All right, I finally finished my chapter! Sorry about the delay. My mom's been really sick, and I have exams next week, so it's been hard to find time to write. But here it is. I'm glad that I've been getting such positive feedback. Thanks for reading! I hope you all enjoy this one.

Disclaimer: Not mine.

Part Two: Blood Legacy

I make it to the castle in record timing, and don't bother using the front door. The fastest way to Zelda's room is the balcony, and I take that route. The doors to the balcony are large glass ones, and I can see her bed through them. It unnerves me that the drapes hadn't been pulled. Zelda is lying on her bed looking peaceful, but terrible gnawing dread fills me. I unlatch the doors and enter. At this point, the fear that I was too slow is gripping me so strongly that at first, I don't even want to approach her. Instead, I glance around, my nocturnal eyes sweeping the room for anything unusual. Then I can't wait any longer. I walk to her bedside and touch her shoulder. Her breathing is deep and steady. I can feel her heartbeat pulsing through her veins. "Zel?" No response. My grip tightens a little, and her eyes open.

"Link?" She sits up tiredly, "What are you doing here? What's wrong?"

"Are you hurt?" Deep inside, I know my panic was irrational, but I still desperately hang onto it.

"Of course not. Why would I be?" She must have noticed the look in my eyes, because she follows that up with, "What's going on?"

My grip on her arm falls away and I sit heavily on the edge of her bed. She sits nearby and wraps her arms around me. She can feel the tension in my body, and she pulls my head against her and gently runs her fingers through my hair. It feels heavenly. I shut my eyes and explain in a heavy voice everything that had transpired. She listens the whole way through without comment, and when I finish, she says, "Who do you think is behind this?"

"Whoever is making the Bats."

Our eyes meet. She runs a hand down my cheek and we kiss. The night's stress begins to convert into something a little more pleasant. My shirt comes off and we lie amongst the sheets, exploring each other. Her body is warm and soft and sweet, and I want more of it. My heart is pumping quickly, but neither of us pays it any heed. In the back of my mind, I feel a desperate longing for her. Not a longing for just her body, though; I feel a raging desire for her blood. I want to taste her and take her life and give her mine as a replacement. I want her to join me on these endless nights. I want to make her mine in every way possible. I press her into the bed roughly. Thoughts of dominance and lust sweep through my foggy mind. My instincts scream for me to take her. My fangs have extended in preparation for the deed. I imagine her heart pumping heavily beneath her skin. I can feel her blood coursing through her body. Sweat covers her, and she smells like flowers and blood and sex. Her eyes are locked onto mine, tinged with fear. I'm horny and thirsty, and I want her now. My mouth nears the nape of her neck, and the pulsing of her heart is so close that it reverberates through me. I jerk back suddenly and end up on the ground at the other end of the room, opposite the bed. I am panting, but winning my battle for control. So close. I was so close. I shake with fear and shock. The reality of what I nearly did strikes me, and it becomes very hard to breathe.

"Link?" Zelda sits cautiously at the edge of the bed. Her voice is small and worried. She sounds like she's horribly afraid, but trying to hide it. When I don't respond, she gets up to approach me. I fling an arm out and yell for her to stop. I've pressed myself to the wall. The battle for control over my body continues to wage between my head and my instincts. If she comes any closer, I know I'll lose control and won't return until the deed is done. She freezes and looks unsure. My eyes pierce her, and I feel a sweeping need for her again. My hands clutch the floor and I avert my gaze. A long, tense moment passes before I wrestle complete control over myself away from the vampire in me. Zelda must sense that it's safe to be near me, because she closes the space between us and touches my shoulder. I look up at her and realize that she's crying.

Neither of us speaks and I can tell Zelda is still frightened. And I have to admit that I am, too. I haven't been that close to losing control for a long time. A thought springs into my mind as we sit in the dark. Words spoken long ago reverberate through me. If you ever become hopeless or needful, seek her out. She can help. All at once, I know what I must do. Resolved, I take Zelda by the shoulders and look into her eyes.

"Zelda, I know what to do now. But I need you to do something for me first."

Confused and looking slightly helpless, she says, "What?"

"Zelda, listen to me. I'm leaving. I need to find someone. Someone who can help. I know where to look, but I need your assurance that you won't do anything rash while I'm gone. Keep guards near you at all times. This Maker is dangerous, and you need to stay away from him. Speak with Spindeloff about methods of protection against Bats and foul play. I don't know when I'll be back, but I'll move as quickly as possibly."

"Link, stop. You're going too fast. I don't understand what you're talking about."

Firming my grip, I say, "I'm leaving. You need to stay safe while I'm gone."

"What? Why? Why are you going?"

Feeling a little frantic, I reply, "Because I have to. I have a duty to fulfill and questions that need to be answered. I'll move as quickly as I can, but I need to know that you'll be safe. I can keep a correspondence with you while I'm gone, but letters won't save your life." I stand and look towards the balcony, "I should leave before dawn comes. There are still several hours of night left to travel. I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly, but when I return, you'll understand more fully." I walk to the balcony and jump on the railing. Zelda follows me, looking uncertain. I know she trusts my judgment, but I fear that the events of the night have confused her much. But when I turn, I see resilience on her face and bravery in her eyes. She is beautiful.

"I know nothing that I say will change your mind," she says, "But can I at least have a better reason why you must leave halfway through the night to go to some place I don't know about?" Then she smiles slightly, "If I were a different woman, I might accuse you of cheating."

I smile in return and reply, "I go to find a cure for my infirmities." Vague enough, I suppose. But I know Zelda better than that…

"That wasn't an answer to the question that I asked."

Well, at least I tried. "I go because I love you." And I want to be near you without all this fear separating us.

She looks slightly taken aback, but seems warmed by my words. "Link," she begins to say, but I cut her off.

"The best way I can protect you is from afar. I wish it weren't true, but that's how it is. Please don't hold it against me."

"You know I wouldn't do that."

I touch her cheek one last time and leap down from the balcony. Now all I have to do is find the Mater Clan.

I spend the next two nights on the move, stopping only to feed. During the day, I rest in caves. But without the certainty of a proper bed, I can't stay out much longer. But I know that I'm close. I can sense the rest of my clan nearby. A few hours before dawn on the third night, I find what I'm looking for. The Mater Clan disguises its abode at the foot of the mountains east of Hyrule. A small recess opens into a cave, which leads to the Mater city. I enter the cave, and am greeted by two guards. My presence is known to other vampires of the world, mostly because of the war between the Mater and Sondiel Clans last year. I have free movement through the Mater Clan, thanks to the recently deceased Madraas. I hope that Seri allows me to keep that freedom. The last thing I need is a horde of vampires after me.

I am lead through the cave, to the entrance of the Mater city, known as Blodhus in the old language. Nowadays, the vampires call it by its more contemporary title, Bloodhall. The city is comprised of massive buildings carved out of the rock. The top of the mountain opens up to the sky during the night. At day, a huge stone door closes it off, so that the inhabitants can be awake at the time of their choice. Last year, the door came close to being destroyed, but I managed to keep it safe, which is pretty much the only reason why the clan allows me more freedom than the other members. Vampire clans function as a type of government. Large clans, like the Mater and Sondiel, function as a monarchy, with lesser stations in charge of things like housing and hunting divisions. Higher stations take charge of interclan relations and clan history. Smaller clans work as a massive extended family, politically like a democracy or republic, depending on clan. Ultimately, all clans are related; they all stem from the first original vampire. Very little knowledge exists about him (or her, as some clans claim), only that he became a vampire through a pact with the gods. We think he may have died around the time of the Black Age, about three thousand years ago, but that's only rumor. Vampire historians keep their information secret, limited as it is.

I walk through the city, avoiding contact with other vampires. I get a few stares, but I effectively manage to ignore everyone. Within minutes, I approach the main hall of the city, where I will find Seri. The main hall comprises of over one hundred rooms, ranging in size from the greeting room, which takes up enough size to be a house by itself, to offices no larger than broom cupboards. I enter the greeting room and am immediately stopped by a pair of vampires asking my purpose. I request a viewing with Seri, but it's only when I give them my name that they let me through. I guess some days it's good to be me.

The greeting room is flanked by massive stone pillars depicting past wars and the formation of the Mater Clan. The vaulted ceiling causes a massive amount of echoing, both voices and footsteps. On celebratory feasts, the room is filled with elaborate decorations, and packed front to back with bodies. I've been present for two celebrations, one exalting the vampiric race, and one commemorating the end of the Interclan War. The latter was a cultured, relaxed event; the former was a bloodbath. This feast is actually coming again in another two months, and I can only hope that I'm not around for it.

Seri's office is at the back of the main hall, in the second largest room, about half the size of the greeting hall. It is also her living quarters. I knock on the door and wait for admittance. To my surprise, Seri opens the door rather than just calling for me to enter.

With a dry smile, she says, "I thought you weren't part of any clan."

"I'm not. I'm just here on a visit."

"Are you taking me up on my offer?"

"No, not yet, at least. I'm looking for Veronica."

Seri looks shocked for a moment, then suspicious, "The spellweaver?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you going to give me an explanation?"

I grin here and respond, "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

She stares at me before breaking out into laughter, "You ought to either be killed or rewarded for your audacity, and I haven't chosen which!"

"Reward me, then, with your knowledge. I have some questions that need answering, and I think only she can do it."

"She's on hunt right now. But if you come in, perhaps I can help you."

We enter her office, and she offers me a drink. After a moment of indecision, I opt to take the drink, knowing that the last two days without proper shelter have weakened me. Besides, it's not like I was the one who killed the unfortunate victim. My system of logic is so lame…

We drink and discuss a few lighter topics before I ask, "Is there any way of getting in contact with her?"

She pauses mid-sip and then says, "The hunters will not be disturbed. They are due to return in a few days. Tell me your problem, maybe I can help."

I look at her and say, "Sorry, but I can't do that. She's the only one who can help me."

Seri frowns and says, "Why do you think that?"

"Because Thermis told me."

Understanding crosses her face and she says, "I can see why you would think that, then. Well, if there is anything else you need, just ask. Stay in Bloodhall until Veronica returns; we can give you shelter and drink."

I accept her offer and decide to visit the cape near the top of Bloodhall until my quarters are ready. It is the only place I can go without being ogled. I spent much of my time there during the Interclan War, and I remain fond of it. A staircase from the main hall leads there, but fully initiated vampires can just fly there. I take the stairs, having only mastered the ability to float for short periods of time with no direction.

It takes me near twenty minutes to climb all the way up, but the drink with Seri had rejuvenated me, and I was barely sweating by the time I finished climbing the stairs. The cape is a small cave-like area above Bloodhall that affords a view over the entire city. Sentries used to keep watch there, until a more efficient method was constructed. Now watchtowers line the city and guards patrol some of the higher rooftops. Since the end of the war, the amount of soldiers on post in the city has lessened considerably. I sit at the edge of the cape and look down at the city. Another hour or so of night remains until the gate must be shut overhead, but for now the blue-black sky can be seen perfectly through the opening in the mountain. Moonlight shines through the hole, casting a haunting glow on the city. It is beautiful. I shut my eyes and open my internal sight. I feel the other vampires going about their business below. I feel the surreal light of the moon and stars entering the mountain. I feel the presence of something foreign. I pause and probe the entity, looking for identification. It suddenly lashes back and a red-hot pain sears across my mind, behind my eyes. I scream and leap back, shutting my internal sight and opening my eyes. Remnants of the pain pulse in my mind, along with the question of that thing's identity. Internal sight functions as a kind of extra sense for vampires. It allows vampires to recognize other beings and surroundings. Most vampires have it open all the time, but I find it too, well, distracting, so I close mine for the most part. For something to attack through that sense is astounding. It hadn't felt like a vampire, and it certainly didn't seem to behave like one.

As much as I don't want to be attacked again, I open my internal sight and search for the entity. When I find it, I cautiously approach and try to discover who or what it is without angering it. My ability over internal sight is weak at best, since I almost never use it. I can't communicate feelings like some vampires can, but still I try to convey a since of friendship to the being. Unfortunately, just as our sights touch, it flings me back out even more vehemently than before. I scream and clutch my eyes as the pain reappears. Blackness inches over my consciousness, and I get a flash image of a body tied against a stake and burning. For a moment, it feels as though I'm the one burning, and I cry out again. Then it all recedes, and I sit on the stone floor, panting.

A feeling of dread has filled me. I wonder if Seri is aware of this foreign presence in the city, but I chastise myself. It's probably just a guest of the court who likes to be left alone. But I remain feeling sick and uneasy. The image of the burning body is fresh in my mind, and I can still see it writhing in agony. A bag covers its head, but I can imagine the flesh of its face cracking and then melting as it screams. I shudder and push the thoughts away.

Just as I begin to feel at ease once more, alarm bells sound throughout Bloodhall. Screams follow them shortly. I run to the edge of the cape and look out over the city. One of the stone buildings explodes, sending chunks of flying rock outward. More screams echo through the mountain. Squinting through the smoke and dust I see that a Bat has attacked the city. It looks larger and more dangerous than the ones I've seen in Hyrule, and I can't help but wonder how it got in here. Certainly it's too large to have gone unnoticed until now. Guards rush towards it and attack. The Bat swats at them, sending a couple tumbling backwards. It leaps forward and begins attacking bystanders, paying no heed to the guards. People begin to scatter as the Bat rampages through their numbers, but the attacks aimed at it begin to slow it down. In a group effort, the guards manage to kill it, but many people have been wounded. I watch as the wounded are transported to the main hall, and the others return to their business. I can't help but feel shocked at the ease with which they all return to normal life (or, if you prefer, unlife). It seems like such a thing happens all the time; like it was normal. Besides, why would the vampires who were attacked need to be cleared away? Vampires can heal at amazing rates; a simple wound like the ones they received shouldn't hurt them. I feel unsettled as I think about the foreign presence I sensed before. It couldn't have been the Bat, could it? It seemed sentient, and it certainly knew how to utilize the internal sight. Shaking my head, I resolve to talk to Seri about it tomorrow night. For now, I feel tired after my trip, and I need to write Zelda before sleeping to tell her that I'm safe so that she can sleep. But despite my want to feel safe within the clan, the events of tonight have left me off balance and worried. The burning body appears again, and I shudder. I really wish Veronica would return soon, so I could get the hell out of this place. Something is terribly wrong, and all I know is that I don't want any part of it.

End Chapter Four

There you have it! More to come, once I finish the sixth chapter. Hope you all keep reading!