TOTALLY VAMPED

          “Take one down, pass it around, fifty bottles of coke on the wall…” Aubrey sighed as she looked out the window of the little bus bound for Transylvania. The sky was dark and cloudy and thunder boomed not too far away.

            “Next stop: Transylvania.” Called the bus driver. Aubrey closed her eyes in relief. The long flight and the unbearable bus ride were taking their toll on her, and before she knew it, she had fallen into a deep sleep.

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            Aubrey was woken up by an incessant tapping on her left shoulder.

            “Excuse me, miss. This is the end of the line. We’re in Transylvania now. You’re going to have to get off.”

            “Huh?” She looked around in momentary confusion. “Oh…I’m sorry. I must have dozed off. Thanks for waking me up.”

            “No problem, miss.” The bus driver helped her take her suitcase down and carried it off of the bus for her.

            “Thank you.”

            “My pleasure. Take care and enjoy your stay in Transylvania!” And with that, he shut the doors and drove off into the night. Aubrey turned and surveyed the empty platform. The nigh was completely silent, as if it were holding its breath…watching her.

            “Aunt Sonya? Hello? Is anyone there?” There was a low growl from the bushes. Aubrey gasped and clutched her knapsack against her chest. “H-hello?” Again, something growled from the bushes and took a step towards the platform. The moon chose that moment to come out from its hiding place and shone brilliantly upon the glistening brown fur  and bleach white fangs of a lone wolf. It jumped up on the platform and moved slowly towards her. He sniffed the air and circled her.

            “Grrrr…” The wolf stepped in front of her and cocked his head to one side.

            “Nice wolf…good wolf?” She tried to step back, but he followed her. He seemed to not find her threatening anymore and was more curious than hostile now. The wolf padded over to her side and grabbed up her small suitcase in his mouth before trotting off towards town. “Hey, wait! That’s mine! Come back!” Aubrey ran an agitated hand through her short chestnut hair. She looked around once more before running after the lone wolf.

            The streets were surprisingly empty. The flickering street lights cast unsteady shadows on the ground. She caught sight of a doggy tail disappearing around the next corner and dashed after it. Unfortunately, as she rounded the corner…she ran into someone.

            “Oof!” The person stumbled backwards and reached out to steady themselves. It all ended with Aubrey and the stranger falling over. She heard the stranger groan and realized that she was lying on top of him. She scrambled to her feet and held her hand out to him. He took it and grunted as she hauled him to his feet. “You’re pretty strong for your size.” He gave her a wolfish grin and squeezed her hand in greeting. “I’m Axel Donner.”

            “I’m Aubrey Rumi. I’m so sorry I ran into you. I was chasing this wolf who ran off with my suitcase, and…” She let out a nervous laugh and blushed. “It sounds pretty silly when I say it out loud.” Axel smiled and shook his head, before holding up her suitcase. His chocolate brown eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

            “He dropped it on his way past.”

            “Thank you.” She reached out and took the suitcase. “It was so strange. He stared off hostile, but then he just took my suitcase and ran off.”

            “I’m sorry about that. He belongs to me. Don’t worry. He’d never hurt you.”

            “Oh, that’s good. So, umm…do you know where Sonya Vanderbilt lives?”

            “Vanderbilt? You must be Sonya’s niece then! It’s a pleasure to meet you. Just follow me and I’ll show you the way.” Aubrey followed, studying Axel from behind. He was much taller than her 5’, that much was certain. He seemed harmless enough with his messy brown hair and sk8r boi look. He turned and smiled at her, as if aware of her scrutiny. “How long are you staying in Transylvania?”

            “At least for the rest of my senior year. After that, I’ll have to decide what college I’ll be going to.”

            “That’s cool. I go to Viper University.” He nodded towards a large building grouped in the middle of some smaller ones. “I’m really sorry you were left at the platform. I was actually the one who was supposed to meet you, but…” He blushed and rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. “…I got distracted.” Aubrey smiled, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief.

            “Oh really? Do you mind explaining to me what could possibly distract you from your very important job of escorting me home?”

            “Would you believe me if I said I ran into a vampire?”

            “I’d think about it. After all, we are in the vampire capital of the world. I wouldn’t be surprised if this place were totally vamped.” She laughed at the thought of an entire city of vampires. It was interesting and exciting, but…most likely virtually impossible.

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            Axel studied her quietly. She seemed strange for a human…like Sonya. Both had an aura about them that attracted other worldly creatures such as vampires, werewolves, dark fairies, nixies, kelpies, etc. Theirs was a dark aura that attracted only the dark creatures of the night; then again…it came with the family secret. Her outward beauty had an attractive aura all its own. She reminded him of a tree nymph with her dark skin, hazel eyes, and short chestnut curls that hung just above the nape of her neck. There was a burnt red streak through her hair on the right side, as if the sun itself had reached out and stroked her hair. She was special…even more so than Sonya. He shook his head, realizing that he’d let his mind wander.

            “So, I guess you’ll be going to Fang High, right?”

            “I guess. I haven’t had a chance to talk it over with Aunt Sonya.” Axel nodded and inconspicuously took her suitcase from her.

            “Where are your parents? I mean, if you don’t mind my asking.”

            “No, it’s fine. They’re in Egypt, studying the tomb of Neferari, Queen Hatshepsut’s daughter.”

            “Hmm…that’s cool. What are they hoping to find?”

            “Well, according to what archaeologists and historians have discovered, it’s a possibility that Hatshepsut was grooming her daughter to take over Egypt after her death. My parents are trying to find out why she never did and how she died.” Her story intrigued him…because he knew why she had never taken over and how she had died.

            “Believe it or not, we have a story about that here. I’d be happy to tell sometime if you don’t mind vampires and werewolves.” Aubrey smiled at him and nodded.

            “I’d be happy to hear it.”

            “Awesome! How about  tonight after dinner?”

            “Okay. Do you want me to call you or will you call before you come over?”

            “Ummm…no, that won’t be necessary. You see, I, uh…live in one of your aunt’s spare rooms. She rents it out to me for school since I don’t have enough money to buy an apartment.

            “Oh, I didn’t know. Well then, I guess after dinner will be fine.” An awkward silence pervaded the conversation. Axel cleared his throat and stopped in front of a long drive that led up a steep hill to…and enormous gothic castle. “Oh. My. Gosh! Is that—?”

            “Yep. Sonya’s Castle. Or, previously know as…Dracula’s Castle.”

            “Wow…that is so frick’n awesome! Are you serious? Are you joking?” She gave him a suspicious look, and he grinned.

            “You don’t believe me?” He took on an offended stance. “I’m hurt. How could you not trust me? Have I ever done anything to make you doubt my character?” Aubrey smothered a giggle and started the ascent to the castle. "Umm…don’t answer that.”

            “I didn’t plan to.” She glanced over as Axel caught up with her. “Aunt Sonya really lives here. I can’t believe it! Mom and Dad didn’t say anything about her being rich.”

            “Yeah, well, being a doctor here pays unbelievably well.”

            “Are you studying to become a doctor? I mean, what are you majoring in?” He frowned and scratched the back of his head.

            “Huh…I never really thought about it.”

            “WHAT?!”

            “…I never thought about majoring in anything. I just thought I’d sign up for a couple standard classes and—“

            “Hold on a sec, so you don’t know what you want to do with your life? Trusting fate to guide you where she will?” She stared at him in shock, unable to grasp the concept that he had absolutely no idea what he wanted to do with his life. Axel chuckled and batted his eyes at her. He looked ridiculous yet adorable at the same time. “You don’t believe in fate?”

            “No. I believe that we are all in charge of our own destinies. If you want something to happen, you have to make it happen yourself!”

            “Well, I believe in fate. How else could I explain you crashing into my life and showing me that I need direction!” Aubrey continued to stare at him in utter amazement.

            “What in the world are you talking about?” Her lips started to tug into a grudging smile. Axel caught her by surprise as he took her hands in his. His large hands engulfed her own.

            “Isn’t it obvious? Fate has brought you here to help me find my way in life! You are—” His speech was cut short as they both started to laugh. He dropped her hands and turned to look at the giant door before them. She gaped at it in awe.

            “Wow…”

            “Amazing, isn’t it?” She nodded mutely and followed him as he pulled the door open and entered the castle. He set the suitcase down and looked around the great entryway. “Hey! Ms. Sonya! I’m back!” When nothing but silence answered him, he sighed and rolled his eyes. “Aubrey is here!” Footsteps could be heard on the smooth stone floor, and a woman appeared at the top of the grand staircase. Her curly black hair was tied back and hunt to her waist. Her icy blue eyes were sparkling with excitement.

            “It’s good to have you home, Aubrey.” She smiled then, and took a running headstart before sliding down the railing of the grand staircase in a bright blue ankle-length skirt and a crisp white blouse. Aubrey looked over at Axel in disbelief, but he was watching the woman’s descent anxiously. He sighed when she finally made contact with the entryway floor (no broken bones involve).

            “I wish you’d stop doing that, Ms. Sonya. You’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days!” Sonya smiled and shook her head.

            “You’re too young for things like that. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.” She murmured before turning to face her niece. “It’s so good to have you here, Aubrey. Several years have passed since you last stayed with me.”

            “Yeah, but I think I’d remember you living it up in Dracula’s Castle! You never told me about it in your letters.” Aubrey’s comment made Sonya frown. She stepped forward, brushed a stray piece of hair out of Aubrey’s face, and studied her.

            “Aubrey, I have lived here long before you were born. Do you truly not remember the castle?”

            “Wha—but…I…” She trailed off and looked around. None of her surroundings seemed familiar, but there was definitely something…something about this place. She shook her head and met Sonya’s gaze. “I’ve never been here before.” Dead silence fell over the, thick enough to cut with a knife. Sonya was the first to recover.

            “Oh well, no worries. Axel, show Aubrey to her room and help her get settled in. After that you can come down to the kitchen and we’ll eat a late dinner.”

            “And then it’s story time!” Axel’s outburst shattered all of the awkwardness left by the silence. As Aubrey turned to follow him, Sonya looked over her head and mouthed a message to him:

Emergency meeting at Midnight.

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