Chapter 1

"Black Demon"

I moved as quickly as I could toward the cave I had heard the yell emanate from. I looked back several times to make sure the girl was still with me. I could feel the adrenaline kicking in as I heard the werewolf howl but then heard another sound as a sword was pulled free from somewhere in the cave.

"Stay back damn it! You're just gonna get in my way," a voice shouted from the cave, it was a man's voice. I charged in to find the werewolf slowly stalking towards two men, one a peasant and the other cleared my mind of thought and made me freeze in place. The way he stood, the blade in his hand with another just over his shoulder and his armor that seemed to fit like a second skin. I knew it better than anything.

"A witcher…" I heard myself whisper. The witcher noticed me but didn't linger before dodging to the side of the werewolf's attempt to rend him inside out. He managed to get a cut on the beast before rolling away. I shook off my shock and moved in for the attack, giving the beast a nasty gash across its back. It growled in anger whipping to face me eyes full of bloodlust. I ducked under a swipe and tried to get an artery but the werewolf moved its leg just in time.

I almost had to use my power to avoid an attack when the witcher cleaved its arm clean off. It howled in agony as the silver blade and likely blade oil burned the already grievous wound. But the beast wasn't dead yet, it rammed its shoulder into the witcher who was knocked off his feet by the sudden attack. It then returned its attention to me. It tried to grab me and I easily avoided the attack and gave it a second slash on its back. It howled again and whipped around but I didn't have time to avoid the swipe it came around with.

I avoided all but its middle claw that gave me a nice gash just above my shirt. I growled in frustration at my mistake but before the werewolf could try to latch onto me with its powerful jaws the witcher did something I never would have thought. He grabbed the beast's top jaw and gave a strong and sharp yank, the loud crack announced the broken neck of the now dead beast. It was a show of strength I had never seen, I doubted even Geralt could replicate it.

With the threat now eliminated the adrenaline wore off and the pain of my gash hit me. I hissed as the pain was more than I had expected. The witcher looked me over but seemed unconcerned with the wound. His gaze was a little unsettling he seemed more like he was appraising a monster or a shady client. When I looked him in the eye I was thrown for yet another loop.

His eyes didn't glow amber but instead an icy blue but I could still see his pupils, that while dilated in the dark of the cave, were still that of a witcher. I decided to give him an appraisal in return. Looking him over I saw his gear was well maintained and very well made, standard for a witcher; I was thrown for yet another loop when I saw his medallion. It wasn't from any of the schools. It was a screaming demonic skull with horns. Before I could look him over more he spoke up again.

"That wound is deep, likely will leave a thin scar, though judging from the one under your eye I doubt it would bother you. That other one however, I can't really tell. But, a more important question, where'd you learn to fight and move like one of us?" he asked, his shoulders and stance were tense. He was on edge.

"I was taught at Kaer Morhen, though I never became a full witcher like yourself," I answered truthfully. He nodded and the tension relaxed from his stance. I tried to get a good look at his face but with the dark of the cave it was difficult. Suddenly the other man stepped up no doubt the yell I heard came from him.

"Why… you two really gave him a drubbin'! Never seen anythin' like it!" the man said excitedly. I suddenly remembered my companion.

"Girl! You can come out now! Come on!" the little girl then filed out and stood close at my side in front of the two men. Next to the peasant I could see the witcher was very tall, at least six and half feet if I had to guess.

"We found someone far less fortunate in the forest you wouldn't happen to know him?" I asked.

"Oh, Yaren, must be. We was returnin' from Midscopse when the brute attacked. I managed to flee but Yaren-"

"The little one – no details," I interrupted, to which the peasant nodded. The witcher seemed uninterested as he looked over the werewolf.

"You've bandages at home? Some spirit? I would like to deal with these sooner than later." I asked voice taught from the sting of the wounds.

"I-I've naught, miss… but my lord – he's a powerful man. He's sure to help ye. I'm sure he's the one hired the witcher as well." The man assured.

"Very well. Lead us to your lord," I nodded.

"Not so fast, I still need proof," the witcher spoke up, before drawing a large dagger from his belt just under the small of his back. He knelt down by the large beast's head and raised his dagger up. I covered the child's eyes as the witcher did his grisly work before walking past with the head clutched in a gloved fist matting the black fur of its head.

"My horse isn't far, let's go before something worse shows up," he suggested stepping out of the cave. We followed him out and I finally got a good look at his face and couldn't help but be a bit surprised.

He wasn't like any witcher I'd met, he wasn't rugged looking. He had smooth, pale skin, contrasting with hair that was black as midnight. And cut in a style I had never seen; the sides of his head were shaved while he had bangs swept to the left that grazed his cheek and jaw while the back ran to his shoulders. He was a handsome man to be sure, high, well-defined cheekbones, and a jaw as straight as the edge of a blade. His icy blue eyes were darkened to help against the glare of the sun.

As with any good witcher, he had scars, one on his left eye splitting his eyebrow cutting into his cheek, and one on the right side of his mouth. He only looked a few years older than me but with a witcher unless they tell you there isn't much of a way to know. He brought his fingers to his scarred lips and let out a shrill whistle and up his horse trotted, a pitch-black stallion. He tied the head to his saddle then mounted up and held his hand down to me.

"Come on, you and the kid can fit up here. You could use the rest, especially with that wound," he offered. I hesitated, before handing the little girl up to him, he had obviously been expecting me to get up first so had to let go of the reins to grab the little girl with both hands and put her on the back of his horse. I then jumped up on my own. I wasn't one for help even in trivial matters. Call me stubborn…

"All set, you aren't leaving anything are you?" he asked looking back at me with those icy eyes.

"No, anything I have is on me," I assured.

"Alright then, you, lead the way," the witcher ordered of the peasant who began to walk. Silence gripped our small group in the ominous swamp that covered Velen, or more accurately No Man's Land. I felt the silence a bit awkward and broke it.

"So, what is your name?" I asked the black clad witcher.

"Alucard," he said simply, keeping his eyes to the misty swamps.

"Well, Alucard, my name is Cirilla, but you may call me Ciri. It's nice to meet you," I introduced with a small smile. He nodded at me which was all I needed.

"I know a few witchers, but you're quite different from them," I began.

"Not the usual response. Normally it's freak, mutant, or mutant freak, personally I prefer 'hey you' as my moniker," he stated cynically.

"Well, I take that back you're actually quite a bit like one of them I know," I rectified with a smirk. Dry cynicism clearly wasn't exclusive to Geralt. We went the rest of the way in silence, Alucard keeping a sharp eye towards the swamp surrounding us on all sides.

Something about the land was wrong, like we didn't belong there, that it was only by the grace of some unknown force we weren't attacked or swallowed by the swamp. Eventually though we came across a large settlement surrounded by wooden walls and on its own island plateau. I could make out a large manor poking out of the highest point no doubt the lord's home and some safety for now…

The woman, Cirilla, and the little girl, Gretka, sat at a table in the Bloody Baron's manor, eating as if both had never heard of the concept. The Baron looked at them fondly before turning to the peasant his face twisted up in irritation.

"Just who do you think you've brought me man? That's not me daughter!" he yelled. The peasant just stared with a dull eye.

Moron.

"And the little one?" he asked, still looking for a reward.

"Neither dammit! I think I'd know my own child." The Baron denied. The peasant stared at the young woman again.

"Well, er… mi-might not be yours, the older one, but you've gotsta admit the likeness. It's downright strikin!" he held out his hand expectantly, "So any chance for that reward?" the Baron went from irritated to angry.

"You'll not see one fucking copper!" he roughly smacked the hand away and pointed to the door. "Get out, before I set my hounds on you!" and with that the peasant made his exit with slumped shoulders and empty pockets. Couldn't say I felt sympathy for him.

"You'd better not be here for the same thing that fuckin' idiot was," He warned. Looking me up and down skeptically.

"I'm not. Here for the bounty on this," I dismissed, tossing the bloody werewolf head at the Baron's feet. There was a wet thud as it hit the ground before the last of its saliva oozed out of the mouth, pooling on the floor with some remaining blood.

"Aye, that I can do," he agreed grimacing, before heading to his desk where he grabbed a good size sack of coin. "Here, this was the amount on the bounty," the Baron held it out to me. I took the money giving it a toss to judge the weight and a rough estimate of how much. It would be enough.

"Have you any room yet, I could clear a space for you here?" he asked.

"Probably best I keep moving," I assured him.

"Nonsense, it's late, and it's dangerous even for a witcher to be out in them swamps at night," the Baron insisted.

"Fine, I won't turn down the free room and board," I shrugged.

"Good, come let's sit and get some food," the Baron said heading for the table with the girls. "So, stew any good?" he asked spreading his arms in a friendly manner. Cirilla took a moment to swallow and look up at the Baron with those striking emerald eyes of hers. I'd never seen eyes like them.

"Mhm, very, thank you," she assured before getting back to her food and continuing, "I'd not eaten in-"

"Clear to see. I'm pleased you like it," he tossed out a hand for emphasis, "Had them prepare a bath for you, once you've eaten. And you could do with some sleep. Gretka in the nook behind the hearth, you in the guest room opposite the kitchen. Cirilla had stopped again and began to try and articulate.

"Thank you. I-"

"Shh. Eat now. We'll speak once you've rested," the Baron halted any thanks. A minute later he and I joined the girls and ate. After the girls went off to bathe and I went straight to the room I was directed to to get some sleep. Once I was led there I peeled off my armor and swords to then clean and make sure to keep them sharp before leaving them next to the bed. My dagger went under the pillow. I eventually tucked in for the night. I would need the rest before setting off in the morning.

I awoke to the sounds of the manor awakening, pans being scraped and clinking together as breakfast was prepared. The jingling of steel from the men in armor and their weapons. I got up and took a bath before getting geared up and heading out of the room. Once in the hall I heard a soft thud followed by a whispered curse. It was the woman from the prior day and she appeared a moment later.

"Oh, Alucard, you're awake," she stated looking me up and down.

"Something you need?" I asked as she still held her wound. I wasn't a saint but I wouldn't ignore her if she needed help.

"Oh, no I just…" She sighed and looked down, "Well, I guess could use some help," she agreed. She clearly wasn't used to asking for help.

"What do you need?" I asked.

"Come on," Cirilla said and beckoned me to her room. Inside I found some clothes strewn on the floor and her sword lying on the ground slightly unsheathed, the thud I heard no doubt. "I could use some help strapping it on," she said. I looked her over. She was in pain but doing well in ignoring it.

"I don't believe you're well enough to be going Miss Cirilla. Definitely not enough to use a weapon," I voiced. She cocked her head at me.

"Miss? Please, you don't have to be so formal. But I'll be fine, just help me with this," she insisted.

"So be it," I agreed, picking up her sword and pushing it back into its sheath. I threw one of the leather straps over her shoulder while holding the sword to her back. She brought the straps together and buckled them.

"Thank you. Hopefully I can make good progress in leaving for Novigrad," she thanked, turning back towards me. I could see the tightness of her jaw, the way her eyes squinted ever so slightly. She wouldn't make it in her condition.

"Miss Cirilla, I really have to insist that you shouldn't be leaving. That wound could get worse out on the road and if you collapse from an infection there won't be anyone to save you. I'm not trying to say you're weak, I saw you fight and you clearly aren't. But you need to rest, I'm sure the witchers you know would tell you the same thing," I reasoned.

Cirilla looked like she was going to resist but touched one of her wounds and sagged, the pain showing in her expression.

"Fine… but you can unbuckle this," she said pointing to her sword. I nodded and undid the buckle and gently set the sword next to her bed.

"Well, take care, Miss Cirilla, and good luck on your journey," I wished with a slight bow of my head. But Cirilla stepped up to me and gave me a look I never wanted directed at me again. It was some form of sad eyes to break any man's will, but a hint of mischief gleamed in them to let you know you were being manipulated.

Didn't make it any less effective

"Hey, you can't make me stay and then run off. If I'm staying you should as well," she argued. I had never seen such a well-constructed weapon to defeat a man's will, I folded like a well-worn table cloth.

"Fine, I'll remain here until you recover, if you really want, but just know you're costing me money," I scolded in a rather sad attempt to win back some of my backbone. Her switch from The Look to a bright, beautiful smile broke it again.

"Good, now how bout we go get something to eat?" she asked. I dumbly nodded and we both headed out of her room and back into the Baron's manor.

"So, how did you end up here in Velen?" the Baron asked Cirilla after swallowing a mouthful of his breakfast. She paused in her eating as well.

"It just sort of came about, ran into some nasty folk when I first got here, they seemed nice enough at first but after patching up my wound spoke of eating me. Not something I'm used to. I escaped into the swamp where I ran into Gretka and then Alucard. Then we came here," Cirilla explained

I'd had enough men even in my short time try to cheat me that I saw the tells that she was either lying or not telling the whole truth. If the Baron knew as well he didn't show it.

"Well, hopefully the rest of your journey will work out better. Do you know where you'll be heading?" he asked next.

"When I've recovered I hope to make for Novigrad. Though I had planned to leave today, our witcher friend here convinced me otherwise," she said directing her pointed gaze at me. I merely lowered my own to avoid hers and continued eating.

"Good, it would have been a fool's errand to head out there alone and wounded. Velen is an unforgiving place," the Baron stated. The rest of breakfast was spent with pointless small talk. Once done the Baron bid us good day and went about his business.

I was outside the manor in the yard training when I heard the now familiar footsteps of Cirilla coming towards me. I stood up and turned to face her when she finished her approach.

"Oh, you don't have to stop. I only came to talk, only thing I can think to do with this," she assured, pointing to her wound.

"I was finished anyway. I probably would have just spent some time meditating," I dismissed looking down at her, she was a tall young woman, sure, but that didn't mean much with me. I then headed towards my weapons and armor I had discarded for my exercises. "So, what'd you want to talk about?" I asked.

"You."

"Anything specific?" I tried to clarify. She sat down on a crate next to me so I did as well.

"Where were you trained?" she didn't miss a beat.

"Don't know specifically. Somewhere in Nilfgaard from what I could tell, the few witchers that helped to train me wouldn't say where exactly, said that they were paid to train, nothing else. The Mages wouldn't either, they handled the mutations. When it came time for me to set off on The Path they teleported me to Cintra, never was too big a fan of those damn things," I grumbled at the thought of being teleported

A thought struck me when I thought back to Cintra though. "Come to think of it, have you ever been to Cintra?" I wondered. I could remember seeing a woman with ashen hair, but I only saw her in passing, not even where exactly in the city.

"Not since I was very young, why?" Cirilla gave a quirk of her brow and full lips.

"I swear I saw a woman who looked similar… Ah, probably nothing. Any other fun questions?" I asked.

"None for me?" Cirilla raised a brow.

"Not really, I don't expect I'll see you again once you can leave. You'll go do whatever you're after and I'll continue along The Path," I stated honestly.

"Then why not get to know each other best we can before then?" she insisted.

"You're stubborn you know that…" I grumbled again.

"That's what everyone tells me," she smirked her tone was light.

"Fine… what really happened in the swamp when you first got to Velen?" I asked laying a snare for her.

"I already told you and the Baron," She stated too quickly. Gotcha.

"No, you lied, or at least didn't give the whole truth as to what actually happened," I refuted, yanking the snare tighter around her pretty neck.

"Hmm, should have guessed one of you would figure that out… Well, I only lied about who found me, who or whatever found me in the swamp was definitely not human, but they did discuss eating me," Cirilla explained.

"Still didn't say how you ended up here," I didn't deviate from those emerald-green eyes of hers.

"I told enough on the how of it. I would appreciate it if we could move on to a different topic," she shifted under my gaze, breaking eye contact. Whether it was my eyes or the topic she was uncomfortable with I couldn't be certain, likely both.

"You wanted to talk, but if you so wish then fine, change the subject," I shrugged.

"Yeah, I know. So, who made the demon skull medallion?" she asked.

"The witchers who trained me came up with it, said I fought like a demon. They thought it was fitting," I said.

"The way you keep mentioning the witchers who trained you, it sounds like others who weren't did so as well," she observed.

"Good catch, no they weren't. But they were some of the best swordsman and mages in Nilfgaard, as well as the witchers," I answered.

"Sounds like you're very well trained. I can't help but wonder how you'd fare in a duel against the witchers I know," Cirilla mentioned with a small smile. She seemed quite fond of whoever they were.

"I may be better trained then they were just setting off but they've had years to gain new techniques and experience. It might be close but they're still more skilled and experienced," I stated.

"True," she agreed. We sat in silence for a moment before she spoke up again, "This is usually where you ask a question." I grunted and looked for an out, but when I turned back she was giving me The Look again.

Shit.

"These witchers you know, who are they?" I asked, figuring it seemed like the socially acceptable question at the moment. Her eyes lit up so I must have guessed right.

"Well, they're the witchers of Kaer Morhen, the School of the Wolf. Vesemir was the one who handled most of my training, always had some lecture ready but he's got your best interests in mind. Then there was Lambert and Eskel they offered some advice but they're no less of family, finally there's Geralt, you've probably heard of him. He's…" She had started off with rapid answers but when she mentioned Geralt she had a different look in her eyes and seemed at a loss for words on how to put her feelings.

"The White Wolf you mean." I answered. I knew plenty about him, especially since they used the mutations used on Geralt on me after tweaking to get far better results.

"Yeah, I've known him practically my whole life, he's… well he's my father, okay well HE isn't by blood but… well he's been there more than the one who is. I've never known anyone stronger than him. Yennefer might like to believe she is and I love her, but she really isn't. Oh, I'm rambling now, you probably have no idea who she is," Cirilla apologized.

"Yennefer of Vengerberg." I answered without missing a beat. She blinked.

"I guess you know more than I thought," she gave me a sheepish smile.

"You really look up to them, especially Geralt," I observed. It didn't take a genius to see that.

"Yeah… I do. Do you have anyone like that, someone you look up to?" She asked. I felt my heart sink and harden, I looked away from the expressive green eyes of the woman next to me.

"One person, but they've been dead a long time… Probably be disappointed in what I became…" I whispered to myself. Mutant, freak, monster, no better than those you hunt.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" Cirilla began, but I got to my feet and began to throw my armor and weapons on.

"It's getting late, best get some rest so you heal more. Goodnight, Miss Cirilla." I wished absently, fastening a buckle. I walked to the stables after. I didn't look back but got to my horse, Midnight, and road out of the settlement of Crow's Perch. I needed some air, maybe something to kill.

"Stupid, stupid!" I berated myself, watching as Alucard rode off. I had seen it, he wasn't that comfortable with the questions. But what did I do? Pushed and pushed, a little further each time. Something's always gotta give. I sighed, he didn't have his saddlebags so I knew he was coming back. I needed to apologize but how to do so became the question.

I went back to my room in the Baron's manor to think on it. I didn't know what it was but just picturing those icy eyes of his made an apology shrivel up on my tongue. I grabbed a sheet of parchment and quill. Cheap though a note seemed, it was the only thing I could come up with that didn't involve those eyes of his that seemed to strip every layer away from me.

It took a bit but eventually I managed to put something down, hopefully it would smooth things over.

I patted Midnight's neck after our ride off into the swamps. It helped clear my head, well not as much as cutting down the group of Drowners I came across, but you can't have everything. I now felt the subtle sting of running off on Cirilla. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, especially when I felt she deserved better than that. I knew it was a sore spot, one that liked to jab at me whenever it could.

But I needed to move on, I'm stronger than that damn it. So, I steeled myself to apologize for my behavior when I could. I headed to my room and when I opened the door found what looked to be a note on the floor. Neat and clearly feminine handwriting, I noted Cirilla's name signed at the bottom. I read it over,

Alucard,

I'm sorry. I saw you weren't comfortable with so many personal questions, and I kept pushing you. I hope you can forgive me, I don't always know when to keep quiet. Again, I'm sorry.

Ciri

That certainly didn't help my already hurting conscience. I set it down on the night stand and prepared to get some sleep. I'd have to smooth this over…

Updated Author's Note: The story has been improved, and brought into the new perspective, as the original plan didn't pan out quite like I… well, planned. However now things should be up to snuff. Also chapters 1 and 2 have been combined.

Author's Note: Not sure how popular this'll get since there are very few Witcher stories, but I had this idea and had to role with it. Also yes, I got the name Alucard from Castlevania but he is not supposed to be him the name just fit. So, till the next one…