Children of the Light - Part One

Author Notes:
The legend of the Light and Dark Vampires are completely my creation, and I continue to build their world with each new part of their story.

Light Vampires: Capable of surviving the sunlight, they gain strength from it. They are good natured creatures with a belief in God. They do possess souls. One of their weaknesses is direct contact with anything forged of pure gold. They fly very similar to Superman without the aid of wings. They gain norishment from draining the life force of other beings, but never enough to kill. They possess distinct light purple eyes and fangs, the fangs are only for defense. Possessing unnatural strength, speed, agility, and the ability to change form at will. One of the races who uses Arcanic and Vampire magics. Sworn protectors of the ancient Tome of Midnight. Light Vampires can become Dark if they break any of the sacred laws or give into their demonic, ancestrial urges. They have no quarrel with human beings and even have human friends.

Dark Vampires: Better known as 'The Legendary Ones', they are the ones the rays of the sun can destroy. The night gives them their strength. They have no God nor care to believe in religion. Human blood is how the sustain their unnatural life. Their eyes can vary in color, to the deepest red or brightest of orange. Those with the most power and have given into their demonic heritage have red eyes with black slits. They can fly but must use a set of black batlike wings that are concealed on their backs. Silver easily harms them and they possess all the weaknesses of what we know as vampires. Possessing great Arcanic and knowledge of the Dark Arts, their magic prowess is impressive and the older the vampire the more powerful. Strength, agility, and speed are nearly identical to the light vampire. With a goal of enslaving humankind, they forever seek the Tome of Midnight.

****

He wrapped his cloak tight and walked down the corridor. The candles flickered with the brush of the wind. Someone knelt near one of the many windows, holding a candle in one hand.

"I'd like to know one as brave as you. One who stares into the night with a look of longing?"

"It doesn't take bravery to miss something so dear."

He had felt the burning embrace of the night, so he kept his distance. The soothing sound of rain pattered against the dirty window pane. On nights like these, he found himself lulled to sleep by it. Tonight, his mind was on the stranger before him.

"Are you new to us?"

"Yes. It's all so strange to me."

He had not meant 'new' in the manner of 'recently changed,' but it appeared she had taken it in such a fashion. It is a common question, typically asked to reveal the age of the vampire. He would have waited; many 'Light Vampires' do not want to discuss their change with others.

"I'm sorry. I'd no desire to discuss the matter the first time I was asked."

"No. I don't have a problem with it."

"Was it forced upon you?"

I'm not really sure. I met this guy at the beach. Sort of odd, but very attractive. He was the only guy fully dressed. It was ninety-five degrees and he wasn't even sweating. You'd think I'd notice."

He peered out the window.

"Our breed of vampire thrives in the sunlight. We gain strength from it. It's our nightfall, our time to enjoy what eternal life has to offer."

"Can we change our form, become something else?"

"Indeed."

His skin color changed from a light Caucasian into one of an African-American tone. Eyes of light purple shifted to dark brown. Long, hazelnut hair lost its length, receading into the scalp, being replaced with thick, short black hair. Lips became slightly larger than normal. After the transformation was finished, even Cromwell's voice had deepened.

"It takes years of practice to change your appearance. What I've done here is child's play compared to what the more experienced light vampires can do."

"Remarkable. How old are you, if you don't mind my asking?"

As quick as he changed, he reverted back to his true self.

"Three hundred and twenty-five years old."

"You must be very experienced."

"It seems like a long time, but it's really very little to us."

"Time is so trivial when it comes to life. We're different from the average human. We seek to be what they are, live how they live. Do we not?"

"I really can't answer that honestly. I've only been a light vampire for a year."

"You'll learn through time. Being immortal is both a curse and a blessing. Don't bring attention to differences. Your life will be filled with pleasures and adventures undreamed of. If you feed off a human, flaunt your powers, or be evil for the sake of it."

Lightning cast the windows lit pattern across his face.

"You'll slowly become a Dark Vampire - the ones of legend - rays of the sun destroy them."

"But how is that? I thought the dark vampire were a different breed?"

"At one time, all dark vampires were light vampires. Yet, they chose the wrong path and their choice filled them with evil. They want one thing from us that promises whatever they desire. The tome of Midnight. We're its sworn protectors. Everything has its drawbacks."

"Why haven't I been told any of this until now?"

"Many don't like to talk about it. They feel they'll change if they do."

"You're not afraid that it will change you?"

"Why should I? I know the rules. I know how the change begins."

"By, the, way, what's your name?"

"My name is Cromwell, yours would be?"

"Lyssia."

"It's nice to meet you, Lyssia."

"It's nice to meet you as well."

"May I ask why you were staring out the window? The dark burns easy."

"I love the rain," she sighed. "I came here to watch it, and think."

"It does have a soothing effect. One could easily become-"

He spotted something that moved out in the dark just beyond some headstones. The night played tricks on ones eyes, so he was not certain. It could have been a trick of the lightning. A cold gust of wind struck him from behind.

"I think we'd better head back to the Sanctuary."

"What's wrong?"

"Come out into the night, light lovers! Come out, or we're coming in!"

"Who's that?"

"It's the dark vampires! They've never been brave enough to come so close; it could only mean one thing."

"What?"

"No time for questions," he grabbed her hand and turned to flee.

They stopped in their tracks. Ahead in the candlelit corridor, a thick cloud of foglike vapor moved in their direction. He forced her behind him as the vapor began to take shape and solid form. A set of ruby red eyes glowed within the mist. Then a very familiar face took shape as the mist became a solid male body. The face of the Dark Vampire leader Lars Shadeborn.