REAPER

"The boys would be alone!" Kol said, carefully serving himself a glass of blood from the jar. Kol had been particularly so on edge on his diet, he isn't keen with idea of feeding the kids with bunny blood. He knew the vampires at his disposal were weak— so he had other plans. He wouldn't just expect vamps who feeds on bunny to come to his aid when the war begin. They were at war! He knew the war was endless and thousands of generations to come will still be involved. Just like the chess piece, it takes only one wrong move to be checkmate— He had lived so long to know there is a great war coming.

"They can cope on their own" Austin said, as he aimed for the jar filled with blood.

"So tempting, is it? Has a nourishing smell that differs from that of a bunny" Kol scoffed, giving Austin a wink.

"Where did you get this grandpa? I don't want my vampires having a glimpse of what human blood taste like!"

"Your vampire!"

Austin felt the uneasiness in Kol— he could sense the anger that rush down his veins. He was wrong! They weren't his vampires but he had built up something great since Kol had been stuck up in the coffin. He had stood against the witches alone and had help maintain the vampire dominance over the town— he had specifically made sure the food chain wasn't broken.

"Grandpa— the vampires will always be yours. They are forever indebted to you for the mighty gift you gave them— that alone is a blessing"

Kol gave a disgusting scoff! He knew he wasn't wanted by the vampires, most of them thinks he must have being obsolete and they needed someone with fresh blood like Austin; but Kol wasn't moved by their opinion. The vampires were his and would forever be his!

After several mind rubbing ideas in making Kol succumb to the idea of the vacation, it took Austin a lot of thinking to figure it out; to finally give Kol a reason he won't debunk.

"—this could be it"

Kol raised a bow, he was tired— tired of what Austin was saying. A vampire on a vacation was absurd. They were silent creatures who prey on human for survival, an Apex predator who stood solemnly above the food chain. Vampires wasn't some kind of a joke to jest and have fun with humans. Kol knew a lot has happened in the last century, but he hasn't trained the vampires this way— to be weak, noisy and useless. Kol needed his commanders, they were his pillar in shaping the vampires.

"Grandpa! They could be a spy! The great war is coming, and with wars comes gossip— you never can tell what kind of information the boys could bring home" Austin said, trying to convince Kol.

Kol suddenly went silent— he wasn't convinced about the whole spy talk. He was a general at war and had fought different wars. Only the battle of foyth creek had been his most difficult battle has a general. The battle which made him elude from his house and went seeking for supernatural help. The battle of Foyth Creek wasn't just a battle he could forget in centuries to come! That battle shaped him into the monster he is. So that was the only battle he fought which his strategy were all useless. It was like fighting an hopeless battle against the army of hades.

"Just tell them to be careful" Kol mumbled. He had a lot on his table at the moment, some highschool vampires notion shouldn't be a pressing issue. He needed a reunion with his long time friends— those of which he had left rotting in the box for centuries.

***

The journey wasn't meant to be as wild as it seems. Tobias was particularly irritating and annoying— he had began lecturing them from the penthouse as they journeyed their way to the camp located amidst the mountains. Their diet was mainly the point of emphasis which they must never sway from— he had stacked them up with a lot of blood pant which he told them he would hide in a cave somewhere in the mountain.

This was the first time they would spend a night out of the penthouse alone; so how they behave really raised a lot of concerns. Tobias pulled over in front of a shabby camp few metres away from the mountainside. He helped them get their luggage out and sternly gave them a warning.

"—don't let us regret you coming here!" He said, with a voice deeper that his usual. Their survival was paramount and the existence of the vampire community must not be known to the world.

Tobias hopped in the car after helping them with their luggage. He wasn't so sure they would fit in but he knew they were stronger than they look. They weren't just baby vamps that destroy things in the hallway anymore. A lot has happened and they have changed— they all grew up so fast that Tobias really found it hard to believe.

"I'm a stone throw away if you need anything—" Tobias assured them as he zoomed the SUV.

This was indeed the adventure they needed; What they have been waiting for! Some moment alone— out of the preying eyes of their superior. This was their moment to discover themselves. It was truly Alex utmost desire to be with Heather. Get to hold her firmly in his arms while her tender warmth smug his cold heart— he just couldn't wait to see her.

Fergus was still haunted by his dreams— he was really scared something bad could happen. His dreams weren't just dreams— they were revelations of the future. So he had to warn Alex and get Heather far away from him as fast as he could or else, her blood might drain down the mountain— and it would be on him. Fergus couldn't shoulder another death, the death of his parents left him devastated even though he tried to warn them. Their ghost haunted him for months and he saw no peace. So when he saw another revelation, he wasn't sure if he could bear it. When he saw Alex talking to Adam, he summoned up courage and approached him.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Adam asked angrily. He wasn't ready to make life easier for Fergus— he didn't trust Fergus and wasn't sure if he could keep a secret. "I could smell your bad breathe miles away! Is that Burger or hotdog? I must confess you really smell like a rabid dog"

"Cool it off Adam!" Alex protested and gave Adam a pat "we came here to have fun— let just enjoy the moment"

Adam shrugged and was disgusted at the sight of Fergus. Adam hatred for Fergus wasn't just because he felt he couldn't keep a secret. He was so determine to know what Fergus was; if they could trust him, if he wasn't a spy, if he won't switch sides on them— Adam was so determine to know it all.

"Thank you" Fergus said silently.

"Don't thank me because I might not be there to save you next time" Alex retorted.

Truly! Fergus knew he couldn't always rely on Alex to come to his aid, but he wasn't even going to move an inch closer to them if it wasn't because he had something to say to Alex. He had to warn him and get it all off his chest.

"Alex!" He began calmly, not knowing how to put it. He wasn't sure of how Alex would react so he decided to thread slowly.

"It's about Heather—"

"Speaking of the angel" Alex cut him short as he saw Heather approaching them. Fergus lost all confidence he had manage to summon. He wasn't sure if he could do it. The rattling eye of Alex was so scary— Alex presence makes him fidget. Fergus wasn't sure if he could do it— even though most of his revelations come to pass while some don't. He wish this could be one of the some that don't come to pass.

"You looking ravishing" Alex said and planted a kiss on her lips. Her usual pinkish gown was so dashing. Her fragrance was so breathe taking— her appearance was like that of the seraphim, Alex just couldn't get her smile out of his head. He was indeed lucky to have found her— she was just so special. Alex had completely forgotten Fergus was telling him something; something so important he should have waited and listen to, but the thought of Heather wouldn't let him get settled.

"Can the talk wait—" Alex said, as he picked up his bag and led Heather to the registration office. Fergus whispered inaudibly behind them as he watched them join the queue of unregistered students. Alex stood behind Cole while Heather stood behind Ingrid on the female queue.

After almost an hour in the sun, Alex and the boys with some other kids were giving the dormitory P12 tag. Alex knew it wasn't going to be an easy vacation, so as he turned to leave with the rest to check the dorm; Heather said silently which Alex heard very clearly.

"Tonight?" She said, and Alex nodded.

His fantasy were getting the better of him but he just couldn't help it. This was something he had never have before— something he had always crave for— he was in love— that was something he had never felt before. His utmost desire was to be with her, get to embrace her and forget every other things.

Alex wasn't the only one in love— he wasn't the only one in quest of a foreboding relationship. Adam was also in love— with the princess of darkness— the guardian of the north— Adam was in love with a witch! He had been in love with Freya for awhile now but he tries everything he could to suppress it. Things like love can't be suppress just because we chose to. Adam was drowning in a one sided love which he didn't want to pursuit. He knew the lasting enmity between the vampire and the witches isn't something that would just vanquish in years to come. So Adam felt his love was a lost course with no longitude.

After a merry filled day with ecstasy and glamour. It wasn't just going to stop there— it was their first night together, so they were really going to enjoy every bit of the opportunity they had. The two love bird played hide and seek under the light of a thousand stars with the moon so far from it peak. Alex held her firmly and felt her warmness ran across his stale body, he couldn't help it but to kiss her— he kissed her so passionately that he felt his heart flutter for the first time.

"I want you—" he whispered silently with his lips quivering of pleasure and his body craving for warmth.

Heather smiled and shook her head as she drew back from him. Suddenly an idea pop into her head— she also wanted it; she wants his body sliding against hers; but she wasn't sure if she was ready. She wants to take everything so slow— especially when she felt Alex had a lot of secret he was keeping from her. She found his unusual body temperature so alarming; and not having a cellphone so strange. Heather wanted to make sure she was ready— ready to get down with him but the only thing her body could come up with was, Not Yet! She loves him and felt very special around him, but she has questions; questions she couldn't ask— questions that could jeopardize her new found love. So she decided to let go with the hope of finding an answer to her question someday.

"I also want you, but not tonight" She said leaning towards him and planted a peck on him"—why don't we go for a ride?"

Alex stood still for a moment, he felt so upknit rather than being rejected. Things like this requires patience which he knew he had to cultivate.

"A ride? Where do we get a ride at this time and in the middle of mountains and trees cape?"

"I brought my mom car to camp" She said leading him towards the sedan parked outside the camp "—but we just have to slide past the gatekeeper" she added.

"That won't be a problem" Alex assured, as he moved some metres away from her before disappearing into the silhouette of the night. Heather stood so anxious for almost three minutes before Alex came out of nowhere making a cooing sound. She then opened the gate slowly and silently. Ten minutes later, they were on the road with Alex not having any idea of where they were headed. He just wanted to enjoy the vacation with her and make every moment count.

They left BayHorth that night and drove straight into one of the most deadliest towns around— Marshville. A small town with a lot of criminal act since the 50s but things got crazy in the town during the 70s when adults suddenly get missing with their corpse usually found two days later with an inscription on it— some kind of Greek word cut deep into their forehead. A lot of people fled the town during that period but in the 90s, survivors from Marshville had become a demon themselves. They weren't scared anymore— this was a battle they were all ready to see through.

The mayor of Marshville imposed a mandatory curfew which nobody abide to. The people of Marshville were no longer scared of death; both young and old had become a rogue just to save their homes from the enemy they couldn't see.

Heather pulled over in front of a pop diner, Alex could see that she wasn't scared despite the tales that circulated about the town. She got down from the car and ordered a lemonade for herself and a soda pop for Alex. The waiter gave her an obscure look. He knew she wasn't for Marshville— since it was a small and less populated town, everyone knew each other.

"You are not from here" the waiter said as he handed her the drinks but Heather didn't say a word "where are you from?"

Heather narrowed her eyebrow and replied "BayHorth"

"Be careful, this town isn't what you think it is" the waiter said, but Heather knew everything worth knowing about the town.

"I know" she said, and enter the car. "This is for you as you requested"

Alex collected the soda pop from her and gave her a weird look.

"This town doesn't scare you?"

"A little, but not as scary as the tales I heard about it when I was younger. I knew those tales were cooked up to scare kids"

Alex smiled. He wasn't sure whether to call her an idiot or she was being ignorant and won't accept the truth. The town scare the hell out of Alex not after what he saw many years ago. The veil of the ukisha was tore open in Marshville, the ghouls were the first to reside in Marshville before other demons escape the underworld through the veil. The witches tried their best to close the veil but it was too powerful. So they cast an holding spell on the veil— the spell was temporary. The spell will hold off any demon and prevent them from crossing over. They renew the spell every lunar year and make some sacrifice to appease their ancestors.

"You should be scared, cause I'm" Alex said

Heather scoff and gave him a mockery gesture. "So you are scared of those tales"

"Can we just leave this town— it seriously freaks me out!"

Heather then realized that Alex was serious. She could see how unease he was, and wasn't ready to make him uncomfortable. So she started the car and they drove back to BayHorth. Alex knew his high pitch tone must have annoyed her because she didn't say a word to him as she drove. Even when he tries to start a conversation, her reply was always short with a her mouth filled with fake smiles. Alex danced to her tune and followed in her melody— suddenly he realized this wasn't how he wanted the night to go. He wanted something romantic and a grudge free night; so this isn't it!

"I'm sorry" he said silently and held her right hand as she placed her left hand firmly on the wheels. She beamed him a smile— the smile was different from the one she did earlier.

"I'm sorry I raised my voice at you, that town scares me a lot" Alex continued.

"I'm also sorry" Heather apologized, as she drove past the 'welcome to BayHorth' sign. The love that began to flow in the car was so unusual, the mood was so different. Alex kissed and tickled her as she drove.

"I can't see—" she complained and also planted a kiss on him as Alex tries to withdraw.

She slotted in a Queen's tape and the rock band took them both to wonder island. She sang along word for word and felt the rhythm circulating in her. Alex was happy the night had gone so perfectly— it was what he wished for.

They were already kilometers away from the camp when something unusual happened. Has she tries to link up with the road that led to the mountains, an animal jumped out of the forest. Heather tries to prevent a collision with the animal, but she lost grip of the steering thereby skidding off the road. The car went straight into the forest colliding with leaves as it went down a sloppy path. Alex wasn't sure of what to do— everything happened so fast. He sighted a tree in front of them and he knew the car would collide with it. So instantly, he wrapped his arms around Heather head to prevent any fatal collision.

Thud!

The car made a big impact with the tree and the windscreen got smashed. Heather was saved by the seat belt and Alex arms. She groan as Alex loose his grip. She felt pain in her legs and think she broke a ribs. Alex had a fractured arm which healed in a minute. Suddenly he began to smell an irresistible scent, something he had taken a bite from— something so strong.

Blood!

It wasn't a bunny blood; Heather had a little cut on her head. Alex couldn't resist the urge even though he tried so hard. His thirst had suddenly began to multiply. His eyes had become darker and his pupil dilated.

"You are bleeding" He said, with his voice deeper that usual. Just like a predator waiting for the right time to feed on his prey.

"Am I?" She asked, trying to figure out where she was bleeding.

"On your forehead" Alex said, with his eyes already in blood lust.

Heather touched her forehead in search of where she had a cut. It was then she felt a small pain underneath her hair as her fingers ruffled through.

"Must have being a small cut" she said but Alex was drawn by the scent of her blood. So he leaned forward and licked a small portion of the blood that flows down to her ear.

Alex felt the beauty— he tasted the sumptuousness. It was different from that of a bunny, and for a seconds Alex wanted more. He was lost and his humanity became recessive. Heather was trying to get out of the car, he drag her back and showed her his blood tasting fangs. Heather screamed and was so scared that she tries to free herself but Alex grabbed her by the neck and feed on her.

***

Alex lost every sight of what made him a vampire, he became a fool as he watched her lifeless body flung wide on the ground. She was gone; so far from this world and had been taken away by the grim. He was the grim, and he had killed the only girl he ever loved.

He dashed away from the scene like a coward fleeing from the truth. Alex ran confusedly as he halted at the boys dormitory. He couldn't approach any further, he whispered some cooing sound into the gentle breeze of the night to get Adam and Cole's attention. It's the owl cry, a sound of emotion they use to communicate their fear and pain. Alex was in pain, he was in a lot of pain and was drowning in fear.

Swiftly, Adam jerked and alerted Cole, they both listened as Alex words circulated their ears with pains. And in a blink, they ran towards him. Adam was surprised to see him in shambles, he could recall Alex had his best outfit and was ready to make the night a special one but guess life is just too full of surprises. Cole couldn't help it as he sputter those words out.

"What happened Alex?" He said, and Alex grumbled some unclear words. Cole didn't want to believe them. He knew Alex loved her so much and his affections were great. He was certain Alex wouldn't hurt her, so they were determined to see it with their eyes.

Alex took them to the site of misfortune, to the place he had taken her life. Cole was gaped, he couldn't believe it. It was heather, her body was drained and had become so pale with flies perching on it. Adam moved closer to her, he wanted to know what had happened to her. He used his leg to clear some withered leaves from her body. And he could see the bite; the blood draining bite.

"Who did this?" Adam asked with disbelief.

"It was a mistake; everything happened so fast and I—"

Cole screamed, he cried out in agony. He wasn't really close to her— in fact, he wasn't sure he had spoken to her but the thoughts of what will happen next gave him chills. He was aware of the dilemma that had befallen them, a very great one that he couldn't wrap his genius mind around. Cole knew if they try to cover Alex mess and pretend everything was normal, they would be an accomplice. And if they choose the second option of reporting it to the penthouse, Alex could be gone for years and might be demoted to a nightcrawler. They were aware that both ways doesn't have a great end.

Adam gave a heavy sigh, he was so speechless and words wasn't finding it way into his head. He doesn't know how they would deal with it; Alex had put them in a difficult situation and he doesn't have a slight idea of what to do. He thought of it over and over again; this wasn't the usual incident he would just react to without using his head.

Lex observed Adam strange silence, he knew Adam wasn't the silence type and that gave him more chills.

"I think you have to report this" he said, merely.

"No!" The word came so defiant. It was Adam, guess his head had given him a response— a very sharp one. Adam wasn't sure if it was his head that gave him an answer or his mind but all the same, the only thing he could think of was saving a friend. He just couldn't wrap his head around the pains Alex would suffer if it was reported. Adam knew his father won't care if it was a mistake; Lex had gone against everything he had taught them— the self control!

"We won't report it—" Adam began, and Cole gave him a puzzled look. Cole wasn't sure if that was the best option; he wasn't sure of anything anymore. "Cole" Adam called "Do you think we can cover it?"

Cole thought of it again. The idea had popped into his head some minutes ago but he wanted to be certain it was perfect even though nothing seems perfect. They had made a pat and it was for better and even at the toughest situation— they were to stay together and firm in every situation. Now, he had no choice— Adam had spoken and he had to obey; well not necessarily obey but he had always been so loyal to Adam for what it worth.

"It's going to be a tough road" Cole began "Lots of people knew about your road trip with Heather—"

"Only few does— Heather doesn't have much friends" Alex said

"That's good then; that narrows the circle down" Adam said, as he watched Cole discuss the plan. They knew Alex won't like it— but it was something they had to do; and Alex help is not necessary needed. They could take care of it themselves. But the plan as a glitch— and Alex could sense it.

"Spill it out" Alex said, looking sternly.

Cole hesitated and assured Alex again that the plan would work; but Alex was only interested in the glitch.

"What are you not saying?" Alex asked, with curiosity getting a hold of him.

"You know my plan never fails" Cole began, but Alex was not ready to listen to all that. All he needs to know was what Cole wasn't saying.

"Eh—" Cole pursed to clear his throat. This was the only plan he could think of at such short notice. "The plan comes with two phase; the introduction! and the execution!"

Adam smiled. He wondered how Cole could create such an humor from a disastrous event.

"What is the execution phase?" Alex asked, curiously.

"This phase requires the three of us. We will make everyone who knows about Heather and you forget—"

Alex cut him off instantly. "What do you mean by forget? You mean nobody will remember my relationship with Heather"

"Your relationship wasn't a paparazzi to start with; so it won't be so difficult to execute"

Alex paused and said he in a soft voice "what is the introduction phase?"

"This is the most difficult— actually not difficult for us to execute. We are just going to rip her apart" Cole said, simple.

"What!" Alex said screaming.

"We have to make it look like an animal attack; so that way it won't be traced back to us" Adam inserted.

Alex just couldn't wrap his head around it. Yes! He had killed her— that was a mistake he would live with for the rest of his life. Now, defying her! Ripping out her remains to cover his tracks was something he can't stand.

"No!" He said, bluntly. "Instead of commiting more crimes and making qyou an accomplice. I think it's better I go to Michael and confess my sins. I don't care about the punishment"

"Well, we do!" Adam retorted. "We can't watch you pass through all that pains. I know what my dad would do—"

"I'm not scared—"

"Only a fool won't be scared!" Cole said.

"I have nothing to intrigue me anymore—"

"You are a fool! You can't possibly throw everything away because of a girl" Adam said screaming.

"We can only be strong together" Cole inserted.

Alex was speechless. He knew this was a battle he couldn't win; this was something that he just doesn't want to go through with. He can't bear the pain of living without her. Guess this is Love! Or whatever it's called! He was already in Love— and he had killed his love! Alex moved closer to her lifeless body, He knew this was a burden he would bear for the rest of his life; but he already found a new purpose. His friends had been his purpose— and he realized they were more than a friend.

"Do what has to be done" He said, positioning her lifeless body well to the ground. He moved away from the scene for he wasn't sure if he could watch them rip her apart.