Just before dawn, Jake came back with the lead box containing a silver ring and gave it to Kersten. When Kersten opened the box... well, both of us were close beside her. We both stumbled back some. For me only four steps back. Jake on the other hand was at the other end of the bed room.

  “Silver affects you as well? I thought it only affected werewolves?” she questioned as she re-closed the lid.

  “No, it affects us as well just as much as holy water and garlic.” I said

  “That must be annoying to have so many weaknesses.” Kersten pointed out.

  “Yeah but we do have some extra abilities in exchange.” Jake explained. “Then again... The vampires from true legends had even more abilities such as shifting into mist, or bats. They could fly, defy gravity, hypnotize people... all that good stuff.”

  “Even for a mad super genius like Mr. Saxon, somethings were beyond his ability.” I finished. “Now, to business. The gathering will be at a southern beach. I will cover the area with posters to show which one. When you are done Kersten, I want you to come to the beach as well and stay close to me. By mid-night I am sure most, if not all the vampires in the area will have come. I will talk to them there. 

  “Jake, try finding some of the others and tell them about tonight.”

  “Got it. Then I'm out for now! See ya!” with that, he headed out again.

  “Anthony... what about Jane?”

  “Keep her with you. After the meeting take your car and leave town until this is over. That would be best I think. When you do, make sure either you or her has the ring on and do not leave each others sight.”

  “Okay... what about you? Will you be okay?”

  “I will be fine. Even if I only have Jake, we can survive a fight with those dogs.”

  “Well be careful then, If your gone... who's going to play video games with Jane...? And don't let Jake die either! Got that?!”

  “I understand.” I said with a small smile.

  The next night, I found myself sitting up in a soccer net with a large field out in front of me and a forest behind, the beach to the right, and the entrance to the area to the left along with a small park and a small building. I was wearing the jacket, gloves, and boots of the old uniform Mr. Saxon had made for me along with black jeans and a t-shirt with AC -a picture of a lightning bolt- DC on it Kersten had bought for me so I has some clothes that did not look like they would fall apart any second.

  When the night finally took over the day, it was not long before Jake appeared, then Kersten and Jane -both looking quite nervous-. All three came over to where I sat. Jake and Kersten sat below leaning against opposite polls holding the front of the net up well Jane climbed up beside me. As we sat, Jane asked me questions and Kersten and Jake talked quietly.

  As the hours past I could hear more and more slow heartbeats creeping into the area, revealing themselves only after wondering about just inside the forest to see if it was some sort of trap. By mid-night around twenty or so vampires were now close by watching the four of us, waiting to see what we wanted, what the poster meant. 

  At this time. I stood up on the bar over the goal and said “Welcome everyone. My name is Anthony Tale. One of the first five vampires, your elder and the lost king.” 

  Whispers started to spread among them until one of them said “That can't be true! He died freeing the other elders!”

  “No. I fought the werewolves. I was beaten and when I was brought back into Mr. Saxons Mansion, I waited for the right moment, then trapped Mr. Saxon in a hidden chamber and burned the mansion down. I hid inside the hidden chamber as Mr. Saxons warden until he died. By that time, many years had past, my siblings were nowhere to be seen. I went to sleep again in a house in town then woke up to find these two girls living there.

  “After deciding to stay in the house I grew fond of them but when I heard the call of the werewolves I realized I had put them in danger. The leader of that pack is one of the werewolf elders and he will want revenge for what happened to his master. I fear he might attack these two and I fear him and his pack will attack the town well coming after me.

  “I want you to know I am not asking you to fight for me and to protect these two, but to work together to protect each other, the town, and any person you may favour that can not defend themselves.

  “If I can, I would like to go in after them first though so we can avoid fighting in town. I would ask for some volunteers to help me as fighting a whole pack alone is impossible for even I.”

  Whispers again, then another spoke out. “Whether you are our king or not we understand what you're asking and I believe I speak for all of us when I say that we would do anything to keep this place safe, if not for ourselves, then the humans me care for... like my little sister. But we can't know that they will come down into the town after us just cause you say you're Anthony Tale... Give us proof first.”

  I took off my jacket to show the red fangs with a single drop of blood on the back to them and said “Mr. Saxon had this jacket and four others made for my siblings and I. It was to be our uniform as his security guards. I think this should be evidence enough.”

  Whispers again only a lot more exited. Finally they all went silent and gave a bow. “We're sorry for not believing you your highness!” Another called out. “We were all lead to believe that you had died. Its wonderful to know you're still here... but as you pointed out... this is going to be troubling... our town isn't safe and the wolves could already be moving in on you!”

  “Exactly why we need to take action. We need people to guard the town and a few to come with me to find the wolves before something happens, please.”

  “I will go with you!” said a tall man with a shaggy beard.

  “What is your name?”

  “Andrew Smith.” he replied.

  “I will help you as well! My name is Jeane Sampson.” A thin girl with sharp eyes and black hair said.

  “Good, thank you...  anyone else?”

  “I'm going with you of course!” said Jake jumping up from his seat. “Even if I'm not a strong, I can still fight and I want nothing more then to help you.”

  “Alright, if you are sure.” I said to him then turned back to the group of vampires. “I am sure I do not need to tell you what to do, no?”

  “We know what we need to do your highness don't worry about that.” another said.

  “Good then before you go back, please, you can call me by name.”

  “If thats what you want... Mr. Tale” they finished.

  “Thank you. Andrew, Jeane? Stay behind so we can talk further.”

  “Yes Mr. Tale.” They both said together.

  And so the four of us started talking about a plan right up until I noticed them.”

  “Forget it.” I said.

  “What?” Jeane asked.

  “Forget the plan... it is to late. There are six of them here right now. Listen.”

  The three of them stood silently and listened. Before long they all heard the animal like heartbeats, heavy breathing, and footsteps.

  “Get the girls out of here Anthony, we'll take care of them.” Jake said.

  Without another word I turned, had the girls stand, and started walking them to the car trying to not alert the wolves that we knew they were there. The other three started slipping into the forest.

  “Get the ring out.” I whispered. “It can protect you better then I can.”

  “What's going on?” Kersten whispered back.

  “They are here, now put it on!”

  Kersten quickly got the meaning and opened the lead box, then made Jane put on the ring. For a moment I thought we could get out without anything happening but just before we could get to the car I noticed another wolf in the forest on the other side. Before I could rush the girls, the wolf jumped out and onto the car, caving the roof in.

  “Tale.” the wolf said drawing my name out. “We've been looking for you.”

  “Whatever you are going to do, leave the girls alone.” I said quickly stepping in front of them without them even seeing it.

  The monster like wolf grinned and said with a laugh “How sweet, you care for these young ones. To bad you have no one to help you. Your friends are fighting for their own lives right now.” 

  Suddenly he jumped at us. Knowing the girls could not dodge and I could not get close enough to touch them let alone pick them up and move them, I jumped to meet the beast. Bashing into each other, we fell to the ground and we began our own fight. Unfortunately I soon realized this wolf was more experienced then I though. I could knock him back and hurt him but he was good enough to dodge and avoid serious damage that would slow him down enough for me to finish him. He was also able to get his own hits in.

  In the mean time, The girls stood frozen in shock as they watch the two of us fight and spill blood around the dirt parking lot. I wanted to shout at them to run but I could only put all my concentration into the fight to keep from getting a claw or fang to the heart.

  When I finally got a chance after pinning the rabid mutt, I looked to the girls and  I made sure they listened. Both of them jumped in shock at the sound of you voice filled with frustration, anger, and worry. After a second more of pause they did as told and stared running in the opposite direction.

  As the wolf struggled to break my pin he said with a sickening grin “Aw you scared them off... good thing we still have a free wolf to entertain them” 

  In my anger, I took a chance and shifted just enough to twist the wolfs arm in away so that my pointed nails were aimed at his eyes.

  “Call it off... or would you rather be blind?” 

  He started to laugh. So I started pushing down still holding his arm with my two fingers pointed down at his eyes. Me nails got closer and closer and as I did he looked more and more scared. Still, he refused to call the wolf off.

  Just as the end of my nails were about to poke his eyes, I changed direction and stabbed him just under the eyebrows and let his arms go. Instinctively he brought his hands to his eyes and I got a perfect chance to do him some great damage. As fast as I could, I cut some of his muscles in his arms and legs then a stab to the gut. That should keep him still for a while I though.

  With that mutt down I ran at full speed to catch up with Kersten and Jane, but no matter how fast I was, it would not stop Jane's cries, Kersten's shallow breathing, and the growling dog. When I finally reached the seen, I saw Jane crying over Kersten well the werewolf circled. 

  Without a moments hesitation I attacked the doomed wolf and slashed his muscles, gave him a deep wound on the chest and nicked four major arteries. When I was sure he was not about to get up again I quickly moved over the Kersten's weak and dying body.

  “What happened?!” I demanded rather then asked.

  Kersten gave a weak smile. “Sorry... I tripped...”

  I started to studier at her answer, then Jane said “We were in such a rush when we were running... she tripping over me well trying to keep me ahead of her... I'm sorry...” then she started to cry again.

  “I-it is not your fault, it is no ones fault. So do not even think it...”

  “Is she going to be okay?” Jane whimpered.

  “I have some really outdated medical knowledge but... we need to get her to the hospital. Put the ring away for me.”

  Jane did as I asked then said “How are we going to get to a hospital?”

  “On foot.” I said as I picked up both of them. “Hold on.”

  It was good luck that our town was small still -even if it was a little bigger then in my day- so reaching the hospital took little time for me. On the way there though, I could hear cries from people as the werewolves were attacking. At the same time I could hear the vampires fighting their hardest as well. They kept many of the wolves busy but still many were running unoccupied.

  At the hospital, I carried in Kersten and let Jane walk.

  “Another one?!” A nurse called as I walked over.

  “Please, she has lost a lot of blood... she is close to d-.... she needs help right away, please!”

  “Yes, Yes. Bring her this way. She said hurrying down the hall.

  I followed close behind.

  “Let me guess, another animal attack?” A doctor asked as he met us in the hall with a stretcher.

  “Yes.”I answered. 

  “Alright. I'll take her from here. Go wait in the waiting room please!”

  I hesitated for a moment then let her go well holding Jane back from following after.

  Suddenly I got weird chill down my spine and got the urge to look into the room to my left. Forgetting everything else, I opened the door and saw a man laying in the bed and I could tell he was in agony. I could also just barely hear a whisper coming from an invisible source. When the whispering stopped it took no time at all for the heart to stop as well. After that I started staring into an empty space to the left of the bed. I felt like I was locking eyes with someone but none of my senses could pick up what it was. A moment later the feeling disappeared and I looked around. Finally I took notice in Jane pulling on my jacket.

  “What are you doing?”

  “What? Sorry... I felt like someone was there.”

  After taking Jane to the waiting room I told her I was going back out she did not want me to leave but she did not get the choice. I went out hunting for the nearest wolf and when I found it, I jumped it before it had the chance to fight. She did not have to much experience as it became apparent. 

  Pinning her down with one hand on her throat and a nail pressed against it I said “You go back to Peter and you tell him to end this attack now! I will meet him tomorrow night at Mr. Saxon's burned mansion, midnight. Got it?!”

  “Y-y-yes...” The girl stammered, now back in her human form. 

  “Then get moving and tell him!” I yelled as I released her and stepping back.

  She quickly got to her feet and bolted. Well she ran to her leader, I started going after the roaming dogs still causing mayhem, carelessly letting myself be seen by the people. I scared some but most were just startled and then some actually stopped to try and thank me. Including a young woman with auburn hair, crystal blue eyes and a gorgeous body.

  Finally, an half an hour after I let the wolf-girl go, The werewolves started retreating back to the forest after a call from their Alpha. When they did, I stumbled back and dropped into a sitting position on the roof of a house. I was dead tired after all the excitement. For him to have such a big pack was ridiculous but they all seemed to answer to him. Maybe he had be made king of the werewolves like I for the vampires? Or its a gathering of a few packs? I was not sure. It did not matter either. I needed a plan for tomorrow.

  After the bit of rest, I jumped back down into the streets and started walking back to the hospital. On the way I noted one or two people here and there take notice in me. Eventually someone recognized me and came over with a 'camera' 

  “You're the guy who saved me! You fought of those monsters when they attacked! Can I get your picture? Whats your name?”

  I hesitated for a moment but then decided to go without saying anything. Because I was too tired too run much, I just jumped up onto the roofs and took a fast passed walk. As I did I heard the clicking of her 'camera' until I was out of view. 

  Back at the hospital, I found Jane asleep in a chair. Worn out from crying most likely I thought. Leaving her to sleep, I asked the nurse at the desk if Kersten was doing alright. The nurse said no but I was welcome to see her now. She gave me directions to the room, so I followed. To my surprise I could only hear two vampire heartbeats. No humans in the room I was told Kersten was in. 

  I quickly stepped into the room to see why but just as I did, I saw a shape jump out the window. Running over and looking out, I saw the vampire running from the building as fast as it could. Something seemed familiar about the person though, even if I did not get a good look at them.

  Turning to the second vampire -a freshly turned one at that as I could hear there body finish changing- I found Kersten belonging to the now vampire heartbeat. I could only stand there in shock. What was I to do now?

  I started to move closer just to check if her wounds had already started to heal but before I could take more then two steps, the chill from before came back and was now behind me, I also sensed a small amount of silver. I quickly spun around to try and see but just as I was facing the right way, I felt a hit to the stomach and I was knocked off my feet and into the wall the hit stung like I was burned, as well as the normal dull pain from a punch. The silver had to be on a ring but it was not made out of it.

  I looked around to try and find the attacker, but like before, it was like they did not exist. I felt another punch to my face, then I noticed the punch left a cut as well as a burn from the silver. That is not normal I thought. A third punch came, then a fourth. on the fifth, I surprised myself. Despite me ever weakening state because of the ring, I pointlessly went to try and block the next blow... and I did! This meant there was I solid person there! Baring through the burning, I threw a punch of my own next and felt it hit. The barely existing person was sent crashing into the opposite wall and knocked over a chair.

  Getting up, I finally said “Show yourself! Why are you attacking me?!”

  Finally I hear a grown come into hearing like turning the volume up on the TV. “Because you were about to attack Kersten! I won't let you hurt her!” Now his body appeared, standing by the overturned chair. 

  To my surprise I saw a young boy with short brown hair and ice blue eyes. He was wearing a black cloak that could only make me think of death.

  “Who are you?” I asked.

  “My name is Tom, I am a Demi-Death God, and Kerstens cousin!”

  Not holding back my amazement in the least I said “Death god?! Cousin?!”

  “Yes! Now if you want to live, get away from her!”

  Unclenched my fists, I moved around the bed, past the boy, Tom and stood close to the door. “I am not looking for a fight with you. I am a friend of Kersten's. I was just checking something before you came in.”

  “Really, and what would that be?”

  “I was check to see if she was healing.”

  “How could that be possible?! I saw her being taken to this room! They said she would be dead by morning...! you're probably the one who did it to her too!”

  “No. It was not me, but a werewolf. You saw them, yes? They were just attacking the town a little while ago. One of them did this to her. I am going after the one who caused this. I am on your side... please. I do care for Kersten, I would not want to see her hurt....”

  Tom seemed to think I spoke the truth -though he did not admit it- as he lowered his fists. “Why did you what to see if she is healing then? Like I said, she is close to dying.”

  “You're Death, yes? You should be able to tell that for yourself. Does she see like she is dying?”

  Tom seemed to think for a moment then his eyebrows knitted together. “No... it feels like she is dead but the heart monitor is still... she's giving off the same feeling you and the werewolves do...”

  “Someone has just turned her into a vampire. She is one of my people now... I do not know who did this or why but... they saved her life.”

  Tom did not seem to know how to react to this and so just stood there trying to figure it out as he watched her. After a few moments he asked “Who are you?”

  “King of the vampires, a friend to Jane and Kersten, and their house mate. They moved into my house well I was asleep. My Name is Anthony Tale.”

  “King...?”

  “Believe it or not, I do not mind.”

  “What's going to happen know that she's a vampire?”

  “I will take care of her but she might have to find a new job, one indoors or at night. You do not need too worry to much. If tomorrow night goes well everything will be fine again.”

  “Tomorrow? What happens then?”

  “I will meet will a werewolf elder named Peter Bacston. He has a grudge against me and when he found my sent... well, tonight happened. I will end the issue tomorrow night.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Whatever it takes. Talking, a fight... killing him. I will not put up with him anymore. I do not want to kill but for him, I might have to do it.”

  “Isn't killing part of being a vampire?”

  “I have never killed someone... not directly.”

  “Oh...”

  Kersten suddenly started to move again.

  “Ah...! I have to go.”

  “Do you not want to greet her?”

  “I can't. She already went to my funeral. I'm a dead man already.” with that, he vanished.

  A minute later, Kersten finally opened her eyes. “Mm... I'm still alive am I?” 

  “That is debatable.”

  “What?”

  “I do not know who it was... but someone turned you. You are a vampire. You would have died for real if the person did not... but still...”

  “You're joking right?”

  “You would know if I was joking. We need to get you out of the hospital before you lose control of yourself.”

  Quickly, I removed anything stuck on or in her, then picked her up, opened the window, and jumped out, then ran her to the house despite my weariness.

  “Stay here. I will go get your sister.”

  “Okay...” she said sounding worried.

  Running back to the hospital I woke Jane and said “It is time to go.”

  She grumbled for a second then said “But what about Kersten?”

  “She is... fine, but we need to go.”

  Jane frowned but she got up and followed me out.

  Back at home, Jane and I stepped in and I called out “Kersten? It is just us.”

  “Kersten? But she's at the hospital... right?” I quickly explained to Jane only to make her look really freaked out now.

  “You have to stay calm. Just go to your room and close the door for now, alright?”

  “Yeah... got it.” She said with her stunned look, then crept down to her room.

  With Jane in her room, I followed Kersten's heartbeat to her own room across from mine. I knocked on the door, then opened it. She was laying on her bed with her knees to her chest.

  I stayed up all day getting her to relax and figure out how she could go on with her life even though she was a vampire now. Even as night started to fall again she was still not in the best mood. None the less, I took her out early in the night to have her feed for the first time. She was quite difficult about it at first, but then I had to restrain her before she could hurt the person. At the same time, I had Jake out getting her a coffin. Jake had come back mid-day badly hurt but healing. He reported that the other two were just as bad but had gone to check on their people.

  When we got back to the house Kersten was feeling a sense of self loathing but at the same time, she had perked up a little now that she had eaten. She was also a lot less likely to attack Jane now. By the time Jake came by with the coffin it was an hour until twelve. I had Jake stay with Kersten, then headed out to meet with the wolves.

  I found the ruined remains of the old mansion at the end of a dirt road still surrounded by the forest. Totally cut off from the town. I could hear the heartbeats of thirty or more werewolves around the area. Some stood out in the open, some in the forest, and some in and around the deteriorating building.

  I walked toward the dead mansion until a was just five yards away from it and waited. Before long, Peter stepped out. He was tall, had hair all over that looked a little matted but short. His eye were the same colour as his hair, dark brown. His teeth were bared and he had a face that showed a mix of anger and pleasure.

  We watched each other for a moment, then he started to circle around me. When he stopped in front of me again, I said “I only want to settle our issues. Once it is over I will leave you be... I would ask the same of you.”

  “Really? Well, I'm fine with that... considering you will be dead!” Peter snapped as he changed shape and jumping at me.

  Knowing that he would attack, I was quick to jump back and out of the way. Preparing myself for a fight, I said “If a fight is what you want, I will give it to you, but I hoped we could talk.”

  “You want to talk? How 'bout a deal. I win the fight, I kill you and have my revenge then I continue on like normal only feeling so much more relaxed.”

  “And if I win, you will give up on your revenge and you will not attack the city or my friends again. Deal?”

  “Agreed, but you will not win!” Peter finished as he lunged at me again.

  This time I fell to my back, got my feet up and as peter came flying over, I kicked up and into his gut. This caused him to flip over and crash to the ground. 

  Peter got up again and ran at me with his own fangs bared. 

  I dodged to the side and as he passed by, I let my nails stab into his face and draw back down the length of his body as he ran. 

  Peter yelped in pain but turned to come around at me a second time. I pulled the same move again but what I did not see coming was he put a paw out as he went by and slashed my leg. 

  I stumbled and winced as the cut hit my bone.

  Peter made a quick stop, turned, and jumped at me for the third time. He knocked me over and held me down with his weight and managed to sink his fangs into me but only in my arm.

  As he put more and more pressure on my arm as he tried too snap it well holding me down, I managed to pull my left arm from under him and started too stab him. I stabbed into the side of his body, and cut at his limbs but nothing made him let go. Finally I went for a shot at his face. 

  Peters jaw started to open and his head began to turn away as he watched my pointed nails sail toward his ugly mug.

  Managing to get my arm free, I continued on with the attack and managed to slice his cheek. Then I went for a stab into his exposed throat with my right.

  Peter rolled off of me just in time to avoid the attack.

  We both quickly got up and began to circle. After a moment Peter rushed me again.

  Time to end this I thought to myself.

  I made a short jump straight up, then quickly came back down on his back. As I did I could hear the crunching of bones and blood pouring out into places it should not go on the inside.

  I jumped off again and landed a few feet away from him. This fight was over. The blow to his back would making it extremely hard to move and it would take time to heal. Even when he heals up, he's still going to be hindered. The internal bleeding will form into a pocket of blood, slowing him down and probably making a couple things hard to do depending on what it presses against.

  I turned to look at him again and I saw him try to get up. “It it over Peter, do not make your injures worse. You are already at risk of losing you position as the alpha of your pack with a wound like that. Rest, maybe get some treatment. Do not be a fool.”

  Finally he gave up and began too howl in pain, misery, and defeat. And he howled alone.