Varia By Rafael Croswell *Content Warning: I’ve reached a point in the story where I use stronger language, so I’ve updated the content advisory to reflect that. I also like to be transparent with my writing process—as such I do use AI to help check grammar, punctuation, and other technical details, I’ve never been the best with those at at least according to my old high school teachers. Last but not least to everyone reading my story, especially those of you that have been showing me love and support I appreciate you!* Kain Reyes lived an ordinary life, haunted only by his own darkness—until a twisted experiment left him with powers he barely understands and allies he never expected. When his attempt to infiltrate the Bloodbound, an ancient and ruthless faction of vampires, goes awry, Kain is plunged into a world of supernatural threats that stretch beyond anything he ever imagined. He soon finds himself rescued by, or perhaps rescuing, a group of strangers who are as dangerous as they are  Yet Kain bears a burden none of them can see: within his mind, two opposing spirits vie for control. Belmont, a voice of calm and reason, urges restraint and careful choices, while Doc, an entity of wild rage, tempts him to unleash his powers with deadly abandon. Their struggle mirrors Kain’s own as he learns to wield the powers left behind by the experiment—powers that both strengthen him and threaten to consume him. As Kain and his newfound allies delve into the Bloodbound’s plans, they uncover a web of ancient secrets that bind them all, pulling them into a world where myth and reality blur. But as the stakes rise, so does the tension within the team. Old loyalties are tested, betrayals linger in the shadows, and Kain must confront the war within himself. In Varia, an action-packed urban fantasy of dark secrets and fierce loyalty, Kain and his allies must walk the fine line between light and darkness. In a world teetering on the brink, they face a choice: cling to their humanity or surrender to the shadows—and risk becoming the monsters they once swore to destroy. Hello this is my first work I retain all writes to this story and hope you enjoy it as much as I have fun writing it I’ll be trying to post 3-4 chapters a week or as I am able to. Side note - I stumbled across a thread on the forum that had a really fun idea it asked for the authors of stories on the site to introduce their synopsis in unique ways and I really thought the Sea Shanty version they suggested was a really fun idea so… you know here it is and tbh I’m not good with music stuff but a buddy of mine helped me kinda get the rough of it and lol well we ended up singing it drunk and just having a blast highly recommend giving it a shot  (To be sung with gusto and a steady beat, as any good sea shanty should!) Verse 1 Kain Reyes lived a life so plain, ‘Til darkness found him, twistin’ his chain, An experiment gone wild, oh lad, Gave him powers both fierce and mad. Chorus So hoist up the sails, lads, fight with me, We’ll face the Bloodbound by land or sea, With allies fierce, we’ll stand as one, Against the darkness, ’til the fight is done. Verse 2 The Bloodbound vampires, ruthless and old, Seek to bring the world to ruin and cold, But Kain’s got mates, as wild as they come, Mei with her honor, Leo’s shadow some. Chorus So hoist up the sails, lads, fight with me, We’ll face the Bloodbound by land or sea, With allies fierce, we’ll stand as one, Against the darkness, ’til the fight is done. Verse 3 There’s Tara, fierce, with vengeance in hand, And Alex the clever, with gadgets so grand, Bound by scars, they fight the same fight, Each of ’em dancing ’tween dark and light. Chorus So hoist up the sails, lads, fight with me, We’ll face the Bloodbound by land or sea, With allies fierce, we’ll stand as one, Against the darkness, ’til the fight is done. Verse 4 But inside Kain, a battle brews, With spirits two, that twist his views, There’s Belmont calm, a voice so wise, While Doc’s wild rage tempts and lies. Chorus So hoist up the sails, lads, fight with me, We’ll face the Bloodbound by land or sea, With allies fierce, we’ll stand as one, Against the darkness, ’til the fight is done. Verse 5 Through ancient secrets, deep they’ll dive, Where myth and truth both stay alive, Old bonds break, and shadows rise, Kain must choose ’fore the last sunrise. Chorus So hoist up the sails, lads, fight with me, We’ll face the Bloodbound by land or sea, With allies fierce, we’ll stand as one, Against the darkness, ’til the fight is done. Outro In Varia’s tale, dark secrets lie, Where men and monsters both live and die, Kain and his crew, they walk the line, ’Tween light and dark, ’neath the stars that shine. Final Chorus So hoist up the sails, lads, fight with me, We’ll face the Bloodbound by land or sea, With allies fierce, we’ll stand as one, Against the darkness, ’til the fight is done! and no the story doesn’t involve pirates or the ocean……yet