought about. Or at least that's what I thought . . .
'Do you have any plans tonight?'� Caroline was leaning on the lunch table I was sitting at. Next to me sat Vivienne and Evelyn, and they were staring at me, waiting for an answer.
'No.'� I snapped, a bit harsher than intended. More than anything I was surprised at the fact that someone was talking to me. Like I said earlier, a nobody.
Truthfully, it had been a rough morning. First, my alarm clock didn't go off this morning, I had to make my own lunch because, mom left for work and forgot to make it. Then I missed the bus, and had to walk to school. I was late, of course, but no one seemed to notice. But on my way to school, something strange happened. In my anger and frustration, I must not have noticed the storm brewing; for I got caught in a wind storm that almost seemed to be a small tornado. 'Impossible,'� I thought to myself. 'We live in the Columbia River Gorge, we don't have tornadoes here.'�
Stranger still, all the way I felt like I was being watched, but I could never find anyone. So you see, I didn't mean to come off sounding harsh, but it had been a bad day.
'Do you want to have plans?'� Evelyn leaned in to whisper in my ear.
'Yes!'� I nearly shouted and stood up.
'Well sit down! We can't help you if you get us caught.'� Vivienne half scolded and half laughed.
'Oh, sorry. I do want plans.'� I looked up pleadingly at them. The three just looked at each other and stood up. Then Caroline and Evelyn looked at Vivienne, and started to walk off. Vivienne turned to me and bent over the table, then pulled a piece of paper out of her cleavage, set it on the table and pushed it toward me.
'Meet us at that address at 9:30 tonight. We'll talk more then.'� She then turned and started walking toward the hall where Caroline and Evelyn were waiting.
'But this is a. . .'� I started after her, but the three were already gone. And so I sat there, dumbfounded. Why would three of the most powerful people in the school be talking to me? After this thought, I looked around, trying to see if I could find someone, anyone, with a camera. I expected to see people shout at me 'Surprise!'�, and then start laughing.
Then I thought that maybe Ashton Kucher would come out of the office and say 'Laney Moore, you've just been punk'd!'� But that thought was quickly shot down when I realized you had to have friends to be punk'd. Well, real friends anyway. It was after that thought that a good friend of mine, actually, my only friend, showed up. Time froze.
'Hey Laney, how's life?'� I turned and saw a familiar face staring back at me. Usually when I see Her, I smile. But today I just looked at Her.
In truth, it's hard not to know who She is. After all, we not only share a reflection, but we also share some DNA, AND finger prints. I know what most people would tell me if they knew what was going on. They'd call me crazy. Why not? My parents do; they've sent me to multiple shrinks, but like that did anything. I have a very rare condition. Yes, I know, I know. I actually have conversations with my conscience.
Seeing the look on my face, She immediately became concerned.
'Laney, what's wrong? Aren't you glad to see me?'� She came and sat down next to me. All around us people were frozen. Some were eating sandwiches; others were talking with their mouths full of food. At one of the back tables, Estella and John were hunched over a bunch of papers with their lunches ignored. At the table in the middle of the room, some of the more popular boys were having contests to see who could shoot yogurt and milk the farthest . . . out of their nose. And, naturally, their popular girlfriends were rolling their eyes.
I then turned my attention over to the 'Student Center' which is code for 'Upper Classmen Only: No freshmen.' There I saw a boy who I took for a popular Junior giving this poor freshmen band kid a major wedgie. The poor guy would more then likely be held in that position for a while, even though time stopped.
Seeing my eyes wander, She snapped Her fingers in my face.
'Hey, come back to Earth, space cadet.'� She laughed, but quickly stopped when She saw I wasn't laughing with Her.
'What's up with you? God, you're acting like you've just seen Hell and found out you're gonna be stuck there for all eternity.'� She was serious at first, but then nearly laughed at Her comparison.
'You saw what just happened; how do I know what their motives are?'� I looked at Her, no trace of emotion on my face. She just looked at me; then stood up and grabbed my sleeve.
'Get up.'� She pulled.
'Why?'� I sat there.
'We're going on a little walk.'� She smiled and pulled again. This time I gave in and went with her. As we walked down the halls, I observed all the people frozen where they were. Opening lockers; talking with friends. I even saw someone begin to hide a plastic bag inside their gym bag. Weed, no doubt. It's the drug of choice around here.
And still we walked, until we came upon two doors that led outside to where the 'poor-student parking lot'�, metal shop, and dumpsters were. This was where the students who couldn't afford the price of the actual school lots parked their cars. At least, those who could afford cars and pay for gas. Most of the cars in this parking lot are old, beat up pieces of junk. Truthfully, I had never even been in this lot before, I only heard about it. And it was here, in the corner farthest from the school, that I saw them.
Caroline, Evelyn, and Vivienne were gathered around a red 1995 Subaru Legacy that had quite a few dents, and a strip of duck-tape holding the right headlight to the fender. On the duck tape I could see, but not make out, small scribbles I was assuming was writing in permanent marker, and maybe a drawing. It was obvious that they were talking, because Vivienne's mouth was forming some letter, Caroline was just beginning to open her mouth, and Evelyn was standing there, apparently silent. The car's driver door was open and all the windows down, giving the impression that music was playing.
I just stood there while She walked up and began investigating the girls, the car, everything.
'What are you doing?'� I somewhat shouted at her. I wasn't afraid of getting caught. Why should I be? When She showed up, not only did time freeze, but no one noticed and no one heard you.
'What? You said you wanted to learn their motives, so . . . school's in session.'� She laughed as She rummaged through the glove box of the car.
Seeing her point, I walked up and began to help her. I started by going through each of the girl's pockets, and then moved on to the back seat. Finally I searched the trunk. There's was absolutely nothing incriminating aside for each girl having a rather large sum of cash; nothing as to their motives. After a while I looked at Her and sat down in the driver's seat.
'Well, there's nothing here to suggest they have bad intentions. But . . . I can't help but be suspicious.'�
'Why?'� She opened the passenger door and sat down.
'You were there. They have to be up to something. Why else would they have come up to me out of the blue and ask me to meet them somewhere? Me, who no one knows is there; me, who shrinks call crazy, and who has conversations with her conscience. They have to be up to something. They just have to be.'� I couldn't let it go. There was something not right about this. Her smile grew bigger.
'Well, you know, there is only one way to find out what they're up too.'�
'I know.'� I grimaced and looked at her. 'But can you at least wait until after I get back to my lunch?'� I then smiled, and She smiled back.
'Sure. First, let's make sure they won't know we were here.'�
* * *
That's the first rule. You can never leave proof that you stopped time.
I first started talking with who I call my conscience when I was eight. At first my parents thought I had an imaginary friend, for it was right after my older brother died. He was killed in a car accident, a drunk driver hit him while he was driving home, killed him instantly.
My parents thought that I was just dealing with his death, that is, until I was going on twelve and my 'imaginary friend'� still hadn't left. That's when they started calling me crazy and sent me to every well known psychiatrist from Longview, Washington to Coeur de Lane, Idaho. At first I thought it was a game. Play with the shrink's head while they think they're shrinking you.
It was at thirteen that I learned it wasn't a game. I wanted to tell my parents the truth, but then She told me there are certain rules and regulations you have to follow. They are:
1. You can never leave proof that time stopped.
2. Although it's not against the rules, it's highly discouraged that you pull pranks, cause damage, all in all make people highly confused when time starts again.
3. It's not suggested, but highly favored that at times do good things to help humanity.
4. Never tell anyone about your new companion. Not family, not friends. . . No one.
5. If, for whatever reason, you wish to give up your companion, you need only to renounce them, and they shall be gone.
She called herself an Angel, but I think my soul is to dark and wicked for that, so I call Her my conscience instead.
Yeah, I kept friends for a while, but then it started to get difficult. I mean, it's hard to have friends and do fun things like that when She keeps interrupting. And not being able to tell anyone, for fear of losing her and being called crazy. . . So, I stopped. I became a loner with antisocial tendencies. So far into my own did I go, that eventually people stopped noticing me.
And from all this I've grown. I turned into a medium build sixteen year old with brown hair and blue eyes. I'm silent as a church mouse, and always seem to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Occasionally, I get caught in sudden wind storms. But the storms are becoming more and more frequent, and She isn't helping at all.

* * *

So, after we put everything back where we found or dug it up from, we headed back into the school. Down the hall and in the cafeteria, that's where we ended up. Everyone was where we left them. Shooting milk, giving wedgies, eating lunch, and doing research.
As I sat down to finish my lunch, She sat down with me and we talked about everything and nothing alike. And as I finished my food, She looked at me and smiled, all the while helping me pack up my stuff. We then started down a hall, toward my locker.
As I walked, She disappeared and time picked up where it left off.
Out in the 'poor student parking lot'�, Vivienne, Caroline, and Evelyn were looking around. The car stereo was playing 'Passive'� by A Perfect Circle, and the lot was completely empty. Vivienne then started looking through her car, where Caroline and Evelyn helped her. Once they were satisfied, they gathered around the driver door again and smiled at each other.
'You see, I did my homework.'� Evelyn laughed and held out her hand. Caroline and Vivienne just looked at each other, sighed, and each put money in Evelyn's hand. They then looked at the school while Evelyn stood there, counting her money.
'Told ya she was special.'� Evelyn half laughed.
'Yeah, yeah, yeah. You were right and we were wrong.'� Vivienne retorted with a slight ring in her voice.
'Maybe she really is the fourth woman we're looking for. But, we're gonna have to wait and find out tonight.'� Caroline was the last person to joke and they started laughing. Together, the laughter coming from all three was a melody that was both harmonious and frightening. They knew more then they would possibly ever share. But then, their true intentions would be known at 9:30 that night . . .
* * *
It was a sunny afternoon when the three friends from Los Angeles arrived in Carson, Washington at Lenny's Carwash. If friends are what you can call them. Partners would be more appropriate, two men and a woman. They needed directions on how to get to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library, and had finally come to a decision that they should ask someone where it could be found.
'I still say we don't need directions. Just give me a map and I can find my way anywhere.'� The man with shaggy blonde hair and braces shouted at the woman as she stepped out of the car and slammed the door.
'Shut the hell up, alright! Find your way my ass, you couldn't find your way out of a wet paper bag. I'm asking for directions and that's that!'� she shouted back at him as the driver, a young man with his semi-long hair back in a rather useless ponytail, just laughed. The owner of the Carwash walked out to the pumps where the car had parked, and found a long raven haired woman stalking towards him. Admittedly he shrank back in fear. Then, remembering who he was, put on the greatest gay act the world had ever seen.
'Can I help you?'� he asked as he eyed her, then her companions in the beat up, light blue Volkswagen Bug. California license plates.
'Yea, we're looking for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Can you tell me where that is?'�
'Are you new to the area?'�
'Visiting relatives.'� Lenny nodded with an 'Oh'�.
'Oh, well, who are your relatives ' maybe I know them.'�
'Can you just tell me how to get to the library?'� She was growing irritated. Might as well tell them, he had learned all he needed to know about them anyhow.
'Follow the main drag, take a left onto Columbia St., then take another left and it's the big building right on the corner. If it helps, it says 'Library'� on it.'� He had to be a smart ass and throw in that last comment.
'Thanks.'� She smiled cynically and walked back to the car, then hit the man with the blonde hair in the back of the head, pointed in the direction of the Library, while the man driving just laughed. Lenny shook his head and slowly walked back to the building.
'See how much easier it is to ask directions? Now we can get to that library and have our meeting with those two, who were they? John and Estella?'� The woman was mainly talking to the driver, with whom she had a civil relationship.
'I hate you, Tabi.'� The blonde man snapped. She just smiled.
'Shut up and enjoy the ride, Blake.'�
From where he stood, Lenny watched the three drive off, and smiled.
Boulingers, Californian Boulingers. Better keep our eyes on them, especially the woman ' she could be useful. But best to work on the tasks at hand; plenty of time for them later. He then ran his tongue along his sharper then usual teeth, walked back into the building, and shut the door.
2
The three ancients stood outside on the hill, watching the little town grow dark with weariness. The two men then took their female friend's hand and then each other's, creating a closed circle.
'From the time before All Religion, You were there.'� She began.
'From the time before All War, You were there.'� The man to her right continued.
'From the time before all Nations, You were there.'� The last man chanted.
'We call to You now, come and aid us as we need it.'� The all called out in unison, and from the center of their circle came a red cloud of smoke.
'Who Calls For My Assistance?'� a female voice coed, and the three smiled as a woman with long brown hair and blue eyes emerged.
'Lucia! How wonderful it is to see you again!'� the two women embraced as the two men stepped back.
'Actually, my dear friend, new times call for new names. I'm Vivienne at the moment. Marcus is Etienne and Cassius is Lenny.'� After Vivienne mentioned her friends, the woman looked around, and gave out shriek of glee, as if she just then noticed the others present.
'Gentlemen! I didn't even see you!'� she took them both in her arms as Lenny chuckled.
'Yea, we get that a lot.'�
'Seth, as good as it is to see you, this isn't a social call.'� Vivienne smiled in a way as to try and get someone to join a side through persuasion. Seth gave the smile back.
'I figured as much. What is it you need?'� the three Masters looked at each other, then Lenny and Etienne stepped back, signaling that they wanted Vivienne to speak for them.
'Your charge, a girl by the name of Laney; she is someone of interest to us and - '� Seth held up and hand and smiled.
'Say no more. Laney Moore is as good as yours. I hear her calling me now, and so look forward to our next visit.'� And with that, she crossed her arms over-exaggeratedly and bowed her head to her forearms. In a puff of smoke, she was gone. Vivienne smiled at her friend, and turned back to her companions who stood arm-in-arm.
'So, when do we get to meet this Laney Moore?'� Etienne smiled back at her.
'Well, Cassius gets to meet her in, oh, I suppose a half hour, while you have to wait 'til tomorrow.'� He nodded and turned to Lenny, who stuck out his tongue in victory.
'Do that again, I dare you.'� he stuck his tongue out father. Vivienne just laughed and took their arms, leading them down the hill to her car. It was going to be a rather eventful evening.
* * *

Lucia sat at the computer, typing away when the door to the room was blow open by a mysterious wind. Then, as she expected, Nessa and Clara made their entrance.
'Mornin' Lucia, still working on that writing thing?'� Nessa asked as she sat on the arm of the chair and leaned onto her friend.
'As long as she doesn't make me into an English-Super-Slut, I don't see a problem.'� Clara joked as she, too, sat on one of the arms. Lucia just smiled and shook her head, her eyes not leaving the screen.
'Don't' worry, you two, I have every intention of painting you the'�pretty colors you deserve.'�
'Well, old friend, we only have your happiness at heart, so we'll let you continue on this little, publishing thing, and when you're ready, we can continue working with the band.'� Nessa cooed into Lucia's ear as she continued to write.
'Oh, how sweet and thoughtful of you I'll think about it.'� Lucia laughed. Clara and Nessa gave each other a look they believed Lucia didn't see. They would let her play this little game, they needed her. For now.

* * *
From what they told me, Vivienne didn't show up for work at the carwash and mechanics shop until 8:30 p.m.
The carwash has a pretty low tech system; basically a giant warehouse or plane hanger with people. . .washing cars. In the back is a fairly good sized room that served as the repair and 'pimp your ride' shop; at least during the day. At night the whole carwash is turned into a chop shop. In fact, the motto is 'Lenny's Carwash. We find it, it's ours.'� But the costumers don't know that.
The overall structure of the warehouse is basic. There are only four rooms. Two bathrooms, the mechanics room, and the manager's office in the front of the building. The bathrooms are rather small, fitting the budget of $360. The manager's office was fashioned in the style of the 1980's mob boss office. There is an 18th century looking wood desk, four partially cushioned seats, and a loveseat from the forties with dark red upholstery. There was one window with broken blinds that were a light yellow color, the walls were a hideous dirty white, and the there was no carpet. . .just cement.
Vivienne was filling a bucket with hot, soapy water and getting a rag when her boss walked in and looked at her.
'You're late, Viv.'� He put his hands on his hips with his fists thrust up and out. He was gay, and he had no problem admitting it. He's the boss, so if you have a problem working for a gay guy, you're not working.
'Sorry, Lenny. Car broke down again.'� She didn't even get a chance to look at him, just went straight to work on washing a light blue 1998 Volkswagen Beatle. Lenny just looked at her, rolled up his sleeves and started to help her wash. It was dead quiet, and they were the only two people there.
'Honestly, Viv. Why don't you just give it to the chop shop and get a new car?'�
'We've bonded, I don't have the heart to get a new car. And before you suggest it, I won't take the bus either.'�
'Why not?'�
'I hate the bus. End of story.'� Vivienne was silent for a while, while Lenny looked at her and smiled. She was like his little sister, but she could be so moody sometimes. All in a days work for a woman.
'Oh, Lenny. I need the office tonight at 9:30.'� She looked at him with a face he knew all too well. It was the sweet smile that only an emotional brother could love, the look that she wanted something.
'Why?'� he gave her the look right back.
'Me and the girls are going to interview a new girl.'�
'You think she may be the one?'� Lenny knew all about his friends' little hobby, and it amused him to help.
'Possibly. But we need the office.'� She then held out her hand and looked at him expectantly.
'Alright, here're the keys.'� He dug deep in his pocket and pulled out a ring of keys. He placed them in her hand and smiled.
'You guys need some muscle again?'�
'You know it.'� Vivienne laughed as she hugged Lenny and started to rinse the car. The two then dried it and parked it in the corner with the other overnight wash and repair cars. As the two were walking back toward the office, Lenny grabbed her sleeve and stopped her.
'By the way, Vivie, I had a run in with three out-of-towners today, and my instinct tells me they're Boulingers, you know, rogue hunters. Contacted by John and Estella. Not much of a threat, but the female was of great interest, and would make a good member.'� Vivienne nodded her understandment, and smiled.
'Thanks Lenny, I'll let the others know A.S.A.P. now come on, time to get ready.'� He nodded in response, and the two began to move the cars.
It was 9:00 when Caroline showed up, and the three joked around while they waited for Evelyn to come. At 9:20, Evelyn arrived in her sexy little spy car, a black 2005 BMW Z8 with black leather interior. The others just looked at her and laughed. That's always how it happens. Vivienne comes in her beat up piece of junk, Caroline just shows up, it's never understood how, and rich Evelyn pulls in with some fancy little car.
Around 9:25, the girls decided it was time to get ready for me to show up. Lenny went and stood by the door to his office where he usually stands, and Vivienne, Caroline and Evelyn started for the room.
'Nice shirt.'� Lenny shot a glance at Vivienne's shirt before she and Evelyn entered the office.
'Think so?'� Vivienne looked down at her shirt and smiled. It was a forest green t-shirt, with three poorly drawn stick figure men sitting around a campfire. Two of the three were roasting hot dogs, and the third man seemed to be holding a stick above the flames. Underneath the picture, in childlike handwriting, was the phrase 'It's all fun & games until someone loses a wiener.'�
Evelyn and Vivienne were already in the office and Caroline was just about to enter when she stopped and looked at Lenny.
'Thanks for the office and muscle space, Lenny.'� Caroline patted his chest, which was puffed out in a manly way. He just looked at her and smiled.
'Get in there.'� He playfully pushed her in the door and shut it, then puffed his chest out again and crossed his arms.
After about three minutes of sounds of furniture being moved around, I showed up.
It was dark and smelled of fresh paint and soap. The sound of my breathing was barely audible over the silent sounds of my sneakers on the cement. I was still in my worn jeans and light blue t-shirt I wore at school.
'Hello.'� I said quietly. So quietly, I could barely hear myself. I thought maybe I should say it again, louder, but I didn't have the chance. Right after I finished the 'o', I ran into something warm. I looked up to see Lenny, though I didn't know him then, and nearly jumped out of my skin. He just looked down at me and grunted.
'I'm'�.Uh, Vivienne, Caroline and Evelyn'�.Said I was supposed to'�'� I mumbled, my eyes darting to the door behind him. He just grunted again and showed me in.
Not two seconds after I was in the room, the door behind me shut swiftly. I turned around quickly, making sure I was still all there, and then glared at the door.
I then began to look at my surroundings. There was an old wooden desk with three chairs behind it and one in front. There was also a couch the color of dark red on the wall behind me. The floor was cement and the walls were an ugly dirty white color. There was one window with broken blinds, which were a light yellow. My final impression: it was more like a tomb than an office.
Sitting in the three chairs behind the desk were Caroline, Evelyn and Vivienne. They motioned for me to sit down in the only open chair, so I did.
'Thank you, Kong.'� Caroline shouted out to the muscle. Nothing but a grunt came back.
'Please state you're name, age, and class for the record.'� Caroline said emotionlessly.
'Um, Laney Moore, sixteen, sophomore.'� As I spoke, Vivienne wrote down all that I said.
'Blood type.'� Vivienne asked, no, demanded I tell them.
'Uh, O negative.'� But before one of them could ask me another question, I interrupted.
'Before we go on, can I ask what am I doing here?'� right after I asked, I regretted it. The look they gave me was too horrible for words. But then, strange as it sounds, they smiled.
'I told you she could be useful. Always gets to the point. And her gifts'�'� Evelyn was the first to smile.
'Yes, but can she be trusted?'� Vivienne joked.
'Well, before we continue and expose something valuable, let's speak in silence.'� Caroline looked at her friends with a smile. And then they grew quiet, and only later I found out why. This is how the conversation I didn't hear went.
Vivienne: Have it your way. Now she can't hear us.
Caroline: Better safe than sorry.
Evelyn: Vivienne, Caroline, you both know we need the fourth woman. Now I think she is our air.
Caroline: Evelyn, you know that you're the dreamer. How can we be sure?
Vivienne: But, Caroline, she does have a point. What if this Laney Moore is our air?
Caroline: Still, how can we be sure?
Evelyn: You're right, Caroline. How can we be sure? The answer: we can't
Vivienne: At least not until we test her. What'd say, Caroline? Are you in?
Evelyn: Please!
Caroline: I'm in.
At this point I had no idea what was going on. As far as I knew, the three were just looking at each other and talking with facial expressions. It was after the last look to one another that the three nodded their heads in unison and turned to me. Vivienne stood up and opened her mouth to say something, when she just stopped. Evelyn and Caroline were just sitting, watching me. I was about to speak up when I realized just what was going on.
'Hey, Laney. How're you this evening?'� I turned to see Her leaning against the door.
'You know, I'm beginning to notice something.'� I smirked.
'Oh yea, and what's that?'� She came over and sat on the desk, right in front of the Twisted Trio.
'You have the worst timing imaginable.'� I smiled evilly.
'Pardon?'� She leaned forward, let my words sink in, and then looked around. She turned Her head around slowly, and froze. After a few moments, She turned Her head back around to face me. There was a sheepish grin on Her face, and Her eyes were squinted.
'Oh'�.'�
'Yea. They were just about to tell me something when You showed up.'� I looked at Her with my eyebrows raised and no expression. But still Her expression stayed the same.
'I'll just come back later.'� And in an instant She was gone. But when She left, something strange happened.
'Would you please tell Her to stop that?!'� Was the first thing Vivienne said. Instead of looking at her weird, Evelyn and Caroline nodded their heads violently in agreement.
'What?'� I was even more surprised now then when they came and talked to me at lunch earlier this morning.
'Your companion. Every time she does that, we can't do anything but stand there and think.'� Caroline snapped.
'Huh? Whoa, wait'�you know about Her?'� Now I was worried that I'd lose Her.
'Duh. I mean, when all around you is frozen and you can't control you're body, you tend to notice things like that.'� Evelyn snapped.
'Ok, I'll wonder about that weirdness later. What were you about to say?'� I looked at the three of them one at a time.
'I was going to say that you've just been accepted into the Coven of Carus.'� Vivienne just started gathering her papers, and the three of them stood up. Before I could ask any questions, Evelyn put up her hand to stop me before I started.
'There's too much to explain tonight. Tomorrow is Saturday; meet us in the courtyard of the school at, oh, let's say 6:00 am. We'll explain everything then.'� It was all I could do to nod, so they led me outside. There Lenny stood, and the three girls just started laughing at his puffed out chest and crossed arms.
'Oh, before we forget. Lenny, this is Laney. Laney, Lenny.'� Vivienne laughed she and Caroline headed toward her car. Just as she was about to get into the driver's seat, she looked at me and smiled.
'Lenny's my boss.'�
The three of us that were still there, Lenny, Evelyn and I just laughed harder. Lenny than introduced himself, and said goodnight to us, and then left. Then it was just me and Evelyn.
'Do you have a ride?'� She looked at me, then around us.
'No.'� I looked down at my feet.
'Wanna lift? I wouldn't mind.'� I looked back up at her and we smiled at each other. I nodded, and hopped in the Z8, and off we zoomed into the night.
3
The blood red sunrise hit my back as I sat in the school courtyard. It was five to six, and the morning was just reaching above the eastern mountains. Three minutes ago, I felt completely alone, but suddenly I had a feeling someone was watching me. I turned and saw the trio standing at the double doors that led out to the football field.
'Oh, you're good.'� Caroline laughed with sarcasm.
'You're early.'� Vivienne smiled. Evelyn stood silent, but she looked happy; she was smiling.
'You ready for your test?'� Carline slumped against the door frame with her arms crossed. Evelyn's smile grew wider and Vivienne raised her eyebrows.
'Yea. You dish it, I can take it.'� I was bluffing, sure. But the important thing was that they didn't know that.
Evelyn casually walked up and threw her arm around my shoulders. Finally she started speaking.
'Don't worry. If we're right about you, it won't be anything too difficult.'� She smiled and pushed me down softly onto a bench. Vivienne and Caroline joined us.
'What exactly are you planning?'� I looked around at them. They were circling me, and I was reminded of vultures who found a dead animal to eat.
'It was your fault.'� Vivienne whispered in my ear. She was so close it tickled.
'What?'� I looked at her in confusion.
'You're brother's death.'� This time Caroline whispered, and it was in my other ear.
'No, no it wasn't.'� I shook my head, trying to deny it.
'Oh, but it was. You had a fight, and you wanted him hurt.'� Evelyn was looking me straight in the eye.
'No, you're wrong!'� I shouted and began shaking violently.
'You killed him!'� Caroline yelled at me.
'NO!'� I screamed. I tried to stand up, but they held me down.
'Killer! Murderer!'� they began chanting, shouting at me. Finally, I just couldn't take it any more.
'AHHH!'� I screamed and stood up. Not even a half second later, a black storm cloud moved in, and the wind picked up. Another second and there were small tornados all around us. The trio's eyes were wide, and they were smiling wickedly. And I was the center of it all. I closed my eyes.
'Laney.'� The next thing I knew, I was on the ground, and Evelyn's head was bent over mine.
'She's coming around now.'� Evelyn looked up at someone behind her. And, sure enough, there were Vivienne and Caroline sitting on the bench.
'Told ya she'd live.'� Caroline stood up and joined Evelyn next to me.
'Well, my friends, I'm convinced.'� Vivienne was the last to join us. By this time I was sitting up and could take a look at my surroundings. It was total chaos. Bushes and flower beds were ripped out and strewn all over. A small tree was thrown up on the roof of the gym. To sum it up, it was a mess.
'Did I do that?'� I looked at them, almost worried.
'Yup.'� Caroline had a huge grin on her face. Evelyn and Vivienne just looked at her and rolled their eyes. They then grabbed my arms and hoisted me up on my feet.
'We have a proposition for you.'� Caroline grabbed my arm and held it in a way like best friends do.
'Yea. We will give you thirty-two hours to decide if you want to join our coven or not. If you come to a decision before that, you'll know how to find us. If you can't come to a decision, then you can't come, period.'� Vivienne looked at her friends, who then gave her a nod in return. They then turned and started walking out the door. But at the last minute, Evelyn turned and looked at me.
'I really hope you take our offer, Laney.'� She then started walking again, and left the courtyard. I sat there for a grand total of five seconds, then started running after them. I had one question I just had to get out. But when I entered the hallway, no one was there.
'They must have started walking really fast.'� I thought to myself, and started running out toward the football field . . . right into John Doyal.
'Hi Laney.'� He looked down at me. He was about half a head taller then I was. I had always had a crush on him, so right now I didn't know what to say.
After a few seconds of awkward silence, he took hold of my arm and started leading my back into the courtyard.
'Walk with me.'� He said like he was prince charming meets the mob boss. And all I could do was nod my head. Speechless. I didn't get it. I would spend hours in front of my bathroom mirror, practicing what I would say to him if ever we would talk. And now look at me. I couldn't think of anything to say, so I was silent.
He came and sat back down at the bench where the Twisted Trio sat not two minutes before. But when I looked around, everything was in order. You would never have known that I had caused a major windstorm that probably would have cost the school a pretty penny.
'So, Laney. How have you been?'� I looked into his soulful brown eyes. His golden blonde and red hair shone in the sunlight. I could see his jean jacket and dark blue jeans heating up in the morning. I could have watched him like this forever. But then . . .
'Hi, Laney, who's the man-whore?'� I closed my eyes and took a deep sigh. I turned and saw Her staring at me with a smile on her face.
'Can't this wait? Even just two more minutes?'� I looked at Her with my eyes wide in what I call the 'Puppy-dog face'�. She looked past me and at John, and started scanning him from top to bottom.
'I don't like the looks of him, is all I'm saying.'� She then vanished, and time started again.
'Tell me, Laney. How's school going for you?'� he started. I wanted to tell him everything was fine, but something stopped me.
'Wait, hold on. For ten years, you haven't said a word to me. Not one word. And now you're acting as if we've been best friends since first grade. How do you even know my name?'� I snapped and stood up.
'I saw what a good person you are.'� He tried to keep up the act, but I was winning this battle.
'WHEN?! How can you see what kind of person I am if you never see me at all?! I don't have time for this. I gotta go.'� I then turned and started walking toward the bleachers before he could get another word out.
When I got to the stands, I went and sat on the top seat and stayed there for a good three hours, just thinking.
Should I join the coven? I didn't have much better to do. It could give me a chance to be seen. Yes. Yes, I think I will join the coven.
Just after I thought that, the three walked out of the shadows and sat down next to me.
'So you'll join us then?'� Caroline looked hopefully at me.
'Yea, I'll join you.'� I smiled at them. Just as Evelyn leaned close to me, we heard shouts from the football field.
'LANEY! NO! DON'T DO IT!'� John came running out of the courtyard and into the field. The Twisted Trio just looked at him and did their own little expressions. Caroline rolled her eyes and looked at the rest of us; Vivienne shook her head like 'What a loser'�, and Evelyn just raised her eyebrows in a questioning manor.
'What?'� I stood up and shouted at him.
'THEIR EVIL! DON'T DO IT!'� at this comment, Vivienne and Evelyn looked at Caroline and smiled.
'I'll take care of it.'� Caroline stood up and started trumping down the stands.
'Good, it's you're turn anyway.'� Vivienne shouted at her, and the response was the finger.
'Yea, blow me!'� She then sat back down to watch Caroline stalk towards John with an evil look on her face, and John running away. She laughed till her face was red.
Evelyn leaned in closer to me, and the next thing I knew, there was a pain in my neck. When she moved her head away, my hand immediately went to the spot where the pain was. I then looked at my hand and saw there was blood on it.
'Ouch,'� I turned to her with a confused look, 'What'd you do that for?'� she just smiled as suddenly I felt extremely weak. I could barely muster the strength to talk.
'What's happening?'� I asked. Evelyn bit her wrist and thrust it onto my mouth.
'Drink'�and the world can be yours.'� I looked at her, mouth closed tight. But then, I couldn't keep my mouth closed. It opened, and her blood poured in. At first it was disgusting, but then'�.
I couldn't stop drinking until Evelyn pushed me off of her wrist. She pulled her sleeve back down over the wound, and her and Vivienne leaned over me. By this time, Caroline had returned from kicking John's ass.
'Well, I don't think chicken-shit will be back soon.'� She smiled, and her and Vivienne high-fived.
'Did I miss anything?'� Caroline leaned in when she saw me lying down on the bleacher.
'No, she's just now going through the transition.'� Vivienne replied. I looked up at them in confusion. What were they talking about? What transition? That's when I felt.
At first it was tiny, a little pinch at the bite mark and in my stomach, but it quickly grew to all over my body. What can only be described as liquid fire mixed with ice chunks was running through my veins. It was a pain that was both horrible and pleasurable at the same time. Then, I suppose I went into strange sort of convulsions. My stomach twisted and turned, as did my other organs. It was a pain like I'd never felt before; a sort of torture I didn't think was possible. I felt my heart give out, my lungs shriveled up, and my other organs flat out stop. Then it was over faster then it began. I almost hurt because this great pain, this torture . . .felt good.
I sat up and looked around at the trio, who smiled wickedly.
'Welcome to the Coven of Carus.'� Evelyn bent over and helped me up.
'What happened?'� I heard the sound come out of my mouth, but it wasn't my voice. It was like I was speaking the same thing twice at the same time, only one voice sounded like it was synthized. I suppose the easiest way to describe my voice would be to say it was other worldly.
'Your mortal body died, and you became like us. See?'� Caroline lifted a mirror and held it at my face. I almost didn't recognize myself. My eyes had changed, they weren't blue any more. They were grey, almost black, with dark red around them. My lips seemed fuller, more seductive in a way. I opened my mouth to find my teeth pure white, and my canines unusually long. I thought of how much damage I could do with those things, when I suddenly had a taste for something on my mind. I couldn't figure out what I wanted, but something . . . something like what Evelyn fed me. That's it! That's what I was in the mood for.
Before I could ask for the thing I had been fed, I realized that I was holding a mirror. I was holding a mirror and I could see myself.
'I can see myself.'� The three looked at each other in confusion, then turned back to me.
'Yes, and your point being'�?'� Evelyn smiled, doing the continuation signal with her hand. I showed them the mirror.
'I thought vampires didn't cast a shadow or a reflection.'� They smiled, and looked at Vivienne.
'Well, that is true, to a certain point. You see, we can move so fast that we don't have to cast a shadow if we don't want to. And about the reflection, our skin is so pale that when the light hits us, with any regular mirror or thing that casts a reflection, we appear invisible. But we receive mirrors that are crafted for our specific species.'� As she explained, I felt as though I already knew it; that was when I had the over-whelming urge to feast on, believe it or not, a young female of the blonde genetic.
Seeing the look in my eye, the girls stood and took my arms.
'Where are we going?'� I asked them. This time, I wasn't nervous. I was excited.
'We're going to show you how to live.'� Was all they told me. I was, for the first time since my brother died, happy with living people. A new adventure with my new friends. Things began to look up. There's hope for me yet.
4
I felt new. I was relearning my senses, and it amused my creators. I heard things at a higher level; if you whisper something, I heard it as a shout. My eyes could see far greater than I think any mortal's. For example, I could make out distinct leaves on trees, four, maybe five miles away. I could smell the blood running through veins of living creatures, and I heard their heartbeats. But I heard nor smelled these things from my companions. They were dead, but alive. Oh . . . now I understand that whole undead/living dead saying.
As we walked, I studied my new friends. This was perhaps the first time I actually saw them.
Caroline had long, vibrant red hair that was naturally crimped, which she just let hang. In it she had chunky black streaks. Her eyes were a bright green, showing traces of an Irish background. She had pale skin, ivory, I should think, and she wore blood red lipstick that matched her long fingernails. Her mascara was a dark brown, and her eye shadow was a silver red and black. Her clothing was a pair of black jeans (complete with holes), her shirt a red grey colored t-shirt.
Evelyn was wearing her light brown hair short, above the ears. It was also spiked in the style as if she were running really, really fast. Her eyes were an ice blue, almost grey color, only intensified by the bright green eye shadow and black mascara. Her lipstick matched her eyes, ice blue. Her clothes were a white undershirt with an ocean blue wrap; dark blue jeans, and a pair of plain white sneakers.
Then there was Vivienne. Her rather curly, pure black hair was about shoulder length, maybe a little higher and was pulled back in a half ponytail, accentuating the extremely curly underside. Her eyes were grey, like a cloudy day. Her skin was similar to her companions'; milk white, ivory . . . pale. Her lipstick was dark purple, her mascara also black. She didn't wear eye shadow, but had black eyeliner that was Roman style. She had on a long sleeve, black shirt with a white, short sleeved shirt over it that said 'Got balls?'� in black lettering; and her jeans were pitch black. She wore dark brown boots, not a stiletto heel, but more clog-like.
And it was these three that made up the twisted trio. They, who became my teachers, my only friends . . . my family. But there was something in them that day that I did not see. In their eyes, there was a history; a secret, an untold story begging to be let out.
On a lighter note, there were some things I did notice. For example, I soon learned that every cell in my body had been charged, given an extreme amount of power. As I stated earlier, I saw things clearer, heard things that could not have been heard by mortal ears. My sense of smell had also become heightened, as well as touch. But there was something else. I had new senses. I could feel other creatures, Vampires, and others I would come to learn. I could hear living creature's heartbeats, smell their blood, sense there body temperature. All the sensations absolutely necessary for a being like myself to survive. And then I noticed something that immediately drew attention to itself.
We were in the daylight.
'How are we still alive?'� I looked at them, and they just looked back.
'Pardon?'� Vivienne had a look of 'What they hell are you talking about?' on her face.
'We are vampires, true?'�
'Yes'�'� Caroline wasn't quite sure where this was going.
'Then how can we live in the daylight? Shouldn't we explode in an eruption of fire?'� the three stopped and looked at me, and burst into fits of laughter.
'And Hollywood strikes again!'� Caroline burst into fits of laughter, and had to be supported by the other two.
'What are you talking about?'� I had barely known these women, and already I was getting a feeling they were hard to forget. For the explanation, Caroline and Evelyn looked to Vivienne, who I began to understand was the one who did most of the explaining and storytelling.
'That whole sunlight thing isn't half as bad as what Hollywood made it seem. Yes, we are allergic to sunlight, and yes, it can kill us, but it would take one such as us to remain in the rays for at least forty eight hours ' with constant light. At most, with the short, on-off times we are in the day, the sun is merely an irritant, which is why we wear sunscreen.'� To prove her point, she then pulled out her keys, and on the ring I saw a small bottle of spray-on sunscreen. Caroline and Evelyn pulled out theirs, too, to show me. It was then I began to feel slightly itchy, and, looking down, saw that my arm was earning itself a lovely little sunburn. Vivienne laughed and unhooked the sunscreen bottle, tossing it over to me.
'What about crosses? Can they kill us?'� I asked while I sprayed myself with pleasure. I believed at that time I had a right to know how I could be killed.
'No. As a matter of fact, Evelyn herself is a Catholic. Isn't that right, Evie?'� We had started walking again, and Caroline looked to Evelyn, who beamed with pride.
'That's right. Catholic, born and raised.'�
'And stakes?'� I was beginning to wonder if we could ever die.
'Nope.'� Vivienne stated simply, as her and the other two stared forward.
'And sunlight is out. So, what can kill us?'� I stopped and looked at them. There had to be something, for everything born must die. Of course, Vampyres aren't living, so I'm not sure that applies to us. The three of them stopped and turned to me. Something passed between them that I must not have been aware of, for Vivienne stepped forward and leaned in, as if to whisper in my ear.
'Listen, Laney.'� Her voice was so quiet, that even as a Vampire I had trouble hearing. There was a short pause, and then I realized that she actually wanted me to listen.
'I hear nothing.'� I said after I thought it was long enough to be believable.
'Well, just because you hear nothing, doesn't mean that there is nothing there; even walls have ears. This is your first lesson: you are never really alone. This is not the time, nor the place to discuss such matters. We will let you know all that should be known when the time is right. No sooner, no later.'� She then leaned out, and for a moment, I thought I saw. . .never mind what I thought I saw in her. The fact was that the three had some very valuable, very dangerous information. And they intended to share it with me.
'Come. I know a place we can talk.'� Caroline then turned and the three started for the poor student parking lot. Naturally, I followed them, curious to learn their teachings. We got in Vivienne's car and took off toward Carson. Before we reached this place where we could talk, though, they told me there was something we had to do, first. I had to learn how to feed.
* * *
It was rather easy, feeding. They took me to a bar called the Bungalow, which stood right as you entered Carson. In there, Vivienne walked to the bartender and slipped him a small piece of paper. He unfolded it and looked at it for a moment, as if reading it, and then placed it in his pocket and nodded towards a door at the back of the main room.
She led the way as we entered the door; the lights were off, and the door immediately slammed shut right after Caroline strolled in. The lights came on, and I saw Evelyn standing by the light switch, looking at the center of the room. When I looked, I saw that there was a young woman, obviously drunk, tied to a chair. I looked at Vivienne.
'I'm close friends with the bartender.'� was all she said as she nodded toward the woman, silently telling me to go for the kill. I moved forward, bent my head low and made ready to bite her, when I stopped and looked to my comrades.
'What do I do?'� I didn't have the slightest idea how to do this.
'It's really quite easy. All you do is bite, create a wound, and drink her blood.'� Evelyn informed me. I nodded my understandment as I tried to kill her again.
This time I succeeded, though. When I first tasted her blood, I must say I was not at all expecting what actually happened. Her blood spilled into my mouth, and her knowledge, her memories, flooded my senses and my eyeballs. Her delicious, untainted life source engulfed me; the sweet and salty and citrus and tangy and good and bad all at the same time . . . it was almost too much for me to handle. I wanted to remove myself, but I couldn't. I was hypnotized by the steady rhythmic melody of her beating heart, that which did not speed up, likely because she was too drunk to realize she was dying. I was killing her, and her life was slowly beating to a stop.
Finally, the source of the spring of eternal life that I was drinking, ran out. I was able to tear myself away at that point.
'Now that you are one of us, it is time to inform you of your new life.'� Caroline threw her left arm around my shoulder, and the four of us walked out of the room, turning off the light and shutting the door as we did so. Vivienne nodded to the bartender as we left the place where I had just committed a murder for my pleasures. We then climbed into Vivienne's car, and left for our last stop of the day.

5
Our destination was located in the worn down side of Carson. The street that we parked on was made up of old abandoned homes and closed grocery stores. At the end of the street was a giant manor that had the outer appearance of an old, abandoned and run down Sanitarium . There was a moat like thing in the front yard along with a stonewall fencing off the property, and, well, there was no backyard. Also, there were bars on the windows.
'Where are we?'� I asked as we climbed out of the car and headed toward the front door.
'We're at my house. Relax, it's only half as bad as it appears.'� Vivienne laughed as she strolled up to the door and casually but forcefully opened it.
The very first thing you noticed when you entered the building was that the front room was huge. There was a set of stairs leading into the upper level which appeared to be made of some dark wood. There were cobwebs and dust everywhere. It seemed that there were three rooms on the bottom floor; the kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom, which appeared to be locked.
As I stood there, I saw Vivienne walk over the bedroom and pound on the door.
'Lucy! Lucy, I'm back!'� she then motioned for us to follow her up the stairs. Behind the door, I heard a loud thump, as if someone fell off the bed. I shook my head and continued up the stairs.
The second level had six bedrooms and one bathroom. On each bedroom door there was a head-shot photograph of a child or teen, underneath the photo was a name. It seemed that the upper level was just one big hallway with a flight of stairs in the center. As soon as we had all assembled on top of the stairs, Vivienne stepped in front of us and somewhat assumed the position of a tour guide. She began by naming off all the people that lived there.
'That room is Cassie's.'� she pointed to the first door on our left, the one with the picture of a little girl with chocolate skin and bright, vivid green eyes. 'Her parents were rich, and went on their second honeymoon. They were on United Airlines flight 175, one of the two that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11. After their death, the state seized all the assets and sent her here. Poor thing; she has Cancer.'�
She then pointed to the door next to Cassie's. 'That's Andi's room. He just showed up here one day, dropped off by police. They said that they found him wandering the streets. Now he's here.'� Andi's picture was that of a pale skinned 10 year-old with dark blue eyes and blonde hair. I think he might have been Canadian. And so it went, and we saw Jori, a tan skinned little boy; Melissa, a light skinned teenage girl with spiked green hair and a nose ring. She then pointed behind her with her thumb and told us that was her room.
'And this,'� she pointed to the last door, the one next to hers, 'is Etienne's room. His mother left him here when he was eight. Dropped him on the stoop and skipped town, to Vegas.'� While she was telling us this, we saw a teen our age walk up behind Vivienne and put a finger to his lips, to let us know to act as if he wasn't there. He then grabbed Vivienne by the waste and made her jump while he shouted 'Whoa!'�
We all started laughing as Vivienne turned and pointed a finger at him.
'This little shit is Etienne.'� He bowed deeply. He was wearing green and brown camouflage parachute pants, a black jean jacket, and a nineteen forty's black cap that you see journalists wear in the movies. He had dark brown hair, wavy and slightly curly. He also had bright grey eyes, like Vivienne. Underneath both his and Vivienne's pictures on their doors was the drawing of a sharp-looking canine tooth with the inside curve to the right was the main symbol. On the inside of the tooth was a black, elegant looking 'V'� with the top edges curving down. To finish design, a small diamond was placed in what could be considered the mouth of the v:
'Hey guys. So, are you going down to rehearse?'� he waved when he said hi, then folded his arms over his chest when talking with Vivienne.
'What if we are?'� Caroline challenged with a playful tone.
'Well, Caroline, if you are, I'm coming with you. In case you forgot, I have the keys to the basement.'� Caroline, Evelyn, and Vivienne looked at each other and smiled. They then turned and we started walking down the stairs. Etienne followed. As we walked past the downstairs bedroom, Vivienne turned to Etienne.
'Where's Lucy?'�
'Probably in a drunken stupor in her room. Me and the kids snuck into her room early this morning and set off the sprinklers. She seemed pretty pissed. She locked her door.'�
'Who's Lucy?'� I looked at my friends.
'Lucy is the woman who runs this place. She takes all the money we have when we come here, and spends it on booze and parties.'� Vivienne explained as we came to a set of stairs I must have missed when we enter the building. At the bottom of the stairwell there was an average looking door with an ancient style lock. Etienne pulled out a large, rusty key with a skull on the handle.
When we entered the room, I was at a loss for words. It was a recording studio. There was a drum set, microphones and stands, a guitar and a bass, a piano, and three violins. All the instruments and microphones were plugged in. There was also everything you need to record, edit, and lay down songs and tracks. On the walls there was padding, I assumed to mute the sound so everyone else in the house can go about their lives.
'Ready?'� Vivienne walked over to the guitar and put it on; Etienne put on the bass; Evelyn stepped in front of the microphone; and Caroline sat at the drum stand. And then they began to play.
The music was the most beautiful unholy music I had ever heard. It brought tears to my eyes, and filled me with such emotion, some I had never felt as a human. And all this before a word was uttered. I thought that the music before was amazing, but it was nothing compared to when Evelyn began to sing.
'Strike you are land
With curved horns.
Bending, our bodies,
Breathe, fire,
Upon us.
Now, with feet,
Trampling the Earth,
Let your hooves,
Thunder over us.'�
While Evelyn was singing, the music the rest played was slow, like the hymn for a church song. But after Evelyn finished, the music became gothic, fast, somewhat like metal rock. Then the rest of the band joined in singing, and the intro was over.
'A wolf I consider myself,
But I have eaten nothing,
And from standing I am tired out.
A wolf I consider myself,
But the owls are hooting, and the night I fear.'�
Vivienne sang that part, and her voice held the spirit of a true rocker, raspy and to the rhythm of her guitar.
'I am like a bear.
I hold up my hands
Waiting for the sun to rise.'�
Caroline sang her part, holding out the 'O'� in 'hold', then screaming the last line.
'I am an eagle.
The small world laughs at my deeds,
But the great sky keeps to itself
My thoughts of immortality.'�
Evelyn had a feisty oomph to her voice now, but the innocence was still there.
'I have dispossessed you of your beauty,
Grace and life.
I have taken your spirit from it's
Worldly frame.
No more will you run in freedom
Because of my need.
Give me your flesh for strength.
Give me your covering for protection.
Give me your bones for my labors.
And I shall not want.'�
When Etienne sang, the music slowed, and I became lost in the melody of his bass and his words. As he sang, the women chanted harmoniously, 'Earth, Fire, Water, Air. Life, Death, Night, Day.'� And with him, Vivienne harmonized her voice on the words strength, protection, labors, and want.
When they finished, I was crying. Their voices were unholy, but their monstrous wail was alluring, seductive . . . it was such a thing that I can't describe it in words. I was filled with dread and hope, fear, and comfort, all at the same time. They set their instruments down and stood silent, looking at each other. Only thirty seconds later, the room was filled with an eruption of laughter.
'I do believe that was our best rehearsal yet.'� Caroline said with an Irish accent. But it wasn't like the one Stuart Townsend has. Hers seemed old, wise, ancient. It caught me off guard. But before I could think anymore about it, Evelyn started to talk.
'I agree. If we keep this up, we'll be ready for the competition in no time.'� Evelyn stated with an English accent. Vivienne and Caroline nodded their heads in agreement.
'Yea, you guys were alright, I mean, for a bunch of girls.'� The girls looked at Etienne with a look of playful shock on their faces. Vivienne smiled, walked up and ran her right index finger under his chin.
'Be careful. You just happened to be surrounded by very powerful, very dangerous women.'�
'You forget, I myself am very powerful and very dangerous.'� He smiled arrogantly at her. Her smile became more playful.
'True as that may be, we still out number you four to one.'� He seemed to laugh at himself after she made that point.
'How did you guys come up with those lyrics?'� I asked when I had finally found my voice, and the four looked at each other.
'Well, actually, those words were prewritten songs and prayers from Native Americans across the Mid-Northwest that I found in a book called Wisdom Warrior.'� Vivienne began, then looked again to her companions.
'We each picked one that we thought best pertained to ourselves, individually ' and those are the verses we each sing.'� Clara continued.
'All we really did was write music and put the words together so they flowed well.'� Nessa finished as the group laughed. I thought it was rather odd, the fact that they hadn't written their own song. Oh well.
Something weird happened right then and there. Vivienne walked over to a wall intercom which I hadn't even noticed until that point, and said, very clearly: 'Stop.'� And then, a few seconds later, she said again, 'Vive says: Stop. Ok, who froze the first time?'� she then let her finger off the call button, and we all waited. I wasn't really sure what we were waiting for, but I would soon find out.
'I did.'� A little girl's voice laughed over the speakers.
'Ok, Cassie's out. Anyone else?'� this time it was Etienne who was speaking.
'Sorry, guys. I stopped.'� What sounded like a teenager's voice came over the intercom. In the background of her voice, I heard Mudvayne's 'Not Falling'�, from their album THE END OF ALL THINGS TO COME.
'And Melissa. Is that it?'� It was Vivienne again.
'Yea.'�
'Stopped when Vive said to.'�
'Stopped at the right spot.'�
'Out-smarted you.'�
That last one made Vivienne smile.
'Hah, hah, very funny. Vive says: dance.'� Vivienne looked at the rest of us. I was the only person who wasn't smiling. I was the one who had a look of confusion on their face.
'Simon says with a twist.'� Vivienne shrugged, and everyone started laughing. Everyone but me. I still didn't get the joke.
6
'Where are they? They should be here by now.'� Estella was getting impatient.
'Relax, they'll show. They wanted to join so badly . . . they were desperate. And from what my sources tell me, they know their stuff.'� John was pacing around the table the two were sitting at. They were in the lower level of the Stevenson Public Library.
'If they're not here in five, I'm gone.'� Estella was looking at her watch, and her foot could be heard taping the floor.
'No need to be impatient, Ms. Commings.'� The voice came from a man standing on the stairs. He was wearing a black trench coat with his hood covering his face, his two companions, another man and a woman standing behind him, were dressed about the same.
'Am I to presume that you are Jacob Carter?'� Estella raised her eyebrows in part laughter, not bothering to get up.
'Jake, if you don't mind. But, yes. I am he. These are my partners, Blake Hickey,'� The man on Jake's left bowed his head. 'And Tabitha Hodges.'� This time the woman on Jake's right bowed her head, but only slightly.
'The name's Tabi.'� Laughter was heard on her voice.
'I'm John ''�
'We know who you are.'� It was becoming apparent that Jake would only talk when he felt like it. And if he wanted to be heard, he wasn't afraid to cut you off.
'Well, obviously introductions aren't in order. So why don't you three just sit down so we can get going.'� Estella motion for everyone to sit around the table, and they did. By this time, it was nine at night, and all the lights in the building were out, except for a few lamps in the downstairs, and an overhead lamp that hung over their table.
Once sitting, the interviewees removed their hoods and for the first time ever, Estella and John saw these people.
Jake had shaggy, mid-neck, brown, wavy hair which he usually kept in a mostly useless ponytail, and deep, dark blue eyes. He had a very symmetrical face, and it appeared he was growing a small goatee. But all he had was peach fuzz so far.
Tabi had dark brown eyes and cascading raven hair that reached down to her lower mid back. Currently it was braided and hung casually in front of her right shoulder. In the braid, dark purple, blue, green, black, and red beads could be seen. She had a very solemn look about her. She, like her companions, hides her emotions well.
Blake had short, shaggy blonde hair and dark blue eyes. In his mouth, there were very clean braces, and on the corner of his mouth, there was the beginning of a cold score. He was very clean shaven, and like his friends, in a height range of 5'5'' and 6'2''.
After studying the three silent people sitting across the table, Estella determined that these people knew what they were doing and that they were not to be toyed with.
'We hear you're looking for new recruits.'� Jake casually leaned back in his chair.
'Well, we hear you're looking for cash.'� Estella shot back at him. Owe, feisty, Jake thought to himself, it'll be a shame if she dies. Yes, Jake knew all about the coven of the Vampire. In fact, he was worried that these two had no idea what they were thinking. When he and his friends saw the posting on the internet for some vampire killers in Skamania County looking for work, they were thrilled. But now, meeting them in person, he was a bit nervous.
'That we are.'� Blake said without emotion in his voice.
'So, are you willing to join the resistance against those soul sucking harpies?'� John said. It sounded like a joke, but he said it as if he was completely serious. Jake smiled provocatively and nodded to Tabi.
Oh goody, she thought, finally I get to play business woman.
'Before we sign on, we need to know if the cash will be good or not. We need proof of your word.'�
'How much?'� John was doing the business of this deal. No way was he going to let Estella's shrewd negotiating skills lose him this one, too. After all, he already had a truck load of her . . . short-tempered trigger happy mistakes.
'50.'�
'Up front?!'�
'Yea. We need to get something from this experience, just in case this is all a bunch of shit. Anyway, I've had my eye on a nice tattoo . . .'� Tabi smiled and looked at the two men on either side of her, who joined her subtle laughter. John and Estella didn't get it, nor would they ever. It was above their heads.
'Well . . . ?'� Tabi was casually leaning back in her chair now. She really did hope that these people agreed to their demands. After a brief look at Estella, John nodded.
'So, it's agreed. We get fifty thousand up front, and then we get the rest after we burn these fire breathing bitches to hell.'� Jake, Tabi, and Blake then all stood up, and put their hoods on. Seeing their investments begin to leave, Estella nearly lost it.
'How can we find you?'�
Just as the three reached the top of the stairs, Jake turned and spoke.
'Oh, don't worry. We'll find you.'� And just like that, the three mysterious figures had vanished, leaving John and Estella to gather there things and lock up.
7
Vivienne, Caroline, Evelyn, Etienne and I were all sitting around the table Vivienne had in her room. Right behind her seat was a black mini fridge. She had a black stereo with a 6 CD changer, and a full sized bed with red satin sheets and a black comforter. It looked as if it hadn't been made since the day she changed the sheets.
We were all drinking coke and talking about absolutely nothing. But I had a question.
'So, how can we be killed?'� I looked at the four of them. Not one second earlier, they had been laughing, now they were silent. Vivienne nodded to Etienne, who got up and locked the door.
'There is only one way to kill a vampire.'� He whispered as he sat back down.
'And even then there's a probability that it won't work. You see, it all depends on how strong the Vampire is, and how well they have been taught.'� I looked at them in confusion, while Evelyn smiled.
'The way seems simple, but it's a lot harder then it sounds. You have to impale the heart.'�
'It has nothing to do with Holy wood, water, or anything of the sort. That's how it's simple.'� Caroline continued.
'I don't get it.'� I looked around the room, at the faces of my friends, hoping they would give me some clue. They didn't.
'Well, think about it. Stab anything through the heart and chances are good that it will die. Also, you have to light us on fire while the thing used to stab us is still in the heart. If we are stronger then the flames, we'll survive and become a true immortal. If we aren't stronger then the flames, we will burn and perish.'� Vivienne finished. My eyes grew wide with realization, and surprise. I never thought my survival was something I didn't have hand in. I can't believe it's all a game of chance.
Well, it is.
That was strange. I thought I heard someone's voice inside my head, and it wasn't Her's.
'You did. One of the powers Vampire's have is telepathy. That's how we talk when we can't.'� Evelyn was smiling. It seemed like she was becoming a sister to me. I liked her the most. But there was also something about her; the more she talked, the more and more it seemed she had an English accent. Had I just never noticed before?
'Is that how you were talking the other day, when you first had me meet you?'� it was starting to make sense now.
'Yup, we heard your confused thoughts as well. Total chaos, I mean, I couldn't hear a single coherent thought.'� Evelyn explained as the information was slowly sinking in.
'So, I can read people's minds?'� I was liking this more and more.
'Well, not necessarily. You can read human minds well enough, and even fledgling vampires, werewolves, and witches. But the Masters are much too powerful. The only way you could read theirs is if they let you.'� Vivienne was rummaging through a drawer, and pulled out a deck of bicycle cards. She then sat down and began to shuffle and deal for a poker game.
'And even then, you can never be sure if that's what they are really thinking, or only what they want you to think that they're thinking. If that makes any sense.'� Caroline explained as she sat down and patted the table in front of Vivienne, who then dealt her in.
'I think I understand what you're saying. Is it that, if I can read a Master's mind, I could never be sure whether it's what they want me to hear, or what they really think?'�
'Precisely.'� Etienne sat down and joined the game.
'So, how do I become a Master?'�
'It takes years of training. But, as Masters, I think we can help you out there. I mean, if you're willing to learn.'� Evelyn was already in the game. I guess I was the only one who was still just watching. Caroline patted the seat next to her, and Vivienne began to deal to that spot.
'Come join us.'� Caroline smiled. I shrugged and sat down.
'Yes, I'm willing. Now, I know that you three are Master Witches and Vampires, but I'm curious, Etienne, what are you a Master in?'�
'Me, I'm a Master Warlock-Werewolf.'� He smiled and threw a five into the pot.
'But, aren't Vampires and Werewolves sworn enemies or something to that effect?'� What? That's what all the movies and books say.
'Oh, please. There never has been and never will be any great war between our species. That's just a history twisted by Hollywood and fueled by the media.'� Evelyn snapped, with a strange look of passionate displeasure.
'Oh . . . wait, just a history? So, you mean something like that did happen?'� Etienne and Vivienne shared a look, and he nodded to her.
'Well, yes, but it was nothing at all like what most believe. It was - and is - at most, sibling rivalry. But we've set our differences aside for the moment, and banded together against a new threat. Something worse than ourselves.'� Her tone was low, and there was an accent, but I couldn't place it.
'What's the new threat?'� I don't know why, but something made me whisper the question. Evelyn lost all emotion in her face and voice.
'The Hunters.'�
'The Who?'� the four of the them had a quick mouth-closed-laugh-snort at my response, then returned to the seriousness.
'The Hunters. They're the ones that go around with silver bullets in their pistols and wooden stakes in their brief cases. They're freelance killers that get paid to slay creatures like us.'� Vivienne tossed a dollar in the pot.
'Oh.'�
'In fact, we have a little club of them in our school. The members who live here just happen to be John Doyal and Estella Commings. Two of the most popular kids.'� Caroline laughed as she threw in a twenty. We all looked at her in surprise.
'What? I had a little extra cash left over from a babysitting gig a few weeks ago.'�
I joined the game and, three hours later, lost a total of 25 dollars to Caroline.
8
It was a cellar. The air was damp, and it was dark. Mostly dark. There were red and black candles burning. The walls were old brick, and the floor was cobblestone. Hanging on the walls were old black and white photos and an old wooden cross. In the center of the room was an old looking wood table, mid 18th century. Standing around this table were Tabi, Jake, and Blake.
'I am never wearing that again!'� Tabi had a look on her face as if she was going to kill someone, and she was directing it at Blake.
'Well, then, next time don't bet with me.'� Blake smiled. Tabi glared.
'If you don't want to become a soprano, you won't cheat next time.'� Tabi had what appeared to be a loaded gun pointed to his . . . nether regions. He casually pushed it aside.
'You sure you know how to use that thing?'� he laughed cockily. She took the clip out and placed it on the table.
'Chauvinistic bastard.'� She said as she began to load bullets into the magazine.
'Bitch.'� He snapped back.
'Hey, guys, can we please settle down long enough to figure out how we're going to do this.'� Jake snapped.
'She started it.'� Blake defended. Tabi just rolled her eyes as she reached under the table and pulled out a brown duffle bag.
'So, Tabi, what'd you have for me?'� Jake crossed his arms playfully, while Blake just crossed his arms.
'Well, surveillance says that these three call themselves the Twisted Trio. They also seem to be witches.'� Tabi pulled out pictures and documents. One picture was of Vivienne making an oak tree grow, another was of Evelyn creating a water tornado. Yet another was of Caroline holding a levitating ball of fire.
'Strange, these girls look like their about sixteen.'� Jake was leaning in, studying the pictures.
'That's what sources say.'� Tabi nodded.
'So, why is it that I don't see any birth certificates?'� he looked up in confusion at his companions. Blake smiled triumphantly.
'Exactly. There are no birth records of these three anywhere. There is no record of Caroline Fitzpatrick, Vivienne Foster, or Evelyn Cornwell anywhere.'�
'That's odd.'�
'That's what I said. So I investigated deeper. I learned that three sixteen year old girls registered with the county using the same exact names these three have. They even took pictures for proof.'� Tabi handed three manila colored folders with pictures and information to Jake.
'So it was them.'� Blake shrugged, showing how much he found this pointless.
'In 1993?'� Tabi looked at him and smiled wickedly.
'But that would make them around twenty eight!'� Blake grabbed one of the folders from Jake and read through it, trying to see if Tabi was wrong.
'Correct. Jake, I think we're dealing with the real thing. Actual Vampires.'� Tabi smiled at Jake evilly, who gave her the smile right back.
'Wait, you mean to tell me you've never actually dealt with Vampires before?'� Blake gave the two his best skeptical look.
'Honestly, Jake, where'd you find him?'� Tabi jerked a thumb at Blake, and then began to load all the guns she had on her, which was an estimated 8 small hand guns, two double barrel shot guns, and one rocket launcher.
'Same place I found you, only ten years later.'� Jake laughed.
'Why do I highly doubt that you met him on VR?'� Tabi laughed and started putting her guns in their holsters.
'You mean you've never actually dealt with Vampires before?'� Blake was still surprised.
'No. We've dealt with Werewolves, Witches, Dragons, and various other monsters. But every time we go after a Vampire, they seem to disappear before we can make the final move. But not this time.'� Jake smiled and looked at his team.
'That's right, this time, there's no where they can run.'�
* * *
The three companions sat in the library, watching the little people checking out books and wandering to and fro, doing research and reading. The woman held a laptop in her lap, and was typing away furiously, while the men just watched her. After a few minutes of awkward silence, then men picked up a couple of books and casually started reading. Well, one of them at least. The other held a book, and pretended to read, but was watching her. Finally, the other man threw down his book and shouted at his friend.
'Marcus! If you insist on watching Lucia, the least you can do is admit it! Instead of sneaking around, pretending not to! Gez!'� Marcus shot up while Lucia looked up casually and smiled mysteriously.
'Cassius! What are you talking about?'� Lucia laughed while the librarian shushed them. Cassius was just about to elaborate on his thinking, when Lucia held her hand up low.
'Guys, quiet, they're coming out.'� The men settled down as the door to the lower part of the library opened, and three people walked out. They remained silent, making not a noise as the companions talked quietly amongst themselves as they made their way out.
'Isn't that Jake Carter?'� Marcus whispered to his friends as the three the Vampires were watching exited.
'I think so ' shh, someone else is coming out.'� Cassius had lost all fun in his voice, and became fully involved in this mission. A few seconds after the California Boulingers had left, the door opened again, and John and Estella came out.
'John and Estella, one should have guessed those two were behind it.'� Lucia scoffed with playful malice. After those two had also left, Lucia turned to her friends with their mission.
'Alright, we'll split up, Marcus, you watch the Boulingers.'� Marcus nodded, and made his way to the door.
'Cassius, you take John and Estella.'�
'With Pleasure.'� Cassius smiled as he also went for the door, but as slowly and with as much style as he could muster.
'And that leaves me with Little Miss Laney.'� Lucia smiled as she shut down her laptop and made her way to the librarian, and checked out a book on Myths and Legends, then left to have some fun.
9
'So, can you guys really do magic?'� it was probably around 6:30 p.m. and we'd been at Vivienne's for about five hours.
'Damn right we can!'� Caroline shouted with a smile on her face.
'Well, call me skeptic, but I won't believe until I see.'� I wanted to see real magic so badly. I mean, last time I was around magic, I was pretty much passed out.
'Ok, I'll go first. I'll start with something simple.'� Caroline smiled and nodded, then held up her right index finger and blew on it. On the very tip of her finger a flame began flickering. Her finger became a candle!
'Whoa!'� I had lost my breath. Funny, since I'm supposed to be their Air.
But she wasn't finished yet. From her finger, the fire spread all over her hand, then up her arm. In a matter of seconds, she was completely engulfed in flames! After about thirty seconds of this, she did what appeared to be a front flip, and transformed her self into a small levitating ball of fire. The ball then turned into a puff of smoke, and she was gone. After half a minute of suspense the process reversed itself with rapid speed. It was as if you were watching it in rewind. And there she was before us, unharmed.
'Alright Caroline!'� Vivienne laughed and gave her friend a high five.
'Ok, Vive, it's your turn.'� Caroline bowed after we all clapped, and handed the floor over to Vivienne.
'Here we go.'� Vivienne stood in the middle of the room, and closed her eyes in a form of standing meditation. A moment later, her eyes snapped open, and her entire eye was dark green. She then spread her arms wide, and from out of no where, things like flowers, plants, small trees, leaves, nuts, all the things you think of when you hear something like 'Nature'� or 'Earth'� began to appear. In no time at all she had the appearance of an atom; she was the center and all these things were revolving around her. Suddenly the greenery began to spin faster and faster, and they were swept into her. And I mean that in the sense that it seemed to immaterialize right through her skin. After that, there was a flash of all these different greens, and we were all blinded. When we, myself in particular, were able to focus, Vivienne wasn't herself anymore. She became a living statue. It appeared as though she was wrapped from head to in tree roots. Or, actually, a statue of her likeness was carved out of tree roots, and might I say it looked a lot like her.
I was stunned. After a moment, she seemed to, well, explode, for lack of a better word. And, just like Caroline, she was unharmed.
'Evelyn, the floor is yours.'� Vivienne bowed, giving the stage to her dear friend.
'Ok, I'm still working on mine.'� Evelyn smiled and took a deep breath. She then transformed into herself, only in water form. It was like she was a glass figure, just without the glass. If ever you've read the book series 'Avalon'�, Evelyn was like Marina, only with her own form. She glided over to me, and touched my shoulder. Yea, she was wet . . . like water. After that, she melted down to a puddle, and slid over to the windowsill, where she reformed setting on it. She the smiled and evaporated. But she didn't return.
'It happened again, didn't it, Evie?'� Vivienne was laughing. She was just about to say something else, when there was a knock at the door. Etienne went over, unlocked it, and in came Evelyn, still a little damp.
'Told you I was still working on it.'� She giggled as she locked back up the door.
'So, Etienne. It's your turn. I must say I am rather curious. After all, I still don't know your element.'� I laughed. More and more these people were becoming my family. They're the only one I've ever really known since my brother died, at least.
'Oh, you're going to have to wait until tonight to find out what my spell will be, after all, my element is Death. And spells from the element of Death are no fun during the day.'�
'Alright. Tonight then.'�
10
'What can I get for you today?'� The man behind the counter of the downtown Carson coffee shop, 'Stomping Groundz'� seemed very happy. If anything, he was on cocaine.
'I'll have a Snicker flavored mocha.'� Estella was pulling out her wallet when someone came up behind her and paid for two.
'Make it two.'� Looking over, she saw John. At full height, he was about a head taller then she was. After he paid, the two went and sat down at a corner booth.
'So, how are our little assassins?'� Estella began to pull out a cell phone.
'I'm told that they have made great progress, and will be completing their mission shortly. How is the money transfer coming?'�
'In a few seconds, they will be fifty thousand dollars richer.'� Estella laughed, and pressed a button.
'Where did you get fifty thousand?'� John was curious. Two days ago, Estella was beautiful and broke. Now she had fifty thousand, at least?
'I pulled a magnificent scam.'� She smiled widely. John just raised his eyebrows.
'What? Can't the good guys sometimes be bad guys?'� she laughed.
'No. we're the good guys, and, last time I checked, being the good guys means not crippling an economy on a global scale.'� John was beginning to laugh too.
'Aw, but that's so much fun!'� She took a sip of her mocha. It was so good. She closed her eyes in pleasure.
'How's the mocha?'� John, seeing Estella's look of delight, chuckled.
'Well, why don't you find out by taking a drink? After all, you got the same thing I did.'� She smiled wickedly as John took a sip. His face betrayed him, saying that he had entered a state of pure ecstasy.
'Well . . . ?'�
'Delicious. Just Delicious.'� He also began to smile wickedly. It appeared as though it was the first time he had ever been to this coffee shop. Strange, that he should follow her there. Oh well.
John had begun to drink the coffee without stopping. Well, he did, but only for breath.
'Slow down. You'll get yourself sick.'� She reached out a pulled the cup away from him.
'You whore! Give that back!'� he lashed out his arms to get his coffee back, but she held it cleverly out of reach. She then decided to hide it behind her back.
'No matter where you place it, I'll go and get it.'� He laughed, and a few seconds later he realized what it sounded like.
'No, wait -'� he tried to fix it, but she cut him off.
'No, no, too late. The damage has been done.'� She then stood up and started to leave. She then quickly turned around, kissed him on the cheek, and headed out the door. She hopped in her dark blue Honda Civic and left the parking lot, leaving John to make whatever he would of the kiss.
11
It was dark, and Evelyn, Vivienne, Caroline, Etienne, and I were out side in some woods by the Elementary school. We were all wearing black, so school officials, cops, or janitors wouldn't catch us. The girls were holding blood red candles, and Etienne was holding a black one.
'So, are you ready for my spell?'� Etienne was smiling evilly. Suddenly, all the candles bust into flame and calmed down to a flicker.
'Bring on the entertainment!'� I shouted in a stage whisper. A stage whisper, in case you don't know, is where you are whispering something on stage, but the audience can hear you as if you weren't.
'Then step back. This could become dangerous . . .'� I stepped back, but my eyes were glued to the spectacle. It was almost like an occult thing.
First, the girls stepped back and were standing in a circle around him. Then, he threw off his cloak, revealing his outfit underneath. It appeared to be a pirate costume, only it was all black cloth and black leather. Then, he held his arms up to the sky and began to recite the following:
Come Darkness and Death,
Come Hunger and Chaos.
Come Malice and Anger,
Come Rage and Misfortune.
These are the Spirits I call upon,
Do bring with them Hate . . .
Destruction . . .
These things that give us power.
After that, Etienne closed his eyes, and pulled a David Blaine! He began to levitate while, from out of nowhere, full skeletons of rats and vultures rushed out from the darkness of the woods and began to swarm around him. Their bones encased him, creating a giant cocoon.
Just as suddenly as they arrived, they blew apart, revealing a creature so hideous, so monstrous . . . it took me a minute to recognize that this was a mutation of the grim reaper. He had green flesh that was falling off his body, exposed bones, and no eyes. He was wearing a black cloak, and only a few parts of his skin (or lack there of) was showing. When he spoke, his voice was not his Etienne's. It was darker and deeper.
'YOU, THE CHILDREN OF THE ELEMENTS, ARE TRUELY POWERFUL INDEED. BUT BEWARE! THY SHALL SO FIND THYSELF AMIDST COMPANY THAT PROVES MOST UNINVITED!'� Was all he said before the rats and vultures, or what was left of them, came back and wrapped him up, and then they exploded. Etienne was left levitating, and then he slowly lowered himself, and put on his coat.
'That was so amazing! How did you do that?'� We were all gathered around him. At least, all but three.
'Years upon years of practice, my dear Laney. But I wonder, who was he talking about when his said 'amidst company that proves most uninvited'?'� All of us were looking around now, curious. Who had he meant?
'He meant us!'� Three hooded figures stepped out from behind the trees. One was carrying a sword; another, a small pistol. The last was pointing a rocket launcher directly at me.
'And, just who might you be?'� Evelyn questioned with a seductive tone. Seeing that the two without the rocket launcher were both men, I knew where she was coming from.
'We're here to have a little fun.'� The woman (the one with the launcher) smirked evilly. Oh, what I would have given to meet her under different circumstances.
'Well this is a private party. Invites only.'� Caroline raised her eyebrows in a wickedly playful manor.
'So, unless you want to play who're the better killers, you're gonna have to go.'� Etienne crossed his arms in a manly-man kind of way. It reminded me of Lenny.
'Wonderful. That's exactly what I wanted to do.'� The woman seemed to be a very brave or very crazy woman. So far, I liked her.
'Fantastic. It's what we want, too. Just one condition. The girl.'� Evelyn nodded my direction.
'So, what about her?'� The man with the sword had thrust his sword into the ground and began to lean on it.
'She's new. Don't include her.'� Vivienne finished. Oh, I do love these girls. The three looked at each other and nodded.
'Deal.'�
'Now, what are your names?'� Etienne sat down on a rock and leaned on his elbows.
'What do our names matter?'� the man with the pistol had finally spoken. Right away I had a feeling he thought he was better then we were.
'So we may know what to write on your headstones.'� Caroline laughed, and Evelyn and Vivienne joined her. Once again, their laughter was both in melody and ferocious. I must say that was the weirdest moment of my life. Mainly because instead of getting angry and charging, the man with the sword and the woman began to laugh with them.
'So, let's go.'� The man with the sword pulled it out of the ground and held it in the ready position.
'Best of luck.'� Vivienne replied, and the men and the woman charged.
First off, I should say it was almost an unfair advantage for my friends. After all, they had magic. Ok, here's what happened:
The three witches licked the tips of the right index fingers, and touched them to each other's, and pointed at the man with the pistol. He went flying into the air, and I didn't see him for the rest of the night. Etienne pulled a sword from his cloak, and he and the other man began to fight. The man was slashed across the chest, while Etienne was hit across the arm. But unlike Etienne, the man did not heal instantaneously. The man jumped back and stopped next to the woman, who stopped a few feet after beginning to run, and set up her rocket launcher.
When she shot a rocket, Vivienne shot a look at Caroline, and I thought it was pointless because Caroline wasn't looking. But something made her turn to her friend. The two said something to each other with their minds, and Caroline grabbed hold of Vive's hands. She then, with her back to the rocket, began to do a flip up onto Vivienne's hands. Just as her legs were even with Vive's face, Caroline grabbed the rocket with her ankles, and was swung around and threw the rocket right back at the woman. The two intruders had just enough time to get out of the way before it hit the rest of the woman's ammunition. They were knocked out. Etienne was going in for the kill, when Vivienne took his arm.
'Another time. Look.'� And she pointed to the sky, where the moon was rising. Etienne nodded and looked at the rest of us.
'Sadly, I must go before I endanger you with my hunger.'� And with that, after kissing all three of the girl's hands and bowing to me, he ran off into the woods.
'Come on, we better get these three into a shelter before he turns, and before they wake up.'� Caroline went off searching for the man they sent flying, Evelyn healed the man who had the sword's chest, and together, Vivienne and Evelyn created a levitation spell and moved them toward one of the new motels that had been built to help support Carson's growing economy, while I had to clean up. But, lucky for me, Evelyn came back and helped.
* * *
The wolf lumbered over to where the woman sat, and collapsed from exhaustion, coughing up a screw and some silver paint chips. The woman just looked down at him with a smile and ran her hand along his light gray coat. He looked up at her, a smile on his golden eyes.
'Did you eat something you shouldn't have, like, oh, I don't know, a camera perhaps?'� she asked, and he hung his head as she laughed.
'Oh, my friend, you are going to get yourself sick if you keep eating trash like that.'� The wolf looked at her and licked her hand.
I know, but sometimes I just can't help it. The wolf looked around, and, noticing that there was only one woman sitting with him, smiled even more.
Lucia, my dear friend, we are Clara and Nessa? She smiled and held his head in her hands.
'Taking care of those three who tried to overtake us.'� She then looked up, through the tops of the trees, to the night sky above.
Still planning on writing books instead of performing with us? She didn't look at him, only smiled and closed her eyes.
'I love performing on stage, singing and hearing the harmony of our voices ' and my heart is in it ' but, it's just not as strong as my love of the written word. You of all creatures should understand.'� She looked down at him, and those gray eyes made the wolf's golden ones smile.
I do understand, and I'm glad. She looked at him weird after his comment, and his eyes smiled brighter.
You never seem happier then when you are doing something with literature ' whether it's reading a story or creating one. That's what you do best. Lucia took the wolf's head in her hands and stoked his head.
You were always so good to me. What do you say I repay you by taking you to dinner?'� the wolf's lips curled together in a smile as he nodded. She smiled again as she stood.
'Come then, Old Friend, let us hunt.'� He nodded, and the two bound off into the night with incredible speed and agility. For whom ever crossed their path, this night would be their last.
12
When Tabi, Jake and Blake finally woke up, they were laying on a bed in a hotel room. It was a very plain, very dull room with one window, a TV, two beds and a mini fridge.
'Where are we?'� Jake was holding his head when he sat up.
'Oh, I feel like I've just been hit by a Semi truck.'� Blake was holding his head where a deep cut was. Tabi looked over at him
'You feel that way, but you haven't. But don't worry, I can fix that.'� Tabi glared at him, you could read on her face she really, truly, deep down, wanted him dead.
'I'm not even gonna bother . . .'� Jake just shook his head and stood up, feeling his chest. His shirt was ripped, but there wasn't a slash mark, as there should have been. What was going on?
'You really are nothing but a poor little girl inside, aren't you?'� Blake was finally getting ballsy enough to see if Tabi was actually as tough as she seemed.
'And you're nothing but a shallow, pseudo-macho, self centered, egotistical asshole.'� Tabi raised her eyebrows as if saying, 'your move.'� Blake made a quick look around, and saw a knife. He snatched it up and held it at her chest.
'Afraid of knives?'� Blake was desperate.
'Hah, no. Somebody's desperate.'� Tabi just pushed the blade aside, but he quickly pushed it back. Jake watched.
'You sure? I think I see fear in those heinous little eyes of yours. You want me to call your mamma, so she can come and pick you up? After all, this is a man's job; not meant for little girls.'� Jake's eyes got wide as he looked at Tabi, Blake was smiling, and Tabi became silent. She then leaned forward.
'Go ahead; push me.'� She whispered.
'Little girl. Go and leave us to do a man's sport.'� Just as he finished his sentence, Tabi had pulled out one of her pistols and aimed it right between his eyes.
'I have been in this line of work for longer than you have. I'm one of the greatest assassins there ever was. Jake and I have both been in this together for years. Apologize now before I make you regret those words.'�
'No.'� he whispered. He was self assured. A little too self assured. Tabi had to fix that. Without any hint as to what she was going to do, she lowered the gun and shot Blake's foot. Blake fell off the bed while Tabi holstered the gun and smiled evilly. Jake began to laugh.
'Tabi!'� Jake tried to sound serious, but he was still laughing.
'BITCH!'� Blake yelled as tears streamed down his face and blood could be seen on the floor. Tabi just stood up, walked over to the window, and stared out of it. She remained silent for a minute of two, and then looked at the sad sight that was Blake.
'You might wanna get your foot off the floor. We don't want to stain the white carpet. I mean, then we won't get a deposit back.'� Jake just laughed harder.
'You bitch! You shot me! You shot me in the foot!'�
'Better your foot than your balls, which were my next choice. By the way, that was just a warning. Next time it won't be your foot. I'll put a pretty little bullet hole right between your eyes.'� Tabi had walked over and poked Blake between the eyes, and rather hard.
'Ok, Tabi. Enough playing around. Blake, go put your foot in the bathtub. Now, Tabi, tell me you know what happened last night.'� Jake sat down next to Tabi while she pulled out her laptop and began to type furiously. Blake, reluctantly, went into the bathroom to clean up his foot. Every now and then after words, small cries of pain could be heard.
'Alright, here's what I've got so far.'� She pulled up a video file, showing the scene of Etienne performing his Death spell, and then the battle. Apparently, Tabi had set up a video camera in a tree that set video feed back to her computer.
'How did they beat us?'� Jake was watching for something, anything, that would show why they blacked out. And then he saw what Vivienne and Caroline did with the rocket. That explained everything.
'Sources say that these three are not only Vampires, but Witches. Masters.'�
'And the guy?'� Jake had pointed to the man on the screen. By this time, Blake had come in with a towel wrapped around his foot.
'I don't know. We can't find anything on him.'� Just after she said that, something was moving in the background.
'What the hell is that?'� Jake leaned his head close to the screen. Suddenly a giant gray wolf came flying at the camera with its mouth open. For a brief second you could almost count the teeth in its mouth. And then the feed was gone.
'Oh dear.'� Jake began to slouch.
'Ah oh.'� Tabi exhaled.
'Oh shit.'� Was all Blake said.
'Tabi rewind and freeze that.'� Jake was the one who took charge, at least ever since Blake joined. Once again Tabi began to type like a fiend. In a few seconds, the image was frozen on the screen. Tabi smiled wickedly.
'Look familiar?'�
'Very.'� Jake joined Tabi's look of evilly pleasure.
'No.'� Tabi looked at Blake with anger. He ruined her moment.
'Jake, can I kill him now?'� Jake shook his head.
'No, Tabi.'� Jake got up and went into the bathroom. Seconds later you could hear the water in the shower running.
'You better be thankful someone up there likes you. But be careful; Jake won't always be here to protect you.'� Tabi stood up and walked out the door. Blake just sat there, staring at the screen. Only two words escaped his lips.
'Oh, Shit.'�
13

Nessa and Clara casually threw open the doors to the library, and made a B-line for the romance section. There they found Lucia, sitting in one of the cushioned chairs and reading a book.
'Hello Lucia.'� Nessa chided with a smile as Lucia slowly lifted her eyes over the top of the page to look at her friends.
'What can I do for you?'� she asked, motioning for the two to sit.
'You've noticed that Laney has, begun to change, right?'� Clara leaned in and asked, her voice barely under normal volume. Lucia sighed.
'I have seen it; what do you want me to do?'� Nessa and Clara looked at each other, and then their tone changed.
'We want you to write about this, all that has happened and all that will transpire from this. End it when the situation is over ' post it on the internet. Let it serve as a warning for our people, that they may not make the same mistakes.'� Nessa was breathing heavy by the time she was done. Lucia just smiled, placed her right forefinger in the book to save her page, and rested it on her lap.
'An impassionate speech, you could be a public speaker, Nessa. Alright, I'll do it, but on one condition. Next time you want me to do something, you will approach me at the designated Coven House. And would you please lower your voice, it's being rude. We are in a library, after all.'� Nessa and Clara shared another dark look, then smiled as they nodded, stood, and made their way out the door. Lucia just watched them until the doors opened, then returned to her book.

* * *

'Access Denied.'�
'Damn it!'� This was not Estella's day. Try as she might, she couldn't get into the school's files. Ever since Jake came to her, and told her that they also had a werewolf to deal with, she had been hacking into the school's mainframe, to find out who he was. Yea, she had a picture of him in human form, but she didn't have any info. That's why she immediately thought 'school network'. After all, they have everyone on file, teachers, students, and anyone else is works there. Those file are complete with pictures. So, find the picture, find the information. It was perfectly simple
'Still can't get in?'� John was leaning over her shoulder, sipping yet another Snicker mocha coffee. Estella looked up at him and smiled grimly.
'No. They have this thing locked up tight. On the upside, this is the last lock I have to pick, and then we're in. The downside, I can't for the life of me figure it out.'� She leaned back and crossed her arms.
'Well, let's just take a step back and look at the general picture. Who created this last password lock?'�
'The V.P., Mrs. Webb.'�
'And, after squeezing out as much info on her as we could without creating suspicion, what would she most likely have done?'�
'She would have done the complete opposite of what we would think. Instead of going alone with who she is, she would have ' Oh! Of course!'� Estella quickly typed in a five letter word, and in an instant they were at the home screen.
'We're in. Now, let's find out who this little friend of theirs is.'� She began to type again, and then scanned in the boy's picture, and in another instant they were on a student page. Everyone involved with the school has one, a page with all your information on it. From your social security number, to what you're allergic to, your name, who your parents are, where you live now and have lived in the past, grades, your age, even how many pets you have and what they are, including names. It's a government conspiracy.
'Ok, it says here his name it Etienne and he currently resides at the Children's Orphanage, out in Carson. Huh, that's strange.'� Estella was scrolling down the page, when her brow furrowed.
'What? What does it say?'� John was trying to read over her should.
'It's not what it says, but what it doesn't say. It gives no last name. Or middle, for that matter. In fact, it gives hardly any information. All it says is his name is Etienne, He lives at the orphanage, and his mother left him there. Oh, and he has no pets.'�
'Does it say where he was born?'�
'No.'�
'What about where he's lived in the past?'�
'Huh-uh.'�
'Social security number?'�
'Doesn't have one.'�
'Allergies?'�
'Not listed.'�
'Father?'�
''Information inaccessible at this time.''�
'Ok, here's an easy one. Age?'�
'No. I can't believe it. Not even his age is listed.'�
'So, either someone whipped out all the information on this guy, or he covers his tracks very well.'� John and Estella looked at each other.
'This is very, very bad.'� Estella said what they were both thinking. John was just about to say something when Estella's phone rang. She quickly whipped it out of her back pocket and answered.
'Hello?'� John was silent while the person on the other line talked.
'What? Ok, we'll be right over.'� Estella hung up while John looked at her expectantly.
'Tabi's gone.'�
'What?'�
'Apparently she went out for a walk and hasn't been seen since.'�