HOPE

Distrusting one another could be the only weapon against betrayal!

It been two weeks of excitement, suspense, thriller, secrets.. But they both learn to live with it. Alex had a lot of things hidden— his identity, his heritage— the family charade had all been a lie but he can't tell her the whole truth, At least not now. The whole thing was different from what Alex had experienced— It was very new to him. His love life with Heather had kicked off well. Alex hadn't believe he could be such a romantic guy despite being what he is. They both had decided to thread slow and keep their relationship from the rest of the students— even their friends!

Alex had particularly emphasized on them keeping the relationship from their friends and had threatened Fergus to keep is raveled puzzles to himself. Fergus had solve the puzzle few days after giving him Heather's home address. He knew the two of them had something going— but it was their choice to keep it away from the rest.

Alex had thought of telling Adam and Cole about the new development, but he wasn't sure how they would take it. A vampire and a human in a relationship was something Kol or Austin mustn't hear about. So the only way to keep Heather safe was to bury the whole thing in his heart and make it a secret, but some things just wouldn't stay hidden— something's can't be hidden for so long. Alex knew Adam had began to suspect something— his sudden disappearance had began to raise speculations... It was only a matter of time before everyone knew.

Things was going smoothly as Alex had planned... At least for now!

He had try to dodge Derrick questions a couple of times. Alex wasn't that active among the group anymore. It was like he already have something big— something that distract him and gets all his attention. True! Heather was a distraction that Alex was learning to be with. She was like a bomb that makes him look like a renegade. She wasn't atomic— neither was she a time bomb— she was something different, something that gives no signal— something small that makes large impact... She was a Grenade! And Alex wasn't sure of when she would explode.

On a certain Sunday in the penthouse, Alex felt he had kept his relationship hidden for so long. Its been a month of infatuation love, so he thought of telling his lads— at least there was nothing they could say to talk him out of it. His only concern was them telling Austin or Kol! Anything except that doesn't bother him.

So after their usual dinner at the northeast hall of the penthouse, Alex call Adam and Cole to hell chambers. He had wanted to include Derrick, but he doesn't trust Derrick yet. He doesn't feel any connection with Derrick like he does with his old lad. Adam pondered on what could make Alex so serious... But he just couldn't place it. So they followed him like a lamb trailing its Shepherd.

"Why the hell chamber?" Cole asked from behind.

The Hell Chamber!

So ferocious has it been since its existence, the hell chamber had surmount a lot of vampires. The place was built by Kol six centuries ago. He used it to imprison any vampires that goes against him. A lot of vampires souls had wander helplessly in the hell chamber. After Kol disappearance, Gerard had adopted the same punishment, even down to Austin— he had kept Adam and the boys body there lying in a coffin.

"That's to tell you how serious the issue is... And the gravity it had on me to finally reveal it to you both..."

Cole shiver as if death was lurking in the corner.

"I haven't been here since we got resurrected" Cole said, silently.

"Alex! We shouldn't be here— it's late already"

Alex paused and turned towards them. He hesitated for a while before he could summon up the courage to tell them. He had come this far, so there isn't any turning back.

"You guys were right—" he began

"About what?" Cole said, briskly.

"—about me keeping a secret..." Alex paused to swallow the saliva that had began to build up in his mouth.

"...I love Heather and the two of us have something going on—" he added

Adam couldn't believe his ears, it wasn't what he was expecting. Adam was expecting something else— like the confession of Alex feeding on a human, Alex sneaking out of the penthouse at night... He hadn't expected it— Alex having a girlfriend was like a nightmare.

"When did this happen?" Adam asked, after surmounting his thoughts.

"—we have been dating for a month now"

Cole just couldn't believe his ears. His feet had become so numb that he doesn't even know what to say.

"Did she know about us?" Cole asked.

"Us?" Alex asked, looking puzzled.

"Yes us! Vampires! You being a vampire"

"Oh that! She doesn't know we exist" Alex said

"And do you plan keeping it that way— or will you tell her about our existence?" Adam asked

Alex hasn't thought of that question before, he doesn't even know what her reaction would be if he tells her. He wasn't sure if she could take it— she might be unstable if she knew about their existence. Fergus took the whole tug between humans and vampires in very well doesn't mean Heather would. So Alex dropped every idea of telling her about his true nature— and had decided to keep it all to himself.

"Our relationship had been going smoothly because we kept some things from each other... Guess that is the sacrifice we have to make for being happy"

"We? Or You? From where am seeing things, you are the only one embedded with secrets"

"Those secrets ain't my fault— it wasn't my intention to hide it from her" Alex said "— Adam, what time is it?"

"..21:13" Adam said, after checking his wristwatch.

"Ohhh f*ck! I'm damn late—" Alex shouted.

"Late for what?" Adam asked, curiously.

"I'm having a sparing practice with Michael— and I'm thirteen minutes late"

"Now fourteen!" Adam corrected.

"Ohhh—" Alex said, trying to rush out of the basement— but he stopped half way after remembering he was missing out an important detail.

"Please, I don't know if you can keep this discussion between us— for old time sake. I don't want anybody hearing about it including Kol and Austin.. Because I'm also not going to tell Michael"

Cole gave Alex his word instantly.

"From me, I'm giving you my word" he said, but Adam wasn't sure of what to do. If the secret was leaked, a lot would be at stake— they could end up being put in the box and left— forgotten in the hell chamber.

"It's dangerous Alex— we could end up in a box" Adam said, after a brief thought.

"We would only end up in a box if one of us reveal the secret" Alex said, trying to assure him.

Adam was caught in a dilemma of family and friendship. His whole existence had been wrapped among the two most precious thing in his life. Family had always come first in everything— but Alex and Cole were no longer friends, they are now family. And what family does is to clean one another mess. Alex is in a deep mess and he just hasn't realized it yet— being in love with an human was against everything they believed in... Against everything they have been taught.

Humans were their prey during the ancient days— and will still be... But they have been taught to learn how to bend the rules and learn to survive without the human blood.

"... I'm in—" Adam said, putting every regrets behind him. His two lads were no longer friends to him.. They are more like a family!

"—we are no longer friends.." He continued, holding their hands to his "..we are family— from now to the end of days.."

And they stretched their hands forward as a usual courtesy to the Olsen's slogan.

"—family.. Always comes first— in everything!" The boys echoed.

Alex smiled and gave them both a hug.

"Thanks" he whispered, and took off like a plane clearing into the thin air.

Alex arrived at lobby like a hungry Persian cat tiptoeing its way to get a lone rat in the wilderness. His eyes were glittering— his reflex were quick— his speed has improved with the training he had with Michael. They had helped him learn how to control his abilities. Alex made a sharp turning to the left and drifted into Michael's room. Alex eyes scanned the whole room but Michael wasn't there— a lot of Michael scent had filled the room making it so difficult for his olfactory to register.

Suddenly, the lights went out and Michael scent grew so massively from behind him. Alex turned to see what was happening, only to be attacked by something. Alex body was flung to the other side of the room as if it was lifeless— Alex crawled on the floor like a toddler, the throw had a massive impact on him— for he landed his ribs on the table.

The unknown creature stood over Alex making a grunting sound and Alex tries to see its face but everywhere was dark, so he couldn't see its face clearly except for its glowing eyes with raging anger. Alex found it so difficult to get back to his feet. He needed just a little assistance which he got from the unknown creature. Instantly, Alex took it upon himself to die standing instead of crawling like a kid.

Alex tries to make the first attack but he was out powered somehow. He wasn't ready to give up so soon, Has he jumped up to make a swerving attack which got countered instantly. Alex was sent flying in the sky again and he landed on Michael photo frame.

"What the fuck!" The creature screamed as it raging eyes transitioned.

"..Michael?" Alex said, groaning in pain.

"You just broke a special photo frame given to me by someone special—"

Alex didn't let Michael finish his sentence before he ire out.

"—you broke my fucking ribs, Michael!"

"Did I?" Michael said, smiling "Guess you have a lot to learn"

"A lot! You mean I have a lot to learn!" Alex retorted. "You gave me a surprise attack— I wasn't expecting it"

"I wanted to see your full potentials— but you fought like my grandmother"

"What!"

That word 'fought like my grandmother' boosted Alex adrenaline— he recovered from the pains as if he was given an epinephrine.

"Why don't you have a taste of what my full potential looks like" Alex stood up and straightened his already healed ribs.

Michael gave Alex a disgusting smile.

"Guess I asked for it.. But No biting" he said, giving Alex a stern warning.

"No biting!" Alex assured.

The easing atmosphere changed into an embodied virus, with parasite flowing it way through the system. Visions had began to blur as the darkest hour embraced the dawn. Strange chi had began to flow in Alex veins— unleashing his full potentials had been more difficult than he thought. He wasn't there yet— he as a long way to go— lot of barriers to break— All he could feel now was anger! He was strangely angry for no reason.. Guess that was the only way he could trigger his abilities and feel unstoppable.

Alex pupil became so dilated, his fangs had began to stretch with the taste of blood their paramount. He had triggered his abilities but he had zero control over them. Michael could sense it— he could feel it! He had to stop Alex now! Or else things would be destroyed beyond repair.

"Alex! Stop it— stop forcing it!" Michael screamed, but Alex was far from himself. He wasn't himself— he was a reflection of his shadows— a mundane from hades. The more Michael try to bring him back, the farther he went.

"Let's begin" Alex voice swerve from its usual tone, to the devil in making.

Michael had no choice, Alex was ready to make a point and give it all he got.

"Let's do this!" Michael said, in disgust "and remember, no using of teeth"

Alex nodded in agreement and pounce on Michael, who caught him like a hunter catching game and flip him over. The devil in Alex was far more worse than what Austin and Michael had predicted. They were wrong, Alex was dangerous— he is deadly!

The look on Alex eyes had made Michael fidget. It was glowing— something very different from its usual. Alex eyes were blackish— just like a rabid wolf. He stood up instantly and dusted his cloth in a manner of 'bring it on'.

Michael wasn't sure of what to do, he knew if things continued this way— Alex would be forever lost to his shadow. So he thought of surrendering himself and let Alex dominate.

Zoom!

Like the speed of light, he tossed Michael over. The devilish Chi in him was in control as he sat on Michael and begin to do the crucifixion. His claws had began to pierce through Michael skin. He was feeling so dominant! So unstoppable! He felt like a champion!

Suddenly!

Alex head had began to clang— his unsettled head was on fire. He grabbed his head and staggered off lifeless Michael. Alex screamed and yelled for help— but he wasn't getting any. His advisor and mentor was still trying to recover from the deep claws of an hybrid. Alex was typically alone— he had to fight his devil alone and he must overcome if he wants to leave his transitioning state.

The enemy within was stronger than the outer. This wasn't a battle of swords neither was it a battle of claws or fangs. He was fighting a battle with his mind and he would only win if his mind was sharper than a sword, but right now his mind was blunt and couldn't pierce a grape. Alex rolled on the floor like he was going to die— his body had failed him, his mind had betrayed him! He was far from homecoming and his survival had dampened.

When he was about to give up, there comes the feint hope. A voice piercing through his inner mind, filling his soul with hope, assuring him he wouldn't die... A voice.. A familiar one.. It was Michaels!

"... just believe, you will overcome" Michael who had already recover from the attack placed his left hand on Alex chest and felt his heart beating faster than usual.

"Fight it!" He added

The words flew so high and spreads like a virus in his system— fighting it was what he didn't understand— or prefers he understood but doesn't know how. He was fighting against the unknown, an invisible spirit embedded in him——— he was basically fighting against himself! And defeating himself is a mystery he has to solve.

Alex was becoming so weak—— he was losing the battle. His eyes were constantly changing to red, like it was filled with blood— but this isn't just any blood, he was in rage and will be lost in a moment. Michael saw the Alex being swallowed by his fiend.

The grotesque monster in Alex was overshadowing his existence— the touch and feint voice of Michael had began to fade. Alex was losing his humanity— or perhaps he was losing control over the monster he hardly controls. He was drowning in the deepest pit of the tug between his humanity and his monstrous self. With the little humanity left in him, he thought of several ways to defeat the monster in him, but he found none. The thought of Heather soon began to circulate in his subconscious. Her darting blond hair filling his imaginations with ecstasy— her smoky hotness clouding his head with erotic— her clamoring smile circulating his heart with fantasy. Heather was all he could see— feel— and hear. Michael feint voice soon transform into Heather's.

Suddenly, Alex began to find himself amidst the turbulent— a strange chain had pulled him out of the swamp he's drowning in. The battle he has thought was long lost had revive within a blink of hope— the hope of seeing her again. Alex knew from that moment, he wasn't only in love with her— she was his weakness and strength!

Alex opened his eyes slowly only to see Michael hands in his— he could feel his ultimate fear. Michael had been his father and mentor— Alex had been Michael hope... Hope for a better generation of vampires!

"Michael—"

Alex called with utmost weakness in him— he had lost a lot of strength and couldn't even stand on his feet. Michael heart was filled with joy, he embraced Alex with a deep hug and gave a sigh of relief.

"Are you okay?" Michael asked, as he gave Alex a close examination.

"Yes— just some slight headache" Alex said as he held his head which was clanging like metals.

"You need to rest!" Michael said as he assisted Alex up to a sofa. He placed Alex softly on the sofa and rested his head with a pillow.

"I was almost lost—" Alex began, and drew Michael full attentions to his. "..I was wallowing in a ditch— and I was almost swallowed by the monster in me. I try to fight it! Several times! I try to fight the monster, but it kept succumbing me as if I was nothing. At first I thought I was going to die because I was completely out of options. Even feint voice could do the trick, your touch wouldn't give me strength—"

Michael paused and listen to Alex as he account the whole incident.

"..just her! Only her gave me hope!"

"Who?" Michael asked out of curiosity, Michael thought he was talking about his mother but—

"Heather! She gave me hope. I turned your voice into hers to hear her cooing and your touch into hers to feel her presence. And suddenly, her whole picture appear before me like my tutelary angel giving me the strength to conquer my own monster"

"And who is Heather?" Michael asked, impatiently.

"Guess I have to take you back in time" Alex said, but Michael only raised an eyebrow.

Catching up from where they stopped was one thing— keeping things from his mentor was another— and breaking the rule was perilous. Alex told Michael everything about Heather! Without leaving a word out. Though he still has something to hide, Fergus! Even though he trusted Michael, he couldn't risk telling him that someone outside the penthouse— who ain't a vampire non a supernatural knew their true identity. Well Fergus ain't a vampire, neither was he a witch or wolves but his identity is currently unknown.. but was certain he wasn't just a human.

"So you have a girlfriend?" Michael asked

"Apparently"

"A human Girlfriend!" Michael roared

Alex had knew such will definitely happen, but he knows how to calm Michael who was all flared up.

"Calm down, she doesn't know who we are" Alex said, trying to reassure Michael.

"She doesn't! It's only a matter of time before she solves the puzzles and know you ain't human— is it when she have a small cut and was trying to be overly romantic and ask you to wrap it up! Then your canines react to the taste of her blood!" Michael screamed but Alex was mute for he had never thought of it.

"..or is when she asked you over to her place and you couldn't even break the barriers in her door—"

Immediately, Alex countenance change and Michael knew that it had happened already.

"— so you have been to her place?" Michael asked with disgust.

"Yes— only once. And I have been wanting to ask you about the barriers but I don't know how"

"So she had already suspected you ain't human?"

"No, she didn't. I guess! She just waved it all off to trespassing"

"Well, it's the same— Vampires do not trespass on private property except being invited in. So you need an invitation to break the barrier"

Alex instantly remembered that the barrier got lifted when she unknowingly invited him in. He realized there was still plenty of things for him to learn and he was far from knowing his full potential, but all that are issues to be addressed later. Right now, he had to think of convincing Michael and keeping Heather safe.

"Please Michael, I know I did wrong by dating a human. Just spare her and don't tell the Olsen's. Let this be a father and son conversation— please, I beg you"

Michael looked at Alex and smiled. He reminded him of his much younger self— when he fell in love with Sarah, Alex mother before things went south and she left the penthouse thinking she could look for a better pasture elsewhere. Michael swore to get Alex back on the right path even though he wants to swerve away. He is breathing just to see Alex safe and healthy.

"Alexander— be careful!" Michael said, softly.

Alex knew that was an assurance— he knew he could trust Michael. Michael already gave him his word, so all he had to do was keep the circle small and be careful of who he tells about his relationship except the few that already knew. So he must learn to keep his mouth shut and lay in the shadows.