Well, after the slaughter of Marluxia, our heroes get a little reprieve from the horror before the worst comes their way.

Although I'm pretty sure my reviewers already that another loved one is going to be a target for the vampire anyway, am I right?

Anyways, I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving weekend several days ago.

So, without further ado, hope you enjoy!

I own noting except my OCs.

Constructive reviews are welcome. Rude comments are not!

Read, leave a review, but no flames allowed.

Chapter 24: To Know the Vampire

Although things have settled down for the moment after the chaos caused by Marluxia, it was pretty clear to Mary that her sisters were now roped into the horrors that have arrived right at their doorstep. She could see that Jane has been heavily rattled by the terror she experienced, especially since she could still see her elder sister trembling ceaselessly from lingering unease that has yet to fade away. On Mina's part, she has recovered from her mysterious daze, but she didn't have any idea what happened nor did she have a clue what she missed that she wasn't aware of.

Still, it was a grim reminder to her that her family was not out of the woods just yet; that their troubles were only beginning. She did not want to fail another sister, not after the tragedy that befell their eldest sister Caroline…

I guess Professor Eraqus was not jesting when he said my life wouldn't be the same, Mary thought tensely. But still, I want to do everything in my power to save my family from those monsters that have ruined our lives!

Right on cue, Professor Eraqus arrived in the library with Terra not far behind him and took a seat with the three sisters. Moments after, Ventus and Aqua came in to attend the meeting in the room to discuss particular affairs that can't be explained anywhere else. While everyone else settled down, Terra passed small cups of warm tea to his young cousins as an attempt to offer comfort in the otherwise grim atmosphere lingering within the air.

"As long as it remains warm, you'll feel better after what happened," Terra promised as gently as he could.

Jane gratefully took her cup as she tried to calm herself. "Thank you, dear cousin. I need this after…all of that."

"But to think that another one of us almost became a victim to one of those men from Hollow Bastion…" Mina commented, "I can't believe I didn't know that Jane was almost attacked. If only I had known, I would've tried to find help as soon as possible."

"You wouldn't have known about it unless something prevented you from doing so," Eraqus assured her, "The true monsters behind all of this are more cunning than you think they are. If one was able to attack Caroline the moment she was isolated from the family, then it is safe to believe that the others would do the same to the rest of you."

That was something Mary could easily understand after everything she's seen and the horrors that she ventured too deeply into. Perhaps it was better if Jane and Mina never saw what their eldest sister had transformed into face-to-face, but her tragic fate had to be made known all the same. Even so, that doesn't leave out the fact that they are still hunting them, and they will not stop spilling blood until they all have met a terrible demise at the hands of the same fiends that lured them to their castle…most likely to either turn them or feed on them.

Then, Mina brought up the very question everyone knew was coming. "Professor, after Caroline was found dead…Did you uncover what caused her death? Did something about her change?"

Professor Eraqus, knowing what she meant, took a breath before answering her. "Yes, after much research into the same issues plaguing your cousin's hospital, I came to a rather difficult yet unquestionable conclusion. But in order to explain about it, I think your sister should tell you and Jane what she saw in there."

Mary had a feeling that was coming. She got roped into the mess, so she might as well fill in what the rest of her family missed.

"Caroline…She was no longer the same elder sister we knew all of our lives," Mary confessed cautiously. "It was almost like…I was seeing her, talking to her. And yet…even though the person standing there in the tomb was Caroline, it was not her at the same time. It was almost as though she had become something completely different – no, had become an animal with pure monstrous instincts." She had to pause to steel her mind with the haunting memories. "I saw what she had turned into after her 'death', so to speak, and I would've died in that tomb if cousin Terra hadn't arrived with the professor in tow."

Both sisters took the shocking story quite differently, all things considered. Jane, without a shadow of a doubt, was horrified to learn what really became of Caroline after everything she had heard days ago from the officers and the doctor at the morgue; perhaps due to the trauma in the past after the discovery in the castle made it difficult for her to comprehend what went on that she wasn't aware of from the beginning. On the flipside, Mina was stunned from the news, but she could somehow figure out from the look in Mary's eyes that her dear sister was clearly telling the truth; perhaps she had a suspicion that her intelligent sister detected much more to the horror story they have trapped themselves in than they initially thought.

"Then…were you able to save her poor soul?" Jane asked nervously. "Was Caroline in any pain after…what you've told us?"

Terra shook his head. "Rest assured any pain she had, if at all, was brief and merciful at best. With the professor's help, we put her out of her misery."

"Although your elder sister's soul has been purged of the corruption that changed her, there is still one matter that needs to be addressed," Eraqus warned them, "and it is something that must be dealt with to ensure this family's survival until the fiends that have haunted you is removed from existence."

"Do you mean the people that came from Hollow Bastion?" Mina asked out of curiosity. "Are you implying that they are more than what we have initially thought?"

An uncanny pause settled into the air for a brief moment as the professor took the few moments to weigh cautiously the consequences of exposing the truth before a family that has been long unaware of otherworldly forces roaming the earth for centuries unknown to the rational world they lived in. Truthfully, any explanation of the paranormal or anything out of the ordinary would normally give the rest of the world the perception of the select individuals the title of 'madmen' or anything worse than that. However, on this night, after days of researching and investigating the occurrences of unexplained epidemics, it became clear that after everything that Mary has seen and knowing a small portion of what the sisters discovered, it goes without saying that now is the chance to share the reality of their danger in order to better their protection.

Then, Professor Eraqus looked toward the all three sisters and Terra and asked them, "Tell me, how well do you know about the lore of the night creatures called vampires?"

Mina and Jane looked at each other in confusion for a moment, trying to process the question before giving their answer.

Jane shook her head and replied, "Unfortunately, We don't know of such a monster. We were never taught about them all of our life."

"Professor, do you mean to tell us that the residents of the castle are truly dangerous creatures that roam the night?" Mina asked.

The professor leaned forward from his seat slightly. "Vampires are real, I assure you. Besides being a doctor well-trained in the inspection of obscure illnesses, I have researched in the causes of such things originating from ancient folklore that used to have an iron grip on human civilization ages ago."

"I doubt anyone else would believe such things after how much advances humanity has been through over the years," Terra confessed.

"I could speak all day, providing every piece of proof that vampires are real. However, just to be sure each of you have enough awareness, I will give you the basics as to how the vampire works in a general sense," Eraqus insisted. Then, he proceeded to give a summary of what he knew about the creatures. "When it comes to the vampire, there are certain factors that need to be understood for your safety and protection: It is agreed by the majority that the vampire is a nocturnal creature that feeds on the blood of the living to maintain its existence, bound to the earth to satiate their unending thirst. They are capable of changing their shapes – to the form of either a bat or wolf, or even the vapors of mist at will. And they are more than capable of manipulating their environment and anyone who dares cross their paths in the dark of night. In general, it shows that these creatures are more intelligent and devious than mankind could ever be."

Jane was stunned to hear this. "Then, that would explain why Caroline was so easy for those…people…to pick her off so easily."

"But I'm sure that's not all there is to it, isn't there, Professor?" Mary questioned, "There has to be a reason why those Hollow Bastion denizens were able to take every advantage we left them with ever since we first met them."

"That's true. It couldn't be a coincidence that someone would come along the forest path and help four women merely on a whim," Aqua agreed on that point. "And it is no coincidence now that the sisters are being targeted one by one after tracking them all the way to Twilight Town, where they believed they would be safe."

"That is true, which is why I will admit to what I have find whilst investigating the epidemic and the murder of your sister," Eraqus admitted, "In what research I was able to do over the course of a few days after Caroline's death, I found that there are some cases of vampires that come to exist from beyond the grave after the changed have succumbed to the worst sides of their human sides, whether it would be a powerful negative emotion or a cardinal sin. In that case, this vampire is able to retain much of their past selves and knowledge to an extent."

After hearing this, there was no doubt in Mary's mind that everything was starting to come full circle as to their adversaries. Why else were all of them being toyed with like puppets on strings, not realizing who was pulling the strings until it was too late? Their presumed 'rescue' after their accident in the woods, the invitation to stay in the castle, their discovery of part of the castle's secrets, the brutal death and corruption of Caroline, and the attempted assault on Jane… It was starting to make sense to her. These monsters from Hollow Bastion know what they want, and they are using what they've learned about the Chastain family against them!

It was shameful that Caroline couldn't be saved due in part to both her eldest sister's carelessness and her confidence that their relatives could keep her from doing anything endangering. But because of what they now knew and after saving Jane from death – or a fate worse than death – then that means there may be more chances to protect what's left of their family until the fiends that torment them are hunted and eliminated from the face of the earth.

…But still, there was the matter of their youngest sister, Mina. Jane may be out of the woods at the moment, but a nagging doubt in Mary's mind warned her that their family is still in danger so long as the master of the vampires has his eyes dead set on the target of his choice.

Oh, yes, she should've noticed the warning signs that Xemnas has his animalistic eyes fixated on the innocence of Mina, as though he was contemplating whether to devour her or to claim her as his own. Then again, didn't she mention about the strange things that happened to her after the events of Hollow Bastion, the moments that affected only her? Maybe she should speak with Mina at an opportune hour and uncover what it is that has bothered her little sister; perhaps she could do something to try and help her, or at the very least, try to lure her mind back to the present.

But, not right now. She has other matters to worry about; she needs to focus on the here and now sot that she can aid in the hunt.

"So, then, what will happen to us now that Caroline has been purified and that Jane's attacker has been killed?" Mina suddenly asked.

It was Ventus's turn to answer. "Honestly, I don't know. But I believe that because of the death of one of their own at our hands, the remaining forces will turn their attention fully on us."

"That is exactly the dilemma we are in, Ventus. Given all that happened now, there is no doubt that they will kill us for revenge," the professor agreed solemnly, "But first, we must determine our next course of action as soon as possible. Given what Miss Mary has informed us about, I have reason to believe that each of these vampires have marked one of each of you for their own reasons. Caroline was already attacked, and you know what she turned into. Jane was almost a victim herself, but her doom to un-death was prevented. That leaves Mary and Mina as the remaining targets still marked for a particular motive." He paused for a moment. "However, now that we, especially you, my former student," He referred to Terra for a second, "have gotten ourselves involved in this, I am certain that they will mark us for death and continue to torment us until we can no longer resist their battle. That is why we must do everything we can to trace where they are hiding, and force into a more vulnerable position so that we can destroy them for good."

Mary could easily notice Terra's face turning slightly pale at the idea of him being a target for vengeance as well; but she could understand that he might've subconsciously suspected that he would get involved in this sooner or later. But because he is a doctor, she knew that he would do anything to see that his poor patients at the hospital he works in recover from the epidemic that is caused by those monsters in the first place.

"I should've known that was coming…" Terra confessed shakily.

Mary placed a hand on her cousin in sympathy. "You wouldn't have known from the start, cousin. You are a doctor. Your job is to help people, but not like this."

Professor Eraqus stood up from his seat as he weighed carefully on their predicament. "So, now we know that we all are in a precarious position: the rest of us have become the targeted prey, with one lady already victimized and another who barely escaped the same fate." He started scratching his beard as he thought things over. "If there is one good favor we have on our side, it's that Jane is most likely no longer the concern of those fiends. For the moment, it would be in our best interest to have Miss Jane moved elsewhere for the time being until we can confirm the destruction of the nosferatu that roams these parts."

Mina looked at the professor in confusion. "Do you mean that our elder sister will have to leave this house?"

"If it can ensure her safety, then it would be a wise course," Mary answered.

"We could contact Kairi and Xion, ask them to shelter and protect Jane until we've overcome this ordeal," Terra suggested, "If it's true that Jane is no longer in danger of being hunted by the same person who targeted, then there's no reason for the others to pursue her."

"Excellent. I will want to give your cousins specific instructions upon their arrival," Eraqus agreed wholeheartedly.

Mary turned to the professor in confused curiosity. "What manner of instructions…?"

After carefully making the necessary arrangements and plans as to how the procedure will go, Terra rode on alone to their cousins' residence to inform them of the situation in the family while Mary and Mina helped Jane gather her belongings for a small trip to someplace she could be considered safe. All the while, it was noticed by those still at the Lander house that the professor and his apprentices were preoccupied with other matters, mostly involving their own tools of the trade – and by far the most unconventional ones at that.

But fortunately, despite how late at night it was, Terra came back with Kairi and Xion travelling through the streets in their stagecoach. Both ladies were informed by their cousin what had happened regarding Jane and Mary, but opted not to mention the notion of vampires running amok in town so as to prevent panic from extending beyond its boundaries.

Needless to say, it was relieving just to hear how worried they were after Caroline's funeral and the rumors of a seducer on the prowl.

"Mary, did anything terrible happen to Jane by the time you came home from visiting the family tomb?" Kairi asked worriedly. "Nobody was violated in any way, am I right?"

"Yes, Kairi, Jane is safe and still pure, I promise you," Mary reassured her to the best of her ability, "Rest assured that we were able to fight off her stalker. But after what has happened tonight…I really think it would be best if she took shelter just to be on the safe side."

"Still, I can't believe that those strangers who claim to have come from Hollow Bastion would have the gall to threaten our family this way," Kairi fretted a bit, "If only Xion and I had known, we wouldn't have let those monsters into the house…"

That was something Mary could understand. Despite her efforts to look after her family, even she made the mistake of accepting an invitation despite her hesitation and unease. To know that her cousin made a similar mistake, it was easy for her to sympathize with her young cousin's fears for her loved ones.

Meanwhile, Xion was helping Jane set her belongings safely inside the coach for departure as best as she could.

"I am sorry you both had to be called out here so late at night," Jane apologized, "Too much has happened in one night, and I still feel rattled after all I've been through."

"Don't be sorry. Your safety, for the moment, is high priority," Xion reassured her gently, "I promise that you are in good hands for the time being. The professor was kind enough to inform us that you needed someplace safe to stay, and we are more than welcome to shelter you as long as needed."

After the momentary respite of arranging everything in the coach and helping Jane step inside to prepare for departure, Professor Eraqus used this open window of opportunity to give both Kairi and Xion instructions on safeguarding Jane and their residence. Although his instructions, quite unsurprisingly, were the strangest both cousins had to listen to, but what else could they do at this point?

"…Now, listen closely, both of you. After you arrived at home and helped Jane settle in, I need one of you to hurry to the nearest shop and purchase as many cloves of garlic as you can," he told them sternly, "Once you do, you must hang wreaths of them all around the house – on the doors, the windows, anywhere you can – and place crosses at every location of the rooms of your choice. So long as you heed this prescription, I promise you that what has tried to prey on Jane before will not dare to intrude on your premises so long as these instructions are followed to the letter."

Kairi and Xion looked at each other in confusion for a moment, baffled as to what they were being told to do when they return to their home. But regardless of how perplexing it was, it was easy to notice that the professor was being very serious on the matter and that his orders are not to be taken lightly.

"I may not understand what such little things might do to help," Kairi admitted while trying o understand, "but if it can keep Jane safe as you say, then we'll do as you say."

"We'll take good care of her as best as we can," Xion promised boldly, "We'll make certain everyone at our home understands your instructions, and will make no effort to sabotage it until we know whatever danger is out there is over."

Mary looked between her cousins after hearing this, and couldn't help nodding in agreement.

"I'm counting on you two to look after Jane," Mary said firmly before embracing each of them, "Be safe, for Mina's and my sake, please."

"You should be careful, too, Mary. If anything happens to you or Mina," Kairi answered while trying to hold back her tears, "I would never forgive myself."

"We will pray for all of you, pray that the ordeal that has clouded our family will leave once the cause of our troubles is no more," Xion added, struggling to keep her composure.

Although it was extremely difficult for Mary to keep herself from breaking down, she knew that she had to remain strong so that she can keep fighting a dangerous battle to save her family from a fate worse than any punishment at the hands of man. She had to do this, for her family's sake, for the sake of everything and everyone she holds dear to her…

But at the very least, with Jane moved away from the Lander house and living under someone else's protection, she wouldn't have to worry about one sister having to relive the same horrors over and over. No, she would never let that happen to her elder sister…not again.

But nothing would prepare Mary for the peril that is to come towards her and her family; and this time, a particular enemy will make a move that would endanger the hunt for salvation against the hell brought by the creatures of the night…