Tension filled the air as the group prepared. Jason stocked up on ammunition, sheathed his sword and borrowed a few tools from Chase while he was at it, while Alexis stretched, prepping her muscles for the fight ahead
Chase meanwhile, remained isolated from the group, practicing his shots with his crossbows. So caught up in his practice, he failed to notice the cloud of sand appearing behind him, bandages covering them as he took shape. Chase leapt into the air, turning around to fire the moment he felt the tap of a bandaged finger, "Now that's no way to say hello" Phil joked as he nervously waved at the fledglingChase sighed in relief, slowly lowering himself back to the ground, "Welcome back. Did you find anything?" he asked, holstering his crossbows"I find quite a bit. I will explain when we all meet. But first, can I steal a moment of your time?" The mummy requested. While his face was covered by bandages, Chase could practically feel his worry. With a nod, they sat down on part of the debris that made up the training course, "You've been distant since returning yesterday. Did something happen?"Chase's eyes snapped wide before he turned away, crossing his arms like a pouting child, "So what if I did. What do you care?""I care for everyone in this house. That's a butler's job" Phil answered, his voice stern as he sat there, awaiting an answer but received none. After some time, he sighed and relented "You know, you can talk to any of us, correct? I know we aren't the most welcoming, but we need to stick together""I know but...I just can't right now. But when I'm ready, you'll be first to know," Chase assured, forcing a smile across his lips as he stood up to continue his practice. When the time came, they all met up in the living room. The three eldest of the group stood in front of the fireplace while Spot rested in Alexis's lap. When everyone had arrived, Boss nudged Phil to step forward "After returning from scouting, I can verify the information provided by the Nosferatu Alexis interrogated. Underneath the capitol building is a large hub of vampires and caged humans. Seems only those two cells expedited their turning due to Alexis's liberation. I can also verify that Vlad Blackhart is the one controlling the operation. He seems to be specifically working with the Asanbosam and Nosferatu species" Phil explained, calmly and concisely before Alexis raised her hand"So the Blackharts are the Vampires trying to make this new society thing, yeah? That must mean he's pretty damn strong" Alexis inquired, hoping they would have some information "Correct" Marie answered simply, "While the Blackhart family has many children both pure and sired, there are five who stand out above the rest. Vlad in particular is renowned for his inherent proficiency with blood magic as well as torture methods throughout the ages. It is understandable why they would give him such a role."
Lastly was Boss, who stepped up, "It won't be easy. Security around the capitol is tight and the hub itself contains a small army even without the shock troops. Luckily, I have a plan for just such an occasion," he assured before resting on the arm of the couch, "I will not lie to you though. It will be quite risky on your part but the result is worth it""Eh, what's the worst that can happen? We say no and you threaten to kill me again?" Chase asked with a seemingly carefree shrug that earned a glare from their leader. Annoyed, Boss continued with the explanation of the plan before parting. They all split into different groups around the city. Chase wandered around the zoo seemingly alone. The zoo was closed so besides a few security guards, he simply had to stand wait while Boss hid out of sight and out scent. Sitting on a nearby bench, Chase was eventually snatched up by iron hooks and flew away on leather wings. He began screaming and feigning panic as the Asanbosam took him away with Boss not far behind
Jason and Alexis simply wandered the streets, followed by Phil and Marie respectively. They continued to wander, specifically in the parts of the city where missing person cases were much more common. It didn't even take an hour for pale deformed hands to reach out from the shadows and grab them both. When they woke up, they were all caged together, "Well seems like everything's working out so far. Did they have knock me out though?" Jason groaned, looking around"Quit complaining. At least you didn't have to scream your lungs out to sound convincing" Chase joked, looking around. The building was just like the one found before, walls of humans in cages, only illuminated by a single light, "You guys think this is gonna work?"
"Well gee, way to make us less confident" Alexis joked with a light chuckle before walls opened behind their cages. Suddenly, they started moving before being loaded onto a train of some sort by Nosferatu and Asanbosam workers, "Guess this is how they plan to move us. Never knew they made their own railway beneath the city" she thought allowed before an iron hook slammed against the bars"Shut up, human!" The beast ordered, looking her up and down and whistling, "Not bad. Say, I could get you out of here. For a price""Touch her and I will-mph!" Chase started to threaten before Jason covered his mouth, trying to hide his fangs so their cover wouldn't be blown"Appreciate the offer, but I'd rather be staked through the heart" Alexis said. Scoffing, the Asanbosam flew to the front of the train in annoyance. Alexis sighed, "Well, seems sex drives are alive and well, even if the body isn't" she joked before hitting Chase over the head, "Don't do that. If they find out, our plan is at risk"Chase rolled his eyes and threw Jason off him, "I'll do that again if I have to.""I'm far from helpless. Push comes to shove, I'll just break his hooks and jam them in his eyes"It's not about that. I still worry about you" Chase grumbled, laying down in what little room they had as they were taken to the hub. When they arrived, they were met by a massive man made cave, tracks all converging at a small station. Workers began unloading their captives off the train, locking them in cuffs before sending the train back when they were all off. Amongst all the bat-like freaks and deformed blood suckers, one stood out, a man barely looking past his twenties. His raven black hair was slicked back with hair gel and he wore a fairly stereotypical vampire attire, a black tuxedo with a long black cloak that was crimson on the inside"My humble guests, welcome to my abode. I am Vlad Blackhart, your captor and as of today, your instructor" He spoke in a thick accent that gave of this regal feeling. His voice oozed a natural charm that already had some of them ready to submit, "As of today, you are all Vampires!" he boldly declared before someone couldn't help but burst out into laughter. This seemed to annoy the Vampire prince as he looked to the source of the laughter, only to find Chase on the ground, "Is something funny human?""Oh no, not at all, just gimme a sec!" Chase insisted, continuing his manic laughter even after being picked up by the collar of his shirt "Wow, she wasn't kidding. You don't like being laughed at, huh Vlad?""Who told you of me?" Vlad demanded to know but Chase simply kept laughing. While Vlad was distracted, Alexis and Jason began to hear something, a noise akin to bugs crawling. Looking around at the walls and the floor, they saw scarabs crawling all around followed by a swarm of locusts. They came in almost blinding number, combined with a large dust cloud, making the perfect smoke screen. Confused and enraged, Vlad lifted Chase up, his grip changing from his throat shirt to his throat"What have you done?!" Vlad demanded to know. In response, Chase simply smiled, flashing his fangs before breaking his cuffs and jamming a hook into his arm. Vlad reeled back in pain, "Another Vampire..? Why are you..?"Chase didn't answer as when the screen of sand and insects cleared, Alexis and Jason stood beside them, battle ready as Phil passed out their equipment. Marie joined up after teleporting the last human out, "What's wrong, Vlad? Scared?" Bossed mocked, placing a hand on Chase's shoulder, "Good job. That annoying laugh helped us locate you""Wait, you lost us?! That's the last time we're going with this plan" Jason huffed, drawing his sword. "The...Kin Slayer...." Vlad muttered, his already pale face looking that much more ghostly as he stumbled back into his Nosferatu and Asanbosam allies. With a renewed confidence, he grit his teeth "Forget the humans! Kill them all!!" he demanded before running away, letting the horde handle it"All humans have been evacuated. What's the plan boss?" Marie asked"Keep the grunts off us. I will handle Vlad" "What? But-" Chase tried to argue but was swiftly cut off"He's too high above you in every way that matters! Your chance will come Chase, but for now let me handle it" Boss insisted before running ahead. Chase didn't get to argue before being lifted up by a pair of iron hooks digging into his shoulders. Instead of immediately escaping, Chase started dropping down bombs. The smoke containing garlic powder. The Vampires below hissed in pain as their undead blood boiled beneath their skin. Those who weren't caught in the blast were quickly reduced to ashes by Jason's sword or crushed by Alexis. If not for that, they would either be destroyed by the running water Phil controlled or torched by Marie's magic fire"Wow impressive. Guess they don't need me then," Chase said with smirk before ripping the hooks out of his shoulders and pulling himself onto the back of the Asanbosam"What are you doing?! Release me!" The beast demanded but Chase wrapped his arm around him, hovering a stake over over his heart"Trust me buddy, I will but you're gonna take me to your boss. Oh and be sure to take the long way."Fearing for its unlife, the beast obeyed, flying towards the scent of Vlad in the slowest route possible. All the while, Chase began firing his crossbows, staking as many Vampires on the way. "Where does he think he's going?" Jason asked, fighting off a Nosferatu that got within grabbing range. Fortunately, he was saved by Marie who reduced the beast to a charred skeleton"Only one place to go" She answered, before sending out a stream of flames, "There are too many to chase after him right now. We should thin them out and do what we can""Like hell! He's gonna need my blood!" Alexis argued and, despite Phil trying to stop her with his wrappings, she hopped on an Asanbosam, ripping off its wings and flapping awayJason began to sweat, feeling his nerves get to them "Are we sure we can handle this? Our numbers just dropped by two"Phil simply laughed "My boy, all that means is that there are two less people to consider" He answered, the wind picking up around them, cutting whatever blood sucker it touchedWith Boss, he rushed through the caverns, hunting for Vlad, . During his pursuit, he came across a human, stumbling over with no signs of Vampirism, not even a ghoul. "H-help....me..." the man begged, hurrying as far as his limping legs would take him. The moment he got close, Boss grabbed him, immediately tossing the man further down the cave. A loud pop could be heard, blood burning away at the cave walls, "Blood bombs? Really, Vlad?""Just preparing a surprise for you when you reach me. How about we talk? Catch up while you try to find me?" Vlad offered, a sinister hiss capping off his sentences, "For starters. Who is that boy? New apprentice?""Aye, and the most promising one so far" Boss answered, going down the caverns as he casually tossed the walking bombs, making sure no acidic blood touched him"And the most deadly. What will you do when he learns the truth? Will he still accept you as his master? Don't think I have not noticed the striking similarities." Boss didn't answer, simply continuing his approach. Finally arriving to the end of the cavern, he saw Vlad in a meditative position. Surrounding him was a large circle with bizarre markings. Without hesitation, Boss pulled out his crossbow and fired, only for Vlad to vanish. "Did you get him?" A voice asked and Boss with no hesitation, fired his second crossbow which Vlad dodged with ease before launching him into the ceiling with a strong punch beneath his ribcage. Vlad then leapt up, digging his claws into the rock before grabbing Boss and slamming him, "Funny, isn't it? When we last met, I would be slaughtered but with a quick ritual, I can do this!" He declared before tossing boss to the ground, jumping down and slamming his feet onto his face. Taking a moment to revel in the pathetic state of the Kin Slayer, he didn't notice when Boss grabbed his ankle and easily flipped him"You can give yourself all the power in the world. It will never make up for skill and experience," Boss assured before ripping his leg clean off, "And in my experience, blood magic makes you really thirsty the longer you use it. Weaker too" Vlad hissed, scurrying away while his leg grew back, starting with the bone before the meat and skin in rapid succession, "My apologies. I forgot who I was facing for a moment. I cannot afford to play with my food," he said, his apologetic tone contrasted with a sadistic smirk before charging at Boss, dodging a stake fired from his crossbow in the process. He went for another punch, but Boss dodged with ease, countering by stabbing him with a stake, making him stumble back, "That doesn't do much," Vlad mocked "You're a Vampire, but you're not immune to pain. It'll get to you eventually," Boss counted, annoying the Vampire who created a spear of blood and launched it at him. He dodged before having to catch a fist. When he couldn't hold it back anymore, he backed up just in time for an Asanbosam to crash into Vlad, a stake through the heart burning it away "Wow, you really had to run off? And I thought us Blackharts were meant to be the biggest badasses," Chase mocked as he approached, Alexis not far behind"Blackhart? Oh...I see," Vlad mumbled before laughing, the insanity in his eyes showing, "That witch! She sent you after me, didn't she? Sending her miserable little fledgling to take my life! The nerve of that woman!!""No, I'm here because it's my job. Although, if you're willing to answer some of my questions, that would be nice. But I doubt you'd do that without losing some teeth," Chase answered, sprouting his hooks. Despite being ordered otherwise, Chase rushed in to fight. Vlad dodged with ease, only to be caught off guard by Alexis's fist to his face followed by Boss coming over head to stake him while he was dazed. Fortunately, he managed to use his wings as a shield before blasting them away with a large gust of air. Prioritizing the weakest link, he rushed to Alexis, grabbing her by the throat and slamming her into the ground, leaving a crater where she lay. Enraged, Chase flew at him at top speed, trying to get his hook around his throat. Sadly, he was impaled mid flight by three blood spear. Being the only one able to stand, Boss fired two more stakes which Vlad easily caught."Really? And here I thought vampires couldn't go senile. Or are you just that desperate?""Not at all. You should be a lot more careful what you put your hands on," He countered, motioning Vlad to look. Through the gaps in the wood, a strange clay-like substance came out. He quickly tried dropping it only for it to stick to him before suddenly combusting. Amidst the smoke, Boss quickly grabbed Chase and Alexis, rushing to regroup with the others. An angered roar echoes out but he never looked back, rushing back into the larger cave."Chase!" Jason called out, rushing off the mountain of dead vampires to their side, "What the hell? I've never seen anything like this," He muttered, grasping the solidified blood spear only to scream in pain as spikes appear to stab into his hand"An Inquisitor? Your kind rarely do see blood magic. At the very least, you don't live to tell your comrades," Vlad said, laughing as his body was still healing, his skull half visible but charred and the entire upper half of his body burnt to a crisp, "Plastique explosives laced with silver is quite clever. You haven't lost your touch, have you?""Marie, get these two somewhere safe s-!" Boss started, but that moment of distraction to give orders was just enough time for Vlad to send him flying into a far away wall, firing out cuffs of blood that pinned him at wrists, ankles and neck"Quiet. These distractions are holding you back aren't they? I don't want any advantage. I will earn my revenge!" Vlad demanded, laughing with an insane glare in his one good eye. Marie tried to teleport to him but her attempts to cast the spell were cut off by a spear in her back followed by many more that all exploded into a tree of pure blood. Phil tried to restrain him with his wrappings, before cutting him in half with a blade of wind. Thinking it was the end, he released him, only for something to sit on him...A cat? Looking around, Vlad's legs were completely missing. Now frozen in fear by the guardian of Underworld on his head, Vlad began to pummel the mummy, repeatedly slamming Phil into the ground, "How much more can an old fossil like you take? Huh?" he asked, turning rabid as the constant use of blood magic took a toll on his thirst.While the slaughter continued, Jason dragged Alexis and Chase together, as close as possible, "C'mon man. Drink! We need all the help we can get here" he begged in a whispered tone, "You said you found your purpose right? What is that? To die in some shithole beneath the city?"As if smelling the blood of his Ghoul, Chase's body began to move again, grabbing her before digging his fangs into her neck. Slowly he felt reinvigorated as the blood coursed through his veins. With Phil finally down, Vlad turned to them, his body now reconnected, to immediately grab Jason by the throat, "You foolish child. Did you really think a mere fledgling could-"He was quickly cut off by a searing pain as Chase kneeled there, his hands burning while he held Jason's sword in the Vampire's gut, "Let. Him. Go," he demanded, speaking slowly as to make sure he was clear. Vlad scream in pain as he backed away, his wound looking like molten lava as he looked to Chase with a glare"Y-You brat! Doesn't that thing hurt you!?" Vlad exclaimed, trying use his blood to at least seal the wound"Oh hell yeah. It burns like crazy, but who cares? A bit of pain is better than dying," He answered, growing his wings once again. Vlad, visibly confused and angered, grew his on wings and rushed at him. He grabbed Chase by the throat before flying up"I don't get you! You're a Vampire! One wrong move could mean your death! Why do you risk this?" He demanded to know, breaking him through the cavern ceiling, "Until New Wallachia is established, you cannot afford to be so reckless!""Glad you care, but I'm not going to just embrace being a Vampire because people tell me to! I'm going to stay as human as I can!" Chase argued as they broke through the cave into the building above. Chase began stabbing him with the sword over and over again as his arm began to singe from holding the holy blade. Dominated security began to open fire on Chase as the civilians fled, grazing him but filling his wings with holes. If not for a very angry Alexis climbing through the hole in the floor and knocking them out, it could've been much worse, "Thanks for the save again!" He called out before using what little he could to heal his wings and push Vlad through the golden dome and into the sky, the moon being the last thing the vampire saw before being impaled on the torch off Lady Freedom and decapitated by Jason's holy swordPanting heavily, Chase dropped to his knees before letting out an emotional victorious roar. The following morning, he awoke in his bed in the mansion, looking down at his badly burnt arm. With a sudden rush of fear, he hurried down the stairs to make sure everyone was alright. When he got to the living room, nobody was in sight, though could hear heartbeats. When he looked behind the couch, he saw Jason with a childish pout, "Damn Vampire hearing. Well, Surprise!"With that declaration, Marie, Alexis and Phil all popped out screaming "Congratulations!!"Chase immediately jumped into a defensive position but calmed when he heard Jason laugh as he wrapped his arm around his shoulders, "Relax dude. You're safe now""What's all this about?" Chase asked, looking around at the brightly decorated room, streamers, red and green balloons and a fully decorated tree save for the star on top, "Was I knocked out till Christmas""No, you idiot. You just beat a Blackhart. That deserves some sort of celebration" Alexis corrected, "But since it was so late, we couldn't buy more fitting decorations so we thought we'd use spare Christmas stuff"Chase chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head, "It's really no big deal. Besides, you guys put in just as much work as I did""We're not the ones who impaled and decapitated the bastard," Phil reminded"Boss was quite crossed that you disobeyed him, but even he agrees. You did well," Marie said with an unusually warm smile he did not often receive as she brought a cake in from the kitchen, "In all my years here, we've never successfully fell a Blackhart. You might just be what we need" Chase's mouth was watering at the shining frosting and strawberry slices that decorated it. Jason couldn't help but laugh, "She asked what your favorite kind of cake was. Do I know you or do I know you?" He asked with a cocky smirk"You definitely do. Thank you so much everyone. Now let's dig in!" Chase proudly declared as Marie cut out the slices. Once that was done, they all dug in, talking and just enjoying themselves. That joy would be brought to a swift end when he received a single text from an unknown number."Good work with my brother. How about we go on a little date to celebrate?"