Authors Note: I AM ALIVE! So sorry for delay again!
Chapter 24: The Hunt Is On
Night-time had surrounded London. The humans began to all go inside, while the creatures of the night had come out to play. Sora, Cloud, Sophie, Riku, Kaine, Victor and Alucard were just a small group of those out, but they weren't here to play, they were looking for someone. Sora and Riku knew how important it was that they be found, as this person could very well be related to the clan that was after them, so time was of the essence. Alucard led the pack, with Sora and Victor following close behind. They were engaged in conversation.
"Sorry for scaring you earlier, Sora." Victor said.
"It's alright. I'm already used to taking face plants on the ground by now. Getting bloodied up however is not what I had in mind." Sora replied.
"You get used to it and all. Being half-vampire however means it can take longer for you though."
"So is that really the only difference between half and full vampires, like yourself? Power?"
"No, while that is the most governing factor that full vampires grow their powers faster and better, they can also gain the power to survive the sun quicker. And full-vampires must take human blood, vampire blood is incompatible unless your a halfling. Plus, if you're half-vampire, you can be turned back with a blood transfusion. If you're a full vampire, then you're stuck that way."
"So I guess only family members can be full vampires."
"Not necessarily. It is possible to perform a ritual that will turn a half-vampire into a full-vampire completely. Also certain vampires have the ability to choose which they will turn their prey into."
"So it is possible to cure vampirism if you are only half-vampire?"
"First off, I don't appreciate your use of the word 'cure', you sound like this is a disease. It's not. Second, why would you want to turn back? It's not like it affects how you look, or anything!"
"Maybe it's because it's better than being something most people are afraid of." Riku retorted.
"Riku, please. Let's not cause problems?" Sora asked Riku. He silenced himself but with an annoyed look on his face.
"Your friend does not seem to understand the situation fully." Alucard said to Sora, referring to Riku.
"He can be a hothead sometimes. He's just overprotective of me and Kairi."
"Who is Kairi?"
"A friend of ours back at home, on Destiny Islands."
"I see. I sense you have saved her twice before."
"I didn't know vampires could read minds."
The journey continued with not much talking, but eventually, they reached a nightclub.
"This is the place where he will be. He owns this club. We must be wary. They will kill any humans on sight unless they are notorious, so Riku, Kaine and Cloud must stay outside. Sophie can stay as well." Alucard briefed the team.
"I guess I'm okay with that. Be careful, Sora." Riku told his friend.
"Wow, you're usually never okay with these things." Sora replied.
"Well, I guess if you trust these guys, then you'll do what you gotta do."
"If you wish, you may stay here with your friends. It is not required that you also come." Alucard told Sora.
"No, I want to see what I'm up against. I have to face this."
"Very well then. Shall we?"
Riku, Cloud, Kaine and Sophie took point on a nearby roof, while Alucard, Victor and Sora entered.
As soon as they got in, Sora felt uneasy. He could see many eyes were focused on him. 'This must be a full-vampire hangout or something, it's like they know I'm a half-vampire!' He kept his composure however as they approached the back rooms. As expected, a guard stopped them.
"You got business here, Alucard?" The guard asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do. Now step aside." Alucard looked at him with glaring eyes. The guard got nervous and stood aside, fearing the vampire lord.
They entered the back, and ahead of them was a hallway with several locked rooms. At the end was a room without a lock that said 'Management'.
The group entered to find a man on the phone. He had light grey hair and looked like a well-built man who kept a check of his body's shape, despite looking older than he should. His red eyes gave away the obvious. The man looked up to check his visitors. He was about to say something, but upon laying his eyes on Sora, he went wide-eyed. In a split second, he jumped for the door, much to the surprise of the group, who swiftly gave chase.
Upon reaching the main area again, however, they were blocked by many vampires. Many vampires looking for a feast, but not knowing what they were dealing with. Instinctively, they all went for the weak target; Sora. Seeing this, Victor and Alucard immediately came to aid, but there were many. Sora tried to defend himself but eventually he was grabbed from behind and a knife was put through his back. He screamed in pain, only for the attacker to stab him a second time, in a different place. This time he went silent as blinding pain overtook him. Before the attacker could deal a third blow, however, Victor sliced his head off, killing him. Sora slumped to the ground.
Quickly and efficiently, the enemies were dealt with. Sora was badly wounded and losing blood but the wounds were healing up.
"You haven't had enough blood, Sora. You need more." Alucard told him.
"Tell me… something I don't know… cough" Sora replied.
He brought Sora up and led him to a dying vampire.
"Now's your chance, Sora."
"Chance for what?"
"You need blood. If you're sceptical about taking it from humans, then take it from vampires."
"But-"
"You'll never survive if you don't take blood, Sora, so stop walking away from what you must do."
He realised that he had no choice. He would have to do this if he wanted to survive.
But why did his life have to be about survival all of a sudden? Why had he been thrust into this situation? Was it fair? So many questions running through his head, he just wanted a clear answer. He knew that if he didn't try to understand, there wouldn't be an answer for him.
He sunk his fangs into the neck of the vampire, and began sucking. It seemed to last forever, but Sora felt like he was in pure euphoria. It felt so refreshing to take another's blood. He felt nourished, healthy, and he felt alive. Eventually, the vampire crumbled to dust, but because Sora was still sucking, he breathed in a bit of dust, causing him to hack. Victor burst out laughing.
"Ha! That's such a newbie mistake to make!" Victor proclaimed.
"Let's not waste anymore time. We have an enemy to catch." Alucard said. The group headed off.
End Of Chapter
Authors Note: another short chapter, I know, there is no excuse. But college finishes at May 23rd! Anyway, see ya!