Chapter 2: A New Life With Master!
Dracula was currently carrying the unconscious girl in his arms through the long corridor of the castle when he came across his human servant. He was the only human he could trust during the daylight hours.
"How did it go, Master?" The man asked as he bowed slightly to the vampire while eyeing the girl in his arms, for she was wearing all black like his master. "Did the potion work?"
Dracula turned to face his servant as a calm smile gracing his features.
"I believe we will see the more promising results once she wakes." He smirked down at the sleeping girl in his arms. "But, yes. She is forever bound to me now. I shall sense where she is with every waking moment. She shall be the first to become a Dampire in over three hundred years!"
"Yes Master." Ranfield said and then a bit of worry planted his face as the Count carried her up the winding stone stairs to a room that has been set for her. "Master? You do know that as a half vampire she will be limited in many areas, such as… unable to reproduce."
This made the Count turn back to his servant in a silent manner, thinking over his words silently before speaking cooly again. "I do not need her for that." The Count smirked darkly at him. "If anything, this will only open many 'opportunities' for us in the near future. She is created to be my servant, to serve and obey my every whim. But first, we shall see if she is able to survive the first week as a half vampire."
With that the Count continued to carry the girl to the chamber that was set up for her. Though he wasn't sure if any of the other young humans would have offered their lives to him, yet he was pleased by the results when he scanned her mind.
This girl he was carrying had no family, no ties to her homeland, save for her education, and she had a dark reputation which just excited him to no end. For a human to turn dark at a young age was unheard of in this country, yet another interesting possibility from America. Yes. She will be an interesting Dampire. Even her name greatly intrigued him, yet he found it amusing that she only wished to be called by its first letter.
Entering the room with a single window, he set her on the red blanket bed that lay in the center of it. He rested her head on the pillows and brushed some of her loose back hair from her face. She really was a pretty thing to look at, and he delighted in the fact that she was now his servant forever.
The left side of her neck bore his mark of two small holes as he listened to the steady beat of her heart. As a half vampire her heart still beat, but she'll have to learn how to sustain that heartbeat now with blood, otherwise the power of the vampire could consume her mind, body, and soul. He knew this when he created that vile, and with the knowledge that his venom could control that side of her he was confident that his new servant will be a success.
Sensing that daylight was approaching, Dracula turned to his servant that stood just outside the doorway.
"Keep a watchful eye over her, Ranfield." He said and turned to leave the chamber as his cape floated behind him. "I shall return soon after sunset. If she should wake, make sure she doesn't leave the castle grounds."
"Yes, Master." Ranfield bowed as the Count walked away to his own personal quarters in the castle, for he may have two castles under his control he still had to sleep during the day.
A problem my Dampire shouldn't have to endure. The Count smirked to himself as he glided down the lower levels of the castle to his stone coffin, for he knew his rest may be short due to the excitement he was experiencing. To discover the traits of what this 'C' may now have, will truly be an experience I have waited for centuries!
Amy didn't take the old man's warnings very seriously as he would have hoped, but she had a friend to save.
When morning came, Amy snuck out of the house and quickly made a dash for Castle Frankenstein. She wanted to see for herself if legends were true about vampires only coming out at night. So far, everything seemed clear, till she saw the Dwergi were still roaming around the grounds with spears, scratching her plan for breaking in and finding C.
"What are you doing!" Jason spooked her from behind, along with Sam and Tomas. "Didn't I just say last night that you'd get killed going after her?"
"I'm not going to let her suffer in there!" Amy snapped angrily at him. "And I am not going back to America without her!"
"You must have picked up on C's stubbornness after living with her for so long." Jason shook his head at her as the other two guys sighed. "Okay guys. There has to be several doors leading into this place, not just the front entrance. Let's split up and search for one. Met back here as soon as you do! Oh, and don't get caught by those damn gnomes!"
"Your gonna help?" Amy stared at him in wonder.
"You're not giving us much of a choice!" He frowned at her miftly. "As soon as we find C, we drag her with us through that mirror and pray to God that damn vampire hasn't changed her into one of his goons!"
"Okay! Let's go!" Sam said as Tomas cursed and followed after him. Amy and Jason took the other side of the castle as they searched the walls and grounds for any secret doors. The Dwergi had swarmed the place so much it was hard for them to see if there was a free door, and if so would it be guarded too?
I found myself feeling very out of it. How else could I describe it? My body felt weak yet strangely different than before. My head felt light yet heavy at the same time, like I was trying to get over a cold, but my vision seemed normal. Now that I was focusing on it, my sight actually seemed better than before. Not that I was always nearsighted, but I could see every detail around me more clearly than before.
I slowly sat up and found myself in a bed draped with a red blanket and pillows. I scrunched my face in disgust, for I never cared for beds. I'm not afraid of them, but I just don't think their comfortable enough. Even if this bed was soft and relaxing, I always preferred a hammock. Not to mention the color of the sheets seem to be very stimulating to me. It disturbed me to find that the color red made me feel – hungry!
Shacking off the weird feeling I looked around at where I was. A round room just a bit bigger than my normal dorm room held a single window without glass and there were no other furniture here besides the bed. Okay, so I've been placed in a stone room, in a tower, in the castle perhaps. But I still wondered why I was left alone in here. The sun was up so it was clearly past morning.
Maybe there was someone here that the Count had sent to watch me, because for some reason I can smell traces of a middle aged man's sent in this room. The smell of a heavy cotton made coat and leather shoes met my nostrils as I sniffed the room again.
Whoa! What am I doing? I mentally slap myself back to reality as I recalled last night with the infamous Count Dracula. Damn! I wonder?
I placed my hand over my heart and was relieved to still find it beating, yet as I raised my fingers to my neck, I found the holes just at the crook of it. Shit! He bit me! And it kinda hurt too, until I passed out from either shock or blood loss. So, why don't I feel sick from it? Unless, he didn't take blood from me.
Ah, hell with it! I'm busting out of here! I think once as I headed to the only door. Peering out to see if anyone was guarding, I quickly fly down the spiral stairs. Honestly, I didn't know I could race down stairs so well before. For a moment I felt like I could fly! But I kept my mind focused on the way out of here as I raced down the wide hallway.
I suddenly came to a stop though when I felt my heart give a very hard and painful throb. I clenched my chest as I gasped and fell to my knees.
"The hell –? What's – going on?" I breathed as I began to feel my head pounding too. I tried to shack off this weird phenomenon over me, but it just got worse. My throat was burning as I clenched my teeth, and I felt my mind being clouded over by some – impulse.
Hungry.
I nearly jumped as I heard my own voice speak weakly in the back of my head. Now this is getting too freaky!
Hungry!
My own voice was being used in my head and I wondered what kind of a sick joke I was being played in.
Come on! Snap out of it already! I shouted back in my head, but all I got was the same word in my own voice as it repeated over and over again. I felt like I was going mad, that is until I felt my stomach give off a low yet loud enough grumble. Am I really that hungry then? Or is this just paranoia? When I reached the main doors I could smell the outside world, that is until a familiar cold chill wiped through my mind.
Ah! Awake at last, darling? His voice rippled through my brain like an icy fog.
Fuck off! I didn't agree to this! I mentally shouted back but received more pain in my stomach.
Tut! Tut! I mentioned once before how I do not appreciate that kind of language from you. His voice taunted me as if he was standing right next to me. Do I have to punish you, my servant? Or would it be more fitting to have you suffer from hunger?
Go to hell! At that, he chucked in my head, which made me tremble a bit.
Already been there, darling. Who did you think you were addressing? And call me Master for now on.
"Shit!" I bit my lip to try and keep the pains in my stomach from bothering me. I felt my head pound along with my heart and I had to lean against the wall for support as I felt very week inside. "What's – happening – to me?"
You are hungry, my pet. His voice was like velvet as I could have sworn he purred in my ear, yet I was all alone in the hallway. Why don't you go to the pavilion just outside? There you may indulge till your heart's content!
This is nuts! Yet, my body seems to be following his advice as I slowly turn around and follow the hallway opposite of the main doors. This is weird! Just what did he do to me? I feel like my body isn't my own anymore! Even a part of my brain is agreeing with him!
My breath becomes more ragged as I clumsily pass by a few doorways. I spot a few of the Dwergi, but they just eyed at me curiously before turning back to their own work. Guess I'm not much of a problem for them.
That is because they know you belong to me! They will not harm you, unless I tell them to!
How comforting! But I don't belong to anyone! I hissed back angrily.
You have no choice but to obey me, darling! Soon, you shall see for yourself!
I grit my teeth as my heart pounded in pain again, though I wasn't sure what he meant by that, my feet kept shuffling me towards another stair case that led outside.
Amy and Jason signaled Sam and Tomas from across the way as they spotted a door that was unguarded by the demon gnomes. It was hidden by a large and stone made pavilion, so it was their best chance in getting inside the castle.
"Come on! Before someone spots us!" Amy whispered quickly as all four of them entered the pavilion. Yet it took all of them to open the huge wooden door, they had it opened after a few strainful tugs.
"Yes!" Tomas gasped for air as he looked into the empty room. "Okay! Let's find C and get out of here!"
They were about to enter when three raggedy men jumped them from behind the stone pillars. Amy shouted in surprise as Tomas, Jason, and Sam tried to fight them off.
"What are you doing here, boy?" One of the ugly men said through his beard and yellowing teeth. "This place is forbidden to all those who know what lives here!"
"Get off me, dude!" Jason shouted and punched him in the face. Sam and Tomas were defending themselves too, but they didn't have the proper training as Jason did in a boxing class, so they were soon pined to the floor as Amy cowered in a corner, watching the whole scene.
"There is a curse on this place, Sony!" The man spat in his face bitterly. "If you don't want to be a part of it, I suggest you leave here while your throats are still intact!"
"Hey! Maybe we should drag them to the town square and punish them!" One of the other men spoke in a deep voice.
"Good idea! That way their friends will learn to follow our laws, by following their example!" The bearded man spat again, which nearly made Jason gag over.
"Wait! Something's coming!" The third man said as his fearful eyes turned to the doorway where footsteps were heard echoing from the hallway. They all froze when a familiar yet tired looking figure came leaning against the doors stony archway.
"C?" Amy gaped at the sight before her, for she had never seen her roomy look so – drained!
I hear voices. Familiar voices around me, and those I couldn't recognize, but my mind was too focused on what I was seeing before me. My eyes where seeing something! Something I need! I could literally see the hearts and veins of the people around me! Even the sounds of their hearts beating were alluring! My lower jaw tremble and my throat felt so very dry. My stomach gave another painful throb as I clenched my teeth.
So hungry! So Hungry! My voice sounded so desperate as my body trembles with need. Even my nose seemed to smell something – sweet! These people have something sweet! And – I need it. I want it!
Then feed, darling! Feed till your satisfied!
That voice! I know that voice! And it sounds so right to me, like I'll always know who it is! Though my mind felt to lethargic for me to think clearly, a part of me recognized who was speaking to me, and that I should follow his command. Ma – Master!
My head drooped down from their view as I felt a drive hit me, and my mind was wiped clean from any sense of reason. Only the instinct to hunt! To catch! To feed!
"C?" A sweet voice beckoned to me and I slowly raised my head to see who it was. It was a girl, no older than myself, maybe, but she smelled so good. And then there were others around her who smelled even more intoxicating!
"C? Are you alright, C?" The girl asked again and I felt two of my teeth on my upper jaw began to lengthen some. I griped the stony structure of the door so tightly that I made dust fall down from it. My eyes snapped back to them and I could hear their gasps of fear, which only fueled my need to hunt! To chase! To eat!
"Oh my God!" Amy whispered when she saw her friends face change into some fanged creature. Her eyes were glowing a golden red and two of her upper canines looked sharp, really sharp!
"Run!" One of their captures shouted, but he didn't get far, as C's form was like lightning when she pounced on the poor man and the others watched in horror as she sank her teeth in the man's throat.
Jason heard a sickening sipping sound as he watched the once gothic girl actually drinking off the man's blood. "Holly – Shit!"
The man fell limp to the floor once she was done with him, and the remaining two had pulled out their knives to defend themselves with.
"Return to the darkness, She-Devil!" The man with the heavy voice charged in on C, but she had caught the hand that held the knife and was now squeezing his wrist with such pressure, they all cringed when they heard a crunching noise coming from it. The man hollered in pain, but was quickly silenced when C had dived her teeth in his throat too and began to take his blood into her.
But as she fed, the third man tried to sneak up on her and succeeded in stabbing her right shoulder. C released the man and hissed back at the guy who stabbed her, through blood stained teeth. With one swipe of her left hand, C's nails seem to cut the man's throat so fast, his blood began to spill before she latched on to him and bit into his throat, drinking from where she had slashed him.
Jason, Sam, Tomas, and Amy all watched in shear horror as they witnessed their once collage friend kill and drink from the three village men without mercy. A wicked grin was on her face once she was done feeding as she reached behind her and pulled out the knife. Its tip was slick with her blood, but she paid no head as she licked it clean then tossed it aside. Her head threw back slightly as she breathed the air, but soon the glow in her eyes faded and she began to breath normally again.
Whoa! I feel – strangely full! And better too! I thought as I felt my eyesight return to me. I even felt more of myself as I felt my limbs following my command again. But what got me nervous was what I tasted in my mouth. It was metallic yet sweet, like a strong wine. When I took the chance to look around me I saw four of my collage peers stair up at me in horror and fear.
"Hey, guys." I said and wondered why they were staring at me like that. Honestly, I don't know what their problems are with me, but when I saw three bloody and dead bodies of men around me, I began to tremble. "What? What – happened?"
I froze when I felt my hands dripping wet with something. When I looked at them, I began to panic. Blood! There was a lot of blood on my hands and now I know what was in my mouth that now rested in the pit of my now peaceful gut.
"Oh God!" I breathed as the shock of it sunk in on me. I had killed! Me! I had killed those poor men and had drank from them like some – beast! I was so shaken up that I could barley tell who was speaking my name till I looked up. I saw Amy, my kind and considerate roomy try to approach me. "No! S – Stay back! S – Stay away from me!"
"C! C, please stop!" She said and began to walk slowly towards me.
"No! Get – Get away! Gaaa!" I shrieked when I tripped over one of the dead men and began to do a crab crawl away from the others and through the open door way. I didn't want to hurt them. I didn't want them to go through what those men when through. I would kill them if they got to close. For some reason, deep inside me told me I wasn't the same as I was before. I had become – a monster.
The reality sank in so fast that tears were falling from my face as soon as I hunched on my knees and kept my face hidden. I wasn't human anymore. I – was a monster now. I can never go back. Can never go back to college and get my degree. Can never live a normal life with others again.
My hands held the side of my head and I was aware of the blood I smeared on my face, but I ignored it. I wasn't human anymore! I even found the tears I was shedding were mixed in blood. Bloody tears, from a bloody monster. I cried. I hadn't cried like this since I was five and told I would never see my parents again. But I cried. I cried hard because I had lost my humanity, by my own choice; to the Son of the Devil.
"C?" Amy's voice was soft in my ears but I ignored her as I continued to cry on my knees. I must look really pathetic right now, but I didn't care. I couldn't pray to God anymore, because I was a damned creature now. I would get no such help from saints and angels, but the promise of their swords running me through. And all I could think now was how I still had a heart beat.
I flinched when I felt hands lightly touch my shoulders and looked up to see my once roomy stair down at me with such pity I wanted to shrink till I was invisible. But then I stared at her in shock when she knelt down next to me and gave me an awkward hug. Amazing! She witnessed what I did and still wants to help me! What a friend. But I knew that she wouldn't be able to help me in this department. So, the only thing I could do was be grateful that she is courageous to hug a pitiful monster like me.
"C. We'll help you." She said as I stared at her sadly. The guys had managed to have found their courage and stand just a few feet from me. Well, at least they're not total idiots. They know when to stay away from dangerous things.
"We'll find a way to change you back!" She said and I wanted to laugh her. Did she not read the legend of vampirism? Frankly, it wasn't I that would tell her that.
"There is no changing back." His cool and heavy accent voice spooked everyone to turn to the top of the stair case, except for me, for I somehow could feel his dark aura there without flinching, but it still gave me the creeps.
"Once one has stepped on the path of darkness," Dracula continued as his heavy boots made light echoing sounds as he climbed down the stone stairs. "Forever they are bound to it. And they can never return to the light again."
"I don't believe you!" Amy shouted angrily at him and held my shriveled form closer to her. I didn't even fight her, but I clenched my eyes closed when I heard his menacing laugh echo off the stone walls.
"Believe what you will, child. I speak only the truth." He said and I could feel his cold gaze on my back. "C – belongs to me now."
"You bastard!" Jason shouted at the Count angrily. Really? This guy just doesn't use his brain enough! "What did you do to her!"
"What else would I do to a servant of mine?" I could hear him sneer at Jason. "She has become a part of my life! The life of a half vampire to serve a true vampire for all eternity! Well, an unlife that is."
"Damn you!" Jason went to lung for him but I stopped him by grabbing his leg by shear reflex. He falls to the ground face first but I make sure my grip isn't so tight that I could break it.
"D-don't!" I say weakly which earns me a silent surprise from everyone. "Just – don't. He's – he's too powerful for any of you!"
Wise words, my dear. Now, convince them to leave before my generosity to spar them any longer wavers!
I clench my teeth as the cold wind of his voice makes me tremble slightly, for I can feel the impatients in it, and it definitely isn't good. I kept my eyes on Amy as I tried to look desperate at them.
"You – have to go. Go through the mirror where it will take you all home." I explained as Amy looked down at me in disbelief. "Its – too late for me. So, all of you just go. Go home where it's safe!"
"But –! C!" Amy stuttered and trembled her lower lip at me. That's it! If she cries than that would have broken me, but I didn't give her the chance to.
"I said GO!" I shouted and threw her off me with such force that I had forgotten my new strength. She landed outside the door and (thankfully for her sake) landed with a skid on her back and a small squeak. The three guys I had known all through collage just stared at me dumbfounded. "GO! JUST GO!"
Spooked, the three teens took my advice and dashed out the open door where it closed with a loud bang. I heard a small scuffle outside before the sound of retreating footsteps followed after.
Nothing was said at first and I was grateful for the silence, that is until he broke it with his cool demeanor.
"A pleasing performance, my dear." I heard him grin down at me, but I remained silent on the stone cold floor. My eyes just staring at my blood stained hands. "Indeed, it would be tragic, if they stayed a moment longer."
You mean that you would have to kill them, or order me to kill them? I sent the thought to him knowing he would hear me.
"Do not feel so discouraged, darling. There is still so much for you to learn." He said smoothly, purposely ignoring my question to him. I felt him kneel in front of me and then feel of his cold hand taking my chin and forcing me to look into his cold blue eyes. "After all." He then removed his hand to take one of my blood stained fingers and took it to his mouth. I shivered as he licked some of the blood away with his wicked tongue, yet still holding my gaze with his own. "This is only just the beginning – for us both."
With that he pulled me to my feet, without difficulty of cores, and led me back to the room I had awoken in, faster than I could blink. And I did blink several times before I realized that he had used some sort of super speed to get me here. Wild! It only took me a few quick glances around the room to find the man I had smelled earlier. What was his name again?
"Ranfield. Help her to clean and be properly dressed." Dracula ordered and waved his head to a large wooden closet I hadn't seen there before. Oh, that's his name.
"Yes Master." He bowed at the Count. "Forgive me for not looking after her like you asked, for I was looking for some food for her when she woke –."
"There is no need for that now." Dracula smirked in my direction. "For she has already fed. Now, if you excuse me I must return to my coffin. For it is still daylight and I am quit agitated that my sleep was disturbed so – vigorously."
I frowned at his retreating form, and wanted to blow a raspberry at him, but thought better as not to. When the door closed I wondered how this Ranfield guy and I will get along. Honestly, I have heard more ridiculous names than 'Ranfield!'
"Hey." I said, starting us off easily.
"Evening!" He said in a cheery tone which made me wonder about how he could serve the King of Vampires at all. "My name is Ranfield, or so you already heard."
"C." I said simply and pointed to myself, for I still felt strange about this whole thing. "So – Ranfield? Is that a first or last name?"
"A name that my master prefers to call me by." He said simply and smiled lightly at me. "And – what of yours? Surly C is the beginning to a word, is it not?"
"I just preferred to be called C." I said gloomily, and looked down at my hands again, for the blood was starting to dry on me and the sight made me want to puke.
"I see. Well let's get you to the bathroom here and clean you up." He motioned to a door to my right which I hadn't seen earlier either. Funny how I start noticing things when I'm not trying to escape!
I walk into the door and noticed a simple sink, tub, and toilet all white porcelain made and clean. Well, at least it's better than the dungeons. I walk in and close the door behind me, leaving Ranfield out as I decided to wash my hands and face at the sink. At least the castle had some of 'today's' essentials which I was very grateful of. There was a small, oval, mirror above the sink and I noticed a few things had changed on me.
My eyes were no longer dark brown, but a hassle gold which shined in the light from time to time. My skin had become a bit whiter, but not by much. I was already pale before this. My short black hair was the same, but when I noticed my teeth, they were as white as pearls and two of my upper canines where slightly sharp and longer than the rest. My new fangs. Terrific. Well, at least I don't have to worry about brushing them all the time.
When I was done, I dragged myself out of the bathroom and found Ranfield had placed some rather bleak looking cloths on the bed. When I say bleak, I mean they were all grey or brown. Ugly too!
"I wasn't sure what style of cloths you liked so I brought out the whole set from the wardrobe." He gestured to the cloths on the bed.
"Are you kidding me?" I said as I approached the bed and picked up a grey vest that was thin and had buttons riding down the front of it. "Even Cinderella wore better slave clothes than this!"
"Well, if you wish for better attire then I suggest you make an impression to the Master then." He shrugged at me and I noticed that his eyes were a lighter blue. "The Master doesn't reward his servants for anything! And it's very difficult to get anything from him if you do the opposite of what he says."
"I'll bet." I growled as I decided 'the hell with it.' I can always wash my black cloths over and reuse them if I have to. I'm not a dirty person! I pick out a simple grey shirt with a lace trimming on the arms and wear the brown slacks, for it was the only clothing that I could call pants here. The rest were skirts both long and sort, and just as tacky too. "But I'm keeping my black cloths along with my boots!"
"Very well." He sighed and nodded his head to me. "I could have them washed for you, if you wish."
What I wish is to get the hell out of here! But I knew it was too late for that now. Seeing as what I did back at the pavilion still made me nervous to be around others again. I certainly don't want a repeat!
"No. I can wash them myself." I said in a low tone, for I knew if I gave up my cloths I would probably never see them again.
"Alright then." He said and turned to leave for the door. "I will be waiting outside for you. When you're done, I'll show you around the castle. I'll give you the round-a-bout lessons and rules of the Master's wishes. And – perhaps later, I'll fix us some lunch with tea and sandwiches?"
"Whatever." I shrugged at him and he exited the room, closing the door behind him as I was now left alone.
So, this is what my life is going to be like now? Having vampire powers and serving the Prince of Darkness for the rest of time! Jess! Just what did I do to disserve this life? Oh well, no sense moping about it anymore.
Stretching my back a bit, to feel better; I undress from my usual black attire and slip into the grey shirt and brown slacks which were a bit baggy on me. I tie the lose end of the bottom shirt into a knot so that my stomach would show a bit, and found strings on the slacks so I could tie them around my waist so it wouldn't fall down on me. That would be comical! To moon all the Dwergi and such with my black underwear!
I had just recalled a moment when I was possessed by my blood lust. I had been stabbed in the shoulder by one of those village guys. But when I brushed my hand over the spot, I didn't find a stab wound like I'd thought there'd be. I was fine! Self-healed! Damn! Another vampire power I presume. But at least this one is a bonus.
Once I was done, I folded and set my black cloths on the bed and headed for the door. Even though I probably had a few hours of sleep, I felt like I didn't need any more. Must be the blood I swallowed, though I try and not think on it.
Now that I'm dressed, I head to the door and knock on it once. It opens to find Ranfield smiling down at me, but then he frowns at the way my clothes are hanging on me.
"Err – is that how Americans wear cloths like that?" He asked in a nervous tone as he noticed the way my cloths seem to wave in some areas.
"They do if the cloths are too damn big." I scoffed at him, if he didn't like it then tough! If I'm stuck without my Goth cloths than I'm going to make the best of use out of these ugly things!
"Hmm – well I might get the seamstress in the village to weave you something suitable." He rubbed his chin in thought. "But that's about all I can do for you until you've built your own credibility with the Master."
"Sounds like I've made one hell of a deal with this guy!" I said half amused at how he phrased my situation; like a true business man. How funny.
"That you did, I'm afraid." He said as I followed him down the spiral stairs and up the hallway. "But I find you very courageous when it came to the decision for your friend's life. For a young girl, you're very brave."
"I'm twenty five. I'm not very young. And I don't want to be treated like a child either!" I said, giving him the basics of how to treat me already. Though I may have sounded bitchy, but what did you expect? My whole life has been altered! How would you react? "I know what I did! I know what I agreed to! It's just going to be awkward in learning – this vampire stuff is all!"
"Yes, I have to agree with you there." Ranfield said, for he sounded like someone who can agree with anything. "But I should tell you that your only half vampire now. Or; Dampire is a better word to describe it."
"Half?" I looked at him oddly and then back at my hands which moments ago had been stained with blood. For some disturbing reason, I could still smell it on my skin. "How can I be only half?"
"Well, you drank the vile, didn't you?" He said and I nodded stiffly in return. "Normally, the Master must bite someone fully and drain all of their blood to turn them into a complete vampire. But for you, you drank the very substance that vampirism is based on. From his power he wanted to test it on someone with a strong will and only biting them half way. This resulted in your present state."
"Damn." I muttered as my curiosity grew. Well, I might as well know now of what I'll be going through. "What else can a half vampire do?"
"Well, I believe you can still walk in daylight" He said sounding hesitant. "And it still seems to me that you need to feed on blood once in a while."
"Don't remind me." I bit back a sigh as I walked besides him.
"But the Master shall teach you everything there is about -." He was suddenly cut off when three of those Dwergi approached him and started gurgling and chirping something to him in their bizarre language. "Oh dear! If you excuse me C, I'll be right back! Feel free to explore the castle! Just don't go beyond the courtyards!"
And with that, he took off like a bullet from a gun as the little Dwergi hurried after him. Jess! And I thought the excitement doesn't start till sun down! Oh well. I might do some exploring anyway, just to memorize the place in case I need something. Like a severe head blow to wake me from this catastrophe!
I began to wander down each hallway, taking a peek through each door I find only to see dusty furniture and books. To think that with all his servants he could keep a few things dust free! I even tried to read some of the books, but found all of them where in German, or Romanian – I think.
Growing board already I leave the room and decided to explore some of the dungeons. I find old tapestries and curtains that were half eaten by moths and just barely hanging from the walls. But when I went to pass by a set of stairs leading down to what is presumed to be another dungeon, something makes me stop in my tracks.
A noise. A deep and heavy breathing noise comes from the stairs as I look down them in wonder. Now what could be kept down here that could make a noise that sounded like it was snoring? Maybe another one of the Counts many servants. But, what kind of servant?
Curious, I nimbly walk down the steps and peered down a second hallway. A heavy bared door was at the end and I could see a small rectangular window near the top of it. Careful of my footing on the stone floor, I slowly approached the door as the breathing became louder and more distinct as a growl.
Please! Don't let it be something ugly! I thought for something in this room has to be something big. Though I don't know what possessed me to look in the peep hole, I nearly gasp loudly in horror.
A creature like an overgrown wolf was sleeping in a pile of hay as its snoring vibrated through its sharp teeth. I mean the thing looked twelve feet big and tall! Its grey fur was shaggy and untidy and I could see it actually wore brown pants! Almost like mine but more shredded and used. Though it seemed more terrifying then ugly. I even saw its huge clawed hands resting under its massive head with pointed ears. I quickly covered my mouth to cease my heavy breathing from being heard, yet my heart was slamming in my chest.
But then the worst thing happens to me. Just when I turn away from the door, my foot tripped over a metal bar that I overlooked. I gritted my teeth when it fell and the sound of it echoed down the hallway, making my ears ring. Then I heard the beast from within the closed room scuffle and stir from its nap.
When I turned to face the door I was met with a pair of big golden eyes staring at me from the peep hole. I froze. The eyes surrounded by grey fur suddenly narrow at me and I hear a very loud and frightening howl mixed with a growl coming from the beast.
Panicked, I zoomed down the hallway and headed for the stairs as fast as my legs could carry me, before I hear a crashing through the wooden door and the sound of heavy footsteps racing after me. Good God! I'm being chased by it!
"Whoaaaaaa! - Shiiiiiiiit!" I holler as I quickly climb the stairs and race down the hallway. I hear the beast quickly follow after me as it growled and howled at me again. It sounded so close I could almost feel the vibrations of its heavy running through my own feet. I pump my legs into propelling me forward even faster.
"HEEEEEELLLLLP!" I shouted hoping someone will hear me, but as I dodge the thing by turning quick corners I knew I was on my own for the moment. Quickly looking around me for anything useful, I see the high ceiling with dangling ropes and cords. Not caring about my short stature as a jumper, I quickly became motivated to race towards the nearest cord and, using the walls for support, I jump high enough and grab the cord as I danged about twenty feet in the air.
I look down to see the beast snarling from below as he takes a leap at me. I lift my legs up to my bottom as he narrowly misses me with his claws. Fuck! I feel like a worm on a damn fishing lour! But it was this or wound up being chased till I was cornered by the thing. At least I have some height to overcome it.
"Down boy! Down!" I shouted, at least I think it's a boy. Judging from the slacks it wore I was merely guessing from sight. It jumped and missed me again as it growled angrily at me, already pissed off that I had eluded its grasp as I continued to try and calm it with ridiculous dog motions. What else was I going to do in my predicament? Give it a treat and hope it rolls over? But I didn't have a treat so I was stuck making the comebacks. "Sit! Shoo! Go away! Do anything except eat me!"
The beast growled and leaped at me again. This time it succeeded in cutting the bottom of my left boot, but that's all I let it do as I climbed even higher on the rope. Shit! Where's a dog catchier when you need one! Though I think a scrawny dog catchier would faint at the sight of this dog!
"Down! Down!" I say and waved to it to go away again, grateful that my grip on the rope hadn't wavered. I had a good reason not to let go! "Go chase a cat or something! Quit trying to kill me! Ranfield! RANFIELD! A LITTLE HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED!"
"What's going on here? C?" I finally see the pudgy British man coming down the hallway and make his way to the beast. "Oh my! Whatever did you do to upset him?"
"I UPSET –? JUST CALL HIM OFF OR SOMETHING!" I shouted as I dodged another one of the beast's attacks.
Ranfield shook his head at the sight and then, to my astonishment, blew a double whistle at the thing. Catching its attention, the beast turned to charge at the man, but stopped when Ranfield held up his hand mere inches to the beast's horrid face.
"The Master will be displeased by this." Ranfield said cooly and kept his face even the entire time like he was scolding the thing. "Return to your domain until you are called upon."
Growling in its thick throat, it turned and marched back down the hall with its feet pounding the floor in a brooding manner. But it gave me one quick growl with its sharp teeth shining at me before it disappeared around the corner.
Sighing in relief, I slid down the rope some ways before releasing it and landing on my feet with a loud thud. Placing my hands on my knees, I concentrated on slowing down my breath and beating heart.
"You shouldn't have teased it into chasing you like that." Ranfield said cooly at me. "It has quit a short temper and only the Master himself can truly command the werewolf. I trust you are well now?"
"As – well – as – I can get!" I gasped as I turned to face him. "Any more pets the Master has before I'm wound up as their next meal? Wait – That was a Werewolf!"
"Yes. And he doesn't warm up to strangers at first." He said as he led me down the hallway, opposite of the beast's layer. "It took me several years before I could do what you just witnessed. Come on then, C. I've made us a nice lunch to share over."
I stared down the hallway for a moment, hoping that that Werewolf doesn't get any second thoughts as I hastily followed Ranfield to another part of the castle. I just hope that lunch doesn't involve any more surprises. At least till I'm ready for it.
New chapter! I hope you guys like it! I sure enjoy typing it! And I'm wondering if any of you can answer the question C had made. What would you do if you were in her shoes? Answer in reviews and please don't hesitate to tell me of any mistakes I made! See ya later and thank you for all your supports!
