Chapters 11-15

The next dawn came. Ling became startled by this sudden awkward request from her father. "I'll need this ruby for awhile. It's just that I found something interesting about it. It's very extraordinary," he says. "Um, sure, father." She says, takes off the necklace, and hands it to him as if she were being robbed. "I'll have it back to you ASAP."
"Take you're time," Ling replies slowly, softly, and still feeling awkward. "What is it that you found that became so interesting, father?"
"It's nothingwell it is, but I can't explain it at this point. You have a great day at school."
"Thanks, and you have a great day, too, father."
"Thanks."

Both hesitates. "Well, good bye." Jian finally recoils. Jian couldn't tell her the truth. "Oh, sweety, the necklace you're wearing, is wanted by a detective. Show some respect and give it to the police station." No, he couldn't say that. He was too embarrassed. I am a lousy father! Please forgive me, Ling

I can't believe this! What the hell? She cried. Ling wanted to show Kara her new gift today. I mean, the girl wasn't going to wear it in classes. She planned to show it in the cafeteria. But noooo, Jian wanted it back! He's like a thief of always!

Speaking of that term, the novel, "The Thief of Always" is an excellent book written by Clive Barker. The main character, Harvey, the little boy gets drifted away by some monster and taken to a wonderland. Oh, how he could get anything he wants! Eat whatever he wants, and play whenever he wants! Lucky for him. I wish a monster would drift and take me away.

"Hey, girl, what's up?" Kara spooks her. Ling didn't know she her friend had been behind for her awhile. "Oh, nothing. " Something caught Ling's eyes. "Hey, you cut your hair!"
"You like it?"
"Yeah! It looks great on you!"
"Thanks. Maybe you should do something with you hair, too."
Ling is used to Kara's criticism. That's part of Kara's personality. "You just let your long hair fall out. You are so boring!"

Both girls laughed as they entered their music class, the Harmony and Ear Training II, and Music Analysis. (HMEAII). Their music teacher, Mr. Yang, was already getting started. "Good morning class. Take your seats, and let's get on with our business."

Ling looks up and sees a tall, muscular, very handsome young man, and in his early 20s, giving a piece of blue paper to Mr. Yang. Wow! He's soooooo cute! Ling blushed from thinking naughty things in her mind.

"Damn, he's cute!" Kara says, smiling. "I wonder if he has a girlfriend!"
"Are you serious? A fine-looking man like him, I'm sure he already does!"
"I'm envy her," says Kara.
"Are you saying he's more handsome than Hwoarang?" Ling asked, smiling. "Who's Hwoarang?"
The girls laughed softly.

"Mujuro, Jon. You're the foreign student. Well, welcome to my class. Please, take a seat. Did you bring your school supplies?"
"Yes, sir. I did." Jin said very smoothly, firmly. "Good. I know you're new, so you can just have a seat and take notes from where we left off. Stay here after the course, though."
"Where shall I sit, sir?"
"It's Mr. Yang."
"I apologize. Mr. Yang, where shall I sit?"
"Well, there's a an empty seat behind Ling Xiaoyu. The girl at the end."
"The girl at the end?" Who the hell does he think I am? Ling sneered.
"Thank you, Mr. Yang."
"All right. Just have a seat, Mr. Mujuro. Okay, class, as we were."

Ling's heart began to pound against her chest with sudden excitement. The new boy is going to sit behind me! Yaaayyy! Kara feels jealous again. Ling did her best to ignore Jin as he was approaching her. She didhalf of the time. Mainly, her eyes would meet his. He gave her this weird expression that no words could describe it. It wasn't offensive or a mean look, but an enigmatic look that she would see in her dreams sometime.

Ling quickly went back to her notes, same thing as Kara. Even though Jin sat behind her, she felt a strong sense that he was watching her. Watching her every move. How can that be possible? You'd be amazed

"Vampires need blood in order to survive. Without any hemoglobin, they shall perish. Now, our inquiry is, are there such thing as nosforatus? Well, many of you are skeptical, which is completely normal, but can anyone explain why human believe in these hoary mythologies?"

Steve Fox, a successful 29-year-old college teacher in DePaul University of Chicago, Illinois, smiles. "What about vampire vermin? Are they vampires, too?"
"Well, not politically," says a male student. "Vampire bats need blood in order to survive. It doesn't mean they're vampires. If they were, wouldn't the whole world be consumed by them?"
"Yes true. If attacked by a vampire, the victim shall become one as well, but no animals, nor human have. But did you know that vampire bats have been around longer than Count Dracula? Do you think a vampire bat is responsible for this mythology? Or was the entertainment media inspired by it and started to brainwash people that there is such thing as vampires?"
"I wouldn't know," says the student.

"It's all right. It remains a mystery. Vampire bats can go about a day without drinking blood from its prey. But, if two days or so passed with no blood, it'll die. As for human vampires, they must have blood every day, or night. "

My name is Jian Xiaoyu. I am an archeologist. I have a question that I cannot solve alone. A colleague and best friend of mine was helping me, but unfortunate death occurred and expired his life, failing to complete the mission. Apparently, Chris Okura found an ancient tomb few days ago and shipped it to my lab two days later. It's urgent that you help me. Chris has lost nearly all his blood, there are two wounds at the side of his neck, and his face has been mangled badly. I heard you are the best vampire hunter in the world. I don't believe in vampires myself, but weird things are happening after the tomb arrived in my lab. I rather discuss this further with you in person. I'll pay the airline ticket for you. Would you recommend yourself to stay in Hong Kong at least two weeks? You may contact me through this emergency phone number I provided for you to use. I look forward to hear from you.

Steve fox did not know Mr. Xiaoyu is a rich man. He hid his surprisement after seeing a mansion. "This is the place where you'll be working for him," says the driver, pulling onto the driver. "Excuse me? Working for him? We'd never negotiated about working for someone." Mr. Fox protests. "I'm sorry, sire. But Mr. Xiaoyu is paying you money, so, you are his employee. Welcome to our home."

Inside, Steve could hear his feet echoing softly throughout the huge foyer. "Right this way, sire," says the driver, heading towards the curvy staircase. Steve looked around. What a house! The next thing he heard was someone playing a classical music piece on a Grand Piano in a different room.
Wild flowers scattered everywhere, with beautiful antique furniture as well. A Grandfather's clock leaned against a wall, Chinese dolls in fancy expensive cabinets, marble floors, and a big fireplace. You get the rest.

Steve followed him up the stairs. "Mr. Xiaoyu never told me he was wealthy, so please excuse my curiosity."
The driver chuckled. "We're used too it. Some of the past guests stood at the main entrance like a statue. You're free to look around after we get you settled in."
"Thank you, Mr."
"Mr. Gou."
"Thank you, Mr. Gou."

The guestroom is just as lovely as the other rooms. Mr. Gou placed Steve's suitcases gently on the bed. "Do you need anything else, sir?"
"No, I'm all right. Thank you, though." Steve pulled out his money, and heard Mr. Gou laugh. "I'm giving you a tip" Steve protested feeling embarrassed. "This is a house, not a resort. That won't be necessary."
"Oh, well," he says hesitantly, "Okay," and puts it away.
"Do you need anything else?"
"No. Oh, but I do have a question. When will Mr. Xiaoyu return?"
"He will return in two hours, sire."
"Thanks. I would really like to get on with thisbusiness."
"Of course, sir."

After settling in, Steve Fox was to wait for Mr. Xiaoyu to return from his meeting. Fox glances out the window and sees a beautiful Japanese garden with two gardeners working, and chatting in Cantonese, which he does not understand. Everyone spoke in English if they wanted to communicate with him. Even Mr. Gou spoke in his language. What a world, he said to himself. What to do? I have an hour left until Mr. Xiaoyu return. I might as well explore.

Downstairs, he heard the same instrument again, only playing a different piece this time. I must visit Ling.
In the music room, Ling did not recognize Steve entering, smiling, and listening to her play. He watched her tiny fingers move back and forth among the keyboard gracefully, as if they were dancing. When she was finished, he clapped.

"Oh!" she cried out, surprised.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, miss." Steve said apologetically. Ling observed him carefully, and then smiled back, because she has never seen American in her house before. "Do you speak in Cantonese?" she asks. "No, I do not. I'm sorry." He answered. "Oh. Then, I guess I have no choice but to speak to you in English," she said back. Steve smiled. "So far, from my observant, you speak well in my language. Are you an English major?"

Ling stands up, closing the lid, and approached him. "No, I'm studying archaeology, like my father."
"I see your father is a wealthy man. You're a fortunate daughter." Steve said. Both of them shook hands. "My name is"
"Ling Xiaoyu. Yes, your servant and limo driver, Mr. Gou, told me a little bit about you."

Steve followed the girl to a library room. He has never seen so many books in a house before, and they were organized. "Wow. Let me guess, this is the library room."
"Correct." Steve spotted a big fireplace as well. "My father should be here very soon. Please excuse my rudeness, but I have to study now."
"Oh, it's okay. We shall continue our conversation some other time." He says, smiling politely.

"Hello, Mr. Fox. I apologize to keep you waiting. Please, won't you follow me?" Jian said, shaking hands. Steve obeyed. They found themselves in a dining room. Dinner is about to be served. "Please, sit anywhere you like." Jian added. Taking is own seat. Steve decided to sit across from his employer. "You have such a fine, Mr. Xiaoyu."
"Thank you. I thought you might like it. Did you meet my daughter?"
"Yes, I did. She's very lovely, and talented. I listened to her play the piano."
Jian smiled. "Yes, she's very talented. She got it from her mother."
Steve smiled for a moment, then wondered where was his wife. Jian knew what he was thinking and said politely, "my wife passed away when Ling entered this world."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that sir. You speak English very well."

Jian told Steve about everything. "I'm sorry to hear the loss of Chris. I'm sure he was a good man."
"Thank you, he was." Jian said softly. "Anyway, after dinner, I would like you to come to the morgue to do an autopsy on him."
Steve became shock for a moment, then agreed. "Sure. I'm willing to take a look at his corpse. Tell me more about the bite marks on his neck. I'm quite fascinated."
"The police say his blood has been drained. His face was mangled, and his skin was blue."
Jian sighed. Steve nodded. "If I may pry Mr. Xiaoyu, but do you believe in vampires?"
Jian looked at him as if he has said something crazy. "What? Vampires?"
"Yes. Nosforatu."
"No," Jian said very softly and weakly. "Why?"
"Maybe you should. I know I do."

Upstairs, the men went into her room. "I'm sure she doesn't mind us getting her ruby," says Jian, feeling a little guilty. Jian eventually found it and both of them headed to the library room.
Steve took out a magnifying glass, and a heavy brown book that says "Vampires" in Roman style.

"And you said this ruby burned Chris' palm?" asked Steve as Jian placed it front of him. "Yes. He felt a sudden pain from it. I can't explain it myself. What is this book?"
"My reference about vampires. In case if I need it," Steve quickly replied, observing the ruby without touching it first.

Jian watched Steve open his book, and flipping through pages. "This jewel that you have has similar characteristics."
"What do you mean?" Jian asked, rubbing his chin with one of his hands. Steve stopped flipping and said, "here. Take a look."
Inside the book was a picture of a red ruby. "This jewel looks exactly the same!"
"Correction. This ruby belongs from a witch in Japan about 300 years ago. It contains a curse. A curse to put a vampire to sleep. The legend says, 'whoever removes the ruby, is the key to want a vampire desires."
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"Obviously, the skeleton you found, has something it wants that you have. Apparently I do not know what it is."

"But why did it burn Chris' hands?" Jian demanded.
"The legend also says, a common thief is incapable of holding its power. A wrong thief shall feel pain. Only the chosen one and its shared blood may hold it. In other words, Chris couldn't remove the jewel because the vampire didn't want anything from him and was protecting itself. Since you removed it, I could say your life is in danger."

"Danger?! I didn't pay you to scare the hell out of me!"
"Mr. Xiaoyu, I'm telling you what I know."
"So, you're telling me that this skeleton is a 300 year old vampire?"
"Mostly likely."
"Can you hold it?" he asked.
"What? The ruby? I don't know want to know." Steve replied.

That same night, Ling and Kara were walking down a busy street, heading towards Miss White's car when all of a sudden, a car from nowhere rushed towards them, honking angrily. Kara jumped out of the way, saving herself from on-coming danger. Ling stood there, paralyzed from fright as the car approached her.

The world suddenly froze in one place for Ling. She never felt this kind of apprehension in her life. Kara screamed, calling out her friend's name, but the terrified girl didn't seem to hear her. Just when Ling thought this was it, a sudden force pulled her to safety.

"Are you nuts?!" Screamed the driver. Ling was too scared to reply. She wrapped her arms around this stranger, shutting her eyes, breathing heavily. Kara ran up to her, panting. "Are you all right?" she cried. Kara suddenly recognized the rescuer. "You."

Ling opened her eyes and looked up, still shaking. "He could've hit me!" she cried. Jin helped her get back on her feet. "Oh, Ling, are you certain you're all right?" Kara cried, a little shaked-up as well. "Yes, I'm all right."

Ling was surprised to see Jin. "You. Hey, you attend our school, don't you?" she asks. "Yes. We have music class together. I sit behind you," Jin says, smiling politely. Kara smiled. What a babe! "Thank you, Jon, for saving me." Ling said, finally managed to smile. "You remember my name. People usually call me Jin. I prefer Jin."
"Aright, Jin."

Their eyes met deeper. Those beautiful and charming eyes of histhey're so familiar. It's like I've seen him before. "It's getting late. Won't you come to my house for awhile?" Ling asks. Kara softly gasped. She wanted to invite Jin to her house instead!

Jin had no choice but to pretend to be Jon. He couldn't tell her right away who he really is. She'll think he's crazy and dangerous and will contact the police to have him locked up. No, I have to take this slowly, he says to himself. Jin found himself in the music room. "Do you play piano?" she asked. Jin smiled and said, "no. But I assume you do. Will you play for me?"

Ling smiled back. God, he's so romantic! Most of the people she known aren't interested in her playing. "I also play a cello as well."
"I would love to hear you play them both," he says, giving her a stare that made her blush.

While she played, she felt his eyes observing her. Her body, and her soul. This young and handsome man is very strange, yet romantic. She wanted to ask him if he was seeing someone, but knew it was an impertinent question to ask. "This is a beautiful song," she says after finishing. "No. You're more beautiful than this song, Ling. The minute I saw you, you have taken something away from me"
"I have? What?"

"His body should be in here," says Jian. Both of them were down at the morgue. Since it was close to midnight, the building was basically vacant. The morgue was quite chilly. Jian pulled out Chris' dead corpse to allow Steve Fox exam his body.

Steve turned on the overview ceiling light to observe the body more efficiently. The body remained blue as ever. "See the bite marks at the side of his teeth?" asks Jian, pointing at it. Steve had already placed latex gloves on, and touched its neck, turning it to the side to have a better view.

Steve feared the worst. It was a vampire bite, aright. Jian's laboratory did not, nor does, contain wild animals, or even a dog. It had to be some kind of a monster. The skeleton inside its tomb vanished. It could only mean one thing: To decapitate Chris' head for good. "What are you thinking?" Jian asks, breaking away Steve's concentration. "I believe Chris became a vampire after being bitten by this monster of yours. When a vampire bites its victim, the victim becomes a vampire himself."

"So, what you're saying is my friend became a vampire?"
"Yes. And what's worse, he's not fully dead. He's undead."
"Undead?"
"Yes. We must decapitate your friend's head or else he'll kill the living. Lucky for us, I brought the supplies."

Steve did bring something with him. A suitcase. Inside the suitcase was filed with few wooden stakes, a bottle with water inside, few crosses, garlic, and a big giant knife. "Are you sure this is necessary?" Jian asked. Steve sighed. "I'm sorry, but this is the only way to make sure Chris will rest in peace."

Steve did not expect this to happen, but it did happen. The corpse's rotten blue hands suddenly, nor without any warning, risen from the table and wrapped its bony fingers around Steve's neck. "Holy shit!" Jian cried, backing up. Steve did not bother to force the stake into the monster's heart at first. He only cared about being released and escaping the vampire's grasp. "God Damnmit!" Steve screamed, struggling to escape. "Jian! Jian! Help me out here! Grab the stake and stab it through its heart! Now!"

The vampire Chris growled, slowly sitting up, still clutching onto Steve. "Jian! Help me! NOW!" Jian quickly grabbed a stake from the suitcase and stopped. "What should I do?" he asked, shocked as hell, nearly paralyzed to move towards the monster. "Damnmit! Stab it through its heart, you fool!"

Chris growled louder, pulling Steve closer to it, opening its mouth. "Jian!!!!!!" Jian quickly tightened the stake around his palm and obeyed. The wooden stake went through Chris' chest. The vampire growled in pain and finally let go of Steve. "Took you long enough, you bastard!" he sneered. "I-I'm sorry, Steve," Jian said softly, still shocked about this phenomenon.

The vampire backed away, moaning in pain. The hunters glanced at it. "Well, now you know they exist," says Steve. He pulled out his giant knife and approached the vampire. It hissed at him, warning him not to get any closer. But with a knife and a partner, Steve has no fear in him anymore. "What a clever thing you did," scolds Steve, smirking at it. "To scare us like that."

Steve swung the knife, cutting the vampire's throat. Blood began to leak down. The vampire screamed in agony, collapsing to the ground. Its head nearly touches the floor. "Rest in peace, Chris," whispers Steve. He then drew the knife down with a violent force, separating the head from its torso. The head rolled across the floor, from the sight, Jian only gasped. "Tell me," he cries. "What the hell is going on?"


				*A Nosfortau's Tale* *Chapters 11-15*



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