Chapter 5 Lost in Dreamland

1

The streets were dull and empty. Every so often a few flashing headlights passed by, and kicked water up over the curb. The air was moist and a fog was forming. The lightening lit up the sky and a boom of thunder followed. Papers and garbage were tossed up in the wind, a storm was coming. The trees swayed in the rough winds, as cats and dogs alike sought shelter. Fang kicked a can as he walked through the rain. He looked up, his hands in his jean pockets. Looking down again he began to play with the can. As he walked, he heard someone running. He looked up from the sidewalk, when he banged into someone. The person dropped all the stuff they had been carrying. 2

“Watch where your going, damn it!” shouted Fang. 3

The person looked down at him. 4

“Some mouth,” laughed the woman. 5

“You bet your ass,” he said, smiling proudly. 6

“What are you doing in the rain by your self, what are you six?” the woman asked amused. 7

“I was walking, until you came, and it just started raining. But I’m not six, I’m eight!” he shouted irritably. 8

“We’ll you shouldn’t be walking in the rain, what would your mother say?” asked the woman, gathering her things.9

“My parents wouldn’t care,” Fang snickered, looking back. 10

The woman looked at him, and smiled fondly. 11

“You wanna come with me?” asked the woman, grabbing the last of her things. Fang turned around and looked at her, his facial expression softening. 12

“Um…” he stared. 13

“Good,” answered the woman picking him up. 14

She scooped him up, and had him hang room her back. 15

The two walked through the damp and eerie streets. Birds chirping to each other as they soared through the sky, looking for a place to sleep for the night. 16

“So, what’s your name?” she asked. 17

“Fang Thead,” he answered, yawning. 18

“What an exotic name,” the woman smiled, looking back at him. 19

“What’s your name?” he asked, rubbing his eyes with one hand. 20

“My name is Karin,” smiled the woman. 21

Karin walked up the stairs, and reached at the door, quietly opening it. 22

“I hope she’s not still up,” sighed Karin, gently placing down her keys. 23

She tiptoed past the living room and walked into the kitchen. Karin switched on the lights, put down her bags, and carefully bent down so Fang could get off. 24

“You ok?” she asked, watching him rub his eyes. 25

“Yeah,” he lied, yawning. 26

Karin smiled at him. 27

“You want something to eat?” she asked, putting her groceries in the fridge. “Sure!” answered Fang, looking up at her. 28

Karin started to fumble around the bags, searching for something to eat. 29

“Um… how about…pocky?” she asked. 30

Fang looked up at her, an eyebrow raised. 31

“It is a Japanese snack, my daughter loves it, and its kinda addicting,” smiled Karin, pulling out the box. 32

Fang shrugged and grabbed a stick. 33

He watched as Karin stuck it in her mouth, putting the rest of the box away. 34

Fang looked down at the stick, then back at Karin. 35

He then put in his mouth, smiling from the chocolate flavor. 36

Karin smiled as she watched Fang look around the living room. 37

“Who is that?” Fang asked, turning around again. 38

“Oh, that’s my daughter,” answered Karin. 39

“She’s pretty,” said Fang, walking closer to the girl lying on the couch. 40

“I’m sure she would be happy to hear that,” smiled Karin. 41

Fang looked at the girl and smiled. 42

Karin saw him smile, and she let out a chuckle. 43

“Where do you live?” asked Karin, taking a seat in the living room. 44

Fang looked at her, “I live… in a house,” he answered. 45

“I’d hope that,” laughed Karin. 46

Fang smiled, as he watched her laugh. 47

“But really, where do you live?” she questioned Fang, as he continued to look over the sleeping girl. 48

“Well, I live in the house on Willow street,” he answered, looking up at Karin as he spoke. 49

“Which one is that?” she asked, curiously. 50

“I live in the black house…” he trailed off. 51

“Oh my, is that the mansion?” she asked, tucking her feet underneath her on the couch. 52

“Yeah…” said Fang, looking at the girl again. 53

“Take a seat!” laughed Karin watching Fang looking at the couch. 54

Fang looked at her, nodded, and took a seat at the end of the couch the little girl fell asleep on. Fang looked at Karin again. 55

“Now, isn’t that house abandoned?” asked Karin. 56

“Yes…” Fang answered. He started to look around again. 57

Karin seemed a little surprised at first, but then a smile drew upon her face. 58

“So do you live by yourself?” questioned Karin. 59

“Um… no not really,” answered Fang, playing with his fingers. 60

Karin cocked her head. 61

“What do you mean not really?” her voice amused. 62

“Well… I mean my brother brings friends, so I’m not by myself,” Fang answered, looking down. 63

“You don’t seem to enthused by that,” Karin sighed. 64

“Yeah, not really,” Fang yawned. 65

The clock struck, eleven. 66

“You tired?” smiled Karin. 67

Fang looked at her and nodded. 68

“You wanna sleep here?” she asked concerned. 69

Fang’s gaze quickly looked up at her. 70

“Are you being serious?” he asked, a hint of happiness in his voice. 71

“Sure, well I mean only if you really want to” smiled Karin, her eyes twinkling as she spoke. She got up, walked into another room and came back out with pillows and a blanket. 72

Fang just watched Karin as made a bed on the couch for him. She turned around and looked at him. He looked at her in shock. 73

“Wanna go to sleep now?” Karin asked. 74

Fang nodded, and started to run towards the bed. He stopped and looked up at Karin. She smiled down at him and gave Fang a hug. Fang’s serious face faded into a childish smile. Karin gave him a kiss on the head, and tucked him in. She sang a lullaby, and Fang slowly closed his eyes, falling asleep. Karin smiled, turning off the lights, and slipping away into the other room. 75

The sun rose the next morning, hitting Fang’s face and waking him up. He slowly opened his eyes. Sitting up, he looked around the room. Fang cocked his head when he didn’t see the little girl on the couch. 76

“Hm,” mumbled Fang. He slowly got up from the warm blanket, and walked over to the other couch. Then, he heard something rustling around in the kitchen. Slowly, he made his way to the kitchen, but was surprised to see the little girl, trying to reach into one of the cabinets. 77

“Ah!” she said, as she stood on her tiptoes. 78

Fang watched as she tried and tried to grab a box. 79

Fang smiled and then started to laugh. The little girl turned around and looked at him. 80

“Who are you,” she said, in almost a whisper. 81

“My name’s is Fang.” 82

“Oh, hi!” smiled the girl happily. 83

Fang walked over to the girl and the counter. 84

“Need help?” he asked, trying not to laugh. 85

The girl looked up at him and nodded, smiling. Fang walked over to the counter, standing next to the little girl. She wasn’t so little, she looked to be about Fang’s age, just way shorter. Fang’s height of 4’ 6” was uncommon for his age. He reached up and grabbed the box off the shelf. He looked at the box and gave out a laugh, the box was Count Chocula. 86

“What?” asked the girl, taking the box from Fang. 87

“Do you like vampires?” she asked. 88

Fang looked at her and smiled, “Yeah, just a little bit,” he laughed. 89

“That’s so cool!” smiled the girl, “I wanna be a vampire when I get older, but all the kids at school laugh at me.” 90

Fang looked at her, “Well, you never know what you’ll be when you get older.” The girl looked at him and smiled. Fang looked at her holding the cereal box. 91

“I’ll grab some bowls,” she said, smiling happily. 92

“Cool!” said Fang, watching the girl put the box on the kitchen island. 93

She grabbed two bowls and Fang grabbed two spoons he found from the kitchen draw. 94

The two took a seat, and started to pour the cereal. 95

“Oh, milk,” said Fang. He got up and walked over to the fridge, grabbing the new carton of milk. He sat down and helped the girl to make breakfast. 96

“Mm,” she said, taking a bite of her Count Chocula. 97

“I’m guessing you like chocolate?” asked Fang, taking a bite. 98

The girl looked up at him and nodded. They sat in silence, munching away.99

“Your name is really cool, Fang,” smiled the girl. 100

“Thanks!” said Fang, looking up at her in surprise. 101

“Oh, what’s your name, you never told me,” said Fang, looking at the girl, his face curious. 102

“Oh,” laughed the girl, “My name is Liana,” she smiled proudly. “Liana Ricar!” she said. 103

Fang smiled. “That’s a pretty name,” he said sincerely. 104

“Thanks!” said Liana, a big grin on her face. 105

The two continued to eat there breakfast, when Karin walked in. 106

“Aw! Look at you two!” laughed Karin, hugging the two from behind. 107

Fang was shocked at first, but a smile drew on his face. 108

“So happy you two met now,” said Karin. “Oh! You have to go to school Lia,” said Karin, looking down at her daughter. 109

“Ok, mommy,” she said, hurrying to grab her books. 110

Fang watched as Liana left the room, then looked up at Karin, “She’s going to school?” he asked, his voice guarded. 111

“Yeah, but not for to long,” she smiled. “If you want you can come back later to pick her up, I have to run an errand at the time she comes out, so would you wanna get her for me?” asked Karin. 112

Fang looked up at her, “Sure,” he answered. “I guess I can repay you some how,” he shrugged. 113

“Great, I’ll leave the door open for you, so you can come and go as you please,” smiled Karin, putting Liana’s and Fang’s bowls in the sink. “I’m guessing you might wanna go home,” said Karin, starting to wash the dishes. 114

Liana came running out in a cute little uniform. She had on a little maroon skirt and a white blouse with a bow tie. She smiled up at Fang, as her dirty blonde hair fell in front of her eyes. Fang stared at her, in amazement, smiling. Karin looked at him let out a small laugh. 115

“I’m ready mommy,” said Liana, slinging her back pack over her shoulder. 116

“Ok, well Fang’s gonna stay here sweetie, but he’ll meet you after school to pick you up ok?” asked Karin. 117

“Ok, mommy!” said Liana cheerfully. 118

“Ok, well you got everything?” asked Karin, opening the door. 119

“Yup!” smiled Liana. 120

“Ok, then we’ll be back later,” smiled Karin. “Bye,” she said, walking over to Fang and giving him a kiss on his forehead. Fang’s face turned pink, and Karin walked out the door. 121

Liana looked at Fang, waved, and followed her mother. Fang watched as the door closed, and clicked shut. His face still pink, he got up and started to look around. He looked at the shelves and saw unicorn, and dragon statues. 122

“Cool,” Fang mumbled to himself. 123

He stopped when he came to a picture. 124

Fang looked at it closely to see it was of Liana, Karin, and a man. “125

Is that Karin’s husband?” he asked himself. 126

The three of them looked gleeful, and the man had Liana on his shoulders. 127

“They look really happy,” said Fang, smiling. He continued to look around, but soon stopped when the clock struck eight o’ clock. 128

“I should go home and get some stuff,” said Fang. He looked out the window, then quickly slipped out the door, starting to walk home. The sun was shining, and the ground had already been dried by the morning light. As he walked home, he heard noises coming from his house. “Great, they’re over,” sighed Fang, kicking a rock. He watched as it rolled and rolled, stopping in front of a big black gate. Fang stopped at the gate, and pushed the door open. It creaked from both age and rust, giving an eerie effect to Fang’s entrance. He slowly walked up the path, leading to the house. Dead oak trees lined each side, blocking the sun’s entrance. The ground was moist and mold covered, giving off a horrible odor. Fang’s head was down as he continued up the rocky path. Reaching the door, he could hear many voices shouting at each other. “Fantastic,” Fang mumbled under his breath. He pushed the door open, and walked in. Luckily no one was in the room. “They must be in the parlor,” sighed Fang. relieved. He continued to walk in, quietly making his way up the staircase. 129

“Fang?” a voice called. 130

Fang’s eyes opened wide, and he froze dead in his spot. 131

“Fang, is that you?” called the voice. 132

Fang took a gulp, and did not answer. 133

“Oh Fang, come here,” said the voice. 134

Fang stood, still frozen, he listened to the snickers of his brother’s friends. “ Y-yes,” said Fang, making his way back down the marble stairs. He walked towards the voices, only to see his brother and friends. 135

“Hello,” laughed the group of guys. 136

Fang looked at them, both afraid and angry. 137

“So, how are you?” asked his brother a smirk on his face. 138

Fang looked over to him, “Fine.” Fang looked at his brother’s friends as they made faces. 139

“Hey Octavian, your little brother doesn’t seem to be in a happy mood,” roared one of the guys laughing. 140

Fang quickly looked at the boy, then back at his brother. 141

“He’s right you know,” agreed Octavian. 142

Fang’s eyes got wide, as two of Octavian’s friends got up. 143

“So, where were you?” asked his brother. 144

“I-I was… no where,” answered Fang, bracing himself. His heart was thudding in his chest.145

Octavian’s expression faded, and two of his friends grabbed one of Fang’s arms. “Let go,” mumbled Fang, wiggling around. “Let go!” he shouted as they started to punch him. 146

Left and right Fang received blows to his stomach and chest. Fang tried to hold in from noises or tears, but the punches just kept coming. Octavian smiled as he watched his defenseless brother. His eyes were hunger filled, like a lion watching a gazelle. 147

“Now are you gonna tell me where you were?” asked Octavian, raising his hand, and signaling for the others to stop. Fang could barely hold himself up, but he managed. Blood streamed down the side of his mouth, as Fang slowly lifted his head up to look at his horrible sibling. 148

“No where,” answered Fang, smiling, gasping for air. 149

Octavian’s smile faded again and his eyes stared Fang down. Fang looked up and gulped, eyeing the exit from the parlor. He gut-fully ran into the main room, and quickly headed up the stairs. Fang ran down the corridors, his hands stretched out for his room. He reached the door, quickly ran in, slammed it shut, and hoped it locked. He flung open his draws, tossing them on the floor and grabbed his backpack, which he never used, and started to fill it with clothes. He ran over to his shelves and grabbed books, cds, and other valuables. He flung himself over to his closet, and grabbed what money he had, and finally got on his knees over by his bed. He stretched his arm out under the bed, groping around. He continued feeling around, when finally he grabbed something. He pulled out a beautiful wooden box, with an engraving on it. Fang smiled, as he opened the box. Inside revealed a beautiful purple lace choker with an amethyst in the middle. As he stared at the chocker, there was banging on the door. Fang quickly looked up at the door, slammed the box shut and threw it into his bag. 150

“Let us in!” ordered the voices angrily. 151

“No!” Fang shouted back, slinging the bag over his shoulder. He looked out the window, and then at the tree scratching at the window. He took a deep breath as he flung the window open and quickly lunged onto a branch. He slowly descended down and joyously reached solid ground. Fang turned around, looked back at his house, then ran straight out the gate. 152

The door burst open, and a gang of guys flooded the room. 153

“He’s not here!” shouted one of the guys. 154

“Yeah,” said another. 155

Octavian walked into the room, a frown of defeat plastered on his unpleasant face. He looked to see the open window and the dust covered shades blowing. 156

“I’ll find him, and he’ll wish he didn’t go against me,” smiled Octavian, striding out of the room. 157

The others watched as Octavian walked out and they trailed behind him.158

Fang ran through the streets, ignoring all the people who were asking if he was alright. He ran past them all, wiping the blood from his mouth onto his jacket. He looked left and right, making sure his brothers or his goons weren’t close behind. Fang turned a corner and started to slow his pace, realizing he had beat them. He stopped and took deep breathes in and out, trying to calm his heart beat. From there Fang walked to Karin’s house, hoping to put his stuff there. He reached the door, turned the open knob and walked in. No one was home still, so Fang threw his bag on the floor. He sat and watched TV for hours, when the clock rung. He looked at it. The clock read two o’ clock. “I need to pick her up,” said Fang, jumping off the couch, and running out the door. He reached the school and saw a group of kids, picking on Liana. His face frowned as he walked over. The kids looked at him, petrified. 159

“Are you ok?” asked Fang in a pissed tone. 160

Liana looked at him, shaking her head. 161

Fang looked around at the other kids. 162

“Don’t you dare bother Liana!” he said, angrily. 163

They all nodded and ran off. Liana looked up at Fang, as he turned around watching the kids run off in different directions. Fang looked back at Liana and smiled. She smiled up at him and walked over to him, embracing him in a big hug. Fang smiled as he wrapped his arms around her. 164

“Come on,” said Fang, starting to walk off. 165

Liana hurried behind him. 166

“Are you ok?” asked Liana, seeing the blood stains all over. 167

“Yeah,” smiled Fang, “I just ran into some trouble.” 168

“Oh,” said Liana, looking down, her eyes ashamed. She started to trail behind, so she ran to keep up with Fang. When she caught up with him, she grabbed his hand in hers. Fang’s face went pink, as he looked back at her. Liana looked up at him, her life filled eyes staring into his.169

“Can we stop by the pond?” asked Liana, tugging on Fang’s arm. 170

Fang looked down at her for a second then nodded. 171

Liana giggled, as they started to walk towards the water. Liana let go of Fang’s hand, and ran ahead. She took a seat at the edge, and patted the spot next to her, signaling for Fang to sit down. The two sat at the waters edge for an hour or so. Fang and Liana watched as ducks passed by, and little ducklings followed their mom. 172

“Look how cute they are!” said Liana pointing at the ducks. 173

Fang smiled and watched the ducks. Liana looked up at Fang, she looked at how happy he seemed. A big smile drew on Liana’s face and she laid her head against Fang’s shoulder. Fang looked down at her, as she stared at the ducks, his face pink. He was embarrassed, but looked back ahead so she wouldn’t see the expression on his face. 174

Another hour past, and the sun was setting. 175

“We should start to get back,” said Fang, looking down at Liana.176

Her eyes were closed, her mouth slightly open, and her head still on his shoulder. Fang smiled as he slowly rose to his feet, holding her up and then carried her on his back. He walked slowly so he did not wake her up. Carefully he made it up to the door. It was open, but he heard voices arguing inside. Fang opened the door, slightly confused. He walked in to see nothing, but he could hear Karin fighting with someone. No one walked into the living room and he guessed they didn’t hear him come in. He gently placed Liana’s sleeping body on the couch, and cautiously walked over to Karin’s room, where he heard the conflict. There he saw Octavian and two of his goons. 177

“Where is he?” asked one of the guys. 178

“I don’t know, and if I did I wouldn’t tell the likes of you,” said Karin her tone smooth and unafraid. 179

“That’s no way to talk to a superior,” said Octavian, walking closer to Karin. “What are you like eleven?” asked Karin, looking straight in Octavian‘s dark, uncaring eyes. 180

He, like Fang was on the taller side, so Karin didn’t have to look down to see his face. Fang stared in from the crack of the open door. 181

“My age needn’t matter,” said Octavian, lifting Karin’s chin with a finger. 182

Karin stared at him, her blood chilling. Octavian grabbed Karin’s throat. 183

“Where is Fang!” shouted Octavian. With his other hand, Octavian grabbed Karin’s hair and started to toss her around like a rag doll. Fang could not just keep watching, but he also couldn’t just barge in. Fang moved closer to the door. trying to get a better look. 184

“I’m not telling,” said Karin, one eye closed, a smile on her face. 185

Octavian’s facial expression went berserk. He was angry now, and his eyes flashed red, changing color. 186

“Oh, you did it now,” whispered some of the guys. 187

Karin looked around at them, as Octavian’s eyes turned blood red. 188

“Say good bye,” Octavian whispered in her ear, his teeth now somewhat pointed. Karin watched him as he started to forcefully grab her throat. Karin started to choke, and the others around her just laughed. She managed to swing her feet, and kick Octavian, who fell to his knees and dropped Karin. Karin smiled as she got up, and wiped some blood from her mouth. The others stared in awe. She turned around and started walking towards the door, when Fang saw Octavian getting up. His red eyes wide open and glinting. The veins in his left arm started to run black, and his wrist down started to morph into a group of finger spikes. He raised his hand, ready to strike, like a cobra. Karin’s hand was on the doorknob when five black spikes came slicing straight through Karin’s torso. Fang started in terror as he watched the blood dripping from Octavian’s hand. Karin’s eyes were wide open, and a trickle of blood ran down the side of her mouth. Her hair almost covering her face, as her body slowly fell to the floor. Octavian smirked, and pulled his hands from Karin’s body. His hand slowly started to morph back into a hand with fingers, and the red from his eyes faded. 189

“That should teach her a lesson,” he said proudly. 190

The others laughed at their boss’s accomplishment. Fang’s eyes were watching horrified and then quickly ran from the door. He knew they were going to come out, so he had to hide both Liana and himself. He picked her up, being careful not to wake her, but even that did not matter at the moment. Crossing the rug floor, he found an empty closet and climbed in, bringing Liana with him. He shut the door, and sat with Liana on his lap. Listening as a door opened he went dead silent. Footsteps echoed on the kitchen floor, and shadows danced against the tile. 191

“So, you think we’ll find him?” asked one of the guys. 192

“He’ll have to come back now, especially since his new friend is gone,” said Octavian, no sympathy in his voice. 193

“Well didn’t that woman have a daughter?” asked another. 194

“She won’t remember a thing,” answered Octavian. 195

“And the dead body?” 196

“I’m not worried about that, mortals die or end up missing on a day to day basis,” snickered Octavian. 197

Fang heard someone open the door and he just about make out the muffled sound of cars passing by. The footsteps shuffled out the door, until all was left in dead silence. Fang waited another ten minutes, just to make sure the coast was clear. Slowly he opened the door and came out, leaving Liana inside. Fang looked around, then rushed to Karin’s room. He looked at her body, her eyes were now closed. 198

“Please be ok!” murmured Fang, getting on his knees. He knelt over Karin’s body, and held her head up. “Please, please be alright,” he begged, crying. He broke down. Karin’s eyes slowly opened and looked up at Fang smiling. Fang looked down at her, tears streaming down the sides of his face. 199

“You ok?” she asked, blood still dripping from her mouth. 200

Fang just stared at her. Is she confused? he asked himself. 201

Karin laughed as Fang just stared down at her. 202

“Don’t worry about me,” said Karin keeping her voice very calm. 203

Fang looked at her, “Don’t go!” he said, closing his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks. 204

“I’m not going anywhere,” smiled Karin, “but if I do, I have one thing I want you to do,” said Karin. 205

“Y-yes?” asked Fang, choking over tears. 206

“I want you to be brave, and don’t doubt your power, and please watch over my daughter. My little Liana may be able to take care of herself, but she needs someone there, please be the one there for her,” said Karin in a just audible whisper.207

Fang nodded watching as this woman slowly came to an end. The two just laid there in silence. 208

“One last thing,” started Karin in a muffled voice, “Know that I love you, and please tell Liana the same thing,” said Karin, her eyes slowly closing. 209

“No,” mumbled Fang. “Don’t go!” he shouted. “You can’t!” he cried, as Karin’s head turned to the side. “No!” pleaded Fang. He looked down at Karin’s lifeless body, and tears stream over his cheeks, falling onto his dark jeans. 210

The air in the room seemed thick, and it was as if the room smelt of death. Pools of blood spotted blue carpet floor, and the bed was torn to shreds. The lamp in the corner of the room, had a broken bulb, which was flickering on and off. As Fang cried on the body of his newly adopted mother, he could faintly hear footsteps creeping up behind him. Worried it was another goon, he turned around almost instantly. His eyes widened in horror to an innocent looking girl. There stood Liana. She looked at Fang, and than past him towards her mother’s lifeless body. Fang watched as a single tear streamed down her pink flushed cheek. 211

“Liana?” asked Fang, getting to his feet.212

Liana just stared in silence, then quickly turned on her heels, running for the door. Fang ran after her, stopping her before she turned the door knob. 213

“Don’t open the door, they’re out there,” whispered Fang, gently taking Liana’s hand from the door. 214

Liana turned around, and looked up at him. Tears streamed down her cheeks, as the image of her mother’s body flashed through her mind. 215

“Sh-she said she loves you, she wants you to know that,” said Fang, his eyes heavy. 216

Liana burst out crying and flung her arms around Fang. He looked down at the crying figure, tears streaming down his face as well. Fang sat on the floor, Liana on his lap, the two leaning up against the black leather couch. The clock struck nine as the two curled up together on the floor. 217

“Everything will be alright, i-it’ll be alright,” said Fang, stroking Liana’s hair. Liana and Fang drifted off to sleep together on the floor, their bodies huddled together for heat. The sky outside grew dim as rain started to pour. It battered against the rooftop of the quiet house. Lightening lit the room as the thunder played a sad soundtrack to the night. Fang woke up and saw the lightening. He slowly moved away from the Liana, and thought for a while. He walked over to his bag which was cleverly hidden out of sight and pulled out two boxes, and a knife. He grabbed the knife and pressed the button for it to open. He then slid over a box, opening it and revealing a shining piece of jewelry. It was a black small rose earring with inscriptions all over. Fang looked at the tiny inscriptions on the inside. He breathed in deeply, his hand shaking as he looked down. He took the knife to his hand and slowly slid it down while saying, “ Senti tame hakao ikoil en gisei tamea maro! Seibastu en naito doki ex naraku fueti jinsei kai tame ware!” He let out a whimper as he cut a deep wound into his hand. Blood trickled down to his fingertips and he clenched the earring tight in his fist. There was a flash of light, and the earring turned hot. It was a silver earring with a glass casing inside with red liquid inside. He pierced it in his ear, causing more pain than possible. 218

“Ah!” he moaned. 219

The earring melted onto his ear and the metal started to crawl up hold and harden. Fang was afraid, but tried to stay calm by looking at Liana’s sleeping body. He watched as the veins of his hands to turn black. His lovely emerald eyes started to fade white. His eyes then turned red, and his teeth started to grow. 220

I have to get out, Liana can’t see me like this, thought Fang, looking left and right, his body still changing, thoughts racing through his mind. He quickly made for the door and ran away. 221

The full moon was out, and rain continued to fall from the sky.222

“Must avenge Karin! Must protect Liana!” roared Fang, looking left and right. He was walking to his house, no control over his body. 223

The gate was closed and Fang smiled evilly, two fangs revealing themselves. Fang pushed the gate open and started to make his way up the familiar walkway to the door. He stopped and listened to the laughing voices. He pushed the door open. 224

“Fang, oh Fang is that you?” said Octavian in an amused voice. 225

Fang’s smile grew bigger as he closed the door behind him. 226

Liana woke up, the sun shining down on her face, through the window.227

“Huh?” asked Liana, looking around. She rubbed one of her eyes, and sat up. “Fang?” she asked. “Was it a dream?” she mumbled, getting up. She looked around, and then decided to check on her mom. “Mommy?” asked Liana, shuffling across the floor. She walked into her mother’s room to see her still lying on the floor, her skin a pale, almost blue color and her arms draped across the floor, her top soaked in dry blood. Liana just stared at the body. “Mommy…” Liana said her voice hoarse, walking over to her mother’s body. 228

There were voices outside the door, and Liana quickly jolted up, remembering what Fang had said the previous night. 229

“Is this where the disturbance was coming from?” asked a concerned and rough voice. 230

“Yes sir,” answered a shaky sounding woman. 231

The door opened and there stood a police officer and an elderly woman. They started to search the house, when they came into Karin’s room. 232

“Oh my goodness,” gasped the elderly woman, looking at Liana and her mother. “Are you ok?” asked the officer, almost throwing himself at the girl. Liana looked up at the two of them and nodded. 233

“Come here,” said the officer, open arms. Liana ran over to the cop, her dirty blonde hair covering one of her eyes. 234

Fang looked in on the three, from a muddy, uncovered window. He lied flat on his stomach, his head hanging over the side of the roof watching them carefully, being sure Liana was in no harm. 235

“Call an ambulance, and let’s bring this girl down to the department,” ordered the cop through his thick, brown mustache. 236

The elderly woman nodded, walking over to the phone. 237

“Hello… yes,” started the woman. 238

“Did you see what happened?” the officer asked Liana. 239

Liana looked up at him and shook her head, seeing no help in his eyes. 240

“Well don’t worry, we’ll have you in a nice home,” he said, trying to make things sound better than they were. 241

“Foster home,” mumbled Fang, sitting up. He got up and started to walk across black tiled roof. “She should be ok there,” said Fang to himself, hopping onto another roof top. “When they leave I’ll get my stuff,” he said, continuing to walk. 242

The light started to fade, as clouds began to fill the sky once more. Fang looked up. 243

It’s gonna rain, he thought, sighing. Images of the previous night flashed through his mind. “Stop!” he mumbled, grabbing at his head. 244

“Ok, now get your stuff sweetie, you’re going to be coming with us for a little while,” said the pudgy officer. 245

“Ok,” said Liana, running to her room. As she gathered her things, she could hear the ambulance’s sirens, telling all they had arrived. The officer looked at the body, then started to investigate. He saw two boxes and the knife on the floor. 246

“It looks like a suicide,” said the officer, shaking his head. 247

“What a shame,” said the elderly woman. 248

The officer bent down seeing one box on the floor lying untouched. He opened it and saw the purple choker. 249

“I’m guessing this is the girls. Considering her mother killed herself, I feel this is best to give to her child.”250

The elderly woman looked at the officer and nodded. 251

Liana walked back into the room, where the two were standing. 252

“Did you gather your things dear?” asked the woman. 253

Liana looked at her and nodded. 254

“Good girl,” said the woman, smiling. 255

“Here sweetheart this is yours,” said the officer, handing Liana the box. 256

Liana nodded, took the box, and stuck it in the bag she put together. 257

With one arm she carried her items, and the other she held her stuffed animal. “ That’s a cute kitten,” said the woman, looking at the black cat. 258

“Well, let’s get going,” said the officer, putting his hand on Liana’s shoulder. Liana looked up at him and nodded, a grave expression on her face, as she was forced to move her lifeless body. 259

Just as she stepped out of the door, “Wait!” said Liana. She ran over to the shelf and looked around. She found the picture of her mother, father, and her, and put it in her bag. 260

“Ok, good job dearie,” said the woman, following behind Liana. 261

Fang watched as all the cars drove off, and waited for his time to walk in. The ambulance opened the back doors, and Fang watched as they took away Karin’s dead body, draped over with a white cloth on a stretcher. Once they were out of sight he jumped off the roof and walked back over to the house. He walked in to the still unlocked house and looked for his bag. He saw it sitting in the corner and flung it over his shoulder. Fang then looked at the floor seeking his knife but did not see it, instead he saw only one box. 262

“Where is it?” he mumbled. 263

“Whatever it’s not that important,” he said, strolling out of the house, and shutting the door. He started on his way again, walking to anywhere, preferably away from all of this. As he made his way, he saw some kids in a rally. Fang saw the circle and then faintly saw a kid being pushed around in the middle. He decided to walk over and check it out. When he got there he saw a kid with silver hair be thrown around like a toy. 264

“Stop!” pleased the kid. 265

“Why?” the others asked in taunting voices. 266

Fang walked into the crowd and grabbed the kid by the arm pulling him out. “What the?” asked the silver haired boy. 267

“Who the hell do you think you are?” asked some kid, walking up to Fang and getting in his face. 268

Fang just looked at him and laughed. 269

“You’re gonna get hurt,” whispered the silver haired kid. 270

Fang looked down at him and laughed, continuing to walk off. 271

“Hey kid, what do you find so funny?” asked someone, running over to Fang, and putting his hand on his shoulder. “You looking for trouble?” he asked.272

Fang spun around and punched the kid straight in the face. The silver haired boy stared in amazement. 273

“You were saying?” asked Fang, looking at the kid on the floor. 274

He turned around again, and continued walking off. 275

“Wait for me!” shouted the kid with silver hair. 276

Fang looked back and smiled, stopping in his tracks. 277

Fang woke up, panting heavily, and almost soaked to the bone. 278

“What the hell?” asked Fang, putting his hand to his head. 279

“Are you ok?” asked a voice. 280

Fang looked to see Liana, sitting by his bedside. 281

She looked down at him, her eyes filled with questions. Fang looked at her, and smiled. 282

“I’m fine,” said Fang. I’m fine now! he thought. 283

“What happened?” asked Liana. 284

“I- I was just remembering something,” answered Fang his voice guarding. 285

“Oh,” said Liana. 286

There was a bit of a silence. 287

“I can’t remember much from my childhood,” said Liana, looking down towards the floor boards. “Only that I got this,” she said, putting her hand to her purple, lace, amethyst choker. 288

“We’re at the school now,” said Liana, trying to sound cheerier. “They said we’ll be getting off at noon though, this way everyone has woken up and had breakfast,” Liana continued, rising from the satin sheets. 289

“Ok thanks,” said Fang, looking over to the clock. 290

“Eleven twelve,” he mumbled. “Where is everyone else?” asked Fang. 291

The room remained silent for a moment. 292

“They went to have a small talk with Salem’s sister,” answered Liana solemnly. 293

As the two talked, Chaos walked over to Fang, and started to nudge against him. Fang looked down at Chaos and smiled, rubbing between his ears. Chaos purred gently, his ears at their normal height. Liana looked at the two and laughed as she brought over two glasses of water. Fang took a couple of sips, grabbed some clothes from his draws, then walked over to the bathroom. 294

“Guess he’s changing,” said Liana, looking down at Chaos. 295

Chaos looked up at her and gave what looked to be a smiled, making Liana laugh. 296

Fang looked in the mirror, ran his fingers through his hair, checked his earring, and splashed his face with some water. 297

“Might as well change and put a shirt on,” he mumbled starting to change, throwing on a white collared shirt and dark wash jeans.298

As Liana waited the others walked in. 299

“Howdy!” shouted Jinxi, smiling. 300

The others walked in behind her. 301

“Is he up?” asked everyone.302

Liana nodded her head, and started to laugh. The others waited in silence until Fang came out. 303

“Did I miss something?” he asked, a big grin on his face. 304

The others looked at each other in silence, then burst out hysterical.