A Full Moon

-Chapter 7- Caleb: Brindleton Bay

"See you again, soon, Caleb! Thanks for gracing my event and the after party." Johnny waved me goodbye at the doors of Bath de Rill. His eyes were tired but sparkled in joy.

"Anytime, man! With energy like yours, you can pass for a vampire!"

Johnny chuckled and he headed back inside. I turned to stare at the sea. It was 6 AM and there was almost a hint of the sunrise on the horizon. Rays of faint light burst through a clump of clouds. Daylight is here and it meant going home. Sun and vampires... common knowledge.

But then my phone rang. It was from Averie's roommate, Taran. I picked it up unhurriedly.

"Hello, Taran."

"Caleb! You'd better get here in Brindleton Bay this instant." Fear laced her ephemeral alien voice. She tripped her words in panic and then I knew something must've happened.

"Calm down, Taran. Explain to me, slowly." I cut her off mid-sentence. Trying my best to moderate my voice to calm her.

She took a deep breath, "Biscuit is injured. I'm here in the vet. Please come here."

"And Averie?"

"She's missing." Taran's voice is becoming morose.

And then I became worried. Averie is missing? Fear gripped my heart and I forced myself not to think too much until I knew the full story.

"I'll be there in a bit," I replied to Taran and hung up right away. Let's see. The vet is in Brindleton Bay, which is usually an hour away. Maybe thirty minutes by Super Speed. But the fastest is by flying. But with the sun now up, more of my dark energy will be consumed than normal.

It was not the time to consider, Averie was in trouble and I needed to know everything. Immediately, I summoned my magic and felt my bones melt and reform into my bat form. The pain now nothing but a memory.

The sun pierced through my bat skin harsher than in my human form. It's thinner but faster. So I spent a little more dark energy through my body. Then, I spread my wings, bringing the wind under my arms and flew away.

I saw the timber-framed houses and cobblestone streets shrink away as I followed the sea going to my destination. I flew as fast as I could, notwithstanding the searing heat of the sun or the wind tearing my eyes. I continued on until I saw the infamous and legendary lighthouse. Waves crashed on its base in sorrow and anger. Its story goes far back my time and has now become the landmark of Brindleton Bay.

Then, the suburban vibe of Windenburg faded to give way to the rustic views of Brindleton Bay. Houses here are simpler and usually made of wood. The beauty lies in the raw nature of green grasses and trees. A true laid-back community, filled with animals, both wild and tamed.

I searched for the only pet hospital. On Sable Square, one of the breathtaking parts of the northwest mainland, stands Brindleton Pawspital. I hid in the shadows of the copse of trees behind it as I shifted back to my vampire self.

As soon as I was back to normal, I ran Super Speed to the entrance. I paused to take in the simple modern building. Blue painted rectangular walls and a chimney in front. A paw print on it signifies the logo of the hospital, exclusively for pets. The vets here are the best in the country. The glass doors and windows lets me see through inside. Dogs and cats padding past, their owners either conversing with vets or playing with other pets.

"Hi, Caleb!"

"Caleb!"

The people called me. They waved as they passed by and I smiled back. I saw my astronaut friend Liberty Lee and her Persian cat, Bastien, go out of the hospital. Her black hair in twin pigtails and on her head is a green beret hat. Her black eyes light up as she took a glimpse at me, and then smiled.

"Biscuit is inside. She took quite a blow. But she's strong, she'll make it." Liberty said, full of hope and encouragement.

"I'm sure she'll be fine, the vets here are the best." I then crouched in an attempt to pet Bastien. But the cat hissed at me so I withdrew. I don't know why cats have an aversion to all things occult. Even to me, and everybody likes me.

Liberty laughed at our exchange.

"He still doesn't like me." I said in frustration, standing up with an embarrassing smile.

"I don't think he'll ever will." Liberty replied as she scooped Bastien in her arms. "It's nice to see you, Caleb. But I gotta go now. Bid my regards so Biscuit."

I nodded in reply and entered the hospital door.

The bell chimed and people turned to look at me. I gave them my megawatt smile. Some swoon and others smiled back. Then, I looked around for Taran and Biscuit. Plush seats for the people are at the corners. All over the place are pet bowls full of food, and pet beds of different colors line the floors.

I heard a distinct bark towards my left. Relief rushed through me as I behold Biscuit wagging her tail. She was wearing a brace and a cone of shame. But her spirits were alive and well, showing bravery in her eyes. She tried to run to me, but she winced in pain and she halted.

And beside her was Taran, her green skin is stark against her white jumpsuit with silver trimmings. Fresh from her UFO, it seems. She faced the pet taffy vending machine. A clunk, and she reached down for a red Wellness taffy.

"To bring Biscuit spirits up." She said, still facing the machine. Taran gently gave the treat and she barked in happiness. "There you go. Now, you're feeling better."

Taran faced me. "As an alien, I may have trouble communicating by words. My powers lie in strong empathy. I can feel Biscuit . She has a few broken ribs but her physical pain is secondary to her worry for Averie."

Indeed, Taran's galactic eyes showed a flurry of melancholic emotions, both for Biscuit and for Averie.

"I came here as fast as I could." I said to her, trying my best to calm my nerves.

"So did I. The moment I came to the apartment and saw Biscuit, I immediately went here through my spaceship. But I forgot something essential in a rush. I hope you brought some money, Caleb. They don't accept alien currency, it seems."

"I guess that's one of the reasons why you called me all the way here? But kidding aside, don't worry. I'll take care of it." I replied, nodding my head to the counter. The receptionist nodded back, and everything was settled.

"Now for the business at hand..." I continued and I jerked my head to the directions outside, away from prying ears. Taran nodded and quickly sauntered out of the door.

I gently reached out to carry Biscuit in my arms, patting her head as I said, "Good job, girl!"

But the moment my hands touched her fur, I felt remnants of dark magic lurking on her body like a faded aura emanating. And I knew that it was vampire energy. Familiar, too. I paused for a while, gritting my teeth in what I've deduced. Not good. Not good at all.

But I got to hear Taran first. So I scooped Biscuit up my arms and followed her out the door. And into the trees in the backyard of Brindleton Pawspital.

"Taran." I called her and she stopped, her back to me. She seemed to look at the small pond in front. It was still and silent, as if listening to our conversation.

"The apartment was in a mess when I got home earlier. Outside, the hallway was eerily quiet. However, when I opened the door, I was shocked at what I saw. Shattered glasses on the floor. Biscuit lying limp in a corner. Averie's bag was on the couch so that means she must've gone home. But other than that, there's no trace of her. It took me a moment to realize that something was not right. I asked our neighbors but they didn't hear anything unusual last night. My first instinct was to get Biscuit to a hospital as she was clearly injured. I flew here in my spaceship. And while she was having her treatment, I thought over what I saw." Taran calmly told me. Her thoughts were deep and deducing.

I kept my silence, letting her finish her ideas first. Hopefully, I wouldn't have to explain.

True enough, Taran whirled around to face me, worry shone in her eyes. "Averie has been taken, and I think it's one of your kin."

The breeze drifted past us, along with the rustle of the leaves. Taran is right. Vampires have been known to have an affinity to war. Unlike aliens, friendly and gentle creatures.

My silence confirmed her suspicions. I looked at her straight in her galactic eyes. She nodded and she took a step forward.

"Let me help you get her back, Caleb. Averie is important to me, too. She's my best friend on this planet."

"I appreciate your offer, Taran. But this, I can't let your people get involved in what may spark as a vampire clan war." I replied, letting her feel my unspoken emotions. It's true, wars with my kind are ugly and brutal, and could span for millennia. "Let me settle this vampire to vampire. That can avoid further complications with our people."

Taran was taken aback by my rejection. She opened her mouth as if to argue, but stopped before saying it. She offered me a nod and looked at me. "Please promise me you'll bring her back."

"I will." And as I said it, I let her feel my unspoken promise. And Taran's face calmed down, trust shown all over it.

"Be careful, Caleb," Taran replied as she picked up Biscuit from my arms to hers. She turned around and walked away. I watched them leave until they reached the trees where Taran parked her spaceship.

I heard a swoosh of a UFO, the ground shook and I saw the ship flying in the air. I watched it disappear through the morning horizon.

Looks like I will have some flying to do, as well. It's a good day for tracking evil vampires.