The Era of Secondaries

Wind whistles across the field of grass, bending each blade to its whim. It’s graceful as a whole, but you feel like a single blade plucked away, exposed and alone.

Five years in hiding. Five years since you were forced to flee the Secondary fortress, leaving him behind. Each year, Kelly assures you, will be the last. This is the year you’ll rescue Finn, he says.

You walk back inside the modest home you share with Kelly, tucking two blades of grass into your pocket – one for you, one for him. You are two surviving vampires on earth, removed from the dance of life. One hides in darkness, while the other is trapped in the spotlight. Your lives are tied together.

The back door jiggles, and Kelly stumbles in, arms full of bags. He’s just returned from the market, sporting a new, short haircut.

“I ran into Mags,” he says, rummaging through the bags, pulling out clothes, colored contacts, and wigs. “She received news from the Secondary Fortress. From inside the Fortress.” He stresses the word, excitement clear in his voice. Tegan vowed she’d find a way to help. After years of waiting, this could be your chance. It could also be a trap.

Kelly grins. “This is it, Bog-man. This is our year.” He gestures to the pile of disguises. “Mags said we’d meet her back in the market just before dusk – in disguise. Get moving.”

You reach for a few items, mind elsewhere. Thinking of Finn. It appears fifth time’s a charm.