Crystal High

From dust til dawn

As the first rays of the sun began to peek over the horizon, Becky's face grew more and more pained. Andrew could tell that she was struggling to keep it together after losing her long-time partner, Ethan. He placed a hand on her shoulder in a show of support, and she looked at him with eyes full of sorrow.

"He was one of the best, you know?" Becky said, her voice breaking. "Ethan had been around for centuries, and he was always willing to help out those in need. He didn't deserve to go out like this."

Jacob placed a hand on her other shoulder, nodding in agreement. "We'll make them pay for what they did to him, Becky. I promise you that."

Becky sniffled, wiping away tears from her eyes. "I just can't believe he's gone. I don't know what I'm going to do without him."

Andrew squeezed her shoulder gently. "We'll be here for you, Becky. Whatever you need, we'll be there."

Becky gave him a small smile, appreciative of the support. "Thank you, Andrew. You're a good friend."

As they watched the sun continue to rise, the group knew that they needed to stay strong and stick together if they were going to survive in the dangerous world of vampires and vampire hunters. They couldn't bring Ethan back, but they could honor his memory by continuing to fight for what was right.

Jacob and Andrew found themselves alone, They gazed at each other, their eyes filled with love and longing.

"Andrew," Jacob whispered, his voice soft and gentle. "I never thought I would feel this way about anyone. I never thought I would meet someone who could understand me and my vampiric nature."

Andrew took Jacob's hand and intertwined their fingers. "Jacob, I feel the same way. I never thought I would find someone who would love me for who I am, vampire and all."

Jacob leaned in and brushed his lips against Andrew's. The kiss was soft and gentle at first, but quickly grew more passionate as they both surrendered to their desires.

As they broke apart, Jacob spoke again. "Andrew, I know we face many challenges and dangers, but I want to be with you, by your side, always."

Andrew smiled, his heart filled with joy. "I want that too, Jacob. Let's face the challenges together, as one."

They kissed once more, lost in the blissful moment of their love for each other.

Becky interrupted Jacob and Andrew's romantic moment, pulling them apart and urging them to focus on the task at hand. "Guys, we need to get a move on. We can't just sit here and let Lucy catch up to us. She's relentless and won't stop until she's caught us all," Becky said urgently.

Jacob and Andrew nodded in agreement, and Becky explained her plan to seek the help of a powerful witch named Mae. "She's one of the few witches who can silence Lucy for good. But we need to be careful, as Lucy has a lot of connections and can be very persuasive," Becky warned.

They set off towards Mae's hideout, which was deep in the forest. As they journeyed through the woods, Becky told them more about Mae and how powerful she was. "Mae has been around for centuries. She's seen it all and has the power to make or break any situation. We just have to hope that she's willing to help us," Becky said.

Finally, they arrived at Mae's hideout, which was a small cottage nestled deep in the woods. Becky knocked on the door and a woman with long, silver hair answered. "Becky, it's been a while. What brings you to my humble abode?" Mae asked.

Becky explained the situation with Lucy and how they needed her help to stop her once and for all. Mae listened intently and nodded in understanding. "I see. Lucy has been a thorn in my side for a while now. I'm willing to help, but it won't come cheap," Mae said, her eyes narrowing.

Becky nodded, and Mae led them to a back room where she began to prepare a potion that would silence Lucy's powers. As they waited, Becky and Andrew shared a quiet moment, with Becky expressing her sadness over losing Ethan. "He was my partner for over a century. Losing him has been hard, but I know we have to keep moving forward," Becky said, her voice cracking with emotion.

Finally, Mae emerged from the back room, holding a small vial of liquid. "This should do the trick. But be warned, Lucy won't go down without a fight. You need to be prepared for anything," Mae warned.

They thanked Mae and set off, with Jacob and Andrew armed with the potion and ready to face Lucy. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but with the help of Mae's potion, they felt more prepared than ever before.

Andrew looked at Jacob and Becky, puzzled. "But Lucy is a human, right? How does she have powers like that?"

Becky shook her head. "Lucy comes from a long line of vampire hunters. Her ancestors have been enhanced with speed and agility to better compete with vampires. It's part of their bloodline."

Jacob nodded in agreement. "That's right. But don't worry, with Mae's help, we can nullify Lucy's powers and take her down once and for all."

As they left Mae's place, Becky instructed Andrew and Jacob to keep the vial safe at all costs. She also advised them to be cautious and stay off the radar of the Vampire Hunters.

The trio made their way back to their hideout, but they could sense that they were being followed. They quickly took cover and watched as a group of hunters passed by. Becky suggested that they move on to a new location and that they should use a spell to mask their scent and trail.

Andrew and Jacob were hesitant at first, but Becky assured them that she had used the spell many times before and it had never failed her. They continued on their journey, with Becky leading the way.

As they travelled, they encountered several groups of hunters, but were able to avoid detection due to the spell. However, they knew they couldn't rely on the spell forever and they needed to find a more permanent solution to their problem.

Finally, they arrived at a secluded spot in the forest. Becky told them that they would need to use the vial to create a protective circle that would keep them safe from Lucy and her hunters. Andrew and Jacob were apprehensive at first, but they trusted Becky's judgement and went along with her plan.

As they created the circle, they could feel the energy building around them. Becky recited an incantation and the circle was complete. They could feel the power emanating from the circle, and they knew that they were now safe from Lucy and her hunters.

Becky suggested that they take turns keeping watch throughout the night, just in case any hunters managed to breach the circle. They agreed and settled in for the night.

As the sun rose the next morning, they knew they needed to continue on their journey. Becky suggested that they make their way to a nearby town, where they could gather supplies and hopefully find a way to defeat Lucy for good.

The trio set out on foot, with Becky leading the way. They knew that the journey ahead of them would be difficult, but they were determined to stay alive and keep the vial safe at all costs.

"So if you're a vampire Becky, how can you perform magic?"

Becky looked at Andrew with a small smile, "I'm a heretic, Andrew. I was a witch before I was turned into a vampire. It's a rare occurrence, but it does happen."

Andrew looked at her in disbelief, "So you can still perform magic?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "But it's a bit more complicated now that I'm a vampire. My powers are still there, but they're not as strong as they used to be. And I have to be careful not to overexert myself or it could have dire consequences."

Jacob spoke up, "Becky's magic is going to be crucial in taking down Lucy. Mae's potion will nullify her enhanced abilities, but we still need a way to subdue her. Becky, do you think you can help with that?"

Becky nodded, "I'll do my best. We just need to be cautious and not underestimate her. She's powerful and cunning."

Andrew felt a surge of fear wash over him, but he knew they had to take the risk. He was tired of running and hiding. It was time to face Lucy and put an end to her reign of terror once and for all.