The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Shannon woke with a start. Her eyes darted around her bedroom. Yet another dream she thought to her self and pushed the comforter from her body and crawled out of bed. She walked straight to the kitchen and pushed the start button on her coffee maker, and then watched as the coffee made its way down into the pot. Coffee is my only friend.



With a nice hot cup of black coffee in hand she went out onto her balcony. She figured that she could at least look at the stars for a while. As the hot bitter liquid went down her throat, she thought about her dream.



She had dreamt about a man, who wasn’t a man. He had black wings that sprouted from his back. He was handsome, with his long dark hair and chiseled features. His eyes were strange though. They were a pale lavender color. No human had eyes like that. Not naturally at least. He was standing at her window, watching her sleep. He didn’t seem to want to hurt her. It was as if he was protecting her. But she could sense something about him, she wasn’t sure if it was anger or pain maybe it was both. Then suddenly he would begin to beat on her window as if he was enraged and shatter her window. And when he did that she would wake up.



Shannon couldn’t understand why she was having these dreams. It had started months ago. She just accepted that perhaps she was doomed to perhaps never have a full nights sleep. And that was alright, the first few weeks she was worn down, but after she adjusted to it she didn’t even bother to worry about it. It seemed as though her body had accepted that she could only sleep till 4 am. The only major downside was that she didn’t have to be to work until nine o’clock. So she spent the wee hours of the morning cleaning her apartment or working on her paintings.



Lately though her art had taken a strange direction. She used to paint beautiful landscapes, but now her work had become dark and depressing. She didn’t know why but it was all she could paint.



Shannon continued on her morning by doing a load of laundry and working on a painting of a demon. Then she got ready for work and went on her way. Being an artist didn’t pay the bills so she had to trudge through life working at an old fashioned diner. It wasn’t too terrible and the money was decent. Her life was very lonely though. She went to work and came home every day. She worked and painted. She had a few friends but rarely saw them as they had their own lives to live so she spent her days.



At work everything was normal. She took orders and served food, joked around with the regulars, and continued on through the day. At around six when it was time for her to get off her manager, Miranda, begged her to stay on for an extra shift. Reluctantly Shannon agreed to stay. The evenings were slow so she knew it wouldn’t be too much work. But as the night wore on she began to tire tremendously. She stifled a groan as she saw someone sitting in her section 15 minutes before closing. She put on a smile and approached the booth. Her eyes grew wide when she got to it.



Sitting there in the booth was the man in her dreams. Well he looked so very similar he could be. He had the same dark hair and facial features. He was wearing sunglasses so she couldn’t see his eyes. This made her frown a little. He looked so much like the man in her dreams. It made her heart beat fast.

Shannon stood there looking at him for a moment, he looked up at her and she jumped. ‘So how can I help you today/’ she said quickly trying to hide her nervousness.

He shot her a smile.

‘You don’t have to be nice, I know I’m a terrible customer for coming in right before you close.’ He said with a laugh, he had the most adorable Irish accent. . ‘But I’m going to try and make it easy on you. I just simply want a burger fries and a coke.’

Shannon smiled a real smile at him and said. ‘Coming right up sir.’ As Shannon turned, the man reached out and touched her arm.

‘You can call me Connor. None of that sir stuff, please.’ Shannon’s heart jumped when he touched her. As she walked to the kitchen it was as if she could still feel his fingers on her blouse.

When Shannon handed the ticket to the cook, Rochelle the other waitress grabbed her and pulled her over to the far side of the kitchen. ‘So what’s the deal with you and Mr. Leprechaun, Shannon?’

Shannon felt herself turn pink. ‘I don’t know. He’s cute. Why do you ask' Rochelle rolled her eyes at Shannon.

‘Girl he is so into you I don’t know why you don’t give that boy your number or something because honey you spend way too much time at home alone.’ Shannon laughed and walked away.

When she brought Connor his drink, he asked her to sit down. She was reluctant but Rochelle motioned for her to go for it. So she did.

‘So, do you often come to diners at night and try to get the waitresses to sit with you?’ Shannon asked with a grin. She was trying to keep her cool but something about him made her feel nervous.

Actually I would have to say that this is a first. Honestly it seemed to me that you looked like you needed a little break. See, when I walked by this very diner this morning I saw that you were here, so it wax to my surprise that you were still here. So I thought to myself. I’d like the chance to talk to that pretty girl. So I came in and sat down. And lucky me, I got you as my waitress.’

Shannon blushed and looked down at the table. The cook called her ticket and Shannon quickly ran back and picked up the food. When she brought it to him, she didn’t sit back down because she had to finish cleaning up. When she came back from the kitchen Connor was gone. She was slightly saddened to see him go, but he had left her an amazing tip. Rochelle said she would clear his table so Shannon could finally go home so Shannon left as quickly as her legs could carry her.

As she was walking back to her apartment, Shannon heard a voice calling her name from behind her. She turned to find Connor running to catch up to her.

‘You are quite the speed walker aren’t you?’ He said breathing heavily as he finally got to her.

Shannon shrugged and replied, ‘You kinda have to be in a neighborhood like this.’ It was true. They were in a pretty bad part of the city.

‘Well then perhaps you should have some company on your way home.’ Connor held out his harm to Shannon. She looked at it for a moment and then linked hers with his. It felt nice.

When they got back to Shannon’s apartment, Connor seemed a bit shy about going in. but with some persuasion he finally agreed to enter. He looked around the apartment for a bit while Shannon got coffee for the two of them.

‘So why do you wear your sunglasses at night’ Shannon asked him finally. The question had swarmed around her head since she met him.

‘Well.’ He took a long sip of his coffee. ‘It’s a bit embarrassing but….’ He took off the sunglasses and revealed his beautiful lavender eyes. Shannon jumped up to her feet. ‘Now Shannon wait.’

‘You, I’ve been dreaming about you... what do you want from me’ she exclaimed backing away from him.

‘I don’t want anything from you. I just sort of watch over you. I’ve done it for a very long time. Centuries, Shannon. I’ve been watching over you for centuries.’

‘Centuries? What do you mean centuries?’ she demanded. Her mind spun. He motioned for her to sit back down, and reluctantly she did, as far from him as possible.

‘about 500 years ago I knew you. Your name was Shannon back then too. We were so very much in love. But then something terrible happened. I swore I would never let anything happen to you again. I loved you then and I still do. And I’m hoping you will remember and love me again too.’

Shannon sat quietly for a moment trying to piece her thoughts together. ‘what about the wings.’

‘ah those things. You have them too Shannon. We came from a special people. We flew with the birds. You were the princess of our tribe. I was one of your protectors, but I failed. Now only you and I are left.’

‘if this is all true then why can’t I remember it.’ She said softly. Part of her wanted to believe it.

‘well that’s the thing about reincarnation. Most don’t remember who they really are. But me, I never forgot, I refused to forget. And maybe that’s why I can still have my wings. Maybe if you remember yours will come back too.’

‘this all sounds so crazy.’ Shannon sighed. Connor had tears slithering down his soft cheeks. ‘I wish I could remember for you.’

Connor looked at her and put his hand to her face. He slowly pulled her face closer to his and kissed her. and with that kiss everything came back. A flood of memories. Shannon closed her eyes taking it all in. when she opened her eyes again he smiled at her.. ‘go look in the mirror love’ Shannon ran to the bathroom. Her eyes had changed. They were the same color as his. She came back to the room.

‘but what about the wings. Where are mine?’ she asked nervously. She had the memories but she was still very confused.

‘love, they will come with time.’ Connor said taking her into his arms. She rested her head upon his shoulder for the first time in her life she didn’t feel alone. Shannon invited connor to stay the night with her. and when they laid in bed together he let his wings out and they wrapped perfectly around her as they slept. It felt good to have someone hold her while she dreamed. It was a new feeling.

COMMENTS

-

---

DrowVampire
00:57 Mar 06 2008

Wicked story so far, where's the rest ?

---

POST COMMENT

‘you get back here elizabeth’ boomed the angry voice from the house. But Elizabeth refused to turn around she kept running. She ran straight through the backyard and into the woods. tears streamed down her face, she ignored them though. She finally came to the clearing in the woods, where she always felt safe. She wiped the blood from her lips and nose and sat quietly under a nearby tree. She hoped that if she was quiet enough she might see them again.



The last time she was in the woods she had caught a glimpse of a tiny creature which looked as though it was completely made of light. It could have fit in the palm of her hand. She knew it had to be a faery. She hoped and wished often that they would take her away. She didn’t even care whether or not she could ever come back. It was sure to be better than being with her father.



Elizabeth sat under the tree for hours waiting for the faeries to come take her away. When night finally fell she began to cry again. No one wanted her not even the faeries. And she hated them for it. She hated everyone. She crept through the woods back to her house. She saw her father sitting on the porch rocking in his wicker rocking chair. He looked calmer as she approached. But regretted getting so close when she saw the bottle of gin in his hand, being empty she knew she was in for it.



Her father motioned for her to come closer and so Elizabeth put her head down and walked towards him. He grabbed a chunk of her blond hair and then everything went dark. When Elizabeth woke up the next morning she found her head was bandaged and she was lying on the couch. She touched the bandage and wanted to scream from the pain. She realized that he had cracked her over the head with the bottle of gin. She felt sick and woozy. She slowly made her way for the back door to get to her safe place before her father woke up. She felt so weak but knew that if she didn’t go now she might really get it when he wakes up.



When she reached the clearing her stomach sank. There was her father standing by her tree. He never went out there. It was over. Her safe place had been found. She gave him a pleading look hoping that the magick of the place would prevent him from hurting her.



Her father slowly walked up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, and kissed her forehead. Tears streamed down her face, he had never done that before. She looked up at him, and smiled.



Ever so slowly his hands moved from her shoulders to her neck. He began to slowly tighten his grip around her throat. Her tiny 8 year old fingers pulled at his large hands trying to get him to release. But soon she realized there was nothing she could do and she just stared at him until it got all fuzzy and then dark.



When she opened her eyes again she found herself surrounded by faeries. The shiny orbs danced around her pulling on her clothes trying to get her to follow. Elizabeth stood up and looked down at her own lifeless body. The faeries continued to pull on her. She reluctantly looked away from herself and followed them into a bright light in the distance. ‘you’re late.’ She mumbled softly. A gentle voice came from the light. ‘we are not late. We took you right when you needed us the most. Come with us to a place where you will never hurt again.’



Elizabeth looked back at her body and towards the light. She put her arm up to shield her from the brightness and followed the faeries to her new home.

No one really knew her name they knew she was the guardian. She protected the North forest and everything that lived in it. Nobody knew where she came from. She just was. Beneath the shade of the trees was her domain. Her golden skin was draped by a material most swore was woven by the spiders that lived within the forest. It was a pale white and barely covered her but she lived amongst the animals that bore no sense of modesty when it came to such things. And so no hunter dared go into those woods. They feared that if they angered the guardian they would lose their lives.



Xanth refused to believe such stories though. He had heard them all growing up and refused to believe it. Whenever the children would whisper about the Guardian he would scoff and say something like, “And next you are going to tell me that the tooth fairy is real.” And the children would blink at him and say yes.



Xanth was nothing like anyone in the village. He was normally quiet, and withdrawn. Throughout is years in school he would sit in the back of the room and write down everything that came from the teacher’s mouth. At recess he would sit inside and read. He seemed to be too old in his mind for his body. His parents had died in the plague. He lived with his Aunt on the farthest edge of town. They were the closest to the north woods, and people with their fears could not bring themselves to even get that close to the north woods.



Now just because he was quiet and withdrawn doesn’t mean he was cold and careless. He was actually one of the most helpful members of the village. He was often found helping the old widow Pickens with her yard, and helping out at the mercantile for money to help pay for his aunt’s home.



But everyone knew that he had a soft spot in his heart for Dara the merchant’s daughter. That was probably another good reason why he decided to help around the shop. That was because everyday he would be able to be near her, and talk to her. Unfortunately for Xanth Owen son of one of the richest men in the region had something for Dara. Owen was vicious to Xanth and did everything he could to embarrass Xanth in front of Dara.



Well the same day that Xanth turned 18 the village was having their annual strawberry festival. And there would be a dance, so a couple of days before the dance, when Xanth was finishing sweeping the back room when Dara came in to get some flour. Xanth took in a breath and said. “Hi Dara.”



Dara smiled a big smile revealing her adorable dimples. Xanth thought she was the most beautiful creature on the earth; she had long red curls and the brightest green eyes that he had ever seen. “Hi Xanth.” She said happily.



“So, the dance is Saturday.” He mumbled looking down at the floor. “Are you going?” He could feel his heart pounding in his ears.



“Yes, I’m going. Owen asked me. And since he was the first person to ask I had to say yes. I kinda wish someone else had asked me though…”



Xanth looked up from the floor and could tell by the look in her eyes she was talking about him. “Well, um, save me a dance okay?”



Dara nodded and grabbed her bag of flower. She went back to the front and Xanth went back to his sweeping. He was a bundle of mixed feelings, Angered and dismayed about Owen asking Dara, but also excited and happy about Dara’s apparent feelings for him. And so he finished his work and hurried home.



The night of the dance the whole village was out for the event. People were dancing and eating and just having a good time. Xanth was sitting off in a corner waiting for Dara and Owen to arrive. But as the dance went on, he never saw them come in. While the hours ticked on Xanth’s mind raced with the possibilities as to what could have happened to them.



When the last song began, Xanth decided to go home. It was obvious that Dara must have changed her mind about Owen. While walking back to the house he noticed that there was a small fire out in the fields not far from his home. He quietly crept up to find out what was going on. A small group of people were out there he noticed as he got closer. Owen and his lackeys and a few girls were there and Dara of course. The rest of the crowd was obviously drunk but Dara sat a ways away from them looking very unhappy.



Owen was the first one to see Xanth approaching the fire. He sneered at him and threw down his mug. He walked over and yelled. “This is a private affair so if you could get out of here it would be great.”



Dara stood up and said, “Owen I really want to go home we already missed the dance, and my father will wonder where I am.”



Owen turned to her. “I’ll get you home in a little bit. The night is still young Dara.” He turned back to look at Xanth and was thoroughly annoyed that he hadn’t started to head back yet.



“I can walk you home Dara.” Xanth said ignoring the dirty look that Owen had shot at him. Dara smiled and began to walk closer to him. But Owen grabbed her arm. “Hey there is no need to grab her like that.”



“Listen Xanth,” The slurred words rolled out of Owen’s drunken mouth. “She leaves when I leave.” Dara tried to pull away from him and he grabbed on tighter. She gave let out a small whimper and Xanth walked up and grabbed Owens arm. Owen released Dara and punched Xanth. And when Dara yelled at him to stop he slapped her. And when his hand made contact with her beautiful face, Xanth lost control. He grabbed the mug from the ground and began beating Owen in the face with it. Owen fell to the ground and Xanth couldn’t stop. It was as if every ounce of pain he had ever felt, any twinge of anger he had held back washed over him and through to Owen’s face. Two of Owen’s friends finally pulled Xanth off.. He couldn’t believe it. He had blacked out until that moment. He saw the blood all over him and ran.



He ran full force deep into the north woods. He could hear Dara begging him not to go in there but he couldn’t stop. He knew he had killed Owen and nothing could take that back. He knew that he deserved to live in the woods alone forever, or not to live at all. The village could never forgive him everyone loved Owen, well his money at least, and he knew that Owen’s father would make sure he was put to death for what he had done. He knew it was probably right but he was so scared.



He continued on running into the night it was so dark he couldn’t see where he was going. But he didn’t care. He kept running until finally he tripped over a large tree root and then he laid there sobbing loudly. It seemed as though hours had passed and perhaps they had. He just laid there trying to piece together the night. He had no idea how he could have done what he did.



Suddenly he saw a pale light in the distance. Xanth tried to stand but realized quickly that he could not walk. His leg was obviously broken though the pain did not kick in until that moment. He screamed in pain and fell back to the ground. The pale light got closer and closer and Xanth became afraid. He soon could make out a figure that was in the center of the light. It was the guardian. He knew it. Even though his whole life he had sworn she was not real. He was afraid; the Guardian did not like intruders in her woods according to the stories.



As she got closer he could make out more of her features. She was truly beautiful, but more than that there’s no word that fully grasps at her beauty. Her skin was like that of an immaculate porcelain doll, and her eyes were big and blue. Her head was covered with thick black braids. She was perfect. And it was true about her clothes.



She was the first to speak. “Is that the blood of animals upon your face?” She demanded angrily.



“No no no…” Xanth cried. “It is not from one of your animals I promise. It’s much worse though. I killed a man “



“Oh really” She said in a softer tone. “Why would you kill one of your own kind?” Xanth looked up blankly at her. She looked deep into his eyes. “Ah yes, he hurt that girl.” Before he could speak she said “Yes I can see the truth in your soul. So you came here to hide.”



“I’m not really sure why I came here. Maybe because I know no one will look for me here.” He mumbled.



“Ah yes, because it is forbidden to come here. Or so they say. People of your kind tend to say things to frighten you away from that which you don’t understand.”



“You keep saying, my kind. What are you if you are not my kind?” The guardian smiled and said nothing. “So you won’t tell me?”



“I would prefer to show you. See I was blessed by the moon; she gave me the chance to live with the animals I love. When she gave me my gift it came with great responsibilities. I can never leave the woods. I must stay and care for the land. Protect it. And this was the gift I was given.” Xanth watched quietly as the guardian got down on all fours. Her bones began to twist and reshape and she grew fur all over her body. The sound was terrible. The bones were growing and shifting at such a great rate that the cracks sounded as if someone were breaking large sticks several times over. Xanth became frightened and closed his eyes.



When the sound stopped he looked at her. He faced a beautiful wolf, black with blue eyes. But he knew it was here because of the look in her eyes. But he was still afraid. She was bigger than the average wolf and her teeth were so sharp that he knew they could sink into his flesh without much effort. Sensing his fear she quickly shifted back. “So as you can see I am truly one with the earth. But that means I am alone until I can find someone to be like me and spend their days as I do.”



Xanth could not form a solid thought in his head. He sat there looking at her dumfounded. But he could sense what she was planning. He knew she wanted him to stay with her. But he couldn’t. He loved Dara. He had to know if she was ok.



“You forget I know your thoughts, you think of that girl. You think she loves you. Perhaps she does, but on the other hand she may not. She could think of you as a killer now.”



“That’s not true.” Xanth exclaimed. “Dara cares for me, no matter what!” The words flew so quickly out of his mouth. He didn’t even know where it came from. He didn’t know if she loved him. He hoped she did, but he wasn’t sure if he would ever know the truth.



“Well prove it,” She snarled and with one fluid motion sank her teeth into his flesh. They were just as sharp as when she was in the wolf form. She sank her teeth deep into his shoulder. He couldn’t scream and he couldn’t breath.



When she finally released him she smiled a devious smile and said “Go back to her, but now you are like me, she will never accept you. I’ll be waiting. All I have is time.”



Xanth’s leg had mysteriously repaired itself. So he was able to walk again. He quickly found his way back out of the woods. He had completely forgotten anything before meeting the guardian until he saw the torches. The whole village was looking for him. He knew he would have to turn himself in. So he stood there waiting for them to find him and when they did he was surprised to be told that Owen wasn’t dead. Just severely hurt. He was with the doctor who said he would pull through. And Owens friends had reluctantly admitted it was self defense.



Xanth could hardly believe it. But he was free to go. He started to go home, but then decided he should check on Dara. So after everyone else had gone home, he went to her house. It was dark so he knew they were all asleep but he had to see her. So he picked up a fist full of pebbles and threw them at her window until finally she opened it. “Xanth???” She exclaimed. “Are you alright?” He nodded and she ran from the window. In minutes she was outside throwing her arms around him. “I thought I would never see you again. Owen….”



“I know, they say he’s going to be ok. But that’s not why I’m here. Do you love me Dara?” Xanth asked hoping the answer would be what he had dreamed of hearing.



“Yes Xanth I do.”



“No matter what? Even if there was something that has changed within me? Would you love me no matter what has happened?”



“I don’t understand what you are talking about. Xanth nothing has changed about you. You were defending your…”



And before she could finish he began to shift. He had never felt pain like that in his life. With each movement of the bones he could feel them break and twist, and the fur that burst through each pore hurt.



Dara looked at him in fear. She screamed. Xanth tried to calm her but his mouth could not form words. His tongue was too big and his voice could only form grunts. She ran from him screaming for him to stay away.



Xanth howled in pain and ran away from her. He continued on into the woods He knew she was waiting for him. He changed back into his human form. Tears still poured down his face. “You knew! You knew didn’t you?”



“Of course I did. Humans are hateful creatures who would never understand us. But now we have each other. You will never have to be alone and neither will I.” She walked over to him and put her arms around him. He tried to pull away but she forced herself into his Arms. He held her for a moment quietly, and then he reached into his pocket. He pulled out his hunting knife and jammed it deep into her back. She fell to the ground changing quickly from human to wolf over and over again she was screaming and howling. But Xanth ignored her cries. He pulled the knife from her back and slit her throat.



When she finally died he changed back into the wolf form. It didn’t hurt as much as the first time and knew it would get easier. The pain of the change would never hurt as much as the pain in his heart. And he would live the rest of his days alone in the woods, caring for the creatures, just as the guardian had. But he would leave the forest. Every night from then on he would go to the village and call on Dara. He would howl to her window every night. To remind her that he loved her. And that once she loved him. And maybe just maybe she could love him again.