The moon hung low in the tar-black sky, casting an eerie glow over the desolate landscape. A platoon of soldiers moved in disciplined silence through the ruins of a once-thriving city, their eyes sharp, senses heightened. The air was thick with tension, a palpable anticipation that clung to the darkness like a shroud.
Lieutenant Ramirez, a seasoned commander with a gaze hardened by years of battling the nocturnal menace, led the group. His face bore the weathered lines of a soldier’s life long lived with a straight scar, a clear testimony to past conflicts, cut across his rugged copper-brown skin. His orders were concise, whispered in hushed tones to ensure the utmost amount of stealth. The ones they hunt had incredibly keen senses, after all. The faintest noise would alert them to their presence-- It was this reason the soldiers, each armed as if ready to fight an army, moved with practiced precision, weaving through the skeletal remains of buildings that bore witness to a war that refused to end.
The lieutenant raised a clenched fist, signaling the platoon to halt. The soldiers, in turn, crouched low, their breaths synchronized with the rhythmic cadence of the wind. Ramirez's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, senses on high alert.
However, a faint whisper broke the silence. A younger soldier speaking a few select words to a close by comrade. The words were urgent, a mix of fear and disbelief. The lieutenant swiftly turned, his stern gaze demanding an explanation. The young soldier stammered, pointing towards the remnants of an old cathedral with a trembling hand.
"They're here, sir... I saw movement. Inside."
The tension amplified as Ramirez processed the information. He nodded to acknowledge the soldier's report and gestured for the platoon to follow him. The soldiers advanced with heightened caution, their every bit of focus attuned to the potential threat lurking within the once sacred confines of this cathedral.
The vampires were known for using ancient structures as hideouts, exploiting the fear and superstition associated with such places. A cowardly tactic. A pathetic tactic.
As the group reached the entrance of the towering structure, Ramirez motioned for the platoon to spread out. A perimeter quickly formed around the grounds as they waited for the perfect moment to strike.
With the wind howling, the soldiers all at once entered the cathedral through the many different entrances, their weapons raised, ready to take aim at any potential target. A deafening silence filled the large, empty space, and it quickly became clear that the place was completely and utterly deserted.
Just as the soldiers began to breathe a collective sigh of relief, or perhaps some, disappointment, a deafening sound came from above as the glazed glass ceiling shattered and rained down on the platoon below.
The soldiers looked up, just in time to see a massive shadow descending on them. It was a figure many had only seen in pictures.
"Damn humans! Why can't you just leave us in peace?!"
Massive wings, a body cloaked in a black robe, and glowing crimson eyes atop a bat-like face. A translucent blood-red aura emanated from the creature as it landed amongst the group of stunned soldiers, its razor-sharp claws tearing through the body armor of anyone unlucky enough to be in its path. In but a few seconds, three had died.
A blood-starved vampire. That’s what it was. Its lack of blood had brought it to a primal state where it was more beast than person. Although, that’s just what they were under their pretty faces. Beasts.
The platoon quickly rallied, opening fire on the creature. Bullets bounced off its leathery hide, but the creature seemed unfazed, a grimace forming on its face.
"Fools! You think you can hurt me with your petty weapons!?"
With a mighty roar, the creature charged at the nearest soldier, A black haired soldier, knocking her aside with a single blow.
"ROSA!" A nearby soldier yelled out before rushing toward the injured soldier.
It continued its rampage, cutting a bloody swath through the platoon.
As the carnage continued, Lieutenant Ramirez tried to gather the remaining men and formulate a plan of attack.
"Fall back!" he screamed, "Use the silver grenades!"
The soldiers obeyed, hastily retreating while hurling the specially made explosives at the creature. They detonated, releasing a powerful burst of silver that enveloped the monster in its deadly embrace.
The creature howled in agony, writhing in the intense pain accompanied by silver scorching its skin. The soldiers seized the opportunity, raining down silver bullets upon the weakened monster.
"Damn you!" the creature roared.
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Despite its injuries, the creature lunged forward, its sharpened fangs piercing the neck of a nearby soldier. With a sickening crunch, it ripped his throat out, spraying the surrounding area with a gush of blood.
Lieutenant Ramirez, enraged by the sight, loaded a very specific round into his revolver, taking aim at the beast. He fired a single shot, and that's all he needed, hitting the creature directly in the forehead.
As its skull collapsed under the pressure of the projectile, bits of mushy pink and crimson blood burst through the other side of it. Ash sizzled from its head.
The beast collapsed to the ground, finally defeated.
The surviving soldiers could finally rest, their breath heavy and sweat culminated enough to fill a pool.
"Holy shit," one muttered, wiping the blood and sweat from his face.
Ramirez's work wasn't done, however, as he solemnly approached the bitten soldier. The young man was struggling to breathe, his hands clutching at the gaping wound in his neck.
"Sir," the soldier rasped, "No-- I-- The Vamp didn't turn me! Please--"
But his eyes had already formed a thin red film, a clear indicator of his infection. Of the monster he’d soon become.
The lieutenant raised his revolver once more, loading a standard silver bullet, his voice thick with regret.
"I won't do you the dishonor of letting you turn," he spoke in a low tone, "Rest now, you did well. You die a human. "
Without hesitation, the lieutenant fired a single bullet, ending the newly bitten man's life. The sound echoed for what seemed like forever.
--
As the moon cast its pale light on the aftermath of the battle, Ramirez knelt down next to the hit soldier, Rosa, after ordering the medic who had just finished helping her to care for the other injured. She was alive, though perhaps with a few broken ribs, and cradling a badly sprained arm.
"I'm sorry, sir," she choked out, tears welling in her eyes, "I should have been paying attention. It was my fault, I was--"
"You did nothing wrong, kid, just got caught up in the moment," He placed an arm on her shoulder, giving her a small smile. "Hell, you're lucky to be alive. Glad, too. General would kill me if I let her daughter die."
Rosa sniffled, nodding. "I'll be better next time. Promise."
"I know you will. Shoot with focus and will. Never hesitate, and remember," He narrowed his eyes, "They aren't People. They're Monsters."
With that, he stood, turning his attention to the other soldiers.
"Let's get these bodies outta here," he ordered, "before the scent catches the attention of any vultures."
The soldiers complied, working together to haul the lifeless forms of their comrades away from the scene of the battle.
In the midst of the organized chaos, Rosa was left to stare at the crumpled form of the creature, not noticing the approaching woman behind her.
"It's kinda sad, isn't it?" a familiar voice spoke up, causing Rosa to turn.
Standing over her was a woman dressed in a similar military uniform, though with an X pattern embroidered on the collar. Her pale blonde hair seemed to almost shine in the faint light beaming down upon the cathedral.
"Sad?" Rosa replied, a look of confusion plastered plainly across her face.
The woman gave a small smile.
"That a Vampire got to live this long in the first place," she responded, reaching a hand out to help the girl up. "Come on Rosa, don't wanna get left behind, do ya?"
Rosa took the hand and got to her feet, dusting herself off.
"Thanks, Elsie. For helping me out before too," she said with a small smile. "Why'd you wait for me? Don't you have to take care of the wounded?"
"Well, the other medics got it. Besides," she grinned, wrapping her arm around Rosa's shoulders, "I'm not gonna leave my best friend all alone after she got her fucking ass kicked!"
Rosa rolled her eyes.
"Very funny," she retorted, "You didn't sound so amused when I got hit, though..."
"Ehhh? You heard that...?"
"Of course I did. You're super loud, Elsie..."
"Aww, c'mon, give me a break," Elsie complained, pouting, "I thought the worst, you know? I was worried about ya!"
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Rosa assured, her expression softening.
They eventually caught up with the others, joining them on the long journey back to base. As they waited in the truck, Rosa's mind was drawn back to the Vampire's words.
‘Why can't you just leave us in peace...?!’
It sounded sort of... sad. When it said that.
Rosa shook her head, trying to clear the thought.
No.
That thing was a monster.
She needed to remember that.
"Hey, you alright?" Elsie's voice pulled Rosa away from her mind, tapping her.
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine," Rosa replied. "Just... lost in thought, I guess."
Elsie gave her a knowing look, "Yeah? Anything you wanna talk about?"
Rosa paused for a moment, unsure if she should say what was on her mind. But the look of concern in Elsie's eyes convinced her to open up.
"It's just... the way that vampire sounded when it spoke," Rosa began, her voice quiet, "It was like it was actually... mad? Or... maybe just sad, almost..."
"Yeah, well? Don't tell me you forgot our days in the academy, 'Miss Perfect Scores on Every Assessment'..." She frowned, "It's how they trick us. They try to get in our heads. Fake all the things we've got."
Rosa was quiet, unsure of how to respond. Elsie, however, continued, her tone soft.
"You can't forget what they are. They're not people. The moment ya give them the smallest bit of pity, they'll rip ya to shreds. Or worse... turn you. And I can't have you becoming a Vampire! I'd just be way too sad to go on!" Elsie spoke in a joking manner, but there was an air of realness hidden below it.
Rosa sighed, nodding in understanding.
"I know, I won't forget. Promise."