The Panther Stalks In The Distance:

I arose my body screaming to feed. I hear the faint heartbeats of those who had been locked away in the cave sounding to my ears like pleas to be fed on. Cadoc and Daisuke arose in the evening near mad with hunger. However there were priorities to tend to first.

Cadoc was the one to remove the boulder before running off in search of something other, to eat. Daisuke pushed through his hunger long enough to bring food and water to the people before he too took off in search of food. This left me to protect the weakened humans from predators be they human, animal, Angel or other. The other being myself. This was no simple task as the slightest sound of a beating heart sent my hunger into overdrive. I nearly gave into the desire a few times. This period of self restraint truly testing my will power.

My body convulses, I break out in sweats, I heave up my own blood from an empty stomach clawing at my own arm when I find myself at the brink of my resolve. Four months of this had me nearly delusional. When Daisuke and Cadoc return they are horrified at my emaciated state. They have brought bags of trapped animals by which we are to feed. A three month period has passed since their return yet I have yet to feed. Refusing to consume blood of any sort, thoughts of what Nyx would think of me if she saw me doing such a thing overshadow my hunger. Wishing to simply disappear into the nothingness, My wife and child are gone, my brother also taken and his family, massacred. What reason have I to continue this surely miserable existence? NONE!. Cadoc had initially been attempting to convince me to feed, quickly growing frustrated Daisuke tries to coax me to eat. When the medicine woman approaches on the fourth month holding two vials they are both near desperate to find some solution. The medicine women explaining her swift solution to this dilemma. Daisuke looks at her unsure, Cadoc immediately agrees resulting in Daisuke reluntantly giving in. Following her directions he pulls my mouth open with one hand as he opens a vial with the other. " "Oisin may be gone brother, however Cadoc and I still are beside you more importantly your wife and child are right here in this vial. If you wish to reunite with them you need just open your mouth, let not one drop waste."

I don't really register what's being said other then, wife, child, vial, open mouth and receive their blessings. I do as my brain instructs. My body feeling near implosion as fire encompasses me. I convulse violently before a cooling sensation washes over me, two auras one purple the other gold cradle me. I can smell, Nyx, taste her breath in the morning as she kisses me after tea. I remember the sound of her voice like birds chirping as the Sun hugs them good morning. I feel the warmth of love swimming within me, from two beings I had loved wholeheartedly. Their blood alone restoring my health and vigor within moments of consuming it.

Once I feel up to it I visit the medicine woman. "How can I have consumed the blood of a long since deceased person's and be standing before you?" She taps a spot beside her for me to sit. I oblige. She informs me that during our punishment and transitioning faze she had successfully taught each person in the cave the chants necessary to keep the blood viable until the called upon time of its use. She then commences to inform me there had been a second vial containing two souls belonging to my child and wife however upon my acceptance of their blood she freed their souls allowing them to reincarnat. However there is no way of knowing precisely when and where that might be. There is also the matter of neither of the two souls recognizing me initially. In time the memory's would return but she couldn't say how long that could take, days, weeks, months or even years. I thank her profusely for this gift she had given me. There could never be anything I could do that would come close to repaying this immense kindness.

Cadoc, Daisuke and I begin traveling around earth for ten years looking for the right spot to settle down with our human companions. The twin girls are grown women when we return, the boy now standing before us a man and the medicine women still young Cadoc believes she of forty years of age funny enough none of us had noticed prior she had been a younger woman prior. The girls in our absence were taught as disciples of the medicine woman. Making them well versed in many things. The tradition would now surely continue through them. To ensure future generations would also be taught it had already been decided who would be first to wed continuing the lineage of tradition. The young man would serve as the husband and father for the next generation to come by one of the sister's. They all wished to remain here settling down their roots.

The medicine woman asks to speak with me privately of course I agree. Once alone and away from what she deems out of ear shot from Daisuke and Cadoc, she asks if I might grant her the favor of turning her into one of my kind. I stare at her in disbelief. "Why would you wish for such a thing?" I ask. She begins to explain how she needs to spread her knowledge, people such as herself are a rare breed, a powerhouse of precious inform. She made sure teach the twins because knowledge is meant to be passed along it is the job of the elders to educate the youth and she had done just that ensuring that even if something should happen to here the traditions would cease to exist. With that realization all she wished now was to continue teaching not wanting to be ravished by time forced to succumb eventually to death. I was in no way keen on such an idea. After consulting with Daisuke and Cadoc I conceded. She requested a period of fourteen days of isolation to perform a ritual. Chanting can be heard while the smell of herbs linger in the air. As the sky brightens welcoming in a new day approaching, on the fourteenth day, she informs me she is ready, and makes her request of location. On the top of the highest hill where it appears as if the earth kisses the sun before it rises high into the sky greeting all below. The medicine woman takes her final breath as the sun rises gracing the day with it's presence. Those three days are a bit nerve wrecking for each of us as we take turns guarding over her body, wondering if anthing will even come of this. She wakes as if from a long slumber Daisuke notices something is amiss. looking at her eyes we watch as they turn coral pink. Cadoc unsheathes his sword drawing it towards her. I step between them. From behind me the medicine woman explains that she is to be called a demon. The second of all varying sorts. Her sight informed her this would happen because of her abilities she would be different thus the birth of yet another entity came to be. Cadoc remains on the defensive around her for a few weeks as we embark on our journey.

Together we remain as decades pass resting in many places. Finally we settle in New Orleans for twelve decades. I however have grown in the habit of constant traveling time and again. Sometimes in the company of Daisuke or Cadoc or the medicine woman, more times than not though I am unattended.

A few weeks after my rearrival the medicine woman suggests we move to New York City a change of scenery necessary to refresh everyone's spirits. We all agree and relocate. Spending the first two years adjusting to the new environment. We find lodging and work immediately. The medicine woman sets up shop within our home charging for her services. Cadoc works as an officer, Daisuke finds employment as Chef in a restaurant. I try my hand doing different things I work as a book shop keeper, veterinarian, medical doctor, pathologist, eventually I open a bar.

I start having dreams of Nyx for months on end. I pay the medicine woman a visit, questioning it's connotation. She performs a ritual and we watch as the flames of the fire change color images forming in the smoke. A Raven, lion, and panther. The raven flys in circles over head the lion as the panther walks in circles around the lion from a distance hidden in the tall grass waiting for a moment to strike. I sit waiting to learn what this signifies. The medicine woman informs me a new woman will be coming into the picture and she will be a wedge in my happiness. She will cause chaos, I must be careful she poses a great threat to what I hold dear. I Thank her and leave not sure what to make of what was said.

For many more years just our group exsists and I believe everyone is satisfied with our arrangement until Cadoc expresses his discontent and want's to sire his own children. We sit discussing this as a group. I ask the opinions of Daisuke and the medicine woman both express their own desires to do the same. I sit surprised unable to comprehend their desire to cause others this form of existence. We spend hours discussing I remain adamant against their choice in the end the others are determined.

Cadoc moves back to New Orleans setting up territory after his eight children have adjusted to the change. he sires five son's and three daughters, Daisuke sires twelve children of his own six daughters, and six son's but only after he moves to Japan. The medicine woman requires a special sort of person's, it takes three years to locate and two more years to get the two men and a woman of a mind to choose the change. They all keep in touch via letters. Every few months they ask if I've made any children of my own only to receive my repeated response of my nonexistent interest to do so.

I go to each of their territories and stay for a period of time making sure to meet all of the new converts inspecting how they adjust to the change and evaluating their mental state. It is at Daisuke's home that I meet two of his children one a man who seems to have been very recently reborn, and not by Daisuke by the smell of him. He doesn't seem to know the rules and is ignorant of who I am. " What are you looking at giant ?" I arch an eyebrow in silent question. He seems to consider this an invitation as he comes charging towards me I hold my right hand before me and rip his heart from his chest. He looks down at the hole in his chest before crumbling to the ground dead. A scream is heard a moment after as a figure falls beside the body amidst my tossing of the heart into the fireplace. I begin making my way out of the room. Daisuke appears at the entrance of the door just as I reach it. The figure from a moment ago now stands before him and points a finger at me accusingly. " My lord Daisuke, I demand reparations by this person for the death of my son!" Daisuke left hand strikes across her face. " WHO ARE YOU TO MAKE ANY SUCH DEMANDS! HAVE I TAUGHT YOU NO MANNERS. MORE IMPORTANTLY HAVE YOU SO QUICKLY FORGOTTEN YOUR HISTORY AND YOUR TRUE FATHER!"

The woman wipes the blood that has fallen from the right corner of her lower lip. Her eyes open widely as she realizes what was just said. She drops to her knee's before me with her head bowed. "I..I...I am sorry father I did not realize. I was foolish, punish me any way you see fit." Daisuke hands me his sword. I shake my head declining. We look at eachother as I place my hand on his shoulder before leaving them be.

I am in one of Diasuke's libraries sitting by the window while reading one of Shakespeare's works, as a figure appears before me I pull my eyes away from the pages, they land on the woman from earlier standing before me. She begins unbuttoning her blouse I return my attention to my reading. I hear her blouse hit the floor. " Have you no dignity, what is the meaning of this? I suggest you stop and replace your lost articles of clothing now!" I hear her reach for her belongings. " I thought I would make up for my earlier mistakes by pleasing you the way I know best." I stand with book in hand exiting the room.

That night all the vampires of Daisuke's line have convened in the dining hall. There is much discussion amongst them. Daisuke and I stand in the front of the room as he makes his announcement. " Earlier today there was an incident resulting in the death of Hiroaki one of our newer children!" The room erupts in anger. Many are demanding the knowledge of the culprit, others inquiring on Daisuke's method of retribution. Daisuke looks in my direction and laughs. Many of their eyes follow Daisuke however they lack understanding. Daisuke's sired children who stand infront of me proceed to get on bended knee holding their fist, with heads bowed in respect. The younger vampires stand in shock. Seeing this Daisuke reprimands his children. " TO MANY OF YOU HAVE FAILED TO TEACH YOUR OFFSPRING. THEY LACK THE CRUCIAL HISTORY OF OUR EXISTENCE. I BLAME THIS ON MYSELF FOR BEING TO LAX. I SEE NOW I MUST RAISE YOU ALL WITH A HEAVIER DISCIPLINE!". In unison Daisuke's children apologize "WE ARE SORRY OUR LORD DAISUKE. WE HAVE BROUGHT SHAME UPON YOU, AND THUS OURSELVES, WE ARE SORRY FATHER!."

Daisuke calls Arata. The woman comes to stand before him head bowed. "Airi my daughter is this not your child?" Airi lifts her head "yes my lord" Airi looks from Daisuke to her daughter Arata. " Airi were you aware your child had sired her own child?". " No my lord, in truth I have been spending all my time training the soldiers I believed Arata to be wise, this was my mistake." Daisuke looks down at his daughter. " This shows me changes must be made. Henceforth noone is allowed to sire children until I decree otherwise. All vampires will spend their leisure time learning their history, I hold all the parents responsible in this task and you will report to me weekly!!" There is no reason why I should have to stand before all of you today and announce that my friend, brother and your father was attacked in my home, worse still is only and handful of know him and show him the respect he deserves I feel much shame today!!!" The other vampires gasp in shock around the room, soon everyone is on bended knee. Daisuke turns to me and gets on bended knee with his head bowed. "Elio brother I apologize on behalf of my children and grandchildren !!" I shake my head pulling Daisuke to his feet. " Brother there is no need for you to do such a thing. Think nothing of what transpired earlier it is already forgotten." I pat him on the shoulder and smile. Daisuke smiles back. "My brother can be a kinder man then even I at times how I forget" I laugh " kinder than you Daisuke no such person exists except my wife perhaps!" Diasuke gives me a sad smile as he pats my shoulder " that be true she is sorely missed." I shake my head in agreement. Daisuke looks at Arata "I will leave your punishment to my daughter I trust she will make it a priority daily after her other duties!" Airi looks at Daisuke " Yes my lord!" " Good now lets move on to supper everyone must be famished, what say you Elio?" I laugh " Yes lets eat."

I arrived at Daisuke's territory with a short stay in mind. Yet remain for a year. In said time Arata manages to arrange herself in my presence daily. She daren't speak a word, keeping her distance. Busying herself about in whatever room I'm in, some day's wearing fewer clothes then others. I withdraw into another room only to find her there a few minutes later.

I've just exited Daisuke's office, Arata is awaiting my departure to shadow me. I shake my head to myself. I decide on a stroll in the large garden. The weather is lovely today this spring has been very kind. I take a turn past the koi fish pond basking in the beauty of nature reminiscing of my Nyx and her adoration of nature. I am torn from my inner thoughts by the sound of a voice I look to find the voice belonging to Arata. I keeping walking " What do you wish to say? say it and be done with it already" "umm if you are looking for a someone to warm your bed I would like for you to consider me as an option I remember my lord saying your wife is not on this side anymore, you should not remain alone all these years not knowing a loving touch." " What do you know of a loving touch,? this coming from the woman who keeps offering herself up like a common whore. I have known a loving touch, there will never be another that can compare. There is only one woman for me, my wife. Who is not gone, merely lost patiently waiting on me to find her." I walk back in the direction of the house leaving her standing there with her hands balled into fists.

I am dreaming of my wife she laughs as I nuzzle her neck. " Elio what has gotten into you, I was gone but fifteen minutes" I revel in her scent. I hear someone enter my room but do not wish to wake from my dream as I lay on my back in the bed we shared as she sits astride me now kissing me and working her hips atop me. I let out a soft moan feeling her wetness seep into my pants. She pulls her lips from mine to whisper in my ear "yesss baby I knew you wanted me just played hard to get is all" This voice isn't Nyx's but Arata a scent of arousal I am unfamiliar with assults my senses. Eye's now open I find Arata sitting astride me her lower half exposed her arousal having left wet patches on my pajama pants. I push her from atop of me. " WHO TOLD YOU, YOU COULD ENTER MY PRIVATE BED CHAMBER !!!" She moves to approach me again with her arms outstretched as if to hug me. " I WOULD NOT DO THAT IF I WERE YOU, LEAVE NOW, I WILL PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED." She stops walking towards me and smiles. I knew you wanted me, what happened just seconds ago proves me right. I will have you perhaps not today or tomorrow but it will happen, for now I will settle for you having my scent on you. She picks up her missing articles of clothing, she turns to blow me a kiss before exiting. I rip the pajamas set off tossing them into the fireplace. I enter the shower scrubbing myself with a lavender, olive oil and goats milk bar of soap.

I decide it's time for my stay here to end. It has been wonderful catching up with Daisuke but that woman is becoming a thorn and I don't want to kill another of his people. We say our goodbyes his children each giving me a hug. I smile before turning to leave taking one last look at my old friend.

It has been two months since I returned home. My bar is well. Things have been going smoothly for all until I recieve a letter from Daisuke yesterday notifying me of Arata's disappearance. He asks that I keep a look out, having already notified Cadoc and the medicine woman as well.

When I arrive home nothing seems amiss. I go about my routine, change my clothing, eating, reading, having a shower than bedtime. I lay in bed a few moments before dozing off to sleep. I dream of my wife immediately. We are in a field of dandelions, there is a blanket layed on the grass where a picnic is set up. I look down at Nyx's smiling face as she pulls me down toward it. "I've made all this delicious food, you must eat with me Elio." " I would have so much more fun eating you." I respond. I push the basket aside laying her on her back as I move to spread her thighs apart. I roll the skirts of her dress up to her belly button. I lick her vulva and softly blow against her wet skin causing her to shiver. I lean back down showering her with butterfly kisses. She giggles. " Elio wait." I lift my head to look at her. She moves to pull away I hold her hips in place. "I want to do something can I?" " Yes anything my love" She pushes me down on my back and begins pulling my pants under my hips I gasp as I feel her hands grab hold of my appendage. Her hands move working me up I think that it couldn't possibly get any better when I feel her warm mouth encircle me. I groan, my little siren I never know what to expect with her. I buck my hip to meet the rhythm she has going. The sun on my skin, my wifes mouth making love to me what a wonderful day this is turning out to be indeed. She picks up the pace with her hands and mouth I feel my self close to release I try to hold it off but she pushes further I cry out her name as I reach climax. Just as I go to reach for her I wake up. There is a mouth where there shouldn't be I pull the persons hair. They move backward from me a lil in the light I notice its Arata. I fling her against the wall as I move quickly to grab a change of pants. She stands laughing as she wipes at her lips and chin. Grabbing her throat and holding her in the air I walk down towards my dungeon. I open the cell doors I toss her against the wall before immediately attaching shackles to her wrists and ankles. Once secured I exit the cell closing the door. Walking away I hear Arata scream " I TOLD YOU I WOULD HAVE YOU, THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING YOU WILL BE MINE WATCH AND SEE!!!!"

I write to Daisuke, Cadoc, and the medicine woman informing all parties Arata has been located. I also ask that Cadoc take custody of her since it's become evident she will continue to escape Daisuke's property. It takes Three months before I receive a correspondence from anyone. Cadoc arrives four weeks later with one daughter named Bina, and a son named Fishel. His children go down to the dungeon returning a few moments later. Fishel is carrying Arata's unconcious body over his shoulder while Bina closes the doors behind them. Cadoc examines Arata and laughs. "She must of done something to cross you it's evident she's not fed in months she's wasting away" I say nothing allowing my silence to speak for itself. Bina shivers looking at me. "Father we will punish her you can rest assured!" I nod at her then discuss some last minute things with Cadoc.