Indebted to the Vampires

by Lilly Wilder

  The more I spoke, the more I realized how much I wanted to be at this academy for my own good, rather than just because Arthur suggested I go here. I realized that I had done little with my life and I did want to show other orphans that they could accomplish something. It suddenly all took on a new tension, as I realized that there was a chance I could fail. The headmaster had clearly taken a dislike to me for whatever reason; perhaps I wasn’t the right fit for the image of the academy, so I knew I had my work cut out for me to convince them all that I could be welcome here.

  “You know, it was heartbreaking to see people come in to the orphanage and then to see them walk out again, to know that I wasn’t good enough, even though I hadn’t done anything wrong. I had no idea why people left without me and there were points where I thought it was going to destroy me from the inside out. I thought I would never have any worth in life and there was no point to me doing anything. The nuns helped show me that I could be someone. That no matter what, I always had myself and my own ambition, and the most important thing was to prove these people wrong, to show them that I did have worth and that they had made a mistake by not taking me. I changed my way of thinking and I poured myself into my studies. This academy is designed to help people like me have the best chance of a good life, and that’s all I’m asking for, a chance. I want to be better than I am.”

  It was Mr. Hanon, who, eventually, leaned over and picked up my file. He perused it while Mrs. Thorpe made some notes. Headmaster Griff remained unmoved. My gaze darted up, but I averted it immediately as he stared at me. He seemed to be transfixed on me and I had no idea why.

  “Do you think you’ll be able to meet the high standards we set here at the Angel Academy?” Headmaster Griff asked. “We only want the best of the best and we have a very rigorous code of behavior. Anyone in violation of this, is subject to termination, and anyone who doesn’t apply themselves to their studies is subject to termination as well. Do you think you can give everything you have to this place? It will require all of your concentration. There can be no distractions.”

  I gulped and lied to him. “I promise I’ll do everything I can to succeed here.” It wasn’t a promise I was going to be able to keep, because I couldn’t surrender my duties as a Slayer, but I wasn’t going to blow this opportunity and I knew I’d be able to figure out a way to make this work.

  “I think that’s all we need to know for now. Why don’t you step outside and we’ll come and talk with you shortly, we just need a few moments to discuss a few things,” Mrs. Thorpe said.

  I nodded and thanked them for their time. I left the room and went back to the lobby. My knees quaked and my heart quivered. I returned to the safety of the bench and inhaled deeply, hoping that I had made a good enough impression, because I knew this place could really help me. I waited for about fifteen minutes, then Mrs. Thorpe came out, and by the smile that adorned her face I assumed it was good news, and indeed, she confirmed that I had been accepted.

  “Thank you so much!” I said. “I was so afraid, especially after the headmaster seemed so…unimpressed with me.”

  “I wouldn’t worry too much about him. He’s always an inscrutable man.” She lowered her voice. “He likes to put on an aura so that he can keep the students in line. I think it was more for effect than anything else.”

  I accepted her assessment of the situation but something still didn’t sit right with the way he had acted around me. However, that was a problem for a later time. All that mattered was that I had been accepted.

  Mrs. Thorpe offered to show me around, and since I still had a while to wait for Arthur to come and pick me up, I readily accepted her offer. She took me through one of the doors that led through a wide hallway with a varnished floor.

  “I think most people are in class now,” she said. Indeed, as we passed by the rooms I saw them filled with students. It felt strange to be in this kind of setting. The classes at the orphanage had always been small affairs and usually there was a constant rotation of faces as kids got adopted. “Do you know what you’re going to study yet?”

  “I haven’t made my final choice; I didn’t want to risk jinxing this interview, but I have made a shortlist, so when I get home I’ll whittle it down. I definitely want to study history, and perhaps English Lit as well. I want to try and get as broad an education as possible so I can learn what really interests me.”

  “That’s a good way to go about it. I think life is better when it’s an adventure. I speak to some people here and they have everything planned out to the nth degree. They leave no room for anything unpredictable and life is always unpredictable.”

  “I agree,” I said. Mrs. Thorpe seemed like a good sort and I was glad she was giving me this tour rather than either of the men. We didn’t go into any of the classrooms, as we didn’t want to disturb the classes that were in session.

  “Are you going to live here?” she asked, resting a hand on a banister that led up a set of wide stairs.

  “No, I’m going to commute. I live near here and, well, I couldn’t afford the extra accommodation fees,” I said. Mrs. Thorpe took her hand away from the banister.

  “I suppose there’s no need to show you the dormitories then,” she said, chuckling to herself. The truth was that I would have liked to stay at the Academy, as it would have made things much easier for myself and Arthur, but it would have been almost impossible to keep up my extra-curricular nocturnal activities. The gates were such that it would have been difficult to creep outside, especially every night, and I didn’t want to have to try and explain to people where I was going. I also didn’t want to get a reputation of being truant. I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize my position here, as I got the feeling that the headmaster would be keeping a close eye on me.

  “Now, this is what we’re especially proud of,” Mrs. Thorpe said, as she showed me to some huge double doors. She opened one of them and bright sunlight poured through a stained glass window, making colors dance across the floor. The hall was massive. There were two levels, and each one was crammed with books. There were tables where students sat, and shelves and shelves of books. “This is our pride and joy,” she said. “There are some rare books here. It’s a collection that has been curated over the generations and there’s always something of interest to be found. I did once make it my mission to read every book in the library but I don’t think I’ll ever succeed.”

  “It’s quite a daunting challenge,” I said.

  “Right now it’s quite empty, because most students are in class, but when it comes to assignment time this place is filled and you might have to reserve a seat. There are smaller study areas situated throughout the academy as well, and there are some private rooms you can reserve. I don’t want to stay here too long because I don’t want to disturb those who are here.”

  I took a last, lingering gaze around and I caught a glimpse of three guys sitting at a table. Two of them had their backs to me but the one facing me smiled. I was caught off-guard because I was so used to going unnoticed but I offered a clumsy smile back. He was cute and going to this academy was quickly becoming quite a good idea after all.

  Next, Mrs. Thorpe took me to the dining area and it was here where a disaster happened. We turned the corner and were so lost in conversation that we didn’t look where we were going and clattered into a girl coming the other way. She was flanked by another girl and two boys, and as we collided, the tray she held flipped back and the food exploded over her clothes. The cloying sauce clung to her hair and splattered over her face, the meat hung on her body and left stains over her clothes. The drink she had cascaded over her and poured down her stomach and legs. She looked stunned, had been turned into a complete mess, and when she composed herself she looked at me with great ire.

  “I’m so sorry,” I said, holding up my hands. This girl narrowed her eyes at me, and if looks could kill, I would have been dead right there on the spot. She lowered her voice and her fists clenched by her
side. The color drained from her face, making her appear even paler than she already was. I’d learned a long time ago, even before I was a Slayer, to sense signs of aggression and she was visibly throbbing with anger.

  “Who the hell are you?” she hissed. Then, her friend grabbed her arm and nodded towards Mrs. Thorpe. The pale, messy girl’s gaze turned from me. For a moment it had seemed as though I was the only one who existed in her world and every part of her was focused on me but as soon as she saw Mrs. Thorpe her intensity softened.

  “This is Elsa Carpenter. She’s a new student here and I’m showing her around. Elsa, this is Julia, who I’m sure doesn’t need reminding that we’re always meant to be welcoming to new people.”

  “Welcome to Angel Academy,” she said through gritted teeth. Then, a wicked smile appeared on her face. “I’m sure when you start your studies, I can show you around properly and let you know how this place works.”

  The threat in her voice was not thinly-veiled at all and I was annoyed that before I’d even started here properly I had already made an enemy. I wasn’t averse to conflict, because in the orphanage we were all territorial, but at least there I had the superior footing, as I had been there for the longest time. Here, I was a stranger, a newcomer, and I didn’t want to fall into the trap of being picked on. I apologized again in a conciliatory tone, as I and Mrs. Thorpe walked away. Julia continued gazing at me. I assumed she was plotting some way to get back at me for this accident.

  “Julia is one of our brightest students. She can be difficult at times, but deep down she’s a good person,” Mrs. Thorpe said.

  I wasn’t sure I could trust her judgment in this matter. I was also worried about getting into direct conflict. I had the power to kill vampires. I wasn’t supposed to use my gifts on mortals, and I remember now why I had always kept to myself. I hoped that not everyone in this place would turn out to be like her.

  Chapter Three

  After showing me a few more rooms, Mrs. Thorpe took me outside and showed me the gardens. They were filled with all manner of floral species as well as interesting ornaments. Birds swooped down and landed on feeding bowls and there were a few people studying amid the sweet-smelling flowers. Beyond the garden was a thick forest and it looked an idyllic scene, like something out of paradise. The view had a calming sense and I knew I’d be spending a lot of time out here.

  “I’m sure this is quite different from the city view you’re used to,” Mrs. Thorpe said.

  “It is, indeed. It’s so beautiful.”

  “Well, it’s here to try and help remind people of the natural beauty of the world. The Angel family has always tried to cultivate a good sense of wellbeing and as the world has advanced they have tried to keep this place as basic and natural as possible. While we do encourage the use of technology to make studying easier, we also like them to take a look around at the world and not lose sight of what truly matters. We think it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of the world and one of our main principles, and one of the things we like to cultivate here, is a love of learning.

  One of the things that stood out about your application, was that you were educated by nuns, rather than going through the public school system. We often find that people who have learned through less traditional means are more amenable to our methods and show a better passion for learning as an art in and of itself, rather than learning as a means to an end. We all want our students to better themselves, of course, but it pleased me to learn that you wanted to amass knowledge so you could help set an example for others in a similar position to yourself. Sadly, it seems that as time has marched on, some of the values we hold most dear have been left by the wayside. I’m sure someone as young as yourself wouldn’t notice this sort of thing, but when you get to my age you start to see the dividing lines between the generations.”

  “I don’t know, I’ve always thought I have something of an old soul. I think most people now, only want to learn information they think is relevant to them, rather than getting a well-rounded education. That’s why places like these are so important. It’s just a shame that they can’t cater to everyone.”

  “No, well, if we did we’d only become like regular schools. We have to keep our student body selective so that we can maintain our standards. It’s sad to admit,” she sighed, “but we can’t help everyone. Only those who want to help themselves.”

  “Well, I’m glad that you’ve decided you can help me,” I said.

  “Of course, I think you’re going to be a very good addition to our academy. Now, when you get home, pick out the courses you want to study and we can arrange for you to join the classes. We don’t keep to the traditional school year, so you can jump right in and if there’s anything you don’t understand I’m sure the tutors or your fellow students will be willing to help you.”

  I thanked her profusely for all her help and hoped that if I ever had to deal with the administrative side of the academy I could speak with her rather than the headmaster. She led me back to the lobby; thankfully I didn’t have any more unfortunate encounters with other students and it wasn’t too long before Arthur came to pick me up.

  *

  “Well, how did it go?” he asked, as we drove past the angel fountain and made our way home.

  “It was just like you said, more of a formality than anything. I got in and all I need to do now is pick what I’m going to study. It seems like a good place, very peaceful, with a couple of exceptions.”

  “Exceptions?” he asked, arching an eyebrow. I told him about the bad vibes I got from the headmaster and about the incident with Julia.

  “That is unfortunate, although I’m sure they’re not as bad as they seem now. Headmasters in places like these are like absent gods. I’m sure you won’t even have to interact with him, and as for this Julia, well, you’re a resourceful young woman and I’m sure that you can handle her. I shouldn’t think there will be too many challenges standing in your way. Just focus on your studies. When you leave, you won’t ever have to face any of your fellow students again. Are you looking forward to it?”

  “I am, actually. I like that the emphasis is on learning rather than getting good grades. You should have seen the library there; I think it would be a dream come true for you. Speaking of which, how were your books?”

  “Oh yes, very enlightening. I managed to procure a very rare book filled with herbal remedies that was written centuries ago. It’s so interesting to see the recipes and the drawings that were made by hand. I doubt it has much interest to anyone but me, but it was fascinating to read. I also have one book about owls, one about the flora found in the south of England, and a book about the art of forging weapons. There’s so much knowledge in the world and it’s so disappointing that I won’t ever be able to know it all.”

  “No, but you know more than most people,” I said.

  “This is true,” Arthur accepted. “As do you.”

  I gazed out of the window idly. “I wish my parents could see me now. Do you think they’d be proud of me?”

  “I’m sure they would be.”

  “I wish I could speak with them one last time, just to ask them what they had in mind for my life. I wish I knew what they wanted me to be. Did Aunt Jess talk about any of that?”

  “Unfortunately, not. She never spoke much about her family and I never asked. It wasn’t really my role to get personally involved. I know that not being there for you did play on her mind. She grieved terribly for your parents. It pained her to not be able to share this life with them.”

  “I hate that I never even got to know her. I suppose that at least she had you with her. At least she didn’t have to be alone.”

  Arthur’s grip tightened on the wheel. “Yes, she did.”

  “Sorry. I know you don’t like talking about that.”

  “No, and today should be a happy occasion. This is the first step of the rest of your life and you should be looking forward to it.”

/>   *

  We returned home and before I went out on patrol that night I looked at the syllabus to see what lessons were available to me. I went with my instincts and picked History and English Literature, I also went for Philosophy as well as Botany, just to add something a little different. The fact that I didn’t have to pick everything that went into a specific career was freeing. I liked that I could mix and match different things and pursue my own interests, and I wished every school could have been like this. I emailed them the list and then it was time for me to go out on patrol. I was eager to get back out there, as I wanted to confirm to myself that I could marry these two separate parts of my life. I also wanted some time to think about my dream, as well, for it still troubled me.

  I had never heard of a Slayer becoming a vampire, or of vampires bowing down to her. If this had happened, I assumed the Slayer organization would have wanted to keep things quiet, which meant I was going to have to figure things out for myself. The first thing I had to do was to try and get access to Arthur’s books, as the answers would surely be in there. He had many rare volumes that documented the history of the Slayers, and my family tree specifically, since that was the bloodline he was guardian of.

  Speaking of dreams, the one surprising thing to me was that I had never had a flash of memory from my aunt. I really wanted one, as well, for I hoped that it would contain some small glimpse of my parents, but I couldn’t force a memory to come to me. They were just swirling in my subconscious and it was by pure random chance that they appeared. They were better than having nightmares at least.

  I stalked the night with my hooded robe cloaking my appearance. I had my weapons ready and I prowled the empty streets, focusing on the alleys and sidewalks that were prone to having vulnerable people walking by, unaware of the danger posed by the creatures of the night. I was certainly aware why my organization kept the existence of vampires a secret from the general population, but sometimes, I wondered if it would actually be better to let the truth out, as at least then people could defend themselves. But, the secret had been guarded for generations and we had to play our clandestine game.