The Vampire Queen and the Mortal Pauper

Chapter Eight

The Toad Rejecting The Swan

These past few days Sharael had been feeling on edge. Albeit going about his habitual routines, which either included attending classes or loafing around in his apartment, he couldn't shake off this uneasy feeling that kept nagging him. He felt like something was bound to happen that'll affect him big time. And all this started after that fateful evening in the bar.

Of all the places it just had to be there; his only favorite bar. Was it a coincidence? Probably. Still, the shock written all over her face as if she saw ghost puzzled Sharael. It was not some feigned act. So why was she shocked in the first place?

When Sharael first laid eyes on her that day at the Campus' Students Center, he almost lost his cool and did the unimaginable. If it weren't for the years of training in self-control...

Even thinking about what could've happened shook his entire body after recalling his past. Although the woman looked exactly like her_ from the posture to even the demeanor_ they were not one and the same person. She was not his ex-lover. 

Sharael could tell from their different auras. This woman had a queenly aura that was so rich, powerful and very ancient. Sharael could somehow tell she wasn't normal, but that also confused him. Possessing such an aura in this deprived world was very bizarre. No human was capable of that, unless they lived for thousands of years, which was impossible. Either way, seeing her still brought undesired emotions that churned his once calm soul.

Was she a doppelganger? Perhaps so because his ex was long gone forever. Her existing in this world was completely and utterly impossible. On the other hand, this brought back the previous puzzling question. Why was she so shocked to see him?

That was certainly their first time meeting eye to eye. And yet, the look she had was like of someone seeing something that shouldn't exist. Did he by chance remind her of someone? Everything was just too confusing.

That evening Sharael managed to escape from her since he was familiar with the ins and outs of the establishment. It was not as easy feat though. Her quickness really surprised him. Fortunately, the bar was crowded to the brim and hindered her short pursuit.

Sharael knew they were bound to meet one way or another. They studied in the same school, apparently. There was no telling what would happen if they met. Regardless, Sharael would try and avoid her for as much as possible. If only he knew how soon their next encounter will happen.

*******

It was midmorning when Sharael was making his way down the Campus corridors. A commotion up ahead soon attracted his attention. Crowds of students dressed in two different jersey shirts were busy cheering and jeering at each other. They were football fans from the main two school teams; The Black Panther Squad and the Gorilla Unit FC.

Football being a major sport in the campus bred the two teams. They were like oil and water or fire and ice. Great archrivals who have tried to outdo each other in the name of the beautiful sport.

Wearing a dark shade color jersey with a panther's claw insignia, was the Black Panther Squad. While their rival wore a dirt brown color with strips of jungle green, their insignia being the imprint of a fierce gorilla face. Both teams have had varying records of victories and loses to each other's hands. The Gorilla Unit FC having the numerical advantage of more wins. Well, they always bully their way to victory as they only recruit the campus brute jocks into their team.

Their mouthwatering showdown was set to take place this weekend. It was to choose the best team to represent the university in the national competition against other universities. The competition being set in three months' time.