Twilight of the Dark Master

“Come on Lantis, you’ll be fine!” Anne said, standing on the porch. Cat and Rhodry were to the side, watching as Lantis tried to take his first step into the sunlight.
“But...” Anne huffed.
“That pendant will protect you. Now stop being such a baby and come on!” Anne offered him her hand. Lantis reached out and clasped it. He took his first steps into the light of day. He shielded his eyes from the sun.
“Well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence.” Cat said with a laugh.
“Don’t tease him or he’ll never come outside.” Anne warned. She looked back up at Lantis. “There, you see? You won’t burn up in the sun.” Lantis looked down at her.
“Is the sunlight always this harsh?” Anne was silent a moment.
“Not until I became a vampire.” Lantis rested a hand against her cheek.
“Don’t worry, at least you can still walk with your friends during the day.? Anne smiled and leapt off the porch and into the yard. She ran to the middle of the yard and spun around, smiling.
“Come on Lantis, I’ll take you for a walk!” Anne exclaimed. Mark was suddenly at her side.
“I’m not letting you two go anywhere alone.” Anne looked at Mark.
“Mark, it’s daylight. And besides, Lord Damar is gone. We’ll be fine. I’m just taking Lantis around the block. We’ll be back in 15 minutes, I promise.” Mark sighed heavily.
“Alright. It’s just I don’t want to loose you again. It’s gonna take some getting used to, having a vampire for a little sister and her boyfriend.” Anne’s eyes went blank.
“I’m still alive, Mark. I’m not a normal vampire. Stop calling me a vampire like I’m a full-blooded one!” Anne cried. She then took those words back. Sorry, I’m just a little touchy about being called a vampire.? Mark drew Anne into his arms and hugged her tightly.
“I’m sorry.” He said gently. Anne hugged him back.
“It’s alright.” Anne pulled back from him and turned to see Lantis walking towards her. “I’ll be back soon.” She said to Mark as she and Lantis walked off, side by side.
“Am I sensing a bit of reluctance to let her grow up?” Rhodry asked as Mark came to the porch. Mark sighed.
“Perhaps. No matter who she is or what she does, she’ll still be my little sister. It’s not going to be easy for me to get used to her and Lantis living here.” Cat looked at him.
“As long as you can give her her space when she needs it and let her grow up, you’ll be fine. Just don’t start treating her like a kid and she won’t kill you.” Cat said with a grin. Mark looked at her and shook his head. Cat looked up into the deep blue sky. It was good to be back in the sunlight. The battle with Lord Damar replayed back in her mind. We all made it through. However, some of us more changed than we would have wished for. Caitlin gazed off towards Anne and Lantis, who were just disappearing around the corner of the block.

Anne and Lantis came back about 15 minutes later. About five minutes after they got back, Caitlin’s mom came to pick her up. Anne waved goodbye as her friend got in the car and left. Rhodry soon left as well. He didn’t really want to stay with Mark, Anne and Lantis for too long.
“Well, we might as well get dinner ready.? Mark said to Anne. Anne just looked at him.
“You forget that I don’t eat.” Anne said. Mark bowed his head, remembering that minor detail that his sister was a vampire. Anne clapped a hand on her brother’s back. “Don’t worry, at least you won’t have to buy as much food anymore.” Mark went into the kitchen to get some food for himself. Lantis was sitting on the couch in the living room. Anne walked in and turned the TV on.
“So, do you want to see more of my world tomorrow?” Anne asked, sitting down next to Lantis. He looked at her and smiled kindly.
“I would love to.” Anne smiled back.
“Thank you.” Lantis said. Anne raised an eyebrow to him.
“What for?”
“For bringing me back to this realm. I don’t think anything else could have made me come back except for you.” Lantis’ eyes looked deeply into Anne’s. Lantis put his arm around Anne’s shoulders and drew her closer to him.
“You don’t have to thank me. I would do that for all those I love and care about.” Another smile crossed Lantis’ face. He put both of his arms around her and hugged her tightly. Anne hugged him back, resting her head against his chest. Mark came in and cleared his throat at the sight of them. Anne and Lantis pulled away from each other and looked at the TV as if they had been watching it all the time.
“I know what you two were up to, so don’t play innocent with me.” Mark said as he sat down on a chair, setting the tray in front of him and ate his food. Lantis leaned closer to Anne’s ear.
“Is your brother always interrupting like that?” Anne shrugged.
“I wouldn’t know. I haven’t had a boyfriend before.” Mark shot a glare at his sister. Anne smiled innocently back at him.
“After dinner, I’m going to check the locks on all the doors, just incase. The sun will set soon and I don’t want to take any chances.” Mark said.
“I’ll check them now.” Anne said and got up. She walked around the house, checking the front and back doors and windows. Everything was safe.
Anne looked out a window that faced West and saw the sun was just minutes from setting. Even though Damar was gone, she felt as if something else was going to happen. If Damar wanted her power, other vampires, or demons like him, probably wanted her power as well.
Lantis was waiting for Anne at the foot of the stairs. Anne stopped and looked up into his eyes. Lantis reached out and caressed Anne’s cheek; a slight smile graced his face.
“You’re so beautiful.” He murmured. Anne blushed slightly and smiled in return. They both embraced each other, holding on as if something was trying to rip them apart.
Anne pulled back and took Lantis’ hand, leading him upstairs. Anne looked back at him as a gleam passed through her brown eyes. Mark was too involved in the TV. Anne led Lantis into her room, closed the door and locked it for precaution. Lantis looked down at Anne when she turned from the door.
“And what do you have in mind?” He asked. Anne walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his middle. She looked up at him with alluring brown eyes.
“Something fun.” The smile on Anne’s face made a similar smile spread on Lantis’ face. He wrapped his arms around Anne, pulling her tight to him.
“Well then, let’s have as much fun as possible.” Lantis bent down and kissed Anne deeply.

The sun set and somewhere, a new evil awoke. A coffin’s lid slid open to reveal a woman lying inside it. She was dressed in a black, form-fitting dress. It appeared sleeveless, but had see-through black sleeves that put a slight darker tint to her pale white skin. The neckline plunged. She wore a black velvet collar around her neck. Her black hair was to mid-back and was in a half-ponytail. Her fingernails were long and painted black. She wore blood red lipstick. She stood up and got out of her coffin. She wore high-heeled black shoes. The skirts of her dress fell to the floor and trailed slightly behind her. They swished as she walked. Her heels clacked on the stone floor. Her black eyes held an evil far more dangerous than that of Damar.
Another coffin opened. Another man, looking to be around the age of 15, got out of his coffin. He wore a sleeveless black shirt, black leather pants, black trench coat, and a black collar around his neck. His black hair was straight and loose. It hung an inch or two below his mid-back area. His crystal eyes had emerald tinting in them. His eyes swept across the area around him. He had slept long enough. Now it was time to feed and play. His black boots scuffed across the floor as he followed the woman.
The woman walked into the main hallway of her headquarters. She turned and looked at the boy. She grinned wickedly and darkly at him.
“Armand, I have good news for you.” He smiled, knowing he would be able to torture someone. “Do you remember Lantis, son of Damar, the Prince of Darkness?”
“I do.”
“He is your next victim. Although, he is in love with a living vampire, who also happens to be the much coveted Guardian of Darkness. Leave that girl to me. I have waited centuries for her power to come within my reach. I am going to meet her shortly.”
“When can I bring Lantis back to play?” Armand asked.
“He’ll follow Anne once he senses my whereabouts.”
“So the Guardian of Darkness has been reborn and she is a vampire?”
“Yes.”
“How do you know she is a vampire?” The woman smiled devilishly.
“Because I am the one that sired her. However, she is still alive. I must finish the job tonight or no vampire or demon alike will ever be able to control her powers as Damar did. Now, just be ready for when I return.” Armand nodded.
“I shall be ready, Lady Tenaka.” Tenaka left to lure Anne out into the darkness.

It had been about an hour and Mark hadn’t realized yet that Anne and Lantis weren’t in the same room as him. Mark was engrossed in a movie. Anne and Lantis finally meandered downstairs. Anne had had to brush her hair before coming down, for the hour-long ‘fun time’ had greatly disheveled her hair.
Anne and Lantis sat down silently on the couch and attempted to get into the movie. However, something attracted Anne’s attention outside. Anne shifted her eyes to look out the window. She saw a dark figure standing on the front lawn. Anne’s eyes widened slightly as she knew who it was. A memory of a few days earlier returned.

Anne’s parents were in the living room, watching the news. Anne and Mark where in their rooms, doing their homework. The sun had set about a half hour earlier. Suddenly, Anne could hear sounds of things breaking. She went to her window and looked out to see people breaking into houses. Then screams echoed. Anne ran to her brother’s room, just down the hall.
“What’s going on?” Anne asked. Mark stood up.
“I don’t know.” Anne ran to her brother. He held her as something broke the window in the back of the house. Anne almost screamed. She hugged her brother tightly and buried her face in his chest. He held her, unwilling to let anything happen to her. There were sounds of struggles downstairs. There were a couple screams and then all fell silent. Anne looked out the window to see two people running from their house.
“Do not leave the room until I come back for you.” Mark let go of Anne and cautiously walked down the stairs. Anne followed him. Once Mark had gone into the living room, Anne went down the stairs and turned towards the kitchen. She felt something pulling her towards the back yard.
Anne walked into the kitchen and saw the broken window. There was a figure standing outside the door. The figure seemed to be drawing her closer and closer to it. Anne went to the kitchen door and opened it. A woman was standing there. Anne stood there in her doorway.
“Don’t worry child, I won’t harm you.” The woman said. Her dark eyes held Anne spellbound. Anne walked towards the woman. The woman smiled. “That’s a good girl. Now, hold still. This won’t hurt.... Much.” The woman grabbed Anne and held her against her cold body. Her teeth sank into Anne’s neck. Anne tried to scream, but nothing escaped her throat. She felt her life drain away.
Anne’s blood tasted sweet as the female vampire drank deeply and slowly. Anne’s body fell limp as the blood was taken from her. A few moments later, Anne fell unconscious in the woman’s strangely comforting arms. However, the noise of a car pulling up in the front yard caused the vampire to cease her actions. She let go of Anne, who slumped to the ground with a thud.
“I’ll be back soon, my love, to finish what I have started. Until then, sweet dreams, My Pet.” The vampire vanished without a trace, leaving Anne lying unconscious in her backyard.

Lantis noticed Anne staring out the window. He followed her gaze and glared at the figure. The woman rose her hand and wiggled a finger at them both. She wanted them both to go out there.
Anne stood up and walked out of the living room. She went to the front door. Her hand was about to turn the knob when Lantis’ hand fell on her shoulder. Anne looked at him.
“You aren’t going alone. She’s a vampire and a dangerous one.”
“I know she’s a vampire. She’s the one that sired me.” Anne said and turned the knob. Mark was too absorbed in his movie to notice Lantis and Anne wandering outside.
“It’s so nice to see you again, Lantis.” Tenaka said. She then directed her gaze towards Anne. “However, it is you I’ve come for. We have some unfinished business.” Anne glared at her.
“I think not, Tenaka. We have no business to finish except for killing you.” Anne’s bat-like wings sprouted from her back and her Guardian robe replaced her normal clothes. Anne glared at Tenaka with pure black eyes that seem to burn with an inner fire.
“You expect me to be scared of you in that form?” Tenaka let out a short laugh. “Don’t make me laugh. Damar may have had a bond with you, but I am your sire. I have more dominion over you than he did. However, your heart still beats and that creates a problem. Give into the Darkness and everything will be just fine, my Pet.”
“I may be the Guardian of Darkness, but without Light, there can be no Darkness. I refuse to turn against those I care about and there’s no damn thing in Hell or in your power that can make me!!” Anne cried.
Is that so? Then how come I can speak in your mind? Tenaka said in Anne’s mind. Vampires are only telepathic with those they sire. With the telepathy, we drive them insane and bend them to our will. No matter how strong you are, one day, you will fall under my control. You will be mine and mine alone very soon, my love.
“SHUT UP!!!” Anne cried as a circle of black energy surrounded her.
“I really don’t have time for this.” Tenaka said with a mock yawn.

Lantis was about to attack when another vampire stepped in his way. Armand looked over Lantis, whom towered over a foot higher than him.
“Who are you?” Lantis asked.
“My name is Armand. I’m here to collect you.” Armand licked his lips slightly; unable to contain the happiness he felt to be able to torture someone.

Anne and Tenaka stood in a glaring contest. Black energy swirled around Anne. Tenaka’s mouth curved into a smirk.
You can’t defeat me. You think you’re all-powerful, but you aren’t. The power you wield is only an illusion. Why do you see what is not real? Tenaka said in Anne’s mind.
“That’s not true!! Stop spouting nonsense!!” Anne cried and shot a stream of black energy at Tenaka. Tenaka disbanded the energy with barely a blink of effort.
Do not resist me. I’m only here to invest in the safety of my Blood Daughter. Anne’s eyes flashed with darkness and rage.
“I am not your daughter!!” Anne cried as black energy erupted from the energy that surrounded her. Tenaka blocked the energy and leapt towards Anne. Anne was taken by surprise by Tenaka’s inhuman speed. Tenaka came at Anne, her teeth grown. Tenaka grabbed for Anne, just like a couple days ago when Anne was Embraced.
Lantis looked and saw Tenaka about to grab Anne. He forgot about Armand and turned to go after Tenaka.
“NO!!” Lantis cried and was able to knock Tenaka to the ground before she got to Anne. Armand smiled wickedly and threw a chain at Anne. It wrapped around her middle, crumpling her wings to her back. Armand pulled the chain tight and pulled Anne towards him. Anne let out a cry of pain as wing bones were almost to the breaking point. One more slight tug and the bones would snap and shatter.
“Be nice, boy, or the girl gets it.” Armand said. Anne was on her knees in front of him, cringing in pain. Lantis spun around and his eyes flashed with rage and anger.
“Get away from her!!” A voice cried. A split second later, the chain was broken and Anne was in the arms of her brother. Mark held his sword in one hand and Anne in the other arm. Armand tossed the chain aside and growled his discontent.
“The girl will still be mine.” Tenaka said as Lantis was enveloped in black energy.
“LANTIS!!!” Anne screamed. She ran towards Lantis, reaching out to him. Lantis reached one hand out towards her, but disappeared just before he could grab her hand. Tenaka’s laughter rung across the yard.
Come and get him if you can, my Pet. Tenaka’s voice cooed in Anne’s head. Anne collapsed to her knees, her eyes pinched shut, teeth clenched, fingers digging into the ground.
“Who were those two?” Mark asked.
“The woman is Tenaka. She’s the vampire that made me what I am. I’m not sure who the other one is.” Anne spoke as she flexed her wings a couple times before they disappeared. As she stood up, her robe was replaced by her normal clothing. “I’m going after them.” Her brother grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.
“I won’t let you! It’s too dangerous for you to follow them!! Confronting a full-blooded vampire at night is suicide!!” Anne glared at him harshly.
“Then I’ll just become a full-blooded vampire who just happens to be the Guardian of Darkness.”
“You wouldn’t.” Mark breathed. “You would become a monster, a child of the night, just like them!” Anne’s eyes grew darker and harsher.
“So, that’s what you think of Lantis? Of me ?! I’m a living vampire, halfway to being a child of the night. I can’t be human again and I can only move forward... And that means becoming a child of darkness.? Anne pulled her arm free of her brother’s grasp and walked past him.
“Don’t go!! Dammit!! Stop this!! Do you think your friends would want to see what pain you’re putting yourself through?!” Anne spun around, her eyes were almost turning blood red.
“Do you think I do this out of choice?!” Anne cried, her voice was inhuman, almost demon-like. “Unless I become a full-blooded child of the night, I stand no chance against the vampire that sired me!!” Mark’s eyes pleaded with Anne.
“Anne, you may be a vampire now, but you’re still alive. Your heart is human. Please, don’t lose what little humanity is still left inside you. Lantis wouldn’t want that.” Anne’s eyes stopped getting redder and her teeth stopped growing, but they didn’t return to normal. “Please!! Don’t leave!! If I lose you to the Darkness, I won’t have any family left.” His voice was nearing the point of cracking. Anne’s eyes returned to their normal brown color and her teeth subsided.
“Oh, Mark,” Anne whispered. “I’m sorry. I don’t what got into me.” Anne said as tears gathered in her eyes. “I lost it when they took Lantis. I couldn’t fight the darkness within myself.” A couple tears trickled down her cheeks. Mark walked up to her and pulled her into his arms.
“Don’t cry. I can’t bear to see you cry.” He cooed. Anne wrapped her arms around his back and buried her face in his chest and just cried.
A form could be seen flying through the air towards them. She landed a minute later and came up to them, just as her white wings disappeared.
“Did I miss all the fun again?” Caitlin asked. Mark looked at her.
“Yes. Two vampires attacked us. They took Lantis with them.” Mark replied as Anne still wept. Cat looked at Anne a moment.
“I have the feeling she almost gave in to her vampiric nature?” Cat asked. Mark nodded as he gently stroked Anne’s hair. “And does this call for a meeting of the Guardians?” Mark gave her a look. “Ok, ok, I know that was a stupid question. And don’t give me that look, it scares me when you do that.” Cat said. “One meeting of the Guardians coming right up.” Cat closed her eyes and concentrated a moment. She sent a vibe to the other Guardians, that said there was trouble again and to come to Anne’s house... Again.

Mark, Anne and Cat waited inside. Anne sat on her couch, staring off into space. Cat sat next to her and Mark sat in a chair off to the side. Heather and Liesl were the first to arrive. They nearly broke down the front door. They rushed in, huffing and puffing from flying really fast.
“Anne, are you alright?” Heather asked.
“Are you unhurt?” Liesl asked as they both stood in front of Anne. Anne blinked and shook her head. She looked at them a moment.
“I’m alright and I am unhurt.” Heather and Liesl breathed a sigh of relief. Of course, the alright part was an outright lie and the hurt part was debatable.
Anna and Abby arrived a couple minutes later. The Guardians gathered in the living room. Mark stood up, ready to tell everyone what was happening.
“It seems as if we have a new enemy.” Anna grumbled to herself, crossed her arms and sat back in her chair. “This time it’s two vampires. Although, I cannot tell you more, Anne will.” Mark sat down and Anne glared at him. She sighed, agitated, and stood up.
“The two vampires are dangerous. The female is named Tenaka.” Anne’s voice broke off suddenly. She took a breath. “She’s the one that sired me.” Her voice shook as she spoke it. “She’s here to try and take control of my powers, but also to finish the job she started.” Anne got a couple blank stares. She rolled her eyes. “I’m still alive. She’s here to turn me into a normal vampire.” Anne said. “There’s another vampire, a male. They both took Lantis and I’m bent on going in there and getting him out.”
“Going in there against two vampires is suicide!!” Liesl cried. Anne looked at her, her eyes taking on a twinge of evil.
“Do not forget that I am a vampire, even if my heart still beats. With me or against me, I’m going.”
That’s it, lead your friends to their deaths. Then you will be blamed for their deaths. Anne grabbed her head as Tenaka’s laugh echoed through it. You will then live forever with the guilt of their deaths hanging on your soul when you could have saved them by not dragging them into this mess you got yourself into, my Pet.
“Shut up...” Anne grumbled.
Heh, you still think you can defeat me. As long as that heart beats within your chest and human blood flows through your veins, no amount of your power can save you from me.
“SHUT UP!!!!!” Anne screamed as black energy exploded from her. Everyone took cover as the energy flowed throughout the house. Anne held her head. When she opened her eyes, they were blood red. Her fangs were fully grown.
That’s it, fuel me with your rage. Acting rashly will get your friends killed. Acting smartly will make you a true vampire.
“Be gone from me, demon of the night!!!” Anne cried, her demonic voice back. Her voice boomed and echoed through the house, shaking the walls.
You can’t defeat me the way you are. Give into that vampire nature. I can feel you struggling to hold onto what little humanity is left. That humanity is what holds you back. If you let go of it, you will be able to defeat me.
“BE GONE!!!!!!!” Anne’s voice boomed and all the windows and glass in the house shattered. The lights went out, leaving everyone in the dark. Anne’s red eyes glowed in the darkness. Caitlin quickly made a light spell, to cast some light on the room. Anne cringed at the light as it hovered above her. She covered her eyes and cried out.
“Damn, she can’t handle light when she’s got the fangs.” Cat snapped her fingers and the light disappeared. The energy stopped flowing and the lights flicked back on. Everyone cautiously peeked out to see Anne standing there, taking deep breaths. Her eyes were still red and her fangs still grown.
Anne closed her eyes and clenched her fist. Slowly, her teeth resided back to normal. She opened her eyes and they were normal as well. A drop of sweat slid down her forehead and she wiped it away.
“Are you alright?” Liesl asked as everyone decided it was safe to come out. Anne looked at her.
“Do I look alright?” Anne demanded.
“Um.... No.” Liesl said and made it a point to sit far away from Anne as possible.
“What was that? I sensed a dark presence before you went crazy.” Caitlin asked.
“That was Tenaka. Vampires are able to communicate telepathically with those that they sire. She’s trying to drive me insane.”
“It’s working, too.” Liesl whispered to Heather. They both laughed a little. Anne shot a dark glare at her.
“You two shut up unless you want me to go insane and plunge this world into eternal darkness and suffering.” Anne’s glare got harsher and colder. “ And I will personally see to it that you all are endlessly tortured to death over a period of centuries.” Anne’s eyes suddenly lightened up and she shook her head a few times. “I’m sorry, I can’t control these outbursts. I didn’t mean that.” Anne said and sat down, putting her head in her hands and closed her eyes.
Heh heh, you can’t take much more of me toying with your mind, can you? I can already sense that you are growing more towards the Darkness I brought you in to. Darkness will swallow you and you will hurt your friends.
I’m not listening to you anymore. I will kill you and I will be rid of this madness forever.
Is that what you really think? HA! You really know nothing!! Once you experience this side, you cannot go back. And I know you will fall in one day and that day is very, very soon. Heather laid a hand on Anne’s shoulder. Anne looked at her, her eyes torn between madness and humanity.
“You look like you need some rest. How about we call it a night and let Anne get some rest. The rest of us will try to figure out what to do.” Anne gave a weak smile to Heather, stood up and walked up to her room.
Anne walked into her room, closed the door, locked it and leaned her back against it. Anne rested her head against the door and closed her eyes. The pain of losing Lantis was almost too much. Anne slid down to the floor. She drew her knees up, crossed her arms over them, and buried her face in her arms.
Lantis, I’m coming soon to rescue you. Although, I will have to pay a heavy price to gain your freedom. Anne thought as a silver tear slid down her cheek.

Armand laughed insanely as he took a step back to admire his work so far. Lantis was chained to the wall. He had gashes, burns and gouges all over him. He had been burn with fire and acid and now Armand took a vial of holy water. Armand cackled again.
“This is holy water. I want to hear that beautiful scream of yours again.” Armand took the cap off and threw the holy water onto a gouge on Lantis’ chest, which had had acid poured into it only seconds before. And now holy water ate through the gouge again, this time going deeper than the acid did. Lantis’ scream bounced off of walls.
By the time the scream hit Tenaka’s room, it sounded as if it was coming from every direction. Tenaka smiled slightly.
Soon, my Pet, you will by my pawn in this game of death. First, you will bind the Guardian of Light, then kill the other Guardians, whom are your friends. Her smile grew broader. Then I’ll have you kill the one you love. My plan is perfect! Once you drink from me, you will be one of us as you were meant to be, Guardian of Darkness!!! Your fate has been written and so it shall come to pass!!!! Tenaka’s insane cackling over-rode Lantis’ screams as Armand an iron spike and began stabbing Lantis’ body, purposely missing his heart.

After 15 minutes, Heather went upstairs to check on Anne. Heather tried the knob, but found the door to Anne’s room was locked. Heather knocked.
“Anne, can I come in?” There was no answer. “Anne?” Heather knocked again, a little more frantically. “Answer me!!” Heather cried. Heather started to become hysterical, thinking Anne had left on them again. Oh please, not again!! Liesl bounded up the stairs.
“What is it?” Liesl asked.
“I think Anne’s gone again.” Liesl pushed Heather aside. A blast of wind shot the door open (it’s still intact, the lock just broke and the door flew open). They both rushed into the room. Anne was sitting at the table, her back to them. Anne’s head was bowed slightly and she was shaking.
“Anne, what’s wrong?” Liesl asked. Both her and Heather walked towards Anne.
“Stay back!!” Anne ordered. Anne was resisting her vampire instinct to hunt for food. And there were quite a few available, not to mention easy, prey in this house.
“What is it? Why didn’t you answer me?” Heather demanded. Anne slammed a fist on the table, refusing to give in and refusing to look at her friends. Her fist made an imprint in the table, but she didn’t seem to be in pain.
“Stay away from me!!” Anne grunted out through clenched teeth. “I need to be alone!” Heather and Liesl looked at each other, crossed their arms and glared at Anne’s back.
“We aren’t leaving until you turn around and talk to us.” Heather said. Caitlin was in the doorway. Caitlin seemed to be the only one to realize why Anne was shaking and not turning around.
“Guys, leave her alone.” Heather and Liesl spun around, turning their glares on Caitlin. “She’s fighting a battle at the moment. Leave her be.”
“Fighting a battle with what?” Liesl demanded.
“Herself. Her vampiric side.” Heather and Liesl understood and began to move out of the room.
“This doesn’t get you off the hook, ya know. We’ll talk later when you’re better.” Liesl warned as she and Heather disappeared downstairs. Caitlin looked at Anne from the doorway.
“You should go hunt. Fighting your vampiric side isn’t good for you. It just drains your energy.”
“I can’t become a monster, Cat. Don’t you get it? If I give into my vampiric side, this me will never resurface again. And forever I will be a monster who kills without mercy.”
“Look, we can’t stand to see you beating yourself up. No matter what, you’ll still be Anne and you’ll still be our friend. It hurts all of us, not just you, to see you fighting against yourself.”
Listen to her. Just give in to the Darkness that lies within your soul. You can’t escape it much longer. If you don’t hurry up and get out of that house and hunt, you’ll end up feeding on your friends and brother. But it doesn’t matter to me if you feed on your friends. Heh. That would just save me some trouble later.
“Caitlin.... Could you.... Could you leave me alone, please?” Anne asked, fighting Tenaka and her vampiric side.
“Sure. We’re all downstairs when you feel better.” Caitlin closed the door as she left.
Anne opened her eyes, which were in the process of switching from her normal brown eyes to the blood red eyes of a vampire. Her eyes flickered back and forth between the two colors. Anne still refused to give in.
What would you do if I said Lantis was being tortured? Or even better, what would you do if you heard his screams? Tenaka cooed in Anne’s head. Anne’s eyes went pure white for a moment, then went back to brown.
I won’t let you win. I’m human!! Anne cried back. Tenaka laughed wickedly.
You aren’t human anymore, my Pet. And then, Lantis’ screams began to echo through Anne’s head. Anne clamped her hands over her ears and pinched her eyes shut, trying to block out his cries. Can’t you hear him? His screams are so beautiful. But the sight of his own blood dripping down his tortured body is an even more beautiful sight to behold. Anne stood up suddenly, still holding her head. Her chair crashed to the floor. Yes, that’s it. Hate me. Let your vampiric side take over. Tenaka said.
Black energy began firing in the room. It didn’t destroy anything, just made everything light up black. The energy was in the form of lightning. Lightning circled around Anne, striking the floor around her. Her loose hair flew in the invisible wind. Another scream echoed in her mind and Anne’s eyes shot open, turning blood red.
Anne let out an inhuman roar as her fangs grew and her vampiric side took over. The black lightning struck at a faster rate now. Anne’s demonic wings sprouted from her back and her Guardian robe replaced her clothes.
Footsteps were scrambling up the stairs. The door flew open to reveal a tempest of black lightning with Anne in the middle, now in vampire-Guardian form. Anne whirled around, eyes filled with the Immortal Hunger. Everyone gasped as she flew towards them. Everyone bolted out of the way as Anne ran out of her room, down the stairs and out the front door (I opened the front door instead of busting through it. just one less thing to replace later) and flew off into the night.
“What the beep was that all about?!” Liesl demanded as she looked towards the open front door.
“She’s finally gone insane.” Anna said. It was supposed to be a joke, but she was the only one laughing. There were a few glares directed at her (naming names, they would be Mark, Heather, Liesl and Caitlin). “It was a joke! God, can’t you people take a joke?”
“It’s not funny because Anne has really gone insane!” Mark cried. Anna backed away from him before he rung her neck.
“There’s no doubt that Anne’s gone running to Tenaka. We should follow her. Anne will need back up.” Caitlin stated. The Guardians hastily began to slap together a plan. Of course the plan was somewhat suicidal because it involved going into battle with two full-blooded vampires and a psychotic Anne who was both a vampire and a Guardian. Then there was the task of trying to find and rescue Lantis on top of all that. A select few of the gathered congregation at Mark’s house didn’t think they would make it through alive, much less with both Lantis and a restored Anne in tow.

Anne landed and stood before the door to Tenaka and Armand’s crypt. Anne’s black demonic wings flexed slightly behind her. She had a trail of blood falling from the corner of her mouth. She had found someone to feed on on the way here and was beginning to feel better. The door opened and Anne walked in, half smirking as she looked around the dank crypt.
“Typical dwelling for a vampire of your stature.” Anne spoke as she wiped away the blood from her mouth. Her fangs receded and her eyes turned all black, as they were when she was in Guardian form.
“What are you talking about?” Tenaka asked. Anne turned to see Tenaka standing in a doorway.
“A crypt? Why not a grand palace” I wouldn’t settle for less than what I deserve.”
“Who says you deserve better than me?” Tenaka posed the question as she stepped towards Anne.
“I’m stronger than you and most other vampires just because I happen to be the Guardian of Darkness.”
“Ah, but you are only a living vampire. However,” Tenaka smiled darkly as she stopped about four feet from Anne and pulled out a knife. “That is about to change.” Tenaka held the knife to her wrist and cut it. Blood began to pool from the wound. “Drink and become a true vampire. The power you will wield will be invincible. No one can stand up to you once you drink and finish your transformation (I’m saying that since I’m technically a vampire, but still alive, I can finish the transformation into a true vampire. Now the plot thickens as I get even more psycho).”
Anne looked at the blood flowing from Tenaka’s wrist. The demonic wings shrunk away and her clothes replaced her Guardian robe. The human was still trying to resist, but she was growing very weak while flowing blood tantalized and empowered the vampiric Anne. After a short delay, Anne walked over to Tenaka, took her wrist and began to drink Tenaka’s blood. Tenaka grimaced as Anne bit into her arm and began to drink greedily.
Anne’s heartbeat began to get faster and faster. It pounded inside Tenaka as well as Anne. Tenaka could feel Anne’s heartbeat speed up, then suddenly slow dramatically. Anne pulled back from Tenaka as her heartbeat neared its final beat. Anne’s breath became sporadic and quick. Tenaka clamped a hand over her wrist and slumped to her knees from the experience. Anne slumped first to her knees, then to her side. Anne laid there on the floor as her heart and breath finally stopped. Anne lay there perfectly still, eyes blankly staring at Tenaka. Anne was dead.
“It is complete.” Tenaka muttered and took a few deep breaths. She didn’t expect Anne to take that much blood from her. Tenaka needed blood now to regenerate her strength. Armand walked in with a black goblet full of Lantis’ blood. He handed it to Tenaka, who gratefully took it. Tenaka drank from it and relished in the sweetness of a vampire’s blood. Tenaka looked at the gash on her left wrist as the blood stopped flowing and it healed itself.
“Is she dead?”
“For the moment. She should wake up in a couple minutes. And then she shall be a vampire like you and me.” Armand smiled as he turned and went back to torture Lantis more before Lantis had begun to heal too much.
Tenaka set the half-full goblet aside. Her head shot up suddenly. She glared out the door into the dark night. Tenaka shut the door with her mind (that’s how the door opened to let me in in the first place).
Damn those Guardians, why do they have to come now? Can’t they wait until Anne’s awake? It would be more fun that way. Tenaka thought with a devilish grin. Tenaka looked down at Anne.
Moments later, the door was blow open and the Guardians stood in the doorway. A few of them were heaving and gasping for air from flying quickly. They all spotted Anne lying motionless on the floor.
“What the Hell did you do to her?!” Heather screamed. Tenaka just smiled.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out.”
“You unholy fricking bitch from Hell!!! Take this!!!” Caitlin screamed and formed a large ball of light. Tenaka held a hand in front of her eyes. Caitlin shot the ball of light towards Tenaka.
As Tenaka spun away from the attack, a stream of fire came towards her. Tenaka managed to duck, nearly missing getting burned to a crisp.
That was too close for comfort. She looked at Anne. Hurry up, my Pet, or else you’ll miss all the fun. Tenaka thought. Tenaka felt that Anne was starting to come around, but not nearly enough to show that she was ‘alive’. Tenaka stood up and was hit with a tendril of water and thrown into the far wall by a gust of wind.
Bolts of light flew at Tenaka. The Earth beneath Tenaka grew up around her ankles, holding her in place. Tenaka looked at the bolts and her eyes went wide with fright.
At the last minute, the light was swallowed up by darkness. Everyone looked and saw Anne standing up, glaring harshly at the Guardians.
“Anne! Why the Hell did you save her?!” Liesl cried. Anne’s glare focused on Liesl. Anne turned her head sideways, looking over Liesl a moment. Anne slightly licked her lips.
“Hungry now.” Anne stated.
“Play first to earn your food.” Tenaka said. Anne looked at Tenaka.
“I can play with my food?” Tenaka nodded. The Guardians all gulped slightly. Anne grinned darkly and turned back to the Guardians. “Play time starts now.” Black energy began to swirl around Anne.
“Um... Is she trying to kill us?” Liesl asked Caitlin. Caitlin slapped her forehead.
“Liesl, what does it look like to you?!” Caitlin cried.
“I’m thinking... Yes?”
“Guys, you might want to get out of the way cause there’s a rather large blast of energy heading STRAIGHT FOR YOU!!!!!!!” Heather screamed. Liesl and Caitlin both looked at the energy flying towards them. They looked at each other a moment.
“Oh shit.” They said together and managed to leap out of the way just a split second before they would’ve been hit.
“Anne, could you take the fight outside so you don’t destroy my crypt?” Tenaka asked. Anne nodded and black tendrils wrapped around each of the Guardians, throwing them each out the door one after the other. The Guardians all were in a mangled pile on the ground outside. Anna was on the bottom, Abby on top of her, Liesl was mixed in with Caitlin and Heather was mixed in with everyone else. They were all screaming at each other to get off. Anne stood just outside the door, shaking her head.
“Bored now.” She sighed. Black energy swirled around her again and began lashing out at the others (ok, end of random funny stuff for now. now it will be a serious fight scene). Caitlin put up her barrier of light around them and the Guardians sorted themselves out and got to their feet. Anna straightened up with a few cracks as her back straightened. Caitlin glared at Anne.
“Alright, let’s see how you like the look of light!” Tendrils of light reached out from the barrier and reached towards Anne. Anne smiled as a barrier of darkness swirled around her, keeping out all the light.
“Is she moving?” Anna asked.
“I can’t tell.” Caitlin replied. The ball of darkness containing Anne was moving, but no one could tell which way she was moving. Anna carefully watched the ball of darkness.
“I’ve got a shot and I’m taking it.” Anna sent a burst of flame towards the darkness. The flame punctured the darkness and it disappeared... But Anne wasn’t inside it.
“Where did she go?!” Caitlin cried. Everyone frantically began to look around.
“Guardian of Light,” Anne whispered. Her voice echoed from each direction. “Come with me. The Darkness is ever so much fun.” There was a slight laugh.
“She’s not going with you!! You’re coming back with us!!” Liesl cried.
“Anne, drop this act! Stop this and help us defeat Tenaka!” Heather cried.
“You think I’m acting, Guardian of Earth?” Anne’s voice was full of harsh bitterness. “When you guys entered that crypt, I was dead! I’m a real vampire now and you all will suffer at my hands!!!!” Anne screamed. Her voice was echoing and loud enough that the Guardians had to cover their ears. Caitlin looked up and saw Anne up in the sky, demon wings spread wide.
“Up there!!” Caitlin cried, pointing to the sky. “Everyone attack!!” Tendrils of water, fire, light and wind flew up towards Anne, wrapping into one large beam of swirling energy. Earth stretched upwards, wrapping around the beam of energy.
Anne’s wings wrapped around her, forming a shield around her. The attack hit the shield, but did nothing much more than scrape the shield. Anne’s wings opened and she glared down at the Guardians.
“Take to the air!” Caitlin cried. Everyone transformed into their Guardian forms and took to the air. Anne looked around at the five Guardians that surrounded her.
“Now, a battle in the air. Seems like a battle to determine the best flier.” Anne muttered with a dark smirk. “This’ll be tons of fun.” Anne readied an attack.
Anna shot towards Anne, hoping to ram her. Anne, who’s back was to Anna, sensed the coming attack. Anne swung her wing around and sent Anna flying into a tree some distance off.
“How could you have seen that? She was directly behind you!!” Liesl cried. Anne smirked.
“For one thing, I can smell humanity and I can hear heartbeats. I can tell when a heartbeat gets close or gets farther away. There really is no way to sneak up on me.” Anne explained. A beam of light shot at Anne. Anne blocked it with a shield of dark energy.
“God! Why can’t we hit you God dammit?!” Caitlin cried. Anne’s smirk widened.
“A vampire who just happens to be the Guardian of Darkness isn’t that easy to kill.” A beam of fire flew towards Anne. Anne shot a beam of black energy to deflect it. Anna reappeared on the battlefield. Anna glared at Anne.
“That wasn’t nice. That hurt. Now, I’ll burn you to a crisp bitch!!” Anna cried, unleashing an immense fire attack. Anne disappeared suddenly and the fire attack flew towards Heather and Liesl. Abby quickly canceled out Anna’s attack.
Suddenly, Caitlin was rocketed into Heather by a blast of dark energy. Both of them tumbled towards the ground.
“Caitlin!! Heather!!” Liesl screamed. Liesl glared at Anne, who was smiling and laughing wickedly as two Guardians plunged towards the Earth below. “YOU UNHOLY BITCH FROM HELL!!!!!! DIE!!!!!” Liesl cried and a gust of wind shot towards Anne, trying to pulverize her. (editor’s note: we seem to like that line…) Anne dodged it and smirked.
“You think a mere gust of wind can kill a vampire? HA! Even if I did fall to the ground, I would still be alive. Now, BEGONE!!!” Black energy exploded outwards, sending Liesl, Abby and Anna off in separate directions.

Caitlin managed to grab a hold of Heather and spin around in time to use her wings to save them from slamming into the ground. Caitlin’s angel wings were able to get the job done, for Heather’s fairy wings weren’t strong enough to support two bodies falling.
“Thanks, Cat.” Heather said as they landed gently on the ground.
“Don’t worry about it.” They both looked up as Liesl, Abby and Anna cried out and went flying in a separate direction. Anne started to laugh wickedly.
“Damn, we’ve gotta take her out.” Heather said. “You got a stake or something?” Suddenly, they both were grabbed from behind by the necks and lifted about a few inches off the ground.
“Did you forget that there was another vampire around here? You didn’t really think I’d let her have all the fun, did you?” Tenaka said. Heather and Caitlin were gasping for air. Anne lowered herself to the ground. She crossed her arms across her chest and her demon wings folded behind her.
“Tenaka, leave the Guardian of Light for me. You may kill the Guardian of Earth.” Heather’s eyes went wide as Tenaka tossed Caitlin towards Anne. Caitlin was in the process of getting up when Anne knocked her out with a blow to the back of her head. Anne bent down and picked Caitlin up in her arms. “Have fun with them.” Anne said and disappeared inside the crypt. (editor’s note: why am I always unconscious? Even in the one’s I write?)
Liesl, Abby and Anna all hobbled back onto the battlefield. All three were slightly beaten up and where barely holding onto their Guardian forms. Tenaka tossed Heather towards them and grinned.
“Now the fun begins.” Tenaka said darkly.

Anne took Caitlin into a spare room. Anne put Caitlin’s wrists and ankles in shackles that were attached to the wall. Anne smiled darkly as she exited the room, closing the iron door behind her. The only window in the room was the one that was on the door.

Heather’s fist connected with Tenaka’s face, putting her off-balance, then Tenaka was kicked backwards. Tenaka glared at them and threw them all backwards and rammed them into the ground. Tenaka stood up, eyes blood-red and fangs sprouted.
“Be gone, Guardians of this planet! We shall finish this another time!” Tenaka said and disappeared.

The remaining Guardians all reassembled in the living room of Mark’s half-destroyed house. It had yet to recover from the first attacks a few nights ago and now here they were again battling evil. Everyone was tending to the various physical wounds they received.
“So, are you telling me that my little sister is now a full vampire and she’s bent on killing all of you?!” Mark cried. Heather nodded.
“Yes, that is what we’ve said five times.” Heather said, slightly irritated.
“Did we also mention that she wants to turn Caitlin to the Dark Side as well?” Liesl added. Mark’s eyes flashed wide with both fear and anger.
“You don’t mean to tell me that my sister is now a psychotic vampire?” Mark demanded. Anna nodded.
“Sad, but true.” Anna said.
“I hate to say this, but your sister was always a little psycho.” Heather said. “However, now she’s the psychotic evil vampire who is the Guardian of Darkness who has taken the Guardian of Light captive... Again. Am I the only one sensing a pattern here?” Heather asked. (editor’s note: I should sue for criminal abuse with the amount of times I get kidnapped/knocked out/nearly killed…. This is getting really sad)
“How so?” Abby asked.
“Well, the first time, Anne became a ‘living’ vampire. Then, she was driven psycho by going to Lord Damar. She then captured the Guardian of Light, along with Rhodry. Now it’s starting over again.”
“Ah, I see it now.” Abby said, turning the information over in her head.
“How are we going to go in, rescue both Caitlin and Lantis and somehow restabilize Anne’s mind?” Liesl asked.
“That’s what we have to figure out. Now, we know there are two other vampires that we have to go through. Then we’ll have to go through Anne, then we will be able to get to Lantis and Caitlin.” Heather said.
“Providing both of them are still alive and good.” Anna said.
“That is not guaranteed. Tenaka is insane, we know that and we know that Anne is now insane. Tenaka sired Anne so that makes sense that they both are psychos.” Heather muttered. “But the other vampire. We didn’t see him, so we can’t know what he’s like.”
“If the third vampire is psycho like Anne and Tenaka, I’m quitting this job.” Liesl said.
“Liesl, you can’t quit being a Guardian. Once a Guardian, always a Guardian.” Heather said. Liesl crossed her arms in a huff.
“Fine then! I’ll just walk away and not look back!” Liesl cried.
“Alright, we need a plan. There’s four of us and three of them. Well, five, but we’ll assume Lantis and Caitlin won’t be turned evil.” Abby said. “Ok, here’s what I think we should do...”

Caitlin slowly came too. It had been about half an hour since she had been knocked out. She lifted her head slightly as pain pounded through it. She made an attempt to hold her head, but found her wrists were chained to the wall. She looked over at them and then down at her ankles, which were also chained.
Damn, this isn’t good. Caitlin could barely see in the darkness. The only light came through the barred window on the door, but that was barely enough to even put a shadow on the floor. I wonder what will happen to me now. Caitlin thought. She then tried to move her wings, but they were pinned behind her. Luckily, they were spread so they weren’t hurting. Alright, I guess I can only sit here, try to get rid of this headache and wait for someone to come and get me.

Anne was brushing off the dirt and dust from the fight from her clothing. Tenaka gazed at her from behind. Anne twisted her head to see Tenaka there. Tenaka smiled gently.
“You handled yourself quite well in that fight.” Anne turned to face Tenaka.
“Thank you. You did quite well yourself.” Tenaka walked up to Anne, trailing a long, sharp nail lightly across Anne’s throat.
“Anything to help you, my Love.” Tenaka cooed deeply. Anne smiled deeply.
“I owe you a very big thank you for making me a full vampire. I feel much better now.” Anne cooed back. Tenaka’s nail trailed across Anne’s chest and Tenaka placed a kiss to Anne’s neck.
“You’ll feel even better once I’m done with what I’m about to do.” Tenaka wrapped her arms around Anne and kissed her.
Tenaka didn’t break the kiss as she moved Anne towards the wall, a couple feet away. Tenaka began to undo Anne’s bodice, exposing more of Anne’s chest. Tenaka pressed Anne up against the wall and pinned her there with her own body. Tenaka broke the kiss and gently kissed Anne’s neck. Tenaka gently rubbed Anne’s chest. Anne smiled as she worked at the back of Tenaka’s dress. Anne smiled widely.
“I believe that you’re a slave driver.” Anne said breathlessly. Tenaka smiled against the skin of Anne’s lower chest.
“You have no idea.” Was Tenaka’s response. Anne slipped the back of Tenaka’s dress apart and she began lightly trailing her fingers across Tenaka’s skin. Tenaka shuddered slightly as she slipped a hand inside Anne’s bodice then lightly flicked her tongue across Anne’s chest. Anne groaned and closed her eyes as she pushed the top of Tenaka’s dress to her waist. Anne’s fingers explored Tenaka’s exposed body.
Tenaka’s mouth moved back to Anne’s neck. Tenaka licked Anne’s neck, then bit into Anne’s neck without drinking from her blood. Tenaka was placing a ‘love bite’ on Anne’s neck. A love bite is basically a vampire’s version of a hicky. Anne groaned again and held Tenaka closer to her. Emotion Anne had never known before ripped through her body like a hot knife through butter. Anne literally was melting... And it was barely the beginning.
“Love me.... Ravish me..... I’m completely yours tonight.” Anne whispered.
I plan to ravish you all night long. Tenaka responded. Tenaka then laid Anne down on the couch and climbed on top of her and began to ravish her.

“That’s the plan?” Liesl demanded. Abby looked at her.
“You got a better one?” Abby demanded. Liesl shut up then.
“When should we attack?” Heather asked.
“Well, then sun will rise in about four hours. A day attack wouldn’t be fair to them but a night attack wouldn’t be fair to us.” Abby pointed out.
“So let’s attack right at dawn or right at dusk, that way we’ll be equal.” Anna suggested.
“Why do we have to play fair? Why not attack during the day?” Heather complained. Abby huffed and looked at Heather.
“Because no matter what, our opponents should be equal to us.?
“But vampires don’t play fair!! They turned Anne psycho and captured Caitlin for God’s sake!! WHY DO WE HAVE TO PLAY FAIR?!” Heather cried then took some deep breaths to try and keep her temper.
“Be quiet! I’m standing right in front of you. I can hear you without you having to scream.” Abby complained, holding her hands over her ears. Arguing commenced for a couple minutes as everyone voiced their opinion on what to do. Mark gazed sadly out the window.
Anne, I pray that you aren’t as the others say you are. If you are truly changed, Mark clenched a fist tightly. I will have to put you at peace by my own hands. I won’t stand to see my little sister living the damned life of a blood-sucking demon. I will put you to rest if I must. And I’m not afraid to do it. He thought.

After their little two and a half hour interlude, Anne left Tenaka, knowing it was time to do something with the Guardian of Light.
However, as Anne was walking towards the room where Caitlin was, a feeling of sickness came over her. Anne stopped walking as she suddenly had the urge to throw up. Anne grabbed an old bucket and threw up in it. She wondered why she had just thrown up, but in her heart she knew why.
Could it be? Am I pregnant? Anne thought. Anne set the bucket aside and walked slowly, her mind turning the thought. Anne made the calculations and the answer said that Anne should be pregnant.
Tenaka was eavesdropping on Anne’s thoughts. Tenaka scowled slightly. She didn’t like the idea of Anne being pregnant with Lantis’ child. Jealousy flared within Tenaka. Something had to be done about Lantis, but not yet.
Armand was still in his torture room, but he was cleaning up the little mess he had made with Lantis. Lantis had been put into another room and was chained to the wall.
Anne walked up to the door to the room that Caitlin was in. Caitlin lifted her head when she saw the shadow appear on the floor. Caitlin flinched slightly, for Anne’s dark eyes were piercing and harsher than ever before. Anne released Caitlin and pushed her out of the cell and into the hall.
“Guardian of Light, it is time for you to join me.” Anne grabbed Caitlin by her arm and dragged her to the torture room. She threw Caitlin inside and walked in. Armand’s eyes lit up as he saw Caitlin. He licked his lips and began to move for a weapon.
“Don’t even think about it! This girl is mine. You’ve had your fun for the night.” Anne snapped. Armand looked at her sadly.
“But-“
“No buts! Now leave me alone! I do not want to be disturbed!!” Anne said and physically grabbed Armand and threw him out into the hallway. She slammed the door behind him and locked it from the inside.
Caitlin returned to her human form and pressed up against the wall, afraid of what would happen to her. Fear tugged at Caitlin to flee, but she readied her nails for a frontal assault. However, Anne just gazed at Caitlin and kept a distance of 15 ft. (editor’s note: sadly I don’t think my nails would do much good here. *sighs* my secret weapon becomes useless…)
Go ahead my Love, have fun with your new Pet. Tenaka said. Tenaka was in a room just down the hall.
“What do you want?” Caitlin demanded.
“It is time that you join me. You’re on the wrong side. You’ll die if you fight with the Guardians. If you side with me, I can give you all the power you could ever dream of.” Caitlin was a tad confused. “Light balances Darkness. Without one, the other cannot exist. When one of the two Guardians switches sides, the other must do so, otherwise total oblivion will commence.”
“I’m thinking oblivion is very nice at the moment. So if you’d let me go, I’d be very grateful.” Caitlin stepped away from the wall, gaining more confidence. Anne circled Caitlin and stopped behind her. Anne put her mouth next to Caitlin’s ear.
“Oh, but that’s no fun, Guardian of Light,” Anne whispered. “You see, the fun is all on this side of things.” Anne pulled away and continued her slow circle. Caitlin was now both scared and somewhat getting a little disgusted.
Ok, now Anne is really starting to scare me. Anne was now in front of Caitlin again, but continued her circle. This time, Anne put her mouth next to Caitlin’s other ear.
“Listen to the beat of your heart,” Anne whispered. “The heart pumps life through your body. However, Darkness flows through you, just as Light flows through me.”
“How does that work?” Anne switched ears.
“Light and Darkness balance each other. In order to balance, the other side must exist within you. If that was not true, we would be able to kill each other.” Anne ran her fingers through Caitlin’s loose dark hair.
Ok, that does make sense. Caitlin thought. However, this whole running her fingers through my hair is really discomforting.
“Guardian of Light, can’t you feel the Darkness inside you that is me? Can’t you feel me calling to you? Just listen to me and all will become clear to you.” Anne cooed in Caitlin’s ear.
As much as Caitlin tried to resist, she couldn’t. She indeed did feel the Darkness inside her calling to her. It murmured at first, but as Anne cooed in her ear more and more, the call became stronger and stronger until it could no longer be ignored. And soon, it became one with Anne’s voice.
“Guardian of Light, close your eyes and feel the Darkness within rise.” Unable to control herself, Caitlin closed her eyes. Anne smiled harshly as her fangs sprouted. You may not be able to become a vampire, but if I do bite you, the Darkness inside you will come to the surface and you will be under my spell for good.
Caitlin listened and heard what the voice was saying. It was calling to her, promising her power and all that goes along with being powerful. The Guardians of Light and Darkness could then rule the world together.
“Now, I shall unlock the power within you.” Anne, still behind Caitlin, wrapped her arms around Caitlin’s middle, pulling her against her body. Anne’s fangs slid into Caitlin’s neck. Caitlin’s eyes shot open and she tried to fight, but the rush of power within her was too great. Anne sunk her teeth into Catilin’s neck farther, trying to urge as much power to surface as possible. Guardian of Light, become one with me. Anne spoke to Caitlin’s mind.
Caitlin’s blue eyes went completely white. Anne’s demonic wings sprouted from her back and her robe appeared. Tendrils of black energy began to wrap around them. Anne wrapped her wings around both of them, still biting Caitlin.
After a minute, tendrils of golden energy joined the black energy. Black and golden lightning began to strike in the room, as the black and gold energy swirled around Caitlin and Anne. Another minute passed and Anne’s wings opened and flared out behind her. Caitlin’s angelic wings sprouted and flared out to the sides. Her robe also appeared. Her eyes were still completely white.
Slowly, the white feathers on her wings became black. Her robe turned black. Caitlin was beginning to fall under Anne’s spell that she was casting. Just one more minute was needed to complete the transformation.
The last thing to change was Caitlin’s eye color. No longer were they the usual blue. They were now a burning golden color. The energy that ripped through the room began to die down. Anne pulled back and stepped back from Caitlin.
“Now, Guardian of Light, do you feel the power within you?” Anne asked.
“Yes,” Caitlin answered. Caitlin turned around to face Anne. Caitlin grinned evilly. “And I’m loving it. When are we able to have some fun?” Caitlin asked.
“Soon, very soon. Those Guardians can’t stay away too long, knowing that you’re here.” Anne grinned. “They’ll be in for a surprise when they get here.”

The Guardians decided to attack before dawn. They now had just under three hours before sunrise. Hopefully they could finish this battle now. However, that would not be an easy task, given that there were three full-blooded vampires to kill. And one of them was the Guardian of Darkness. Little did they know that a huge wrench had been thrown into their plans. Now a fourth enemy awaited their arrival.
“Alright everyone, let’s go!” Heather said after they all transformed into their Guardian forms. Mark grabbed Heather’s arm before she was able to leave. She looked at him. “What?” She demanded.
“Let me come with you.” Heather’s eyes went wide.
“You could be killed!” Heather protested.
“I’m a lot tougher than you think. Besides, I made a promise to myself and I must see it through. Please, I’m begging you to take me with you.” Mark pleaded. Heather looked at him and couldn’t resist.
“Alright. Liesl, get over here!”
“What now?!” Liesl demanded, coming over to Heather and Mark.
“We have to carry him together.”
“What?! Why?!” Liesl demanded.
“He’s coming along for some unknown promise he’s made and besides, these stupid fairy wings aren’t strong enough to support the weight of two people.” Liesl rolled her eyes and reluctantly helped carry Mark.
Mark was fine until the moment they got higher than the trees. He began to freak out and squirm. Heather and Liesl did their best to not drop him. But with him squirming and screaming frantically, it wasn’t that easy.

Anne looked up and smirked. Caitlin looked at her.
“What is it?” Caitlin asked.
“The Guardians are coming.” Anne’s smirk grew wider and harsher. “How wonderful, they also brought along my darling big brother.” Anne now had a weapon to use against Heather, for she knew that Heather was in love with her brother. “Come, let’s go into the front room and wait for them.” Caitlin and Anne walked out into the larger room, where Tenaka and Armand were. Tenaka looked up at them both.
“So, you have successfully turned the Guardian of Light?”
“Yes, I have.” Anne answered. Tenaka noted the teeth marks on Caitlin’s neck.
You do realize that the spell will only hold as long as the teeth marks are visible.
I do. Anne replied. That’s why I plan on destroying the other Guardians and getting this one killed. Therefore I won’t have to waste anymore energy on putting her under a spell time and time again.
You do hit below the belt, don’t you? Tenaka asked with a smirk.
I learned it from my sire. Anne replied as a dark glint passed through her eyes. Anne’s eyes flickered to the door. “They’re here.”
Allow me to greet them. Then you and your Pet may make a grand entrance together. Tenaka suggested. Anne smirked darkly.
Sounds good to me. Anne looked at Caitlin. “Tenaka’s going to greet the Guardians. We get to make a grand entrance.”
“And then blood will flow?” Anne nodded. Caitlin laughed wickedly. “Excellent.”
Outside, the Guardians landed. Liesl stepped forward and prepared to break the door down. Heather took Mark aside.
“Mark, I want you to stay where it’s safe.” Heather pleaded. “Stay back. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Mark looked at her.
“Don’t worry about me. Just do what you guys have to do. And if necessary, I’ll do what I have to do.” Heather gave him a small smile. Then, Tenaka appeared in front of them. The four Guardians all prepared themselves for battle. Mark hid himself from the line of fire and waited for the perfect moment.
“Where are Anne and Caitlin?!” Heather demanded. Tenaka crossed her arms.
“They’re here, but they’re both mine. You’ll have to go through me to get to them. And believe me,” Tenaka’s dark eyes glinted with dark glee. “Going against a vampire at night is suicide.”
“Oh yeah? Well we ain’t human, bitch and I’ve got the power of fire to burn you with!!” Anna exclaimed. Tenaka laughed as the pathetic humans attempted to stand up to her.
“You humans make for a good treat. However, there’s someone here who’s just dying to play with you.” Tenaka disappeared, her wicked laugh echoing through the bitter night. A cold wind ripped across the graveyard, sending a chill up the spines of the Guardians.
Then, a figure appeared, cloaked in black. A snicker rippled along the bitter night air. Another, deeper shiver ran through the Guardians.
“The little Guardians have come to meet their doom. How sweet.” One black demonic wing pulled away and half-revealed the figure within. It was Anne, wearing a dark smile on her face.
“Where’s Caitlin?!” Liesl demanded. Anne’s smirked widened and another snicker could be heard.
“She’s right where she belongs.” The other wing began to pull away. “She’s mine.” The wing snapped away from Caitlin’s human form. Caitlin’s arms were around Anne’s waist and her head was on Anne’s chest, eyes closed. Anne unlocked her arms from around Caitlin. Caitlin’s eyes shot open and her head swiveled around towards the Guardians. Caitlin smirked evilly. Caitlin’s feathered wings sprouted from her back and her robe appeared. The Guardians gasped, for Caitlin’s wings and robe where as black as Anne’s. “The balance of Light and Darkness have switched sides. The two most powerful Guardians have allied against the remaining four.”
“In truth, we need only kill two, for the other two will follow their balance soon after on their own.” Caitlin said. Anne wrapped an arm around Caitlin’s shoulders and pulled her back against her. Anne brushed her lips against Caitlin’s ear.
“I shall take the Guardians of Earth and Air. You can take Water and Fire.” Caitlin smiled, her eyes flickering towards Anna and Abby. Anne planted a kiss to Caitlin’s cheek before backing up and taking to the air.
Anne then shot out at Heather and Liesl. Anne held her arms out, catching both Heather and Liesl by their necks as she flew past them with her vampiric speed in high gear. Anne smashed them both back first into the wall of another crypt some 50 yards from Tenaka’s crypt. Anne laughed and pulled back, still holding onto them. Both Heather and Liesl flinched in pain.
Anne’s wicked laughter rang out as she tossed Heather back into and threw the crypt wall. Liesl tried to cry out to Heather, but nothing more than a gag escaped her throat. Anne gripped her throat tighter and threw Liesl up in to the air. Anne shot up above Liesl and came down with blinding speed to meet Liesl at a height of 12 yards above the ground. Anne drove her elbow in to Liesl’s stomach, sending Liesl rocketing back first in to the earth.
Anne hung there in the air, laughing wickedly as the dust started to settle, marking the spot where Liesl had impacted the earth. Heather was just getting to her feet, pushing debris from her body. She looked out of the massive whole in the wall and saw where Liesl was. Heather’s eyes narrowed in anger and she gritted her teeth.
“Even if you are my friend Anne, you will not get away with what you’re doing.” Heather grunted, starting to climb her way out of the crypt. Anne levitated to the ground and stood there, waiting for either Heather or Liesl to rejoin her.
In the darkness, hidden from view, Mark silently drew his sword. He was prepared to do what he had to do. He knew there was no saving the old Anne. Mark would have to kill his sister in order to save everyone.
Anne, I’m sorry, He thought as he suddenly charged Anne from behind. Anne heard his footsteps and turned just as the sword cut into her. Her eyes went wide. Mark looked at her, sadness in his eyes. “Anne, I’m sorry.” Anne placed her hands on his shoulders. She was cringing in pain. She pulled his head close to her mouth.
“If you’re trying to kill me,” She whispered. “Try aiming for my heart.” Anne shoved Mark back and the sword pulled out of her diaphram. Anne covered the wound with one hand. She glared at Mark. “Now, you won’t have another chance. Say GOODBYE!!!” Anne shouted and sent Mark flying into a tree with a blast of dark energy. He fell to the ground, unconscious.
“MARK!!!” Heather screamed. Anne turned back around just to get a punch to her face. Heather lashed out with fists and feet. She struck Anne repeatedly. “You bitch, how could you do that!!!!!” Heather screamed, with tears running down her face. She then spun around and kicked Anne in the chest. Anne landed on her back and skidded a few feet. Heather stood over her, fists clenched and tears rolling down her cheeks. “You may have been my friend, but I can still kill you.” Heather said.
“Go ahead and kill me.” Anne said. Heather outstretched her hands, ready to blast Anne. However, no matter how much Heather wanted to kill that vampire, she couldn’t bring herself to use her powers. Anne smirked. “Even after I hurt the one you love, you still can’t kill me because of all the fun times we have shared.” That’s when Heather was rocketed into a tree by a blast of energy from Caitlin. Anne stood up as the sword wound closed up. Blood trickled from each side of her mouth from the punches she received from Heather.
“Alright, now there’s three of you to deal with. Who wants to attack next?” Caitlin asked. Liesl glared at Caitlin.
“How could you attack someone when their back was to you?! Only a coward would attack someone from behind!!!!” Liesl cried.
“Humans are so weak. They let their emotions control them.” Anne said. Anna glared at her.
“Humans are not weak! You’re the one who’s weak! You stoop to turning one of your friends evil and now you’ve hurt both your brother and your best friend!! I won’t allow you to live any longer!!!” Anna screamed and sent a wave of fire at Anne.
“Weak am I?” Anne asked as she managed to deflect Anna’s attack. She glared directly at Anna. “Well then, come and get me and find out what a true vampire can do.” Anna leapt into battle with Anne as Liesl leapt into battle with Caitlin. Abby ran over to check on Mark and Heather.
“Now, what are you doing?” A voice asked Abby. Abby looked over her shoulder at the boy that stood there. It was Armand. Abby stood up and turned around, prepared to defend her friends. “Protecting them? Guardian of Water, stand aside. This is a battle you cannot win.”
“I will not stand aside. You’ll have to go through my dead body to get to them.” Armand smiled wickedly.
“That can be arranged.”

Caitlin flew into the side of the crypt, hitting it back first. She managed to not injure a wing. She stood up, glaring at Liesl. Caitlin flexed her wings to make sure they weren’t broken.
“That wasn’t nice. I could’ve broken a wing.” Liesl glared right back at her.
“I guess I didn’t hit you hard enough. This time I’ll kill you!!!” Liesl unleashed a blast of wind. Caitlin leapt into the air, spreading her wings wide. She sent a blast of light flying towards Liesl. “SHIT!!” Liesl screamed just as the light hit the ground and exploded. Liesl went flying through the air. Caitlin laughed wickedly as Liesl flew through one tree and hit another and tumbled to the ground. Liesl lay there on her stomach, unmoving.

“BURN BITCH!!!!!” Anna screamed as she unleashed a blast of fire. Anne did a back flip over the blast and came down behind Anna. Anna spun only to get blasted by dark energy. Anna skidded a few feet, then glared harshly at Anne. Anne smirked.
“Come on, Fire Girl, come and get me.? Anne taunted.
“Be careful what you wish for.? Anna muttered and unleashed blast after blast of fire. Anne dodged them all except for one. She lost her footing and the beam flew towards her. She wrapped her wings around her and they formed a solid shield around her (my wings do what Meier Link’s cape does in Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust does). The fire bounced off of the solid surface, leaving the vampire within unharmed by the fire.
That was a little too close. Anne said, still keeping her shield up. Now, to lure her into a trap. Anne slowly opened her wings. She fell forward onto her stomach. Caitlin flew to her side.
“What’s wrong?” Caitlin asked.
“I used too much energy.” Anne whispered. Anne willed her wings and robe to be invisible to Anna (basically, Anna can see my ‘human’ self but everyone else can see my Guardian self). Be ready for me to surprise Anna. Go and engage her. I’ll take her from behind. Caitlin glared up at Anna and stood up between Anne and Anna.
“Alright, Pyro, now you’re fighting me. I’ll take you down!!” A blazing aura formed around Caitlin. Tendrils of light began to float around her.
“Wanna bet?!” Anna cried and charged Caitlin. Anne smirked and disappeared. She reappeared behind Anna and sent a bolt of black energy at her back.
“ANNA!!!” Heather screamed. The bolt of energy rocketed through Anna’s back and shot out of her chest. Anna fell to the ground, barely alive. Anne and Caitlin stood over her, laughing and smirking. Anne bent down and grabbed Anna’s by her hair, forcing her to look at Anne.
“Who’s the one who’s weak now?” Anne asked quietly. Blood fell from the corner of Anna’s mouth.

Abby was thrown into a tree. She slid to her knees. She was bleeding from both corners of her mouth and numerous cuts, gashes and scrapes all over her body. Armand stood over her, his eyes turning deep red.
“Now, I’ll kill you slowly.” Armand bent down to bite Abby, but tendrils of dark energy wrapped around him, pulling him 10 feet into the air and pulling him closer to Anne.
“Bad boy, the Guardians are for me and Caitlin only.” One black tendril was wrapped around his neck, another his chest, others his arms and legs. “You will be punished for this.” The tendrils holding each of his legs began to pull. Armand cried out as his legs were being pulled to the point of ripping from his body. More tendrils of black energy floated around Anne.
One tendril shot through Armand’s left thigh, causing a scream of pain. Another shot through his right shin, shattering the bone. Blood fell from his wounds. Screams of pain echoed through the night. Tenaka came rushing out to see what was happening.
“ANNE!!! STOP!!!!” A tendril ripped through Armand’s stomach. His arms were then being pulled on. Tendrils ripped through forearms and upper arms. Tendrils went through his shoulders. Tenaka charged at Anne, but was stopped by Caitlin’s barrier.
“Now, the torturer is the tortured. How does it feel Armand?” Anne asked. She was half trying to kill him and half getting revenge for what he did to Lantis. He cried out in pain as blood began to stain the ground beneath him. Anne grinned darkly. “Now, return to Hell!!!!” Anne screamed as two tendrils flew through Armand’s heart. He cried out for a few seconds before his body fell limp and shriveled up a little. Anne tossed his body to Tenaka. “Now, I’ve gotten my revenge.”
“Well I haven’t, so this fight isn’t over yet!!” Heather cried. Anne looked at her and saw Heather finally managed to get to her feet.
“Can I have some fun with her?” Caitlin asked, an arm on Anne’s shoulder. Anne’s eyes flickered over to Abby, who was also on her feet, but in no better shape than Heather. Anne smirked.
“No, you take the Guardian of Water. I wanna hurt the Guardian of Earth some more.” Anne licked her lips as she gazed greedily at Heather. “It’s fun to hurt her.” Caitlin grinned as she gazed at Abby. Anne’s wings flexed behind her. “Go on, do what ever you wish. We’ve only got two left. Take your time.” Anne whispered into Caitlin’s ear with a devilish grin. Caitlin walked over to face off with Abby. Anne looked at Heather.
“So, you like hurting me? I’ll show you what a real Guardian can do!!” Heather cried. Anne crossed her arms and sighed.
“It’s dangerous when I’m bored and really, this fight has been a push over. You are barely at half strength and barely standing. I doubt you could kill me the way you are now.”
“Don’t get over-confident or else I will kill you.” Heather said.
Sunrise was just a few minutes over two hours away. Anne was beginning to lose some strength because of the coming sunrise. However, it was getting cloudy and kept Anne from losing any more strength. Anne spared a glance up at the sky to see thick, dark clouds coming from the west.
At this rate, I won’t lose much more to the damned sunrise. All the more to completely obliterate the Guardian of Earth.
“TAKE THIS!!!!” Heather screamed and the earth began to split. Anne leapt up into the air, which was what Heather wanted. Heather thrust her arms upward, causing tendrils of earth up at Anne. Anne spun around and had a split second before the tendrils smacked into her. One tendril smacked her across her chest, sending her rocketing back down into the ground. Anne made a hole four feet deep in the ground and a trench 10 feet long when she had finally come to a stop. Clouds of dust rose up from the trench. Heather stood there, thinking she had gotten Anne. She conveniently forgot Anne was a vampire.

“Caitlin, please, come back to us. This isn’t you! You’re under some type of spell.” Abby said. Caitlin looked at her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s fun on this side. I’m sorry, but now you’ll have to join the other Guardians.” Caitlin was about to attack Abby when she was rocketed aside by a blast of fire. Caitlin looked up at Anna, who was standing and wasn’t dead. “You’re supposed to be dead!!” Caitlin cried. Rhodry appeared at Anna’s side.
“No one dies while I’m around.” Rhodry said. Liesl leapt back into the battlefield. She was at Heather’s side. Rhodry went over to help Mark, who was just coming around. Anna and Abby stood over Caitlin, ready to contain her, even kill her, if the need rose.

Inside the crypt, Lantis felt the need to go to Anne. He knew he had to try and save her. Lantis? Wounds from his torture had fully healed and disappeared. However, his clothing was ripped and torn from where he had received wounds. Lantis rattled his chains as he tested their strength. Indeed they were strong, made specially for holding vampires, but Lantis could break them with effort.
Anne, try and hold on a little longer. I’ll be there to save you very soon. Lantis thought as he clenched his teeth and put all his strength into breaking the chains that held him bound. Don’t do anything rash before I get there! Lantis cried in his mind. Lantis used a mental image of Anne’s smiling, peaceful, happy face to break his chains. He grunted slightly as the chains shattered and fell to the stone floor. Lantis stood and went to help Anne.
Lantis was determined to see that smiling, happy face again. Lantis would do anything if it meant seeing Anne smile again. Even if it meant his death.

“Nice job Heather.” Liesl said, patting her on the back. “You killed the bitch vampire.” Heather blinked a couple times.
“Oh yeah, Anne’s a vampire. I forgot about that.” Liesl looked at her.
“You mean to tell me you didn’t stab her through the heart?” Heather shook her head. “YOU IDIOT!!” Liesl cried. Just then, Anne leapt out of the trench. Dust covered her as did blood and gashes. Her robe was ripped and it appeared that at least one of her wings was broken twice. The other was broken at least once. Anne stood there, glaring harshly at Heather.
“Well, isn’t this a sudden turn of events.” Anne said. Tenaka was still watching, waiting for the time to attack. “Oh well, I’ll end it now. Everything will end here and now!!!!” Anne cried. Both her wings suddenly were healed. Everyone jumped as the bones went back into place. Anne’s wings flared behind her. Dark energy began to swirl around her. Her hair and robe began to float around her. Her eyes turned black as the strength of the energy around her grew. Her back was to Tenaka.
Lantis had broken free of his cell. He now appeared on the battlefield. He spotted Anne and knew he had to stop her from killing her friends. Lantis started to run towards her. Tenaka eyed him and jealousy instantly took control.
My Love may be carrying your child, but I cannot allow you to distract her feelings for me. Sayonara, son of Damar. Tenaka fired an energy bolt. Lantis’ hand clamped onto Anne’s arm just before the energy bolt ripped through his heart. Anne whirled around and came face-to-face with Lantis. Anne’s dark eyes went wide and returned too normal.
“Anne...” Lantis gagged and fell onto Anne. Anne collapsed to the ground, unable to support Lantis’ weight. Anne held him tightly in her arms. Lantis’ head rested on Anne’s chest and he lifted a hand to her cheek and held it there. “I’m sorry I caused you so much pain.”
“You didn’t cause me any pain.” Tears gathered in Anne’s eyes. Anne’s eyes grew more emotional. “Lantis, there’s something I must tell you.” Lantis lifted his eyes and looked at Anne. “I’m carrying your child.” Anne said quietly so that none of the Guardians could hear. A faint smile graced Lantis’ face. A faint smile graced Anne’s face. Lantis smiled, too. He was happy that one last time; he was seeing that smile, even though it was faint.
“My.... Child.” He whispered. “I will come back.... To protect.... You both.....” Lantis’ voice faded. His hand tumbled from Anne’s cheek and landed on the ground. His head fell limp against Anne’s chest, his eyes closed. Anne’s eyes went wide and a look of utter fright and despair came over her face.
“Lantis?” She asked. There was no response and her tears overflowed. “LANTIS!!!!!!” Anne screamed. Anne buried her face in Lantis’ chest and sobbed out her pain.
All the Guardians could do was stand there and stare. Heather and Liesl had no idea what to do. They glanced at each other, wondering. Never before had any of their friends lost a significant other and there was no telling what Anne would do next.
Tenaka stood there, eyeing Anne. Tenaka knew that Anne would lash out, but it was a question of when Anne would get up and a question of how much rage would fuel Anne into fighting her Sire that she loved. Tenaka knew there would be a fight between Sire and Childer, but Tenaka didn’t think Anne would have the heart -or nerve- to kill her.
Anne clung tightly to Lantis’ limp body. Tears streaked her face as she slowly lifted it from his chest. Tenaka froze and just gazed at Anne, wondering what would happen next.
Anne’s eyes flashed back and forth from brown to red and her fangs were growing. However, Anne was trying to resist this transformation. Her Guardian robe melted back into her normal clothes and her wings slid back into her back.
Anne let go of Lantis and stood up. Anne focused her death gaze on Tenaka. Anne’s eyes still flashed as she fought against her Nature.
“Anne, watch out!!” Liesl cried, thinking Tenaka was playing a trick. Anne’s eyes flashed and stayed at red, her fangs were fully sprouted: The human within had lost the most crucial battle. Anne let out an inhuman roar and flew with blinding speed at Tenaka. The Guardians could only see blurs because of the vampiric speed, but Anne and Tenaka could see each other clearly.
The Sire and Childer locked in a deadly battle of speed. Tenaka only had her love, or lust, on her side. Anne had rage, anger and pain on hers. Not even mentioning her Guardian powers. Anne threw punch after punch, but Tenaka dodged each of them. Tenaka threw a punch that connected with Anne’s jaw. Anne skidded back and momentarily was in complete focus of her friends. However, Anne just as quickly jumped back into the Duel of Vampires.
“You think you can really beat me, my Love? I am your Sire and I know your every move as if it were mine.” Tenaka kept dodging Anne’s attacks.
“We’ll see about that.” Anne’s voice replied as she leapt forward. Anne’s fist connected with Tenaka’s jaw. Tenaka lashed out with a clawed hand. Five bright red gashes appeared across Anne’s chest. Tenaka tossed Anne back with a mental blast. Anne landed, rolled and flipped back to her feet. Her friends gasped as they saw the gashes.
“She’s going to be killed! We have to help her!!” Heather cried.
“No, we’d be useless. This is a duel between vampires. Only they can settle it.” Caitlin said, even though she secretly wished to help as well. Caitlin wished that Anne would get through this alive. Tenaka was much older than Anne as a vampire, but Anne seemed to be more driven and more powerful than Tenaka.
Tenaka flew at Anne. Anne dodged slightly and jammed an elbow into Tenaka’s stomach. Anne tossed Tenaka back with a kick to her chest. Anne stood there, catching her breath for a minute. Her eyes were red and her fangs drawn. Anne’s face had rage and anger written all over it, yet tears still flowed down her cheeks. Tenaka stood there, smiling at Anne.
“What are you going to do, Childer? Whatever it is, I already know it. You will not win this fight.” An image of Lantis appeared in Anne’s mind and his voice echoed in her ears. Anne let out another roar and flew at Tenaka, clenching a fist tightly.
Tenaka’s eyes went wide for Anne moved at least 10 times quicker than she was moving before. Tenaka managed to dodge Anne’s fist. Tenaka drove her own fist into Anne’s stomach. Tenaka threw Anne back a few feet. Anne coughed a couple times, glaring at Tenaka with red eyes and sprouted fangs. Tenaka grinned.
“You can’t bring yourself to kill me because I am your Sire.” Tenaka paused a moment and her smile grew deeper. “And I am much more than just a Sire to you.”
“Shut up!!!!” Anne screamed flying at Tenaka. The gashes on Anne’s chest were just closing up. Tenaka and Anne exchanged a few punches to each other. The Guardians could only watch as Sire and Childer fought against one another, although Anne and Tenaka were only blurs to the human eye.
Caitlin’s heart seemed to know what Anne felt like, fighting her Sire. After all of Caitlin’s reading on vampires, she knew that Sire and Childer had a special bond that was unlike any other bond known to the physical world. Caitlin also knew that this Sire and Childer loved each other more than words could express and it just wasn’t right to see them fighting like this. Caitlin clenched a fist.
“Stop fighting.” Caitlin whispered, watching as Anne slugged Tenaka good across her face. Tenaka returned the favor. “Stop!” Her voice grew louder, but still could not reach the two lovers.
“Why are you asking them to stop? Let them fight it out to the end!” Liesl exclaimed. Caitlin looked at her, her bluish eyes full of sorrow.
“Because it isn’t right to see them fighting. Sire and Childer should not fight like this. It just isn’t right.” Tenaka slammed Anne hard in her face, sending Anne reeling into the ground. Anne lay there, looking up at Tenaka.
“You can never defeat me. I know your weaknesses all too well.” Tenaka cooed to Anne. Tears were still flowing down Anne’s cheeks. Anne clenched her teeth tightly. A mental picture of Lantis flashed before her mind’s eye. He was smiling that gentle smile. It was a smile Anne would never see again, thanks to Tenaka. Anne clenched a fist and let out a roar. Anne shot to her feet, driving her fist first. Anne’s fist punched through Tenaka’s heart. Tenaka’s black eyes went wide.
Caitlin’s eyes went wide and she went pale. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. Childer had beaten the Sire. Heather and Liesl just stared at Anne and Tenaka. Abby and Anna were silent as the battle came to an abrupt halt.
Anne took a few deep breaths and her eyes went wide. They turned back to brown and her fangs retracted. Tenaka’s black eyes gazed deeply and sadly into Anne’s.
“Oh, my Pet. How could I not have seen this coming?” Tenaka whispered. Anne pulled her arm out of Tenaka. Tenaka wrapped her arms tightly around Anne.
“Tenaka, I’m sorry.” Anne whispered.
“You don’t need to be sorry for me.” Tenaka’s eyes grew sadder as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. “No matter where you go or what you do, I’ll be with you. And more than that...... I will always love you.” Tears renewed in Anne’s eyes and she wrapped her arms tightly around Tenaka. One of Tenaka’s tears fell on Anne’s neck and slid down it, leaving a trail of sorrow and love behind it.
“I love you. Please, don’t leave me here alone. I love you.” Anne begged. A faint smile graced Tenaka’s pale face. Tenaka brushed a faint kiss to Anne’s lips. Tenaka fell limp against Anne and Anne’s tears doubled. Anne slumped to her knees, clinging to Tenaka. A part of Anne died along with her Sire. The part of Anne that died was her human self and the vast majority of feelings. Anne could only sit there and weep. Anne wept for both Lantis and Tenaka.
After a couple minutes, Anne forced herself to let go of Tenaka. Anne stood up, gazing down at Tenaka’s seemingly peaceful - and smiling - face. Anne looked over at Lantis for a few moments before Heather and Liesl were at her side.
“Let’s go home. It’s been a long night. We all need some rest.” Heather said gently. Anne looked at Heather, then back at Liesl, showing no emotion. Everyone turned and headed back to Anne and Mark’s house.
Anne walked at the back of the group. She gazed down at the ground beneath her feet. The sun would rise within the hour and Anne needed to find shelter. As everyone entered the house, Anne remained outside. Anne made herself invisible to everyone and headed back to the cemetery. Anne returned to Lantis? side, where she bent down and took his necklace that protected him from sunlight. Anne put it around her own neck. Anne placed a gentle kiss to Lantis’ lips.
Anne went over to Tenaka’s side. Anne bent down and set her hand against Tenaka’s cheek. Anne bent over farther and kissed Tenaka.
I’m sorry. I did only what I had to do. I didn’t want you to die. Not like that. Anne then stood up and left her hometown, vowing never to return and to never assume her Guardian form again.
And so, the Guardian of Darkness walked into a new life. As was her fate, the Guardian of Darkness would walk the lonely path of shadow and night forever. Hated by the Light and untrusted by all, Anne left behind the human girl she had once been. Anne now barely had any emotions, other than sorrow and despair. And so, the Lost Soul walked the path of Eternal Night, never to again be graced with the Light of Above.

Somewhere, a voice called to Anne. It would be a voice that would haunt Anne’s memory until the day she died.
I will always love you.

The End

I hope you enjoyed the new ‘revamped’ version of Twilight of the Dark Master. I am also revamping Winding Paths and I may do a bit of revamping of The Lost Soul. I only hope this new version of Twilight didn’t disturb too many minds.