• It was a cold December night. Midnight had just run and Anne was running for her life. Anne Smith was a seventeen year old girl. She had dark brown hair, and silky gray eyes. She was definitely not the athletic type. She was slim, but not fit. She’d rather sit at home and read rather than riding a bike around town.

    She was running through the park now. The golden leaves looked the color of death in the darkness. Anne ran her way past the trees, now able to see the icy lake the illuminated the sky. She had no idea what was chasing her, or how to stop it. All she knew was that it spoke a weird language that she somehow understood in a way. She could understand that it wanted her dead.

    She turned around to see if it was still following behind her. She saw nothing, and exhaled deeply. She then felt something breathing down her neck. She tensed up and turned around slowly. She turned to see the monster showing its nasty teeth in her face.

    His teeth were long and decaying, but somehow sharp. His tongue was long, probably as long as Anne’s arm. He was tall and bony, as well. His hands were bony and decaying. Anne tried to scream, hoping to get away, but couldn’t. The monster had her under a spell.

    “Away, foul beast!” A distant voice yelled. Anne couldn’t move. The monster was already five inches away from ripping her face right off her head! The beast finally heard the voice’s call, and ran growling. Anne suddenly fell to the ground and gasped for air. She looked around to find where the voice had come from. No one was around. The leaves from the tree above her shook violently. “Up here,” The voice said. Anne figured it was a male voice as it was very deep. The man jumped down and kneeled by her.

    “It was only a Death Filler, you know. They are easy to defeat.” The boy told her. Anne finally could see what he looked like.

    He had short, hair. His eyes were a piercing blue. He was on the short side, but his wings made up for it. They loomed over his head. They were a dark color that illuminated the night.

    “Are you a vampire?” Anne asked him. He smiled a smile that revealed fangs. “You bet, kid.” He slurred. “My name is Vamyre,” He told Anne. “And yours?” “Oh, my name is Anne. Anne Smith.” She said, still staring at his wings. “Great, now let’s go.” Vamyre said, standing up on his feet. “Go where, exactly?” Anne asked puzzled. She now was standing as well.

    “Away from the monsters, smart one. Do you want to be attacked again? I’m taking you to the vampire’s Land.” He told her, grabbing her hand and spreading his wings. “Don’t let go,” Vamyre warned Anne. He flew off into the dark clouds above. Anne kept her eyes closed; she was afraid of heights.

    After about fifteen to twenty minutes of flying, they landed on a thick, black cloud. Anne opened her eyes and saw a big mystical looking castle. It was seven stories high, ten rooms on each floor. You could see vampires flying to their rooms. It was a little past one in the morning at this point.

    “This is when everyone usually retreats to their rooms. The sun hurts us. It won’t necessarily kill us, but it makes us really sick.” Vamyre explained to Anne. “The monsters can also sense us better during the day. That is why we live in a huge, dark cloud.”

    “But that doesn’t explain why I am here!” Anne said. “You’re a half blood, Anne.” Vamyre told her. Anne was confused, what the heck is a half blood? “It means you’re half vampire, and half human.” Vamyre explained, as if he had read her mind. Anne didn’t understand, she always thought vampires were just in books. “Your father was a vampire. He was exiled because he was wed to a human, your mother. And when they conceived you, he was killed.” Anne just thought about what Vamyre had just told her. Her father was an actual vampire! Anne couldn’t believe it, it was so unreal. “Some might ridicule you for being a half blood, but it’ll become easier to live with after a while.” Vamyre told her. He started to walk towards the castle. Anne sighed “Great, that makes the mood even better.” She moaned as she followed him. When she walked away, she had a feeling she’d never get to see her real home ever again.





    The monsters can’t get to the cloud, you’ll be safe! That is what everyone told Anne her first night in the castle, after many vampires laughed at her. Unfortunately, the next morning monsters had attacked Anne’s bed room. Two guards came to rescue her. It was the same monster who had tried to attack her from the night before. After she had thanked the guards who looked like they were very buff vampires, she retreated to the doctor’s office. She had been having many fainting spells as of late, and they were starting to bother her. She was kind of nervous, as she had never been to a vampiric doctor before.

    “You’re fine, it is normal for you to be having those during day light hours.” The doctor said; his mouth full of food. “Normal, how is that normal?” Anne asked nervously. “You’re half vampire, half human. Most vampires cannot endure the sun light as it makes them deathly ill. You, on the other hand, you only faint periodically.” The doctor said, searching is office for more food. “Wait, so how does it not affect the guards at the castle?” Anne asked the doctor. “That’s easy to answer,” He told her, stuffing a stale burrito into his mouth. “Their armor has a special material that blocks the sun from them.” The doctor explained. “You’ll be fine,” He assured her. Anne thanked him and left the doctor’s office.

    She was nervous as she walked back to the castle. She had gotten lost in the large city, and Vamyre was no where to be found. Most of the vampires that were whizzing around her were wearing special clothes that illuminated everything around them. It must’ve been those clothes the doctor was talking about. She walked about the town to get familiar with it, hoping she could possibly find the castle.

    The town was rustic looking, as if it were made long ago. The stores were small, but they had plenty of items in them. She went inside an antique shop and saw many relics of famous vampires. Anne continued window shopping for the remainder of the morning, and through out the afternoon. After a few hours, she started to wonder about her vampiric heritage. What if she could fly, just like all these other vampires? Sure, she didn’t have wings, but she saw that some other vampires that were whizzing over head didn’t have any, either! She climbed up to the roof of a tall building. The vampires that were flying bellow her didn’t even care to look up at her. She suddenly became dizzy looking down at the ground bellow her. Anne took a step onto the ledge and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, and then jumped.

    She was now whizzing past all of the vampires that were flying in coordinated straight lines. She was hoping and hoping to be finally whisked away in the sky and be flying freely, but it wasn’t happening. She opened her eyes to see the ground spiraling closer and closer every second. She opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out of her mouth. Anne waited to splat against the ground, but she suddenly stopped falling. She then was carried to an abandoned building. Anne was put safely on the floor of the building. She tried to get up, but the vampire who saved her stopped her. “Don’t get up yet, you’re legs are going to be a little wobbly.” He explained. Anne looked at the vampire who saved her.

    His hair was short and jagged. His skin had a blue hue to it, that normally deciphered what type of vampire they were, Anne had learned. But she had no idea what blue vampires were. He had a long scar that went down his face to his neck.

    “You’re welcome,” The vampire said, not waiting for Anne to say anything to him. His voice was deep and smooth. The vampire was walking away to exit the building when Anne stopped him.

    “W-wait,” She said, stumbling around on her feet. He caught her as she tripped over a loose board. “What do you want?” He asked, gazing into her eyes. Anne was speechless, and then shook herself out of her motionless state. “Uh…W-what’s your name?” She asked, memorized by his deep gray eyes. “Farren,” he answered. “Anything else you wanna say?” He asked, helping her stand up straight, wanting to leave. “I wanted to say thank you,” “Well, you’re pretty slow about it,” Farren said. Anne frowned. “Sorry,” She mumbled. He turned around to leave again. “Wait,” Anne repeated. Farren sighed and turned around. “What?” He asked dully. “Do you think you could teach me how to fly?” Anne asked. Farren laughed. “Do I look like Peter Pan to you? No, I will not teach you to fly. Most half bloods can’t fly anyways.” Farren told her. Anne pleaded him to teach her. “My uh...My roommate won't teach me. Please, just teach me?” She pleaded. Farren gave in fairly easily. “Fine, then. Meet me here at midnight, got it?” he asked, standing in the shadows. Anne nodded, and before she could say anything, Farren was gone. He had left Anne all alone, not a word said after their meeting time.

    By the time the sun was set, Anne had just found her and Vamyre's apartment. “Where have you been!?” He asked her hastily. Anne rolled her eyes. “I was going to the doctors, and got lost on my way home.” She explained. She didn't mention Farren, however. That was something she found was better secret. It felt mysterious...Exhilarating...It felt great! “Fine, just don't make a habit of it,” Vamyre warned. “I don't have a key for you yet.” He explained. Anne nodded and agreed with him. Anne just looked around the room after that. She hadn't realized how grungy it was before. The ceiling was caving in, the walls were peeling, and the furniture was tearing. The floor boards were lifting up, revealing metal pipes underneath them. Vamyre looked around the room, trying to figure out what to work on first.

    “Hey, Vamyre, what does it mean when a vampire has a blue tint to their skin?” Anne asked. Vamyre stopped peeling off the rest of the wallpaper on the walls and went to work on the floorboards. “It means they have bad blood in them. They are born killers. They are not to be trusted. At all.” Vamyre explained. “Why do you ask?” “Oh, no reason. The doctor just had some pictures up on his walls. I was just curious, is all.” Anne told him. Vamyre paid no attention, and continued to work on his grungy apartment. Anne went to her room quietly to sleep before midnight. She was unreasonably excited to meet Farren again.

    Finally, it was midnight. Of course, Vamyre was still awake. He was working on the walls again. “I'm going for a walk, Vamyre.” Anne told him so he wouldn't worry at all. Vamyre grunted to let her know she was heard. She grabbed a jacket and left the apartment quickly.

    After a few minutes, she found the abandoned building. Farren was up at the highest floor. Anne climbed the broken stairs to the same floor as Farren—about the eighth floor—and looked for him in the shadows. She found him when he smiled and his fangs had a glow from the moonlight.

    “I heard you are a dangerous type of vampire, is it true?” Anne asked her mentor. Farren walked closer to her and grabbed her hand. He spun Anne around so that he saw the back of her brown hair. His hand lingered up her arm. “Does it scare you?” He whispered into her ear. His hand lingered higher up her arm, up to her shoulder. “Not at all,” Anne whispered. She struggled to get her voice any louder; he had taken her breath away! She closed her eyes, waiting to see what Farren would do next. Farren walked over to the huge opening in the side wall of the building, guiding Anne along with her. “Do you trust me?” Farren asked her. “Yes,” Anne told him. “Yes I do.” Farren stepped into mid air, floating with Anne in front of him. “Keep your eyes closed and let go of my hand.” Farren told her soothingly. Anne couldn't help but to do what he had told her. She loosened her grip and put her hands to her sides. “What is your name?” Farren asked her. “My name is Anne,” “Open your eyes, Anne.” He instructed. Anne opened her eyes. She looked around her to see that she was floating in the air. She looked at Farren, puzzled on how he made her fly.

    “How did you get me to float in the air like this?” She asked him. Farren shrugged. “You just believed in me, I guess.” Farren looked at the starry sky, realizing several of the reddish looking stars were not stars at all. Zooming closer to them were a new race of Vampire—to Anne, at least—Farren didn't wait a second to drag Anne from the sky and to the building again. “Where are you taking me?!” Anne asked hastily, angered that she was suddenly being pulled away. “Those vampires are bad news, we need to hide.” Farren explained to Anne. They ran to a small closet in one of the dirty rooms. “We'll fit,” Farren assured Anne. “Just climb in.”

    The fit was tight, they were chest to chest. Anne felt a bit awkward, but it felt awkwardly...right. Farren peeked out the closet door, making sure no vampires had chased them. He closed it quickly when he heard the foot steps coming closer.

    “Come, brother!” One of the vampires called out. “We need you to complete the fusion of the dead. Our ancestors shall rise again, brother! Come out with your little friend, too. She can be our midnight snack!” The vampire taunted Farren. Farren grew with anger, but Anne touched his arm, rubbing it, trying to make him calm down without speaking. He whispered to Anne to stay in the closet. Anne tried to hold on to his arm, but Farren broke free easily. He stormed out of the closet, sneaking up on the trash talking vampire. “You shouldn't be here!” Farren yelled. “The reborn only works in the high-lord castles and arenas. Shouldn't you know that?” Farren questioned the vampire. The vampires fought back in forth in high pitches screeches that were barely audible. Soon, everything was quiet. Someone was soon walking closer to Anne's closet. Anne held her breath, afraid to make any noise. The door rattled vigorously, an action which proved to Anne that it was not Farren. She held the door as tightly as she could. She didn't last long. The person on the other side busted through. Before Anne could see who the culprit was, she was knocked out cold.

    When Anne finally awoke, she couldn't remember anything that happened. The last thing he remembered was being tightly close to Farren. She tried to move around in the dark room she was thrown into, but she was tied up in ropes. The room she was in was wet and very, very dark. The moonlight spilled some light on the tiles, but hardly any light was coming in. Anne tried to be quiet as she tried to free herself, as she had no idea if there were people in the room with her. She found something sharp by her back. She managed to pick it up and arranged her hands so she could cut the ropes. After a few minutes of rubbing the sharp item on the rope, she was free. She stood up and looked around the room. She could see that the room was very dirty, and that she was in fact all alone. She walked to the wall that had the small window. She could see dust particles dancing in front of the moonlight. Anne touched the wall and pulled back quickly. Her hand was now covered in webs and dust. She felt it again and the texture was strange. It wasn't a normal stone wall. Bones were mixed into it! Though, they were set up almost like a ladder. Anne started to climb the little bone ladder. The bones were harder to climb than she had thought in the first place. Some felt wobbly as if they were used too much. That small window felt so far away from her. However, the moonlight kept her motivated.

    Finally, she had reached the window. She stood on her tip toes to see out of it. She saw two guards were guarding her door. Two were on the east exit of the courtyard, and two on the west. The courtyard was a huge, gorgeous piece of land. It had a grand fountain with a dictating vampire as the center piece. The flowers were red and black roses that had an odd glow to them. The moon cast a shadow from the fountain, making it appear that it was a giant vampire’s shadow. You could see darkness grasp the once loving territory. Now, it was an evil territory, trying to make a fusion of the dead; whatever that meant. It then suddenly hit Anne. She finally realized why Farrren’s voice was barely audible when he was fighting the other vampire! She knew his race’s language! That would have to mean that she too was that ‘dangerous’ vampire. She now understood why she was taken, as well. She could possibly be used for the fusion. She was a cold blooded vampire. They needed her to finalize that fusion. She was being used.

    Farren was hammering on Vamyre’s door later that night. Vamyre finally answered after about ten maniac knocks. “What do YOU want?” Vamyre asked, disgusted of Farren’s race. “They took Anne,” Farren answered quickly in a soft tone. “What? What do you mean? Who took Anne?” Vamyre asked; his tone a little more serious. “The warm bloods did! They took her to complete the fusion.” Farren explained to Vamyre. Vamyre had a hard time believing him. “And why should I believe you?” He asked. “You cold bloods are deceiving.” Farren’s anger grew, and remembered Anne trying to console him. He buckled down and continued talking. “Anne is part cold blood. In three days, approximately, the high lords will come to take care of the warm bloods wishes and finish the fusion.” Farren explained. “And if they get their way, they’ll ask that only warm bloods can live, killing any other race of vampire. Even your own race would be demolished, Vamyre.” Farren told him. Vamyre waited a minute to say anything, trying to take it all in. “So if they don’t have Anne,” Vamyre said. “They can’t have their fusion?” “Exactly,” Farren agreed, pulling Vamyre outside of his apartment. The two raced off to the high-lord castles in search for Anne.

    Meanwhile, Anne was attempting to sneak out of her dungeon cell. The window was really loose. With a few hard pushes, Anne got it to open. However, on her last push, the window fell out of the spot, and she fell with it. Her body was falling towards the ground, and Anne’s thoughts were racing, wondering what she could do to stop herself. She closed her eyes and prayed that someone, hopefully Farren, would swoop underneath her and save her before she splattered all over the concrete. She was soon lifted higher in the air. Someone must’ve caught her. She immediately thought it was Farren, saving her life once again. She opened her eyes to see that no one had caught her; she had stopped herself from falling, and was now floating slowly higher into the air. Anne was excited, but she deciding concentrating on getting out was more important than celebrating. She was trying to figure out which way to go to leave the high-lord castle. Soon, warm bloods started closing in on Anne. She looked around hastily. Anne was now panicking, spiraling down closer and closer to the ground. She closed her eyes tight, trying to fly again. It wasn’t working, nothing was working! Tears started to escape her eyes; she knew that she was going to die if she hit that cement floor. Anne called for Farren, and then Vamyre. They weren’t coming, no one was helping. She felt a hard thud against her whole body. Everything then went black.

    Farren and Vamyre desperately tried to get to the high lords main castle, the location Anne was currently at. Vamyre looked at Farren. “How do you know Anne, anyways?” He asked him. Farren didn’t make eye contact with Vamyre. He didn’t know why Anne hadn’t told him, it was just flying lessons. It’s not anything secretive, right? “I saved her after she tried to teach herself how to fly. She jumped off the building like it was nothing. I was teaching her how to fly.” He explained, moving farther to the right to avoid a tree. Vamyre laughed. “And what’s so funny?” Farren asked a confused look on his face. “You like her, don’t you?!” Vamyre questioned. Farren looked away and said nothing. “Hah, I knew it.” Vamyre said. “But, your kind doesn’t fall in love. Your hearts are too cold to feel true love.” Vamyre explained rudely. Farren grew angry at Vamyre. He swarmed over to him and hit him hard across the face with his fist. Vamyre spiraled closer to the ground, and then balanced himself. “What was that for, Farren!?” Vamyre yelled. “Insulting a cold blood’s feelings can be dangerous,” Farren warned. Farren zoomed past Vamyre, heading towards the castle. They had to reach Anne quickly. Who knew how much time they had left?

    Anne finally awoke the next morning. Her head was throbbing in pain, as if someone hit her with a club across the head. She was handcuffed this time. No ropes were tied around her at all. The steel was unbreakable with her strength. Anne struggled to stand; her legs were weak. She finally got to her feet after falling several times. She shuffled slowly to the other end of the room. The room was freezing, even though the sun was pouring into the grungy room. She slid on her butt, ice coated the floors. She slid herself to the door and started kicking it as hard as she could. Her hits were very week, however, so they made hardly any noise. She cried out for help: “Someone, please help me!”

    Finally, someone swung the door open; shoving Anne so hard that she flew across the room, hitting the west wall. The person who cam in looked mean and strong. He was tall and muscular. He had black, greasy hair that dangled in front of his eyes. He had a sword on his hip and a pistol on a holster. He wore a camouflage jacket and cargo pants. His boots were big enough to kill. The brute has scars going down his face, as if he had fought in a cruel war. “Why are you calling for help?” he demanded to know. He walked closer to Anne. His sword was still in its sheath on his hip, his hand getting closer and closer to the hilt of the sword.

    “You can’t do this!” Anne yelled at the brute. He laughed a laugh so loud that it shook the room. “Oh, but we can.” He said with a crude smile. “We need you pure bloods for the fusion!” “What is the fusion? I’m not even a full vampire!” She cried. “Oh, that’s why you went splat on the ground,” The brute said, scratching his head in confusion. Anne sighed and sat up on the floor.

    “You stay here, no leaving!” The brute ordered. “Boss might want a queen when he is crowned the king of vampires!” He informed her. Anne was very confused now. “Who is your boss?” She asked him. “Why, Andiani Longtyne, of course. He is a very famous cold blood, actually.” The brute walked gallantly around the room as he spoke. Anne had a funny feeling that this guy wasn’t going to be friendly for very long. “Say, what is your name?” Anne asked the brute, trying to buy herself some time. The brute smiled and sat on the icy floor with Anne. “I am Bruce, the only giant vampire around these parts!” He announced happily. Anne couldn’t help but to smile. The giant must’ve been a little kid, he sure acted like one! “How old are you?” Anne asked him. He counted his fingers. “Ten… I think. How old are you, pretty lady?” Bruce asked. Anne smiled and said she was seventeen. Bruce picked her up and hugged her, breaking the chains with incredible force, and almost breaking Anne. Anne gasped for breath. Bruce heard her and let go of her, dropping her on the ice. Anne slid to the door unwillingly, her arm numb from Bruce’s hug. She couldn’t move her right arm without it hurting in incredible pain. Bruce ran to her side. “Oh, pretty lady! I hurt you, didn’t I?” He cried. Anne tried to calm him down. “Shhhh, it’s okay.” She told him. He sniffled quite a bit. “Is there anything I can do to make it up for you?” he asked her. Anne smiled. “You could help me get out of here.” She suggested. Bruce smiled. “Deal, but only if I can travel with you, pretty lady.” He insisted. Anne was kind of hesitant, but then realized he could help her greatly. “Okay, you can com with me.” She decided. He started clapping in joy. She took off her jacket and made herself a sling with it. She slipped the tied sleeves over her head and slipped her right arm through the body of the jacket. Bruce carried her on his shoulder so she didn’t have to walk. Anne tried not to look down. Bruce was very, very tall. Bruce broke the wall that had the window in it and jumped out of the hole. He soared into the sky, flying to an old hut in the distance that was barely visible. Anne fell asleep quickly, her head resting on his neck.

    Farren was still angry at Vamyre, making fun of a different race, pah! He had no room to talk! Farren—followed closely by Vamyre—landed at the high blood castle. Guards were running about as if they were chickens whose head was lobbed off! They all screamed about a teenage girl who ran off with a brute who was supposed to make sure that she didn’t escape. Farren looked at Vamyre; they knew the guards were talking about Anne. Vamyre walked up to one of the guards.

    “A girl, you say? Where might she be, if you had to guess?” he asked. The guard shrugged. “Rumor has it that she ran off with the brute to get hitched! Dunno if it’s true or not, but no one wants to check the brute’s home. It’s far away and word is that the brute kills anyone who comes close to it.” The guard explained. However, he never questioned why a civilian was asking about the girl. The guard figured he was a mail person or something. “You, vampire,” He called for Vamyre as he walked away. Vamyre tensed up and turned around. “Take this to town for me, would ya?” The guard asked. Vamyre came closer. The guard handed him an envelope. “It’s a letter to my wife; give it to her, would you please?” He asked. Vamyre shrugged and took it. “Sure, why not.” Vamyre said. The guard thanked them, and went back to his duties. Vamyre and Farren took off into the skies again, rushing towards the town. The sun was up, and the two felt fatigued. They went to the nearest inn in that town to get some rest. They didn’t realize the huge hole in the wall of their room, nor the huge giant sleeping outside.

    “Vamyre?” A voice asked. No response. “Farren!” the voice yelled, louder this time so they could hear. Farren jumped awake. It was dark outside now; Farren couldn’t see who was talking to him. The voice grabbed his hand. “Are you okay? You’ve been sleeping for a while now; it’s been dark for three hours.” She asked worriedly. Farren then realized who it was. “Oh, my bad, me and Vamyre were just looking for you, is all!” Farren said, trying to be quiet so Vamyre could sleep. “What?” He asked her, seeing her bright smile. “You tried to find me!” She told him. “Uh, yeah, thanks, captain obvious.” Farren said. “You like me!” She sang with a grin. Farren laughed. “Oh, please! It was Vamyre’s idea to come and find you.” Farren lied. “Oh, yeah right!” She said, punching his arm. She then winced in pain. “What’s wrong?” Farren asked alarmed, sitting straight up now. “I think I broke my arm,” She told him. Farren looked at the jacket she was using for a sling. It wasn’t really supporting her that well. “I’m okay, though,” She assured him. Farren then realized that they needed to get out of the inn. If that guard described him and Vamyre to the higher-ups, they would be chased down in no time. “Vamyre, wake up! We need to leave.” Farren said, shaking Vamyre with force. “Anne, get anything you brought, we need to leave.” Farren instructed. “Why, what’s happening?” Anne questioned. “I heard one of the guards outside, I am almost sure they are here for me.” He explained. Anne didn’t understand. She then heard Bruce yelling at someone outside. “You won’t take pretty lady!” He yelled at someone. Farren had Anne hop onto his back. Vamyre, Farren, and Anne flew away from the inn, and headed for wherever was safe.

    It was a long ride from the inn. They had no idea where they were when they landed in a huge forest. Anne looked around the forest. They were surrounded by thick, dead trees. “Where are we?” Anne asked, shivering insanely. The forest was a lot colder than it was in town. Anne sat on the ground and took her sling off. She slipped the jacket on quickly, trying to avoid pain. She found a long piece of torn cloth by a tree. She wrapped it around her arm like a cast. She then stood up again. Farren and Vamyre were already looking around the forest. Anne sighed and slowly followed them; knowing danger was just bound to happen again. She started thinking about the town they just came from. What happened to Bruce? What if those guards killed him? He protected her, even if he never knew her by name.

    Anne finally found Farren and Vamyre again. They were examining a dark chest that was hidden behind dead trees. Somehow, Anne recognized it. But she couldn’t figure out from where. Maybe it was in a dream…No, no it wasn’t! When she was held capture by Bruce and his employers, they carried it out when she was waking up! It carried something important; they must’ve dropped it while flying. She heard loud thumping coming towards them. “They’re coming for the chest. We need to get out of here!” Anne yelled. Farren grabbed Anne’s hand and flew into the sky. Vamyre followed closely, the chest in hand. They saw at least fifty vampire troops marching into the forest. The troops then swarmed up into the air. “Give us the chest!” Their captain ordered. Farren zoomed past Vamyre, who had somehow gotten ahead of them. He must not have seen the troops flying behind them. “Oh, you guys are such show offs---AHHH!” Vamyre yelled as he saw the troops flying after him. He darted faster ahead and caught up with Farren and Anne. The troops were close on their tails; that left no time for them to think of a strategy. Farren guided Anne across clouds. They couldn’t see the troops anymore, so they prayed they couldn’t see them.

    They saw another town below them after about five minutes of flying in the clouds. The troops were still following behind them. Farren told Anne to cover her head. She did as they dove from the clouds and crashed into one of the buildings. The troops landed outside of the building. Farren, Vamyre, and Anne ran to the basement. The owner of the inn that they had crashed into was down there when they arrived. “Please, sir. Do not tell those troops where we are. They are trying to steal something from us.” Anne pleaded. The owner was an old man. He had wire-y gray hair. His beard was wispy. He was a short, kind man. “Sure, lassie. You and your friends are safe here.” He said in a soft Irish accent. Anne thanked the man. He told them he’d bring supplies down shortly, and left to the upper floor.

    They waited for hours before they heard a noise upstairs. A rough knock finally rapped on the door. The owner opened it slowly, but the visitors stormed in, pushing the man down. “We are here looking for a chest, old man. Some vampires took it; do you know where they are?” One of the visitors asked, revealing that they were the troops. The old man struggled to stand; his nose was bleeding from being shoved down. “N-no, I do not know where they are.” He stuttered. One of the troops hit the old man down. “Check the inn, men. They are here somewhere.” The captain ordered. Anne looked at Farren alarmed. They didn’t think they’d come down here. Vamyre found a small closet they could hide in, which oddly reminded Anne of the closet she and Farren shared a few nights before. They all squeezed in. By the time they had closed the closet door, a soldier came into the basement. He tapped a pipe with his sword. The basement was very small and grungy. Hardly a place anyone would want to store anything. “Come out, little vampires!” The soldier called out. The closet door opened slightly due to the pressure of the three of them against it. The soldier didn’t seem to notice. He walked closer to the closet, however. Anne held her breath, not wanting him to find them. He instead closed the closet door, not thinking to search it for the vampires.

    The soldier went back upstairs to report to his captain. The soldiers gave the old man another hit, and left the inn. Anne pushed out from the closet and walked slowly upstairs, afraid to see what had happened to the old man. Farren and Vamyre followed her even slower.

    Anne walked over to the man, who was shaking violently. “Are you okay?” Anne asked with a quiver in her voice. He smiled at her. “Those soldiers are kind of scary, aren’t they, lass?” He asked, trying to laugh. Anne smiled at him. “Yes, they were. But they’re gone now. I am so sorry for this.” She apologized. The man grabbed her hand and patted it. “Don’t worry, lass! This is what friends do, yes?” He asked. Anne nodded in agreement.

    A few hours later, after they had helped the man get cleaned up, he offered them to stay at the inn for the night for free. The group accepted his offer graciously. They all finally fell asleep when the sun was up.

    “How can they still have the chest?!” A voice cried. “Lord Longtyne, sire, they were not in the inn!” Another voice yelped. Lord Andiani Longtyne’s patience was growing thin.

    “Bring me those vampires. They will perish for their deeds.” The lord ordered. His servant whimpered away to inform the soldiers. Lord Longtyne was determined to win. He was sure of it.

    Finally, that night, the group awoke. They thanked the man for the room and meal. “Uhm, lass,” the man said softly. “Would you find a grave with the name Jennie McGray and put this letter on it for me?” he asked. “She was my lovely wife. She died because of those vampiric fiends.” Anne took the note from the man. “We will take it there,” She assured him. The three left the in, chest and note in hand.

    The grave was very easy to find. All the flowers that sprouted from the grass beneath the grave gave light to it. They walked up to it, rather slowly, actually.

    Anne kneeled down onto her knees. Farren and Vamyre followed. Anne laid the note on the grave. A few minutes later the group got up to leave the grave in peace. Vamyre, unfortunately, tripped over an overgrown root on their way out. The root sunk into the ground and the grave moved to the left, showing an opening with stairs. Vamyre jumped up quickly. The three of them looked at the opening that was sitting before them. Anne started to wonder if that is what the man expected to happen. “I think we should go down there,” Anne suggested. Farren and Vamyre looked at her like she was crazy. “Who knows what could be down there!” Vamyre cried. “Fine, I’ll go alone then.” Anne said shaking her head. “If you would like to come, then come.” Anne told them as she walked into the grave.

    “Wait!” Vamyre and Farren called out in unison. “I opened it, I should go!” Vamyre said. “Oh yeah? Well, I’m strong…So, I should go.” Farren said, trying to think of an excuse. They finally chased Anne down the stair case. As soon as their feet left the last step, the grave closed. No turning back now.

    They continued down the oddly lit hallway. They walked for about a quarter of a mile before they heard any noise.

    “M’Lord, those vampires could find us any time now! I think that the old man at the inn knows about our base.” A shaky voice cried out. “I thought you said they weren’t there?!” Lord Longtyne yelled. “They were not, sire! But what if they reside there soon? We will be done for!” He cried as if the world was ending. “It won’t happen.” Longtyne barked. “Off with you, back to your quarters!”

    The whimpering servant came closer and closer to the three vampires. They turned to run only to bump into a big, burly guard. “Ready for death?” he asked them grabbing them by their shirts. The three said nothing, trying to stay brave. They were carried off to a small dungeon. They were thrown inside a cell. You could hear a thud as they hit the ground. “Lord Longtyne will be here for your execution soon.” The guard said.

    Anne backed into a corner and buried her face into her knees. “It’s my fault!” She cried. “I made us come down here.” “But, they don’t have this!” Farren said pulling a chest out from the bag he had worn on his back.

    “H-how did they n-not get it?” Anne asked, sniffling like mad. “Who knows,” Farren shrugged. He set the chest on the musty ground. “Do you want to open it?” He asked her. She scooted closer to the chest. Anne opened it slowly. When it was finally open, dust flew everywhere.

    Inside the chest was a book. Anne took it out and opened it. “To those who read this book: This book is full of magic and wonder. You have to read it in a certain way to clearly see the point. Sometimes what seems like a disaster is really a miracle. Even for you vampires.

    If you are facing death soon, fear not. Read this book before the execution. It will make your life and adventures seem fulfilled.

    Believe it,

    Markobabe Sterfernson”

    Anne flipped through the rest of the pages. All it said was: “Love will conquer, evil will subside.” Anne showed it to Farren and Vamyre. “What does it mean?” Vamyre asked. Anne smiled; tears were forming in her eyes.

    “I think it means that no matter how evil something can be, love will over power it. Sure, we’ll most likely die today, but out friendship and love will defeat Lord Longtyne’s power any day.” Anne explained to them. She was now fully crying. Farren sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Vamyre put the book away. They all sat there in silence. They sat and waited for Lord Longtyne to execute them.

    The next night they were escorted to the courtyard with the other prisoners. They were given old overalls to wear and were sent off to work. They were to suffer with everyone else until Lord Longtyne felt it was their time to die.

    Thee months had passed and they were miserable. Anne was growing skinnier and skinnier each day. Vamyre was becoming sick, and Farren had died. “I can’t do it anymore, Vamy.” Anne sighed. Vamyre nodded sadly. “M-m-me either.” He struggled to say. A guard came to their cell soon after that.

    “Who wants to go first?” The guard asked. “What do you mean?” Anne asked him. “It’s execution day.” He replied. Vamyre volunteered. The guard took him to a different room. He left the door open so that Anne could see inside. Vamyre’s head was set onto a table. The guard grabbed a huge axe that was already bloody and stained. Anne couldn’t look away from it. The guard swung at Vamyre’s neck, instantly snapping it. Vamyre died fairly quick.

    Anne shook her head in disbelief. When the guard came for her, she looked at him with sorrow. “The book is all lies,” She told him. “What book?” he asked her as he walked Anne out of the room. “The one from the chest, it said love will conquer and evil will subside. It lied.” She spat. The guard didn’t say anything. Anne’s head was rested where Vamyre’s once was. She could see his motionless body next to her.

    The guard picked up the axe. “I’m sorry, lady. Your friends were good to you.” He told her. Anne said nothing. The guard held the axe in the air, as he swung down the axe, a familiar voice ran in. “Wait!” it called out. “That girl is innocent!” The voice was coming closer. “Farr—“Anne managed to say before she was killed.

    “W-w-why did you not listen?!” Farren yelled at the executioner. “Weren’t you dead?” The guard asked. “What wonderful thing acting can be? I knew faking my death would get me the hell out of here! I was trying to clear my friends’ names!” Farren said. “Your Lord has been killed! All charges were dropped two days ago.” Farren told him sternly. “She’s gone,” The guard barked. “BUT I LOVED HER, YOU b*****d!” Farren yelled in frustration. “I…I was going to marry her after we got out of here…” He started to cry. He fell to his knees. “The…The book lied.” Farren started to cry. “It didn’t save us,” He said hugging Anne’s now motionless body. The executioner swung his axe in the air again. As Farren looked up, the axe hit him right in between the eyes. Farren screamed out in pain. His neck went limp as blood poured out of his head. His skin was growing paler and paler. He lay motionless. They were all dead now. The trio was finally disbanded for good. The guard threw his axe aside. “Good riddance, you smug.” He muttered as he left the room.

    Two years later, the dungeon was finally taken down. The current peaceful leader at the time found the book that the friends had. He opened it and read the entire thing. The words magically changed. “Evil wins all, love fails.” The lord closed the book and buried it deep under three graves.

    “To our heroes,” He said to his guards. “And to my friends,” The man kneeled on Anne’s grave. “G’bye, lass,” A familiar old voice said. “You will be missed.”

    The old inn keeper was now the Lord. He ruled a peaceful land now. He visited Anne, Farren, and Vamyre’s grave everyday. Fresh flowers were always sitting on their grave stones. The man felt that he owed it to them. He was the one who got them down there. He was at fault for their death.

    To this day, those lands still speak of the three heroes. They are legends that will be passed down through the ages. They went through a long, hard journey. They made friends and enemies along the way. It was unfortunate that it had to end with three miserable deaths, but they saved many, many lives.

    The guard who killed them was prosecuted and killed immediately. He was killed two days after they had found evidence that he had killed the heroes.

    “Good bye to thy Farren, thy Anne, and thy Vamyre. They will be missed and loved. They will always be with us.” The old man said in a speech to the entire country. “Three medals will be placed on their grave for their heroicness. Once these gates are closed, this dungeon will never be used again. Neither for good nor evil,” The man announced to his people. They all walked up to each grave and laid flowers for each hero.

    The man was sure no one would commit such foul deeds in his country ever again. Not as long as he lived.