(Inside Decker's mansion)
Decker sat rigidly in a lotus position within a dark, cold room. He had been using the previous days to recover and accelerate his mastery over the dark shadow demon he had bonded with. Decker groaned, the sound raw and painful, as the dark shadow demon slowly consumed and devoured his very soul.
"dark shadow demon, eat more of my soul," he commanded through gritted teeth, pushing past the agonizing consumption. "Eat your fill so I can use more of your power, so I can dance on the corpses of my enemies." For four grueling hours, he continued to endure the pain caused by the dark shadow demon until a knock echoed softly at the door.
"Enter," he commanded, his voice strained but regaining its chilling authority.
One of his vampire henchmen opened the door. He bowed instantly on one knee, his body trembling as he felt the dark, evil energy radiating throughout the room. The henchman refused to look up at Decker. "My lord, the leader of the Storming Hornets has arrived."
Decker allowed a slow, malevolent smile to stretch across his face. "Great. Take our guest to the meeting room and tell him I will be there in a few minutes."
"As you command, my lord," the henchman murmured before quickly retreating.
After half an hour, Decker entered the meeting room. Kilo stood up from the table instantly and walked toward Decker with his arms open. "You crazy bastard, you did it; you bested the great Leonidas!" Kilo was so excited that he pulled Decker into a manly, powerful hug. "I don't usually hug people, but the news of you defeating Leonidas made me really happy. Now I know that we stand a chance against the Crimson family."
"I recommend not to underestimate the other family members of the Crimson family, almost everybody can be considered monsters, especially Leonidas's wife," Decker warned, pulling away from the hug.
Kilo looked confused but intrigued. "Let's go sit by the table, my friend."
As they both settled down at the table, Kilo retrieved a bottle of whiskey and poured them both a glass. "Now tell me more about the wife."
Decker took the glass of whiskey and lightly shook it. The soft clinking noises of two ice cubes clashing against the glass were the only sounds in the quiet room. "I do not know much about his wife, but I managed to pull some strings. I found out that she was previously part of the Fulger family."
Kilo was not familiar with that name. "Who is this Fulger family? Are they well known?"
"They were once a big and powerful family. Do not mistake them for being weak. They are still a force to be reckoned with," Decker explained. He looked into the amber liquid in his glass with a cold stare. "The family now chooses to stay down low. If we kill the daughter of the Fulger Lord, he will surely come for us," Decker warned. The danger in his voice was palpable, filling the room with a sudden chill.
Kilo smiled, but there was no fear on his face. He only felt raw excitement. The victory Decker had over Leonidas had given Kilo the confidence to challenge anything. He felt like they were now unstoppable. "Well, my motto is that with great risks come great rewards. We just have to deal with the consequences." Kilo took a long drink from his whiskey glass, letting the heat of the alcohol settle in his chest. "Now tell me, what makes her so special? Why do you think we must be cautious of her?"
Decker smiled. It was a cold and predatory expression that did not reach his eyes. "Well, you could say that most of the family members would inherit the ability of fire from Leonidas. However, Anna Crimson is the only lightning user."
Kilo was visibly shaken by this new information. He set his glass down a little too hard. "Fu*k… luckily we have some armor that is lightning resistant. But I am sure you will keep her preoccupied with one of your dark shadow demon clone figures."
"Of course. They all will die. Every last one of the Crimson family members will be wiped out," Decker stated. His voice was flat and carried an absolute commitment to the slaughter. I will burn their legacy to the ground and leave nothing but ash.
Kilo chuckled as he sensed the cold and focused anger radiating from his partner. "What about Leonidas?"
Kilo threw his head back and started to laugh. The sound was loud, manic, and echoed off the stone walls of the mansion. "Perfect! Then we will attack the Crimson Castle tomorrow. I will become rich and famous!"
====
Deep beneath the Crimson Castle, in a large and open room, stood a massive portal gate. It was an imposing sight, covered in ancient and detailed carvings. The magical gate was so tall that it nearly touched the high ceiling. Several vampire knights stood guard in the room, their eyes watchful and sharp.
Suddenly, the portal began to glow with a powerful white light. This was a sign that someone very important was arriving. A tall and imposing figure stepped out of the swirling magical vortex. The moment his foot touched the concrete floor, the knights felt a tremendous surge of power. They knew this energy well. Their eyes began to glow a deep red, and they all bowed their heads at the same time.
"Welcome back, Master Zeno."
Zeno stepped out of the portal with an aura of great power and grace. His dark and flowing robe billowed around him as he moved. He started to walk down the stone steps. With every stride he took, the room almost seemed to bow to him, as if the very walls were paying homage to his high status. Zeno gave a small nod to acknowledge the loyal knights who stood before him.
====
In a dining room in the upper section of the castle, the mood was much quieter. Anna sat at a wooden table, sipping blood from a delicate teacup while she read her favorite romance novel. On the outside, she looked very calm. Deep down, Anna felt a surge of relief. She was happy that Richard had returned safely from his mission just a few hours ago. Having him back brought a much needed sense of security to the home.
Markus and Richard were also in the room, but they were busy with a game of chess. The big vampire had a wry smile on his face, but he was struggling. He was finding it hard to beat his own son.
"Since when did you get so good at chess, son?" Markus asked.
Richard felt very good about himself. He had his father, Markus, in a very difficult spot after his last move on the board. He gave his father a light chuckle. "I am sure Father is holding back."
Markus stared intensely at the pieces on the board. He was desperately trying to calculate his next move. Shit, I cannot lose against my son, he thought to himself. Just then, he felt a powerful spiritual force arrive downstairs. The look of anxiety about the chess game disappeared, and a genuine smile took its place.
"So Brother is finally back," Markus said.
Anna also sensed her son's presence and was happy that he had returned safely. She continued to read her novel, occasionally looking up at her son and grandson playing chess. This was the kind of peaceful moment that made Anna appreciate life, though she still missed her husband. Leonidas had not sent any message of his safe return, and the lack of news made her feel a quiet worry. I hope they are safe and that the boy is learning well.
Outside at the training area, sharp clashes of steel could be heard traveling through the air as Carmilla and Thomas were vigorously practicing their swordsmanship. Carmilla thrust her sword in a quick motion, but Thomas managed to evade it and counter with his own thrust. Not expecting Thomas to counter so swiftly, she barely managed to dodge the attack by a hair's breadth.
"I almost got you there, Milla," Thomas teased.
Small drips of sweat started to appear on the forehead of Carmilla. Her eyes started to glow red, and her fangs extended as she channeled her true power. Thomas noticed Carmilla was getting serious and responded by drawing out his own vampiric energy. Both were prepared to continue their furious attacks until a figure suddenly appeared right between them.
Both of them stopped their motion immediately. The eyes of Carmilla widened, and she dropped her sword a few seconds after recognizing the imposing figure standing in front of her.
"Daddy?"
Zeno Crimson had a subtle, weary smile on his face as he laid eyes on his only daughter. "Hello, sweety."
Carmilla ran to her father, Zeno, immediately wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. "Dad, I missed you," she whispered into his robe. Zeno embraced his only daughter, giving her a tight, reassuring hug. Carmilla knew the dangers of mission work. Many young vampire parents lost their lives. She knew her father was one of the strongest vampires in the castle, but the possibility of him dying was always present. There were even stories that the great Leonidas himself had nearly died fighting a Ghoul King.
Thomas ran up to them while they were still locked in their embrace. "Welcome back, Uncle," Thomas said excitedly. Zeno looked at Thomas and affectionately gestured for him to join the family hug. Thomas didn't hesitate, smiling as he joined the heartfelt embrace.
After a few seconds, they disengaged, and Carmilla was still wiping the final tears from her eyes. Thomas, however, was more interested in his uncle's stories. "Uncle, Uncle, was the enemy strong this time?"
"Thomas!" Carmilla shouted the name of her cousin with anger. She could not believe how insensitive he was being. Asking such a question when her father had just come home was rude.
Zeno smiled gently. He understood that the boy was curious. "The enemy was very strong. He was very tall with four eyes and four arms. He also used four swords, one in each hand. His speed and power were from another world."
The eyes of Thomas shone with fascination. "Really, Uncle? What was this powerful enemy called?"
"The people called him, Four."
"Dad, are you okay? Did you manage to kill him?" Carmilla asked. Her concern was now focused on her father's health.
"Sadly, he got away. However, I did manage to cut one of his arms off before he escaped. But I was too injured to chase after him," Zeno admitted.
Thomas was amazed. He immediately started to imagine his uncle fighting this monster. "Wait, Uncle. If you sliced one of his arms off, does he have to change his name to Three now?"
Carmilla could not help herself. She burst out laughing when she heard the innocent comment from Thomas. "Stop it, Thomas!"
Zeno chuckled lightly. "I guess so."
"I bet my dad would turn him to Zero," Thomas said with pride. He held out his fist.
Carmilla smacked Thomas on the head. "Are you saying my dad is weak?"
"Ouch!" Thomas grabbed his head. "Why did you hit me?"
"Do not make fun of my dad!"
"But I did not!"
Zeno smiled faintly as he looked at the two cousins. It made him think about the time when he and Markus used to argue just like this when they were young. "Hey, stop it, you two. Where is your grandfather? I do not sense his energy."
"Grandpa went on a business trip," Thomas said. He rubbed the spot on his head where Carmilla had smacked him. "And John also tagged along."
Carmilla pouted her lips. "Grandpa did not even ask me to come with him."
Zeno put his hands on the head of Carmilla. "Hey now, I am sure your grandfather will take you on his next trip. Remember, John is a new member of the family. Give him a chance to get to know your grandfather, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy."
Zeno then went to the dining room where his mother, Anna, was sitting. He opened the door and saw his mother standing up from the table. He walked slowly toward her and gave her a light bow. "Mother, your son has returned."
Anna did not care for formalities when it came to her family. She quickly pulled her oldest son into a heartfelt embrace. "I am glad you returned safely. I heard stories about this Four being extremely powerful."
"He was. I did not manage to kill him, and he escaped, so the family did not pay us the full amount," Zeno admitted.
"It is fine. The contract did state that he has to be killed," Anna replied calmly.
Markus also walked up to his brother Zeno right after the hug with their mother. Markus was physically bigger than Zeno and looked down at his older brother with a broad chest. "Welcome back, brother. I sense your spiritual force has yet to fully recover. Do you think you can defend yourself against me in your feeble state?" Markus smiled, and there was a hint of genuine challenge in his eyes.
Zeno looked up and stared his brother straight in the eyes without blinking. "If you think you can beat me, then go ahead."
They stared at each other for a few quiet moments until the playful tension finally broke.
"Come here," Markus grinned. He pulled Zeno into a powerful hug. "Welcome back, brother."
"It is good to be back."
"How have you been?" Zeno asked.
"I am fine. I also recently returned from my mission, but it was boring. The mage I fought could not even take a single punch from me. I guess I am just too strong, hahahaha," Markus chuckled.
Not long after Richard welcomed his uncle back, they heard a knock on the door. Two familiar faces came through the door. Zeno immediately turned and moved swiftly to embrace both of them. "Husband," Reina whispered softly. "Father," Caden added.
"When did you wake up, son?" Zeno asked Caden. He rested his hand firmly on the shoulder of Caden.
Caden smiled at his father. "It is a long story, Father."
"We have a lot to talk about then, do we, son?"
"Yes, Father."
"You look good. I hope you did not neglect your training while I was gone."
Caden gave a light laugh. "Of course not, Father. I was a little rusty when I first woke up, but I am feeling better than ever now."
"Good, good," Zeno said. He patted Caden on the shoulder with a look of pride.
Zeno then turned his full attention to his wife, his gaze softening. "How have you been, my love?"
Reina felt so happy that she actually wanted to cry. She stared deep into the black eyes of her husband. "My beloved, I missed you more than words can express. I have been longing for your return. When we are separated, I always feel that a part of my heart is missing. Now that you are back, my heart feels complete again."
Zeno gazed at his wife with deep and heavy affection. His voice was filled with warmth and gratitude. "My love, your kind words fill my heart with joy. Every time I go out on dangerous missions, the thought of you always gives me the energy to push further and beyond."
Anna watched the two of them. Seeing them so clearly in love made her think about Leonidas. I wish you were here to see our family whole again, she thought. The silence from her husband was starting to feel like a cold weight in her chest.
Markus then interjected. He put his large, heavy arms around both Zeno and Reina. "Come now, stop this lovey dovey stuff. Let us get something to drink. We have much to talk about." Reina pouted slightly. She was playfully angry at Markus for spoiling the lovely reunion.
====
After a couple of hours, John finally woke up. He heard the voice of Leonidas again. It was now clearer and much stronger than before. "Perfect. I hope you are well rested. We have to leave this place. Tomorrow is the day he will attack the castle. My guess is that he will attack the castle in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky. It would not make any sense to attack a vampire during the dark of night," Leonidas explained to John.
John was still slightly confused. His head felt heavy and his memories were blurry. He noticed the massive boulder was indeed pushed away from the entrance. There was now a slight opening in the rock. It was just enough room to leave the cave. "What happened? Did I do that?"
Leonidas looked at John with pure astonishment. "You do not remember pushing the boulder out to create an exit?"
John shook his head slowly. "No. I only remember getting really angry and then passing out."
John took out a bottle of blood from his storage ring. He drank it until the bottle was half empty. He could feel the warmth of the energy slowly returning to his tired body. "Grandpa, wait here. I am going to check if it is safe outside."
"Boy, wait!" Leonidas reached out with his hand to stop him, but John had already left the cave.
The young boy exited through the small opening. He noticed it was still morning. The air was crisp and cold. He moved with caution, scanning the area with sharp eyes. He found no one guarding the entrance. I guess Decker really thought we had no hope of surviving. That is why there is no one guarding the cave, he thought. The cold realization settled deep in his mind.
John retrieved his knife and the half drunk bottle of blood from his storage ring. With great difficulty, he used the sharp knife to cut open his own wrist. He carefully poured some of his own hybrid blood into the bottle. He wanted to ensure his grandfather would receive the boost of healing power.
Shit, time is ticking. We have to hurry back, he thought. Seeing that the area was clear, he quickly returned to the dark cave.
Leonidas was still sitting against the wall. A slight expression of anger was visible on his face. "Where did you run off to? You left me here alone and defenseless."
"Sorry, old man. I went to see if there was no one to ambush us. We are clear though," John said.
"Then pick me up. I still cannot walk. And stop calling me old man," Leonidas said while looking at John. He was still angry and irritated because the young boy had left him on his own. He had a small thought in the back of his head that the boy might leave him for dead after opening the entrance to the cave.
John thrust the bottle of blood toward Leonidas. "Quickly drink the rest of the blood in the bottle before we leave."
The clan lord fixed his gaze on John for a few seconds and then refused. "No, you should save the blood for yourself. It is useless for me to drink that blood."
The temper of John flared. "Old geezer, do you want me to kick your ass again and force this stuff down your throat? Or are you going to drink this so we can return to the castle as quickly as possible?"
"You dare," Leonidas burst out. His eyes glowed a bright red as he stared at John. However, John did not back down. His left eye also turned red as he stared back at Leonidas, matching the challenge perfectly. They locked gazes for a few minutes. The jaw of John tightened. He suddenly dropped the bottle on the ground. His hands were now free and clenched into fists. He was preparing to strike his own grandfather.
"Fine," Leonidas said in a low tone. His voice was laced with defeat.
"What did you say?" John pressed. His body was ready to explode with movement.
"I said fine! Give me the bottle so we can leave!"
John retrieved the bottle and handed the half-drunk blood to his grandfather. Leonidas grabbed the bottle with both hands. When he poured the blood into his mouth, he felt a cold sensation on his tongue. The potent and delicious taste was undeniable. It felt like liquid fire and ice all at once. "What is this blood, boy?"
"Don't worry about it. Just drink the blood so we can leave," John replied.
Hmph. He could feel the delicious blood running down his throat. The liquid later spread throughout his body and he felt instantly strong again. Leonidas was not yet aware, but the wolf poison inside his body was slowly being killed off by the hybrid blood.
After drinking the half bottle of blood empty, John took the bottle and stored it in his storage ring. He picked Leonidas up and hoisted him onto his back. They exited the cave together. Once they got out, the old vampire noticed that they were located on top of a hill.
John and Leonidas quickly headed for higher ground.
"Do you know where we are?" Leonidas then used his eyes to zoom in on where they were standing. He saw a road trail in the distance. He also noticed that they were far away from any town or city.
"I am not exactly sure where we are, but if we head down this hill, we will reach a road trail." John then carried Leonidas on his back as they went down the hill.
As the young boy carried his grandfather down the steep hill, he could feel a slight increase in strain on his legs due to the added weight of his grandfather. In this kind of situation, John was very grateful for the intense training he got from Reina. Furthermore, walking downhill with someone on his back was much easier than if it were uphill.
There was an awkward silence between the two men. It took thirty minutes for John to break the tension. "So, what are you going to do when we get there? You are still not in the best condition to fight, you know."
"I know, boy, but as the leader of the Crimson Clan, I have to be present at all costs. For me, I have to be there for moral support. If Decker destroys my clan, then I must be there to die beside them."
"Now that I know the story, why could you guys not just talk this out? I mean, you did not mean to kill his daughter, right?" the hybrid boy looked back at the clan lord as they were walking down the steep hill.
"That train already has left the station, boy. The time for talking is over. Either he dies or I die. It is simple as that. That is the cruel reality of the world. The moment he attacked me or my family was the moment he signed his death certificate."
John sighed. "We still have a long way to go. We do not even know where we are."
"We just need to find someone to give us directions. Now enough talking and start running. Time is of the essence."
It took an hour for John to reach the road trail. Leonidas then used his nose to smell the air. "Just keep running down this road trail. I smell something. I think it is a group of people. My smelling senses are a little dull."
Leonidas gritted his teeth. "I just hope we can make it in time."
John continued to run. "A little dull? Are you even sure there are any people nearby?"
Leonidas got a little irritated. "Just keep running, boy."