Bane

by Vexlor

In the 33rd century, the human race has left the myths and legends of vampires behind, dismissing them as irrational and silly. Nobody is prepared for the cataclysm, brought about at the hands of a five thousand year old evil and his newest fledgling. A terrible reckoning descends upon the metropolis and "Ideal City" of Salem. And the bane of the human race is realized.

It was dark. A young, full night. These were the best. The few street lights that still worked flickered as he strode through them; no light could touch him. He stopped at the end of the street, extending his arm. A much larger road lay before him. The soldiers who lined the streets stared at him in horror. He extended a finger and cocked his head.

The sound of running water could be heard, faintly, as if only an idea.

"Tell me sir... Am I not human?" He asked the one in front, who pointed his gun fearfully at this intimidating vestige.

"N-no... You're a monster! A demon! A servant of the darkness!" Shouted the soldier.

"You're almost right. I am a demon. Not human, by any means. But a servant? No... The darkness serves me. The light defies me, but it cannot touch me. It bends to my will. But I am full of your blood... Human blood... So tell me again, what am I?" he said, taking a step forward.

The street light above him flickered on, only for a moment. His eyes were the colour of thick, fresh blood. His smile showed his pointed, jagged teeth, but his face was beautiful and pale. The soldier took a step back. The figure's grin widened. He felt the power of five thousand years flowing through his veins. A year ago he had been ordinary. A fledgling, with no hope of aspiring to anything.

The thought fled his mind quickly. Those nights were gone. He was the master now. He lowered his arm, relaxing his hand. The man backed away further.

"Answer my question." He said, coldly.

"M-Monster..." the soldier muttered.

He took a step forward and raised both arms slightly, palms open and facing the sky. The rushing sound grew louder.

"I didn't hear you." he said.

"MONSTER!" Screamed the soldier, as the windows in every nearby house burst open, blood rushing out into the street, multiplying and growing to his will. It engulfed the army, flowing around the figure as he laughed. When the blood settled, he was no longer laughing, but glaring at the ground where the soldiers had been.

"You're wrong... I'm not a monster... Monsters bow to me... I am the night-walker. Vampire." He sneered, and turned, walking back into his kingdom of broken houses, dark lanes, and dead bodies.