Kiss of the Vampire

"The Girl with the Sharp sword"

Mission nine: Regret into the abyss

Deyviel snaps his eyes open.

(Pant pant pant)

Deyviel narrow his eyes at the clock

Alarm ringing!

Fuck. What is it? (Press stop to the alarm.)

(Knock) "Hey, you dumb ass. Wake up, you're going to be late at school. Move you ass now!" Deyviel's father said. He just shook his shoulder and took a bath before going to school.

"Hey kid, do me a favor. Don't sleep too late next time. Here (he threw a sandwich to him) eat this whole walking go now, blackhead," he said.

"(Smiles) Thanks, pops; appreciate it." I'll be late today, so don't wait for me, old man," Deyviel happily said and ran to school. In the middle of his walk, he encountered a girl that got surrounded by thugs (4 of them).

"Hello, amigo di eldiablos." After hearing that, all of those four men fell down. "Man, these morrons always do this on a daily basis. Can you guys have nothing to do in life? Piss off and get a life, dumb fuck," he shouted, and the thugs ran away. "And hey lady, you shouldn't walk around here; those thugs always do that to many people, so. if I were you, I wouldn't take this path again." He advised her, but she just looked at her and nodded.

"T..thank you, Mr. She shyly said. "The name is Deyviel; what's yours?"He asked. "I'm Elisia," she shyly answered. "(Damn why she's cute.) Come on, I'll walk you to school. The base of your uniform is well headed to the same school, so let's go," he offered his hand, giving a brightest smile to her that makes her heart skip a bit and turning her face red. And he took her hand, and they started walking together.

(Authors note: I'm not going to write "that where I met you, mom. No fuck face, this is an action fantasy, not a romance. Anyway, back at it.)

As they walked, Deyviel kept an eye out for any more trouble. The streets were bustling with students, but the atmosphere felt tense. He could sense that something was off today.

"So, Elisia," he said, trying to keep the conversation light. "What brings you to this part of town? You don’t seem like the type to hang around here."

Elisia hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I... I just moved here. I’m still trying to find my way around."

"Ah, a newbie! That explains it," Deyviel replied, flashing her another grin. "Don’t worry, I’ll show you the ropes. Just stick with me, and you’ll be fine."

As they approached the school gates, Deyviel noticed a group of older students loitering near the entrance. They were known for causing trouble, and he felt a familiar surge of protectiveness.

"Hey, Elisia, wait here for a second," he said, releasing her hand. He walked over to the group, his posture confident. "What’s up, losers? Looking for trouble again?"

The leader of the group, a tall guy with a smile, stepped forward. "What’s it to you, Deyviel? You think you can just walk around here like you own the place?"

Deyviel smirked, his fists clenching at his sides. "I don’t think; I know. And if you’re looking for a fight, I’m more than happy to oblige."

Elisia watched from a distance, her heart racing. She had never seen anyone stand up to those guys before. Deyviel’s confidence was both thrilling and terrifying.

The leader laughed, glancing back at his friends. "You think you can take all of us on? You’re outnumbered, kid."

"Maybe," Deyviel replied, his voice steady. "But I’ve taken down bigger idiots than you. So, what’s it going to be? You back off, or do we settle this right here?

"Well, I guess we can join your fun, right, Deyviel," Ethan chime in.

"Welp, I want good exercises anyway, and my body is kind of stiff, so I'll join,Denver added while stretching up.

And Mizu was about to say something, but the leader spoke. The tension in the air was palpable. Elisia could see the hesitation in the leader’s eyes. Deyviel had a reputation, and it seemed to be working in his favor.

After a moment, the leader scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Whatever, man. This isn’t worth our time." He turned to his friends, and they began to walk away, muttering under their breath.

Deyviel watched them go, a mix of relief and adrenaline coursing through him. He turned back to Elisia, who had stepped closer, her eyes wide with admiration.

"That was amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "You really stood up to them."

Deyviel shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just another day in the life, you know? Gotta keep the streets safe for the newbies." He winked at her, and she giggled, her cheeks still flushed.

As they entered the school, the bell rang, signaling the start of the first period. Deyviel glanced at Elisia, who looked a bit lost in the bustling crowd of students. "Hey, do you know where your class is?"

She shook her head, biting her lip. "No, I don’t. I’m supposed to be in Room 204, but I have no idea where that is."

"Room 204? That’s on the second floor; just follow me," Deyviel said, leading the way. As they climbed the stairs, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. He was showing her around, protecting her, and it felt good.

When they reached the classroom, Deyviel paused at the door. "Well, here we are. Just remember, if anyone gives you trouble, you know who to call," he said, giving her a playful salute.

Elisia smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Deyviel. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime, Elisia. Just don’t forget to save me a seat at lunch, okay?" he replied, and with that, he turned to head to his own class.

As he walked away, Deyviel felt a strange mix of emotions. He had always been the protector, the one who stood up for others, but there was something different about Elisia. She made him feel... lighter somehow. He shook his head, dismissing the thought. Focus on school, he told himself.

The day dragged on, filled with the usual classes and the occasional scuffle in the hallways. Deyviel found himself glancing at the clock more often than not, eager for lunch. He wanted to see Elisia again to make sure she was okay.

Finally, the bell rang, and he bolted out of the classroom, weaving through the throngs of students. He spotted Elisia sitting alone at a table, her lunch untouched, looking a bit lost in thought.

"Hey, there you are!" Deyviel said, sliding into the seat across from her. "You look like you could use some company."

Elisia looked up, her face lighting up. "I was just thinking about how different everything is here. It’s a bit overwhelming."

Deyviel nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. But trust me, it gets better. Just stick with me, and I’ll show you the ropes."

They chatted about their classes and their interests, and Deyviel found himself laughing more than he had in a long time. Elisia was easy to talk to, and he enjoyed her company. But as they talked, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing beneath the surface.

Suddenly, the cafeteria doors burst open, and a group of students rushed in, panic etched on their faces. Deyviel’s instincts kicked in. "What’s going on?" he asked, standing up.

One of the students, a girl with wide eyes, gasped for breath. "There’s a fight outside! It’s the older kids! They’re going after someone!"

Deyviel’s heart raced. "Who?"

"I don’t know! But they’re out of control!" she shouted.

Without thinking, Deyviel turned to Elisia. "Stay here. I’ll be right back." He didn’t wait for her response; he dashed out of the cafeteria, adrenaline pumping through his veins.

As he burst through the doors, the scene before him was chaotic. A group of older students had cornered a smaller kid, shoving him around and laughing. Deyviel’s blood boiled. This was exactly what he had been trying to prevent.

"Hey! Get the hell away from him!" Deyviel shouted, stepping forward, his fists clenched.

The group turned, surprised to see him. The leader, the same guy from earlier, smirked. "Look who it is. The little hero. You really want to play again, Deyviel?"

Deyviel squared his shoulders, his gaze unwavering. "You’re not going to get away with this. Not today."

The leader laughed, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "You think you can take us all on? You’re outnumbered."

"Maybe," Deyviel replied, his voice steady. "But I’m not backing down. Not now, not ever."

The tension in the air thickened, and Deyviel could feel the tension. But moments later, all 5 guys and him are in the principal's office, and Deyviel is the only one who had no bruises from the fight.

The principal's office was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. The walls were lined with awards and certificates, a testament to the school's achievements, but the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Deyviel sat in one of the chairs, his heart still racing from the adrenaline of the fight. The older students, now seated across from him, wore expressions of annoyance and disbelief.

Principal Harris, a stern-looking woman with glasses perched on her nose, leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on Deyviel. "I received reports of a fight outside the cafeteria. Care to explain what happened?"

Deyviel straightened up, his confidence unwavering. "I saw a group of older students picking on a younger kid. I couldn’t just stand by and let it happen."

The principal raised an eyebrow, glancing at the older students, who were now sulking in their seats. "And you thought it was wise to confront them alone?"

Deyviel shrugged. "Someone had to do something. They were out of control."

"Out of control?" the leader of the older students scoffed. "You think you’re some kind of hero? You just got lucky."

Deyviel shot him a glare. "Luck has nothing to do with it. You guys need to learn that bullying isn’t cool."

Principal Harris cleared her throat, cutting through the tension. "Enough. I will not tolerate this behavior in my school. Deyviel, while I appreciate your intentions, you need to understand that there are consequences for fighting, regardless of the circumstances."

Deyviel nodded, knowing he was in trouble but feeling a sense of pride for standing up for what was right. "I get it, but I couldn’t just let them hurt someone."

The principal sighed, rubbing her temples. "I understand your perspective, but you need to find a better way to handle these situations. Fighting only escalates the problem."

The older students exchanged glances, their bravado fading. "We didn’t even do anything that bad," one of them muttered, but the principal shot him a warning look.

"All of you will receive detention for your actions today," she declared, her voice firm. "And Deyviel, you will join them. Consider this a lesson in conflict resolution."

Deyviel felt a mix of frustration and acceptance. He had done what he thought was right, but now he was facing the consequences. "Fine," he said, crossing his arms. "But I still think you should be punishing them more."

Principal Harris regarded him for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "I appreciate your passion, Deyviel. But remember, there are ways to be a hero without resorting to violence. Use your voice, not your fists."

With that, she dismissed them, and Deyviel found himself walking out of the office alongside the older students. The atmosphere was tense, but he felt a sense of satisfaction. He had stood up for someone who couldn’t defend themselves, and that was worth the trouble he was in. But after they left, one of Deyviel's friends, Ethan, entered the office of the principal. "Hey auntie, can we talk about Deyviel? She just looked at him, meaning for him to continue.

"Can you give the guy a break? He's been through bad shit since childhood; he lost his mom and got bullied when we were in elementary school and no one stood for him, so that's why he developed a heroic persona. And what I'm asking you, Auntie, is to not punish our friend." He bowed while saying that.

Principal Harris looked at Ethan, her expression a mix of surprise and contemplation. She had known Ethan for years, and his earnestness was hard to ignore. "Ethan, I appreciate your concern for your friend, but rules are rules. Deyviel's actions, while noble in intent, still resulted in a fight. I can't simply overlook that."

"But he was trying to protect someone!" Ethan argued, his voice rising slightly. "He’s always been the one to stand up for others. If anyone deserves a break, it’s him."

Mizuno chimed in, "Yeah, Auntie. Deyviel’s not a troublemaker. He’s just trying to make things right. You know how tough things have been for him."

Denver nodded in agreement. "He’s been through a lot, and he’s just trying to help. We all know he could have walked away, but he didn’t. He chose to stand up for someone who couldn’t defend themselves."

Principal Harris sighed, rubbing her temples again. She had seen the good in Deyviel, but she also had a responsibility to maintain order in the school. "I understand your points, and I admire your loyalty to your friend. But if I let Deyviel off the hook, it sends the wrong message to the other students. They need to understand that violence is not the answer."

Ethan stepped forward, his voice steady. "But what about the message it sends if we don’t stand up for each other? Deyviel is a hero, and heroes don’t always follow the rules. Sometimes they have to break them to do what’s right."

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

The principal looked at the three boys, their expressions earnest and determined. She could see the bond they shared, and it reminded her of her own youth, when she had fought for what she believed in. "You all have strong convictions, and that’s commendable. But I need to find a balance between discipline and understanding."

After a moment of silence, she continued, "How about this: I’ll reduce Deyviel’s punishment to a warning. He’ll still have to serve some time in detention, but I won’t make it as severe as it could be. However, I expect him to reflect on his actions and find better ways to handle conflicts in the future."

Ethan’s face lit up with relief. "Thank you, Auntie! That’s all we ask for."

Mizuno and Denver exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring Ethan’s joy. "We’ll make sure he understands," Mizuno promised.

Principal Harris nodded, her demeanor softening. "Just remember, boys, being a hero isn’t just about fighting. It’s about using your voice and your influence to make a difference. I expect you all to support Deyviel in that."

With that, she dismissed them, and the boys left the office, feeling a sense of victory. As they walked down the hallway, Ethan turned to his friends. "We did it! Deyviel’s going to be okay."

"Yeah, but we need to make sure he learns from this," Denver added. "He can’t keep putting himself in trouble like that."

Mizuno nodded in agreement. "Let’s find him and talk to him. He needs to know we’ve got his back, but he also needs to be careful."

As they made their way to the cafeteria, Deyviel was just stepping out, looking a bit disheveled but still carrying that familiar spark of defiance in his eyes. When he saw his friends, a grin broke across his face. "Hey, what’s up? Did you guys get in trouble too?"

Ethan shook his head, stepping forward. "Nope, we talked to Principal Harris. You’re getting a warning instead of a full detention."

Deyviel raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Really? You guys did that for me?"

"Of course," Mizuno said, clapping him on the shoulder. "We’re a team, remember? But you need to be more careful. You can’t keep putting yourself in the line of fire like that."

Deyviel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, I know. I just... I can’t stand by and watch people get hurt. It’s not in me."

Denver nodded. "We get it, but there are other ways to help. You don’t always have to fight."

"Yeah, use your voice, not your fists," Ethan added, echoing Principal Harris’s words. "You can still be a hero without getting into trouble."

Deyviel looked at his friends, their concern evident. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it. I’ll try to be more careful. I just... I want to make a difference."

"You already are," Mizuno said, smiling. "Just remember, we’re here for you. Always."

As they walked back to the cafeteria together, Deyviel felt a warmth in his chest. He had friends who understood him.

"And how about you tell us about your new girlfriend over there?" Point at Elisa's direction and wait for me.

Deyviel felt his cheeks heat up at the mention of Elisia. He glanced over at her, sitting at a table with a few other students, her laughter ringing out like music. "She’s not my girlfriend," he protested, though the smile on his face betrayed him. Ethan raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "Oh really? Because it sure looked like you were enjoying her company earlier."

"Yeah, man," Denver chimed in, nudging Deyviel playfully. "You were practically glowing when you walked her to class."

"You morons spying on me?"

"Who wouldn't "Cymac chime in?

Mizuno laughed, shaking his head. "Come on, Deyviel. You can’t deny there’s something there. She’s cute, and you were all heroic and stuff. It’s like a classic movie moment."

Deyviel rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the smile that crept onto his face. "Okay, okay, maybe I think she’s kind of cute. But it’s not like that. We just met."

"Bruh, kinda?! You blind. (grabbing my head in her direction.) "She's straight up beautiful, you dummy,Denver said.

"Just met? You saved her from thugs and walked her to class. That’s a solid start," Ethan said, crossing his arms with a knowing look.

Deyviel sighed, running a hand through his hair again. "I don’t know, guys. I mean, she’s nice and all, but I don’t want to rush into anything. I’ve got enough on my plate with school and all this drama."

"Drama? You mean the drama you create by jumping into fights?" Denver teased, but his tone was lighthearted. "Look, just talk to her. You’re good at that. You made her smile, and that’s a big deal."

Deyviel glanced back at Elisia, who was now looking in their direction, her eyes meeting his. She smiled shyly, and his heart skipped a beat. "Maybe I will," he said, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Just be yourself, man," Mizuno encouraged. "You’ve got this."

With a deep breath, Deyviel straightened up. "Alright, I’ll go talk to her. Wish me luck."

"You don’t need luck; you need confidence!" Ethan called after him as Deyviel made his way toward Elisia.

As he approached, he could feel his heart racing. What was he going to say? He had never been great at this kind of thing. But as he got closer, he saw her smile widen, and it gave him a boost of courage.

"Hey, Elisia!" he said, trying to sound casual. "Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all!" she replied, her voice bright. "I was just talking to these guys about the school. It’s all so different from where I came from."

Deyviel took a seat across from her, feeling a bit more at ease. "Yeah, I get that. It can be overwhelming at first. But trust me, it gets better. You just have to find your groove."

Elisia nodded, her eyes sparkling with interest. "I hope so. Everyone seems to know each other already, and I feel a bit lost."

"You’ll find your place," Deyviel assured her. "And if you ever need help, I’m just a shout away. I mean, I’m kind of the unofficial tour guide around here."

She laughed softly, and Deyviel felt a warmth spread through him. "I appreciate that. It’s nice to have someone looking out for me."

"Always," he said, his tone sincere. "So, what do you think of the school so far? Any classes you’re excited about?"

Elisia leaned in, her enthusiasm evident. "I’m really looking forward to art class. I love drawing, and I heard the teacher is amazing."

"Art, huh? That’s cool! I can’t draw to save my life, but I admire people who can," Deyviel replied, genuinely interested. "Maybe you can show me some of your work sometime?"

"I’d love that!" she said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I’m still working on my style, but I’d be happy to share."

As they continued to talk, Deyviel felt the earlier tension of the day fade away. He was enjoying this—enjoying her company. It felt easy—natural even. And for the first time in a while, he found himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, he could let someone in.

And after a week, I confess, we started dating a few months and then that one fateful night. I saw that smug face before he hit his truck to Elisa's bus. Before they collided, I could understand his lips saying, "Don't mind me taking her with me(smiles).

"Damnit noooh!!!!" I ran as fast as I could to save her; she was bleeding, and her bus was about to fall off the bridge. I mustered all of my strength to run as fast as I could, but I was too late. The bus fell. And I tried to jump and save her, but the lake was too deep and the current was way too strong, and the police stopped me. All I can do is cry and cry and cry...until I can't cry anymore. And then I collapse.

And I snapped my eyes open; all I can see is darkness. "Urgh, fuck that dream again. Damnit. Where am I? (and he suddenly remembers)" Oh, I fell for that damn vampire. How long have I been sleeping?"He asks himself.

At the distance, he can see a temple or shrines of some sort. He can't tell what it is because of the darkness. So he mustered all his strength to crawl. He crawled towards the shrine. When he gets there, all of the torch lights up. "Fuck ?! The hell is happening here? Hey, somebody here?

Meanwhile, both of the two squads met up and got surrounded by hundreds of wendigos.

"Christine, what's the HQ response? Ethan asks.

"They said we need to get out of here, "she answered.

"Bruh, whats your plan? Captain Cooper asks.

"I think we need to destroy this mine, Ethan answered.

"No, you not going to order that damn it; Deyviel is still inside!" Denver said while pointing his sword at Ethan.

"Put down your weapon, kid," Mizuno orders.

But Alicia, Yumi, and Kliev raise their weapons too.

"Damn it, you guys, what are we doing?" Kliev shouted.

The tension in the air was thick as the two squads faced off, weapons drawn and emotions running high. Deyviel's friends were torn between their loyalty to him and the urgency of the situation. The wendigos, grotesque and menacing, surrounded them, their eyes glinting with hunger in the dim light.

"Listen, we can't just leave him behind!" Denver shouted, his voice filled with desperation. "Deyviel would never forgive us if we did."

Ethan clenched his jaw, frustration boiling over. "And he wouldn't want us to sacrifice ourselves for a lost cause! We need to think strategically. If we destroy the mine, we can cut off their supply of power and weaken them. It’s the only way to ensure we all get out of here alive."

Christine, her eyes darting between the wendigos and her friends, tried to mediate. "We need to come up with a plan that considers both Deyviel's safety and our own. We can’t afford to be reckless."

Mizuno stepped forward, his expression serious. "Ethan has a point. We need to act fast, but we can’t abandon Deyviel. We need a distraction. If we can lure the wendigos away from the mine, we might have a chance to get him out."

Alicia and Yumi, her grip tightening on her weapon, nodded in agreement. "I can create a diversion. I can use my powers to draw them away. But you all need to be ready to move when I do."

Kliev, still visibly shaken, looked at the group. "And what if it doesn’t work? What if we lose both Deyviel and ourselves?"

"Then we fight," Denver said, determination hardening his voice. "We fight for him, for each other. We don’t leave anyone behind."

The wendigos began to close in, their growls echoing in the cavernous space. The group exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They were in this together, and they would do whatever it took to save their friend.

"Alright," Ethan said, taking a deep breath. "Alicia, you create the distraction. Mizuno, Kliev, and I will head into the mine to find Deyviel. Christine, you stay back and keep an eye on the perimeter. If things go south, we need a way out."

Alicia nodded, her expression resolute. "I’ll do it. Just be careful, okay?"

With a final nod of agreement, the group split up. Alicia moved to the front, channeling her energy as she prepared to unleash a powerful burst of light and sound to draw the wendigos away. The others moved stealthily toward the mine, their hearts pounding in their chests.

As Alicia unleashed her distraction, a blinding flash erupted, illuminating the dark cavern. The wendigos turned, their attention drawn to the source of the light. "Now!" Ethan shouted, and the trio sprinted toward the mine entrance.

Inside, the air was thick with dust and the smell of damp earth. "Deyviel!" Ethan called out, his voice echoing in the darkness. "Where are you?"

"Deyviel!" Mizuno shouted, his voice filled with urgency. "We’re coming for you!, you blackhead!" He shouted.

Deyviel's heart raced as he heard the familiar voices echoing through the darkness. He pushed himself up from the ground, his body aching, but the sound of his friends calling for him ignited a spark of hope within him. "I'm he..ere.". He weakly said. "Damn it, my leg is busted. I can't stand up." As he said that, he heard a faint voice. "You want help?"

"Man, I might be losing so much blood; I'm hallucinating; I can hear a small voice," he said to himself, but there is no one there.

As he turned his head, he could see a skull, but not just a normal skull but a burning one. But the most unusual thing is that the skull is not burned yet. It's just keeping flaming by a blue flame. "What the...fluck is this? He asked as he was about to touch the flaming skull. He heard a loud explosion.

As we turn back to the others.

They're facing a lot of a wendigo and one Elder Lord Vampire. This version is between the two classes.

"Fuck me, "Kliev said to himself.

The tension in the air was palpable as Kliev, Denver, Mizuno, and Ethan faced the horde of wendigos, their grotesque forms shifting in the dim light. The Elder Lord Vampire loomed behind them, a sinister smile playing on its lips, its eyes glinting with malice.

"Damn it, there's another one. Cooper is right, this is a trap," he said.

"Allowed me to introduce myself as a human. I am one of the nine cardinal vampires; the name is Apollo, and the one you've killed before is Rodric. He's pretty, so it's nice of you to kill that brat. Anyways. And let me correct you about a rat into your base. There's no rat among you. But one of us, wahahahahaah," he said while laughing.

"Fuck, we got infiltrated by these progenitors."

The atmosphere grew heavier as the Elder Lord Vampire's laughter echoed through the cavern, sending chills down the spines of Deyviel's friends. Kliev tightened his grip on his weapon, his heart racing. "We need to get out of here, now!" he shouted, glancing at the advancing wendigos.

Ethan, ever the strategist, quickly assessed their situation. "We can’t just run. We need to fight our way through. If we can take down the Elder Lord, the wendigos might lose their will to fight."

Denver nodded, determination etched on his face. "Right. We need to focus on him. If we can distract the wendigos long enough, we can take him down."

Mizuno stepped forward, his eyes narrowing at the Elder Lord. "You think you can intimidate us? We’ve faced worse than you."

The Elder Lord smirked, his fangs glinting in the dim light. "Oh, I’m counting on it. Your bravado will make your defeat all the more satisfying."

With a swift motion, the Elder Lord raised his hand, summoning a wave of dark energy that surged toward the group. "Get down!" Ethan shouted, and they all dove to the side just in time, the energy crashing against the wall and sending debris flying.

"Now!" Kliev yelled, charging forward with his weapon raised. The others followed suit, their hearts pounding as they engaged the Elder Lord and the Wendigos.

But all of a sudden Appolo sent a big red slash towards us. (Called blood swipe)

The air crackled with tension as Apollo unleashed his blood swipe, a crimson arc of energy slicing through the air toward Kliev and the others. Time seemed to slow as they realized the danger, and instinct kicked in.

"Move!" Ethan shouted, diving to the side just as the blood swipe struck the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked them off their feet. Dust and debris filled the air, and the wendigos, momentarily stunned by the display of power, hesitated.

Kliev scrambled to his feet, his heart racing. "We need to regroup!" he yelled, glancing at Denver and Mizuno, who were already getting back up. "We can’t let him separate us!"

Mizuno nodded, his expression fierce. "We need to keep our distance from that thing. If we can lure the wendigos away from him, we might have a chance to take him down."

Denver, still catching his breath, looked at the advancing wendigos. "I’ll hold them off! You guys focus on Apollo. I can create a barrier to slow them down."

"Are you sure?" Kliev asked, concern etched on his face.

"Yeah, don't worry about me. I'm strong too, like Deyviel. I have a trick or two for them," as Denver says that he unsheathed his dual dagger to his back and the two daggers begged to glow bright red. Go help them; I'm the hero now," he shouted. As Kliev ran back to Ethan Denver, ready himself, "Man, I'm reserving this for that damn icy bitch, but... Whatever, let's go, you ugly fuck! "He growled.

The wendigos snarled, their grotesque forms shifting as they advanced, but Denver stood his ground, his daggers glowing with a fierce intensity. He could feel the heat radiating from them, a stark contrast to the cold dread that filled the air.

"Come on, you freaks! Let’s see what you’ve got!" he taunted, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him. The wendigos hesitated, sensing the challenge in his tone, and for a moment, the chaos around them seemed to pause.

Kliev and Mizuno exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of admiration and concern. "We need to keep moving," Kliev urged, his voice low. "We can’t let Apollo get the upper hand."

Ethan nodded, his eyes fixed on the Elder Lord Vampire, who was watching the scene unfold with a bemused expression. "Let’s flank him. If we can catch him off guard, we might have a chance."

As they moved, Denver launched himself at the nearest wendigo, his daggers slicing through the air with precision. The creature howled in pain as the blades made contact, but Denver didn’t stop. He was fueled by adrenaline, his determination to protect his friends driving him forward.

Meanwhile, Kliev and Mizuno circled around, trying to get a better angle on Apollo. The Elder Lord’s eyes narrowed as he sensed their approach, and he raised a hand, summoning dark energy once more.

"Foolish mortals," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can defeat me? I am beyond your comprehension."

Ethan, undeterred, shouted back, "We’re not afraid of you! We’ve faced worse than you in our lives!"

With that, Kliev and Mizuno charged, their weapons ready. Kliev swung his sword, aiming for Apollo’s midsection, while Mizuno launched a series of quick strikes, trying to keep the Elder Lord off balance.

Apollo laughed, a chilling sound that echoed through the cavern. "You think your little blades can harm me?" He sidestepped Kliev’s attack effortlessly, countering with a wave of dark energy that sent Mizuno sprawling backward.

"Get up!" Kliev shouted, rushing to Mizuno’s side. "We can’t let him get the upper hand!"

As they regrouped, Denver continued to hold off the wendigos, his daggers dancing in the dim light. He could feel the energy coursing through him, the heat of his weapons igniting a fire within. "Come on, you ugly bastards! Is that all you’ve got?" he taunted, slashing at another wendigo, the creature falling back with a howl.

But the wendigos were relentless, and more began to swarm around him. Denver gritted his teeth, focusing on the fight, but he could feel the tide turning against him. "I can’t hold them off forever!" he shouted, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Just keep them busy!" Ethan called back, determination etched on his face. "We’ll take care of Apollo!" As he said that, Ethan got hit by a blood swipe at his back. Taking him down temporarily. And Captain Copper was about to help Ethan; he got shot on his knees by the elder lord. He pointed his finger like a gun, then said bang. A blood bullet was created and hit Cooper to his knees. He also shot Kliev at his stomach. Alice got hit by a blood swipe and got her pinged into the wall. While Denver is exhausted by using his ability, Yumi and Christine lose their will to fight, and Appolo just smirks and grabs Christine by the neck.

The chaos in the cavern escalated as Apollo's dark power surged, and the wendigos continued to close in on Denver, who was now struggling to fend them off. The air was thick with tension, and the sounds of battle echoed ominously around them.

"Get away from her!" Kliev shouted, his voice filled with rage as he watched Christine being held by the neck, her feet dangling above the ground. The Elder Lord's grip was unyielding, and Christine's face was turning pale.

Apollo chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with malice. "You think you can save her? You’re all so naive. Your friend is already lost, just like the others. You came here hoping you can beat me? I'm just a mere weakling. Don't make me laugh human. We vampires were different from one another; the more we age, the more power, experience, and ability we can have. Did you know how long I've been alive?. A thousand years." I was considering as an elder among elders. So don't mistake me for a weak vampire," he growled.

"Let her go!" Mizuno yelled, stepping forward, his weapon raised defiantly. "You won’t get away with this!"

Apollo's laughter filled the cavern—a chilling sound that sent shivers down their spines. "Oh, but I already have. You’re outnumbered and outmatched. You should have known better than to come here."

With a swift motion, he tossed Christine aside like a rag doll, and she crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath. Kliev rushed to her side, checking for injuries. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"I... I think so," Christine stammered, her eyes wide with fear. "But we need to get out of here!"

Meanwhile, Denver was still battling the wendigos, but he could feel his strength waning. "I can’t hold them off much longer!" he shouted, desperation creeping into his voice. "We need a plan!"

Ethan, still recovering from the blood swipe that had knocked him down, pushed himself up, determination burning in his eyes. "We need to regroup! If we can create a distraction, we might have a chance to escape!

Meanwhile

"Fuck. Are they fighting? Damn it, their aura's is fading no. What should I do? I'm buttered and have a broken leg. How can I help?" As he said that, the mysterious voice replied again. "I can give you power if you want it," the voice said.

Deyviel's head turns to the skull.

"Heh, so it was you. What's the catch? he asks back.

The flaming skull hovered ominously, its blue flames flickering as it spoke. "No catch, just a simple exchange. I can grant you the strength you need to rise and fight, but in return, you must accept the darkness that comes with it. You will gain power, but it will come at a cost."

Deyviel's heart raced as he weighed the options. He could feel the urgency of the situation outside—the cries of his friends, the growls of the wendigos, and the sinister laughter of Apollo. He had to act, and he had to act fast.

"What kind of darkness?" Deyviel asked, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him. "What will I lose?"

The skull's flames flickered brighter, illuminating the dark space around them. "You will gain strength beyond your wildest dreams, but you will also carry the burden of that power as long as you live. You will be marked by it, and it will change you. You will become a vessel for the darkness, and it will whisper to you, tempting you to embrace it fully."

"You mean a cursed," he asks.

"You could put it like that. But you could officially curse of the Immortal Demon Dragon, sound cool right? " The skull ask.

"Man. You calling your self a dragon but your skull is from a human. Can you just shut up for now let continue this chitchat after I win .Kay?

"Sounds like a plan"skull answer.

"I got a party to crashed"

Deyviel clenched his fists, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He thought of Elisia, of his friends, and the fight they were all facing. He couldn’t let them down. He couldn’t let Apollo win.

"Then you have a deal," he said with a determined face.

"Very well, come child, touch my skull, and the power will be yours," the skull grimly said.

Deyviel hesitated for just a moment, the gravity of the decision weighing heavily on him. But the sounds of battle outside—the growls of the wendigos, the shouts of his friends—spurred him on. He crawled closer to the flaming skull, its blue flames casting eerie shadows on the walls of the dark chamber.

With a deep breath, he reached out and touched the skull. The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of energy coursed through him, electrifying every nerve ending. It felt as if a thousand storms were raging within him, and he gasped at the intensity of it. The flames flickered wildly, and he could hear the voice of the skull echoing in his mind.

"Embrace the darkness, Deyviel. Let it fill you. You will rise stronger than ever before."

Images flashed before his eyes—visions of power, of strength, of the ability to protect those he cared about. But alongside those visions were darker images, whispers of chaos and destruction, tempting him to give in to the power completely. He fought against the seductive pull, focusing instead on the faces of his friends, the laughter of Elisia, and the bond they shared.

"I won’t lose myself," he declared, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I will use this power to protect them."

As he made that vow, the energy exploded outward, enveloping him in a brilliant blue light. The pain in his leg faded, replaced by a fierce strength that coursed through his body. He felt the darkness settle within him, not as a master but as a tool—a weapon he could wield against the forces threatening his friends. His right eye turned black with a yellow pupil. His jetblack curly hair slowly turns off white (he's looking like a nero now in DMC4), and some black veins are visible under his right eye.

With newfound determination, Deyviel pushed himself to his feet, the world around him coming into sharp focus. He could feel the power thrumming beneath his skin, ready to be unleashed. He took a moment to steady himself, then turned toward the entrance of the mine, where the sounds of battle raged on.

Now that you fully absorb me. You can face anyone who is against your will. You can even conquer this human world. .

"Heh, going to pass on that skully," he replied

"I’m coming for you, guys," he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding with adrenaline. When the skull is about to say something, Deyviel just ignores him completely. And jump super high and smash the ceiling. To enter the battlefield.

As Deyviel soared through the air, the world around him blurred into a whirlwind of colors and sounds. The moment he crashed through the ceiling, he landed with a powerful thud, sending a shockwave through the ground that momentarily stunned the wendigos and the Elder Lord Vampire, Apollo. Dust and debris cascaded around him, but he stood tall, a fierce determination burning in his eyes.

The battlefield was chaotic. Denver was still fending off the relentless wendigos, his daggers flashing as he fought to protect his friends. Kliev and Mizuno were regrouping, trying to strategize their next move against Apollo, who was now glaring at Deyviel with a mix of surprise and annoyance.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to join the party," Apollo sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "You think you can take me on now? You’re just a child playing with forces beyond your understanding."

Deyviel smirked, feeling the power coursing through him. "You have no idea what I’m capable of," he replied, his voice steady and confident. "And I’m not here to play."

With a swift motion, he summoned the energy within him, feeling the darkness swirl around his fingertips. The blue flames from the skull flickered in his mind, urging him to unleash his newfound strength. He focused on Apollo, channeling his energy into a concentrated blast.

"Ow, you have a nice trick there, Deyviel Taunt. "Let me teach you how to use that kind of power. Then he slashes a giant blue light, "Be gone, heavens slash."

To be continued.