Dreams and Nightmares
It was common knowledge in the world of vampires that dreams, and nightmares, were most vivid during the sleep following a feed. On the flight from New York to Frankfurt, Asher experienced one such dream that was exceptionally lifelike. Transported into the past, Asher found himself back in his homeland of Transylvania, a place he had not been back to since his youth. He was seated at the long candlelit dining table of the Von Trapp Mansion next to Petra and across from Fritz. Fritz was sporting his shoulder length, sleek black hair and glasses. Asher remembered how cool he thought his older brother was with that style, and it was then that he understood the timeframe which he had been whist back to. The look would have made Fritz 17, Petra 13, and himself 10. It was the year when the Von Trapp children lost their home, and their parents.
Asher could sense that he was in a lucid dream, one in which he was aware of everything going on, but was unable to do anything besides observe the events unfolding around him. Fritz had a serious look about him, Petra looked frightened. He could hear the familiar voices of his mother and father. The two were screaming at one another.
"The hunters, they have come! They have broken the treaty. They have brought new technology and have already killed the Ravencrofts! Must you be so intent to stay and die here?" yelled Asher's mother, her voice shaking as it rose. "If you wish it, I will fight with you, my husband. But I ask you to please consider any alternatives."
"My dearest Seraphina, you knew as well as I that this day would eventually come. And you know as well as I, that my duty as the head of the Von Trapps is to stay and fight! No matter the cost! I will not run, I will not cower in fear of a bunch of humans!" roared back his father. "Fritz, look at me son!
"Yes, father." Responded Fritz. "I am prepared to fight alongside you."
"Fritz! You will do no such thing. You will take care of your brother and sister. Your duty is to protect and expand our bloodline. I will stay with your father, and if we do not make it out alive, you must promise that you will protect your siblings at all costs." Seraphina Von Trapp sharply cut in.
"I will not allow my mother to fight in my place. I will stay."
"You have not even killed yet, Fritz! Your powers are nowhere near matured. Your father and I are the only ones with any chance of fighting off these demons."
"I can start early! I can start killing today! I will not let you two fight alone!" Fritz yelled back, tears beginning to well in his eyes, knowing that his mother was right and that his pleas were hopeless.
"Fritz, you know that you are still too young to handle the amount of blood from a kill. You still have a year to go, you will die before you can remove your teeth! I will not outlive one of my own children, that is not negotiable!" Seraphina shouted, her eyes tearing as well.
"I have heard enough! Silence, both of you!" bellowed Zephyr Von Trapp.
Asher, quickly realizing this dream was a nightmare, turned to his side. Petra's face was buried in her hands, her faint sobs became audible once the yelling ceased. The whole family seemed on the verge of breaking down, all seemingly accepting the reality of the upcoming events.
"If these are our last moments with you, children, we will not squander it with tears. Now all three of you, on your feet and come here." commanded their father.
Asher's body moved on its own and began following his siblings, both of whom were battling to suppress their sadness. Asher himself began to realize how much he had repressed these memories. Though he recalled most of what was happening, much of it seemed new to him. When he was younger, he never understood the rage that consumed his older brother because of his helplessness. He never understood the hatred his sister had for being born a vampire. By being immersed in this flashback, it all became clear.
"Children, we love you more than words can describe." said Zephyr Von Trapp in a now calming voice. "As you are probably beginning to understand, a lot is about to change in the vampire world. If the Ravencrofts have fallen to the hunters, it seems that the humans have finally turned the tides on us all. Luckily, the Vampire Council has created a plan just in case this were to ever happen, so I need you all to listen closely. Are you listening?" he asked, as he gently wiped a tear from Petra's eyes. The children all nodded yes.