Visionary Week Special #3, “My blood is real dammit!”
“IT’S A MONSTER! LET’S GET OUT OF HERE!” Mitch the gang member yelled as he started to run for his life.
Bruno, the gang leader, held up his arm. “Hold up! There’s just one of her and she’s not even fully grown. We can take her!”
Annabelle allowed herself a smirk. “Sure you can boys.”
In the blink of an eye she was next to Mitch, looking up at him. “Little boy you do not even know what a monster truly is. Next time you throw around names, learn what they TRULY mean.”
She lifted off the ground to look at the frightened man in the eyes. She was an inch from his face so he could clearly see the hunger in her bright eyes.
Visionary and most of the street gang were transfixed while Bruno started to move towards Mitch. Annabelle continued to speak to the man with a quiet, slow voice, “Mitch I believe you are correct in your first assessment. You must leave. Now. Make sure that as you return to your home that you never, ever join this gang of fools again. Follow my instructions and no harm…” she licks her small pointy teeth, “… will come to you.”
Bruno was about to hit her with his iron bar but before anyone could see she turned around, grabbed the bar and glided up above the gang leader.
Everyone had time to look up before she dropped the bar on his head. Bruno’s knees buckled as he fell to the ground, unconscious.
All this time she had a bemused look on her face. After the demise of the gang leader Annabelle turned her head towards the rest of the gang. Her red curls flopped casually, which was a contrast to the current state of her face. Still hovering ten feet in the air Annabelle’s expression was filled with anger.
Mitch was already running as fast as he could away from the group.
“Follow his example and leave this gang. Do NOT return to this lifestyle or you will have me to answer to. Now go!”
Hers was the voice of a child yet behind it was something far older and much more serious.
They complied.
With the flexible whim of a child her angry expression faded fast. In it’s place was the calm, happy little girlish face she always showed.
All this time Visionary was transfixed. He looked at her with fear, trying to think of a possible escape.
She, on the other hand, calmly glided downward toward him with as much effort as a child might take with a stroll through a playground.
He finally found the words, “I guess… you ah… scared them, huh?”
She knelt down to the inert form of Bruno. “Hmm? Oh. Yes, I guess I did. Those boys should know better then to wander around at night unprotected. Something far worse and much more hungry could have been passing through.” She bent down towards the gang leader’s neck.
“You aren’t going to eat him are you?” Vish blanched.
“Eat… him? EWWW! I don’t do junk food! No Fakeblood I’m just smelling him. Just because I don’t drink what I crave does not mean I do not still enjoy the smell.”
“You mean like someone who is trying to quit coffee? They stroll pass the coffee isle at S-Mart just taking in the aroma?”
“Precicly. See? You’re not as dumb as they say.” She casually strolled closer. Visionary didn’t notice because for once he felt like he actually wasn’t the clueless one, “So you still crave human blood but you don’t follow the cravings. I tried to stop crullers once but it was just too much for me. How do you do it? Not drink blood I mean, not crullers. Well I guess you don’t eat crullers… do you?”
She tossed her head back and giggled. “Oh Fakeblood you make me laugh! I don’t eat donuts but I DO drink blood. We discussed this last time we met, remember? I choose to satisfy the cravings with the fresh blood of animals. Dogs, cats, bunnies, that sort of thing.” She sat on the metal bench there at the bus stop and relaxed.
“Did you say bunnies? Maybe you’d better not tell Yo that.”
“Don’t worry. I wont. And no, I have no desire to drink Rabito or Glory or… well maybe Lisa’s cat…”
“Somehow I don’t think even you could survive a one on one with that beast.”
“HAHA! True enough Fakeblood.”
“Annabelle could you please stop calling me that? My blood is real, dammit.”
She holds up her little hands, “Sorry! I did not mean to hurt your feelings.”
“It’s alright. I just sometimes get tired of all the jokes, you know?” Vish looked at his shoes.
She nudged him softly, “Hey, it’s all right. I know the feeling.”
“You do? But you’re a vampire. You have all these powers and stuff. You can actually DO something.”
“Yes. I can change my shape to any animal, fly, see in the dark and mesmerize mortals and animals. I’m super strong and fast and I possess acute senses. I heal from almost anything and never grow old.” Her tone changed from speaking in a matter of fact manner to one of great sadness, “I can never grow old. While all my mortal friends age and die I remain. The last time I saw the beautiful sun in the flesh was over three hundred years ago. I feel a constant hunger inside that never truly subsides and worse of all, most think me an unfeeling, uncaring monster.”
Silence prevailed for a moment. Visionary just looked at the undead creature sitting next to him. Except instead of a plasma-feeding monster he saw a tired, sad little girl.
“I… I really don’t know what to say. I’m sorry.”
She glanced at him through her bushy red curls and gave him the smallest of smiles. “I do not know why I said all that. I did not mean you bring you down. I guess I just wanted you to know that I understand the loneliness you feel as an outsider.”
She changed her expression and the lost little girl gave way to the bold, confidant vampire once more, “Ok lets talk about you!”
“Me?”
“Yes you, Visionary.”
He smiled at the use of his name.
“Tell me friend, what brings you out here in the middle of the night?”
“Well to make a long story short, a friend of mine helped me get this wonderful present. It’s for my other friend Hallie. It’s her birthday tomorrow and I wanted to get her something nice.”
“What did you get her?”
“It’s called a Holo-Scene Tree and it’s from the planet Xetti Nortufu. It’s basically a little tree that changes to different holographic shapes when you touch it.”
“Oh! Hallie will love that since she’s a… hologram? Yes, a hologram too. I still cant get all the modern terms right.”
“You know Hallie?”
“Yes. We’ve met. I gave her some advice when she was mortal and having difficulty sleeping. So where is this tree thing?”
“Well that’s the problem. I wound up doing a favor for a friend that I shouldn’t have. Because this friend never thinks first, he parked our jet in a bad neighborhood and it was vandalized. The Holo-Scene Tree was stolen by some gang members and I was fed up with him. I wound up taking the wrong bus home. Now I’m sitting here waiting for Bus number 56 to take me home, empty handed.”
She got up and took his hand. “No. This simply will not do. Come on.”
He reluctantly followed her lead and got to his feet, “Where are we going? I can’t miss my bus.”
“Silly mortal. You don’t need human transport.” She lifted into the air, still in her mortal shape, and pulled him up into the night sky. Visionary looked down with panic. His feet were dangling as they soared higher over the city. “I can get you home to your island much faster but there is a stop we must make first.”
“Annabelle there really is no need! Honest! I… ah… can get home on my own. Canyouputmedownplease?” he was covering his eyes but not very well as he could not help but peek at the dark streets far below.
“Now Visionary is that any way to treat Hallie? She deserves more then just skipping her present. I think I know some people who might have an idea where this present is. Do not fear. We are almost there.”
They flew awhile before he spoke up again. Visionary was concerned when they flew over Paradopolis Sound and the Shelton Bay Bridge. He knew she was heading for Gothametropolis York.
“Where are we going Annabelle?”
“You’ll see.” She smirked.
“Have you carried lots of mortals like this before?”
“Oh yes! In the three-hundred years I’ve been alive I’ve had plenty of practice carrying mortals. Don’t worry.”
“Wait, if you can fly in human shape why turn into a bat?”
“For the fun of it I suppose. As a general rule we can turn into any nocturnal animals. You know, bats, wolves, cats, mice and so on. Some choose to favor one over the other. Some do not even know they CAN change. Vampires are as different as humans. Ah! Here we are!”
The darkened warehouse looked quite imposing as it sat amongst the other abandoned buildings of Moore Wharf.
Situated just south of All Saints Cemetery, the wharf was abandoned after too many visits from some of the Cemetery’s residents.
Like most average citizens, Visionary had heard the stories.
As Annabelle set him on the ground gently he tried once again. “This really isn’t necessary. Honest! I’ll get her something from the Lair Legion gift shop at the mansion.”
She gave him a bemused look. “What will you get her? A plush Shoggoth? A Quick-Action Scuba Visionary action figure? How about those Mister Epitome and Glory bookends?”
“I would stay away from them. I think they are bugged. Maybe the mug shaped like Jay’s head?”
“No Visionary. I won’t let you settle. Let’s go inside.”
They went through the large front door where they were greeted by an eight-foot tall bald black man. He was wearing shades even though the only real light in the small room came from the candles.
Vish could hear loud music playing in another room.
“Hey Annabelle. It’s been awhile. Who is the tiny mortal?”
“Hello N’Punta. This is Visionary. He is my guest.”
“Whatever.” N’Punta motioned for them to enter through a door. They did and Visionary’s face turned white.
It was a large dimly lit room filled with all manner of vampires. They wore clothes from many different eras and each one carried himself or herself differently.
The atmosphere was like a private club. There was a live band, all vampires as well, playing the loud music while several vampires were on the dance floor having a good time.
Currently the band was playing Concrete Blonde’s ‘Bloodletting’. Those on the dance floor would sing along with the chorus;
“I’ve got the ways and means to New Orleans.
I’m going down by the river where it’s warm and green.
I’m gonna have a drink and walk around.
I’ve got a lot to think about.
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah.”
Annabelle was doing a little step to the music as they entered. Vish just stared at all the vampires like prey would watch a near by predator.
Some looked like adults, others elderly and some were even children.
Visionary looked down at Annabelle. She has always appeared ten years of age but he knew inside she was much older. He wondered briefly how old these other kids were.
His questions never formed as the sight of some of the vampires that were approaching made his mind go blank.
“Well, well, well! So Annabelle! You’ve brought a snack! Are you keeping him all for your self or will you be sharing?” one male vampire asked.
“You obviously don’t know her very well.” Another female one replied. “She doesn’t sup from mortals. She’s too good for it.”
One woman came in very close to Visionary. He could not take his eyes from her. She spoke in a calm, knowing way, “No Annabelle Forsight would never break her vow. This means her guest is fair game. Come with me mortal. Come.”
Vish was about to follow the raven haired beauty when Annabelle pulled him back. She spoke up to the woman with a defiant tone, “Abigail don’t you dare! He is not one of your boy-toys! All of you step back! This mortal is under my protection!”
To Annabelle’s credit they do.
“I’m very sorry. Usually the only mortals that come here are he ones brought here for the drinks.”
“They offer mortals drinks…. Oh. OH! Look it was nice of you to bring me to a… vampire bar but I really should be going home.”
She gripped his trembling hand and moved him towards the long wooded bar, “I brought you here to get information silly. Come on.”
She motioned for Visionary to sit on a stool next to a cowgirl. He looked over at the young lady. She was dressed like she had just stepped out of a western movie. She has the hat, the six-shooters, the scarf and even the spurs.
“Sally this is my mortal guest Visionary. Vish this is Sunset Sal. We go way back.”
Sal spoke up, “Yeah we sure do. I met the kid an’ her brother back in the old days. It’s good to see you again. What do you need kid?”
“After all these years you still call me kid and I’m older then you.” They laughed. “I heard you were in town Sal. Glad I found you before you headed back west.”
“Same here. It’s become a might slow back home. Thought I would see if things have changed out here too.”
“Uh guys, not to interrupt your reunion but some of the others are watching me too closely. I’m starting to feel like lunch.”
“That’s because to some you ARE lunch partner.” Sal replied. Vish wasn’t sure if Annabelle’s friend was referring to herself. She did seem to be checking him out.
“Visionary I need to find someone who might know the whereabouts of your tree. Sal can you keep an eye on him? He’s a friend, not a snack.”
Sal tipped her hat to agree as Annabelle moved off into the crowd.
“So you’re from out west huh? How do you hide from all that sun?”
“I have my ways. You know for a mortal you’re kind of cute. Maybe later we could hook up?”
“I don’t think so. No offence but I really don’t want to be a vampire.” He watched her sip from a tall glass of dark red liquid. “I would miss normal food.”
“I didn’t mean I was going to turn you into what I am. I just thought we could go out some time.”
“EEEEYAAAHEEA!”
The strange evil laugh made Vish jump. The owner of the noise was bouncing towards them. He (or she, Visionary could not tell) had wide eyes, a long mouth and crazy hair. He/she wore dirty rags and slobbered all over itself.
Once it had approached it started to crawl on all fours, skirting around Visionary’s stool. He would flinch as it touched him and then sniffed him.
CLICK!
“Back off beast!” Sunset Sal warned as she pressed her gun to the crazy vampire’s head. “These here iron bullets are dipped in holy water. Religious stuff like that don’t effect me much but I know it does effect you.”
The strange animalistic vampire crawled away like it had a tail between it’s legs.
“Thank you Sally. What was that thing?”
“I don’t know. Just another vampire looking for some food I guess.” She had flipped her gun back into her holster so fast Vish barely could see her do it.
Visionary noticed Sal’s teeth. “Wait a minute. How come holy water doesn’t hurt you if you’re a vampire? I thought it hurt all of you.”
“That’s a story for another time.” Annabelle spoke up from behind him which caused Vish to jump… again.
“GAH! You need to stop doing that! I am recovering from a heart attack you know.” He noticed a vampire boy of about fourteen standing with her.
“He’s a jumpy mortal, isn’t he?”
“Yes he is. Visionary this is Tyler. Up until recently he and his friends went to Rocketman High School.”
“Until we were stupid and invited in somebody we shouldn’t have. Now I’m stuck like this.”
“Yes. My brother and I have been helping them settle in with their new lives. Anyway Tyler thinks he knows where your tree is.”
Visionary perked up.
“One of my friends hasn’t adjusted to this new life very well. Her name is Stacy and she’s really been upset ever since it happened. The guys and I tried to get her to come here but she had found a new toy and wanted to stay with it. It was the strangest thing. It looked like a little metal tree but it would change into a small picture of the sun. I couldn’t get her away.”
“That’s got to be it! Let’s go get it Annabelle!”
She smiled at him, “Of course. Thank you for watching him Sally.”
Sunset Sal kissed him on the lips, making Visionary’s eyes go so wide Annabelle and Tyler thought they would pop. “Anytime! Maybe we’ll meet again one lonely night partner.”
As they walked off (Visionary aimlessly wandered since his mind was still lost in that kiss) Annabelle spoke to Tyler. “Listen, I know you want to come with but that may not be the best idea.”
“Why?” Tyler asked.
“I’ve seen it a thousand times before. She’s in a scary state. We don’t want to overwhelm her.”
“Will she be alright?”
“Yes. Just give her time.”
Tyler reluctantly agreed so Annabelle and a stunned Visionary moved for the exit.
Roland, Annabelle’s older brother, caught up with them.
“Anna you’re leaving? I can never get you to come to these things and when you finally do you stay for two seconds. Come on sister. Stay and party with me.”
“Sorry brother dear but I’ve got to help this poor mortal with his lost present.”
“Another lost mortal? Sigh. I guess you’ll always pick up strays.”
She gently elbowed him. “Now don’t pretend you don’t do the same Roland.”
“Shh sister! My reputation!”
“Ooo! The big bad vampirate has a soul!”
“Uh guys, can we go? I don’t mean to stop your little sibling tease thing but it’s getting late and…”
“Say no more dear Visionary. You go with my kid sister and find your trinket. The night is young and there is still plenty of life in these bones!” with that the twelve year old looking three hundred year old vampire boy danced off into the crowd.
“Wait… how did he know my name?”
“Come on!” she pulled him out of the building and up into the air. At first he screamed but after a little while he settled for covering his face and trying not to throw up.
It did not take Annabelle very long to fly them south-west to Dullard’s Corner. Soon she was landing on the front lawn of a run down house.
“Is this where she lives?” Vish asked.
“Now it is. After they were transformed I helped set them up here in this old abandoned house. Didn’t you use to live around here somewhere?”
“Four blocks east from here.”
“Do you miss it?” she led him into the house and up the dark stairs. He was fumbling for the railing.
“I don’t miss the curious neighbors or the constant visits from the fire department. I do miss the quiet however.”
“Vish watch that hole in that step!”
“What? Whoulp! That was close! How can you see in this…” she looked back at him with her glowing red eyes. “Oh. Do you have any idea just how creepy you are?”
She tossed her hair and smiled as she continued up the stairs, “Of course! It’s my charm.”
There was a sudden rustle in the air, which announced Stacy’s arrival. She stood behind Visionary and spoke with a forceful temperament. “What are you doing here?”
In the wink of an eye Annabelle was between them.
“Stacy it’s me! I brought this mortal here because you have something of his.”
“It’s mine now.” Stacy simply said as she started to walk pass them up the remaining stairs. They followed her into an upstairs bedroom.
“After all isn’t that what I’m supposed to say Annabelle? I am a horrid vampire now.”
Visionary saw the holographic tree sitting on the floor. It added a warm glow to the cold, dark room.
Stacy continued, “Ever since that monster made me what I am my life has become a mess. I crave blood, scare my old friends…” she continued in a hushed voice as she touched the tree. It turned to the shape of a small sunrise. “…and I can’t enjoy simply walking in the sun. You know that’s what I miss the most. I loved the feel of the sunshine on my face. So warm and inviting.”
She turned back to them with anger in her pale face, “Now I can’t have that! Now I’m forever trapped in this wretched life! You say it’s not all bad but how? HOW Annabelle? Tell me how never seeing my family again is “not all bad”?
She started to sob deeply. Annabelle was at her side within the second, comforting her. Visionary felt like an intruder on the scene.
“It IS bad Stacy. It is. It will be bad for a while but as the nights pass you will get used to it. The thing about this life is it’s really up to you. You could give into the hurt feelings and let them turn you into a monster or you can rise up and be something different. Just because we have this curse doesn’t mean we have to act like monsters.”
“Will it get easier?”
“Yes. Some times. There will be good nights and bad ones, just like in real life. The key is not to let the bad nights change who you are inside.”
“Inside I’m an undead creature!”
“No. Inside you are still Stacy Brown, a frightened little girl who just wants to be happy inside. I’ll help you see how that can still be possible.”
Visionary had finally opted to carefully return downstairs to wait for Annabelle. When the little vampire arrived she was holding his holographic tree.
It didn’t take long for her to fly him to Lair Island. She thanked him for a wonderful evening and took off as a bat.
As he walked quickly to the monitor room wondered if he would ever get used to seeing Annabelle do that.
Hallie was in the monitor room doing a crossword puzzle.
“Hi Hallie!” Vish stammered.
“Vish! My, you’re up late. It’s almost four in the morning.”
“Yes well, I was out with some friends. How come you’re sitting in your holographic form doing a crossword? I thought you could just access them easier from inside the net?”
Hallie sighed and responded, “Yes that’s true but well the truth is sometimes I kind of miss doing things the mortal way.”
Visionary understood of course. Realizing this was the best time he thrust the small tree into her arms. “Happy birthday! It’s a Holo-Scene Tree and it’s from the planet Xetti Nortufu!”
“What does it…OH!” when she touched the tree it changed to an image of Hallie walking as a human smelling the morning breeze.”
“That’s one of my memories when I was human!”
Visionary smiled, “It’s a natural hologram creator. It shows whatever you desire.”
“Oh Vish! It’s beautiful!” she gave him a big kiss on the lips.
In the dark corner of the room a little rat with blood red eyes and a bushy tuff of red hair smiled. Annabelle wondered if this kiss would make him forget Sally’s kiss.
She scurried out the front door with the satisfaction that her work was done.
a.g.
Amazing Guy
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