Stalkers
an original story by: Acid

Story posted 12-04-99 /  Last Modified 04.06.01  

Disclaimer: All rights and privileges to Stalkers and its characters belong to the creator and are reserved for the author. This Fictional story is not to be sold or used for any profit. It is also not to be taken seriously or as factual evidence. Some ideas were taken from Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles such as the Talamasca.

Notes: ( ) stand for the character's personal thoughts.  :: stands for various images, sound effects, or events.   WARNING!!-Story contains some violence, adult language, and suggestive themes/sexual content. 

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"Hey, Lai. Lai! Wake up!"

"Huh. What am I doing here? Oh, nevermind." Lai sat up and looked around. She stared at the steering wheel in front of her, then glanced to her right at Alvin. He looked at her incredulously and pointed to her left out the window. She followed his finger. Lai blinked at the flood of light. The neon signs blinked all up and down the street. Right across the road, though, was a dark building. Loud music played inside and Lai could see people dancing through the tinged windows.

Shifting her gaze back to the door, she saw two men exit. She wouldn’t have bothered to look twice except that they were dragging a small woman between them.

"Are those two vampires?" came Alvin’s quiet voice. "Or just two freaks looking for a good time?"

Lai stared at the two men closely. She then closed her black eyes. Concentrating deeply, she slowly pushed away every sound, smell, and feeling around her. She slowly removed her spirit from her body and traveled towards the two men. Before her stood not men, but hideous creatures. One looks like a pale old man with long, yellow fangs. The other becomes a huge and hideous dog-like beast. Lai quickly turned from the apparitions and returned to her body. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open.

Alvin sat staring at her. He always seemed amazed at her "ability". "Is he…Are they…?"

"Yes. And the woman is to most likely be apart of their feast. Quickly." Lai quietly opened the car door and lightly stepped out. Leaving the door open, she moved silently towards the unsuspecting vampires. When she is about five yards away Lai opens her beige overcoat. From beneath it, she draws a small sword. The pommel is shaped as a skull and gives off a faint black light. Crouching into a fighting stance Lai raises her arm and flicks her slender fingers.

Behind the awaiting Lai, Alvin stands ready. At her signal he begins to softly chant. He reaches within himself and pulls forward an innate magic. While he calls to Anubus to grant his magical desire, Alvin begins the necessary hand motions. When the last syllable is pronounced, a magical bolt reaches from his finger and slams into the first vampire.

Quickly sprinting forward, Lai jumps towards the second man, the one that resembled a dog. She lashed out with her blade, slicing into the creature’s neck. When she landed on the ground again, Lai turned to survey her work. Behind her stood the apparitions she had seen. The men had quickly lost their disguises when injured. She heard Alvin cry out in disgust, then heard his strong voice chanting. Lai watched as the creatures started for him, and she reached downward. From her boots she pulled two knives. One had a hilt of silver and was formed into a deer’s head. Through it ran a magical swiftness. The other dagger was gold and shaped as a viper’s hood. The tip was coated with deadly poison.

Lai took aim and threw the knives. The silver one leapt ahead and she heard a loud thunk as it slammed into the first vampire. He fell to his knees and clasped the hilt as his precious life flowed from the wound. The golden knife shuddered a second later into the vampire dog. The beast fell a foot from Alvin, stopping him in mid-chant. He cried out in pain and clutched his head.

"Sorry Alvin. I didn’t mean to."

"Do you mean to kill me!? You know that people have died from the magical backlash of an unfinished spell, ne!?" He fell back on the hood of the car, searching his pockets for the faithful Advil. "Oooohhh. I swear I will die one day from backlash! And it will be all your fault!"

"Please calm down, Alvin. We need to quickly strip the bodies for clues, then dump them under the bridge. And we have to question the woman," Lai looked behind her. The woman was apparently unconscious. "Quickly because people will be leaving the club soon."

Alvin looked up at Lai’s worried tone. Her face was slightly turned away from him, but he knew that her black eyes were searching every corner and crack on the street. "What happened to the outgoing, fun-loving Lai, hmmm? The one I know is never afraid of any risk. What did you do with her?"

"Stop it. You know that I don’t want to attract any attention. I prefer to let only a select group of people know both my name and what I look like, yet live. Okay? This is no time to joke around." At Alvin’s nod Lai began to kick the dog vampire. When it moaned and started to roll over, she stabbed it with her sword. "Damn stubborn beast. The poison wasn’t strong enough for you?"

She then stabbed the other vampire for good measure. Bending over to retrieve her daggers, Lai paused.

Behind her Alvin cleared his throat cautiously and asked, "Lai?"

"Wait a minute." She knelt on the ground before the body and rolled it so it faced up. "Hmmm. I wonder…" She ripped open the vampire’s shirt. On it’s stomach was a red tattoo faintly resembling a dagger. "Yep. It’s Justin all right. What a waste," Lai turned to look at Alvin’s questioning gaze. "He always said that only a knife in the stomach could kill him. That’s where the tattoo came from." She stood and brushed the dirt off of her knees. "Okay, they’re all yours."

Alvin looked for a minute more at Lai. Now that the battle was done, her movements were sluggish but still precise. Turning his attention back to the bodies, Alvin went to work. "Ausa lamn doocs…" He began to chant immersing himself completely in the power of Anubus. He almost glowed red and black with each pulse of the words.

Lai paused for a moment to listen to Alvin. It had always fascinated her when he cast a spell. She herself had the ability to heal, but she didn’t consider it magic. More like she was giving away a bit of her ever-flowing life force to heal another. Magic was somehow different. And while it was interesting to watch, Lai hated using it. Magic consisted of studying, memorization, dedication, and concentration. She had none of these. Besides, it left one extremely vulnerable; and as Alvin said: being interrupted in a spell caused backlash. She preferred hand-to-hand combat better, anyway. Mostly because she always won that way. (^_^)

Suddenly the woman started moaning. Lai ran over and helped her stand. Behind them, the two bodies had begun to glow. The light quickly subsided, however, and only items of importance on the dead bodies were left to radiate with the magical light. With a new chant, the glowing items were lifted from the bodies.

Lai led the trembling woman around Alvin and to the car, helping her into the backseat. "Forget it Alvin. Just grab the crap. I’ll move the creatures into the trunk," Lai stopped Alvin just before he started the moving spell. He just shrugged at her words and moved the items into the car

She lifted the dog and dropped it onto Justin. Then grabbing his dead limp arms, Lai pulled the duo behind the vehicle. Opening the trunk’s lid, she glanced absently at the club. "Shit! Alvin! Start the engine!" People were streaming out of the building, and were beginning to notice her. She quickly grabbed the dog and threw it in. Then she started lifting Justin. Without warning, an arm grabbed her shoulder.

Lai reached back, gripped the intruding wrist, and pivoted to her left on her left foot. Ducking quickly, she pulled upwards and forward. The person behind her flew over her head several feet and landed hard on the pavement. Lai grabbed up the dead Justin again, throwing him in the trunk with his pet. Then she slammed the trunk.

She ran to the passenger side door and slid into the seat through the open window. "My God! Will they never stay back!? I hope I didn’t kill that dumbass back there. He shouldn’t have gotten in my way," Lai mumbled as Alvin sped away from the pressing throng.

"What happened? What am I doing here and who are you people?" The questions poured from the back seat.

Lai deftly climbed over her seat and sat next to the woman. "We were wondering if you could tell us what happened. We intercepted the two men who were carrying your unconscious body."

"Who are you, the police? I mean, why-?"

"No. We’re not the police. But you owe us an explanation as to what went on."

"All I remember is that I met two men at the club and they invited me to go with them to a different club. Before we left, we had a bunch of drinks. That’s all I remember," said the woman wearily. "Why do you care?"

"I just had a right to know. After all, I saved your life-" Alvin cleared his throat loudly. "WE saved your life. Those two men we actually, uh. Um-"

"Those guys were, um, criminals that were supposed to be executed last week."

"Sure. That’s right, Alvin. Anyway," she turned to look at Alvin, "did you find out anything from the items?"

"Uh, yeah. They were both carrying some weird stuff like pendants and rings with a matching symbol. And it’s not like anything I’ve ever encountered before. And Justin was toting a pretty unique bracer and an empty tear-shaped bottle. I have no idea what any of this can mean, so don’t even bother asking." Lai shut her mouth as Alvin went on, "Everything else was standard vamp material: knives, poison, money, booze, drugs, the works."

"Hmm. You kept everything, right?"

"Of course! How long have we been together, Lai? Even I don’t remember! Lai snorted. "Sorry. Just because I don’t have your extremely extensive memory, you just-UGH! Nevermind! Just forget it."

"What the hell are you two talking about!?"

"Don’t worry about it." Alvin looked back at them in his mirror. "May I, um, ask your, um, name?"

"Oh, uh, it’s Arah. Just Arah." She fell silent. Lai looked over at her. She was wearing a tight, white leather mini-dress that clung to her thin body. Strappy sandals accentuated her long legs and an elegant choker created an illusion of her neck being slender and long. Arah’s hair was swept up and piled high on her head and her whole face shimmered with the glitter make-up that covered it. Her whole appearance demanded attention.

"Haha!" Alvin and Arah looked up at her, startled. "Sorry, I was just thinking of something." Lai knew from her own adventurous experiences exactly what Arah was looking to get from the two "men". Her outfit and posture proved her point. She also knew what was making Arah so nervous. She was most likely under eighteen and had snuck into the club. "Alvin, I need to talk to you when we arrive at our destination," Lai commented when she noticed him staring at Arah. "Which better be soon." She had seen that look guys had many times before. Only it was normally aimed her way.

Lai wasn’t worried that Alvin wouldn’t fall for her, but she didn’t want the eighteen year-old male’s hormones to put him in jail. Good thing for her that he paid attention to her advice. Goes to show what all can occur over two years of friendship.

"Hey Lai? Can I ask you something?" Alvin startled her out of her reverie.

"Sure thing."

"How, uh, did you know who that vamp was? Just curious of course."

"Justin and I had dated about two months ago. That’s all. He got that tattoo and told me it was the first place I had touched him. Course, I had punched him in the gut…but don’t worry . He was quite the player with women then, too." Lai winked at Arah and smiled when she started to squirm. "That’s why we broke up."

"Oh. Okay, whatever." Alvin kept a firm grip on the wheel and locked his gaze in front of him. After several minutes of silence, he spoke. "We’re here now. You want Arah and me to wait here?" He glanced in the mirror again.

"No," Lai fairly yelled. "I want you to come with me, Alvin. Might need help. Besides, work gets done faster with two." Opening the door Lai ordered, "Arah stay here. Lay low so no one will see you. You don’t want to get caught after curfew, do you?" She smiled devilishly. "We’ll be right back. You’ll be safer in the car." Stepping out of the car, she gracefully; stretched and looked about.

It was dark under the bridge, and smoke from the druggies hung in the air. The water was dirty and deep. Moss hung from the walls, hiding a door that Lai knew was there. She picked her way across the muddy ground and parted the veil of moss. Underneath was a makeshift door that consisted of several pieces of nailed together plywood. Quietly, so Arah couldn’t hear, Lai knocked out a code. When the door began to open, she beckoned for Alvin to follow her.

Once inside the two followed a trail of candles that led eventually under the river. It was extremely cold and the warmth provided by their coats was little. Lai knew they were near the end of their journey when the candles became scarcer and the dirt ceiling dipped low. Stooping, she stepped out into a huge dark chamber with Alvin stumbling in behind her.

Suddenly torches around the room flared to life. Alvin blinked as Lai shut her eyes. When the flashing pain had subsided, Lai spoke. "We have come bearing gifts in exchange of knowledge. Will you accept these presents?"

A black figure stepped out, seemingly from the blank wall. "Bear us your gifts and we shall bear your burdens." The voice was deep and abnormal. A white flash of model white teeth appeared as Lai opened her coat.

"Your gift is here. And your burden is above," her words echoed across the hall. From the deep pockets inside her coat, Lai pulled a tiny crossbow and several tiny vials. She also revealed a white box, which contained several tongues. "Your favorite. Although I find your habit of eating disgusting. Here is all you asked for. Will you keep your end of the bargain?"

"I will." A black gloved hand appeared from the dark figure. Several other similarly dressed fighters appeared from the wall and quietly slipped out the door. "The deed is done. Can I be expecting more? I do love a good trade."

Lai glanced at Alvin who stepped forward. "Here is your incentive." He placed on the ground all the knives, leather, and alcohol they obtained from the bodies. "We have some questions to ask of you. On the bodies we discovered three peculiar items. One is a symbol. Another is a magical bracer. And the last is a bottle. I have had much experience, but neither Lai nor I have seen these things before. Of course, you will be paid handsomely for your information…" Alvin dropped off, allowing Gemin’s imagination to finish.

"I accept. Leave the items by the door before you leave."

Lai and Alvin bowed low. "We thank you great Gemin," Alvin called out as the figure began to dissolve back into the wall.

As they walked back through the tunnel, Lai overheard Alvin mumbling. "Can’t ever trust that guy enough."

Lai abruptly stopped and turned to face him. "Alvin. Do you have any idea how old Arah is? Sorry to sound rude or anything, but you seem to like her and well-"

"Whatever! She looks like, well. It’s a little obvious what she expected to get from those guys by what she’s wearing. I’m not stupid. Besides, you’re just jealous that for once Arah was attracting attention and not you!" Alvin’s eyes flashed in anger. He knew exactly what Lai was thinking. He was still a little immature in that way. But he all he could think about was that she might be jealous.

"She’s under age! That girl’s only about sixteen! I just don’t want to see you get hurt or thrown in jail, Alvin." Her voice softened, and the hurt expression caused by his previous words fled her face. In an attempt to hide her emotions, she joked, "What would I do for a partner in battle if you ended up in jail? I’m really sorry, though." Lai looked at her feet, then began walking up the tunnel.

Alvin waited a moment, contemplating Lai’s last words and expression. Could it be? Was she really worried about him? Did she care about him that much? He always thought that he was just a way to get the fight done sooner. His questions ere left unanswered as he started after her retreating form.

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After a thorough questioning session under the bridge, Lai decided it was time to take Arah home. When she opened the trunk, it was empty except for a few items. Gemin’s men had cleaned up well.

Grabbing the bracer, bottle, and insignia, Lai shut the trunk’s lid. She walked to the moss door and set the items down. Turning to watch Alvin help Arah back into the car, she looked back to see that the items were gone. Very efficient Gemin was. Very quiet.

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"I’m so tired!" Alvin flopped down on the couch and yawned. "We’re always out late fighting. And almost every night we come home, I have a backlash headache! When are you gonna stop ruining my spells?"

Lai relocked the door and tossed her car keys onto a nearby table. They had just gotten back from their nightwatch. Arah was safely at home being screamed at by her parents. "I dunno. Never know exactly what vampires are going to do, ne? So I can’t promise you anything," she gave a weak smile. "I promise I’ll try harder next time. Okay?" Limping very slightly, Lai walked across the room to her bedroom. "I’m gonna just sleep now, okay. I’m practically sick to my stomach with exhaustion. Night," calling over her shoulder, she slipped into her room and shut the door.

Alvin sat for a moment, staring after her. Was Lai limping? He couldn’t remember clearly. Standing stiffly, he went and knocked gently on her door. "Lai? Are you okay? You looked like you were limping." He stepped back as the door opened.

"Yeah. It’s nothing." She looked at him oddly. "I’ll be fine in the morning. You okay? I, uh, forgot to ask. Sorry."

"I’m okay! Well, ‘night!" He brightened visibly. "See you tomorrow." Alvin gave her a huge grin as she closed the door. Lai smiled only slightly.

"Ugh." He slumped against the wall next to the door, being sure to be quiet. Sliding downwards, Alvin hit the floor heavily. "I don’t know. Life so sucks," he mumbled softly to himself.

Pushing himself to his feet, Alvin plodded to his room. "Shower, sleep, wake-up, dress, eat-" the door shut behind him, cutting off his stream of lists.

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"Morning Lai! I mean, good evening!" His call was bright and cheery.

"Mmmhhhhmm. Too…early…" Lai mumbled. "So shut…up." She fell into her chair and leaned back. Closing her eyes, she ran her fingers through her hair.

Alvin watched her quietly. He knew Lai messed with her hair when she was irritated. "It’s 10:30 at night! It’s not early! I mean, we should be out on watch right now!" he replied incredulously. "I swear. You have some serious problems Lai."

She flushed humanly and stood up. Wrapping her robe tighter against her body. "Whatever." She knew Alvin hated it when she dismissed him with ‘whatever’. Right now, she was looking for an effect. "What’s for dinner?"

"Whatever?! Don’t even start with that shit!" He pounded his fist on the table, quieting at the loud noise it made. "What do you want? For dinner, I mean. It’s weird ya know. Eating dinner when you wake up instead of breakfast."

"I dunno what I want. And you get used to it after awhile." Lai headed back to her room. "I’m gonna take a shower and get dressed. Maybe we can check out the new café on ________ street. Interested? We can even eat breakfast foods."

"Sure."

"Okay. Be ready in an hour," she called to him as she made her way to her bathroom.

Once she shut her door, Lai threw off her robe. "And while we’re there, we can scope out the vampire situation there, too."

In the bathroom, she stopped to gaze in the full-length mirror. Shutting her eyes tight, Lai sighed. Drawing deep breaths, she allowed her mental shield to drop. Voices rang from all around her. Multiple languages assaulted her. Conversations from across the world whirled in her head. Her body tingled slightly. When she opened her eyes again, there was the same body, but it was different. Her dark red hair had streaks of black and white. Lai’s tanned skin was now very pale, and behind her, wings had sprouted.

The wings were what frightened her. Most vampires had black or red wings. The colors of the Devil supposedly. But her wings were a pure, snow white with golden flecks that seemed to spark in any light. Lai didn’t understand. At first she had credited the colors to her being only a half-breed.

But maybe they stood for her being pure. Yet, she hadn’t been pure or good when she was younger. When the wings had grown, Lai had been the worst of all the known vampires. She had been their goddess. Many years Lai had spent thinking about the same thing: "Why? Why her? What does all of it mean?" Her words echoed back to her, empty. Questions without answers.

Sighing, Lai stepped under the hot water of the shower.

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Above her, the bells tinkled. A waiter glanced her way from clearing some tables. Starr walked slowly to the front counter.

Skye eagerly shoved her way past Starr. Her heels clicked loudly as she ran to the counter. Just before she got there, though, Skye slowed down. Smoothing her outfit and hair, she slipped onto the stool next to Damien.

Starr watched all this and sighed in annoyance at her twin. Before sitting down, she glanced around the room. The only other people in the room were the male waiter and an older couple speaking softly by the door. Behind her, a male voice spoke.

"Sit down Starr. You weren’t followed." The voice had a thick Spanish accent.

Starr turned around to face Damien. His eyes were the normal vampire black, but with golden flecks. His muscular frame was a good six feet tall when he stood. She noticed how pale his skin was. But her eyes were drawn to his thick, long mane of white hair. It trailed down to the middle of his back.

Beside Damien, Skye snickered. She smiled cruelly at her older twin and clasped Damien’s arm. It seemed as if Starr were looking at herself. They both had blonde hair, black eyes, and were very slim and sexy. Only Starr was five-foot and Skye was five foot five.

"Sit. Now," Damien commanded, pointing to the empty seat to his left. "We have business to discuss-" Damien turned abruptly and watched as the couple left. He followed the waiter with his eyes for a moment before turning back. "Several vampires have disappeared," his voice dropped. "They are presumed dead. However, no one has discovered the bodies. Any ideas?"

Skye shrugged and continued to stare dreamily into Damien’s eyes.

Starr thought for a moment. Suddenly, she smiled. "Have you consulted Gemin? He knows a lot about what goes on. That is how he has survived for so long."

"No." He shook his head violently which caused Skye to lose her grip on his arm.

"Hey-!"

"Silence. We tried talking to him. Gemin claimed to know nothing. Of course, he hinted that if the price was high enough…" He dropped off, but Starr knew what he meant.

"Perhaps he has overstepped his boundaries?" Skye asked hopefully. All she wanted was a good fight and strong blood.

"I have thought of that. However. Gemin has been very useful in the past. Don’t forget that he aided us in killing some of the Stalkers. We will need him in the future. Besides, Gemin has many contacts in Tokyo. He would find a way to slip past us. I’m sure of it."

"The we’ll have to pay."

"Or," Starr cut in, ignoring Skye. "We can find some of Gemin’s little buddies. I’m sure they will tell us what we want. With a little persuasion of course."

"Ah, yes. Very good Starr. I’ll try that. Now, let us move to a different place. Something is not right here." He glanced around, his gaze settling on Skye. "I have someone I’d like you to meet Skye."

"Skye’s eyes lit up. Leaning close to Damien, she whispered, "Is it Raoul?"

"Of course."

"Yum."

"He’s waiting outside across the street. Be sure to meet me in two hours at the Arcade. And try to bring Raoul. We may run into trouble."

"Whatever." Skye hopped down from the stool and ran outside.

Damien watched Starr’s reaction. She only rolled her eyes at her twin’s behavior. Starr was used to it. Even though the two were 257 years old, Skye still acted like a six-year-old human at a toy store. "She better get over it," she mumbled.

"Come with me. We must plan some battle strategies and set up our new allies. I want to be well prepared if Lai is behind this." Standing, Damien paid for his drink and headed outside.

Starr stood for a moment before following him. "Lai?" she muttered aloud to herself. "How could she have found us?" Shrugging absently, she hurried outside after Damien.

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As she stepped into the street, Starr squinted. The streetlights shone brightly against the black sky. Her movements were graceful and fluid as she followed Damien through the crowds. Humans surrounded the two vampires; pushing and pulling like tides on the ocean beaches. Starr took a long, deep breath, inhaling the swear-salt and perfumes radiating throughout the night. Dark clouds were overhead and a gentle rain began to fall. The mortals rushed inside the buildings, hovering in the doorways waiting. Damien and Starr were left alone in the street save for the few others who rejoiced in the rain. Damien looked around nervously, then continued down the street and into an alley. Starr stood for a moment more feeling the cool water fall down on her.

As the wind picked up and the gentle shower began to pound her preternatural skin, Starr silently walked into the alley. Damien stood there mumbling to himself. His long white hair, which was normally kept very tidy and hidden, had spilled down his back and shoulders in every-which way.

Reaching out, Starr gently pulled Damien’s wet hair from his face. His black, sparkling eyes were shut tight against the cold wind and his full lips were set in their characteristic frown.

At Starr’s touch, he slowly opened his eyes. They stood all the while quietly and now Damien spoke as he watched Starr. "Do you hear me? My thoughts? I ask only because I no longer hear your mind." He looked to the wet pavement, an extremely human-like flush creeping over his cheeks.

"How many times will you ask this question? Do you mean to torture yourself?!" Her voice echoed down the dark alley. The pelting rain stung her eyes. "You created me. And now you can not hear my mind. And I was never able to hear yours. The moment I accepted your blood, we became both closer and farther apart. I am your childe, and you are my father and lover. Though we may never fully understand eachother, I will always love you."

Damien chuckled softly and began to walk farther down the quiet alley. "You are so young, yet so wise. I hope part of that is due to my lessons. One thing must always be remembered. Vampires only create others to relieve their loneliness. Love, not knowledge, is why I created you, Starr. Though knowledge is powerful, love determines everything. And through love, enemies will form."

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"Lai, what time does that coffee shop close? I mean, it’s 3:00 in the morning. I don’t think it’ll be open."