Dead or Alive

[ 1 ]

Footsteps are approaching closer and closer to me. Eerie noises are becoming louder. I'm pretty sure that..being can sense my fear. My life is on the line.

How did this happen, you ask?

First of all, you should probably learn what an actual vampire is. No, they're not dazzling, romantic, or anything like what the books claim them to be, as much as I had believed them back then.

Vampires, or at least, the one that's trying to hunt me down, are creatures with deceptively bright features, with white scales scattered across their skin. They are usually the life of the party, the ones that are the most emotional, and above all, the ones with perfect masks. They can essentially hide every bit of intention of trying to attack a fellow classmate or colleague, while still looking like they adore that new piece of music you wrote a few days ago. They have never known true emotion and are more or less robots learning to adapt.

Contrary to popular belief, they do not rely on blood as their source of food or shrivel up and die in the sun. Instead, they rely on human organs so as to keep their own deteriorating organs healthy. Vampires, though extremely strong, are unable to gain nutrients the same way that you and I do, so they are forced to spend their time finding ways to provide it for themselves. The sun doesn't affect them at all, other than providing trust to those who believe in the novels that are written that they are human. The only thing that has even the slightest of chances of stopping them is fire. Fire's properties gives it the possibility due to vampires being unable to keep them under control.

And I'm stuck in a community park, hiding behind the playground. No escape routes found so far. But I should at least inform the future generation on how to survive, right?

Humans don't have any supernatural power that can prove to be useful in survival against vampires, but they do have their brains and resourcefulness. The best thing to do against vampires are to, well, not go up against one at all. Learning the signs and symptoms of their behavior so as to stay away is your best bet of never being put in the situation I'm in as of now.

For example, some symptoms that a person you know is a vampire include being able to tell the time suddenly, having a "disease" that prevents the chances of straining physical exertions right after someone has "disappeared", refusal of any meat, and the sliver of silver found on parts of their face. Remember to always have some matches or something that starts a fire on you as a line of defense.

But, if you're one of the vampires' targets, there's not much I can do for you. I haven't got any information on trying to talk them out of it. However, there are certain ways to use fire as a lethal weapon, but none that has been discovered to be discreet so far.

Is that the wind? Or did I just get extremely cold in the middle of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit weather..?

Aside from that, I don't have a lot to say to you for guidance. I've been one of the only ones who even know of these creatures existing in our world. Questions will most likely never be answered, but I hope this general overview has protected you for a lifetime. I have more to worry about as of now, since I don't hear anything now.

No, really.

There's no sound. Why is everything so pitch black?

"I knew it was a bad idea to let you talk to me that day."

I know that voice. But, all my predictions had pointed to...

"Oh, don't worry. I had used your precious little friend as a cover. You thought she betrayed your trust, didn't you? Humans are so emotional."

What have I done?!

"Her organs were so healthy that they lasted me for the rest of the school year! Didn't taste half bad as well. But, I need some more. From you."

My sister in all but blood was murdered, assumed dead from an apparent suicide attempt. I didn't grieve for her, I didn't even go to the funeral. I wanted nothing to do with the one who I thought was trying to hunt everyone down. I--I must make sure that wasn't for nothing. I can't fail her again... I'll need to get out of here first.

Those footsteps have gotten so close, I'm surprised that she wasn't peering down at me. The only choice that I had that left the best outcome. I didn't know why I did that. I didn't want to.

I dashed out and found a match, taking it and lighting it. I threw it in the vampire's general direction. I heard the screams. I heard the agony. I had enjoyed it. Relished it, hoping that it would last forever.

My morality was deafened by my thirst for revenge that fateful night.

My only chance is to go and leave. This incident will be blamed on me, and I will be hunted down. I.. just need to go say goodbye.

As my footsteps were heard through the night, I had tried to think of some survival plans that would be beneficial, but nothing popped up. I had soon arrived to my home and entered in a frenzy, looking for food rations, water, and money along with camping bags and blankets. Before I left my room for the last time, I had taken a scrapbook that was a gift from my friends and family so as to remember them.

I tiptoed over to my little brother's room, whispered my farewells, and kissed him on the forehead. I left him a note that told him that I was gone, to not search for me, and that I love him. I felt tears slip down my face once I backed out and headed to my parents' room. I left them my favorite pendant and left them a note as well, for them to be careful and to take care of themselves. My grief was getting too distracting...

Before I could leave inconspicuously, I heard footsteps running down the hall. I guess Caleb had seen the note after looking for a midnight snack. I swore quietly and hurriedly took the car keys and threw everything in the trunk. As I started pulling out of the driveway, I saw Caleb looking through the window on his way to the master bedroom, tears streaming down his face with an expression that said 'Why?'

I speedily took off before I could get too sentimental to drive.

I left behind my town, my family, my trust. I couldn't afford another innocent harmed. I can't.

I'll return soon.