Thursday, May 3, 2012
He couldn't understand. So much was happening all so quickly. It was as though he were not present in his own body; everything he observed felt distant and detached. He could see and hear everything, despite the meaning behind it all lost and jumbled. On the floor lay Login's father; broken, bruised, and dying as a poison pulsated throughout his body. Crouched over him was Login's mother; crying, screaming, and desperately trying to find a way to save the father from death. It seemed the scene continued endlessly and that it would never come to a conclusion. His mind wandered aimlessly; anything to keep from witnessing the horrible event occurring before his eyes. As if an answer to his prayer of escape, he noticed a small movement and turned to see a woman hiding within the shadows. The assailant perhaps? He could not be sure. His body ached as he moved from his spot; he had been standing for so long. Slowly he approached the woman and, far out of sight or earshot of his parents, did he call out, "Who are you?"
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She turned her gaze to a boy standing off to the side. She eyed him cautiously as he approached. Taking little interest in him she turned her eyes back to her work as she watched the spectacle unravel.
ReplyDeleteShe didn't hear him. Or was she ignoring him? It appeared as though she was more preoccupied with the situation between his parents at hand. He winced slightly as he heard his mother's desperate cries; he had been blocking out the noise and was only reminded because of the woman. Her stand offish behavior made him suspicious. No, perhaps he already knew. Did he desire a false truth if she was the one who had done this? He continued his approach, now more cautiously and observant.
ReplyDeleteShe became more aware of the boy approaching her. Her gaze fell onto his and he stopped. She dared him to press on his venture, it would only end in pain. She had haf expected him to turn back around but he continued. What was this boy thinking? She would not help his pathetic family if that were his goal. She kept her eyes on the boy, the screaming voices fading into the background. He would pay dearly if she missed the death of his father. She wanted to see Dusks face as her precious human's life drained away.
ReplyDeleteHer gaze now intent upon him, Login stared straight into her eyes. A cold demeanor was all that appeared to exist behind them and yet he continued his advancements. He probably looked like a complete fool walking towards the lion in it's own den. No matter what reason he tried to conjure up, he could not explain nor stop himself from his approach. This shall probably end in my death, he thought. The thought did not bother him. Never had. Why? Even he didn't know. He picked up the pace slightly.
ReplyDeleteHes going faster, she thought. What was he doing? She crouched low to the ground, like a tigress crouching just before she pounced. Her gaze never leaving his.
ReplyDeleteHe saw her crouch, ready for battle. He paused, but only for a moment. The momentum behind his advancements took control again. Before he moved again, however, he miraculously found himself grinning in anticipation. Not for the fight; or was it? Maybe he was amused. Yes, that was it. He continued.
ReplyDeleteHe was.. grinning? Did the fool wish for his death? Even as these thought crossed her mind she found his action contagious. Before she knew it she was ginning in anticipation. This should have fueled her into striking him down where he stood yet she found that she could not. Why? What would she do when he got here?
ReplyDeleteThe answer frightened her. Her smile disappeared, she jumped up but alas, the ledge she stood on gave in to her sudden movement and before she knew it she was falling down the slope with no way of stopping herself. She should have been concerned with the opening she had just given the boy to strike but that was quickly pushed aside with a greater one. Now she was close enough to the vampire Dusk. And she... was not happy to see her.
At once, he heard the echoes of his mother's voice resounding of the barren walls.
ReplyDelete"YOU!!" and he could see his mother rush forward towards the girl. Without even a hesitant consideration, he jumped down the slope and leapt between the quarreling women. Dusk, his mother, suddenly aware of his presence (and consequently, earlier absence) glared at him in amazement.
"Login? What are you doing?" she asked.
Again, his instincts acted in his place. "I'll handle her," he responded. "Take care of father." He turned to the woman, crouched again in defense, her gaze leaving Dusk and now back to his.
"I'll handle her" His words echoed in her mind... why had he saved her? No, not saved, the boy wanted something but what? She could feel Dusks heated glare on her yet she could not bring her self to take her eyes off of the boy. What is your game? . . . She wondered what he would do and only this curiosity caused her to stay where she was, that, and she wanted to prove to herself that his intentions had malice purpose behind them. No one is good. No one.
ReplyDeleteOut of the corner of his eye, he saw his mother return to his father's side. Fully engrossed with his well being, she would be unaware of what would occur behind her. She put so much faith and trust in her son... the thought he might betray that trust only slightly pained him. Nevertheless, an inexplicable force told him what he was doing was the right thing to do... perhaps not for the others... but for him, there was no other answer.
ReplyDelete"I'm gonna give you a choice." She snarled quietly in response. He snickered. "Leave now... or I'm taking you with me."
Her mind screamed for her leave while she could, yet she remained stil. He wouldn't take her. No, she would never permit it. Why she stayed was beyond her comprehension then. Her movement were slow and calculated as she stood but her eyes sent a silent challenge to the boy.
ReplyDelete"How do you plan to do the latter?" Her words were quiet yet they held power behind them. The boy's grin returned and her instincts told her she was about to find out.
In fact, he had no idea what he planned to do. His mind slowly resurfaced and he became aware again of his surroundings. A thought flashed across his mind and, whether or not it would be enough to convince her, he suddenly had a plan. He disappeared on the spot, making the woman freeze and on high alert. Sensing the moment he would aparate back into focus, she quickly whirled on the spot and aimed to strike at his heart. Her attack wavered only just; the distance between them was closer than expected. Instantly, he seized her hands and locked them in place. He knew there was little time to spare. Before she could gather her wits and attempt to break free of his hold, he lunged forward and grasped her lips against his. Leaving her shocked and bewildered, he used this opportunity to transport them entirely to a new location. Yet, even as they arrived at the destination within seconds, his mind went blank again and suddenly did not want to let her go in his embrace.
ReplyDeleteHer problems melted away, her pain everything. She found herself unable to break away from his kiss and embrace. She instead found herself leaning in. She moved her hand up his cheek, then to his hair which she used to tug him closer. She was nearly lost in the moment when the pain of the memory returned with such force she broke away with a scream of frustration. She knew it. He wanted nothing more than to use her. The realization struck her with such pain that she stumbled farther back. The boy came closer in,what she thought, was an attempt to assist her. She swiped his out stretched hand away.
ReplyDelete"Whats your game vampire?! Do I look like a quick little 'pick me up'? Can't handle the pain of your family's suffering so you want to forget by using me that way?!" She screamed at him, her words made no sense to her. She didn't care though. She inspected her surroundings. Panic took hold of her, her breathing became quick and short. She cursed herself for her weakness, for the way the boy stirred forgotten emotions within her.
Though he sensed true pain and fear resounding in her eyes, a small grin of understanding lined his face. Of course, a creature with a past of torment and hate could only cause such things upon others. This woman, he knew, was subconsciously and desperately attempting to find a way to heal the wounds inflicted upon her. And still, his empathy for this woman never seemed to cease.
ReplyDelete"Games are for children," he responded. "You know why I got you out of there." She glared, the hatred and hurt still vivid in her eyes.
"Don't believe me? Come and strike me then... and I won't fight back." He stretched out his arms on either side, gazing expectantly for her to take the offer.
What was he attempting to do? Confusion toiled within her. He mocked her. His stupid grin said it all. He knew she would attack, so she didn't. She stood there trying with all her might to regain her composure but to no avail. Her eyes stung with the threat of tears. No Nahia, damnit, calm yourself. Her mind played this message to deaf ears.
ReplyDeleteSo Nahia did what she did best, she held on to the pain, allowing it to fuel her anger. She knew that the change was sudden for the boys eyes reflected a slight moment of shock. She would not be made a mockery of.
She attacked, expecting him to defend himself only to find he remained there, with that stupid grin on his face, true to his word. . . he did nothing as she struck. The blow was meant for his heart yet she faltered, her aim purposely diverting to his shoulder instead.
He gasped and staggered; eventually regaining somewhat of his composure. His heart rate spiked, and the shock and adrenaline now coursing through his veins eased the throbbing pain within his shoulder. The blood flowed freely down his arm and torso and each breath he took continually stabbed painfully in his left lung. Within minutes he stood upright once more, all the while never having broken eye contact with her. He could only imagine the fear, confusion, hatred roiling inside of her; her eyes betrayed and confirmed what he assumed. Grinning again, he once more (albeit slowly) outstretched his arms as if to encourage her assaults.
ReplyDeleteShe stood there motionless. His pain brought her no amusement. It gave her no sense of power she felt with everyone else. The opposite occurred. She felt compelled to rush to his aid.Those penetrating eyes never left hers, as hers never left his. What was he doing to her? Something inside her broke.
ReplyDeleteShe fell to her knees, the tears streaming down her face. She screamed and clutched her chest as a sharp pain within sparked. She could feel something within her changing once more. She was frightened. The boy immediately moved forward, she could sense him kneeling next to her. She heard his voice but none of the words were processed.
Her fear took over, she pushed him away. She pressed herself as far from his as possible. All the while attempting to ignore the change occurring within. She failed. The pain became increasingly more difficult to ignore, her screams filled the silence around them.
"What.. what did you do!" She screamed at him as if he could answer her.
Her reaction startled him. It was painfully obvious she couldn't hear his words of comfort over the sound of her own screaming. She cringed away from him every time he offered his hand to her; she yelled at him and accused him of things he could not understand. He was left kneeling beside her utterly confused and unable to find a way to ease her pain. What had he done? What could he do?
ReplyDeleteHis vision turned hazy. He was coming off his adrenaline high. The pain was finally setting in. He clutched his shoulder and swayed, but his efforts to stop the blood flow were in vain.
Panting, he asked, "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Something was horridly wrong. She couldnt bear the pain that took her. "are you hurt?" She barely heard him. She turned her head slightly, her breaths were shallow and heavy. She realized by his pained expression that his shoulder injury had finally caught him. He was losing too much blood. Acting on complete instinct she reached her hand out and healed him. Only after her action did she realize what she had just done. she healed him... A power that she held long ago.... When she was angel.
ReplyDeleteImmediately, he felt a sense of relief and well-being engulf him at her touch. The flow of blood ceased and the pain put to rest, he was brought back to attention the woman's own internal pain. Such horrid things resounding in her eyes: desire and hatred, pain and fulfillment; all were struggling to be the dominant emotion. He reached for her, the intensity of her gaze piercing his own. He cradled her face lightly in his hand and the flow of tears continued again. His heart wrenched and he was finally unsure of how to proceed. Cautiously, knowing somehow his actions perhaps even existence caused her to have this internal battle, he leaned closer to her face until their foreheads met. He closed his eyes and pursued no further.
ReplyDeleteHer eyes were open, she looked into the boys face... no... Login's face. He looked defeated, his troubled expression confused her further. What was his purpose she wondered. She still had no idea why he was doing this. Was he not the one who had caused her this pain? Why then did he pretend to comfort her?
ReplyDeleteShe broke away from their connection. She was weary, fatigue had started to settle in. She had hoped by this point the pain woud have eased in the slightest, but her hope was quickly squashed but the next wave of pain. Now she merely moaned, unable to find the energy to scream. She eyed Login warily.
Between pants she regarded him, "What is it you want from me? If you wanted revenge for your father then rest assured . . . you have attained it." At least he's not in pain anymore. . . the thought startled her. She shook her head in an attempt to erase it from her mind. What was happening to her?
Indeed, he had accomplished what he hoped for. He was able to keep the woman, Nahia, away from his parents, if only for mere moments. It seemed so simple minutes before; and yet here he stood, his head cloudy with confusing and endless thoughts... All of which, he realized with subtle shock, was revolved around Nahia. But it was impossible... she tortured his father, tormented his mother, and many other horrid things he was sure she committed. Why? Why did he feel this way? Why did none of that matter?
ReplyDelete"Nahia." She jumped slightly, for this was the first time Login had referred to her by name. "I did what I came here to do. Revenge is not it."
"Then what is it you came here for? Torture?" She paused, if he wanted to rape her he could have long ago. what was it he wanted? If not revenge what other things could he have accomplished? She suddenly realized she only thought of horrible things as his goals. What if... just this once... i have found a good person? The thought was immediately dismissed as inane and unimaginable. There were no good people in the world. She must keep that thought in her mind.
ReplyDeleteLogin looked at her. Not saying anything at all at first, as if contemplating something. He could take as long as he wanted in answering her. The answer was not going to change.
What was his answer? It was simply because he wanted to. But why? In all his life, he never imagined it to be this hard to sort through his thoughts and feelings. Certainly, he had no reason to do what he did. Strangely, startlingly, he knew his answer.
ReplyDelete"I came to find a reason to live." She tilted her head, aghast and disbelieving. It was true, to an extent, now that he thought about it. He was willing to accept death should it come... what other conclusion could he draw from that resolve than that he had nothing to live for? He almost laughed; it was not like him to be this deep and serious. It had been a crude and depressing idea and he always attempted to bury those thoughts. Great, he thought. Now I sound suicidal. He severed eye contact with Nahia and looked toward the horizon line in embarrassment.
Was he... blushing? His own embarrassment could have made her laugh had she the energy.
ReplyDeleteHe was young, a reason to live was not to be found by kidnapping her. She was resolved.
She braced herself against the wall she lay against and stood. This brought Login's immediate attention. He rushed forward to help her but she stopped him. She didn't want his help, she feared that if she let him in now, her heart would be lost to yet another whom she knew would break it.
"Login. You have your entire life ahead of you. Do not be so eager to throw away your life. I am not the answer you seek." Her sudden change shocked her. All her hatred and anger seemed to have somehow been lost. She now only wanted Login to move on.
The next wave of pain took her by surprise, she fell back onto her knees. How was she going to get home now?. . . Home. . . she didn't have one really. Not a stable roof at least. She mostly wondered around, taking what she wanted. she never needed a place for rest for she never slept. She never required protection from the elements for she felt nothing against them.
"Are you going to let me help Nahia?" Login's voice came from right next to her, she jumped at the sudden proximity and winced at the pain of her heart accelerating caused her.
"Nahia..."
ReplyDeleteLet go.
"... I'm not concerned with finding my answers..."
I don't want to.
"... I'm interested..."
You're being stupid.
"... In the answers you seek."
I don't care.
But she was right. There was so much he could accomplish-
No. That was a lie. He was born as a setup for failure. Forever would he be compared to his uncle:, a dark vampire, just as he was. The oldest, just as he was. And the human father... Though Login had let go of his hatred unlike his uncle, he knew those reasons were viable enough for the world to look down on him for. Did his mother think he did not notice any small remarks regarding the matter? That he was being watched? The world expected him to fail and fall to darkness... What was left for him to live for then?
He shaped out of his trance and, against the feeble protests of the hurting fallen, proceeded to help her to her feet.
His answer startled her.
ReplyDelete"No.. no you're not. You do not want to know what answers I seek. . . let go of me." She stumbled out of his grasp. She had to get out of here as fast as she could. She could feel the pain he felt. It was deeper than physical pain, it was a pain she knew all too well. She knew if she stayed she would only seal her fate. SHe would be tempted to help him.. that would only lead to her demise.
"... Nahia, you shouldn't hurt yourself so." He moved toward her; she leaned away. Her struggle, her pain... It was unbearable even for him. What could he do? And yet another answer arose to his lips: "Come with me." She snapped her head at him, speechless. "You can stay until you're well enough to leave and be on your own again."
ReplyDeleteIt was tempting. So tempting. To be with him. . . even for a while.
ReplyDelete. . . No Nahia... you are weakened. You will only set yourself up for disaster...
Besides what was he thinking? His mother would never approve, and she would not be hidden away. SHe refused to live restrained.
She reverted back to her selfish emotionless self and answer him calmly, "No. I refuse to be your pet. Just leave me be, I can get . . . home myself. I have always done fine alone. I do not need someone now"
The accursed smile lined his face again. "You never know til you try. It won't be too bad." Her disgusted and cold stare slightly amused him; he could certainly guess what was running through her mind. "It's a special place of mine. Just stay for one night and then you're off the hook..." He purposely neglected to add that she owed him that much; truly, he did not want to have her there against her will. How strange that he felt such mercy for the one who nearly destroyed his family... And yet that title held little meaning to Login regarding Nahia. He stared intently in her eyes, awaiting her answer.
ReplyDeleteHer cold state wavered. She was filled with indecision. And that stupid grin on his face only intensified her confusion. Just for the night. . .truly there could be no harm in staying with him for a night...
ReplyDeleteah but Nahia... thats what Pein said. . . The name immediately brought her back to sanity. "No." She refused flatly. She could see his gaze falter. As if he wasn't sure he wanted to take that answer. She stood defensively away from him, preparing herself for a quick getaway if needed.
Her guard clearly up, Login resisted the urge to groan. She was not making this easy. Had he not proved himself? Or was she in need of another demonstration?
ReplyDelete"Tell you what, let me show you where it is. Don't like it, or don't trust me along the way, I'll let you kill me." She winced; in pain or...? He stretched his arms out yet again. "Or boot me off now."
"No!" She said almost too quickly. She drew a hand up to cover her mouth... He smirked. The thought of hurting him again made her sick for some reason. Oh no.. Nahia no... As she came to her realization another wave of pain, even stronger than those before, took her. She gasped at its intensity, yet she didn't scream. She couldn't take much more of this. Come on Nahia. . . just... go see it. He said he would let you leave if you didn't like it or felt uneasy. . . desperation took her... at least she hoped it was.
ReplyDelete"O..Ok. I'll.. go" Her answer was barely audible between her ragged breaths.
Without another word, he approached slowly like before as if any quick or sudden movements would set her off the wrong way. Nahia found herself too preoccupied with retaining her pain to care and willingly took Login as a crutch. She awaited for the moment of disapparition, but it did not come. She looked to her supported side and once more was met with a blushing Login. Before she could take the trouble to ask what it was this time, he said, "Sorry... for earlier. You know..." He motioned aimlessly in the air with his free hand, as though to summon the courage to finish his sentence. "... The kiss." He glanced her way for a split second before averting his gaze once more.
ReplyDelete"Don't apologize." She left it at that though she could hear Login's sharp intake of breath. Had it shocked him?
ReplyDeleteShe looked at him once more, she seemed to not be able to get enough of his rosed cheeks. A small smile spread across her lips. . . and she laughed. She could not remember the last time she had laughed out of pure joy. And all it took was the cutest blushing vampire she had ever seen.