Reapers Cove

A land full of magic and mysticism, the cove is nothing like the name entails. It consists of a small village along the coast, visitors are a rarity and are often treated with suspicion.

---

Zamber stood yearningly at the foot of the church steps. She was watching the sun set's mixture of brilliant hues dancing through the evening sky. She closed her crystalline eyes and drew in a deep breath as a relaxing breeze parted her long blond hair. She smiled as she said a silent prayer, merely mouthing the words, keeping her eyes closed peacefully.

Dracul watched her silently from the shadows. He took a step closer and a twig snapped under foot he quickly crouched to hide himself holding his breath. What am I doing? there is no way she would ever give me a chance...as the villagers said...I am a monster... he thought silently.

Zamber's eyes shot open to the sound. She took a quick look at her environment, scanning the church steps behind her, "Hello?" she asked in a shaky tone.

He crouched lower

---

Raven forced her eyes to open, she was stuck between a cluster of boulders, water beating fiercely against her weighted form. She was exhausted and numb, though whether it was due to injury or the chill in the water she didn't know. Her right arm was pinned beneath her and her left hung at an odd angle before her. She felt the familiar weight of weapons and clothes to her relief.

It was several more minutes before she remembered the storm, and the figure that had come with it... Out at sea she had not been safe as she assumed, it had been more dangerous than anything she'd faced yet, by some miracle she'd survived the shipwreck, and by some cosmic joke she would undoubtably drown when the tides rose.

---

Vicente continued with the large bag slung over his shoulder. He had made it just in time to hide for the night in the cover of darkness. He ran his free hand through his mussed blonde hair as he started down toward the water.

Zamber cautiously started her usual evening walk down toward the beach. She glanced over her shoulder before she stepped onto the cooling sand. She wiggled her bare toes in the sand and continued her ginger stroll down the sand.

Vicente glanced up at the young blonde girl who was wading through the water, letting the ebb and flow of the ocean run across her feet and ankles. "She's a bit odd," Vicente remarked as he continued walking toward her.

Zamber shivered as Vicente walked behind her. She cast a concerned glance at the heavily encumbered man who passed her. She turned her gaze back to the calm waters. Her calm expression turned into horror when she saw a disturbance in the current.

Vicente heard her gasp and turned around quickly. He dropped his bag and dashed into the ocean simultaneously with Zamber who was carrying a body back to shore. "Is she breathing?" Vicente asked in horror.

Zamber nodded as she set the girl down on the sand, "She's...alive..." Zamber huffed.

"Oh, by the gods..." Vicente began pacing in the shallow water, "Are you sure?"

"She'll be fine," Zamber said calmly. "But I don't think I can carry her to the church..."

Vicente nodded, "I'll take her, just grab my bag."

Silvery eyes fluttered open, and lips pulled back in a silent question- I'm still alive? The thought itself was hazy and darkness tugged at the edges of her vision, but she was determined to stay conscious now, even as the numbness began to fade and pain returned to her limbs.

Dracul remained hidden as he watched the proceedings.

Vicente carried the unconscious girl, following closely behind Zamber who was leading him through the church. As he took in the environment he found many different people in beds. Some of them looked sickly, while others looked perfectly fine. "What is this place?"

"It serves as shelter to the unfortunate, and we even have a few doctors who help the sick," Zamber explained without looking back.

"That's awfully nice," Vicente remarked as Zamber stopped at an empty bed.

"Place her here. I'll find the doctor," Zamber said quietly.

"I can't exactly," Vicente placed the injured girl onto the bed, "Stay..." he said as he lifted his bag from Zamber's grasp. "I have somebody I'm meeting," he explained.

Zamber started to say something but stopped and nodded, "I understand. Thank you," she said calmly. She followed Vicente out of the church, watching him leave as she settled onto the stairs. She let out a heavy sigh before finally deciding to head into town to find the doctor.

Dracul followed her silently. Does she like that man? He tried to gather his courage and walked up to her. "Excuse me?"

Zamber turned slowly around, "Yes?"

"Umm...What is the name of this place?" He asked glad to be able to talk to her but not sure what to say.

"Oh, you must be new here," Zamber commented with a smile. "This is Reapers Cove."

"I see. And that building back there? Is that a temple?"

"Yes, I'm one of the priestess," Zamber replied. "I'm Zamber."

"I...my name is Dracul. It's a pleasure..."He said gently kissing her hand.

Zamber blushed as she watched him, "Likewise..." she whimpered.

"Do you like it here?"

Zamber considered his words for a moment, "You know, that's hard to answer. It's my destiny, but it's not for me...I'm comfortable..." she said slowly.

"Would...you travel if you got the chance?"

"Definitely," Zamber said eagerly. "Seeing the world..." she eased her eyes shut and let out a relaxed breath.

"Would you...travel with me?"

She eased her eyes open and her cheeks grew a deeper scarlet as she met Dracul's gaze. "I...I don't know..."

"I...I know you don't know me nor do you have a reason to...but a priestess could be handy on an adventure and I could help fight and use my magic to protect you...I would like to know you. You look bored here."

Zamber smiled and caressed Dracul's cheek with the tips of her fingers. "You're very kind..." she said soothingly, "and you seem to be afraid of something..."

He blushed. "I am not afraid of anything..."He denied.

Zamber ruffled his hair, "I'll pretend I don't know."

He blushed. "I...alright...there is one thing...please don't refuse to travel with me...I..."He looked frustrated not sure how to say what he felt.

Zamber smiled, "Don't worry," she assured him. "I have a few things I have to do here, though."

"Like what? Maybe I can help?"

"Well, I have to find Marcus, the doctor..." she frowned, "I just found an unconscious girl on the beach."

"What does he look like? And is she alright?"

"He's a short brunette man," Zamber said quietly. "He lives alone near the woods." Zamber stared into Dracul's eyes, "And I don't know...she wasn't conscious."

He blushed and nodded. "Shall we call on him together?"

Zamber smiled and nodded, "I'd like that."

He offered his arm to her and Zamber accepted with reddened cheeks.

"You have a beautiful blush." He whispered with a blush himself.

"Wh-what?" Zamber stammered as she shifted her gaze away from Dracul.

"I'm sorry if I offended...I think you are beautiful though..."

"Offended?" Zamber repeated. "I'm not offended!" she said quickly. "I'm just not...well...used to it," she admitted.

"That's hard to believe. What do you do to relax around here?"

Zamber smiled, "I like walking on the beach in the evening when my chores are done...before I retire to pray."

"So the beach is calming to you?"

"Oh, very," Zamber said happily. "Water in general..."

He smiled. "I see. Do you like Dolphins?"

"What's that?" Zamber asked blankly.

He pulled out a dolphin necklace carved from a rare shell. "This is a dolphin." He said offering it to her. He had carved it for her days ago as he understood her attraction to the sea and hoped she would like it.

Zamber smiled and accepted the necklace, regarding it with fascination. "It's so pretty..." she marveled.

"I'm glad you like it...a dolphin is actually a mammal...they look a little like fish but aren't and their skin isn't scaly." He said trying to describe them.

Zamber cast him a thoughtful glance, "You know a lot..."

He blushed. "I travel allot. When you travel that much you pick up things."

"There's Marcus' house!" she said excitedly. "Be prepared...Marcus is...well....you'll see," she grinned.

He nodded. "I will try to be prepared." He said as he followed her.

Marcus looked up from the herb garden that he was weeding and stood, he was shorter than Zamber and his dark hair was held back at the base of his next. "Ah, Zamber, back again, eh? And with a man no less! Don't tell me you plan on leaving your faith and traveling the world with a man you just met?"

Dracul stiffened. He studied Marcus closely not sure what to think just yet. "She came to ask you help with a patient."

"Yes," Zamber nodded, "She was washed up onto shore from my guess," Zamber said solemnly.

"Was that a yes to my question or his statement?" Marcus produced a bag from among the pile of weeds, brushing dirt from it, "Come, come, don't keep me waiting!" He said as he waltzed ahead of them, walking backwards so as to see the pair.

Dracul cocked a brow and looked to her. "I see what you mean." He whispered.

"He is peculiar," Zamber said sheepishly as she started after Marcus.

Dracul followed.

"I heard that!" Marcus called, "I'm not peculiar, I just live an alternate lifestyle. Now, tell me more about this patient, she washed ashore you say? Any physical injuries that you noticed?"

Dracul followed silently. As they neared the church he stiffened a little.

"Nothing noticeable," Zamber murmured. "Looks like she just fell off board a ship and drifted here by some miracle."

"Hm." Marcus replied simply, "Maybe she decided to take a swim and forgot to tell anybody." He chuckled to himself.

"Maybe someone tried to drown her? It's not uncommon in some parts of the world when the population gets to big for them to drawn some of the population, especially females." Dracul said.

Zamber shuddered, "Let's avoid those parts of the world then, shall we?"

"Of course. I won't let anyone harm you. Dracul said reassuringly.

"Aha! So you are planning on running off, aren't you!" Marcus exclaimed quite suddenly.

Zamber blushed, "I didn't deny it..."

"I hope you're at least going to give a two week's notice before quitting..." Marcus drawled.

Dracul looked at Marcus closely. "If she did that wouldn't they try to stop her?"

"Oh, probably, but in the end it is her own life and choice so they really can't do anything about that..." Marcus shrugged.

"I've thought about it," Zamber said quietly. "I'll probably give it until that girl is better," she said with a half smile.

Dracul nodded. "How long will that be?" He said as they arrived at the church. He hung back not wanting to set foot inside.

"We won't know that until I've looked at her." Marcus tsked, "Haven't you been listening?"

"I have...I'm not used to people though..." He said in anger as he sat under a tree several feet from the actual grounds of the church. "I will wait here."

"You won't be in the way," Zamber assured him, "You don't have to wait out here..."

He looked a little unnerved. "I... am fine. I will wait here..." I can't tell her I can't set foot on that ground...she would think I am evil...

Dracul sighed and waited.

---

"Come, Zamber. I need you to take me to the girl."" Marcus pressed.

"Alright," she smiled to Dracul before leading Marcus inside.

Marcus followed her to the medical area and gazed down at the girl with a thoughtful frown, "Get me some fresh linens, Zamber, her clothes are soaked through."

"Right," Zamber replied quickly. She rushed over to the linen closet and pulled out a soft robe and returning just as quickly as she had left, "Here..." she whispered as she glanced down at the unconscious girl. "Is she going to be alright?"

"We'll find out." Marcus pulled a pair of shears from his bag and set himself to cutting away her old clothes carefully, "Zamber, I need two pieces of wood, about the length of your arm." He said after a moment.

"Would firewood suffice?" Zamber asked.

"So long as they're thin." Marcus conceded, "Her arm's broken and needs to be splinted, may be broken in more than one place, I can't tell but it's plausible." He went back to inspecting the girl, taking note of several deep gashes that would need to be stitche and bruising along her ribs- it was possible they were broken as well.

"Alright," Zamber said quickly as she dashed up to the main floor. She stooped in front of a pile of wood, searching quickly for two thin pieces of wood. Taking the smallest two, she returned to Marcus, eagerly awaiting the next instruction.

"Boiling water now, Zamber, I must sterilize my supplies." Marcus glanced up at her with a faint smile.

"I'll be in the kitchen," Zamber chirped.

Marcus nodded and turned back to his task at hand, he'd inspected a good bit of the girl's body, there was abdominal swelling, possibly due to internal bleeding, and ifthat was the case he'd have to cut in to relieve the fluid and close up whatever had ruptured. He moved towards her head and gently opened her mouth, teeth were intact and there were patches of white down into her throat- dried ocean water no doubt. She was dehydrated and would need fluids soon.

Silver eyes fluttered open and she was suddenly staring up at him blearily, "Where am I?" her voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

"Ha! No cooks will ever get spaghetti done when we need things sterilized!" Zamber declared as she rushed in, trying to not spill the boiling contents of the pot as she stood beside Marcus.

"You're safe."Marcus replied, "you would probably do best to go back to sleep..." He chuckled at Zamber, "Nice!" He held up a hand for a high five.

Zamber slapped his hand, inadvertently spilling some water near her feet, "Uh...whoops..."

"Haha, go ahead and put the pot on the floor, Zamber." Marcus chuckled in amusement, "We'll probably need a bottle of liquor next."

Raven shook her head, she wouldn't allow herself to slip back into the void, if she did so she'd be found this time for sure. She couldn't hold off her dreams for ever, and the moment she slipped... these people would be in as much danger as she.

"We have wine," Zamber said sheepishly.

"wine will do just fine my dear." Marcus replied, "It will be necessary to numb the pain as I work."

"Alrighty, back to the kitchen," she said in singsong before returning with a bottle of wine. "Does the year matter?"

"The year doesn't matter, just help her down what she can handle." Marcus glanced at her as he put the last of his tools into the pot of boiling water.

"You want me to force her to drink this?" Zamber gasped.

"That or let her suffer as I stitch her flesh wounds, realign the bone in her arm and possibly perform surgery on her stomach." Marcus replied, "Which is the better option?"

Zamber made a face, "You don't look like an alcoholic, but for the next few seconds, let's act like one, eh?" Zamber bolstered the girl with one arm and tilted the bottle of wine slightly to ease some of the liquid into the girl's mouth.

Raven coughed and choked as the wine slipped past her lips, spilling some of the liquid down over her chin. She caught herself and drank, the searing liquid burning down her throat, nearly causing her to choke again.

"I'm sorry, but I have to," Zamber apologized.

Raven settled herself to drinking until Marcus spoke up, "That should be enough, Zamber."

"Okay, I'm here for moral support, though," Zamber said with a nod.

Marcus nodded and gently grasped Raven's broken arm, "I'm not gonna lie, this is gonna hurt like a bitch even drunk." He said. He jerked his arms and their as an audible snap. Raven gasped and turned her head to the side, vision swimming.

Zamber shuddered at the sound, "No matter how many times I hear that...it's still...ew..."

"Alright, hard part's over." Marcus said, lining the pieces of wood against Raven's arm and tying them securely in place with twine.

Zamber managed a quick look at Marcus' work, "Do you need anything else?"

"No, if you like you can go back outside with your friend." Marcus said, "No doubt he's waiting for you."

"Right," Zamber blushed as she started out of the building.

---

Lyre sniffed at the air delicately as he came into shore, the broken bits of plywood beneath his feet finally sank as he stepped into the shallow watter. She was here, he knew that much, but where she'd gone was a mystery. He'd never failed to destroy a target before, and he wasn't going to start now.

Tonani had just finished feeding. His face was covered with blood and knots of it were in his dark green hair. He hated being filthy but this prey had put up a fight. He walked to the water and washed the blood off from around his mouth. He scooped up water in the cup of his hands and poured it over his head washing the blood from his hair.

Lyre stepped onto the stretch of sand, the water falling from his clothes as if they were repellant. He glanced between the length of the sand and caught sight of several sets of footprints. A set of these was deeper than normal after coming to the water's edge, as though carrying some burden from the ocean. A slow smirk curled his lips and these he followed, more than certain that they would lead him to his target.

After he was finished cleaning himself off, Tonani stepped back from the water and sat on the sand. He took in the many scents of the ocean. He wasn't an average vampire. The sun, although it bothered him, did not effect him as the myths would say. He looked as though he was a regular human. Tonani just did not age.

Lyre glanced briefly in Tonani's direction, his expression void of emotion and hiding his thoughts. The vampire was different than others he had encountered, but he was dark, and could prove useful, "Hello, might I take a minute of your time?" Lyre called to him.

Tonani glanced over his shoulder to Lyre. "Depends. What for?" He said almost coldly.

"Bloodshed and mayhem. I am hunting a gem who is bound to have... delicious blood for your kind. I seek her death, and I seek to destroy any who are aiding her. Would you be up for the task?" Lyre questioned.

Tonani grinned. "Ah, finally something interesting happening." He approached Lyre. "I am also seeking someone." He sniffed the man before him and smiled with pure interest. "If we assist each other, I will promise not to kill you." He flashed his fangly grin.

Lyre's pupils dialated and he sniffed at the air, "She's in a church." He said gleefully, "I appreciate your willingness to aid, might I obtain your name?"

"Tonani Glory." He introduced himself. "And you are...?"

"Lyre." He responded simply, "This way now." He began walking towards the church.

Tonani watched the elf move. He had always assumed elves to be of a simple and kind nature. "Why are you hunting this girl?" He questioned.

"I am an assassin and do so thoroughly enjoy to spill the blood of the innocent," Lyre responded, "I am not the typical elf, I don't enjoy frollicking with my kind, I have too much desire for destruction and mayhem."

Tonani grinned widely. "My kind of man." He laughed. "I think we will get along just fine."

"The church is just ahead... There are several humans outside, a demon included, and several inside, the girl I seek is inside. The scent of her blood is strong." Lyre laughed.

Tonani smiled wickedly. "I think i can manage a few of those humans. Unless you are capable of luring her out, than the girl will be immediately in our hands."

"She's dreaming, the lure will be easy." Lyre brought out a flute and began to play a haunting melody.

Tonani wasn't exactly sure what he had meant but he was excited for the taste of fresh blood running down his throat.

"She's coming." Lyre took a secondary pause in his playing to say, indicating the girl slowly approaching them.

---

Dracul took to throwing a pebble and catching it, throwing it further every time. How long will it take to see a patient?

"I'm sorry it took so long..." Zamber said softly.

He stood up and smiled. "How is she?"

Zamber shuddered, "Probably in the worst pain she's ever felt..."

"Will she be alright?"

"Marcus is doing surgery now. We won't know until afterward..." Zamber said solemnly.

"What is wrong with her?"

"Broken arms is all we know for sure..." Zamber let out a breath.

"Are you alright?" He asked in concern.

"Mostly, I am just...tired of the depression and everything bad happening to innocent people," she breathed.

He gently hugged her. "I am sorry." He lead her over to the tree trunk and sat with her gently pulling her down next to him and offering his shoulder for her. "If you wish to rest I will watch over you."

"I couldn't rest," Zamber muttered. I'm too worried."

"I'm done!" Marcus approached the pair, blood dripped from his hands and down the front of his shirt, "I'm afraid it wasn't pretty."

"WAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Zamber screamed as she clung to Dracul.

Dracul helped shield her from the sight. "You could have cleaned up first...how is she?"

Marcus burst into howling fits of laughter, "Just kidding! This isn't her blood."

Dracul slugged him. "That isn't funny you sicko!"

"Yeah, you scared me half to death!" Zamber whimpered.

Dracul hugged her protectively and Zamber snuggled into him closely.

"Apologize to Zamber."

"Haha!" Marcus laughed all the harder, rolling across the ground in clear amusement, "It was entirely hilarious, your faces... you should have seen them."

"How about a lighter sense of humor next time?" Zamber pleaded.

"I've been planning this one for weeks Zamber, and besides, lighter senses of humor are just too... cliche for my taste." Marcus produced a towel and began wiping the blood from his arms.

"Then how about something a little less...messy?" Zamber suggested.

"I don't appreciate that type of humor. I have seen too much blood shed in my travels."

"As a doctor I have seen my share of blood. I like to let go of everything every once in a while." Marcus replied, unbuttoning his shirt, "And I've been waiting for an excuse for this one for some time."

Dracul looked at him with distaste. "Have you had people you thought were friends turn on you and try to kill you? Or see your father attempt to protect you and get injured in the process? You are sick." Dracul said as he turned away in anger. His eyes were tinged red.

"I am not sick." Marcus enunciated, "I merely have a unique sense of humor. And I've seen many friends and family to their graves through war, robbery, and illness. You need to bring your own personal history into check and not be so rude."

Dracul stiffened and growled. "Shut up, its people like you who make this world so dark!"

"Dracul..." Zamber whimpered as she caressed his cheek with her fingertips.

"I don't make this world dark, I brighten it up." Marcus replied, "I save lives, I create new cures for previously incurable diseases. So I've got a unique sense of humor, so what? Everyone's allowed their particular quirks in the world, myself included.

Raven's eyes opened and were dull, she rolled off the cot and made her way outside, towards the edge of the grounds.

"What in the world?" Marcus blinked, "Hey, wait, you're injured and need your rest!"

Zamber perked up, "Little snow fox...I have a feeling I'll be needing you..." she whispered before a small discolored fox appeared.

Tonani waited by the trees for the woman to come closer. He smiled when he saw her. He approached. "Oh. Poor thing, you look lost. May I help you?" He rested his hand on her shoulder.

Raven blinked and her eyes cleared, she gave a startled sound in her throat and looked wildly around before her attention settled on Tonani and Lyre, "W-who are you?" she demanded.

Dracul hurried toward them. "She should be resting." He said watching the other two suspiciously.

Lyre appeared before him, "You will not interfere." He said to Dracul, "You would do best to stay back and allow us to finish our business here."

He narrowed his eyes. "What business?"

"Why the death of this girl of course, wasn't that obvious?" Lyre blinked.

He growled in anger and appeared behind Raven gently shielding her. "You won't harm her!"

"Oh, by the gods..." Zamber whimpered as she looked among the ensuing battle.

Dracul appeared with Raven near Zamber and Marcus. "Get her inside I will try to hold them off."

Lyre put the flute to his lips again and Raven's gaze dulled, she wandered away from the trio even as Marcus grabbed at her to drag her back towards safety, she merely shook his grip off and continued moving.

"I don't think...we'll be any help..." Zamber said slowly.

Tonani smiled in his sadistic manner. Tonani touched Raven's arm. Soon she would be swooning for him.

Dracul appeared behind her and grabbed her he appeared back with the others and shoved her into Marcus's arms. "GO NOW!" He snapped as he unsheathed his sword and went to attack Lyre and Tonani. "I hate people like you. Why do you want her dead?" He said as his demonic form began to manifest.

"Come on..." Zamber whispered as she tugged on Marcus' shirt.

Tonani grinned his fangly grin and watched Dracul now with interest.

Lyre changed his tune and Raven fought away from Marcus again, the whip at her side unfurled in her grasp and caught him across the face, opening a thin wound as it swelled up. She ran almost drunkenly at Dracul, pulling it back and snapping it at him.

Marcus let out a cry of pain and his fingers moved immediately up to his face, feeling the crossways injury, "Knew I should have taken her weapons too..." He muttered.

Dracul dodged and grabbed her this time she appeared in Marcus' arms and Dracul sent a magic attack at Tonani and than attacked Lyre

Tonani fell back and hissed violently. He returned to his feet in a swift movement and went to attack Marcus to free Raven.

Marcus winced as Raven was thrust back into her arms, and she in turn blinked back into consciousness, "What's going on?" She mumbled.

Lyre attacked Dracul fiercely, not leaving much room for counter attack.

"Gods, please protect the church, the town and my friends..." Zamber murmured as she closed her eyes and started chanting in prayer.

Dracul vanished and appeared behind Lyre attacking quickly with his sword.

Zamber's eyes began to glow white as her chanting grew faster and lower.

Lyre turned and countered the blow, "You'll have to do better than that."

Tonani quickly struck Marcus with a hard slice to his cheek with his sharp, what seemed to be, claws. He looked at Raven forcing a sweet look. He knew his spell had to have been affected on her by now. "Come with me. I'll take you somewhere safe." His voice was suddenly soothing and calm blocking out the fighting around them.

Raven released a small sigh, heart hammering wildly in her chest seemingly without reason. She took a few hesitant steps towards Tonani, "Don't do it!" Marcus cried, to no avail, blood leaked down the side of his face from the injury given him by Tonani.

Zamber snapped back to reality when her prayer was complete, "M-Marcus?"

Dracul appeared behind Raven and grabbed her knocking her out and making her appear near Zamber. "Get her inside!" He said as he began to attack Lyre with both magic and his sword

The thing that appared near Zamber was not Raven, but a doppleganger made of tree roots and grass. Raven had done the magic in an unconscious gesture just as Dracul had swung at her and still stood before Tonani, her silver eyes sparking with the power in their depths.

"That was foolish." Lyre whispered, appearing behind Dracul and stabbing him in the side with a dagger, "Never take your eye off the enemy."

He spun away before the dagger struck and struck at Lyre in retaliation he was fast and his reflexes finely honned he vanished and appeared behind Raven once more this time grabbing her firmly and appearing near the others. "WAKE UP THEY ARE TRYING TO KILL YOU!"

"Leave me alone." Raven said coolly, her hands went between herself and Dracul and were slowly covered in blood, a blade was held in her hand, absorbed almost to the hilt in Dracul's stomach.

Lyre came up behind him, "You don't listen very well, do you? I'm an assassin by nature. And she's fully enthralled by my song and the vampire's ability. It won't be easy to lure her out of it. Give up and I won't be forced to hurt you further," He licked the blade of his dagger, it had a few droplets of blood on it, although Dracul had managed to avoid most of the blow he'd still gotten nicked by him, and now the girl had drawn even more of his blood.

Dracul coughed wincing in pain. "Sorry..."He whispered to Raven appearing with her several feet away as he bit down on her neck, one to break her out of her trance and the other reason was to heal. With one of his hands he pulled the dagger out of his stomach

The blood was phenominal, different than anything else he'd ever tasted in his life. It was an instant addiction, making him not want to stop.

He tried to pull away not wanting to kill her

Yet the pull was too much, the taste too intoxicating, he felt that if he stopped now... he would die.

"Well, isn't this interesting." Lyre grinned.

Zamber watched in morbid fascination. "I thought those vampires were myths..."

Dracul continued to drink his vamparic half taking over

"Most things you find to be myth are far from it." Lyre stated coolly.

"Dracul..." Zamber said quietly.

His eyes flickered open at hearing Zamber's voice. they were red and sparkled with a silent plea as well as the hunger that consumed him.

"What exactly...are...you?" Zamber asked softly.

He tried to pull away from the intoxicating blood once more

Zamber brushed her long hair away from her neck, "You can feed on me, Dracul..."

Raven brought her hands up weakly, placing them against Dracul's chest, an explosion of fiery energy forced him backwards and to the ground before she slumped to her knees, too weak to so much as stand any longer.

Dracul panted falling to his knees and looked at her than at Zamber. Tears shown in his eyes as he slowly regained sanity. "I...didn't mean to...I'm sorry..."

"It's okay," Zamber replied. "It's an open invitation..."

Tonani had appeared now with the others after feeding off of a simple human. His lips were blood stained and his eyes now seemed to glow. He went to Raven making sure his ability was still in effect. He picked Raven up into his arms. "Don't worry, child. I'll take care of you." He looked to Lyre and nodded.

Dracul didn't notice he was distraught

Lyre stood between the group and Tonani, arms crossed. His strife was with none of them unless they decided to interfere.

Raven made a small uncertain noise, either way her body was weakened and she wouldn't be able to resist.

Dracul looked over at them. "Why? What did she do to make you want to kill her?"

"Why you ask? It is not my place to know. I was hired to kill that girl, and I mean to aqcuire my target through any means necessary." Lyre responded.

"Zamber, find the warrior monks and send them after that vampire!" Marcus called, pulling two scalples from his bag.

"Will you be okay?" Zamber asked cautiously as she started away from Marcus.

Dracul slowly stood up. "I will kill you. Someone who agrees to kill another for money deserves death."He said attacking Lyre.

"Just go, Zamber!" Marcus exclaimed, "Before that girl is killed!"

"You are a fool to think I would die by your hand." Lyre laughed musically and danced away from Dracul's attacks.

Dracul looked at him in anger. "You are the fool to want to kill someone for money."

"Do not continue to try and comprehend that which you do not understand." Lyre tsked, "Don't judge me based on a lifestyle choice that brings me income, when you very nearly did it for free."

He looked at him with mixed emotions. "Bastard...I...didn't mean to...that wasn't my intent..."

"But still you did it." Lyre shrugged, amused, "Nearly took the life of a poor, bewitched, innocent girl through your desire for blood."

"Stop it! I didn't want to! I...her blood was addicting...I try not to feed on people for a reason! At least I try to protect people rather than kill them for money!"

"Don't keep putting your twisted morals on me." Lyre threw his hands in the air, offended, "Really now, what's so bad about relishing in the blood of the innocent, in silencing those who have seen or heard things they shouldn't have, or can do things that are unnatural? Mommy and daddy must be so proud of their self righteous cub... either that or they're beyond disgusted with your moral standards."

He trembled in rage. "How dare you! Don't you dare bring up my family. I kill people but I try to kill those who deserve it. I don't kill the innocent!"

"A weak point I see." Lyre sneered, "Try and justify your actions all you want, murder is still murder, boy."

Dracul growled. "I've only killed in self defense! I don't enjoy killing as you clearly do."

"It doesn't matter." Lyre grinned.

"Lyre!" His voice fell silent on prying ears, yet rang out clear as day to the elf. Dropping down in between the two, a mess of dirty blond hair, and blood splattered clothes rose to stand, crimson orbs falling on the elf annoyedly. "Enough of this, we're going to lose the mark..." He growled, drawing his over-sized blade, the tip of which clanked against the ground when it was unsheathed. He turned his attention to the man opposite of his partner, gazing at him boredly. "Kill the novice and let's go."

"You're interrupting." Lyre muttered, without taking his gaze off of Dracul, "I was having fun. The mark is being taken care of as we speak, if not dead already."

"You're wasting your time." Relic replied with a scowl, bringing his blade up one handed towards Dracul. "You can toy with him later if you wish, But I've been watching enough. It's time to move and finish this.' The job comes first.'"

Dracul glared at them in anger wondering what was taking the warrior monks.

Relic's lips curled into a grin, he didn't even have to be looking at Dracul to sense the turmoil within the other. "Those reinforcements won't be here near in time, so you'd best make up your mind. Fight us, or run away like the sniveling coward you're proving yourself to be." His faint fangs shone through with the smile, crimson gaze now set intensely on his partner's assailant. "You know what Lyre, since the start of this mission, I've barely had time to play around...would you mind letting me toy with your boy here for a while? I promise I won't kill him...but someone needs to go check on that idiot with the mark, I'm sensing something out of place."

"Have at it." Lyre replied with a shrug, "I'll head the other way, I am bored with this one anyway." He took a few steps back to wave the other on.

"I am no coward. You and your friends are to take advantage of others lives for profit." Dracul growled as he readied his defenses.

"It's not just for profit, but for fun as well." Relic laughed, blade evaporating into darkness in his grasp. "I don't need my weapon for you..." He muttered, hands lowering to his sides as he walked towards him. In mid-step, Relic vanished from sight, now standing behind Dracul, a tuff of the other's hair held gently in his grasp. "So you're a halfling as well, interesting. Maybe you'll be some fun after all..."

"Don't touch me, not even my hair!" He snapped in anger. "You enjoy killing? And I am no halfling as you say..." From the tone of voice it sounded as though he believed what he said.

Lips curled into a feral grin, Relic wrapped his hand in the other's hair, yanking him back, free hand cupping the male's face gently. "I don't suggest you do that again." He growled dangerously.

Dracul glared at him in anger. "Let me go."He said calm but deadly

"You're in no position to tell me what to do..." Relic's voice fell smoothly, one of his nails raking across the delicate skin of the other's throat. "Aww, don't look at me like that little one, it makes me want to cut them out."

He growled and pushed away from him turning to face him. "Don't threaten me bastard."

Relic's grip clamped down on the dark tresses, not budging and inch when the other tried to jerk away from him. In fact, he pulled the others form tautly against him. "I told you not to try that again boy." He whispered, pulling a small blade from his cloak discreetly.

Dracul growled. "Let go...I don't like you touching me. I am not attracted to you asshole." He said wincing at the tug.

"You vastly mistake my intentions, such stupidity."Relic murmured against pale flesh.A silver flash shone through the air as he brought the blade up swiftly, lopping off a decent tuft of hair. "Sleep now...noctis dis" words fell hypnotically, crimson gaze taking a brilliant hue with the spell. "This will insure we meet again..." Was the last thing the damphire said before his spell took fully to Dracul.

Dracul tried to fight it and swung an attack at Relic

Relic took the attack lightly, barely raising a hand to deflect it. But that was more than enough.his hand latched to the other's with his vice like grip, twisting the limb and tossing him to the ground with the same fluid motion. "Keep this up and I might have to break my promise to Lyre to not kill you..."

Dracul glared at him. "Bastard..." He continued to fight the spell. "I am not weak...I won't let you leave." He growled stumbling to his feet a little dizzy. He hoped Zamber would be back soon with back up. He drew his sword and rushed Relic, at the last moment he maneuvered away keeping him in view and maintaining his guard.

Relic cocked his head to the side, piercing gaze set on Dracul's, a hint of confusion obvious. "Still able to fight off my spell I see, you're proving to be more and more interesting..." He smiled. Crimson orbs were taken over by dark pupils, hand held out to Dracul as if inviting him to come closer. 'Don't worry damphire, I won't hurt you.. His lie, to all those his gaze was set on for the world seemed to be the undeniable truth. Something they'd find themselves enthralled with,mind wrapped around it with no way to see past.'Come here...'

Dracul looked away keeping an eye on him but not his face. "I am not a normal damphire...I am a half demon half vampire."He said still holding his sword in a defensive position. His eyes started to get red tinge to them and he growled. "Not yet..."He growled as though to himself.

I don't need eye contact young one. I've already forged a connection, it won't be broken so easily. Relic's words echoed through the other's mind, pushing conscious thought further from his reach with each reverberation. "Ah, so you're going to let your lesser side show so soon? You must truly be frightened to show such weakness..." He gestured for Dracul to come towards him once more, but this time, the halfling was drug to him by some unseen force. Fight and there will simply be more pain his words boomed through Dracul's skull once more.


He panted and slashed at him. "I won't let him out...get out of my head Bastard! He growled panting against the pain and effort. He slashed at him physically but also with his shadows trying to have them shield him from view and injur Relic at the same time. He fought trying to keep his conscious thoughts under control.Zamber...hurry...He thought. He hated feeling this weak but he didn't want to show his weakness to this monster either. He had to admit he felt a certain attraction to his power but he didn't like the way he conducted his work. "Are you toying with me?" He growled.

Dracul's claws struck an invisible force, the damphire giving him a fanged grin."Get out of your head?" With a slight clenching motion of his fist, Dracul's hands were bout to his side, an image flashing to the side, drawing the darkness to it like a magnet. "Had I any intentions of killing you, you'd be dead. So, I thought it was obvious I was toying with you. Would you rather me get serious?" His fist snapped shut, force magnifying to something more than capable of breaking bone. "Do you really want me to grace you with the best I have!?" He laughed out, letting Dracul drop to a heap on the ground. "Spells, actual physical attributes, even my own weapon. I've yet to use anything but thoughts against you...is that really what you wish of me?"

Dracul panted growling in anger his full demon half took over and he attacked holding nothing back. Shadows slashed at him and he summoned a skeletal dragon to fight him

That same object flashed again, Relic's sword. The shadows were drawn into it and he stared out at the dragon with mild amusement.Tussling the damphire's hair he'd lopped off in his grasp. "You really have no idea, do you?" He asked, the strands separating and wrapping themselves around his fingers. "Blood magic, marrionnette..."Maneuvering his fingers skillfully, Dracul's own arm raised towards the dragon, enveloping and crushing the beast within the darkness."Try to keep up little one, or else I will kill you."

Dracul panted growing angry. He closed his eyes and skeletons began yo appear and attack Relic.
Dracul stumbled tiredly trying to fight Relic's magic and maintain his own spells. "Damn it Zamber hurry..."He whispered his eyes slowly returning to normal.

"Do you feel it yet? The more you fight...the stronger the spells hold becomes." Relic danced around the drones effortlessly, blade slicing through with deadly percision. Dissapearing on the spot, he came out of nowhere, blade resting on Dracul's shoulder. His spell dissipated, blade withering away to nothing but shadows once more. "I can feel it, the anger welling in you because even at your best, you're so easily overwhelmed..." He smiled devilishly,"Something to ensure you remember me..." He whispered, just before his fist slammed into Dracul, knocking him skidding across the ground. "Goodbye..." His words filtered through, image fading in the distance like a mirage.

Dracul panted as he collapsed. "Zamb...ber..."He whispered as he slipped into unconsciousness.

Several monks poured out of the building, their expressions carefully blank. Two went to the aid of Dracul and the others headed in the opposite direction, towards the fight. His wounds were carefully tended by the two that had stayed to help him.

He continued to call out Zamber's name even as he was unconscious. It seemed he was having a nightmare. His lip, in addition to his other wounds, also bled from where he had bit it trying to resist the spells.

---

Zamber rushed into the temple and dashed up the extensive and seemingly growing staircase that led to the monastery.

"Zamber, what's the rush?" An elderly monk asked in surprise as she dashed up the hall.

Zamber buckled over in attempt to catch her breath. "Evil...men...we need...help..." she huffed, pointing from where she had come.

"Oh my!" The man said, "We'll get the warriors at once! Catch your breath dear, I'll call for them." He dashed off through a side door.

---

Tonani smirked at all around them and vanished appearing quite a ways away in the woods. He held the girl in his arms and looked into her eyes. "There is no more need to fear." He said gently as he slowly lowered his mouth to her neck finding the vein he needed. He quickly punctured the girl's skin and was suddenly euphoric at the taste of her rich blood.

She gasped and closed her eyes, dizziness washing over her once more. "Please... stop." She murmured softly.

Tonani dug his nails into Raven's arms at the rush of such pure blood. He fought himself and pulled away looking at the girl again. His mouth was covered in blood; her blood.

She opened her eyes slowly, the light-headed dizziness and sting briefly gone.

Tonani held the girl tightly so she couldn't escape. "Why does someone want you dead?" 

"Because of things I know and can do..." She murmured, trying to push away from him.

"And what kind of things can you do?" Tonani asked holding on to Raven so she couldn't escape.

"What I can do... It isn't your business." Raven replied evenly.

"Than I guess you don't mind if I finish off that tasty blood of yours...?" Tonani said with a sadistic grin.

"You... will do no such thing." She said, glancing up at him.

Tonani smiled. His charm falling over her and capturing her into his curse until he releases her emotions again. "Please now, dear, tell me what it is you do?" He said in a soft soothing term.

She shook her muddled head, trying to clear it, "It's not for me to share." Raven spoke softly.

Tonani smirked. "You can be hurt very badly. If I find you to be of any use than I can save you." He said in his seductive tone.

"Let... go!" She exclaimed, a strong wind tore between the two, pulling her away from him and causing her to stumble and nearly trip.

Tonani fell back and hissed. "What the hell?"

"Why is she still alive?" Lyre asked from several feet away.

Raven stood bent over, her arms wrapped around her torso. So... hot. She thought as it felt as though her insides were melting.

(this'll be halfassed cuz my pc is being a jerk and keep giving me errors)

Tonani looked at Lyre and lowered his head in apology. He took advantage of Raven as she was now weak. He appeared beside her and wrapped his arms around her. "I can save you," setting in his ability by swooning her. He could make her his sex slave now. He leaned her back and kissed her neck sensitively and than parted his lips and pierced her skin and punctured the artery.

"Nnng..." The strangled noise escaped Raven's throat, not from the bite but from the overwhelming heat building up within her. The blood came out hotter than normal, and as the air came into contact with it it exploded into flames.

Relic arrived just in time to witness flames begin to engulf both the mark and Tonani. Flicking his hand towards them, they were flung apart, Tonani past Relic's form advancing towards Raven cautiously. "Can you not do anything right vampiric dunce?" He seethed. 'next time Lyre, we hire no aid...should we kill him after we're done with her?

Tonani growled at Relic. He was now writhing in pain for more blood to heal the wounds. Furiously, he appeared behind Raven and grasped her holding her still. "I gave you a chance little girl, but now you're done."

"Wait, do you really think contact at this point is a good idea? Or do you just want to die?" Relic sighed, a metallic sheen taking to his hands. "Assess it first, or else you'll be in the same predicament as before..." His attention shifted slightly to Raven. Calm yourself child, everything is fine...you're perfectly safe now.

Raven shoved Tonani away from her, unraveling the length of her whip and snapping it at the air before her, "I'm no fool... get away from me!"

Lyre, should I? Relic called, gaze shifting over to his partner somewhat excited now. The smell of blood had already caught his full attention, and was riling the halfling up even more.

Have fun. Lyre gave him an amused grin.

Relic smiled, his image fading from view like a mirage. "R-Raven..." A strangled voice called from the distance, the bloody form of Dracul dragging it's self towards her. "H-help...me, I-I don't want to d-die..." He spoke harshly. Before he could take another step, the illusion was cut down, falling to a heap several steps before her, a shadowed figure wielding the weapon, just out of view.

Raven took a few stumbled steps backward, she really didn't know Dracul or his intentions so seeing him approach her injured didn't phase her as much as it would have ordinarily. She did, however, tense as the man fell, her gaze looking for the attacker.

'Come and get me, litle girl.' The figure spoke to her, hand coming up and waving her closer. Through the shadows, the only thing visible was a pearly grin, fangs shining brilliantly through the darkness.

Raven frowned, her feet rooted to the spot. Something was off, though what she couldn't quite tell, her mind was growing fuzzy around the edges and she was being drawn into herself. She shook her head as though it would clear her head as she took a few steps foward, moving around the fallen man.

"Your heart betrays you..." A voice spoke from behind. In an instant, a silver streak shone through the darkness, the corspe she moved around, springing to life and plunging it's blade deep within her. The fictional attacker faded away with the strike, as did the darkness surrounding, leaving Relic behind Raven, holding a small blade buried to the hilt within her.

Raven gave a small sound of surprise as first a biting pain then numbness began to spread through her torso. The whip fell from her fingers, coiling uselessly at her feet, "B-bastard..." She managed breathlessly.

Adding insult to injury, Relic twisted the blade before pushing her body from it, allowing the girl to simply collapse to the ground. "What should we take as proof Lyre?" He asked, tongue flicking over the edge of his blade, lapping briefly at it's crimson coating.

"What would you like to take?" Lyre questioned boredly, glancing distantly up the beach, "Make it a quick choice... We'll have company soon."

Glancing over the quickly fading woman, Relic finally decided on something to bring with them, his hand flicking towards her, and her weapon dragging it's self across the ground towards him. "I suppose this will do. It's gotten pretty soaked in her blood, so they can't deny it's hers..." His gaze shifted from the girl, to Lyre, and finally settling onto Tonani. Him, he's trouble. We should dispose of him and keep the whole take.

Lyre frowned, No... Leave him. Let them think that it was he who landed the killing blow on the girl. It'll be easier on our own comings and goings to this area in the future...

Very well, but do you honestly think if he's pushed, he wouldn't give us up? He's not the brightest person. Relic shrugged, attention turning towards the oncoming people. The forest is swarming too, the easiest way would really be across the water, think you could swing it?

I'll be fine. Lyre smirked in amusement. Let's go, Relic. Before they spot us. He turned and headed for the water.

Relic nodded, a feral grin playing at his lips as he moved. Upon stepping into the waves, the damphire's footsteps padded along ontop of the water, fog wafting onto the beach swiftly to cover their escape.

---

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