Untrustworthy

Chapter 2

The sun shines brightly, creeping through the blinds. It gleams down over Knithe as he lays resting in his bed. Knithe stares to the sun, their gazes interlocking. He chuckles to himself, to think, he actually used to believe the silly stereotypes of vampires. They don't perish in the sun, as he's learned. The only reason they come out at night is because it's easier to hide from mortal hunters when you're cloaked by shadow. They're also easily identifiable by the colour of their eyes and their transluscent complexion, so it's not as if they can move about the city in daytime without causing a panic among the humans and attracting attention to themselves. As the mortal albinos, you can see the blood of vampires through their irises. Whatever color matches the dominant portion of the blood they drink is the color of their eyes. Those that drink human blood develop bright red colored eyes. If they pertain themselves to animal blood, their eyes turn crimson. Luckily, he was able to save the woman last night before Ryan shot her. Her eyes were crimson. Wise, crimson cat-eyes. Knithe couldn't help but find himself focused on her once again. She was enchanting. Such a stunning creature with the name of a vixen...

"Vira." Knithe whispers aloud, sighing heavily.

"The girl from last night?" A familiar voice inquires. Knithe jerks, startled by the interruption. He sits up to find Ryan peering through the door.

"Oh... yeah..." Knithe's gaze drifts away absent-mindedly,

"She was pretty." Ryan states, entering and seating himself on the edge of the bed.

"Not just pretty, she was beautiful." He sits up. His mind returns to the image of her, crouched atop the car, glaring in at them. You could see every shape of her in that form-fitting, red-and-black striped tank top and those black tights. Every curve sculpted gorgeously as if the Gods themselves had each had their own personal part in constructing her. Her eyes sent a thrill through him, fierce on the surface with a surging electricity underneath.

"Sure, but you of all people should know not to obsess over looks." Ryan smirks to his friend.

"I know, but I can't help it." Knithe admits, "I haven't been able to get her out of my head."

"You haven't even officially met her yet."

"I know... I know. There was just something so different about her." Knithe moves to the edge of the bed to join his friend.

"You talk like you're never gonna see her again."

"I don't know if I am."

"I'm sure you will." Ryan nods his head, Knithe looks to him in curiosity. "Their planning another attack tonight, maybe she'll be there."

"Or maybe she won't." Knithe adds, "Think about it, we've been to hundreds of vampire attacks and we've never once encountered her before."

"No, but we've never faced an attack from this particular monarchy before." Ryan points out, "She did seem to have personal ties with their King."

"I guess so." Knithe smirks at his friend's encouragement.

"Now, get up and prep yourself." Ryan warns, "We need to get there early if you plan to find her." He stands, moving for the door. He turns to take one last look at Knithe before taking his leave, "I've already mixed your drink, it's on the kitchen counter in the blender."

"Thanks." Knithe groans, staring down to the beige carpet. The door clicks closed, signifying to him that he's now alone with his thoughts. He can't waste time, meeting this girl seems to be the only way to satisfy this odd curiosity he has towards her. He lays his face in his hands, sighing. What's he even to say?

Knithe drags himself into the kitchen, reluctant to drink the foul substance awaiting him. It substitutes blood in nutrients, but not so much for taste. Knithe uses it to soften the cravings he feels for human blood when they go to thwart attacks. This is the reason he has such a unique eye colour. He slides up to the counter, hesitantly gripping the handle of the blending pitcher. He unseats it from the machine, slushing it around. It's thick and red, much like tomato soup. He clenches his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose to try and dull the taste. He puts the plastic rim to his lips, spilling the chilled substance into his mouth. He grimaces, slamming the pitcher onto the counter. He swallows quickly, leaning forward to steady himself. His stomach churns, lurching upward. Knithe gags, clasping a hand over his mouth. Heat rises in his face, sweat slightly beading on his forehead. Once he's sure his organs have relaxed, he rests his forehead on the counter. The marble feels cool against his face.

"Excuse me," He practices to himself, "You don't know me, but I think you're gorgeous and I can't seem to get you out of my head." He sighs.

"No, no, no." Ryan enters the kitchen, leaning on the counter next to Knithe. "You have to be suave, sophisticated." He advises, "From what I saw the other night, she'll think you're an idiot if you just come out and say something like that."

"God, you're right." Knithe lifts himself from the counter, covering his face with his hands. "But what do I say?"

"Just start by introducing yourself." Ryan pats his friend on the shoulder, "Come on, we don't have time to sit and worry about this, we have to go."

The scene they approach is one of horror. People scattering in fear of the horrid creatures behind them. Fangs piercing skin, blood dripping from the bodies lying in the street... Knithe has to turn from the sight. Bloodcurling screams drown the serene sounds of night. Knithe glances around anxiously, scanning the faces for the one so entrancing. Ryan slams on the breaks, the both of them jerking forward with the force of the car. They hurry out, grazing their eyes over the crowds. The scent of blood rides on the wind, caressing Knithe's throat. His esophagus sears at the smell, his mouth growing wet and wanting. It's never easily ignored, but the burden is lessened tonight. His only mission is to find her. Knithe weaves through the crowd, looking for those electric eyes. Pressure crushes his stomach, causing him to slump forward. He gags, the taste of his disgusting drink returning. Knithe reaches back, gripping the collar of a vamp's suit; a particular vamp who just so happens to have a hold of him a the moment. He pulls upward, leaning forth to cause the vamp to flip over him onto it's back. It's eyes roll around in disorientation, it's arms and legs sprawled out around it. Knithe lifts his foot, bringing it down upon the vamp's chest. A sickening crack echoes through the night as the vamp's rib cage collapses beneath Knithe's strength. He continues on, leaving the vampire to lie on the ground, struggling for it's last breath.

Knithe grows impatient, tearing through the people before him. He roams through the street, chaos moving all around him. The humans continue to flee, the vampires continue to pursue. They all ignore him, as if he's a fire hydrant or a tree. A mortal stumbles into him, trembling and whimpering. She's short and thin with blonde hair. She somewhat hesitantly lifts her eyes to meet his. Their gazes touch, the dread in her eyes so obvious that it practically marquees through her pupils. Knithe's obsession with finding Vira blinds him to it. He drops her on the ground before a leech. The vamp only stares at Knithe in shock, it's lips spread to a slow smirk.

"Hey!" A feminine voice shouts. Knithe turns quickly only to see a set of pale knuckles. He receives the blow, tumbling back. A blur of white waves over his vision before his head smashes into the concrete. His consciousness wavers for only a moment, but it holds true. He opens his eyes only to have them meet Vira's.

"Pay attention!" She growls, helping Knithe from the ground. She turns from him to a swiftly approaching vampire, flicking her wrist to extend her nails. She slices the vamp's throat open, the blood spraying out over the two of them. It drops to it's knees in front of her, falling before her feet. Through Knithe's vision, the blood splatters are but rose petals falling through the sky over her angelic face. He eases up to her, his heart quickening it's pace with each step he takes. He holds his arm forward, watching it tremor feverishly. He breathes heavily, trying to calm his heart that beat so swiftly like the wings of a hummingbird. He slides his fingers over her shoulder.

"You have no permission to touch me!" She hisses. A troop of vampires stalks up to the two of them, surrounding them. The vamps begin to close in, forcing Vira and Knithe against a wall.

"Sorry! Sorry." He fumbles, dropping his hand. One of the vamps charges at him. He grips it's head, clashing it's forehead with his own. It sways in Knithe's hands, he jerks it around until he hears a snap. "I just... wanted..." But before he can finish, Vira races to the crowd of vampires around them. She pulls out her sai swords, slashing two vamps at a time. She slices through them expertly, blood raining down as though it's actually falling from the stars. Her body is a glowing white portrait against the gorey red canvas. The look in her eyes... it's one no sane person can harbor. It's wild and crazed, enough to chill you to your very heart. The electricity that had hidden deep within her eyes now shows itself. She grins maniacally, destroying vamp after vamp until she faces the last one. It growls at her, still ready to fight for it's King, despite the odds. She shakes her head, chuckling.

"Fool." Vira names it, jabbing the swords into the center of it's chest. She slits one upward toward it's throat and one downward toward it's hips. She pulls them out, the rose petals raining over her once more. She slides her fingers inside the incision, tearing the skin and muscle open wide. It's bones and organs exposed; she grips two of the vamp's ribs on the left side, breaking them off. Vira shoves her hand inside, grasping the beating chambers of it's heart and crushing them. The blood still tries to squeeze through, but to know avail. The vampire gasps and claws at her, but without effect. The heart slows to a stop, the body surrounding it slumps down over her. She pulls her hand from it, allowing it to drop to the ground.

"Some help you were." She sneers, glaring to Knithe. She turns from him, walking steadily away.

"Wait! Where are you going?" He asks,

"None of your business."

"Where do you live?"

"You ask too many questons." She snarls, turning to him "Now, leave me!"

"I just want the chance to get to know you." Knithe responds in a kind voice, trying to relax the conversation.

"Who are you to believe you have the right to know who I am?" Vira looks to him with a firm expression. Knithe's eyes drop to his feet, he's never thought of that. Sure, he wanted to understand her, but maybe she doesn't want to be understood. Perhaps she just wants to be left alone.

"Look, I'm sorry." He sighs, "You're right. It's just that, I can't stop thinking about you. You're just so beautiful... I've never met anyone like you." He gazes at her, completely disregarding every bit of advice Ryan had given him. If Vira didn't listen to anything else Knithe said, she'd listen to this. So far he feels justified in believing so, seeing as how her facial expression has softened. "I thought that maybe, if I got to know you... I... I-I, uh..." He stutters, a blush painting his cheeks. He turns his face to the ground, unable to see her as he says this. "I was hoping that if I, uh, got to know you, you and I could, uh, maybe... you know..."

"No." Vira states blatantly, "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm an independent person. I haven't needed anyone this far and I'm sure I won't need anyone in the future." She turns, continuing to walk away.

"So, you're just going to be a loner for the rest of your life?" Knithe snaps, feeling the sting of disappointment from her abrupt rejection. "You never want to feel the warmth of a friend?" Vira stops in her tracks, the only sound heard is that of Knithe's heavy breathing and jumping heart. He grins to himself as his body begins to calm, he has her ear now. "Look, I know that you get lonely sometimes, don't you?"

"Not as much anymore." She whispers,

"But you still do." Knithe nods his head in understanding, though she can't see it. A growl invades the air, low at first, then rising to a crescendo,

"That isn't any of your business!" Vira explodes, facing him.

"If you allow it, I can make it my business." He still carries a low tone, not wanting to lose her attention again, "I can help." He watches as her expression turns to a thoughtful one. They stand, quiet and still in the night, Knithe holding a look of determination to show her that he isn't going to back down so soon. "Where do you live?"

"Nowhere."

"Really, my friends and I can help." Knithe pries, "Where do you live?"

"I don't have a home, I live nowhere." She admits, a hint of shame creeping into the back of her voice. Knithe drops his tough exterior, pity gripping him. Vira rolls her eyes, crossing her arms and looking away from him.

"Well, that's perfect." He states, "You can live with my friend and I."

"I don't want your charity."

"Will you stop trying to shut everyone out?" Knithe asks, holding out a hand. Her eyes twitter suspiciously between his face and his outstretched hand. He grins warmly, trying to hold a sympathetic expression.

"You don't know me," Vira's tone is low and calm, "You shouldn't trust me and yet, you're willing to allow me into your home?"

"Sometimes you need to take chances with your trust." Knithe's hand gestures for her to move forward. Vira slowly reconsiders the situation. This man is right, she's felt the cold sting of loneliness many times throughout the years. Perhaps this strange man could offer her some of the warmth she's been longing for. Just like her mother used to... She steps toward him with ambivalence, steadily sliding her fingers over his. Her hand is so smooth and soft; her touch generating tiny bolts of lightning through him. He grasps it gently, pulling her closer.

"You're so... so..." Vira pauses, looking down to their hands. "Cold." Her face conveys disappointment. Knithe feels the connection he's made with her slipping away.

"N-No... no..." He stumbles to himself, physically unable to bring it to an audible tone.

"I'm sorry, I can't do this!" Vira turns from him, rushing away. She was wrong. He's a vamp. Vampire's can't give warmth. They're the ones who've caused her such loneliness!

"No!" Knithe finally shouts, "Wait!" But she's already gone. Discouragement washes over him, his stare falling to his feet.

"You almost had her." A comfortably familiar voice comes up behind him.

"Yea, thanks Ryan, I know that!"

"Hey, hey, hey," Ryan lays a warm hand on his shoulder, "There's no reason to take it out on me."

"You're so god damn warm!" Knithe jerks his shoulder from Ryan's reach, "Why? Why can't I be warm?" He falls to his knees in failure. Ryan can only watch his friend helplessly, for there is nothing he can say. He isn't a vampire, he doesn't understand. He has no right to comfort his friend.

"Come on," Is the only thing Ryan can think to break the silence. "Let's go home."

As the two enter their car, a shadow pursues them. What could those hunters want with Vira?

Knithe sits in his room, staring through the blinds to the glowing moon. It's pale, as he is, with a slightly blue tint. He views it as a symbol for his wispy mood. At this very moment, he feels such a connection to Vira. He feels lonely, desperately so. A vampire surrounded by humans, he has no place, no purpose. He can't shake the thought that she might be looking at the same moon, feeling the same things. He needs to find her, if not for her own good, for his. He creeps out of bed, trying not to make a sound. He slinks to the window, pulling it open.

"Where do you think you're headed?" Ryan's voice interrupts him, causing him to flinch.

"I have to find her." Knithe states seriously, staring to the window sill below.

"I can't let you do this."

"You can't stop me."

"Then," Ryan sighs, "I can't let you do this... alone." Knithe looks back to Ryan with compassion,

"Uh, thanks." Knithe smirks for a second, turning back to the window. He slips out discretely, Ryan following.