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In a gothic world there are bloody wars. |
| [Introduction]
In this universe there are vampires, werewolves, hybrids, ghosts and gargoyles. The streets are always wet and the sun rarely shines. The king, a hybrid by the name of Havick, rules justly and fairly. But he has a habit of punishing prisoners harshly to an island where the sun shines and there is little to no fresh water or food. It is a desert. Somewhere very hard for creatures thats are sensitve to light. The rebellion formed of criminals on this island have decided to wage war on this king. He is a good king who always thinks of his people, but is it time for another to rise? He's risen his Union army to fight for it. Choose your side, The Rebellion or The Union? Rules: 1. No type of character (ie: ghost, gargoyle, hybrid etc) is stronger than any other. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. 2. You've got three days to add, my friend. 3. Cussing is fine. 4. Gore, of course, is okay. 5. Romance is also good. Sex is not okay. Vampire: Powers- Superspeed, Flight, Strength, Self Healing Weaknesses- Can't be in the the sun, need for blood, any impaling to the heart will kill, holy water will burn Werewolf: Powers- Strength, Immortality, (when wound does not involve silver), transformation into wolf or werewolf, ruthless in combat Weakness- Sensitive to light (not lethal, its just uncomfortable), when emotionally unstable can make them uncontrollable, any wound with silver is lethal Hybrid: Powers- Strength, flight, transformation to vampire/werewolf like creature, speed, self healing, immortality (again with the silver) Weaknesses- Sensitive to light (not lethal, its just uncomfortable), when emotionally unstable can make them uncontrollable, any wound with silver is lethal, Can't be in the the sun, need for blood, any impaling to the heart will kill, holy water will burn Ghost (dead humans only): Powers- Can be solid or transparent, can turn invisible, flight, immortal Weaknesses- Exorcism will send them away forever, holy water burns them whether they are transparent or not, weak in the sunlight Gargoyle: Powers- Can turn into a statue, can turn into gargoyle monster with teeth and claws, strength, can walk of walls and ceiling regardless to how steep they are. Weakness- turns to stone in sunlight but when night falls they are back, mortal All of these breeds look human at least some of the time. Name- Gender- Age- Breed- Personality- History- Union or Rebellion- |
| Name- Delila Sylvan Gender- Female Age- Has been dead for 36 years Breed- Ghost Personality- She's strong at heart. She died a warrior and wants to live her after life the same way no matter what. She has a soft spot like most people, but she wants to lead the rebellion to take back her life and help the people in this new dark world start anew. Description- Long blonde hair that is kept up and out of her face. Her eyes are dark brown. She has army boots and a white tank top on, along with her dog tags still in tact. Like all ghost she has a glow about her, making her paler than a living human. She's in good shape from her army days. History- Delila died in war. When she died and began her afterlife in this world, she was bored. One day she went to a bar and as she was there she started to talk about a thing they had back on her world. A democracy. The king did not like that. She tried to explain to herself that she had just died and did not know about the laws here, but failed. She was charged with treason and exhiled to the desert island to be forever weak in sunlight. Then she discovered the underground community there. Exhiled theives, murderers and activists. Together they began to plan. Union or Rebellion- Rebellion |
| Name- Caydil Brenion Gender- Male Age-... 1989 Breed- Hybrid Personality- Very full of life (or unlife as the case may be) and strong-willed. He's strong and quick witted, clever, but is know to be extremely hard-headed. He is stubborn and is strong in his beliefs, honour and pride come first in all things. But he loves to let loose and have fun, to relax and 'chill' with friends. He runs a high price on courage and he sees it as an excellent trait, but bravery is never to be taken as foolhardiness. History- One of the first hybrids to be created he clung to his ideals that truth comes before power and knowledge grants ability. He was seeking knowledge, things to further his advancement at a much younger age, (about six-hundred years previous) and he was imprisoned for exploring taboo and forbidden arts, arts that only the king himself was to know of. The island took a heavy toll on him, as unused to being in the light as he was, but he helped a few of the others to create a underground haven for the vampires and others that showed up. Union or Rebellion- Rebellion |
| Name- Tenor Corvo Gender- Male Age- 1501 Breed- Werewolf Personality- Cold, distant. He tries to keep himself under control because when he gets really emotional he gets unpredictable. History- He was orphaned as a young boy when a cirme lord killed his family for having unpaid debts. Tenor joined that rival gang with the soul purpose of killing that crime lord. He succeeded and was charged with murder. He regrets nothing. He just wants off the damn island. Union or Rebellion- Rebellion |
| The entire rebellion covered their eyes as the hatch leading to the desert world above. Delila stepped down the ladders step by step. "Would you shut the door? It's still daylight," Tenor complained. Delila rolled her eyes and shut the hatch above her. "You find anything?" "No," she said. "There's no prey out there in the daylight either. We're running out of food. We have more frickin' weaponry than we do food." "We can't do this much longer," Caydi pointed out. "No kidding," Delila remarked. "We need to make our move if we're going to do it," Tenor said lighting a candle on the desk to reveal plans laid out on the top. He looked up and gazed at them. "Are we going back to the main land or are we going to stand here all the time talking about it and starving to death. Just cuz you can't eat doesn't mean the rest of us don't." "I have everyone's best interest in mind. Have we worked out the kinks?" Delila said in her all warrior mode. "The kinks are going to be there whether we like it or not. It's a matter of how we go about them. We have plenty of rebels," Caydi said. "And they have plenty or excorsisms, silver, holy water and stakes," Tenor added darkly. Delila shivered at the thought of being exorcised into the unknown. "Don't talk like that," she said. "It's true," he said "I know. Just don't talk like that," Delila said firmly. "Just wait a few nights. The union is sending soldiers to check up on us rebel scum. We just should hold out a little longer." |
| Name- Serena Gender- Female Age- 409 but looks twenty Breed- Vampire Personality- Serena is very confident in what she is. She keeps her brown hair long as to keep something about her the same as when she was human. Her eyes are Emerald green and glow when she is angered or feeling playful. History- Serena was an orphan when she was turned. She didn't have any family that she was unaware of. She loves the hunt and doesn't mind killing, but only when it is necassary. She has a very strong conscience that keeps her from killing innocents. She was sent to teh island because her need for blood came to strong to ignore and she killed a human for food. Union or Rebellion- Rebellion |
| Caydil paced restlessly, no rest for the wicked they said, he thought with a wry chuckle. He waved his rapidly changing claws through the air to try and dispell some of the heat that was slowly retreating in the face of the darkness to come. "Serena!" He bellowed, "Come here!" His eyes shifted from their normal amber to a brilliant gold as he changed into his full form, tearing his shirt from his body in an effort to free the straining muscles. The petite brunette appeared in his doorway, slightly shaken at his cry, "Yes?" She asked, her eyes reflecting what little light there was. "The Union comes, make sure everyone is ready." Cadil straightened, popping his fingers quickly as his black claws unsheathed themselves. "Yessir." She nodded and fled as Caydil emerged, his fangs bared in a venomous smile, moving quickly towards the war room, his nails clicking on the steel beneath his feet. "Caydi!" He looked up and saw Tenor and Delilah coming through the opposite door, Tenor half-changed and Delilah nearly invisible, "Well?" Delilah asked. "We are going to break through their first line of defence, from there we will swim to the mainland, or take boats if they have not sunk them. Delilah, you should probably go ahead with the vampires, they will be going first." "Why?" Tenor inquired. "Because, the light here does not last long, and the mainland is mostly darkened, once they reach the mainland, they are more or less safe. I want some of the ghosts and hybrids to remain here until we have completely secured the docks, then envoys shall be sent back to carry the hybrids across, seeing as spirits can fly and such." Caydil glanced over the plans once more, "The werewolves, some of them at least, will go across with the vampires and help take out the guards, Tenor, you and Selene will go across, whilst myself and Delilah will stay to keep track of the others." Tenor nodded, "Once we secure the docks..." "You will return with the boats to collect the rest of us, yeah?" Delilah smiled, "We'll stick around, make sure things go off right." |
| "Night's falling," Caydil said almost instinctively. Tenor felt the dirt above him growing even more cold. He nodded. Delila smiled. "The Union should be coming soon," she said. Tenor rolled his eyes. "They are here," he said. Delila's eyes widened. "Damn it!" she cursed. "Everyone! Hide the plans!" The rebellion rushed into action tearing paper off the walls and pushing furniture up against doors. Tenor took a deep sigh. They were never going to see any action at this rate. "Why don't we just take the boat now?" Tenor asked impatiently. "That would destroy the element of surprise, now wouldn't it?" Caydil said. "Exactly," Delila said. Serena came back just as the hatch opened. "Everyone out!" cried a gargoyle Union guard as the moonlight poured in. One by one the rebels climbed up the ladder into the open desert. There was little on the outside of the world. A dirty pond, sand and no vegetation from either end. Delila folded her arms across her chest impatiently. Serena stood beside her looking just as annoyed. Caydil looked about ready to strike. The Union guards had bottles of holy water and silver bullet loaded guns at the ready. One guard, a vampire, stood by the group earning glares from every rebel. "Rumor has it, you don't like it very much in exhile," he teased. "No. We love it here! Will you thank your precious king for us?" Serena asked as her eyes flickered bright green. "You so blind, you can't even see how oppressed you are," Delila said. "So you're planning a take over?" he asked. "We never said that," Caydil said stepping forward. "Why so defensive?" "Are you done yet?" Tenor asked suppressing a growl. "All clear," said the gargoyle emerging from the underground. "Didn't find anything, Captain." Delila grinned slyly and met eyes with the others. Tenor shook his head. These people were pathetic. He just wanted off this stupid island and here they were letting the boat just float away. They were lucky he had enough restraint to keep from pouncing on the guards. Which was more than he could say for Caydil. The guards started to back away. Caydil let black claws slowly slip out of his fingernails, his growl rumbled in his throat. Delila put her hand on his shoulder. "Easy. Save it for when we really need it," she said. Caydil shrugged her hand off his shoulder and snapped his jaws in a warning. Delila moved her hand and rolled her eyes so only Tenor could see. He smiled only slightly. |
| The rebels filed back into the underground and began to put their oraganization back together. Plans and maps went back up on the wall. Tables were pushed back into their usual positions. Delila sat outside though. Her glow as pale as the moon's. She could see everything. Tenor's frustration, Caydil's eagerness, and Serena's cold attempts to keep her nerves. Delila sat in the sand letting camoflage covered legs in front of her. "Is everyone ready?" she asked. "Yes," Tenor answered without hesitation. "Are you kidding me?" Caydil added. Serena nodded. Delila stared at the sand. "Okay," she said. Delila glanced up at Serena and Tenor. "They're heading out to the boats. Stow away. Come back for us drawing as little attention as possible." "Right," Serena said. She and Tenor exchanged looks and followed the footprints in the sand to the boat. |
| The night was cold but Serena didn't feel it. She was to nervous about sneaking back to the main land. Tenor was at her side listening for any sign that they were being followed. The two walked towards the boats still in the footprints of the gaurds. Serena looked ahead and saw something odd. Where there should have been footprints there were none. "Shit!" Serena hissed. Tenor turned to the vampire confused. Then he saw the problem. "Run!" Tenor whispered and turned and ran. It didn't take long for them to get back to the safe hole. Caydil ran into the room that Serena and Tenor just entered. "What the hell are you doing!" Caydil yelled in his loud voice. "It was a trap! They knew something was up!" Serena yelled back without a thought. "Their not as stupid as we thought." Tenor said as he sat on the floor. "So your trying to say that the plan won't work? Thats not an option! Get back out there and get on that boat!" Caydil yelled at the vampire and werewolf. "No! You go get on the boat!I don't care who you are but you don't run me! I'm not going on a suicide mission!" Serena yelled back surprised by her own boldness. Caydil looked at Serena like she was crazy. Tenor looked at Serena like she had just signed her own death wish. |
| Caydil frowned deeply, cursing under his breath in various dead languages and a few less-than-dead ones as well, "We have no chioce then, find where they are hiding and take what they have. We'll take them an ambush that they'll never forget." He snarled, "Tenor, take your men, go to the cliffs around our island, take out as many as you find, kill them, maim them, I don't care, just get rid of them! Serena, you will take your troop and go to the opposing side of the rocks, whilst myself and Delila go where they want us." Serena snort, "If you die..." "If you do your job right, I won't." Caydil snapped in return, "Delilah, gather a few vampires and a score of werewolves and hybrids, we'll go betwixt the two cliff faces and make for the boats, and you two, for heavens sake do it quick, the sun will be here in a few hours time." |
| Tenor didn't protest. He wouldn't unless there was something to protest about. Serena was turning a darker shade of pale, furious with taking orders from the demanding hybrid. "Very well," Tenor said. Delila and Caydil went to the back of the underground headquarters and began to rally the troops that were more than willing to head into battle. Serena shot Tenor a look. "You're just going to listen to him? He's not our leader. We don't have a leader," Serena snorted. "We can't have total anarchy. I'm not sure about you but as soon as I hit the mainland, the rebellion could go to hell for all I care," Tenor said. "What about the king?" Serena asked him. "I never had a king and I never will. He's just a man who occasionally gets in my way," Tenor said cooly. "But I will not assist in making a new king either." "Delila says democracies don't have a king," Serena pointed out. "We are a rebellion. An anarchy. And there is still a struggle for power. There will always be a king," Tenor said. With that he walked away and began to pull together his force of werewolves. |
| Name- Trixie Gender- Female Age- 1930 Breed- Gargoyle Personality- She has been watching the union for a long time and believes that the king has started to get a little bit out of hand. She would be friendly and understanding to anyone that would talk to her but be honest..would you talk to a statue? At night she does get to fly around, but can't go very far from the castle. History- She was built by a caring man who believed in the ideals of the crown so even though she doesn't believe in it herself now she has no choice but to work for it. It's in her nature. Union or Rebellion- Union but she really wants to be in the Rebellion |
| Tenor rounded up his team of werewolves. Men and women were growling and teeth baring. Tenor paced in front of them. "They'll be silver out there," Tenor warned. "I don't care if I have to die to get off this island," said a woman. "Good," Tenor said. He raised a fist as he began to change his form. He took off his coat revealing his bare chest. The other werewolves began to change as well. "Then let's go!" The army tilted their heads to the moon and howled before they took off into the night. |
| Trixie flew with the rest of the army as was her position but she was wondering what she could possibly do as she didn't want to fight..the humans were right..but if she said that she'd get into trouble and as you may know, crack two stones against her and she would be sure to break..four and she wouldn't have a hope and the army was MUCH more than three or four in number. They would probably throw her of a cliff and she'd be smashed into a million pieces. No..she had to do her duty..even though she hated it. |
| Delila watched as Caydil paced uneasily by the rocks. She sighed. "Take it easy," she said to the hybrid. "Don't tell me what to do," Caydil snapped. Delila shook her head. "You're such a hypocrite," she said. "What?" "You're trying to take over this rebellion like it's yours," Delila pointed out. Her ghostly aura was even more apparent in the moonlight. The Union soldiers waited beside their boats armed and ready. There were exorcisms ready to be performed, stakes, silver loaded guns and water cannons of holy water. She watched them carefully. The attack wasn't starting yet. It wouldn't for a while. "It sure as hell isn't your army, human," Caydil pointed out. Delila whipped around to face him. "It's former human. Not human," Delila said. "You don't have a right to be intimidating our own no matter what the case. It'll be too easy to tear us apart that way." "If they screw up, they'll tear us up anyway," the hybrid said standing up to her showing his height over her. Delila cocked an eyebrow. She floated up so that they were equal eye level. "Know your place, soldier," Delila said. |
| Serena sat on the side of cliff trying not to looked so pissed off. She could feel her body yelling at her to get inside before the sun rises but she couldn't. If this meant she was able to get off the bloody island then she would. And the first thing she would do is taste freash blood. No, not from a human, for she doens't want to be sent back here, but from the blood bank. Her mouth began to water as she thought of it. "No drooling on the job." Another vampire said as he watched Serena dream. "I think I have the right to. Been on this bloody island to long." "Then why didn't you go through with the original plan?" "And why do you have to have your head up your ass?" The other vampire hissed at Serena but she didn't mind. She was to restless to mind. |
| "I know my place." Caydil snarled softly, "Even so, there are places for leaders, no society can survive without one, or many, you democracy, even, it had leaders, or groups of leaders, did it not? I did not choose my place here, nor did you choose yours, but this is all the same, we are placed, you, me, Serena, even Tenor, as chosen leaders of the different clans, we are leaders, they look up to us and rely on us to do right by them, we made the plans, we made them move, we inspired them to rebel, and they are not going to let it go once we arrive on the mainlands, we will be looked at to make more plans and make them do more to overthrow the king and afterwards... we will be looked upon to show them the way in peace." He said, sighing, "It will be long and difficult, I have no doubt, but it will come and we will no longer have the monarchy, but a democracy, and the King shall be no more." "That's a nice dream." Delilah said, cocking her ear to the sound of wolves howls, "That our signal?" Caydil shook his head, "Wait." There was a roar from the other side and a small group of Union vampires were thrown off the cliffs. Caydil grinned maliciously, "That's our signal." He shifted immediately and roared, the pack behind him did the same, screaming their defiance for the others to hear. Their howls were matched by Tenor's group and screams were heard from Serena's as the fighting began. |
| Tenor watched as the familiar savagery of his breed's history commence. Teeth and fur were flying. Blood droplets splattered from each angle. "Don't let them leave this island alive! Vampires, watch our flanks. Marcus, you're in charge! I want our surviving troops underground before sunrise!" Tenor shouted. Serena had clawlike nails outstretched, ripping off the flesh of a Union vampire. Tenor's long fur covered arm pulled her off. "Let's go. We have a job to do," he said. "I almost had him!" Serena said with a slight lisp due to her extended fangs. Another vampire leapt onto the victim and stabbed him with his own arm through the vampire's chest and heart. "Damn! I wanted to do that." "You'll have your chance, Vampire. Now let's get on the boat and make it to the mainland before they find out their soldiers are missing," Tenor said in werewolf form heading toward the water. |
| Trixie flew down against the portrayers of the union with the rest of her pack running heself into a moving object on the ground. "GO the union!" she heard her army echo. "Go the union," she said cheerfully trying to join in when really what she was thinking of was "why am I here and can I go home now?" She felt the person take out a sword. So she turned around and flew straight into the sword. It had knocked her senseless for a few seconds but she was still in tact. She didn't want to be here that's all she thought and she went to fly to the forest for a few minutes. Maybe the general would think her dead and would leave her alone. |
| Delila stood on top of a boulder above everyone. "No one should escape. Kill or capture them!" Delila ordered. Caydil was only too happy to oblige. He returned to her side. "How we doin?" she asked him. Caydil wiped off his bloody hands and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "They're all gone. Tenor and Serena made it to the boat," Caydil said. "So what now?" Delila said. Caydil shrugged. His clothes were outstretched from his transformation. "I suppose we could interogate the live one," Caydil said. Delila sighed. "We only left one alive?" Delila said. "Figures." "You're forgetting this island is for outlaws. Most of us have killed before and are quite comfortable with it," Caydil reminded. "Yeah. Fine them. Who do we have to show for this ambush?" Delila said. "Just a gargoyle servant," Caydil said. "A mortal. Shouldn't be too hard," Delila thought out loud. "And if you can scare the crap out of immortals, this one shouldn't be too much of a problem." Caydil grinned with extended fangs. "It would be my pleasure," he said. |
| Serena looked around the small vessal and sighed. "I think we need a bigger boat." Tenor said as he brought the boat to full speed with the sails flapping. The sun was rising and Serena could feel herself getting warmer with every passing minute. "Tenor we have a problem." Tenor looked over at the vampire and then behind him. "Shit." He sqeaked out as he rushed to look for a blanket. But what he ound was even better. Hidden behind several crates that were being brought along was a door to the galley. "Serena get over here!" Serena ran over to the werewolf and saw the door. A sigh of relief escaped the vampire as she pryed the door open and ran in just as the sunlight began to cover the boat. |
| Caydil's gold eyes flashed as he entered the chamber where a gargoyle sat in the only chair, shivering and terrified. "You are a Union soldier." He growled, tossing his black hair over his shoulder. "Y-y-yes..." She stuttered, "Who... who a-a-are you?" He gave her a feral grin and she cowered away, "I am Caydil." He hissed. She gasped, what colour her stony face had, fled, "You... you... you studied the b-b-black ar-rts." He stalked towards her, "Yes, and I know how to use them, too." "Wh-wh-what-t-t d-do you want to know?" "How large are the Union forces?" Caydil demanded, his clawed fingers lashing out at her and just grazing the tip of one of her horns. She winced, "A hundred score and more, they're huge, I was only in one small battillion and I abandoned them, I don't want to be a part of them, I never did!" She pleaded. Caydil thought about that, "What is your name?" He asked, suddenly gentle-voiced. "T... Trixie." She looked away. Caydil stood, he had heard that name somewhere... he growled, shrugging it off and turning back to the gargoyle, only to find she had turned while his back was to her, the sun had risen. He swore vociferously, slamming a fist into the concrete wall and quickly changing back to his human-like appearance while he smoothed the now-silky strands of black hair from his face and stepped out of the interrogation room. "Cay?" Delilah's voice interrupted him from walking back to his quarters. "Yes?" "The Black Arts? What did she mean?" Caydil sighed, "You don't know how I came to be here, do you?" He gestured for her to follow and she did. <><><><><><><><><> His quarters were small, just like everyone else's, and he sat on the tiny bed that was barely enough to hold a person of his stature. "Well?" Delilah floated for a moment before seating herself in his only chair. "I was ancient, even back then, before this island, before this king had established himself to something worthy of note, he was just another hybrid, younger than myself, but with more supposed ambition. He was honest and sometimes trustworthy, our maker said that he was one of his finest creations... before he was found with a stake in his chest one night. After that, Graeybar changed. He became manipulative and crude, studying magicks and the Black Arts." "What's the difference? I thought all magicks were the same." Caydil shook his head, "Black Arts was something I had gotten into a long time before he did, while he was still dallying in the White Lights. Black Arts deal with blood magicks, keeping something going for as long as you live and as soon as you die the enchantments sputter and die. They deal with calling up things a thousand times worse than us and using it to destroy anything and everything. I studied it and then, when he had reached his Major in the Light field, he delved into the Black, absorbing anything and everything, like many do, he fell to the Magicks seduction and in turn became something that scared me." "So you knew the King on a personal level." Delilah said, slightly awed. "Yes, we were blood-brothers, how could I not? He killed our maker and I felt it far before any of the others did, our maker was the first hybrid and I his first creation so I was the first on the scene and to this day it haunts me, others came and saw me, sobbing at the feet of the man who made me. Graeybar knew he would be discovered if I got wind of what he had done, so he declared himself king and he was so much of a leader anyways, none questioned him. He set up this island and sent a few people here, and that's when I scented him for the first time, scented him while he was using the magicks and that smell made me remember, and I knew. He found out I knew and he stranded me here and I helped set up the underground caverns and then bided my time, waiting for the chance to make sure he fell and stayed down." Caydil's eyes focussed on Delilah again and he growled, "I will make him pay." |
| Tenor and Serena were ducking inside the galley hiding from the sun's glow. It was hot and musty. The air was thick. "Bloody rays," Serena commented. "We're not drifting. We only had enough time to lift anchor." "I know," Tenor agreed. He took a breath full of dust and hot air. He reached for his throat and scratched it uncomfortably. "I need air." He opened the door just a crack. Serena leapt with remarkable speed into a dark corner and huddled. "Don't do that! You almost burned me!" she cried. "Stop your whining. I didn't burn you," Tenor said coolly. "Well, you could have. Sunlight will kill me unlike you're kind," Serena said with a mean spirited tone. "Don't tempt me," he said. "Wretched dog," she retaliated. "Blood-sucking wench," Tenor responded. Serena held up her hands and took a deep breath. "Alright, alright. Stop it. We're just a little anxious. We've been cooped up for a while in this cramped place floating in gods know where," Serena said. "We need to get to the helm of this ship. For all we know, we're not alone aboard this ship. They could be steering us to a new prison." Tenor relaxed against the wall shifting uncomfortably. "Yes. Okay, I'll go out in the sun. It's so bright out there I'll be almost blind, but I'll try to find my way," Tenor said. "Good idea," the vampiress agreed. |
| Trixie meerly stayed where she was. She took this time to think. She didn't like the union, but didn't she have to be loyal to them? Wasn't that what she was built for? She watched the others walking around her, paying little to no attention to her. This had been the way of life since she was first created. Never paid attention to. |
| Name- Sir Edward Vincent/'The Swift Death' Gender- Male Age- 25 Breed- Human Gargoyle Hybrid History- Legends are rift across this decaying land, but there is one which strikes more fear into a convict or rebel heart than any other. For whenever vast piles of corpses are found, their bodies riddled with claw marks and worse, they whisper the same name: "The Swift Death." Five years ago, an aging man secretly came to the King with an idea of an army. A strong, powerful elite army of the day and night, one which could be both extremely strong and highly intelligent. King Graeybar had been intrigued and asked for a test subject. If it worked, he would be given immense wealth and become commander of this force. A Human Knight named Edward then stepped forward... It is unclear what the experiment actually involved, but it was successful - Edward awoke in the middle of the night to find his body changing in something very, very different... When he looked into his mirror, an inhuman scream could be heard in any part of the castle. Edward was told the test had worked, and that every evening, like that of a werewolf at the full moon, he would transform into this powerful creature, a large, fifteen foot winged being with huge teeth, razor sharp nine-inch claws and strong stone muscles across the body. The advantage for Edward came at sunrise, when he would not turn to stone as a regular Gargoyle, but rather change back into his human form. Nevertheless, Edward took some time to get used to the change. Tragically, the King's dreams of an army were cut short when a small rebel sect entered the castle on an attempt to murder the king, though it failed. Edward was away at the time hunting another group of trouble makers, but returned to find they had killed the old man in their wake, his blood sucked out of him by a bloodthirsty Vampire. He was the only person who knew all the requirements for the transformation – and perhaps the way back. To this day, Edward sweared he would find the Vampire who killed his 'creator' and kill him. But to the King, Edward was used as something of a wasted opportunity. All the same, he was granted power over a sizeable force of the King air forces. Personality- Edward has had a rough life but has taken it well enough. He was once arrogant and ambitious, such was the reason he choose the King's offer, but has since thrown these pitiful emotions aside in the light of his new life. He serves the King loyally enough, though he often has doubts about his highness' methods of dealing with trouble, even despite his brutality as a monster at night. Edward's alter-ego is only known to the King and his most significant General, Sir Anthony Verobs, a shifty Vampire Commander who distrust everything and everyone save the King, of whom he is fanically loyal. Naturally, Edward doesn't like him, not only because he's a Vampire (he has a strong disliking of them ever since the aged man's death) but because Anthony views his soldiers as cannon-fodder in battle and rebels as pests who need to be crushed in one swift strike. Everyone else sees Sir Edward as a gallant hero of the Union, and the 'Swift Death' as a legend of myth. Edward is kind and enjoys company, displaying a loyalty and friendship to any soldier who falls under his command. As a monster at night he retains all his intelligence of a human tactician and warrior. He is particularly taken with other Gargoyles, feeling pity that anyone should fear the King's most weathered army - save rebels. However, he is also weary of battle and his changes. Though he enjoys the strength of a Gargoyle he secretly wishes he could be normal at Night and transform at will, rather than be cooped up in a few hours of darkness. Edward's transformation occurs at Twilight. In the day, he wears battle armour and robes, his yellow hair showing a fine vigour and a handsome soldier, save the odd battle-scar. He is a little shy about women however, not least because he knows what would happen if they came round at night... :o At night he tends to wear nothing, which can be a little annoying if he changes back naked. He has however had some special armour created for himself for ‘special occasions’. Union or Rebellion- Union, despite some sympathizes to the Rebel Cause. They DID kill his 'creator', you know. ############################################ Some miles away from the Rebel Outpost, and near the galley where Serena and Tenor hid stood a array of specially designed anti-light tents on the main bay. There was a sound of galloping hooves as a collection of humans, the only creatures likely to be about at any point of the day save perhaps a brave Werewolf or Ghost rode into the encampment, quiet due to its large collection of 'Anti-Lighters'. The leader dusted himself off and passed his silver helmet to a nearby page, his timidness about the camp and stoat legs betraying his fear of its inhabitants. "I must speak to the General." the dashing figure behind the helemt stated in a tired voice. He'd been at sea for some time and frankly hadn't enjoyed the experience. Nodding, the Page carefully slid the most expansive tent's door open, which emitted a musky smell into the Knight's nostrils. He sighed. At least the General was in. He stepped into the musky gloom as the door was slammed shut behind him. He let a cough out to announce his presence. "Ah." a voice hissed from a figure overlooking a chart of the island. "Sir Vincent." Edward bowed slightly, though he took no pleasure from it. "Come and examine this chart with me." Edward moved to the hutched form of General Anthony Verobs, who reached for a glass of blood wine and gulped it down as the human Knight reached his side. "A map of the outpost, General?" Vincent indicated. "Yes. I was discussing with my Lts the possibility of a swift assult to the east of our postion, here." He pointed as he took a bigger sip of his wine. The smell of blood on Anthony's lips penetrated Vincent nose to the extent that he was glad his blood was different from everyone else's. "There will be a requirement for a diversion via an flight measure on the centre of the camp. If they attack there they will be almost powerless to prevent their camp being torn apart by our soldiers." A smile of evil thought could be seen on the Vampire's lips as he finished the wine in his goblet. "With respect General, both operations could result in a large percentage of casualties for Union Forces. The Rebel disadents have access to-" "I have already set these plans in motion." The General hissed with a sharp look at the Knight, though his ghosty voice betrayed no bitterness at his rival. "Furthermore I require your 'skills' in the operation, considering a large section of our air forces killed last night. A pity you weren't there to assist." A surge of unmeasured anger flew through the knight. The bastard had sent some of his fellow soldiers to die in vain! But he refused to give the Vampire he detested any sight of pleasure. "I understand, Sir. Any survivors?" "None that we know of." the General waved him away. "Go to sleep, Sir Vincent. I expect you'll know when the operation is due to begin." Scowling under cover of darkness, Edward pushed past the terrified human page and into his own personal tent, now set up before him. Inside he grabbed a cup of normal wine and drank it in one gulp, before seating himself carefully on a reinforced bed made for him. Twlight was some hours away. He needed his rest for the coming battle. Or suicide, depending on how you looked at it. That pathetic brat of a General knew nothing of tactics, for all his history as a soldier! Undressing and slipping into the comfy sheets of his bed, Sir Edward Vincent settled into slumber, waiting for the beast within to emerge. |
| Delilah sat on top of a cargo box. The sun was going down and the uncomfortable rays were dimming to pleasurable moonlight. She sighed as werewolves, vampires, hyrbids, and ghosts began to emerge. The gargoyles caught in the sunlight were softening back to their state as a living human being rather than a statue. She stared at the purple and orange skies thinking of the simple pleasures she should have enjoyed while she was alive. War and death was her life and it would be her after life. "Any sign of them?" Delilah asked a werewolf who was sniffing the air. "No. We know reinforcements should be on their way," the female werewolf reported. "They better be," Delilah said. She turned to a ghost on her left. "And Tenor and Serena?" she asked. "We have no word. For all we know they could be lost, captured, or dead," he said. Delilah floated in her ghostly way to the ground where in her life she would have simply jumped. "Where's Caydil?" "Still with that gargoyle," the ghost answered. "Better make sure that Unioner is still have alive," Delilah said. __________________________________________________ Caydil sat across from Trixie staring her down. There were no more questions to ask and no need for torture. He was mostly wondering what to do with the gargoyle. She stared back at him unsure of what would happen to her and what was to become of the future. Delilah passed through the walls and gently floated to the floor. Caydil sat backwards on the chair leaning over the backing with his legs on either side. "Caydil," she said. The hybrid turned around quickly, slightly startled. "Bloody transperant ghost," he swore under his breath. He was clearly frustrated. "What is it?" "How's our talkative little friend?" she asked looking at Trixie. "She's answered all our questions as well as she could," Caydil said. "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Trixie asked in a small voice. "Why have you answered everything so honestly? It's enough to question our faith in your answers," Delilah said. "I-I'm not sure..." "She can't be trusted. Kill her," Delilah said to Caydil. "Wait a second! I've given you all the information you wanted to know! Everything I say is true!" Trixie said defensively and slightly pulling on her bonds. Delilah looked at Caydil for his opinion. "And what exactly would you be useful for?" Caydil asked. Trixie thought for a moment and looked at them. "I know things...Strategies... I can help in any way you want me to," Trixie said. "So you would be useful in predicting attacks?" Delilah said skeptically. Trixie nodded quickly. "Very good answer, gargoyle. You're lucky I don't like to shed blood, but you must earn your right to survive. Tell us information of use. You don't pull your weight, than it's too dangerous to let you go. You will die. And if you screw us over, you will die from the torture you'll recieve. Isn't that right, Caydil?" Caydil bared his teeth and growled in response. Delilah smiled mockingly. "Are we clear?" Trixie nodded again. "Good. You'll remain in this cell until we need you. Caydil, I think we may have work to do outside soon." "Good. I have to get out of this bloody room," he grumbled. Trixie watched the two of them leave and was left alone with her thoughts. |
| Serena sat in the small galley and tried not to think of all the sun light out side. One small hole in the boat could either sink them or burn her to death. Damn Caydil, she thought as she tried not to think of all the things that could go with the plan. |
| Caydil pulled himself up the ladder, the darkness sweeping across his bare skin, making him twitch with the cold. He sniffed, his eyes taking the horizon line blankly, sweeping for movement in vain there was nothing left to see, the cliffs and the plains were empty, barren of life. "Delilah." He grunted, pulling himself out. "Hmm?" She asked hovering next to him. "The reinforcements will be here soon, we need to dispose of what bodies we can." His ears perked up and turned towards the water nervously. "Indeed." Delilah said, "Why though, they Union will already know that we killed them, it will do no good to hide it, if anything," She gave a grim smile, "We should display the kills, make them fear us for what we do to them afterwards." Caydil snorted, "That would be most amusing, I think I like your ideas." |
| Out on the plateau where the pitched tent's stood, the form of Sir Anthony emerged from his own, his fangs gleaming as he carried the plans of his strategy in his left hand. Still nervous the human page stepped in line just behind him, flanked by two Werewolf guards, their maims covered with dry blood, the handiwork of the night before after killing several rebels. Then his eyes turned to Sir Edward's tent. Some minutes before they'd been the sounds of scattering papers and someone... no, something staggering about as if in some difficulty. Now there was silence, savefor a light breath in the air. The General smiled slightly. Then the curtain parted, and all the Unionist Soldier swallowed spit in abject fear as the form of the 'Swift Death', thankfully their Conrade-In-Arms and naked save for a bag of lions around his groin. marched forwards purposely towards his commanding officer and breathen. "Sir Edward, I take it you are ready for an arial assault?" the Vampire enjoyed the disconfort on his counterpart's transformed face as he detected the brutal rage within the now beastial form of the Knight. "Yes Sir. Troops, to me." With a wave of his massive claws, Edward spun into action the forms of a hundred-strong Gargoyles and Vampires, their wings beating as if one. Edward stepped forward once more, bowed to the General (naturally not that he wanted to), and began to glide his now fifteen feet bulk off the ground. It couldn't be seen well in the dimming light, but a smile was on Edward's face. He always enjoyed the next bit. With a noise as loud as he could muster, Edward let out the shriek which he knew every Rebel warrior should fear: the terrifying scream of the 'Swift Death', like a eagle mixed with a lion, warped beyond anything remotely human. It echoed across the Island, penetrating every corner of its surrounding waters and sky. When he'd finished, Edward's wings began to flap harder, prompting his own kind and their Vampiric counterparts to do the same. "Union Strong. Union's Might. Ever forward, to serve our King...." "WE MUST FIGHT!" The soldiers completed the age-old chant of the King's personal guard. Then Edward suddenly flew up high into the air, and his warriors followed him. He beared his now razor sharp teeth and prepared to rain down terror on the Rebel Camp. It was dangerous, of course, and many Unionists could lose their lives to this 'Do-Or-Die' charge of glory devised by his 'excelled commander'. But to be honest, he couldn't really see an alternative strategy at the moment, he wasn't going to argue with his General all night.... ... and if truth be said, he wanted payback for his fallen conrades. The camp came into sight and Edward snorted through enlarged nostrils. The enemy hadn't bothered to remove the fallen... or were using them as bait. Either way, he didn't care. No being, humanoid or beastial, had EVER brought the 'Swift Death' down. It sounded cocky, but at the end of the day, it was the truth. Behind him, his warriors gripped brazen swords and ready bows. This attack could be swift or enduring. Either would suit his Generals a distraction for the true foe - the large force of flightless Unionists marching from the West, battle hardened and ready for blood. Sir Edward grinned, again baring his unhuman like sicors as he swooped down at the head of his army. Even on his own, he was a heck of a distraction. |
| Delilah stood across from Trixie who was still in her bonds looking at the floor. "Who?" Delilah asked again. "The Swift Death," the gargoyle repeated. Delilah's brow furrowed. "I'm sorry. I haven't been dead for very long and some things in this world still confuse me," Delilah said calmly. "Who is the Swift Death?" "A monster," she said. "He may just kill you all. Or excorsize you. However you need to be eliminated, he'll do it. The man's a tool of the Union." Delilah cursed. Still she was confused about this 'Swift Death', but it didn't sound good. "And how do we take him down? He is mortal still, yes?" "Yes," Trixie said hesitantly. "I think so. There's never been another like him. But no one has killed him yet. It won't be easy." Delilah sighed. "Thank you," she said politely. Delilah jogged out of the cell and climbed the ladder that took her above ground. "Caydil!" she shouted. From afar the hybrid turned around. The armies were alligned looking to the skies with water cannons of holy water and arrows load with impaling silver stakes. Delilah took off the ground deciding to float instead. She landed in front of him. "Caydil! We have company. The army is not coming without an ace up their sleeve." Caydil looked confused. "What?" "The Swift Death. The gargoyle said something about the Swift Death." |
| Night came slowly. Serena tried not to jump overboard in frustration. "Calm down Serena. It's not that bad." Tenor was lying on the deck watching the night sky. The wind had shifted and both passengers knew that something was occuring. "What do you assume is causing the disturbance?" Serena asked as she looked through some of the craits to see if there was any food onboard. Blood to be specific. "There isn't any." Tenor said as if he could read the vampires mind. "Then how the how did Caydil expect me to survive this voyage and bring back people to help with the damn revolution!" Serena let out a scream and ran towards the side of the boat. Tenor grabbed the vampires waist and laughed as he held her down. "Don't be stupid. I'm sure that you'll be fine." "Oh ya. Wait till you see me with out any blood. You just might be my next meal." Serena didn't like the idea of eating her friend. No, she wouldn't want to do that. She would let herself do that. |
| Caydil swore under his breath, "We're in more trouble than we thought." He growled, glancing at Delilah. "How so?" She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Swift Death, he's not... he's reasonable, but you don't want to face him in a fight on any given day, yes he is mortal, but... not by much, it'll take something awful to take him down." Delilah frowned, glancing at the surface, "Something like the Black Arts?" She asked hesitantly. Caydil turned to her, his wolf-like ears turning to her, "Perhaps, he was created with them... his maker... used a combination of Black Arts and genetics to... well... create him so in a sense he has his creator's blood running through his veins, I believe that was how it was done anyhow, can't be totally sure." "Hmm... Well, we'll take it as it comes?" She asked, her eyes belaying her own worry at the situation, "Perhaps if we speak with him... one person to another... I dunno, just throwing out ideas." "Tenor and Serena, how do you suppose they fair?" Caydil asked suddenly. "I... I don't know." Delilah said, her shoulders drooping, "I hope they find themselves well." "If something happens, find them, you go and find them, if something happens." Caydil said, turning to face her fully, "Please." She nodded hesitantly, not liking the way the conversation was going, "We'll wait and see Caydil, we'll wait and see." |
| "You're overreacting," Tenor said. He walked over to the motor and pulled the string. "It won't be that far. If we keep heading east, we'll hit land soon." He shook his head. "Insane vampire," he added in a mutter. He looked over to where she was standing and saw her standing with an intense glare. "Don't you dare bite me or I'll bite you right back," he warned. Serena huffed and walked away to rumage through some more supplies. |
| "Hold the line!" Delilah shouted as the stakes flared through the crowd of people. As she saw one coming at her she became transparent and let it pass through her. She took to the air with a stake in her hand and sword in another. The winged gargoyles screeched as they were stabbed or pierced with an arrow. The war raged on in the air. The attack had come seemingly from nowhere. Caydil was lost in the battle, fighting somewhere in his Hybrid form. The werewolves roared from both sides, the Union and Rebellion, and the vampires hissed. Delilah fought on like the natural born soldier she was. Raising her stake and cheering the army on. "For freedom!" she shouted. Few soldiers answered her war cry in the heat of the battle, but everyone fought just a little harder. |
| "Damn it!" Serena hissed as she felt her stomach cramp from hunger. "Get over it vampire. It can't be that bad it hasn't even been a full day." Tenor sat with his back against the wall of the galley. "Ya well here's a little secret. I havn't eatten in over three days. We ran out of blood at the camp and I was to busy getting yelled at by Caydil to notice the pain. Now it's all I can notice." Serena Jumper on top of the galley and waited as the boat sailed, hopefully, toward land. |
| Caydil breathed deeply, the scent of death permeated the air, rank and sour, bitter with sour blood. He could smell the quick death of a comrade and a violent one of an enemy, but he took no heed of them, he was already focussed on one and he followed it, the scent of granite stained with human blood, The Swift Death. A roar off to one side of briefly caught his attention and he didn't even look sideways at the attacker as he plunged his claws into the werewolf's chest and tore out it's still-beating heart, adding yet another life upon his talons. He moved forward once again, yawning slightly as he skirted a fight between a vampire and a ghost he did not know, making sure that the scent of the other Master on the field did not waver. He came upon the creature standing atop a cliff, watching others fight, many knew not to engage him in battle, and so they did not. He did not join in, obviously content to pick out the most powerful and cut them down. An ear twitched towards Caydil and he rose with the heavy sound of granite blocks moving against one another, turning to face Caydil's human form. "What has brought to my landing, Caydil of the Black Arts?" "Is that what they call me now?" Caydil said absently, shrugging to himself, "I am here to speak of our plight, and the story behind your so-called king." "And if I do not want to hear the story and decide to kill you where you stand?" Death said, the stone beast's eyes watching Caydil carefully. "Then you will have cut down one who has no intention of defending himself just yet." Caydil replied, "As you can see, I have sheathed my claws and put away my fangs, all for the sake of making sure you know what you fight under." "Don't you mean who?" "No, I meant what I said." Caydil stared back at him and watched as the giant gargoyle sat, watching Caydil with a pensive look on his face. "Very well, hybrid, tell your story, I will decide whether or not to trust you in the end." |
| "Land!" Tenor shouted from on top of one of the smoke stacks on the boat. Serena was beside him in a flash. Sure enough there was a dark blotch floating on the horizon. She sighed. "Thank the gods!" she said. Her stomach rumbled with excitement. "I'm going to get the juiciest blood ever. I want to puncture the blood bag with my teeth and swim in it." Tenor ignored her and directed the boat straight toward the land. "Will you be able to hold off for that long?" Tenor asked. "I hope so," Serena said walking across the deck. "Morning will come soon. What do you think Caydil and Delilah are up to?" "I don't know," Tenor answered. "Hopefully nothing. If they've been causing trouble our faces will be planted on wanted papers all across the country." |
| Edward listened, rather tiredly, of the so-called 'plight' these rebels faced under the jury of their unfair King. "You know, perhaps if you hadn't been so ungrateful to your-" he started to defend his highness, but an angry look seized the Hybrid Rebel's face. "UNGRATEFUL? THE BASTARD KILLED MY CREATOR!" The hairs on his back pointing upwards would terrify any lesser being than Edward, but he sighed and remained composed. "Ok, so perhaps I have some misgivings. Perhaps you Rebels even have a valid purpose. But the fact of the matter is... who would become King if my Lord was executed, hm? You?" Edward chuckled, a strange, inhuman one which he could never get used to. "Humph! Certainly not! No fellow is going to grant you powers like that. If any becomes King it shall be Sir Anthony, the vile bloodsucking vermin. And the King does not interfere with the Black Arts in the way you're meant to. Now, this conversation is at an end, and since I find it so rude that you would try to appease me while your rebel soldiers murder my own brothers, I would so hate to not return the compliment..." With a sudden swiftness of movement Edward lived up to his namesnake as an almighty claw of thick stone suddenly swung at Caydil's skull, hitting him hard to the floor. Edward bent over the crumpled and unconcious form of the Hybrid. "I am going to ignore my legacy for once, Sir Caydil, and leave you alive. But that might not be the most kind option for you, I'm afraid. Now if you excuse me, I need to get my hands dirty..." Ordering his underling, a big brutish Werewolf by the name of Major Berwelfo, to keep an eye on the condition of the Rebel Leader Caydil for a few minutes, the 'Swift Death' leapt up into the air, his body primed for combat and the protection of those under his command. Flying down into the fray he ploughed away five vampires who had cornered a frightened party of Union Gargoyles. He spotted a large catapult-like device, striking fellow Union Squad Groups from the sky and causing disruptions to their positions. Enraged at such cowardice on the Rebel's part, for an unwillingness to battle like true men should, Edward with an inhuman cry burst into its wood, slicing it into managable pieces as the Union men cheered at the presence of their 'hero'. Just then he spotted another target, that of Rebel Leader Delilah. A ghost, he thought. A worthy opponent, one who is already dead yet stills enjoys the taste of combat. If it wasn't for her alligence against his highness he would respect her as a fellow commander and Queen, much more so than the brattish Hybrid still dazed on the hillside. "SWIFT!" A union soldier tossed him a small vial. Edward sighed, for he knew its contents and what he'd have to do to the Rebel's Commander. But as a knight, he would at least give her the cutascy of a fair warning... She hadn't seen him, so think in battle was she, a host of ghosty loyalists surrounding her. A true warrior and enemy. Edward flew up high into the sky. For amoment he saw the clear night sky above the dim clouds. Then he flew down, the vial unfastening in his clawed hand. He spoke the holy words... "Oh father, deliver us from this ungodly creature, forever and ever... NOW BEGONE!" The bottle was flung towards her, and Edward let out a cry mixed of victory and pity. He saw the exocising fluid, mixed with a page of the Bible spin towards its target... Luck was with the ghosty warrior today, if she called it that. For as it spun in her direction Edward saw two of her ghost friends spy the vial and in a state of protection for their leader leap in the way. Even from this high Edward saw the dazzing blue light of a passing, not to mention the shrill scream. Edward felt disapointed and contented at the same time - such was not the passing of a warrioress.She would die another day, most likely by another hand than his. Realising the state of his now gradually awakening foe Caydil, via his long vision and smell of a hunter emerging from his daze, Edward swooped down to his former position and in a flash grabbed the hybrid with his long stone feet. Quickly he adressed Berwelfo. "This Caydil will be wanted by both Sir Anthony and the King, so I must deliver him as hostage and bargining chip if we are to avoid more bloodshed from Rebels. The additional forces of the west should arrive in seconds - I shall not be missed. I will return later. Fight on." Once more Edward took to the skies, his claws clutching the now awakened form of Caydil. "I am deeply sorry you must be treated so, Sir Caydil. I respect you, not as much as your ghost counterpart, but you warrant a degree of it nevertheless. Sir Anthony will be more than willing to question you and the rebel's motives for our highness, not to mention any plans you might have of his execution. Don't disappoint him - I'm afraid the fool has no idea what honour means as I do." With a swoop of his great stone wings, weightened by the bunk of a hybrid but still powerful and dynamic, Sir Edward spied Delilah once more, now dazed from her near exocism. She spotted him and his prize, and he responded by a respectful salute. He then directed himself to the docks and their tents, where he knew Sir Anthony and a force of soldiers were waiting for a 'tactical update'. Well, he had something more subtanial... |
| "NO!" Delilah shouted. She was overwhelmed. The excorsism of her soldiers, whom she was responsible for, and now the capture of Caydil. She wasn't going to let this happen. Delilah picked up a long stake that a fallen body had dropped in the heat of the battle. "I'll show you a 'swift death' you bastard!" The ghost charged on foot like she was alive again. She bared her human teeth and screamed as she ran at the monster. A werewolf got in her way and blindsighted her knocking her to the ground. She became transparent and phased through him. "Caydil!" The mass of fighting bodies was blocking her view. Delilah took to the air and floated as high as the atmosphere would let her. Again she was attacked. "They're falling back!" someone shouted. Delilah realized they were. Caydil was nowhere to be found. Delilah gently let herself fall to the ground with the dead and rotting bodies. The shouts of her soldiers chasing after the Union soldiers were beginning to fade away. She breathed in and out. A gesture that was no longer necessary, but still calming. "It's a retreat," said a loyal vampire. "No," Delilah growled. "We're slowly losing this war. They got what they wanted. We don't need to lose more of what little forces we have. Call us back. All of us. We'll have a chance to continue this war soon enough." The vampire was slightly taken aback by the sharpness of her tone. Delilah shot the vampire a look. "DO IT!" The vampire was gone. Delilah tossed her blonde braid over her shoulder. She clenched her teeth in frustration. "I have a gargoyle to talk to." |
| Serena couldn't help be so happy to see land that she was busy doing a little dance that she had just made up. Tenor looked at the vampire and tried not to laugh at her. She looks like a dork, he thought so himself as he steered the boat. A roar in the distance caught the attention of the vampire and werewolf. Running into the galley the stow aways saw a bulky gargoyal fly over them, and his his mighty stone hands Caydil. "Oh my god," Serena whispered. Tenor couldn't beleive his eyes. The mighty Caydil had been captured. "We're so screwed." Tenor said as he watched the couple fly off into the distance. |
| Caydil's head hurt, and his mind was still slightly fuzzy from the blow Edward had dealt him, but he could still fight the great beast that held him in his grip. He roared fiercely, changing into his own monstrous form and swung his legs up, smashing them into the underside of the gargoyle's jaw. The Swift Death reeled from the blow, sending them both spiralling towards the water below them, Caydil stuggled to free himself from the cruel stone grip to no avail, the claws dug into his forearms, making them bleed and Caydil to grit his teeth in pain as they delved into muscle. Swift recovered as they were about to hit water, gliding above the glassy expanse, "Desist in your struggling, Sir Caydil." He said into the hybrid's ear, "Or I will clock you once more." Caydil growled at the beast, his teeth pulled back in a bloody snarl, as the cogs in his head began twisting. The gargoyles were all made of stone, so 99.9 % of all of them could not swim, in fact he had never heard of a gargoyle who had survived a dip in deep water... He went limp, becoming dead weight against the gargoyle, his paws dragging in the water, sending a spray into Swift's face. Swift growled, "Cease at once, Sir Caydil!" He spat, "Do not...!" Caydil swung his body up again, but The Swift dodged the blow, but the grip on Caydil's shoulders diminished and he swung up onto the gargoyle's back, pushing him the last few feet into the water. Swift dropped like a stone, sinking fast into the water, his wings only hindering his movement and dragging him under farther. Caydil fell, doggie-paddling to where the gargoyle dropped and diving down, clutching the Swift's collar in his teeth and swam to the surface with a gasp, "Come on you stupid human hybrid, even though you can't swim, kick with your legs." He spat out, paddling towards a small boat that he had spotted, "We're gonna be okay, just kick." He spat out a mouthful of water, "C'mon you lead weight." Caydil kicked towards the boat a little faster, "C'mon..." |
| Tenor spun the helm bringing the boat to a stop beside Caydil. Serena sighed with relief. She reached down where Caydil was dog paddling toward her. He struggled as if something were holding him down. Tenor ran from where he dropped achor to help. They pulled his by the scruff of the neck aboard the steam boat. "Swift..." Caydil managed to say. "What?" Tenor asked. Caydil lifted up the scrambling body. Serena pulled the gargoyle on board. He fell with a thump and droplets scattered. Serena finished helping Caydil on board while Tenor got a good look at Caydil's partner. His eyes widened as the gargoyle-like being began to shift back into his human form quite unwillingly. He moaned and turned onto his hands and knees. "Shit!" Tenor shouted. Serena got a good look at their new passenger as she let Caydil lean on her for support. Her mouth fell open. The now human turned to look at the both of them with a dazed look upon his face. |
| The last few minutes had been something of a blur for Edward. The punches, the water, the feeling of a gradual descent... he'd lost it for a moment. Then something had grabbed him. Something much smaller but impressively strong had grabbed his neck and pulled him up. The feelings of being dragged onto a vessel and some faces watching him.... "Ugh... Who..." he groggily got up and dimly tried to get his bearings. What was he doing again. Ah, Yes. Caydil. A hostage. Anthony telling him to transport the vermin direct to the king. Caydil resisted and they crashed into the... He was here now. "You..." The words surprised him for their lack of rasping. Why? Then he remembered Anthony's words... "You better be quick, Swift. The sun will be rising in a matter of minutes. Make all haste..." The slightest tings of sun light were visible in the sky as he realised that the effects of combat had made him transform back slightly earlier... "Shit!" He twirled to see a pale female racing for the stairs leading to below deck, while the other two, one of them Caydil watch the former Gargoyle stagger about.... Oh no. They had seen his true identity... But he wasn't a well known knight. Still, this was the first time he had been seen to change. A pity. Agh! His head was spinning... Edward moved to the side of the ship and in one shift motion, spewed out of his decidingly mortal mouth an unnatural amount of seawater. Groaning he held his stomach in pain. This was so undignified..... "The Sun's coming up, Tenor. Get him under the deck." With a movement the other man moved to intecept Edward. They were going to take him prisioner, get to the mainland, kill the King... No.... He couldn't allow... He crumpled to the floor, his energy to even begin to fight lost, yet alone stand or walk. "Emm.... Emily.... Emily..." he muttered as his eyes grew heavy. Then there was darkness. |
| Delilah burst into the interrogation room. Trixie was asleep finding momentary peace in the momentary silence. Delilah slammed the door behind her. "I'm real pissed, gargoyle. Oh I am so pissed. You better tell me where I can find Caydil or I am going to bring you out in the sun and break your little statue of a body with a hammer!" Delilah shrieked. Trixie opened her eyes and drowsily tried to focus to see that there was a hysterical ghost screeching over her. Trixie's eyes widened. "Wh-What? I didn't do anything!" Trixie said immediately. "What's going on?" The gargoyle shrank back as Delilah leaned forward. "One of my comrades was captured. I want to know WHERE THE FUCK HE IS!" Delilah said moving close to her face and freely letting the spit fly from her mouth onto the quivering gargoyle. "I don't know!" "Liar!" Delilah said. She finally stepped back and took a breath. She started to pace back and forth in front of the gargoyle. "Okay...This is my situation. Two commanders left a few days ago to comandeer a large enough ship to take some or all of us off the island to the mainland. They haven't come back. Now the only other commander than myself has been carried away. I have faith in him. He's a strong hybrid. But I don't know if he stands a chance against that 'Swift Death'." Trixie shook her head. "I don't know. Caydil and his Black Arts, the Swift Death. It's hard to say what would become of either of them if they came in contact. Sounds like a fierce battle," Trixie said quietly. Delilah sat down and sighed. Her leg was shaking anxiously. She looked at the door. "We're going to have to get them back. Tenor, Serena, and Caydil. They could all have been captured. We have soldiers, but none so good as to take any of their positions as commander," she thought out loud. Delilah swallowed nervously. She returned her gaze back to Trixie. "One more question." Trixie nodded quickly. "Yes, of course." Delilah was frustrated that the gargoyle was still being so cooperative. She really need something to take out this nervous energy out on. "Tell me, where can I find this Sir Anthony guy?" Delilah asked quietly. |
| "Tell me again why we are keeping him here. I don't want him near me." Serena spat as she watched Caydil tie up the gargoyal. "Because he can get us to the king. He is our barganing chip." Caydil made sure to slap Edward in the head in the process. "Can I eat him then?" Serena asked. She could hear her stomach growling at her to eat. Caydil just looked at Serena and shook his head no. "When was the last time you ate?" "I want to say four or five days." "You know better then to go that long with out blood. Thats why your on that damn island." "Yeah well if they supplied my kind with more blood I wouldn't have starved. Their just trying to slowly kill my kind." "I've heardo you." Edward stuttered as he looked up at his capters. "Your Serena, one of the oldest surviving vampires." "Yes. Your king decided that he would starve us." Caydil looked at Serena puzzeled. "You didn't know. Thats intresting. It must have been top secret." Serena said as she moved to the farthest wall of the boat and tried not the think of blood. |
| Caydil swore under his breath, this was not a good situation, this was a bad situation a very bad situation. On the one hand, they had the "Swift Death (Who came up with that, he didn't want to know)" they could use him, they could kill him, they could do a variety of things with him, but there would be trouble come nightfall, like there always was. However, Edo here owed him a life debt. Caydil sighed, he wasn't quite sure what to do. He didn't want him dead, and yet, there would only be trouble otherwise and his head was still a bit fuzzy from Edward's blow and then there was the news that Serena had 'let slip' or whatever, starve them? That was a bit cruel, even for his blood brother, but Kings were often driven mad by power, and obviously Graeybar was as well. "Now, Sir Edward, listen very closely to me, you are currently human, correct?" Edward nodded slowly as he watched Caydil shift into his own human appearence. "Serena needs to feed, if she doesn't there is a possiblilty of blood-madness and I'm really not in the mood to be dealing with that, do I have permission to bleed you?" Caydil sat in front of him and tucked a strand of hair out of his eye. Edward seemed taken aback, like he had not expected for them to ask, "Yes, I suppose, if only to preserve my own life." Caydil raised an eyebrow, "Kind of you." He said sarcastically, glancing to the horizon where the little splotch of land could be seen. "Tenor, get me a sharp object, anything, a knife, an axe, even a sharp rock will do." Tenor glanced nervously at the now-human sitting in the sun, naked for the most part, besides some ill-fitting armour and shreds of clothing, "All right." He said, moving below deck to where Serena was hiding, "We're going to get you something, don't worry." He smiled at Serena who raised an eyebrow back at him. Tenor decided on a knife and sharpened it best he could against the grain of the wood before bringing it back to Caydil who was making a vain attempt to sun himself on the deck. "Having fun?" He asked. Caydil looked up sourly, "No." He took the knife from the werewolf's hand and went over to Edward, "I'll need a container." "Ummm... here." Tenor grabbed a shallow tupperware container and handed it to the disgruntled hybrid. He took it and made a deep cut into Edward's collarbone suddenly, letting his blood flow freely and dribble into the container, "Towel." Caydil said sharply and Tenor disappeared, only to return with a box of tissues clutched in his hand. "It was all I could find." Tenor shrugged as Caydil raised an eyebrow at him. "Take this to her." Caydil handed the container to Tenor and he disappeared below deck again, leaving Caydil and Edward alone once more. |
| Tenor paced uneasily below deck. This was bad. This whole situation was very, very bad. They still had to comandeer a ship from the mainland. They couldn't leave all the rebel troops stranded there. Then again, he could go to the main land and he'd be free. Tenor paused and perked at the realization. He knew his personality was not above abandoning his comrades. A blood-crazed vampire and mutant human was nothing to look forward to being around. They were almost near land. They could only hope Delilah was holding up well on her own with all the other commanders gone. Tenor still had to ponder whether it was worth it to stick with this group or not. They were a lively bunch, but a dangerous one. |
| Edward grimaced at his wound, but underneath a sly smile might be readable in his face. Something had clearly amused him, and his eyes followed the container of blood with a mixture of hate, irritation and perhaps a hint of triumph. He leened back in his chair, his eyes fixed on his Hybrid counterpart, now glancing back at him with something of distain. "Your head." If he could have moved his eyes together he would have done so, such was his position. "Feeling better, Caydil?" Little more than a growl came from the Hybrid throat in response. "Fair enough. I know I think you a fool and an ambitious little brat, for all your age, but you're still a leader. I couldn't take that from you. But you're never be King, and you know it, don't know you?" Caydil angrily moved to the now human captive, the sun's early rays glistening on the horizon a land could be seen in the distance. "I know, but it's far better that that bastard you serve at the present." "Really?" Edward sighed "He did spak very highly of you. I somehow thought a fellow like you would be more... Kingly. Perhaps its your worshiping of your ghosty friend." Enraged at this remark Caydil threw back a rapidly hairy hand as if to strike. Edward didn't even blink. He just staredack, right into the Hybrid's soul, as if squaring im up. "And your Dark Arts?" he suddenly broke the silence. "I'm aware you seem to have a connection with them." Caydil expressed surprise. "I thought a thing like you would know a lot about that sort of thing." Edward chuckled, his exposed ribcage moving with a rumbling of laughter deep inside. Leaning forward as far as he could go, a grin on his face, he started again. "Magic is for me the easy option, the quick way to defeat a foe. Cheap and worthless. |
| Delilah watched as the army came out into the new night. She stood on top of her crate that she used as a soap box to call upon her people. Ghosts, vampires, gargoyles, hybrids, werewolves alike stood beside on another. She watched them all as her own personal army since all her other commanders were gone. She had to stay strong for this army. She placed her hands on her hips and watched them. "Alright, guys," she said. A hush came over the crowd. "We are losing this war too quickly. We're losing all of our leaders. Tenor and Serena have seemed to disappear on their mission. Caydil has been captured. Does this mean this is the end? Does this mean that we cannot serve justice as opressed people? Does this mean we cannot right a wrong of a man in power?" "No!" the crowd shouted at once. "No? You mean that even as underdogs we have not yet lost the war?" Delilah asked. "Hell no!" shouted a werewolf. She smiled. "Hell no is right!" she shouted back at them. The crowd was roaring with enthusiasm. Delilah smiled knowing she had not yet lost her touch. A rythm was thumping as they chanted in unison stomping on the ground and raising their fists together. Whether these people were murderers and bloodthirsty didn't matter. She was proud of them. They were a great army. "Are we going down without a fight?" "Hell no!" "Exactly! Hell no!" The crowd cheered with whoops and hollars of enthusiasm. "So tonight...!" she began as the crowd began to hush. "Tonight we will attack. I don't want any prisoners. I don't want to interrogate a damn soul. I want our commanders back! We will attack as a distraction. Meanwhile, a few soldiers and I will head onto the southside of the Union camp. We will overturn that camp until we find what we are looking for! Are you with me?" The crowd was quiet for a moment, murmuring amongst themselves. She grit her teeth in frustration. "Damn it, I can't hear you. I said ARE YOU WITH ME!" Delilah screamed. Then the crowd responded with cheers again. "Then get your weapons! We're going to shed some blood and get our own back to our side where they belong! And let me just say..." she paused for effect. "Sir Anthony's pale little ass is mine." Delilah stepped down as they continued to cheer and suit up for battle. Her eyes were focused ahead of her. Delilah was as determined as she was oblivious to the real situation. She wanted her comrades, the people who had become her companions, back. |
| Serena looked at the tupperware holding the blood and felt her mouth water. Tenor tried not to laugh at the grin that was playin on her face. "For me?" Serena asked as her eyes got big. "See I told you Caydil likes you." "Is this..." Tenor shook his head, "No this is Edwards." Serena made a face of disgust but she drank the blood. And then she tried not to throw up at the taste. Edward had to many creatures in him for her likeing. She really just preferred a normal werewolf blood to any hybrids. Tenor laughed as he went back up to the deck, leaving Serena with an upset stomach. |
| Caydil growled at the statement, "Your honour will do you no good, Ed. It is either kill or be killed and I will do my best to be sure that myself or my comrades are not on the dead list." "You are presumptuous to shorten my name..." "Oh shut up! Honour and pride have no place in this war! Your honour will get you killed and your pride will beget you nothing but pain!" Caydil snarled, "You honour those that die, and you pride yourself on it and look where it has gotten you! Kidnapped by a hybrid, a blood-starved vampire, and a hungry werewolf!" He spat on the floor, his disgust was so profound and stomped to the other end of the dinghy watching Edward with golden eyes. |
| The boat was being docked and Serena was the eagerly awaiting on the side. She moaned and touched her stomach. He smiled. "It's not funny," she hissed. Tenor disagreed, but instead smiled as they pulled up to the dock in the dark. Tenor paid off the port workers who tied the boat there. "Name?" one of the workers asked. Tenor turned and saw Serena glaring at the man. Her eyes glued to his neck. Tenor glared at her. "Ryan Thompson. This boat was lost at sea. We are part of the Union who found it floating and abandoned so it won't be registered. We already checked," Tenor said turning back to look at the man. He nodded and shouted to the other man that another boat had arrived. Tenor walked back to Serena. "You go ahead and get what you need. Will you be alright? I saw you looking at that guy," Tenor said concerned. She nodded hesitantly. "You'll make it to the blood bank alright?" "Yes," she said firmly. "Very well. I'm going to see Caydil about what we should do about that monstrosity in there," he said nodding to the cabin. "We need to steal a larger ship and bring it back to the island so we can have troops on the main land so be back as soon as possible." Serena looked at him annoyed. "I know what to do!" she snapped. "Alright!" Tenor said holding his hands up. Serena walked passed him and headed into town for a much needed meal. Tenor walked to the cabin where Edward was being held. |
| For a few moments, Edward said nothing, simply closing his eyes as if all the fight had been stripped away from him. Then a sly, barely readable grin emerged on his face. The Hybrid did nothing but growl back, disappearing below deck. They had reached the habour. Caydil was downstairs, while the other pair of miscreants were in the town itself, no doubt plotting their schemes to assassinate the King. Edward took in a deep breath, and a long sigh emerged from his lips. He promptly lifted the arms from the bonds he loosened over the past few hours at sea. He looked up at the steadily darkened sky. Even if he hadn't broken his bonds in time he failed to see how the trio were going to stop a large, fifteen foot winged being with huge teeth and a tactician's brain to boot. Cautiously he glanced at the doors to below deck, where it seemed Caydil was still present, no doubt plotting his highnesses downfall in five easy stages. It would be interesting to attempt to kill him now, but the likeihood would be failure, possibly even death. Edward moved his battered form to the side of the boat and with one swift motion spun his seemingly puny form off into the cold waters of the harbours. The splash was thankfully smaller than it could have been, and Edward swam with care towards a array of molded stairs ravaged by the tide. Even in his dripping, practically naked form, Sir Edward was still given enough of the level of respect by the unerved sailors who were shocked to see him rise from the water, and he beckoned to a Captain of the Guard to listen to him. "Sir Edward! Why are you-" "There is little time for me to explain, so I will be brief. That ship over there carries a tratior to the crown, one where I have been held captive for some time. I want you to send a platoon of soldiers to capture him. Be careful, the King will want him ALIVE, so do not fail me. I must inform the King of further infomation. Please excuse me..." The meeting had to be cut short with the wide-eyed Werewolf Captain for Edward started to feel the changes affecting his weak body... With an aura of haste he ducked into a side alley and crouched low to the ground. Then it began. The skin became harder, corscer. His already developed muscles swelled to epic proportions. His mouth grew a large set of razor sharp teeth, and his eyes moved to the side of his head. Nine Itch claws spread across his hands and feet, creating once more the Ultimate Predator of the Union. The Swift Death rose from his stasis and sniffed the foul air of the city, searching for one very particular stink. "Ah yes, the foolish Vampire. Very bad move, drinking my blood. Very bad..." He arched his neck back as the gaping hole in his collar bone began to repair itself until it was whole once more. Flexing his claws the Swift Death suddenly took a huge leap into the skies of the town, his sharp wings heading for the impressive castle. As he approached he spotted the nervous forms of the watcher guards, startled by the sight of the stone beast whizzing past their heads. Unconcerned for the moment with adressing his king Edward instead swooped for a large tower, kneeling to enter the relatively small window into a large structure. This was where he had been born. Around him, the tattered forms of old notes and bottles filled with liquids gave the room the arua of a vast experimental chamber. Indeed, the empty glass tubing which had been connected to him on that particular night was still visible. But now the place was under use of very different experiments... "Emily?" Edward spoke in as human a form as he could manage in his current state. The head of a girl, who probably looked older than he actually was, slid away from a pile of notes, her eyes wide with surprise, but also a delighted smile. "Edward1 I thought the King had sent you to the island to help Sir Anthony with the rebels! You have returned..." She got up from her reading postion and stepped over to the massive bunk of the Swift Death, not at all concerned of her wellbeing but rather his. "You ok?" "The King might be in danger, my dear." Emily was his responsiibility now since her fathers murder, and he strove to hide nothing from her as she became more and more his own daughter, despite only an age difference of ten years between them. "There has been some complications to the threat of the Rebels. I need you Emily, you know what you have to help me do." Emily responded with a worried glance but also a sly grin. "Of course. I'll get some stuff ready right away." "And would you be so kind as to make dinner while I run some errands, my dear? Make it for three, I expect we shall be having a guest." With not time to respond Emily watched as the Swift Death leaped out the window into the skies once more, his direction probably the Throne Room. Turning to her fathers old desk Emily opened a drawer to produce several containers filled with a unknown liquid, smiling as she did so. She didn't really understand the situation herslef but what the case might be, the rebel attackers should be no match for her stepfather's cunning... |
| Delilah watched as the troops marched to the top of the sand dune looking down upon the camp. Union soldiers were well aware of their coming. It was not meant to be a surprise. However, the secret mission part was. Delilah was invisble as many of her ghost counter parts were. No one could see her as she glided in her ghostly way across the dunes. The rebels gave a shout. The Union responded and the battle began. Delilah became visible for a split second. So did her comrades. "Search every tent. Do not attract attention to yourself without my say so first. Stay quiet. There will be no communication from this point forward even if one of us has been discovered its every soldier for themselves." The ghosts gave a quick nod before seemingly disappearing in thin air. Delilah began her search for Tenor, Serena, and Caydil. |
| Serena walked through the familiar streets. She saw the candy shop that she had gone to as a child. Well, before she had been turned that is. Werewolfs and vampires alike walked side by side on the sidewalks. She knew where she had to find the blood bank but she felt the urge to not go directly there. A shower, she thought to herself, all I need is a nice cool shower. Serena was dreaming of what the water would feel like when she heard a scream behind her. Quickly she turned on her heel and saw the girl rushing towards her. "Serena!" The female cried out. It took Serena several seconds to realize who the girl was. "Catty!" Both girl laughed and embraced one another. "When did they let you out?" Catty asked. Serena told the girl to hush. Quickly she told the story of the revolt and the help that was on it's way. "We're not going to starve any more." Serena said proudly. Catty smiled, "About damn time." Both girls laughed and grabbed each others arms as they walked to the blood bank. |
| Caydil was still on the boat, tinkering away below deck in his full hybrid state, his ears alert for any signs of danger, Edward had disappeared earlier that day and he knew that he was going to betray him. Then he heard the footsteps. About a dozen or so of both vampires, hybrids, and lycans, they weren't taking chances with him, it seemed. He heard them and his tail switched angrily from side to side and he pulled his lips back in a silent snarl, pretending he had heard nothing as the snuck closer. He heard something above deck clatter and he acknowledged it, turning as if startled and knocking down the first guy that was closest to him, dragging his claws up the vampires chest and through his heart, turning him to into dust. He roared loudly, making the entire boat tremble with the force of his, stopping many in fear of him as he sliced downwards with his claws and crushing the shoulder of another opponent in his jaws. Then he noticed that they did not carry regular guns, instead there were weapons to subdue him, rather than kill him. He snatched a gun away from an officer and and opened fire on them, moving out of his closed position against the wall. He heard loud noises above, yelling about 'engaged combat' and 'take him down' therefore, logically, he figured, he could not escape above, so he'd have to go... he roared deafeningly again, making the sensitive-eared cover them in pain as he smashed through the side of the boat and dove beneath the surface. He dove deeply, touching bottom and using the seaweed to propel himself across the sea floor. A trail of bubbles left his nose and the pressure in his ears began to build as he hurriedly moved beneath a dock and surfaced slowly, breathing as evenly as he could so as not to attract attention to himself. He glanced upwards as he heard feet pattering across the wood, but sighed in relief to discover it was just another fisherman worried about his boat's safety. "We have to find him, the King wants him." He overheard suddenly, from one soldier to another. Caydil pricked his ears forward. "Do you know why the King wants him?" Soldier #2 asked. "No, they don't tell us subordinates know the reasons, they just want us to do, do, do, and think nothing of it." Soldier #1 returned. So, Graeybar wanted him, did he? Caydil grinned at the information, and dipped back below the water, swimming strongly against the shore. Well, he'd just have to make sure that they saw one another, wouldn't he? He bared his teeth in a semblance of a smile as he dragged himself from the water and onto the rocky shore, shaking out the water from his coat and forcing his body back into his human, the long black hair sleek against his bare back and his pants loose against his powerful legs. He walked to the nearest home and forced his way inside, fortunately with no one home and with a man that fit him relatively well. He put on a pair of loose leather trousers and heavy combat boots, taking one of the red tee shirts and throwing that over his head and frowning at the tightness of it around his chest. He moved into the hall closet and almost sqealed in excitement, stealing the leather duster that hung there and throwing it over his shoulders and tying his hair away from his face in a ponytail as he left the house. Caydil felt much better as he walked confidently through the streets of the city he had helped build. It had changed since he was last here, changed greatly, the buildings had gotten taller, shinyer, and more expensive. He went to the place he grew up as a human, the place was dilapidated and worn, windows shattered, walls graffitied, and the furniture shattered. He knelt down, touching an ancient stain, this was the first and last time he had broken his arm and bled all over the sidewalk. He turned and walked into the alley behind his home and leaned against the wall; here was where he had become what he was now, right here in this spot. He narrowed his eyes and leapt up onto the roof of the building and began moving, faster than before, leaping from one roof to another as the homes became classier and more expensive. He stopped sharply in front of the largest one on the block; this one, this is the one where he had become a part of the supernatural environment he had always know existed, this house, this place, where his sire was killed, where he was captured the first time. This was his territory, was still his territory, even after the two thousand years of living on that island, he still owned this territory. He sensed others, none as old as he prowling around his home and he knew they were not his Sire's children, they were Graeybar's minions. His face twisted in an ugly snarl and he activated the Blood Magicks he had laid down next to his Sire's when he had died, "Get! Out! Of! My! HOME!!" He bellowed, the line around the property lighting up a sick, terrible purple and the house itself lit up like a blazing beacon, throwing his blood-brother's underlings out on their tails, all of them landing around him and sent skidding across the pavement. "This place belongs to me and those who share my Sire's blood, none shall pass otherwise!" He called and the Magicks answered, pulsating into a calm blue colour as he stepped within the wards. This was where he was captured the first time and there would be hell to pay before he was captured here once more. Now only his sisters and brothers of his sire's blood could come, that meant that Graeybar would come, and when he did, there would be a duel and Caydil would make sure that he was the one who would come out on top. |
| Tenor had followed Serena, just to be sure, all the way to the blood bank when she'd met up with a friend. Suspicious, he thought to himself. His head turned the other direction when his sensitive hearing picked up something else. There was a commotion somewhere on the outskirts of the dark, cobbled-stoned town. Caydil, no doubt, was doing something stupid and Serena was catching up with old friends! Tenor surpressed a growl. He could leave right now, he realized. The thought of freedom made him hesitate in his stalking of his ally. He could turn around and never return. He could live his life however he wanted to. The rebels would be stuck on the island, Serena would have to manage without him in dealing with stubborn hybrids or maniacal super soldiers, and Caydil would in-turn have to deal with the her. He was returned to reality when he heard the two vampires cackling at a joke one of them had said. He turned his head and saw Serena walking beside the other vampire, who had a stake in hand hidden at the small of her back. The vampire was going to betray her. She was a soldier. The transformation was instantaneous from human to beast. He was down on all fours in full gallop. "Serena!" he shouted. Both vampires turned. The one named Catty squinted in frustration, knowing her cover was blown. "Tenor?" As the werewolf leapt into air ready to thrust his arm into the undead women's chest, she bared her own pointy teeth. "Catty! What are you doing?" Serena cried as the vampire known as Catty leapt up to meet her in mid air and thrust the stake into his chest. Serena's eyes turned a bright green as Tenor hit the floor, sprawled and shocked with the pain. Serena immediately pulled the stake from his heart wincing temporarily with the painful moan he let out. "You'll pay for that, bitch," Serena hissed. "Bring it, rebel," Catty challenged smiling as her eyes changed to a bright blue. |
| The fire crackled amid the stone walls as the sinilarly solid figure of the Swift Death walked down the hallways of the castle to the throne room. Grafted into his mind was the knowledge that the King's life was at considerable risk, but equaly nerving was the feelings that his men could be from the battered rebels. He wished Antony had asked another to escort the bruised hybrid to his destination with the king, but he knew such a task would have been impossible. And now, he gathered the fearful impression that Caydil would not be an easy being to catch. But his highness' life was at stake - nothing else bar his own safety might be considered more important to him. The iron doors appeared before him, flanked by two guards who cast a nervous glance at the infamous monster. Quickly they bowed and opened the doorway for the beast, who nodded respectfully before moving into the inner santum. The King sat on a vast throne, his face turned to an advisor ut nevertheless aware of Edward's presence. In respect the man-turned-creature kneeled, waiting for him to adress him first. "Sir Edward, I gathered you were in battle with those disadent rebels with Sir Anthony. What brings you to me here?" "A worthy prize, your majesty." was Edward's reply, and he braved a beasty grin to the Hybrid's form. "Three rebels captured me and uncovered my true form. Such an action would seem failure... but it was unclear to them that I might escape and warn you of their plans..." A similar smile appeared on Graeybar's face. "I would assume this involves them murdering me in favour of their ill-equipped ideas of democracy. Tell me, is that child Delilah one of them?" "Sadly not sir, though I know for certain she is in a postion of great discomfort due to her losses. A worthy adversary, if I might say so sir. But you will be more pleased to hear that one of them is Sir Caydil." Ther King's reaction was as expected. "Ah, the runt of the family returns. Where are these rebels, though?" The Hybrid's eyes narrowed at Edward. "This is the difficulty sir. As I said, I was captured in my human form. Any attempts to escape then would have been ill-timed. Caydil was on the stolen Union boat The Barman's Star when last I saw him.." "Humph." the King snorted. "No doubt I could gather where he would have fled to if he escaped my guards. No matter, it will be an easy enough task to find and kill him, be it your duty or otherwise. And the others?" "A vampire and werewolf. Unfortunately for the Vampire's sake, poor Serena, she chose to have a taste of my blood. An very bad move on her account, as you will have gathered from before, your majesty." Graeybar let out a roar of laughter. "She drank your blood? Rebels seem more stupid every day." "There is something I must tell you, your majesty. The werewolf, I wish for him to be brought to me. There is something I wish to discuss with him." The king waved a hand in complacementcy. "First they need catching. But my spies are everywhere. Their postions will be found, if little else. Now go and assist my troops in this matter, Sir Edward." The gargoyle-like figure nodded before Twirling and striding out of the chamber, his eyes locked on the nearest window before rushing into the night's sky. It was time for the sport to begin. |
| Snarls erupted in the air alongside the hisses and growls. Delilah, invisible to the rest of the world made her way noislessly into the opponent's camp. It took a strong will to keep from bashing their heads in while she had the advantage. That was not her mission, Delilah told herself. She herself would not shed any blood today. She needed her comrades back. At least that was her train of thought until she'd found a tent significantly larger than the others, a dead give away someone of rank was inside. She silently lifted off the ground and leaned up to the side so she could listen. "It's a hopeless battle," someone informed. "They won't win. The first and second wave are already dead." "But they're not budging," hissed a voice. Delilah took a moment to process who it may be. Then, just to be sure, she made herself transparent and looked inside. It was Sir Anthony. "If they are holding the lines even if they are losing then there can only be one of two things happening here. This is a last stand or something else is being put into action. Where is Delilah?" Delilah grinned at hearing her name the way she'd always wanted it to be spoken. By an admirable foe. "I haven't seen her," said the soldier. "This is no last stand. Secure the perimeter. Call back the troops and tell them to hold a line," Sir Anthony commanded. He stank of day old blood. Delilah took her head out of the tent and listened for a "Yes, sir" before she would continue her rescue mission. Once the soldier left, Delilah went into the tent. Sir Anthony was hunched over his desk looking at the map that was laid out on the top. She silently unfastened a stake from her belt and pointed its tip onto his back. Sir Anthony slowly stiffed as the sharp point was now solid, as was the rest of the ghost. "I am only going to ask you this once, General. Where may I find my commanders?" Delilah said. |
| Tenor watched as the vampires fought. He fell to the ground holding his chest that was spurting like a fountain. Red blood painted the cobblestones he fell over. He could only watch as the battle heated between the vampires that flew and stabbed at one another. They snarled and bit down. Nails ripped at flesh as though it were puddy. Tenor needed to help his colleague. He was crippled. It was true that he was immortal, but he was severely crippled. He struggled to get up. To contribute to the duel in one way or another. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. As the werewolf turned his head to see who this mystery person was everything went black. |
| After a few minutes, he located them. A interested and contented smile upon his face, Edward, swooped towards a scene of fighting between two... ...Vampires. Edward despised Vampires, their constant aims to turn, to corrupt pure men and women into their own verminous kind. One he recognised to be Serena, the foolish one who'd drank his blood in her aims to seek the pleasure of a sated hunger. And the other... Edward, perched on a rooftop and watching carefully, saw her to be a Union agent, rather clear since she and Serena, who he'd known to be one of the world's oldest Vampires for his study of the vile insects, were scrapping heavily, neither party in a winning favour. Seeing that it seemed an ideal time to intersede, he swooped down and with one punch hit Serena in the face, who was knocked out cold straight away. The other vampire was stunned to see the form of the Shift Death appear from seemingly no where, and though her composure returned soon enough her voice betrayed his defining quality - fear. "Sw-ift Death, I did not see you there! I... I have captured two Rebel agents!" "Indeed." said Vincent, and he strode across to a fallen figure he recognised to be Tenor. At that moment several Werewolf soldiers rounded the corner as the Swift Death picked the Werewolf up in his right claw and stared at him. Then he turned to the vampire and soldiers. "Take the Rebel Vampire to the cells. Get her some blood sustinence, I believe she requires it for inteorgation with the prision wardens. I will handle this one for now. What is your name, Vampire?" The nervous girl straightened slightly. "Cathy, sir." "I see. Well you can help these fine Gentlemen here take the little pesky rebel over to the cells too. Now, I must be going..." With Tenor in one of his claws Edward swooped up to the large stone tower once again, before placing Tenor on the table. "Emily, my dear, is dinner nearly ready?" Emily came in smiling at her hulking step-father. "Yes, Papa, it is almost done. Stew for tonight." Edward smiled and very carefully kissed his adopted child on the cheek. "This is Tenor. He is a Werewolf and might be dangerous, but I see some element of protenial within him. He could well be ideal for the great future you and have have prepared for the world, dear Emily" Emily nodded. "Should we restrain him?" The Swift Death shook his large bird-like head. "No, I want him to feel comfortable for now. I will place him in the spare room, where he can sleep for now. When he wakes, let me know." At that he flew outside once again, likely to be heading for the King once more to tell him of his success thus far. |
| Delilah pressed the stake harder, just enough to draw blood. Sir Anthony's concerned look disappeared. Delilah kept her stern victory smile planted on her face. He laughed. "You should know where your own commanders are. You sent them there," he said. "They made it off to the mainland?" Delilah said resisting the urge to relax her grip in relief. "Tenor, Serena, and Caydil?" "This is a big mistake. You should never let on that your troops aren't as strong as they seem. Caydil is missing is he?" "I haven't seen Swift Death for awhile. You wouldn't be missing your ace would you?" she countered. "He's dealing with your precious commanders right now I assure you," he said. Delilah stiffened. "Bad move letting all your leaders go out like that, though I must say the loyalty of your soldiers is astounding. I give you credit for that. They are unrelenting." "They don't fight for me. They fight for freedom," Delilah countered. She raised the stake only slightly to stab it through him straight into his heart. Sir Anthony turned with the speed only a vampire could possess and held Delilah's hand in midstrike. The two struggled, but his strength was much more than a ghosts. He raised his foot and kicked her in the chest. She toppled backwards into the tent wall taking the whole tent with her. She recovered as quickly as she was trained to phasing through the material and standing tall. The tent's material ripped between Sir Anthony's teeth. He emerged from the whole he made and stood tall. They were both across from each other like two gunslingers. "Hold your fire!" Sir Anthony called. The order was relayed onto the battlefield that was draying ever closer. The sky was growing more purple as the sun was not so long from rising over the horizon. Delilah watched as the troops obediently crouched for cover and withdrew. She saw what this was. She was the last remaining commander. He wanted to make an example of her excorsism. Her own troops paused as they saw what was drawing the enemy's attention. "This is the end of your little revolution," Sir Anthony announced pulling out a vial of holy water. Delilah flipped her stake in her hand and caught it. "Bring it," she said smirking smugly. |
| Serena moaned as she slowly awakened. She felt the cool steel against her wrist and knew that she had been captured. Her brain felt fuzzy and her face numb from the punch. Stupid, stupid, stupid... she yelled at herself in her head. Mustering up the last of her strength she raised her head and looked at the wall in front of her. A woman was also chained to the wall but she was in way worst shape then she. Carefully, the other woman opened her eyes and nodded to Serena. Serena smiled at the lady, trying to be friendly, "So what are you in for?" The woman tried to flip the vampire off but her finger didn't raise very far. "Okay..." |
| Tenor awoke to a sight he hadn't expected. There were no iron bars and a stream of light came through the crack in the door that was half open. He was uncomfortable and bleeding heavily, but he was bandaged. Tenor groaned and swung his legs over the side of the bed to pick himself up. He heard someone in the other room. It sounded like they were washing dishes or maybe even preparing a meal. He slowly rose to his feet and began to walk forward. His footsteps dragged. They were heavy with weariness. He pushed open the door and the smell of soup became undeniably strong. In the kitchen a girl looked over her shoulder for only a moment. They exchanged glances. Tenor hesitated with confusion. "Edward," the girl called. "He's awake." "Good," came a voice from the other side of the room. Tenor turned his head and saw the familiar figure walking toward him. "Great..." Tenor grumbled as he realized that he was captured and was probably to be tortured. He could run for the door, but there was no doubt the Swift Death would be all over him in seconds. But to his surprise the man smiled and motioned for him to have a seat at the table. "Please. Have a seat," he said. The girl gave him a polite smile and put down a bowl of soup for him. |
| Edward moved to a larger device designed to support his bulk, and sat down with a sigh. Emily placed a similarly hot bowl of soup before him, and with a polite thanks, he raised the bowl in one hand and gulped it down in a matter of seconds, much to the Werewolf's amusement. "Sadly a spoon is rather beyond me in this state, my friend." Edward's eyes were fixed on his new guest, who after some hesitation began to drink the soup himself. "No doubt you will want to know why you awake refreshed and well fed." "The thought crossed my mind." said Tenor. "I am not without mercy to answer your likey questions. Very well, Tenor - this is your name correct?" A nod from the werewolf and he continued. "I shall begin. This, by the way, is my daughter Emily." A raised eyebrow from Tenor appeared. "My adopted daughter, in any case. Her father was a brilliant man, and she merely walks in his footsteps, as do I, with great care to add." Noticing Tenor look about at the array of strange devices about, he smiled on his long stoney form. "This was his workshop as a gifted scientist. This was where I was forged as well. But that is another story, one which you may hear another time if I choose to. I have brought you here for an important reason. I see you have promise. Unlike your two contemporaries you don't seem to be utterly loyal to the rather pitiful though sometimes impressive rebel force on that woeful island. And your skills would better serve me instead." "I see." Tenor frowned slightly. "You want me to join the Union, don't you? Well-" "No." said Edward simply, which gave a look of confusion from Tenor. "Your political sidings are not of interest to me or my child. I speak of the future. It is likely that one day, the age we are in now will fall, to be replaced by a new one. The strong conquer the week, and thus forth. But there is one group which is likely to plague this form of development." He moved to the window and gestured for Tenor to join him. "Look down there," he said. "look at the hunger and the fear on their faces. It is the Vampire which causes this. Once, I was purely human, the lowest rank on the ladder in this type of society. As were you once. But both of our kind share the ability to spend some parts of the day as human, of sorts. Unlike Vampires. Vampires hide and cower, and then they leap out and taint the world around them to fit themselves. I have to serve one of them, and I know that if it wasn't for my condiction he wouldn't hesitate to drown me in his sucking of blood." His voice was bitter and enraged, though his face betrayed nothing. He moved back to Emily and the table, and Tenor followed him. "One night in my early days I returned from some regular rebel destruction to find my creator dead and his child, the girl you see before you, tainted as such. But my creator had been like me in mentality. My body had been designed to be a Gargoyle, but ultimately it was to be an anti-vampire weapon. Emily my dear, show Tenor your neck." Emily pulled back some of her golden hair to reveal two bite marks where a vampire had taken her. Tenor was surprised. "Shes a Vampire? But you said you..." "I cured her. Or rather my creator did." Edward sat down. "He had devised a means of destroying the vampiric elements in any creature, so to make them normal and pure once again. And he also devised means of destroying those too far gone to become normal, including me. With Emily's brilliant inherited mind, I have continued his work... and I have completed the tools which can save humanity from its darkest fear. With these materials I could purge vampires from existence, forever." Tenor looked very shocked, and Edward smiled. "You fear for your friend Serena, of course. It is painful, I know. I have lost friends and family to the Vampires as well, and many of my conrades in battle fly with me as vampires. But the outcome would justify their curing, for the hunger and the verminous desire for blood would end. Humans could become dominant once again. So I ask for your help. I have tools in readiness which might save the world. I could let you have a purpose with me which outshines the pitiful struggles of the Rebellion and Union forever. I merely ask for your response. If you decline, then you may leave and continue your own path, but know that Vampires will be destroyed through the powers which I shall wield. So please make the choice which suits you, my friend." |
| As quickly as Delilah had smirked, Sir Anthony had struck with fierce extended claws. She dodged easily, but failed to noticed the vile he'd now had between his teeth. He bit down and pulled the cork splashing the holy water at her. Delilah yelped and jumped out of the way, but the water touched her leg burning it on contact. The Union soldiers hollered victoriously. The immense pain and the smell of burning flesh made her eyes water. She looked at her own soldiers who watching from the safety of their distance seeing as how they were no longer the distraction for their mission. She bit her lip and blinked away the tears knowing that she had to kill Sir Anthony. She had to have a least one victory, even it was just a morale victory. "That's it?" Delilah choked. She floated in the air, her leg was useless in the pain she was in. Sir Anthony struck once more, now out of holy water. Delilah phased having him pass right through her everytime he attacked. Then with a war cry struck with her stake extended. The vampire moved as fast as he could, but the stake landed in his shoulder. He hissed with the pain. This was enough to make him wince and hesitate. With this, Delilah did something she wasn't entirely proud of. She landed a kick in the groin. Sir Anthony doubled over and fell to his knees. "Low blow. Dishonorable," Sir Anthony said kneeling, but forcing himself to get up. "You existance is dishonorable," Delilah retaliated moving a loose strand of hair from her face. Suddenly Sir Anthony was on top of her, so quickly that she could not think to make herself transparent. She panicked as she hit the sandy ground hard enough to make her breath escape her. "Father, deliver us from-!" Sir Anthony started the excorsism. Delilah's composure returned in a moment forcing her actions without thought. Her hand phased through his head and clenched into a fist. Sir Anthony's eyes were wide with surprise. Delilah made herself transparent and pulled out what she had in her fist. "Fire!" a Union soldier shouted. Upon hearing this Delilah took the contents in her hand and flew up into the air back with the lines of her own soldiers. Meanwhile Sir Anthony fell over unconscious, but not quite dead, missing a considerable piece of his own mind. |
| What seemed like days but was meer hours later, a gaurd came to check up on the prisoners. And Serenas recognized him instantly. "Robert?" She asked as stared at the gorgeous face through the bars. The man stopped and came closer to the door. "Serena? How the hell did you get off the island?" Robert didn't think twice about it being to dangerous to go into the cell. His commanding officer had told him that no matter what the prisoner wanted, you always stayed on the otherside of the door. But this was an exception. He and Serena had the same sire and in there minds made them brother and sister. "Truthfully, I really have no clue. How have you been?" Serena felt her head nodding off from lack of blood but she wasn't going to show her brother that she was weak. "It's getting worst out there. And for some reason unknown a lot of vampires that arn't part of the union have gone missing. I just figured they had been sent to hell or something." Robert leaed against the wall comfortable, ignoring the pleas of the other prisoner. Serenas concentrated as hard as she could but couldn't recall any new vampires on the island. "Why are you here Serena?" Robert asked patiently. "I escaped the island before the war broke out." "War?" Robert perked up instantly. "Yeah, rebells attaked the Union. So me and a friend stole on of the ships from the union. Hopeing to find help or at least enough food to bring back to the insland so that we all don't starve. You really didn't know about the battle?" Robert nodded his head. "They have a tendency to keep that kind of stuff from the lower ranks." "Can you help me? Please?" Serena tugged on the chains to indicate she wanted to get the hell out of jail. "Why are you in prison now?" "What is this twenty questions. Fine if you must know I saw Catty and we were talking and she tried to kill me. She we were fighting and the Swift Death came and knocked me out and here I am." "Catty isn't part of the Union." Robert looked confused as he tried to thnk of what was going on. "Well I figured she was because she was more then willing to give me up to the asshole." "I don't have a good feeling about this." Robert walked over to Serena and unlock her shakels, giving her his arm so that she could regain her balance. "Just tell them I got out fo the shakles and beat the crap out of you. It wouldn't be the first time." And that way he doesn't get in trouble, Serena told herself as she and Robert walked out of the cell. |
| Tenor stared at Edward in disbelief. His look darted from the girl and back. Seeing his hesitance Edward lowered his head and paced around the room. "Tenor Corvo," he said. Tenor perked at his name. "Fifteen counts of murder. Sentance: The Island. The victims include: Jim Seli, vampire. Torris Mel, vampire. Tiffany Crocker, vampire..." "That was different," Tenor interrupted with rage. Claws extended from his fingertips, though he didn't seem to notice. However, Edward did. "They killed my family. They were nothing but a bunch of unruly gangsters collecting money and killing those who didn't have it. That had nothing to do with the fact that they were vampires!" Edward smiled victoriously at seeing the werewolf's reaction. "It has everything to do with the fact they're vampires," he said. "No it doesn't!" Tenor barked. Emily jumped slightly with the suddenness of his tone. "Relax!" Edward ordered. "No! You want to kidnap me and distract me from my mission? I don't think so! Go to hell you genocidal freak!" Tenor said. He gripped the door and pulled with the strength of a werewolf ripping it off its hinges. Tenor grumbled annoyed and tossed it over his shoulder. "Deny your hatred all you like, werewolf," Edward said. "But to kill fifteen people who happen to be the same species either takes extreme hatred or pure insanity," the Swift Death said. Tenor froze for a moment thinking about this. Remembering the people who jumped his parents and tore them limb from limb as he was forced to run away. Vengence for their death didn't seem like enough. Maybe there was more he had to do to make things right. Tenor shook his head of that thought. "I guess I'll see you on the battlefield," he said stepping out the front door into the night. He took in a deep breath and followed the scent as the thoughts in his head wheeled furiously. |
| Edward sighed as Tenor stomped away. "A disappointment, but not a lost cause, not yet. We shall keep our eye on that one, my dear Emily, and see which path he chooses." "What about the girl you spoke of, his Vampire friend?" Emily had something of a worried frown on her face. Edward shook a claw in the air. "We shall have to see... As I said, we know it is possible to purify a Vampire rather than kill them, and many would enjoy the idea of stepping out in the sunlight and not having to fear their hunger getting away with itself. But the knowledge that man has is significant, and our plans for Vampirekind might have to be increased." Emily nodded. "You mean the destruction of their foodsource?" "Indeed. I always felt it sickening that unfortunate humans are forced to give blood for these creatures, just to save them the bother of hunting for them. No, with their bloodbath removed, Vampires will have to come out of hiding, and thats when the Light Brigade shall come in. Now, I have a meeting to attend, so I shall be gone for a little while." Emily smiled, then ran over to her father as he stumbled slightly. Slowly but surely the transformation took place, and Edward shifted back into his human form as the sun rose in the sky. Though he utilised the power his monsterous counter part gave him, he had always ensured that as a pure human he was no different if he could manage it. Carefully Emily gave him some clothes and a sachet to carry, and Edward placed them on himself, making him appear to be a peasant in appearance. "The Blood Bath will be destroyed by the twlight, so Vampires will start to get a little more nasty in the next week or so. But still, the long term benefits shall outstrip the short term ones. With these devices you have constructed from your father's knowledge..." and he motioned at the sachet, "and the final stages of your machine in preperation, the ground shall be set for the downfall of Vampire Kind." He ruffled up his hair and gave a kiss on his daughter's cheek. "Shall I get ready with the weapons, father?" Emily smiled once again and Edward nodded. "Indeed. And while we're at it, I'll deal with this door." He carefully lifted the door up after some strain and guided it neatly over to the handles, where it slotted nicely enough into place. "Be careful. If Tenor comes back, insure you know where he stands and defend yourslef with what I have taught you." Emily nodded, for whilst her mind made her so brilliant Edward had taken great lengths to insure that she was trained in the usage of many weapons, including the sword, bow and pistol. He was certain that his legacy was to be a fine one with his adopted child, and with a final nod he headed out into the town itself. ########################################## Edward soon reached a retiring townhouse, which he had a key to, and quickly unlocked the door. Reaching a basement he rapped once on a door frame and a latch opened. "Password." "Purity." He said simply, and after a few seconds the door opened and he entered a large room which had clearly once been a hall for monks or some cult. Inside was a group of some thirty men and women, most humans with a few werewolfs and hybrids. "Sir Edward," the one who had let him in said. "the matters are in place?" "Absolutely my brother." Edward smiled triumphly, taking out a small pistol shaped object from his sachet. "This is the primary weapon we can use for the more agressive subjects. The Light Emitter." He aimed the device at a wall and pulled the trigger. All at once a stream of light flowed from the gun to the wall, though it did not do anything. Edward released the trigger and the light died away. "This weapon is a most impressive piece of technology that my daughter has devised. This panel here soaks up the light of the sun in the day, and then at night, it can be used to fire pure sunlight at a Vampire, with enough power to last a whole two hours nonstop. Instantly deadly. I have twenty of these devices already, enough for a small army as ourselves, and she is building more for me, my impressive child." His response was nothing if impressive as smiles and clapping came from his audience. "Even so, it is the case that we can save vampires from themselves. In this case, we are rather more limited but we can still utilise the serum I demonstrated to you last time, which has the chance to cure a vampire of its... infection... and if not, destroys it in a manner more peaceful than our weapon alternative. But the first plan must be put into effect. The Blood Bath must be destroyed with the explosive materials we have by tonight, while the Vampires are distracted with their sneaking and hiding. Lets go!" With a movement Edward and nine other men ran across to a box and took out some explosive material. Wrapping them carefully the group prepared to deal with the vampire incursion once and for all. "FOR THE LIGHT BRIGADE!" Edward rallied his forces and his human and other species cheered as the chosen men moved out, the others stationed in the stronghouse for any other news. In Edward mind he considered the other issues at hand - the conflict back on the island, as many of his allies had ties into the Union, and also the matter of the escaped prisoners. His king meant much to him but his creator and his dream of purity even more. Time would see what sort of a world Edward's actions would create. |
| Delilah sighed from where she sat in her underground cot. She looked at her leg and winced. It's a strange thing to be dead so long, not feel a thing, and then all of the sudden have burning holy water splashed on her leg. But it was well worth it. She could still hear the cheers coming from outside. Negotiations were tonight. Sir Anthony's second and third in commands were already dead or incapicitated as it seemed. They needed Sir Anthony not just alive, but conscious as well. Delilah heard a knock on her cabin door. She smirked. "The Union negotiators are here, ma'am," said a faithful Rebel Gargoyle. "Enter," she allowed. She sat up from her cot. The gargoyle came inside. He smiled upon seeing her permanent smirk that had been there since the battle and all through the painful medical attention to her leg. "What news do you bring, good soldier?" she said light heartedly. "There's five of them. The scouts inform me they are alone and ghost spies say they are desperate for that chunk of Sir Anthony's brain you took," he said. Delilah snickered girlishly. "Excellent news. Strip them all. No guns, no vials, no stakes, no knives, and no clothes," she said. "No clothes?" the gargoyle said. "That's what I said," Delilah said looking a bit more serious. "Very well," he said. "Send them to the common room when you are finished. I want soldiers armed heavily, one of every species in there with me when we make the transaction." ~*~ Half an hour later, Delilah entered the common room with a swagger in her step, plus the limp of her leg. On the other side of the long table were five soldiers undressed, angry, and covering themselves as much as they could with their arms and crossed legs. She sat down on the other end of her table with her soldiers beside her. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen," she greeted with mock pleasantry. "I would offer you some food, but we believe it important to ration in our state." "We want the piece of brain that you took," a female ghost said. "And I want democracy and to get off this damn island. This is what negotiations are about," Delilah said bluntly. "But your entire navy will do." "The entire navy?" blurted a hybrid nearly rising to argue before realizing he was entirely naked made him sit back down. "Yes please," Delilah said. "You see we are at an advantage. You may have all the numbers of your rufians, but at least we still have a leader. Don't think us cruel. At least not like your current government that would leave a group of people guilty and not on a desert island with limited rations and expected to live in exile. We will leave you with seventy-five percent of your rations and the locations to the few oasises here on this island. Feel free to use our bunks as we sail off into the sunset." "You are just going to leave us here?" asked a vampire. "It's not like your king will forget about you. He'll send rescue ships for you when no one responds to him for a while," she said. "And in return I will tell you the location of Sir Anthony's brain. How's he doing by the way?" The Union soldiers looked at one another. Delilah smiled. None of these people were capable of making these kinds of decisions. They were all lower level soldiers with no knowledge of negotiating. "Very well. We are agreed," said the werewolf. "We will see you tomorrow evening. Make sure your men are unarmed and maintain their distance otherwise Sir Anthony's brain in a jar will be my permanent trophy and you will not last long without someone to tell you what to do," Delilah said. |
| Serena looked out the window and sighed. She was trapped in some god forsacking ruin of a building, hiding from the sun light. It looked to be about five o'clock but the sun didn't set till about seven thirty. She watched the humans walk in the sunlight and sighed. She loved being a vampire, there was no doubt about that. But she just wished she could at least get a tan. "Here, its all I have," Robert handed Serena the small glass of blood and smiled. She could smell the freshness of the contents. As she took a sip she let out a moan in delight. "Where did you find this?" "I married a human." Robert smiled and turned to face a beautiful asian woman. Serena realized she must have been out of it to not have noticed the woman. Being polite Serena got up and shook the woman's hand. "Hi, I'm Serena. I'm an old friend." The woman smiled back at the vampire, "You're his sister. I have heard a lot about you. But I was told you were on the island?" Serena nodded and looked at Robert. "I should go. I don't want to get you and your wife in trouble. I've been her to long already. I can find my way into the sewers." "And you'll be caught once again in the sewers. Union members patrol every corridor. Unless you have the right papers you'll be killed on the spot." "I don't want to get you in trouble. Its hard enough living with one persons death on my mind." Robert waved Serena's worry away as if it were a fly. "At night fall you'll be able to leave and look for your friend. I;m sure he is worried about you." Serena laughed at the man. "Tenor could care less if I lived or died." "Now I really doubt that." Robert left the room, careful to avoid the sun, to leave Serena in her own thoughts. |
| Tenor had only just calmed down after walking through the sewers for about half an hour. The smell was too overpowering to find Serena's scent, but he had to put some distance between him and the Swift Death. He had to erase those memories of his childhood. He had to send those boats to the island as planned. His boots sloshed in the water as he walk. His wound was still fresh, but luckily wasn't silver. He'd have a nasty scar and he would heal as slowly as any human would from a wound but he could still manage. "Stay where you are!" Tenor gasped and turned around. Only a ghost could sneak up on him so easily. Only an experienced ghost. She appeared from seemingly nowhere emitting a small glow around her body. "Delilah?" "Tenor? You're alive?" the woman said astonished. She smiled at first but then it faded. "Wait a minute, you're alive in a sewer. Where the FUCK were you and my boats!" "We got sidetracked," Tenor said with a sigh. Delilah's body floated upward to his height so that her face was in his face. "SIDETRACKED! You had better have a good reason for letting us ROT on that island for so damn long! You know what I had to do to get out of there?" the furious commander said. "Calm down!" Tenor barked back at her. "We ran into the Swift Death and other Union soldiers. I got captured, Serena is god knows where and Caydil is... I HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE WHERE CAYDIL IS!" Tenor paced through the slush. "I'm trying to find Serena right now," he added breathing heavily with the stress. Delilah floated to the ground. "How'd you escape the Swift Death?" she asked suspiciously. "I'll tell you later. Just tell me where to meet you after I find her," he said. "The Red Tavern. Password is 'bite'," Delilah said. "Don't get killed." She floated up and through the ceiling. The light in the tunnels dimmed. "Yeah, yeah. Same to you," Tenor grumbled as he kept onward. He stopped and thought for a moment. If Delilah was out than it must be dark out. Tenor started to look for an exit. |
| In the Union campment Sir Anthony lay, his body twitching on occasion due to his partial brain having spasams of actvitity. A single Vampire Soldier lay by his side for protection whilst the Human Page moved nervously about with glass bottles and papers he was tidying away. Major Berwelfo entered, the Werewolf now one of the higher ranking officers in the camp now that Sir Anthony was invalid, and nodded at the Vampire Captain. "How is he holding up, Captain?" "Not well, Major. But with any luck he should be with again soon once those bastard Rebels have gotten us the rest of his brain, though we'll be stuck on this island and they'll have a sizable fleet to sail with." The Vampire Captain placed a wet hanky on his superior's brow. "But what other choice do we have?" "Well... I would think many, Captain." Major Berwelfo moved over to the Captain's side. "Though it is an unfortunate business, really." "Really? In what way, Major?" the Vampire Captain looked slightly confused. "Well Captain, it is unfortunate that Sir Anthony was killed by overzealous Rebels before the tranaction could be made." With a flash of movement Major Berwelfo plunged the wooden stake into Anthony's heart, who convulsed and started to melt. "It is also unfortunate that the Captain protecting him was also killed." As the shocked Vampire captain had stood up Major Berwelfo whipped out a bizarre pistol shapped object and pulled the trigger. There was an intense scream as the Vampire Captain was hit by pure sunlight and turned into ashes in seconds. "And most unfortunate of all..." started Berwelfo as he suddenly flung Holy Water in a certain direction. There was a second scream as the Rebel Ghost who had been watching the whole affair appeared and felt to the floor in pain, now completely covered in Holy Water. "...it is unfortunate that we only captured the Ghost Spy after she had managed her task." The Human Page grabbed her shaking body, now not so nervous as usual. "For Purity, Major Berwelfo?" "For Purity, Brother Adams." The Werewolf nodded. The tent parted as several Union soldiers burst in. "We heard a scream.. Oh god!" "Thank goodness you are here." the Major stated with faux horror. "Sir Anthony was killed by this Rebel Spy. Fortunately we managed to capture her afterwards." "Verminous dog!" The Hybrid Captain slapped the Ghost Spy before turning to the Major. "Shall we exocise her, Major Berwelfo?" "Most defintely, Captain." The others dragged the terrfied Ghost Spy away whilst the Hybrid remained. "Clearly these Rebels are more trouble than we thought. They had most likely planned to keep this matter secret from us whilst they took our boats. Well, this shall not happen. I am now, it seems, in charge of Union Forces until the Swift Death can get here. It is time that the Rebels were crushed once and for all. In the name of Sir Anthony, we must not let them have the boats, by any means required. Prepare for the final conflict, Captain. We shall make them think we do not know of their betrayal until it is far, far too late for them." The Hybrid Captain nodded and rushed out to inform the troops. Outside there was the sound of a scream as the Ghost Spy was taken from this world forever. "It is a pity so much blood must be shed for our cause." said Major Berwelfo to the Human Page. "But this short-term conflict will be required for the world which is to come." He smiled slightly, as he knew Sir Edward would be pleased to know of his hated rival's passing. ############################################## Back on the mainland, as night came ever closer Sir Edward and his men had planted some devices around the Blood Bank. These devices had been created by his daughter Emily some time ago and had immense explosive properties. Quickly they sneaked across the various points they had alloted as the shadows grew in. At last their job was done one hour before the Vampires would stir, and they moved carefully to a safe distance. With a sudden array of noise the bombs exploded with a wave of golden flame as the building burst into flames, destroying the Vampire's most precious device of corruption. "Excellent work, my brothers." Edward smiled as his fellow human helpers cheered. "Now the Vampires will have to come out from hiding in their dank pits, and when that happens they will know their choice... Purification or Extermination. Now, I must be as 'shift' as my alter-ego implies and take to the King, who must know the latest crisis the Rebels have made on him. Go back to your homes, for we have struck a well-aimed blow at the Vampire's blackened hearts." Quickly the group dispensed as Edward remained in the shadows a little longer to watch the Vampires screams, for many Vampires stayed within the Blood Bank in coffins waiting for their meals poor humans were forced to provide. He was not a monster, and he was moved by them, as he had known many Vampires as friends and conrades. He wished he could have given these Vampires the choice of purification, but such an act would damage his plans. He rushed off to an consealed allyway and started to shift into the form of the Shift Death, before heading for the castle itself. Inside the news was alight with the destruction of the Blood Bank and panic was absolute, particularly for many Vampires. Sir Edward entered the Throne Room and bowed to Graeybar. "Your majesty, I have just heard the news." "A most unfortunate business, Sir Edward." The King was being approached by several men, who he brushed off and continued to speak to Edward. "Were you able to save any of the Vampires within the Blood Bank in time?" "Sadly not, your Majesty. Since the matter happened mere minutes before sunset, as clearly the Rebels had planned, I was unable to provide enough assistance in time. Clearly the Rebels are more of a problem than we first thought, particularly if so few of them are actually here." "Indeed, you speak truthfully, Sir Edward. And I have heard little if nothing on the progress of the battle itself back on the Island." At that moment a trooper entered and bowed. "Your majesty, we have located the rebel known as Caydil. He appears to be holding up within a range of houses on the eastern block." At this, Edward saw Graeybar make a sly smile, clearly knowing something Edward did not. "He appear to have created some kind of magic speel which we are unable to proceed past." At this Graeybar let out a howl of amusement for a few seconds, then his eyes narrowed. "So my little brother wants to play games, does he? Well I'm game. As for these Rebels, they must clearly be crushed. Where are the other two Rebels reported earlier?" "If I may your majesty," Edward began, and Graeybar nodded. "I found both the rebels Serena and Tenor and ordered that the former be inprisioned. However I was told upon my arrival that she has escaped, possibly through some help. This might mean the Rebel presence here is more significant than we first expected." "I see." Graeybar spun a finger through his beard thoughtfully. "Very well Edward, this is what you will do. Find these two Rebels and deal with them, then return to the Island and squash these pitiful Rebels once and for all. I have let this matter go on for too long, and my subjects lives could be at stakes, particularly with the destruction of the Bloodbank. Vampires were moaning enough as it was about the blood shortages, and I hassen to wonder what this new problem will mean. Now, into action! Take some Union forces and do what must be done, Sir Edward!" "At once your highness!" With a flap of his wings the Swift Death flew out the window and into the night, heading for a section of troops he knew he would need to find the required Rebels. |
| Delilah stood at the dock beside the fleet of ships. She smiled at the ghost that stood across from her. "Thank you, Captain Malotov," Delilah said to the ghost. "It's good to know that there are rebel forces on the mainland. Thank you for going to pick up my troops." "Of course, Commander," said the ghost shaking her hand. "The Union shouldn't be too much trouble, but take every available soldier with you just in case and many supplies," Delilah said. Captain Malotov gave an affirming nod and relayed the information she'd given about the island to the other higher ranking officers. Delilah walked the short walk to the Red Tavern by the docks. She didn't bother knocking as she simply phased through and floated through the floor to the wide basement where the troops she'd brought with her stood over a map speaking lightly to one another. "Commander," someone greeted. "Any news?" Delilah asked. "Not much has changed since you left," said the Innkeeper, Julia. "A couple of your men left to spread the good word of rebel forces." "Thank you for letting us use the Red Tavern, Julia," Delilah said sincerely. Julia nodded. "Anything for a good cause," she said. Delilah sighed. "Now the only question is where we go from here," Delilah said. "Alert me if Serena and Tenor arrive. I'm going to rest for a moment." Delilah floated up through the floor of the Red Tavern to one of the open rooms to rest. |
| Serena stood on top of the building and looked down at the blood bank, or what use to be the blood bank. This isn't good, She thought to herself as she watched the fire being put out. Standing up she spun on her heal and into something solid. Thinking that it was a union soldier, she crouched and laid her fist in the man's stomach. "Damn it Serena!" The man hissed and crouched over in pain. "Tenor?" Serena gasped out the name and kneeled next to her commrade. Tenor stood up and looked at the wreckage of the building, making sure to take slow breaths. "We're going to be blamed you know," Tenor grabbed Serena and turned her from the fire. "We have to find Delilah. She's at some bar on the docks." "How did she make it over here to the main land?" "I don't know. But we have better go tell her of the newest developments." "Newest developments?" Serena was confused. "Did I miss something while being in jail?" "Jail?" Tenor looked at Serena in bewilderment. "How the hell did you get out of jail?" "Beat the crap out of the gaurd," she shrugged her shoulders and began to walk towards the edge of the house. "We have to get out of town. By this time next week the city will be rabid with hungry vampires. We need to protect the Rebellion." "And what about you. What are you going to do about food?" Tenor was worried about his friend. "You said there was some newest developments. What are they?" Tenor made a note to ask Serena how she was going to survive and walked to the vampire. "I'll explain it later when we meet up woth Delilah." Both vampire and werewolf walked off the building easily and ran towards the docks to meet their fellow captain. |
| Delilah could hear the commotion downstairs. She floated down and saw that the rebels, including some regular drunks were at the bar. Her grin widened at the sight of Tenor and Serena. "Look who made it," Serena said. "I could say the same to you," Delilah said trying not to sound so bitter. "Lets go to the wine cellar. We can speak freely there." |
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