The old blood

06/01/2020

at a abandoned bridge in Paris, preparing to die.

The long and sinister-looking man was observing the aura of the one standing at the summit of the bridge. The rooftop he was standing on was only a 150 meters away, close enough to see every detail. From a pasty white face his two piercing eyes saw a black wave, liberally sprinkled with red and sickly green patches, emanate from the distant figure.

"The time is now" he thought, his elongated fangs glittering through his humourless grin. With a small push he let himself drop off the ledge he was standing on, plummeting six stories down to the pavement. Had anyone passing seen his fall, he or she would have noticed that he fell noticably slower than one would expect. Landing with only with a small thud. Of course if anyone had seen the man, their shrivelled corpse, drained of all blood, would probably never be found.

As he walked onto the bridge he further studied the figure. A unassuming man of medium height with brown unwashed hair. Probably in his mid thirties, slightly overweight, wearing glasses and judging by his aua, mustering the courage to jump the bridge to a watery grave.

Passing close enough to be heard he cleared his troat, startling the man. Whipping around the man asked dully, "who are you?"

"Well, the more pressing question would probably be what you are preparing to do, isn't it. Looks to me like you're planning to commit to some actions that are rather permanent, not to mention quite painful." He replied.

The man clearly didn't like that reply. His aura lit up with red streaks of anger. "Good" he thought, there is hope for him yet.

"I ask again, mister psychology, who are you? Answer or fuck off!" The man asked, unconsciously retreating a step.

Grinning with closed lips, he replied, "you can call me Jean. Jean-baptiste De Lys in full, he added with a flourish. And who are you, monsieur?"

"My name is Daniel Ledrak. And I would very much like to know why you are disturbing me." The man answered.

"Well Daniel, don't ask how I know you are at a turning point in your life, simply understand that I do." Jean said with a grave expression on his face. You were about to choose death in icy water because you saw no other alternatives. But there are! And I am here to offer you one!"

Daniel turned away and walked towards the railing of the bridge. With hands clenched tightly around the top rail he started to speak. "Seven months ago I lost my wife and kids. They were smashed against a wall by a drunk driver, right before my eyes. As my youngest son died in my arms -screaming- the bastard ran away, unharmed. The police never found him. I lost my job and house to depression and I've got no family left. What could you possibly offer me? I have nothing left but the chance to rejoin my loved ones."

Jean moved closer and put his hand on Daniels shoulder. "The reason I come to you now is because you have nothing left, he answered consolingly. No ties left to the world. Your old life is indeed finished, thats why I have come to offer you a new one. A new beginning, new hope! Tell me Daniel, do you believe in vampires?"

Daniel laughed bitterly. "What, the thirst for blood, burning in sunlight, immortality? Do you think me a child? This is not some story, this is real life and there are no happy endings!"

"Turn around Daniel" Jean commanded. "Look at me, see my eyes and see the truth! What does your soul tell you, what do you feel?"

Daniel gazed into the others eyes. He recoiled as he saw the weight of endless years beneath those eyes. "I don't know who or what you are sir. And as for feeling, besides regret and pain I feel nothing. If you are a vampire, do what you want. You can bleed me dry, I've stopped caring."

"So be it!" Jean exclaimed as he pulled Daniel closer and whispered into his ear. "I will bleed you dry, give you a new life. And I guarantee that you will feel other things than pain and regret. And in return you will make me feel again!"

Then fangs met flesh and everything went black for Daniel.

Bearing his new childe in his arms, Jean left the bridge. He looked at Daniel and thought, "this will have to do,... the things I do for love!"