A Tale of the Unnatural: fanged demons

Showing posts with label fanged demons. Show all posts

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Chapter Four Part Eight

They talked of just about everything but the unnatural. Tyrol did most of the talking explaining things modern. “Would you like a TV set?” offered Tyrol. Kalina giggled, “What for?” Tyrol didn’t have to be reminded that Kalina’s gypsies live a very Spartan and old fashioned life. Although a part of both their stories remained hidden during those few hours every other day they could spend together, they’d become used to each other’s company and it brought them closer, physically.

“But you could take me to see yours.” she taunted knowingly. Kalina would hold him tighter when he flustered like that, searching for an answer. “Well, you know..., the guys...” “I know I know...” she’d conclude. They continued their charade until one day, without thought Kalina kissed him lightly on the mouth. Momentarily terrified of what could be his response, Kalina let Tyrol kiss her tenderly on the lips. Holding each other tightly, neither of them knew what to do next.

If anyone had been keeping an eye on the couple, they’d have noticed that the kids never had a drink nor a bite to eat.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Chapter Four Part Five

Tyrol got home early. He had to stop himself from skipping his way home. It’s embarrassing for a vampire or just about any teenager to do that. Tyrol felt light hearted, light headed, or something like that. Silence pulled Tyrol into the grand room. It was empty of vampires. The TV set was free to use! He picked up the remote, sat on the floor and searched for his favorite shows; the ones he liked when mortal that is.

Delighted that the reruns of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ were endlessly back to back, he leaned on a cushion to watch. Tyrol couldn’t concentrate on the program. His mind kept traveling back to the precious minutes he had spent with her. There was nothing about her that he didn’t like. He even found endearing her evasive answer about some gypsy rule that forbad her from going out at night.

The nest was coming about, so Tyrol switched off the TV and readied himself to join his ‘roommates’ and go out to feed. The notion made him reflect. “It’s the first time, since turned...; I didn’t feel any lust for her blood...; at all!”

“Could that be love?” thought Tyrol.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Chapter Four Part Three

Oscar’s curiosity teased him with the idea of taking up the free reading Dante had offered. “Could the Tarot deck actually call me out?” Oscar speculated. “The palm reading, with the physical contact, though...?” He knows psychics are for real. He also knows he can’t take that kind of risk. It would endanger him and possibly the other Keepers. Kalina’s arrival at the fair surprised him.

For Oscar, Kalina’s wardrobe was kind of quirky and not very gypsy. But it’s Kalina’s indiscrete smile that keeps his eyes on her. He wondered where she’d been; to do what? “Whatever is was she did, she sure is glad she did it.” Oscar smiled to himself. He got back to his car and turned to leave the fairgrounds.

“It’s just too normal, all too normal. They have to eat sometime... something?” thought the suspicious cop.

(To Be Continued.)

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Chapter Four Part One

Most towns have a special place where young couples go looking for some kind of privacy. A lover’s lane usually has a view and is about a twenty minute drive outside of town. But Tyrol didn’t have a car. “What am I going to do with a girl?” he thought to himself as he dressed for the date. “I’m a fucking vampire! How stupid can you get?” Tyrol is as insecure as any teenager on a first date. He buttoned the long sleeves and put on a neutral color jacket with a broad collar Tyrol could pull up and cover his face a little. Not that he had that many choices. “I should have just said...” repeated in his mind all of the things he should have said but didn’t.

Harieen, Kalina’s cousin, took charge of the stall. Kalina spent most of the morning searching for clothes that did not look gypsy-like. It’s hard to find modern chick clothing in a gypsy camp. So, Kalina ended up with a very un-gypsy-like mismatch of cloths. “What am I worried about? I’m not a gypsy, I’m a zombie!” Once she left the fairgrounds she quickened her pace.

“I can’t get lost! It’s a small park; he said I can’t miss it” says Kalina anxiously.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Chapter Three Part Eleven

Kalina didn’t lie when she swore the amulets where magical. She had always felt that magic was not about the incantations or the rituals; magic is in the mind. “The praying to the four corners of the earth is ok, like drawing the eight point star on the ground, I’m fine with that.” she thought. Its part of a show designed to impress the onlookers but the power is not there. “A focused mind can do anything!” that was something Kalina knew.

Word had spread and more folk stopped by. Every day the visitors from town became younger. The Tarot reading was a success and a second stall had to be set up. Palm readers and crystal balls had their niche. Curiosity, as usual, is the great motivator. Kalina was ready for all comers. She looked around sizing up the arriving groups. A fluorescent yellow hoodie snatched her attention. The hood covered most of the fellow’s face but there was something in the way he moved, something special.

“Now why would that feel familiar?” Kalina mused.

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, March 28, 2014

Chapter Three Part Ten

“It’s a travesty!” Tyrol shouted in his mind. “It was my idea. I made it happen. I put my eternity at risk; Agros could have torn me to pieces! He could have destroyed me!” “And what do I get for it? Jesus!” The sound of that word created a very subtle vibration that mortals could not feel. Tyrol lifted both hands, like in ‘Ok’ or ‘I give up’ and walked up to his space.

In a vampire nest, democracy is not a political question but a matter of practicality. You’d never want the others to gang up on you. They could win just by the numbers. Just like democracy. The search for the TV programs most of the vampires liked always ended up in the same place. History Channel! They would point and shout, “Damn, I was there!” “Yes, I remember!” “That’s when so-and-so...” The laughter was chilling.

Tyrol simply passed on the remote and went back to being bored.

(To Be Continued.)

Monday, March 17, 2014

Chapter Three Part Seven

Agros’ main artery almost burst, he was so furious. He didn’t bite his lip, he almost chews on it. “I could destroy that artificial window with the back of my hand,” he thought. “It’s the audacity! Hell!” he couldn’t find words to codify his anger. “May he be damned!” The fact that Tyrol was already damned didn’t cross his mind. The problem wasn’t so much Tyrol, he could handle Tyrol; it’s the others. “They liked the freaking window shows!” he almost screamed in his mind. “Little people running around inside a box!” He’d seen those before and was convinced it was the most unreal dumb thing he could ever imagine.

Agros grumbled his way to the dark and let the others fiddle with the thing. If Agros had looked back he would have seen Tyrol leading the effort. A variety of antennas were improvised out of pieces of wire, an old coat hanger, even a knife one of them kept from a previous time. Then as if it were willed by the gods, a cable connector was found jutting out of a wall. The Home Theater was quickly carried next to the wire, the connector screwed on and bingo!

Tyrol sat in the center facing the TV, the others formed an audience right around him. Tyrol started with channel 02.

(To Be Continued.)

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Chapter Three Part Four

A spear of sunlight stabbed the darkness of Tyrol’s space. Vampires don’t really sleep, like mortals do, with dreams and the like. A Buddhist would say they became invisible to themselves. But Tyrol couldn’t just lay there for hours. He wanted to live eternity not slumber through it. So, he got up went to the window and pulled the curtain aside. The sun was much too bright. The window wasn’t fit to filter out the ultra violet that hurt his skin. He shut the curtain. “What do we do now, that is the question!” Tyrol paraphrased the Bard.

The TV set popped back into his mind. Like most people that want something they shouldn’t have, Tyrol tried to rationalize his sudden interest in television. “I don’t need cable or Wi-Fi anymore, just a regular TV.” “I can put the antenna outside the window.” “It wouldn’t bother anyone.” “I’ll keep the volume low.” “I don’t think Agros would mind, he wouldn’t have to pay a thing.” “If he doesn’t like it then..., we’ll worry about that, when...” “Damn it!” “I can’t just go to the mall and buy one. I don’t have any money!” “Where can I get money? How?” Tyrol seemed to be stumped.

There are two types of epiphanies, major and minor. Tyrol’s was a minor one: “I know! I’ll just steal it!”

(To Be Continued.)

Friday, February 28, 2014

Chapter Three Part Three

Tyrol returned home early, before the others. His mom had taught him to ‘eat your fill and no more’. “Those guys are just gorging!” Tyrol thought, “Blood is delicious but how much can you drink before the body starts to expel it? Waste of blood.” he concluded. His mother would probably have agreed. She had passed unto death before he was turned immortal. If not for that, he’d probably have her by his side right now.

Tyrol retreated to the upper floor. He liked to see the outside, have a view. “These other guys, they’re just... assholes... maybe that’s what happens after a few decades? We all become assholes...” He put the thought aside, pulled the curtain open and looked out. It was still dark. Nothing to do... No one on the street... Tyrol sensed the others arriving. He closed the curtain and turned to lie on his bedding.

“A TV set would be kind of cool!” he thought.

(To Be Continued.)

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Chapter Three Part One

Bruël is a large town. It could soon become a city; it has schools, churches, sport stadium, a mayor, a magistrate and low taxes. All that was needed to grow. One of the best things about Bruël is also its best kept secret. A vampire nest lived right in their midst. You see, if the vampires kept to the Code, it was the safest of towns. Reginald, Morrison’s counterpart in Bruël, is one of the very, very few who knew about the nest. Once in a while he’d run into a vampire or two taking a walk, mostly at night. They didn’t know him as a Keeper but he kept an eye on their whereabouts and comings and goings. Reginald never felt he could truly trust a vampire.

Today, something new, gypsies! Reginald drove his fully loaded Ford Expedition to the outskirts of town, down by the wooded area that later became forest. That’s where he was told the gypsies had set up a tent. He had to take a look. Crime always went up when gypsies were around. At least that’s what’s always said.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Chapter Two Part Twelve

Actually very few creatures have ever been to a Consiglio. Only the parties concerned are invited. Anyone could attend but no one ever knew when or where it would happen. There is no need for a fire, all of the creatures could see perfectly well in the dark. In a way, a fire only made everything outside it darker.

The vampires arrive. The assembly is complete. The wolves sat like sphinxes on the slightly higher ground. The zombies kept to their side of the woods and the vampires took what was left. The Keepers could speak but their voice is very much like a growl. It took a few beats to become accustomed to the tone and be able to understand the words. It also became very boring for Tyrol. “Mumbo jumbo.” he thought to himself.

After a couple of minutes it became obvious that nothing bad was going to happen there. The gypsies are the first to relax and look for a spot to sit. The vampires follow. Tyrol simply wanders along the edges of the glade, bored. It seemed that the full moon willfully followed him around.

At least it seemed that way to Kalina, Madame Ajándék’s great granddaughter and Dante’s niece.

(To Be Continued.)

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Chapter Two Part Eleven

Tyrol was the first to see and pick up the strange parchment. After a brief examination of the script he quickly took it to Agros. It kept well in the darkness. On the appointed evening the nest gathered to leave. Agros would always exit by the front door. The other vampires followed. Tyrol stayed behind a little. He wasn’t too sure if it was because he was embarrassed by Agros’ strut and his continued use of the vampire gear, cape and all, or maybe he just wanted to take it all in. Tyrol left his yellow hoodie behind. He was well aware that Agros hated it.

Morrison and his deputies walked into the forest together. They loved the forest. As they got deeper into the wilderness they slowly transformed into the wolves they also were. Morrison became Maxus in full daylight. The Keepers had learned to shift their shape by willing it. They kept alive the myth about the full moon and such because they preferred maintaining the other creatures in the dark about it. They also hid their human identity. That knowledge could make them vulnerable to a treacherous attack.

Agros and his nest were the last to get to the glade.

(To Be Continued.)

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Chapter Two Part Nine

Werewolves have always felt comfortable in the city of Rome, obviously, because the city was founded by werewolves. It may not be the official version but why would the brothers be thought to be demigods? Why else would the She-wolf care and feed the twins? They were one of a kind, well almost. Of course, the werewolves like the demigods were mortal. It was that mortality that the original Keepers embraced.

Their defense of the human population of ancient Rome from the vampires was what gave base to the myth that vampires and werewolves are mortal enemies. Yes, they were forced to destroy a few of the more cocky ones, then, but for the most part it was convincing them to go on to other pastures or be preyed upon right there. The werewolves are enormous beasts and could destroy most anything but they were also creatures of the night. They knew the unnatural was as real as the world mortals are aware of. But the wolf-men also knew what dying meant. They felt that all creatures mortal or undead had the right to exist. That right had to be protected.

It was their mortality that made them think that way.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Chapter Two Part Five

Tyrol was bored. He couldn’t get a handle on this vampire thing. The darkness, the codes. “And now a fucking werewolf is on our back telling us what we can or cannot do!” He only thought this to himself. His master Agros was not in a good mood. “I’ve got to get out of here!” he continued to himself. Walking up to a window, Tyrol, pulled aside the thick velvety curtain and looked out. “Kind of cloudy...” he thought, “At least it won’t be hot.”

He picked up his florescent yellow hoodie, checked it for blood satins and put it on before stepping out the kitchen door. Tyrol liked being outdoors. Turned only a couple of years ago, he could still remember what being mortal was like. Now, young and handsome forever, Tyrol pulled the hood over his head covering his face a bit before setting on a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. He knew the fluorescent yellow drew attention to him but he also knew it made his presence so obvious that nobody would look at him twice. It was like hiding in plain sight.

“It’s cool to live forever”, he thought. But what he really missed was hanging out with friends.

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Chapter One Part Eight

Three enormous mastodon-like dogs jump out of the forest right into the melee. The wolves’ size and presence were enough to draw the fighters’ attention. Moving swiftly between the antagonists, the wolves blocked punches and pushed some away. Not all of the skirmishes had to be brought down; just the important ones.

The zombie children are pulled off their chosen victim and set down on the dirt at the edge of camp; six and seven at a time. The Keepers are having a lot more trouble with the women. They won’t let go.

The largest of the Keeper’s, werewolf Maxus, sprinted towards the biting, chewing, tearing, punching, loathsome opponents, Remus and Agros. It was not that he went undetected, he’s enormous, but his ability to slide his body between the fighting creatures and block every move they made to hurt each other was so confusing to the fighters that perplexity drove out anger.

Maxus howls, not in triumph but as a signal to all creatures that the battle has come to an end. The other two Keepers echo Maxus’ howl.

(To Be Continued.)

Monday, December 2, 2013

Chapter One Part Seven

It is a blood fest but of the wrong kind. The viciousness on both sides is appalling. Pieces of bodies are strewn all over the camp. The blood and gore leave you speechless. Perhaps, it’s the blood itself that’s enjoying it all the most. It appeared to dance with the air and play with the central bonfire, bursting into flames as the occasional droplet kissed a spark.

It’s only that no one dies. Body parts recall their owners. The gush of blood is never ending. A circle of bite and tear, hit and break, anger and hatred that ate it own tail. How many times can you rip off the same arms without starting to feel foolish? Remus choked on all the blood and Agros’ face recomposed. But reality didn’t stop the fighting. No matter how senseless it had become.

The beastly creatures are so engrossed in trying to tear each other apart that no one hears the approaching deep rumble of paws racing through the forest.

(To Be Continued.)

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Chapter One Part Four

The growl of disgust mixed in with the snarl of anger from the just aroused gypsies. For a long moment the two camps did nothing more than shriek. The vampires spit with dry mouths trying to get rid of the horrid taste of dead flesh and the gypsies try to get their wits back. It was unimaginable that a vampire could be so stupid. Feed from a zombie? What?

Anger is the only real emotion a vampire can feel and their anger was blood red. “Destroy these animals!” was the mental signal Agros sent to his nest. Quicker on their feet than any zombie could be the hunters attacked their prey again, this time, not with open mouths but claws that ripped into the zombies, tearing bodies into pieces of putrid flesh.

A green and blackened liver explodes into goblets of gelatinous rot. Bones with rotten flesh still attached are used to club and break open the hairless skulls. Guts became whips in the hands of the demons beating the younger ones with their own innards. Brains are scooped up and thrown to burn in the fire. A horror of gore!

But the zombie gypsies are many.

(To Be Continued.)

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Chapter One Part Three

Agros’ preference for young children was well known within the nest. He always said the youngest are the tastiest. Their blood was uncontaminated by the trash accumulating in the blood stream over the years. Agros specially disliked drunks. It was too vinegary to enjoy. Good only for the very, very hungry.

He hovered between the wagons searching for his first bite of the night. There it was, a tiny baby that seemed to be feeding from its mother’ breast. Agros dived into the shadows, with his mouth wide open and his pearly fangs glistening.

His move was like a cue. The demons all came down on their chosen prey. Fangs chomped down into necks, groins and chests, each mouth searching for their favorite source of blood. Like wine, the taste of blood varies depending on the region - organ, vein or artery - it was found. Some liked it straight from the heart although it wasn’t easy to get through the rib cage. If you like Pinot Noir you probably won’t care for Merlot.

But Agros’ child tasted like shit!

(To Be Continued.)

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Chapter One Part Two

The fanged demons tore into the sheets that covered the sleeping bodies. Slivers of wood scattered in the air as the vampires broke through the wagon doors. The bolts and hinges were useless. One, then another, of the large sheets falls over the fire briefly darkening the surroundings until it too becomes part of the flames. Sparks dance in the air, twirling from the artificial breeze created by the vampires’ own swift movements.

Agros disliked the gypsies. He found them pretentious putting up for sale their supposed supernatural powers when he knew they had nothing of the kind. Today he will dine them. It would be fair. It was going to be like feeding from orphan children.

It was becoming hard to choose the best morsels, there were so many. The nest was acting like children at a candy store where it’s all free. They couldn’t make up their minds which to feed from first. Only a very few of the gypsies, actually turned to face the attackers.

(To Be Continued.)