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Chapter 3

They say that history has a way of repeating itself. People’s destinies will intertwine and repeat throughout the ages. Of course, they do not end up the same way each time, but the circumstances will always present themselves in one form or another. Take for instance, the tragic story of William Donovan and Elda Sinclair…
The night before had bothered Victor. His mind was tormented by thoughts. On one hand, he was a vampire hunter. Hunters should never have relationships or attachments. If a hunter was ever killed in combat, his or her loved one would be alone in the world. Even worse, the hunter’s relationship could be used against him or her by the vampires. On the other hand, the woman he met in the park the night before had plagued his thoughts. Her beautiful figure in the night was a constant vision of his. Her voice rang through his head like a siren’s song.
“Why can’t I stop thinking about her? I only helped her because she needed some assistance dealing with that delinquent last night. It was my duty as a gentleman and a hunter. Hunters cannot have attachments or relationships. It is even forbidden by the code of the hunter to have a relationship. Those who do are expelled from the order.”
Victor was clearly troubled by this. What he needed was some time for meditation. It was 12:35 AM, so now was as good a time as ever to begin his night watch. He grabbed his usual trench coat and boots, black shirt, and black pants. However, for the items he carried on his person, they were different today. His weapon of choice was a sword that a dear friend of his gave to him when he was younger. It was a two-handed sword that wore on his back. It had a red scabbard with metal trim on the bottom, and a blue strap that attached the sword to him. He also grabbed a deep blue ocarina which he placed inside his inner coat pocket. As he left, a small chill went down his spine. Something was bound to happen tonight.
The patrol went as usual; no bodies, no vampires, nothing. Normally, this would be a good sign however, Victor was still troubled. The Sinclair family was still on the loose, and since they have not shown themselves, it only worried him more that at some point they would strike.
It neared 2 AM when he got to the park. His nerves were on the edge. But as he neared the statue in the center of the park, the thoughts returned. “Why can’t I get her out of my head? I wish I had some focus…” As he walked, he felt the ocarina press against his side. Music had always been relaxing for Victor, so he decided some music would calm his nerves. He pulled the ocarina from his pocket and set it to his lips.
He played a solemn tune from that ocarina. Its sad cry rang throughout the park. As he played his song, tears seemed to well up in his eyes, as if the song reminded him of something…
“That’s a beautiful song you’re playing…” Startled, Victor spun around rapidly, only to see his memories standing in front of him. It was the woman he met last night: Maeve St. Clair. “What is it called?” she asked.
“It…it doesn’t have a name,” Victor stuttered, “It’s just… something from my childhood.”
“It sounds very gripping,” she replied, smiling. “So, what is a person like you doing in a place like this?”
“To be honest, I’m not too sure myself…” he said. You could tell in the air that he was very nervous. “What is a woman like you doing in a place like this?”
“To be honest, I’m not too sure myself.” She said sarcastically. “Everyone has a reason for being somewhere or doing anything. Try again.”
“Fine…I came here to get some things off of my mind,” he replied. “The park is calm and quiet, unlike the downtown area.”
“Very true, very true, I hate it downtown, there are too many people. So what kind of things did you want to get off your mind? Talking about them might help you know.”
“Not that it is any of your business,” he said. “I was thinking about the experiences I have had in the past.”
“My deepest apologies, I didn’t mean to intrude,” she said reluctantly.
“It’s not your fault,” he said quickly. “That is just a subject I do not like to talk to others about.”
“Still, I feel bad that I brought up the subject. I did not mean to be rude...” She looked off to the side.
“It's all right. You could not have possibly known that the subject was a little touchy for me.” Victor looked at her. She was a beautiful woman. The moonlight shined on her like light from the heavens. It accentuated her features and made her almost shine. She was wearing the cloak from yesterday as well as the flowing black gown. “I guess it's your turn to explain yourself. What are you doing here in the park this evening?”
She looked at Victor. “Well, if you must know...” she said sarcastically. “I am here to reflect on some memories from my past as well. Memories are something I cherish very well.”
“I would rather forget my past,” Victor replied. “...than have it come back to me and torment me. My past...” Victor looked very stern. “...is something I do not treasure.”
“That is too bad...” Maeve said. She paused for a moment. “Well... if you dislike your past memories, then you should make some new ones; ones that you can treasure.”
“What exactly do you mean?” Victor asked, puzzled.
“I have some more errands to run around town, seeing that this city has a severe sleeping problem. I was wondering if I could have the pleasure of your company?”
“Well...” Victor knew his purpose here was to hunt for vampires, not stroll around town. “I'm not sure...if I...”
“I understand if you have a prior commitment. It's all right.” She turned and started to walk away.
“Wait!” Victor walked up to her. She smiled as she turned to face him. “I will go with you. It's not like I have anything better to do.”
“Wonderful,” she replied. The two started walking slowly to the city, but it would be a while before they reached the end of the park. Maeve took this opportunity to find out more about Victor. This man was different from all the other men in the city. He had character traits that were extremely rare in this day and age, and she wanted to find out more.
“So Victor,” she started. “What is your occupation?”
“My what?” he replied
“You know; what do you do for a living?” she inquired.
Victor shrugged, “I guess you could say that I am a guardian of sorts. I protect people.”
“I guess that explains why you carry a sword with you whenever I see you.” She laughed a little.
Victor realized that he was still wearing the sword. “Oh, well...” He tried to think of something. “I just use this for personal defense. Does it bother you at all?”
“No, not at all,” she replied. “I am just surprised that someone still uses a sword in this day and age. Most people would rather use a firearm to defend themselves.”
“My belief is that the sword is a lost art. It takes no skill to use a firearm; you just point and pull the trigger. But, to use a sword, you must have skill, agility, and a little grace to use it effectively.”
“True, very true,” she said. “But I don't think the people would react well to your weapon...”
“You have a point,” Victor replied, and with that, he took off the sword from his back and placed it inside his coat. He then buttoned it closed, but before he finished, Maeve saw his necklace. “That is a beautiful pendant. What does it mean?”
“It is the Japanese symbol representing justice. I wear it at all times,” he said.
“I see. Who gave it to you?”
Victor paused for a moment. “My father gave it to me...when I was little...”
“Did you get the ocarina from your father, as well?” she inquired.
“No, that is something that has been in my family for years. They say that my ancestor William Donovan was the first to own it.”
“It sounded beautiful earlier. You have a great skill with it.” she said.
“Thank you... I guess,” he replied.
The two soon reached town. As always, it never slept. People were still out and about even in this late hour. Victor always thought it was strange that people let their guard down, but with nearly all of the vampires eradicated, it wasn't much of a concern. Maeve went to a few stores and did some shopping while she and Victor talked. They were out till 3:30 AM, when Maeve finished. They walked to the town square together.
“Well, it is getting to be late, so I have to return home,” Maeve said to Victor.
“If you'd like, I can walk you home,” he replied.
She smiled at Victor. “I appreciate your offer, but I can walk by myself. Besides, you have to head home too. You look tired.”
“Well...I...” he stammered.
“It's fine, I can look out for myself.” she said, reassuringly. “Until we meet again Victor.” And with that, she turned and walked off.
Victor was a little tired, so he started off for home. His mind was again plagued by the thoughts about Maeve. He could not get her out of his mind. He was about halfway home, when all of a sudden....