Vampire Hunter D: Stolen Sunlight

Chapter 8

Leigh was looking at the cloak spread out over the bed. She had hoped to find a place to hang it while she worked but she couldn't even find a hook. The bed would have to work. She knelt next to it and started looking for the worst spots. It took some time since the cloak was so dark but once she found them she set to work with short, brisk strokes. Her hands automatically took over in the familiar pattern and her mind started to drift. She remembered many times she had done the same thing for her father when his coats were dirtied. Since he lived, and worked, on a ranch it happened often enough.

Thinking about her father had Leigh reminiscing about those summers she spent with him. At the time she always felt a little out of place, since her personality clashed with her father's, but it was nice being in those wide-open spaces with few people around. Looking back, it made Leigh smile to herself as she remembered the fact that he always made sure she learned something new and what he considered useful. She had to laugh a little as she started to see how many of those skills might come in handy rather soon.

She almost regretted not trying to learn more now. She had been a bit of an emo child growing up so life on a ranch didn't really appeal to her. Looking back though, she had to repress a pang of nostalgia. She wasn't sure if she would ever even get to see her father again, but she vowed if she did she would make sure to tell him how much she appreciated everything he taught her.

By that time, she had almost finished brushing out the worst of the grime and was moving on to the long strokes to finish. Thinking about her past summers had her quietly humming a tune to herself. At first, she didn't even realize that she was humming but once she picked up the tune that had come to mind she started singing to herself. It was a tune from her teens, but she still loved it. The longer she sang the more the words came back to her and by the time she hit the chorus her voice was full and clear.

"If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied,

Illuminate the noes on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks

I'll follow you into the dark."

She finished the last note as she finished the last brush stroke and stood up. When she did she almost fell over again at the voice behind her. "You should take care and be a little more aware of your surroundings."

She whirled around to see D leaning against the door watching her. "How long have you been back?"

D didn't bother answering her. He picked up the pack that was sitting on the floor next to him. Leigh guessed it must be the extra supplies he went out to get. Once he set them down on the table he turned to her once more. "That was an... interesting song. I've never heard it before."

Leigh blushed as she realized he was there long enough for her impromptu performance. "Well, it's just a song I really liked when I was younger. I... was thinking about my family, and...well..." Her words trailed off as she remembered she could very well never see any of her loved ones again. She barely managed to keep from crying.

She jerked her head back up as she felt D's grasp on her arm. He wordlessly maneuvered her to sit on the edge of the bed. Once she was seated he moved the chair over to sit across from her. "I have already told you we will figure out how to get you back. Don't focus on it. We have other things to think on for now."

Leigh couldn't repress her snort. It was easy for him to say not to worry about it, but if they couldn't find a way she wasn't sure how the rest of her life would play out. She kept those thoughts to herself though and looked back to D. He looked to have more to say.