Previously on Kiss Of The Vampire

Mizuno's hands trembled as he pressed harder against the wound, trying to will his energy into her. "Please, Christine! You’re stronger than this! Fight! You can’t give up!" he urged, his voice breaking with emotion.

Christine's eyes met Mizuno's, a flicker of warmth and gratitude shining through the pain. "I... I love you both," she managed to say, her voice barely a whisper.

Ethan's heart shattered at her words, the weight of their friendship and the impending loss crashing down on him. "We love you too, Christine! You can’t leave us! We’ll make it through this together!" he shouted, desperation fueling his words.

But Christine's breath was growing fainter, her body growing colder. "Ethan... Mizuno... promise me... you’ll keep fighting... for everyone..." she gasped, her voice trembling.

Mizuno felt tears streaming down his face as he nodded fervently. "I promise! We’ll fight for you! We’ll make sure your sacrifice means something!"

With a final, shuddering breath, Christine's eyes fluttered closed, her body going limp in Ethan's arms. The world around them seemed to freeze, the chaos of battle fading into a haunting silence as the reality of her loss settled in.

Ethan's heart felt like it had been ripped from his chest, a raw, aching void where hope once resided. "No... no... Christine! Please!" he cried, shaking her gently, but there was no response.

Mizuno collapsed beside them, his hands trembling as he cradled Christine's lifeless form. "We... we should have done something... we should have saved her..." he whispered, his voice choked with grief.

Ethan's fists clenched in rage, the pain of loss igniting a fire within him. "Balthazar will pay for this! I swear it! We’ll make him pay!" he vowed, his voice filled with fierce determination.

Mizuno nodded, wiping his tears away as he stood up, his resolve hardening. "For Christine. We’ll fight for her memory. We won’t let her death be in vain."

As they prepared to face the remaining threats, the weight of their loss hung heavy in the air, but it also fueled their determination. They would honor Christine's memory by fighting with everything they had, refusing to let her sacrifice be forgotten.

Kiss Of The Vampire

"The Girl with the Sharp Sword"

Mission eleven: The Key!

After Christine's death at the mine. The group got rescue by the generals that just got out of ambush. They fight two Elder Lords and a horde of wendigos. Weeks after that incident, many of the hunters that participated in that raid didn't make it; they included Christine.

The rain fell in heavy sheets, a somber curtain that enveloped the clearing where the ceremony was held. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant echo of thunder, as if the heavens themselves were mourning the loss of Christine and the other brave hunters who had fought valiantly against the Elder Lords and the wendigo horde.

Ethan stood at the forefront, his heart heavy with grief. He cleared his throat, the sound barely audible over the patter of rain. "Christine was more than just a hunter; she was a beacon of hope for all of us. Her courage in the face of unimaginable terror inspired us to fight harder, to push through the darkness. She didn’t just fight for herself; she fought for every one of us and for those who couldn’t fight anymore."

Deyviel stepped forward next, his voice steady despite the sorrow etched on his face. "We lost more than a comrade today; we lost a friend. Christine had a way of bringing light into the darkest of places. Her laughter, her determination, and her unwavering spirit will forever be etched in our memories. We owe it to her to carry on her legacy, to continue the fight she believed in."

Denver, usually the quiet one, found his voice amid the rain. "I remember the first time I met Christine. She was fearless, charging into danger without a second thought. She taught us that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the will to face it head-on. We will honor her by being brave, by standing together, just as she would have wanted."

Alicia wiped away a tear, her voice trembling. "Christine had a heart of gold. She cared deeply for each of us, always putting others before herself. In her memory, let us not only remember her strength but also her kindness. Let us be the kind of hunters she would be proud of."

Yumi, clutching a small token that belonged to Christine, spoke softly. "We are bound by the memories we share. Christine’s spirit will live on in our hearts, in every battle we fight, and in every life we save. We must carry her with us, always."

Kliev, his expression grim, added, "We are not just mourning the loss of our friends; we are vowing to protect their memory. The fight isn’t over. We will continue to hunt the darkness to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain."

Captain Cooper, standing tall despite the weight of grief, concluded the speeches. "Today, we honor not just Christine, but all the fallen hunters who stood beside us. They fought bravely, and their spirits will guide us in the battles to come. Let us remember them not with sorrow, but with the resolve to keep fighting, to keep pushing forward. They would want us to live, to thrive, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

In that moment, as the rain poured down, they felt a sense of unity, a bond forged in grief and resilience. Together, they would honor the fallen, and together, they would continue the fight against the darkness that threatened their world.

After the ceremony, the hunters go back to business as usual, but Deyviel and the rest of the gang didn't because of the injury they suffered. Ethan got deep wounds.

Deyviel got a big whole at his back while Denver and the others have multiple stabs and slash wounds in their bodies. So the general and the head doctor should rest for now.

"Heavens slash!!" Deyviel shouted, but the attack didn't come out. He tries it over and over, but nothing comes out. "Fuck. Why? Have that power just to lose it right after! Fuck! Damn it all! Deyviel shouted in the training room.

The training room echoed with Deyviel's frustration, the sound of his voice bouncing off the walls like a trapped animal. He paced back and forth, his hands clenched into fists, the pain in his back a constant reminder of his vulnerability. The others were scattered around the room, nursing their wounds and trying to regain their strength, but Deyviel was consumed by his own turmoil.

"Calm down, Deyviel," Denver said, wincing as he adjusted the bandages on his side. "We all know you’re hurting, but shouting won’t change anything."

Deyviel shot him a glare, his eyes blazing with anger and desperation. "You don’t understand! I had it! I could save Christine that time, but... (he cried), and now it’s just... gone too! What good am I if I can’t even save one life?"

The weight of Deyviel's words hung in the air, heavy with regret and sorrow. The room fell silent, the only sound being the soft patter of rain against the windows, a reminder of the storm outside and the turmoil within.

Ethan, sitting against the wall with his wounds bandaged but still fresh, looked up at Deyviel. "You’re not just a power, Deyviel. You’re a friend. Christine wouldn’t want you to blame yourself for what happened. We all fought together, and sometimes, no matter how strong we are, we can’t save everyone."

"But I should have been stronger!" Deyviel snapped, his voice cracking. "I should have been able to protect her. I had the power, and I failed. What kind of friend am I if I can’t even protect my own?"

Denver nodded in agreement, his voice steady despite the pain. "We all lost something that day. We’re all hurting. But we need to focus on healing, on getting back to fighting shape. Christine wouldn’t want us to wallow in despair. She’d want us to honor her memory by continuing the fight."

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Yumi, who had been quietly listening, spoke softly. "You’re not alone, Deyviel. We’re all here for you. We’ll help you find your strength again. Christine believed in you, and so do we. You have to believe in yourself, too."

The room was filled with a sense of camaraderie, a reminder that they were not just individuals fighting their own battles but a team bound by shared experiences and loss. Deyviel took a deep breath, the anger and frustration slowly ebbing away, replaced by a flicker of hope.

"Maybe you’re right," he said, his voice quieter now. "Maybe I need to focus on healing and getting stronger. For Christine. For all of us. I promise I won't any of you die anymore."

The rain continued to fall outside, a steady rhythm that matched the pulse of their shared grief. Deyviel took a moment to gather himself, the weight of his emotions still heavy but now tempered by the support of his friends. He looked around the training room, seeing the determination etched on their faces, and felt a flicker of resolve ignite within him.

"You're right," he said, his voice steadier. "I can’t let this defeat me. I owe it to Christine and to all of you to keep fighting. We need to be ready for whatever comes next."

Ethan nodded, a small smile breaking through the pain. "That’s the spirit. We’ll train together, heal together. We’ll make sure that when the time comes, we’re stronger than ever."

As days fast. They already healed their wounds and went back to hunt vampires again. As the Generals and Captain discuss the black history they discover from the Elder Lord Vampire (Apollo), they trace back the history and discover a lot more about the hidden history the ancient humans hide.

"What?! Do you know how important this case is, Cooper?! General McDougal shouted into the conference room, his voice reverberating.

"Caml down, Mac. Cooper was right. We need to investigate all of the past hives and search for more shrines for more clues of what their leader is planning. We don't need to rush things. We lost a lot of our men; we don't need more to file up.' General Adrac chime in.

"Be sides; now that we have the clue of what's happening behind the scenes, we can act more and find more clues on the way," General Kennedy said.

"In my country I hear about a small tale about a virgin key. But it was a long time ago. I'll have my men look into it. Maybe we can find something there," General Martine added.

"Alright. Gather all of your men. Send them with the captains if necessary. If a general is needed, send one. All of you free all of your schedules. No one is fooling around; we're going all out this time. If someone found a clue, report immediately,McDougal ordered.

"Yes, sir!said in unison. Everyone saluted and dismissed.

As the generals and captains filed out of the conference room, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of urgency and determination. The weight of their losses hung heavily in the air, but the flicker of hope ignited by their shared resolve pushed them forward. Each of them understood the stakes; the threat posed by the Elder Lords and their minions was far from over.

Outside, the rain had finally ceased, leaving the air crisp and fresh. The hunters, now healed and eager to return to the field, gathered in the training yard. Ethan stood at the forefront, his expression a blend of focus and determination. He had spent the last few weeks honing his skills, pushing himself to regain the power he felt he had lost. The memory of Christine’s laughter echoed in his mind, a reminder of why he fought.

“Alright, everyone!"Ethan called out, his voice steady and commanding. “We’ve trained hard, and now it’s time to put that training to the test. We’re heading out to investigate the old hives and search for any clues about Apollo’s plans. Remember, we’re not just fighting for ourselves; we’re fighting for those we’ve lost.”

The group nodded, their expressions resolute. Ethan stepped forward, his bandages now replaced with a fitted leather armor that hugged his form. “We’ve faced darkness before, and we’ve come out stronger. Let’s honor Christine and the others by showing them that their sacrifices were not in vain.”

Denver, now sporting a few scars that told tales of their battles, added, “We’ve got each other’s backs. No matter what we face, we’ll face it together. Let’s move out!”

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Ben Railey had been observing the hunters from a distance. His keen instincts had alerted him to the presence of the mysterious vampire, who had been eavesdropping on their plans. Ben was known for his no-nonsense attitude and his ability to handle threats swiftly. He had little patience for those who underestimated him.

As he approached the hidden figure, Ben’s annoyance was evident. “Bruh. Do you know it’s a bad habit to listen to other people’s conversations?”He said, his voice low but firm.

The vampire, caught off guard, turned to face Ben, a smirk playing on his lips. “Damn it. How do you find me?”He asked, trying to maintain an air of confidence.

Ben shrugged, his expression unchanging. “Well, your butt is poking outside, so I came to look, and I found an ugly bastard,” he replied bluntly.

The vampire’s bravado faltered as he realized he was cornered. “Heh, even if you find me, you can’t beat me. I’m a progeni—” he began, but before he could finish his sentence, Ben’s blade flashed in the dim light. In an instant, the vampire’s lower jaw and limbs were severed, leaving him writhing in agony on the ground.

“Ow, I forgot to tell you I’m going to slice you,” Ben said casually, as if discussing the weather. The vampire’s cries of pain echoed in the alley, but Ben was unfazed. He had dealt with worse.

As the commotion caught the attention of the other hunters, they rushed to the scene. Recognizing the threat, they quickly subdued the vampire, placing a power-damping necklace around his neck to neutralize his abilities. With the vampire now incapacitated, they dragged him into the interrogation room, where they could extract information about the vampire king and his plans.

Inside the interrogation room, the atmosphere was tense. The vampire, now stripped of his bravado, glared at his captors. “You think you can intimidate me? You have no idea who you’re dealing with,” he spat, his voice laced with venom.

"So he is a weak progenitor, Ethan asks.

"No, and yes, yes, because he's just at the vampire noble at its lower tier. And yes, because this one is a youngster. More like a teenager.

The vampire's defiance only fueled the hunters' determination. Ethan leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Then tell us what you know about Apollo and his plans. We know you're connected to him."

The vampire smirked, though it was tinged with fear. "You think I’ll just spill my secrets? You’re wasting your time. Apollo is beyond your reach. He’s a force of nature, and you’re just a bunch of glorified hunters."

"Bruh. The dude is dead, "Ben told him, and the face of the vampire turned horror.

as the realization sank in. "What do you mean he's dead?" he stammered, his bravado crumbling. "You’re lying! Apollo can’t be dead! He’s invincible!"

Ethan exchanged a glance with Ben Riley, who raised an eyebrow. "You seem awfully concerned for someone who claims to be so powerful," Ethan said, crossing his arms. "If he’s as invincible as you say, why are you so worried about us? Oh, I see Apollo is your father. Am I right, lad?"

The vampire's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he seemed to lose his composure. "What? No! I mean, yes, he’s my father, but that doesn’t mean anything! You’re just trying to get into my head!" He stammered, desperately trying to regain his bravado.

Ethan leaned in closer, his voice low and steady. "You’re right about one thing: we’re trying to get into your head. We want to know what Apollo’s plans are, and if you’re connected to him, you might just have the answers we need."

The vampire’s defiance faltered as he realized the hunters weren’t going to back down. "Even if I did know something, why would I tell you? You think I’m just going to betray my own blood?"

The tension in the interrogation room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken threats and the weight of the vampire's fear. The young vampire, now stripped of his bravado, shifted nervously in his chair, his eyes darting between Ethan and Ben.

"You think you can scare me into talking?" he sneered, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his bravado. "You have no idea what you're dealing with. Apollo had plans—grand plans! You think killing him will stop anything? It only makes things worse!"

Ethan leaned in closer, his voice low and steady. "Then tell us what those plans are. What was he after? We know he was gathering power, but for what purpose?"

The vampire hesitated, his mind racing. He could feel the weight of Ben's gaze on him, a silent threat that promised pain if he didn’t comply. "I… I don’t know everything," he stammered, "but I know he was looking for something—something ancient. A key to unlock a power that could open something of some sort, like... a door from another dimension or something, something that can grant him power! he said while stammering.

Ben raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A key? What kind of key? Be specific."

The vampire swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I heard whispers about a virgin key, a relic from the old world. It’s said to be hidden in a shrine, protected by ancient magic. And I heard the vampire named Balthazar's task to find something like ancient artifacts that could mix with that virgin key. That's all I know."

The young vampire hesitated, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. "I… I don’t know the exact location. But I heard it mentioned in the context of the old ruins near the Blackwood Forest. It’s a place steeped in legend, where the veil between worlds is thin."

"Blackwood Forest," Ben repeated, his mind racing with possibilities. "We’ve heard of it before. It’s said to be haunted, filled with traps and ancient guardians. If Balthazar is indeed searching for the key there, we need to move quickly."

"Fuck," Ethan said, and kick the trashcan.

"What? Can you throw a tantrum outside? "Ben said.

"Bruh, that blackwood forest is the mine we were in before. And the shrine Deyviel fell in. And the endless wendigo is the trap. Fucking serious. This is happening to us. And now he got the orb the same ord Deyviel got from the shrine (the flaming skull of the immortal Demon Dragon).

"Dude is now holding the artifact? Man, he tricked you to grab his stuff for him, he said.

"What a sly bustard," he added.

Ethan's frustration boiled over as he paced the small interrogation room, the weight of their situation pressing down on him like a heavy shroud. "We need to act fast. If Balthazar has the orb and is looking for the virgin key, we can't afford to waste any time. We have to find this key," he said.

Ben nodded, his expression serious. "We need to gather the team and prepare for a full-scale operation. If Balthazar is as cunning as he seems, he won't be easy to track down. We need to be ready for anything."

"And you, I'll deal with you later," he said, and they run out of the room and launch a full-scale hunt for the key.

Meanwhile. As the cold air was blowing around the rooftop, one girl stood and focused on swinging her wooden sword.

"I need to get strong too. So he doesn't need to protect me,she said to herself. And her father, Senator Rodrigo James Delion, clapped his hands in approval for her daughter's dedication.

Her father approached, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You’re doing wonderfully, my dear. Remember, every swing brings you closer to your goal," he encouraged, his voice filled with warmth and pride. He understood the weight of her aspirations and the fire that burned within her.

"Thank you, Dad," she replied, her eyes sparkling with ambition. "I want to be someone you can rely on too." The bond between them deepened in that moment, a shared understanding of their roles in each other's lives.

"You should tire yourself, my dear. You and your friend had a flight tomorrow. I have an idea. How about a dinner with me. before you go tomorrow? So you can also rest.Her father happily said, a smile spreading across his face.

"That sounds perfect, Dad!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm bubbling over. The thought of spending quality time with her father before their trip filled her with warmth. "What do you have in mind for dinner?"

Senator Delion chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I was thinking we could try that new Italian place downtown. I hear their pasta is to die for. Plus, it’ll give us a chance to talk about your training and your plans for the future."

Her heart swelled at the idea. "I’d love that! And I want to hear all about your work too. I know you’ve been busy with the campaign."

"Ah, the campaign," he sighed, a hint of weariness creeping into his voice. "It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it if it means making a difference. Just like you’re doing with your training. We all have our battles to fight, don’t we?"

She nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "I want to be strong enough to fight my own battles, Dad. I want to make a difference too."

"You will, my dear. Just remember, strength comes in many forms. It’s not just about physical power; it’s also about resilience, intelligence, and compassion. You have all of that in you," he said, his gaze steady and reassuring.

As father and daughter enjoy each other's company, a mysterious man lurks. Watching them, Boss the Girl is heavily guarded, he reported.

"Huh, then take them out, the voice told him.

"Nah boss, this guard is arming with silver bullets, and we'll train so we can't engage yet," he answered.

"Alright then. Make a move if you see an opportunity, "the voice said.

""Yes, boss." The vampire answered with his eyes glowing red.

To be continued...