She walked through the woods. Through the tall, dark looming trees that hang their branches close to her head. The moon was out. Shining a blue light that allowed her to see what she was looking for.  The Hell Beast stood right in front of her. He glared his fangs, and she could smell the death that reeked from his body odor. He snarled at the girl, and she gave a half smile, which confused him. It wasn’t everyday a girl of her status survived the attack of a hell beast. 

As the beast neared, the Slayer reached inside her dress pocket and pulled out a stake. It was her lucky stake; long, sharp, and carved from one of the rarest woods. It had killed many hell beasts as she referred to them, and it was going to have yet another victory.

The Slayer advanced towards her target, as he was advancing closer to her. He took one look at the stake and she could tell he became hesitant as his advancement towards her started to become slower.  She persisted walking towards the vampire. As she drew nearer the hell beast started to back off, preparing for a run, so without one second to lose, the Slayer ran. She ran so fast that her target was unable to move. She twisted around as she planted a powerful spinning kick into his face. Then coming back around she threw a punch towards his twisted face. He blocked it and smacked her against the face. She felt her lip to see if any blood had formed and then dropped down and tripped the hell beast over before puncturing his heart with the wooden stake in her hand. She was left with a pile of dust. She stood up and wiped herself down, and then took a leaf out of her long brown silky hair. She was a very respectable girl who took pride in not only her powers but also her appearance. Her skin was tanned, and she had glowing green eyes.

“Excellent” Her watcher said coming out from behind a tree. “Your timing was very good, and your kicks and punches were precise. But you need to work on your blokes.”  The female watcher finished writing another account into her diary, the one where she recorded every hell beast and every event that the Slayer faced. “You certainly showed him who was boss.”

“I suppose, but it did seem a bit weird shoving a stake into the mayors heart. He never seemed like the evil type.” Elizabeth walked over to the tree her watcher was standing near, and sat down exhausted.  The mayor had been the fifth vampire she had staked that night.

“Well, it’s always the people you least expect that turn to beasts. I’m just concerned with the growing population of hell beasts. There must be something brewing, or else they wouldn’t be so bothered in turning this amount of people, I mean I’m going to have to find a new maid cause you just staked her earlier tonight.”

“Sorry about that?!?”

“It’s ok, she wouldn’t have been of very much help anyway. She would only be available at night.” Elizabeth’s watcher sat next to her. “You hungry”

“You bet I am” the slayer held her stomach. “I haven’t had supper yet, and my stomachs killing for food.”

“Well if we head back home, I’m sure I can have the cook whip a quick meal for you before you go to bed.”

“Yeah, that would good.” They both got up and started their way towards their home. “Say Miss Kimberley, do you ever wake up sometimes and just think ‘Why do I do this, we might be winning the battles but we’ll never win the war’?”

“All the time my child, all the time.” They walked through the shadows of the night after a long training session.

It was a tough time to be living in England. The Battle of New Orleans had just ended. Many people, mostly wives and children, had lost husbands, fathers and even sons. However what most people didn’t know was the fact that hell beasts were normally some cause of the wars. It was an easy feeding feast and so they were the biggest cause of death. This is why a Slayer is called and in this generation it is Elizabeth. A young, beautiful, rich girl. She was firstly ordered to join the war, but after being nearly killed she was withdrawn, by the Watchers Council, to fight the evils in her hometown in England. She was a very, well trained slayer and followed her Watchers orders as well as the Councils.

She ran, she ran as fast as she could, but no matter how hard she tried, he never seemed to lose track on her, instead he gained ground, and before she knew it he had her by the throat. He tightened his grip and she couldn’t breathe. “Tonight slayer…your mine!”

Elizabeth suddenly woke up. She was panting and sweating. She brushed her hair behind her ears. She looked around her room. It was beautifully furnished, with a classic wooden styled bed head, dressing table, a large mirror, and a wardrobe with all of her clothes. Her slayer weapons and books were all kept in a corner of her room, inside a big chest. Elizabeth couldn’t go back to sleep so she leaned over and switched on her lamp, which sat upon her bedside drawers. She opened the first drawer where she reached for a key. Then the slayer walked over to the chest and unlocked it. She pulled out a thick, old book. Moving back into bed, she opened the book, and began to study. Studying was a large part in the Slayers teachings. Kimberley had made it essential that the Slayer was equipped with all the right volumes in order for her to learn the different types of hell beasts that lurked their earth.

While Elizabeth was educating herself by the means of a book, she felt an itch on her right arm. She put the book down and went to scratch. She noticed a small pinprick in her arm. Not caring at all, just thinking she had done something during her occasional slay she scratched her arm and continued reading. The night seemed long, and eventually Elizabeth fell back to sleep.

“Good Morning Elizabeth, and how did you sleep?”

“Not that good actually, usually after a slay, I’m unable to keep my eyes opened. Last night I couldn’t keep them shut. Plus I think I’m getting a rash on my arm” Elizabeth scratched at her right arm.

“It will probably go away. Anyway, I have been thinking about your birthday, I have organized a small ball, and I am inviting most of the high classes citizens.”

“Miss, you know I did not want to make a big deal of this” Elizabeth sat at the table with her watcher, and the cook came in and placed a big breakfast for the two.

“Thank you John.” the cook left. “Elizabeth. You are turning the age of eighteen. That’s something to celebrate.”

“Yes I know.” Elizabeth picked up a piece of toast, spread with butter, and took a bite. She swallowed it fast. “Are we still training today?”

“Yes we are. As soon as your stomach has rested from breakfast.”

Elizabeth loved the training. She loved learning her new skills and learning how to control them. Ever since she found out about her calling, she has been very dedicated to bringing the forces of darkness down and during her training sessions she was able to create new strategies and moves to use against the hell beasts. She was only young when she was called. She has lived with Kimberley since her birth. Her parents were made to give up Elizabeth in order for her to have the necessary training. Kimberley took care of her and did the things she was instructed to do. Elizabeth was only fifteen when she was called, and it was then that she inherited the power of the Slayer. But her calling would have only been short if it wasn’t for him. He being the one man she loved.

It was a cold night and Elizabeth and Liam were walking through the woods. She had just turned sixteen and Liam was going to ask for her hand in marriage.

“So…Elizabeth how is Mistress Kimberley going? I heard she got an injury on her arm.”

“Yes, a vamp… I mean she fell on a pointy stick while walking in the woods.”  Elizabeth looked up at Liam, and they both turned to face each other. She smiled.

“Well I’m glad she is alright. Elizabeth I have been meaning to ask you something.” Liam started to kneel in front of her, and he started to reach for something in his pocket. But just as he was about to reach the floor a hell beast grabbed Elizabeth from behind and threw her into a tree. Elizabeth recovered quickly and ran over to the beast that was now aiming for Liam. She grabbed it by the throat and sent it flying to the ground. Then as it got up it was welcomed by a punch. But this just angered the vampire that grabbed Elizabeth by the neck and sank his fangs into her pulse. She screamed, feeling the pain. But in one second the hell beast was thrown from Elizabeth and she turned around to see that Liam had thrown the vampire off her. The hell beast lunged at Liam, knocking him down. Elizabeth ran towards the hell beast but he swung a powerful punch at her that swept her off her feet. When she got up Liam was gone and so was the vampire. That was the last time she ever saw him.

“Kick, punch, swinging high kick, flip, double uppercut and then spin below and then stake.” Kimberley was giving Elizabeth a routine to try out on the dummy she had constructed for her Slayers training sessions.

“Ok. Here I go.” Elizabeth walked over to the dummy jumped up kicked it in the face, then punched the stomach, jumped up in the air again, spun and kicked the dummies face. Tightened her fists and then did a double uppercut before swooping the dummy of its stand and shoving a stake in its cushion heart.  “Was that alright?”

“Yes it was. Now Let’s try it again.” Kimberley stepped back a little to watch the routine from a further angle.

“Ok here we go.” Elizabeth stood up the dummy and stepped back, then jumped up and kicked it in the exact same spot, she punched the dummy in the stomach and then as she jumped up to do the spinning kick she fell down on her arm, screaming in pain. Kimberley ran over.

“Are you ok Elizabeth?”

“Yes, but I don’t understand this pain. I jumped and I didn’t know what to do next. And then my arm.”

“Well then let us call this training session to an end and get you something for your arm.”

“No it’s ok. I want to train more.” Elizabeth didn’t want to give in. She was a determined Slayer, but also one that didn’t know when to give up.

“Ok then, let us do the next activity.” Kimberley got out a small bit of cloth from her bag and tied it around Elizabeth’s eyes, preventing her from seeing. “You’ve done this one before, and you excelled at it, but I would like you to do it again.”

“I love this one.” Elizabeth got ready. Her watcher would place the dummy somewhere in the room, and Elizabeth would have to know where it is and knock it over. Kimberley positioned the dummy.

“Find the dummy.”

Elizabeth smiled, but her smile suddenly turned to frown, she circled for a while. She walked over to the wall and hit it.

“Ow!” Elizabeth took off the blind fold. “What is wrong with me today? Usually this is easy!”

“As I said, maybe you need some rest.” Kimberley packed her stuff up and left Elizabeth in the training room. Kimberley left with a slight smile forming on her face.

“Let me go, please I haven’t done anything wrong.” Her breath was running out. “Stop your whining, your going to die tonight, but don’t worry you’ll rise again. You’ll be my partner.” The slayer spat in the hell beast’s eyes. “Go to hell”

“Oh, but I’m planning to!” The beast formed his face into the ugly mask he wore, and sunk his fangs into her neck…

Elizabeth woke up screaming she grabbed her neck to see if it was true. After hearing the screams Kimberley ran into her slayers room.

“What’s wrong?” Kimberley looked around the room for any sight of a vampire but all she saw was sweat running down Elizabeth’s face as she panted.

“I had a dream…or a vision. I don’t know”

“Are you alright?” Kimberley sat on the end of Elizabeth’s double bed. “Tell me about it”

“Well, I’ve had it a couple of nights now. It is of me. I am running away from a hell beast. He catches up to me quite easily. He grabs me by the throat and bites me. But in the dream, I am weak. I don’t fight back or even try to stake him, I just let him kill me.” Elizabeth wipes a sweat drop from her forehead. Kimberley looks into Elizabeth’s eyes, a tear swelling up in them.

“Don’t worry about it, just get some sleep.” Kimberley walks out of the room, and stands in the doorway until her slayer had fallen asleep again. She pulled out a needle from her dressing gown and walks over to Elizabeth. The Watcher grabs Elizabeth’s right arm and injects fluid into it. Then turns off the lamp and heads out the door. As she passes through the corridor, Kimberley watches as several shadows enter her room. Without thinking she runs and bursts open the door, she was not surprised to see the Watchers Council standing before her.

“I was expecting your arrival” Kimberley closed the door behind her.

“How is she?” The several members had sat themselves on a sofa positioned opposite the door.

“I’m guessing your talking about Elizabeth. She’s as you expect. Weakening.”

“I am pleased to hear that. We are preparing her test. In two nights I will give you directions on where to guide her. And be warned that if she be late, you will be punished.”

Kimberley strolls over to her bedside table and pulls out an envelope. “Trust me she won’t be.” Kimberley hands the envelope to the head Watcher.

“What is this?” asks the small, large man.

“It is an invitation to Elizabeth’s birthday ball. It will be held the night of the trial.”

“Mistress Kimberley, are you sure this is appropriate? Training your slayer is surely a better decision, she would have a better chance of surviving.”

“A new slayer will be called soon Sir. Mine is fulfilling her destiny in two nights.” A tear rolled down her face.

“You do not know this for sure.” The Head watcher shoved the envelope in his coat pocket.

“Yes I do, Elizabeth has been having dreams. Or vision I should say, of her death. Ones where she has none of her powers.”

“Miss. You do know that slayer dreams do tell the future but not the definite future.  It may merely be a warning.”

“What ever it is, I want her to be able to enjoy her eighteenth birthday.”

“Very well.” The several men of the Watchers Council followed the small, large man out the door, leaving Kimberley in tears.

It was the same night, about one in the morning. Elizabeth awoke again. She started scratching her right arm. She became very restless so she got out of bed, opened her chest and took out her lucky stake. She climbed through her bedroom window and ran as fast as she could until she was off her property. Elizabeth headed for the forest where most of the hell beasts, that she had fought, hang out during the night.

Elizabeth had never slayed before without her watcher by her side, but tonight she just wanted to be alone…with the hell beasts. The Slayer walked to the normal spot Kimberley and her would wait. She looked around hoping that there would be at least one vampire for her to stake. Also one that she could test her powers.  Over the past days Elizabeth had been feeling weaker. She didn’t know why, but she needed to know if she would be able to face a vampire.

And then one came. Elizabeth looked at it, but just as that one started to come closer to her another came out from behind a tree. Both were in the shadows, Elizabeth backed a little into a clearing where the moonlight allowed her to see the figures easier. The two hell beasts continued to advance towards their prey and when they reached the clearing, the moonlight revealing their identity, Elizabeth gasped.

She knew these two people, well she knew these two beasts. Tears started to well up in her eyes. As they came nearer, she backed. 

“Elizabeth, long time no see.” The vampire moved towards her.

“Liam? What happened to you?”

“I was shown the real world.” Liam walked around her running his fingers along her face. The other vampire she recognized as the one that had nearly killed her. Elizabeth backed away from Liam and stood a few metres back. Liam edged forward, and as he did Elizabeth threw a punch at him. As her fist hit his body she screamed at pain. Elizabeth had felt like her hand had broken when it pounded against the rock hard chest of Liam. Tears rolled down her eyes as he grabbed her and pulled her body close to his. He transformed into his demonic self and snarled his fangs at her.

“Please, leave me alone.” Elizabeth pleaded for her life knowing that she was too weak to fight both these hell beasts.

“Leave you alone? Elizabeth we belong together, we belong forever.” He started to move his fangs towards her neck. The other vampire moved in on her, and stood behind her. Just as Liam was about to sink his teeth into her neck he stopped and moved up towards her lips. Elizabeth could smell the stench of death in his breath. He took off his mask to reveal his human face and gave Elizabeth a passionate kiss.

“Tomorrow” Liam said and then laughed. He threw her to the ground and he and the other vampire vanished into the shadows of the night. Elizabeth got up and ran home as fast as she could. This was the first time in all her life when she felt fear. She was unable to protect herself against the hell beasts she was built to slay.

As she climbed through her bedroom window she saw Kimberley sitting on her bed. She immediately knew she was in trouble. Kimberley had always been strict about slaying, and always said that it should not be done alone.

“Young lady, I have been waiting here for a long time, worrying about your safety! How dare you leave without my permission!” Kimberley was getting very worked up, knowing that in Elizabeth’s weakened state, she could have got herself killed.

“I was out doing my job.” Elizabeth stood in front of her Watcher.

“You shouldn’t of gone out, especially in you weakened stage.”

“My weakened stage? What’s that supposed to mean?” Elizabeth got a little suspicious.

“I just mean, you haven’t been feeling right lately and then you go out and do something stupid like this. I just got worried about you.” She walked over to Elizabeth and held her like a mother would her child.

“I’m sorry, I shall never do it again.”

The two stood there in each other’s arms.

The night brought both to sleep. Asleep in the huge mansion Mistress Kimberley had gained through her fathers’ death. Kimberley had always been well off and that is why she was given Elizabeth to look after when her slayer was at such a young age. The two had grown a mother-daughter relationship, but Kimberley prohibited any behavior that could cloud her judgement as a Watcher. It was her duties to follow the wishes of the Council before hers. And that meant leading Elizabeth to her death.

The year was 1815 and it had only been three years since Elizabeth had been called.

As the young fifteen-year-old girl walked into the room for afternoon tea, her guardian Mistress Kimberley welcomed her.  Kimberley was opening some mail she had received. Elizabeth sat at the small table set, for some scones and tea.

“Hello Miss.”

“Hello Elizabeth, has your day treated you well?” Kimberley looked up and stroked her shoulder length golden hair behind her ear.

“It has been ok. I have just finished that lovely romantic book you leant me.” Elizabeth picked up her cup and took a sip out of it.

“Oh, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have you done your daily train?” Although Elizabeth had not been told of her calling, Kimberley had made it perfectly clear that a woman should be strong, healthy and prepared for anything, hence providing Elizabeth with the training needed for her calling.

“Yes I have completed it for the day.”

Kimberley smiled and then took hold of another envelope and opened it, and as she read the small print her expression upon her face changed drastically.

“Mistress Kimberley, whatever is the problem?”

Kimberley looked at the paper again; She has been summoned. They were the only words written but it was enough for Kimberley to understand.

“Elizabeth, my child, I am about to tell you something that may take you awhile to understand, but please whatever I tell you, you have got to believe it.”

“I will.”

“Elizabeth, you have been called as the Slayer. One girl in all the world to fight and defeat the hell beasts and evils that walk this earth.  One girl with the strength, speed and ability to defend and save herself as well as the innocents. You are the Chosen One, and I will be your Watcher. I will guide you through your time as the Slayer and help you to learn and control your powers.” Kimberley didn’t know how Elizabeth would react and it took a long period of silence to finally understand how Elizabeth felt.

“Well. That was certainly not expected. But as I promised I will believe you and do whatever I must. For I am the Slayer and you are my Watcher.”

It was Elizabeth’s eighteenth birthday. It was the day of her celebration ball and the day of her test. Elizabeth woke up eager to get downstairs to celebrate her birth, as she reached down into the dining room, Kimberley was already dressed and standing near the table waiting for her slayer, with a full breakfast feast already prepared.

“Good morning and Happy Birthday my dear”

“Why thank you” Elizabeth and Kimberley hugged and then Elizabeth sat herself at the dining table.  Kimberley pulled out a small wrapped package and handed it to Elizabeth.

“Mistress Kimberley, you did not have to do this for me” Elizabeth accepted the present with her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“I wanted to, you have been the best thing that has happened in all my life.” Kimberley smiled at Elizabeth. The Slayer unwrapped her present carefully, under the packaging was a small velvet box. She opened it and inside was a gold chain with a shimmering gold cross attached. In the middle of the cross was a small diamond.

“Oh my god! Thank you so much!” Elizabeth ran over to her Watcher and hugged her tightly. “I love it so much, it’s beautiful”

“It was my mothers. She told me to give it to my daughter when she turned eighteen, and I have done that.” A tear welled up in Elizabeth’s eye.

“And I will accept it from the only mother I have ever known.” They both start crying in each other’s arms. Kimberley pulls away slightly.

“Look at us, two women in tears over nothing. Let’s eat breakfast, we have a long day ahead of us and a ball to prepare for.” Elizabeth and Kimberley laughed and sat back down. Elizabeth paused for awhile and then looked down.

“Miss. I just would like to point out how sorry I am about last night. I know it was wrong but I was concerned with my powers, I’m losing them.”

“Elizabeth, there is nothing to worry about. You should count yourself lucky that you didn’t run into any hell beasts.” Elizabeth looked up, knowing she should have told her Watcher her confrontation with Liam. However she was still shaken up from the experience. “It’s your eighteenth birthday, it’s a time to celebrate.” Kimberley had a smile on her face, but it wasn’t an honest smile. She knew why Elizabeth was losing her powers, she wanted so much to be able to tell Elizabeth the truth but it had been like this for centuries. The Council would strongly frown upon Kimberley if she were to tell Elizabeth. When a Slayer turned eighteen she would be tested by not her strength, speed and ability, but by imagination, courage and skill. It was a hard test but one Elizabeth had to take.

“Here, try this one” Kimberley held up a gown for Elizabeth to wear.

“Yes, it fits perfect and it is beautiful.” Elizabeth looked at herself in her long mirror as Kimberley stood behind her holding the dress over Elizabeth.

“You are the beautiful one Elizabeth.” Kimberley smiled at how stunning her slayer looked.

“Thank you Miss.”

“It’s ok. I just can’t wait to see you all done up for your ball.”

“Yes, well this will be my only night off, I need to be able to get to full strength and once again fight the hell beasts that dwell here.” Elizabeth took hold of the dress and lightly placed it on the bed. Although she was used to wearing gowns and being made up, she always loved to see herself as a normal woman. Usually during slaying and training she wore average clothing, clothing that she was able to move easily in. “Mistress, why don’t you prepare yourself, I’m sure you’ve got some beautiful gown waiting to be worn, I just, I just want some time alone.”

“Ok, but I will be back when it is time.” Kimberley left Elizabeth in the room and walked out, closing the door behind her. She walked towards the kitchen to see if the cook had done as he had been ordered to. “Is the cake ready?”

“No Miss, but it will be before the ball”

“Good. Thank you, I appreciate you doing this.” Kimberley walked back the way she came and started her way towards the corridor when she heard a knock on the door. She stopped half way in the corridor waiting for her butler to open it. He suddenly appeared and was a bit startled when he saw Mistress Kimberley standing in the middle of the corridor.

“Ah, Miss Kimberley, you have some visitors.”

“Thank you Ronald” Kimberley walked through the corridor, made a right turn and then walked through the big entrance hall to the front door. She hadn’t expected anyone for the ball this early because there was still a couple of hours left.  “Oh, it’s you, it’s not normal for you to knock.” The Watchers Council was standing at the doorway. They had the tendency of visiting their active Slayer and Watcher regularly as, to there benefit; a slayer had been called in their hometown.

“Thanks for the pleasant welcome.” The Watchers Council invited themselves in. There was no point in so many men coming to talk to Kimberley as only one man spoke, the Head Watcher, Andrew Goodmen. “We are here to give you the address for you know what.”

“Don’t worry, Elizabeth is upstairs in her room, she can’t hear a thing.” Kimberley shut the door and then guided them to the living room. They all sat down. “Tea?” All shook their heads.

“We are only here to give you the directions” The head Watcher handed Kimberley a folded piece of paper.

“Thanks. So all I do is drop her off there?”

“Yes, after that the rest will be taken care of. Have Elizabeth there at the hour of twelve” The men started to walk out towards the front door.

“Are you going to join me at Elizabeth’s eighteenth birthday ball?” Kimberley said following them.

“No, we have too much to prepare.”

“As you wish.” Andrew Goodmen opened the door.

“Let us hope that all the experience and training Elizabeth has gone through helps her to survive.”

Kimberley gave a slight smile and watched as the several men left her house, shutting the door behind them.

“Ok Elizabeth, this is your first time that you will experience a hell beast, or vampire as they are sometimes referred. Just remember all the training we have done over the years.” Kimberley threw Elizabeth a stake.

“Well it is a little different. I mean I never knew the training was for this.” Kimberley stepped back behind a tree, and took her watcher diary out to enter her first entry as a Watcher.

“Mistress Kimberley where exactly do I stake them again?” The young fifteen-year-old was still getting used to the fact that she was a vampire slayer. One girl in the entire world to stop the demons.

“You stake them in the heart, we’ve gone over this a few times already.”

“Ok, ok.” Elizabeth looked around, not even knowing what she was looking for when suddenly she saw a woman. She was standing in the middle of the woods. Elizabeth looked at her and walked over to her. Kimberley didn’t say anything but instead stayed hidden behind the tree.

“Um, miss, is anything the matter, do you need any help?” The lady was quite young, she had very pale skin and very mattered hair. Elizabeth suddenly got this strange feeling in her as if this lady was different in some way.

Kimberley had told her newly found Slayer that she would be able to sense a vampire but Elizabeth didn’t believe that someone as innocent looking as this lady could be a blood sucking demon.

“I’m okay, just a little bit hungry.” The lady started to walk towards Elizabeth and then suddenly turned into her demonic self. Elizabeth started screaming. However she found herself screaming for all the wrong reasons, she wasn’t scared but surprised. She stopped screaming and looked at the stake in her hand.

“The heart, aim for the heart” Elizabeth told herself. And then the beast attacked. She grabbed Elizabeth and chucked her against a tree, and then walked over and grabbed her again except this time Elizabeth’s reflexes kicked in and the lady vampire was smashed in the face by the Slayers fist. Elizabeth then threw another punch, but it was blocked and instead Elizabeth was smashed in the face with a power kick. She grabbed her jaw, in tears. However she wasn’t in tears because it hurt, she was in tears because it was just a reaction. Usually when people get hurt they cry. Elizabeth quickly wiped away her tears and, as the hell beast ran towards the slayer, she was welcomed with a dusty end. Elizabeth had staked her first vampire. But it wasn’t the end, another vampire stepped out, this one already masked with the deadly fangs.

“You just staked my wife witch!” The male vampire started to run the few metres towards Elizabeth. Elizabeth just stood there and started to run. It was all too much for her. However the vampire caught up and grabbed the back of her clothing and used it to take Elizabeth off her feet. Elizabeth landed hard on the ground face forward. She rolled over only to see the vampire leaping on top of her. Elizabeth raised her leg and kicked the hell beast as it was still in mid air. She flipped herself into a fighting position. To her need, Kimberley had taught her many skills in all different styles of fighting, so she was able to use some of them against her opponents. The vampire grunted as Elizabeth swung her fist into its stomach. Then as the hell beast began to regain balance Elizabeth kicked his knee with all her power, which snapped his bones. The sound was awful, the sound of bones crushing. The hell beast was in pain and then looked up at Elizabeth.

“What are you?” the hell beast looked at her in intense pain.

“The Slayer.” With that Elizabeth shoved her stake into the hell beasts heart sending him straight to hell. Kimberley came out from behind the tree. She had made her first entry into her diary.

“Well, what can I say? You were amazing.” Elizabeth just looked at her Watcher.

“Thank you…I think. It was weird, their faces are so disgusting!”

It was her first outing as the new Slayer. An experience that would never leave her and one that could possibly help her in future battles.

Elizabeth came running down the stairs with a book in her hand. “Mistress Kimberley, Mistress Kimberley! I found something, in one of the previous Watchers diaries!” Elizabeth pointed to the paragraph as she held the diary wide open.

Kimberley had no idea what she was talking about. But when Elizabeth reached the bottom of the stairs she realized what her Slayer had done. “Miss, look, other slayers have lost their powers. I don’t know why yet but as soon as I saw it I needed to tell you.”

“Miss Elizabeth! How dare you go through my personal stuff! Those diaries are for my benefit only and should not be read by the Slayer!” Kimberley snatched it off Elizabeth.

“But I was certain you would be happy and proud of me. You don’t understand how weak and stupid I feel. I’m a slayer who isn’t even able to slay! I feel like my existence on this world has just died out and there is no point for me here.”

“Elizabeth, I am disappointed with you. I understand how you must feel but...”

“Understand? I don’t think anyone could understand how I feel! I feel useless!” Elizabeth ran upstairs crying. Kimberley didn’t know that this test, the taking of the slayers powers, could be so upsetting. Elizabeth was never really this emotional. Surely she had a few tears now and again but nothing like this. It killed Kimberley to keep such a secret from her but she knew it had to be done.

Elizabeth stayed in her bedroom for most of the day. Kimberley decided not to disturb her, but when it was time to go to the ball Kimberley, fully dressed in her gown, walked up the stairs and knocked on Elizabeth’s bedroom door. Elizabeth too was already dressed. She looked beautiful. Her gown was made out of silk, and had many laces all over the dress, with pearls and jewels attached to it. Elizabeth was also wearing a wig, one that was shaped into a high comb over and then little ringlets falling around her beautiful face.

“My, my You look so beautiful Elizabeth.” Kimberley looked at her with such love and affection. “My precious daughter has grown up.” Kimberley smiled and gave Elizabeth a hug.

“Thank you Miss. You look beautiful too.”

“Well no need for this, people are all ready dancing in the ballroom. Come.” Kimberley started her way towards the door, when Elizabeth stopped her.

“Um, I just want to say that I am very sorry about this afternoon, I had no right to go through your personal books. It is just that…”

“It is ok. I understand.” Kimberley couldn’t bare hearing the words ‘I’m sorry’ from Elizabeth because it was not needed but instead wished she could hold her now and say those exact words to her slayer. “Let us go.”

The two women walked down the stairs, as they entered the room, everyone was there. Elizabeth and her Watcher stood in the doorway as everyone clapped and smiled. And so to did Elizabeth smile.

For once she wasn’t the chosen one to save the world, instead she was a girl who was now becoming a woman. A woman of so much skills and personality but being the slayer was part of who she was, she couldn’t forget about her responsibilities and tonight her wit, intelligence and the woman of Elizabeth were going to be what determines her fate. A fate the stars created since time started its course.

“Happy birthday Elizabeth.” An elderly rich couple walked up to Elizabeth and approached her with their fake smiles pretending they knew her, but this didn’t bother Elizabeth because she loved the attention. Once in her life she was being praised.

“Thank you. And I am happy you are here.” Elizabeth smiled and walked off. She walked over to a table where the food was being held and got herself something to bite. Kimberley came up to her with a young man and his mother trailing just behind.

“Elizabeth, I would like you to meet an old friend of mine Mistress Gweneth and her son Edward. Edward is attending that university that I told you so much about. Learning law.” Kimberley smiled and winked to Elizabeth. Kimberley had to do her best to forget what was going to happen to Elizabeth tonight, so she did what most ‘mothers’ did and that was to try and ensure a future for their daughters.

Elizabeth looked at Edward, he was standing shortly behind his mother looking into her eyes. His back was so straight and he was wearing an expensive suit.

“Hi how do you do Edward?” Edward approached her took her hand and kissed it as he bowed before her.

“I was feeling a little bit off colour, but seeing your beauty has took my breath away and I can only concentrate on getting it back just so I am able to offer you a dance.” Elizabeth didn’t know what to make of Edward but she curtseyed and together Edward and Elizabeth, hand in hand, took a position on the dance floor. There was a band at the back of the room. They noticed the birthday girl entering herself into a dance and immediately changed tune to a fast motion rhythm. Edward smiled at this sudden change and nodded his head to Elizabeth and the both joined in the traditional dance designed for this song. Everyone on the dance floor formed a circle around Elizabeth and Edward as they laughed and giggled as they danced both the center of attention in the room. Kimberley looked on and to her it was as if Elizabeth and the whole room was in slow motion, just so the laughs and smiles of her slayer would last longer, and so the night would never end.

Suddenly Kimberley felt a tap on her shoulder she turned around quickly only to be confronted by Andrew Goodmen.

“Well you made it.” Kimberley gave a slight smile, but an insincere one because she felt betrayed by these men, and she knew these feelings weren’t different because in many past diaries of watchers who have had to watch their slayer go through this test record their feelings of betrayal towards the council.

“Yes, we thought turning eighteen is an important part of any slayers life and should be celebrated.”

“Well we must have different definitions for celebration.” Kimberley was now becoming spiteful towards Andrew.

“Mistress, you are a Watcher and you know this has been down for a long time. It is a tradition.”

“I know, but I still feel badly for having to lie to Elizabeth’s face, she doesn’t deserve this.” Kimberley looked down.

“If she is a good slayer, she will survive. But if she doesn’t then…”

“Then I have lost the only daughter I have ever had.” Kimberley looked at Elizabeth dance with Edward having no idea what tonight holds for her.

“Ah, I see. Love. It is strongly frowned upon in a Watcher/Slayer relationship. It blocks judgement. Miss Kimberley, that’s just the way it is.” Andrew began to turn when he stopped. “At twelve Elizabeth should be taken to the address I gave you” Andrew turned fully and walked off into the crowd.

“Enjoy the party” Kimberley said, but only as a whisper.

The song stopped and everyone clapped as Elizabeth and Edward bowed and curtseyed before leaving the dance floor. Elizabeth followed Edward as he made his way through the crowd, but Kimberley stopped Elizabeth.

“I never knew what a good dancer you were.”

“Thank you, but did you see Edward? Isn’t he so…” Elizabeth rolled her hands thinking of a word to describe Edward. “So perfect.” She laughed and so did Kimberley.

“I’m happy your having fun Elizabeth” Kimberley watched as Elizabeth was dragged away by Edward.

“Edward that was great”

“The only thing great in this room is you.”

“Thank you, you are really sweet.  Edward handed Elizabeth a drink and they both sipped it down. “Are you ready for another dance?”

“Oh Edward, I am exhausted I need to rest for a little bit.” Usually Elizabeth could go all night without a single breath but lately she was a normal human being without powers or the ability to slay.

“Ok. I need a rest too.”

Both sat down at the provided seats, holding their cups, and talking about life in general. Edward was explaining his passion for law and Elizabeth couldn’t help but wish one day she could do the same. She wasn’t only fascinated by law but by Edward. It was the first time she had felt something special for a man since Liam. So to her it was nice, but also hard. When Elizabeth saw Liam a couple of nights ago it reminded her of how much she loved him and how, for the rest of her life, regret that she could not have saved him. Elizabeth missed her first true love because he was gone forever and she knew that if she saw him again she would have to stake him. However just as the thought of Liam past her mind for one quick second he came. The music stopped and everyone in the ballroom stopped and looked up at the entrance. Windows were smashed and people started screaming.

At the entrance of the door stood Liam and behind him four other vampires. Elizabeth immediately stood up and made her presence known by Liam he took noticed of her and began his way towards her. The other four hell beasts separated and began feasting on the guests. Kimberley came rushing towards Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth, we have to get you out of here.”

“No, Liam has to be killed. I am the Slayer and it is my duty.”

“Liam! Oh my god! Elizabeth as your Watcher I order you to leave!” Kimberley was getting scared knowing full well Elizabeth wouldn’t be able to handle these hell beasts and that Liam would do anything to have Elizabeth. Edward suddenly stood up.

“Ah, what is happening?”

“Edward I want you to get out of here grab your mum and leave because these men are very dangerous.” Edward didn’t even bother to reply he was off finding his mother so he could get out of the ballroom safely. Liam was yet a few metres from Elizabeth who just stood her ground while Kimberley begged and order her to leave.

Suddenly there was a yell and then a hell beast turned to dust. Everyone stopped including the vampires feeding and Liam. They all saw Andrew Goodmen standing just in front of the pile of dust, holding a wooden stake. Elizabeth took a glance at Liam who she could tell was very angry he stopped his advancement towards her and began pushing past people to get to where John Goodmen was, Elizabeth ran and jumped on top of Liam.

“I’m going to kill you tonight Liam!” Liam didn’t respond and just threw her off his shoulder sending her straight to the floor. As soon as he did that a man stepped in front of Liam.

“If you want to go further, you will have to go through me. That is no way to treat a woman you worthless scum.” The man looked at Liam and suddenly gasped as Liam’s face changed into the demonic features of a true vampire. Liam grabbed the man the throat and smiled.

“I’m not going to go through you, I’m going to eat you.” Liam sunk his teeth into this helpless man. No one could do anything. Andrew Goodmen was fighting off another vampire, Elizabeth was on the floor and Kimberley was helping her slayer. Those three were the only ones with the knowledge on how to kill these hell beasts. Elizabeth stood up and looked as two more vampires entered the room. She pulled a stake out of her dress and held it close to her. She slowly crept behind one of the new vampires. When she was a couple of inches behind him she plunged the stake into him, but she missed the heart and he turned around but as he did she tried it again and sent him to hell as he exploded to dust.

Kimberley came running to her.

“Elizabeth, that was good but try to aim for the heart.”

“Sorry Mistress.” They both laughed a little but turned around just in time to stake the second new vampire that plunged himself at them.

“Three down, three to go.” Kimberley smiled, and the two stuck together knowing Elizabeth’s weakened stage. They both heard another explosion of dust and looked up to see that Andrew had staked another hell beast. Liam then, after finishing his second victim, dropped the body and continued his way towards Andrew. Andrew was unaware of this as he was helping up an elderly lady, the same that had welcomed Elizabeth on her birthday. 

“And…” Kimberleys attempt to warn Andrew was demolished when she was tackled by the other remaining vampire. He pushed her to the ground and stood above her. Kimberley looked hurt but found enough strength to kick him in the groin and as he yelled in pain Elizabeth came behind him and plunged a stake through his heart. Kimberley stood up covered in dust.

“Thank you Elizabeth” Elizabeth stuck out her hand and helped her Watcher get to her feet. The people around them looked on at horror, they couldn’t believe what was happening, half the people had already gone out or died but Elizabeth had to give them a nudge to be able to think clearly.

“Ok people get out of here before anyone else gets hurt!” With that the whole ballroom felt like it was moving, people were running everywhere but mainly aiming for the exits. Some were kneeling down trying to recover loved ones that had been drained and killed.

Elizabeth and Kimberley ignored all this however and looked around for Andrew and Liam. They found them and Liam was holding Andrew in the air by the neck. Kimberley and her Slayer ran in that direction.

“You know what! Tonight you staked my best friend but most importantly my father, my sire! You’re going to pay for this!” Liam was strengthening his grip and it was difficult for Andrew to breathe let alone speak.

“What…ever…you do…it…doesn’t…” Liam didn’t even give him a chance to finish before he snapped his neck with just his fingers. Andrew’s body fell to the floor just as Elizabeth and Kimberley reached him.

“Liam! How could you?”

“Ah. Elizabeth: my love. Happy Birthday” Liam smiled and licked his lips, his fangs glaring with red blood.

“Don’t you dare call me your love. Hatred would be a better use of words you pathetic monster! How could you do all this?” Elizabeth looked around the room at all the bodies. Kimberley couldn’t just stand there any more, she ran towards Liam with a stake but he simply smacked her out of the way and grabbed Elizabeth by the waist.

“We can be together, forever now Elizabeth. We can get married and be rulers of the underworld.”

“I would rather rot in hell then be your wife.” Liam held her more tightly.

“Well it doesn’t look like you have a choice.” Elizabeth moved her hand with the stake in it towards his heart, but Liam grabbed it and snapped the stake in half. “Naughty girl.” Liam grabbed her throat and started his way towards her neck so he could make her his wife for eternity. But just as his fangs were about to make contact, Kimberley got up and staked Liam. He exploded to dust and Elizabeth fell. It was finally over. The chapter of Liam had closed. Kimberley held Elizabeth as they both cried. They held each other for what seemed like hours.

The house then echoed with the sound of a clock striking twelve. Kimberley sobbed more, as she knew what she had to do. Even though Andrew ad died, the Council would still order Elizabeth to do the test.

So Kimberley let go of Elizabeth and stood up.

“Elizabeth, I need to take you somewhere.” Elizabeth stood up then shocked.

“At this time? But what about the bodies, and the house.”

“That can be left till tomorrow.” Kimberley looked away from Elizabeth. “We must leave straight away.” Kimberley walked towards the door and Elizabeth followed. They opened it and left the house.

The address the Watchers Council had given was not far from Kimberley’s house so the two held their gowns above the dirt tracks and walked.

“Mistress Kimberley, where ever are we going?”

“Elizabeth, I wish that we walk in silence.”

“Very well.”

The only thing Elizabeth could think of was that she was being taken somewhere for her birthday. The moon was out and it was full. A full blue moon. It shimmered with beauty and as Elizabeth was walking she looked up at the sky every now and then watching the ground to make sure she wouldn’t trip. But she watched as the stars twinkled and floated in the dark blue sea that was the sky. She looked at herself still made up, gown, jewels, and wig. She felt normal.

They walked in silence for what seemed forever, but it was only a couple of minutes later that they left that they arrived.

The place was big. It was an old mansion, which had been abandoned when it was run down by vampires. It was rumored that two ghosts, both of who were found dead, haunt it. Two holes in their necks. It was before Elizabeth had become slayer. Elizabeth looked around, a gate locked it up but a man came out whom Kimberley greeted. When the gate was open Elizabeth walked in while she waited for the man and Kimberley to stop their conversation. As she looked around she only saw dead scrubs in the ground, and a run down picket fence around a small dead garden.

“So what happens now?” Kimberley needed to know she was handing over her slayer to death.

“Well. We release the vampire and send Elizabeth in. Once she has entered the house we lock the door. One way or another we’ll know what happens.” The man walked in the house and then came back out with two more men following just behind them. They walked past Kimberley and up to Elizabeth.

“Good luck” He then walked a few metres behind her so she could have time with her Watcher.

Kimberley walked up to Elizabeth and hugged her.

“I love you.” Elizabeth didn’t know what to think so she just hugged Kimberley back.

“I love you too…but where am I, what are we doing?” Elizabeth didn’t know why she was being taken here but hopefully Kimberley would answer her questions for her, but instead Kimberley secretly handed her a stake.

“Elizabeth, you need to go in there. Don’t ask why though.”

“But, why?” Elizabeth had to ask why, she was being told to go in a suspected haunted house alone, and she knew her powers weren’t with her lately.

“Elizabeth, I told you not to ask why. It is the orders of the Council.”

“Ok.” Elizabeth looked at the stake and put it in her dress pocket, she made her way to the house, but Kimberley stopped her and hugged her again, then let her go and watched as her Slayer walked up the few steps to the front veranda. Elizabeth got to the door and opened it. She stepped slowly inside. As soon as she closed the door, she heard a sudden lock. She turned around and tried to open it but couldn’t. This made her worry, but she made her way through the long corridor. The house was very big and it would have been beautiful if it had not been deserted.

Elizabeth didn’t even know why she was in there. She reached the end of the corridor, and at the end was a big room, stairway to the side and a door at the other end. Suddenly she heard a voice.

“Slayer”

Elizabeth jumped, she quickly took out the stake not knowing if she was just hearing things but once again she heard the loud whisper.

“Slayer”

She looked up the stairs. And one step at a time walked up them. If there was something waiting for her it knew who she was, the Slayer. She reached the top of the staircase and looked around, once again the sound of ‘Slayer’ glided past her ears like some ghost was near her. She was shaking all over, not knowing where she was or why she was here.

“Slayer”

“Listen! Whoever you are reveal yourself!” Elizabeth was getting to frustrated and was getting chills from the whisper but as she screamed for the thing to be revealed a shadow appeared at the end of the upstairs corridor. Elizabeth couldn’t sense whether it was a vampire or human as she had lost that power along with the rest of her strengths and speeds. “Who are you.”

“I’m your worst nightmare.” The ceiling in front of the shadow was smashed and letting in moonlight. The shadow stepped into it revealing himself to be a hell beast. Elizabeth gasped. She recognized him, the hell beast from her nightmares, he was literally her worst nightmare.  Elizabeth didn’t run however she stood there while the vampire came towards her, and when he was less then a meter from her she ran, stake in hand aiming for his heart. But he simply moved out the way and threw her across the floor.

“Come on Slayer, you can do better then that.” Elizabeth stood up and faced the hell beast. He was bigger then most, his muscles could be seen through his shirt, and his fangs were longer and sharper. Once again Elizabeth ran towards her target and as she got to him she punched him in the stomach. She yelled out in pain and he laughed. At this she knew she couldn’t win.

So she ran, she ran as fast as she could, but no matter how hard she tried, he never seemed to lose track on her, instead he gained ground, and before she knew it he had her by the throat. He tightened his grip and she couldn’t breathe. “Tonight slayer…your mine!”

“Let me go, please I haven’t done anything wrong.” Her breath was running out. “Stop your whining, your going to die tonight, but don’t worry you’ll rise again. You’ll be my partner.” The slayer spat in the hell beast’s eyes. “Go to hell”

“Oh, but I’m planning to!” The beast formed his face into the ugly mask he wore, and sunk his fangs into her neck she yelled out in pain, screaming as her blood was being sucked out. Her scream could be heard outside.

Kimberley was outside and could here her slayers scream she couldn’t hold back that she ran through the door with the Council screaming after her. She burst open the door and ran down the long corridor, she looked around hearing just a whimper of the scream she had heard outside. She turned to the stairs and could hear the Council just behind her so she ran faster, she reached the top and found the hell beast with Elizabeth in his hands. He turned around holding Elizabeth and dropped her. He had killed her. Killed Kimberley’s slayer, Kimberley’s daughter. He smiled and licked his lips.

“You monster!” Kimberley ran towards him, jumped up and kicked him in the face, she fell but got back up easily. The Council came running up the stairs. All the hell beast did was laugh. He grabbed Kimberley and held her close to him, smelling her hair, then snapped her neck. Kimberley’s body fell on top of Elizabeth’s. As it did the hell beast exploded to dust. The Council was standing there with a crossbow.

The year was 1815 and it had only been three years since the Slayer was called. She died on her eighteenth birthday, died with her Watcher. But more importantly died knowing she had a mother.

~ The End ~