Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own Twilight, nor do I own any idea related to Bram Stoker's Dracula or anything associated with it.

I have gone back and rewritten the backstory Gabriel and Carlisle, adding my own history to them. This takes place during Breaking Dawn when the other vampire covens come Forks.

This idea came about whilst I was writing Forgotten Brothers. It deals with most of the same characters, but is set in a completely different universe. Gabriel Cullen is still the main character, but he is not an Immortal, nor do Immortals exist in this world. So, if you have read Forgotten Brothers, then think of this as a whole new beast. Although it deals with aspects of Bram Stoker's Dracula, I don't consider it a true crossover. I'm creating my own history with certain characters that Stoker created. I still plan on working on Forgotten Brothers, so don't fret.

Prologue

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:12, 13

Evil. It is defined as being the violation of, or the intent to violate, a moral code or standard. It is the polar opposite of what society deems as good and just. An analysis of its root motives and causes vary widely; however, evil is most commonly associated with conscious and deliberate harm, discrimination designed to hurt others, humiliation of individuals to diminish their psychological well-being and dignity, destructiveness, motives of causing pain or suffering for selfish or malicious intentions, and acts of unnecessary or indiscriminate violence. It's a simple solitary word, but it's one that manifests itself within the very DNA of every species and culture. At its core, evil is distinguished as a choice made by humans. I, however, dispute this notion.

Humanity has, for some time, considered itself to be the dominate species on the Earth. As such, humans view themselves as the only innate mammal with complete consciousness and self-awareness. I suppose they cannot be blamed for their ignorance. In their eyes, they are the only mammals that start wars, destroy nature, and commit genocide over differing religions. They don't see what moves within the shadows. How could they? They move about their measly existence too quickly to notice the real evil this planet harbors.

I've witnessed it. Real evil that fears no single being. Evil that bows to no nation. Things that defy even the worst nightmares. Humans are simply children in comparison to these ancient beasts. If humans knew what lay just in the darkness, they would realize that they are powerless to defend themselves. However, there are some of these beasts that choose to fight their nature and defend humanity. They are a league of beasts that have come together to combat evil in hopes of their redemption. They are a bright star in the blackened sky. That is where my story begins...

My name is Gabriel Cullen, and I was born in the Kingdom of England in 1116. My father was Lord Fredrick Cullen, the then ruler of Nottingham. Being a former knight who fought in the First Crusade, he was a man of strong moral standing, but also harbored a kind heart. My mother was Lady Ingrid of Wessex. She would give birth to twins in 1128; a boy named, Carlisle and a girl, Beatrice. Being children of monarchs meant that we saw nothing short of the best education, however, we were also raised to respect those less fortunate than us. At the age of eighteen, I would join the Knights Templar, eventually earning the field rank of Commander in 1143. Due to my duties within the Knights Templar, Carlisle would later take my place and train under my father to eventually take the throne upon Father's passing. Our mother prepared Beatrice for her role at my brother's side in ruling over Nottingham.

In 1145, the Second Crusade began. The Knights Templar were called upon to attack Damascus in 1148. Needless to say, we lost the conflict and fled back to the Holy Land of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, effectively ending the Second Crusade in 1149. I would then serve under Baldwin III of Jerusalem. I joined him in many conquests, most of which were successful. Encouraged by the outcome of these battles, Baldwin III ordered the Siege of Ascalon in 1153. Our goal was to capture the Egyptian fortress of the name Ascalon that had played a role in the First Crusade. After a long battle, we eventually seized the fortress. Weeks later, I was charged to lead forty of my fellow Brethren back to Jerusalem. Two days into our journey, we were ambushed. We could not see our attackers or make out how many of them there were. In the darkness of the desert, most of my men were killed, and I was critically wounded.

As I lay bleeding in the desert sand, a man pale man with long, black hair approached me. He claimed that he had the power to save me, and in my weakened state, I agreed to let him. He would bestow his dark gift of Immortality on me, thus becoming my Sire. He went on to show me a great many things, including teaching me his knowledge of the Black Arts, a powerful form of Black Magick. We traveled together with his three brides for two centuries, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed. It was in 1253 that my conscious could take no more of our bloody debauchery. I begged him to release me from his hold, fleeing once he reluctantly did.

I traveled the world in the cover of darkness for the next one-hundred years, even being reunited with Beatrice, who had the same dark gift bestowed on her by my Sire, as well as Carlisle. We continued to tour the world before coming upon a unique man named Michael. He explained to us that he was the leader of a global organization that fought against the evil beasts that looked to destroy humanity. He called it the Arc Initiative. He told us that we could help defend humanity by joining him. Intrigued by the idea of restoring some of our humanity, Beatrice, Carlisle, and I eagerly followed him. Carlisle eventually left the Arc Initiative to seek out beings with the same immortality he had. Beatrice and I quickly moved into high power positions, becoming well respected in the process. We have been with the organization for the last 650 years.

Perhaps our efforts to defend humanity were futile, but we try nevertheless...

A/N: I'm playing a little bit with history here, so I'm taking complete creative license with this. As I mentioned up above, Forgotten Brothers and this share some of the same DNA, and that is all for a good reason. This could be seen as a comparison piece, but I leave that up to all of you. So, I hope you all enjoy this first small chapter. There are many more to come. Feel free to leave your thoughts and criticism, as it'll help me in the end.

As usual, until next time…