Fantastic Vampires

By Angela Cosco

If vampires really do exist, who was the first vampire? Were they created? How accident would they be? If they ever were truly among us, they must have had a culture and life hidden in society thousands of years ago. What would old vampires (between 500-1,000 years old) think of today's Emos and Gothic-vamps? What would any of them do if they were confronted with a real vampire who claimed he is a relative of their family?
Fantastic Vampires brings together the fictions of immortal vampires in conjunction with the real, mortal, vampire sub-culture presently practiced in America today.
Before the bat, vampires bore another symbol: The Lion. The Epilogue provides the foundation for Fantastic Vampires, the backgrounds of the immortal vampires, dating back to the era of their creation: the era of Moses. Considered Lions, (or those of the Lion race) these humanoids are spawned from the Nephelim, known as, the fallen ones. They are children of the Angels; The children of God.
Fantastic Vampires is an epic fictional tale, derived from prophesies and documentations dating back to the ancient times B.C. The story's many locations include Texas in America, Naphel, Palestine, Rome, and Romania. This book contains mild bloodshed, violence, adult situations and language.
The e-book version does not contain the pictures nor various other things that will be in the hardback edition such as the chapter on Fantastic Vampire's slang & definitions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Cosco
• Release date: Dec 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301677634

Angela Cosco

Angela Cosco was born in Fairmont, WV, and currently resides in Quebec, Canada with her family. An avid reader from her earliest years, her interests range from world cultures and religions, to fantasy, science, and history. Of course, she loves a good vampire story! Fantastic Vampires is a six-year labor of love.

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Fantastic Vampires

Angela Cosco

Copyright 2012 Angela Cosco and Keitha Harris

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book, and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Fantastic Vampires is a work of fiction. While actual locations have been used, none of the events depicted actually happened. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1 : They Are

The HSC Building, Houston, Texas

Tuesday, September, 8, 1998

(The Houston Science Center)

Dr. David Mea looked up at the clock.(8:30 pm).

Well, I'm 'bout tired. he said to Dr. Harold Walberg, who was digging in the lab room's freezer. What chu look'n for? David asked.

Ahh, the shipment of crocodile blood that came in this morning. I was supposed to be fooling around with it today, but I had other things to get done. said Harold.

Yo, do you think dat stuff has any real curing qualities? David inquired.

That's our new assignment, to find out. replied Harold.

Our new assignment? murmured David, under his breath.

Yep, ours. Don't worry, I think I got this one. said Harold. Besides, what'chu got right now?

I'm mak'n tests on this new cold virus. It seems to be stronger than the ordinary common cold. said David. It mated with the flu virus.

Really? The cold and the flu got it on for real? said Harold. Is it serious?

Oh, yeah. It killed some old people and left some children in critical condition. said David. Nothing works to get rid of it, not even our strongest form of penicillin.

Do we have to name this one? asked Harold, as if he had seen this kind of thing happen a million times.

Yeah. replied David.

Ok, hows about, ummm,the no-peni-cold-flu-serioso-virus? Harold could hardly get it all out because he was laughing so hard.

Ha, ha, Harry. Boy, what's a matter wit-chu? Yo-man, this is serious. David answered indignantly. We need a name that's easy to remember, short and sweet. To the point, you know. Help me out here.

Alrighty-then. Harold told him, miming Jim Carrey. Well, how's about the new cold, BUM bum BUM BUHHHH! Plain and simple. Besides, you said it yourself a while ago.

Sounds good enough to me, man. said David, closing his files with a giggle.

He was a tall black male in his mid 30's, with a dark shadow for hair, a shaven face, and a pair of thin small glasses, just for reading. That's it for me. I'm outta here. Take care of yourself. David said, as he put his things away in his small soft leather suitcase.

I'll see ya tomorrow. said Harold, who planned to stay after hours with his study on the crocodile blood.

The Australians have claimed that crocodile blood has the properties to heal many major sickness and diseases. Dr. Walberg was to determine whether or not it could cure the aids virus, or at any rate, help those victims who suffered from it.

Crocodiles live well over 100 years each, in the most contaminated waters in the world. Australian reports have shown that their blood has powerful resistance and immunity to certain bacteria, viruses, diseases, and poisons. They have turned to the American scientists for further studies.

One thing that crossed Dr. Walberg’s mind, was that it may be able to help cure the new cold virus that Dr. Mea had started studying. But first things first... AIDS. He went into the freezer for the tube that contained the deadly bug, and remembered that he had to put on his haz-mat suit and mask, before working with such substances.

With everything set out on the counter, a tired Dr. Walberg decided to stop for a coffee break. He went up to the 1st floor and into the back-exit room. It was complete with a mini-kitchen, a few tables, and a big desk with a computer for the scientists. It served as the lunch break room and also the clock-in/out room.

No sooner than the doctor had turned on the coffee pot, there was a knock at the door. Because it was after lab hours, Harold reached into the desk drawer for his hidden gun, just to be on the safe side.

Who is it! shouted Harold, as he approached the door slowly, but no one answered. Instead, the knocking got louder.

I said, WHO IS IT! Harold shouted again, and still no answer, except for more knocking.

I'll have you know I'm armed! Harold yelled, as he began to unlock the door. Oh, now why did I say that? he murmured quietly to himself.

When he had opened the door, he pointed the gun straight at the other person: a rather tall, finely dressed gentleman, with his long black hair in a ponytail, who stood calmly looking at Harold.

Can I lower my gun? Harold asked. The scientist, himself, was a short, skinny little Englishman with brown curly hair, a goatee, and thick glasses.

Uh, yes. said the stranger. He had a detectable Spanish accent. I am hoping you will. I mean you absolutely no harm, Doctor.

So, what can I do for you? Harold asked, as he opened his white coat and slid the gun in his pants.

I have come to give you a little something to study. said the stranger, as he pulled a few thousand dollars out of his pocket.

What are we supposedly going to study? asked Harold, pushing up on his glasses, and trying to ignore the money, as if it didn't impress him at all.

Me. said the stranger, simply.

Ok. First of all, would you mind telling me who you are, and exactly what your problem is? said Harold, as he walked over to the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee.

The name is Emilio Donatello Santa-Joseph Montana, and I am a vampire. said Emilio.

What! shouted Harold. Let me get this right, Ami. May I call you Ami? he said, with a plastic smile. Do you honestly want me to believe this? That you're a vampire, I mean a real vampire? Man, are you crazy or something? Jeez Louise! And I put my gun away.

Uh no, I am not crazy, Señor. I was hoping you would believe me and undertake this study. replied Emilio. I could have gone to anyone. I chose you, because you are a reputable scientist. said the vampire, looking more sternly at the doctor. Some others and I would like to give the proof to the rest of the world that vampires really do exist, and for it, we need some scientific evidence, now don't we, Doctor?

We? Well, for starters, Harold's the name. he said, as he turned around to add milk and sugar to his cup. Sit down, and I will be right with you. Harold went on, but the vampire was already seated facing his desk. Would you like some coffee? Or, um, you drink blood, I figure. Right, Ami? I could get you some.

I would love some coffee, thank you. Coffee black, no milk, no sugar por favor, Señor. replied Emilio." So Harold brought him his cup and sat down at the desk with a notebook, ready to take notes.

Harold didn't give much credence to Emilio's claim, but he decided to hear him out. Generally, scientists have no wish to jump into studies of supernatural phenomenon. Usually, these occurrences have no physical proof to gather. But Harold was tired, maybe afraid to have a violent episode with this guy, so he decided to at least make an effort to conduct the interview.

I figure now, after a second look at you, that you might be telling the truth. said Harold, to reassure him. I mean, you don't look like a gothic freak or anything, nor an occultist, and you are rather pale for a Spaniard.

Oh? said Emilio.

Yeah, like a vampire alright. Harold admitted. But let me ask you this, Ami, he continued. what do you want the world to do after they are given real scientific proof you exist, if I can obtain it? Consider the circumstances. There is just too much fiction out there about vampires. We're talking books, movies, legends...and what's more, those occultists from those VO's (Vampire Organization), with their,' vampirism this, and donate blood to us, that'. Even I don't know if they are real vampires or not.

Some are, Doc. said Emilio. Some among them are. They are just mortal ones. he said. Our offspring, to be exact. Offspring of the immortals. Most involved in the occults are just a bunch of human kids looking for a place to belong, and some adults looking for someone's show to run, if you know what I mean. We know about them. Gothica and Vampiria. Those groupies do not know the truth of our existence, and we're not involved with them.

Well, I didn't know that. said Harold. The thing is, no one else knows it either. Most people would believe you are involved. Hey, I got another question for ya. What do you want the government to do, Buddy, once you reveal yourselves?

What do you mean, the government? asked Emilio peculiarly. I don't need anything from them.

Well, you better believe they will get into it somehow, don't you think. informed Harold. They will want to tag you and keep track of you. To be quite frank, I think they'll try to find some way of rounding all of you up and terminating ya, if you want my opinion.

What makes you think that? questioned Emilio.

Hello? expressed Harold. Vampires drink blood. They kill people and drink their blood. God knows what you do with the remains.

Harold went on, giving Emilio bunches of blah, blah, blah, to humor him on the subject. He still wasn't taking the guy very seriously. His responses were just...'suppose', or 'what if' it was real, and listed the consequences vampires would have to put up with in this world.

¡Qué mierda! expressed Emilio in Spanish, shaking his head. Ai-yai! Just a minute. First of all, we might drink blood, yes, Señor. And what harm has that done to the ever-growing population of mankind? Look... none of us drink as much as you have seen in those horror movies. Vampires have never caused anyone pain or suffering.

Wait! yelled Harold. You don't think that killing someone would hurt them, nor cause them to suffer? I'm sorry, Mac, but I know it absolutely does.

You think, simply because you do not know how it's done. said Emilio. Why are we always held victimized by what you humans think and what you humans believe? sighed Emilio. And he continued, "I can say that out of all the vampiric crimes that have ever been discovered around the world throughout the centuries, none was ever committed by real vampires...If the victims were harmed, if the mess was exposed on television or newspaper, and, um, documented from ancient times, then it wasn't one of us. Especially if there were suspects caught and punished. No human could ever catch a real vampire, Doc.

We have done what we do for thousands of years, and no one has ever seen nor have they known. Not then, and certainly not now, Señor.

Wow. I guess so. said Harold. So how is it done?, he questioned. I really gotta know. We all do.

Now you wait, you. insisted Emilio. I thought we were alone here, and that's the way I prefer it until we are done with all the study, if you don't mind.

Yeah, we're totally alone here tonight. replied Harold. I will agree to study it, or you, to see if it can be proven that you are a, you know, a vampire. And I will find a way to keep this a secret. But if word gets out, we won't have any peace to finish this.

Good. Emilio said, looking around suspiciously, as if he had heard something the doctor hadn't. When will we begin?

Well, Harold said, looking at his little calendar. I will make you an appointment first, so we can talk more about the subject. How's about, um-minn-um, Friday night at 10:00 pm?

10:00 pm? said Emilio. Because it is the night-time, I presume? I can come just as easily in the day, and, as a matter of fact, I prefer it.

I-yuh-boy. Harold stuttered. That'll be a problem for me. he said. I can't let my colleagues see what I am doing. It will have to be at night, after hours. Besides, why is it a problem for you? Real vampires can't move around in the daylight can they?

What? Oh, yes, we can move in the daylight. Some vampires are in agreement with me on the fact that we want to expose ourselves and join society, but others do not like the idea. And some may try to stop us. said Emilio. I could have run into some trouble tonight. I risked a lot coming here at this hour.

I'm sorry, Ami. Harold regretfully said. If you want to do this, you'll have to find a way to get here safely at night. Or wait until I can find another time and place. Harold got up to pour himself another cup of coffee. When he turned around, the vampire was gone.

Damn. murmured Harold, leaning back up against the counter. Emilio had vanished just like the wind! It seemed odd to Harold, because he hadn't made a sound, and the door was rather far from the desk. Question is, would he be coming back? Did he feel rejected in some way? And what had Harold gotten himself into?

Harold was caught up in a mental tug-of-war between his clinical curiosity and his common sense. Maybe this Emilio could be a real vampire. At any rate, he was a real something who had freakish power, it seemed.

10:00 pm. That was what? Harold spoke to himself. Ah! Friday, I think. And he wrote it down in his notebook.

When the exhausted doctor looked up at the clock, he sighed and began to get everything cleaned up in the lab, including the experiment he hadn't had the time to do. The poor guy dropped some test tubes of solution on the floor, and as they broke, he yelled out loud.

AW,DAMN IT TO HELL! What were they full of? And some are unmarked, too! He had to take safety precautions, and clean up the mess. In the middle of scrubbing, he checked all of the stickers on the rest of the tubes. The aids virus was safe. Boy, that was close! the scientist murmured to himself.

He then ran back and forth in a hurry, from the basement floor experimental room and up to the exit-room to tidy up everything else.

Harold cursed going out the door, wondering how he was going to explain things to his wife, after spending so much additional time at the lab.

12:30 am. Shit! he yelled. What am I going to say? He rehearsed out loud, all the way home. Hello, honey. I am studying vampires? No, I can't tell her the truth! he continued. Maybe she'll be asleep, or maybe she won't notice the time. Oh, what am I gonna do? he cried.

Emilio, however, was walking back to his hotel, which was not too far from the science lab. Several times he heard noises and stopped to look behind himself.

Suddenly, three vampires dressed in black cloaks jumped off a two-story building. They appeared to float down angelically, alighting on the sidewalk like eagles.

The angry cloaks surrounded Emilio and tried to restrain him. He managed to get free, grabbing one of them with both hands, and employing a vampire's superior strength, threw him into the air across the street. The cloak hit a parked car and stunned, he fell to the pavement. He didn't stay down for long.

The other two managed to grab him again. With a hand on his throat and both hands held behind his back, Emilio could not get free this time.

Stop your struggling, you pagan! said one of the cloaks. We just want to have a word or two with you.

Emilio decided to stop resisting. The one who had been knocked across the street quickly came back over and began to speak.

Just what the hell do you think you're doing to us, lawless one? said the injured cloaked attacker. The sad thing about this is, you're ultimately doing the same thing to yourself! he yelled, and he punched Emilio in the stomach. You were once a very honorable vampire, Capitan Montana! and he struck him in the face. When I heard the rumors going on that some were about to expose our existence to all the world, I never would've suspected you'd be involved. You'll regret what you did tonight. said the angry vampire. Keep a hold of him, you two. he yelled to the others. He got a firm grip on Emilio's head, then opened his mouth to expose his fangs and made ready to bite Emilio's jugular vein.

What are you doing? shouted one who had hold of Emilio. We may not like what he's done, but we'll never get away with this. What about the Ancient Ones? We can't just kill him. He's one of our kind.

The angry attacker did not want to stop until another vampire showed up growling like a panther.

Let him go now! snarled the newcomer on the scene.

It's Carmen McCormick! shouted one of the aggressors. They decided to let Emilio go, throwing him hard to the pavement, and took off running down an alley and out of sight.

Are you alright? Carmen asked, in his Irish accent, helping him up from the street.

Yes, I am. Muchos gracias, Sire. said Emilio. I didn't recognize any of those boys. They're not a band of real Cloaks.

Aye, not at all old enough to be. said Carmen. Crimony! Must be a new generation of them.

I do not know where they get their vampire values from. said Emilio. What have we really done?

I'm gonna make a phone call tomorrow and have someone contact the Ancient Ones, so they'll know what's happened. said Carmen. In the mean time, lad, where are you staying?

The hotel just there. said Emilio, pointing to the Days Inn.

You're not safe there. They were obviously tracking you, and they just may come back. Why don't you come and stay with me while we're here? Carmen suggested. I'm set up in a little yacht in La Port. It is not far. Not the way I drive.

I think it's a good idea. Thank you again, Sire. said Emilio, as they continued down the street past the hotel to Carmen's car. Did any of the others get here yet?

Only Mathis Chamberlin and his wife. They rented an apartment across town. said Carmen. We're still waiting on Gabriel Lavoie and the others. I have to tell ya, I think maybe you should've waited for everyone before beginning. Tout alors, what is done is done.

I'm tired of waiting for this. I wish we all could've agreed on buying a big house altogether and starting our plans there. said Emilio. We would have been more secure. Who would have known we were gonna face big problems right from the start, and from our own kind?

We already talked about that one. said Carmen. It would be too suspicious to the people here in Houston to see a gang of new people do that. I mean, renting a house altogether, like our clan and kindred homes here in America. I don't know if common humans do that here. At least I don't think so. They'd say it's strange? I have plans to do it later, perhaps, if everything starts to work out, but not right away like this... Understand?

I guess you're right. We don't know America very well. Changing subjects, have you heard from Andy? Emilio asked.

Nope, no one has. Last thing I heard is, he has some business to take care of before joining us here, if he would. Carmen answered.

The poor lonely soul. What could he be so busy doing? Emilio inquired. Amore?

Love, you say? Think so? said Carmen, as he began to snicker a bit, but then stopped, remembering that Andy's situation in life was not a laughing matter at all. They went silently the rest of the way to Carmen's car.

Carmen is a rather distinguished-looking gentleman, with straight black hair, longer on top than in the back, and graying at the temples; though he is still possessed of a baby face. After all, Carmen is an older vampire. His skin is more pale than most vampires, due to his age. The Romanian/Irishman has bluish-green eyes.

Vampire Movements

Vampires walk majestically, with excellent posture and balance. They make quick, graceful, perfect movements, not at all like humans. Few humans have ever recognized this, because the immortals try to imitate human mannerisms in their presence. Works most of the time. But around each other they are so proper, so formal. Those of different races have their own attitudes and tendencies. They even move their heads differently while speaking.

Hand gestures and even facial expressions are not the same. Body language among them is also quite different, and not like any other people's in the world. Humans have often times offended vampires, or have been misunderstood by them.

For instance, vampires greet each other with a formal bow. Not in the manner of the Spanish, Japanese or any other culture. The hand is brought upward near the solar plexis,(palm side up), in somewhat of a cup shape, while a quick, short nod,(bending the neck), is made. A vampire never bends his whole body. He inclines the upper chest in unison with the head nod.

Acting like a common human mortal takes practice for the vampires, who grew up with the immortals. Had they been raised in a human society, it would be easier.

Vampires help each other with expressions and styles of the era. It is not an insult to say to another, Your style is a bit off for the era. They want to learn more. To fit in. The word 'mingling' is a vampire slang term meaning: 'to inform one or more other vampires of common human habits, attitudes, styles, and slang words of the present day era'.

A lot of mortal vampires have said that as children , they were viewed as being so different from anyone else. (There were, however, many reasons.) The poor little ones were ostracized by schoolmates and shunned by society. They were the kind of children who always stood out in a crowd, no matter how they tried to fit in. Ones that could never quite get, 'with it'. Some of the attitudes and tendencies of the Lion race seem to be present in the offspring even from birth.

When Harold got home, his wife, Jenny was sleeping. Down the hall, his 16 year-old daughter, Darleen was not, and he went directly to her room to see what was going on.

What are you still doing up? he whispered to her in the doorway. It's way past midnight.

Listening to music videos on the computer. she responded.

Turn it off and go to bed now. You have school in the morning. said Harold.

But Dad! she protested. Like, no way.

I said now, young lady! Harold said, a little louder. If I have to repeat myself, I will take the computer out of your room tomorrow.

She sighed loudly, clicked out, and prepared to shut it down. Harold then went to check on his 11 year-old son, William. The boy was fast asleep. He had apparently tossed and turned in his sleep, as the blankets were at the foot of the bed, so Harold stepped into the boy's room to cover him up.

Jenny woke up when Harold came to bed, only for a moment, and then she fell back to sleep. In the morning she decided to talk to him about coming home so late. Jenny, a patient type person, let him have his coffee first.

You sure spent a long time past hours at the lab last night. she said. About what time did you get in?

When I did get in, Darleen was still up. said Harold, changing the subject. How often does she do that?

Darleen has teen-itis. said Jenny Maybe you should talk to her, or whip up some scientific potion for it. I can't seem to reach her anymore.

Right now? Harold asked.

No-no. said Jenny, desperate to get back the previous subject. She's getting ready for school.

Suddenly, Darleen ran down the stairs and outside, letting the door slam behind her. The two parents just looked at each other, shaking their heads.

Anyway, Harold knew he had to say something to his worried wife. I was up late researching the Aids virus. We may have discovered a cure, or maybe a way to help it's victims. said Harold. I spent the day helping David with the new cold virus. That's why I worked later in the evening on Aids. There are a lot of preparations and tests to do, still.

Oh really. said Jenny, curiously. I always thought scientists created Aids for the government. A biological weapon-gone-bad.

Don't be ridiculous, Honey. said Harold, behind the newspaper.

Gee, do you think you will have to spend lots of nights late at the lab studying, what was it now? Jenny said, scratching her head.

Harold got up and gave her a big hug. What did you think I was doing, Sweetheart? he said ,as he gave her a kiss.

You know what I thought. she said. She drew back just a bit for emphasis and gave him the narrowed-eye stare. When a man starts staying late at work, what's usually going on?

Jenny? You should know me better than that. said Harold, as he held her tighter, looking into her eyes.

Just then, Darleen came racing in through the door. Oh God, you guys, must you? she said sarcastically. So, like, I missed my bus, ok? Sorry.

Hey! Change your attitude this instant, and don't talk to your parents that way! yelled Harold.

Darleen rolled her eyes and said, Mom, I’ll be in the car. And she walked out, slamming the door again. Harold had attempted to show authority. Fail!

See what I mean? said Jenny. I'll have to go a bit earlier to work to take her.

I will talk to her after school today. said Harold.

I wonder, do you think we made a mistake letting her have a computer in her room? asked Jenny.

Harold shrugged his shoulders, picked up the newspaper, and sat back down at the table. (The kitchen had a little English-style breakfast nook by the windows in the kitchen). Jenny walked out the door with a coat and her daughter's lunch-bag. The troubled teen had been forgetting a lot of things like that recently.

Darleen's style had changed dramatically at the beginning of summer. She turned completely, emo, inspired by her new friend, Madeline Tolbert, who had moved into the neighborhood. The look included black clothes, horrible makeup, weird jewelry, and outlandish hair styles. Her hair was very black, like her mother's hair, but curly like her father's.

Now, the bangs were the uneven cut style that appears sawed-on, and several red streaks stream down on one side. Her mother would never have let her do it, but it was all a thing about letting the girl have a bit of her own space to choose for herself. Harold and Jenny thought it was ok because she was growing up. It'll grow back, right?

The gothic-teen-Darleen had let her good study habits slide. Habits that had always been a part of her youth. She now stayed glued to the computer in her room most of the time. She did not go out much, and when she did, it was always with Madeline and a gang of kids who shared the same deranged styles. Her room was a mess, like a tornado went through it. Books, posters, and music displayed her interests in dragons, wizards, ghosts, vampires and everything occult.

William, Darleen's brother, was like any other ordinary boy. Short and stocky, with straight hair like his mother's, brown like the color of his father's hair. He was into Star Wars and robots, like most little boys. The child was very active, and bugged his sister a lot for attention. He always wanted her to play a board game like Trouble or Monopoly, but as you could figure, Darleen was never in the mood.

William had a few friends who came over to play on the weekends, but it didn't seem to be enough. He was the kind of kid that needed a lot to keep him busy every day. Darleen and Willy, as everyone called him, usually argued all the time, and called each other bad names. This was something over which the parents had little control . The boy went to school on a bus that came an hour before Darleen's. It was rare that he ever missed it.

Later at the lab, Harold thought deeply about his encounter with Emilio. He wondered how it was going to be possible to stay late nights, now that his wife would always be suspicious of him. Maybe it would work to tell her and set up in their basement at the house. It sounded like a good idea, so he prepared for it.

His basement was complete with a small lab for such top secret projects. While he gathered some equipment, there were questions heavy on his mind. How would the vampire feel about it, and how would his own family deal with it? If it presented too many problems, perhaps Emilio would have to be turned down.

When Harold got home, he met his wife in bed. He caught the scent of perfume on his pillow, a sweet scent, sending a message bright and clear as the light of the full moon on a cloudless night. He began massaging her back to wake her, though, you can be sure, she was still awake, waiting to see if the perfume would work or not. They cuddled up without words and expressed their love for one another. After their delightful time, Jenny said to Harold, Your supper is in the oven, if you are hungry, dear. which inspired him to get up for a bite to eat. Before he left the room, she asked, When will you have a schedule-change at work?

Not for a while, I don't figure. said Harold, and he left the room.

He worked from 2:00 pm to 9:30 pm, and got paid extra to lock up the place. Something no one else really wanted to do, and something he didn't want to lose yet.

Harold opened the oven. There, wrapped up with love, just waiting for him, was the remains of BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes and salad. It didn't take the hungry fellow long to devour a quick snack before returning to bed.

I have something important to talk about, Jen. said Harold.

Ok. she said, and turned down the TV.

A man came into the lab the other night, and insisted to me that he's a real vampire, and he wanted me to do some serious studies to prove it to the world. explained Harold. We chatted for a while, and I agreed to do it, but I cannot do it at the lab. It's too risky. I do not want anyone to know what I am studying. They'll think I am crazy. What do you think? Do you think I am crazy? he asked.

Uh-huh. So that's why you were late at the lab. said Jenny, as she began to laugh. Vampires? I thought it was another woman, but this takes the cake.

So you think I'm crazy. said Harold.

I was wondering where Darleen takes her new habits from. Could it be you? said Jenny, still laughing. I thought for sure it was me.

Come on, Honey. To me, this is serious business. said Harold.

Alright. she said. I just want you to do one thing for me. Let me run a check on his name down at the station first. As a private investigator, Jenny's first thought was to protect Harold from such a suspicious-sounding person.

No-no-no, you can't do that! Harold blurted out. I promised this guy I wouldn't tell anyone. If you do, then the entire state of Texas will know about it. Besides, why must you go around treating all the new people we meet like they could be hardened criminals?

In my line of work, I've seen everything. informed Jenny. Those vampire occultists are going crazy lately. Do you remember what I investigated last week?

That kid? Harold asked.

Yes, little Ryan Helms, who threatened to sacrifice his sister Dana to his gang of evil hordes. Don't you remember? I told you all about it. Jenny responded. She told her parents about his membership in the Sheol's Crypt of vampires. Jenny continued, There're so many kids involved with that weird new-age sort of thing. I've even heard some parents are involved. Can you believe it? I mean grown-up people in this world! She went on, And one more thing...your man may be affiliated with them too. He may just be wanting to get back at me for investigating that kid's coven and family, 'cause Ryan went to a detention center for his delinquent actions.

I don't think this guy's involved. insisted Harold. You're making a mistake.

Then let me do a private check on his name, and I promise, no one will know about it. she said. Besides, when was the last time I made a mistake? Tell me. Harold decided wisely to leave that one alone.

If that is the only way you will let me do my work here, then I will have to agree with you. said Harold. His name is Emilio Montana.

Good. Thank you. said Jenny, as she gave him a little kiss. I will tell you what I find after work tomorrow.

Vampirism in Texas

Authorized vampirism started in Texas when a self-proclaimed priest, Darren George decided to help a group of supposed vampires fight in the court system for vampire rights in 1990.

The courts challenged them with two major issues before they were allowed to make a religious church or association. First, they had to prove that vampirism was an actual culture or a practiced religion, dating back about as far as Christianity. Secondly, they had to prove that the practitioners today need the religion as part of their daily living.

George provided the courts with acceptable evidence of a culture dating back before Christ. The information included documents and copies of old Greek and Egyptian texts. He also told the courts that the people who practice vampirism today definitely need the guidance and assistance of these ways.

He spoke of a vampire's necessities, (as if he really knew anything about it), regarding those needing more than regular humans to live. The priest warned the courts of what could happen if they did not get such opportunities to reach out and help one another. It could lead to chaos; lost children who would run wild, wreaking havoc, to make up for the empty gap in their lives.

On behalf of Judge Rodney Clark, representing the State of Texas, vampirism became an acceptable religion. Several churches and organizations sprung up all around Texas, then all over the U.S.; but, you can better believe the US government made laws to govern them. One of the laws is that under no circumstances, were they permitted to kill others for sacrifices or for blood. Nor did they have the right to take blood from people without their consent.

Hypnosis was not technically an outlawed practice. If anyone could prove that they had been hypnotized against their will, then they had a case against the one/ones who had performed it.

A new branch of the US government was created, called The American Vampires Association (AVA). Also, all members of every occult church or organization had to issue identification cards to their members. Such ID had to provide the following information: photo, address, date of birth, VO# , also card holder's # made from name initials, birthdate and last 4 digits of the VO#. The ID also had to provide the following: vampires (V) or non-vampire (NV).

These cards became known as VIC 's (Vampire Identification Cards). The cards had to have a hologram, (a seal of approval by the US government). Vampire Organizations, also known as vampire occults by most people, sprung up everywhere. They were called, VO's.

Hospitals pitched in and offered to give some blood to the sanguinarians, (blood drinkers), who had cards. But there are risks and dangers to consuming human blood. The hospitals declared that they would not give contaminated blood on purpose. Nor did they want to be held responsible in case it ever happened. After all, these supposed vampires were mortals, who are susceptible to viruses and diseases.

Another problem surfaced. Any ordinary person with a normal functioning body system who tried to consume human blood on a regular basis, become intoxicated with an over-production of vitamins. They died very quickly.

About 5 of the many vampists who indulged in the new fad of drinking blood in 1991, died in Houston and California. The nurses responsible for issuing the blood without checking to see if they had VIC 's, were fired when the case was examined by the AVA; however, the word was out. There seemed to be so many vampires everywhere. Some, (few, as Emilio had pointed out), were real mortal vampires.

A good many people began donating their own blood. Anyone claiming to be a vampire could find a donor in a bar, a night club, and even online. These donors gave their blood in private sessions held at their homes. This kind of person often went to the new churches and havens to donate as well.