Chapter 1 Unexpected Welcome

"Have you packed everything in here, son? Got your flashlights all battery replaced?"

"Dear, you should pack more warm clothes, you might get frostbite or worse"

It was a sunny Wednesday afternoon and I'm going to embark on my journey, my first time traveling by myself to the other side of the continent, Europe and I couldn't be happier. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always wanted to travel the world and it was my parent's influence to thank for.

They were on all occasions traveling together when they were able to, seeing the world, exploring the different cultures and places, they were even featured on USA's Travel Guide for traversing the north american continent and visiting all 51 states in less than half the year. Then we came along, me and my older brother were part of their travels as well, and I'm always elated to go where they took us to. I even saw Mount Rushmore and visited Yellowstone National Park. That's why I'm into traveling, a goal of mine to achieve like my parents did and since I'm old enough to do it, then why not.

And it's been weeks since I graduated, and I'm already missing seeing St. Paul Academy and Summit School in all its glory. Fortunately for me I had a great highschool year, with my close friends with me and people tend to say I'm popular, but I think differently otherwise. I was just being myself, a nice casual guy that isn't flaunting my privilege to people, unlike some my lesser known peers but I don't, which is why I stand out.

I really do start to miss my close friends even though I'm not even out of the country but now that I have the opportunity and support from my parents and my older brother to travel then, surely they're also backing me up to go for my goals, I'll bring them souvenirs when I get back. Also, I forgot to mention, I'm Theo and I'm the guy who's going cross-country to Europe, most specifically visiting my top choice first which is the country known for its medieval castles, open wide grassy plains and the infamous mythical character for popularizing the Vampire occult, Dracula of Castle Transylvania and that is Romania.

And that's where I'm going.

"Mom, Dad ... I'll be fine, you already gave me everything I need so don't you guys worry too much" I reassured them that I'll be okay but it isn't enough.

I can see in their faces that their parental instincts are kicking in and I don't blame them. But luckily, my older brother William walked towards us and he slid his arm over my shoulder, gave it a pat then smiled at me, afterwards he looked at our parents and gave them a convincing pep-talk.

"You guys, no need to worry about Theo, he's a grown up now and he needs to do this, and you gave your support to him as am I because this is his dream and by following that, it will greatly benefit him by being independent and learning how life works, so chill out the traveling quirk run in his blood as we all do, it's like this ain't his first rodeo" William said.

Mom and Dad consider Williams’ words and look at each other, smiling among themselves, nodding.

"We just love you Theo so much and it will never be the same without you here but if your brother says it's okay and he does make a good argument then keep yourself safe when you get there, okay?" Mom said, holding my hand.

"Same here, champ ... We love you and we're just looking out for you but it's for the best and we want you to experience what we did so enjoy your travel, you hear? Like what me and your mother did" Dad said, patting my shoulder.

I nodded and hugged them both. Trying to not get emotional just yet as I look at them.

"Mom, Dad don't worry I'll be home after my vacation months are over and I'll make sure to message you guys as I can and I just wanted to thank you for fulfilling one of my dreams and being a support to all of it, especially you big bro" I said to my parents and shift to William afterwards, giving him a big hug.

William affectionately returns the hug, holding it a few moments before me letting go and said;

"Lil bro, of course I'll support you whenever I can and always will 'cause you're my lil brother and with that being said, I just wanted to apologize for missing your graduation day ... You know your big bro had some business overseas to take care of so by missing it, it's the least I can do by supporting this that you wanted" He said.

"William, bro you know I understand why you didn't make it, no need to be ashamed or guilty-tripped about not attending, so it's okay and also thanks for the support you gave, you didn't have to since you can invest it back on your business and Mom and Dad already had it backed up" I said.

"I know, I just wanted to be there with Mom and Dad but yeah, important business impromptu and even if I did made it, it was really my graduation gift for you actually and it warmed me up that you were so hyped about it when I tell you, so use my money well, lil bro" He mentioned, patting my shoulder.

"Ofcourse, so thanks for that even if I said it a thousand more times but thanks still, you're the best ... You, Mom and Dad for doing this for me and giving this, such overwhelmed with it, thanks for this, for reaching one of my goals" I said, trying to fight back the tears as I looked at my family in front of me.

Dad shouted a group hug and everyone huddled for it, hugging as a family for a few more seconds then letting go, smiling. Dad gave me a few more lessons on not touching everything I see that I might find unique since he mentioned that he learnt that lesson hard. And Mom just keeps giving me motivational talk and kisses as she can muster. Then, William came by and handed me my phone, ringing.

"Speaking of which, I heard your phone ringing inside your bag, your close friends are calling" William said as I took my phone.

"Well, better say your goodbyes, kiddo ... Allison, Neal and Kyle will be upset if you didn't say farewells" Dad said as he held Mom.

"Yeah, I haven't yet but they know, so be right back, it's a video call" I said.

I nodded and excused myself to answer the call. I headed inside and answered the video call, cozying myself on the couch as the video call connected.

"What's up! You finally answered our calls, I thought you left us without saying goodbye!" Neal yelped excitedly.

"Yeah, you think you can just leave the country without consulting us? Did you forget my Aunt is a federal agent" Allison answered, laughing as she talked.

"Hey, Theo don't forget to buy us souvenirs, okay? I know Romania is hiding their secret recipe for cheese" Kyle greeted in glee.

"Guys! Hey, don't worry I didn't forget about you guys ... kinda sort off but still, did you three think I would just leave?" I said, seeing the looks of their poker faces of belief that I would do that. Everyone nods with giggles in between.

"Speaking of leaving, is it really today that you're going to Romania?" Neal asked.

"Yeah it is, and I'm already missing you guys and I haven't left the country" I said.

"We miss you too, I miss you already 'cause I'm that far off from all of you since we had to go as soon as graduation day is over. Remember, Grand Rapids? I'll tell you it's a journey driving there and good thing too, I'm going to help my Mom out on her bakery business" She said, her call a bit shaky.

"Are you in the car All?" I ask as I notice the shaky backdrop, sitting in a car seat.

"Yeah, I'm already in Grand Rapids, I'm with a friend here who's shy to be seen" She said.

"What about you Kyle? Anything interesting happened so far? Who's Nevada?" I asked him.

"Well, it's hot and I can see Vegas far off and hoping for Area 51 but I'm not going there, it was trendy back then but have you seen the news? Nuh-uh not happening" Kyle said, gesturing a cross with his fingers.

"Wait? I thought you and your Dad are going to New York, Kyle?" Neal chimed in.

"Yeah that was the plan but you know Mom and Dad ... sigh so that's what happened" He ruefully said followed by another deep sigh.

"Well, hope you're doing alright there Kyle and I know it's kinda cheesy for what I'm about to say but I just wanted to tell you three that I'm thankful that you 3 are my closest friends and I've been through to my ups and downs, specially on that 'last party' I had ... When I get home, I'll buy you souvenirs just chat me what you wanted and I'll get it before I fly back" I confess to the three.

"Aww, don't get touchy with us Theo, you're not going to stay permanently in Romania but I appreciate the gesture, I feel the same way and I will hold you to that souvenir you promised" Allison chuckled.

"Don't worry, after you get home, let's have a reunion before heading to our college life, not to say Theo and I won't see each other since we're attending the same Uni" Neal boasted, making Allison sigh.

"Yeah, I'm kinda jealous you guys are attending the same Uni, I can't even get Kyle to attend here" Allison said, her arms crossed pouting.

"What? It's not my fault my stiff parents are not in their rightful minds when I said 'I'm going to pick my own path' and it didn't end well" Kyle said, shivering at the thought.

Theo looks at his wristwatch and sees the time, a few minutes before his flight departs.

"The reunion is a promise and we'll have it when I get home ... And I have to go so thank you guys for calling and expressing your love for me and to have a safe journey, and even if I'm there I'll try my best to contact one of you, okay?" I said, slowly standing up.

"You're welcome Theo and enjoy your trip to Romania and send some pictures when you can" Allison said.

"Yeah man, take care of yourself, if you need a quick talk, Neal is here for you" Neal warmly said.

"I just wanted my cheese, Theo and better get home so I learn how to make their cheese but until then, be vigilant and keep safe." Kyle said, showing a heart gesture using his fingers.

I said my goodbyes to everyone as they waved, ending the call with much appreciation. Surely enough, my stuff is ready and secured inside the car. I went back to the car, sprinting to the front yard to see the car all ready to go with my parents inside and William waiting for me at the sidewalk. William approaches, patting my shoulder and said;

"Are you ready to tour Romania like a champ?" William said enthusiastically.

"Ofcourse I am! The day has come for Theo the Great to tour the world, starting with Europe" I replied, making him laugh.

As we approached the car door, I went inside but was confused when William didn't sit with me inside. Instead, with the windshield down, William leans in and tells he won't be coming with us because Dad is afraid our house might get robbed and needed someone to guard the property.

"Well, if this is it then thanks again big bro for this, I have your souvenir ready to be given to you" I said and hugged him through the open car window.

William hugged me tighter for a few moments and let go, with his hand sliding out of my front pocket. As I reach what's inside, William tells me not to take it and wait till he gets in the airport so he can then look at what he slid inside.

"Don't check on it, okay? Wait till you're in the airport, it's a lucky item, trust me it's a surprise. Just take care of yourself there and enjoy your summer months in Romania" William said as he ruffled my hair and leaned out of the car window, hands inside his pocket.

"Sure and I will" I said.

I wind the windshield up as Dad presses the horn for William, gesturing that they're going. Mom said their goodbyes to William as the car drove on the road. I turn back and wave back to William, who's doing the same.

The drive was smooth with a few more lessons from my parents then a few minutes later, the view of the airport peers over the horizon, nearing my journey to Europe.

We reached the airport which is a bustle of its own, taking my bag out of the trunk with the help of my parents and slid my travel bag in along with holding my other sling bag. I somehow felt it's heavier than usual. Mom and Dad mentioned they put more stuff in my bag, for added survivability. I assured them I'm fine, after all those gym regiments didn't go to waste for nothing I can't manage. They laugh and check up on me as we walk towards the long line at the reception, getting myself ready by holding my passport and paperwork for boarding. The announcement resounds through the speakers, calling my plane for boarding.

"We were just in time for your boarding, Dear ... Take care of yourself, okay?" Mom said, holding my arm tightly.

"I agree, not a moment to lose, keep yourself safe out there, son ... If there's anything you need and more, contact us immediately" Dad expressed in a very concerned tone.

I nod and hug them again, holding them close, shedding a tear as I embrace them. I slowly let go and said, "Thanks for this, I love you so much for trusting this and supporting my goals, giving me the opportunity to explore the world like you guys before".

"Ofcourse dear, we love you too, live your dream, okay? And better go fast since that's the third time your boarding plane got announced" Mom said.

Looking at them for one last time, I nod, grabbing my other bag as the speakers announced for the last time of my departing plane already boarding. I let go of their hold and looking back I waved at them. This is it, I'm finally on my own to tour the world, most specially to Romania. Done with my inspection and grabbing a doughnut along the way, I waited for my boarding time until ...

"This is the final boarding call for passengers booked on flight 372A to Romania. Please proceed to gate 3 immediately. The final checks are being completed and the captain will order for the doors of the aircraft to close in approximately five minutes time. I repeat ..."

As it was announced, I immediately boarded the plane, and took my seat in first class. This is my first time so why not do it luxuriously heading to the first country I'll visit. It was a long flight from the Atlantic to the European continent like within 12 to 14hours of flight to cover. Within my first class seat near the plane window, the plane takes off the runaway, ascending to the clear early night sky, seeing Minnesota lights lit the city below.

Even I myself after all the boarding of the plane to saying goodbye to my close friends and family, this is super surreal that I'm doing this, going en route to Romania by myself and traversing Europe after. I bid farewell to my home state and very excitedly looking forward to my trip there. I just need to survive the long hour course, good thing I took first class which should be a breeze, a champagne flute in my hand and all.

As I look out the window, fluffy clouds passing by, I remember my older brother, putting something inside my hoodie pocket. I skimmed my hand inside and pulled it out, a glistering silver necklace with a cross dangling over. I ever wore jewelry, except for a silver ring on my finger that Neal gave to me as a present but unlike his, this necklace is strikingly sublime. I should thank him later via message when I arrive at the airport. I wore it on me and hold it for a few moments, looking back at the window again.

After what seemed like a long time above the clouds, the plane finally arrived in the country of Romania, specifically at Cluj-Napoca International Airport. Yes, of all the places in Romania, why such a historic place? It all has to do with my likeness of the supernatural. Since I began learning to explore and understand things when I was little, the fixation of the paranormal came to fruition. Thus, its why I choose this country, more specifically the land where Transylvania is located. I'm bound to see or catch some supernatural activity if there is any, based on the brochure I read online.

The plane lands and we're ready to board out and stepping outside those doors is an experience of itself. A foreign soil with new bound culture and exploration to look forward to. Even though I'm tired and kinda jetlagged from all that, I'm ecstatic and already taking pictures while walking out of the airport.

The breath of fresh air and the urbanization mixed with vast plains and grasslands, it's a palette mixture of two worlds to take in and the first thing I need to do is take a taxi through town. Luckily, one already parked for me to ride and it was a relief that the taxi driver speaks English. With my luggage inside the trunk, we disembark to Cluj-Napoca's iconic and historic landmark, Unirii Square.

As we drove along the road, heading towards the destination, the taxi driver starts to welcome me whole-heartily as he can even if his English is somewhat understandable, asking if I was a foreigner which I said yes and from that, he began boasting his wondrous country, especially Cluj-Napoca where he mentioned is full of shops to explore, medieval landmarks to see and most of all, the city is best known for its electronic music festivals, a thumbs up for a music lover such as myself, I was awestruck by his stories. As the drive comes to an end, I arrived at Unirii Square which is overlooking beyond is St. Michael's Church, another spectacle to tour for later.

Getting my bags out of the trunk and paying the driver plus tips, I went to the front of the taxi and said my goodbye to the driver. Then as I walked away, the driver called me back and was going to tell me something important I should know, by the looks of it, it's very serious. He was trying to warn me something but the impatient passenger recently hopped in and wanted to get going. They left without ever finishing what he's saying but I caught a bit of it saying ... "Again, whatever you do, do not accept the ri--" which is confusing.

Moving on, I take in the scenery and stand on Unirii Square, this is the perfect time to see what Cluj-Napoca has to offer. For starters, I head to the street where shops after shops offer designer labels to swanky eateries to very classy Romanian bistros. It was a great day for vlogging my adventures while I'm here.

I was kind of a goofball to some people walking about since I'm talking to myself in front of the camera but then some young Romanians came over and talked to me for a bit, saying if I was a celebrity vlogger on MeTube. It was a good hour and a half, just walking around and seeing the city for what it is. I even got to visit St. Michael's Church while eating Clătite, which is kinda like crepes on a paper cone, which is very tasty at best.

But alas, I have to address the situation I'm currently in right now, which is finding a place to stay. I find it hard to believe that I carry so much stuff but I did all the fun things I want to do, even vlogging all around Cluj-Napoca. And what better place to contemplate my problem is to be back in square one then see for a solution, and fast since it's already like coming at a late afternoon already.

"I can tell you're in sorts of trouble, are you alright, lad?" A smartly dressed stranger said.

Confused, I tried to be as respectful as possible and replied, "Uh? Yes Sir, I am at the moment, I'm sorry I can't quite comprehend why you know and can tell I'm troubled"

The stranger smiled and said, "Pardon my intrusion, I just have a keen observation of reading people, of how you slump your shoulders in that particular way, that's why I came to ask if you're alright, considering you're not from around here, are you?" He said, getting me off guard.

"I am and how did you know I'm not from here?" I asked.

"Well, judging from your looks, it's pretty obvious that you're a tourist visiting the beautiful city of Cluj-Napoca and having a bit of trouble navigating to these parts so what troubles you?" He calmly said.

"Oh then, well you already read me so yeah I'm kinda in trouble since I'm looking for a place to stay and I forgot to book a room in advance a few hours ago so that's my dilemma at the moment" I said to the man.

The stranger warmly smiled at me and said, "Not to worry, lad. I lived in Cluj-Napoca my whole life so I know the city, the region and the country in the back of my hands and I know the perfect place like a tourist yourself to stay, as my assistance to you that is and as a foreigner in a new land I suggest to trust the locals of their intuition so to lessen grievances while in a different country such as Romania"

I looked at him up and down, observing his posture and way of talking then I eventually nod and kinda agreed with him despite my suspicion and said, "True, you do make a point there, and how you speak like old and regal is kinda convincing and you do it for a living so, why not"

The stranger smiles and said, "Well, thank you for the compliment, my voice is a mixture of local Romanian and old English so that is the accent you're pertaining to, lad"

"Really? Your voice always like that? That's kinda cool actually" I commented.

"I have a fascination of trying something new and of course to communicate once foreign, I have to adapt so to speak and incorporate what I had and have to learn, thereby I can help people like you, lad which I love to do" He said rather convincingly.

I ponder a bit if I want to be assisted or do it on my own, seeing as if I have no other options and the stranger isn't very suspicious looking and rather good at speaking English, then I have decided. The stranger got elated with my decision and take out his placards, saying;

"I can tell you is the place you're going to stay is out of Cluj-Napoca and don't worry, the beauty and rich culture still expand out of the mountainside and there's a town there that is perfect for you to delve into" The stranger said, flipping over his placards in place.

"Out of town? Then where is it then and how can that aforementioned place top this city for aesthetics and charm" I asked.

"Well lad, fortunately you ask, you see I can tell you're an adventurer, who seeks the expanse corners of the world, like a nomad if I reiterate and what better way to broaden your horizons is to look outside than stay in one place, and to compare unlike this city, there's a picturesque town outside beyond the mountainside, an immaculate inn to stay in and suramounts of folklore and significant history that I may say speaks your name, lad" The stranger explains, flipping through his placards.

"Then, that's where we're going, if I follow you correctly?" I said to confirm what I think.

He nods and says, "Yes, precisely ... The scenic town, the opulent inn to stay in and the nature you'll indulge yourself by taking it in and getting some photos along the way, which will only take us a few hours tops to reach if we leave now"

As he said, the man shows his car by the sidewalk, sporting a retro-aesthetic look, a fancy looking vehicle that exists in the 40s but is refitted to today's standards and to blend in the modern age.

"You have a cool ride there and I didn't even notice it till you showed me, but then again, before we go, can I ask what the name of this town is?" I asked him as I grabbed my sling bag.

"The town's name is Prigoria, lad ... And I can tell you'll gotta fall in love with that place and the inn you're going to stay in is not far off too" The stranger said.

With that, we went to the car and loaded my stuff inside, setting it in the back seat next with an unusual cloth, tied to both ends, covering something. I was about to check what's that cloth covering but the stranger surprisingly entered. I scramble to pretend I wasn't snooping around, good thing he didn't notice me as he starts the car. With him on the wheel, we drove out, heading outwards Cluj-Napoca to a long road with pine trees looming over the landscape. I buckle-up since this is a long ride heading towards Prigoria and this inn I'm going to stay in. And I gotta say, the mountainous countryside is very scenic and hard to not get awed by it.

While driving along the mountainside, with vast views of pine trees and long rivers flowing down, the ride is quiet, like too disturbingly quiet for my liking. And I was still troubled about the cloth on the backseat. Then the stranger clears his throat, catching me off guard and said;

"Lad, are you alright? You seem troubled, am I going too fast?" He said.

I shook my head and said, "I'm just jetlagged from all the traveling, no trouble here".

He reaches out, pats my shoulder and says, "You'll be fine, lad ... If it makes you feel better, I'll introduce myself, pardon me for telling my name sooner, my name is Sebastian, nice to meet you"

The stranger extends his other hand for me, I accept and shake it. That helped me calm down a bit and not mind the unusual cloth for a while. We continued driving down the road for a bit when I saw something on the road and as Sebastian was about to ask what it was, it was too late and the car bumped into something. My things at the backseat tumble about along with the unusual cloth, making a weird sound. I looked back and saw the unusual cloth in a precarious position.

I attempt to ask Sebastian what was inside the unusual cloth, he was somehow going to answer yet focuses on the road instead as he sees the charmed 50s looking gas station up ahead. There's an old stranger just outside the station, looking at us as we approach a stop. Sebastian parks just near the gas station as the old man draws towards us.

"Alright lad, better stay here inside the car while I check if we experience any damages and I'll speak with the old gentleman for assistance ... As a treat, I'll buy you some food for the inconvenience" Sebastian said.

He gets out of the car and quickly approaches the old man who's calling him. I can't quite get a faint of what they're talking about but the old man's name as Sebastian puts it, Old Man Jennings. They’re talking, this is my opportunity to look and see what Sebastian is hiding, and I'm guessing it's not good based on what I'm feeling right now.

I try to reach the cloth over the seat but I can't get a hold of it, then I tried again but this time, I slowly sneak outside and move towards the backseat, and so far so good Sebastian hasn't seen anything happening back here. Funny enough, what they're talking about is kinda comical. With Sebastian saying about a skin regiment he bought from South Korea, telling it's on trend hence why he has good complexion and still looks like in his 40s, suggesting the old man to give it a try.

The old man groaned and said, "Bah! I'm not believing your petty garbage excuses, somewhere somehow I'm going to find out the truth and besides, I know it by the second you dodge my question, proving me about yourself otherwise ..." He said and continued.

While they're debating over, I open the backdoor and scotch a bit for my arm to reach the cloth and just a bit closer. Sweat beading down my forehead, I grabbed what's protruding from the cloth, giving it a forceful squeeze and to my eerie shock, I quickly covered my mouth. From the cloth, thick reddish liquid of what I imagine could be blood, frightened me to the point of immediately retracting my hand back and wipe it on the back of my hoodie sleeve.

I think there's a dead body inside, hence why it's tied that way, my imagination thinks of the worst at the time.

I have to get out of here and fast!