by Shook, J. E.
Just as he was ready to give up, he stumbled onto the house he was looking for. "This looks just like his houses in Atlanta and Los Angeles. I guess that shouldn't surprise me." The house was made of unpainted granite, contrasting with the nearby houses that were made of more modern building materials. Windows were hollowed out at intervals and filled in with panes of glass. A double door stood in the middle with a stone pathway leading up to it. The lawn was well manicured with a pair of trees planted on either side.
Reginald stepped up to the door and raised his hand to knock. He glanced at his watch. 'It really is getting on into the night,' he thought. 'Maybe I should just go and not worry about it.' He shrugged and knocked on the door anyways. 'He moves around all the time. He is likely not even here now.'
Reginald grimaced as he heard a chair scooting backwards on hard floor. Then he heard footsteps that seemed to last forever as they walked towards the door. Finally he heard the lock on the door unlatch, latch, then unlatch once more. He saw a small window open in the door and an eye appear on the other side. Reginald smiled and waved. Then the door opened wide revealing a man. Knowing him, Reginald waited until he was spoken to.
Jules Crane was a short, skinny man with thinning blond hair and a thin mustache. Though he appeared elderly, he was constantly fidgeting, usually by pulling on his sleeves or adjusting his reading glasses. Reginald was sure that all of his strange behavior was something he had been born with, though the twenty-five hundred years he had lived had done little to calm him. He was the oldest vampire that Reginald had ever met.
After a couple minutes of uncomfortable silence, Jules said, "Reginald Baxter, I was not expecting you here."
"Um, yes, it has been a while," Reginald agreed.
"It has. It has been precisely sixty five years, four months, and twelve days since our last meeting. Too long, too long." Jules blinked and stepped backwards. "Come in, come in and be comfortable."
"Thanks," Reginald said, stepping between the door and Jules. He stood and watched as Jules locked the door, unlocked it, then relocked it. Jules then rushed off into another room. Reginald slowly walked forward into the main room. 'Remember, do not touch anything. It will agitate him,' he reminded himself. The room was cozy with a couple of comfortable chairs in the middle. Bookshelves lined the walls all along the room, full of older books that appeared to almost be falling apart to brand new books just released. Reginald looked closely at them and smiled. 'Not a single speck of dust. Amazing.' A tidy desk was tucked away in the corner of the room, . Reginald was shocked to see a modern computer set up and turned on.
He eased himself into one of the chairs. 'Now this place feels lived in,' he thought smiling despite himself. Calling out, he said, "So, what have you been up to lately, Jules?"
He heard the clattering from the next room stop. "Umm, I have been, umm-- Let us refrain from speaking now. The wall distracts me."
The smile faded slightly. 'I willingly walked into this, didn't I?' Reginald asked himself.
Soon Jules came walking in with a couple cups filled with steaming coffee. He handed one to Reginald and carefully sat down in the opposite chair. He sipped from his glass twice, then sat his cup down on a coaster on the small table between them. "As we said, it has been a long time, Reginald Baxter. That is still the name you choose to go by, correct?"
"Yes," Reginald said, taking a sip of the strong coffee. "I have never fancied using a different one. I doubt anyone will ever try to track me down, so it shouldn't matter."
"I see. That is a noble idea, my friend. In these times when we can become anyone, many lose who they really are. When they can become anyone, they become no one."
Reginald laughed and nodded. "I suppose that is right. I suppose I'm myself. So what have you been doing with yourself lately?"
"Ah, yes, I have been keeping myself busy lately," Jules said, sipping from the glass two more times. "I have been learning some of the Mandarin dialects that I failed to pick up in my travels throughout China. Of course I have been following current events in technology and mathematics and most of the sciences. Also I have been studying the latest in television."
Reginald burst out laughing. "You have been watching television? Somehow that seems like something that would bore you?"
"To the contrary, I find it most enlightening. Humans produce their many forms of fiction to reflect how they wish for reality to exist in many cases. They show the darkest and brightest sides of the same coin." Jules eyes became distant. "They remind me greatly of the great Greek plays I frequented."
Reginald nodded. "I suppose I can't argue with you there, though I never have seen a play. As far as television goes, it is a mixed bag."
Jules shrugged. "That is an honest observation," he said, taking another couple sips. He adjusted his glasses and looked Reginald in the eyes. "You have not made a social call in a long while. What is it you need?"
Reginald cleared his throat. "I have a question that requires more than just knowledge, but experience. Experience one has gained through a long life."
Jules nodded. "I will strive to answer to the best of my ability. Please, proceed."
"Our kind has spent its time inside the shadows, both figuratively and literally. Vampires, as a whole, tend to believe that we are better than the humans. We push them down and take what we want. It used to be blood, but now it's money, love, or possessions that we take. Would you agree?"
Jules sat back in his chair. "That is true. It is also true that humans do the same exact thing to everything on this planet. They take from the plants and animals and earth to sustain themselves and build civilization. If it is in their blood to take from others, then what are we? Most vampires believe that we are the next step past humanity. It has been that way for a long time. Now the weaknesses that have made us feel somewhat equal are disappearing as technology advances. There are those who see little use for the humans." Jules frowned. "If there is ever a day when war breaks out between us and humanity, that will be the darkest day this world has ever seen. I have seen more dark days than you can imagine. Does that answer your question?"
Reginald blinked and looked at the ceiling. "No, but it does give me something else to think about."
"I apologize, Reginald. I simply gave my opinion on the statement you provided. What exactly is your question?"
Reginald sighed. "I guess your opinion does have something to do with my question." He paused and gathered his thoughts carefully. "If that day comes, who will protect them?"
Jules looked confused. He took a couple sips from his cup before saying, "They will protect themselves, if they can. They still outnumber us, and technology could give them a small chance."
"So you think they should be wiped out?"
Jules looked offended. "I said nothing of the sort. As I said, most believe humanity is an inferior race, but I do not. We are sister races, two sides of the same coin. Our ambitions, our eccentricities, our instincts are almost identical. If one were destroyed, the other would be far weaker than either side would admit. Though few know nothing of our existence except the legends that we penned ourselves, we have had our hand in some of mankind's greatest accomplishments. We have helped cure diseases and create technological wonders that would not have been possible without centuries of research and dedication." His gaze became distant. "I helped build so many buildings in my time. From Antioch to Paris, I've had my hand on the great cities of the world."
Reginald smiled. "Yes, I know. You've told me many times when we used to work together. It seems the only thing you ever forget is how many times you have told the same story."
Jules laughed. "I suppose that is true."
"We always seem to fall off topic. Would we be worse off without humanity?"
"Oh, goodness, yes. There are a lot of us, but not so many to take mankind lightly. All vampires come from humans. If no humans were ever born again, we would begin the countdown to our own destruction. I have seen so many days, but I will not see all
the days this world will provide. One day, I will die. I have seen thousands of vampires killed through accidents or violence. We share the same weaknesses as the humans, so slowly greed would drive many to take from others, and slowly we would dwindle. Along with the fact that they deserve the right to exist, it would be an atrocity."
Reginald smiled and wiped the sweat from his palms onto his pants. "I suppose my true question boils down to this. Have there ever been vampires who have used their abilities for good? To protect the weak that is helpless? Do you know of any examples that you can share?"
Jules began to reach for his cup, but stopped and leaked back once more. "Now that is a unique question," he said, rubbing his hands together thoughtfully. "Truly unique. A majority of vampires still see reasons to keep humanity, though that number is shrinking as I said. There have been small measures to keep humanity preserved, in one form or another, for centuries. Back when we were a young race, and humanity was still spreading, we realized that if we fed to our content, we would outnumber our prey. That was when some of us began to drink animal blood, which was more nutritious for us anyways in some cases. Some continued in their ways, but it was not enough to cause worry. That example does not count because we did it for our sakes, not for theirs. It was an act of self-preservation.
"We are an ambitious species as a whole. It is in our nature to consume, and those with power, consume more power. I am sure that you know many of the world's leaders through the ages were vampires. They were driven to consume anything they wished. There have been several that have realized the necessity of the human race. Though they were not all done with best intentions, they passed laws and regulations to protect humans, and to protect our secret. The first vampire president created the first requiem, allowing us a place to live among our own kind, yet still exist to society as a whole. In the past century, there have been organizations formed within most countries, allowing us to easily change our identities, so that we can continue to exist with minimal suspicion. With technology now, one cannot simply fake his death or disappear without a trace. Now we are run through so many systems just so we can make money, or even use it."
"You are right," Reginald said, nodding. "I've only requested two new IDs, but it is still a hard adjustment to make. Luckily the VAM takes care of the really hard parts."
"Yes, but they are also tracking almost every single vampire in the world," Jules said, scowling. "I understand that it is necessary, but that doesn't make me like it. Let us retreat from that topic."
Reginald paused before saying, "Alright. Getting back to my question, it doesn't seem like any real examples."
"There were vampires who fought in the crusades," Jules replied, cocking his head. "I, for one, saw no need to loose any human blood unless to feed. Several that I knew still held onto their beliefs from before they were transformed and marched off to battle. Those who were intensely sensitive to sunlight kept their helmets and armor on at all times while most others were motivated strongly enough to endure without. Though I believe many had noble goals, their power only brought more bloodshed than would have occurred. Thousands were killed by the noble vampires, which brought no peace to the land. Besides a rumor here or there, the crusaders are the only examples I can think of."
Reginald sighed. "That is not the answer I was hoping for."
"There is another point to consider. Ever since the Primus Senex was formed, we are not allowed to reveal our secret. For centuries it was only greatly encouraged, with the guilty vampire taking the matter into his own hands to correct. For the past four centuries, it has become a law. If one of us reveals what he is, or exposes our kind to the world, the consequences would be dire. As I said, humans would feel threatened, and likely incite war. The guilty party would find himself either sentenced to an eternity of confinement, or death. The council sees only black and white in this regard."
"I see."
They sat in silence for a couple minutes. Reginald felt as if a huge weight was crushing his shoulders. The hopes he had when he arrived had vanished, and were replaced by unease and fear. Finally he glanced at his watch and said, "Well, it is getting early. I want to get home before the sun rises." He began to stand.
"Nonsense, you are my guest," Jules said, jumping to his feet. "You can stay in my spare room. Let me ensure that everything is prepared for visitors." Before Reginald could say anything, Jules had darted out of the room.
"Umm," Reginald called. "I can make it in time. I don't have to stay the day." When there was no response, he called louder. "Really, I'm alright." As the silence continued, he glanced at the door. 'Nothing is stopping me from leaving,' he thought. With a frown, he sat back down in the chair. 'I don't feel like making the trip right now anyway. The old man just wants some company, so it won't hurt me to stay.' Reginald closed his eyes as he waited and wished for better days.
Chapter 7
Reginald sat on a park bench staring up at the night sky. He watched as his breath wafted up and disappeared in the night. Though the night was cloudy, the moon was currently visible in the sky. He sighed as distant memories came back. 'It truly is a curse to live so long and be so powerless in this world.'
He looked around to see the Pines Park in its nighttime glory. It was full of coniferous trees, many of which stood several stories high. The park was usually empty except for the few who liked to get out of their houses and see nature. Reginald loved it because it was green all year round and usually quiet. Though modern buildings were just a short distance away, he felt far away from society when he visited. He would sit on the scattered park benches and think for hours on nights he was off. It was empty that night except for a sleepy groundskeeper and a couple homeless men on the other side. He had seen them often, and usually greeted them and offered food when he had money to spare.
After several minutes Reginald glanced at his watch. "Ten-thirty! Seems like it should be later. I just feel like crawling into my apartment and never leaving," he muttered, standing. "But I never want to see it again at the same time. I am so tired of this." He began to slowly make his way home.
The streets were emptier than usual for that time of night. Most of the streets were empty, and he only spotted a couple pedestrians as he walked on. "It must be a late game tonight," he said. "I think Hector was talking about the playoffs being this week." A couple minutes later he glanced in the window of a local bar as he passed. "Yes, and it seems we are winning." He had never cared much for sports, but he was still happy that the city's team was doing well.
Reginald kept walking towards his apartment for several minutes until he heard a loud noise from nearby. He rushed around the next corner to see a woman lying against the wall quietly sobbing. Glancing down the street, he saw a lone figure in dark clothing running away. Frowning, he looked the woman over to see if she was hurt. All he could see wrong was a cut on her forehead where she must have hit her head when she fell against the wall.
"Miss, are you okay," he asked. When she failed to answer, he snapped his fingers. "Focus, focus, please. How hurt are you ma'am?"
The woman blinked a couple times as her eyes narrowed in on Reginald. She slowly looked around. Suddenly, she began to try to struggle to her feet. "A man! A man took my purse!"
Reginald nodded. "Yes, I figured. Are you hurt? Tell me if you are hurt."
The woman stared blankly for a moment before feeling herself over. "No, I'm alright. Just sore." She let Reginald help her to her feet. "Yeah, I'll be alright."
Reginald reached into his pocket and pulled out a cloth rag. He held it to her forehead. "You're bleeding. You need to get your head checked to be sure there's no damage."
"Thanks," she said, putting pressure on the rag. "I'll go to the hospital shortly." She glanced down the street where the man had run. "I would call the cops, but everything I had on me is gone."
"It's okay," he said, taking out his phone. "I'll call them myself."
As Reginald was talking to the cops, the woman stared out in
to the night. "I can't believe it's gone," he heard her mutter.
After a couple minutes, Reginald put his phone up. "They'll be here soon," he said, following her gaze. "Did you have anything valuable? The police asked, so be prepared to tell them."
"Just my money, my purse I got from Mother, my favorite brand of chewing gum, and my engagement ring that was two sizes too small," she said, breaking into tears with her last words. "He had just proposed last night. I said yes. Damn it! Give it back, give it back!"
Reginald placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm sure the police will find your possessions."
"No they won't," she said, her sobbing getting worse. "I've lost it forever, and I've lost him forever. My life is over."
Reginald struggled to stay in control. "Ma'am, go inside that coffee shop there and order whatever you want," he said, taking out his wallet. "Here is twenty dollars. Go get warmed up and calm your nerves before the police arrive. Remember, it is important to stay positive in these situations."
The woman stared at the money for a moment. "I can't. I really can't. I don't feel comfortable taking money from people."
He took her hand and forced the bill inside. "I insist. I've got to go," he said, beginning to walk away. "I hope everything works out for you."
The woman stood and watched him numbly for several moments before staggering inside the coffee shop. Once again the street was clear.
After a couple minutes Reginald ducked into an alley. 'Am I really going to do this?' he asked himself. 'Can I really do this, despite everything? Can I?' He thought of the woman's tears and all the tears and bloodshed he had seen throughout his life. 'All unnecessary!' he thought, slamming his fist into the wall behind him. 'Why doesn't somebody put a stop to it? Why do I have to feel obligated to do it? Why?' As he mulled over his thoughts, his blood began to flow faster through his veins. He began to feel every sense increase. As his anger grew, the world began to come alive. 'I can't wait for someone else. There are no heroes in this world.'
