One year after the defeat of the vampire king (lancer)
And the revel about the existence of vampires and werewolves to the world. The remaining vampires that surrender to the Black Order (the vampire hunters) while EreBus (the primordial werewolf) is acting as their new king are overlooked by them.
"Man, can you give me more of that ice cream?" Erebus asks Ben Rayleigh while lying near the swimming pool.
"Here, man,I wish I can do this every day,so I don't have to go to work. this is so peaceful, yeah?" Ben asks, handing over an ice cream to EreBus.
"Yeah, but by the way you morron. Why are you still here, brat? I remember you're a professor this week, right?" Erebus asks while eating his ice cream.
"Well, I still have a few hours before my class starts, so it's no biggie," he replied yawning.
"Tsk, give the man a reward! The perk of your ability is mind-blowing, my dude," Erebus said.
"Well, speaking of abilities, do you find any clue about the thing I asked you? Ben Rayleigh asks with a serious face.
"Yeah, I did, but I didn't find anything interesting, so you look yourself." He replied as he gestured, and one of his servants stepped forward and handed Ben two thick books that looked old and ancient.
"Uhm... interesting, so his writing is here; I didn't realize that. This is good news if this is the real deal. So I'm going to bound Erebus (this is what he always calls Erebus). See you next week." As he said that, he suddenly vanished.
"Tsk, same as always, heh! You're welcome," he murmured to himself and turned his head to a land filled with grass and plants and fruits. How about that, my old friend Lancelot? Are you seeing this? We managed to create a world where humans, werewolves, and vampires live in harmony."
Erebus took a deep breath, savoring the warm sun on his skin and the sweet taste of ice cream melting in his mouth. The world had changed dramatically since the defeat of the vampire king, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what they had accomplished. The once-feared creatures of the night were now living openly among humans, and the Black Order had become a symbol of peace rather than a harbinger of death.
Kiss of the vampire volume 2
"The Girl with the Sharp sword part 2!"
Mission two: the beginning after the end!
Meanwhile, in the alley street of Binondo, we could see a young vampire who's running from two hunters.
"Damn it, I didn't do anything!" He shouted.
"Stop right there!" One young hunter shouted while running.
"Hey brat, take that left; let's circle him." He ordered that the other younger hunter dash towards the left alley.
The young vampire, a wiry figure with tousled hair and wide, frightened eyes, darted down the narrow alley, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear the hunters' footsteps echoing behind him, their shouts growing closer. Panic surged through him as he glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of the hunters' determined faces.
Why are you chasing me? I just want to live!"He yelled, desperation lacing his voice. He had heard stories of the Black Order's new approach to vampires, but the fear of being hunted still loomed large in his mind.
"You're a vampire! You can't just roam around freely! You dumb ass!" the first hunter shouted back, his voice filled with a mix of anger and fear. "Just sit still, will you? Let's have a civil conversation. We've been running for 3 hours. So how about we grab some coffee?"
The young vampire skidded to a halt at a dead end, his back pressed against the cold brick wall. He could hear the hunters closing in, their breaths heavy with exertion. He had to think fast.
"Wait! Just listen to me!" he pleaded, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'm not like the others! I don't want to hurt anyone!"
"So then, come with us. There are still humans hating you guys and hunting you, so be a good vampie and come with us," the senior hunter said.
"O...ok. Then tell me your name first!" The vampire asks.
"Tsk, dude, don't you recognize me? I'm pretty famous," he said, striking a pose like a model.
"No, sir, no clue," the vampire replied with a straight face. And the human hunter just burst out laughing because the other vampires didn't recognize him.
"Hahahaha, I told you, Chief Mizuno, you're just a bit famous but not as much as Denver and Deyviel," the young hunter named Clark said, and. Mizuno just shrugged his shoulder and gestured to the other vampires to come with them.
"Wa… wait, you're with the hero, Sir Deyviel?" the vampire asks.
"Yeah, I'm one of his childhood friends, if you don't ask," Mizuno said and grinned.
Meanwhile…
Someone is lying on the school rooftop sleeping when all of a sudden someone enters the rooftop.
"Hey Deyviel! Bruh. You there? The captain wants to talk to you!" Denver asks.
Deyviel stirred slightly, the warmth of the sun filtering through the gaps in the rooftop's concrete. He opened one eye, squinting against the brightness, and saw Denver's familiar silhouette against the sky.
"Ugh, what time is it?" Deyviel groaned, stretching his arms above his head. "I was having the best dream about a world where vampires and werewolves were just... normal."
Denver chuckled, stepping closer. "Well, wake up, hero. The captain's got something important to discuss. You know how he gets when he thinks we're slacking off."
"Actually, it's about the new vampire in Binondo. Apparently, he's been causing a bit of a stir," Denver replied, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Mizuno and Clark are on the case, but they think it might be more complicated than just a scared kid."
Deyviel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Complicated how? Is he a rogue? Or just another one of those who can't seem to grasp the new world order?"
"That's the thing. They're not sure yet. Mizuno said the kid claims he just wants to live peacefully, but you know how it is. Trust is hard to come by these days," Denver explained, crossing his arms. "The captain wants you to go down there and assess the situation. You've got a way with them, after all."
Deyviel sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Fine. I'll go. But if I end up babysitting another vampire, I'm going to be seriously annoyed."
Denver laughed, clapping Deyviel on the back. "You're the hero, remember? It's your job to save the day, even if it means dealing with a bunch of whiny vampires."
Deyviel pushed himself off the rooftop, the sun still warm on his skin as he adjusted to the idea of yet another vampire encounter. He had grown accustomed to the complexities of this new world, where the lines between predator and prey had blurred, but that didn't mean he had to enjoy every moment of it.
"Let's go then," he said, his voice laced with a mix of reluctance and determination. "Lead the way."
As they made their way down from the rooftop, Denver filled Deyviel in on the details. "Mizuno and Clark cornered the kid in an alley, but he managed to slip away. They think he might be hiding out somewhere nearby. The locals are getting restless, and we can't afford another incident."
Deyviel nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "What's his name?"
"Not sure yet. Mizuno didn't catch it before the kid bolted. But he's young—probably just trying to figure things out like the rest of us," Denver replied, his tone softening. "We need to give him a chance."
"Right," Deyviel said, his resolve strengthening. "If he's genuinely looking for peace, then we owe it to him to at least hear him out. But if he's hiding something…"
"Then we'll deal with it," Denver finished, a glint of determination in his eyes. "We've got your back, as always."
"By the way, why did you guys let the brat go? "Denver asks.
"Let me guess, this idiot is goofing around and spouting nonsense like he's pretty famous? Deyviel asks while walking. And Clark just smiled and nodded.
"It sounds to be Mizuno," Denver added.
As they approached the alley where Mizuno and Clark had last seen the young vampire, Deyviel felt a familiar tension in the air. The shadows seemed to stretch longer, and the sounds of the bustling city faded into a low hum. He could sense the unease of the humans nearby, their eyes darting toward the alley as if expecting trouble.
Deyviel stepped into the alley, his senses heightened. The walls were lined with graffiti, remnants of a city that had seen its fair share of conflict. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him, the responsibility of being a bridge between two worlds resting heavily on his shoulders.
"Mizuno! Clark!" he called out, his voice echoing off the brick walls. "Where are you guys?"
A moment later, Mizuno emerged from the shadows, his expression a mix of frustration and amusement. "You made it, hero. Just in time to see how this all plays out."
Clark followed closely behind, his brow furrowed with concern. "We lost the kid. He slipped away while we were arguing about how to approach him."
Deyviel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Great. Just what we need—another runaway vampire causing a scene. Did you at least get a name, because maybe he has a family at the vampire castle so we can send him there?"
Mizuno shook his head, his expression turning serious. "No name, but he looked scared. I think he's just trying to survive in a world that's still figuring out how to accept him. We need to find him before someone else does."
Deyviel nodded, his mind racing. "Alright, let's split up. We can cover more ground that way. Mizuno, you and Clark check the nearby cafes and hangouts. He might be looking for a place to blend in. I'll head back to the main street and see if anyone's seen him."
"Got it," Mizuno replied, determination flashing in his eyes. "But be careful, Deyviel. If he's scared enough, he might lash out."
"Yeah, I know," Deyviel said, his voice steady. "But if he's truly innocent, we can't let fear dictate our actions. We owe it to him to at least try."
As they split up, Deyviel felt the weight of the task ahead. He moved through the bustling streets, the sounds of laughter and chatter surrounding him. Humans and vampires mingled, but the tension was palpable. He could see the wary glances exchanged, the unspoken fears lingering in the air.
He approached a small café, its outdoor seating filled with patrons enjoying the warm afternoon. Deyviel scanned the area, looking for any sign of the young vampire. Just as he was about to turn away, he caught a glimpse of a figure slipping into a nearby alley.
"Hey!" Deyviel called out, instinctively following the figure. "Wait!"
The young vampire turned, his wide eyes filled with panic. Deyviel could see the fear etched on his face, and he raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to talk."
The vampire hesitated, glancing back toward the street as if weighing his options. "You're one of them, aren't you? A hunter?"
"Welp, yeah. But I can help you; don't worry, these two won't hurt you. You know me, right? Come on,he said, reaching his hand when all of a sudden four more kids (vampire halflings) emerge. "Woah…it is really him, the human who defeated King Lancer. You're awesome, Air!"One of the kid vampires said, and Deyviel just nodded and smiled. Well, this is surprising. Who wants ice cream?" Deyviel asked, smiling.
The young vampire's eyes widened in disbelief as he took a step back, glancing at the other halflings who had emerged from the shadows. They were a ragtag group, their youthful faces a mix of excitement and apprehension. Deyviel could see the hope flickering in their eyes, a stark contrast to the fear that had gripped the young vampire just moments before.
"Wait, you know who I am?" Deyviel asked, genuinely surprised. "I thought I was like a babayaga or something to you guys because I killed vampires like you, but the bad ones."
"Of course, and we are scared of you because you're nice to everyone, even to us vampires! Everyone knows about the hero who took down the vampire king!" one of the halflings exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his feet.And you freed us from that big bad lancer!'!"And Deyviel just smiled and knelt.
"Who told you about me? Deyviel asks.
"Mom!" One of the kids said.
"Where's Mom?" Mizuno asked. And one of the kids pointed at the dark alley where you can see an old house. And Deyviel and the others nodded to each other and approached the house. As they opened the door, they could see an almost empty house and one woman lying in bed. Dying. And Deyviel's eyes widen as he quickly recognizes the woman.
"Oh, you finally found us, Sir Deyviel." The vampire woman spoke and smiled but suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. As he approaches the woman.
"How did you end up like this? Who did this to you? I thought the hunters had you in the safe house. Mizuno, answer me!" Deyviel asked, his voice slowly turning into anger.
"Well, I don't know personally. But in what I've heard, as she relayed her story to Captain Ethan and the others, they sent a squad with her here to pick up her children, but I think the evangelist intercepted them and took them, and that's all I've heard from the surviving hunters," Mizuno explained, raising both arms like surrendering.
"The church?! What?! Why is the church going to do this to a woman?" He said as he realized that this woman is a vampire and the pope sees them as a threat to humanity.
Deyviel's heart raced as he knelt beside the woman, her frail form barely able to support the weight of her own existence. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of decay and despair. He could see the fear in the eyes of the halflings, their small bodies trembling as they clung to each other, unsure of what would happen next.
"Please, just tell me what happened," Deyviel urged, his voice softening as he reached out to take the woman's hand. "I can help you. I promise."
The vampire woman coughed again, blood staining her lips. "They... they came for us. The church... they think we're all monsters. They don't see the truth. I tried to protect my children, but they were too strong. But we managed to escape and take my children. We had to run, to hide... but they found us. They experimented on us. They treated us like guinea pigs, but something happened. Someone attacked the facility, so we managed to escape." (Note: remember the facility that Ben attacked? Yeah, that's that.)
Deyviel's heart sank as he listened to the woman's words, each one a dagger to his conscience. The church, once a bastion of hope and faith, had become a force of fear and oppression. He had fought against the vampire king, believing that the world could be a better place, but now he was faced with the grim reality that not all threats came from the shadows.
"Who were they? Do you know who sent them?" Deyviel pressed, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him, and Denver put his hand on Deyviel's. And shake his head. "Just hear her out. We'll figure out this shit later. Just listen to her." And Deyviel's heart sank at the realization that this woman he once thought he saved now is dying.
The vampire woman's eyes flickered with a mix of fear and determination as she struggled to speak. "I don't know their names, but they wore the insignia of the church (the Evangelist) (caution: in this world there are two churches, the Catholic and the Evangelist, and the Evangelist is the one who hates vampires, but more on that in the next chapter). They were ruthless, treating us like we were less than human. They wanted to prove that we were monsters to justify their crusade against us. But I swear, we just wanted to live in peace."
Deyviel felt a surge of anger rise within him. The church, an institution he had once respected, was now a source of terror for those who had already suffered so much. He glanced at the halflings, their innocent faces reflecting the weight of their mother's pain. They were caught in a conflict that had never been theirs to begin with.
Deyviel took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on his shoulders, and he could feel the eyes of the halflings on him, filled with hope and fear. He had fought for peace, but now he was faced with a new enemy—one that wore the guise of righteousness. And as the woman (Clara) reached her hand to Deyviel, Deyviel took it.
"Promise me, Sir Deyviel, you'll protect my children; they're not evil like those evangelists think of them. Please protect them, please; I'm begging you. We weren't evil; we were human once…." As she said that, her heart stopped, and she slowly turned into ashes.
Deyviel felt a chill run down his spine as Clara's hand slipped from his grasp, her body disintegrating into a fine dust that swirled around him like a haunting memory. The halflings gasped, their wide eyes filled with terror and confusion. Deyviel's heart ached for them, for the loss they had just endured, and for the mother who had fought so hard to protect her children.
"No... no!" one of the halflings cried, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Mom!"
Deyviel knelt down, his heart heavy with sorrow. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. He looked at the children, their faces a mix of fear and disbelief. "I promise you, I will protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Denver stepped forward, his expression grim. "We need to get them out of here. The church won't stop until they find them, and we can't let that happen."
Deyviel nodded, his resolve hardening. "We'll take them to the Black Order's safe house. It's the only place where they'll be safe for now." He turned to the halflings, who were still trembling. "Listen to me. You're not alone. We're going to take care of you, I promise." As he said that, his eyes are now full of rage.
"I will pay you a visit, you fuckers; just wait for me." As the door of the house slowly closed, we could see two figures on the highest building watching.
"So it's starting."
"Yeah, let's move. This is the most crucial part of our job. Don't mess things up, Balthazar!"
"Of course, my guy!" As he replied, the two vanished into the shadows.
To be continued.....