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Author's Note: [Best Fantasy Entry for the contest!]

Since we're supposed to dedicate a chapter to our favorite author from the Fantasy or Horror genre, I've dedicated this one to SMC_Scookie because I absolutely love her book and she's awesome with a capital 'A'! Cheers! :D (I just used your line! ;D )

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Genre: Fantasy

Word Count: 1384 (Not including the Author's Note)

"How 'bout that one?" Demetro nodded towards a tall guy with dark sideburns. I took one look at him and shook my head. "Not into werewolves," I stated, going back to studying my reflection in the round mirror in my hand.

I pushed a strand of blonde hair away and Demetro's reflection appeared in the mirror behind me. His brown curly hair was as messy as ever and he was frowning. "What's wrong with werewolves?"

I rolled my eyes and closed the mirror. "Well, they stink and they have absolutely no manners. In short, they're animals."

Demetro snorted. "Dogs, to be more precise."

Turning around to look at him, I said, "Why are you even here?"

He faked a yawn. "A matchmaker's gotta do what a matchmaker's gotta do. So, I have to help you find a man since women these days are too naive to do it themselves." Ignoring my angry glare, he continued. "You've rejected so many people, Anyas. Just get hitched already so I can rest in peace."

I ignored the last bit that Demetro added. Since he was a matchmaker, Demetro would disappear completely when I would marry and say the wedding vows. Matchmakers are like fairies but if you call them that, matchmakers are very quick to take offense. Fairies exist only to serve the rulers of this world, granting them wishes and along with the sorcerers' magic, they work to make this world a better place. Matchmakers, however, exist only for the sole purpose of creating suitable matches between humans, half-breeds, vampires and werewolves.

Every living person has a matchmaker by their side from the moment they are born and matchmakers grow up with them. This way, the matchmakers know everything about the person since they are literally a part of their body. It is, in fact punishable by law if anyone is found in public unaccompanied by their matchmakers. Unless they're able to give a valid reason, then they're excused.

But when a person gets married, the matchmakers disappear as soon as the vows are said. Their only purpose is to find your suitable spouse and as soon as the mission is accomplished, they die or to reduce the blow, as our society likes to call it, they simply move on.

I couldn't imagine life without Demetro. He teased me and was annoying at times, but he was always there nonetheless.

"If you really want me to get hitched, then go and arrange a suitable date for me with someone who will be compatible with me, instead of pointing at random strangers."

He smirked, his green eyes twinkling mischievously. "My dear, there is no one in this world who is right for you. That kind hasn't come into existence yet."

"I'm warning you." I pointed a threatening finger in his direction. He chuckled. "I already got you a date."

I blinked. "Say what?"

"I'm serious," he smiled, as he ruffled my hair and I smacked his hand away. "Don't touch my hair."

"Whatever. Do you want the details or not?"

I nodded eagerly. "I'm listening."

----

The night had been splendid and I was surprised that Demetro had everything arranged to perfection. Not only was the food and atmosphere great, but so was my date.

His name was Casley and he was part-vampire. He had inherited his father's dark eyes and locks. Casley told me about his interest in music. He was quite a gentleman. I made a mental note to thank Demetro after the date. When Casley bade me goodbye at the exit, Demetro was already waiting outside with his hands in his pockets. He waved at me and watched Casley walk away with his matchmaker.

"How'd it go?" he asked me as soon as Casley went away.

I beamed at him. "It was great. Everything was so nice."

"Good, good." He nodded as we started to walk. "So you ready to tie the knot yet?"

"Demetro!" I smacked his arm hard.

He started to laugh. "What? Don't tell me you're going to drag this relationship for three years before you decide that you don't like him anymore."

"I've only dated him once, calm down. And why are you in such a hurry, anyway?"

"So that I can finally rest in pe-"

"I get it," I interrupted him. "So that you can rest in peace."

He nodded again. "Then, why do you keep asking me that?"

I was silent for a while and Demetro frowned.

"Demetro," I started in a low voice, "do you really want to die so badly?"

I kept my eyes ahead as we walked.

"Huh?"

"You know what I mean." I glanced at him. "When I say my vows and get married, you will disappear."

Demetro's frow burrowed. "You never talked about this before so why the sudden interest in the subject?"

"I never thought about it before," I answered him truthfully. "So, tell me. Do you really want to die so badly?"

He half-smiled and looked away so that I couldn't see the expression on his face. "Don't worry about me, Blondie. You have your own life ahead of ya."

I stopped in my tracks and this caused Demetro to stop as well. "My life? Then, what about your life?"

He turned to look at me, his green eyes studying me carefully. "I don't have one," he said, shrugging as if it was no big deal. "I'm only living because of you. You are my one and only concern. Always have been."

I was dumbstruck and we stared at each other for a while before I asked him in a shaky voice. "Do you regret it?"

"Regret what?"

"Regret not having a life."

Demetro looked away for a minute, thinking and then shook his head slowly. "Honestly, I've never thought about it. I've always been thinking about you, y'know. But not in that way," he quickly added. "You know, as a matchmaker. Thinking about your interests and what partner would suit you best."

I watched him with a heavy heart. All this time he'd been living like this, and I had no idea or never thought about him too much while I was constantly on his mind.

"Saying my vows would be the same as killing you, right?"

His eyes narrowed. "Anyas, why are we even talking about this?"

I ignored him and shook my head furiously. "I won't get married." Getting married and finding the perfect husband had been the ultimate dream for me but it came at a price which I couldn't accept.

"What?"

A tear slipped down my cheek. "You heard me. I'll stay single and then you won't have to disappear and-"

"Until when? Until when will you be able to live alone, hmm?"

"I-"

"Please, Anyas. Let's be real for a second. Let's say you do make it ten to eleven years alone and then what? You'll want to settle down eventually, have a family. Little annoying kids and all that. You can't stay alone forever."

"I'll have you," I whispered.

He paused and his eyes filled with sadness. He gave me a small smile. "Matchmakers are unable to have a family. We....aren't meant for this world. Our only purpose is making sure others are happy without thinking of ourselves."

"I don't want you to die," I choked on a sob, surprising both Demetro and myself.

He swallowed visibly and sighed. "Anyas, it's the way things are. Let's get you home."

----

Two years later, as I walked in through the church doors, my gaze fell down on the ground as I walked towards the altar. It was my wedding day and every bride should be overjoyed. I was happy, yes but my heart was heavy. I was a heavy heart to carry. My feet dragged across the ground.

It was painful with every step I took. I knew Demetro was here, he said he would be here to watch me for the last time. My lower lip slightly quivered.

Almost too soon, I reached Casley and before I knew it, we shared our kiss at the altar to a clapping crowd. With tears in my eyes, I looked around the church for a familiar face. I caught a glimpse of a smiling face with twinkling green eyes and then, there was nothing. Demetro was gone.