A.N - Hey! Thanks for taking a look at my story. I wrote it on a whim having recently just finished the series and hating the fact that Darren and Crepsley were never properly reunited! *sob* I've kind of based it in a universe where when Darren goes to Paradise, it's all those years into the future from when he was fished out of the Lake of Souls, so all the vampires would know who he was (and unfortunately would all be dead...) *sob again* The time travel thing kind of messes with me... Let's just say everyone remembers everyone and all vampires are in Paradise!

The stars draw me towards them. Explosions of space and time. Breaking through the barriers of the old reality. Coming apart, coming together, moving on. A breath on the lips of the universe. All things, all worlds, all lives. Everything at once and never. Mr. Crepsley waiting. Laughter in the great beyond. I'm going… I'm… going… I'm… gone.

Bright. Lights everywhere. My senses filled with blinding white. At one with the brilliance, breathing in and out. Sightless and deaf, yet feeling everything and nothing.

Surely this is a little clichéd. They always tell people to go towards the light, don't they? In movies and books people ascend towards the pearly gates, passing floating angels with harps and halos. They're greeted by lost loved ones, smiles everywhere and tears of joy. Sometimes God himself even makes an appearance, gives them a pat on the back, shows them where they'll be staying for the rest of eternity.

There were no angels waiting to greet me. No heavenly faces, no angelic smiles. Just bright, white light. I blinked. Or did I? I mean, I can't have…

I'm dead.

I'm Darren Shan. Half-vampire. A Prince of Vampire Mountain. And I'm dead.

But if I'm dead, how am I recalling all this? How am I experiencing all the sensations of my surroundings? I've got no physical body, right? If anything I'm just a soul. Saved, thankfully, from the horrors of The Lake of Souls, but still nothing more than a spirit. A group of atoms roaming free, no home to speak of, no sanctuary to return to. Am I condemned to a life of blank space? Is this Paradise? Blank, white nothingness?

Of course not.

A rush of noise. Crashing waves. My body being squished, pulled, spun, thrown. Falling, floating, flying, diving. The word turns to black, then suddenly I'm blinded again, but then back to darkness. My senses are in overload. I don't know which way is up. I'm falling. Falling into nothingness. My lungs burn. I need to breath. But why? I'm dead – surely I don't have lungs! I begin to hear my pulse beating hard in my ears, my body hot, my throat dry, my eyes squeezed tight shut against the strain. Breathe dammit! One sharp breath in, that's all I need! But I can't make my body work. I shouldn't even have a body! Darren, just breathe! I hear a voice in my head and try to obey. I'm so confused. Was that my voice? It all becomes too much. My head is so heavy, my body must be breaking, my lungs are burning – I want to cry out, to stop this tumbling, twisting nightmare. I summon all my energy and open my mouth, ready to scream.

I breathe.

One long, beautiful, delectable mouthful of air. My eyes fly open. I've stopped spinning. I'm stood – wait, no, stood? I look down. Yep, those are most definitely my feet – shoeless and a lot cleaner than the last time I saw them – but mine nonetheless. I give my big toe a wiggle to be sure. It responds, waving merrily at me. I appear to be wearing trousers, too. Black. Plain and simple. I run a hand over the top half of my left leg. I can feel it! The sensation against my leg and in my hand confuses me. Am I actually dead? Or is this some cruel trick, courtesy of Mr. Tiny? Surely when you're dead, you're dead, no? No body, no senses. Just plain dead. What could Mr. Tiny possibly be getting from this?

I hold my hand out in front of me experimentally, swishing it back and forth. There's no wind resistance, and I don't feel any air moving past my fingers. I raise my other hand and pinch the skin on the back of it. I gasp in pain.

"What on earth are you doing?"

I whipped my body around, my heart beating out of my chest in shock. My eyes searched for the owner of the voice, roaming through the long expanse of white. They settled on a figure wearing robes of deep blue, a long grey beard falling down his front and a headful of flowing, white hair.

"P-Paris?" I choked out, my voice sounding for the first time in this strange place.

"Indeed." The old vampire smiled at me and began to walk forward, his steps silent.

So I am dead… I thought to myself, watching him approach, still a little wary of the newcomer.

"W-what's going - w-why am I - how-"

"Darren!" the old vampire laughed and held up a hand to silence my ramblings. "I am Paris Skyle, Vampire Prince, and I am here to welcome you to Paradise." He raised his other hand and gestured to the blank expanse surrounding us. I followed his gaze uncertainly.

"It's, um… It's nice?" I'd tried to sound sincere but failed miserably. Paris laughed at me again, his eyes crinkling.

"What did you expect, Darren? You are a soul. You have no need for things such as buildings and gardens. Those are for the mundane. The everyday."

"I guess," I shrugged. I didn't even think Paradise was an actual, physical place, so anything was better than nothing.

"What would you prefer it to be?" questioned Paris, laying a hand gently on my shoulder. I glanced down and noticed I was wearing a plain grey top, a little baggy on my slight frame, but incredibly soft.

"Um, I don't know." I looked at him awkwardly, confused as to where he was going with this.

"Close your eyes. Think of your favourite place in the world. The place where you draw all your happiest memories from."

After gazing at him for a few more seconds, I closed my eyes, humouring him. Where was my favourite place in the world? Naturally, my first thoughts were of my childhood home. I'd loved our big house, running around the back garden with Annie, helping Dad pull weeds from the flowerbeds, climbing trees and hunting for spiders.

Spiders.

Memories came flooding through my mind, vivid with colour and laughter. Evra Von, Hans Hands, Truska, Alexander Ribs, Cormac Limbs, Rhamus Twobellies, Sam Grest, Mr. Tall, all my friends at the Cirque, even Madam Octa.

Mr. Crepsley.

Memories of running through the camp with Evra, requesting special songs from Alexander Ribs, squealing with delight as Cormac regrew his fingers and toes, grimacing at the smell of Sam's pickled onions, racing Hans around the campfire, finding outrageous things for Rhamus to eat, coming up with excuse after excuse not to do the chores Mr. Crepsley left me. Day after day filled with joy and laughter, surrounded by the people I loved and cared for. My wonderful, exceptional family of freaks who'd I'd grown to adore.

I opened my eyes.

I was at the Cirque. It was very different due to the fact that it was so clean and white; none of the usual bright colours of the mismatched tents, but the Big Top was unmistakable. I'd probably even be able to find mine and Evra's tent if I went exploring.

I glanced at Paris who was gazing around with polite interest.

"I told you he'd pick the Cirque over Vampire Mountain!" a voice whooped from behind one of the tents.

"Yes, yes, alright," groaned another voice.

Two figures emerged into the open space in front of the Big Top. One tall and slender, quite fair in complexion, the other a medium sized man with a scarred face. My jaw dropped.

"Hello Darren," smiled the taller of the two. "I am Kurda Smahlt and I would like to welcome you to Paradise." Kurda held out his hand and I shook it weakly, still gazing at the two of them. "Of course," he added, "I am also your good friend Harkat Mulds, who has missed you terribly." He smiled again, squeezing my hand slightly.

"I don't understand why we have to do this, he knows who we are-"

"It's tradition, Gavner! Just do it!" scolded Kurda.

"Fine! Fine! I am Gavner Purl, Vampire General. Welcome to Paradise, Darren." He finished speaking in a much warmer tone than when he started, holding his hand out to me with a smile. I shook it too, with a little more confidence this time, finally grinning up at the two of them.

"Wow," I sighed my heart swelling at the sight of them, especially Gavner, who'd been so brutally murdered all those years ago by none other than Kurda!

"He's speechless," commented Gavner, looking around while I gathered my thoughts together. "It's no Vampire Mountain, but it'll do," he sighed, glancing at the Big Top.

"I like it," grinned Kurda.

"It is unusual, I must say," nodded Paris, coming to stand by the two of them. "No doubt Seba will –"

"Darren!"

For a moment my heart leapt and I spun around. I was greeted by a figure dressed from head to toe in red, but it was not the one I was longing to see. I couldn't help the smile that flashed across my face though; he dressed and sounded so much like my old mentor.

"Seba," I grinned, holding out my hand for another handshake.

"I am Seba Nile," he boomed, striding over to me. "And it is my pleasure to finally welcome you to Paradise, you brave, brave boy." He pulled me into a hug that knocked the wind out of me and left my hand crushed between the two of us. When he released me I had the feeling that my ears were slightly red, if that could happen here, at least…

Vampire after vampire appeared, each one either shaking my hand fiercely or pulling me into slightly awkward hugs. Some I recognised from my time in Vampire Mountain, others only knew me from stories they'd heard; young vampires that had died before their time rushed up to me like I was their hero, others, including Arrow and Mika Ver Leth, grasped me tightly on the shoulder, their eyes full of pride as they welcomed me to a new eternity. Vancha March came bounding up to me, his dyed green hair and purple clothes exactly the way I remembered them, though his skin was paler than usual, no longer being subjected to sunlight everyday.

"Darren," he grabbed my hand with both of his, his skin rough against my own. "I am Vancha March and you have made it to Paradise." He leaned in and whispered in my ear, "better late than never, eh?"

I was overwhelmed with happiness – my old friends! After an eternity spent swimming in the Lake of Souls I'd finally reached Paradise. Everyone appeared as if from nowhere. It felt as though mere seconds ago I'd been standing in the vast expanse of white, now I was filled to the brim with rapture and joy.

I couldn't help but feel sad, too. All these vampires, these amazing warriors who had served with me and lived with me, they were all dead. All gone from the world, never to live again.

"What's wrong, Darren?" I looked up into the eyes of Vanez Blane and all sad thoughts were thrown from my mind.

"Vanez!" I yelled. "Your eyes!"

"What, these old things?" he winked at me and pulled me into a hug. "I am Vanez Blane," he whispered into my ear. "Welcome, Darren Shan – bravest warrior I have ever known – to Paradise."

"Thanks," I whispered back, pulling out of the hug to gaze at his face.

"So," he looked at me seriously. "How do I look with eyes?"

"Very good," I nodded. "Much better than before."

He nodded along with me, scratching a scar on his cheek.

"I agree. Paradise does have its benefits. Got them the minute I arrived!"

"It's a pity Paradise can't sort out Gavner's breathing," called a vampire in the crowd and I looked around instinctively. There was only one person I knew who liked to tease Gavner about his breathing. Could it be? Was he here?

"Oh yes, very funny," groaned Gavner. "Who's the wise guy?"

"Guy? Well now I'm offended."

The crowd of vampires parted and out stepped what looked like a movie star. Compared to the rest of the vampires, it was very obvious that this one was female, with her long, dark hair tied up tightly behind her back. Her hard weathered face broke into a rare smile as she locked eyes with me and I let out the breath I'd been holding, a little disappointed once again.

She walked towards me and I gulped, wondering what her response would be. Should I shake her hand? Did she still respect me? Would she-

"Darren Shan."

I looked up into her eyes. They were hard and emotionless. I opened my mouth to give a meek reply, but stopped myself as I saw her hold out her hand. I took it and she held it tightly, her eyes suddenly fierce.

"I am Arra Sails, here to welcome you to Paradise." She squeezed my hand even tighter, almost painful. "Respect to you, Darren Shan. It is a pleasure to see you again."

All of a sudden I was engulfed by something. Someone was wrapping their arms around me, holding me in a tight embrace. It was Arra! She released me and looked a little awkward, before nodding her head slightly and returning to her spot in the crowd.

I looked at all the vampires who had gathered to greet me, to welcome me. My heart swelled with joy at the sight of them all, old friends and new, all reunited once again. I could have whooped with joy! There was only one thing bothering me; as happy as I was to see so many faces of the people I loved so dearly, there was one missing.

My mentor. My guardian. The man had been like a second father to me. He'd been my best friend. His blood ran through my veins. He'd changed my life. I'd hated him at first, hated him for what he did to me. He'd ruined my life! But I knew deep down that wasn't true. He'd taken me on an incredible adventure. I hated to admit it but I owed him. Big time. He was the greatest person I'd ever known. The one person I was dying – forgive the pun – to see.

The vampires began to leave. Gavner approached me and laid a hand on my shoulder.

"Where are they going?" I asked, trying to fill my mind with thoughts other than those of my mentor.

"Wherever souls go in their spare time," answered Gavner, mysteriously.

I watched them disperse, disappearing in twos and threes behind the many tents, some even ventured into the Big Top, perhaps to view one final show before disappearing into the vastness of the universe.

Woah, deep.

"There were a lot of vampires," I stated lamely, wanting to broach the subject of Mr. Crepsley.

"You were very popular, Darren!" smiled Gavner. "As souls of Paradise we are not bound by any rules. They did not have to come welcome you as they did. They wanted to show you how loved you were. How proud they are to have known you."

I knew his words were meant to make me feel amazing and wonderful, but they only crushed my heart and made me want to crumple to the floor in despair. Mr. Crepsley didn't care. He hadn't come to welcome me. He'd moved on.

I felt so selfish. A family of vampires had come to greet me, meet me, praise me and love me, and all I could think of was a stupid old fart I'd known years ago who'd given up on me and left me behind, after all we'd been though. He wouldn't do that, would he? I thought I'd know him. I thought we were friends. Maybe he resented me? Maybe he blamed me for his death? I was going insane with all these questions running through my head. My best friend in the world outright hated me.

Again.

Why was I so awful at keeping best friends?

"What do you plan to do now, Darren?" questioned Gavner, releasing my shoulder and looking around the Cirque, empty now without the crowd of vampires.

"Um…" I responded glumly, trying to think of a response. "I – uh –"

I paused in my attempt as a small shape caught my eye, moving quickly across the ground, towards Gavner and me – sorry, I. It was a mixture of three colours; purple, green and red. As it got closer to us I realised what it was and gasped, crouching down instinctively. I heard Gavner groan overhead but was too preoccupied to care.

Madam Octa came to a halt in front of me, her eight beady eyes looking up at me innocently. I reached out a hand as though to touch her, then remembered she was deadly and withdrew quickly.

"Hi, girl," I practically whispered, afraid I would scare her off. She was my one link to my old mentor. I had no idea how or why she was here but I didn't care – she was welcome blast from a forgotten past.

She regarded me a little longer, then scuttled forward quickly, ascending my leg in a flash and perching on my shoulder. I froze in my crouched position, waiting for her to strike. Then it hit me. I was dead!

I reached up a hand and coaxed her forward. She was a little big to sit in the palm of my hand, so I brought up my other hand and cradled her in front of me, gazing down in awe. She gazed up at me pleasantly. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be happy to see her again.

"I hate that spider," mumbled Gavner. I glanced at him before gazing back down.

"I think she's perfect," I complimented, running a thumb gently across one of her long legs.

"Master Shan."

My stomach clenched and my heart froze. That voice.

I looked up slowly, not daring to believe, not letting myself hope it was him, not ready for the disappointment I was bound to feel.

I was greeted by a shock of orange hair.

He was tall and thin, exactly as I remembered him. A long scar stretched across his left cheek, pulled tight by the large smile filling his weathered, pale face. He was dressed in dark-red clothes, of course, and was stood watching me, hands buried in the pockets of his red cloak. He opened his mouth and spoke once again, my heart leaping into my mouth as I registered it was really him.

"You have always been fascinated by spiders."

A.N - Thank you for reading! Is it just me who was really terrified at the end of the 12th book? Because, like, Darren erased himself from the vampire world, so none of them would know/meet him right? So going to Paradise no one would remember him..? I was stuck thinking about this for ages, then I settled for the fact that in one Universe, Darren is a half vampire, he meets Crepsley etc and everything happens, he's in the Lake of Souls for all those years, is fished out, then goes to Paradise to be reunited with everyone, and then in another Universe, he never meets Crepsley, stays human, Crepsley gets a different assistant and everything (hopefully) happens differently, resulting in no war. But that Universe doesn't matter to us. We care about Darren's first Universe, where there's vampires and rainbows and he's super happy to go back to all his friends. Right? Right. THANKS FOR READING! If I've confused you I'm sorry! Please leave a review if you'd like me to continue, it would mean the world!