[ Knightly Special ]

A Story by iDinoSmoar

[ A vampire story. [not at all related to Twilight, or anything other book for that matter. ] It is not finished, by the way.]

CHAPTER ONE- New Mirage

Eventually roses wilter and die. They live their lives as long as they could, and as beautiful, but are never truly 'alive'. One day they are just seeds, the next they are blossomed red living things of nature. After a while, they do not have the will or time to live, and just crumple up and die. Everything does that.

Father told me that we have a reason to live; to enjoy life that some others may not have. I don't know exactly what he means but I don't intend to find out either. He was always saying those weird kinds of things. From town to town, residents always call him 'crazy' or 'psycho'. I sometimes call him that even though I know he is not. Father isn't actually my father. He is my great grandfather, but my real parents died, so I was sent to live with him. I don't mind though because my mother died giving birth to me, and my actual father died from an unknown disease, so I didn’t really know them that well.

I shifted to my left to get more comfortable. Leather seats are horrible. Especially in an RV. Father and I are going to settle in No Mirage, California. For a place that is supposed to happy and sunny, No Mirage sounds pretty damn gloomy. Not that I care especially, but it’s the truth.

Father looked in his review mirror to check on me. "How are you doing back there, Odettie?" He asked bubbly. I hated when he called me that.

For someone old, he sure did look young. And acted like it.

I faked a smile and replied blissfully, "I'm fine. It’s not like there is a trouble in the world," I replied, lying through my teeth.

A smile crossed his face, which seemed way too big, and closed his eyes. That habit was one that my mother used to have. At least, that’s what father tells me.

Sleepily, I looked out the window and let out a quiet yawn. I slid down off of my seat and moaned. "Retarded seat!" I whispered as I searched for my dark purple bag with my family's crest on it. It was a black raven with lavender wings, surrounded by gold sunshine rays. I never really understood it.

I slipped my right hand down in the bag and moved it around until I felt something box-like. I took it out. Fortunately, it was my mp3 player. I took it everywhere with me. A friend of mine, Carol lent it to me in 7th grade but a week after, me and father moved away so I couldn't return it. So, I kept it was a 'goodbye' gift from everyone. I did have friends, you know. But it’s not like I could take them too. They couldn't really handle the pressure of father.

Carefully, I plugged in my headphones and turned it on. I don't have much variety of music on it. From compositions by Mozart, to lullabies, to dramatic horror sound effects. I wasn't very keen on the new-age music, even for my age. It’s not that I dislike the music today, it’s just that the music back then were, you know, more civilized. And it was beautiful.

I looked at father through the mirror. There was a brim frown over his age-less face.

"Are you using that worthless piece of space stuff, again?" He asked.

I, in return, frowned. "But father, it’s not like I listen to junk. I have classical music and all of the good elder stuff. Don't throw me in the group who listens to 'techno', please," I replied quietly.

He sat there for a moment, staring at the road. He finally spoke, "Alright. I guess that’s fine."

Thankfully, he shut up after a while, and I continued to listen to Mozart. The thing about Mozart, was not only his talent, but the way he used it. He didn't waste it like others. He spread his feelings through his music and compositions. No other musician or artist could do that as well as Mozart could. That’s what I liked about him.

Slowly, I crouched in my car seat and feel asleep, kind of. Well, let’s say I went into a trance.

Dreams are beautiful. They are one of the only places people can escape to. They take an ease off your mind, and grant your every wish; to become rich, have magical powers, and for some people; get a romantic relationship. Not everyone gets the miracle of dreams though. People also get nightmares. Nightmares are pretty much the opposites of dreams. They spook up on you with everything they got. Especially your greatest fears. Tragic, horror, murder, and anything in between lie in the hands of a nightmare. They are like little demons, come to scare you into being their minions. Or even worse; death.

These 'nighttime wonders' come easy to me. Even when awake, which is like no other. Some of my friends say that their dreams would have them with their boyfriends, while their nightmares contained certain death. Not once have they had dreams or nightmares while awake, let alone conscious.

Deep into sleep, kind of, I had another nightmare. Well, I was in someone else’s. I was surrounded by bright lights, and mirrors. Was this a dream, instead? A couple feet behind me, something heavy fell creating a loud boom. Hurriedly, I looked back. There was nothing. I questioned what it could have been. "Maybe it was my imagination...It is a dream or nightmare after all. I squinted my eyes, due to the light. Brightness and I didn't work well together. I was attached to darkness, rather. I can see better in it.

A dark figure blurred by the far right mirror. He seemed young, but I couldn't be too sure. He was stomping his feet and staring at a purple pocket watch that had a crest on its back. It's probably a family crest.

I stood there as quiet as I could, as to not bring attention. It was a dream, but I didn't want to scare him away and be alone. I can't stand being alone. Things happen. Horrible things.

After a half hour, the figure became impatient and paced in circles. He still didn't seem to notice me yet. Hopefully, it would stay like that. Bored to tears, I glanced up at the ceiling. The lights up there were bright, yet all of them were broken. Is that even possible? In this world, maybe it is.

Once again, I stared back at the man. He was sitting down this time, with his head slumped over in his resting arm. Guessing from his position and attitude, he was probably waiting for someone who is obviously late.

Copying him, I also sat down. For a dream, this was sure boring.

A few minutes passed and the man starting mumbling something. I could see his lips moving, but nothing came out. Was this a mute dream...?

The dream soon ended, as I woke to brightness again. Vaguely, I could hear a deep voice and a young voice speaking to one another.

I rolled over, way too much, and fell on a ground.

"Whoa! Oomph," I groaned. That hurt. Not a lot, but it still hurt.

Father walked into the dainty room where I was. "Are you alright?" He asked worriedly. "You have been asleep for three days."

Three days? The dream only seemed like an hour at max. Or...?

Coming to consciousness, I blinked my eyes rapidly to wake myself. "I'm fine, father," I said. "Nothing’s wrong. I was just a bit, you know, sleepy."

His worried frown went away and became a puny grin, but enough to show a fang. That made me frown. I didn't like when he showed his fangs. It reminded me of, well, me.

A young woman, around the age of twenty perhaps, walked in and kneeled next to me on the ground. "I'm your Aunt Sophie. Due to you and grandfathers conflict, you shall stay here with me," she said with a wide smile that made her prettier than she was.

I ignored her for a second. "Father," I corrected.

"Yes, father. Nice to meet you, Odette."

I frowned. Did weird relatives come in a package? My parents, father, me, and now her. None of us were normal. Well, I'm not too sure about Sophie yet. She acted weird. Like one of them 'fake' mothers you see on old-time television.

I hummed my words out, "Nice to meet you too."

Out of curiosity, I looked around the room. "What’s this room, anyways?" I asked as I walked near a cob web.

Aunt Sophie had a sudden look of surprise on her face. "Oh! Oh dearie, this is the cell room. For when one of 'us' become too, you know, aggressive," She said with a sad look on her face.

'Us', huh? Bet I know what she means, and I wish I didn't.

Sophie stood up and moved to the door. She gestured us to follow. I looked madly at father for taking us to a weirdo. He just shrugged and followed Sophie. So did I.

After a minutes worth of walking, we ended up in a very large lobby room. It was decorated with ancient artifacts, gold, and expensive furniture. I'm used to the riches, so it didn't really bother me. What really caught my attention was the door. It was a dark shade of violet, with my family’s crest.

"So she really is one of us...," I mumbled.

"Huh? What'd you say, Odette?" Sophie and father asked in unison. That wasn't comforting.

I sighed deeply. "Father, can I go look around town?" I asked.

Father thought. "Sure. It'll be good to learn about your surroundings," he said happily.

Aunt Sophie put her hands on her chin and sighed. "Be careful, dearie. No Mirage isn't a place to be 'hanging out' as it would be somewhere else. There are bad people, unlike us, here," she said hastily.

Ignoring her, I left with my purple bag on my shoulder, with my headphones wedged in my ears, and a pocket full of mp3.

When I stepped outside, it was awkwardly dim. Like, kind of foggy weather. That was good for my kind too. I like bad weather. It makes me realize that life isn't all sweets and candy. It also gives more personality.

Looking around, I noticed that Aunt Sophie's house was the only, large and rich one. All the others were dimpy and small. This place must not get a lot and money, but plenty of taxes.

As I walked down the streets, and around small corners, plenty of people stared at me, obviously. Don't worry, it’s not my height. I'm average there! But, besides that, are my looks.

Awkwardly, due to my kin, instead of normal blonde, black, red, or brown hair, I have a purple tint color, with a mix of black, or gray, not so sure. Not so normal, right? My eyes are weird too. They aren’t your average color. They are more of a neon blue and green. My friends said they are really pretty, and used to think they were contacts. Too bad they aren't, though. They bring too much attention to me. And I don't think that you want to be stared at 24/7, in every class or whatever every day. No, no, no. It’s just of frustrating after some time, so I just tell them to think what they want, just stop asking me. Annddd, what do they do? Ignore that and keep asking. It’s as if someone stuck peanut butter in their ears. Surely, it would be better in their mouths.

To my little joke, I giggled. People walked away, afraid at what I might do next.

Humans, shall I say, are scared of what they cannot see. But, when they do see it, why do they become even more afraid?

Staring up at the sky for awhile, made me realize that it’s pretty late. "I'd better get home before father gets worried...," I mumbled to myself. Shadows hung over me as it became darker, and colder.

An hour later, I finally reached Aunt Sophie’s house. I must've walked pretty far away.

Going into the large golden door, I heard footsteps coming from upstairs. They got louder, until Sophie and father appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Odette! Thank god, you're back," father said in relief.

Sophie also seemed relaxed that I came back. Why were they so worried? This town is as normal as any other.

"Honey, you must not be out too late. There are, well, certain people you do not wish to run into," she said with a serious yet kind tone in her voice. It made me jump back a bit. Not good.

"What kind of people, exactly?" I asked.

They both stared. It’s as if they knew something I didn't. That made me mad. "Odette, please get to bed," father said, changing the subject.

You're just lucky that we're the same kin. Unless I would know. I thought, as I walked down the hall. There was a door with a hanger that had 'Odettie's Room' on it. How likely of father.

I laughed out loud, as I walked in.

The room was painted in a beautiful tint of violet, my favorite color. It was also my family’s trademark color, along with the raven. The bed was a canopy type, with dark gray sheets and a sunny golden pillow. Sophie sure does have taste, I'll give her that. I mean, she’s been living here for who knows how long.

Everything was normal, and intact. Thank god. What was stupid was the fact that father told me to sleep. I don't technically sleep. I see, and enter, other people’s dreams. People tend to wonder who I am, get scared, or don't even know I'm there. What about that man whose dream I enter before coming here? I want to see him again...

Eventually, I became in a trance, and entered someone’s dream. This time it was in a young boys dream? Well, I'm not so sure. I was in a burning town. It felt extremely familiar. And it hurt.

By the lake was a young boy, crying and hovering over a woman, covered in red paint? No, its scent was different...Its, blood?

Oh god, what happened here? Hurriedly, I 'ran' over to the boy. I tried to calm him down by patting him on the back. "Uhm, don't worry! This is just a nightmare. This isn't really happening," I spoke to him as calmly as possible.

He sat there and sobbed, then turned around. "You...You...You did this!" He screamed. It was painful.

"No...No, you're wrong! I didn't do this. This is a dream!" I screamed back, holding my head at the pain of his words, and this place.

The boy stood up, trembling horrible. He then lunged at me.

"Wait! You got the wrong person!"

He ignored me and slammed a crucifix-like sword with a black feather wedged into in, into my forehead.

It hurts.

I held my head and breathed hard, screaming at the top of my lungs.

Why. Why am I hurting like this? I've never been hurt in someone else’s dream before. I've also never been hurt for that matter.

Grabbing a grip of reality, I woke for the boys dream. My forehead still burned. I still couldn't breathe. And I was covered in the boy’s blood and tears.

Pain. Blood. Death.

I began screaming. Loud. Painful.

Holding my head and yelling, I stumbled around my room, trying to break free. Nothing would let me. Not even my own will. Had I really killed that woman? What about the boy? Being surrounded in blood....It doesn't feel right.

Eventually, the urge of blood and memories slipped away, and I became calm.

Luckily, father and Sophie didn't seem to hear my breakdown. They can't slip into people’s dreams like I can.

Since I could remember, I've always had this 'fusses'. They come and go. Many things can trigger them. Pain, from others, that I can feel. Through dreams and reality. Blood can also get the better of me. The scent of it drives my kin berserk. Especially me, since I'm more sensible. Things come to me easier. Is that a good thing? Sometimes it is, sometimes it’s not.

Another trigger is probably an over flow of emotions. Mine or someone else’s. The emotion that is triggered the most is depression, because it can be the most overwhelming of all. One can die, while another has to suffer the horrible pain that the first one had. Why, would that be so? They say people alike share emotions. Kind of like how twins think alike and that sort of thing.

CHAPTER TWO- High School Horrors

The next morning wasn't that well either.

When I woke up, Sophie and my beloved father made me a bed-in-breakfast. Sounds nice so far, right? When I was in the middle of drinking my chocolate milk mix, they interrupt me saying that I must attend New Mirage High. I finished high school over twenty years now. It’s super easy to me, but meeting news friends and getting attached right before I move is painful.

Another funny thing is the school’s name. 'New Mirage High'. Haha, very funny. No Mirage city with New Mirage High. Sounds very...delightful.

Now, back to reality.

"Sorry Odette. But, to be act normal, you must go to school again," father began saying.

"Yeah, yeah," I mumbled.

Sophie spun around. "Maybe you'll get a high school romance!" she giggled to herself.

Romance? Okay. Every year of high school, I've had one guy a week confess to me. Sounds nice right? Not really. I'm not into 'dating'. I mean, they aren't my kin.

With rice dripping from my face, I slowly walked into the washroom and cleaned myself. Staring into the raven-shape mirror, I flared my fangs. They were sharper than ever. I sighed heavily.

Creeping down the stairs, I noticed a guest sitting in the dining room. Hm. Why would anyone visit dumb ol' Aunt Sophie?

Continuing with my horrendous schedule I grabbed my messenger bag and opened the golden front door.

Father stopped me before I got out. "Like usual, okay?" he said, a smile covering his face, with a sharp white fang pointed out.

I nodded and grunted as I slammed the door and headed to New Mirage High. It wasn't very far from here, which was a good thing about Sophie’s house.

Teens around the age of fifteen through nineteen walked together. Very quickly, as if to not miss the bell. Girls giggled at each other. Boys told jokes to one another. Teachers were reading newspapers. Custodians were cleaning the sidewalks. Gardeners were tending to the plants. Average school, average people. Hoorah.

I shifted my hand threw my hair. It was extremely itchy, due to all of the people around. Weird to get itchy around a crowd, huh?

All of the supposedly popular jocks and cheerleaders stared, and annoyed, that they are getting less attention. The geeks fixated their glasses and made 'whoa' comments. Others pretty much stared, jaws dropped. Even the teachers.

To ease them of the attention, I smiled a 'kind but mischievous' grin that showed one of my fangs. They became more attracted. That’s also a bad thing about my kin. All I wanted to do is let them get what they needed and leave.

I eventually came to ignore them and headed into the school.

It was average size and all, alike from the other schools I went to. They also had low-grade students that were dramatic at everything. Their food was horrible, even though I don't technically 'eat'. I, more-or-less, drink. Teachers weren't strict enough, and there were never enough supplies. If that’s so, why do I became attracted and attached with an indestructible chain?

As I headed down the hallway, many people stared. Mostly at my hair, and eyes, and ears. My ears are elven like, but spiked. My eyes, also, have rings in them. Like a vortex, as you would think. You should know about the rest of me.

I came to a stop, where two large glass doors were labeled 'Office Lobby'. Go figure. So, I walked in. There were some students giving me odd and devilish looks. They were probably trouble makers. I frowned. Why do people these days do crazy things? They all lead to...pain, death, and blood.

A lady about the age of thirty nine, I got brilliant eyes, was sitting in the front desk, messing with an inexpensive computer. She noticed me as soon as I walked in and a smile crept on her face. She looked extremely pretty. Kind of like a runaway model for the 16th century.

"Ah, you must be our foreign exchange student, Liliana Livingston," she said gently. "We are extremely happy and honored to have you stay here as a student."

I smiled in return. She was honest about what she said. I could tell in her voice tempos. My kin has a special like that. It’s nice to use, actually.

She shuffled through a couple of papers, and handed me a violet folder. They know me well.

"That contains your schedule, and informative paper," she stated.

I grabbed it and tucked it into my bag. "Thank you," I replied.

The lady stared into my eyes and hair for awhile.

"Did anyone ever tell you that you are beautiful?" she asked. "Your eyes are not only unique, but extremely pretty. Your hair is like the sky at night...And your skin is as pale as the moon."

Teachers and staff usually flattered me with that. Thing is, they actually meant it. So did this woman. I smiled again, this time baring a fang. I'm going to like being around her.

I headed out of the lobby, and back down the hallway. Half way down, I took out my folder and reached into. "Locker number 666," I said to myself. They really do know my kin.

I stopped at my locker. Nothing was out of it, so I continued to my homeroom, 130.

As my locker, it was also normal. I actually like normal things. When I walked in, I noticed something bad though. In the middle of the classroom, was a girl with glasses and extremely curly hair. Surrounding her was a couple of cheerleaders. Apparently, they were harassing her.

"Who do you think they are? Why even try to talk to Knight Sterling? You're in way over your head," the tallest one said, fiercely.

She grabbed one of the girl’s curls and pulled it hard. Another girl took hold of someone else’s scissors. She put them very close to the curls.

"Ha-ha. This is what you get for messing with Knight Sterling!"

I kind of 'teleported' or moved very quickly over to them and grabbed the girl with the scissors hands. I looked her straight in the eyes. "Do not touch her," I said with an extremely serious tone. Quickly, I took the scissors from her hand and pushed the girls to the ground. I wasn't mean, or a bully, it’s just that I don't allow bullying while I'm around.

The girls had a shocked look on their faces. At me, my looks, and my actions.

"H-how dare you!" one girl screamed as she leaped at me and pushed me onto the ground. She reached into her pocket and grabbed a hand-held-knife.

"You will pay deeply for getting involved!"

Pulsing it through my forehead, blood began streaming out. Girls began shrieking. Even the girl who wounded me herself.

Boys surrounded me while the girls ran away.

"Are you okay?!" a refreshing blonde boy said, worriedly.

I'm surprised; no one tried to ever hurt me. Knives don't hurt me. Crucifixes, holy water, over whelming light, guns, and emotions hurt me. I feel perfectly fine.

I stared back at them and smiled, baring a fang.

I could see the blonde boy turn red.

"I'm fine, thank you," I replied. The blood had somewhat made me a wee bit dizzy. "Sorry, but I need to know where my seat is," I started saying. "My name is Liliana Livingston."

The girl who was being bullied stood up. "Uhm, you sit next to me...," she said softly to the point where it was almost a whisper. Apparently, I'm the only one who heard her, due to my senses of hearing. Everyone else stood there, asking me about my health.

I put my hand up and smiled a bit. "Once again, sorry, but could you please ask me later?" I said. "I feel a bit faint."

I walked over to the curly hair girl and sat down next to her. She glanced over at me. "Thank you...for what you did. And sorry that you got hurt in my place...," she mumbled quietly.

Her shyness was cute. Poor thing. Why was she getting bullied? Who’s this 'Knight Sterling guy, any who..?

I turned to her and smiled. "It’s okay. I did it because they shouldn't be doing stuff like that to people. Its vulgar and childish," I spoke. "I'm Liliana. What’s your name?"

She turned away, and then turned back. "My name is...Heather," she replied quietly. "No one usually talks to me..."

People shouldn't ignore kind people like her. It’s dumb of them. They are too selfish to care about the 'good' things in life. "Well, I must be the first one too, huh? That’s a pleasure!" I laughed. Heather also laughed.

Heather stared at me for awhile. "You distracted by my looks, too, huh?" I asked. "I look like a freak of nature don't I? It also seems like my hair, eyes, and skin are fake. Too bad, but they are one hundred percent real." I leaned back in my chair.

She shook her head then stared at her hands. "Its more like...You look somewhat like a mythical creature," she replied.

"Haha! Mythical creature?" I grinned. "Like big foot or Nessy?"

Heather smiled back. "No, more like...Oh I don't know. A mermaid?"

We both laughed. "Thanks for the flattery, but I'm not as pretty as a mermaid."

"Maybe you are? Look. All of the boys are staring at you. Especially Allen," she pointed to the boy with the blonde hair that asked me about my health earlier.

Hm. I fear that the next of my kin will look even more extraordinary than I do. Since I'm the latest of my kin, and also the youngest.

I glanced over at Allen. "Oh," I grunted.

There were around eleven boys, nine girls, me, and Heather. Not a lot of people. "Is this all there is in this class?" I asked.

Heather shook her head again. "Some of the weirder boys usually skip school on certain days...," she replied with a frown on her face.

I also frowned. Why can't they go to high school for three years and get it over with? I've been through high school for twenty!

The blonde boy, Allen, walked over to our table. "Sorry about those cheerleaders. They go insanely jealous over Sterling," Allen stated angrily.

"Sterling again? Who the hell is this guy anyways?" I asked, annoyed.

Heather pointed to the three tables that were empty. "He’s one of the weirdoes that I was talking about."

"Yeah. Everyone thinks he’s cool just because he plays every sport known to man, and is extremely smart."

"Oh. I'm getting it. So that’s why he and his friends skip?"

"Kind of. I'm not sure, but he and his buddies leave on any day that has six's in it. Then they come back on the eighth."

Sixth? Eighth? They skip two days in a row, around four times a month? What could be so important? A chess competition? I laughed out loud.

Heather and Allen looked confused. Oh well.

That reminds me. Father, Aunt Sophie, and I must go out to 'eat' tomorrow. It is the seventh tomorrow, after all. That’s the day we always 'eat' on. We pretty much eat once a week. Kids usually think I'm anorexic or dieting. I usually just tell them that I don't feel well, or I'm not hungry. My kin sure is annoying.

"Liliana, are you okay?" Heather asked suddenly, breaking off my thoughts.

Allen and Heather stared at me, confused and worried.

"Huh? Oh. Sorry, I was just daydreaming...," I replied.

After a minute, I fell in a trance again. Instinctively, I went into someone else’s dreams.

Around me was the burning town again. Am I in the boys dream? I looked around for him. But, wait. He thinks that I'm the one who caused this...I'm not...Right? An insane stench came from a shack near the lake. It must be blood. Oh god...

I covered my nose with my sleeve and headed over to the shack.

Inside was the young boy again. I stayed at the entrance. "Look, I'm sorry for what happened here," I said apologetic. "I'm not the one who started it...I came here accidentally..."

Tears of red streamed down his face. It hurts. The blood, sorrow, and death. It did nothing but hurt me. Emotionally, and physically.

"Stop...Please," I begged. "This is a dream. You can make it all go away!"

He laughed. "This isn't a dream. This is reality! Your people did this to my home. My family," he screamed.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about...My family didn't do it!"

The boy cracked a sadistic smile. "Don't worry. I'll get revenge. On every last one of you damn savages!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, laughing as he finished.

I flinched. It was more painful. I tug at my chest, and moaned. It was unbearable. I fell to my side, and the last thing I saw was the boy. Crying again, as if I had never came.

Loud panicking voices were everywhere. To my left, to my right. Everywhere. Who is it?

When I opened my eyes, I saw Heather and Allen. "Where...am I?" I asked. My voice was extremely dry and hoarse.

"You're in the clinic, Liliana. You turned blank after awhile. Then you began talking to yourself. As if to a person. Then you tug at your heart and began moaning then screaming," Allen said. "You eventually were knocked out, so we brought you here."

Oh. I remember now...The boy and the burning town.

Heather stared at me with a frown. "Are you okay, Liliana...?" she asked worriedly.

I smiled. "I'm okay. I just dripped into slumber town and had a nightmare. Nothing to worry about," I assured them.

The nurse walked in a couple of minutes later. "Are you okay Miss Livingston?" she asked.

I nodded. Then she turned and left the room again.

Allen and Heather looked at me surprised. "Miss?" they asked in unison.

"Oh yeah. My family is extremely rich and all."

They gasped. In return, I laughed. "Don't act like that guys. Just because I'm rich doesn't mean I'm different."

Heather nodded and smiled, as well as Allen.

"Shouldn't we get back to class?" I asked.

"Actually, school is over in ten minutes. You were out for a long time," Heather stated.

Hm. Long time, huh?

I sighed heavily. The bell rang.

"Oh. It’s time to go," grunted Allen.

Heather turned to me and smiled. "See you tomorrow, Liliana. I hope you feel better."

"Yeah. If not you'll faint again!" Allen pointed out.

I nodded. "Hey, guys. I won't be here tomorrow. Nor on any 'seven' day. It’s kind of a...family thing, you know."

"Oh. Okay. Bye!" they said as they left.

I left for home as well.

On my way home, I plugged in my mp3 and listened to more Mozart. It comforted me. This first day was unlike any other, at least. I wonder where we are going to go eating...

Near the next corner was a bunch of teens around my appearance age, 16 or 17. They wore darkish clothing and seemed to have a lot of things like...a crucifix...jars of paint...and other things. They seemed to notice me. Not wanting to get involved, I took a left and cut through some fields. I sped through the trees. A special talent of my kin.

I stood very high on a tall tree and looked down at where the teens were. They were looking everywhere for where I went. Even at the tree I was in. They used binoculars. S**t! What if they had seen me? I dunked down, and a dark light emitted my body. Large dark purple wings spread over me, to cover me. Some of the branches broke and all of the birds and animals flocked out as soon as possible.

To my kin, I was now a dark black blur with huge raven wings. To humans, I was just a raven.

To avoid suspicion, I sped off into the direction of Aunt Sophie’s house. Once there, I landed on the roof and slammed down the chimney.

"I'm home," I mumbled.

Father was in the living room, and was surprised at my looks. "Why are you in that form?" he asked with a frown.

Guess I got to tell him. "Around here was a strange bunch of kids. Or teens, shall I say. They were carrying crucifixes, jars of items, and other junks like that. I didn't want to get involved, so I sped through a field and up a tree. They noticed me before, so they looked around for me, and where I could have gone," I said quickly, taking in a long breathe.

"Some of them had binoculars, so I turned into this form, to get away without getting caught."

He sighed deeply, and Sophie walked in, overhearing our conversation. "Odette. That is most likely a group that we are pretty much enemies with. They call themselves 'Vampire Hunters', also known as the 'Knights'" she stated.

"A...Vampire Hunter group...?" I said in shock.

"Yes. That’s why I told you to be careful!"

"Whenever you come in tact with them, do not, I say, do not, show any indications of your true kin," father replied.

I frowned. This is going to be troublesome.

Later on, I skipped dinner and headed straight to my room. I wanted to

think about stuff.

CHAPTER THREE- The return of the Knights?

Today is the day of the feeding, a seventh.

Me, Aunt Sophie, and father are to catch food while up in the mountains. It’s also very bright today, so it will be shady and cool up there.

"Be careful, Odette. You might slip and die," father joked.

I grunted. "Very funny. An ex-vampire joke."

Sophie laughed along with dad as we climbed the side of a cliff, very very quickly.

My kin is actually the rarest and highest level of vampires. We are 'raven-type'. Most vampires are bat-related, like how people make jokes like 'Dracula'. My kin is much far sophisticated than them. We have more powers, higher senses, and are able to stay under the light longer than the others. We also have more variety in looks. They usually just have black hair and dark eyes.

When we reached the top of the cliff, the scenery was beautiful. Large lush trees, bloomed flowers, small animals and animals, and a river surrounded us. Not much could describe this. Not even in a painting by Picasso.

"Okay. I'm starving! Let’s hit it!" I shouted enthusiastically.

Sophie smiled, and then father. "Okay. Be careful and don't go too far, Odette."

I grunted as I sped off into the tall trees. The only things that caught my eyes were birds.

After an hour of speeding around in the trees, I noticed a deer. It was actually just a fawn. A couple feet away, were its mother. The baby nudged against its mom for warmth. They both slept together. The birds chirped a smooth melody, while the grasshoppers played a slow composition. It sounded like Mozart.

I couldn't bear myself to kill and eat the deer. They were a family. Without each other, they couldn't go on living. I can't have that on my guilt for the rest of my life.

A couple of hours later, it turned dark. So, I headed back to father and Aunt Sophie. They were chatting about tea. Go figure. Vampires, gossiping about the latest tea styles. Soooo predictable.

"I'm back," I grunted again.

They finally noticed me.

Father grinned. "Welcome back. How was your meal?" he asked.

"It was delicious," I lied.

Sophie laughed. "Good."

I sat down on the grass, tired after all the searching for food. It sucks that I couldn't find anything. Well, besides the deer that I couldn't eat.

Father flinched. He looked around for a minute.

"What is it? An animal?" I asked.

He shhh'd me.

Sophie stared. "Do you think...maybe its one of them?" she pondered.

One of them? Is she talking about the...hunters?!

After a minute of silence, father and Sophie bared their fangs.

Father stared at me. He tried to say something, but nothing came out.

"Run!" Sophie yelled.

I instinctively ran up a tree, while so did Sophie and father.

"Come out, come out, where ever you are you sick little vampires. We know you are there," a young voice said.

"We are the Vampire Hunter Clan, the Knights. All we want to do is destroy your kin. Is that so hard to ask?" he laughed.

I was disgusted. We did nothing to them! Why would they want to destroy my kin, out of all vampire types, huh!?

Father pointed to my north, the opposite where the hunters were.

I felt horror spread through my body. What was going to happen? What if one of us gets caught?

Aunt Sophie stood there for awhile. "You two go first. I'll hold them back," she whispered fiercely.

"But Sophie!" I argued back.

"Let’s go. Sophie will not get injured," father said.

I gave in and followed him the opposite direction of the hunters, while Sophie stayed behind. While speeding though the trees, I heard a cry. Of a bird. Not a regular one either. It sounded like a raven...

"Was that Aunt Sophie?!" I asked.

Father shook his head slowly as we continued through.

An hour later, we arrived at Sophie’s house.

I frowned as we headed in. "Will she be...okay?" I asked sadly.

He turned towards me and looked depressed. "Yes. She will. But, she will probably be held captive,"

"Why?"

"They want to torture our where-a-bouts out of her..."

I turned grim. How could they be so cruel?

"They heard us say her name. They can control her with that!"

Father disagreed. "Sophie is a fake name. Like your Liliana, and my William," he went on. "They do not know her real name."

Thank god. Poor Sophie. I will get her back, no matter what!

I turned back to father. "I'll be in my room."

When I got to my bedroom, I hopped onto my bed. Today was tiring.

After an hour, I went into a fuzz, or trance, as I usually say. This time I was in the man’s dream. With the mirrors.

I looked around, but the man was nowhere to be found. I sighed heavily. Why am I entering the same two people’s dreams any way? This never happened to me before. I'm having even more trances lately, since I moved here in No Mirage, California. It’s like this place was built to ensure me of my troubles and enhance my hateful powers.

"Hello...?" I whispered as walked around.

At a dead end, was the blurred man? He was leaning against the wall. Next to him, was a woman? Around the age of twenty...Wait. Is that Aunt Sophie?

"Tell us where the rest of your vampire kin is or else! We saw you in the trees with them. There was two more," a young voice spoke harshly.

It was Aunt Sophie! "...I don't know what you're talking about," she said quietly. She was in a cage, tied up.

I turned paler. How could he...?

He kicked the cage. "Don't lie to me. They were calling you Sophie, were they not?" he asked, teasingly.

Sophie smiled faintly. "Yes, actually. But do remember that we vampires like to use false names."

The man grew a wicked smile. "Oh, we'll get it out of you. Then we will get those 'kin' of yours."

She stared at the top of her cage, while the man took a crucifix near her. "Talk. Now," he shouted.

He grew the weapon closer. "Wait, get off of her," I shouted back. Dark energy surrounded me, and I turned into my true form.

Sophie’s face grew pale also. "Why...Why are you here?"

I shook my head.

The figure smiled. "Haha. You entered this session, you're in your true form, and you're letting me see you like that?" he laughed. "How daring!"

I turned into this form, so he couldn't tell who I was, but let him see me, so I wouldn't be a weaker raven.

He turned towards me and lunged at me, then put the crucifix very close to my forehead. "You remind me of the one in my dreams. The one who burned my town," he stated, laughing evilly.

He’s the one from before...?

"I'm telling you! My family had nothing to do with your town! I swear!" I shouted defensively.

I shifted further upward, so the man missed, and the rosary went into my arm. Blood spurted out. It...Hurts.

"No...," I grunted. "It hurts...Help me...Sophie!"

Red tears rolled down my cheeks. "Why...You don't even know me, yet you...," I cried out. Then, I vanished.

I awoke to father. "Odette! You're back. You're hurt, bad!" he pointed to my upper arm, which was soaked in blood, but covered in bandages.

"How did this happen?" he asked.

"I went into a trance and entered a man’s dream, around my age, maybe," I started out. "He is one of the hunters! He has Aunt Sophie!"

I nodded. "He even asked her if that was her name. She agreed, but told him that it was false...He got angry and put a weapon near her. I went into my truest form, to save her. I got hurt in her place."

I grabbed my arm, to ease the pain. "He says we burned his town years ago...Did we, dad? Did we?" I asked, crying.

He looked away. "Its time for school. Get ready."

Father ignored me until I left for school.

Why was this happening to me? Why is it my family and not someone else’s? Why even my kin? I want to know...

Heather and Allen were already in homeroom. They noticed me as soon as I walked in. "Liliana! What happened to your arm?" Heather asked

"My family and I went hiking. I tripped," I replied briefly.

They stared at me in disbelief. It was unbelievable, really.

Allen shook his head. "Be more careful. Anyways, those weirdoes are back," he said.

I stared back, confused. "Weirdoes...?"

"Yeah. You know. The ones that ditch class..."

Oh. Those weirdoes. I wonder what they do for those two days.

"Do you guys have any idea what they do, anyways?" I asked.

They both thought for awhile. After a couple of minutes, it looked like they knew something, but forgot. That kept repeating for awhile.

Allen came to a conclusion, "I've heard this rumor where do paranormal stuff. I'm not sure, but don't go messing with them."

I smiled mischievously at him. "And if I do?" I asked, teasingly.

He turned away, red as can be.

"But, please, don't."

"Fine, fine," I grunted.

As long as they don't mess with me, shall I say.

A bunch of kids dressed in dark clothing walked in, all very good-looking, if I do say so myself. I'm guessing the one if front, the tallest, was the leader. He had puffy black hair, with some dark blue streaks. It actually complemented his cold, dark blue eyes, which I seemed to be attracted to. So, I stared.

One of the weirdoes walked up to me, and shoved his finger in my face. "Do you have staring problems?" he asked annoyed.

I frowned. Is staring at someone bad? I mean, I don't like people staring at me, but still...

"Hello? Are listening?"

I turned my head to him. He couldn't see me fully until I did.

"Yea, actually, considering my hearings better than you low grade hum--" I cut myself off. I can't say 'humans' so easily. It'll make me sound like a monster. Well, I am, but I can't let them know that.

He stepped back, surprised from my looks. That’s annoying.

"I'm allowed looking at anyone I want to. Last time I checked, America is a free country. Even since the 16th century," I blurted at him.

The boy got mad and stomped back to his friends. "Can you believe her? Acting like she’s from way back when, like she’s been here, and we're all aliens!" he whined.

"Liliana!" Heather whispered. "Don't! You don't know what they might do to you!"

I smiled at her in response.

The boy with streaks spoke up, "Who is she?" he asked.

"I'm Liliana Livingston," I replied, angrily. "Maybe you'd know if you came on the 6th. Hm. You all left, and then came back a day later? That doesn't seem right."

They turned angry.

I sighed heavily. I don't think I want any enemies, besides them hunters. "Look. Sorry for getting in your business. I didn't get any hours of sleep last night," I grunted. That’s funny, considering I can't sleep.

I stared at their rosaries and crucifixes. I mustn’t get too close to them. They would sting. A lot.

"My friend over here, Allen," I pointed to him. "He tells me you guys in paranormal stuff. Like ghosts, right?" I asked.

One of the boys spoke up first, "Not exactly. But it’s private."

"What?" I frowned.

"Yeah. It’s one of our policies. Become a member, and then you would know."

I frowned again.

"Can I join?" I asked, sadly.

They talked about it for a minute. "Our leader says you must pass a test, but first, you have to earn our respect."

I smiled at that, and then laughed. "That seems fun. Okay, I take up that challenge!"

They looked shocked.

The extremely good-lucking leader walked to his seat, behind me.

Then the teacher walked in. "Class, get out your textbooks," he said loudly.

Heather leaned closer to me. "Please, Liliana, if you are to get involved with them be careful."

I nodded, assuring her.

Ten minutes in class, I got bored. I learned this twenty times already. If not, more.

I leaned back in my seat, back to where the leader was.

"Hey. I'm Liliana. What’s your name?" I asked him in a whisper.

He ignored me.

"Oh come on. I'm going to be joining your team pretty soon. I might as well know my leader."

He glanced up at me. He talked in an extremely low voice, to the point where his neighbor couldn't even hear him, "What makes you so sure?"

"Well, I'm pretty interested in crazy stuff, so I'd do 180 percent," I replied and smiled.

He had a little shocked look. "How could you hear me? You're 3 feet away, and I could barely hear myself."

I thought about it. "Well, didn't I tell your friend that I had better hearing ability?" I joked.

His face turned serious again.

"Livingston! Just because you're new doesn't mean I'll go easy on you," the teacher shouted angrily at me. He threw a piece of chalk at me, but I dodged a bit so it hit my wound.

I winced. Damn. He re-opened it. I turned back to the teacher. "Look. I'm fragile. And isn't violence against students prohibited?" I asked, teasingly.

He glared at me.

I turned back to the leader.

I laughed, to the point where my fangs showed. "Anyways. Your name is?" I asked again.

"Why do you even care?" he replied, solemnly.

"Maybe because I'm attracted to you?" He did smell nicely. No other human blood smelled as nice as his. I have to control myself around him.

He looked away.

"I'll tell you when you past the test..."

A cheesy smile came over my face. I laughed.

"So...I'll call you Soother."

"...Soother?"

"It’s a mix of 'father' and 'Sophie...They're my family. Why? You don't like it?" I asked.

He turned grim.

He ignored me for the rest of the day.

Why would he ignore me anyways? Did I say something to upset him? Oh well. If so, I must leave him alone until he gets unnerved again.

As I headed down to math class, I noticed Heather along with the cheerleaders again.

"You tell your little friend, Bitchiana, to stop messing with Bronx," the main girl snapped.

Heather shook her head. "I don't even know who Bronx is," she replied quietly.

She took offense. "Don't mess with us! We aren't dumb, unlike you!" she pushed Heather back into the lockers aggressively, leaving a big 'bang'.

I walked over to them.

"WH-what do you want?" she questioned, nervously, as she backed up.

"What do you mean? I just came here to say hi," I said. I smiled kindly at her.

The girl frowned. The other girls ran away as soon as I came into scene.

I walked over to Heather and grabbed her hand. "Now, if you excuse me, we have business to attend to."

We walked away from the girl and into math class.

Heather stared at me as we sat down. We pretty much had close seats in every class, besides exploratory. I excelled in choir and gym. They are also vampire specialties.

"Do you need something too?" I asked her, jokingly.

She nodded. "Well, not exactly. But, thanks for saving me again," she mumbled shyly.

"You don't have to. It’s kind of like my job to save you."

She smiled faintly. I smiled along with her.

"Do you know that girls name? You know, the one messing with you," I asked.

"I'm not too sure. I believe its Emily..."

Only the first name? That’s not too helping. Across the room was Allen, laughing along with some boys in my class. They seemed to be talking about a game. Dealing with killing vampires. Ha-ha. So ironic.

I walked over to him and smiled at the boys. "Mind if I borrow this lovely boy for a minute?" I asked. They turned away, red, nodding their head. I tugged Allen over to the door.

"Huh? Need something?" he asked. So many questions, only one life of unlimited years. Sooo not enough time.

"Yes, actually. Do you know an 'Emily' that goes here?" I asked.

He thought for a moment. He smacked his thigh. "Oh! Yeah. I believe her last name is Moorsan."

Emily Moorsan huh? Now the only thing left to do is figure out where she lives. "Thank you so much for telling me this. Want anything in exchange?"

Allen covered his face with his hands. "Could...I have a kiss...?" he mumbled quietly.

A kiss? That’s not much, but if it’s what he wants, then I will give him one. Look at him, blushing. He seems so nervous. Kind of cute, really.

A huge mischievous smile crossed my face. I couldn't help it. "Mhm. Pucker up then," I joked.

Surprisingly, he did. I laughed out loud, and pecked him with a kiss on the forehead. He looked up, blushing and puzzled. I winked and heard a door slam shut. I turned to it. It was the 'weirdo club'. I walked over to them.

I spoke up first. "Hey."

They ignored me completely. Instead, they headed to their seats. The five of them all had frowns on their faces. Well, the leader, Aiden I believe, had a more angry face, than sad. What could have gotten them in that mood? Nothing to do and boredom at my hands, I walked over to the member with dark brown hair and glasses. Boy was he handsome. But, he also reminds me a lot of father. But with glasses.

He glanced up at me, questionable. "You're that weird chick. Bitchiana, right?"

Like them, a deep frown appeared on my face. "Its Liliana," I snapped. "That Emily chick nagging about me again?"

He laughed. "Yeah. She wouldn't shut up about you in American History," he replied happily.

I laughed too, but only to myself. Not to him. "That’s another hand...," I said quietly.

"Huh? Did you say something?" the boy asked.

I glanced back at him. "Not exactly. Your name is...?"

"Oh. Bret Neer," he said joyfully.

"Nice to meet you."

"Back at you."

"What’s with leader? Aiden, I mean...?" I asked.

Bret looked over at Aiden who still had an angry expression. "Oh. Well, the thing is, Aiden isn't our true leader. He is only a temporary captain until the real one comes back from a hunt."

"A hunt?"

He started to talk but cut off, "You have to be a member to know the rest." He smiled.

"Awe, damn," I whined.

He stared at me. "You interested in him?" he asked teasingly.

In return, I smiled wildly. "And what if I am?"

"Beware of cheerleaders. They can pop out of nowhere and eat you!" he laughed.

That reminds me of Emily again. I really can't wait until after school.

"Well, thanks Bret," I said as I walked over to Aiden.

"Hello~. I figured out your name!" I laughed evilly but kiddingly as I sat in the seat next to him.

Aiden once again ignored me.

"Oh, come on! Just because you're a temporary leader, doesn't mean you have to be so down," I told him.

He slammed his hands down and starred at me, angrily. "Stay out of our business, freak," he shouted at me quietly.

"Ouch. No, literally." I stared back at him, as serious as him. "Fine. This 'freak' just cut off all ties. At least from you. I like your, no wait. I mean the actual leaders other members better, anyway!" I shouted back at him furiously.

I quickly stomped over to Heather and Allen. "Come on. Let’s get outta here." I grabbed them and headed out.

Why did he have to say that? All I did was try to cheer him up. He didn't have to take his anger out on me. And why the hell should I listen to him anyway? Why, why, why did I ever start becoming attracted to him? I hate this. It kind of hurts.

"What’s wrong?" Heather asked me quietly, as we stormed down to the lockers.

"Nothing!" I replied loudly.

Allen had a -I-Told-You-So look on his face. "We told you not to mess with them. And look, you're all messed up emotionally," he stated.

"I know!" I grunted as I left them alone and headed for the schools rooftop. I've never been up here yet, and I feel horrible, so I might as well.

Once up there, I sat down on the highest point. I kind of liked the heights.

Okay, now that I'm up here, I got to think. Aiden needs to get his act together. Or at least, not yell at me for trying to be nice. Who in their right mind would do that? Not only did he make me feel bad also, but I also feel kind of guilty! That’s pretty bad considering I only feel guilty when it comes to my family. I wonder how Aunt Sophie is doing. Is she dead? Being tortured? Escaped? I want to know.

"Sophie...Please come back," I sobbed as I put my face in my knees. Tears fell down from my cheeks. It made my eyes burn. My heart was on fire. Why is everything bad happening? Sophie is gone. Aiden is mad at me. Heather is getting bullied for what I had done.

I sobbed even quieter, "Why...Why is it me, God? Couldn't you have chosen someone else to ridicule?"

A musical voice came from below me, "Pretty girls like you shouldn't cry."

I hurriedly wiped my tears and glanced down. "I'm not crying...," I obviously lied. He grinned. He knew I was crying. He would have to be a fool to not notice.

A horrendous stench rose from the boy. He was covered in blood. I held my nose and urge to not attack him. I backed up a little.

The boy looked at himself in a funny way. "Oh sorry. I was hunting," he said with a laugh. I laughed with him, to ease the urge.

He stared at me and smiled an angel-like smile. "I'm Knight Sterling. You must be new here, because I haven't seen you."

I nodded back. "I'm Liliana Livingston," I replied.

"Liliana? What a delicate name for a beautiful girl," he said gently.

I turned around and blushed. How couldn't I? I've been around good-looking guys, but this guy is outrageously beautiful. It’s like he’s also a vampire. But that’s not possible. He obviously smells human.

Wait. He said his name is Knight Sterling, right? The same guy who Emily messed with Heather about?

"You! You are the reason for Emily messing with Heather!" I shouted angrily.

Knight stared in confusion.

"Emily Moorson? Was she bothering you?" he asked worriedly.

I turned away again, embarrassed. "Not me. But my friend. She’s too scared to bother me. At least, alone."

He laughed. "Why? You some tough gal?"

I shook my head. "Not exactly. More devilish, you can say," I joked.

Sterling laughed again. "You laugh a lot," I noted.

"That’s because you're funny."

I grinned a weird grin.

I looked at my feet and hopped down. "Time to get to class. There’s the bell," I stated.

He stared in confusion. Then the bell rang. I started to walk down the stairs, and he caught up to me. "Hey, are you some kind of magician or psychic?"

Can you count my kin, or vampires, as psychics? They have the same powers, and more. "Maybe?" I smiled and headed to American History.

Once I walked in I could see Aiden and his group. Why is he here? He already had this class, didn't he?

I walked next to Heather and sat down. A huge sigh whooshed out. I really don't want to see Aiden right now.