Chapter 2: The Definition of a Monster
The next day, Duessel is visiting Melina, talking with her outside her home.
"Melina, are you okay?" asks Duessel. "Some reports told me an incident broke out here that really had me on edge. Please tell me you're not hurt."
"I'm fine as can be, General Duessel." says Melina. "I'm just really worried about Ester."
"Ester?" asks Duessel.
"Yes, a young woman who showed up yesterday." says Melina. "When I first saw her, she was only wearing this brown robe, so I took her in, bathed her, dressed her and fed her, then gave her a place to sleep. Afterwards, some surviving members of that bandit gang that captured me back then returned for me, and that's when Ester came out and... Defeated them. With little to no trouble, mind you."
"I see. And I can only guess she ran off because she figured you'd think ill of her from what she did. How on point am I?" says Duessel.
"Pretty much spot on." says Melina. "I don't want to worry you and all of Grado, but... Ester is a vampire. But, somehow, she's able to stand in sunlight, and I even remember her having a reflection."
"A vampire that's immune to sun rays and has a reflection. A bit much to buy if you ask me." says Duessel.
"I saw what I saw." says Melina.
"Don't worry, I'm not completely doubting you, and I know you're not the kind of person to lie. At any rate, can you at least give me some descriptions about her so I know what she looks like if I'm to find her?" asks Duessel.
"Let's see... She's not very tall, only coming up to 5'3"." says Melina. "She looks quite exotic with a dark tan complexion and white hair. Her eyes are purple, but they glow this incredible shade of red when I guess her powers activate. If I remember correctly, I think her measurements are around 35 - 22 - 36, or 90 - 55 - 91. Her hair I fixed into having a braid going around the back of her head. If she's still got it on, she's wearing an outfit of a white, pink and turquoise tunic, pink miniskirt and white laced-up boots. I hope that's enough."
"Surprisingly detailed, I have to admit." says Duessel. "Don't worry. I'll try my best to find her and make sure she's okay."
"I hope she doesn't end up hurting you out of fear." says Melina. "Being a vampire, she could more than easily do that."
"Well, you know I'm no pushover, but I'll admit I've never fought vampires before. At any rate, I'll watch my back. You be careful yourself, Melina." says Duessel. "I'm going to get some men to patrol this area to make sure you and any others are kept safe."
"Thank you, General Duessel. For everything." says Melina.
Duessel gets back on his horse, and rides off.
- Legend of the Daywalker -
Later on, Duessel returns to Grado Keep
Meanwhile, inside the royal library, Knoll is checking some tomes out, having an inquisitive expression about whatever.
Soon, Duessel arrives in the library and says, "Ah, Knoll! Just the man I need to see! I hope I'm not interrupting anything too fascinating."
"Well, to be honest, I am trying to look up any texts on what to do about the upcoming disaster to happen to Grado, and obviously, try to prevent it." says Knoll. "However, I'm coming upon dead end after dead end. So, so irksome."
"Well, if you could spare some time, I need to borrow your expertise, or what you can offer me, for just a bit." says Knoll.
"I'm all ears, General." says Knoll.
"I just got done visiting Melina after getting some pretty harrowing news about some bandits harrasing her." says Duessel.
"I trust she's okay." says Knoll.
"She is, but not in the way one would expect." says Duessel. "That is where I need your expertise."
"This is already sounding interesting." says Knoll.
"Melina said she brought a young woman named Ester to her place last night, and gave her food, clothing and shelter." says Duessel.
"And let me guess, she's the one who drove off the bandits." says Knoll.
"Already ahead of me, so I can get to the point of the matter." says Duessel. "Melina told me the girl is a vampire from what she saw."
"And this happened in the morning, which means you're telling me this is a vampire that can withstand sunlight." says Knoll.
"And apparently also has a reflection from what Melina told me." says Duessel. "Either way, the girl fled, but only because she herself was afraid. Again, stuff Melina told me."
Knolls hums a bit, putting on a gesture of thought.
"I wonder... Is there any text that talks about such a vampire?" asks Duessel. "Personally, I thought such creatures were mere fiction compared to the Demon King's forces of fiends. And even then, I thought vampires adhered to certain rules when it came to their kind, or so the stories said."
"I think I might know of a tome that potentially holds some information about such a person." says Knoll.
"Okay, now it's getting MORE interesting." says Duessel. "Honestly, color me surprised."
Knoll goes up to a bookshelf and begins to look at the spines carefully, until he finds the right tome, and pulls it out.
"Let me see... That piece of text must be in here some-Ah, here we go!" says Knoll. "Apparently, the kind of vampire you described is the only one of its kind, known as the Daywalker."
"I guess that goes without saying, then." says Duessel.
"There's more to this story." says Knoll. "See, back in the age of Alchemy, when there existed countless Alchemists Guilds, many dabbled in experimentation of creating powerful beings that were beyond superhuman in their abilities. Many such creatures were created via this process, be they lycans, minotaurs, lizardborne, garudas, goblins, chimeras, wendigos, succubi, automatons, and of course, vampires, which were rightfully considered among the strongest and most dangerous of these beings, possessing incredible strength, durability, stamina, senses, and most of the time, magical prowess."
"Most of those I expected, but magical prowess has me more than curious." says Duessel. "But you said 'most of the time'."
"Yes, I did." says Knoll. "At most times, vampires came in two variations: lesser and greater. Lesser vampires were basically more akin to feral beasts, being virtually without a soul and thus, they would attack without mercy, pretty much relying only on instinct. Greater vampires, on the other hand, were more intelligent and sometimes coming off as refined, but also could be considered more dangerous because of their ability to plan and strategize. Most of all, greater vampires had access to magical abilities that make our current day mages seem inferior. These abilities came in the form of powerful spells, transformations and even familiars they could summon. Above all that, greater vampires could control the lesser vampires, like a queen to a colony of ants or a hive of bees. Also, though all vampires drink blood, the greater vampires could also devour souls, both of which are required to keep their powers at high enough levels."
"And so I guess this Daywalker is a class above other vampires." says Duessel.
"Yes, the Daywalker was put through a process that made her the strongest among all vampires, forgoing the usual weaknesses of other vampires and other dark creatures, her classifying as human instead of undead or demonic." says Knoll. "On top of all this, her transformations and familiars were said to be among the most powerful, and even above that, it was even said she could have access to the powers of the Great Dragons of Old, but whether or not all this is true, much of that information has been lost to the annals of time."
"Well, we're currently dealing with a vampire that can survive the sunlight and even have a reflection, so it must be the very one you've been talking about: this Daywalker." says Duessel. "Do you fear should she could be a threat?"
"What is your guess, General?" asks Knoll.
"Well, from what Melina told me, she seemed scared after she warded off the bandits that were attacking, leading her to running off." says Duessel. "It leads me to thinking that perhaps she's lost her memories from back then, should she have had any. And that she's probably worried what others think of her. In any case, she could be considered dangerous, but more in the sense of being a child with with a weapon she knows not how to use. In any case, I'll need to keep a lookout for her."
"Well, if that's your decision, then I wish to accompany you to learn more about our vampire friend, and see if the legends are really true." says Knoll.
"Heh, I figured you would do so just to sate your curiosity." says Duessel. "In any case, I welcome the help."
"Thank you, General." says Duessel.
- A Bump in the Night -
Wandering on her way into southern Renais after a few days of traveling, Ester comes into Za'ha Woods as she continues to talk to both the orbs that now accompany her.
"So, you both say you're my powers manifested in these forms, or at least you represent them." says Ester. "Tell me, what powers do I possess?"
"As far as we remember, we represent different aspects of your powers." says Sergus. "With me, I represent the powers you have to transform into different creatures, all in feminine form and giving you different powers."
"And with me, I represent your ability to summon your different familiars, each with their own unique properties, some giving you additional abilities." says Aiya.
"But I don't have access to these powers yet because I have not drank enough blood or devoured any souls, right?" asks Ester.
"Correct." says Aiya. "And given your current state, I know that might be difficult since you seem to want to avoid combat and you want to help others. In many ways, that is admirable."
"And for that, we shall assist you on that front." says Sergus. "But we will also work to protect you from any harm, because we need you alive to live ourselves."
"Well, all I can say is I'm glad to have the company if nothing else." says Ester.
Soon, Ester's senses kick in with her eyes turning red, noticing something in the distance.
"You sense something, don't you, Ester?" asks Aiya.
"A battle is taking place." says Ester. "Someone could be in danger. I don't wish to fight, but... I won't turn down anyone needing aid."
"Let's hurry!" says Sergus.
Ester rushes forward as fast as she can.
Eventually, Ester comes in to see L'Arachel, Dozla and Rennac fighting against some deathly-looking creatures. Joining them in this fight are Lute and Artur.
As Artur blasts down a Mogall with light magic, he says, "How are these creatures still able to walk among us!? We defeated the Demon King, did we not?"
"Hey, anything to test my growing magic against, I won't turn down." says Lute.
"In the holy name of Rausten, I will smite you beings of evil!" shouts L'Arachel. "The Beautiful Princess of Peerless Beauty will not stand for you tainting this land!"
L'Arachel fires of blast of thunder magic, destroying a few creatures while Dozla and Rennac use their axe and sword skills respectively to fend off the monsters. However, the ambush is getting bigger and bigger by the minute.
"Those people are certainly good fighters, but it seems these monsters are quickly surrounding them." says Ester. "Wait! I sense something else coming! Something stronger and more dangerous!"
Just as Ester was able to sense, some feral human-looking creatures come rushing in, and start to kill the other monsters in barbaric ways, the Mauthe Doogs getting ripped in half, Revenant and Entombed getting flayed, the Bonewalkers and Wights getting crushed to dust, and so on.
"Wow, talk about a lucky break." says Rennac.
"I... Don't think they're here to help us." says Artur.
Soon, the creatures start to look hungrily at the five defenders, bearing their fangs and their mouths drooling, the creatures having ashen skin, red eyes, and complete expressions of bloodthirst.
"Oh no, more vampires!?" asks Ester.
"Yes, those are lesser vampires." says Aiya. "Not as dangerous as greater vampires and especially not as powerful as you, but still very much a threat."
"If we want to save those people, we need to act fast!" says Sergus.
"Right. Got to put my worry behind me and help out!" says Ester.
Ester dashes forward at high speed, and begins to kick away the vampires one by one.
"Huh? What in the world?" asks Dozla.
Ester soon appears in front of the group of heroes with herself facing the vampires, all of which hiss at her and she hisses back.
"Give us the command to attack, Ester!" says Sergus.
"Right." says Ester.
As the vampires go for her, Ester shouts, "Sergus! Aiya! Strike them down!"
Sergus rushes forward, and in a burst of flame, goes from his Eye of Chaos form to a large and imposing demon form that cuts down the lesser vampires mercilessly. Sergus looks like a giant demon colored red with a bulky body, a face that makes him look Lovecraftian, skull faces adorning his body - including a large one on his torso with the mouth over the stomach area, and also has eyes on particular areas, including a vertical eye on his chest, and he's equipped with a demonic sword that also has a freaky eye on the hilt.
At that same time, Aiya changes from her Sphere of Order form to a beautiful woman with long white-blue hair, blue skin while wearing silverish-blue armor that covers most of her body, but still leaves some areas exposed, such as her face, legs, middle of her arms and her stomach area, and she has brilliant blue angel wings. Her sword and shield set up are blue and silver with shiny crystalline look while being adorned with runes.
"Okay, I did not expect this." says Rennac. "Like seriously, does anyone have an explanation?"
"I do not know, but she seems to be helping us, so I will not argue against the aid." says Artur.
"Such power." says L'Arachel. "I can't tell if she's a demon or a holy figure."
Sergus then uses his sword to send a wave of demonic energy while Aiya creates a ball of holy energy, both sending them at the vampires, resulting in a catastrophic blast.
Though many vampires have been slain, more are still alive.
Just then, Ester senses the souls of the recently killed monster, and focuses as she begins to absorb said souls into her.
"Oh my, that can't be normal for a human." says Lute. "No, it certainly cannot be."
As Ester is finished absorbing the souls, she feels new power, as do both Sergus and Aiya. Ester then holds her right hand forward, and shoots a wave of fire that soon blazes through the lesser vampires, setting them aflame as they scream the most pained of screams before succumbing to death.
"Okay, she has access to some powerful magic." says Lute. "She's in danger of cramping my style.
"The magic is the only thing you're worried about?" asks Rennac. "Not the two strange beings she just pulled out of who knows where?"
Ester sighs and says as she turns to look at the others, "Are you all okay?"
"Huh? But... Well thank you for saving us, I suppose, but... Clearly you have strength that borderlines on unnatural!" says L'Arachel. "Not to mention to seem to have taken in souls of the fallen! What are you exactly?"
"I was the same as those creatures you were about to be slaughtered by, but much stronger than so." says Ester. "I'm a vampire."
"Vampire!? The greatest of monsters in the world!" says L'Arachel.
"Lady L'Arachel! She too could attack at any moment!" says Dozla.
"Indeed! She too is a great danger!" says L'Arachel. "This land has no need for those tainted with the blood of evil!"
"Hold on! She did save us, did she not?" asks Artur. "We shouldn't be so quick to judge."
"But Artur! Such monsters are a blight on this world!" says L'Arachel.
"My, since when did we last turn into a massive bigot?" asks Rennac.
"Be serious, Rennac! You know the dangers of such creatures!" says L'Arachel.
"And we ourselves are NOT dangerous?" asks Rennac.
"Please, I just wanted to help, but-" Ester starts to say before they get interrupted by the sound of clapping.
All look to see it's Alec clapping.
"Nice work there, luv." says Alec to Ester.
"Are you talking to me?" asks Ester.
"You were the one who took down my vampire forces, so yes, I'm indeed talking to you." says Alec.
"Who are you?" asks Ester.
"You'll find out two months from today." says Alec.
"What happens two months from today?" asks Ester.
Alec looks murderously at Ester and says, "...I kill you."
"So he's another vampire." says L'Arachel.
"Yeah, but this one doesn't seem to want to help us." says Rennac.
"My only concern is the Daywalker." says Alec. "I'm not interested in the rest of you. But if you decide to interfere, you all too will meet a similar sticky end." He then sees it about to become daylight, and he says, "Speaking of you, Daywalker... You at least get some reprieve for now. Use the time wisely."
Alec then vanishes into a cloud of mist before being gone completely.
"Daywalker?" asks Lute. "Why did he call her that?"
Soon, the sun comes out, and to the surprise of the others outside of Ester, Sergus and Aiya, Ester is not burning up, being completely fine.
"What manner of joke is this!?" asks Dozla. "A vampire that can survive in sunlight!?"
"She's even more dangerous than I thought!" says L'Arachel. "Such a vampire could be impossible to stop."
"I'm sorry, I need to leave, but I'm glad you're all safe." says Ester as she runs off.
"Hey, get back here, you bloodsucker!" says L'Arachel.
"I wonder, is she really a monster?" asks Artur.
"Why do you ask that?" asks Lute.
"I don't know why, but... This whole thing is making me wonder." says Artur. "Perhaps we need to do more research on this. After all, that's your area of expertise, is it not, Lute?"
"You're right." says Lute. "And I will crack the mystery around her, no matter the cost!"
"I just hope that poor lady will be okay." says Artur. "But after that other vampire's threat, I'm a bit more worried than before."
To Be Continued in Chapter 3