Pablo(1)

What seperates animals from humans is the part of the human brain tha thinks and acts based on logic.
What seperates humans from humans is the fact that some use this part of the brain and some don't.
Through the years mankind has used different terms to describe such humans...gifted, mad, possessed and even ill.
Whatever the name they have been given the fact remains the same, some humans are worse than most of the animals.
The difference stems from the fact that animals don't have a society to conform them and no one to teach them how to behave. On the other side, humanity, since its early steps felt the need to live in communities and the failure of one of its members was and still is considered as the failure of that society.
In our days we tend to ignore that simple fact, a person who steals is not at fault but instead it's the fault of the society that leads him and lets him steal.
A person who kills other people is not just sick, the society didn't make it clear to him that killing is bad.

Such is the case which lead to this creature named Pablo and no one should and could blame only him.

He was born in the 80's in the city of Thessaloniki by a middle class family.
His mother was working for an agency which cleaned buildings and the news of her pregnacy had a bittersweet taste. She was happy a new life would be born but for those months she wouldn't be able to work therefore it would be hard for her to raise a family.
His father was a worker doing double shifts at a local steel industry.
He never wanted a child at least not at that moment. All this was a mistake for him.
One wild night at a disco party and he had found himself forced to marry a less than mediocre beautiful girl who now had his seed in her womb.
Those times were hard in Greece, people were supposed to be married in order to have sexual lives and to get pregnant before marriage was equal to being a criminal.
The months passed and a boy was born given the name George to honor his father's father.
The man now had to work even more since his wife had to stay at home with the baby.
Soon he found himself getting older so fast. He was only 25 and he was already feeling 50.
He was coming home to rest and eat and sometimes he couldn't even do both.
The baby was crying when he wanted to sleep, sometimes it was sick and his wife didn't even have the time to cook.
As for his sexual life, the result of which was this boy, his wife had not been able to lose the pregnancy weight and now she was ugly and expected him to want her still.
Soon he found peace in alcohol, whichever type of it.
All his spare money went to drinks and if he had some more to spare he rent the love of foreign women for only some minutes of pleasure.

After only five years of such life his problem with alcohol led to him losing his job.
Their parents tried to help but that marriage was dead already and in Greece those times getting a divorce was harder than starting a revolution.
In his troubled mind the fault was all his wife's, she could have aborted the child and maybe they would be happy now.
Soon he started to act and react violently. And when she didn't leave him those violent acts became more like a daily routine for him.
What's more, all the money he was earning was going to drinks and without the foreign girl's rented pleasure he started raping his wife.
George was very young at that time but the picture of his mother getting raped and his father hitting her accompanied by her maddening screams and her cries got stuck in his childish mind.
Soon enough even he started to act violently towards other children in his baby school.

The teachers warned his mother time and again but he showed no improvement so they did what the laws ordered.
They informed the police and soon George was taken from his home and given to an orphanage.
But since his parents were poor he was abandoned in the worst shithole the town could provide.

At the age of 15 he learned that his father crazed by the situation of his had murdered his mother and for a week he had been raping her dead body until someone informed the police of the grave smell that was coming out of their house.
His father was convicted to 25 years of jail but he was not going to spend his life in a cell. Two days after the trial he hanged himself in his own cell.
George realised he was alone in this world.
Even his grandparents didn't want him since he was a reminder of the tragedy they wanted to forget.

To make things worse not only did the time he spent in that orphanage not help with his violent behavior but being bullied and abused from older children almost every day had made him more dangerous and cunning than before.
And that person did society set free at the age of 18 with no one to help him rejoin the community.

George had realised that as well and decided that if society didn't want him he would force society to accept him.
Only heroes and villains earned recognition and since he couldn't be a hero he would be a very infamous vilain.
He always liked painting and he gave himself the name ''Pablo'' to honor the greatest painter ever to exist.
The only difference between them would be that his creations would be alive, for a while at least.

So ''Pablo'' began his dread work spreading terror in the city.
His victims, all of them women of various ages but not children.
He had no criteria for his choices, every womam suited him.
He used brute force and an old van to get them to his home, an abandoned warehouse and there he tied them and awaited fr them to wake up.
He used iron brushes to paint them and for colors he used a mix of normal paint mixed with some of their blood.
His victims were often still alive after he had finished his work. He was taking pictures of them and would then drive to a public place and abandon them there for everyone to admire his work.

In one year he had became the number one terror of every woman in the city.
At least 17 women had died from the massive bleeding at his hands and police had to put a price on him.
Finally one night he tried to grab a woman, she was actually a police officer in disguise, and ''Pablo's'' career met a sudden end.
No one, even his lawyer, tried to defend him in his trial but since Greece had no death penalty he had to go in prison, yet judging by his actions they thought it would be dangerous for him or other prisoners so they decided to lock him up in an asylum for mentaly ill people for the rest of his life.
And ''Pablo'' was led to the psychiatric hospital of Thessaloniki.

Of course in his case there was no hope of becoming better, neither did he want to.
Soon he started behaving violently almost all the time towards everyone in there and the doctors had to lock him up in the isolation.
And there he became completely insane. No light, no fresh air, no space to move about and no one to communicate with.
He soon started hearing voices, silent whispers driving him even more insane.
There is a certain point before the human mind just explodes and one night Pablo reached that point. For the next two days he would just scream all the time until his voice cords were utterly damaged but the voice kept whispering to him about the upcoming salvation.

The third night a strange man dressed in white, propably a doctor, entered his cell.
-How are you my child? he asked
Paul couldn't even whisper to that man.
-You can't talk? No problem my child, just think and I will hear it.
''Please make those voices stop''
-These voices my child are a message given to you by the most sacred of us, by our father.
''I can't stand them anymore, please let me die''
-Now you are heading towards a false direction my child. Why die when you are chosen to spread HIS messages?
''What messages? By whom?''
-Messages of the first one. Now they are just whispers but soon you will be able to hear him loud and clear as if he was sitting next to you.
''Who are you? What is this bullshit?''
-I am Jesus my little child don't you recognize your savior?
''Jesus? You mean like Jesus, the son of God?''
-Of course, my child.
''And they call me insane...''
-Who said anything about insanity? You are gifted my child and I am going to make your gift complete.
''What do you mean?''
-I am going to make you immortal Pablo and then I am going to let you free to be the messenger you are supposed to be.
''Immortal?''
-Oh yes Pablo, immortal! And the precious blood you were spilling on your paintings will now be the key to your immortality.
''A vampire?''
-A messenger sent to us by our first. Now rest and get your voice back. I wouldn't like our messenger to be mute when I re-create you. I will come in a few days Pablo, better be ready.
''My name was George...''
-You are Pablo for now and hopefully for a long eternity. George will die but Pablo will live forever!
Now rest my child, Jesus will be here for you!

Asterios(1)

-Hey, did you know that...?
-IN THESSALONIKI, Asterios, in Thessaloniki!

''Pff...what a prick, I was just trying to be friendly, he must have been old when he was embraced that's why he is like my grandpa''
Thought Asterios and put his headset on to listen to some music.
For a man looking in his early 30's his choice of music was kinda weird, opera.
He let his mind go a few years back, back to where this strange story had begun.

He was on his last year in the university of Naples getting his degree on surgery.
Ever since he could remember he wanted to be a doctor and there he was ready to be one and he was determined to be a very good doctor.
Half-Italian and half-Greek from his father's side he was always a party animal during his early years and university hadn't changed that at all.
Even his friends were amazed at how he could be that good at his school and at the same time be the soul of every party in the campus.
It was the week before his final exams when he met that woman.
He was just taking his evening walk around the campus admiring half naked girls and the setting sun.
At a corner, as if she was expecting him, appeared a red-haired latina smoking a cigar.
She wore a flame-red dress that short that it could have been a T-shirt.
She smiled at him and spoke in a voice that Asterios could swear it was coming out in a million different languages.
-Can you light me please?
-In many interesting ways! Asterios answered.
-So young and so determined?
-Always determined, luck favors the reckless!
The woman was over 30 but Astetios could swear she was more beautiful than many other younger girls.
-So? Can you light me?
-I wish I could but I don't smoke you see. It would be bad for my reputation to smoke while asking my patients to quit it.
-You are a doctor?
-Well in a month I will be.
-What do you specialize in?
-Surgery, I like learning about people's inner beauty.
-Young, reckless, funny and a doctor? You are the star of this campus I guess.
-You can say that, so can I offer you something in return of not being able to light you?
-Can you? said the woman and licked her lips.
''Damn woman, she knows damn well how to play a man'' he thought.
-A drink? Dinner? Wild, free sex?
-I like you, at least you are honest with your intentions, my name is Cassy.
-Cassiopeia? What a nice, ancient Greek name.
-Are you familiar with Greece?
-I am half Greek actually and I am Asterios, most pleased to meet you Cassy.
-Ok young, determined, funny, reckless, a doctor and half-Greek...tonight Asterios is your lucky night. I will show you things you had never been aware of.
-My place or yours?
-Mine, my car is right there.
Asterios turned his head only to see a Porsche cabrio parked a dozen meters away.
-That car suits you dear.

Asterios jumped in the car ready for the night of his life but what followed was more than he expected.
They both ended naked on the bed but at the moment he was ready to explode the woman who was on the top smiled wickedly letting two huge canines appear and bit him on his neck.
-Welcome to my world Asterios, she said with blood-his blood-dripping from her mouth.
Asterios still remembers the next days passing by like a movie. A horror film to be exact.
The woman was a vampire belonging to a clan of vampire-mages which was always on the search for gifted people and scientists. Their meeting that night was not one of chance. She had been watching him for some time.
And now he was one of them.
What would follow was simple. He would get his degree-the woman had arranged for his exams to be held during night hours-and he would vanish from the mortal society joining the rest of the clan at Vienna to initiate his studies in all things magical.
For a reason he didn't care for what had happened to him, his new self was better than his old one and the only drawback was the sunlight which was now lethal to him.
On the other side he now had an eternity to experiment with whatever crazy idea he may have had.
And also magic? This life was going to be awesome.


And there he was on a plane going back to his homeland, from his father's side at least, for his first assignment. He had been told that Thessaloniki was actually a very bad place for new vampires of his clan but he had also learned from his creator that in Thessaloniki he would have a lot more freedom to conduct his experiments.
The local regent of his clan was much more open minded than many others and he had a nice collection of scientific equipment for him to play with.
Also the local prince admired and helped young vampires eager to prove themselves and for Asterios everything in his life was a challenge to be accomplished.

He looked again at the middle-aged man next to him.
''Old minds in old bodies'' he thought.

Jason(1)

                                     
                                         ''I'll kill you and your dreams tonight
                                          begin new life
                                          Bleed your death upon me
                                          Let your bloodline feed my youth''
                                                                                              (Slayer)




Jason always believed his life was going to be perfect. And why shouldn't he?
His family was considered one of the wealthiest in his country and he was an only child.
Anything he might have wanted he was able to obtain.
His father was always busy with his business, his mother could always be found at some social gathering and Jason was always free to do as he pleased.
He was tall, handsome, with a perfect body and straight, long, black hair.
Since his early years in high school he had been the center of attention.
Every girl wanted to be his girl and he rarely refused them, at least until the next one came along.

His reputation of being one of the most wanted boyfriends followed him in the univercity where he went to study computers. Not that he was going to work anyway, it's just that he liked all the illegal things he and his friends could do in this golden age of internet.
Piracy, porn, drugs everything was inside the internet, you just had to know how and where to look for it.
And Jason was good at that.
He also made enough money with this hobby, money he spent to keep his "work's" gear always upgraded.
He didn't believe in morality nor in feelings such as love though he had passion, at least for computers.
His family life was a mess, a proof that marriage was old fashioned nowadays.
He had also learned from a very young age that he could not afford to have friends, everyone and everything had a price and he knew that his economic status was a reason to be envied or hated.
His lack of friends was covered by a wide network of contacts he had made through the internet.
There was nothing he might have wanted that he was not be able to find.
That was what he loved about the internet, having a digital friend in Peru might prove useful when searching for a cocaine dealer in your country or helping someone from Australia was a nice way to learn about good places to visit if you were going there on vacation.

At some point he had built a small empire consisting of networks throughout the world and at the age of 25 he would be considered a millionaire already if the goverment knew how much money he was earning.
But success only lasts for a while.
One day while trying to hack one of the random agencies around the world he found a "rear window" for a network he had never seen.
It had no point of origin and followed none of the usual protocols.
Jason was sure that that was something of military nature and information on military plans was selling like crazy.
He took all the necessary precautions and started experimenting with this network.
To his surprise he didn't find any military information, only a weird chat room with many members with nicknames from all over the world discussing very strange things about clans, powers, a nightly war or even a headhunt in a distant city.
''What kind of freaks are they?'' he thought.
He was about to leave the chat room when his security systems alerted him that someone was trying to track him.
''Let them try, it's not that easy to...'' he was thinking when he noticed that someone had already passed most of his secutiry filters.
-For Christ's sake, Jason gasped in surprise.
He turned the power off cuting every link to his computer but for a reason he was not sure he had managed to do it fast enough.
''Whoever was so able to bypass his security systems so easily, was a million light years ahead in the hacking business''.
He knew exactly what his next move should be. He saved everything he might need in a flash disk and destroyed his equipment. He even left his house, donating it anonymously to an institution, and moved to another part of the town leaving no trail behind.

In the next two weeks his life turned to normal again.
He had almost forgotten about that weird network when one night he got an e-mail.
No name, no adress, nothing, the mail just popped on his screen.
Already terrified, he opened it.
''I SEE YOU'' were the only words in it.
-SHIT! he exclaimed.
In his panic Jason grabbed his wallet, threw some clothes in a backpack and rushed to the garage for his car.
Once inside he started the engine aiming to get to the airport and then leave the country for some time.
He had driven only for some meters when, looking in his central mirror, he saw a monstrous face on his back seats.
Then everything went black.


Next time Jason opened his eyes he was not in his car, he could feel the stone cold, wet floor and everything around smelled like the sewers.
He stood up only to discover he was naked and none of his possesions was around.
Only a few enormous mice with huge red eyes.
He couldn't see very well in the darkness of the sewers but he was sure he saw a figure approaching.
-Who are you? Why am I here?
-Silence, you are disturbing my little friends! said a voice that couldn't possibly be human.
In a split second the same monstrous face appeared in front of him. That man was almost like a movie monster.
-Next time, mortal, do not mess with things you cannot understand.
-Who are you? asked Jason trembling. What did I do to you?
-Took me two weeks to find you but there is no escape, how can it be when you are a mortal and I am eternal!!!
-What do you want from me?
-You had everything you wanted in your life, money, women, success, but most of them came to you by default and you are so ignorant that you wanted more, always more...Now it's time to pay the price.
-Are you going to kill me?
-Kill you? Of course not my little Jason, I am going to give you life eternal, so you will have your chance to prove you worth without all the riches given to you.
-What do you mean? What are you?
-We are a clan of vampires, some call us tunnelers, others call us rats, we don't mind or at least we do not show it. That chat room you found was our main way to communicate with each other 24/7 and exchange information on everything. I know you are messing with information too so you may find us kindred spirits if I am allowed to say so. That's why I will put you in a test. Some minutes ago a murdered, burnt corpse was found in the remains of your crashed car with all your papers on it. From this night on you are dead...
-What?!!!
-And you will be, partially at least. I am gonna change you Jason, you will become one of us but this time after your rebirth there will be no riches to rely upon. I am going to throw you naked in the streets of a hostile city with nothing of your own and if you survive you may have a chance to live a ''normal'' life, else you're gonna be killed. Either way, you are dead.
-And how are you going to ensure that I am not coming back to my family? said Jason ironically.
-My little pathetic mortal, take a look at me! Do you imagine yourself going to your house and trying to convince your father that it is you, their already dead and burried beloved son?
-You're gonna make me a monster!!! shouted Jason.
-Yes so that you may learn than appearances should never matter, I was assigned to find you for your uninvited entry to our network and I was pleased to find out that you have so much to lose. I believe you had a very active sexual life and I am really curious if, now that you will become a walking monster, there gonna be any girls willing to sleep with the famous hacker Jason anymore?
By the looks of your face I believe you are taking my offer as a curse, I assure you it's not. You may find your real self now that I am going to remove your mask.
You are a monster already Jason and I am going to give you the appearance of one!
Maybe one day you will thank me for this night.
-Who are you?
-I go around with many names but you can call me Memmon and now my little friend it's time for you to die!
Jason screamed as the monster grabbed him, but only once, then the huge canine teeth bit his neck and Jason fell in a coma of ecstacy and fear.


The next time he opened his eyes he could smell fresh air along with rotten food and a cold breeze reminded him that he was still naked.
He looked around to see that he was in a small, dark road amidst loads of rotten food and garbage.
He could hear voices but none were in a language he knew.
He stood and tried to find something to cover his body. He found only a torn,old blanket with which he covered his lower parts.
Although he could feel the cold around him he was not cold himself.
He started to walk hoping that the man had just drugged him and mugged him.
He passed near a broken window and looked at himself only to see that his image didn't appear on the glass.
-What the fuck?
He looked at his hands, they were a mix of white with a bit of blue. His fingers were long with huge black nails at the end.
He raised his hands to touch his face.
He screamed when he realised that the man had been telling the truth.
He could feel that his face had changed. He was skinny with no hair on his head and his ears had become long and pointy like a bat's.
He realised that all this time in his mouth he could sense two enormous canines but not many of his other teeth.
He started to run in fear, calling for help.
Soon he was out in a bigger street where cars and humans were passing by.
A woman saw him and screamed in terror. A man, only two meters away, had frozen in place having seen this monstrous creature.
Jason continued to crying for help when he felt it for the first time.
A new smell awakening an animalistic instinct in him.
Those humans were smelling good, he could almost see their blood red veins pulsing with the liquid that could satisfy him.
Then his beast took control, he opened his mouth and charged at the nearby man.
As soon as his teeth bit his neck Jason felt the warm blood in his mouth and it was like the best orgasm he had ever had.
He couldn't stop himself until the man fell down, dead.
Now the screams around him had multiplied.
He felt an urge to run and hide so he went back to the small dark road he had come from.
-What am I doing? Did I really kill that man? And I drank his...oh god, please no!!!
He would cry but no tears were left in his eyes.
He could hear the police sirens aproaching and he just laid down waiting to be arrested.
-Messy thing what you've done mate, he heard a voice.
He jumped on his feet and looked around him. No one was around.
-Not again! Where are you?
-Again? I believe it is our first meeting, let me introduce myself.
A pale, blond man, dressed in a weird uniform of old had appeared out of nowhere only a few meters away from him.
-Who are you?
-You can call me sir Nick, I have to insist on the "Sir" part since I have earned that title by her majesty Queen Victoria!
''Queen Victoria? What is he talking about?'' thought Jason.
-And you are?
-I am Jason, where are we?
-You don't know? You are in Thessaloniki.
-Thessaloniki? Oh my god, what is happening to me?
-You don't know? Your creator hasn't told you?
-My what? No! I met a strange person that told me he would punish me and then he bit me and I awoke here, tonight.What is happening to me?
-Do you know the name of this person?
-He called himself Memmon.
-Memmon? Then you must be the famous Jason, hahahaahahahaha!
-Why are you laughing?
-Oh my friend, I am so sorry but I didn't expect to find the person that broke into our network in my town.
I knew someone had placed a price on your head but that bastard Memmon left you here, like this?Hahahahaha
-You know him?
-I know a lot of things, like you. Come my friend.
-Where?
-I had come to kill you  for breaking our laws by killing in open view but worry not, we have so much to discuss, us two.
-About?
-About your new life, I hope you realise you have changed and I am going to teach you how to be your new self.
-And what's the price of that?
-Price? No price, I am just helping out a brother. You see, us tunnelers, we are all brothers and only by helping each other can we survive in this nightly war.
-Are you like me? You are not a monster!
-Of course I am not, not the way you say it at least and as for my appearance it's a trick most of my brothers and sisters have in order to fool humans and enemies as well. I will teach it to you one day.
Now come before those damn, lazy policemen come here.
-The man I killed?
-It's been taken care of by one of your new brothers. I have to introduce you to them later.
Welcome to Thessaloniki Jason! I don't know if you are gonna like your new self but if I am not judging wrong from your previous life, you are gonna love your new one!

Darius(1)

Austria was a weird place to be born in and hard to live in after the first World War.
Being one of the countries that lost while half of the war had been fought in your own grounds made Austria a poor country with deserted countryside, an almost non existant industrial production, half its population due to war losses, enemies all around and debts to be paid to the winners.
Also the evolving democracy had to confront centuries of imperial ruling.
All these conditions affected the vampiric population of this country since Vienna was the capital of all those vampires that wanted to live their lives in peace and also study for most of their time.
The clan of vampire-mages had made Vienna their home since the early 1500s and ruled the country and the nearby countries with an iron fist.
After the loss of  WWI the city of Vienna was full of ruins, homeless people and vampires craving for blood due to the heavy population losses.
Still that vampire-mage clan was determined to rebuild it, help it be reborn from its own ashes.
Money kept hidden to be used in the clan's time of need was spent to the last cent in order to rebuild the capital and revive the humans.
In less than a decade Vienna was almost like its time before the war.


Darius was born in a small village around 1912 A.D. He was just able to walk when the ''great war'' as they named it started.
He spent the first decade of his life helping his mother and his brothers on the fields and at night he was secretly reading the books his father had collected over the years.
Those times didn't favor children who wanted to learn yet Darius was determined to become a scientist, not a farmer.
Unfortunately his father died in the war, in one of the most deadly battles at the Russian front.
So after the war his family still needed him there on the fields to be a farmer like almost anyone in their village.
Darius couldn't live such a life and he run away heading for Vienna.
He was barely 15 years old and he had to work and live by himself.
In Vienna he was working at the many construction sites and late in the evening he would attend the school the Catholic church had created for the poor.
From the first months it was obvious that he was clever and with the help of one of his teachers Darius managed to get a scholarship to join Vienna's univercity.
Physics was the field he adored more and in those years physics scientists were working miracles with the new techniques, free of the theological supervision.

Soon another danger came from the neigbouring Germany, a man named Adolf Hitler managed to take control of the country and the clouds of war were gathering once again.
At 1938 Germany and Austria united into one nation.
At that same time the German army gathered all scientists to work for the 3rd Reich to ensure the superiority of their weapons.
Darius was only  26 and he had just gotten his degree in physics when German soldiers got him and many of his colleagues on a train heading to a camp in Germany where they would research new rocket technologies.
Germany was preparing for war and this time it was going to be a war to end all wars.
While the whole world was consumed in the fires of world war II Darius was working for his captors like many other scientists.
Tortures and death awaited all those who didn't give their best and Darius wanted to live. Soon he was able to give the Germans new technologies to use in their war.
Darius was also secretly in contact with Russian spies so as to inform them of those technologies and supply them with even better ones.
He hated all this ''Nazi'' beliefs and most of all he hated a leader who had burned books in order to ensure that people would blindly follow him.
At 1944 it became obvious that Germany was going to lose the war. After the bloody Russian campaign the German army was withdrawing more and more with each day.
That's when they heard it. In an effort to slow their enemies the Germans were executing everyone in their path.
Whole towns were left in ruins, thousands of people executed to avenge the loss of the 3rd Reich.
Very soon the war reached the region of Darius' camp and in order to avoid their technologies from falling to their enemies' hands the German officers decided to burn the whole place to the ground and execute all scientists, German and non-German alike.

That night Hell was unleashed upon them. Even now, after many years, Darius wasn't sure how he survived.
His memory was a blur of explosions, gunshots, screams, soldiers running around and strange figures appearing out of nowhere to rescue them.
The next thing he remembers is him and a few others being in a strange place with new clothes and food available.
Strange people, all wearing a weird symbol on their necks appeared and helped the wounded.
They gave them food, shelter, new clothes and even provided them with a hot bath.
The next night one man came to speak with them.
He said he was working for the alliance army and he needed their help to end that war once and for all and that after the war they would all be free.
And that was what they did but this time they were helping the ''good guys''.
Years passed and still the war was not over, Darius was now 40 and he couldn't stand living in that cage any more. He was free but only inside those weird dungeons.
He planned an escape with some of his old friends.
The plan worked and soon all 4 were free but in great terror they discovered that they had been deceived.
The war had ended years ago and Europe was already rebuilding itself.
The night following their escape men with that weird symbol, the one of two snakes facing each other, appeared out of nowhere.
The next dawn found them tied in a cell waiting for their punishment.
They couldn't go back so as to avoid informing the others of what they had found out.
They thought they were going to die.
But their fate was worse. In horror they discovered that many of those men were not even human, they were monsters expanding their lives with the blood of humans.
And they were going to be their bloodbound servants.
Unwillingly, now, they had to work for those people again only this time not in order to end the war but to help that clan of vampires in their nightly war with the other clans.

Darius spent another 15 years in captivity working for those vampires. He was their slave but at least he was working on his field and those vampires had the money and the equipment needed for his experiments.
Darius soon earned the respect of his captors with his revolutionary ideas.
He had lost count of his years in captivity when, one night, a man he had never seen entered his room.
He introduced himself as Anastasz and asked Darius his opinion on his vampire captors.
Darius answered sincerely that, at first, he hated them but if he could have an eternity studying and experimenting he wouldn't mind being one of them too.
The man laughed with his answer and told him he was there exactly for that reason.
He could offer Darius immortality and a new life away from those dungeons.
The only price was going to be his soul, if Darius believed in that, and that he would have to spend some years learning about his new status and his new clan.
Darius agreed and the next night he awakened as a vampire.
He spent one year with his creator adapting to his new self and the society of the immortals he was going to join.
To his great surprise his creator told him that magic did exist and that his clan were masters of that art and also many of them combined magic with technology.
Darius had just found a new purpose in his life.
Next came the seven years of serving and studying at his clan's center of power.
In Vienna, at the temple of knowledge as they were calling it.
But those seven years lasted longer. Like a little child with a new toy Darius wanted to learn everything possible and Vienna was the best place to do that.

Finally, one night, he got informed that he, like almost every clan member, would have to leave to serve and help his clan in another place.
That was their life, they were sent to random cities where they continued their studies and also helped their clan with its affairs.
In the envelope given to him was a ticket for Thessaloniki, his destination.
He communicated with his creator, who was now a man of great power in the society of the immortals, only to find out that his own mentor had arranged this transfer.
-You are going to find your ''sister'' there. She is another creation of mine and the regent of Thessaloniki is an old friend of mine in need of new people with potential in them.
-But I haven't finished my studies yet...said Darius.
-You will finish them in Thessaloniki. After all you cannot learn our true nature if you don't spend some time in our society.
-Vienna is full of our kind.
-Vienna is full, yes, but it's a safe and controlled environment. There are many things to see and learn in the world out there and I chose Thessaloniki for you because I strongly believe you are gonna be needed there.
-If you say so...
-We will be in touch. Be careful and be strong, were his creator's final words.

The next night he boarded a plane, packing all his belongings-they weren't much, only books and a few clothes.
Next to him there sat a young man wearing the same symbol as him.
-Hi, he said, I am Asterios, are you going to Thessaloniki too?
-I believe I am, I am Darius, Darius Voss.
-Is it your first transfer?
-Yes! Darius was still angry of not having been let to stay and study in Vienna.
-Mine too, I'm glad I won't be the only new initiate there.
Darius looked at the young man with his eyes full of anger, he wanted to shout at him that he was not a new initiate, he had been a vampire for many years but he knew that in his clan years didn't matter, their ranking system was based on performance and the judgement of their superiors.
-So Darius, did you know that Thessaloniki is considered bad luck for us? A very bad place to be for new ones.
-Really? And why is that?
-Don't you know? Thessaloniki is surrounded by enemies of our clan and even the Prince of that city is weird. Many believe he is going to betray us and join forces with the enemy.
For real, that guy Asterios was talking too much. Darius was sure that Asterios was not going to have a long immortality.
-My creator told me that if I survive in Thessaloniki she will arrange to transfer me by her side in the U.S.A., where is your creator placed?
-I am a bit tired, said Darius, and I really hate airplanes, let's please continue our talk in Thessaloniki.
-Of course, of course, did you know that...?
-IN THESSALONIKI, Asterios, in Thessaloniki!

Anageropoulos(14)

Paul was unable to get his eyes off of Suzan that night.
''The best thing is that she reminds me of Roxanne which is also intirely normal since she's been her ghoul for so long''
First they went for a ride on his motorcycle.
Following the seaside they crossed the whole town admiring the night sea and the almost full moon above.
Paul enjoyed every minute of her tight embrace while they rode.
Almost two hours later they went to an expensive restaurant to continue their night with a romantic dinner.
The restaurant was on a hill overlooking the western part of the city and the dark, calm sea below.
''Damn I could get by for one month with the money I paid here'' Paul thought when he saw the bill.
Not that Suzan didn't deserve it. Every eye was on them, actually on her, but many times he saw other men looking at him wondering how a kid like him had managed to score a girl like Suzan.
-And now time for drinks and dance, my lady! Paul announced to Suzan. I've never really asked you what kind of music do you like?
-Classical.
-Classical? That music is suitable only for funerals and old people...well, I guess you were there when they wrote that music right?
-Did you just call me old? said Suzan laughing
-Okay, okay, I surrender, I cannot save it anymore.
-But, I guess, there is no place that actually plays classical music and it would be hard to dance to it so I am up for anything you like.
-Anything?
-Just pick a place and I promise I will really try to dance, whatever the music.
-Then, I know exactly where we should go. To a place with music which I'm not familiar with so we'll both be newbies when it comes to dancing.
-Oh, Paul!

They ended up in the town's night-life center.
You could find any kind of bar or music there.
The place they picked was called ''Habanita''
Suzan ordered a black rum while Paul ordered a Vodka with ice.
Not that he would drink it but Vodka created a nice tingling on his tongue.
-And now dancing till the morning, he announced to her.
And they danced, every eye in the place was fixed on them.
And Paul couldn't stop looking at her pale yet shining face.

Then their lips connected in a slow, long, passionate kiss which could have lasted for an eternity.
His arms surrounded her and he could feel her small, still-living, warm body on his.
If paradise existed then it may as well be that.

After much time surrendered in this kiss Suzan was the first to break their union, ashamed and afraid.
-I am so sorry master Paul, she said.
-Never ever call me master again. I am not and I do not want to be your master and you have nothing to be sorry about.
-I had no right to kiss you, you are a ma..an immortal and I am just a servant, she whispered
-You are Suzan and I am Paul and I wanted that kiss as much as you did.
-You did?
-Suzan from the first night I saw you 've been in my mind.
-You've been in mine too. I tried to stop it but I can't and, god help me, I was jealous each time you and Roxanne went to her room.
-Hahaha, silly girl.
-What will we do with my lady?
-Roxanne already knows.
-And?
-And...why do you think she gave you that dress?
-She is wonderful.
-She is, but not more than you are.
-Paul?
-Yes, Suzan?
-Don't hurt me please.
-I will not. I would rather die that let any harm come to you
-Paul?
-Yes?
-Am I dreaming? Because if I am I don't want to wake up ever again.
-If you are then we are sharing this dream.
Suzan smiled and it was like the best sunrise Paul had even seen.
-Paul?
-Yes, Suzan?
-I love you. I've loved you from the first night I saw you and I will love you till death comes for me.
-I love you too Suzan and I will love you each day for an eternity.
They kissed again.
-Paul? she said after that kiss
-What now?
-Please take me home if you want too.
-Check please! said a smiling Paul.


And that night they completed their union, multiple times.
Roxanne was but a memory already.
Suzan was everything Paul wanted.
Even after many years he would remember that night like a blur with some blank spots when his mind had just frozen from the pleasure.
Nansy must have been wrong, vampires do feel love and passion like humans do and in greater levels.
Minutes before sunrise Suzan was sleeping in his arms and Paul caressed her soflty.
Suddenly his new life had gotten a purpose, he would make Suzan happy and he would make this city a safe place for her.
Whatever the risks he would have to take.
And as the sun rose and his dreamless sleep called him, a smile covering his face, he let himself sleep in Suzan's warm embrace.




A few hours ago at some club.
Roxanne's and Liza's men fishing had gone perfect.
For any man, sleeping with both these women was the perfect dream.
Especially when those two women seemed to have no moral barrier having ended up in a small, dark club with heavy, electronic music and drugs everywhere around.
It was going to be a hell of a night for Roxanne.
And Liza was happy too, her master had chosen her to go out with.
Then through the drunken dancing crowd a man approached them.
He was an ''artist'' from the town.
-Lady Roxanne ,what an honor to have you here and what a pleasure to see you.
-Greetings Tom, nice to see you too. Didn't know you liked techno music.
-Only sometimes plus my girlfriends like it.
-Oh I see then we are here for the same reason.
-I was almost sure you would have your offspring with you, what was his name again? Paul?
-I am out for a ladies night, no need for a male in my company.
-Funny.
-What is so funny Tom?
-I am almost sure I saw him earlier.
-Paul? Where?
-In a nice restaurant with a beautiful girl in a white dress, I believe it's one of yours too. Suzan, if I recall.
-Ah, said Roxanne already angry with this ''artist''
-He already prefers her company to yours?
-That is enough! said Liza who overheard the conversation
-Silence little bitch, I didn't ask your ghoulish opinion, said the man.
Liza retreated some steps away afraid of Roxanne's reaction but Roxanne smiled at her.
-Tom do you have anything else you want to talk about?
-Oh, did I displease you my lady?I am sorry. I surely didn't have that in my mind.
-I am sure you didn't. So anything else?
-Are you planning to turn her?
-Suzan? Why?
-Well the creation of yours flirting around with a ghoul? How embarassed would that make you feel?
Roxanne was ready to explode.
-My creations and my ghoul are none of your concerns!
-My apologies lady, when thinking about Paul I believe Suzan is his equal. It's better to keep them that way.
-Excuse yourself and go to the ladies' bathroom! said Roxanne using her commanding voice.
-My lady, please excuse me, I will be right back, said Tom heading to the ladies' bathroom.
Roxanne followed.
She entered and locked the door behind her.
Tom was just sitting there still confused about why he was there.
-You know Tom, I used to be an enemy of your town, I used to belong to a faction of our kind that believed that only the good should bear the curse of Cain on them.
-What are you talking about? said a confused Tom. Roxanne was not the slutty, smliling girl she had been just minutes ago. She now looked scary, creepy and dark.
- What I mean, my friend Tomas, is that I am making such a strong effort to even stand your boring existence and your continuous insult to the blood of Cain but insulting me and my family is unbearable.
Tom realized that the woman was serious and that he was in danger.
-My lady, I am so sorry, I had no such intention.
-No you are not, you did have such an intention when you came to me.
-Please don't hurt me, I will do anything...
-As I said, a disgrace to the blood.
-Yes, yes, but please don't kill me.
Roxanne moved supernaturally fast, grabbed him by the neck and lifted him to the air.
-P-please, d-don't kill me, said a scared Tom, his neck getting crushed inside Roxanne's iron grip.
-If my creation prefers to flirt around with my ghouls he is free to do so.
-Yes, yes, I am sorry.
-And if I'm allowing this, it means it's none of your concern.
-Of course my lady, please let me be.
-You know something Tomas? I don't really like humans. I may have sex with them and dance with them but after a millenia their blood is not at all satisfying.
-What do you mean? If he was human, Tomas would have started crying.
-I mean that I find the taste of human blood boring. Vampiric blood on the other hand is much sweeter on my tongue. So, yes I will not kill you but I will drink you dry and let you rot inside this bathroom.
-You can't! The Prince will hunt you and Sofia...
-Noone tells me what I can or can't do and as for your pretty ''artist'' princess I would be glad to taste her too!
-Noooo! Tom screamed but the music was so loud to let anything be heard.
Roxanne did drink him dry and when she finished she growled in satisfaction while Tom's body, emptied from the cursed blood that gave vampires their immortality, started to rot fast.
The longer one had been a vampire the faster one's body would rot after death.
-I will see you in Hell brother! said Roxanne and spit on his ashes.
She looked at the mirror. Her face was covered with blood, Tom's blood, and her inner beast was now calm.
She cleaned herself and went out to find a worried Liza.
-Everything ok my lady?
-We are leaving, now!
-And the men?
-Screw them, if you want anyone just take him with you and get rid of him before dawn.
-How about you my lady? Why are you so upset? Was it that worm, Tom?
-Don't mention Tom ever again, do you hear me? My party mood died (along with Tomas).
-As you wish my lady, I don't like any of them, I've always liked only you.
-Fair enough, let's take our leave and Liza?
-Yes, my lady?
-If you ever fall in love with a vampire, I will kill you both myself!

Anageropoulos(13)

Another month had passed for Paul.
Now he was able to stay at his own house except for the nights Roxanne wanted ''company''.
And for a reason he could not explain he was bored. Before, every night was exciting due to the fear of getting caught but now that he was a member of the town every night was the same.
He would go out and feed, he might join Roxanne, if she wanted him to, for a walk in the many night clubs and he would end up talking with Sarah back at Roxanne's house.
Only the hidden smiles of Suzan could lighten up his nights but even that lasted for only a few seconds.
In that house it seemed they would never be alone.
Paul felt like he was back in high school, secretly flirting with one of the girls.
Sure some nights he spent them with Roxanne and he experienced new levels of sexual satisfaction each time but that was different.
Suzan was looking him in the eyes and her smile was a sign of true happiness.

-Is it going to be like that every night from now on? he asked Roxanne one night.
-What do you mean?
-I mean aren't you bored of doing the same things? Hunt, dance at a bar and then back to sleep.
-Paul you need to understand that our times may be interesting from an occultist's point of view but the war is now fought in saloons and behind tables, not in battlefields.
And trust me it's better this way, I spent so many years fighting that I deserve some time of peace just having fun and pretending to be more humane as Sarah says.
-But what's the point of doing things you can easily do as a human?
-Because, Paul, the hardest thing is to be a human in times when humans are not humans anymore.
-It's like our kind have fallen from grace, like some b-movie where vampires only care to eat and have carnal satisfactions.
-You may be right about that, but that's the spirit of this century. Trust me it's better to only care where you will dance and eat than wondering when the next murder attempt will happen.
-I don't believe I can be a part of this for much more and to be honest my lady, I am sick of all those cliches we have to abide to wherever we go and whoever we meet.
-You can always choose not to be a part of this side of my life, you know it. I thought that you liked to be among your kind.
-I like be around you and Sarah, of course, but not around every single leech that exists out there. Some are so disgusting that i barely hold my beast back so as not to attack them on sight.
-Around me and Sarah?
-Of course.
-Not Suzan?
-What about Suzan?
-Come on Paul you really think I do not understand my ghoul's eyes after so many years? Or that I do not sense your beast stirring when you see her?
-You do?
-What do you want from her?
-I hope you are not going to be angry with this conversation
-I am always angry Paul, that keeps me alive. Now tell me, what do you want from Suzan?
-I don't know really. It's just that when I look at her I feel...complete.
-Okay for the first time in my life someone prefers my ghoul instead of me.
-Don't see it that way. Sex with you is...like a dream come true but Suzan is the girl a normal guy would want by his side.
-Are you a normal guy now?
-Judging from what I see each night for the last two months, yes.
Roxanne growled in anger.
-Of course I don't mean you my lady but those artists as you called them are at least abnormal and the tunnelers? They are creepy as hell.
-Okay then, I won't take you with me if you hate it so much and as for Suzan do as you please. Keep in mind Paul that Suzan is still my ghoul, a valuable one at that, and i will get really pissed if something was to happen to her.
-My lady order me and I won't ever look at her again, after all you are my creator remember? You are my family now.
Roxanne smiled.
-I believe Liza did a fine job with you! You must have been a very good student but using diplomacy against me? Hilarious!
-If you say so!
-So I must assume you are not going out with me tonight.
-If that doesn't bother you that much...
-Okay then let me prepare, I might as well find someone who likes me more.
-That won't be hard. I can't imagine anyone who won't be enthralled by you.
-Another diplomacy trick? Okay what is it that you want?
-May I have your permission to take Suzan out for a walk?
Roxanne looked like she was ready to explode in some sort of rage and Paul's beast cowered a bit.
Then she finally exploded in a burst of laughter.
-Hahahahaha what a fine offspring did I make? He will be seen out flirting with my ghoul. A vampire with a servant. The artists ar going to be laughing with me for years.
-I guess the answer is no...
-You guessed wrong again, Paul. You have my permission to do as you please but don't come back crawling to me when no one can take you for a real vampire if you just hang around with ghouls.
And if you try Suzan and find her not enough for you I will take it as an insult to come back to me.
-I repeat. Order me and I will stop this flirt right now.
-Oh, shut up Paul and go bring me Suzan and by the way if you are to act as my progeny try to do something using your money. I won't be paying for walks with my ghoul.

Suzan entered her master's room a bit confused about what Roxanne wanted.
-Is something wrong my lady? Did I displease you in some way?
-Open my wardrobe and pick one dress.
-Me? Why?
-You heard me, right?
-Of course, I am sorry my lady.
-Now open it and pick one, I am pretty sure you are going to need it later this night.
Suzan picked a nice, long  silken, white dress.
-A fine choice, young girl. Now this diadem and those earings will look nice with that dress, Roxanne said.
-But why? Why are you giving me all that?
-You are my servant remember? I can't have you walking around without having the best to wear.
-But I am not going to be walking around...
-Don't be so sure. Now let me prepare and tell Liza I want her to accompany me tonight. Tell her to wear something sexy, we are going for men fishing.
-And Paul?
-OUT! Roxanne shouted.

Suzan informed the happy Liza about Roxanne's orders and on her way to her room she found Paul.
She smiled shyly at him and Paul almost laughed.
-Is everything ok between you and Rox...my lady?
-Everything is fine. Eh, Suzan?
-Yes?
-Are you busy tonight?
-As usual, why?
-Do you care to join me for a walk? A dinner and perhaps a drink afterwards? Well I won't be actually eating or drinking, but you can.
-Tonight? With you?
-Of course silly girl. Well, are you up for it?
-Give me one hour to get ready, said Suzan and stormed to her room.
-Women!!! said a laughing Paul.

Roxanne left the house with Liza and Paul was left alone waiting for Suzan in the living room when Sarah came.
-Hello master Paul, she said
-I am not a master Sarah you know that. In this house the only master is Roxanne.
-I know that. Do you know that?
-What do you mean?
-I mean does she know everything about you?
-She is my creator have you forgotten?
-Is she?
-Eh?
-Look Paul, if Roxanne says you are, I believe she has her reasons but why do you say it?
-I am her...okay Sarah, you win. I don't want to lie to you, but I have no dark wicked reasons for being here.
-You are an assasin right? Is that not reason enough?
-Damn, how can you possibly know?
-Beware young Paul, there are powers that read a mind like an open book and you dont know to hide your thoughts so well.
-Then you should know already that Roxanne asked me to pretend to be her creation.
-And what about young Suzan?
-What about her? Enough is enough Sarah. I can't stand another lecture about Suzan, I am not planning anything wicked for her.
-She likes you a lot.
-I have noticed...
-Paul I only want the best for Roxanne and Suzan. Don't break her heart. If you want to pretend to be a lord of shadows, I don't mind but if you try to mess with my family not even your clan could hide you from my wrath.
-Come on why should I be the evil one around here? You are ancient vampires while I am only months old and I am supposed to be the bad guy?
-For every one there is a plan written by his fate. Mark my words Paul you are not here by mere luck, your fate has yet to unfold.
-Why are you vampires such weird creatures? Why must there be a predetermined fate?
-Because there is!
-Well, unless I am proven wrong i refuse to accept that.
-Don't...
-Hey, what do you refuse to accept? said a shining Suzan.
That white dress on her pale skin and the diamond diadem made her look like a nymph of old.
Paul couldn't speak but he could almost feel his heart pounding and his head ready to explode.
-Nothing Suzan just talking with Paul about stuff. Where are you going dressed like that?
-Paul asked me out for a walk.
-Paul? Does Roxanne know?
-She knows, Sarah, said Paul a bit angry, I dont keep many things secret from her!
-Then have a nice time younglings and don't get angry with me Paul I am only protective of my family.
-I am your family too, remember?
-Then I am protective of you too. Have a nice time.
-Bye! said a happy Suzan.

Sarah(2)

It was a hot summer night when Sarah finally rose from her comatose sleep.
She didn't know exactly how much but she was sure that more than a century had passed.
Her mind was filled with visions, pictures of terrible things that had happened to her clan and her familiar faces.
In a strange way, the gift she had as a mortal had been augmented when she became a vampire and sometimes, most of them unwillingly, she was able to witness short visions of the future.
''The sight is a rare gift to our kind'' she had heard her mentor tell her many times.
It may be a rare gift but that gift hadn't helped her save those she loved from the disaster that drove her clan to extinction.

For many years she and Nuriel wondered the lands and spread kindness, love and peace.
Her path was that of a healer and her unique clan power could heal the most grievous wounds or give peace to the most insane mind.
Her sole purpose was to help people survive this dark world where monsters walked among humans.
Given the right power and amount of time everything was possible. Her mentor even possesed the power to bring people back from the dead.
It was a painful experience for Nuriel but if someone deserved a second chance she would give it to him without having second thoughts.

Years passed and with the passing of time her stories had vanished but there were still rumors of two roaming angels who performed miracles when needed.
Her clan was divided into the healers and the warriors. Each vampire alone had a purpose to follow but for both that purpose was common: To make this world a better place for everyone.
Along with another clan of noble fighters, who had now degraded to common assasins, they were the deadliest force among the vampire kind.
That clan of noble warriors didn't care about the common good but they DID care about justice and combined with the kindness her clan possessed they were the protectors of humanity and monitors of vampire kind.

Her clan was welcome almost everywhere and many noble vampires considered it to be of  great status to host one of her clan in their castles.
Many others used her warrior brothers as warlords to lead their armies during war and as advisors during peace.

Noone could have suspected what would follow.
The elders of her clan started disappearing out of nowhere.
Soon there were rumors that those noble vampires had conspired against her clan and had nurdered their warlords and advisors.
A hunt had started and the prey was her clan.
Many familiar brothers and sisters had died in horrible ways, tortured by a new clan of vampires who had accused them of infernalism and soul-stealing.
Although witch hunting and witch burning had stopped years ago now pyres still burned with the bodies of her borthers and sisters.
Treachery was everywhere, her clan's old allies had joined forces with their enemies.
Even the clan of the noble warriors had fallen from grace that even they had turned their backs to their old comrades in arms.

So Sarah and Nuriel did the only thing they could do.
They ran and hid. Every day was a never ending torment. Death was stalking them.
One by one her brothers and sisters got destroyed and the few that remained prefered to hide and sleep but their hunters had the power to locate them and destroy them while they were helpless in the embrace of torpor.

For one decade she and Nuriel had managed to stay alive.
One decade which now seemed but a fleeting moment in Sarah's mind.
She would give everything to relive that decade just to thank Nuriel for everything.

Then one night while those two were traveling on a mountain aiming for a port to escape to the Middle East, where this hunt was not that active, they got attacked.
The first wave was just a team of mortal soldiers teamed with some trained ghouls.
They all had their symbol on their armor, two snakes facing each other ready to attack.
The two women fought. After so many years of war in their life even Sarah that valued everything alive knew well that fighting for your life was not a crime.
They had won when the second wave appeared out of nowhere.
Low ranked vampire-mages and headhunters.
That fight was hard but Nuriel was indeed 'fire from the sky' and her sword turned red from the blood of her enemies.
Sarah fought bravely as well and she supported her mentor with healing powers.
But that night fate had decided they would not be victorious.
A few minutes later the third wave came. Mounted fighters led by an aristocrat and two mid-ranked mages joined the combat.
-They are too many, shouted Nuriel, we can't win this.
-Let's run, said Sarah
-Not me, my little sister! You, though, should run and live.
-I will not leave you here to die in their hands.
-Mourn me not my sister. I've lived my life and had the honor of having such a good student. I will die in peace.
-I am not leaving you! Sarah screamed
-Don't be a fool! My legacy, our clan's legacy will survive through you. There is no need for both of us to die tonight, go, run!
-Nuriel? Please I'm begging you...
-Run my beloved Sarah I will always be with you, so you should never be afraid.
And so Sarah ran. She was not a coward but her mentor was right, there was no need for both of them to die .
Nuriel fought like a lion to keep their hunters away from Sarah and took many of them to the grave with her but that was a fight not to be won.
Multiple spear hits and evil magics bent her resistance and death came to claim her.
Sarah's gift hadn't helped to avoid that deadly trap but it did send her images of Nuriel's fight and death.

That night Sarah escaped her hunters and alone she reached the port and took the ship that would lead her to her clan's ancestral grounds and propably to safety.
She found for herself an isolated cave and melted to earth to surrender herself to the everlasting sleep hoping that when she would awake this hunt would be over.
But even in torpor Sarah couldn't find peace. Visions of her brothers and sisters suffering tormented her night and day.
That rogue clan of vampire-mages was determined to destroy every single one of her clan.
Only a few managed to survive those years and Sarah, not happy about that, was one of them.

And now after almost a century she was awake again.
With no friends, no allies and no place in that treacherous world.
-Nuriel I am lost without you, she screamed at the night sky.
''Worry not, my little Sarah, I promised you i will be with you until the end'' she heard a familiar voice in her head.
-How is this even possible?
''I have reached a level of power than even in death I can unite my soul with yours. Our clan is not over, not until the last one of us dies. Like our Lord has said: Go now and I shall be with you until the end of times.''
-What shall I do then?
''What you have always been doing, share your gifts with everyone in need''
-But our hunters?
''Fear them not cause their downfall has been predicted!"
-Where shall I go then?
''A princess is in need of your help, her fate has yet to unfold but I believe you should be by her side''
-Where can I find this princess?
''Find the shadow that surrounds her, be the light in her darkness''
-Does this princess have a name?
''Yvet''
-You won't leave me again right?
''I will be with you forever and ever my little Sarah''

And that way Sarah found princess Yvet but that is a story for another time.

Suzan(2)

For Suzan time always flew.
Months became years.
Years became decades.
Decades became centuries.
She was immortal like her mother but not a true one.
She was a servant of hers. Yvet was the master and she was just a servant.
The mother-daughter tie had broken the same night it had began.
Sure Yvet was a bit more forgiving with her and sure Yvet never risked Suzan's life on purpose but still she was just her servant.
Yvet became a very socially active vampire in the centuries that followed and they traveled a lot but even among hundrends of people Suzan was feeling alone.
The blood bond was strong enough to ensure love towards her master but it didn't cover all the needs a human being may have.
She could trust no one except her master.
She had already witnessed a couple of murder attempts against Yvet and a few against her ghouls, against her.
Suzan was afraid that the old story of her birth would follow them forever.
After the first century had passed, Suzan was already feeling the lack of love.
Not love in the animalistic form of sex and body pleasures. For that her master had her own plans.
No few times had Yvet used Suzan to approach someone and no few times had Suzan have to seduce someone for her master's plan.
She had never killed though and Yvet had promised her that she would never order her to murder anyone.
No, Suzan didn't believe in god anymore, not the god we know at least.
There cannot be a god that makes such creations.
No! If there is a god, he must be evil and twisted like the world she was experiencing.

Sure she saw many wonders in her long life and her partly mortal existence allowed for even more since daylight wasn't forbidden to her and many would envy the miracles she had witnessed during almost a millenia.
But Suzan wasn't whole, her mortal self craved for what mortals have.
A life!
Someone to love and be loved by.
Someone to make a family with.
Someone to grow old and share your life with.
Someone to discuss the day that just passed.
Sure Yvet talked with her but not always and many times she didn't even pay attention to Suzan's stories.
Many times Yvet asked her if she would like to be a vampire. After so many years, she had earned true immortality. And many times Suzan had said no.
Having witnessed countless crimes commited by vampires, experiencing their society and their evil ways and accepting their cruel view of humanity and world was not her plan.
She did want to live but not like that, so a ghoul she remained.

She had almost lost her mortal self becoming frozen like her mother when they met Sarah and Sarah told her what a rare gift it is to remember the human you once were.
Finally Suzan had someone to talk to, an undead who was more alive than most of the people she knew.
And Sarah had a pure soul and she would die before letting someone taint that soul.

More years passed for the three of them.
True love was a dream never to come true. After all, what kind of love would that be? To watch her husband die in one of her master's random frenzies or watch him get murdered as an act of revenge against her master? Or even worse watch him slowly die of old age while she would stay forever young?

She had loved once, many years ago.
He was a young knight. Tall, handsome and full of courage and pride.
She had loved him so much that to her even her master's blood could never be as sweet as his kisses.
It was a time when Yvet didn't travel that much and Suzan had a lot of free time to spend.
Together he and Suzan made plans for their common future, the young man even asked her to become the mother of his child.
Suzan let her dreams carry her away. She told him the truth about herself and her master and the young man didn't seem to mind. He claimed that he loved her more than life itself.
Marry me! He told her the same day. Marry me, because it's better to die by your side in my youth than to spend a whole life without you.
And she did marry him. In secrecy, of course.
Only a peasant priest was witness to their union.
After the ceremony, they went to Yvet's haven to complete their union. They would inform her master of their wedding the coming day.
It had been centuries since Suzan had slept that good. She was finally feeling whole.
And she hoped that her mother and master would see it that way.
Maybe life was not that bad after all...
The next morning Suzan awoke to cook for her husband, he was already up it seemed.
She called him but no answer came and then she heard it, a silent noise coming from the dungeons below. Someone was trying to lift something heavy and wooden.
Suzan became pale with fear and  ran as fast she could to the dungeons below her house to find her husband with a wooden stake in his hand standing before Yvet's open coffin ready to strike her.
-Noooooooo!!! Suzan screamed
-Shut up, bitch! It's not your turn yet.
The man struck with supernatural strength and speed right at Yvet's heart, paralyzing her and leaving her at his mercy.
Suzan could only see the eyes of her master burning helplessly with rage.
-Now you, bitch! Did you really believe I could ever love an abomination like you? A product of rapes? A disgrace to the clan of my master?
-You are a servant too?
-Only for the time being. After this, I will get my prize and become a true immortal, not an abomination like you.
-You lied to me. You made me love you and you betrayed me on the same day of our marriage?
-Hahahaha! What marriage? That priest was a beggar I paid. Yvet has always been my target and thanks to you she will die.
-I will not allow you to harm her.
-Then maybe I should kill you first while she watches and then finish her, said the man and revealed a dagger.
Without a warning he charged at Suzan and managed to stab her at the torso.
But Suzan was not an ordinary woman. For almost five centuries she was a ghoul, trained by Yvet herself.
Suzan had fought wars in many occasions.
She took the hit with surprise but that dagger wouldn't kill her, at least not in the hands of another ghoul.
Inside her something had already broken. With that hit the last part that remained human inside her had died.
And then she felt it, an inner rage so pure that reached her animalistic side.
The vampiric blood in her veins had taken control.
Screaming in rage she killed her own husband, the second man she had loved in many lives.
She could not forgive his betrayal that even after his death she continued to scream and tear his body apart.

After her rage had ended -still crying- she removed the wooden stake and let herself at her master's mercy. It was her fault after all.
But Yvet forgave her. For some reason, even she didn't know, she couldn't punish that still young and naive girl.
She forbid her to have any more sexual affairs without her knowing, but nothing more.
Yvet was far too detached from her human side to embrace her daughter and cry with her for what had happened but she was still a noble princess and she could forgive a mistake made by pure feelings.
She didn't save Suzan's life twice to end it on account of a simple human mistake.


Suzan would have become like her had it not been for Sarah joining their lives.
Yvet, later Roxanne, always had many ghouls at her service but Suzan had always been Sarah's favorite.
The other ghouls longed for immortality and the gift of becoming vampires. Some even slept during day to mimic their master but not Suzan. Suzan was still human and wanted to remain one.
And Sarah would make sure of that.

Then one night her master came back home after a day of absence.
Suzan was happy Roxanne was allright and smiled to greet her, when she saw him.
Like a thunder out of nowhere in a dark night.
He was cute, still laughing and had a halo of goodness around him.
The only bad thing about him was that he was a vampire and on top of that he had been chosen by her sire.
For the first time after many centuries Suzan felt her heart pound extremely fast.
When he looked at her she felt her cheeks turn red.
Thoughts she hadn't had for centuries came rushing.
''Do I look good?''
''Does he like me?''
''Should I smile to him?''
And when he spoke to her she couldn't hide her smile anymore.
She was ordered by her master to teach him Spanish for a whole month.
What a beautiful month it was. Whole hours passing with her just looking in his eyes.
And he? Well, he sometimes slept with Roxanne and Suzan knew damn well what they did in bed but those hours when he stood in front of her, smiling at her, were her paradise.
She knew her master would punish her if she ever found out.
After all he was a true immortal and she was just a servant.
During their last lesson she cried. Her cold heart had melted. It was now a fast pounding, love-crazy heart and her "few hours paradise" would end.
-Why are you crying?he asked
-Cause everything good has to end, she answered
-Some good things never end, that's why we have immortality, right?
-But some end and we only keep the good memories.
-Suzan are you...?
-Never mind. Let us conclude our lesson. You need to be perfect for tomorrow.


Later that night, almost before dawn, Sarah found Suzan near the window staring at the black-blue sky crying.
Sarah had to withdraw for the sunrise but could not let the girl like that.
-Suzan, are you ok?
-Sarah! You scared me! It's almost dawn, go to sleep, I'm ok.
-You are not, I heard you cry. I can still feel you are in pain. I may not have much time but I can't sleep with you looking like that.
-I told you I'm ok, please, go to your room. The sun.is going to rise soon.
-Either you tell me or I will stay and face the sun with you.
-...
-So?
-Sarah, do vampires feel love? And passion?
-What do you mean? I love you, you know that. Even Roxanne loves you deep inside and as for passion, I believe, you know better that Roxanne is full of that.
-Not that kind of love. I mean real love, like a man feels for a woman. The kind that makes them want to share an eternity together.
-Tough question, my little Suzan. Vampires are predators, violent by nature but still there are stories of true love between some of them. Why do you ask?
-Can a ghoul love both his master and her lover without betraying either one of them?
-That's even tougher. The 'blood bond' is not love yet it has the same effect. Love on the other side is not a bond but sure makes people do crazy things. I am really worried about why you are asking me these things?
-Sarah, I believe I am in love, said Suzan scared
-With whom? No, don't tell me, the young one?
-Yes Sarah, from the first night I saw Paul he is my only thought.
-Have you told him? Does he know?
-I don't think so.
-Oh my little Suzan, I am so happy about you but I am afraid this love will have no good ending.
Roxanne picked him up and that young vampire hides many secrets already. I wouldn't like to see you heartbroken and Roxanne would be pissed if she hears such thoughts.
-I know, what can I do? I can't stop loving him.
-No you can't and you shouldn't but for the time being, keep it to yourself. Let him come to you. Who knows, maybe all those stories were true and you two will become a nice couple. Now go to sleep, the sun is almost up and I need to leave.
-One more thing. Are vampires able to reproduce?
-With a human? God almighty, no! Don't even think of such things. The only union between these two worlds is what you are.
-I am sorry, said an Suzan ashamed.
-Well, have a nice day my little Suzan and remember: 'To love is to let the other come to you'.

Suzan stayed there for a couple more minutes. That rising sun was beautiful!

Anageropoulos(12)

Paul was anxious, anyone could tell from his look.
He was sitting on a chair only five meters away from the Prince's office.
He could almost hear him talk.
Roxanne stood a few meters away gazing out the window.
That woman's face could remain expressionless, if she wanted it to.
It was like she wore a mask showing no feelings and nothing could penetrate that mask.
Unlike her, Paul couldn't hide his feelings most of the time.

Tonight was the night for him.
He would finally meet the 'Big bad dracula'.
Tonight he could not escape his fate, if anything went wrong it would be final.
Either he would take the Prince's permission or he would vanish from this Earth.

The clock announced it was midnight and at that moment exactly the door to the office opened.
-You may pass! said the figure who looked like Darth Vader.
Roxanne had already informed him of the Sheriff. Still Paul found it hard not laugh with that creature.
Paul allowed his creator to step inside first.
They entered the  room while this creature named 'Faceless' stayed at their back and closed the door.
Roxanne bowed graciously to her Prince.
Paul did too, for a whole month he had been practising that bow, a noble, old, Spanish bow. According to his creator, the result was good enough.
-My prince, I salute you! said Roxanne first.
-Greetings, my lady. Always a pleasure to witness your beauty, answered James.
-May I introduce to you my latest offspring?
-I am really eager to meet him! A noble lady can only have noble offsprings!
''Damn those socials cliches'' thought Paul!
It was his time now.
He bowed again and started the monologue he had been practising.
-I salute you Prince of Thessaloniki and I present myself in front of you in order to get permission to remain in your domain and be recognized among our kind. My name is Paul Anageropoulos, progeny of Roxanne, progeny of Savvito, progeny of Gratiano.
-Do you accept the laws of our kind?
- I do.
-Do you accept the laws with which I rule this city?
-I do.
-Where does your loyalty belong?
-To the rightful ruler and prince of the city of Thessaloniki.
-Name your clan!
-I belong to the clan of the masters of the shadows!
-Of course you do!
Paul was sure he felt a hint of irony in the prince's voice.
He raised his eyes to meet Jame's.
Paul would never forget the first time they saw each other.
This creature was a natural born leader. Paul could feel it in those eyes that Prince James was a creature to be trusted in a crisis.
He felt ashamed for lying to him. For a brief moment he thought of revealing the truth and letting himself be at his mercy.
For a reason Paul was sure James knew about his lies already and that made it even harder for him to keep his composure.
A few more seconds and Paul would break and then, as if James knew what he was thinking, he broke the silence.
-Allirght then, Mr. Anageropoulos, I grant you my permission to remain in my city. From now on you are a recognized member of my city's council. May the lord grant you a long immortality. As for you, my lady, do you consider your rewards granted?
-As always, my lord, your generocity is equal to your majesty.
-Then this meeting is over. Welcome to our community.
The pair bowed again and 'Faceless' opened the door for them.

-May I ask something your majesty? sheriff asked.
-Of course you may ask.
-The young one lied in your face. Even I could see through his lies.
-Yes...?
-Then why did you give him permission?
-That youngling was about to break had I not spoken, yet I saw in his eyes regret for lying to me.
-Who knows what this old viper has in mind?
-Whatever she has he is not part of it yet.
-You know what he is?
-I don't have to be a psychic to know that, I could smell the assasin blood coursing through his veins. I only wonder if he is a progeny of one of ours or a foreigner's. I might have to call them here for a couple of questions.
-An assasin? And you let him be?
-You are excellent in stealth and murders yet you lack the judgement of characters. This young one searches for a place in our world and I have reasons to believe that this place should be in Thessaloniki. Why kill what may be of use later?
-Why am I still surprised by you? You knew all that and still you let them play with you. Once again you look to the future, my Prince.
-Predicting the future is a rare gift but preparing for the future is the only way to survive. Now, get me those two assasins. I need to know who did that and maybe why.
-On my way and always at your service my prince.


-Didn't go that bad, eh? Paul asked Roxanne.
-It did not, though I am pretty sure James didn't believe you. Why, I do not know, yet he did give you permission. And that's what matters.
-And now?
-Now, my child, the hardest part begins. Survival in our nightly routine of intrigues, plotting and social affairs.
-That doesn't sound SO hard...

But Paul was wrong. Soon enough his fate was about to play a few more tricks to him.

Prince James(1)

Prince James wasn't a handsome man.
He was rather short compared to men nowadays.
His body didn't look like that of a fighter.
Sure he possesed the strength of more than a dozen men and could move faster than a race car for a few seconds and he could also stand even the scorching rays of the sun for a while but his body didn't betray that.
Unlike many other elders he had never invested in powers in order to alter his appearance or improve his body's looks.
If someone could  see him during his mortal days the only change he would discover would be the pale color of his skin and his short, almost military looking, hair.
In his living days he must have been a middle-eastern man with dark skin, black hair and dark green eyes.
Now, in his immortal days the only change was his pale skin and the air of superiority that followed his every move.

No one knew where he had come from. He had just appeared in Thessaloniki one night out of nowhere.
No one knew how old he was but everyone agreed that he must have been already old when he had come.
No one knew which clan he belonged to. Speculations and myths about ancient forgotten clans always surrounded him.
And Prince James liked it that way.
He wanted to be a major player in this nightly war and the less his enemies knew about him the smaller the chance they would find a weak spot of his.

He had been ruling this town for 300 years already and his iron grip over it grew firmer with each day.
Elders came and elders left but he was still there.
Many could say Thessaloniki was James.
Why not after all?
Prince James loved his city, loved the way the air smelled, loved the way seasons of the year changed, loved the blood that ran in this city's people's veins.
But not everyone loved him.
That was a fair deal for him.
His enemies hated him for being a mystery to them, so calm to his people and so fierce to his enemies.
His allies through europe hated him for being a mystery even to them. He held the town in his iron grip, many times ignoring the rules they had made.
And his people? Let's say that half of them feared him and the other half were inspired by him.
He had done many things to be accused of during his 300 year reign but no one, still living at least, could accuse him of being unfair.
His punishments were harsh but fair and even the guilty ones admitted that.

Prince James always felt lucky. It was like his way had already been paved for him, he just needed to take the right decisions at the right moment and the universe would conspire to favor him.
But still he was just one against multiple obstacles and enemies.
And then he met him!
He knew his real name of course. He knew his real face too.
But there was no reason to reveal any of that.
This creature wanted to be called 'Faceless' and Prince James had no reason not to allow it.
In this creature's face James found an assistant he could rely on.
Faceless' origins and abilities made him a deadly and totally effective Sheriff for his city.
But that weren't the qualities Prince James admired on him. It was Faceless' loyalty that made them the deadly pair they were for the last 300 years.
Sure 'Faceless' sometimes questioned his Prince's decisions but he always acted first and then asked him.
After so many years the Prince considered him his best advisor but 'Faceless' knew that Prince James was the leader and he also knew at what point a piece of advice would become an insult to a leader's mind.

Prince James would spend the most part of his night at his Hotel from which he ruled his city.
Behind his office he was always eager to meet anyone who would want to but he respected his time to waste it in meaningless matters and almost everybody knew or had found out that wasting the Prince's time could only mean bad things for them.
He insisted on personally meeting every new vampire in town  and he demanded that at least once a month the elders of his town must meet with him.
'Faceless' on the other side could rarely be seen in that Hotel. He was always out there looking for potential troublemakers or threats to the city's peace.

That night though they were both insdie his office.
The prince was on his chair and 'Faceless' standing and staring out the huge window overlooking Thessaloniki's port.
Something weird was about to happen. Anyone would be able to read that from the Prince's expression.
He was looking at his door lost in his thoughts.
And 'Faceless' knew when to speak. If his prince wanted his opinion he would have asked, after all.

Finally Prince James was the first to break the silence in the room.
-So what shall I do about the woman's request?
-Something tells me you have already decided on that your majesty! Faceless answered.
-What's your opinion?
-As a Sheriff or as the prince of a town?
-You know what I mean, what is she hiding?
-You never ask a shadow to uncover its secrets, you just cast light on it.
-You are slowly evolving into a poet, my Sheriff.
-So much time spent with Sofia and the other artists.
-Hahahaha.
-I made you laugh my Prince, I guess things are not that bad after all.
-Bad? Not really! Weird? Of course.
-So what is your decision on the matter?
-Let the woman and the wannabe newborn come, I am curious about this masquerade and I would like to see when and how it will end!

Anageropoulos(11)

From that night on and for a whole month Paul stayed at Roxanne's house.
He rarely left and he barely had enough free time to actually think of leaving.
He went out only for hunting or to display his newly acquired social skills to his mentor.
Every night when he awoke the lessons started.
The first nightly hours he spent with Liza learning how to be a perfect gentleman and honing his social skills to a level worthy of one of Roxanne's creations.
For a strange reason creatures who bathed in violence and death had a weird fondness for elevated social skills.
''If you can't win against your opponents in the social battlefield you are destined to lose in the real one'' Roxanne kept reminding him.
And Liza knew it well. After all she was meant to be Roxanne's creation and she was perfect. If he didn't look at her face Paul could swear it was Roxanne who stood in front of him.
Her way of moving, her way of speaking and even her way of sitting had an air of nobility.
What's more he had to change his dress code. One of Roxanne's children would never dress in jeans and T-shirts.
And so he did. He bought suits for every occasion. He even got one for hunting.
But Liza was also a bad and rude teacher.
Her being jealous of his status made her rude and bitter towards him.
Up until one night not more than fifteen days into his training.
He was practising on bowing when he made a little mistake and Liza slapped him.
-You worthless punk I should have been the one in your position!
Paul lost control. His inner beast came out roaring and he lost his control.
With frenzied eyes and his fists trembling with rage he charged at her before she could even scream.
He punched her again and again and again until her body fell on the floor unconsious.
Then he roared in victory!
-Never touch me again you lesser being, he shouted at her.
That moment Sarah came to Liza's rescue. The girl was alive for her ghoulish state gave her the endurance to survive such hits.
-Shame on you! Attacking a lesser, as you say, being doesn't make you superior! Sarah told him.
Suddenly his beast disappeared. He did feel ashamed, even Nansy had told him that winning against a human or even a ghoul was not something to be proud of.
And then Roxanne appeared. Liza's scream had awoken her. First she checked on her ghoul.
-She is ok, Sarah, she will live. If she doesn't then she shouldn't be my ghoul, after all.
As for you, I have to congratulate you for not accepting an insult. You see I do not tolerate insults and neither should you.
Paul felt weird.
Then out of a sudden, faster than even Nansy, Roxanne appeared in front of him and punched him in the face.
Paul felt like he was hit by a truck.
The front of his skull got smashed from the hit and for a reason he was quite sure Roxanne hadn't even put any bit of effort on hitting him.
-And as I told you, I do not tolerate being insulted in my own house by my own guest who hits my ghoul and wakes me up with her screaming!
Paul was on the floor and was focusing to regenerate his wounds. He said nothing.
That was Roxanne's justice and he had to learn to live with that. For every vampire a ghoul was it's property and he had messed with her property.
-Now, go on with your lesson and if this happens again I, personally, will have you nailed for two days, both of you.
After that both Liza and Paul behave a little bit more friendly.It was like she understood he was a vampire and she was a servant.
And Paul had understood that messing with an elder's property or patience was not a good thing.
After Liza's lessons it was Suzan's turn to teach him.
Damn! That girl felt like she had been born in Spain.
Paul could only stand there, listening to her speaking.
He knew he could never speak so spanish so fluently but at least he could both speak and understand them.
Paul enjoyed these lessons, not only because he liked spanish but also because he liked the way she was looking at him.
Once again though Suzan was Roxanne's property and he would not dare mess with it again.
But still, she was looking at him right in the eyes like she was trying to mesmerize him. There were times when neither of them would speak for minutes. They just stood there looking each other.
Then later at night Sarah would teach him.
He didn't even know what she was teaching him. Sarah just talked with him, provoking him to remember details and emotions from his human life.
-We are what we choose to be, she kept telling him.
-What did you choose to be then? Paul asked once.
-I chose to be grateful for all the things I earned from my immortality, for all the people I have met and for all the love I can share.
-Love? What do you love?
-Everyone, this whole place we call Earth.
-Even your enemies?
-I don't have enemies, I chose to not. You see there may be people out there who want me dead but at least I don't call them my enemies although they may call me theirs.
-Aren't you afraid they might come for you?
-I am not. I've lived so many lives that I don't mind if I die. I have promised myself that at my final moment I will smile and thank God for this long life i've led.
-What's the point of being immortal if you are to die?
-What's the point of being immortal if you are afraid to live? she answered.
Many times Paul didn't understand Sarah's point of view but he knew that this vampire was more human than most humans out there and that this particular vampire was happy.

Then late at night he would either go out to hunt or stay inside wondering what the outcome of this would be.
He even wondered about Nansy. Did she know he was there with that woman?
And on a few rare nights Roxanne would share her bed with him.
Paul liked that woman and now that he knew she was a vampire elder, he wanted her more.
That was not sex. It was like dying and being brought back to life but getting to know Roxanne he was sure she had no emotional reasons to sleep with him.
Either she knew about Suzan and him and she was testing them or she was following Sarah's advices and was trying to remember how it felt to be human.
''Damn! I would give a fortune to show naked photos of her to my friends at the univercity. They aren't going to believe I slept with her without seeing any proof'' he sometimes thought to himself.
Then he envisioned Roxanne finding out about something like that and tearing him apart.
''Well some victories are better kept secret...''


For a whole month he was preparing to be presented to the town's big bad dracula.
Roxanne had exchanged some favors and the city's Prince had agreed to give her permission to create a new vampire. He only had to meet that prince now and get his permission to stay in his city.
And nothing or noone could have prepared him for that.