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"This is creepy," Donovan mumbled as he and Leo made their way through a network of tunnels in the pitch black darkness.

"You're overreacting," Leo replied.

Donovan arched an eyebrow.

"Okay, I survive by drinking blood, I can see in the dark, I have enhanced hearing and strength... and this is creepy. When I say something is creepy that's pretty bad, it isn't overreacting."

"Yes it is."

They continued along in silence, Leo leading them with a sense of urgency that Donovan knew all too well. Leo really believed the two were on to something this time.

"Look up ahead," he said, causing Donovan to jump. Leo tried his best not to laugh. "There's a sign up there."

"What's it say?" Donovan asked, trying to play off his startled reaction.

"I can't tell, we'll have to get a little closer."

"Oh let me guess, it's something along the lines of 'Abandon all hope ye who enter here'," Donovan said sarcastically. "Leo, have I mentioned that this is creepy?"

"You may have but honestly at this point I'm ignoring you."

"Thanks."

Leo continued to move closer to the sign and Donovan had no choice but to follow. He knew his brother had the same strength and dexterity he did but he also knew that Leo had never been much of a fighter. No matter what the butterfly boy said, this was a dangerous situation and Donovan would not let him out of his sight.

"She's this way!" Leo gasped.

Donovan groaned.

"Leo this is insanity. Do you honestly believe this crazy old woman is going to be able to help you? She lives underground! Sane people do not live underground."

"Your reasoning is flawed as always," Leo said. He was growing impatient and it was obvious. "You said you would help me."

"I did yes, and I'd like to think I really am helping you and not walking to our deaths."

Leo looked through the darkness and caught his brother's eyes. He could tell the dark haired vampire was nervous and he knew only a fraction of that was because of their surroundings.

"I'll be okay brother," Leo assured him. "Don't worry, I have a feeling my troubles will be ending soon."

Donovan sighed. "I sure as hell hope you're right."



They followed along their path for what seemed like ages until they saw a faint flicker of light off in the distance. Leo reacted by immediately hurrying, though Donovan was trying his best to keep some element of surprise. When they reached the light they found themselves in a small room adorned with scarves, animal bones, candles, bells and everything in between. Donovan looked around the room nervously.

"Leo I don't like this," he whispered.

"I told you it will be okay," Leo insisted. "This woman can help, I'm sure of it."

"Your faith will get end up getting you killed."

"My faith-"

"Your faith is well placed," an old thin voice croaked, interrupting them.

Donovan spun around to see an old woman standing behind him in the doorway. She appeared withered and brittle, and was a full foot shorter than him at least. Her skin was dark and her eyes burned into his, only heightening his nervousness.

"I can help you vampire," she declared.

"How did you know he's a vampire?" Donovan asked in a hard voice.

"I know many things. You too are a vampire."

"Then you know that as a vampire I have the ability to snap you in half like a twig if you so much as think of playing games with us."

"Donovan!" Leo scolded. "I'm sorry ma'am, my brother is simply looking out for me that's all."

"Yes I can see that," she said, sneering at Donovan. "Despite your brother's mistrust I can sense that you do not share his feelings."

She entered the room and walked over to an old tattered cushion on the floor, seating herself on it with minimal difficulty. Donovan found it odd how easily she managed to move for someone her age.

Leo knelt before her.

"I do not share his mistrust, no. I have been told that you can help me become human again."

"This is what you desire most." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"Yes, more than anything. I was never meant to be this creature, I want to live and die as a human."

Donovan steadied his jaw, keeping his comments to himself. He heard it all the time but it still stung to know that Leo would rather die has a human than spend eternity with him as a vampire. At times he wondered how deep their brotherly bond even ran anymore. After four hundred years did family even mean anything?

The old woman studied Leo, spending a good deal of time staring into his eyes.

"Yes, I can help you," she finally said.

The relief hit Leo's face instantly.

"I knew you could! I've brought plenty of money to pay for your services, you will be well rewarded, be sure of that."

"Oh I am quite sure I will," the woman said with a smile that made Donovan's skin crawl. "And by sun up you will be human once more."

Donovan leaned against a wall and watched closely as the woman collected her payment and stood to fetch her "cure". He wanted to ask Leo if he was sure, wanted to beg him to reconsider but he knew it was no use. He could only stand in silence and watch, just as he had already decided he would do for the rest of Leo's life. Moments later the woman returned with a vial of red liquid that looked quite a bit like the very blood that Leo detested.

"You must drink this," she instructed. "You will feel pain but it will pass and when it ends you will once again be mortal."

Leo reached out and took the vial with shaking hands, clutching it as if it was his greatest treasure.

"Thank you," he barely managed to say. "This means the world to me."

"Can we go home now?" Donovan asked, tired of watching this nonsense. "You can drink it there, I don't want to spend another second in here."

Leo looked mortified.

"I am so sorry," he apologized again. "My brother-"

"It is okay, I understand. I wish you a happy life vampire. Good night."

Leo returned the sentiment and soon he and Donovan were headed home. Donovan watched as Leo stared at the vial, barely even paying attention to where they were headed. He was amazed his brother was able to wait till they reached home before giving in and taking it.

"Leo," Donovan said, knowing his efforts were useless. "You have no way of knowing what that is. That woman-"

"That woman has given me back my chance at life, at being human," Leo snapped. "Please can you just be happy for me?"

"Yes of course. I'm sorry."

The brothers headed into Leo's bedroom where Donovan stood watch by the bed as Leo got as comfortable as possible. Without further words or fanfare Leo removed the cork from the vial and after only a second's hesitation, swallowed the liquid. Much to his dismay, nothing happened.

"I told you," Donovan barked. "That woman was simply a con artist playing with your head."

"But people said-"

Leo's words died mid sentence as the pain hit him. He had never felt anything like it, a pain so intense he couldn't even scream, he couldn't move. His eyes clenched shut and he was vaguely aware of Donovan's arms wrapping around him and asking if he was okay. He certainly was not, in fact he was positive he was dying.

I'd started writing the next part but when I went back to finish it I realized it was complete crap. *L* I WILL finish it eventually though, and I'll probably just put a link in my first post when I do. Why would I want to delete feedback? *L*