Several weeks later...

My strength and health had recovered drastically - one benefit of the Purge. Although everything else such as my senses and blood was going haywire, I did not mind it now as I did years ago. I was finally becoming a true full-fledged vampire. No longer hailing as the half-vampire cub-prince. Although I was going to reach my late teens or early twenties now, and I'd lose my immunity to sunlight, I'd finally be able to do all the things my peers would. Flit, pseudo-telepathy, heal my wounds with spit, knock out people with my breath, etc.

In the midst of my working out my excessive synergized energy, Vancha and Harkat came to my room. Although we'd killed Steve, there was still a little sense of tension in the air lately but albeit more happier with the monster gone.

"Hello Darren, you're up awful early and looking more like a true vampire... every passing night." Harkat smiled at me with his awkward, jagged teeth. A little bit of a inside joke we developed.

He still had his trouble talking but he was definitely getting better with all these years past.

"Thanks." I smiled back at the compliment. "You have the spirit of one."

Vancha yawned rudely and relaxed his posture on the wall. "I know Harkat was Kurda and all but I wouldn't say spirit, more cowardice." Vancha chuckled and winked.

"I think the spirit of Kurda outweighs the... spirit of ugly that you harbor." Harkat retorted and Vancha laughed.

I laughed a little too and looked at my fellow prince - I figured he'd be leaving us for vampire mountain sooner or later.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"I'm heading to Vampire Mountain. These last few weeks of relaxing after the scrap at the stadium were nice, but someone needs to let the others know that we've triumphed. I'd ask you if you want to tag along, but one prince must always be absent from the mountain. That still applies I think." Vancha replied.

I nodded. I wanted to see my people, after Mr. Crepsley I wanted nothing to do with vampires, but I had changed lately and I wanted to rekindle with them, so I understood that my duties come first now. Harkat had told me many times in the past 2 years but now I wish I did.

"Aye." I said meekly. Although that was bad news, I was at least relieved I get to keep living in the world of humans for the time being.

Vancha studied me for a moment and smiled warmly. Then he clasped my shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't leave until you're capable as a full vampire. I know I'm not Larten, but I know he's looking beyond paradise, proud of you Darren. "

I nodded again and felt a couple tears in my eyes. Then I hugged Vancha, thankful for his companionship. Harkat joined in too and I looped an arm around him, thankful for his role in this whole ordeal.

Later that evening...

We called Debbie and Alice in for dialogue.

"What's going on?" Debbie asked.

"Vancha is going to Vampire Mountain soon." I said. "And I think one of you need to go with him to talk with the generals and debrief them. Although we've defeated the main troupe of the Vampeneze and Vampets, there are still splinter groups. We've brought their numbers down but we need their assistance now that the hunt for the Vampeneze Lord is over. Make sure they don't hurt anyone else or maybe even offer peace, whatever it takes."

Harkat nodded. "It'll be easy now that we have a free agenda.. but hopefully we can negotiate peace, if possible I will do all.. in my power to push for it." He commented.

Vancha chimed in. "I agree. I'm sure the reasonable ones will agree and although I have no qualms towards our brothers in blood - Gannen wouldn't be opposed either I reckon - it will take a long time and knowing that swine Tiny, he might play a part in separation."

Alice stepped in. "So we'll need more vampirites. Gotcha. Maybe we can even station a vampire general or two in every town riddled with Vampeneze activity."

"And as long as there's no killing from the Vampeneze, all the more easier for us to talk civil. And take out the splinters if need be." Debbie smiled.

"So it seems we're all in agreement." I said. "Alice, I presume you'll tag along with Vancha?"

"As long as Mr. Smelly doesn't try anything on me." She grunted in contempt.

Vancha laughed with content and looped an arm around her. "This girl is a tough one to crack, but all beautiful girls are!"

Alice rolled her eyes but there was a slight shade of blush on her cheeks.

I looked at Debbie and smiled while she looked back at me with delight. I still remember what she told me a month ago. I was sure it'd be weird to be with a human, but if an old vampire I knew years ago could pull it off, so could I.

We spent the night eating dinner that Declan, Kenny and Debbie cooked for us. Drinking in moderation, talking shop, etc.

If only things stayed like this...