Your smooth pale skin, your thin red lips, are an unearthly attraction that makes my heart spin and brings me peace in a world full of danger.

*****

The Beach

One week later, on a warm autumn morning, Xiao Hua felt like things were out of his control when he finally accepted Hei Yanjing's invitation for a weekend getaway. He didn't want any activities to disturb his work, so Xiao Hua didn't want to go too far. While he was driving his black Mercedes along the still empty highway under the gentle morning sun, Hei Yanjing was half-dead thinking about what activities he should prioritize.

"We have agreed to go to Savanne," Hei Yanjing said, the drawn line of his mouth making his expression serious, like someone who was planning something great.

"Hmmm," Xiao Hua muttered, squinting.

"I can't wait to surf Gris Gris. But we can't miss out on some beautiful spots. That would be a serious offense."

Xiao Hua rolled his eyes behind the lenses of his elegant clear glasses.

"You've reminded me many times. Souillac Village will be the first destination."

"Yeah. Forget about dieting for this weekend, okay? We're going to enjoy some relaxing time." Xiao Hua knew exactly that Hei Yanjing looked more relaxed than him. So, what's so special about relaxing on the weekend?

"Why do you want to go there so badly?" He had been asking the same question since yesterday, because Hei Yanjing never answered correctly. This time too, Xiao Hua regretted the stupid question when Hei Yanjing said something annoying again.
"Souillac is very beautiful and quiet, a suitable place to start a new relationship. Many couples come there to---"

"I already know," Xiao Hua sighed, pressing the accelerator further as the car glided smoothly over the asphalt against the gusts of wind.

"I mean, do you have any other missions?"

Hei Yanjing seemed to enjoy seeing the bored expression on the young man's handsome face so he only responded with a casual laugh.

"Nothing. I just want to be alone with you in a quiet place."

"You're lying," Xiao Hua retorted as his mind imagined that time would pass very slowly with a friend who was almost impudent and always wanted to control his life.

"You always act mysterious. I feel like you've been hiding a secret all this time."

"Ah, so you want to see the secret and hidden part of me?"

"What do you mean!?" Xiao Hua was struck by how naughty the black man's way of speaking was.

"Still pretending not to understand?" Hei Yanjing laughed.

"Hei Ye, I'm serious!"

"I'm serious about you too."

Oh Lord ...

Xiao Hua gripped the steering wheel. He glanced lazily at the man beside him. At the same time, Hei Yanjing was also looking at him with a cunning and unpredictable expression. Xiao Hua felt terrorized. He decided not to say anything else so that there would be no chance for Hei Yanjing to ramble on. But the black man didn't want to stop, he asked him again.

"You haven't told me how you would rate my gift of friendship."

Reminded of the silver necklace and crescent moon pendant, Xiao Hua seemed to feel the fever again. Surprisingly, when he woke up the next morning, the fever had disappeared. Perhaps that was why he did not mention the gift to Hei Yanjing anymore.

"A nice gift, unique, and looks expensive," he answered honestly.

"You like it?"

Xiao Hua fell silent. He could feel the warm sweep of Hei Yanjing's gaze on him. Then he sighed reluctantly.

"Yes."

Hei Yanjing smiled in relief. Behind the lenses of his sunglasses, he closed his eyes.

"I hope you remember my message not to let go," he muttered before finally stopping talking until they reached their destination.

Souillac is located in the southernmost part of Mauritius. It is separated on the west from the village of Suriname by the river Savanne and on the east from the village of l'Union by the river Bain des Négresses. The main road snakes through the village from northeast to west, from the Bain des Négresses bridge to the Souillac bridge.

They stopped first at Telfair Park. Telfair Park is a nice place near the beach where residents often go for picnics. The garden is decorated with large banyan and almond trees. A path circles the garden area.

It was already past noon. They stopped at a coffee shop, sat there for almost half an hour then took a walk around the large park. Xiao Hua actually liked this kind of life where he could breathe fresh air in an unfamiliar place and he could move freely without anyone recognizing him. For that reason, his eyes seemed to be sparkling as he scanned the atmosphere.

"You look happy walking with me," Hei Yanjing commented, walking casually by Xiao Hua's side. His black boots stepped on dry leaves that had fallen from the trees.

"I think it's the atmosphere that makes me feel relaxed. It has nothing to do with you at all."

Hei Yanjing chuckled. The young man's flat way of speaking and sometimes full of turmoil in his eyes, made the black man sometimes feel funny.

"Apparently you like Telfair Park. But unfortunately we can't spend much time here. I want to swim and surf at the beach," said Hei Yanjing.

Xiao Hua just raised an eyebrow. While Hei Yanjing explained his brilliant plan, "We will rent a hotel there. Recently, a new area has been created, known as Morcellement Gris-Gris. Houses have also been built along Laby Barkly Street, towards village in the northeast."

"Gris Gris? Isn't that too dangerous?"

"Well, the waves are big but you don't need to worry. I'm a good swimmer."

"Hmmm."

"How about we continue our journey there in half an hour?"

"Uh, apparently you are very impatient."

Hei Yanjing chuckled again.

By the time they glided across the bay, the sun had almost set and was starting to turn purplish red, glistening on the surface of the water.

Gris-Gris is famous for its sea cliffs. This part of the island is not surrounded by coral reefs. Huge waves crashed straight into the cliffs. The most spectacular part of Gris-gris is "Roche Qui Pleure" where the waves constantly crash on the side of the cliff giving the impression that the cliff is crying.

"We have arrived at one of nature's wonders," commented Hei Yanjing with a satisfied grin.

"A miracle that's almost frightening I guess," said Xiao Hua when he heard the roaring waves.

"Are we going to enjoy the sunset by walking on the beach?" He glanced at Hei Yanjing who was still smiling.

"What a romantic idea!" The man in glasses snapped his fingers excitedly.

Instantly realized that his idle chatter was a big mistake. Xiao Hua just rolled her eyes boredly. The two of them parked their vehicle quite far from the beach area and mingled with several other visitors. The view before sunset is truly amazing. It couldn't be denied that Xiao Hua was fascinated by the golden red-orange bias, and how the giant fireball was slowly being swallowed by the ocean. They walked slowly in silence towards each other. Only their gazes were looking at the expanse of the sea.

"Well, if we continue walking through the lush greenery it will take us to the end of the promontory where you will be able to witness the so-called illusion of the weeping rock."
Hei Yanjing pointed in one direction. From there, the sound of the waves hitting the coral cliffs became clearer and more thrilling. Xiao Hua held his breath. Gris gris is truly captivating, with its majestic waves, the water on the South Coast of Mauritius crashes against the cliffs, giving the impression that the rocks are literally being torn apart and creating a mystical atmosphere that makes one wonder how a natural wonder could be so spectacular.

"I'm sure you won't easily forget today's impressions," said Hei Yanjing as he continued walking along the beach.

"Hmmm ..."

"You rarely go to the beach?"

Xiao Hua shook his head.

"Don't be so stuffy and serious. Leave the deserted, lifeless cities behind and venture into the wild once in a while to witness these dramatic natural wonders."

"Well, that's the right word. Dramatic. You see that weeping cliff? I think it's a suitable place for wailing."
Xiao Hua's gaze was fixed on the coral cliffs in the distance with rolling waves, looking haunted and terrifying.

"Don't worry, as long as you're with me, you can walk around the cliff without worrying about falling."

"Why would I look for danger there, I still have a long life to live. There are still many things I haven't done."
Xiao Hua kicked the soft sand with the toe of his shoe. The reddish light cast across his handsome, pale face as he returned to enjoying the remains of the sunset.

"I don't doubt that. You're a passionate young man. So I'm sure you'll accompany me surfing tomorrow. Now, let's go to the inn to rest. Night will soon make the sea even darker and scarier." Hei Yanjing reached out to grab Xiao Hua's fingers. The young man was so amazed that he didn't have time to show a reaction of rejection and just let their steps go hand in hand, moving backwards away from the shoreline.

Aurelio's lodge was Hei Yanjing's choice for staying tonight. Instead of a large, comfortable hotel, it was a classic-style inn with floored balconies and wooden railings decorated with lots of potted flower plants. The man rented a room and insisted he didn't want to be separated. This made Xiao Hua shake his head. Luckily the spacious room had two beds, otherwise he would have made sure the black man slept on the sofa or on the floor.

"We will rest overnight, looking at the moon and the sea from the window. Tomorrow morning will be a real adventure," Hei Yanjing said as he opened the bedroom window and breathed in as much air as possible. Choosing a room position on the second floor makes it easier for them to enjoy the view.

"Adventure? I think just walking around and swimming a bit is enough." Xiao Hua lay lazily on the bed he chose for him. Quite comfortable, he straightened his legs and closed his eyes.

Hei Yanjing laughed. "No one goes to Gris Gris beach to relax on a sun lounger. People go to feel the majestic green energy of this place."

The wind blew in through the open window accompanied by the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs in the distance, faint and repetitive, almost hypnotic. Ignoring Hei Yanjing's words, Xiao Hua slowly began to close his eyes.

"Hi, it's still afternoon."

Hei Yanjing tried to prevent Xiao Hua from falling asleep. Enjoying the evening atmosphere on the coast alone is really not fun. Moreover, they haven't had dinner yet.

"Xiao Hua, if you sleep now, I'll have to wake you up with a kiss."

This threat is more terrifying than being held at gunpoint. In that instant, Xiao Hua opened his eyes wide, wide open, greeted by Hei Yanjing's chuckle which made his shudder.

*****

Lao Wei looked up with his eyes fixed on the black and mute shadow. He remembered hearing about this place and glimpses of bedtime stories about vampires and wolves lurking in the dark.

But it doesn't exist. Or maybe the magic compass in his hand lost its function.

"The needle really is pointing this way. Looks like we'll have to wait."

"Still no scent detected?" another asked.

An evil smile spread across Lao Wei's lips as he straightened his back.

"Oh, some don't give off a scent," he said. "But we won't return empty-handed. We're a hunting party tonight."

The vampire appeared just after midnight. Just like they usually do.

Under the dim moonlight, Lao Wei and a few of his men could clearly see the church tower on a small hill on the north side of Batelage, the ancient harbor of Souillac.

They could also see a large tree rising from the center of the cemetery, a tree so old that it almost looked like it was made of the same stone as the church.

As Lao Wei watched, from between the topmost branches of the tree, a shadow transformed into a pale and hideous face, gleaming into a mouth and nose and even eyes, peering at him. A pair of fiery red eyes appeared from behind the branches that were wrapped around each other.

"Gotcha!" Lao Wei aimed his gun at the vampire figure.

There was a growling sound, half a groan, until the figure moved to dodge, slid down and a pair of long legs hit the ground.

The vampire stopped for a moment, then with a roar he slammed a pair of claws into the opponent's neck.

Lao Wei does a somersault with a curved body. The vicious attack hit the wall of the old church building and under the powerful impact, a large crack appeared on the wall. Dust erupted, the air rumbled with the vampire's angry blows.

"Scream all you want." Lao Wei planted his feet, shrugged his shoulders, barely raised his voice. "I've seen worse."

The vampire roared louder and slammed its arms in any direction, shattering glass, wood, and brick. A large, crooked, hand with sharp claws grabbed one of the team members and lifted him off the ground. The member screamed in panic before his body flew quickly and hit the church door until it slammed and swung open.

The vampire lunged at the other member, his fingers clenching so hard against the ribs that the victim could barely breathe. The unlucky member could see the long, shiny fangs in the vampire's open mouth, and he felt a cold breath flow towards him.

"Let him go!" Lao Wei attacked, firing bullets while throwing his body in the air. The bullet whizzed by, passing within an inch of the side of its target's head.

"Shitt!" Lao Wei realized that this opponent was faster, wilder and fiercer.

After somersaulting again, Lao Wei landed on the ground then turned around quickly and fired his gun again. The vampire's figure shot out faster than expected, rushing towards him, pushing him as hard as he could. The two bodies roared through the church doors. The gusts of wind created by their movements can blow away the leaves.

"Arrgghh!" Lao Wei screeched as his body hit the wooden table and crashed onto the floor.

Now the vampire controls the situation. Hissing like a snake, he bent over Lao Wei's body and prepared to sink in his terrifying nails.

Suddenly the vampire stopped.

A black shadow shot out from the door of the old building, as fast as the blink of an eye, and a vampire's roar accompanied the flash of a thin silvery light. It was like a long knife blade. The black figure spun rapidly, then stopped, looming in front of the dying unlucky vampire. It writhed, floundered, before finally shrinking and emitting a puff of reddish-black, foul-smelling smoke.

"Rose Queen will rise again ..."

It was the last groan between growls and roars of pain. In the next second, the vampire turned into a shriveled, disgusting black mass.

Lao Wei dropped his body to the floor more relaxed and laughed.

"I almost lost all my life," he sighed, blowing air upwards.

"You came just in time, Chief."

*****

[TBC]

***Mauritian Moonrise***
By Shenshen_88