The Outsiders

The Outsiders: Chapter Nineteen

Khristopher De Caldwick

I knew Father had Soum's soul, yet I finally had proof to believe so.

Walking proof of my Father's secrecy, the Snatchers slid over the stalks of grass, encircling the tent. With watchful eyes of the hollow soul, the Snatchers walked closer to the tent. Father never seemed to be the secretive type, yet he never truly exposed himself. Only muttering a few words to any other Vampire, the Cauldron hardly ever heard him talk. Father was protective of me, yes, but there had to be a bigger reason than the thought I conceived.

I was more than a gem, a tool, an object to him, right?

Father cared for me, loved me. He was my Father, my creator, the one I had to thank for bringing me into the world, yet I couldn't understand how an undead being like him could possibly do such a thing. How did I become Khristopher De Caldwick, the hybrid Vampire? How did a being that had no use for vital organs create a sentient being with complex emotions? Then again, I wasn't sure if he created me in the first place. There were little things that I had not the knowledge of, but my Father dearest was the one who took most of my unanswered inquiry.

Soum tugged at my arm, sending me out of my thoughts. The creatures extended their arms towards the tent, sending me diving with Soum in my arms. Gently placing him on the floor, I conjured the staff once again, slicing their arms in the knick of time. As I landed on the glum grass, I took a glance towards Soum before whipping a particular Snatcher's thin legs. Teetering side to side, It knocked its brethren's head, knocking that one out of balance. As they tried to catch themselves, I took Soum and rushed into Sonia and Toasheh's tent.

             Cuddled into themselves, the two slept a heavy slumber amid soft candlelight. Scoffing, I was supplied they hadn't awoken with the ruckus outside. As I reached out to shake them awake, Sonia and Toasheh jumped awake, pointing two twin daggers in my direction. Once their eyes grew unclouded with sleep, they sheepishly put their weapons down.

            "We've got a situation," said Soum, pointing outside with a small, lopsided grin.

             "I guess you could say that," I said with a small smile.

             Sonia pulled herself from the bed, slipping on her vest, lacing her boots, and arming herself with two daggers. Toaheh only slipped out of the bed, putting the dagger back into its holder and tugging on her shoes. Quickly and calm, they were dressed and ready in under a minute. Gesturing out of the tent, I lead the way before my eyes widened.

             The Snatchers ran after their toppled heads, rolling in the tall grassy field. I tried my best not to laugh at the sight of enormous beings chasing after their heads, yet Soum's small giggle sent a gawk of laughter from my chest. Soum's eyes widened as he laughed at my laugh. Clearing my throat, I shoved him to the side with a flustered flush. Distracted by his surly laugh, I could only yelp as Sonia shoved me to the side.

             "Look out!" She yelled as one of their large heads came rolling past us.

              Laughing no longer, Soum and I dodged the ever-coming heads, rolling at a speed I couldn't comprehend. Conjuring my wings, I took Soum into my arms, flying above the utter chaos. As I surveyed the ground, I found Spareaux looking in my direction, staring at Soum and my wings. Sighing, I looked towards the Snatchers as my eyebrows pulled together as I looked for Sonia and Toasheh. The heads rolled and as their bodies chased after them, I could only hold Soum tighter to my chest as I searched for the two women.