Prologue:
The old man looked up at the clock with a smile coming to his old face. His bones creaked and groaned with the ravages of time. "Guess it's about time dear, it's almost that hour. It will be midnight in less than twenty minutes and when the clock strikes that predetermined hour, we will be corporal. I wonder if this year will be as eventful.
The old man's smile never wavered as he got ready for the night's festivities, knowing how special they were. Having celebrated them for more years than he could have counted. He got the old bowl out. The one for this special occasion. That old bowl was eye-catching; the bright orange paint that it was covered in along with the depictions of skeletons, bats, and pumpkins had always drawn an eye or two.
Once he had filled it with a mixture and variety of candies he was ready and right on time as the clock dinged and danged. He knew it wasn't midnight everywhere but in that one little part of Ohio it was. That was what mattered. It was Midnight Halloween 2023 and like every Halloween he planned to do his part, a part he played before Halloween was even a thing. He took his bowl and stepped out onto the porch waiting to see if anyone was destined to come visit. He loved how fate could intertwine and change.
Chapter 1. Bitey
That was it, Sebastian thought as he kicked the can down the road. He had enough of their bullying. He wasn't dense, He got it he wasn't like the other kids in the school. He wasn't one to care about sports or trying to prove how strong he was. He could care less about impressing the head cheerleader. That bimbo thot was so far beneath him.
It wasn't his looks that got him bullied far from it, though he never felt fully comfortable in his body. He had the wide strapping shoulders of a football player. Though he never worked out he had muscles on muscles. He looked like he lifted several times a week. He was a natural during gym class; it didn't matter what type of athletics he was forced to do either. He had just come from good genes with his blue eyes and blond hair. He had taken the best parts of his mother and father.
It wasn't his looks least not directly and he couldn't help being held back a year. That wasn't his fault that his credits from Europe hadn't transferred over to the new American high school. That had been the catalyst that had started it all moving. He had been an outcast in Europe but at least they had the social doctrine not to bully or belittle him. That wasn't the case in America where anything went. He thought as he continued to make his way down the road still kicking the can..
He felt his thoughts suddenly shifting and changing, pulled almost like a magnet as he walked down the desolate sidewalk. His attention turned to an old Victorian style house. He smiled to himself as the architecture reminded him of growing up, as his eyes looked over the old house that seemed to be in immaculate condition. He felt the sudden urge he hadn't felt since his youthful days trick or treating.
The holiday hadn't always been popular or famous as he grew up, but like most American culture it had seeped into his small sleepy little European town. He had to admit there was something magical and special about getting candy that one night a year.
Before he knew what he was doing, he found his feet moving of their own violation. Making his way up to the house. The well-manicured grass had a spurt of Halloween decor, some fake ghosts and a few pumpkins and a skeleton or two. The pathway was lined with candles all burning in luminary bags shaped in various Halloween cutouts.
The closer Sebastian got, the more he could make out the porch which was so warm and inviting. There was a pull he couldn't deny, and he could see a bowl of candy and an old man. Once he was close enough, he could see the smile on that old man's face which seemed to warm his very soul.
The man looked ancient; he had to have been in his eighties, but he had a full head of hair, and was immaculately dressed in a Halloween costume much as Sebastian. He wore Victorian era finery, a blazer with cape and well-tailored pants. He didn't sport a top hat like Sebastian, but the illusion was complete.
"Hello and good evening, sir."
Sebastian said with his best vampire accent. Showing his fangs as he bent at the waist giving a bow. He suddenly felt more alive and at ease than he could have remembered being in a long time. There was something about this moment that just felt right. He knew instinctively he was at the right place and the right time.
The old man stood tall, returning the bow as his bones creaked and groaned. He secretly wondered in the back of his head how many more years lay ahead. Standing back up he smiled a tooth smile that showed his own fangs.
"Welcome youngling, what brings you to my door on this night of mischief and mayhem perhaps a treat?"
The old man said in a perfect vampiric accent as he motioned to the bowl, full of all sorts of goodies.