BWpedia - User contributions [en]

Homepage v3

2025-03-27T21:24:48Z

DemonDude: Hooked up newly named links to the old pages to prevent duplicate pages going unused where possible

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial 🩸
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Welcome to the official tutorial index.
<br />
Whether you're just awakening or already well equipped and ready for war, this guide will help you survive, grow, and dominate.
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background:#501e1e; border:2px solid #751616; padding:8px; text-align:center; color:#f5d9d9; margin-bottom:8px;">
📜 LORE ARCHIVE ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background:#3b1e1e; border:1px solid #751616; padding:15px; color:#f5d9d9; text-align:left; font-size:14px;">

# [[Official Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">World's End War, Founding the First City, Act I - III</span>
# [[In-Game Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">Quests, Tasks, Expeditions, King of the Hill, etc.</span>
# [[Fan Fiction Index|Fan Fiction]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">From the official forums and Discord server.</span>

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚔️ GAMEPLAY ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 14px;">

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; gap: 30px;">

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Game Basics</span><br />
# [[user interface|The User Interface]]
# [[Realm kinds|The Realms (Game Servers)]]
# [[Races|Races & Arcana]]
# [[Parameters|Parameters & Progression]]
# [[Resources|Resources, Items & Equipment]]
# [[The structure of the city|Structure of the City]]
# [[Start|Recommended First Steps]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Solo Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Ambush]]
# [[Espionage|Spying]]
# [[Quest page v2|Quests]]
# [[Journey]]
# [[The Hunt]]
# [[New Arena | 1v1 Arena]]
# [[Tasks]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Clan Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Sieges]]
# [[Expeditions]]
# [[New Arena | 3v3 & Clan Arena]]
# [[King of the Hill]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Realm Specific Systems</span><br />
# Necropolis - [[Trade]]
# Necropolis - [[Auctions|Auction]]
# Moria - [[Auctions|Auction]]
# Moria - [[Tattoos]]
# Moria - [[Well of Souls]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">All Server Systems</span><br />
# [[Clans]]
# [[Clan armoury|Clan Armoury]]
# [[Clan Buildings]]
# [[Buildings|Building Site]]
# [[Talismans]]
# [[Enchantments]]
# [[Evolutions]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Account & Events</span><br />
# [[Server Events]]
# [[Souvenir Shop]]
# [[Time Bonuses]]
# [[Login Rewards]]
# [[Premium Account]]
# [[Vacation]]
</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚙️ GAME MECHANICS ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align: left; font-size: 14px;">

# [[Regeneration|Blood, Regeneration, and Health]]
# [[Damage|Combat Calculations]]
# [[Randomizing algorithm|Randomization Algorithm]]
# [[Effects|Item Effects]]
# [[Honour]]
# [[Luck]]

</div>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; color: #f5d9d9;">
This tutorial is ever-evolving, just like the game it supports.
<br />
Want to contribute or correct something? Contact the <span style="color:#F74947; font-weight:bold;">@Sanguine Scholars</span> on [https://discord.com Discord]
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-25T17:49:17Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial 🩸
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Welcome to the official tutorial index.
<br />
Whether you're just awakening or already well equipped and ready for war, this guide will help you survive, grow, and dominate.
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background:#501e1e; border:2px solid #751616; padding:8px; text-align:center; color:#f5d9d9; margin-bottom:8px;">
📜 LORE ARCHIVE ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background:#3b1e1e; border:1px solid #751616; padding:15px; color:#f5d9d9; text-align:left; font-size:14px;">

# [[Official Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">World's End War, Founding the First City, Act I - III</span>
# [[In-Game Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">Quests, Tasks, Expeditions, King of the Hill, etc.</span>
# [[Fan Fiction Index|Fan Fiction]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">From the official forums and Discord server.</span>

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚔️ GAMEPLAY ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 14px;">

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; gap: 30px;">

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Game Basics</span><br />
# [[The User Interface]]
# [[The Realms (Game Servers)]]
# [[Races & Arcana]]
# [[Parameters & Progression]]
# [[Resources, Items & Equipment]]
# [[Structure of the City]]
# [[Recommended First Steps]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Solo Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Ambush]]
# [[Spying]]
# [[Quests]]
# [[Journey]]
# [[The Hunt]]
# [[New Arena | 1v1 Arena]]
# [[Tasks]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Clan Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Sieges]]
# [[Expeditions]]
# [[New Arena | 3v3 & Clan Arena]]
# [[King of the Hill]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Realm Specific Systems</span><br />
# Necropolis - [[Trade]]
# Necropolis - [[Auctions|Auction]]
# Moria - [[Auctions|Auction]]
# Moria - [[Tattoos]]
# Moria - [[Well of Souls]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">All Server Systems</span><br />
# [[Clans]]
# [[Clan Armoury]]
# [[Clan Buildings]]
# [[Building Site]]
# [[Talismans]]
# [[Enchantments]]
# [[Evolutions]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Account & Events</span><br />
# [[Server Events]]
# [[Souvenir Shop]]
# [[Time Bonuses]]
# [[Login Rewards]]
# [[Premium Account]]
# [[Vacation]]
</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚙️ GAME MECHANICS ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align: left; font-size: 14px;">

# [[Blood, Regeneration, and Health]]
# [[Combat Calculations]]
# [[Randomization Algorithm]]
# [[Item Effects]]
# [[Honour]]
# [[Luck]]

</div>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; color: #f5d9d9;">
This tutorial is ever-evolving, just like the game it supports.
<br />
Want to contribute or correct something? Contact the <span style="color:#F74947; font-weight:bold;">@Sanguine Scholars</span> on [https://discord.com Discord]
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-25T17:48:02Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial 🩸
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Welcome to the official tutorial index.
<br />
Whether you're just awakening or already well equipped and ready for war, this guide will help you survive, grow, and dominate.
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background:#501e1e; border:2px solid #751616; padding:8px; text-align:center; color:#f5d9d9; margin-bottom:8px;">
📜 LORE ARCHIVE ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background:#3b1e1e; border:1px solid #751616; padding:15px; color:#f5d9d9; text-align:left; font-size:14px;">

# [[Official Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">World's End War, Founding the First City, Act I - III</span>
# [[In-Game Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">Quests, Tasks, Expeditions, King of the Hill, etc.</span>
# [[Fan Fiction Index|Fan Fiction]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">From the official forums and Discord server.</span>

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚔️ GAMEPLAY ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 14px;">

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; gap: 30px;">

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Game Basics</span><br />
# [[The User Interface]]
# [[The Realms (Game Servers)]]
# [[Races & Arcana]]
# [[Parameters & Progression]]
# [[Resources, Items & Equipment]]
# [[Structure of the City]]
# [[Recommended First Steps]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Solo Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Ambush]]
# [[Spying]]
# [[Quests]]
# [[Journey]]
# [[The Hunt]]
# [[New Arena | 1v1 Arena]]
# [[Tasks]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Clan Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Sieges]]
# [[Expeditions]]
# [[New Arena | 3v3 & Clan Arena]]
# [[King of the Hill]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Realm Specific Systems</span><br />
# [[Trade]] - Necropolia server
# [[Auctions|Auction (Necropolia)]]
# [[Auctions|Auction (Moria)]]
# [[Tattoos]] - Moria server
# [[Well of Souls]] - Moria server
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">All Server Systems</span><br />
# [[Clans]]
# [[Clan Armoury]]
# [[Clan Buildings]]
# [[Building Site]]
# [[Talismans]]
# [[Enchantments]]
# [[Evolutions]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Account & Events</span><br />
# [[Server Events]]
# [[Souvenir Shop]]
# [[Time Bonuses]]
# [[Login Rewards]]
# [[Premium Account]]
# [[Vacation]]
</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚙️ GAME MECHANICS ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align: left; font-size: 14px;">

# [[Blood, Regeneration, and Health]]
# [[Combat Calculations]]
# [[Randomization Algorithm]]
# [[Item Effects]]
# [[Honour]]
# [[Luck]]

</div>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; color: #f5d9d9;">
This tutorial is ever-evolving, just like the game it supports.
<br />
Want to contribute or correct something? Contact the <span style="color:#F74947; font-weight:bold;">@Sanguine Scholars</span> on [https://discord.com Discord]
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-25T17:46:53Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial 🩸
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Welcome to the official tutorial index.
<br />
Whether you're just awakening or already well equipped and ready for war, this guide will help you survive, grow, and dominate.
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background:#501e1e; border:2px solid #751616; padding:8px; text-align:center; color:#f5d9d9; margin-bottom:8px;">
📜 LORE ARCHIVE ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background:#3b1e1e; border:1px solid #751616; padding:15px; color:#f5d9d9; text-align:left; font-size:14px;">

# [[Official Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">World's End War, Founding the First City, Act I - III</span>
# [[In-Game Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">Quests, Tasks, Expeditions, King of the Hill, etc.</span>
# [[Fan Fiction Index|Fan Fiction]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">From the official forums and Discord server.</span>

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚔️ GAMEPLAY ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 14px;">

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; gap: 30px;">

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Game Basics</span><br />
# [[The User Interface]]
# [[The Realms (Game Servers)]]
# [[Races & Arcana]]
# [[Parameters & Progression]]
# [[Resources, Items & Equipment]]
# [[Structure of the City]]
# [[Recommended First Steps]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Solo Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Quests]]
# [[Ambush]]
# [[Spying]]
# [[Tasks]]
# [[New Arena | 1v1 Arena]]
# [[The Hunt]]
# [[Journey]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Clan Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Sieges]]
# [[Expeditions]]
# [[New Arena | 3v3 & Clan Arena]]
# [[King of the Hill]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Realm Specific Systems</span><br />
# [[Trade]] - Necropolia server
# [[Auctions|Auction (Necropolia)]]
# [[Auctions|Auction (Moria)]]
# [[Tattoos]] - Moria server
# [[Well of Souls]] - Moria server
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">All Server Systems</span><br />
# [[Clans]]
# [[Clan Armoury]]
# [[Clan Buildings]]
# [[Building Site]]
# [[Talismans]]
# [[Enchantments]]
# [[Evolutions]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Account & Events</span><br />
# [[Server Events]]
# [[Souvenir Shop]]
# [[Time Bonuses]]
# [[Login Rewards]]
# [[Premium Account]]
# [[Vacation]]
</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚙️ GAME MECHANICS ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align: left; font-size: 14px;">

# [[Blood, Regeneration, and Health]]
# [[Combat Calculations]]
# [[Randomization Algorithm]]
# [[Item Effects]]
# [[Honour]]
# [[Luck]]

</div>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; color: #f5d9d9;">
This tutorial is ever-evolving, just like the game it supports.
<br />
Want to contribute or correct something? Contact the <span style="color:#F74947; font-weight:bold;">@Sanguine Scholars</span> on [https://discord.com Discord]
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-25T17:43:13Z

DemonDude: Large Style Update

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial 🩸
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Welcome to the official tutorial index.
<br />
Whether you're just awakening or already well equipped and ready for war, this guide will help you survive, grow, and dominate.
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background:#501e1e; border:2px solid #751616; padding:8px; text-align:center; color:#f5d9d9; margin-bottom:8px;">
📜 LORE ARCHIVE ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background:#3b1e1e; border:1px solid #751616; padding:15px; color:#f5d9d9; text-align:left; font-size:14px;">

# [[Official Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">World's End War, Founding the First City, Act I - III</span>
# [[In-Game Lore]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">Quests, Tasks, Expeditions, King of the Hill, etc.</span>
# [[Fan Fiction Index|Fan Fiction]] - <span style="color:#dddddd;">From the official forums and Discord server.</span>

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚔️ GAMEPLAY ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 14px;">

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; gap: 30px;">

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Game Basics</span><br />
# [[The User Interface]]
# [[The Realms (Game Servers)]]
# [[Races & Arcana]]
# [[Parameters & Progression]]
# [[Resources, Items & Equipment]]
# [[Structure of the City]]
# [[Recommended First Steps]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Solo Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Quests]]
# [[Ambush]]
# [[Spying]]
# [[Tasks]]
# [[New Arena | 1v1 Arena]]
# [[The Hunt]]
# [[Journey]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Clan Gameplay</span><br />
# [[Sieges]]
# [[Expeditions]]
# [[New Arena | 3v3 & Clan Arena]]
# [[King of the Hill]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Realm Specific Systems</span><br />
# [[Trade]] - Necropolia server
# [[Auctions|Auction (Necropolia)]]
# [[Auctions|Auction (Moria)]]
# [[Tattoos]] - Moria server
# [[Well of Souls]] - Moria server
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">All Server Systems</span><br />
# [[Buildings]] - Personal Buildings (Your Square)
# [[Clan Buildings]]
# [[Clans]]
# [[Clan Armoury]]
# [[Evolutions]]
# [[Enchantments]]
# [[Talismans]]
</div>

<div style="width: 45%; min-width: 240px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ffc107;">Account & Events</span><br />
# [[Server Events]]
# [[Souvenir Shop]]
# [[Time Bonuses]]
# [[Login Rewards]]
# [[Premium Account]]
# [[Vacation]]
</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;margin-bottom:8px;">
⚙️ GAME MECHANICS ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 15px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align: left; font-size: 14px;">

# [[Regeneration]] - Blood, Regeneration, and Health
# [[Damage]] - Combat Calculations
# [[Randomizing algorithm]]
# [[Effects]]
# [[Honour]]
# [[Luck]]

</div>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; color: #f5d9d9;">
This tutorial is ever-evolving, just like the game it supports.
<br />
Want to contribute or correct something? Contact the <span style="color:#F74947; font-weight:bold;">@Sanguine Scholars</span> on [https://discord.com Discord]
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-25T13:33:28Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial Index 🩸
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
Welcome to the official Blood Wars tutorial hub.
<br />
Whether you're just awakening or already sharpening your fangs, this guide will help you survive, grow, and dominate.
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin-top: 25px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Lore Archive</span>

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; margin-top: 10px;">


<div style="width: 32%; min-width: 250px; padding: 10px;">
<b>Official Lore</b>
<ul>
<li>[[World's End War]]</li>
<li>[[Founding the First City]]</li>
<li>[[Act II - A New Dawn]]</li>
<li>[[Act III - The Beasts Fall]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="width: 32%; min-width: 250px; padding: 10px;">
<b>Quest & Task Lore</b>
<ul>
<li>[[Quests]]</li>
<li>[[Tasks]]</li>
<li>[[Expeditions]]</li>
<li>[[King of the Hill]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="width: 32%; min-width: 250px; padding: 10px;">
<b>Fan Fiction</b>
<ul>
<li>[[The Angel of Death]]</li>
<li>[[Bright At Night]]</li>
<li>[[The Tale of the Twins]]</li>
<li>[[The War Diaries]]</li>
<li>[[Underworld Story]]</li>
<li>[[The Song of A Drunken Soul]]</li>
</ul>
</div>

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin-top: 25px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Gameplay Index</span>

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; margin-top: 10px;">


<div style="width: 32%; min-width: 250px; padding: 10px;">
<b>Interface & Navigation</b>
<ul>
<li>Patch Notes</li>
<li>Server Info</li>
<li>Premium Account</li>
<li>BWTeam Shop</li>
<li>Throne Hall</li>
<li>Training</li>
<li>Building Site</li>
<li>City Overview</li>
<li>Clan</li>
<li>Clan Headquarters</li>
<li>Messages</li>
<li>Notes</li>
<li>Ranking</li>
<li>Settings</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="width: 32%; min-width: 250px; padding: 10px;">
<b>Gameplay Systems</b>
<ul>

<li>Quests</li>
<li>Prepare an Ambush</li>
<li>Journey</li>
<li>The Hunt</li>
<li>Expedition</li>
<li>King of the Hill</li>
<li>New Arena</li>
<li>Tasks</li>

<li>Clans</li>
<li>Clan Buildings</li>
<li>Clan Armoury</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="width: 32%; min-width: 250px; padding: 10px;">
<b>Mechanics & Features</b>
<ul>
<li>Items</li>
<li>Well of Souls</li>
<li>Enchantments</li>
<li>Talismans</li>
<li>Souvenirs (Event only)</li>
<li>Auctions</li>
<li>Trade</li>
<li>Character Parameters</li>
<li>Experience</li>
<li>Regeneration</li>
<li>Resources</li>
<li>Player Status</li>
<li>UI Explanation</li>
</ul>
</div>

</div>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; color: #f5d9d9;">
This tutorial is ever-evolving, like the vampires it serves.
<br />
Want to contribute or correct something? Contact us via Discord or use the [[Tutorials]] discussion board.
</div>

</div>

Quest page v2

2025-03-24T17:34:21Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's a good idea to "Unlock" your random quest order ASAP, as you might be able to get a very high '''average''' chance to pass a difficult location by ignoring 1 or 2 stats. This can allow you to grind Far Journeys or Pilgrimages earlier, for more EXP and better equipment - but you'll only know what's possible once you've unlocked the random quest order.

You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

When completing the '''pre-set sequence''' of quests in Act 2, the chance to return the correct quest you are being measured against is random. Here's what that means:
* The game rolls a '''d9''' to determine which stat is tested.
* If the roll returns a quest you've '''already completed''' or one '''later in the sequence''', you receive the message:<br>
<span style="color:#ffffcc;"><i>"Peace and quiet on this quest."</i></span>
* For example, if you're trying to complete the '''Strength''' quest but the roll gives you '''Agility''' then you won't progress.
* Each attempt failed in this way increases the chance of getting the correct quest by '''+10%'''.
* This means that after '''10 failures''', the correct quest is guaranteed, after which this counter resets.

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

The rules of getting the correct quest changes slightly in Act 3:
* Each Peace and Quiet result increases the chance of getting the correct quest by '''+5%'''.
* This means it takes '''20 failures''' for the correct quest to be guaranteed.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Quest Times & Premium Options</span> ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Recharge Rate & Max Quests Saved ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">
The table below compares '''Normal vs Seasonal''' servers.
{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616;" | Premium Account
! style="background:#751616;" | Quest Recharge Rate
! style="background:#751616;" | Max Quests Saved
|-
| Inactive
| 2 Hours vs 20 Minutes
| 12 vs 24
|-
| Active
| 1 Hour vs 15 Minutes
| 24 vs 48
|}
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Quest Duration in Seconds ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">
The table below shows '''base quest times''' when using the various premium options.
{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616;" | Option
! style="background:#751616;" | Normal Servers
! style="background:#751616;" | Seasonal Servers
|-
| No Premium Options
| 300 - 600 - 1800
| 30 - 60 - 180
|-
| Duration Shortening
| 100 - 200 - 600
| 10 - 20 - 60
|-
| Quest Deluxe
| 60 - 120 - 180
| ? - ? - ?
|-
| Quest & Caravan Deluxe
| 10 - 10 - 10
| 10 - 10 - 10
|}
</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🚚 Quest Caravans</span> ==

'''Caravan Deluxe''' is a premium feature unlocked at <span style="color:#ffffcc;">'''level 20'''</span>, allowing you to queue up as many quests as you have saved up instead of starting each one individually. Here's the overview of how it works:

* All quest costs are paid up front.
* The total duration is the sum of each quests normal time.
* Caravans cannot be cancelled once started.
* Each additional quest costs 1.75× its base price.
* You can use disposable items on '''every quest''' in the chain.
* Success and drop chances are the '''''same as doing them manually'''''.
* Success is calculated only when you next interact with your account.
If clan items or gear are removed after the caravan ends (but before your next action), those items won’t apply!

<span style="color:#80ff80;">'''→ Combo with Quests Deluxe: each quest takes only 10 seconds!'''</span>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-24T02:28:41Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial Index 🩸
</div>

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px; color: #f5d9d9;">
Welcome, fledgling. This is your crucible. Learn the mechanics, embrace the lore, and rise through blood and fire.
<br />
<i>Trouble viewing this page? Try the [[BloodWars_Tutorial|mobile version]] instead.</i>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Navigation Bar</span>

<div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; margin-top: 10px;">


<div style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;">
<ul>
<li>Patch Notes</li>
<li>Server Info</li>
<li>Premium Account</li>
<li>BWTeam Shop</li>
<hr style="border-top: 1px dashed #751616;" />
<li>Throne Hall</li>
<li>Training</li>
<li>Building Site</li>
<li>City Overview</li>
<li>Clan</li>
<li>Clan Headquarters</li>
<hr style="border-top: 1px dashed #751616;" />
<li>Shop</li>
<li>Souvenirs (Event only)</li>
<li>Armoury</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;">
<ul>
<li>Talismans</li>
<li>Enchantments</li>
<li>Auctions</li>
<li>Well of Souls</li>
<hr style="border-top: 1px dashed #751616;" />
<li>Prepare an Ambush</li>
<li>Begin a Quest</li>
<li>Journey</li>
<li>The Hunt</li>
<li>Expedition</li>
<li>King of the Hill</li>
<li>New Arena</li>
<li>Tasks</li>
<hr style="border-top: 1px dashed #751616;" />
<li>Messages</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;">
<ul>
<li>Notes</li>
<li>Ranking</li>
<li>Settings</li>
<hr style="border-top: 1px dashed #751616;" />
<li>Write to Us</li>
<li>Tutorials</li>
<li>Board</li>
<li>Logout</li>
</ul>
</div>

</div>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ What is Blood Wars?</span>
<ul>
<li>[[What is Blood Wars?]] – Introduction to the setting, style, and gameplay loop</li>
<li>[[Server Types]] – What realm should you choose?</li>
<li>[[Races]] – Bloodlines, Arcana, and their origins</li>
<li>[[City Structure]] – Your place in the vampire hierarchy</li>
<li>[[World's End War]], [[Founding the First City]], [[Act II - A New Dawn]], [[Act III - The Beasts Fall]] – Lore</li>
<li>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Stats Tool]</li>
<li>[http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Navigation & Interface</span>
<ul>
<li>[[UI Explanation]]</li>
<li>[[Character Parameters]]</li>
<li>[[Experience]] – Levels, ranking, progress</li>
<li>[[Blood Points, Hit Points, Regeneration]]</li>
<li>[[Resources]] – Blood, PLN, People, Junk</li>
<li>[[Player Status]] – What your color means</li>
<li>[[First Steps]] – Your first minutes in-game</li>
<li>[[Items]] – Gear, quality, epics, usage</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Solo Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Quests]] – Early game income, XP and loot</li>
<li>[[Ambush]] – PvP battles vs similar-level vampires</li>
<li>[[Espionage]] – Spy, scout, sabotage</li>
<li>[[Sieges]] – Territory control and defense</li>
<li>[[Tasks]] – Mid-game objectives</li>
<li>[[Expeditions]] – Team PvE boss fights</li>
<li>[[Arena]] – 1v1 / 3v3 fights for silver coins</li>
<li>[[King of the Hill]] – Progressive solo gauntlet</li>
<li>[[Act 2]], [[Act 3]] – Progression path</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Clan Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Clans]] – Benefits, leadership, cooperation</li>
<li>[[Clan Buildings]] – Unlocking bonuses and features</li>
<li>[[Clan Armoury]] – Shared equipment system</li>
<li>[[Well of Souls]] – Item upgrades, crafting, merging</li>
<li>[[Enchantments]] – Advanced item effects</li>
<li>[[Tattoos]] – Permanent passive abilities</li>
<li>[[Talismans]] – Equipment modifiers</li>
<li>[[Evolutions]] – Stat boosts through victory</li>
<li>[[Auctions]] & [[Trade]] – Item economy</li>
<li>[[Premium Account]] – Paid benefits</li>
<li>[[Vacation]] – Protection mode</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Mechanics Deep Dive</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Damage]] – How attacks work</li>
<li>[[Hitting]] – Chance to connect</li>
<li>[[Initiative]] – Who goes first</li>
<li>[[Luck]] – Loot, criticals, bonuses</li>
<li>[[Effects]] – Buffs, debuffs, and gear modifiers</li>
<li>[[Randomizing Algorithm]] – RNG explained</li>
<li>[[Honour]] – Prestige points and costs</li>
<li>[[Reputation]] – Enchantment upgrades</li>
<li>[[Patch_antynajemniczy|Anti-Mystery Patch]] – Mechanics clarification</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic;">
📜 This guide is built with blood, tested in fire. Join the community on Discord to suggest edits or help build the future.
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-24T02:14:54Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial Index 🩸
</div>

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px; color: #f5d9d9;">
Welcome, fledgling. This is your crucible. Learn the mechanics, embrace the lore, and rise through blood and fire.
<br />
<i>Trouble viewing this page? Try the [[BloodWars_Tutorial|mobile version]] instead.</i>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ What is Blood Wars?</span>
<ul>
<li>[[What is Blood Wars?]] – Introduction to the setting, style, and gameplay loop</li>
<li>[[Server Types]] – What realm should you choose?</li>
<li>[[Races]] – Bloodlines, Arcana, and their origins</li>
<li>[[City Structure]] – Your place in the vampire hierarchy</li>
<li>[[World's End War]], [[Founding the First City]], [[Act II - A New Dawn]], [[Act III - The Beasts Fall]] – Lore</li>
<li>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Stats Tool]</li>
<li>[http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Navigation & Interface</span>
<ul>
<li>[[UI Explanation]]</li>
<li>[[Character Parameters]]</li>
<li>[[Experience]] – Levels, ranking, progress</li>
<li>[[Blood Points, Hit Points, Regeneration]]</li>
<li>[[Resources]] – Blood, PLN, People, Junk</li>
<li>[[Player Status]] – What your color means</li>
<li>[[First Steps]] – Your first minutes in-game</li>
<li>[[Items]] – Gear, quality, epics, usage</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Solo Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Quests]] – Early game income, XP and loot</li>
<li>[[Ambush]] – PvP battles vs similar-level vampires</li>
<li>[[Espionage]] – Spy, scout, sabotage</li>
<li>[[Sieges]] – Territory control and defense</li>
<li>[[Tasks]] – Mid-game objectives</li>
<li>[[Expeditions]] – Team PvE boss fights</li>
<li>[[Arena]] – 1v1 / 3v3 fights for silver coins</li>
<li>[[King of the Hill]] – Progressive solo gauntlet</li>
<li>[[Act 2]], [[Act 3]] – Progression path</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Clan Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Clans]] – Benefits, leadership, cooperation</li>
<li>[[Clan Buildings]] – Unlocking bonuses and features</li>
<li>[[Clan Armoury]] – Shared equipment system</li>
<li>[[Well of Souls]] – Item upgrades, crafting, merging</li>
<li>[[Enchantments]] – Advanced item effects</li>
<li>[[Tattoos]] – Permanent passive abilities</li>
<li>[[Talismans]] – Equipment modifiers</li>
<li>[[Evolutions]] – Stat boosts through victory</li>
<li>[[Auctions]] & [[Trade]] – Item economy</li>
<li>[[Premium Account]] – Paid benefits</li>
<li>[[Vacation]] – Protection mode</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Mechanics Deep Dive</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Damage]] – How attacks work</li>
<li>[[Hitting]] – Chance to connect</li>
<li>[[Initiative]] – Who goes first</li>
<li>[[Luck]] – Loot, criticals, bonuses</li>
<li>[[Effects]] – Buffs, debuffs, and gear modifiers</li>
<li>[[Randomizing Algorithm]] – RNG explained</li>
<li>[[Honour]] – Prestige points and costs</li>
<li>[[Reputation]] – Enchantment upgrades</li>
<li>[[Patch_antynajemniczy|Anti-Mystery Patch]] – Mechanics clarification</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic;">
📜 This guide is built with blood, tested in fire. Join the community on Discord to suggest edits or help build the future.
</div>

</div>
__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">


<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
🩸 BLOOD WARS TUTORIAL INDEX 🩸
</div>

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 5px;">
A modern guide for an ancient war. Learn, survive, evolve.
<br />
Having trouble viewing this page? [[BloodWars_Tutorial|Try the mobile version.]]
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ What is Blood Wars?</span>
<ul>
<li>[[What is Blood Wars?]] – Introduction to the setting, style, and gameplay loop</li>
<li>[[Server Types]] – What realm should you choose?</li>
<li>[[Races]] – Bloodlines, Arcana, and their origins</li>
<li>[[City Structure]] – Your place in the vampire hierarchy</li>
<li>[[World's End War]], [[Founding the First City]], [[Act II - A New Dawn]], [[Act III - The Beasts Fall]] – Lore</li>
<li>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Stats Tool]</li>
<li>[http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Navigation & Interface</span>
<ul>
<li>[[UI Explanation]]</li>
<li>[[Character Parameters]]</li>
<li>[[Experience]] – Levels, ranking, progress</li>
<li>[[Blood Points, Hit Points, Regeneration]]</li>
<li>[[Resources]] – Blood, PLN, People, Junk</li>
<li>[[Player Status]] – What your color means</li>
<li>[[First Steps]] – Your first minutes in-game</li>
<li>[[Items]] – Gear, quality, epics, usage</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Solo Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Quests]] – Early game income, XP and loot</li>
<li>[[Ambush]] – PvP battles vs similar-level vampires</li>
<li>[[Espionage]] – Spy, scout, sabotage</li>
<li>[[Sieges]] – Territory control and defense</li>
<li>[[Tasks]] – Mid-game objectives</li>
<li>[[Expeditions]] – Team PvE boss fights</li>
<li>[[Arena]] – 1v1 / 3v3 fights for silver coins</li>
<li>[[King of the Hill]] – Progressive solo gauntlet</li>
<li>[[Act 2]], [[Act 3]] – Progression path</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Clan Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Clans]] – Benefits, leadership, cooperation</li>
<li>[[Clan Buildings]] – Unlocking bonuses and features</li>
<li>[[Clan Armoury]] – Shared equipment system</li>
<li>[[Well of Souls]] – Item upgrades, crafting, merging</li>
<li>[[Enchantments]] – Advanced item effects</li>
<li>[[Tattoos]] – Permanent passive abilities</li>
<li>[[Talismans]] – Equipment modifiers</li>
<li>[[Evolutions]] – Stat boosts through victory</li>
<li>[[Auctions]] & [[Trade]] – Item economy</li>
<li>[[Premium Account]] – Paid benefits</li>
<li>[[Vacation]] – Protection mode</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">▶️ Mechanics Deep Dive</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Damage]] – How attacks work</li>
<li>[[Hitting]] – Chance to connect</li>
<li>[[Initiative]] – Who goes first</li>
<li>[[Luck]] – Loot, criticals, bonuses</li>
<li>[[Effects]] – Buffs, debuffs, and gear modifiers</li>
<li>[[Randomizing Algorithm]] – RNG explained</li>
<li>[[Honour]] – Prestige points and costs</li>
<li>[[Reputation]] – Enchantment upgrades</li>
<li>[[Patch_antynajemniczy|Anti-Mystery Patch]] – Mechanics clarification</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic;">
📜 This guide is built with blood, tested in fire. Join the community on Discord to suggest edits or help build the future.
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-24T02:01:37Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Tutorial Index 🩸
</div>

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 5px;">
Your guide to surviving the Underworld. Built by devs, refined by vampires.
<br />
Having trouble viewing? [[BloodWars_Tutorial|Switch to mobile view]].
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ First Steps</span>
<ul>
<li>[[What is Blood Wars?]]</li>
<li>[[Server Types|Server Differences – Underworld vs Necropolis]]</li>
<li>[[Character Creation]]</li>
<li>[[First Steps|Starting Your Vampire’s Journey]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Core Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[UI Explanation]] – Navigation and Menu Overview</li>
<li>[[Character Parameters]]</li>
<li>[[Experience|Leveling, Ranking & Progress Points]]</li>
<li>[[Blood Points, Hit Points, Regeneration]]</li>
<li>[[Races]] and their [[Arcana]]</li>
<li>[[Resources]] – Blood, PLN, People & Junk</li>
<li>[[City Structure]]</li>
<li>[[Player Status]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Player Actions</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Quests]]</li>
<li>[[Espionage]], [[Ambush]], [[Sieges]]</li>
<li>[[Tasks]]</li>
<li>[[Expeditions]]</li>
<li>[[Arena]]</li>
<li>[[King of the Hill]]</li>
<li>[[Server Events]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Features & Systems</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Buildings]], [[Clan Buildings]], [[Clan Armoury]]</li>
<li>[[Tattoos]], [[Talismans]], [[Evolutions]]</li>
<li>[[Well of Souls]], [[Enchantments]]</li>
<li>[[Auctions]], [[Trade]], [[Premium Account]], [[Vacation]]</li>
<li>[[Login Rewards]], [[Bonusy czasowe]], [[Skarby]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Game Mechanics</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Damage]], [[Hitting]], [[Effects]]</li>
<li>[[Luck]], [[Initiative]], [[Honour]]</li>
<li>[[Randomizing Algorithm]]</li>
<li>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Calculator]</li>
<li>[http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Lore & Fan Fiction</span>
<table style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">
<b>Canon Lore</b>
<ul>
<li>[[World's End War]]</li>
<li>[[Founding the First City]]</li>
<li>[[Act II - A New Dawn]]</li>
<li>[[Act III - The Beasts Fall]]</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">
<b>Fan Stories</b>
<ul>
<li>[[The Angel of Death]]</li>
<li>[[Bright At Night]]</li>
<li>[[The Tale of the Twins]]</li>
<li>[[Little Red Glock]]</li>
<li>[[The Song of A Drunken Soul]]</li>
<li>[[The War Diaries]]</li>
<li>[[Underworld Story]]</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic;">
📜 This guide is constantly evolving. Want to help? Contact us on Discord or contribute directly on the wiki.
</div>

</div>

Quest page v2

2025-03-24T01:59:57Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's a good idea to "Unlock" your random quest order ASAP, as you might be able to get a very high '''average''' chance to pass a difficult location by ignoring 1 or 2 stats. This can allow you to grind Far Journeys or Pilgrimages earlier, for more EXP and better equipment - but you'll only know what's possible once you've unlocked the random quest order.

You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Duration, Recharge & Caravans</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💲 Premium Options</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Homepage v3

2025-03-23T03:21:46Z

DemonDude: WIP, hate this atm

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
🩸 BLOOD WARS TUTORIAL INDEX 🩸
</div>

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 5px;">
Your guide to surviving the Underworld. Built by devs, refined by vampires.
<br />
Having trouble viewing? [[BloodWars_Tutorial|Switch to mobile view]].
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 30px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ First Steps</span>
<ul>
<li>[[What is Blood Wars?]]</li>
<li>[[Server Types|Server Differences – Underworld vs Necropolis]]</li>
<li>[[Character Creation]]</li>
<li>[[First Steps|Starting Your Vampire’s Journey]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Core Gameplay</span>
<ul>
<li>[[UI Explanation]] – Navigation and Menu Overview</li>
<li>[[Character Parameters]]</li>
<li>[[Experience|Leveling, Ranking & Progress Points]]</li>
<li>[[Blood Points, Hit Points, Regeneration]]</li>
<li>[[Races]] and their [[Arcana]]</li>
<li>[[Resources]] – Blood, PLN, People & Junk</li>
<li>[[City Structure]]</li>
<li>[[Player Status]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Player Actions</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Quests]]</li>
<li>[[Espionage]], [[Ambush]], [[Sieges]]</li>
<li>[[Tasks]]</li>
<li>[[Expeditions]]</li>
<li>[[Arena]]</li>
<li>[[King of the Hill]]</li>
<li>[[Server Events]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Features & Systems</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Buildings]], [[Clan Buildings]], [[Clan Armoury]]</li>
<li>[[Tattoos]], [[Talismans]], [[Evolutions]]</li>
<li>[[Well of Souls]], [[Enchantments]]</li>
<li>[[Auctions]], [[Trade]], [[Premium Account]], [[Vacation]]</li>
<li>[[Login Rewards]], [[Bonusy czasowe]], [[Skarby]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffc587; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Game Mechanics</span>
<ul>
<li>[[Damage]], [[Hitting]], [[Effects]]</li>
<li>[[Luck]], [[Initiative]], [[Honour]]</li>
<li>[[Randomizing Algorithm]]</li>
<li>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Calculator]</li>
<li>[http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator]</li>
</ul>
</div>


<div style="margin-top: 15px; background: #ffead4; border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 18px;">▶️ Lore & Fan Fiction</span>
<table style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">
<b>Canon Lore</b>
<ul>
<li>[[World's End War]]</li>
<li>[[Founding the First City]]</li>
<li>[[Act II - A New Dawn]]</li>
<li>[[Act III - The Beasts Fall]]</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">
<b>Fan Stories</b>
<ul>
<li>[[The Angel of Death]]</li>
<li>[[Bright At Night]]</li>
<li>[[The Tale of the Twins]]</li>
<li>[[Little Red Glock]]</li>
<li>[[The Song of A Drunken Soul]]</li>
<li>[[The War Diaries]]</li>
<li>[[Underworld Story]]</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>


<div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 30px; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic;">
📜 This guide is constantly evolving. Want to help? Contact us on Discord or contribute directly on the wiki.
</div>

</div>

Path of the Ancients

2025-03-23T03:12:36Z

DemonDude:

<center><font size="10" face="gothic"> BLOOD WARS</font>

<hr width="300" > <br>

<font size="6" face="gothic"> TUTORIAL</font>

[[Quest page v2]]
[[homepage v3]]

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 60%;">
Welcome to the Blood Wars tutorial which the developers created and then was expanded upon and evolved with the help of many great players of the game. Below you will see all aspects of the game broken down into categories for ease of management as well as making it more accessible to new players of the game.

Having trouble viewing this page? [[BloodWars_Tutorial|Check out the mobile version.]]
</div></center>

<center>
<div style="float: center; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 65%; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
== First Steps for New Players ==
The initial screen of any browser based game can be quite daunting to new players, to combat that this section of the tutorial has been created to ease new and returning players alike into the game.
* [[What is Blood Wars?]]
* [[Realm Type]] - How do they differ?
* [[Character Creation]] - What is your play style?
* [[How to Begin the Game]] - Your first steps into the world of Blood Wars
</div>

<hr width="99%"> </center>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 275px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== BLOOD WARS BASICS ==
The basics of the game everyone needs to know.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">
* [[user interface|The User Interface]]
* [[The structure of the city|Structure and division of the City]]
* [[Parameters|Character's parameters]]
* [[Races]] and their [[Arcana]]
* [[Resources]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
* [[Experience|Experience, points in ranking, progress points, levels]]
* [[Items]]
* [[Regeneration|Blood points, hit points, regeneration]]
* [[The II Act]]
* [[The III Act]]
</div>
</div>
<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 275px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== FEATURES ==
Areas of the game you can interact with.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;">
* [[Tattoos|Tattoos]]
* [[Vacation]]
* [[Stones]]
* [[Clans]]
* [[Buildings]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 55%;">
* [[Clan Armoury]]
* [[Premium account]]
* [[Well of Souls|Well of souls - upgrading items]]
* [[Auctions|Auctions]] - Underworld type realms only
* [[Trade]] - Necropolis type realms only
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 310px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== PLAYER ACTIONS ==
In Blood Wars you send your character away to complete tasks and gather loot. Below you will find a list of all the available away missions you can participate in and any other actions that take time to complete.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">
* [[Quests]]
* [[Espionage]]
* [[Ambush|Attacking enemies]]
* [[Sieges]]
* [[Tasks]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 50%;">
* [[Server Events|Server events]]
* [[Expeditions|Expeditions]]
* [[The Arena]]
* [[King of the Hill]]
* [[Hall of Enchantments and Enchant List]]
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: Right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 310px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== GAME MECHANICS ==
In Blood Wars you send your character away to complete tasks and gather loot. Below you will find a list of all the available away missions you can participate in and any other actions that take time to complete.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;">
* [[Damage]]
* [[Hitting]]
* [[Randomizing algorithm]]
* [[Honour]]
* [[Initiative]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 60%;">
* [[Effects]]
* [[Luck]] - what it affects
* [[Loot]]
* [http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Calculator]
* [http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator] - Login: Deathnote | Password: Deathnote
</div>
</div>

<center><font size="10" face="gothic"> BLOOD WARS</font>

<hr width="300" > <br>

<font size="6" face="gothic"> LORE</font>
<hr width="90%"> </center>

<div style="float: left; padding: 25px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 25%;">
== The World Of Blood Wars ==
The official lore released by the developers.
* [[World's End War]]
* [[Founding the First City]]
* [[Act II - A New Dawn]]
* [[Act III - The Beasts Fall]]
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 25px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 65%;">
== Stories and Fan Fiction ==

<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th><center>[[The Angel of Death]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Bright At Night]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Brotherhood of Steel - The Chronicles]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Blood Wars]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[The history of Evangelion's Source]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Hunting a Basilisk]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Random song]]</center></th>
<tr>
<td><center>[[How i joined DARK and more stories]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Journey Into The Underworld!]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[Little Red Glock]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Tale of the Twins]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The War Diaries]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[Underworld story]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Song of A Drunken Soul]]</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>[[Itch]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[The Man at the Wall]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[Dragon hunt]]</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

Quest page v2

2025-03-22T01:52:40Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's a good idea to "Unlock" your random quest order ASAP, as you might be able to get a very high '''average''' chance to pass a difficult location by ignoring 1 or 2 stats. This can allow you to grind Far Journeys or Pilgrimages earlier, for more EXP and better equipment - but you'll only know what's possible once you've unlocked the random quest order.

You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Duration, Recharge & Caravans</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💲 Premium Options</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Quest page v2

2025-03-22T01:50:09Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's a good idea to "Unlock" your random quest order ASAP, as you might be able to get a very high '''average''' chance to pass a difficult location by ignoring 1 or 2 stats. This can allow you to grind Far Journeys or Pilgrimages earlier, for more EXP and better equipment - but you'll only know what's possible once you've unlocked the random quest order.

You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Premium Options</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Quest Duration & Recharge</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Caravan</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Quest page v2

2025-03-22T01:48:25Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's a good idea to "Unlock" your random quest order ASAP, as you might be able to get a very high '''average''' chance to pass a difficult location by ignoring 1 or 2 stats. This can allow you to grind Far Journeys or Pilgrimages earlier, gettinh more EXP and better rewards - but you'll only know what's possible once you've unlocked the random quest order.

You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Premium Options</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Quest Duration & Recharge</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Caravan</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Quest page v2

2025-03-22T01:43:30Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's preferable to "Unlock" your quest order ASAP as you might be able to get a very high average chance to pass a difficult location by sacrificing 1 or 2 stats and get more EXP and better rewards, but that only works once you've started getting them randomly. You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Premium Options</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Quest Duration & Recharge</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Caravan</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Quest page v2

2025-03-21T22:26:16Z

DemonDude:

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's preferable to "Unlock" your quest order ASAP as you might be able to get a very high average chance to pass a difficult location by sacrificing 1 or 2 stats and get more EXP and better rewards, but that only works once you've started getting them randomly. You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Premium Options</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Quest Duration & Recharge</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Caravan</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Quest page v2

2025-03-21T22:23:20Z

DemonDude: First big update. Still missing the QUest + Duration, Caravan, and Premium Options.

__NOTOC__
<div style="background: #2c1b1b; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 20px; color: #f5d9d9;">

<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 26px; font-weight: bold; color: #ff4444; text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px black;">
⚔️ BloodWars Quests & Treasure Points Guide 🩸
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🦇 Introduction</span> ==
Quests are one of your main paths to power - not only offering experience, but they're one of the best ways to acquire rare equipment needed to place you at the top of the leaderboard.

They grow in difficulty as you level up, demanding both good equipment and a long term strategy. They're one of the best and almost most frustrating elements of the game due to the RNG. This page will is here to help you understand how it all works.

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🩸 How Quests Work</span> ==
Quests are structured around three key mechanics:

* '''Quest Type & Location''' - Determines rewards and difficulty.
* '''Stat Requirement''' - Each quest tests a single '''character stat'''.
* '''Success Calculation''' - The game rolls a '''d100'''. Your success rate must exceed the roll.

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 8px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
📜 Success Calculation ▼
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; border: 1px solid #751616; padding: 10px; color: #f5d9d9; text-align:left;">

Each location has a maximum success rate based on the Act you are in, as seen in the table below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" |
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 90% || 80% || 80%
|-
| Act 2 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|-
| Act 3 || 80% || 70% || 65%
|}

You increase your success rate by increasing your statistics. Here's how you can do that:
* '''Training''' - This is a long term investment, mostly used for equipping your gear.
* '''Equipment''' - This is where most of your stats come from.
* '''Consumables''' - Too expensive to maintain long term, but great for passing pilgrimages in the early game.
* '''Luck''' - not only does luck help you get better loot, but it also increases your chance to pass.
* '''Level''' - As you level up, quests become harder - forcing you to train and upgrade your gear.

'''How does it work?'''
* When you finish a quest, the game rolls a d100.
* Your success chance needs to be higher than that result.
* Here's an example:
* Your Perception-based success rate is '''75%'''.
* The game rolls a '''63''' → You '''succeed'''! ✅
* The game rolls an '''84''' → You '''fail''' ❌

Higher levels make quests progressively harder. Improving your stats is essential for success.

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🏹 Quest Sequence</span> ==
At the start of the game, you can only go on quests in the '''Vicinity of the City'''. You're also doing them in what is called "'''Act 1'''", the first phase of the game. Here, the potential statistic that you are measured against will be random. But that changes as you go up in quest location and Act. For example, '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland''' in Act 1 start off following a set order rather than being random. It's only once you've '''completed them all once''' that it returns to a random order.

It's preferable to "Unlock" your quest order ASAP as you might be able to get a very high average chance to pass a difficult location by sacrificing 1 or 2 stats and get more EXP and better rewards, but that only works once you've started getting them randomly. You can plan ahead by looking at the tables below:

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 1 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 1, the order of quests made in the Vicinity of the City and Far Journeys are always random. The pre-set order only begins when you start performing '''Pilgrimages to the Wasteland'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 2 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 2, only quests made in the '''Vicinity of the City''' are random from the beginning, and the others follow a set path until they've all been completed once.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Knowledge || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Reputation || Agility
|-
| 3 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Strength || Strength
|-
| 4 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Charisma || Reputation
|-
| 5 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Perception || Appearance
|-
| 6 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Toughness || Charisma
|-
| 7 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Appearance || Intelligence
|-
| 8 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Agility || Perception
|-
| 9 || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || Intelligence || Toughness
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>


<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="background: #501e1e; border: 2px solid #751616; padding: 6px; text-align: center; color: #f5d9d9;">
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Act 3 ▼</span>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="background: #3b1e1e; padding: 8px; border:1px solid #751616; color:#f5d9d9; text-align: left;">

In Act 3 all locations need to be completed in a set order. Remember, once they've all been completed once, the order returns to random.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:10%;" | #
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:30%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| 1 || Agility || Perception || Knowledge
|-
| 2 || Toughness || Charisma || Strength
|-
| 3 || Charisma || Strength || Agility
|-
| 4 || Reputation || Knowledge || Toughness
|-
| 5 || Appearance || Appearance || Reputation
|-
| 6 || Knowledge || Reputation || Appearance
|-
| 7 || Intelligence || Toughness || Perception
|-
| 8 || Perception || Intelligence || Intelligence
|-
| 9 || Strength || Agility || Charisma
|-
| 10+ || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i> || <i style="color:#ffffcc;">Random</i>
|}

</div>
</div>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">💎 Treasure Points</span> ==
'''Treasure Points''' or "TP" are a special currency only earned through '''successful quests''' and as a potential reward in your [[Journey]]. You earn a different amount of TP depending on the location of the quest and the Act you are in, as seen below.

{| class="wikitable" style="table-layout: fixed; width:100%; background:#3b1e1e; color:#f5d9d9; border:2px solid #751616; text-align:center;"
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Act
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Vicinity of the City
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Far Journey
! style="background:#751616; width:25%;" | Pilgrimage
|-
| Act 1 || 1 Treasure Point || 2 Treasure Points || 4 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 2 || 2 Treasure Points || 3 Treasure Points || 6 Treasure Points
|-
| Act 3 || 3 Treasure Points || 5 Treasure Points || 7 Treasure Points
|}

You can choose what to spend your Treasure Points on, and as you level up, you can spend greater amounts to get greater rewards. These include: '''''Honour''''', '''''Junk''''', '''''People''''', '''''Blood''''', '''''Random Items''''', '''''Clan Hammers''''', and '''''Nanites'''''.

<i style="color:#ffffcc;">'''''Note that your Luck has no impact on the Random Items gained from Treasure rewards'''''</i>

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Premium Options</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Quest Duration & Recharge</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">⏰ Caravan</span> ==
WIP

== <span style="color:#ff4444;">🎯 Summary</span> ==
* '''Quests scale in difficulty''' as you level up.
* '''Each quest tests a single stat''' - train wisely!
* '''A d100 roll decides success''' - plan ahead!
* '''Caravans enable bulk questing''' with efficiency trade-offs.
* '''Treasure Points offer elite rewards''' - dig deep and reap the spoils!

<div style="text-align: center; background: #501e1e; padding: 8px; border: 2px solid #751616;">
<span style="color: #f5d9d9; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold;">🦇 Let the Quest Begin! 🩸</span>
</div>

</div>

Path of the Ancients

2025-03-21T15:00:05Z

DemonDude: Trying to add a new page.

<center><font size="10" face="gothic"> BLOOD WARS</font>

<hr width="300" > <br>

<font size="6" face="gothic"> TUTORIAL</font>

[[Quest page v2]]

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 60%;">
Welcome to the Blood Wars tutorial which the developers created and then was expanded upon and evolved with the help of many great players of the game. Below you will see all aspects of the game broken down into categories for ease of management as well as making it more accessible to new players of the game.

Having trouble viewing this page? [[BloodWars_Tutorial|Check out the mobile version.]]
</div></center>

<center>
<div style="float: center; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 65%; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
== First Steps for New Players ==
The initial screen of any browser based game can be quite daunting to new players, to combat that this section of the tutorial has been created to ease new and returning players alike into the game.
* [[What is Blood Wars?]]
* [[Realm Type]] - How do they differ?
* [[Character Creation]] - What is your play style?
* [[How to Begin the Game]] - Your first steps into the world of Blood Wars
</div>

<hr width="99%"> </center>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 275px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== BLOOD WARS BASICS ==
The basics of the game everyone needs to know.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">
* [[user interface|The User Interface]]
* [[The structure of the city|Structure and division of the City]]
* [[Parameters|Character's parameters]]
* [[Races]] and their [[Arcana]]
* [[Resources]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
* [[Experience|Experience, points in ranking, progress points, levels]]
* [[Items]]
* [[Regeneration|Blood points, hit points, regeneration]]
* [[The II Act]]
* [[The III Act]]
</div>
</div>
<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 275px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== FEATURES ==
Areas of the game you can interact with.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;">
* [[Tattoos|Tattoos]]
* [[Vacation]]
* [[Stones]]
* [[Clans]]
* [[Buildings]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 55%;">
* [[Clan Armoury]]
* [[Premium account]]
* [[Well of Souls|Well of souls - upgrading items]]
* [[Auctions|Auctions]] - Underworld type realms only
* [[Trade]] - Necropolis type realms only
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 310px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== PLAYER ACTIONS ==
In Blood Wars you send your character away to complete tasks and gather loot. Below you will find a list of all the available away missions you can participate in and any other actions that take time to complete.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">
* [[Quests]]
* [[Espionage]]
* [[Ambush|Attacking enemies]]
* [[Sieges]]
* [[Tasks]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 50%;">
* [[Server Events|Server events]]
* [[Expeditions|Expeditions]]
* [[The Arena]]
* [[King of the Hill]]
* [[Hall of Enchantments and Enchant List]]
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: Right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 310px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== GAME MECHANICS ==
In Blood Wars you send your character away to complete tasks and gather loot. Below you will find a list of all the available away missions you can participate in and any other actions that take time to complete.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;">
* [[Damage]]
* [[Hitting]]
* [[Randomizing algorithm]]
* [[Honour]]
* [[Initiative]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 60%;">
* [[Effects]]
* [[Luck]] - what it affects
* [[Loot]]
* [http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Calculator]
* [http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator] - Login: Deathnote | Password: Deathnote
</div>
</div>

<center><font size="10" face="gothic"> BLOOD WARS</font>

<hr width="300" > <br>

<font size="6" face="gothic"> LORE</font>
<hr width="90%"> </center>

<div style="float: left; padding: 25px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 25%;">
== The World Of Blood Wars ==
The official lore released by the developers.
* [[World's End War]]
* [[Founding the First City]]
* [[Act II - A New Dawn]]
* [[Act III - The Beasts Fall]]
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 25px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 65%;">
== Stories and Fan Fiction ==

<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th><center>[[The Angel of Death]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Bright At Night]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Brotherhood of Steel - The Chronicles]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Blood Wars]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[The history of Evangelion's Source]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Hunting a Basilisk]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Random song]]</center></th>
<tr>
<td><center>[[How i joined DARK and more stories]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Journey Into The Underworld!]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[Little Red Glock]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Tale of the Twins]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The War Diaries]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[Underworld story]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Song of A Drunken Soul]]</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>[[Itch]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[The Man at the Wall]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[Dragon hunt]]</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

Character Creation

2013-08-26T10:22:24Z

DemonDude: Created page with "In BloodWars it is very very important to plan ahead as this is a game that takes time to get good and only by knowing what direction you are going in will you end up as a strong..."

In BloodWars it is very very important to plan ahead as this is a game that takes time to get good and only by knowing what direction you are going in will you end up as a strong vampire at the top of the leader boards. You have many things to consider when creating your character but at the end it boils down to how you want to play the game at advanced levels and how you plan on fighting your enemies.

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== Races and Gender ==
At the start of the game, you can choose from 4 different vampire races and be either male or female. This single decision can shape the way you play the game from here on out so it is important to have an idea of what you want to be doing later in the game.

You can check out more information on the races, equipment types and tattoos in other areas of this tutorial.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Race==
Your race choice determines your basic racial traits and arcana for the rest of the game. Some of these combo very well with specific tattoo paths and weapons styles which are detailed throughout this page.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Gender==
Much like your racial choice, gender also plays a key role in your character creation as some items in the game are limited to one sex. These are generally small stat boosts but some can work extremely well with one path and terribly with another.
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== Beast Master==
The best choice for anyone planning on using melee weapons, the beast master gives its users extra strength and melee attacks per round arcana.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Male==
Male beast masters can have a reputation boost from signets as well as 2 unique damage boosts from high level kilts and bandannas.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Female==
Female beast masters have 1 unique attack boost from high level skirts as well as a defense boost from high level corsets which combos very well with 2h melee tattoos. The headband at high levels compensates for one of the greatest weaknesses of melee players - opponents with a high defense stat.
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
==Cultist==
Changed with new patch ... no idea what the new arcana does ...... its extra damage ... good for killing stuff .... need a cultist to fill this in or tell me what to fill in ;) pm DemonDude on UW.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Male==
Much like Beast masters, cultists can obtain a unique reputation boost from signets as well as 2 unique damage boosts from high level kilts and bandannas.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Female==
Female cultists have 1 unique attack boost from high level skirts as well as a defense boost from high level corsets. The headband at high levels gives the player an ignore defense buff.
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
==Absorber==
Absorbers are great all rounders that have the best questing arcana in the game as well as having the ability to block or steal enemy arcana making them very versatile fighters. Absorbers also have 5% easiness trait lowering the requirements of equipment by 5%. The crit and luck from absorbers combos very well with multiple tattoos, it is arguably the best for rangers and can stand its ground with most other weapon types too.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Male==
...
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Female==
...
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
==Thoughtcatcher ==
yet to be written .... need to talk to other thought catchers first, PM DemonDude on UW with info
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Male==
...
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Female==
...
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== Cursed One ==
Cursed ones are a tech choice you can make from Act II and onwards. You can (de/e)volve into a cursed one to gain a horror effect which is very useful in expeditions and frees up your head gear in attacks.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Male==
...
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
==Female==
...
</div>
</div>

<span style="color: red;"><center>'''WIP'''</center></span>

__NOTOC__

Realm Type

2013-08-26T08:55:41Z

DemonDude:

There are two known cities in the United Kingdom to have survived the apocalipse, their original names lost to time they are now known only by their cold monikers:

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== UNDERWORLD ==
The first city to have been discovered by the lord of darkness and arguably the gritiest and most challenging city to live in, but also the most rewarding.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 5px 5px; margin-top: 1px; width: 90%;">
==Unique Features==
</div>
Underworld (UW) type servers employ many different gameplay mechanics to enhance yourself and your gear.

* UW servers utilize an upgrading system in which you spend stones to upgrade your gear from basic through to good and perfect each with 5 levels to upgrade to.

* You can increase your characters strength and abilities via the tattoo system at the cost of stones and PoP.

* Clan armory items can only be used for questing and expeditions.

* You gain a lot of experience for joining expeditions higher than your level range.

* Unique set effects.

* You can only trade items through the auction house.

</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 1px; width: 46%; height: 376px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== NECROPOLIS ==
The newest city discovered in the United Kingdom, under different rules and systems than Underworld making for an easier and more casual experience into BloodWars.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 1px; width: 90%;">
==Unique Features==
Necropolis (Necro) type servers employ fewer gameplay mechanics to make for a easier and more casual BloodWars experience.

* Items drop in basic forms, normal, good and perfect.

* You can trade PoP and items through auctions and direct trades with other players.

* Clan armory items can only be used for everything.

* You gain a no experience for joining expeditions higher than your level range.

* Unique set effects.

* Less tactics involved due to less tactical options available, but also less luck involved without the need to upgrade gear.

</div>

__NOTOC__

Path of the Ancients

2013-08-26T08:18:56Z

DemonDude:

<center><font size="10" face="gothic"> BLOOD WARS</font>

<hr width="300" > <br>

<font size="6" face="gothic"> TUTORIAL</font>

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 60%;">
Welcome to the Blood Wars tutorial which the developers created and then was expanded upon and evolved with the help of many great players of the game. Below you will see all aspects of the game broken down into categories for ease of management as well as making it more accessible to new players of the game.

Having trouble viewing this page? [[BloodWars_Tutorial|Check out the mobile version.]]
</div></center>

<center>
<div style="float: center; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 65%; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
== First Steps for New Players ==
The initial screen of any browser based game can be quite daunting to new players, to combat that this section of the tutorial has been created to ease new and returning players alike into the game.
* [[What is Blood Wars?]]
* [[Realm Type]] - How do they differ?
* [[Character Creation]] - What is your play style?
* [[How to Begin the Game]] - Your first steps into the world of Blood Wars
</div>

<hr width="99%"> </center>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 275px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== BLOOD WARS BASICS ==
The basics of the game everyone needs to know.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">
* [[user interface|The User Interface]]
* [[The structure of the city|Structure and division of the City]]
* [[Parameters|Character's parameters]]
* [[Races]] and their [[Arcana]]
* [[Resources]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
* [[Experience|Experience, points in ranking, progress points, levels]]
* [[Items]]
* [[Regeneration|Blood points, hit points, regeneration]]
* [[The II Act]]
* [[The III Act]]
</div>
</div>
<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 275px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== FEATURES ==
Areas of the game you can interact with.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;">
* [[Tattoos|Tattoos]]
* [[Vacation]]
* [[Stones]]
* [[Clans]]
* [[Buildings]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 55%;">
* [[Clan Armoury]]
* [[Premium account]]
* [[Well of Souls|Well of souls - upgrading items]]
* [[Auctions|Auctions]] - Underworld type realms only
* [[Trade]] - Necropolis type realms only
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 310px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== PLAYER ACTIONS ==
In Blood Wars you send your character away to complete tasks and gather loot. Below you will find a list of all the available away missions you can participate in and any other actions that take time to complete.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">
* [[Quests]]
* [[Espionage]]
* [[Ambush|Attacking enemies]]
* [[Sieges]]
* [[Tasks]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 50%;">
* [[Server Events|Server events]]
* [[Expeditions|Expeditions]]
* [[The Arena]]
* [[King of the Hill]]
* [[Hall of Enchantments and Enchant List]]
</div>
</div>

<div style="float: Right; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 46%; height: 310px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 10px; margin-top: 10px; ">
== GAME MECHANICS ==
In Blood Wars you send your character away to complete tasks and gather loot. Below you will find a list of all the available away missions you can participate in and any other actions that take time to complete.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;">
* [[Damage]]
* [[Hitting]]
* [[Randomizing algorithm]]
* [[Honour]]
* [[Initiative]]
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 60%;">
* [[Effects]]
* [[Luck]] - what it affects
* [[Loot]]
* [http://r1.bloodwars.net/test_items.php Item Calculator]
* [http://www.kaoteq.com/bw/merge/checkMerges.php Merge Calculator] - Login: Deathnote | Password: Deathnote
</div>
</div>

<center><font size="10" face="gothic"> BLOOD WARS</font>

<hr width="300" > <br>

<font size="6" face="gothic"> LORE</font>
<hr width="90%"> </center>

<div style="float: left; padding: 25px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 25%;">
== The World Of Blood Wars ==
The official lore released by the developers.
* [[World's End War]]
* [[Founding the First City]]
* [[Act II - A New Dawn]]
* [[Act III - The Beasts Fall]]
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 25px 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 65%;">
== Stories and Fan Fiction ==

<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th><center>[[The Angel of Death]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Bright At Night]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Brotherhood of Steel - The Chronicles]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Blood Wars]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[The history of Evangelion's Source]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Hunting a Basilisk]]</center></th>
<th><center>[[Random song]]</center></th>
<tr>
<td><center>[[How i joined DARK and more stories]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Journey Into The Underworld!]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[Little Red Glock]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Tale of the Twins]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The War Diaries]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[Underworld story]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[The Song of A Drunken Soul]]</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>[[Itch]] </center></td>
<td><center>[[The Man at the Wall]]</center></td>
<td><center>[[Dragon hunt]]</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
<td><center>...</center></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

What is Blood Wars?

2013-08-26T00:42:35Z

DemonDude: Created page with "<center> == '''BloodWars''' is a free to play text based MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role-playing game). == In BloodWars you impersonate a vampire in a post nuclear wo..."

<center>
== '''BloodWars''' is a free to play text based MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role-playing game). ==

In BloodWars you impersonate a vampire in a post nuclear world and fight for dominance in one of the few cities to have survived the apocalypse.

You begin the game as a newly-changed vampire, without support and having only what you managed to find in the surrounding ruins.

During the course of the game you'll do many [[quests|quests]] penetrating the ruined world, seeking lost fragments of the past to help you defeat your many enemies.
You will [[Ambush|fight]] against other vampires dwelling in the city to gain [[resources|resources]], [[experience]] and respect.
You will battle to protect every inch of the few alleys and streets, the small [[the structure of the city|square]] of the city you call home. You will also [[Sieges|lay sieges]] against other vampires to progress deeper into the cities wealthier districts called [[the structure of the city|zones]] where you can find better loot .
However, you won't be alone during these heroic battles as your [[Clans|clanmates]] support you during [[Sieges|sieges]] and [[Expeditions|expeditions]] on your rise to power.

==Requirements==
PC, Laptop, Phone, Tablet or any other similar device with a connection to the internet and an up-to-date internet browser.
</center>

The Tale of the Twins

2013-07-30T15:32:58Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: [http://r1.bloodwars.net/?a=profile&uid=7878 Lysandra] [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=1170 Oringal Link 1] and [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?th..."

Author: [http://r1.bloodwars.net/?a=profile&uid=7878 Lysandra]

[http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=1170 Oringal Link 1] and [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=10369 2]

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-left: 10%; width: 70%;">
= Chapter 1 =

I remember the day we decided to start the clan like it was yesterday. It was cold in the cave, the kind of cold that chills the bone and freezes the blood. Luckily, my twin brother and I could not feel the icy air. We hardly needed to breathe, only needing the rich blood of humans to survive. We had been wandering aimlessly for quite some time, attacking whoever we came across, when we felt the need to. No one had retaliated, the prospect of facing two vampires deterring most.

The sun had begun to rise, so we took shelter. Lestat sat across from me, guns at his sides, his black armour and blacker hair blending into the darkness of the cave, leaving the impression that only a floating face occupied the darkness. His blue eyes glowed in the opaque darkness, brighter than any time in our human years.

Our human years…three thousand years had passed since we could call ourselves mortal. But, it seemed sometimes that no time had passed at all. I remember the day that set everything in motion as if it was yesterday. We were six years old. I had just awoken at a friends’ house to find out that our parents were dead. Lestat had been at another friends’ house, giving our parents a night free from us. And what did they do? They got themselves killed. It hadn’t been their fault; really, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That memory led me onto the years that followed. It seemed no one wanted to adopt us, even our own extended family made excuses. For four years we went from orphanage to orphanage until finally, we were taken in. But, fate has a way of turning a positive thing rotten, like a worm in a juicy red apple.

Our new parents berated us, not physically, but mentally and emotionally. They used our ages to get pity from other family members and the government to get money. They used us when we became old enough to work, to get money. They took our wages and spent our hard earned money on their booze and their expenses. We moved two months before our eighteenth birthday. I’ve learned that fate has a way of kicking you when you finally get back up.

The war started shortly after and again, we were left homeless, this time because of fighting. We ran; that’s all we could have done. We did not stand and fight; we would have been killed either way and we did not want to die. We left the city taking with us not much more then the clothes on our backs, our distinctive skills and some money. Finally, fate smiled on us.

We had been travelling for months, exhausted from running and working with no permanent place to stay. One evening, bandits came upon us, threatening to kill us for what little we owned. We managed to fight them off for awhile, but soon they overwhelmed us. Suddenly, a blur of motion began tearing through their ranks. I had been struck in the head; Lestat was run through with a sword. We knew nothing; we thought we would never know again.

We woke to find ourselves alive and significantly more powerful than before. Our naturally alabaster skin was paler, our naturally bright blue eyes, unnaturally brighter and our untameable raven locks, manageable. We could see farther than ever before. We could smell the autumn air, and noticed it was filled with death. It dawned on us then what happened. We had become vampires.

The years passed swiftly. We busied ourselves with studying alchemy and magic. We learned how to use many different weapons, everything from the ancient bows and arrows to modern guns. Lestat developed a great weakness for these new weapons and began collecting every one he could find. He gathered a great collection and even now is biding his time before he brings out his ‘secret’ weapon. We watched in awe as the world grew from one of farming and tilling to one of technology. Just as swiftly as it arose, it was destroyed by the third world war.

“Lysandra?” Lestat asked. I woke from my thoughts, staring into a vaguely worried expression.

“Sorry Lestat. I was just thinking.” I replied. He nodded, knowing too well of my occasional ways of leaving the real world for one of memory and fantasy. He looks out of the cave and into the skies, barely visible from so far in the cave. A smile grew on his face and he laughed lightly.

“We’re really gonna do it, eh? We’re gonna get our family?” He asked, staring away from me. I laughed.

“Yes. A family of darkness.” I told him, sensing that the sun was long dead. The cave had been brighter when we first entered it. Now it was so dark, Lestat was reduced to a pair of blue eyes, hovering in front of me. He laughed again and stood. I followed suite and we left, two lone hunters on a new mission. A mission to gain the family we never had.

We brought forth our clan, the Family of Darkness. Our third, DeathJam, joined swiftly and others followed. We learned from them, they learned from us. We protected them when we could and they did the same. It seems now that after 3000 years, we have our family and I know; we will never let fate take that away from us again.

= Chapter 2 =

The night was cool, the air bearing the hints of winter as the year came to an end. The sky was dark there was no moon, no stars to light the way. But it was starting to lighten slowly; soon the sun would rise and warm the earth. In the distance a city stood on the brink of victory over the evil that had been dwelling there. The traveller assumed this, he did not know for sure if the battle he had run from had been decided yet.

Orange coloured hair shifted as a breath of cool night air passed over this lone traveller. He walked briskly away from the city, over the cracked asphalt road with its faded yellow line. The trees to either side of him were in a state of half-decay, rendered as such by the final world war. No car had travelled over this lonely road, only a multitude of feet many months ago.

The lone traveller, formerly known as La Puce, formerly known as Patris, wandered along the center line with a smirk on his angular face. An hour ago he had passed the old decrepit city limits sign, in a mere few moments he would be in the city proper. Once there he could kill again, once there, he could spy. Once he entered this city, all hell would break loose.

The lone traveller, now known as Aries, stepped into the city proper amazed at the slight transition of trees to homes and buildings. Three dozen steps later and he was on a main road of the city looking around himself with interest. Humans were out, crawling from their hovels and hiding places to begin their days, such as their days were. Aries paid them no heed. Instead he walked into a building and hid in the shadows, the night was soon to be over and he did not want to be caught out in the sun.

As the sun rose outside, Aries sighed. He wanted to begin the plans of mayhem as quickly as possible but with the night over, he was stuck with thinking and only thinking. He shrugged to himself and did just that: thinking. He knew of three spies that were in the city, friends of the weakling La Puce. They would not know him but that was a mote point. If needed, he could force the information he needed out of them, that information was detrimental to the rest of his plans.

Once he located BoS, the Brotherhood of Steel, he could start the mayhem. It would be easy enough for him to pose as a joining member and pass their battery of test to actually become trusted. After that, he would suggest to Mortis that this city was horrid and he should think of moving before all his people abandoned him. A few nights of pester would be enough to cause the all ready planning Mortis to leave this city and take the next.

Aries grinned and laughed lightly to himself. Once BoS made the preparations to move out, he would slip from their ranks and return to his former home. He figured he would be back there in a matter of five or six days. If all went well he could cause a ruckus there while BoS moved in. Then he could easily flow into anonymousity while the battle for the city raged. The war wouldn’t take place for quite some time though, BoS would move in first than try to gain the city slowly instead of just taking it all at once.

Furthermore, Aries figured it would take a few weeks for the leaders to set themselves up for a second war. A war much larger than the first war, a war to make the one with Azrael seem like it was mere child’s play. A war that would make the city streets run red with ancient blood, a war that would bring hell to earth. Aries laughed out right, his insane roar flowing out of the broken windows and making the few humans shiver in fright. If only those humans knew what was in store for the coming weeks.

</div>

Underworld story

2013-07-30T15:26:55Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: Elisabeth [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=756 Original Link] Needs Formatted <div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-left: 10%; width: 70%;">Another was..."

Author: Elisabeth

[http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=756 Original Link]

Needs Formatted

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-left: 10%; width: 70%;">Another wasted night- thought Elisabeth. I need to drink less. Last time when I had serious blowout with Zauborin and Vlade I decided to make Black knight tattoo. That is what alcohol make to vampires they act before thinking.

Now I need to find 6 parts of my equipment. I already have weapon but that is not all.

Elisabeth started to think about merge list and her armoury to know better how much time she need to collect her dream equipment.

1)Assault xxx of Adrenaline

Still far to merge it.

2)Elvish Full Plate mail of Death shower

I miss 2-3 items to merge it.

3)Elvish Shorts of Scout

Far far away. I even didn't reveal how to merge it.

4)Titanium Neckerchief of Concentration.

Surfix almost made but I didn't reveal Titanium merge at amulets.

5&6)Titanium Bracelet of Youth

Soon I will be able to merge 1 and I will use 2nd that Zauborin made to me.

7)My final weapon Demonic Two-handed sword of Betrayal

I even gave him name "My precious".

Still long way for me to get my dream set.

It is getting early I need to rush now to get into my territory before 1st sunbeam reach Underworld.

What is this?

Elisabeth found shinning object after closer examination she discovered Solar Ring.

~At least something worthy.

After while Elisabeth came into her territory.

Elisabeth saw that someone break in her armoury. She rushed in to check if nothing is missing. Inside there was a shadow and strange smell of rotten meet.

~Who is there!!?? Show up or I will grant you eternal pain.

From shadow emerged small vampires. He was wearing worn out shirt and shorts. His body was looking like the one of a zombie.

~Go away beggar from my armoury. Taking your life is not worthy my time.

@Beggar? You should watch your mouth I could kill you before you could notice.

~Don't overdo my patience or...

@or? Try your strength.

~Say prayers to your gods because you will meet them soon.

Elisabeth rushed at beggar but somehow she couldn't hit him. He was very fast. Elisabeth fought with many fast vampires like caprio and Dr.G but there was something strange in this small beggar. He didn't wear any weapon/jewelery/helmet his speed seams to be going from his body not equipment.

Finally he didn't avoid my fatal blow. Sword pierced his chest and probably heart. Beggar didn't look wounded even more he smiled.

@Are you done?

Elisabeth removed sword from his chest.

~Who are you?

@That is not important at least for now.

His wound suddenly recovered.

~What you want from me?

@You decided to chose one of the hardest way to evolve yourself. Do you want to be much more stronger?

~I'm already strong.

@Your strength is pathetic. Try to merge those 2 weapons.

Beggar pointed at 2 crystal maces.

@As a Black knight you don't need agility or high weapon damage.

~I already checked their merges. The weapon that I would receive is not worthy my merge stone.

@Pathetic. I thought that you want to be the strongest. You had best weapon under your nose and you call it "not worthy"? As I thought I wasted my time coming here.

~You don't know anything about Black knight and 2h weapons and you wan to teach me?

Elisabeth talked to illusion that suddenly disappear.

~What a looser.

Time to make changes in my wish list.

Elisabeth moved to stone where she wrote her dream equip.

She saw that someone (probably strange beggar) wrote something.

1)Assault xxx of Adrenaline > Tiger's Helmet of Turtle shell

2)Elvish Full plate mail of Death shower >Tiger Full plate mail of Turtle shell

3)Elvish Shorts of Scout > Tiger Trousers of Scout

4&5&6)No change

7)My final weapon Demonic Two-handed sword of Betrayal > Crystal xxx of Blodsucker

What a loser now how clean up this writings?

Oh well almost sunrise time for sleep.

After sleep Elisabeth was getting curious why that strange small guy called this weapon "The best" one.

I have enough merge stones so I will risk and make this crap.

Elisabeth went to well of soul and made Crystal Mace of Blodsucker.

After touching it she felt strange power. Her overall strength suddenly increase.

Strange. What is wrong with this weapon? It shouldn't be so strong. I will check its upgrades.

Elisabeth started to concentrate. What she saw was amazing. Power of this weapon increase after each upgrade.

Amazing weapon. That crazy beggar was right this could be one of the strongest weapon.

Elisabeth upgraded it to good+1.

It is hard to wield this weapon. Luckily I saved some points of progress. Time to invest more into intelligence and wear this mace.

Soon Elisabeth went into siege. Time to test this mace.

Elisabeth was heavily beaten. This mace allowed her stay on her feet for longer. On the other hand she suffer longer.

Not so strong as you thought old man.

Suddenly CESARZ ambushed Elisabeth. He couldn't kill elisabeth. after long fight he was forced to pull back to his territory.

Elisabeth saw power of this weapon. CESARZ always defeated Elisabeth but thanks to this weapon he couldn't even scratch her.

After a while she decided to go back to her armoury and look at those dream equipment that wrote that strange beggar.

In armoury Elisabeth started to think about this.

This could work.

Elisabeth went to quest in hope that she will find something that will suit into her BK tattoo.

She will never give up from her dream to collect all those desired equipment.

Her quest is long and hard. After most of you will end your non-life in Underworld dream will still live. With this dream will live Elisabeth.

</div>

Itch

2013-07-30T15:18:56Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: [http://r1.bloodwars.net/?a=profile&uid=7878 Lysandra] [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=22788 Original Link] Needs Formatted Non- BW related. <div s..."

Author: [http://r1.bloodwars.net/?a=profile&uid=7878 Lysandra]

[http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=22788 Original Link]

Needs Formatted

Non- BW related.

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-left: 10%; width: 70%;">

It started with an itch. That’s all it really was, and the first itch happened on my arm. I was in the middle of talking to my friends at school, just updating everyone on what I did over the weekend. My boyfriend had driven into town and he took me to dinner and a movie. We went to the new bar in town and partied until like 1AM.

It was when I was talking about how the bar tender was checking me out when my left arm got really itchy under my sweater. I didn’t think anything of it then, I just scratched it for a bit and moved on. I mean, what’s an itch really?

Soon, quarter after one came and we had to split for class. I was heading to Human Anatomy and Forensics One, my friend Becca was off to Grammar and my friend Lizzie was running towards the Mackenzie building for Nutrition. The campus was huge, so it was a mystery whether or not she would actually make it. And just to clarify, college campus, not high school. This isn’t some corny high school drama.

Anyway, I went to my class and sat down, waiting for the teacher with massive anticipation. I loved that class and still wish that itch hadn’t happened so I could still be in that class. That’s one of the things I really miss: learning. I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm but a lot of people tell me I don’t look the part: “You’re way to pretty to be that smart!” What does beauty have to do with anything?

Class started with a discussion about the skull. Professor Stevens was point out where the occipital bone was when the itch started again. It was the same place, on my left arm above my elbow. This time around, it had spread a bit and crawled down my arm about an inch and a half. I really didn’t think about it, my sweater was usually itchy every now and again.

The day went on as normal and I met up with Becca and Lizzie again around 6PM. We walked down to the school bar in a light snow and ordered some food. We were all sick of the instant noodles at our individual dorms but none of us could afford anything more until the end of the month. That’s when our parents would get worried and send money or care packs. We’d eat well for about two weeks, survive on instant ramen, Kraft Dinner and cheap vegetables when they went on sale for a third week then be reduced to ramen for the last week. College was not the time to eat well.

We stayed there for about two hours, updating each other on parents, little brothers, older sisters, boyfriends and pets. Finally around 8PM we all decided to split and go home. I had a bit of Anatomy stuff to do and some mock criminal profiling and Becca had an essay to write. Lizzie had to study for a test.

That night was freezing. The snow had started coming down in huge chunks while we were in the student bar. It was all ready up to my knees when I started walking back to my apartment, located only a 10 minute walk from the school. I made it out of the campus and felt that itch creep back along my arm under my heavy winter coat. This time it was radiating from the inside of my elbow all the way down to my wrist.

I had to ignore it then; it wasn’t like I was going to take off my winter coat outside just to scratch my arm. I ducked my head deeper into my collar and quickened my pace. The itch didn’t go away. If anything, it got a lot worse. I mean, I know itches get worse when you can’t scratch them but this one felt like there were fire ants under my sweater sleeve feasting on my flesh. It kept migrating too. Now it was my whole inner left arm from the armpit all the way down to my wrist.

I finally made it home in a half-jog, half penguin walk and basically flew up the three flights of stairs. I dropped my keys once and I think I actually growled in annoyance. Once I got inside, turned on my light and locked my door and just about tore off my winter coat and bag just to scratch at my arm.

It felt so good once I was finally able to get the bulk of it. What I didn’t noticed (at first, I sure as heck saw them later) were the white flakes coming from under my sweater sleeve as I scratched and scratched at my arm. I was in the main entrance with my boots soaking through the carpet for at least ten minutes, just clawing at my arm. Finally, the itch went away and I stripped out of my boots and put everything away.

I carted my bag to my room and in the span of those few minutes, that familiar itch started tingling at my elbow. That’s when I decided that the sweater had to go. Yes, it was an amazing shade of teal that highlighted my red hair and green eyes but it wasn’t worth this much trouble. High fashion was not worth discomfort, EVER.

I think I actually tore my sweater when I took it off. I can’t remember and I haven’t really looked at it since. But it did pile to the floor at my feet as I scratched my arm in the darkened room. Finally I flicked the light and caught my reflection in the full length free standing mirror across from my door.

I think I actually fainted when my eyes landed on my left arm. Actually, I KNOW I fainted because I had to get up off the floor to get closer to the mirror. That and my head was just throbbing where I had hit it on my downfall.

My left arm was a mass of red. I’m not talking mild irritation either, I’ve had that before. It was BEAT RED like a stop sign. As if that was bad enough, flakes of skin were literally just falling off my arm wherever I had scratched. I had never seen any rash on ANYONE look this bad. To make it worse, I was STILL scratching. Skin was just sloughing off my arm and sticking under my nails and I couldn’t STOP.

I was actually morbidly fascinated with it for a long while. Just watching the skin fall off and start piling on the floor was kind of intriguing. Then it hit me: this was MY ARM. This was MY SKIN. I stopped and grabbed the top of the mirror in my right hand, holding my left arm closer to the glass to study the damage.

In retrospect, I really shouldn’t have done that. There were black spots appearing where I had scratched the skin too much and they were oozing this clear fluid, kind of like pus. I felt bile rise up in my throat and barely made it to the toilet to relieve myself of the pizza sub and potato chips I had for dinner. It didn’t taste as good coming up as it did going down.

I think I was dry heaving for about 15 minutes before I noticed an entirely different stench coming from my immediate vicinity. At first I couldn’t make the link to what it was exactly. Then I sniffed around my left arm and just stared it shock. Rotten flesh was what I smelled; my arm was turning this sick gray color where it wasn’t red, flaky and pus-oozing.

That’s when I really started freaking out. When I showered this morning, my arm was perfectly fine. A bit stiff because I like sleeping on my left side, but besides that, it was normal. The weird thing was that I could still move it like normal and FEEL. I learned the feel part when I smacked it against the toilet by accident when I got up.

I started making my way back to my room when the lights went out. Total darkness took over the entire hall between my bathroom and my room and I leaned against the wall for support. I heard heavy breathing and thought someone had broken in for a second, until I realized it was just me panicking.

I managed to make my way back to my room when the familiar itch started on my shoulder. This high pitched keening sound started and I knew it was me this time. I think I grabbed the first thing my right hand landed on out of my closet and pulled it on with both arms perfectly functional, even though the left was literally rotting away.

The shirt was my sheer black one which I normally wore a tank top under. I didn’t care at the moment. I stumbled to my front door and pulled on my boots and coat again. I barely remembered to grab my keys and purse before stepping back out of my apartment and down the hall.

I made it to into the lobby, trying not to scratch at my shoulder when the landlord spotted me and called out. I didn’t hear him and he called out again. Actually, I heard him fine, I just didn’t register it was me he was calling.

Finally he grabbed me by the shoulder and I screamed; punching out with my right hand and hitting him square in the nose. He landed with a thud and blood streaming down his face. I didn’t even stop to see if he was okay, I just up and ran out the front door of the building and down the street.

The insane dash to the local hospital was a blur of snow. I fell at least six times and almost got hit by a few cars because I wasn’t paying attention to the traffic lights telling me when I was all right to cross. I think a few drivers screamed at me too, but I can’t remember what they said. All I knew was that the itch had spread into my back and it was getting worse.

I finally saw the hospital up ahead and hitched a sharp breath of relief; they HAD to be able to do something to stop this. I slammed through the doors and promptly slipped and fell hard on my butt because of my slippery boots. A nurse came running to me and helped me up and I remember nodding and starting to rip my coat off.

“What’s wrong hun?” She asked in a sugar-sweet voice.

I finally managed to tug my coat off and her face kind of shifted to one of mild disgust at my shirt. With the knee high boots and skinny jeans I probably looked like a hooker because of the sheer black shirt.

“My arm is rotting away!” I screamed and literally ripped the left sleeve off my shirt to show her.

I saw her eyes widen in shock and she bit back a scream. I looked at my own arm and went to my knees with a sob. My entire left arm was grey and black with pus oozing everywhere. The shirt sleeve in my hand was soaked with it and my coat was actually changing color from white to yellow because of the pus. I had lost all my fingernails on my left hand along the way and the tips were shrunken and black.

“Oh my GOD, come with me, I’ll get you to a doctor right now!” the nurse said and hoisted me to my feet.

I don’t remember much of what happened next. I know the nurse pulled me into this special area and a doctor had turned and literally stared at my arm for a full five minutes before muttering something about prepping me for surgery. The nurse took me through another series of halls and into a room where she handed me a hospital gown and told me to put it on. I think I nodded and turned my back to her.

I heard her gasp and knew the rot had spread down my back. I could feel the itch along my lower back and starting in my right shoulder now. It had also spread across my front, over my left breast and gathering around the valley between my breasts. My neck was mildly itchy and I had the sudden urge to scream. I was going to rot away in less than twenty-four hours and no amount of modern medicine could do anything to stop it.

I think the nurse realized that I was in a state of shock then and moved forward to help me get undressed. I remember turning and meeting her eyes. They were brown and almond shaped. Her face was slightly tanned, her hair pitch black. I saw her pulse throbbing against her neck and this sudden hunger came over me.

It wasn’t a normal hunger like you get from being a few minutes from a meal. I felt absolutely starved, as if I hadn’t eaten in a week. I realized what I was hungry for right away, I could almost taste it. I bit her in the neck hard and ripped back, pulling a good deal of flesh with it. She really started screaming then but I didn’t care.

I grabbed her around the throat with my rotting left arm and snapped her neck. The funny thing is that I had just learned in one of my courses that it’s actually impossible to do that. The way the spine is made and the way the human hands are made, one has to be exceptionally strong in order to actually walk up and snap someone’s neck cleanly and quickly like that.

I heard footsteps coming down the hall then but still couldn’t bring myself to worry. The nurse at my feet had started rotting away quickly, faster than what I was. Soon the footsteps stopped right outside the door and four other nurses stared at me in abject terror. The nurse on the floor moaned and sat up with a crack.

Her head was skewed but she still managed to pull herself to her feet and stare at the other nurses, blood still dripping weakly from her neck wound. I finally swallowed the bit of flesh I had stuck in my teeth and it satisfied that intense hunger like I knew nothing else would. The nurse attacked her colleagues, literally biting hunks from their flesh until they bled to death or she ripped them apart.

More people were coming then and I joined her in the bloodbath. Soon my boots were slipping in the gore. Twenty people lay dead around us apparently the hospital was on skeleton staff since not that many security personal came to stop us. After a brief moment, all twenty people starting moaning awake and getting back to their feet. Their flesh was gray and sloughing away and their eyes were dead. They looked at me and I nodded.

I watched them shuffle away down the hall, heading towards the smell of people. I could smell them too now. The itch had spread across my face, stomach and right arm by that time. The smell of sweat, strong and tasty came to my nose and I followed the little army of mine down the hall and into the main waiting room.

Five people looked up and started screaming. I can’t remember how long it took but soon there was not a single person left alive in the hospital. Not a one made it out either because I made sure my growing army covered all the exits. Once everyone was accounted for and gathered around me in droves, I smiled.

I left my coat where it lay and walked out the doors I had run in what seemed like a lifetime ago. I had come in afraid of dying but was walking out as something that could not die. I felt my heart hitch a beat and stop but I did not falter. I was actually relieved that it had stopped; it meant I wouldn’t lose blood if I got cut. The problem was that I was still itchy, all down my back and my right arm now. But I ignored it and kept going.

I walked with my army down the street and began pointing them towards all the homes in the area. They went without protest and I told 100 to go into the sports arena across the street. There was a hockey game going on tonight and there would be at least 2,000 people there. I watched as my army broke down doors and attacked whatever tried to stop them.

As the sun rose the next morning, I had 5,000 people following me as I walked down the middle of the street. I would command a few to charge into stores and houses as we walked and they would come back with more. No one questioned me though I don’t think they actually could question me. I was the only one among them that had not died to become what they were. I died after the rotting set in, I was superior. The only annoying thing is the itching didn’t stop. It traveled down my left leg now, slowly though.

The only regret I have is that Becca and Lizzie had to die. They were highly intelligent and were great for any type of conversation. But I couldn’t let them live, they wouldn’t accept the new breed of human. They did try to run though and they managed to run over a few of my army, crushing them but not killing them. We caught them quickly enough and they soon joined my ranks.

The ones that were crushed we put back together as well as we could and we continued on. We traveled through the entire city, turning everyone we came across. More than a few had caught on by then and with the technology as it is, it started spreading through the internet and people were warned before we got to them.

It didn’t matter though, not even a bullet to the frontal lobe could stop us. The only thing that stopped us was blowing off our heads and by that time, I had made my sure my army knew how to duck or made the mangled ones lead. Soon they just took to wearing riot helmets over their heads.

There were still some lost with every new city we went to, but we gained a lot more then we lost. It took three weeks to head across the frozen terrain to where my boyfriend lived and all three weeks I was still scratching. When I saw him, he was standing on his front porch, looking like he had been waiting a while. I sent my army off to gather more and stood there staring back at him.

Becca and Lizzie flanked me, plus fifty muddled around behind me. He didn’t say anything and he didn’t move from his lethargic position in the old rocking chair on his porch. I didn’t say anything to him and for a while, we just stared at each other. I think about an hour passed and in all that time, he shifted once. Wind played with his blond hair but he kept his puppy dog brown eyes focused on me. I didn’t move an inch. I didn’t have to: I was dead.

Finally, he stood up and walked towards me. I let him come and he raised his hands, showing that he had no weapon or means to kill me. He stopped a foot away and I could feel the others tense around me. They salivated at his meaty scent; I was the only one who could hold back.

“Amber,” He whispered my name with reverence.

“Yes?” I asked.

He smiled at me then and I smiled back. He lifted a hand to my gray cheek and stroked it. I let him as Becca and Lizzie started groaning in hunger beside me. Finally he leaned in and kissed me. I couldn’t help it then, I bit him. It wasn’t a hard bite, just a nip of my newly sharp teeth against his lower lip. He didn’t draw back and I didn’t bite him again. I did pull the tiniest bit of flesh away went I drew back though and the blood dribbled down his chin. He wiped it away without a care and I ignored the itch in my right leg.

In twenty-four hours, he had rotted like I did; it started at his face and he turned gray and dead just like me. The army only followed my lead though, I was their Queen. Now though, I could select people to keep around so we could talk with them. My boyfriend and I kept his older brother around, my sister and both our sets of parents. They weren’t disturbed by any of it after we bit them, but before they had tried to run. We were gentle with them. I regret not knowing that we didn’t have to kill everyone with Becca and Lizzie, but what is done, is done. At least they’re still at my side, even if I’m commanding them.

I’m not exactly sure how the itching started and I’m not certain why it caused me to just kill or command everyone to kill the living. I’m completely at peace with it though. I’m fine with knowing that I’m dead and that soon, everyone in the world would be under my command. I think the world is better off this way, you know? I mean once a new dead person eats enough, they don’t get hungry. I’ll have to work out logistics a bit more, but I’m sure I can make a better world like this. It’s kind of sad that everyone has to die, but whatever works. Do you want to know the best part? I’m not itchy anymore.

FIN (kind of, I'm still editing and adding stuff but I thought I'd share to see what people thought so far.)

I'll let you know if it actually gets into that short story collection in about May. If anyone else wants to check out the submission guidelines and such, PM in game or here and I'll send you the link. It's mainly zombie stuff and short stories. There's one or two with vampires, but again, short stories. Smile
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The Man at the Wall

2013-07-30T15:17:11Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: kazgar the angry [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=20747 Original Link] Needs Formatted <div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-left: 10%; width: 80%;">..."

Author: kazgar the angry

[http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=20747 Original Link]

Needs Formatted

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= Prologue =

After weeks trudging through the desolate wastes of the desert, three figures finally reached the mountain range that marked its edge, they were now down to their last dregs of water and hoped to find a stream soon. Slowly the dry golden sands started to change in color with patches of green sprouting out through it. Up ahead they could see the beginnings of the tree line that would hopefully offer protection from the sweltering heat, this encouraged them to quicken their pace, ignoring the pain in their feet that had long ago lost their shoes, the clothes on their backs in tatters as they had ripped them off in order to cool down. As they got closer to the dark green of the trees they could begin to hear to sound of water gurgling it's way though the undergrowth. Thinking of nothing else they ran towards it and dropping to their knees beside a small stream they cupped the delicious water in their hands and drank it down through parched cracked lips, feeling it slide down their throats, dropping their faces into the cool water and then playfully slashing each other before stripping what remained of their clothes to jump in the stream and swim around..

After they had drank their fill and scrubbed the desert dust off their bodies with soap root found growing on the edge of the stream they washed the remains of their clothes and hung them on bushes to dry.
Morta the tallest of the three turned to the others
'days almost upon us' he said 'we need to find shelter!'.
Skuld his brother with his straight long black hair, even darker still after being washed, stood up and after looking around ' we should be able to find some dry wood to use, I'll see what I can locate whilst you and Febrill see if you can rustle up a bit of food for us.
'Why am I always the one who has to go rummage around in the undergrowth for rats and weasels while you sit here nice and warm' groaned Febrill, the youngest of the three. Standing there naked with her small hands curled up in fists and her arms straight down by her sides, her brothers could do nothing but burst out laughing. 'Sis, you know you are the best hunter of us, only someone as small as you can crawl under the bushes and flush out what we need to survive this, and while Feb is the clumsiest he is also the best at getting a fire out of nothing' Morta said grinning from ear to ear, his thin lips stretching over his teeth, showing the elongated canines that marked their kind.

Vampires all three, with pale skin stretched over their tall thin frames, Morta at nearly seven feet was the tallest of them, his black hair tied tight back from his forehead with a leather thong at the nape of his neck leaving it loose down his back, his long fingers ended in nails that were as long again and sharpened to a vicious point. Skuld wore his hair loose and flowing down to the base of his spine, he hadn't left his nails grow as long and didn't feel the need to sharpen them in the manner of his brother, instead his affection was towards his teeth, into which he had inserted colored gemstones and the tips of his canines encased in a diamond sheath that gleamed in the flickering light emanating from the fire he had just got started. He stood six inches lower than his brother but was still taller than their sister, who at just under six foot had always be the brunt of the jokes in their clan. Unlike most women Febrill had taken to shaving her head and only kept the hair on her crown, tying it with a leather thong high on the top of her head and leaving it fall down over her shoulders and covering up one of her breasts leaving only its pert nipple peaking out through it, the other she left bare.

All three were marked with a series of tattoos flowing over their bodies that marked them as highborn vampires, those that had been born of noble families and not been created from the masses of humans that still roamed the lands. The tattoos also showed what training they had and what achievements they had earned in the various wars between clans.

After Febrill had returned with a modest amount of small wildlife, they sat quietly and devoured the food even crunching the bones to avail of the marrow contained within.
'What are we gonna do in the morning' Febrill said lying there staring up at the sky, 'We have just washed off all the skin protection gels, and we didn't have time to grab more from the stores, without it we're dead anyway and there needn't have been reason to run!!' . 'Don't fret sis' Skuld muttered as he rolled over to face her, 'we'll find shade before dawn, these mountains are riddled with caves and we will reach them before the light arrives'

'Well if you two have enough energy to keep chatting, then we might as well make a start towards those hills then ' growled Morta, 'fill those skins with water from upstream and lets get going'

= Chapter 1 =

''He sits there staring blindly,
seeing nothing,
Remembering things long forgotten,
His dreams a jumble of reality,''

'THERE' They run towards where Morta points, jumping over bushes and ducking branches, the horizon behind them changing from black to a pale violet color as the sun starts its accent, shades of peach and gold start to infuse it as they reach the cave mouth, diving into the darkness as the warm sun crests the edge of the landscape behind them, feeling it on their backs they rush through the cave to the back hoping to find a place that it cannot reach. The golden light streams in through the entrance, FEBRILL screams as it's touch reaches her back, hands reach out, grab her and drag her down behind an outcrop of rock,
'that bloody hurts'
'wow that was close' says Skuld holding her tight to him as the light hits the back wall of the cave sending shadows playing over them.
turning her over he looks at her back
'you'll be okay in a while, just won't be having any fun on your back for a few days' playfully slapping her on her bare behind.

'get some sleep you two' Morta slides over towards them keeping his eyes on the light above him, glittering with the dust that their swift entrance had thrown up 'we have to move on as soon as the sun departs again.

'easy for you to say' mutters Febrill to herself as she lies on her stomach, her head resting on her arms, as she closes here eyes it all comes rushing back to her.

'BREACH' someone shouts, 'NORTH WALL', the sounds of gunfire deafens everything, five days the siege had been going on, every night the alliance of eastern clans had been attacking, sending waves of humans to the base of the walls, dying in their thousands as they attempted to plant charges to bring the walls down, while the vampires leading them looked on from a distance, their own humans manned the walls in defense, dropping rocks and anything else heavy they could find to knock them back. Someone had found a cache of oil and had poured that over some and thrown down a flaming torch setting them alight. this sent them scurrying around setting those nearest them on fire also. A few of the humans nearest her on the wall started laughing. 'Get to that breach' she screamed at them, shoving one over the wall to fall atop three more humans attempting to push a ladder up. 'bloody humans thinking this is fun'.

Running towards the north wall, jumping from roof top to rooftop, another explosion sounds ahead of her and the darkness is lit up as flames sprout up towards the sky, human body parts falling down as blood is sprayed around by the winds. Looking into the distance she can see black shadows suddenly stream down from the mountains, ' Their coming' she shouts, feeling a presence at her side she turns to see Morta standing there covered in blood

' wish you'd use a gun or something, this is gonna get messy',

'i'm okay with my knives, just as long as they don't have any snipers we'll be fine'

'yea well just be careful'

'any sign of Skuld?'

'he's skulking around somewhere, you know him'

'yea I know, probably down in the middle of all their humans, just waiting for one of his 'right moments'',

Screams of dying humans penetrate the night air, the smell of blood thick and almost distracting her from their current situation, the siege had been dragging on now for over 5 nights and until the sudden breach ahead of her, she had felt that they would manage to hold on.

'Dammit Morta, where is the rest of the clan!, don't they realise how long it took us to build up this city and that if we lose it the war will go against us?'
'Yea they know, unfortunately they all got called off to another zone and this now seems to be an alliance between a few clans determined to see us wiped out'
'well i don't fucking care, they should have sent at least a few to help out, dammit!!'

'alright, lets just get to the breach and see if we can hold them off til morning, at least if we can do that we have some chance'

As they got to the hole in the wall they could see the bodies of humans mingled with the still burning rubble, the smell of charred flesh in the air that was thick with dust. the eighteen foot high wall had been taken down by a massive explosion leaving a gaping wound in it, through which now streamed hundreds of humans tattoo'ed with the marking of the other clan. Dropping down into their midst, Morta was a blur, his knives flashing in the light from the fires surrounding him, as he darted through the humans slashing all around him. the humans could not even see what had happened to them as they felt his knives slashing across their throats, ripping up through their chests, all they could do is scream and die.

Febrill jumps onto the edge of a wall close by, pulls out her mini machine guns and lays down a spray of bullets, cutting through the humans, the lucky ones get hit in the head killing them instantly , others ar no so fortunate as the bullets rip across their bodies, opening them up and sending them flying through the air back over the rest trying to gain a purchase on the rubble.

Suddenly she senses something behind her and spinning round she unloads a clip at the shadow that moves quicker than any human could.

= Chapter 1.5 =

'Scum' the shadow screams at her as it lashes out with a fist that connects with the side of her face, rocking her head to the side. Her vision blurs slightly and she feels her cheek bone cracking. Another fist punches her in the stomach, doubling her over. As she falls forwards a hand grabs her by the hair,

'Bitch - I think I might have a bit of fun with you before I end your miserable life'

Febrill looks up through bleary eyes at a vamp she doesn't recognize, for the first time feeling real fear. He throws her to the ground, smashing her skull against a piece of rubble, stunning her even further, she can feel herself slipping down into unconsciousness.

' don't die yet bitch' kicking her across the ribs ' not quite yet hehehe!!!'

She levers herself up onto her elbows and spits in his face as he leans down closer, leering at her. Angrily he raises his hand to punch her again, when suddenly his face changes from one of pure anger and malice to one of shock and bewilderment and as she looks at him his back arches and his chest is pushed forwards as a blade appears through his clothes, blood gushing out of the hole. Suddenly a smiling face appears over the strangers shoulder,

'having fun down there sis' her brother Morta smiles even more as his reaches down a hand to help her up as the body of the other vamp falls down over the edge of the roof, disappearing into the crowds of humans fighting below.

'thanks'
'Anytime sis', 'c'mon - lets get out of here'

Suddenly a large shape looms over them 'Febrill, Morta where's your brother??'
'Kazgaroth sir I don't know' gasps Febrill 'he should be around here somewhere'

Kazgaroth stands 8 feet tall, one of the largest vamp she has ever seen, unlike most vamps he keeps his hair short and has a full beard which covers his face up to his high cheekbones. his massive body belies the gracefulness with which he moves. Putting an arm around Morta's shoulder and a hand on Febrill's, he looks down at them both ' Find him as I have a mission for you '
'M'Lord??'
They both stare up at him in shock. ' A mission in the middle of a battle??'
'Morta if I didn't like you I would kill you for questioning me'
'Yyyess sir' Morta stammers out, visibly shaken by the request
' the battle is lost, the citadel will be destroyed and most of your brethren will either be killed or taken into slavery!'
Kazgaroth, grips her shoulder tighter - ' I want the three of you to go out and found a new clan' , 'find a new home for those who might escape from this and when you get strong enough, free those who don't'

'but sir! what about you??'
' Febrill my dear, I built this city from scratch, when I arrived to this spot there was nothing but stone and sand, I will never leave it while there is blood lowing through my veins, but now it is you and your brothers time to go '

' no sir! we won't leave you' Morta says as he pushes himself up to his full height, coming up to below their leaders shoulder,
'Yes you will and you will protect your sister, this is my final orders to you' says Kazgaroth pushing them both away from him
'NOW GO!!!!!!!!!'
he shouts at them his deep voice booming across the night air
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The Journey Into The Underworld!

2013-07-30T15:06:23Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: VAMPHIRE [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=32519 Original Link] = Chapter 1 = <center> <div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 70%;"> Dar..."

Author: VAMPHIRE

[http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=32519 Original Link]

= Chapter 1 =
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Darkness fell over the skies that was once a chilled blue day, filling the air with a gloomy sense of mystery. This is the time Vampires roam the darkened grounds of the land humans walk upon in their search for the lost and unwitting travellers that become hunted for the fresh blood that fluently runs through their very own veins. It is here, on the edge of the Underworld, where our story begins.

It started on the Fifth of November, Nineteen Eighty Nine, when a small boy at the age of Thirteen, who wore deep grey trousers patched in certain places on the leggings and a dirty pale blue sweater due to not being very rich from his ancestors greed was walking to school for his very first day. This small boy was named Craig. He spent the morning filling out a form to introduce himself for the class he was placed in. After Twenty Five minutes of nerves soaring through his little body listening to his classmates comments, he was called up to the front of the room. He rose nervously out of his chair and walked cautiously to the front of the room, ambushed by whispered sniggering at his appearance. After he introduced himself to the class, it was time for a break.

He examined the courtyard and his eyes met with another child's. This child was a female, in the last year of the school, she looked ill, yet well kept. Her eyes had a cold feeling about her. And her skin was murky, kind of like the moon light glow, but this child however had a secret to hide. This child was not what it seemed. In fact this child was not a child, but a Vampire.
At the end of the day Craig stepped out of the school grounds and smelt the air hopefully, grasping the thought of freedom for the rest of the day. Craig however, was wrong. He started to make his usual journey home, but saw a narrow alley way where a shortcut was hiding in the street. Craig made his way down this alley, and after a brisk walk, he was ambushed, by the cold eyed female child he saw in the courtyard that very day. Craig was hurled to the cold, wet and hard pavement below his very feet. Slightly dizzy he felt a cold sensation on his neck, and felt a searing pain as two crystal white fangs plunged their way into Craig's neck and penetrated his blood. He let out a silent scream of horror as he was plunged into total darkness.

He awoke hours later, to find Twenty cold red eyes attempting to penetrate his mind from around him. He was thirsty, but not for water. He now had a terrible thirst for blood. Two of the surrounding dark figures took each of his arms, and placed him into a chamber. This chamber had only one door, and above the door read "The Inner Circle". A small dark feeble voice called his name, 'Craig' the voice whispered gently, 'Come join us in the Inner Circle, and fulfil your true destiny'. All of a sudden, a pale scream echoed the chamber behind the only door in the room. A scream of a child. Craig's eyes closed for a moment as his head bowed down, he slowly raised his head and opened his eyes to show two misty red eyes. His mouth glared open and bared two pearl fangs, the door swung open softly, and Craig smelt the air, smelt the fresh blood that lingered around him, he stepped closer to the open door, each foot step quickening until he reached the door. He sprang into the room lightly and was granted his thirst for blood.

Twenty five years past from the very day Craig became a blood thirsty Vampire. Twenty five years and nothing has changed in Craig's life. But for the first time in his life, he was reminded of his ancestors greed, how he was forced to wear his fathers old clothes, how he was tormented and silently bullied by those around him and he felt an urge, an urge only his mind could control, an urge with such anger for fresh blood that was so irresistible to his lips, he had to find it. And he did, in the veins of his very own mother.
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= Chapter 2 =
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Many years had passed in Craig's life as a ravenous Vampire. His thirst for blood continued to grow stronger and penetrate his mind, twist through his body, giving him a taste of great weakness. He had to find a new victim, unwilling to share their blood that ran through their veins. The new land that Craig now roamed was deep inside the Underworld territory. Where a constant shelter from the blazing sun laid. It was a land where not only other Vampires fought in battle, not only by themselves in the dead of night where darkness surrounded the grounds but also in small packs to seek blood. This land was also inhabited by the most powerful mythical creatures also on the hunt for food for their own survival, that sent terror and fear down the spines of Vampires that shared this land.

Dark times laid ahead for Craig, he was weak, his senses were robbed from the hungry thirst for blood he had to contend with. He had to find some, for his own safety. Craig started to search nearby shacks and huts, but found nothing. He strolled further into a dark narrow street, and briskly, yet silently walked down it. He came across a dead body, but it was a small deer. Its body seemed packed and untouched, full of the delicious blood Craig craved for. He dropped to knee's, and clutched the body of the deer and sank his razor sharp fangs into the bottom right of the deer's neck. He drank for a moment, his senses were slowly coming back. Then he felt it. Someone was silently watching from the shadows, this being could not be located from Craig's senses, though he knew it was there, lurking in the darkness. He slowly made his way to his feet, and turned to face the unknown in the shadows. It happened silently, yet quickly. A soaring sound came first, then a second sound of a bone crunching crack of a human bone, then a ear splitting yell of pain. The being, looked down where Craig now laid on the ground, clutching a mangled leg, a leg, that was hit with a blunt object. The being that attacked, circled Craig, and in the moon light glow, he saw it clear as a crystal. The figure was holding what looked like a black club, with ten or so thick, long nails stuck at the top. His life flashed before him, then came more heavy footsteps, but they didn't sound at all human. He turned his head to look where the noise was coming from, but suddenly they stopped, silence now roamed the cool air around them. The being advanced upon Craig, hoping to make his death quick and painless, he lifted the club high, and noticed something in the corner, a pack of hungry wolves appeared at the closest shack. They surrounded Craig and the other being. One of the wolves, a massive shaggy black one, with battle scars around its head moved closer, and without warning it struck. It jumped into the air mouth open wide, showing baring its teeth, and clamped it around the shoulder of the being that attacked Craig. The wolf brought its prey crashing down to the ground, and begin to rag its helpless body while Craig moved silently into the shadows. The other wolves, raised their heads and howled into the night air and soon quickly disappeared into the night, taking the body of its prey with them.

A week later Craig was back to his full power, ready to continue his search for blood. What he found however was not blood, it was a gang of other Vampires, who seemed to have survived longer than him. He announced his presence and was surrounded yet again. One of the Vampires walked forwards, and spoke softly to other Vampires around him. "Ahhhh, look, we seemed to have found yet another fool who thinks he can survive alone" The other Vampires sniggered and bared their teeth at Craig. The Vampire spoke again, even softer than the first, "You will not survive here alone young one, you will die in the attempt of your quest to find blood here, unless you.. Well.. Join us on the Dark Side". Craig paused for moment and bowed his head, the Vampire stepped forward and quickly pulled out a little dagger from the hem of his black cloak. He then sank the tip of the blade through Craig's back hand brandishing a little symbol to admit him to the gang. Craig felt a new kind of power surge through his body, but it was a power, that had a terrible cost, soon enough, Craig would have to choose from his life, or his Death to satisfy his fate.
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= Chapter 3 =
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It had been two weeks since Craig joined the gang that was his own kind, where he himself finally fit in. He had been chosen only once by the leader of the gang to go on a quest and fulfil an order. An order that he had failed to conquer, and would be paying the price for his mistake sometime soon. It was an ordinary Wednesday, where Craig had the opportunity to seek blood for only himself. He set out and found a small bit of land and with surprise found a bunch of adult deer's to hunt. He watched them for a moment but as he made his move to ambush the closest one, it sprinted away, and Craig sensed the feeling he once had before, someone was behind him. He quickly raised his body to stand on his feet and turned to face the source of the noise he had heard. He saw a familiar figure walking to him, it was the gang in wich he was admitted to, who he now served. He was now safe, or was he?
The gang gathered around, blocking all escape routes that Craig may have in his mind. The leader of the gang that's skin looked ice cold, below his deep black cloak finely stitched with deep red metal spikes along the shoulder blades of the black cloak stepped forward. His voice was cold yet it had a dark presence that penetrated the ears of the being he spoke to. He paused choosing his words carefully and finally spoke directly to Craig, "Your time here in the Underworld has come to a great end, I am afraid to admit, that you have served well, yet you chose to follow us, to let us believe your showing us great honour, but secretly using us all to survive. We all knew that this was not your fate, your fate was to perish as a weak Vampire here, yet you let us believe that you was worthy to keep, how very foolish it was too. We noticed the very first day you joined us, that you was not cut out for war, to satisfy thirst for blood, you had an injury" his cold breath paused as his eyes met Craig's leg that was once struck by a blunt object with nails stuck inside at the top of it. He continued to speak in the same ice cold breath as his eyes fixed back to Craig's "It was an injury that could have caused your downfall, but you mastered the pain it caused to you, you let us believe you could hunt for fresh blood. The blood that we could have used for our own strength. You have a debt to pay us, in wich we want your blood for" He strode out of the line circling Craig and spoke up the Vampires listening intently to the conversation. "Who will do the great honour, to show us, their true power, to destroy and kill this worthless thing that gives the word Vampire a bad name to us all". There was silence as the Vampire known as Suicidal_Penguin advanced forwards, clutching the Legendary Demonic Scythe of the Bloodsucker by his side. He raised it high in the cool night air demonstrating his strength as the blade shone in the glow of the moonlight. He looked down upon Craig, his eyes showed no mercy as he swung the blade down with all his power, it made no noise of contact, it was a clean murder. Craig's fate had now been settled. The vampire named Suicidal_Penguin, strode back to the line of other Vampires, and wiped the blood off the blade that tore its way through the body that was once Craig's. The leader of the gang stepped forward to the mangled body that laid lifeless on the ground, and drained the blood from the body in veils to keep it from spilling. The darkness suddenly grew stronger around them, it was the time of night the creatures, that are dangerous to Vampires, started to appear out of the darkness of their territory and with a rapid noise of cloaks being whipped, all the ravenous Vampires that once stood there disappeared into the night..
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Hunting a Basilisk

2013-07-30T14:45:43Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: Diablo [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=4182 Original Link] Needs Formated The day was fading away and night started to take over the Underworld. We we..."

Author: Diablo

[http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=4182 Original Link]

Needs Formated

The day was fading away and night started to take over the Underworld. We were ready, marching through though the city towards the hatchery. A bunch of warriors, each one of a kind. The destination was clear - Desert of Carapace. We fought the beast before and we knew what we are up against. As big as a building and tougher than strengthened steel.
Mortis was standing on the left side, while I took the right one. The place was silent, but we’re not that easy to fool. It has to be somewhere here. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, what seems to be just a rock turned into the beast we came for – a Basilisk. At first it did not appear to move, but just later we realized how fast it was. The demon ANUBIS took the first blow from the huge paw tearing his flesh and bones but he just laughed. Sometimes I doubt he is just a vampire. Mortis was surprised as well and took heavy damage, Nosforano as well. Blodsugare, the fastest from all of us missed at first, but then found a weaker spot and without hesitation his perfect thunderfist tore a bit from the basilisk’s skin and flesh beneath. Blodsugare and Vlade were fighting on the same sides for eons and when they fight they fight like twin brothers. Vlade swung his sword that not even six human slaves can lift and hit the basilisk. The demon ANUBIS was already on the other side of the beast and the weapon he was using need a separate room in our armoury. I was ready. I melted with my guns into one single form of a blurred humanoid shape. Barely able to move, but deadly to my enemies. In a very deep voice I whispered the words ‘Kaegi Nadi Korr’ and the basilisk cried in pain. I was aiming at parts that seemed weaker, but the beast was so damn fast that just a few shots hit the very spot I was aiming at. The rest hit as well, but not that hard. The basilisk screamed again and turned towards the figure that caused him the pain. It was tiger_claw and what he was holding in his hands resembled more a rocket launcher than a shotgun. The weapon was even bigger than him. First shot was a miss but the second one tore a huge bit of flesh. Tiger_claw shot againbut the basilisk managed to evade the haul of radioactive schrapnels. The youngest member of our expedition, Nosforano, proved that his place among us is deserved and shoot a hole in the basilisk’s leg. I didn’t see Mortis, but I knew what was happening as I’ve seen it before. He called upon the power of his own bloodline, his veins were glowing red and so did his eyes. He knows where the weak spots on an enemy are and he aims at them. Pulling both triggers at once he shot 5 bullets in no time. Freeko was guarding me from the right shooting forearm-long bullets from his sniper rifle. What Naster did was probably the bravest thing. He took the biggest armour he had, 7 inches thick steel and weapons that made him almost immortal. Thou he was not fast enough to hit the beast, it was his choice to distract it from hitting us. Another scream of the basilisk and we all knew who was responsible – Nndungu and his poisoned bullets. It’s his special way of extracting the venom out of little scorpions. They are quite common and their poison works on every living being, even undead. Nndungu doesn’t melt into a single statue with his guns, he favours to move more than monsters like Mortis or me, but his shots are accurate. Both of his bullets found their target and buried themselves into the flesh. Basilisk attacked again at the closest and Blodsugare took another heavy blow. It hurts, but he can stand more than that. Taking his vengeance Blodsugare managed to hit twice with his right and once with his left hand thunderfist. My guns were still shooting death on the beast, and so were Nosforano, Mortis, Freeko and Nndungu. Tiger_ claw fired his shotgun and the blow made him slide four feet backwards, so strong it was. Vlade charged, run under the basilisk and the massive blade got some blood to drink. All the guns were constantly firing while Blodsugare, Vlade and ANUBIS were trying to slice the beast in million pieces.
Nosforano’s eyes went pale with a slight glow, forcing the basilisk to bow under his will, Freeko on the other hand turned into an illusion of a 30 feet high monster that is so evil that it is locked in the deepest layers of hell. The basilisk was paralyzed, locked in its own nightmares and fears. While it was standing the motionless we made the best use of our weapons we could. Naster moved into a better tactical position and the whole party regrouped. Mortis and me still on the same places.
The fight seemed endless. We thought everything is fine until the basilisk charged against us and caused a lot of damage. We regrouped and began to fight again. Blodsugare is unstoppable, and with Vlade and ANUBIS on his side, covered by our gunfire he danced his dance of death. Vlade and ANUBIS joined him on the dancefloor.
It seemed like the basilisk was retreating. We realized our mistake too late. The damn beast even after taking so much damage, bleeding from many wounds and covered by its own and our blood somehow found enough energy for another charge. A much stronger charge than the one before, this one made Nosforano and Mortis literally fly away about 50 feet till they landed. They didn’t stand up. Those who survived were not saved. Freeko and Nndungu were stomped to death. So many died in a few seconds...
Filled with rage Blodsugare and Vlade attacked as one, each from a different side to confuse the basilisk. My searing blood made the basilisk scream in agony again. I don’t need to reload my guns, they are always loaded when I’m shooting, always with the same ammunition. We are one being, one gunman.
Vlade was aiming at the legs, trying to cut them off while Blodsugare jumped on back of the basilisk and tore skin and flesh and bones alike. It was not easy to avoid shooting him, but I managed. He was not even afraid I could hit him. Maniac.
Naster knew well what to do, Blodsugare and Vlade were too close to the beast so he run in front of me and turned his blood covered face towards the basilisk and shouted ‘You will have to go through me first!’ Basilisk ignored him and focused on fighting it took Vlades last breath and the same paw killed Blodugare before he could attack again.
My arms were like stone, anger and hatred were glowing in my eyes. I had to revenge my clan mates. Protected by Naster I shot both paws off and the beast hit the desert. There was nothing in its eyes but evil. Nobody can look in the eyes of a basilisk for too long. I shot them out, both. The beast was dead. Finally.
Naster looked at me as I was morphing back from my gunman statue to a vampire and said ‘What now?’
‘We gather the bodies and equipment and we go back’ I replied.
What grabbed my attention was the size of tiger_claws shotgun. It was impossible to just carry it around, not even shoot from that cannon. Blodsugares’ thunderfists were as sharp as a few hours ago, strange.
Back in the city we resurrected our friends and told them what happened. As we were celebrating our victories the Lord of Darkness himself came to see me and handled me a reward. I took it and placed it among the others and looked at the blank spot reserved for a Medusa. ‘You’re next.’

Brotherhood of Steel - The Chronicles

2013-07-30T14:31:48Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: '''Diablo''' Original Link: http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=11594 Needs Formatting = Chapter 1: Too much wind for a single leaf = Wandering through the..."

Author: '''Diablo'''

Original Link: http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=11594

Needs Formatting

= Chapter 1: Too much wind for a single leaf =

Wandering through the night without purpose was the only thing I could do. Just me and the bottle. My happiness relied on the contents of the bottle and trust me, it was not mineral water. That is all that I remember before she came to my life.

'Good evening soldier.'
She cannot be addressing me, no way a noble of her kind would speak to one such as me, at least not tonight. Hair so dark that it would make charcoal blush and the green hypnotising eyes that could burn through one's skull made this lady one in a million. A femme fatale. My inner desired made a futile attempt at etting my attention. No, I better carry on. I have problems of my own and I am not in the mood for any more.
What the pirate's leg does she think she is doing? She started walking beside me.
'It is night time mylord and I am on my own, would thee please accompany me on my way home?' she said as softly as it can be said. I was shocked and reacted without thinking.
'Excuse me, but is thee a lady of the night?' was my drunk reply. A slap was her response. My body responded well, without any hint of trying to save itself it fell to the ground. She giggled. Giggled!
'Perhaps thou are the one in need of a company soldier.' she said while giggling.
Beaten up by a girl, well, a lady as I could see. Astonishing.
There was something strange. Stranger than usual. I have been through some fights and this slap would end a few of them easily. I was drunk but not stupid. It is not thanks to my foolishness that I'm still alive. I can count on my instincts, they have never failed me. But do i really have to play her game?
'Do I have a choice?' I had to know what is going on.
'Yes soldier, thou does indeed.' she replied with a smile.
My suspicion grew and if it wasn't for the look in her green eyes I would have resisted. Usually eyes remind you of someone you know. These eyes did not. They were strange, commanding and demanding at the same time as they were beautiful and gentle, showing that the person behind those eyes knows suffering as well as joy. I shook my head, got hold of myself and stood there beside her as tall as I am. It was now that I realised how small she is. Petite one would say. My drunk mind wanted to say a compliment but I forced it to silence and I threw the bottle away. Farewell happiness...
We were walking side by side but in complete silence. I didn't know what to say and she took comfort in silence, or at least it seemed so. The silence was broken suddenly.
'I owe thy an apology.' she declared without looking at me.
'Me too, where are my manners?' being brought up well and educated has some drawbacks 'I am known as Peter, what is thy name mylady if I may ask?'
'Thou may. I am known as Daniela. Pleasure to meet you.' she said and added a smile. 'Just Daniela, and please do not reveal thy whole name to me, Peter is good enough.'
My mind was screaming. This was wrong! No sane lady, nor a missis would let someone accompany her without knowing the name of her companion. Not in times like these, times where a sword was considered to be a representative of justice and law depended too much on the wielder of the sword.
Daniela stared at the night sky. 'I indeed am a lady of the night.'
'What?! Oh, I mean, pardon.' what a clever response, I was trying to sober up but did not succeed. Even if she was a lady of the night, why would she choose me? I had not enough gold on me to afford company and my looks only showed the fact to everyone who looked at me. My loos were those of an average working class. Not a slave, but not a master either.
'Not like that soldier, I just prefer the night, rather than the day.'
If there was a hint of irony I would spot it, but there was none. She carried on.
'The night is beautiful, it hides one in shadow, makes one feel relieved of all the troubles of the day. It may make one a slave of the bottle, I admit. Still, i like to wander through the night, looking at the shining moon and stars. It makes me feel the size of the world. If I am small in comparison with the whole world, how could my troubles be any bigger?' She smiled as if this night was the best night ever and she was here to enjoy it.
We walked and talked the whole night long. The darkness around seemed to separate us from the rest of the world, as if creating a bubble just for the two of us. I talked about my life, she revealed bits from hers. I tried to show myself in a good light a bit to impress her but it did not work so I ceased the effort. Even thou we talked a lot I did not get to know her any better than before.

She left before dawn.
I was searching the streets for her the whole day with no success. It is hard to find a lady without knowing her name. There can be plenty of Danielas here. Exhausted I gave up with the dusk. My mind took the memory of her, put it in a dusty shelf called 'the pleasant moments of my life' and it was over. Now I will have a drink and then we will see what happens. That was always the plan. Having a drink is better plan than no plan and now I had a reason to drink. I looked at the tavern sign of The Young man's heart. For some reason the heart was pierced by a sword. I couldn't come up with a acceptable reason why it should be so.
'Thou shall not drink too much soldier.' followed by a small giggle made me literally freeze in place. My mind panicked but I managed to deal with the situation.
'Good evening mylady, how may I be of help?' i was trying to hide the sudden relief from meeting her again.
'Walk with me diablo.'
How on earth could she know my name? My Name! Only a few soldiers had Names and only a few knew my Name, half of them dead the other half missing. If not even more. If my past was trying to catch up with me again it is high time to have a drink.
I must have been standing there motionless for quite a while cause Daniela asked if I am well.
'I am afraid I have to know how it is possible that thy know my Name.' I demanded.
'I can tell by the look in thy eyes' she said smiling, almost laughing.
'This is not tolerable! Tell me woman or I will...' Slap.
'No, thy will not!'
If it wasn't for my manners I would hit her back. Given the situation it would be justified. People with Names are not good to mess with. Not again.
'I will tell thee by a fireplace with a glass of good Pinot Noire in my hand. Shall we?'
I don't know why, but I followed.
The wine was more than delicious and it smelled of joy and sun. It reminded me of a jolly moment from my childhood, a moment precious to my heart because there were no problems back in those days.
'We shall not waste any more time with games. I chose thee for a purpose and that purpose thee shall serve.' said a voice that has never asked anyone to do something, this voice was ordering.
'Do I still have the choice we spoke about earlier?' I said in an attempt to take the upper hand in the situation.
'I'm afraid thy does not. Not anymore.' and again there was the charming smile.
She was playing with me and I don't like to be played with. I can be a good partner but I can't stand to be a slave.
'Mylady, I am sorry but we do not have anything more to discuss. If thy excuse me now, I will leave.'
'We do have a lot to discuss soldier, sit down and listen!' she said and the words were filled with power that I could not resist.
'I chose thee. I will give thee a gift and a curse at the same time. Thy shall become immortal. As funny as it may seem to thee now, know that with immortality comes responsibility.'
Her fangs came out and the coward in me took over and tried his best to escape. The fight was over before I blinked. She drained my blood as a demon I read stories about. My life force was leaving my body, mind still there to realise it. I was indeed dying. She stopped. I cannot say for sure but I think I heard her saying 'I'm sorry.'
'Does thee want to live?'
No response.
'If thee wants to live then thy shall drink from my blood!' she commanded and I drank. I drank until she wouldn't let me anymore. The essence of life was filling my body again..
I don't remember much from the next few days, just the agonising pain I was going through and Daniela's gentle voice saying that it will be fine.

'What have I become?' I asked.
'A vampire, a creature of the night, a darkness in shadows, a well of knowledge and finally a soldier.'
'What?!' was the only thing I could say.
The words 'Thou shall not speak with your maker like this. Learn some manners!' followed by a slap were my first lesson. The slap was not as bad as the one before, but I have limited patience. She saw the anger in my eyes and changed her tone back to normal. Regardless, I have learned the lesson.

I was told what a vampire is, the strengths and weaknesses, everything I had to know. The 'training' lasted for almost a week and many questions were left unanswered.

I learned how to feed, how to hide myself from humans and how to use my powers. The most important thing I learned was how to be moral. A human is nothing but food for a vampire, but among vampires there is a hierarchy. The older a vampire is the more powerful he is. With age comes wisdom and it is determined shortly after one is turned how his personality is going to evolve. There are vampires who almost completely abandoned their humanity and became beasts. They don't speak nor do they care about anything but food and dominance in their territory. These vampires are not very dangerous until they become very old. It is a very rare thing, but one of the most powerful in combat.
Then there are vampires who spend their lives in solitude searching for the meaning of their existence within their minds and souls. One could call them sages, because their knowledge is amazing.
A combination of the two kinds are Berserkers. They are quite wise until it comes to battle. In the sound of battle they turn into savage beasts that seek destruction. Most of them were vikings in their previous lives.

What annoyed the hell out of me was when Miss Daniela said 'I have urgent matters to attend to and I can not have thee with me. From now on you are on your own. As your maker I release you. Farewell diablo.' The words still echo in my mind when I can't sleep. It felt like she tore a bit of my soul away.
All my suggestions were rejected. Nothing I promised was good enough to keep her with me. I even begged her to stay. The day she was ready to leave I was so desperate that I have tried to hold her against her will. It took me 2 days to recover. That was the last time I shed a tear.

Ten long years I was searching for her. There were so many questions I wanted to ask, so many answers I wanted. Miss Daniela was my brother, sister, parents and grandparents in one. Of course I had family in my previous life, but I don't know what happened to them. In their eyes I vanished eleven years ago.

One day, when I was hunting in the woods I realised that I am turning more and more into a savage beast. I had just one aim in my life and it was to feed. This had to stop, I need my humanity as well as I need the beast. What I really needed was civilisation. I grew up in a city and now I should run in the woods? Unacceptable. What I need is a link to civilisation, something to remind me of where I am from. A companion seemed to be the answer. But who? Most of the people I knew are dead already.

= Chapter 2: The companion =

It was a cold night when I came to the village. There, near the forest I should find what I was looking for. A wolf howled in the night and paid his respect to the moon. A cottage made of wood stood there alone like a monument of civilisation in a savage world. It was silent and covered by darkness of the night. Only one torch in front of the door was fighting the night with its light.

I barely entered the light of a torch when someone shouted:
'I may not be the youngest but I certainly can swing my axe through your skull!'
I saw an old man, maybe sixty or seventy whom I called a friend when he was younger. He still had the fierce look in the light blue eyes. He managed to sneak on me, that is a good sign. I went a bit closer.
The old man spit on the ground: 'What sorcery is this?!' and assumed a fighting position.
Good, he is still the same, not even all those years could change his nature. I stood there happy as I haven't been for the last thirty years. Yes, it took me a while to find him.
As I was just standing there thinking about all the stuff we went through together he caught me by surprise with an attack and his axe cut off my left arm as I used it to block. I backed off. The old man stared at my left elbow with his mouth open watching my arm to regenerate itself.
'Please do not try that again, it really does hurt.' I said.
'Die foul sorcerer!' the old man shouted and charged again.
'Stop!' I commanded. When a vampire commands humans are affected on a primary level of their mind. It strikes their fear, reminding them that they can die. No sane human can resist it.
'It is me, diablo. It really is me.'
'diablo died many years ago and even if he was still alive, he would be as old as I am now, so state your business or leave forever!' said the old man. He was not a coward, but he knew when to start being diplomatic to save himself.
'I would like to tell you my story old man and I have some good wine with me for you.'
'Fine' he said still a bit of disbelief.

I was standing by the front door desperately trying to find a way how he could invite me in.
'Mortis? I cannot enter your cottage if you don't invite me in.' I decided to say the truth.
'Splendid, then you shall be outside. You are a demon indeed. What would bring you to my house disguised as a long dead friend of mine?'
I was tired a bit so I asked: 'Shall we speak inside?'
'No demon, nor any other creature is welcome here. I have built this place with my own hands and I will fight for it if I have to!' said a much more confident voice.
So I sat down on the doormat, rolled the wine indoor and waited. Mortis went for a glass and a chair and sat down. I noticed that he has his axe with him. Its blade was as sharp as his tongue.
'Explain yourself demon!'
So I started with my story and it went on and on. Many questions were asked and many answered. When the dawn was about to come I told Mortis that I will have to leave if he is not willing to invite me in and let me sleep inside. Of course he did not, stubborn old man! I came the next night but he wouldn't response to my knocking. I feared he died, but I still couldn't go trough the door nor use the window. That can mean only one thing – he is not dead, at least for now. I sat there for the whole night and then went off. No, I did not give up, I came back again.
I liked Mortis a lot, but after a week my patience was almost done. I've told him things no other person could know and in the end he believed it is me. I explained what a vampire is, but he would still ask questions. If it goes like this I will have to kill him, I cannot afford to leave him with so much knowledge about vampires. If any elder vampire finds out I would be sentenced to watch the sun rise.
'Now shut up you old fool and either come with me or rot here!'
'Calm down, why the rush?' said Mortis.
'It is your time we are running out of, I have all the time in the world.' I said in a quite annoyed voice.
'I am ready.' said the old man with a hint of smile on his lips.
'What? I mean, pardon me?'
'Are you deaf my friend? I said I am ready. Please come in.'

= Chapter 3: The end of the world =

After the first and the second World War there was peace. But not for long. Three hundred years to be exact.

'Alert! Nuclear missile detected. Alert!' came out of all speakers in the American Defence Headquarters.

'Mr. President, we have a Code Red. Impact in T minus 4 hours.' said the general.
'What? Who is responsible for this madness?' shouted the president of the United States.
'We are unable to track it, the missile came from the orbit sir.'
'Evacuate major cities, I want every soldier to be ready in ten minutes. Emergency meeting in the Air Force One in five minutes.' said the sweating and scared elderly man in his bed. Luckily his wife and children were on holiday. He can fully focus on the situation.

'Gentlemen, the situation is grim,' proclaimed the head of homeland security, 'there is no way we can stop the missile. It will undoubtedly hit the ground of USA.
Then he followed with the bad news: 'Seventy percent of the population will die immediately after the explosion, another twenty from the radioactivity. Our scientists said that the shockwave will run around the earth 4 times causing major destruction. There is no time for a proper evacuation. We already commenced with the evacuation of the most important people. We can save fifteen million Americans, no time to be picky now. I suggest operation GSA.'
'What is operation GSA?' a question that just had to be asked.
'God Save America' replied the president. The situation must have been more than bad if this was suggested.
'OK, launch operation GSA and prepare for counter attack.'
'Who is the target Mr. President?'
'Russia, China, Israel, South Africa and pick a few more. The choice is yours, I don't care. If we're going down we won't go down alone. Use all types of bombs we have, I want chemical weapons, viral weaponry and even magic missiles if he have some.' laughed the president on his own joke and he felt his mind being covered by a veil of madness.
'Yes sir!'

'Impact in three, two, one...'

= Chapter 4: The day after =

Wind was gently blowing through the desert where the city of New York used to be. A faint glow could be seen in the dark. It was the only source of light that could be found on the surface. A vast majority of earths population died in a few minutes, a lot during the few weeks after. Those foolish enough to leave their Vaults were dead as well.
In a few vaults there were civilised people who could survive thanks to the autonomous life-preserving systems. But there were other vaults as well, vaults that were dwelled upon.
'How did you know?' I asked.
'Know what?' replied Mortis.
'About the war.'
'War...' he paused, 'war never changes.'
'Nice, but still, how?' I was getting a bit impatient.
'Have you ever noticed that a few important people in a few important places in a few governments look very similar and never come out at day?' he said smiling.
'You?'
'No, I did not start this. Whoever started this was a maniac or just a human. Probably both.' Mortis explained and carried on 'I was aware of it fifteen minutes after the missile was fired, but I knew nothing about it before. Damn, nobody did!'
'Any ideas who could have done that?' my hunger for knowledge is always present.
'Many and none. Many people would like to do it but nobody would dare. What worries me more is how it looks outside now.'
'I'd guess pretty dark with a green glow.' I said laughing.
'I'd guess pretty dead.' he replied in a sad voice.
I came up with an idea: 'It has been quite a few years, we can check. What do you think?'
'It is too soon to go out my friend. Besides, the Ugly Stupid Asses fired all they had before the Nuke hit their ground. Most of them exploded on their way. But you're right, we can't stay here forever, we're running out of people.'
'I'll give it a try!'
Mortis' answer was simple 'Fool.'
After a few hours and a few humans I was fine again. All clothes had to be burned, but nevermind. Looks like we have no choice than to go to a vampiric sleep again. Preparations were done and after setting up our 'alarm clocks' we were ready. The alarm clocks were in reality little flasks filled with blood cooled by liquid oxygen. There was a properly calculated amount of the liquid oxygen. When it runs out the blood will melt and drop into our mouths thus waking us up.
'Good night.'

A few alarms later it was decided that we have to go outside. Fifty-fifty chance of surviving, depending on the fact that we don't know if it is day or night. Lady Luck was on our side, it was night. Darker than any night I've ever seen and I have seen quite a few. Wherever I looked was desert. A dead desert with no sign of life. The bad news were that our food supply was running low. The good news is that if we find them something to eat they can survive on the surface.
Days were going by, years after years and we've established a few cities. Everything was fine, but boring.
'You know there will be others.' said Mortis looking at the sky with no stars.
'Probably. I'm bored, shall we search for survivors?'
'We have to...' he left the sentence unfinished.

The first vampire we met was friendly just until he stabbed me in the back. He tasted of pollution. No other word could describe the rotten taste of his blood. It tasted as if it was used for cleaning the floor of a factory. He must have been one of the first to go out. This is a vampire-eat-vampire world.
We separated and each of us was trying to find something to live for, something to kill with or something to keep. I was looking for Daniela. Lost in the deserts, swamps and other crap I spent fifteen years and I couldn't find a trace of her so I gave up, convincing myself that she must be dead. What was worrying me much more was that I couldn't get hold of Mortis either. My satellite phone was either not working or I don't know what. I couldn't even sense his presence nearby.
What I found in the wastelands was very surprising. So far I have seen empty vaults with a few bones, leftovers of pre-war technology, a few people who were more beasts than humans, but that was it. One can imagine my surprise when I walked into a city. A proper city with a tavern which people nowadays call a pub, first aid building and even an employment agency!
People generally don't trust newcomers but a greeting with a flamethrower was a bit too much fireworks in my opinion. Of course not enough at the same time.
'Stop!' said an authoritative voice.
A vampire! Another of my kind and civilised! It must be my lucky day.
'What do you want here, this is my town?'
'I am diablo, one of the few who survived and as I can see you are much younger so show some respect.' He was indeed younger than me. 'What is your name?'
'I am Sergeant Corrigon and I am in charge here. As an intruder you will be punished. Kill him!'
Not a pleasant welcome from a younger vampire and a far too quick judgement. Looks like the vampiric hierarchy has vanished as well.
I barely escaped, but I took a note of his name.
There were others like him, some better, some worse. Some that I met were much older than me. Looks like the whole continent is ruled by vampires.

What I find to my liking more than fights were empty vaults as that is where I could search for some technology. And weapons. At first of course I had to use a bow and arrows, but i was ready to abandon them as soon as I get a chance. Those were hard times. Until I found something that I actually really liked. They call it Uzi for the lack of pre-war knowledge. It was a HK MP7 with 50-round magazines of .45 ACP bullets. And what was better, there were two of them. I polished them every night and those two guns were my only companions. They were my source and solution to all the problems.

= Chapter 5: Reunion =

'You're still the stubborn lonely wolf I knew back then.' said Mortis when we met again.
'What?'
'Those guns of yours are useless, I can do much more with my bow.' and he produced a bow no human could possibly use, ever. It was a merge between a siege crossbow and a sport bow but much bigger and it really looked deadly. It looked like it could pierce a full armoured tank and it probably would. Did he forge it himself? I was trying to think of a reason why would someone create a thing like that.
'By the time you reload that I'll have four bullets in your chest.' I replied with a smile and produced my guns in full glory.
We sat there talking for about a week exchanging information about the world. The outcome was quite clear, we will have to form a clan. In order to survive we need more capable fighters, engineers, builders, hunters and of course food.
Food was the main concern as what we used to call people was not anymore. There were cripples, lepro-cripples, nuke-cripples, disease-cripples – cripples and mutants of all possible and impossible kind. Deep in my mind arouse the thought of me mutating in a four-armed vampire and for a moment it made me smile.
The people problem solved itself, humans are a plague that can't be stopped.

'We have to protect the people.'
'I know' said Mortis, 'we need them.'

So we went back to the wastelands to arm ourselves a bit better. And hell we did.
After so many fights that we lost track we found our weapons of choice. I sticked to my guns, while Mortis was deciding between his bow and a sniper rifle. The choice was made and his gun was a good companion.

We were in our science lab doing a routine check when Mortis said that he received a phone call. I jumped off the chair and grabbed his shoulders.
'Who?' I said half shouting.
'Calm down. And sit down, this is very strange.' he said waiting for my reaction.
There were only 2 satellite phones I know of and we were the only people that had one and knew how to use it.
Mortis carried on: 'The signal was encrypted, but it keeps repeating itself. I have no idea what it is or who could be the source. I don't even know which satellite it is coming from.'
I was thinking hard trying to remember the most technologicaly advanced vampire but even he did not possess such technology. We could use our phones, but we couldn't produce new ones.
'We will make another research lab dedicated to finding the source and purpose of the signal. I have a bad feeling about this.' said Mortis and I have to admit that I haven't seen him this worried for centuries. Orders were given and in a few weeks the research lab was there. Employment agency found suitable people for it and we left Mortis' phone there even thou it meant no long distance communication between the two of us.

'Do you know anyone who could help us with the clan?'
I had an idea: 'I know an insane sergeant and a few others that can be talked reason to.'
'Good, I know a few myself.' Mortis added.
'But we have a Major problem.'
'Which is?' Mortis grew curious.
'Are we going to be The Clan, or just a clan without a name?'
'Ehm, any suggestions?'
'Loads!' I laughed.
It was a long and funny discussion where we came up with several names for a clan but none of them was good enough. What was needed was something showing strength, coherence and support with an overall aura of power.
'I've got it!' I said after a few hours.
'Go on.' Mortis replied with a grin.
'The Brotherhood of Steel.' I proclaimed proudly.
There was a minute of silence where our brains were analysing the information and our minds were playing with it.
'Yes, that is a good name and from now on we shall be known as The Brotherhood of Steel.' was Mortis' final verdict.

= Chapter 6: Fools in the Garden of Eden =

The first to come was Magentia, one of those vampires who already settled down before the end of the world, Kobruk, a fighter of respect and honor, Scrapps the so much needed surgeon and a very strange vampire who called himself Nndungu. Others came as well and together we started to re-build civilization. From scratch…

‘’No news from the lab.’’ said Mortis when we met.
‘’Ehm, what lab?’’
‘’The new science lab’’ he replied in a slightly annoyed voice.
‘’Oh, I see.’’ I finally realized. ‘’That will get sorted once a recruit of mine arrives. If he arrives that is.’’
‘’Who or what is he?’’ Mortis asked and I could sense his curiosity.
‘’He is a who, not a what.’’ I said with a smile. ‘’I met him very far in the wastelands, at my turning point because I didn’t want to go any further. He is almost a sage. Started as a university teacher, made it to the dean and got turned the day he was 80.’’
‘’How did he survive?’’
‘’After a little period when he thought he is a beast and therefore needs to be fighting all the time he went back to studies. Lucky for him, and maybe even lucky for us. He got three university degrees every ten years since then.’’ I finished with the little story.
‘’Good, that could come in handy.’’ said Mortis with a hint of a smile. I learned how to read the signs of emotions he provided. To others he must look like a statue. A good feature to have for a clan leader.

It took Jimferatu a few weeks, but he finally arrived. At first I thought it is a train he used for transport, but the closer he came the more it looked like a convoy of trucks.
‘’My apologies for being late, gentlemen. Now, if you excuse me for a few days I will unpack and then we can talk.’’
He didn’t bother to wait for our response and started unpacking. I couldn’t help but watch all the strange things he had. I had no idea what most of the technology is good for. He even had animals with him. Not exactly animals as we had back then, but for the lack of words we call those abominations animals.

In the mean time Scrapps organized a little surgery and named it ‘’Piervsza pomoc’’ which is Polish for first aid. He has a twisted sense of humor. Feeling proud of his new creation he persuaded the employment agency to change its name to Posredniak. Luckily we managed to stop him from naming all the buildings in the city but from time to time he still plays little pranks on us. That way we have something to laugh about.

Everything was going right and if it carries on like this we will be able to focus all our research on re-building the world we lost. Of course it will take centuries, or even more, but we have all the time in the world.

= Chapter 7: The arrival =

While we were discussing a new kind of nano robots for terra re-creation at one of our meetings my satellite phone rang.

‘‘Code Red!’’ I shouted without any hesitation. ‘’Activate shields and weapons! All power to defences!’’
‘’Security! Report! Immediately.’’ Mortis added his bit.
I tossed the phone on the table and said to Jim: ‘’Locate the call, tell me who it is and bring him here!’’
He just pressed a button behind his ear and said: ‘’Activate Project Kitten, security override level 7, authorization by voice.’’

The rest of the people in the room were silent and confused. For a brief moment there was no sound at all.

‘’I’m on it!’’ said Eve.

‘’Sergeant Corrigon, security report. No suspicious behavior on the monitored areas. No visual, infrared or any other contact. All weapons ready. Triple checking everything as we speak. What is going on?’’ broke the silence.

It was ten seconds since my phone rang for the first time. The display was still showing the same:

Incoming call…
Caller ID: Unknown
CallerLocation: n/a

Fifteen seconds from the first ring Jimferatu said: ‘’Ready.’’
I pressed the green button and answered the call with a loudspeaker already activated. Something was not right. In fact, something was very wrong. All people who had the ability to call my satellite phone were in the same room as me and the number itself was one of the best guarded secrets in the whole brotherhood.

A male computer voice from my phone said a simple ‘’Incoming file’’ and then every single electronic device but the phone went dead for a minute.

‘’What is Project Kitten?’’ I asked while switching my sight from Mortis to Jimferatu and back.
Jim answered first. ‘’Project Kitten is a tracking device based on bio organism that used to be a real kitten. It can track almost any signal and locate its source.’’
‘’Nice, does it purr?’’

‘’Missile detected. Impact in 4, 3, 1... now’’ proclaimed our emotionless defensive system. Who could possibly have planned this?
The earth shook once and when it was over I looked at Eve. Some systems were already online, others just booting up and coming alive with an OK message on her display.
‘’Where?’’ asked Mortis.
‘’Right in the centre. No explosion. Radiation normal. Zero movement. Our troops have a visual.’’ Eve answered and I was glad she never panicked. I was frightened. Someone was able to override all our defensive barricades and fire a missile right into the centre of the town. We could have been dead the second it arrived…

It appeared to me that the world has stopped. We were all waiting for something to happen and completely forgot about everything else.

‘’Corrigon here. Area of impact secured. Still no sign of enemy outside of the city.’’ His voice being slightly changed by the armour he was wearing to be protected from radiation, acid, disease, cold and fire.
Mortis took command: ‘’All units on stand-by, this can be a trap.’’

‘’File transfer completed.’’ Sounded from my satellite phone and then it died even thou the battery was full.

I nearly shot the phone in shock and I was not the only one. Both Eve and Mortis had their guns out as well, even thou there was no real use of them here.

‘’What did Kitten find out?’’
‘’Only 3 coordinates, so I can locate it in 2D if I’m lucky. The signal was too short’’ Said Jim and he was obviously angry now. He paused for a moment and asked someone on the other side of the line to verify again.
‘’Ehm, the coordinates show to the centre of the city, but since it is just 2D the source could be below or above.’’
‘’Above’’ said Eve firmly.

We all understood what just happened and Jim ordered to missile to be taken onto one of his labs. It took us several days since we managed to open the container. Covered in bubblewrap there was a minidisc.
We set up a soundproof room with a computer that has no connection at all with any other device but a beamer and then we inserted the disc in. To our surprise bOS found one file called chng_log.txt and it said:

'''code:'''

'''1: *****Change log for Underworld '''

'''2: *****File generated by K.O.N.R.A.D.'''

'''3: '''

'''4: change_1: Magic implemented. '''

'''5: *****EoF'''

‘’What the hell is that supposed to mean?’’ said Mortis while we all stared at the image.
‘’Underworld is the same place where the UK used to be before the end of the world’’ said Eve as if we were all supposed to know that.
‘’And who would that K.O.N.R.A.D. guy be?’’ I asked.
Nndungu enlightened us: ‘’K.O.N.R.A.D. was a pre-war attempt at creating an artificial intelligence for the purpose of automated defence of South Africa in order to provide safety for their trade of natural resources, mainly diamonds. It was based on the orbit and kept in secrecy from the rest of the world. Looks like someone re-programmed it.’’
‘’How do you know all that?’’ Mortis asked while carefully noticing every single reaction of his suspect. The tension in the room grew stronger. For safety reasons we were all unarmed, but so outnumbered he wouldn’t stand a chance.

= Chapter 8: There is no such thing as truth =

‘’I designed the hardware.’’ Nndungu said with a frown and sat down to continue.
‘’It started after the WW2. I was a new HW specialist in South Africa and I was doomed with that project. My contact with family and friend as well as all the people I knew back then were cut for security reasons.

We were locked in a underground facility where we worked in turns to accomplish the ideal set of hardware. We failed. We failed miserably as no superconductors or any CPUs could deal with the rapidly increasing demand of processor power that the project had demanded. At the end the best scientists were turned into vampires against their own will so that they could work on the project day and night without being tired.
As I said, I was the chief designer of the hardware parts, so I was among the first to be changed.

We found that no present technology could ever be capable of AI, so we experimented on multiple levels. The most successful were combinations of living tissue combined with an array of computers on a very basic level. What we created was a fusion of human and vampire brains and a machine. This still proved to be insufficient. I won’t bother you with details, but those of you who know a bit about occult would probably know what we were missing. After we completed the fusion of souls we thought we’re done. And we were almost right.

K.O.N.R.A.D. went insane, killed most of the crew and almost got us all killed. With the last remaining survivors and some help from the outside we managed to lock the devil inside of the facility. Every attempt of destroying it failed. K.O.N.R.A.D. became too powerful. We kept him there for years and made him use all the power he had. We thought we won.

Finally we managed to bomb the place and forgot about it. Seems like he awakened from the dead which to be honest I wouldn’t be very surprised of. There is no way of killing it, defeating it or getting rid of it yet.’’

= Chapter 9: Magic =

‘’So to sum it up we’re against an entity that just created magic out of whim, right?’’ I asked while laughing.
‘’Stop the non-sense!’’ Mortis broke my flawless joke, ‘’this is more serious than any of us can imagine. We have no idea what this magic is capable of, how it will affect us or how we can defend ourselves against it.’’
‘’I have my guns and I bet they can kill as easily as before, let us try.’’

The Wastelands, our source of pre-war technology became a death trap. There are creatures we couldn’t even dream about ever before. And those creatures have but one mission, to kill us all.

= Chapter 10: This life ain’t worth living =

The impact on the surrounding was rather radical. There were zones in the wastelands that had nothing in common with reality as we knew it. What we thought of as normal existed no more. The few remaining animals turned into bloodthirsty beasts and even the vegetation became aggressive.
From that day, we struggled for survival. Our city was attacked by strange creatures from all sides, every single night. Human population has reached critical level.
We were doomed because some damn experiment went nuts. Who would have thought that the real end of the world will be like this?

In the everyday struggle for blood and people, I gave up my hope of a new Earth. What a silly dream it was in the first place. I have never smiled since.
My whole existence was slowly dragged to one single purpose – to kill.
One day, at midnight, we gathered as a clan to discuss defence. They were talking for hours while I was just looking at my guns. Were they really the solution to my problems?
Can they really change the world?

‘’What do you think, diablo?’’ said Mortis for at least the fifth time till I noticed.
I put my guns back in their place and answered in a silent whisper:
‘’What is all this good for? We arm ourselves, go out, fight and return without victory but lucky that we scared the beasts off. Then we recover and do it all over again. What is the point of all this?’’
Everyone looked down. Nobody said a word for a long time. I was sick of it, sick of being some jester for a freaked-out AI somewhere on the orbit. I won’t be a puppet, even if it means my own death.
‘’We fight because we are not happy with the world as it is. We fight to change it. We fight to win!’’ shouted Mortis. ‘’We protect our people, help each other and kill whatever comes in our way.’’
‘’Those creatures are almost godlike, how do you want to kill them?’’ my patience was growing thin.

‘’With magic.’’ Nndungu entered the conversation. ‘’Those creatures didn’t exist before, which means that they are a product of the magic.’’
‘’What do you mean?’’ I asked.
‘’Fight fire with fire’’ said Mortis with a smile.
‘’I’ll think about it.’’ I replied and left.

= Chapter 11: On the road again =

Time has passed and I was wandering through the wastelands without purpose and with rapidly decreasing ammunition. I kept one bullet for me.

Magic should be the means to kill the monsters, but how? It seems that the magic only affected the world around me while I was left untouched. That of course made me seriously weak in comparison with everything else. The monsters were quicker than my bullets, dodging them and even if I hit the damage seemed insignificant.

No matter how hard I tried I, couldn’t find a weakness in any of the monsters. I sneaked up on them, observed, gathered information and still failed to kill any of them.
There seemed to be some kind of order among them, some sort of hierarchy.
The monsters occupied certain areas in hordes. Depending on the kind of monsters they chose an area that suited them the most. What was troubling me more was the hierarchy.
In every horde as I got used to call them, there was a leader. The strongest monster of all. This is a law of nature, the strongest leads the pack.
That’s when it struck me. Of course!
I ran back to BoS headquarters with the good news.

I had to stop on my way home and spend the day in one of the vaults. This one had been occupied by some kind of freaks in the past. There were ornaments all over the place. Driven by curiosity I came to what I’d call a sacrificial chamber. There were bones scattered everywhere and the floor was marked with blood.
What puzzled me was that the main sacrificial place was connected to another room with thick cables. What maniac would analyze a sacrifice with a computer?

I decided to check the whole vault before scrutinizing the sacrificial chamber a little more. I went from door to door but no living creature could be found. I’m still not sure if it was good or bad. As much as I didn’t really want to live, I didn’t want to be sacrificed to some non-existing god or a demon either. The deeper I went into the vault the stronger was the scent of death. Violent death.

As usual, the surprise was on the lowest floor. I have no idea why people bother to dig themselves so deep into the ground, as if nobody wanted to be close to the surface now that the cursed magic was there.
I was right. This person didn’t try to hide, he was being hidden from the rest of the world. Imprisoned behind bars so thick that I have no idea how they were produced, there was a humanoid creature. A black and red cape was hiding his or her face as well as the rest of the strange figure.

I produced my guns in silence, checked the rest of the room for traps and just stood there thinking that I’m acting stupid. Judging from the dust on the upper floors as well as this one, it looks like nobody has been here for centuries.
Then the creature spoke and it sounded as if his lips were sewed together: ‘’How long are you going to stand there?’’
Both of my guns were aimed at where the head was meant to be and I wouldn’t miss someone fifteen feet away from me.

‘’Who are you?’’ I demanded an answer.
‘’The right question would be what are you, but nevermind. Are you going to let me go or did you come for a chat?’’ the creature replied.
It is clear that I’m not winning, if he was here for centuries a few more wouldn’t be a problem.
‘’Actually, I did. I just came to ask how you’re doing. And I’ll be doing it every year to remind you of the passing time. Of course not on the same day.’’ I lied.
‘’Grab a chair; it will take some time to explain everything.’’

= Chapter 12: Deep below the surface =

‘’I was the head of this institution for a long time. Then we found what we were looking for and since then I have been imprisoned. Looks like you didn’t need the chair after all.’’ said the person laughing.
‘’Was that it? OK then, what do you intend to do now?’’ I asked still surprised by the jovial tone in his voice.
‘’Right, looks like you want the whole story. Please, have a seat.’’ he said but didn’t sit down. I was a bit tired so I did.
Then he started to talk.

‘’My name is Matt Van Occupanther. Irish grandparents…
As I said before, I was the head of this facility. The purpose of it was to research rituals and occult with focus on human and vampire alteration with the help of the latest technology. Impressed?’’
‘’Indeed, please carry on, I bet there is more to it.’’ I answered.
‘’Right. I was not really involved in the research itself, I was here to take care of the organizational part of it. We were doing well and to cut the long story short – the head of the research team used me to test one of his experiments.’’
‘’What kind of experiment was it, if I may ask?’’
‘’Computer driven rituals of sacrifice to bring myths into the real world. The rituals needed to be very precise in time apparently. I was there just to press one button to start the whole procedure. I had no idea that from the occult point of view it would make me the one who performed the ritual. Nobody knew that I’d be the target as well.
Are you familiar with any myths?’’
‘’A few, do you have any particular in mind?’’
‘’The Myth of Cthulhu’’ he said and stepped a bit forward and revealed his face.

I was so shocked that the only thing I managed to do was to sit there and stare at the creature. His skin was a bit darker and rubbery, hair was missing and instead of a mustache here were tentacles.

‘’I was a vampire before it happened’’ said Anthony and carried on ‘’if it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t have survived the ritual. A human would be turned to ashes.’’
‘’As you can probably imagine, I wasn’t impressed by the outcome and killed most of the scientists in rage. The rest of the fools couldn’t fix me, so I used them as food. I can feed on fear. Being a myth has its advantages.’’
‘’When they locked me in, they feared me so much that I didn’t have to eat since then. It was a long time ago and I’m getting bored.

‘’Right Cthulhu, I think it is time we leave.’’ I said.
‘’You made a mistake there, my friend. We are not leaving. You may be. For obvious reasons I cannot.’’ he said pointing at the bars.

‘’How do we open it?’’ I asked.
‘’We can’t. There are nine keys to this door and all have to be turned at the same time.’’
‘’Damn!’’

We spent a few days searching for the keys. Luckily we found them all. The problem was how to turn nine keys at the same time. I wasn’t fast enough to do that, no matter how hard I tried and BoS was too far away.
Cthulhu said ‘’Shoot them, you shoot faster than you run.’’ So we tried. I could shoot three in almost no time but not all of them. Seeing this was the way to go he started to teach me about various rituals.

Most of them were surprisingly about soul binding an object. Guns are nothing but mere objects, they cannot be altered. What Cthulhu wanted to change was me.
It took a while but finally, we were ready. All systems were powered up and I had enough blood to start with. We went through the whole process six times again just to be sure that I’ll do it right. Then it was time to start.

A few minutes before midnight, the little screen on my wrist watch said ‘’READY’’. All other screens in the room were showing runes and other symbols. I sat down and meditated. Phase one ended when music started to play. It wasn’t really music, but a murmur of about nine different voices saying the same spell in nine different languages. I knew that nine were the seals of hell and each and every one had to be opened at the same time and only for one nanosecond, otherwise I would risk losing my sanity first, soul and body to follow shortly after.

Second phase started and I filled nine small glasses with my own blood. It was very important that all the glasses contain the exact amount of blood that is needed for each seal. I practiced the process many times, because if the right amount is not reached then the seals won't open.

During the third phase, I put two bullets into each glass of blood, one for every gun. The meaning of this was to link myself to the bullets through my guns.
When all the bullets were covered in blood, I took them out one by one and loaded the ammo clips.

Phase four was simple, I only had to say a few words: ‘’Kaegi nadi korr!’’
Then I took my guns and I was ready for phase five, the last one.

For a very short moment I understood the guns, their desire to kill, their motherly love for every bullet, the pain when they miss. I could feel them as living creatures and I knew I’ll understand what they’ll be saying from now on. I feared that if I lose them, it would be worse than losing all of my friends at the same time.

I became one with my guns.

When I returned back to Cthulhu, he seemed glad to see me. Without a word I took the nine keys and put them in place. Then I shot nine bullets without even thinking about it. A few moments later, a familiar click echoed in the room. The prison was unlocked.

‘’Well done my friend, now let us see if you survive the last four phases of the ritual you started.’’ said Cthulhu.
‘’You’re half way there pal.’’
I wasn’t told about any more phases, but apparently it was important, otherwise I would have failed the first five.

Phase six was quite painful considering it only changed my eyes. What used to be light blue became orbs of ebony black. On the other hand my peripheral vision was extended so much that it is no longer peripheral. I can see in any direction as clearly as if I was looking forward.

Phase seven nearly killed me. Pain lanced through my body as if I had been shot in every part of it. Cthulhu later said that only those who are prepared to die by a gun should be able to fire one. I don't know if he was right but the pain was tremendously agonizing.

Phase eight was a strange dream. I was going through a desert when a Sphinx appeared out of nowhere. The beast grabbed me by the neck and asked me to prove that I’m worthy.
I said that I’ll shoot the moon. The Sphinx looked puzzled but agreed.
I fired two shots and both hit their target. The sphinx took a hit in each eye and fell on the sand.
‘’Can you see the moon now?’’
No answer.
‘’Thought so.’’
My dream – my rules. The ability to control my own dreams was a part of the training I went through.
After that I woke up smiling, ready for the last phase.

At the beginning of phase nine my guns came alive. They cried. Their tears were made of melted bullets.
They started swirling through the room and tore the computers apart. When they were done, they came asking for blood.
‘’Take as much as you need, but not a single drop more.’’ I agreed.
I was shot by hundreds of tiny little guns in my arms, my back and even my eyes got a few hits. It happened so fast that I couldn’t gauge what the damage was.
I faded and fell to the floor.

When I woke up I saw Cthulhu’s face leaning over me mumbling something through his tentacles.
‘’I’m glad you made it my friend, now you are a true gunman.’’

The outcome of the last phase was tattoos. Two of them were on my arms and one big tattoo on my back. The last one was on the inside of my eyes. All together they were a complete set. What I gained was the ability to shoot faster than I ever thought was possible. On the inner side of my eyes is a counter that shows me the precise amount of ammunition still loaded in my guns.
In addition to that, it gave me sufficient knowledge on how to make the deadliest and most efficient bullets.

The strange thing about the tattoos is that they look like a merge of technology and occult, exactly what I would expect from such a ritual, and they can’t be broken or damaged.

It was time to go home. Cthulhu insisted on destroying the whole vault and I had no arguments to stop him from doing so. He even insisted on a runic implosion to be sure that there will be nothing left. The thing with runic implosion is that it ignores the usual laws of physics. What remained from the whole vault was a small stone. Cthulhu painted on it a rune of forgetfulness with his own blood while it was hot. Then he hung it on a chain on his neck.

‘’This place owes me a lot and I don’t intend to waste all that energy. If I forget who I am, it will take me back to the vault for a moment before I die.’’

= Chapter 13: Home sweet home =

When we reached BoS headquarters, we bumped into Mortis and Jimferatu on the street.
‘’Welcome back, I was getting worried a bit. Where have you been?’’ the leader asked.
‘’Hi Mortis, I did some research, can we have a conference in fifteen minutes? By the way, this is Cthulhu, the actual myth himself. Since he has nowhere else to go and helped me a lot I offered him shelter.’’ I explained and we all looked at Cthulhu.
‘’Nice to meet you Mortis, hi Jim.''

The Angel of Death

2013-07-30T14:03:28Z

DemonDude: Created page with "Author: '''Raziel666''' Original link: http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=2307 ''Some chapters need major editing - it is recommend that first time readers who are ..."

Author: '''Raziel666'''

Original link: http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=2307

''Some chapters need major editing - it is recommend that first time readers who are also editors to read it in edit mode and fix as they read through.''

= Chapter 1 =

The small illumination emanating from the lantern did little to break through the light fog slowly drifting in through the graveyard. Blaze looked back at the ratty mob he called his 'crew'. Four other people that answered to his advert to rid the world of the scum that he was now on the hunt for. He gripped a picture tightly in his left hand, he remembered handing one of these pictures to each of his crew. To come prepared was always the best way to deal with these creatures.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Blaze?"''</span> A thin weedy looking man called out.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"What?"''</span> Blaze turned to face Samuel, his second in command if you could call him that. Samuel had worked with Blaze on a couple of missions in the past, usually on mutant hunts, but this hunt was special, it was a vampire they where hunting this time.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"How do you know where this guy is?"''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"The one who posted the bounty says that tends to reside here, so keep you're wits about you and remember to keep that cross around your neck at all times, it will protect your from him."''</span>

Samuel nodded and gripped the silver crucifix tightly, almost praying for its protection.

He glanced around the graveyard, these places gave the frights, the dead should stay dead, Samuel feared them and from his fear brought forth a loathing and hatred - this wasn't natural, you where born, live then die and you don't come back.

He strained his neck to look at the top of the monstrous centuries old stone cathedral, this once belonged to a famous member of the clergy a man by the name of Artoir Van Twooh. It almost saddened Samuel to seen this church in such ruin, the west and south wings has completely collapsed, the stone masonry strewn about the place, the large chunks of rock slightly curved from the decades of wear. The east wing started to show the same degradation as the other two wings; only the north wing remained intact. The three hundred foot high twin spires hidden under the veil of dark cloud.

Samuel wiped the rain from his face and blinked, he could have sworn he saw the shadows move against the north face window.

Pushing it of to an overactive imagination, Samuel reminded himself how he wound up here in the first place.

A slim woman stood in front of Blaze, he couldn't help eyeing her up, from her jet black dress to her blazing dark red hair. Thoughts danced around in his head. Things he would love to do to her. He knew she would love it, all the women he had the past did.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"So you know what I want you to do?"''</span> The woman spoke. Her voice carried an heir of authority.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Yeah love, don't worry about us."''</span> Blaze turned his head to three other people standing behind him. They all nodded in agreement. He turned back to her. <span style="color: darkblue;">''"These guy are a tough old bunch they help sort out your... your... what problem did you say you needed eradicating I couldn't remember."''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Vampire goes by the name Raziel. However you do not need be alarmed he is a young fledgling. Shouldn't cause you too many hassles."''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Ahh... Vampire, sorry I had in my head it was a succubine or a mutant from the wastelands. Oh then will be a walk in the park then. I've dealt with elder vampires before and came out without a scratch."''</span> Blaze was bluffing. He had never even seen a vampire. All he had learnt about them came from vampire handbook. But the money was irresistible.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Good... Very good. So we agree on the price of fifty thousand logo."''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Yeah, but I need half upfront. We need equipment to deal with these matters. Nothing you need to worry yourself about young lady."''</span>

The woman gave a seductive glance. <span style="color: darkblue;">"I'm sure you do. Half now. Half when you return. With Raziel head on a spike."</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Done."''</span>

She threw him a wad of cash, more then Blaze had seen in his lifetime. He had to stay cool. He needed to keep the facade up.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Samuel!"''</span> Blaze kept his gaze of the young lady in front of him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Tell the men that the jobs on. Make sure you have the necessary equipment. This lady has contracted us to take care of a vampire. Nothing to hard to hassle."''</span>

Samuel knowing that Blaze was lying through his teeth played along.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Yes Sir."''</span> The fact that the 'men' where only a few feet behind him and heard everything didn't matter. What mattered is that Blaze was seen as being in total control.

As far as Blaze was concerned; this was a done deal and this lady would fall into his hands when this vampire's head was brought to him.

His lips parted and he starred at his embracer, a young woman of no more the eighteen stood in front of him, her long jet black hair and alluring dark brown eyes where enticing. He soft white skin and ruby red lips enraptured him.

She opened her mouth to say something, however the loud music playing over the integrated stereo system was deafening. He couldn't understand her.

She brought her mouth to his ear.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Happy Birthday."''</span> And then walked off into the distance.

The young man thought to himself for a quick minute 'Who the hell was that. I'll find her later. She seemed cute enough.' The young man turned from the brown panelled dark corridor back into the living room of his parents’ mansion. They had disappeared for a few days and felt that this was the perfect time to get a few friends over for a drink.

All three hundred and eighty of them. Plus a few gatecrashers a few prostitutes and a few of the local girl models that where always up for a good time.

This wasn't the first party he had thrown nor would it be the last. He father more then happy paid for the parties. Even though he didn’t even know that they where being throw. Wonderful things company credit cards, gets you anything you need. Anytime you want.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Hey dude, you gotta try this shit."''</span> He pushed a flat magazine over to him with a small amount of white powder lined on it. The young man looked at the one pushing the mag. His best mate Dave. He really was a best mate.

The young man snorted the powder through his nose and waited a second for the drug to kick in. His world went for a spin and he fell against down onto a nearby chair.

He looked at his best mate
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Fuck me man, that’s good shit."''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"The best. Anyhow your bout your present?"''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Fuck yeah."''</span>

His mate and walked out the room. A few seconds later he returned with two women dressed in Lingerie. The young man in the chair smiled. A blonde and a brunette. How did his mate know?

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Nice present. This isn't the first time I have two women before though."''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Oh just you wait, what ever you've had these two will blow your mind. Just sit back and enjoy the ride."''</span>

The blonde straddled him with her thin frame and her fake breasts were pushed into his face. She slowly lowered them, making sure that he got to taste her delicate skin. She reached over on the side table and picked up a half bottle of Vodka. She poured a little into her mouth and them brought her lips to his. She slipped her tongue into his mouth and allowed the vodka to roll down his thought.

She pulled herself away from his lips and nibbled his earlobe for a minute before whispering to him the things she was going to do. The young man knew these where hookers. Not really his thing. He could bed any one of the female flavours here tonight. At the end of the day he invited them. These hookers however where professionals, not your on the corner variety. His mate would have paid at least thirty maybe even fourth thousand logo for this one night.

The young blonde stood up and wandered carelessly over to the brunette. The young man transfixed onto her arse as it gentle moved up and down with her walking. She turned and looked him straight in the eyes with a seductive, passionate look. The young man could move, those blazing blue eyes had entranced him.

The brunette seeing what the blonde was doing, strode up behind her and ran one of her hands over the blonde's ample fake breasts. The blonde closed her eyes as though her was enjoying being handled in this way. The brunette turned the blonde's head and kissed her intimately.

The young man could feel himself pulsating at the thought of tonight. His mate was right about one thing. He was defiantly going to enjoy tonight.

The brunette separated herself from the blonde and made her way over to the young man, her long fake tanned legs talking one slow step in front of the other. For the young man time slowed and the music subsided into gentle background noise. In reality nothing had changed.

She didn't straddle him like the blonde did. Instead she bent over from the hip, allowing the young man to see down her dark bra. She whispered into his eye.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"You ready to have some fun tonight."''</span>

The young girl looked him the mirror beside the bed; she was lucky that she couldn't see herself. Couldn't see the scarring and bruising from the man she had know for most of her life. A man she would have called her father. Now she was his pimp.

The young long shorthaired blonde girl closed her eyes and felt the moisture of a tear escape and run down her delicate face. She wanted to be anywhere but her, in this situation that was about to occur.

She felt the heavy breathing of a man she did not know. She could smell his breath. A disgusting putrid smell of alcohol and tobacco. He cheap aftershave he heavily applied. She felt his torn and jagged lips on her velvet skin, his rough tongue sliding down her fragile neck.

Another tear fell. Why did he put her in this hell? She had done nothing wrong. She could still feel the marks where his fist had landed when she first refused to play in this act. Still remembered the cane to her ribs for not calling her father. The kick to the chest for not remembering to thank him for the first to beatings for not remembering that she had to behave.

Another tear fell.

The man was foundling her in a very rough and harsh manner. His large hands pulling and pushing. She tried not to think about it. She looked in the mirror again. The man's face had one of those sick grins. His rough stubble showed that he hadn't shaved for a few days. The lines round his grey eyes showing his middle age.

She looked over to the grey suit jacket and trousers, folded neatly into a pile. His shirt hung tidily on the edge of the mirror obscuring the top left corner. His tie placed neatly over the top of the shirt. A pile of cash on the top of the dresser.

Her 'father' had made a point of telling her how much she was worth. How much someone like her could fetch. She was special and a rarity. Her going price for her inexperience, at least one hundred thousand logo. After tonight she would be worth a lot less. He auctioned her in front of at least fifty people all being for her as the price. She remembered his voice in her ear telling her to smile. She thought she did, but now she wasn't so sure.

There was nothing she could do; her mother was made to watch in the back corner. She saw her radiant blue eyes; similar to the one she had inherited fade and die. Tears and screams echoed through her mind. The pleads her mother called out. The fact that she would do anything to protect her most valuable asset. The young girl still heard her Mother's screeches and wails as she was led away to this bedroom with her winner.

The man in the mirror descended downwards. He whispered sick nothings in her ear. She felt a sharp pain and the bed start to squeak. She felt numb and at the same time sickened and violated. There was nothing she could do. She stopped fighting this man and let herself go limp, perhaps he would finish faster. Perhaps her would get bored and this tormented pain would stop. Perhaps after his was done with her he would show a little mercy and kill her. Put an end to what was to come.

He however showed none of this. The more tears that fell from the young girl the more he enjoyed what he was doing. The more she screamed the more it turned him on. He kept pushing on until with a loud gasp of breath he collapsed on her.

He pulled himself off the bed and looked at her beautiful features. He was won the auction and his prize was more then he could have ever desired. To his she was worth the one hundred and ninety one thousand logo he paid. He would never see her again. She was used. Damaged and no longer of interest. He pulled his clothes back on, threw nearly half the wad of cash on her and then walked out.

The young girl waited until she could near no one around and buried her head in the one and only pillow on the single bed and sobbed. She curled herself in a small ball and continued to rock back and forth. She wanted her Mother. Her strong grasp in her arms gently caring for her.

She finished crying and for once felt empty and alone. It was almost a part of her had died. She picked herself up off of the bed and looked down at where the atrocity had taken place. The white cotton sheets had been partially stained by blood and another substance, one the young girl did not want to know even though she did.

What did she do to deserve this? She had to pay her 'father' back for all the crimes her real father had committed again an organisation only know to her as The Black Hand. For all she knew, she would be her forever.

Her life ended. Her childhood stolen. Never again to see the light of day outside this house of hell. Her being to be vandalised for all eternity and it started four weeks before her sixteenth birthday.

Samuel stood still looking at the darkness on the spire of the old English style church. He really could have sworn he saw something. He didn’t want to say anything though as it may alarm the others and make more confusion then anything else. He always believed that Blaze was indeed a vampire hunter or ghoul hunter or mutant hunter or really what ever kind of hunter you wanted really, his problem came though as the fact he would never let anything go.

Samuel cast his mind back to one of the first job he had done as a hunter. A man he never really got the chance to know gave him the brief history of the vampire hunter codex. A hand guide that gave you everything you needed to know about slaying vampires.

One of the biggest pieces of advice that Samuel was ever given was never lose your crucifix. It's you savour against these damned creatures. Always carry with you a veil of the holiest water blessed by a priest of the holy order. Keep your stakes sharp and make sure that when you strike; you strike with conviction.

The vampire race had been around for centuries and documents of mysterious happening have been noted thought the evolution of man.

Then came the third world war. A heavy nuclear war that tore the human race to pieces. The war itself killed nearly one billion people and the subsequent fallout and nuclear winters killed another three billion over a course of twenty-five years.

From then on the vampire races began to seize its control on the remaining world using their long accumulated knowledge and wealth to take control of some of the biggest corporations on the remaining planet. From these corporations they started to build cities using the previous metropolises as their base grounds.

Vampire hunter emerged should after this. A secret society that was determined to rid the world of the spans of Satan. The Vampiric race was a disease and they saw them self as the cure to the problem. Armed with some of the highest technological armoury stored at the Vatican in Rome, they set about their missions.

What they didn't consider was that one amongst them has already been turned and the vampire race where ready for the invasion. Within two years the Order of Sun had been vanquished.

Most people in the known world had no idea of either the vampire race; nor the impending army from the order of the sun. Most people enjoyed being under a rule of someone that was willing to rebuilt their hopes and futures.

The fact being that most of the Human race was now in one way or another was now enslaved by the vampire race and didn't even realise it allowed the vampires to keep wandering amongst them.

What the vampires didn't realise was the Order of the Sun pushed forth a book. The Sanguine Codex. The codex however has been lost now for nearly two hundred years. What came from it and passed down through the generations has come to be known as the vampire handbook. An all you need to know about the vampire race and how to kill one should you encounter one.

From this handbook and new breed of vampires emerged. These hunters where under the belief that Vampire where not natural. Spawns of Satan send to further the pain and suffering in the modern world.

What the vampires came to discover is that these so called vampire hunter where no better then the witch hunters that many came to know in the medieval times. Most of them had never even seen a vampire in their live didn't deter them from their goals. Vampire hunters tended to attack in pacts known as sects.

Using whatever weaponry they could get their hands on. Most of the time their victims where innocent humans or weak mutants that had wandered in from the wastelands looking for some scraps of food to eat.

Samuel looked back at the photograph of his intended victim. It was old and looked to have been copied a great number of times. The picture showed a tall man shadowed by a large trench coat. This facial image was blurred at best and nearly unrecognisable. Samuel swore after this job he would retire from this life and settle down. The amount of logo on offer would give him a good head start.

The ground in front of Samuel shattered sending dust and debris in all directions. He couldn't see anyone one of the others in the sect. Samuel strained his eyes. There was a figure. Tall with what looked to be a trench coat draped over his shoulders. The figure was huge. It was him. He wanted to call for help but no words came from his open mouth.

The figure lunched towards him with lightning speed. Samuel caught a quick flash of steel followed by a sharp pain and then nothing.

Blaze shouted out to the others.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"What the fuck!"''</span>

One of the other two screamed,
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Shit, what the fuck was that man. I fucking out of here keep you money I don't wanna die!"''</span>

The other stayed with Blaze. A young lad of seventeen by the name of Zack. Blaze turned to him

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Where the fuck is Samuel?"''</span>

The dust started to settle and Zack could see Samuel standing in front of him, his eyes wide open. A thing red line running down the front of his face.

Zack quickly walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Hey man you ok. That was pretty fucked up eh? Scarred the living shit out of me."''</span>

Zack then realised how bad the situation had become. The line down Samuel’s face started to ooze a crimson substance. Blood. The wound running vertically started to open. Zack looked in horror as one half of Samuel’s body started to slide away from the other. Blood freely flowing exposing the brain, internal organs, bone and sinew.

Samuel collapsed to the floor. Zack placed his hand over his mouth to stop himself from throwing up. Blaze called out.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Hey hurried the fuck up you two. What is this a love parade?"''</span>

Zack heard him and opened his mouth to speak. All that came out was vomit. He quickly turned toward the entrance and ran out as fast as his legs would carry him.

Blaze watched, as his team had deserted him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Fucking bunch of losers. A small amount of debris and they fall to pieces."''</span> He shouted out to Samuel and was responded with silence.

Blaze walked over to where the supposed debris had fallen. He saw his old comrade on the floor in a pool of his own blood. Blaze closed his eyes and said a quick prayer and then kissed his crucifix.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Samuel you poor basterd. I always told you to be careful. Looks like it got the better of you. Sorry my friend. I'll make sure I avenge you and buy you a little plaque."''</span>

Blaze turned towards the exit of the graveyard at the other end of the church. There was one way in and another way out. He looked up to the night sky. It was heavily clouded and Blaze started to feel the first droplets of water. The light spatters soon turned to a near torrential down pour.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Oh just fucking great. I knew this was going to be a shit night. Well I best keep looking for something. There's no vampire here hell probably never was. Seems that young lady was chasing ghosts. Maybe he would at least give hi a hot bath and a bed for the night. Preferably with her in it."''</span>

He smiled to himself. Almost happy with the fact that he had gotten away with a free job. His pleasure soon turned to horror as a slim metal blade slid under his neck.

A smooth calm voice spoke to him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Careful what you say round here. You never know who's listening."''</span>

Blaze had found his target. More to the point the target found him. Seemed this wasn't the simple vampire that he was led to believe. He needed to thing fast.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Foul creature of hell. I am a member of the holy order of the sun. You are demanded by God himself that you return to the ground where you hence came."''</span>

The figure reached into the Blaze's pocket and found the photograph of him. Curiosity peaked him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Where did you get this?"''</span>

Blaze really didn’t care who he dropped into it. His life was on the line and that took precedence.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Some broad down the local. Damn pretty lass with fiery red hair. She was offering good money to take some simple vampire out."''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"What local?"''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Eh?"''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"You heard me. Where can I find her?"''</span>

<span style="color: darkblue;">''" The Axe and Cleaver. It's a little tavern down the black cat alley. She posted an advert for a vampire hunter and their sect."''</span>

Thoughts crossed this vampire's mind. He had a good feeling who had set him up. The question was why? He would find out later after he helped the world from another fanatical.

Blaze could almost sense the hesitation. This was not his chance to strike. He reached into his trouser pocket and produced a small flick knife. Opening the blade he spun the knife round and rammed it into his capturers stomach. His opponent whinst in pain.

The vampire hunter took advantage of the surprised vampire and spun a round house into his face. Blood flew from his attackers face. This was followed up with a boot to the mid section that doubled the vampire over.

Blaze pulled he knee into the wound he caused to his perpetrator and threw him onto the floor. Opening his jacket he produced a large wooden stake. He knelt next to the Vampire.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''"There was one thing she did say that you had grandeurs that you where actually an angel. Now that’s pretty fucked up. Also she asked me to give you a message. Something along the line of blood wishes and metal kisses. Don’t really have any idea what she meant."''</span> He raised the stake above his head.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Anyhow time to die. "''</span> And brought the stake onto the Vampire's chest.

The vampire let out a quick howl and lay motionless. Blaze stood up and gave the creature slain by his own hands another kick for good measure.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''"Cock sucking piece of shit. I banish you to the hell you came from."''</span>

Once again he turned for the exit. Thoughts passed his mind 'I wonder what extra reward I'll receive for this. She had better out herself out for this. I don’t put my life on the line for nothing.'

Blaze then remembered that she wanted the head of this vampire. 'Damn it' crossed his mind. He would have to go back and retrieve it. No great hassle it has only just left it. He turned around and was surprised to be greeted with a hand around his neck.

There was no emotion on the mans face. The spun Blaze round in a three hundred and sixty degree circle and released him. He sailed in the air and impacted a large Oak tree more then thirty feet away.

Blood ran down Blaze's face from a gash in the top of his head. It stung his eye and the blood flowed through it running down it cheek and passed his dry lips. He saw the figure in his full height of six foot four inches walking towards him.

Panic spread though Blaze. He grabbed his crucifix and held it in front of him. He repeated the same words over and over again.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''" You're dead. You're fucking dead."''</span>

The quiet man lifted the other man by the throat and lifted him of the ground, legs dangling in the air, this time it was the quiet man smiling, a soft, sickening smile, his eyes red with fury.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I am dead.”''</span>

The other man gasping for air chocked
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who are you?”''</span>

The quiet man placed the other person back on his feet.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“ I am nobody and everybody, I am the saviour, I am your brightest fear and your darkest hope. I am the absolution to all eternity.”''</span>
He started straight into the other mans eyes and saw the fear
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“My name is Raziel and I am an Angel.”''</span> With that he spun the mans neck a full one hundred eighty degrees. The man fell down dead.

Raziel looked down at the lifeless body
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I am an Angel of Death and I have now shown you peace to the end of you pitiful existence.”''</span>

Raziel turned, his coat spun in the air behind him and he walked into the distance and disappeared into the murky blackness.

= Chapter 2 =

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Boys, Boys, Boys”''</span> a small smile passed her lips <span style="color: darkblue;">''“did you find him?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeh, we found him all right, you said nothing about him being 12 feet tall and able to rip people to shreds is one strike you didn’t, he killed Samuel he did, one hit, there was a lot of smoke, stuff flying in the air and the next thing I know, he torn to pieces poor sod, fuck that we said and ran for our lives, only Blaze stayed behind to fight it and well I think he’s dead too you know, must be, you never told us we were trying to kill a monster, love– you said it was a little vampire.”''</span>
Her smile disappeared and a gleam appeared in her eye <span style="color: darkblue;">''“he is only a small pathetic little vampire, why can’t I find any decent help these days”''</span> she let a large breathe expel from her body <span style="color: darkblue;">''“fine – where’s the money I gave you?”''</span>
The man looked at the floor and gulped <span style="color: darkblue;">''“umm, we don’t ‘ave it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“WHAT!!! – I gave you 25,000 logo, now where is it!!”''</span> her face had turn the same deep scarlet as her shoulder length hair.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Blaze had it, he had all of it, insisted you know”''</span>
The woman calmed down and the smile returned on her face, she smirked <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ll bet Raziel is having the time of his life right now”''</span> she commented under her breath. She flicked her red hair around from one shoulder to the other revealing her pale almost white skin <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nevermind, plenty more where that came from”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“If you don’t mind me askin, why do you want him dead?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“That’s none of your business and you would do well to keep quiet before I rip out your tongue and make you eat it”''</span> the smile had become crooked, almost sinister <span style="color: darkblue;">''“ lets just say there is … <span style="color: darkblue;">''“she paused, searching for the right word <span style="color: darkblue;">''“… history”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“oh I see, you like your and ‘im were like, having it off, like, so I guess he you know, broke your…”''</span> his sentence was cut short by a hand around his neck and with unbelievable strength and pushed him down to his knees, she brought her face directly I front of his <span style="color: darkblue;">''“you dare finish that sentence and I promise you, you will not see the sun rise this morning, am I clear”''</span> she snarled
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“ I’m sorry miss, I’m really sorry”''</span> the man choked
she threw him to the ground.
A voice in the background piped up <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Excuse me miss, there any problems, if there are, then please take it outside, I run a good establishment here and I don’t need it ruined”''</span>
The woman didn’t even respond, she just threw a bag of Logo at the barman and walked towards the exit, as she reached the door, she turned allowing her long black dress to dance around her <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Remember what I said, another word and your dead.”''</span> She opened the door and walked out, not a word was said until the ‘slam’ <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Crazy fucking bitch”''</span> the man exclaimed, the bar tender just nodded and carried about his business.

The woman carried walking down the road, deep in thought ‘why, why when you name pops up my world once again unravels, I’m sure its no big secret that your darkness enthralled me, still does if I’m honest with myself and oh god, do I hate you for it, I would like nothing more then to place a 45 to your chest and pull the trigger’ she could feel the anger once again build up inside her, that fire of hatred and loathing, her breathing was heavier, her chest getting higher and higher with every breathe she took <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fuck it!!!”''</span> she blasted, a few bystanders looked at her and continued walking.

Still deep in thought, she looked up ‘did some just call for me’ she thought, shaking her head, she kept walking
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden!!!”''</span> someone was calling her but who, she looked around, didn’t take long though in the distance she saw someone waving and running towards her, Maiden smiled ‘elfinlied’ she thought to herself. The woman ran up to Maiden and rapped her arms around her giving her a great big kiss on the cheek, nobody would have imagined that these two were good friends, where Maiden was prim, proper and elegant and generally stood out due to her classiness, Elfinlied stood out with her wild spiked hair made up of blues, reds, greens, purples, and oranges, people might have got the impression that a rainbow shun out of her head, her clothes were no different, apart from the canvas trainers in which one shoe was blue and the other pink, her slashed skin tight trousers were chequered with a barrage of colour, she had a skimpy blazing pink top which only just covered her small breasts, contrasting against her very white skin which was very much on display and overtop of that was a sunshine yellow jacket which stopped just above the waist – people could not stop staring at her.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hello Elfinlied, you seem happy today, any reason”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nope, just because I am, you should try it some time, get you out of those moody blues you keep having”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who said I’m blue”''</span> Maiden replied with a slightly contemptuous air about her
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who said I’m blue? You did silly, I mean just look at your face walking down the road and then that outburst, Whoa, lets just say, I’m glad I’m a friend”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh you heard that then”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I think the questions should have been, who didn’t hear it, its him again isn’t it, everytime that name is mention you get all uptight and grumpy, forget him, be happy!”''</span>
A half hearted smile passed Maidens lips <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I envy you sometimes, and I loathe at others, you’re just too bloody happy”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Did you want me to be miserable, I can walk around shoulder hunched, sad face, dragging my feet, world on my shoulder type think, look”''</span> Elfinlied did her best to look as miserable as possible – for about 3 seconds, then the smile returned
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“See for at least 3 seconds I was blue, down and out, in the dumps…”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok, Ok, I get the picture, I’m a miserable bitch, got it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Only when you think of him, most of the time you happy and enjoying yourself”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Him…”''</span> she paused to reflect upon him name <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why? How? I really don’t know”''</span>
Elfinlied had her arms behind her back and was swinging side to side, a massive smile on her face <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I know, I know and so do you”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t even imply it”''</span> Maiden said with a small smile on her face
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh my god, can it be, no it can’t be, wait…wait… I think it is… I don’t believe it – a smile!!!”''</span> Elfinlied jumped up and punched the air <span style="color: darkblue;">''“See!!! I knew you could do it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh shut up”''</span> she laughed, it was too late for Maiden who now had a beaming smile to accentuate her thin figure.
The two turned off the main street and headed for the boardwalk, which was in the eastern section of the city, it was usually quieter in the early hours of the morning, although usually New Los Angeles never really slept, the bright lights of the city shown 24 hours a day, breaking the night sky.
The city was divided into 4 sections, North, East, South and West with the Main street running the entire length of North/South sector, this was the street, where all the shops were, clothes, guns, knives, armour, they where there if you were licensed to use them, you also had the pubs and clubs, Techno-Punk Metal being the new ‘in thing’ everybody listen to it, although some described it as screaming cats, and banging garbage cans. The was also the new brothel, you wanted to meet your wildest fantasy, you came here, slut and whores mainly, but there was also the down and out, the young mother trying feed her staving family and if you were a woman with no place to go – you came here, jacked yourself on crystal meth and forgot the reasons why you wanted to live in the first place.
Next stop - Western New Los Angeles – oh whoopee, welcome to your biggest nightmare, or your best dream, depending how you looked at. The Governor of the city once described the eastern sector as the diseased arm of a beautiful lady, this was gang land, china town and mafia all rolled into one, home to scum, mutants and low life, however, if you knew the right people, you could have someone disappear for ever and no on would dare say a word, the place constantly reeked of sewage, garbage, blood and shit, the Black market was ripe, want a Uzi with auto reload and laser sight – no worries, if you got the money. Always in perpetual darkness, the west sector, Gregor, the overseer of the west sector once said that the sun it’s self was scared to show it’s light, well that was until Gregor met his untimely death ‘jumping’ off a building, soon replaced next day by Vladivar the unholy, then it was Skag the day after that, well half a day anyway, Skag managed to met the 10.15 bus – at 12.45.
Then there was the east sector, this was the nicer end of town, where the rich and famous lived, the street where clean, the people cleaner and managed to live with a roof over their heads – literally. The boardwalk was seen as the highlight attraction, right next to the water, with the murky brown waves crashing against the sand, supposedly the most romantic spot, many a couple where found hand in hand down the boardwalk, anyhow, nothing ever happens here and people have described as plain and boring.

Maiden and Elfinlied arrived at the boardwalk and slowly started walking down
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why did I let you bring me here?”''</span> the disgust was clearly evident
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What? Is so lovely here, don’t you think, young people just walking around, holding hands, so in love”''</span> Elfinlied’s smile was as bright as ever.
Maiden lent over the railing and looked down at the murky waters <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I think I’m going be sick”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh god, was it something you ate, drank, you gonna be ok?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No its was something you said”''</span> with that Maiden started walking on ahead
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hey!!! That’s mean, you big meanie!!”''</span>
Maiden smiled softly to herself and thought ‘hopefully that will shut her up for a few minutes at least’
Maiden had nothing against people in love and all that mushy crap, it was just that is was all too much at the minute, she looked up at the sky, the stars where obscured by the radiating glow of the city lights, she closed her eyes and let the gentle wind blow slowly though her hair.
That name returned, the one she so desperately avoided, the one to cause her fury to burn and made her blood boil, she felt a shiver down her spine, a tingling sensation, an ecstasy and a certain feeling that she would never admit to anybody – all because of a name.
A whisper passed her ears again <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Your thinking of him again, aren’t you?”''</span>
Maiden slowly opened her eyes and turned around to look at her friend, she sighed <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, I am, I can’t get him out of my head and I hate it, I really, really hate it.”''</span> The expression on her face was one of sadness, Elfinlied look at her, slightly surprised, she had seen her friend in all sorts of moods, but never this one <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hey, hey, hey, no need to look blue, hey come on, lets get you out of here, I know lets go for Ice cream, that always cheers me up”''</span>
A small smile returned, <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I just tried to have him killed”''</span> a slight chuckled struck her <span style="color: darkblue;">''“hired a group of vampire hunters to kill him”''</span>
Elfinlied just stood there, unknown what to say, many things passed her mind, but not one felt like the right thing to say
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Funny thing is Elfinlied, they failed, He killed two of them, the rest ran, I lost some money, not much, but some, it was almost like he knew, he knew I would try to come for him.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“But you didn’t, you sent someone else to do what you should have, could you have killed him yourself?”''</span>
The question bit through Maiden worst then a steel blade through the heart <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, of course I would have, no question about it”''</span> there was a slight hesitate in it, if Elfinlied realised, then she didn’t say anything
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Whoa, I see girl, now I want to know, what did he do, what ever it is, it must have been bad?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Some things are better left unanswered, perhaps in time I will tell you…”''</span> Maiden paused <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Elfinlied?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Do you think I’m a bad person?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hell no, your wonderful not to mention beautiful and elegant and…”''</span> Elfinlied paused
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What is it?”''</span> Maiden question with a puzzled look on her face
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well, sometimes, I wish I could be more like you.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Thanks, that’s really sweet, but believe me, you do not want to be me at the minute”''</span> Maiden again looked up <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t feel like a good person, I though if I get rid of what is bothering me, it would go away, and it hasn’t, in fact if anything, its even worse, arrrggghhh!!! What do I do???”''</span>
Elfinlied still stayed quiet, she knew there was nothing she could say to help
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Tell me my friend”''</span> Maiden had re-lowered her gaze back to Elfinlied <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do I do?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t know”''</span> Elfinlied tone was quiet, soft, not something she was accustom to, she looked down at her duel coloured trainers for a minute and looked back up to her friend and stood there shocked, She saw something in Maiden she had never seen, fear, but why? Was it fear of the unknown, fear that she was losing her mind or fear of him, she knew one thing though, she had to help her friend before he caused her to go mad and there was only one thing she could do
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ve got it, Maiden, I’ve got it, then answer to your problem”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What is then”''</span> she dejectedly responded
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lets go find him, eh?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What, are you mad girl”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No, you said the only way you will feel happy is it you kill him personally”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You said that, not me”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“But you implied it, now come on, lets go find him
The smile return <span style="color: darkblue;">''“yeah, let, I have a few things I need to say”''</span> Maiden pulled the slit in her skit to one side to reveal a magnificent 2 bladed dagger strapped to her leg.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yin?”''</span> replied Elfinlied
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah and yang is strapped to my other leg, I want to show him the same kindness he showed me”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ohhh, yeah, lets go, come on lets go”''</span> Maiden’s arms was being pulled down the boardwalk.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Let go, I’m coming”''</span> Maiden though to herself ‘am I a bad girl, oh I certainly hope so, but can I kill you, I just don’t know if I can’
Maiden and Elfinlied walked to the end of the boardwalk, turned left and walked back into the city.

= Chapter 3 =

‘Squeak, squeak, squeak’, the transmission belt was playing up again ‘Bollocks’ thought Flash ‘I just had this damned thing fixed’ he ran his fingers through his short, black scruffy hair <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I hate you, you piece of shit!”''</span> although screaming at the pick-up wasn’t really going to fix it, it helped to calm the nerves.
Flash had just driven in from Arkansaw, well what was left of it anyways, burned out buildings, turned over flaming cars, gangs, rapes, gang rapes, it was all just a days holiday there. Well it was everyday life for Flash, he gripped the steering wheel with his strong muscular arms and followed the freeway into New Los Angeles.
He blinked, within that blink he recalled what caused his final departure from that cursed place.

The sum beamed down, what a rarity that was, Flash should feel the cold heat on his face, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to be bathed in the light, a slender hand gripped him round the shoulder <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What you thinking about?”''</span> the voice was soft, gentle, loving
Flash chuckled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh, nothing”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You sure?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, Yeah, it’s nothing baby.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“O.k. if you say so”''</span>
Flash turned to face turned to face her, she had a slender face and pale tanned skin, her dark brown hair waived over one of her eyes, flowing down just past her shoulders, she wore short red dress that stopped at the knee and accentuated her slim figure.
Flash smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Have I told you how lucky I am to have you?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Not today, honey, but you tell me everyday how lucky you are to have me”''</span> she smiled, a smile that always warmed his heart.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I know, I know, I can’t help it, I’m just the luckiest man on earth, that’s all”''</span> Flash returned her smile with one of his own.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah baby?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You coming in for hotdogs, made them fresh.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah!”''</span> came the reply

Flash strolled into the house, it wasn’t much, but it was home, the 2-bed single story bungalow was shadowed by the 2 4-story townhouses either side it, why it was there no one knew, the bars on the windows protected them from harm not to mention the sawn-off Flash concealed by the bed. He stood in the dark hallway, took a deep intake of breath through his nose and admired the smells coming from the kitchen, he smiled again, Hotdogs, his favourite, he liked them with a little burger relish, bit of French mustard and smothered in fried onions and ketchup, Flash’s belly rumbled ‘She had better have those thing ready, man I hungry’ he though to himself.

Continuing up the hallway, trampling his muddy boots into the dark red patterned carpet, he turned left and walked into the kitchen and there it was, a sight nearly as beautiful and the one holding it, a plate full of hotdogs, all of them dripping with ketchup, fried onions flowing over the side and a little bit of relish and mustard – heaven. Flash sat a small round in the kitchen; it was only just big enough for the two of them to sit at. Flash picked up the hotdog and admired it, that work of beauty, he could feel his tongue salivating at the thought of taking the first bite.
His partner looked at him with a smile <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You gonna eat it, or marry it?”''</span>
Flash chuckled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t know, perhaps I’ll just have an affair with it first, you know, see how it goes”''</span>
Flash got punched in the arm, it wasn’t a hard punch, more of a knock and they both started laughing hysterically. Once they both managed to calm down, Flash returned his attention to the hotdogs, realising that one was still in his hand, he opened his mouth a took a large bit out of hit. Ketchup and onions dribbled everywhere, down his hands, arms, shirt, trousers, just everywhere, but he didn’t care and nor did she, this was every Sunday ritual and it always left a mess to clean. She shook her head and thought to herself how much of a big kid he really was and she really didn’t mind one bit.

After the final dog disappeared down Flash’s mouth, she looked at him and the mess he had left, Ketchup and onions had littered the table and his clothes.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get up get to the bedroom and get yourself cleaned up you!”''</span> This was not so much of a request more of a demand and he couldn’t and wouldn’t argue with her, he knew he would lose, as petit as she was, she has a temper like fire.
Flash quickly ran out the kitchen, back down the hallway and made a left into the bedroom that was in the front of the house. She followed him in and started unbuttoning his shirt, eventually pulling it off, revealing his massive muscle structure
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now the Jeans – god your hopeless can’t even eat a hotdog without making a mess!”''</span>
The jeans where pulled off and thrown again then wall, they impacted with a quiet thud
Flash just stood there in his black socks and cotton black boxers
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hunny, umm, care to close the curtains first”''</span> Flash was having a little moment of self conscience and feeling a little embarrassed standing in a room with a window that faced the busy main street.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What? I can’t believe you turning red, look at you, what the hell have you got to be embarrassed about?!”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t know, I just am, I can’t help it”''</span> The response wasn’t so much of a statement but more of a plea
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine”''</span> She smiled at him walked over to the window and closed the curtains.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Happy Now?”''</span>
She turned around to find Flash standing right in front of her <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah!”''</span> the look in his eyes was penetrating, he picked her up, arm under the legs, the other supporting the shoulders and threw her on the bed. She looked at him with a smile, however this was not a smile of happiness, no, this was a seductive smile, she got up on her knees and motioned him over with a finger. Flash walked over the edge of the bed and she shuffle on the bed to met him. She put her arms round his neck and brought her face over to met he, their cheeks touched, she slowly rolled her face over so she could whisper in his ear
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“God I love hotdog days”''</span> She pulled her head away and that seductive smile returned, she broke her hold round Flash’s neck and slowly ran her long red nails down his hairy chest, she looked into his eyes, wrapped her arms around his chest, locked them together and with one big tug, pulled him onto the bed and straight on top of her.

Flash awoke that night, hot, sweaty and breathless, he opened his eyes and rubbed them to remove any sleep he just kept thinking to himself that it was only a dream, it was only a dream.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey, what wrong”''</span> that sweet familiar voice running through him like a choir of angels and he smiled to himself ‘what a crazy dream’. Although the light was dim he could still make out shapes, he felt cold and wet, must have been the nightmare, it happened before, that waking in cold sweet, the feeling of pure terror, a terror that you can do nothing about, a terror of the soul. Flash let his breathing slow, he wiped the liquid off his face and wiped his hands down his chest, covering one hand over his eyes, he went for the lamp switch
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I just gonna turn on the light, cover you eyes”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“O.k. thanks for the warning”''</span>
Flash pushed the switch and took his hands away from his eyes. He paused. Then jumped out of the bed screaming, there was blood everywhere, on the walls, the curtains, the floor, he looked at himself, his hands were covered in the thick, gooey red substance, so were is arms and chest, he quickly glanced up in the mirror on the other side of the bed, his face, it was, covered, it was covered in blood, so much blood.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey, what are you screaming at”''</span> That angelic voice, so soft, so sweet, there was no panic, no terror, he brought his eyes round to her and froze, he open his mouth to scream, but nothing came out, her face, it was covered in blood, her blood, it was oozing from her nose, mouth, ears, her eyes, oh god her eyes, they weren’t there just sockets and blood freely running from them, her left cheek bone was smashed in, when she open her mouth, most of her teeth has been torn out, blood ran from her ruby lips and there was a hole, a hole in the middle of her forehead, a bullet hole. Flash looked at her in disbelief awe and terror, there was the love of his life now staring at him
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey, what’s wrong”''</span> The voice now wavered, scared, Flash just continued to stare at her, however something wasn’t right, he could fell something in his hand, he was… holding something slowly he brought his gaze down to his right hand, there was something there, black with a handle, but his vision was blurred, he couldn’t make it out; he slowly raised his hand, just ever so slightly and concentrated hard, the blurriness started to subside he could see the item more clearly, it had a handle, a handle his hand was wrapped around, there was a long cylindrical metallic piece attached to the handle, it was cold, hard, then there was… Flash’s heart missed a beat, there was a half moon piece between the two and his finger was on it, Flash swallowed, however, there was nothing to swallow, is mouth was as dry as a bone, he knew what this was, it’s was a gun, a berretta to be exact, he had one of these under the pillow, next to the sawn off, he brought himself to look back at his love, he stared directly at the hole in her forehead, it was a bullet hole, a bullet hole made by this gun, then gun that he was now holding, he finger still over the trigger, the trigger he pulled. He dropped the gun, it was like slow motion as it fell towards the floor, it hit the ground and the noise was deafening.
That angelic voice was still there, but there was concern <span style="color: darkblue;">''“All you alright, please stop it your scarring me”''</span>
Flash looked at her with pleading eyes, the white sheets now stained a deep maroon colour ‘ this can’t be he thought to himself.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Please let me help you, Please!”''</span> There was genuine concern from her bashed in, blood stained mouth.
Flash looked down at the floor, the gun, no that won’t do it, the sawn off, ‘yes’ he thought, he walked over to the top of the bed and next to his pillows, her final resting piece. Flash picked up the sawn off and brought it up and pointed it at her
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey, what are doing”''</span> She was scared, terrified, blood ran down out from the side of her eye socket and ran down her face, like she was crying
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Please, I beg you don’t do it, what ever I’ve done, I sorry, Please baby, honey, please”''</span> She choked on sobs, blood now freely fell from both eye sockets
Flash looked at her <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’m sorry”''</span> and pulled the trigger.

Flash Screamed, a high pitched terrifying scream and bolted up right in the bed, a light came on next to him
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey, you o.k?”''</span>
Flash turned to his head to face the sound, it was her, she was alive and in one piece, eyes, nose, cheeks, it was all a dream, a horrific nightmare. He grabbed her and wrapped his arms around her in a strong embrace.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“It was a nightmare, a horrible, horrible nightmare”''</span>
She returned the embrace with one of her own soft, loving hugs, she ran her fingers through his hair, like you would a child <span style="color: darkblue;">''“it’s ok, it was just a dream, just a dream”''</span>
Flash broke the embrace and just stared at her, he could take his eyes off her and that image came back in his head, her, beaten and broken, blood soaked and stained, he shook his head
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey, What’s wrong?”''</span>
He looked up at her, a shocked look on his face, he has been here before, he quickly ran his hands under the pillow and looked for the Berretta, it was still there – he grabbed hold of it and through it across the room, it hit the wall with a load bang.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What the hell was that for”''</span> She screamed at him
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sorry baby, it was a really bad nightmare”''</span>
She stared at him, confused, concerned
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You sure your ok?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, Promise, sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you”''</span> He reached over and kissed her in the centre of the forehead, he wiped his face which was coved in sweat.
Flash rolled out of bed and headed out the door, straight across from the bedroom was the bathroom, he crossed the hall walked in, turning toward the basin, Flash turned the cold tap on and let the water flow for a couple of second, he bent over, placed his hands under the water and splashed his face, the water felt refreshing, cooling, he washed the sweat from his face, turned the tap off and reached for the hand towel, it wasn’t there. ‘damn it’ he thought she must have done the washing. Flash shook his hands and then wiped his face and paused, there was silence, he shook his head, he could have swore he just heard something, he paused again, nothing, Flash chuckled, ‘that nightmare really shook me up’ he thought
Then it happened. That scream, high pitched and female, Flash recognised immediately – it was her, he ran across out the bathroom, across the hall and into the bedroom and there she was, in her nightgown, pinned up against the wall by one hand by a female, her long jet black hair covered most of the leather jacket she was wearing, his partners legs dangling helplessly by the slashed black trousers the unwanted guest wore. She turned and face Flash, her dark lips and purple eyes looking directly into his, she had a sharp narrow face and strong cheekbones.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“So you’re her saviour, are you?”''</span> Her voice was quiet, calm, disturbing.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Let her go, please, whatever you want take it, you want money, I have some, just let her go, please”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Let her go”''</span> She cackled, a wicked, terrifying cackle <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Let her go, fine, but I want something first”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Whatever it is you can have it, take it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I want… you”''</span> Flash stool there stunned <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yes, you will do”''</span> you comment was a demand, not a request
The choked muffed broke the conversation <span style="color: darkblue;">''“NO, he’s mine leave him alone”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ahh, a woman with fire – tell me do you really love this man”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yes, with all my heart”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Good”''</span> that word was like ice as it came out of her mouth
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do you want with us anyway, we haven’t done anything, please just let us be”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh, it’s not your fault, well, yes it actually is, one of those wrong place, wrong time scenarios, I hope you can understand”''</span>
Flash found his resolve <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Let her go – now”''</span> his voice was firm, strong
The mysterious woman looked at him curiously <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now what have here, a boy trying to be a man? Oh how very cute.”''</span> Her face tightened <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now you listen to me, boy, you want to see the night fall again, then you had better…”''</span> She smiled, it was a smile that made Flash shiver <span style="color: darkblue;">''“behave”''</span>
She turned her attention back to Flash’s other half <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now where was I… oh yes I remember now”''</span> She smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I can see just how much you love him, very difficult to find love in this time”''</span> she brought her lips to the other woman’s ear <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Between you and me, I like you so I’m gonna let you live”''</span> She lowered Flash’s partner down so her feet touched the floor and released her grip, she turned to face Flash
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You have quite a woman, I can see that you are strong of character and she can see that, against my better nature I’m gonna let you go.”''</span> She released her grip on the other young woman who immediately started to run to Flash, arms open, tears in her eyes.
Flash didn’t know what happened, but in the blink of an eye the dark haired woman moved across the room and grabbed his woman by the top of her hair, it was as if this dark haired beauty could move with the wind. A sickening smile was on her face, her other hand around the young woman’s chin
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’m gonna let you all go to hell”''</span> with that she pulled her arm back and spun Flash’s partner’s neck around, there was a sickening crack and she fell to the floor, dead, her eyes still wide open.
Flash stood there silently, there was no sound being made, no screaming this time, no nothing, he just stared at her and her lifeless body, this was no dream.
A voice came from behind him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“And now my young friend it’s your turn, but I will give you a gift, a new life and you will thank me for this later”''</span>
Flash didn’t care, nothing mattered anymore, no one mattered anymore.
The Dark Haired lady, produced two fangs where he canine’s should have been and plunged them deep into Flash’s neck. His world went black.

Flash opened his eyes, longest blink in history he thought, maybe two or three seconds, Time to settle the score, he reached over to the passenger seat and stroked the berretta, Turning his attention back to the road, he looked up and saw a green sign ‘New Los Angeles City limits 5 miles. He put his foot on the gas pedal and accelerated down the freeway.

= Chapter 4 =

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ohhh, yeah, let’s go, come on lets go”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Let go, I’m coming”''</span>
Fregillon turned his head to look at what the fuss was about, he sighed, ‘and they think they have problems’ he watched as the two talked into the distance ‘Fuck sake’ he chuckled, ’what a couple’ both of the girls’ where slim, one was petit, spiky multi-coloured hair with the most awful dress sense, her bright yellow jacket looked something like a homing beacon, the other, Elegant, tall, graceful, she ware a small red dress and her dark hair waved gently in the small breeze. They really where the oddest couple he has seen in a long time and coming from the West End, he has seen some crazy shit. He watched them walk to down the boardwalk for a couple more seconds then turned his head back to the dark murky waters.
‘Why the fuck am I here, doing a skivvies job, I’m a vampire not a delivery man’ the wind blew inland again, Fregillon’s long matted hair, blew up behind him, he closed his blue eyes and felt the breeze run through his black leather trench coat ‘I can’t believe I let him talk me into this’ Fregillon knew this overseer personally, for how much longer he wasn’t sure, the only thing that lived less then a runner in the west end was the leader. Patris had led the west end now for about 3 days – a new record, so he must have been good, there had been 22 attempts on his life already, shootings, bombings, stabbings, attempted hanging, poisonings. Buses, cars and a boat – that was a new one, but nothing seemed to kill him, Fregillon thought it was strange, but hell, in this town, anything’s possible.
Patris has asked for Fregillon personally, this was an errand he wanted Fregillon to run and only him, unlike the rest of the west end, Fregillon was clean cut, non-scarred and generally looked in good shape, his short tidy goatee coming to a small point made him took like a French criminal mastermind. This was a drug run, and not just any run, it was for one of the vamp clans. Vamp clans pop up all the time, they tend to leader, either through fear and terror, or required for the protection of a city, they came in all shapes and sizes and every clan keeping to themselves, there was generally no real fighting, unless of course, they were seizing for control territory – that’s when things get nasty and innocent bystanders get hurt, not that Fregillon really gave a shit, he kept himself to himself, ran a few jobs for money, a loner by trade, he had no friend or family.
Fregillon kept his hand in his pocket, the small amount of crystal meth he was hold for this clan was worth over two hundred and fifty thousand logo, it was just a few grams, it would be crushed down, mixed with various other crap and resold to the general public, this stuff was only thing that gave you highs, lows and even more highs, it lasted for 3 days, addictive the second to tasted it and gave something to people – the ability to forget the shithole that they now lived in and called their life.
‘How much longer’ Fregillon had been standing there for over 30 minutes so far and he was getting more pissed off by the second, he didn’t wait for anyone, let alone another junked up runner.
He heard a car stop behind him, the brakes squealing and whining. Cars where old things, bags of rusted crap on wheels, however, if you have one, you either had money, or you where a very good thief. Most clan lords had one, but that was about it, well that and…Police.
Fregillon’s mind started to wander, the police, shit, better not be them, not they could do anything to him, they’re just a pain in the ass, they didn’t care about law enforcement, it was just a group of people with a little power and they abused what little power they had. Beatings and shooting were not uncommon with the police, Fregillon remembered about an old magazine he found in a house once, it was dated before the third world war – real antique, it was about cops in the old days, man someone must have given these vigilantes that book, the cops of old seemed to like nothing better to do then drive someone off the road, blow their brains out and all for nicking a loaf of bread – then going a getting a doughnut with a cup of coffee , it was uncannily similar.
Fregillon turned round to face the car, it was black and rusted, kinda of the same for every car, the front windows where missing and the driver was looking nervous, Fregillon smiled, newbie driver – he’ll be toast by the end of the week.
The back window opened – a miracle in its self – a fat slightly chubby looking man was in the seat <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You Fregillon?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What of it”''</span> Fregillon tone was sharp – unpleasant
The chubby man smiled and opened the car door <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You have something for me, I presume”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Naa, nothing”''</span> He knew he was lying, but he needed to be sure the man was for real
The Chubby mans smile vanished <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Look pipsqueak, I have been sent here by the Lost Cause, hand over the crystal meth like promised and we will have no problems, got it?!”''</span>
The Lost Cause was one of the more minuet gangs, a waste of space – why was Patris dealing with these guys
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine, here”''</span> Fregillon reached into his pocket and pulled out a small plastic bag, inside was the crystal meth.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Excellent, Wonderful, Patris has done a brilliant job.”''</span> The man reached into his pocket and produced a handgun and pointed it straight at Fregillon’s head <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now, put you hands up where I can see them, you low life piece of shit”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Your fucking me aren’t you, you mother fucking piece of shit!”''</span> The anger on Fregillon’s face was quite clearly evident.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ah, ah, ah, don’t forget who’s holding the gun now, I think I’ll be asking the questions don’t you?”''</span> The chubby basterd has a cheshire grin on his face <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Right, now questions, nope I have no questions for you”''</span>
Fregillon had one though <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who put you up to this and why”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now that would be telling would it, surely thought that would be really clear”''</span>
Fregillon turned his head slightly ‘Patris, but why, what have I done to him…’ then it dawned on him ‘That little fucking shithead, he stitched me up’
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok then, how about this question, why did Patris set me up?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I have a better question – why don’t you shut the fuck up get in the car and I will take you down the police station for questioning.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why don’t you actual go and do some proper police work, might I suggest that you go arrest that doughnut you passed coming here you fat, fucking prick!”''</span>
The officers face went red with fury <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Right you fucking little punk, I’m gonna give you the beating of your life!!!”''</span>
Fregillon smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come get me pork chop”''</span>
The officer ran at Fregillon full speed, gun raised above his head looking to rap it around Fregillon skull, Murder of any kind was still illegal and punishable by death, severe beatings however, were not, Fregillon just stood there, waiting, smiling, he had the fat basterd exactly where he wanted him. The officer took a wild swing at him, Fregillon stepped out the way, it was like slow motion to him, another swing and a miss, followed by a large foot, again Fregillon sidestepped
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come on then you fat fuck, thing of this as exercise”''</span> Fregillon responded to the series of attempted blow. The officer took anther all mighty swing and this time it connected, the barrel of the gun impacted with Fregillon jaw sending him two feet off the ground, he landed in a crumpled heap, the officer saw his chance and repeatedly landed one blow after the other, contacting with Fregillon face, arms, chest, ribs, Every blow landed caused another crack, another bone broken. Then the beating stopped, Fregillon brought himself to his knees and spat, the spit impacted the ground with a hard splat, it was red, it was blood.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh you little shit, you want some more”''</span> The officer kicked him in the ribs, Fregillon collapsed back to the ground, pain and agony racked his body <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come on then you little fuck, you think you so tough”''</span> another foot landed, another rib cracked, Fregillon coughed and spat out more blood.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fregillon whatever the fuck you last name is, and I don’t give a rats ass, you’re under arrest for drug smuggling and verbally and physically assaulting a police officer, you do not have to say anything, and anything you do say, no one will really give a shit anyhow.”''</span> He laughed <span style="color: darkblue;">''“God, I love this job”''</span>
He reached down and twisted Fregillon arms around his back, a loud pop followed by an agonising scream occurred as the officer pulled Fregillon arm out it’s socket, he slapped cuffs across Fregillon’s wrists, grabbed him by the blood soaked dark blue t-shirt and hauled him to his feet. Fregillon’s head was lowered and he was swaying and staggering, trying to stand under the pain
The officer pulled Fregillon forward so he could speak in his ear <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Not such a fat fuck now am I sunshine”''</span>
A smiled passed Fregillon lips <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, you’re right, you now a dumb, dead, fat fuck, asshole”''</span> Fregillon muscles flexed and with one heave, he shattered the central chain binding the handcuffs together. He grabbed the officer by the back of his short brown hair and pulled his head sideways, Fregillon canine’s extended and he tore into the officer neck. Screaming followed, a high pitched scream, a scream of agonizing pain, Fregillon ripped himself away, tearing skin and vein from the officer neck, blood spurted everywhere and covered them both. Fregillon picked the officer up the neck with one arm and dangled him in the air. <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Bet you really love this job now, don’t you”''</span> Fregillon was full of anger and hatred, no one had ever got the better of him and it showed. He looked up at the officer, blood now staining most of his white shirt, a short gurgling noise could be heard from him, Fregillon just stared at him, watching the blood run from the open wound, he smiled, a small sick smile, it was time, time to put this fat basterd to rest, he walked over to the wooden beams protecting people from the long drop into the freezing waters below.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Tell me, how does it feel now that you are one looking to die”''</span> Fregillon threw the officer over the railing and held him, legs dangling in the air, the officer’s eyes widened in fear, he grabbed Fregillon jacket around the arms, his grip tight.
Fregillon was cool, collected, blood still flowing from his forehead where a previous impact had struck <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Tell me, why did he sent you?”''</span>
The officer just looked at him, wide-eyed, scarred and fearful
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“TELL ME!!!”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Go fuck yourself”''</span> The officer spat
Fregillon looked at him, smiled and released his grip, the officer’s hold on Fregillon fell away, he hadn’t the strength to hold on and he fell into the icy waters landing with a large splash.
Fregillon smile left him, the car, the other person, he turned around, the car was gone <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Bollocks”''</span> there was gonna be some shit now, he was wanted, now marked for death, killing a police officer was not a very smart thing. Fregillon shrugged, oh well nothing he could do about that, however, Patris, yes, there was something he could sort out, looking down he saw the officer’s revolver, bending down Fregillon picked it up, opened the chamber and looked at the cartridge, it still had all six rounds in it, good, flicking the gun back the cartridge bay relocked into place, he place the gun behind him, tucking it between his black trousers and black leather belt, time to settle the score, hopefully word about this wouldn’t get around, fat chance, but hey… you never know.
Fregillon rested his back on the wooden fencing and winced, it was gonna take time for these wounds to heal, he needed to lay low for a while, but were, he couldn’t go back to the west end, everyone would recognise him.
Fregillon walked down the boardwalk, deep in thought, he looked up at the skyline, the rooftops breaking the midnight sky there was something up there, running across the rooftops, he could just make out the outline, following it down, Fregillon kept his eyes firmly on the shadow, all he could make out was that it was male, wearing a long trench coat that was flapping behind him, he seemed to be watching something, following it, Fregillon walked across the road, head still looking up, suddenly there was a loud screeching of breaks followed by a load bang, Fregillon went flying through the air and landed on his face, chin first, rolled 3 times and came lay motionless.
Steam was poring out of the truck, a large man over 6 feet tall emerged, he looked at his truck and then back to Fregillon
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You stupid asshole, why don’t you look where the fuck you’re going”''</span>
Fregillon didn’t move, he just laid there
The large man shook his head <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Shit, I don’t need this crap”''</span> he walked over to Fregillon’s body and knelt down <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hey buddy, you ok?”''</span> he shook Fregillon
There was no sign of breath, no rise and fall of the chest; he rolled Fregillon over onto his back, his eyes where open and the barrel of a revolver was now being pushed into the large man’s throat.
The man was stunned <span style="color: darkblue;">''“How can you still be alive, your not breathing. Not unless… <span style="color: darkblue;">''“ He paused <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Not unless you’re a…”''</span> he couldn’t bring himself to utter the final word, Fregillon finished for him
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Vampire?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah”''</span> The man’s heart sunk and Fregillon could see the sadness in his eyes, this man wasn’t dangerous nor was he human
Fregillon lowered his gun <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You gonna help me up or something”''</span> The man grabbled Fregillon by the arm and hoisted him to his feet”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I know your one of us.”''</span> commented Fregillon, there was silence for an answer, the large man turned around and started walking back towards the truck.
Fregillon called out after him, but there was no reply, Fregillon needed to be out of here and there was his ticket, and non responsive muscular giant, thinking fast, he ran to the side of the truck <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You’re gonna need to get this fixed and I now this city well”''</span>
The large man just looked at him and nodded <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get in”''</span>
Fregillon opened the door and jumped in, the truck itself was a disaster area, rubbish scattered the floor, there was no stereo and none of the dials seemed to work, the seat was shredded and foam was poking out all over the place.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nice Truck”''</span> Its was all Fregillon could think to say
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Thanks”''</span> came the disheartened voice
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fregillon”''</span>, Fregillon stuck him hand out, his was greeted with the one of the large mans own, they shook.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Flash, now where do we go?”''</span>
The truck whined and the wheels started to rolled forward, they moved down the road, next to the Broadway, got to the end of the road, turned left and disappeared into the city.

= Chapter 5 =

After thirty minutes the squeaking in the bed finally stopped, the room they were in was small with only one tiny window and a double bed that squeaked, there was a small table against one of the walls with a large mirror propped up against it, from top to bottom flowed a crack, just one single crack. The reflection showed a young woman, no more then nineteen years old, sitting on the edge of the bed, her long blond hair disappeared past the bottom of the mirror, her hair flowed down past her lifeless, yet radiantly bright blue eyes, drifting near her slender cheeks, red ruby lips and over her left shoulder, it was loose and free falling, her hair flowed down her slender and very pale white body and covered one of her small, but pertly formed breasts. A tear fell from one of her eyes and she was quick to wipe it away.

Viona turned her head round and faced the man that was laying next to her, he was hairy, very hairy, it was running all down his chest, arm and legs, his dark black hair gave way to a few flecks of grey. Deep lines ran under the mans eyelids and his forehead was slightly wrinkled and haggard, his face was chubby, not fat, but this man definitely didn’t bother with his exercise routine, in his withered and dry mouth hung a cigarette, most of the ash was still attached and hadn’t yet fallen off, the corner of his lips bore something that resembled a smile, Viona turned away, disgusted, she was disgusted with the old ugly pig next to her and violently hated herself for doing what she just did.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come on love, I wasn’t that bad, was I”''</span> The dry and cold statement came from the stranger
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Please leave”''</span> the response was sad and tired
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now why would I want to do that?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get out”''</span> again the response was quiet and sad <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get out – you already make me feel sick”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine – you were a shit shag anyway”''</span>
The man got up, walked over to a chair in the corner and put on his cloths, Viona kept his back to him.
Once the man was dressed he pulled out a wallet <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do I owe you, I can’t remember”''</span> like hell he couldn’t, this was just a sick game and not the first time he had played it
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Two thousand”''</span>
The man took the money out of his wallet and threw it on the bed, the notes scattered, some flew off the other side, the rest impacted the small of her back, she flinched.
He walked over to her and bent over bringing his head near her ear, she could smell the cigarette smoke on his breath and the grease that emanated from the checked red and blue shirt he wore
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Thanks baby, we gonna have to that again and soon”''</span> Viona flinched <span style="color: darkblue;">''“you maybe shit in the sack, but you are so young and beautiful”''</span> he placed a hand on her head and stroked her hair, Viona turned her head away
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t touch me!”''</span> she spat
He glared at her and grabbed her round the jaw with one of his large hands, his grip was vice like and he dragged her head round to face his, his eyes were evil and his face was contorted with anger <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ll touch you anyway I like, you little whore, don’t forget I pay for your talent!”''</span> he threw her head back round.
He ugly smiled returned <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ll see you soon, baby”''</span> with that he turned around and walked out the door, slamming it shut behind him.
Viona screamed, she had never been so humiliated; she picked up the logo and threw it violently at the door, the cash missed and impacted on the nearby wall. Tears started to fall from her eyes, she place her head in her hand and sobbed violently, why was she here, why did her do this to her.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Father!!! Why!!!”''</span> she screamed
Her father was one of the members of the order of the black hand, a secret organization born from the demise of the mafia during the third world war, he was well respected and very wealthy, until he was found in bed with the orders’ bosses wife, needless to say things didn’t go well, he was stripped of his title and all asset were taken from him and he was publicly executed, torn apart by four vehicle moving slowly in different directions, he begged for forgiveness and screamed as he was literally torn limb from limb. Viona’s mother suffered immensely as well, she was stripped naked and thrown on the street, she was raped, tortured and went insane, grief and despair overcame her and she went the highest building in New Los Angeles went to the roof and threw herself off the top, the police removed her body five hours later. As for her, she was told that the debt the her father had made had to be repaid and as she was the only one left alive, he would be the one to repay it. That was how she ended up in this whorehouse, this wasn’t the first job, unlike her mother and father, the crime bass new her little secret – she was a vampire and had been for six months, he knew she had heightened speed and strength, come of her ‘tasks’ as he like to put it were, hit man, drug runner, spy and also assassin, however, when told her had to kill her best human friend, she refused, this was nothing more then his sick joke, another way to hurt her. He had her stripped naked and flogged for thirty minutes non-stop, the ear piercing screamed never stopped, he then personally rubbed a mixture of lemon and vinegar in the wound to ‘purify her’ and then threw her in this brothel and make sure she was ‘taken care of’ and here she was, sitting on the edge of the bed, naked and crying, miserable, sad and completely depressed, Viona now started to understand how her mother felt, why she committed suicide.
Then came that burning rage, her father, how could he, how could he be so selfish, so inconsiderate, so god damn… there were no words to really describe her true feelings.
Viona stood up and walked over to the dresser with the mirror on top, beside them where her clothes, nothing special, her underwear, no bra – he wouldn’t let her wear one, said she looked sexier without one, a tight white t-shirt and a pair of tight blue denim shorts.
Once changed she looked around, when could she go home that’s all she wanted, to go home and forget this madness, but… she would never be free, never see the sunlight, never know what hope is, falling against the wall by the dresser, Viona slowly fell to the ground, clutching her knees, she swayed back and forth, tears once again silently falling down her face.
Viona looked out the window, she could see the stars and the bright crescent moon, she closed her eyes and remembered a time when all this wasn’t happening, she remembered playing on the grass outside her old home in Atlanta, the large five bedroom two story house in the distance, she was being pushed on the swing by her mother, Viona couldn’t have been anymore then eight, smiling, going back and forth, back and forth, her mother asking her if she wanted to go higher and higher, there was laughter and smiles and no pain.

There was a knock at the door and Viona quickly wiped her eyes, the door opened and he walked in, white suit and shinny black shoes, he was carrying a large cane with a snakes head on the top.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Did you have fun my dear”''</span> The voice was sinister and malicious, Viona didn’t respond, he walked over to her and looked down
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Did I not make myself clear, did you have fun my dear”''</span>
Viona fought back the tears, the rage and anger <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I won’t dignify that questions with an answer”''</span>
The man chuckled, a evil was in his eyes, he raised his cane and struck her across the face, Viona collapsed on the floor <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You answer will be yes, I did have fun, thank you for being so kind, now lets try again, did you have fun tonight my dear”''</span>
Viona looked at the floor, <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yes”''</span> the words came out softly
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I didn’t hear you my dear, what was that?”''</span>
A single tear fell <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yes, I really enjoyed myself”''</span> she choked
The man knelt down <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Then why don’t I believe you”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Believe what you want”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well I know that man, a friend of a friend wasn’t too happy and I said you would be fantastic”''</span> his words hissed quietly <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Looks like you have been a bad girl again…”''</span> he paused and stood up <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Looks like you need another lesson in politeness”''</span>
He man once again raised his cane, Viona threw her hands up and he brought in down on her, this time impacting on her wrist.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I give you a roof over your head and food to eat and all I ask if you to do a few favours for me, is that too much to ask”''</span> The cane came down a third time, this one connected with her leg, there was a bone shattering snap followed by a silence, she had learned that it was no use screaming, no one came to help. The fourth blow was followed by the fifth, which was followed by the sixth, and seventh, she just waited for it to end, she knew her scars would heal – the physical ones anyway.
After the eight blow, he stopped, blood splattered his white suit, he looked at her, her left cheek had been gashed open, her eyes where puffy and showing the first signs of bruising, her mouth ran with blood, there where numerous cuts caused by the cane top to her arms, legs and chest.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Look at my suit, it’s ruined, now apologise for ruining my ten thousand logo suit”''</span>
Viona stayed silent – if she said anything she would be beaten, if she said nothing she would again be beaten, it was a no win situation.
He smirked <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come on Viona, say sorry and all will be forgiven, I want you to apologise for ruining my suit and whilst you at it you can say sorry for forcing to show discipline, I don’t like doing this to you, but I have to you are a very bad girl – you where just like you mother and she was taught the same”''</span>
Viona’s fists clenched <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You left my mother the street gangs, you can keep you mercy, I rather have your beating, at least I know what a self righteous prick you really are!”''</span>
The man exploded <span style="color: darkblue;">''“How dare you!!! You insolent little bitch!!! You… You… Cheap little whore, you are just like you mother, a little fucking whore, a tramp!!!”''</span>
He raised his cane again, Viona closed her eyes, she could feel her blood racing, something was calling, a hunger, a hunger for blood. She felt powerful, alive, she re-opened her eyes and everything had stopped, nothing moved, no wind, she looked up at the crime boss, he looked frozen in time, she knew what she had to do. Time seemed to speed up slowly, the cane coming down to meet the tip of her skull, this time she would be the one smiling.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ll teach you, you little bitch!!!”''</span> The cane came round straight for Viona’s head, this time he was swinging to kill, the cane fell fast and just before it reached her head, an arm appeared and grabbed the snake’s head, the man was stunned, she was smiling, this him the evil smile was on her face, using all her strength she pushed against the snake head and with a load crack, broke it off, she threw it to one side.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Teach me will you”''</span> She tone was calm, there were no tear, no emotion, she was neither happy nor angry <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Cheap little whore am I”''</span> She tore the reminisce of the cane from his hands.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Little Bitch am I!”''</span> The first hint on anger was now appearing in her voice <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ll show you just how much of a ‘little bitch’ I can be”''</span> with lightning speed she grabbed him by the throat and threw him over the bed, he slid along the floor and ended with a crash against the wall.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“How does it feel to be abused”''</span> Viona was losing control of her emotions as six months of slavery was bubbling to the surface, we walked over to where he lay and picked him up again, this time by the front of his shirt <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well!!!”''</span> she threw his again and this time he hit the dresser – the mirror smashed into thousands of pieces <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oops, does this mean seven years bad luck”''</span> a crooked smile passed her lips <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t worry, your bad luck’s about to end”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Your right”''</span> the man spat <span style="color: darkblue;">''“and so are you”''</span> he pulled out a gun from his pocket, it was a berretta and he pointed it straight at her and pulled the trigger. The bullet exited the chamber, spinning as this improved the accuracy, its high velocity round was headed straight for it’s target and impacted perfectly in Viona’s chest, she collapsed to her knees.
The man walked over to her, smiling, pleased with himself <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Any last words you psychotic bitch”''</span> he paused <span style="color: darkblue;">''“No… good”''</span> he pointed the gun at her head <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Say goodbye”''</span> he pulled the trigger.
She was gone, ‘That can’t be’ he thought to himself ‘no one can move that fast’
A voice called from behind him, it was a quiet, calm voice <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Goodbye”''</span>
He felt her hand touch the side of his face and pull his head sideway, we winced as a sharp pain penetrated his neck and he felt himself getting weaker, weaker, more tired, his eyes were getting heavy, call out? Yes, he tried to, but no sound emerged and everything went black.
Viona dropped his lifeless body on the floor, wiping the blood away from her mouth. She had never felt so alive, she looked at his body and there was a piece of paper sticking out of the top, reaching down she picked up the piece of paper, there was only one word ‘Raziel’
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Raziel eh?”''</span> she stared at the piece of paper <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I think I owe you a little personal time”''</span> the small smile returned, she looked around, the gun was next to him, picking it up she thought ‘Might come in handy’
Viona stood up, turned and walked out of the room, making sure to close the door quietly behind her.

= Chapter 6 =

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t you ever shut up, I can’t her myself think”''</span> Maiden’s head was pounding, since leaving the boardwalk, Elfinlied had done nothing but talk about what she was going to do to him when they found him, first she was going to slit his skin a thousand time with a rusty razor blade then bath him in a concoction of lemon juice, salt and vinegar, then she was going to slowly stick nails though each of his eyelids, fingers and toes and let him slowly bleed to death, then it was the fiery hot poker up the rectum – Maiden shivered at the thought of that one – not a nice thought, and it continued for neatly an hour, Maiden looked at her watch, check that, it was nearly two hours, no stop, how could anyone talk for two hours non-stop she had trouble trying to keep conversations alive for ten minutes let alone two hours.

The pale moon shown dimly down on the dank alleyway they were walking down, this was one of the side-passages leading to main street, rats scurried into the dark holes in the terrace houses either side of them, the dim glow of the light shinning in the dust stained windows, the smell of old and wet garbage hung in the air, a warm breeze blew threw the alleyway, whipping up Maiden’s hair around her face, she pulled her hair back round her ears
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why would I do that, I mean, come on, you need to join in the fun – stop such a…”''</span> Elfinlied paused
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yes?”''</span> Came the calm reply
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Cold, you’re never happy, I mean when was the last time you where really happy?”''</span>
Maiden didn’t reply, she just kept looking ahead of her, her eyes full of emptiness, she thought to herself ‘happiness, what a laugh’ she smirked ‘she’s right though, I can’t remember the last time I was truly happy’ Maiden looked up at the moon, it’s pale colour still giving up it’s cold light.

The heat was staggering, must have been at least thirty degrees, maybe even higher, the young girl of eighteen pulled her light green t-shirt up and tied a knot in it, exposing her soft, slightly tanned skin, her thigh length skit blowing lightly in the calm wind, her look up at the bright blue sky and a smile beamed across her face, her long red hair bunched up in a pony tail behind her.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sarah! Sarah!”''</span> A voice called from a far, Sarah looked around, running from across the grass in a large green park ran a young man, his curly short brown hair bounced around with each step, he wore a white shirt, the top two buttons undone showing a small amount of chest hair and a pair of neat black jeans. He was slightly older then her, nearly twenty, he was toned and thin, Sarah had met him back in Colorado when she was sixteen and took an immediate liking to him, she a shy girl and saw him everyday, but did want to talk to him for fear that she might say something stupid or embarrassing or both, this went on for two months, he was working as a mechanic, grease monkey by trade, always in overalls, always with no top on and always covered thick in oil and dirt, his face and arms black with muck, his muscles in a constant state of flex, she always walked by and was him there and the same thing always happened, a shiver would run down her spine, a cold tingle of excitement followed by the harsh reality of something that would never happen, a dream, a nightmare an uncaring false hope, ‘oh why can’t she I like other girl’ she would say to herself, why was she so afraid, she never knew the answer, she only had more questions, everyday she would walk passed the garage, everyday she would see him, everyday the same tingle and everyday the same wanting shattered by her own depressing thoughts. He knew she was there, she just wasn’t good enough to be noticed, she was a nobody, a ghost… a ghost living in a world of unfairness. She lowered her head and let her dark red hair fall down and cover face, hiding from the world, hoping to hide from herself.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden, Look out!!!”''</span> Elfinlied grabbed Maiden round the arm and pulled her off the road, the sound of a car horn echoing in her ears <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Jesus, that was close, what the hell were you thinking!!!”''</span>
Maiden looked round at Elfinlied, her blank expression greeting her friend <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What…”''</span> Maiden paused to regain her composure <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sorry, I must have drifted somewhere, Sorry”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You ok?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, sorry, Yeah I fine”''</span> Maiden gave one of her half smiles <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Really, I’m fine – I promise”''</span>
Maiden shook her head slightly; the busy main road was right in front of her, people everywhere, the tall buildings and bright light of the main street strip. She looked up the road and paused… it couldn’t be, no it wasn’t possible, standing in the middle of the road was a man, five foot eleven inches, wearing dark blue overalls, a strong muscular frame, short curly brown hair and dark foreboding brown eyes, he was sad, almost lifeless, his ashen white face staring directly at her. All she could do was stare back, this wasn’t possible, how could this be possible, was this man also a vampire like her, their eyes locked together a bonding stare passed between then, then something caught Maiden’s eye, a light, two lights, a pair of lights on a metal frame – a car? – no a truck, it was heading straight for him, his back was turned from the vehicle, he couldn’t see it, no, it would kill him, no not again, the car came speeding straight for him, why didn’t he move, why couldn’t she move, she was frozen, was this fear, horror, she didn’t know, she had to warn him, but where were the words, a lump, a large lump was stuck in her throat, she strained to call, she felt sick, the lump, it wouldn’t move, goddammit, why couldn’t she call out to him, why couldn’t she save him, the truck, it was nearly on top of him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“why don’t you fucking stop you bastard”''</span> she screamed – her voice, it was there, she called upon all her strength - <span style="color: darkblue;">''“STEPHEN!!!”''</span>
The truck connected and she turned away, ready to be sick <span style="color: darkblue;">''“No, please NO!”''</span>
A pair of hand grabbed her round the shoulders <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden, God sake woman, pull it together, what the hell is wrong with you, who the hell are you yell at, your making more of a scene then I do”''</span>
Maiden looked up at the road, there was no one there, the road, it was…empty, there were no cars, no trucks, only the bustling of people, no one paid attention to her outburst, it was quite common to see crazy people yelling to themselves – is that what she had become – a crazy woman, she turned to Elfinlied, her eyes wide, she was breathless, taking large intakes of breath, she was shaking
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden…”''</span> Elfinlied’s voice was quiet, concerned <span style="color: darkblue;">''“what just happened?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Didn’t you see him?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“The man in the street”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“The was no one”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You must not have seen him”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Honey, there was no one there I promised you”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“He was there!”''</span> Maiden cried, she could feel herself getting angry, she was she being believed
Sensing the tension, Elfinlied decided to quickly ask a different question
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who was this man then?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Stephen”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“And who’s might Stephen be?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“My…”''</span> Maiden closed her eyes, she couldn’t tell her, she couldn’t tell her friend the truth <span style="color: darkblue;">''“ Just someone who used to make me happy”''</span> she sat sown on a nearby bench and her friend sat next to her, Maiden looked down to the ground, saddened, a single tear fell from her eye and rolled down her cheek, it formed into a droplet at the end of her chin and then fell to the floor.

The heavens opened up and the rain poured down, typical, it was the one day Sarah forgot her umbrella, her hair was tangled in knots and stuck to the side of her face, her long black coat was drenched and she could start to feel the water seeping through, she shivered, it was a bleak March, a cold March and she was freezing, water was falling on the top of her head and then falling down her face, it didn’t matter through, at least her should get to feel a little warm, if only for a second, she coming to her favourite spot, the little building, with a large steel shutter, it would be raised and there would be him, greasy, dirty, muscular, handsome, dashing, she shuddered at the though of it, a little warm, if only for a second, it would be all she needed. Sarah turned the corner and could see the top of the buildings, only a short way to go, minding the puddles that had formed on the sidewalk, she passed the final hedge to bring the building into view and for the first time, she stopped, the shop, it was… closed, the large shutters where down a large steel padlock was placed around the door handle and a piece of paper was attacked to a small window, Sarah went to have a closer look – once she was in reading distance she looked at the writing on the paper – closed due to shorted of Logo. Sarah’s heart sank, and a cold shiver descended upon her – and this shiver was not a nice one, it was cold, damp and dreary. She looked through the window, there was nobody there, it was deserted. Sarah was so preoccupied looking through the window and re-reading the note over and over she failed to hear the footsteps behind her.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“We’re close, if you have a vehicle booked in I’m afraid we can no longer help you”''</span>
Sarah Froze, that voice, it was young, sweet, yet rugged, she turned to face the stranger, it was him, he was holding a large umbrella and wore a large duffel jacket that cover this shirt and most of his black jeans. He looked at her
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hey aren’t you that lass that walks past here like every day?”''</span>
Sarah went a little red, he noticed her, but why, she wasn’t worth noticing, she was a nobody and he was just a fantasy, however, here she was and this fantasy was talking to her
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, but I’m not stalking or anything”''</span> she blurted – ‘Oh that was great’ she thought ‘I’m not stalking, god what an idiot I am, can I do anything more stupid’
The man just looked at her <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sorry, I didn’t catch that, did you say you where stalking me?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No no, nothing like that, I come this way to work every day, I promise, I would never do anything like that”''</span> She was shaking, nervous, she did want the first conversation she had with him to be one that scared him off.
He smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok I believe you”''</span> he notice just how nervous she was, he looked at her, her matted hair strewn across her face, she resemble something like a drowned rat with clothes.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Here”''</span> He handed her his umbrella
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No you need it or you’ll get soaked”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You’re already there, take it, come on, lets get you into town, at least you might be able to buy a cup of coffee to warm you up”''</span>
He had noticed her walking passed everyday, sometimes in shirts and skirts, sometime tank top and jeans, he like her, well, he like her appearance, she was different somehow, not like other girl, he knew she was timed from what other people said about her – sometime she was a bookworm, other times she was the nice quiet girl, then she was the freak – that was from some of the girl’s her age, most people didn’t know her nor did they know she even existed.
She took the umbrella, she hands were shaking from the cold <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok, sounds good, it freezing out here”''</span> what was she thinking, she was saying yes to a cup of coffee with a man she had hardly known, but… there was something about him, she could trust him, she didn’t know why, she just knew she could.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Stephen”''</span> The man had a radiant smile on him
She returned the warm hearted smile with one of her own <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sarah”''</span> suddenly, she didn’t feel cold nor sad, she was happy and warm. The two of them walked down the street and out of sight.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Coffee…”''</span> The word was quiet, almost dazed like
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What? What are you on about”''</span> Exclaimed Elfinlied
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lets go for coffee”''</span> she smiled gently
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok? What’s brought this on”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh nothing, just thinking”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“About someone other then him”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Him?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Raziel”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh yeah, right, him, no for once its not him, coffee first, I don’t think we will come across Raziel tonight and I will tell you all about it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ohhh can’t wait and I want all the details - coffee it is then, hey I know this great place – I’m sure you know it, it a little pub called the Black Flag, great coffee, you need to trust me on that one, best coffee you will ever have, promise you”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine, Black Flag it is then”''</span>
Maiden stood up, she looked back at the road where she thought Stephen had stood ‘I’m defiantly going mad’ the thought echoed in her mind for a few seconds
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ready Elfinlied”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Born Ready, let go, I think a drink will do us both some good”''</span>
The two girls walked off in down the high street and disappeared into a small brick built house with a little swaying sign attached to it – it read - the Black Flag.

Up on the rooftops a man in a tattered black t-shirt, scruffy black jeans and a black trench coat, rested his back against a dormer window, his arm folded across his chest, his eyes fixed directly on the entrance that the two women entered.
He drew in deep breath <span style="color: darkblue;">''“For the shadow of death draws near my young one and you too will understand the true meaning of fear”''</span> The man walked to the side of the house and jumped off the roof down to in the dark alleyway below.

= Chapter 7 =

The door to the pub flew open and two men walked one was large, stock and muscular, the other tall and thin, they walked over to the bar and sat on the stools, the large man looked around – The place was dusty, look as though the cleaner had packed up and left, most of the tables were battered and the seats in the booths surrounding the outer walls where all torn, ripped or shredded, rubbish was strewn round the place and there were rats in the far corner, scurrying, looking for any food that may be laying around.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What a shit hole”''</span> The thin man pointed out
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You got a problem with?”''</span> A gruff voice called behind him. The thin man looked around, behind the bar was a man at least six and half feet high, and at least that wide, his bald head showed the reflection of the ceiling lights, his one good eye was staring straight at the thin man, the other housed a large scar that flowed from the top of his forehead down to his square jaw. His bulk was enormous, his large leather vest just about came together and the zipper strained from busting out, the man wasn’t fat, he was just extremely large.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No, Nice place you have – I was talking about the last pub we visited”''</span> The retort was quick and clean
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Wise ass, what will it be”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Two cold beers”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What the hell do you think this place is – the Ritz”''</span> He snorted a chuckle and slammed two warm bottles on the table, turning around he walked off into the back.
The thin man pass one of the bottles over to the large man, taking his own bottle he place the top to his lips and took a swig, it tasted like warm urine, he winced, this stuff was fucking awful.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What the fuck is this shit, tastes like it came from a werewolves ass”''</span>
The large man nodded his head in agreement and slammed the bottle down on the counter and grunted <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I can’t believe this – you promised me my truck would be fixed”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No – I said that I knew a garage – not my fault it was burned down and the man tied to a cross with a couple of nine inch nails through his head – hey this ain’t my idea of a holiday either buddy”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“This is full of shit – I have a damaged truck, stuck in a bar, drinking warm piss for beer and talking to a man who as of two hours ago I run over in my truck causing the damage in the first place”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Your point being?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“My point being that so far my life as a Vampire has been shit, dull and boring, my woman dead, killed by you lot, I have to roam around in the night sucking on rat’s blood just to stay alive, that’s my point.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Wow, harsh beginnings, but hey afterlife’s not a bed of roses – shit happens – deal with it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Shut the fuck up – what the hell do you know”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Man, you’re a miserable basterd to hang around with, has anyone else ever told you that”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“If you don’t like then there’s the door”''</span> Flash’s eyes gleamed with anger
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hey chill out man”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Chill out, you want me to fucking chill out!”''</span> Flash stood his bulk of a body up.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Look sit down and shut the fuck up you miserable basterd”''</span>
Flash look at him, staring, he turned his head towards the door ‘oh easy it would be to just walk away’ he thought to himself, he turned back round to Fregillon who’s hand was re-offering a seat. Flash plonked his arse back down.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Right, few thing you need to learn, firstly, look on the bright side of life – ok so your missus was horribly killed by some Vampire, you got turned and everything you knew has been destroyed…”''</span> Fregillon paused and thought quietly as he looked at bar, the stained wood housed numerous beer stains, scratches, knife scars and bullet holes, he faced Flash <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok, you win, I’ll let you off being a miserable basterd, however, what do you want to do about it? You have no I idea where she is, what’s she’s doing or anything – have you?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well…”''</span> Flash paused, his face turned from anger to one of sorrow <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I suppose not… but…”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“But nothing, your revenge will have to wait.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine”''</span> Flash crossed him arms and leaned back against the chair
The two stayed silent for a couple of minutes, just looking round, There was only a few other people in here, one in the corner, a woman, her blonde hair flowing over her saddened face and down her shoulders, draping over her tight white t-shirt, a clear drink was in front of her and her eyes were transfixed to a piece of paper.
A burst of laughter came from anther booth, both men turned to look, there were two women, one look almost respectful and elegant, the other something out of a punk rock band.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hey Flash – any of the ladies interest you – I know, how about the blonde, she looks nearly as miserable as you”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You little fuc…”''</span> He was cut short
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No, no its in a good way, you’ll have something in common”''</span> Fregillon smiled
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You really are a sick fucker, aren’t you?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What?”''</span> The smile grew more intense <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come on stop looking so down”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Perhaps that’s how I want to look – ok, just leave it, please”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine, Fine whatever you say”''</span>
Fregillon kept quiet and again looked at the others sitting in the Pub, the two women where still talking, well, the punky looking one did all the talking, the other was solemn, quiet, more a deep in thought kinda of person, she spoke little. He couldn’t understand why, giving the vast contrast between the two people, did these two know each other, why would they want to know each other, it baffled him, it didn’t make sense, where they lovers, friends, perhaps it was business, that would make sense, Perhaps the punk was a runner, a delivery person for important people – Runner’s life span tended to be quick – usually about 1-2 days – if you where lucky, however, there where a few who where very good at what they did, running tended to pay high, if you could get the info to the intended destination and even then there was no guarantee you would walk out alive – that’s how most runners met their fate – looking down the barrel of a gun to the person they just delivered the message to. There was an old saying runners are good for 2 things, deliveries and target practice; actually there was 3 things good about runners – but that only ever applied to the ladies.
Fregillon’s turned from the two ladies to the one, she was all alone, for the half hour that he and Flash had chatted, no one came for her, ‘someone that beautiful is never alone, and there is always a reason, either she’s an assassin or has a shit load of baggage’ he thought to himself. Never get involved with baggage, he learnt that one the heard way, but that’s another story. The woman was holding a piece of paper and never took her eyes off of it, it was funny how some people acted, it was like this piece of paper was her life and she was looking back over it, you got it in this town, broken people, you could only pity them, but then again why would you want to, they can’t be bothered to look up at life, take it by the horns and stand up strong, no these pitiful people lost something, sometimes loved one, sometime businesses, sometime both, but they all share a common problem – there where all selfish, they had no ability to do the world a favour to jump off the nearest building, or step in front of that bus, hell, there’s a pier in this city, strap on some extra weight and go for a swim.
Fregillon looked her over, he couldn’t put his finger on it, there was something not quite right with this picture, Fregillon loved his fashion, in fact he was wearing his best designers at the minute, they would have been is best were they not ruined by the large dope now sitting in front of him, well the large dope and the bent cop <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fucking faggots”''</span> he cursed under his breath
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What, you say something?”''</span> Flash asked him
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What?”''</span> Fregillon looked at him and then shook his head <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh… it’s nothing, sorry, just talking to myself”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Whatever”''</span> Flash took another sip of is warm beer
Fregillon attention returned to the lone woman, he smiled to himself, that was it, he figured it, she was well groomed, she look after herself, that was obvious, her make-up was nearly applied, only lightly, he glanced down at her legs, she had them neatly folded underneath her chair, she had manners and an elegance, also her legs where cleanly shaven, no cuts, so a good quality razor, no cheap shit, but… her clothes, her t-shirt was two sizes too small, she had no bra – something so self respecting woman would be without, her jean shorts where also far too tight, not that Fregillon minded, she worn no jewellery, not even a small watch, strange.
Fregillon kept an eye on this woman, she was fascinating to look at, she had two stories and he wanted to figure them out, he got one of them, but the second, that was a tricky one. The woman pulled her hair back and then quickly let go of it again, it was as if she was covering something up, and she was, however Fregillon quick eyes caught it, and all became clear, a bruise, it was round the back of her neck and a deep purple, he studied her, every time she moved, she gave a very small wince of pain, it was only minor, hardly noticeable, Fregillon presumed that she had been beaten, and quite badly by the looks of it, she covered it well he thought. There was only one person who took personal pride in appearance, yet had to wear cheap tight clothes and the bruises only confirmed this – the was a prostitute, Fregillon shook his head, a slut for hire, pity, she was nice too, there where usually two types of prostitute, the first was the ones that belong there, they started teenage life looking like a whore and finished up as one, these where the druggies, the dropouts and the deadbeats, you got with one of these and never ended up the same again, never knew that they carried, a night with them would either get some horrible sexually transmitted disease or have your head caved in by the bedpost, like I said, you never know what they where carrying.
Then there where the other ones, the ones who didn’t belong there, they should be with their parents, provided their parents didn’t sell them for protection, money or drugs, these girls, never had an option in life, it was usually fuck that big fat hairy bloke or this gun with fuck you, this prostitutes usually had a ‘father’, some sick shit who took pleasure in their misery, he would have his fun with her, any backchat or refusal would result in a severe beating, usually with a large implement, a bat, chair leg sometime they would just break their leg, far a the fathers where concerned, she would only have to raise them in the air, and that became their life, getting screwed for a living.
Fregillon thought this girl was one of the latter prostitutes, she didn’t have that sluttish look about her, he felt a bit sorry for her, should he offer her some help? He didn’t know, no bout she escaped, it happens sometimes, they are usually found and then found again, in a dumpster. If he did help her and was found out he would be marking his own death sentence, well if he wasn’t already dead that was.

At that moment the door swung open and a man walked in, his figure was strong and slender, his long leather trench coat, flapped forward from the wind coming through the open door, his matted and tangled long brown hair flowing past his jagged chin, his eyes scanned the room, he looked at the beefy bartender, then over to the table where say two men, one thin and ratty the other muscular and tall, his gaze moved over to the young woman over in the corner, she was staring straight at him, then over to the two ladies, well one lady and one something, the elegance woman was staring at him, her eyes where red, red with hate, her hands where clenched in a fist. Then mans expressionless face kept his eyes on her, he smiled slightly from the corner of his mouth.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You…”''</span> the lady spat <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You…”''</span>
His smile left <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden, it’s been a while”''</span>
The Punk woman looked up at maiden who was now standing <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You know him?”''</span>
Maiden didn’t respond, her gaze was locked onto his, her mouth formed just one word <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Raziel”''</span>

= Chapter 8 =

Raziel strolled over to the bar, his face was still sowing a small smile, he looked at the bartender <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Beer, and make it a cold one”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“One Beer”''</span> The barman started Raziel straight in the eyes <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Warm”''</span> and slammed the bottle on the table
Raziel ignore his frivolous comment and picked the bottle up, bringing it slowly to his lips, he paused, his glance moving back to Maiden <span style="color: darkblue;">''“No hug?”''</span> and took a swig of the beer.
Maiden didn’t dignify him with an answer, she just starred, thoughts passed through her mind like wild fire, why are you here, does he know, how did he find her, can I hurt you, can I kill you, can I… Her thoughts where cut shorts as a thin man stood up from the table next to her and turned to face Raziel.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Wow, my luck gets better every day, the notorious Raziel, bounty hunter? – Maybe, mercenary? – most likely, pain in everyone arse – defiantly, lover, killer, assassin, vampire”''</span> Fregillon glanced at the floor looking for the right words <span style="color: darkblue;">''“All of the above”''</span> Fregillon smiled him sly smile <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Did I miss anything”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You point being”''</span> the response was cold, direct
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No real point, just making sure that my…”''</span> Again Fregillon paused <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sources are correct”''</span>
Raziel just looked at him, his sword was by his side, he could just slide over there and remove his head from his shoulders, might be good for a laugh, if nothing else it would keep his stupid little trap shut, a small smile passed his lips.
Fregillon just looked at, he wasn’t scarred of him, maybe a little awe struck, but not scarred <span style="color: darkblue;">''“They say you’re a cold hearted basterd, but then again aren’t well all”''</span> The other in the bar looked at him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I guess I’ll be the one to started the niceties, the names’ Fregillon and this rather large, depressed, suicidal hulk of a man is my pal Flash”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Not surprised he’s suicidal following a lap jockey around”''</span>
Fregillon’s smile left him; Raziel continued, <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sorry have I hit a nerve, Fregillon…”''</span> Raziel Paused <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Patris’s lap dog, drug runner I take it, how’s he doing these days, oh yeah, that’s right, tried to have you killed didn’t he, shame he didn’t succeed.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hard to kill that’s which is already dead”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“How true, I suppose it’s also helps not to send the long flabby arm of the law, bout the only thing more useless then you”''</span>
Fregillon grit his teeth and let the comment pass.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh my god!”''</span> a voice came from the left of them <span style="color: darkblue;">''“How much testosterone is in this building”''</span> The Punk has stood up and was now facing them <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I mean boys, boys, boys, there must be an easier solution to all of this, tell you what – pull your cocks out and I’ll measure them – biggest dick wins”''</span>
Fregillon smiled at the passing comment, Raziel just glared at her and raised his head ever so slightly <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hey look, all the colours of the rainbow, all rolled up in to one fucking misfit”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I know, I know… it’s just terrible I’m a misfit that like to fuck, big deal, whoopee do, so what”''</span>
A calm voice spoke out <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Does everyone want to stop acting like five year olds, Elfinlied, shut up and sit down, you won’t win – he feels nothing… for anyone”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden?”''</span> Elfinlied looked slightly concerned for her friend
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Just sit down”''</span>
Elfinlied didn’t answer, she just did what her friend asked
Maiden returned her attention to Raziel <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You’ve got some nerve showing your face after all you’ve done”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“That’s rich”''</span> Raziel returned <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Wasn’t it you how just tried to kill me?”''</span>
He took a bag out of his pocket and threw it Maiden, she caught it and a loud jingle followed, it was a bag full of logo <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fifteen thousand in there, I took my time and expenses out of there – call it compensation”''</span> Raziel smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh and next time, try someone more experienced”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who said I wanted you dead?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You mean the vampire hunters don’t give that one away.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine, you win, I wanted you dead, can you blame me after what you did”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I did nothing, you took it the wrong way”''</span> He voice was still, calm, emotionless
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nothing! Nothing, you did more then fucking nothing you pathetic little bastard!”''</span> she screamed back, Maiden had lost all control, her face had turned scarlet, everyone just starred at her.
Raziel said nothing, just took another swig of the beer and leaned back against the bar, his arms folded across his chest.
The was a rare moment of silence that passed the room, no one was daring to make a sound, it was like a fuse and been lit and the lightest movement would set it off, Maiden’s chest heaved up and down in fury, Elfinlied just continued to look at her, she dared not say a word, she had never seen her this angry, Maiden and her had always talked about Raziel, what they where going to do to him, how much they hate him, but she had never actually seen him, it was strange kind of feeling, he wasn’t was she had pictured, he thought he would be… taller.
Flash just sat there once again reflecting on how he was in this predicament, what did he do so wrong to deserve this, why could he be back at home in his little bungalow with the woman he loved, reality followed, his woman was dead, as we he, even though breath still left his lips, his life back in Arkansaw was over and all he had left was anger and resentment towards the world, no… not the world, one person, the one whom had done all of this to him, his suffering torment and eternal agony.
Fregillon was glancing at Maiden ‘A woman’s scorn’ he laughed in his mind, this reminded him of the time he was in China, witnessing a Chinese stand-off - now they where fun times, a bunch of people ready to kill each other and no one daring to move, ohhh… how he loved this tension.
‘So this is Raziel…’ Viona’s thoughts darted round her head ‘didn’t think I would find him this fast, and none too popular either, but what was his business with her…’ her mind stopped for a second ‘previous employer’ if they where the right words to use, she thought maybe woman beater or sack of shit might have been a more fitting title, however, the word Fregillon used to describe Raziel puzzled her mercenary… this word stuck in her brain… mercenary… mercenary, well he was cold enough to be one, could he have been hired to kill his mother… no… she was killed by the street gangs Viona was certain on that, there really was something about his demeanour though - the only word that she could place her finger on was honourable.
‘So you didn’t really want me dead… if not dead, then what…’ Raziel couldn’t figure it out, why was Maiden after her after all this time, she there was history between them, but hell… he didn’t think she would take it like this and why after all this time, it had been over a year, two at most… give or take, how long can someone hold a grudge for. Raziel pondered his option, should he just walk out – no that would only incur more of Maiden’s wrath, take her out – no…bad option, she hadn’t done anything wrong really, nothing he couldn’t handle anyways, what to do with her then, Raziel couldn’t decide so he continued to do nothing.
‘I hate you…I really hate you, you ruined my life and now I have you… but, I can’t do it…yes I can, I can do this…but I really can’t, why are you doing this to me, why am I so weak… no, I am strong… no I’m not, I’m pathetic…I’m nothing…I’m…I’m…’ The doubt was beginning to be too much, why did she go after him, she didn’t know, why he followed her, that was too obvious, he tried to kill her, but did she really try, or was it all a façade to get close to him again, she was unsure of what to do.
Maiden’s Breathing eased <span style="color: darkblue;">''“So what did you want?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Clarification”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hold on, you follow me for no other reason then you want to know why?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah… pretty much”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You are unreal”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Undead actually”''</span> Raziel smiled
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You know what I mean”''</span> Maiden continued <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why did you do it, why did you do it to me”''</span>
Raziel gave her a puzzled look <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What are you talking about?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Just over a year ago you…”''</span>
At that point the large frosted glass window shattered as an object flew threw it, Maiden and Elfinlied spun their backs to the window and raised their hands to shield their heads. Flash rolled off his chair, fell on to his knees and like Maiden and Elfinlied, shielded his head from the shards of flying glass, Fregillon was starting straight at the window the it blew, all he could do was bring his hands up in front of his face whilst thousands of shards bit into him, Viona just sat there, she was well out of the blast radius, she watch the shards fly across the room along with an object, however, she wasn’t able to make out what it was, Raziel just stood there, shards of glass tore at his open flesh and ripped his clothes as they darted by, this didn’t concern him, it was the object that flew in with it. The object was small and oval shaped, jagged spikes could been seen protruding from the smooth circular surface, Raziel watched it’s flight as thought it was in slow motion, the object flew over Fregillon head, passed two rows of tables and impacted against the back wall, there was a dull thud followed by clunk as it hit the floor, it bounced it way under the two tables and came to rest by the feet of Fregillon who starred at it for a second, then his eyes widened
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh shit!!!”''</span> he screamed <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Firebomb, get out of here, now!!!”''</span>
Viona jumped over her table and out the window closely followed by Flash, Elfinlied and Maiden, they all scattered in multiple directions, Raziel calmly and quickly walked out the front door, turn right and then stand just in the alleyway, Fregillon threw himself out the broken window when there was an almightily explosion. All the windows shattered outwards from the force of the blast followed by pieces of chair and cloth, a large fireball blew out of the all the exits, the front door was blown off its hinges. The energy of the blast also blew Fregillon mid-flight out of the window and into the side of a large passenger bus, there was a loud thud and he connected, metal bent inwards abound him and he fell to the ground, leaving his imprint behind, the bus chugged off in the distance, the driver not wishing for confrontation.
Fregillon lay there, semi-conscious, he could feel nothing but the rack of pain running threw his body, whoever his him with the sledgehammer when he was down – he wanted their name and number.
Raziel came round from the alleyway, still showing the cool, calm composure he has always shown, he stood on front of the pub window and look at the destruction caused, the smell of charred wood, singed cloth and something else, something he knew the smell of, just not so flambéed – flesh, he looked across at the bar and there was the barman still standing there, his hand placed on the worktop, he had been burned into place, the right half of his face had deteriorated under the intense blaze, bone and sinew partially showing under the bloody muscle, the other half of his face a black and charred. Raziel thought what a way to go as the barman’s right eye slid out of his socket and fell to the floor.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lovely”''</span> Elfinlied had returned to examine the damage <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well if your gonna go – might as well go with a bang”''</span> She giggled
Raziel just looked at her and then shook his head.
Viona was next to emerge, she stayed silent, her thought raced in her head, whom had done this, were they after her, did they find him, shit they found him and now she was on the hit list, she looked at Raziel and Elfinlied, maybe they could help and she could also find out about that piece of paper, Viona would wait to see who things unfolded.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden, shit look at this, wow you gotta see this guy, I mean talk about loving your establishment – he died with it, hasn’t even moved, cool.”''</span> Elfinlied paused to catch her breath <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I mean do you think his bar will go with him to wherever he goes, I mean I know people get attached to places but that is kinda of going over the top, don’t you think”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What? Huh? Hmm Yeah, Whatever”''</span> Maiden wasn’t paying attention to her, instead her attention turned to Raziel
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Looks like I’m not the only one after you?”''</span> Her voice was calm, peaceful given the situation
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why do you think they where after me, don’t you think you could have pissed someone off yourself”''</span> The response was just as calm, although Maiden expected as much
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“True, but I’m not the one with a bounty on my head now am I?”''</span>
Raziel looked at her and smiled, he knew she had her on that one, there where plenty of people he had pissed off in the past, more then likely one of them would have tried to do something like this if they found him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nobody help the dying here then!”''</span> Fregillon groaned
Everyone turned around to look at him; he was on his knees, one hand covering a wound on his side, blood running down from his forehead and over his left eye.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Mother Fucker that hurt, what the fuck happened, one minute I was drinking the next a bloody firebomb appears and blows the shit out of me”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Wow man, you gonna be ok, you look like shit”''</span> Elfinlied walked over to him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Here let me help you up, don’t worry well get you stitched up in no time”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ll be fine, I’ve suffered worse”''</span>
Elfinlied let him go, Fregillon groaned at he stood up, he limped over next to Raziel and Maiden, still holding his side, blood was dripping through his fingers <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who the fuck did this?”''</span>
Raziel just shrugged, Elfinlied joined them <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maiden and I think that they were after Raziel”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Typical”''</span> Fregillon laughed and then winced from the pain, he turned his head to face Raziel <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why is it that wherever you go, trouble follows”''</span> Fregillon glanced around <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Where’s Flash? I saw him jump out the window”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t know, don’t care”''</span> came the calm levelled response from Raziel
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Shame, I was kinda getting to like him”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You don’t even know him”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, I know, but hey gotta take a chance once in a while”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Trust no one but yourself, that way your not relying on anyone”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“How sad”''</span> Maiden piped <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You should always have someone you can fall back on”''</span>
A deep grunting voice came from behind them <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Is everyone just gonna stand there so we be targeted again?”''</span>
Everyone turned around and there was Flash, standing in the middle of the pavement, arms folded, he had managed to escape the blast with a few minor scraps and cuts along his arms.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Where the hell did you get off to?”''</span> Fregillon demanded
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oi curb the attitude, I went to find somewhere he could hide”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hide, you want me to hide?”''</span> Raziel tone was one of pure disgust <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I hide from no one”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok then, gather our thoughts, if you prefer that, or shall we just stand here so someone else can try and blow us to bits”''</span>
Maiden butted in <span style="color: darkblue;">''“It’s not a bad idea, I have to say”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah Raz, you can then think who wants you crispied”''</span>
Raziel just looked at Elfinlied <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Raz?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, it sound good”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Whatever”''</span> Raziel had never come across anyone like her before he thought to himself ‘how, in this life, can anyone be so happy and carefree’ he had to admire her though, not too many people could have such a positive outlook on life, he certainly didn’t, however what the point of being happy when all there is in the world is suffering and despair.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What make you all so sure that Raziel was the intended target?”''</span>
Everyone turned around to Face Viona, her blonde hair had been pulled over one shoulder, bruises still covered her neck and a small line could be seen across her cheek, she stood there holding the berretta she had taken earlier.
Fregillon looked at her puzzled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do you mean?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I mean exactly what I said, what make you so sure that Raziel was the intended target”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well…”''</span> He paused, what Viona made sense, I mean Patris could be looking for revenge on him, he wouldn’t put it past him to try something like this.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Point taken”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“So it is possible that they were after you.”''</span> Raziel pointed out
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Anything’s possible”''</span> Viona responded
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“But then again.”''</span> Raziel looked at Fregillon <span style="color: darkblue;">''“They could have been after you, I’m not the only one to piss people of.”''</span>
Fregillon didn’t respond. Raziel continued <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Or perhaps it was you they where after Maiden, you’re not exactly an Angel are you?”''</span>
Viona stepped in <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I sure we could all find reasons why people would want us dead, I suggest we take this big man suggestion, disappear out of sight and figure out what to do.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“The name’s Flash, lady”''</span>
Viona ignored him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Where is this place then?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“This way”''</span> Flash responded
Flash led them down the road and then turned right down a small alleyway, after about a minute, he stopped and pulled a heat grate from the side of the wall.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“In here, it leads to back of an abandoned building”''</span>
One by one they went through, Raziel first, sword drawn, followed by Viona, then Elfinlied, Maiden disappeared after her, Fregillon looked at Flash and a smile passed his lips <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What a day, beaten, run over and blown up.”''</span> Once again we winced from the pain <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What a day”''</span> and with that bent down and slipped threw the grate closely followed by Flash, who pulled the heat grate back into it original position.

= Chapter 9 =

The bullet exited the chamber of the desert eagle as the trigger was squeezed, it flew threw the air, turning due to the grooves inside the barrel, the bullet impacted a surface, it was soft and had no resistance passing through, however the next obstacle was of a stronger material, bone, still the bullet managed to pass through this and enter a gooey substance, the outer shell of the bullet started to separate into small shards which flew off in multiple directions and at high speed, the shards tore through brain, tissue, sinew and then embedded itself in the skull. The main shell continued to pass though the brain and out the other side finally impacting the back of the skull and exploding out of the back of the head, leaving nothing more then a large hole.
The man collapsed to the ground, his eyes still showing a surprised expression, his mouth, slightly open, blood flowed out of both holes and pooled across the floor.
A large black polished shoe stepped into the pool of blood, and twisted towards the body, a pair of pin stripped tailored trouser hung neatly over the top of he polished shoes, a matching pin stripped tailored suit jacket, tidily met the trousers roughly three quarters of the way up, a desert eagle was being held by a slightly tanned and slightly lined hand, the hand wasn’t old nor was it the hand of someone young, it was somewhere in the middle, the other hand was in the trouser pocket pulling the tidy jacket behind the arm ruffling it slightly. A white collar protruded ever so slightly over the collar of the jacket, the jacket itself was pulled to and fastened by two buttons on the front, it was a double breasted jacket with the jigger done up, a faux pocket on the upper left chest and the notched lapels coming down and stopping just above the top button holes. A plain jet black tie obscured the clean white shirt underneath, the shirt itself was a cuff linked shirt, the cuffs where pinned in place by two platinum skull, the eyes of the skull held a pair of brilliant fiery red rubies.
The left hand came out of his pocket and raised it to his pointy chin, he stroked his facial hair that formed part of his goatee, the facial hair followed the heavy stubble round his thin, tight lips and connected together under his sharp and lightly pointed nose. His frameless thin octagonal glasses on top this bridge of his nose, peering from the glasses where his dark brown eyes, they where slightly narrow and full of malice and hatred faint lines where showing underneath exhibiting further signs of his middle age, his forehead was showing signs of wrinkling and his hairline was high but his ebony black hair was still think and voluptuous, it had been pulled back in a ponytail falling shoulder height.
The man took another step threw the blood towards the body, this was followed again by another and another, the steps where small, uniformed, he stood over the body and looked at it, almost examining his handy work, the bullet wound, dead centre in the forehead, he raised the Eagle and pulled the trigger again, a further bullet left the grooved chamber and impacted the man in the chest, there was a dull thud and it penetrated the skin and muscle, blood oozed out of the wound, the black jumper slowly absorbing the thick crimson substance. The chamber emptied a second round from it casing and again the bullet found it mark, next to the other bullet just fired and once again this was followed by a dull thud and more blood, the man on the ground was already dead from the first bullet, but there was something pleasing and therapeutic about releasing your vengeance, a smile passed the mans thin lips.
He looked up, the room was large at least forty meters in length and twenty meters wide, the walls were made from metal, aluminium profile cladding to be exact held together by a steel frame that was then integrated into standard brick masonry. Steel poles had been erected upto six meters high and connected by more poles running at ten meters lengths, these length were applied every two meters high forming a large frame, poles where inserted across the breadth every three meters as well as vertically, connecting to the horizontal poles on the next level, a hives of rectangles formed once all the poles had been connected and reinforced aluminium mesh was slotted in the rectangles, creating shelves, the shelving units where place four meters apart from each other and ran the entire length of the building, after every ten meters, there where three meters gaps, creating gangways.
The man stood in the intersection of two joining gangways, around him where several other people, he turned to one of them, the man was skinny and ratty, he had a very thin face and a sharp pointed nose, his beady eyes starred at the man in fear.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get this piece of shit out of my sight”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“yes…yes sir”''</span> came the response
He ran over to the body and picked him up by the arms, blood dripped of the ratty man’s fingers as he dragged him off into the distance, a trail of blood followed.
The man being dragged off was the unlucky basterd to have to tell this clean, suit man, that they had failed to eliminate the targeted vampire in the pub, it shouldn’t have been that hard, throw the firebomb in and then watch everyone burn, it was too perfect, what he didn’t realise at the time was that there was more then one vampire present in that pub. He thought that maybe he could place the blame on someone or something else and decided to do just that, the result – a bullet in the head, needless to say the suited man was not impressed with the excuses made.

The florescent strip lighting that illuminated the metallic building reflected off the man’s glasses as he looked at the remaining people, he look was menacing, dark, broody.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do I pay you people for”''</span> Silence answered his question, he walked upto one the man, a short stocky fellow, he was no one then five foot seven inches, his t-shirt stretched out of shape around his bulk of a stomach, his breathing was heavy and short, we wheezed after every breath.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well?”''</span> the man looked down on the fat little man now in front of him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Umm…”''</span> He gulped, sweet beaded down his forehead
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’m waiting”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I…umm…I don’t know.”''</span> He murmured
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’m sorry, I don’t think I quite heard you”''</span> his tone was precise, every accent was pronounced correctly.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t know”''</span> the response was a little more assertive
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t know”''</span> the man walked away, taking slow steps, he kept muttering to him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t know”''</span> his voice was getting slower and slower <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I…don’t…know”''</span> he huffed, his breath being expelled from his nostrils, he turned back to them
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I pay you good money to run a few ‘simple’ errands and the response I get is I don’t know.”''</span> he kept his voice calm even though his face was turning a slight shade of scarlet
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do you people take me for”''</span> his voice grew louder, angrier <span style="color: darkblue;">''“a fucking idiot!!!”''</span>
Another man of the group piped up, his voice was bold, daring <span style="color: darkblue;">''“It’s not our fault if they managed to escape – we did our job as you asked”''</span>
The suited man looked him and looked back at the floor, the pool of blood from earlier on ran just left of his shiny black polished shoes, a small smile passed his lips <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You’re right”''</span> He nodded his head to agree with his statement <span style="color: darkblue;">''“ You know what, you’re quite right you did exactly what I said”''</span> he watched as the trails of blood drizzled down a nearby drainage hole, the blood slowly swirled around the corroded iron grate. He turned his head slightly so he could see this man that would question his, he wore a pair of torn jeans which covered his steel toe capped boots, his black t-shirt hung loosely off his small and wiry body <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You did exactly what I said, except for one thing.”''</span> He raised his right arm up, fully outstretched, clenched in his hand and turned on it side was the chromed desert eagle, he used his index finger to pull the trigger and send another bullet down the chamber, the bullet flew with grace again spinning in the air, and found it mark right in the middle of the man’s forehead, blood splattered in all directions some of it covering his gang mates, most of it fell harmlessly to the floor, creating a splatter pattern as it dispersed upon impact with the concrete. The man fell to his knees and then keeled over, a crumpled heap on the floor, blood flowed from the hole in his head running over his wide-open brown eyes and matting his shaggy hair.
The suited man lowered his arm and tugged gently at the bottom of his suit jacket to tidy it up slightly, he was still looked that the man he had just killed <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You fucked up”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Excuse me, Lord Patris”''</span> A voice called out from behind him, Patris turned around to face where the voice had come from, A man stood in front of him, like Patris he wore a tailored black suit, black tie, white shirt, polished shoes, however, the cufflinks on his shirt where different, he wore two ace of spades.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ahh… Icon, please tell me you have better news then these misfits”''</span>
Icon smiled and nodded
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Good, good”''</span> came the response from Patris <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come let’s get out of here, before I lose my temper again”''</span>
Icon looked firstly at the body slumped on the floor, the blood still oozing from bullet hole, the thick red substance was edged it was down and then joining with the other trail of blood that headed down towards the grate in the floor.
Icon didn’t always agree with the way Patris ran things, he was at the best of times, violently aggressive, highly demanding and could be a down right arsehole when he wanted to be, however, he had respect for him, he kept order and discipline even though it was with an iron fist, using fear and intimidation to get what he wanted but to get things done in the west sector, you had to be that way. Icon looked at his this person now next to him, he had known Patris for nearly fifty years and had come to consider him as a friend the only one Icon had, he distrusted everybody and everything, someone was always out to get you.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Bad day at the office?”''</span>
Patris shook his head <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Bunch of fucking morons, I should have than all killed”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Do that and you will have no one else to do your errands, you know full well if you want something done you should do it yourself”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah and when I return I find some cocksucker think he’s better then me and try to take control of the city”''</span> he glanced over to Icon <span style="color: darkblue;">''“No… I can’t take that risk”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“If you don’t mind me asking, why are you after him so badly”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Knows too much, about me, this operation, everything and is too much of a liability to be left alive”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do you want me to do about it?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get a merc clan in”''</span>
Icon looked at his friend, slightly amazed, slightly puzzled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You sure about this, there not cheap and they’re unpredictable, you’d be running quite a risk getting them in”''</span>
Patris didn’t respond; he was lost in thought, there was one clan he could call upon, they owed him a favour back when he part of the clan wars. After a minute of so, he glanced over to Icon <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Contact a man known as Grim Tale, get him and clan to help you out…”''</span> Patris paused for a moment – <span style="color: darkblue;">''“he owes me a favour”''</span>
Icon just nodded in agreement.
The two walked out of the building to a man wearing black suit, black shoes, black tie, white shirt, button cuffed this time and supporting a hard rimmed hat, we was standing in front of a jet black, metallic car, the window where shaded by a pitch black film that covered the windows. The car was over fifteen feet long running on twenty inch chromed alloys. The man walked over to the rear of the limousine and opened the door.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Good evening sirs”''</span> Came the reply from the man
Patris ignored him and hunching down, disappeared into the vehicle, Icon nodded to him and followed Patris into the Limo. The man closed the door after Icon and walked around the front of the car, opened the drivers door and slide onto the seat, the keys where already in the ignition, he pressed a button on the side of the door and a screen between the front and the back of the car lowered
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Where to sir?”''</span>
Icon responded <span style="color: darkblue;">''“L.A. Towers”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Not a problem sir”''</span> he pressed the button in the opposite direction and raised the screen.
Icon turned to Patris <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Everything will be taken care off, don’t worry about that and about tonight, everything is at hand”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Thank you Icon, at least I can rely on you to do thing properly.”''</span>
The Limo pulled away from the curb and drove down the road and disappeared out of sight.
Machine gun sounds could be heard reverberating round inside the warehouse.

= Chapter 10 =

A light wind blew through Raziel’s black shoulder length matted hair. He was sitting on the angled roof of the building they enter a few hours ago, his long black trench coat flowing gently over the terra-cotta clay tiles that overlapped each other; two nails held the tiles in place and stopped them from slipping off the roof.
Raziel looked up at the night sky, the clouds had cleared and there was nothing above him except the stars, they shown in their own little light, all together and yet somehow… all alone, each one never being able to be close to the next one, a sorrow light, each sparkle a tear in the universe crying out or someone to notice it. Raziel felt a little like this, at least he use to a long time ago, he had seen too much to nowadays even care about it, he sometimes wondered if he was completely dead both inside and out, perhaps if was a defence mechanism, he had pissed off a few people in his undead lifetime and no doubt there was also a large bounty on his head should any one be brave enough to try. He lowered his gaze at the stars and drifted his attention down to the street below; the streetlamps dimly lighting the main road, the small amount of electricity required to power them giving off a gentle hum, they bathed the people below with something more then light, it gave them a sense of protection, something to scare the evil that lurked in the dark, the shops threw even more light from their window and re-enforcing the glow emanating from the lamps. The people walked around in their own little world, some where looking in the shop windows, other going home to loved ones, some walking down the road with their loved ones, there where people in suits, people in jeans and t-shirts, or dresses or skirts and tops, there were white and black people all wandering together, blissfully unaware of what the world really did hold, Raziel felt that it was better this was, the dark was a horror to behold for those who really knew about it.
Raziel looked at his watch, titanium with a perpetual date run by a tri-lithium battery – state of the art, the titanium band rapped tightly around his wrist, just above the bone, it was quite a thin watch, no more then quarter inch thick, 3.35pm, the slender hands pointed to the corresponding numbers. Raziel looked back across the terrace of houses, their chimneys’ black against the faint darkness, given it was mid summer, the sun’s eerie glow started to appear across the horizon, only really another hours or so before sun rise.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Damn the night too short”''</span> Raziel whispered under his breath.
A voice came out from behind him, it was soft, almost a whisper <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t get frazzled now will you”''</span>
Raziel recognised the voice, Maiden, he smirked and gently shook his head <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah and whilst I’m at it, I’ll make sure to cross running water”''</span>
Maiden returned the smirk with a small smile, Vampires, unlike what the Hunter’s guide tells you, do not burn up on contact with sunlight, their skin is ultra sensitive to the light and burns very easily – on a hot sunny day a vampire’s skin might take only fifteen to twenty seconds before they start to show initial burns, second degree burns occur after about five minutes and first degree burns after roughly seven. No one really knows why this is; one speculation is that as Vampires prefer the cover of night to hunt and generally maintain their secrets, over generations, they have developed a reaction to photosynthesise, making them more susceptible to the ultra-violet radiation that the sun gives off. Given enough time, the hunters guide might become true, however, scientist state that if this where to happen and the likelihood is – it won’t, nothing will happen for at least another twenty to thirty generations. Other comedies from the handbook state that vampires can’t cross running water, a real joke amongst the Vampire culture, as most do prefer to bathe and keep clean. How about garlic – another handbook speciality – this actually does work, but not for the reasons you think – would you want to go near someone who reeks of garlic?
Stake to the heart – yeah – this does kill in the same way that ramming a stake through anyone heart would kill, so to do shotguns, knives, swords, bombs, speeding trucks and collapsing masonry. Yes, The handbook does state that Vampires are quick, fast to recover and strong – and this in part is very true, that said, knock a stone gargoyle off a church spire on to the head of a vampire and the effects will be pretty much the same as dropping a stone gargoyle on the head of a human – lots of blood, splintering bone, shattered stone, big gooey mess and one dead vampire.
So the next time you get your hand on a copy of the hunters guide to slaying vampires – remember that most of the book is full of shit and what is true kind of follows the basis rules to life.
Maiden stepped on to the roof of the building and sat a few feet away from Raziel, she gazed over the rooftops to the horizon line, Raziel didn’t bother looking at her.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You know it always puzzled me”''</span> Maiden voice was clam and serene
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Which was?”''</span> The response was cold and distant
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why you did it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Did what?”''</span> Raziel knew full well what she meant, but he was enjoying this moment
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t play those games – I know them all to well, don’t forget I travelled with you for ten years”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Eleven actually”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“There you go again, you always have to be right don’t you?”''</span>
Raziel didn’t respond, he didn’t really want this conversation; the past as far as he was concerned should stay in the past problem was Maiden wasn’t going to let this go, at least not without a fight.
Maiden continued to stare at the lightening horizon, it wouldn’t be long now before she ventured back indoors, back to the darkness, her mind wandered, wandered back into the past.

The aroma of the bitter ground coffee was heaven, A slender hand picked up a small white jug, a white thick liquid was inside; cream, she poured a little into her cup, her pink painted fingernail, rapped around the small handle, she watched as the creamed started to turn the almost black substance a lighter brown colour, she placed the jug back down with a gentle care, picked up a small spoon that was next to the white cup, placed in into the coffee and started to slowly spin the spoon round the rim on the cup, she watched as the light cream mixed with the dark brown coffee and turn it even lighter, the swirls slowly started to dissipate and blend, it was transfixing.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Do you always stare at your coffee like this?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sorry”''</span> The woman shook her head, slightly, coming back into reality <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Really sorry, I was a million miles away”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“That much was apparent”''</span> The man gazed that this red headed beauty with his dark piercing blue eyes, his thick pulsating lips in a constant smile. His large strong hand picked up the small white cup, his fingers rapped around the cup, brought it to his lips and drank the coffee in one.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sarah, wasn’t it?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah”''</span> she lowered her head just enough to allow her hair to fall over her face and hide her, she wasn’t use to people taking an interest in her, well not in a good way anyhow.
It didn’t go unnoticed <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You like doing that, don’t you?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hiding, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you scared of?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nothing”''</span> Her response was quick and almost breathless
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sorry, didn’t mean to pry”''</span>
She looked at him, he looked genuinely concerned for her, but why, he didn’t even know her.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why do you care so much? I mean you don’t even know me.”''</span>
A smile broke from the man’s face <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I don’t like to see people unhappy, I suppose it just who I am, I always say you should be yourself and don’t let anyone change that.”''</span>
Sarah paused at that statement, be yourself, she could never be herself, she always had to be someone else in order to fit in somewhere. <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What if you can’t be yourself, what then?”''</span>
The man thought to himself for a minute <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Then I would ask, are you changing for you or for someone else”''</span>
The question caught Sarah unaware, its was a rather bizarre question to ask <span style="color: darkblue;">''“umm…”''</span> Sarah looked down at her coffee, she hadn’t drunk any and this conversation was starting to make her feel a little uneasy, someone was delving into her psyche, perhaps he was trying to analyse her, she if she was good enough for the world, good enough for him maybe, she wasn’t sure, all she knew was, she didn’t want to be here.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’ve… I’ve gotta go, I’m sorry, I can’t be here, I’m really sorry, I’m…”''</span> Sarah hastily rose out of the chair, banging her knee on the underneath of the table, she winced from the shock of the pain, the coffee spilt over the rim of the cup, flowing onto the red and white chequered tablecloth. Sarah ran out of the front doors, making a left down the main street and quickly turned down a side alley, she leaned up against the wall, exhausted, trying to catch her breath, she wasn’t quite sure what she had just done, she kept thinking to herself ‘ why couldn’t I just give a straight answer’, she always knew she was a bit different, she was used to it, the ridicule, the torments, but was he just trying to be nice, get her to open up, she didn’t know, it scarred her to think that someone would want to her, maybe it was better if he forgot about her, she could fade away into the distance again, no one had to know her again.
The pain was still there, her leg was killing her, but she didn’t care, she turned and looked down the alley way, it was full of garbage bags, sunlight lit the alley allowing her to see then end of the passage, she limped down, her knee bursting shots of pain up her body, she managed half way down her thoughts still continuing to haunt her ‘why did he care so much’ or ‘did he have to be so bloody nosy’ the final one caught her though ‘Am I always going to be alone’ this though got stuck in her though, she stopped and leant against the wall ‘I’m always going to be alone… I really really am, who would want me.’ She felt a tear runs from the corner of her eye and down her thin cheek line ‘I’m just a freak and I know that no one will want me’ and with that though she collapsed onto the ground, head in her hands, sobbing.
A few minutes passed and Sarah hadn’t moved, in fact she hadn’t stop crying, the thought of being alone was just too much, the fact that a really great looking guy was just trying to be nice was just the icing on the bitter cake she hated it, what she was, why couldn’t she be like anyone else, it would be so much easier.

A shadow cast over Sarah, there was someone there, a mugger, murder or rapist maybe, she didn’t care, perhaps they would do her a favour, a strong masculine hand gently clasped her shoulder <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’m sorry, I didn’t to pry, didn’t mean to hurt you”''</span>
Sarah didn’t look at him, it was Stephen, the calm voice and strong demeanour, but why was he here, did he follow her, she couldn’t understand why, why would anyone want to follow her.
Her voice quivered <span style="color: darkblue;">''“It’s wasn’t what you said, it’s what I thought. No one has ever wanted to show an interest in me.”''</span> She breathed in, her breath shuddering and her tears still falling, she still refused to show her face to him, she refused to let someone look at her in this vulnerable state.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’m showing you an interest”''</span> Stephen knelt down next to her, she turned her head slightly, still refusing to show her fragility.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why… Why would you even want to look at someone like me”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maybe I actually like you, I noticed you walk by the garage everyday and I know you always kept looking at me”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“But you are so…”''</span> Sarah lost her words again
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Go on”''</span> The voice was again soft and caring
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Good looking, you should be with someone that looks as good as you”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maybe I have found someone that I think is as good as I am.”''</span>
Sarah still couldn’t let herself be brought in by this man, he was too perfect, he was handsome and caring, he was to good for her. <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why would you want me?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ever since I first saw you pass the garage, there was something about you, you’re different from the other women, you care more about personality then looks”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“How do you know that, how do you who what I’m like”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t know really, just a feeling I suppose”''</span>
Sarah slightly turned her head towards him, she wanted to look at him, hold him, and feel safe and secure, something she had never felt, maybe he really did care about her. She smiled and let slip a little laugh <span style="color: darkblue;">''“A feeling? You want to be with me on a feeling?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well, I don’t really know you, never really met you, so I have to go on something”''</span> He smiled
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“A feeling it is then”''</span> She turned her head to look at him, he was smiling that radiating smile she enjoyed whenever she passed that garage.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come on, I still owe you that coffee”''</span> he looked passed her red swollen eyes and the smeared eye shadow and could see her and her glowing beauty.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I’m sorry I look a mess”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What mess?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You know what I mean”''</span> she knew he was just being nice
They both stood back up, he kept his gaze on her the entire way <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Come on, lets get out of here”''</span>
They look a step and Sarah knee gave in, she started to fall and was caught by Stephen’s strong arms
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sorry, I must have really hurt my knee when I smacked it against the table”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Here, let me help”''</span> He placed his arm under her arms and allowed her to use him as a support. Together they walked down to the end of the alley was and disappeared out of sight.

Maiden continued to look at the rising sun until the light started to hurt her eyes, she turned to look at Raziel, his black hair slowly blowing in the gentle breeze, he eyes still focused straight ahead. Maiden stood up and walked back towards the open door on the roof, she was just about to walk in when she turned back to Raziel
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“The past isn’t always as painful as you think, perhaps you would do well to remember your own”''</span> Maiden then disappeared into the darkness. Raziel though about her words for a few minutes before standing up himself and walking through the door, the rays of the sun rose to bring is light to the roof of the building, the morning had arrived.

= Chapter 11 =

The pulsating noise started to become irregular, beating faster and faster, trying desperately to cling on to its last moments in life, pulling the blood through its arteries, strong and harder, the blood flow was lessening, it had no knowledge of what was going on, only that its nourishment was being ebbed away at an alarming rate, the veins in the body working overtime to pump the blood into the right atrium, the atrium then pushing the de-saturated blood through the tricuspid valve and into the right ventricle. The ventricle collected the much-needed blood and pushed it through into the lungs. From the lungs the required oxygen was mixed into the blood whist removing the carbon dioxide and purifying the blood, ready to be pushed round the body. The blood entered the veins and immediately began to be pulled upwards, through the main jugular; it was impossible to fight against the pull, the haemoglobin was being sucked up through this main vein, it reached an opening and began to spurt though it at high velocity.
The blood breached the skin and poured down a slender neck, flowing down the front of her white cloth shirt, which was now stained a deep crimson, once the blood couldn’t absorb into the fabric any longer, it ran further down the v-necked shape shirt, passed over and in between her ample breasts, down past her stomach and until it reached the bottom of her top, there is formed into a droplet and fell to the ground with a dull splat. Drop after drop fell and formed into a puddle on the floor, her bare feet were kicking and sliding on the blood as she desperately tried to find her footing and wiggle herself free from her attacker. The tips of her blonde hair started turning a dull rusty red and started matting together and the blood started to twine itself in amongst the blonde, she cried, tears flowing from her deep blue eyes, her pale white face being stained black from her mascara as it ran down her slender cheek bones and passing her gentle ruby red lips. She only wanted one thing – to be with her mother, it was her fifteenth birthday today and it was going to be a big party, however, she had a fight, a major fight with her mother over the silliest little thing and she ran out of the house, all she wanted was to be held by her, loved by her, not to be here.
The grasper bit down even harder on her neck, she young girl let out a scream of pain, and a smile passed the young mans lips, he was enjoying this, the pain, the suffering, he knew how she felt, he knew the how this would end, he had been there; only he would give her the salvation he wasn’t granted. The salvation he once yearned, the salvation he begged for, the salvation his bitch of a sister wouldn’t give him, the sister who only cared about herself and not wanting to be alone in this world, the sister that would damn him for eternity in this body of undeath. A small amount of blood flowed out of his mouth and ran passed his thin nearly pointed chin, the blood contrasted against his ashen white skin, but then again so did his sapphire blue eyes and short curly blonde hair.
There was a further whimper came from the young girl and the young man withdrew his fangs from her neck and she slumped in his arms, exhausted and glad that it was over, maybe now he would let her go, let her back to her mother and never see this nightmare again.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You do know that she is only about fifteen, if you lucky”''</span> the voice was soft yet firm
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Pure blood is always the best, you taught me that sis.”''</span> His reply was cold, calculated, there was a real intelligence about him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I taught you to survive, not to indulge in your young girl fantasies”''</span>
He smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Do I sense a touch of jealousy from my lovely older sister”''</span> he emphised the older, knowing that this would infuriate her, he found it fun to annoy her.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“How many more times do I have to say it - we’re twins you idiot, you know that, I was born like minutes before you”''</span> her purple eyes were glaring at him.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Still make you older, those – doesn’t it”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Grow up Lestat, I’m tired of this”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I can’t – I’m dead, you made sure of that didn’t you Lys.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh my god, I can not believe you are bringing that up again, its been like what three thousand years ago, what do you expect, I was young, naïve and being chased by the senate, what do you expect”''</span> She stopped to gather her thoughts <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Look, I didn’t want to leave you alone with no one, don’t forget mama and papa abandoned us and left us for dead, I raised you, looked out for you, got us food and shelter, I worked till my fingers bled for you, and when I was turned into this, I wasn’t going to leave you, no ever, so I brought you with me for eternity.”''</span>
Lestat looked at his sister <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Do you really feel that way sis”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“How many times do I have to tell you, you mean more to me then anyone and I will kill anyone that would say otherwise.”''</span>
For all of Lestat’s mouthy antics he still relied heavily on her, she was right, every since they where in their early teens, she had looked after him and for all the aggravation he gave her, he loved her for it.
The twins where born and raised in Rome, which was still under the watchful eye of the great Caesar, the emperor of all of Rome, a powerful and mighty country, Rome looked to conquer all of the known world, Lys was born under the name Lysandra Alexandra Tiberius and Lestat was under the name of Marcius Octavius Tiberius, he changed it in the late twentyth century after a film about vampires, in fact he changed his whole aprearance to minic this Lestat, hair, dress sense, soft speech, he didn’t know what it was, but he like him and all the fun he had. He was going to carry this name forever.
The Tiberius family was strong, rich and powerful, a strong name and their father was an even stronger leader, however, we couldn’t risk this strenght bleeding into the ranks of lesser names and everyone according to Octavius Mercius Tiberius was lesser then he, His son who would named after him, his power and his greatness, would one day lead this family so Octavius himself could one day become Caeser, that was until one day his son desided that he didn’t want to fight hoards of men and die for some family honour. Octavius’s proudest possesion shattered in an instant, he tried to presuade the young man to change his mind, but the stubborn youth would have none of it. Octavius beat Mercius over and over again, each time shattering and breaking, Mercius would huddle into the corner, cowering from the rage his father would fly in everytime he saw his useless son, after the beating Lysandra would hold and cuddle him, whist he cried for being so weak, he wanted to be like the other boys, strong and loyal to family, carving a name for himself in the great roman history, but he couldn’t he didn’t want to fight and die. Everyday the same beating and everyday Lysandra would hold him and she herself would shed a tear, Marcius was slowly being beaten to death by his own father and there was nothing she could do about it.
This continued until Marcius turned thirteen, his father had stopped the beating two years ago and had now completely ignored his, as far as Octavius was concerned, Marcius ceased to be a part of the family, his mother was taken her own like the previous winter after Octavius lost his postion as head of the guards, forced out of their grand home and into a small squaller, they unded up living like peasents, something his mother could not face.
Octavius being a strong proud man, took up work as a blacksmith, he was going to work his way back up the ranks and back into a postion of power. Lysandra had grown into the starting of a beautiful teenanger, her hair was long and black, her hazel eyes escentuated her thin face and narrow cheek bones, she would help around the house, clean, cook and do everything that her mother had taught her, however, like her father she was strong of character and not afraid to answer back, several times being on the back end of her father’s hand.
It was during this summertime that thing changed, it was the Lysandra’s birthday and her father was busy getting everything perpared, this was going to be a special day for her. Lys tried to convince her father to hold one for Mercius, however, he would have none of it, he was to spend the day in the cellar, out of sight. The day came and went, her father threw a big party for her and left Mercius with the rats, Lysandra couldn’t help but notice how sad she felt without her brother by her side.
The night came and Mercius looked through the bars in the window looking up a the moon, he wished there was a way out of this, he hated it here and he hated his father, he just wished he would drop dead, the olny time he saw anyone was to brng up another keg of beer, no doubt so his father could wash away his memories of him. The moonlight shown on his face and he closed his eyes to listen to the sweet sounds of the night, the owls hooting, bats flying around in the tree, the high pitch scream of fear, panic and despration, that scream, he knew it, it was Lysandra, another high pitched wail emerged, panic and fear filled Mercius and he runsed to the door, he grabbled the handle, it opened, his father obvously forgot to lock it, another scream of pain, he quickly looked around the room, his father’s sword, perhaps he could now show his father what he was really made of, he grabbed it round the leather hilt and rushed up the stairs, the sounds where coming from her room, he ran to the door and could hear another person with her, was she being attacked, he gritted his teeth and kicked the door, the bolt snapped and the wood splintered round the lock, Mercius starred at the sight he saw, Lysandra was lying on the bed, her own father on top of her, Octavius looked surprisinly at his son <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get out, get out of here now!”''</span> he bellowed
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Mercius, please help me, please”''</span> her eyes were filled with tears, her face full of panic <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Please….”''</span>
Mercius drew the sword and pointed it at his father <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Get off her you sick bastard”''</span>
Octavius stood up and brought himself to his full six foot four inches height <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You know nothing, you are not apart of this strong family and no one will taint it with scum blood, I warned you to get out, now do it or I will make sure that your sister becomes an only child”''</span>
The sword shook in Mercius’s hand, he was angry, angrier then he had ever felt, so angry that he, for the first time in his life, wanted to kill <span style="color: darkblue;">''“No…”''</span> his voice was quiet, yet firm and resolved <span style="color: darkblue;">''“No… you will not harm her, you will not harm my sister, you are nothing more then a sick bastard, brazened in a glory that you will never have.”''</span>
His father laughed <span style="color: darkblue;">''“And let me guess, you’re gonna stop me”''</span> he burst out laughing <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You feeble little shit, give it your best shot, and if you don’t, I will make sure that your sister truly knows what it means to be a woman”''</span>
Mercius screamed a high pitch wail and charged his father, bringing the sword over his head, he swung with all his might and brought the sword down, it his the stone floor with a clang, his father had just stepped a side, Mercius face was met with a large menacing fist, it knocked him back several feet and he fell to the ground, about him, his father, red faced, was standing over him, a menacing smile was plastered on his face, Mercius reached for the sword he had dropped, it wasn’t there, he had let go on the hilt when his father hat punched him, he had nothing to defend himself with.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I am going to enjoy this, for years you have let me down, the son I never wanted, a weak pathetic feeble little boy I gonna do something I should have done years ago, end your pathetic excuse for a life”''</span> Octavius approached Mercius, his fists clenched, murder in his eyes, Mercius shuffled himself backwards, fear in his eyes, panic stricken, he didn’t want to die – not here and not now, then he hit something hard, cold and stone, it was the wall, he wasn’t going anywhere, his father approached slowly and twisted smile across his face, Mercius closed his eyes, waiting for the killer blow, then a loud scream followed by a sharp intake of breath and then a gasping cough, Mercius opened his eyes to find his father on his knees, blood pouring out of his mouth and his stomach, from out of his stomach was a large piece of pointed metal, the blade of a sword, his father’s sword, but how, his father slumped forward onto the stone floor, dead, the hilt of his sword protruding from out of his back, Lysandra standing over top of him, rage and tears filled her eyes, she was shaking from all the hatred she felt for him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Leave my brother alone”''</span> she spat at the lifeless corpse.
Mercius looked at her, he couldn’t believe when she had just done, he stood up walked over to her and embraced her in a hug, filled with emotions both twin sat back on the bed and cried – they had just killed their father, and it wasn’t tear of sadness, it was tears of joy and release.

Lestat smiled, it was true that Lysandra was always on the lookout for him, sometimes he just didn’t care for it <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Say just out of interest where did you disappear the to other night?”''</span>
Lysandra looked at him for a minute then smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“No where special, just…”''</span> She thought her words carefully <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Out to have a little fun”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Out to ruin someone’s life no doubt”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Something like that”''</span>
Lestat looked at her sister, her jet black and midnight purple hair complementing those deep purple eyes, she still had her slender figure was accentuated by the tight leather corset she wore round her middle, the top of her perfectly formed breasts where pushed together for show, her short leather skirt allowed her to show off her long thin legs, her calf muscles toned and stopping just below the knee where her tight laced up boots.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lestat”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You actually gonna let that girl go”''</span>
The girl smile to herself, she was soon going to go home and forget all this happened
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah”''</span> Lestat smiled, he lifted her chin by the one hand, grabbed the top of the shoulder with the other and spun her neck around a full one hundred and eighty degrees, she fell in her own pool of blood, the small smile of home still on her face.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“That’s not quite what I meant”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I know, but I didn’t want to give her the choice that I had to make all those years ago”''</span> Lestat smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“And besides, we all know humans are just disposable resources”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What do I do with you?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Praise me, hug me and then let me go and play”''</span> Lestat’s voice never deviated from his cool calculated demeanour.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I do that anyways”''</span>
The both stepped over the body and headed for the front door of the abandoned house, standing at the entrance was a man in a pinstriped suit, he stared at the dead girl for a minute and looked at the twins <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lysandra, Lestat, Patris had requested that you came with me, he requires your help in a matter”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What if we don’t want to help?”''</span> Lestat piped up
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“We’ll help”''</span> Lysandra responded ignoring his brother
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Very good”''</span> came the reply from the suited man, he turned to walk out
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Icon.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Tell Patris, whatever it is, we will be even”''</span>
Icon nodded his head, with his back still to the twins, he walked out of sight
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What was that all about?”''</span> asked Lestat
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nothing, just paying back an old debt, care to help?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, of course, whatever it is I’m sure the Family of Darkness can help”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah, let go get the rest of the family and tell the, to possible suit up for a fight”''</span>
Lestat nodded and the two walked out of the front of the house and disappeared into the darkness.

= Chapter 12 =

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You have got to be fucking kidding me”''</span> came the blurted expletive out of Fregillon mouth <span style="color: darkblue;">''“They could have been after you or anyone else for that matter”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“True, true, but I think you are the most likely target, well you and Raziel anyway, I haven’t done anything to piss anyone off”''</span> The cool response came from Elfinlied
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Elfinlied, we have no real way of knowing who they where after”''</span> Flash replied
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No, No hold on mate, lets see what else she has to fucking say, she wants to accuse me of nearly getting us all killed, I want to hear what else she had to fucking say”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Look, you where working for a crime boss, and not just anyone, it was the top brass, Raziel said it himself before all this happened, so perhaps you pissed him off of something, I don’t know, you just seem to be the most likely suspect and you always have to….”''</span> She cut her sentence short seeing that Fregillon eyes had turned bloodshot with rage.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Always have to what?”''</span> His voice you quiet, slow and full of anger
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Umm…”''</span> she didn’t want to answer him.
Flash stepped in <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fregillon, look getting angry won’t solve anything”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No but ripping her little fucking spiky head off her shoulder will do”''</span> he curled his lip in a sort of half smile.
A voice responded from an entrance way at the back of the room <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lay a finger on her and I will personally make sure that the thing you like to call a manhood is painfully and slowly removed and stuffed down your neck, do I make myself clear”''</span>
Fregillon looked at the figure in the doorway, he threw his hands up and shrugged his shoulders <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fine, whatever, I don’t really give a shit anymore”''</span>
Elfinlied bounced over to the figure in the darkness <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Thanks Maiden, I owe you one”''</span> She rapped her arms around the red headed beauty and gave her a mighty hug.
Viona stood up, tugging her tight jeans down a little <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Look we are all suspects here as to who the attacker was after, for all we know it could be a couple of people, I mean, you have Raziel, I think most of L.A. is after him for one reason or another, then you have Fregillon, your mouth runs faster then anything I know, Maiden…”''</span>She paused for a minute <span style="color: darkblue;">''“There is your attitude problem and I pretty sure that Raziel hasn’t been your first target for Vampire Hunters eh?”''</span>
Maiden clinched her fists but stayed quiet, Viona continued <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What about you Flash, what have you done”''</span>
Fregillon stepped in <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Flash has done nothing, he was only turned a short time ago and what about you, your so fucking quick to judge everyone else, they could be after you”''</span>
Her voice remained calm <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Would it surprise you to know that I am no different then Flash, I was turned about six months ago, however my demon are before that time, Flash could be no different”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“He’s not like that, are you Flash?”''</span>
Flash just looked at the ground, Fregillon looked at him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Flash? …”''</span> he paused <span style="color: darkblue;">''“So what’s you past troubles then?”''</span>
Flash looked at him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nothing, I’ve done nothing, it’s just…”''</span> He paused, a sadness filled his heart <span style="color: darkblue;">''“I just want to know who killed my partner, that’s all I live for now.”''</span>
Fregillon looked at Flash with concern and turned back to Viona <span style="color: darkblue;">''“See, so that rules out Flash and as far as the killer goes, I said I would help him out.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“The facts still haven’t changed, anyone one of us could have been the target, any one of us could have at some point in time pissed off the wrong person”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“That’s true Viona, but remember that in the end the light will always purge the darkness”''</span> The voice was deep, still calm. Viona turned round to face Raziel.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You really are an enigma rapped in a riddle, covered by a question aren’t you?”''</span>
Raziel for once had the puzzled look <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Pardon?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“It’s nothing, forget I said anything”''</span> Viona’s hands where placed in her pockets, fiddling with the piece of paper. Her thought’s started to wander ‘How did he know her captor, he doesn’t seem like the sort of person that would associated with those types of people’ This thought plagued her, he was gonna have to ask, but not know, later, yes, definitely later.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yo Raz, what did you and Maiden talk about, getting all smoochy up there eh?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I think not”''</span> came the immediate reply from maiden, Raziel smiled to himself.
Flash piped up <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What about this firebomb, anyone have any more ideas on the where it would come from.”''</span>
Silence reverberated around the room, no one really had any idea, it could have been any one, too many suspects, too little time to eliminate them all.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“One things I still don’t get”''</span> Fregillon stepped up <span style="color: darkblue;">''“how did someone know we would all be there, I’m mean, we couldn’t have all been followed, could we?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Eh? Duh, you dip, like we first said, they were only after like one of us.”''</span> Elfinlied sarcasticness returned.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Shut the fuck up!”''</span> The response was immediate.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Wow, problem much.”''</span>
Viona stood there with one hand on her forehead, listening to the bickering of the two, the insults, the comments, they where like two little kids, it was enough to give anyone a headache.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Would you two please, please just shut up.”''</span> Her voice was calm, steady and quiet, Viona looked at the two of them. They paused and looked back with puzzled expressions on their faces, but they were silent
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Right…”''</span> Viona Paused <span style="color: darkblue;">''“In order to figure anything out, we need to trim down the suspects and to do that we need to retrace our steps.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Literally?”''</span> Elfinlied immediately clamped her hands over her mouth and mumbled an apology; Viona ignored her outburst
The Blonde haired beauty continued <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What Fregillon said might not be as far from the truth as possible, it is foreseeable that one person is behind all of this. We have to eliminate all the people in this room without connections to people who would want us dead.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lay a finger on me lady and I’ll rip you fucking head off, ain’t no one eliminating me!”''</span> Fregillon blurted at Viona.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“You stupid F…”''</span> Viona closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in deeply, in nothing else to stop her hit the complete idiot, she composed herself <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Not quite what I meant, we need to rule out people that have no connections to say for example crime lords, drug barons, people with power, that sort of thing – you follow.”''</span>
The response was mainly blank stares with the exception of Maiden and Raziel who looked at each other and smiled.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well hey look lady, I’m new to this, so I ain’t done nothin’.”''</span> Flash piped
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Don’t be too sure about that darling”''</span> The voice was new in the room. Everyone turned around to see where it came from, standing there was a tall female, at least six feet, her long purple and black hair swirled about her slender body. Her composure was calm, sedate, she worn a tight black leather corset, which met a very short leather skirt, she thighs were toned and muscular, and rippled down to her black knee-high boots.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who the fuck are you? A jacked up whore on Halloween?”''</span> Fregillon snorted
The woman ignored him and looked straight at Raziel
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Why do you allow yourself to deal with such petty little commoners? You are far above them you know”''</span> Her voice was soft, seductive.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Really?”''</span> Raziel raised his eyebrows
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh come on now, I’ve been following you for nearly five hundred years, you don’t think a gal wouldn’t get to know you in that time do you?”''</span>
Everyone looked at Raziel.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Five hundred years…”''</span> Elfinlied mouthed <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Five hundred…”''</span> she couldn’t believe it
Fregillon however has able to finish what she wanted to say <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Fuck me man, Five hundred fucking years old, you old basterd, even I didn’t think you where that old”''</span>
A polite sigh came from the woman <span style="color: darkblue;">''“You people really are pathetic and narrow minded aren’t you”''</span> she didn’t even bother to raise a tone in her voice, this was now boring her.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“I do not believe that everyone has been along for as long as you or Raziel, I believe that it just comes as a shock as you do not look over twenty-five – obviously some of us have a lot to learn.”''</span> Viona commented at this dark haired beauty
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Finally, someone with some respect…”''</span>
Raziel stepped in <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok look cut the crap, what do you want; this conversation crap is staring to bore me.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“What makes you so sure that I want anything.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Hmm… let me see, Leader of the Family of Darkness, three thousand year old vampire, raised in Rome, if I’m correct, where is your sidekick otherwise known as Le Stat, still out chasing the young girls, that boy needs to grow up.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Leave Le Stat out of this”''</span> She answer through gritted teeth, and then re-changed he demeanour <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Other then that, well done on the homework”''</span> She smiled
Maiden responded in the background <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who are you then? You know so much about us? Yet we know nothing about you?”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“No love, I know nothing about most of you, your nothing, brought to this life in a moments passion, left sculling the earth like a parasite, lost and forever roaming, I don’t want to know you. Raziel… not you are different, what is someone once said about you, oh yeah…”''</span> the edge of her midnight purple lips curled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“A riddle rapped in a puzzle. Quite true if you ask me. Who am I; he knows”''</span> She exclaimed nodding her head towards Raziel.
Once again everyone turned to face him. <span style="color: darkblue;">''“That is…”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“The fucking bitch that killed her”''</span> The outburst was full of hatred and malice, everyone turned to find Flash, his eyes where bloodshot red, his muscles bulging, the tear mark where appearing in his chequered shirt <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Now I’m gonna kill you!!!”''</span>
He ran towards her fist raised, with in less then a second he had traversed the entire length of the of the room, his fist came down and met squarely against her chest. The Dark haired woman was sent flying through the air and came to a sudden stop impacting the wall, she crumpled to the ground, the stone work behind her caved in and crumbling.
Flash didn’t stop, and other loud scream of anger and other charge to attempt to finish her off, his foot came round for a strong kick to her head, however, it never landed, instead it was him that got flung the though the air, impacting one of the stone support pillars, the impact was followed by a loud crack as well as stone dust and debris, as the dust settled, Flash was unconscious, the stone pillar has been completely destroyed.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Touch my sister again, and I’ll kill you.”''</span> A boy of no more then sixteen stood in front of the woman on the floor, his blonde hair matted, we wore ruffled clothing that looked to be dated from the nineteenth century, he bend town and carefully helped her up. Blood was dripping from the side of her mouth.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Thanks”''</span> she mutter <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lets get out of here.”''</span> She turned to Raziel <span style="color: darkblue;">''“This isn’t over darling, you just wait and see, I promise you that.”''</span> The pair started to walk out the opening of the doorway, she stopped <span style="color: darkblue;">''“oh one more thing, keep that thing on a leach next time, play things don’t bite”''</span> She gave a quick smile and the pair disappeared.

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Raziel, lets get the fuckers, I ain’t gonna take being pushed around like that, are you?”''</span> Fregillon demanded
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Leave it Fregillon, it’s not worth it, there will be another time, I suggest you see to Flash, I think he will need you help, and some explanation as to what happened.”''</span> Maiden responded
Fregillon nodded, he actually for once saw then sense she was making. He rushed over to help his friend.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Raziel, Maiden, I’m confused, I too was only turned no more then six months ago, what happened, I mean Flash seemed to be the really quiet type.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“It’s complicated…”''</span>Maiden said <span style="color: darkblue;">''“All vampires have a sort of dormant ability, or a power or something, I don’t really know what it is, but it is in our blood when we really need it. It will tend to ‘activate’ when we are at the most extreme of emotion, rage and searing hatred rather then just anger, the deepest depression rather then just sadness, it hard to say exactly what triggers it, Flash’s was trigger by the hatred he felt for that woman, why?, I do not know, I will find out though, Vampire ‘powers’ can be increase strength, toughness, speed and there are others, I know Raziel uses his power to absorb these and use them to his own use, As you learn these ‘powers you will be able to control them more and soon they will become second nature, reason why that little boy could throw Flash forty feet and through a stone pillar.”''</span>
Viona looked are her <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Ok… I think I get it and I think that I have seen something of this power with myself, I felt that I could move faster then the wind itself… but that was only because…”''</span> She paused, not wanting to finish the sentence.
Elfinlied walked over Raziel, Maiden and Viona <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who where those two, man they had some serious chip on the shoulder issues.”''</span>
Maiden glanced at Raziel <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Who where those two, they seemed to know you rather too well”''</span>
Raziel glanced back at her and then re-averted his gaze back to the empty door <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Too well…indeed”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Well Raziel who where they”''</span>
He paused and without moving his gaze from the door <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Lysandra and Le Stat”''</span>

= Chapter 13 =

<span style="color: darkblue;">''“God dammit sis, you should have let me have them, I could have taken them.”''</span> The frustration on Le Stat’s thin face was clear; his light blue eyes hinted a deep fire, a real yearning for life.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Some of them, but how long before they overpowered you, then you would have been in some hot water.”''</span> Her response was calm, collected, then again that was always the way, had been for the past three thousand years.
Lysandra had always been the sedate collective type, every action had to be studied, pondered, calculated, she wasn’t a go get them sort of person and had no intention of ever being one. She liked sexiness and wasn’t scared of showing her tight, slender body off to get her own way, not that anyone got the advantage, the rules where always hers and she never lost to anyone. Le Stat on the other hand was different, if there was a fight, it was usually Le Stat that started it and for the most part, it was for no other reason then to cause a bit of chaos in the mundane daily routine of life and more times then not, it was Lysandra that bailed him out, either from taking on too much trouble or from the joke that was the law enforcement.
Le Stat pondered his sister’s words carefully, not often he did this, but on the rare occasion it happened <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Maybe you’re right, maybe I could have taken them, but if you helped we could have, rather then goggling over Raziel”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Whatever, I’m not getting into that argument again, he fascinates me, how one person can be respected and hated as much as he for keeping himself to himself.”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Yeah yeah – you fancy him”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Do not”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Do to”''</span>
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Oh you’re infuriating”''</span> The frustration showing on her face <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Three thousand years and you still fight a discussion with something so childish”''</span>
Le stat smiled <span style="color: darkblue;">''“But it works, you’re so easy to wind up sis, relax, take it easy. Anyhow we need to get back to the rest of them before they start to panic, you know what they’re like, Auriga will pacing back and forth and no doubt remind you of your responsibilities to the clan, Sparx will most likely hit me again for dragging you out so close to the daybreak and Shaza…”''</span> He shook his head <span style="color: darkblue;">''“Shaza will most likely be in the corner crying thinking I’ve pulled you out into a fight and got us both killed.”''</span>
Lysandra looked at her brother, a small smile passed her purple coloured lips; it was true that the clan would worry but not to the extend that her brother was over emphasising, such was Le Stat’s over flamboyant nature that everything was over the top, The end of the World is coming he would shout – when actually it was Krakatoa blowing itself apart. The Ice age is upon us was next – when it was just a long winter. Life with Le Stat was never boring.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Sis…you’ve phased out on me again”''</span> Le Stat commented
Lysandra was always the parent in the brother/sister relationship, she had always taken care of Le Stat and bailed him out of the troubles he put himself into, ‘one day’ she always thought ‘his will grow up and realise that life is real, dead or otherwise. The pair had been around for over three thousand years and unlike Le Stat, she had realised that life was not one big game, she had her fun, but was usually careful with it, however, her latest plaything caught her off guard as she gently nursed the swollen lip injury she sustained from Flash.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Helloooooo…anybody there?”''</span> The sarcasticness of her brother’s voice rang loud and clear.
She turned and face him <span style="color: darkblue;">''“What? I’m here alright”''</span> there was a slightly sharp edge to her tone, her brother ignored it, he knew how hot headed she could be.
<span style="color: darkblue;">''“Nothing… just making sure you where still with me”''</span>
Lysandra could feel a small amount of rage burning in her; it wasn’t intentional she just couldn’t help it; she just huffed and looked the other way.
She peered round at her surroundings the dull grey breeze block walls showing the lifelessness of the empty building which her and Le Stat where hiding in, a building that was not more then three buildings away from Raziel and Co.
There where no windows to this place just a door to a concrete staircase with only one direction - up, the walls where musty and damp, large patches of water had stained breezeblock a darker shade of grey, apart from a few chairs and boxes, this place was empty and had been so for a while. Lysandra wasn't happy, she wasn't used to hiding in basements, but it was either that or a slow and painful death at the hands of the sun, under those circumstances - the basement was looking rather nice.
She looked at her watch, 10.55am, too long to wait until she sun set, but there was nothing to do except talk to her brother, it had been a while since they both really talked, a proper brother to sister chat, she felt that they had spend too long together, but letting Le Stat go would be like signing his death warrant, he was just to free and easy and it would get him kill in the end.
10:56am - the twenty four carat embroidered pocket watch ebbed the minutes for her, just give it a minute and they will start to go backwards, Lysandra gave a faint smile, she had had this time piece for nearly two hundred and fifty years; given to her saving a governors daughter from kidnappers. Le Stat loved that day, more victims then he knew what to do with. The reward money was also nice, helped her move from England to the United States.
10:58am - 'ohh' she thought another two minutes had passed, she looked over to Le Stat, he was busy pulling his Magnum apart, cleaning it and putting it back together, a ritual he did every night, but as you couldn't sleep on concrete - far too uncomfortable it allowed him to occupy his time - probably for the better.
10:59am - Lysandra looked over at the boxes, brown and cardboard, part of the box had been torn and exposed the corrugated design holding the two boards together, funny stuff cardboard, they were like humans, really weak, but everyone loved them
11:01am - 'Damn' she thought 'Just missed eleven'
11:02am - Lysandra watched a droplet of water fall from a crack in the wall, she studied the crack - nothing else to do with the time - it was small no more then two millimetres in width, but ran have the length of the twelve foot high wall, another droplet fell from the crack, the translucent water drop amplifying everything behind it, only it was distorted, kind of how she felt, see though, only when you looked at her is was all twisted and not in proportion.
11:05am - her long dark purple and black hair blew ever so slightly from a gust of wind, she watched Le Stat, he was sitting on one of the chairs, an office chair, one of those armless ones with a wheel attached to each of the five legs, it's dark and dusty covering through years of neglect hid the racing green fabric. Le Stat was whizzing up and down the room, every time he passed her another gust followed. Again she smiled, sometimes it’s fun to be a child, but this just reminded her why she needed to look after him.
11:11am - watching Le Stat was time comsuming, one one one one, nice time, she flipped the gold watchcase and covered the time face. She looked at the room again - nothing had changed, the crack was still dripping and the boxed hadn't moved - check that - one thing had changed, Le Stat had fallen off the chair after trying to go too fast, she was glad to see that at least the laws of physics hadn't changed. She pulled the watch back out and flipped the case open again
11:13am - The watch was almost like a addiction, when she was bored this single little thing gave her something she lacked - time, knowing she was immortal meant that technically time had no meaning, nice to have something to give some realisation.
11:14am - Nearly twenty minutes had passed
11:16am - Twenty minutes had now passed, Lysandra looked at her boots, the black laces where staring to fray around the eyelets, she made a mental note to purchase some new ones.
11:17am - ' I really should say something to my Brother, but I'm only going to get a retort, I mean he never lets me finish always has to have the last word and tries to finish my battles and never leaves me alone!' She hit her fist against the ground and looked over to her brother, he had stacked the boxes up and was jumping on top of them.
11:19am - 'Well that rant help kill a few minutes' looking back at the watch, the face was an intricate design, she could see all the moving part, the wheels and cog slowing moving the passage of time, this watch had no battery, it had to be wound, turned, it needed someone’s attention to keep working.
11:19am - Le Stat was still busy in the boxes, was he that bored or just being a three thousand year old child, she wasn't sure and if she was perfectly honest, she didn't care.
11:19am - She looked at her watch, man this minute is going slow.
11:19am - Like her - the watch had stopped; frozen in time with nowhere to go, for the first time Lysandra felt old, three thousand years definently qualified you into the hall of fame, but this was the first time she had even thought about it. She tried to wind the watch to get it started again, it wouldn't turn, she swore under her breath - this would have to be fixed, no questions. Maybe she was like this watch, broken.
"Sis?" A voice called over to her
"Yeah" the return reply was saddened
"You ok?"
"Yeah"
"You sure"
"Yeah" The response was a little more uplifting and she gave Le Stat a small smile - it was all a facade - but better that her brother didn't know how she truly felt.
"Liar - you can't hid you feelings from me - I know you too well" Le Stat sat down next to her, he bright blue eyes shining in the dim light.
"It's nothing" Don't worry about it
"Please tell me?"
"My watch stopped - that’s all - and I'll need to get it repaired"
"OK..." Le Stat just looked at her
"Fine - I want to know why we do this."
"Do what?"
"This, all this hunting and killing, I've done it for three thousand years and I want to know why we do this."
"Instinct, we are bred to kill, we are the alpha and omega in this society. Feel better"
"Yeah and thanks for the bullshit speech"
"You know me"
"Yeah - better then anyone"
"To be honest Sis, I'm not sure, part of it is to survive, we don't drink - we die, that simple, some of it is for our amusement - remember Japan all those years ago, that was fun."
"We slaughtered an entire village for nothing more than amusement purposes, thinking about it - I sound more like a monster then a person."
"We were paid well for it though, perhaps you have lost your appetite, maybe your last victim to your amusements has..." he thought about what to say next - but didn't have to finish, Lysandra ended it for him
"Let me down... Maybe... perhaps I have lost my touch."
"Naa - perhaps deep down he is something that you didn't consider, maybe he managed to fine someone to attach to before you could, maybe you shouldn't have killed his partner - all he has now is a burning rage to kill you.
"Maybe" The response was back to the strong cool complexion that Le Stat was used to.
The two sat quietly for a few minutes, Le Stat for once actually sitting, contemplating the thoughts that his sister had put forward, why do we do this? Until now the answer had always seemed so simple, but when he truly thought about it even he began to ponder this question.
Le Stat finally gave in and turned to his sister "Sis?"
"Yeah"
"Your question from earlier"
"What about it?"
"Well..." Le Stat Paused "It's got me thinking."
Lysandra looked at him curiously, Le Stat was thinking - that was new "What on your mind?"
"I don't know why we do what we do, I mean are we bad people? We've murdered, blackmailed and robbed people, I mean look at Father." That word made Le Stat flinch a little, Father, he had no Dad, that word was reserved for men that cared about his kids well, anyhow, his Father was not one he could be proud of anyway.
"That basterd got everything he deserved." Her voice had become stern, angry almost, she was never going to forgive that he tried to do to her.
"I know, I know" Le Stat replied hastily, not wishing to further his Sisters wrath "But that’s that I mean, we killed him, we had sure that prick got what he deserved."
"We have never done anything to anyone that didn't deserve it..." She stopped and pondered this thought, who didn't deserve it, that was a lie and she didn't have to wait long for the reminder.
"What about Dallas, Texas, you where hired to kill that Tycoon for no other reason then the guy that hired you was trying to take over the company, that guy didn't deserve to die? Did he?"
Lysandra almost felt remorseful, there really were things in her life or death for that matter that shamed her - that was one of them, though at that time she never considered the consequences of her actions, Flash was indeed a good reminder that things can come back to haunt you. He would have to deal with him sooner rather then later, but that would mean another encounter with Raziel and at the minute she really couldn't be dealing with either him or the attitude that he brought to the table.
She looked Le Stat straight in the eyes, he bright blue sapphires still sparkled and for once she felt a little jealous of his lust for life.
"No. Le Stat he didn't deserve to die, thinking about it a lot of things we have done, whether good or bad have always been for money and power, if we are anything, we are mercenaries, looks like Father taught us well, maybe a little too well."
"He taught us nothing, except that we were useless and pathetic, you never had to take the beatings and be the blunt of his raging attacks!" It was Le Stat this time to become enraged, even now three thousand years on, the mental torture that his Father put him though had never left him.
Lysandra was quick to respond "Excuse me, I was always there for you afterwards, who was the one to hold you and cuddle you, who protected you, who killed for you, YOU! Always for you! I have done everything for you, Everything!!!" The burning anger and frustration over eras was finally beginning to crack and Le Stat wasn't backing down either.
"Everything for Me! For me!!, did you every try to stop him - NO, you stood there and let me take punch after punch, broken bone after broken bone, you where never starved, left to go thirsty, never shut away, you never had any of it!!!" Le Stats face had turned scarlet, for years he had felt he was in her shadow never allowed to express himself fully and now he was going to let her know what it felt like.
"Oh My God!!!" Her voice boomed and echoed in the near empty basement "I was the one he tried to rape, remember that, do you fucking remember that!! Well DO YOU!!!!" She screeched at him, never had she made this feeling known, she didn't now why she had to bring this up, it just sort of blurted out "And how many times have I saved you ass from being wiped out, how many times have I had to finish a fight you started."
"Oh well I am so sorry that I'm such a disappointment to you, sorry if I not what you wanted in a brother, I sorry I was even born."
"Oh for fuck sake Le Stat, there you go again being all childish, why don't you try growing up for a change."
"I told you earlier or maybe you were to deep in thought about you fantasisms over Raziel to listen so let me say it again for you." He squared her straight in the eyes. "You never gave me the chance, you’re turned me." His voice was slow and precise; every syllable was pronounced and clear.
Lysandra looked at him shockingly she was almost disgusted with him "You ungrateful little shit!" she brought her hand round and slapped him hard across the face, Le Stat look at her, stunned, she had never hit him before; a tear rolled down her eye "You were dying, I wasn't going to let you die, I didn't want to live life without you, you and I were always one, we... we..." she couldn't finish, she turned her back to him and cried, her love for him felt tarnished, blackened, for once she wished that she had let him rest in peace, she felt selfish that she had dragged Le Stat to the same fate she was left with.
A strong pair of arms rapped around her, pressed in a strong embrace "I sorry" Le Stat whimpered, he knew he had gone too far, he has said thing that should never have been said, he was glad we was who he was, he was, if nothing else, thankful for his sister to give him a new chance at life.
"I'm Sorry, please forgive me, I don't want you to go, I'm Sorry." He pled was almost childlike.
Lysandra placed her hands over his, and squeezed "I'm not going anywhere, and I'm also sorry, we both said some horrible things. It's behind us."
The two sat silently for a while, neither knew truly how long. Le Stat broke the silence "Sis? I wanna go, we need to get back to the family, being down here sucks."
For once Lysandra had to agree, however, it was still daytime, or so the thought, they would be brunt alive, long before they reached any form of proper shelter. She looked back round basement, Le Stat was still next to her, the boxes Le Stat crushed where over near the back of the room, a couple of chair near the stair, another chair on it's side after Le Stat fell off, and that infernal crack was still dripping... still dripping, Lysandra cursed her stupidity, water had to be flowing from somewhere, she check around and confirmed her suspicions, the mains piped ran along the back wall, it was the opposite end from the crack, therefore water had to be ingressing from the outside her conclusion, it was raining and although the ultra violet radiation could still penetrate the darkened storms clouds, it may give them the time they needed to make a run for it.
She jumped up on to her feel, startling Le Stat in the process; he looked at her surprised, complexed "What it is?"
"Where getting out of dump, come on."
"What about the sun?"
"I think we may have a reprieve, I think it's raining, ready to go upstairs and take a chance?"
Le Stat smiled "Lets go, I'm sick of this place already, anyway, I'm tired and want a bath and a bed."
Lysandra couldn't agree more and with that the two walked to the concrete stairs and ascended towards the world.

= Chapter 14 =

The grogginess started to subside, Flash tried to open his eyes, everything was blurred, unfocused, we wasn't sure how long he'd been out cold for, in fact he wasn't even sure where he was or what had happened for that matter. He re-closed his eyes; the blurriness was making me feel a little sick.
He tried to remember, remember what happened, a vision emerged, a sickening vision of death and blood, a smile, a purple lipped smile beaming at him and words and soft evil voice taunting him with those final words "I will give you a gift, a new life."

Was it a dream? That Flash was uncertain of; if it wasn't did he really want to open his eyes? He remember the look on her face, the face of the one he loved, the look of kindness she always showed for him, her delicate smile, she long brown hair and her caring bright eyes... her eyes.

Flashed startled and his eyes shot open, he quickly panned around the room, the grogginess dissipating in an instant, he was in his bedroom, sunlight was encroaching through the tattered slated blinds, the bed was unmade, crumpled, the plain white duvet had been tossed over the edge of the bed. Down beside the foot of the bed was the terror that he did not want to witness, the was her, his love on the floor, laying face down, her head to one side, her eyes wide open; looking at him.

Flash starred at her, he felt numb, uncaring, this wasn't real, none of this was real, soon he would awake from this horrible dream, this nightmare.

Flash wanted to stand, but every time he looked for his footing he couldn't find it, was this real? Flash really couldn't make his mind up. Pulling himself on to his knees he crawled over to her lifeless body, he ran his fingers down her cheek, she was cold, so cold, he wanted to pick her up, just hold her, make sure that everything was going to be ok, he could fix this, he really could fix this, it was his dream and he could change this outcome, again Flash closed his eyes and concentrated as hard as he could, over and over in his head he shouted 'Wake Up! Wake Up!"

He continued this for several minutes, until he had convinced himself that when he opened his eyes, he would be back in bed, next to her and he could forget this horrific nightmare.

His eyes opened, but nothing had changed, she was still there; cold and lifeless and this time Flash had to accept the awful truth - this was reality and she was dead and gone.

He just sat there, his enormous hand running gently through the long thick brown hair, he had already closed her eyes, he wanted to pick her up, but she had gone ridged - Rigor Mortis had already started to set in and so there he sat with his hands through her hair.

What was he to do, he had no idea, he wanted to die, he wanted to be with her, he wanted her back more them anything - he remembered the hotdogs, the smell of the fried onion, the French mustard, the relish. He remembered her loving touch on his skin, her fiery tongue when they argued, a tear fell and ran down his cheek. He opened his mouth, but there where no words. There was so much to say; so much he wanted to do.

His voice managed to find him, his throat was dry, his voice soft and choked "Darling, I'm so sorry..." Another tear fell followed by a shuddered intake of breath "I'm sorry I couldn't save you, we..." Flash paused "We were suppose to be together forever, always." Another tear ran down his cheek "I wasn't going to tell you yet maybe soon, when we where really ready, however, better you know now then never, I wanted you to marry me." Another shuddered breath was taken in. "We where going to go walk in Askwood forest, down to that little lake you loved to walk around, don't you remember, I asked you out round that little lake and I remember the smile on your face, that beautiful radiant smile." Tears started to flow freely as Flash continued to choke his words out "You were so happy that day and I felt the lucky man alive. I remember walking round that lake the first time you said you loved me, and I...I..." Flash swallowed hard, trying to push the lump in his throat down "I said that I loved you as well. I was going to marry you and we were going to have kids and grow old in this stupid little house. Three kids, two girls and a boy, the prettiest little girls you have ever seen, they would look just like you, and... and our young lad, he would be able to take care of them, protect them like I protected you..." Flash stopped for a second "But I couldn't protect you, could I, I couldn't save you I couldn't... I...I..." With that his broke and with it so did Flash, he collapsed over cold body to the one he loved and sobbed, the only repeating words rolling over and over again 'I couldn't save you, I couldn't save you.'

The sobbing subsided and tears finally stopped rolling, Flash half composed himself and looked up over the bed and out the window, the rays of sunlight where still cutting through the darkened room, he questioned to himself on what to do next, he would have to bury her, he alone would do that, he knew her better then anyone, he wouldn't leave her here, but then again she had always wanted to be cremated - that's what Flash decided to do, give her that wish.

But then what? What would he do, where would he go, he couldn't and didn't want to stay here, once again he closed his eyes, searching his brain for the answers that he really didn't want to know. Then it hit him, the answer, what he needed to do, it was that smile, the purple lipped smile, she was the one who ruined him, the anger started to surge deep from his stomach, she was the one who has damned him to this misery, Flash clenched his fist, she was the one that needed to pay for this, his puffed, swollen red eyes narrowed into a slit, he looked down at the lifeless body and issued to her a promise.

"My love, I swear to you now that this bitch will die by my hand, I swear that I will avenge you, I swear to you with all my heart that I will make her pay."

The resolve in Flash was set, he stood up and headed for his side of the bed, the threw his pillows on the floor and look at his object of death, he grabbed it and felt the cold hard metal of the handle, he ran his hand along the cool smooth surface of the barrel, he pulled the clip - it contained a full magazine - and slammed it back into place, locking the clip into the gun. He flipped the gun round in his hands and slid it neatly into the back of his jeans - the icy metal touching his back - this didn't bother Flash one bit, in fact he couldn't feel it.

He spun round and walked to the edge of the bedroom door and took another glace at her, it was funny, he felt nothing except a burning hatred, a fiery desire to kill, a needing for revenge. He spun himself back round and walked out of the room.

The front door was throw open, Flash stood there looking round, the sky was bright blue and a radiant sun beamed down, a panic started deep down in Flash a worrying, he wasn't sure why, but something was bothering him, he glanced over to is pebble dash drive - the truck was there - that was a relief, why he though that bitch would take it he didn't know, where to start, that was a harder question, he cast his mind back to that small conversation they had 'I will give you a gift, a new life' again he pondered on this; 'a new life' that accent on life, he recognised it - it was west coast, the largest city in the West coast was New L.A. - couple of days drive, he'd start there. Flash wasn't even sure if it would get him anywhere - but it was a start.

He threw his truck keys up in his hand and caught them again; he stepped out toward the truck, the intense rays of the sun beaming down on him. Flash whinst in pain, something was wrong, but what, it felt like he was on fire, he looked down, his skin, it was bright red, he was burning, this wasn't possible, he skin started blistering "Shit!" he screamed and darted back to the porch, once under the shade of the house, the burning stopped 'What the Fuck' Flash thought to himself, this wasn't possible, what did that bitch do to him, he looked back at his arm, the blistering had stopped, in fact there was no blistering, the redness had already started subsiding, he could feel his body healing itself, it scarred the shit out of him, what the hell was happening to him.

Flash sat on an old rickety rocking chair he kept out front, he rocked back and forward gently, puzzled, worried, he was deep in thought as a man walked in front of his house.

"Morning Flash, how are things?"

Flash recognized this man as his next door neighbour, a man whom he only knew as Bob, didn't know his last name, in fact really didn't know much at all about him. Bob was about five foot nine inches tall, short and thin, really thin, his white button blue jean t-shirt hung off him like a rag cloth, his dark denim jeans had been tied up by a dark red leather belt, Flash noticed that additional belt holes had been pushed through the leather, that didn't really surprise Flash all that much; what surprised him more was the fact he noticed this over forty feet away.

"Morning Bob" Flash really didn't want the conversation considering the circumstances.

"Nice Day, ain't it"

'Actually pretty shit' came Flash's passing thought "Yep, not bad, nice to see the sun for a change."

Bob look at Flash curiously "Ain't rained for three months, hell, I ain't seen a cloud for days, you on something?"

"Really? Hadn't noticed, been too preoccupied." That was a lie anyhow it allowed him to sidestep the Bob's question.

"You young 'uns, always in door eh?"

"Something like that."

Flash could feel his stomach roar at him, he hadn't eaten since yesterday and he really wanted Bob out of his sight so he could bury his beloved and hunt the bitch down that killed her, but Flash couldn’t take his eyes of the skinny runt in front of him, there was something about him, something almost salivating. It was a un-controlling hunger, this wasn't like wanting a good piece of sirloin, or a think rump drizzled in gravy with a side order of home cooked fries, this was something deeper then that, almost primal.

Flash has remembered seeing Bob walk out of the house with some tool round his belt, maybe a plumber or builder.

"Bob, I need you help with something, if you don't mind of course"

"No, what'ch need."

"I'm having water problems, the tap keeps dripping, something you could do?"

"Well, I'm no plumber, but sounds like the washer's gone."

"Really, I think I have one of those in my tool box indoor, case to give us a hand with it, I injured my wrist the other day." Flash really didn’t know what he was thinking; this felt more like an urge, an addiction.

"Sure thing Flash"

Bob walked causally up to the old wooden porch, opened the front door and walked in the house, Flash followed closely behind.

"Nice Place"

"Thanks" the response was as truthful as the comments from Bob "Bathrooms' at the end of the hall, first door on the right. Another lie, what was he thinking, this wasn't right, but the hunger had taken control, a scary, un-controlling hunger he again thought about the fridge, there was a big juicy steak in there, but this wasn't appealing to him.

"Right, lets have a look at this then" Bob disappeared down the corridor and into the room on the right, he froze, he could see the sight of a dead body on the floor, it was Flash's partner, she was dead. "Oh my god, what ya done, what ya done." panic set in, Bob needed to get out of there and fast, his eyes darted round the room for an exit, the window, his house was small and rickety, he could jump through the window and make a dash for it. He winced and then screamed.

Flash bite him in the neck, instinct had taken over and he had lost all feeling and wanting of control, he could feel his canine elongate and punctuate the rough skin, the warm blood flowing down his throat, his hunger subsiding, he felt a euphoria that he had never experienced, his life-force energizing, for the first time he felt properly alive.

Bob fell to the floor - dead. Flash had, for the first time in his life killed, he'd taken a life in cold blood, this wasn’t survival of the fittest, this was murder... he had murder someone and devoured them of they're blood.

Flash walked aimlessly into the kitchen, sat down on one of the small chair around the table and put his head in his hands, he had to think, what was he, what had become, there was only one person who could give him the answers to that and she had disappeared as quickly as she appeared, all he knew about her was that she has long purple, black hair, purple lips stick, dressed like a corner whore talked with a west accent and was as sick and evil as they came.

Night fell before Flash was able to pull himself off the kitchen chair. He walked back into the bedroom, Bob was near the door, drained of his haemoglobin, Flash's beloved dead and gone of his world "New Los Angles it is then." he muttered to the two dead corpses, that felt weird, talking to the dead, but Flash really didn't seem to find, his revenge burnt deep in his soul.

He gave one last parting glance to his loved one "Please forgive me my love for what I am about to do, all I feel now is grief and hatred, I will avenge you, even if means my own life. Please watch over me and make sure that I do not travel down the path of oblivion."

With his final words, he departed the room, walked down the corridor and out the front door. The starts were out the and full moon shown his dim light, gently illuminating Flash's battered dull red pickup truck, he walked round to the driver's door and threw the berretta on to the passengers side of the tattered bench seat, he pushed the keys into the ignition and turned the key, sparking the engine to like, it let out a deep roar and shot a puff of black smoke out the back of the exhaust. Flash looked in the back, strapped by harnesses was two jerry cans full of petrol, he looked back at the house, no one could know about him, no one could know about the last twenty four hours, he just hoped that she would forgive him for this.

Grabbing one of the Jerry cans, Flash walked back into the house, he started with the living room, he cranked open the lid and began pouring the petrol from the living room, into the kitchen, into the bedroom, he quickly threw some petrol in there, he could bear the though of her voice pushing through his brain 'What are you doing baby?" Flash continued down the hall and back to the entrance, he threw the jerry can back into the house, what ever was left in there would help. Reaching into is chequered shirt pocked, he pulled out a pack of matched, he looked at the front and almost smiled 'Bob's Building Supplies' funny, he had these for nearly three months, what a day to where this particular shirt.

Flash ripped a match from it's tab, flipped the pack over and pressed the match against a rough brown strip, he torn the match across the strip and ignited the red tipped match, a golden flame shot and started burning through the thin cardboard, Flash took another look down the hallway.

"Good Bye."

And dropped the match.

The flame impacted against the petrol soaked carpet and immediately lit, the flames travelled down the hall into the bedroom, kitchen and living room, the blaze rapidly spreading through timber structure, Flash sat in his truck and watch the house burn for a moment, his feeling of love and happiness diminishing, he reached over to the steering column and pulled the gear into R and reversed out of the drive, gave second glace to his house, now a burning shell, pushed the gears into D and speed off down the road.

"Flash, Fuck sake Flash wake up will you." The voice was clear, Fregillon shouting at him. Flash's vision was fussy, he tried opening his eyes, but every thing was a blur, he could just about make out his friend.

"Damn... What the hell happened?"

"What happened, shit you don’t remember, you tried to level that fucking loopy bitch and got you arse kicked by his fucking brother!"

"Shh!!! Keep you voice down, my head's killing me"

"I'm not fucking surprised - you when through this massive stone pillar, it's more then you head, that you be killing you, anyhow you ok" The was genuine concern for his friend.

"Yeah I'm fine" Flash’s vision had started to return to him, he looked at the grey ceiling and over to his friends smiling face "A pillar?"

"Yeah! Look" He pointed nearby to where a pile of rubble now lay, stone and concrete strewn all over the place.

Flash glanced over "Damn." was about all he could say.

Raziel walked slowly over to the two "You ok?"

Flash nodded.

"Good, come on, we have to get out of here, I know a place we can stay, I just hope I don't regret take us there.

Flash looked at him curiously but said nothing; he stood up with the assistance of Fregillon and followed the others out of the room giving one final glance to the stone pillar he cleaved through.

= Chapter 15 =

It was one of the best days all year, the clear blue sky and the bright yellow sun gave the perfect setting for one of the most important days in Sarah's lifetime - she was getting married.

Her and Stephen decided on a beach wedding in the schyelles, she had no real family and Stephen never really spoke to his and neither one was overly religious; so they felt this approriate.

She couldn't wait to feel the slight breeze running through her hair, the soft white sand running between her slender toes, the white wedding dress with it's purple flowered design, she couldn't wait to hold his hand and say those magical words "I do."

Although she had to admit Stephen had to endue at least a month of "I look to fat." and "This will never fit." and "what about in a months' time." But he endued it well, that and the fact that the seamstress had come along for any last minute alterations that needed to be done.

Sarah ran her hands over the stomach, a stomach that was getting larger everyday, she smiled "Not long now darling, I promise, just a few months more." She was nearly seven months pregnant. The two had small agruements about whether or not to find out the sex of the baby, in the end Sarah won, her persistance always won the day - they where having a baby girl, a little girl they had already decided to call Aria Stephanie, there was nothing special about the name, it's wasn't a grandparent or some famous person, Sarah just blurted it out and Stephen like it, and so the name stuck.

She stood at the balcony of their room in the hotel, top floor penthouse suite, Stephen promed her the best and so far, to her amazement - he'd delivered. Sarah knew she was lucky to have him, but his... this was something else, as far as she was aware he had no money, he was a mechanic by trade, well... he WAS a mechanic by trade, but since the shop shut he was struggling to find another job. A recession was booming at the minute, nobody was taking anyone on and people seemed to be always looking around for the best deal, the cheapest quote and it seriously effected the ecconomy, it was a key factor in what closed down Stephen's place of work anyway. He always said to her that he had a little 'stashed' away somewhere, this wasn't a little, this place was alot and she knew Stephen had just about emptied his life savings for her, he really loved her that much.

Sarah gripped her hands around the wrought iron railing that travelled round the edge of the balcony - although this was to stop anyone from falling over the edge, you could easily jump it - provided you where ok with the seven story drop to the hard grey concrete below. She look over to the crystal blue sea, it sparkled in the sunlight like diamonds, diamonds gently lapping the pure white sands of the beach; Sarah let out a contented sigh, for now she would admire this heaven that hey fiance had brought her to.

The phone went off in the room, Stephen was off at the gym located somewhere in the hotel, she wasn't sure where though; being all macho no doubt - it was a man thing she told herself. Spinning round from the railing she walked into the living room of the suite, nothing too austintasious, a couple of two seater brown leather sofas sat on the creamy beige carpet, a fifty inch plasma television in the corner near the patio entrance and on the other side of the room a large bookcase with countless book on all sorts of things, Sarah didn't know what they where, she never had time nor the inclinking to read and at the bottom of the bookcase was an intergrated fridge, it was one of those bar/fridges where if you remove anything you get charged double the cost of your holiday.

The phone rang again, Sarah quickly walked from the living room, throught a set of bouble wood panelled doors into the bedroom, the phone was next to the four poster bed, the cream satin sheets crumpled at one end of the bed, a couple of pillows thrown on the floor.

The phone rang a third time; not wanting to make the person on the other end of the line hold any longer, she sat on the edge of the bed, streched her arm out and grabbed the phone.

"Good Morning Madmoiselle Finch." The voice was male, slightly high pitched and the accent was French, she struggled slightly to understand him, she herself knew quite a bit french from living in Canada for a couple of years, she liked the language and studied it for a while, however, it wasn't what he was saying more the accent to the way he was saying it, she deduded that he was actually from France.

"bonjour, monsieur, comment sont vous?" Her french was defently rusty, but she felt she could muddle through.

"Très bon madmoiselle." There was a hint of happy surprise, it had been a while since this person got to use his French. " ?"

She respoke the phrase in her head 'treatement... ah treatment, that must be my spa treatment, 11:30 - perfect. "Parfait monsieur, Parfait."

"Madmoiselle de merci, je m'assurerai que c'est réservé une chambre pour vous et ils vous verront à 11:30. Si je peux aider d'autre façon, s'il vous plaît faites-moi savoir."

"Non ce ne sera tout le merci."

Sarah hung the phone the phone up and looked at her watch - 10:30am - she only had about fourty minutes for get ready. She bounced herself off the bed and quickly walked into the bathroom.

The bathroom was tiled top to bottom in black and white alternative tiles, the white porceline sink was inset into a black Italian marble surround, the polished stainless steel hand towel holders attached to the chequered wall. Sarah looking the mirror and couldn't help but smile at herself an almost radient glow emminated off her.

She slid the shoulder straps from her red and white polka dotted bikini down her arms and unhocked the claps round the back. The top fell onto the black and white tiled froor. The bottoms soon joined afterwards.

Sarah walked into the walk-in shower, the frosted glass panels protecting her slim naked image from the outside world... well anyone walking into the bathroom anyways. The knob on the shower was easy enough to operate, one knob turned the shower on, the other controlled the temperature, even in this hot climate, Sarah loved a warm shower, Water sprayed from the huge over-hanging shower head, she just had to stand there and let the warm water fall like rain on her head. Steam poured over the top.

She reached for the Shampoo, she hadn't washed her hair for days, she didn't really care that she hadn't, but then again she didn't have an appointment with some strong muscular man waiting to pummel her body into submission. As much as she Loved her fiance, there ws no subsitute for imagination, anyhow, she never minded Stephen looking - as long as it was just looking - Touching would result in some serious pain and a break-up - but looking was fine, meant she could look as well.

She rinced the shampoo off and repeated the process, no other reason then this was something she had done all her life and again rinsed; this followed with the contitioner, however she left this on whilst she grabbed the liquid soap and poured it into a body puff, lathered it up and started rubbing her body down from head to feet, covering herself in a soft, white coating of foam and bubbles. She stood back under the casscade of water and rinsed the lot off.

She grabbed one of the shower knobs, gave it a twist and turned the water off. She walked round the green curved frosted glass and back out into the large bathroom, her bath sheet was hanging on a heated towel rack just to the right of the shower. She grabbed it, pulled it off the rack and rapped it round her. She allowed her shoulder blade length, soaked dark red hair to freely flow around her as she walked back towards the sink. She starred at herself in the mirror, her dark hazel eyes looking back at her, she felt special almost magical something she didn't think she would ever feel and more importantly, she was truely happy.

Sarah looked at the clock on the deep redwood sidetable next to the bed, 11:15, 'great' she thought, she had just enough time to get to the Pavillion that overlooked the Indian Ocean. She had an appointment to meet and did not want to be late. She walked throught the bedroom and back into the livingroom.

"Shit! Where did I put those keys?"

She looked around the room

"God sake Stephen, tell me you didn't take them."

Sarah marched over to the sofa and threw the cushions off the sofas, nothing. She ran back into the bedrrom and started turfing the clothes that had been neatly folded on the chair in the corner, anything that has a pocket got turned inside out, again, nothing. She could feel her tension rising.

"What the hell have you done with them?"

She ran back into the livingroom and glaced over at the bookcase, there where books, sheet of paper, the morning newspaper, the fridge. 'Don't be stupid Sarah, he would not have left them in the fridge'

She stormed over to the bookcase and started throwing the sheets of paper in the air, nothing, the newspaper got it next, picked up whole, she was about to wing that in all, but then she found what she was looking for, the room key, a plastic, credit card size key.

"Bloody Idiot." he had obviously picked up the paper and placed it there not looking what he was doing, she would have to speak to him later. 11:25am, five minutes left, she was going to be late. She grabbed the key and hurried out the door.

11:33am - Sarah arrived at the pavillion, panting, out of breath and worst of all 'perspiring' - she always told Stephen that ladies perspired instead of sweat, shortly followed by the comment you ain't no lady - The pavilion had been specially screened off by a several large white intersection barriers, this allowed privacy whilst still allow her to look out over the sea. A large muscular man stood next to the table, his white trousers and white buttoned shirt contrasted with his short spikey brown hair and dark brown eyes. He was heavilly tanned, being out in thirty plus degree sunny weather tended to do that.

"Miss. Finch I presume?"

"Yeah - sorry I'm late."

"No problem - no one hurries round here." his large lips beamed a smile.

"Thank you"

"Now if you just want to lay down and undo you top and we will get started." He seemed a happy care free sort of chap and the way he spoke to her emphasized this, nothing seemed to be too much trouble.

Sarah walked over the massage bed, a steel framed suppoted the foamed filled mattrace. At one end it came to a pincer - she knew from previous experiance that you placed your head here, what she didn't expect was that the bed also had a large hole in the middle.

"We got told to expect a pregnant lady, so we have made all the appropiate arrangements."

She laid down and placed her head in between the pincers, the spongey foam filling gently gripping her in place. he large lump fitted snuggly in the hole.

The man clapped his hands together "So Miss. Finch, first time here?"

"Yeah, I'm getting married later today."

"Wonderful, oh that's so nice to here." He reached across for a bottle of oil and applied the liquid to his hand.

"I love watching young couples get married." he placed his hands on the lower part of her back, applied a small amount of pressure and started moving his hands up and down her back.

"That's nice" the comment wasn't suppose to sound sarcastic, but it kind of came out that way.

Looking at the floor, she noticed that she could see the sea between the gaps of the oak floor board. she could hear the tide gently brushing against the sand and more importantly she was in excasy over the strong muscular man applying all the right pressures in all the right placed.

"You know... reminds me of when I got married, oh that must have been two years ago, hmm, yes, nearly two years now. Wow how time flies, trust me you time will fly.

"I hope so." Another moment of pure pleaseure crossed her, followed by a shot of pain as the massuse pressed his large fingers into her shoulders, this was followed by another moment of pleasure as she felt the tension ebb.

"Yep, it was nearly two years ago I got married to my husband - best day of my life."

'Husband!' The thought came a bit of a shock, not something she was really expecting, 'oh well' he was still good looking and she could fantasise.

Sarah was allowed to fantasise for about an hour. she had been pushed this way and that and had her mucsles pummled into submission and she felt great for it.

"Feel better Miss Finch?"

"Umm..." there really was nothing else to say to his questions - she was better then umm... but words couldn't describe how she felt.

"Right, I'll leave you too it, when you ready, slip you clothes back on and I'll hopefully see you get married later on the beach. Oh and congratulations."

"Thanks."

The massuse walked around the barriers and out of sight, however this now posed a new problem for Sarah and one she was getting more and more frustrated with, how was she going to get up? She has a large lump in the way and that kinda caused problems. Thsi wasn't going to be the most ladylike way of doing things, but she pushed her hands up and pushed her knees up until she was on all fours, and then managed to swing her legs round so she was sitting up. Pregnacy really did come was with it downfalls, however, the end result would be worth it.

Sarah checked the time 12:40, 'Ok, just enought time for something to eat before make-up and hair'. She would need at least four hours to be properly ready, the wedding was at nine; better to leave five hours, just to make sure'.

The path she walked to get to the main food hall would take her past the swimming pool, into the main foyer of the hotel, up a flight of step and finally into the private lunch room. As Stephen had book the top suite, she was entilled to dine here.

Sarah reached the large mahogany double doors, a small pedastal was off to one side, that housed the menu for the day. Once thing Sarah defently liked was the fact that she could have dinner now. She and Stephen both agreed that they would eat early on rather then eat after the wedding, the food was extra and too overpriced for what they could actually afford... Well actually they couldn't really afford this, but Stephen really would have no of it, it was Sarah's compermise.

She looked over at the menu

Starters

Ravioli of lobster, langoustine and salmon poached in a light bisque with a lemongrass and chervil velouté

Slow braised pied de cochon pressed then pan-fried with ham knuckle, poached quail’s egg and hollandaise sauce

Butter poached lobster tail with asparagus, morels, wild garlic, spring truffles and herb farfalle

Sautéed foie gras with roasted veal sweetbreads, Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar and almond velouté

Pan-fried sea scallops carpaccio of octopus, gnocchi, sage and parmesan

Pressed foie gras with peppered Madeira jelly, smoked duck, peach and almond crumble

Fillets of red mullet with a marjoram crust, confit fennel, roasted artichokes, pine nuts and sauce vierge

Main courses

Roasted fillet of line caught turbot with langoustines, linguine and wild mushrooms

Roasted monkfish tail with chorizo cous cous, baby squid, artichoke and spiced tomato jus

Pan-fried line caught sea bass with steamed charlotte potatoes, cucumber, oyster beignet and caviar velouté

Oven roasted pigeon from Bresse with grilled polenta, crispy lardons, braised shallots, baby golden beetroot and date sauce

Best end of lamb with confit shoulder, provençale vegetables, baby spinach and thyme jus

Aged beef fillet with fondant potato, fricassée of peas, broad beans, courgettes and confit cherry vine tomatoes

Roasted duck breast with creamed savoy cabbage, beetroot, caramelised shallots and Madeira jus

Desserts

Granny Smith parfait with blackberry foam, honeycomb and cider sorbet

Caramelised tarte Tatin of apples with vanilla ice cream (for two)

Marinated pineapple ravioli with mango and raspberries

Gianduja chocolate soufflé with milk ice cream

Assiette de l’Aubergine (for two)

A selection of seasonal fruit

or

Sorbets and ice creams

Bitter chocolate cylinder with coffee granité and ginger mousse

Selection of cheeses from the trolley

Sarah salavated, too many choices, far too many choices of good food, pushed the door to the restaurant open and walked in.

"Bonjour Madame." the short stockly waiter almost looked around her. "Table for one?"

"Oui, merci."

The waiter didn't reply back, he grabbed a menu and showed to a seat for two overlooking the Indian Ocean.

"Your seat Madame."

"Thank you."

He handed her the menu and walked off. She felt that he was a little rude not to offer her any water, but, didn't want to create a comotion.

She re-read the menu, so many choices, there really where far too many choices. The lobster tail looked appealling, but then again so did the Mullet.

The little fat waiter returned

"Would you like a drink Madame?"

She would kill for a glass of while, a nice Sancere would be perfect for this weather, but she promised Stephen she would stay completely Tee Total -shame.

"I'll have a tropical juice please."

"Very good Madame, I'll back shortly to take your order." Again he turned and walked off.

Sarah returned to the menu, she decided on the lobster, next came the main, this choice was an easy one it had to be the beef fillet, she loved red meat and loved it rare, hell she would have it blue they would allow it; she would always crack the joke, just give me a fork and run cow through. but fish and then meat... well why not, you get surf and turf back home.

The waiter returned after about five minutes with her drink.

"Tropical juice Madame."

"Thank you." Sarah watched as the waiter placed the concoction of pineapple, mango and passion fruit on the table.

"Are you ready to order?"

"Yeah, can I start with the Lobster and them I will have the beef fillet please."

"Very good Madame and how would you like that cooked?"

"Rare please"

"Thank you." The menu was picked up

"Thanks."

Saragh looked around, there where several other couples and families sitting down for lunch all sitting at square tables, with white cloths drapped over top, red knapkins hung over their laps.

Sarah sat and looked out the window, at the white sand on the beach, the beautiful blue sky and checked her watch, 1:24 pm, only seven and a half hours left.

Starters arrived twelve minutes later followed by the main mean nealy thirtly minutes after that, the food was exusite, worthly of being rated in her top ten of best restaurants she had ever eaten in. Sarah skipped dessert not wanting to feel to bloated, she had a wedding dress to fit into - not that skipping dessert would hide the bludge that she carried.

Sarah needed to be at the beauty salon for 14:30 pm, that woud give the people there plenty of time to doll her up. She made a slow wander over to right hand side of the resort, where the solon was located.

She spent the next four hours being pampered, preened, waxed, pulled, dyed, decorated and finally dressed. She was ready.

8:45 pm - she waited anxiously at the top of the steps that led down to the beach, Stephen would be waiting there, he would be waiting there for her, this was their day and finally they would be come a family.

Stephen looked at the time 8:55pm, he was a little nervous, this was something we was longing to do, but some part of him still asked 'is this what you really want? To give up your frredom?'

The music started, the two of them picked out the most common musincal for getting married, Felix Mendelssohn's The Wedding March. Stephen could remember asking this to be played and recited the opening musin in his head over and over again, those opening beets when his wife to be would emerge. It was now and those openning beat echoed through his mind, swallowing hard he faced the stairs where he newly to be wife would appear.

And there she was, she bare feet slowly step by step taking the walk down each step, her single piece virgin white gown fitted her delicate figure like a glove, a delicate figure with a hugh bulge. Around the bottom of the dress and coming together to meander up the centre of the back where laced african violets. the purple flowers went to the top of the dress, that stopped just underneath the shoulder blades and the flowed under her arms and across the top of the front. The dress stopped midway up her large breasts, Sarah remembered having these altered as she went from a perfect thirty six D cup to an enourmous double F.

Sarah looked at Stephen, she had nothing but love his her eyes, a wanting more then ever to be connected more then she had ever been, she remember being that shy little girl that used to walk past the garage, the first coffee where she ran out on him, their first kiss, their first night of passion and her happiest moment, albiet her most worring one, was the annoucement that she was pregnant.

Stephen stood in a flowered archway over looking the ocean, the large white casa blanca lilies inticated the cast iron framework that held them in place. Evening had set and the sun shown through the archway, it flamming red light casting a perfect aura around her finance. Like her Stephen had no shoes on, they both agreed that shoes and sand just didn't mix. His tuxedo was the standard hired black top and tails with a white shirt and black top hat.

Stephen gazed at her im pure admiration and love, all his fear had now ebbed and he awaited him future bride to stand beside him, her hair was pulled up and done in hundreds and hundred of small loops with a small amount left to trail down her back and stop just below her neck. He followed her movements as she gracefully crossed the sand, the train to her dress flowing softly behind her.

She stood next to him and the music slowly disappated into back ground noice. A well portpotioned black man now stood in front of him, wearing a broad smile, this was one of the ministers loves, getting young people married, and everytime he don his ministers uniform and hooked on his roman collar for this occation he did nothing but look forward to it.

Sarah and Stephen gazed into each other's eyes, the minister spoke in a loud clear slow tone

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

There was no one present at this wedding except the hotel manager to act as witness to the marrage, Sarah, Stephen and the Vicar, as much as this seemed like a daft question, they where warned forehand that the vicar would still have to utter it.

Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

Through marriage, Stephen Joseph Waters and Sarah Racheal Finch make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. Stephen Joseph Waters and Sarah Racheal Finch will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.

We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Stephen Joseph Waters and Sarah Racheal Finch. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.

Sarah knew that this was her turn, her turn to speak her inner most thoughts to her beloved.

"Stephen, since the fist moments I met you, you have surprised my in way I could not comprehend, you have always been there for me, through my grief and sadness to my happest times, you have always done nothing but love me and I, more then anything else on the face of this planet love you." a small tear of happiness fell from her cheek.

"Sarah, I rememeber when we first met, I remember the look in your eye, I knew from that moment that you and where ment to be together, what we have is far more special then anything else in the world, your are not only my lover, but you are by deepest friend and the one I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Do you Stephen Joseph Waters take Sarah Racheal Finch to be your wife – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?

"I will." smile passed his pace as he uttered the words.

Do you Sarah Racheal Finch take Stephen Joseph Waters to be your husband – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?

"I will." She word where soft , yet resolving.

What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?

The hotel manager handed the pair of gold wedding bands to the vicar. Stephen has wished his brother was here to watch this, however, he was killed in the war.

May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.

The Vicar handed one of the rings over to Stephen.

Stephen Joseph Waters , in placing this ring on Sarah Racheal Finch's finger, repeat after me: Sarah Racheal Finch, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.

Stephen Faultlessly repeated the sermon.

The Vicar then placed the other ring into Sarah's hand.

Sarah Racheal Finch, in placing this ring on Stephen Joseph Waters's finger, repeat after me: Stephen Joseph Waters, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.

Like Stephen, Sarah was perfect in her recietment.

May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness.

In as much as Stephen Joseph Waters and Sarah Racheal Finch have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.

You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other’s best friend.

What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.

And so, by the power vested in me and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth.

You may now kiss the bride.

And with that last phrase their lips met each others for the time as Husband and Wife.

= Chapter 16 =

A strong fist slammed on the table causing various items of the solid wood table to jump.

"What do you mean Lysandra and Le Stat couldn't finish them off, I'm asking them to capture him, not rule the city - it's not rocket science?"

"That's what they told me, Raziel has managed to..." he thought his words carefully "obtain friends."

"Obtain Friends... "the voice dropped to almost a whisper "Obtain friends." Icon knew what to expect next, he prepared himself for the explosive nature ofPatris "A few fucking goddam misfit vampires that couldn't scratch their own arse even if they had a mirror 'friends!"

Icon said nothing, he knew that all Patris needed was a bit of time, he looked his red faced friend in directly in the eyes.

Patris turned away from Icon and looked out the large triple glazed window that expanded the length of the wall, from the one hundred and eighth floor of the LA Towers the could seeeverything he wanted to see. The whole city, his city or thats at least what he wanted to believe. In truth , he only ran the West Sector, The tower was built well over one hundred years ago, long before this area became the slums, in fact it had been the business capital of New Los Angeles, millions and millions of logo poured though this area all for the benefit of mankind, now millions and millions of Logo still passed though the West End and this was all for the benefit ofextinguishing mankind. But from up from the top of the LA Towers, Everyone seemed minuet, insufficient, Patris felt all powerful from up here, from here - he could play god.

"Why do I bother to send such misfits?" his eyes never left the gaze of the window.

Again silence answered his question.

"Why do I keep calling on people that I think can actually do as I ask?" He glanced over his shoulder "Well?"

In response Icon just shook his head in slight agreement. To open his mouth could cause another explosive episode.

Patris ran his hands over his goatee. "Well Icon?" he turned to face his friend

'Damn' Icon thought - he had been trapped to answer the question. "I don't really know to be honest, is it possible that Raziel is just one hard son of a bitch?"

"Maybe, maybe I'm just being taken for a fool by the clans, maybe they just don't respect me."

Icon knew that this was a load of crap, Patris had access to at least a dozen clans including some of the hardest hitting in the west sector, Brotherhood of Steel came into mind, shortly followed by Vault Thirteen, both of them has large footholds in the west sector, both of them could kill anyone who crossed them. Rumor had it thatMortis - leader of the Brotherhood - once for no apparent reason stripped the skin off a 'follower' and then kept him alive for three days hanging from alight post - attached to his ankle was a stick and a sign - Hit the Pinata - three goes for a fiver - but then again that was just here-say and rumor; for all anyone knew - it never really happened.

Patris however was responsible for the gang war between the Brotherhood of Steel and The Dark Brotherhood, making sure that money was therefore a constant flow in the west sector through the selling of guns,Patris always took a twenty percent share from any profits - and with the two biggest clans warring each other, Patris made a killing.

"I really don't think that true, I mean you have survived longer then any overseer that has ever lived - take what you want from that."

"True... True..." He pondered Icon's statement and turned back to face the window. It was true that he had ruled the west sector for the longest time, he had power, but it wasn't absolute and that is whatPatris craved for - absolute power.

"Buy the way, due to the fact that no one here seems to be able to take down this son a bitch, I have called in another favour, you will greet this guestdownstairs in about ten minutes."

"Thanks for the early heads up, can I ask whom it is I am meeting?"

"Diablo."

"You have gotta be fucking kidding me Patris!" This was the first time Icon has sworn in over ten years, he abstained from using this guttural garbage language and left the swearing to his hot headed boss.

Patris smiled, he knew he had just hit a nerve. "I ain't fucking kidding anyone, He will get the job done - full stop."

"And no doubt take us along with him giving him even more trophies for his cabinet."

"Do not worry worry about him, just go an meet with him, bring him up here. You will find him... Pleasant."

"Your Crazy Patris, of all the people you've associated with and all the clans you have your foot under, why do you need his help."

"He's a Vampire Hunter, a proper one - none of this guidebook shit, he's bagged more vampires in his lifetime then I can count, he's resourceful and he will get me what I want. Besides I've got his measure."

Icon still really didn't approved what Patris was planning, he personally would have sent one of the larger clans after Raziel, but this wasn't his call. Patris was at the end of the day his boss and although he could argue with him so far, he knew when to not cross the line. He left Partis and went to meet with the new 'guest'.

Patris heard the door close and opened the drawer to his desk, he pulled out an item rapped in a soft creamy coloured cloth, slowly unravelling it, it revelled a twin bladed dagger, runes and incantations had been cut along the titanium blade and the ran thelength of the hilt. He admired it, this was a weapon of pure beauty, of enormous power.

No sooner had Patris thought Icon had left, he had returned with another man in tow - Diablo. He was dressed like something out of the movies back in the twenty first century, he's large brown rimmed hat obscured the top of his head and a red scarf covered his nose and mouth, leaving a pair of radiant light blue eyes to stare at Patris - it was a little unnerving.

"Diablo... Thank you for coming." Patris gestured for the light brown leather trenchcoatted man to sit down.

"The man ignore his gesture "What do you want."

"A man to the point. Good. I like that."

The other man let out a quick chortle. "I don't really care what your kind like or don't like, all I care about is that your all dead at my feet."

"Yes well... " Patris waived an almost disconcerting hand. "Each to their own."

The hunter was none too pleased with his host's bravado. "My fee is ten million logo, doubled for having to help someone like yourself. I should be putting a shell through your brain not helping you with your problems."

"Maybe, but then again you always sell to the biggest provider, you may be a good assassin of the vampire race - but you still need to eat."

The two squared each other off, sizing each other up. The hunter back down with a small smirk. Seemed this Vampire knew how to play hardball. "Fine. Who the target."

"Raziel."

"Hmm... I've heard of that name before - ok I'll take the job."

"One more thing."

"What?"

"I want him alive."

"I don't do alive."

"Another ten million will say you do."

'This vampire really does play hardball' The hunter kept his short composure "Fine - Alive it is for thirty million logo and I also want to know why."

"Why - thats easy - he's a pain in the arse and I personally want to kill him. Other then that that all you need to know."

"Fine."

With that the man spun around and reached the door, he stretched out his hand and grabbed the intricate handle. The door opened and called one last demand of Patris. "Once last thing, you will post half of the money into my account, you will already find the details on your desk. I won't help you one iota until that money has been transferred."

Patris looked down and was amazed to find a small square piece of paper with hand written details. "Fine. The money will be deposited before you leave this building."

There was no response from Diablo, he stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Icon looked at Patris "I really hope you know what you are doing."

"Not really, but I have no other options. I need Raziel for my plans."

"Care to share?"

"With you of course, but not with our guest."

Patris revealed the dagger. "Even heard to the Akari Blade?"

"No." Icon marvelled in it's design.

"This Blade holds the key to unlocking one of the most powerful forces on earth. The Psi Sphere. This sphere was used over two thousand years ago by a nation known as the Japanese. A place called the Temple of the Golden Sun housed this item. With it the commanding general was able to harness the earth itself. He could empty seas, createtornadoes and earthquakes, cause draughts and floods, this is a weapon of absolute power and with it no one would be able to stand again me."

"Ok but I still fail to see where Raziel come in on all of this."

"I had a historian look into the Psi Sphere's history and in order to activate it I need the blood of one of the ancients guardians to the sphere."

"Ok Raziel's old - but not that old."

"No I don't need an ancient itself, but I do however need on of the descendants and as luck would have it nearly seven hundred years ago one just so descendant was transformed into one of the night. One of us."

"Ok. I'm following but why do you need him alive, if all you need is his blood then lets just kill him and then take what we need."

"There is more then just his blood - only the guardians held the secret to actually activating the sphere, the Akari Blade has to cause the initial cut from which the blood will flow, these rune activate some sort of secret in Raziel that will cause the Psi Sphere to mix with his blood, if it works then the sphere will turn crimson. Once that is done an incantation will need to be preformed what will draw hislife-force from him and into the Sphere thereby activating it. Raziel will slowly turn to dust and I will have the greatest weapon this planet has ever seen."

"Where is the Sphere though?"

"Hmph. That's the problem - it's still in Japan and sitting in the ruins of the Temple of the Golden Sun."

"I see."

"However I only really need Raziel for his blood, once we drain some of this, we can keep him locked up, The Sphere will draw his life-force out from anywhere in the world. I just don't want him bring a problem."

"So we capture Raziel, drain him of some blood, sail over to Japan find this sphere, drain his life-force and then what?"

"I rule the world and you my friend will be right along side me."

= Chapter 17 =

The sun had finally set over New Los Angeles; the sound of a distant bell chiming nine times gave Raziel the knowledge that it was nine in the evening. He wandered back through the high street, his flat was not far from here, based in the east sector district over looking the shoreline.
The party had decided to split up for the time being, after all, from being blown up and then a confrontation from some crazed purple-black haired bitch, wanted to take a breather and then converse back to Raziel's flat. Flash and Fregillon walked off to the west sector to arm up, Maiden and Elfinlied knew a few people and wanted to speak to them to see if they could find anything. Raziel wandered off without saying a word with Viona close behind, this was her chance to speak to this mysterious man - alone.
The sewage smells and crap rolling in the street manage to get right up Flash's nose, he had smelt some strange things in his lifetime - but this topped it all off.
"Fregillon I hope you know what your doing."
"Relax, my friend, this is my backyard and I know a few people..." he cut the sentence short.
"A few people. Do I dare ask?"
"You know, the guys are cool, don't worry about it. Like I said. Relax."
Flash wish he could, but could help thinking that people were watching him, and these people didn’t want to say hi.
Flash decided that some quiet conversation was in order "So... Who are we meeting?"
"Guy called Mortis, he's cool, in fact he fucking A. I've know this guy for a while now, he's a head honcho runs a city clan know as the Brotherhood of Steel.
"Brotherhood of Steel?"
"Yeah, been calling the shots around here for some time, like I said Mortis is fucking cool and so his is clan, but don't cross him, he plays a fair game and barters a fair price, but you cross him, shit man, that you fucked for life. I mean there was this time you know, guy tried to buy Mortis's goods with tack..."
Flash looked at his friend curiously "Tack? Not a term I've heard of."
"Sorry pal forgot you where stuck in the middle of the fucking country, Tack is city term for dodgy money, you know counterfeit, bad shit, anyhow he tried to buy Mortis's goods with the stuff. Damn. Mortis has a good eye for these things ya know, saw it straight off, a few phone calls later and up pops this guys' whole fucking family, wife, mother, father, daughters, two of them if I recall and his three brothers."
The pair cut down a back alley that connected to another fog covered, trash laddened street. Fregillon continued "Now Mortis like I said is a fair man, but also a bit of a ladies man too, the daughters well you see they where sixteen and seventeen, pretty fucking lookers as well, Mortis showed a bit of compassion for them and allowed them to work off the debt in the brothels, far as I know, they're still there getting their sweet little asses fucked for fun. The others well they weren’t so lucky Mortis handed the man a rusty hand axe and told to sever the remaining family members piece by piece, started with the legs then the arms then..."
"I get the idea." Flash could feel a small lump in his throat, he wasn't sure if it was the screwed up tale of the clan boss they where going to meet or the smell of the putrid air.

***

Diablo pulled his scarf back up over his face, he examined the white stone of the twelve-story building. The entrance was patrolled by two rent a cops; these fat bloaters stood no chance again him should they wish to start something. Diablo was hoping that they would start something.
The block stone paving continued all the way up the revolving doors, Diablo followed it to the entrance.
"Excuse me sir, Can I help you?"
The dry arid voice returned the question "I'm looking for Raziel, I know he lives here and I have come to seem him.
The guard looked at him strangely "I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid we have no one by that name."
"Really?"
"I'm afraid so sir. Anything else I can help you with?"
"No. I go check myself."
Diablo started to walk forward then he heard the sound of a gun being unclipped."
"Ahh.. You can put that peashooter away. Colt government issue 1911 A1 I believe. Standard 8 shot magazine. I hope your not planning to use that on me, wouldn't be your best move."
The second security guard un-holstered the Colt and pointed it straight for Diablo's chest. "Please sir move away from the property."
Diablo glanced at his, his pale blue eyes starting at the officers black uniform, "Now why would I want to do that?"
"Sir, if you do not leave the premises we will have no option but to open fire, so please leave."
The first officer had un-holstered his gun, the same colt as the first guard. Diablo looked at the pair of them and smiled.
"Sorry, but I have a mission to attend to and you two are just fodder."
With that Diablo jumped high in the air, at least ten feet off the ground, his body travelling above his head in a back flip, in mid flight Diablo produced two black Uzi nine millimetre guns and opened fire.
The spray caught the first guard directly in the chest, a torrent on bullet holes opened on his black uniform, blood spurted from every hole the bullets made. The guard fell backwards hitting the ground hard, he twitched for a few seconds then collapsed - dead.
The second guard didn't fare as well, the parade of bullets impacted into his shoulder, ribs and legs, he collapsed on the floor - still breathing, unable to move from the pain. He looked up and saw Diablo towering over him.
"Where is Raziel?" The demeanour was calm, composed
"I...Don't know who you are taking about..." The guard wheezed from breath.
Diablo looked at one of the wounds in his shoulder. "I'll ask again, where is Raziel?" He crouched down and pushed his thumb into the bullet hole - The guard screamed in pain.
"I don't know man, I... don't know who you mean, please...Let...Me...Go..." The guard was nearly sobbing, pleading for the pain to end.
Diablo wasn't finished yet, not until he had the full answers to his questions, he pushed a two fingers into he bullet would near his lower ribs, Diablo could feel the shattered third rib and started pressing on it. The guard screeched.
"Where is he?!"
"I...I..." The Guard screamed even louder as Diablo started to pull the rib.
"I'm looking for a strange man named Raziel, now where is he."
"Strange... man...Floor eleven... never comes... out... during... the day."
Diablo removed his fingers and wiped the blood residue off on the Guards' uniform. He stood up.
"Thank you, told me that earlier and I could have saved us a whole lot of trouble."
Diablo pointed one of his Uzis at the Guard and pulled the trigger.

***

"So who we gonna meet? Well come on tell me, oh you always leave me in suspense, oh come on pleaaaaseeeee."
"I haven't even opened my mouth yet to say anything." Maiden looked at her friend who was hopping up and down on the spot. Being cooped up in a building didn't really agree with Elfinlied who would have rather be out on the town dancing the night away.
"You still not telling me though are you, you're no fair." The whine was almost child like.
"Would you grow up. I meeting with an old associate of mine, back in the days when Raziel and I wandered the earth together." That thought hurt a little.
"Ok." She was nearly staring at Maiden to revel the information.
"She goes by the name of Scyanide. Runs a clan out to the south sector known as the Bloody Kingdom."
"Never heard of them."
"Not surprised, unlike the other major clan who have been around for just about forever. The Bloody Kingdom sprung up from nowhere, there are speculations of course that some of the higher-ranking generals from the head clans in the west sector broke away. But no one can confirm that."
"So what’s she like then?"
"Who Scyanide? She’s alright, has a flare of temper about her, she is one of these I have to have my own way sort of people. Raziel and Scyanide always seemed to be loggerheads with each other, both as stubborn as each other. It was annoying."
The two wandered past the sign noting that they had entered the south sector. The south sector was a little different from the rest of the city, in fact it was debatable whether or not it was actually in the city in the first place. Rural country land spread as far as the eye could see, houses where spiratical at best and the long dusty country roads carelessly meander down the countryside.
Elfinlied found this to be a little strange, up until the sign there where rows upon rows of houses, then suddenly, nothing empty, like someone drew a line and said no not cross.
"How long until we reach her?"
"Half hour maybe forty minutes at most, luckily she doesn't live too far from the edge of town, close enough to be a pain; far enough that no one comes looking.
Elfinlied sighed that was still too long.

***

The long black hair blew across the mans face, covering his one good deep brown eye, the other obtain a long deep gash caused by some edged weapon. The pupil was white, the nerves long ago died. This didn't deter him it was a sign of battle, an insignia to show that he was not afraid of death. His six foot four inch thin frame did nothing to hide his muscular body. Dressed all in black and caring a katana across his back and other two Mpk5's hung of his belt. A further Berretta tucked into the back of his jeans.
"Mortis. " Fregillon hung out a strong hand to which Mortis accepted. "How the fuck are ya?"
The edge of Mortis's lips cured into a small smile "I'm good Fregillon, now what brings you here? I have matters to attend to so lets make this quick."
"Ok as you wish. I need guns, lots of guns." Fregillon paused and looked around "Hmm... Close range weapons as well, daggers, swords that kind of shit."
"And that" Flash pointed to a rather evil looking two-handed weapon.
Mortis looked at him and grinned "Ahh... That my friend is the Medusa's head. A four headed flail of immense power." He eyed up Flash's powerful frame and nodded "I can see why you want it, but it's not cheap." He turned back to Fregillon. "I'll get you what you want and have it delivered in the normal way, but this comes with two conditions - first, as always, money up front you know my deals, secondly once you leave do not come back until our current overseer has bitten the dust, he has a warrant on your head of two hundred and fifty thousand logo. I not too interested in the cash so don't worry, but there are people here that wouldn't hesitate.
"Thanks for the heads up"
"Once last thing"
"Name it."
"The debt to your father has been paid."
"Done and here's my card to take the cash."
"I haven't even given you a price."
"What ever it is, I trust that it will be a fair price, you always have done in the past."
"The guns and close range weapons call it a cool two million, for the flail I want three for that alone."
Flash's eyes widened "Three million for that, geezes that a lot of cash for a hunk of metal."
"And well worth the price for something that is centuries old."
"Ya got a fucking deal man, Five Mill it is."
Mortis confirmed the transaction "I'll have the stuff delivered within the day or two. Hmm..." Again he looked at Flash. "Tell you what, take the Flail now I'm in a good mood. We just took down three more Vamps from the Dark Brotherhood."
"Thanks." Flash reached up and took the Flail in his hands, the weight was staggering. "Damn this is heavy."
"Yeah imagine what you will do to someone’s head."
Flash smiled at that though, picturing caving in Lysandra's skull with one full swing the look of shock on her face before the four heads hit. "Nice."
Mortis threw a package at Fregillon "Here - He'll need this, it a back harness for the Flail."
"Thanks." Fregillon opened the package and holstered Flash up. Flash slammed the weapon to his new weapon to his back. The clip locked the weapon in place.
The two shook Mortis's hand made their farewells and walked off back toward the east sector.

***

The Uzi pumped out a dozen more rounds, the intended victim, a thin guard hit the ground face first, a dozen bullet holes oozing blood along the floor. Diablo holstered the still smoking guns. Walking along the corridor of the 11th floor, Diablo realised that Raziel didn't lead a poor life. The security was numerous, even if they where a little ineffective. The floors where shinning granite and marble adorned the lower half of the wall. Raziel defiantly had to lead a prosperous life to be in one of these flats.
Diablo heard the click, the sound of the pistol trigger being pulled, he swung and ducked as the bullet harmlessly passed over him, a second click and again the gas chamber pumped out a another projectile. Diablo rose and pirouetted to the left, the bullet passing his mid section. A third and fourth bullet came in quick secession. Diablo jumped and placed his feet along the wall and flipped his legs over his head, both bullets passed underneath him. The pulled a Glock from him leg holster whilst in mid air and landed on his feet. A quick scout told him the bullets came from the elevator, another blood drenched guard, his clothes ripped round his abdomen and upper thigh suggested that he had already encountered this guy.
Diablo didn't look for the target he just pulled the trigger and the bullet sailed gracefully in the air and impacted into the guards' gun shoulder. He reeled backwards, Diablo followed his up with another pull of the trigger, another bullet found its mark inches from last wound. He flicked his gun to the left hand crouched and spun a full three sixty. He pulled the trigger whilst at the one hundred and eighty degree mark whilst pulling another Glock from his other leg holster a third hit, Diablo walked forward towards his victim, guns pointing smoke bellowing from the barrels. A fourth shot, followed by a fifth and six all the bullets impacting the chest, the guard convulsing from the impacts, seven eight and nine followed by shots ten eleven and twelve and click, click, the chambers had emptied, the guard slid down the back of the elevator, a trail of blood along the back wall.
Diablo hit a button on the side of his guns and popped the magazine from the chamber, they hit the ground with a metallic thud. He jarred in two more mags flipped the catch and re-holstered the guns. As calmly as he arrived he causally walked down the corridor towards Raziel's apartment.

= Chapter 18 =

Viona had to nearly run to keep up with Raziel's long strides, one of the problems being only five foot three inches tall - short legs. Raziel's towering six-foot plus frame meant that the strides he took where huge.

Viona was determined however to keep up with him, she had issues that needed to be resolved. The high street was remarkable quiet for this time of the night, the shops still cased their gentle glow on the sidewalk outside. The air was crisp and a gentle cooling wind blew her golden blonde hair around her face.

Raziel took a sharp left and headed down a back alley, a cut through, to another street. Viona presumed that this lead to his flat.

She took a quick step forward and brought herself in line with him, she was nervous of asking, would he kill her for knowing, would he even care? Viona really didn't know, but she had to ask the question. She plucked up her courage and blurted out the question "How do you know Shade?"

Raziel stopped and looked at her, she had asked the questions so fast and hurried that he had to stop and think for a second, he made out one word Shade. "Sorry? I really didn't understand you."

"How do you know Shade?" This time the question was calm and composed.

"Don't know anyone by that name." He was lying and she knew it.

"Don't lie to me, I found a piece of paper with your name on it."

This puzzled Raziel he hadn't spoken to him in over a year. How on earth would this girl know he had connections. "Fine, I knew him, why do you want to know?"

"He was my..." Viona could only think of one word and that word sickened her "Pimp."

"You were a prostitute?" The surprise almost evident

"Not by choice."

"I see"

"Anyhow Shade got what was coming to him."

This perked Raziel's curiosity "Coming to him?"

"Yeah, earlier when Maiden was talking about the heightened powers that we Vampires possess, I experienced one such power. I killed him with that power, I will be a slave no longer."

"So you trade one life of slavery for another?"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it, you teamed up with me, I'm not exactly unknown am I, that will mean that anyone watching and me and don't be fooled, they will be watching will know that you are with me, that mean you are a slave to me and anyone else that wants to follow me." A smile passed Raziel's lips

This made Viona shiver, to have to follow Raziel forever for protection, perhaps her was right, she now served a new master, she shook her head "No. You’re wrong, I'm a slave to no one, if I want to walk away I can of my own florision."

"Go for it then, walk away." He was cool, almost ice like in his speech.

Viona loked at him, there really was no emotion, no caring, nothing. "You do care what happens to anyone do you?"

"Care and be disappointed when they stab you in the back."
"You're a basterd. A heartless basterd."
"I've been called worse."
Viona now knew why Maiden never tried to argue with him, it was impossible. Instead she turned back to the situation of Shade. "You never answered me about Shade. Who do you know him."
"An acquaintance from over a year ago, I was a bit short of cash and I was bored so I took a job. He needed me to take down a member of the Order of the Back Hand. I took him out collected my pay and left, nothing more or less."
Viona felt a rage start to burn inside of her, that was how her capture knew Raziel, he killed her father. She decided to buy her time and take Raziel out. She would have her vengeance.
She kept calm "I see. Thank you for telling me the truth."
Raziel didn't bother to reply, turned back around he resumed him steps towards the end of the alleyway, Viona once again in tow with a small vicious smile on her face.

***

"Where the hell did you get all that money from?"
Fregillon laughed "Silver spoon mate. Mommy and Daddy where like fucking multi millionaires, when they died I took over the estate along with all of the money and businesses."
"Wow, so how rich are you?"
"No idea, I just keep spending and when it's all gone, I sell another business for a few billion logo and carry on spending."
Flash couldn't believe what he was hearing, he struggled all his life for a small income, wondering how he was going to feed him family for another week and here a man with more money then sense, it baffled him and slightly angered him. Was he jealous, he wasn't sure. What he was sure of was that he needed to change the subject.
"How did you become a vampire?"
"Shut the fuck up man, where still in the west end and there are bound to be hunters around. Shit man you have to stop and think."
"Sorry. "
"Ahh don't worry about it, anyhow, it was my own stupidity, one of my flash parties I used to throw at my parents mansion. Man they where good times, sex drugs and women, man you would be up till four in the morning high as a kite, pissed out of your skull with usually one lass on your face and another sucking you off. Good times, really good times." A beaming smile was on his face from those thoughts. He looked at Flash who seemed less amused.
"Anyhow, it was at one of those parties then I met this chick, I mean damn you wanted a body, she had it, Blonde hair, blue eyes, huge tits and one hell of a tight ass. I was in my usual state, not really with the land of the living and we just kicked it off, she couldn't resist me, I mean what women could, well that’s what I thought anyway, so we went up to my room, just the two of us, something I didn't usually do, I was accustom to at least two maybe even three broads, but there was just something about her. Well we kicked it off, she literally ripped my clothes off, she was like a caged animal and I loved it, I pulled her dress up and low and behold, she was naked, she went commando, well that was me set up for the night."
"Do I really need the graphic details of your sexual exploits?"
"Man I tell you a fucking tale and an epic on at that. So where was I.... Oh yeah, we jumped on each other an went at it like rabid dogs, her nails tore into my flesh, that hurt like hell I tell you, but it was kinda kinky and I was high as a kite so it really didn't matter, we both hit a climax and then it happened, she produced her fangs and decided to imbed them into my neck, thing was, she seemed to get even more tuned on by it. a few second later and I was on my back with her on top, she bit me again and kept screwing me at the same time. I remember as she came a felt this sharp pain in my neck, more so then her just chomping down, I learnt later on that it was a venom."
Venom?"
"Yeah, it sort of secretes from your fangs when you are at your most passionate, for the one who turned me, it was at the height of her orgasm. Anyways, the venom well it sort of kills you, well sort of is the wrong word, more like defiantly, your body changed, it wants and needs change, it requires blood to keep the body working. however small price that, you are gifted with more stamina, strength and speed. Be careful though your not infallible as you found out. Your body can only take so much punishment, take a shotgun blast to the chest and that’s it game over - no second chances."
"What happened to the woman?"
"No idea, didn’t even catch her name, next night I woke up with not even so much as a note to say what happened, first found out when I tried to step out into the sunshine, tell you what - that was an experience and not a nice one I assure you."
"I know I found that out as well."
"Anyhow enough about the past, we have a cache of weapon to be delivered to Raziel, I suggest we get there as fast as we can and stop all this chit chat."
"Cool."

***

Raziel knelt down beside the dead guard, he turned him over, his eyes where still open looking into nothingness, bullet holes riddled his chest. He looked up a Viona
"Uzi nine millimetre."
"Sorry?"
"That’s was did this damage, this is a clan weapon, we had best be careful." Raziel pulled his Katana from his back, the white steel blade reflecting light off the nearby street lamp. Viona pulled her berretta from the back of her jeans and pulled the top to load a bullet into the chamber. She looked at the guard who had a second weapon on him it looked like a small square box with two electrical points of them, she picked it up.
"What is this?" Showing the device to Raziel
"Tazer, it discharges and electrical voltage up to fifty thousand watts, enough to fry most things into twitching convulsing mannequins."
"So it's doesn't kill?"
"Nope, just stuns."
"Good if I come across any human I won’t have to kill them, no need to kill the innocent"
'Innocent' Raziel though, no one was that anymore "If anyone get in my way, I kill them, Innocent or not."
The two entered the building, slowly, both of there eyes darting about for the intruders. On the front desk slumped the receptionist, a single bullet hole piercing her forehead, blood covering the paperwork on the wooden desk.
"Berretta 951." Raziel walked off towards the elevator.
"Viona followed stepping over another guard who had his chest ripped open by a close range shotgun spread.
Two more bodies oozed their body contents onto the cold marble floor, the bell hop, a mere fifteen year old lad riddled with Uzi bullets and a guard in the elevator itself with at least twelve bullet holes in him, blood splattered up the back wall.
"Looks like an another Uzi for this guy and the guard took a Glock."
Viona looked at the Bell Boy "He so young..."
"It happens, come on we have to hurry."
The elevator groaned as it ascended the floors, eight, nine, ten, the lights on the top of the elevator lit up according to the floor they where on, the steel cage slowed and the light illuminated floor eleven, a loud ting was followed but a light sliding noise and the doors opened. A dead body was there to great them, another guard another life extinguished.
Raziel proceeded down towards this flat door, Katana out in front of him, he didn't expect anyone here, but just in case, he would be jumped unarmed.
He glanced over to Viona "You need to look down that corridor, if any of clan members are still here kill first ask questions later - got it.
"Yeah" Viona trailed off left down another corridor.
Raziel stood directly in front of his flat door; it was slightly ajar. Using the tip of his sword he pushed it open.
He walked cautiously down his marble floored hallway. The cream calls reflected the light emanating from the crystal chandelier. Straight ahead of him was the living room
His flat was richly adorned with the antique furniture and pictures hundreds of years old. The Persian rung on the floor covered the oak floorboards.
Standing next to his sofa was a tall man, his dark trench coat hung loosely off his shoulders. His hand was forever near his gun belt no doubt to pull the Uzi’s out should it be required. Raziel knew this man, however only from rumours, legends, he wasn't even completely sure that this man actually existed. well until now.
"Diablo."
"Raziel. I wasn't even sure that you where even real, just an story to tell all of your newly turned what they should be good little vampires."
"I thought you where the horror story, from what I heard you made it your personal ambition to wipe us all out." Raziel shifted his position from the door to one nearer to the centre of the large living room.
"Really. Do I scare you that much."
"Not really at the end of the day you are just another pathetic human vampire hunter."
"Oh well, listed I would love to pass insults back and forth, but to be honest I've been set here to bring you back with me, shame it has to be alive, but that is just the way of the world."
"Right. I'm just gonna come along with you am I?"
"Yeah that’s pretty much it, unless of course you want to give a reason to pump your body with enough lead to turn you into a pencil." Diablo drew his coat back and pulled his two Uzi’s out.
"Come on Raziel, Give me a reason to pull the trigger."
"Do I need to give you a reason?"
"Naa not really, just thought I was being polite."
With that Diablo pulled the trigger, Raziel ducked and dived for cover behind his cream leather sofa. Diablo followed Raziel's directions with his guns, the bullets tearing into the material, leather shards and down feathers exploded everywhere. Raziel glanced around, he needed to get to the office, but that was located past the dining room.
Another hail of bullets tore into the fabric, the exit points nearing Raziel as he rolled out of harms way. He ducked an ran to ward the door leading to the dining room, a shower of bullets chased after him, each bullet that missed tore into the oak boards sending thousands of little splintered pieces of wood in all directions. Raziel dived through the door.
Diablo released his chambers and re-chambered his guns with a fresh clip.
All went quiet for a moment, this worried Raziel, no one ever stopped firing unless either they where out of bullets, which he very much doubted or...
he heard the rolling of a small oval devise. Needing only a quick glance to realise that he was in deep shit, Raziel charged for his study. He reached halfway though the dining room when the grenade detonated. The explosion annilated the door and frame surrounding it, took up most of the continuing floorboards. The blast ripped apart half of the dining room table and several chairs. Raziel got blown into the next room, he impacted the far wall shattering a priceless picture in the process.
He glanced up "Shit not the Jack Vettriano, that was an original. Now I'm pissed, no one comes into my home and tear this place up."
Looking up next to the painting was an original soviet union AK-47, Three ammo clips attached to the wall. He hoisted himself up and grabbed the AK off the wall, this fight would have to fought on Diablo's terms. a firefight.
"Ahh. Did we fall down and go boom? Sorry the boom was from a present from me." Diablo let out a high-pitched sickening laugh.
Raziel popped from around the corner, an AK-47 in hand. The grenade blast has collapsed the living room/ dining room wall and he had a clear shot. Diablo wasn't expecting this.
Raziel opened fire, bursts of fire came out of the barrel of the run, over a dozen bullets a second. This time Diablo dived on his side as the bullet annilated a nineteenth century antique, green fabricated chair last estimated at over four million logo. The chair was reduced to kindeling from the powerful shots of the AK-47. Diablo returned fire from the Uzi, which harmless impacted the study wall, small chunks of drywall fell to the ground.
Raziel opened a filing cabinet that was against the wall that was being shot at, he pulled the top drawer open and pulled out a desert eagle , he pulled the mag - fully loaded - and slammed the mag back in place. Reaching in again he pulled a couple of spare mags.
Diablo had retreated to the sitting room, staying where he did you only get himself killed. He looked up and found Raziel running though the Dining room, he opened fire with his Uzi, a few shots exited the chamber before the mag emptied.
"Shit not now." He quickly holstered the Uzi’s and reached round to his gun plate that he strapped to his back, inserted in the five and seven positions he produced two MPK5's, he stuck his arms round the corner of the door frame and pulled the trigger.
A maelstrom of small cylindical projectiles made their way towards its intended target, Raziel jumped towards what was left of the dining room wall. He spun sharply in the air as the majority of the bullets whizzed past him. One of them impacted again the upper part of his arm. Blood started running into his black t-shirt. His back hit the wall protecting him from the next cascade of fire. Raziel looked at the injury, nothing serious, he could easily handle it, he pulled himself round the wall and opened fire with the desert eagle, Diablo pulled his arms back in as the bullelt send splinters of wood in all directions.
Diablo returned fire again with the MPK5's but missed, then bullet sailing into the study wall. Raziel saw this chance as his oppontant would be expecting a return volley, instead he ran and slid into the kitchen. Raziel hit the white wooden panel of the kitchen unit with his foot and came to rest on his back.
Above his head was an entrance door that the servants could serve food into the sitting room, Raziel crouched under it and then stood up and rammed his AK though the weak panel door, it blew open with a force that shattered the wood as it hit the wall, this time it was Raziel that had caught Diablo off guard, the ensuing hail of gun fire from the AK caught Diablo in the upper shoulder and another bullet skimmed off his neck as he dashed from the edge of the door to another door that lead to one of the bedrooms.
Diablo could feel the warm of this blood running down his neck, it had been a while since he had a good gun fight and he was really enjoying this, this adrenaline was going through the roof, again he stuck his MPK5 round the door and pulled the trigger - nothing happened, he looked quickly at the weapon and cursed, a bullet had impacted the gun chamber rendering the gun useless, the threw both gun away to one side, reached over his shoulder and pulled out two sawed-off shotguns.
"Right you vamp basterd see what you make of this."
He swung around the Door and pulled the triggers.
Raziel sat with his back to the wall in the kitchen, he hadn’t seem this much mayhem since world war three, all hell had broke loose and his flat was the casualty, his Jack Vettriano valued at over six million Logo, two original Picasso paid the ultimate price, to replace Raziel thought at least twenty million a piece, several million for the furniture and the bill kept rising.
Then the wall next to him exploded, showering him with plaster and black tiles. This quickly followed by another explosion in the wall, Raziel could see holes where his wall used to be. He heard a clunk followed by another two holes.
sneaking a peer through the nearest holes he saw Diablo flick two sawed-off slammed the open chamber against his back to reload the guns and re-flick the guns closed.
Two more holes appeared in the wall, one of them being right above Raziel's head, more plaster and this time white tiles sprayed him. Raziel needed some time to formulate a plan, sitting here looking a random pop shots would sooner or later get him killed.
He decided on a change of tactic.
"Diablo you aim is about as good my mother's and she had been dead a long time."
"Naa. I haven't missed, just luring you into making a mistake."
"Right. Whatever, you're just one man, there are tons of Vampires you can't change the world.
Raziel didn't expect the answer that followed "One man can change the world..." Diablo let out a howling laughter, almost madman like. He dropped the shotguns and pulled out his two Uzi's, pressing a button on the underneath of the barrel, two clips appeared from the side of the gun, he did the same to the other Uzi and slammed them together, there was a click and he then reached for his six o'clock back holster and produced another double barrelled Uzi. "With Enough Ammunition." He pulled all four triggers
The storm of bullets tore the kitchen wall to pieces, Diablo emptied over four hundred bullet in a matter of second, his double barrelled Uzi's making short work of thin wall, hundred of little holes breaking the wall.
Raziel charged from the kitchen backwards the charred dining room, Diablo followed his movement with his newly reloaded Uzi’s, the projectiles tore through the exterior wall, shattered the main window and then again met with plaster and brick. Raziel was lucky, he made it though alive.
Diablo stepped in the dining room, Raziel has disappeared.
"Come out come out where ever you are?" He chanted.
Diablo stepped into the study, nothing. He strolled back to the living room, again he couldn't see Raziel. "Where are you?" he paused for another glance and his eyes widened, there was Raziel in close quarters, how? it wasn't possible, he ran back though his mind and then it hit him, the Study, the window it was open, how could be have been so stupid, he made one small mistake and Raziel capitalized on it.
Raziel brought his fist round and connected squarely with Diablo's jaw, Diablo spun a full three hundred and sixty degrees, this was followed up right a roundhouse, and flip kick, sending Raziel round in a somersault. Diablo staggered back from the force of the blows, In came Raziel again, he landed a series of fists to the chest and abdomen of Diablo, followed by an uppercut that shattered his opponent’s nose, blood exploded, but Raziel hadn't finished, he grabbed Diablo round the back of the head and brought his head down toward Raziel's lifting knee. Diablo hit the ground, blood flowing from his mouth and nose.
Raziel looked at him; a look of firm resolve on his face, he reached down and grabbed one of Diablo's Double Barrelled Uzi’s. "Like I said, one man can't change the world.
Diablo waited for the trigger to be pulled and closed his eyes ready to accept his fate for the one mistake he made.
Nothing happened. He opened his eyes and there was Raziel, a look of shock on his face, his muscles had completely seized on him, he felt pulses of energy flowing through him, he mustered enough strength and turned to face the hall doorway, attached to him was a pair of wires, a Tazer. He looked at the one holding the Tazer. He had been betrayed.
"That’s for my father you basterd! Lets see if fifty thousand volts makes you feel anything."
Raziel collapsed to the floor as another jolt surged through his body.
Raziel just managed to let out a few words before passing out
"How..."
"How could you..."
"How could you betray me."
"Viona."

= Chapter 19 =

Diablo looked down at Raziel, the wires still stuck in his back, he followed them to the hallway where Viona stood, her angry and hate twisted face all to apparent. A small smirked passed his lips, he had wanted to finish Raziel off, but this was just as effective.

"Hello again Viona, long tome no see."

"Diablo, how did I know it was you here, so I presume you are here to finish him off then."
"Naa. I'm on an errand I'm afraid, good logo in it for bringing him alive."

This surprised Viona she always knew him as a bring them down sort of bloke, she had known Diablo from her brothel days, he was a regular there, one girl in particular always tickled his interest. He reminded her of a story he mother once told her of a place called the wild west, a place where every one had a gun and wasn't afraid to use it. Diablo was one of those character, she could remember lilania tell her that he had to pull out his gun and shoot up the scenery every time he blew his load. He never changed. Different things for different people Viona kept thinking. Her? She was the abused one, the perfect blonde hair blue eyed girl who would do anything for you. Viona shuddered, that seemed like ages ago rather then days.

"You can have him, I only wish I was there to watch as you tore the life out of him."

"Do you hate him that much?"

"Basterd killed my father, it was because of him that my mother killed herself and I was forced to that whore house." She spat the final word out.

Diablo bent down a picked his double barrelled Uzi up and inserted it into its gun slot on his back.

"Funny that you say that. I know Raziel killed an official of the Black Hand." Diablo unclipped the other Uzi and dumped the cartridges. "You see I was also around when Raziel was given that order." New cartridges where inserted and locked into place. "However from what I recall, The man Raziel killed had no family, in fact young lady, the man Raziel killed was a vault hacker and no more then eighteen years old."

Viona went white "No..." she stammered

Diablo continued "I also remember you father as well, charming man, a real charismatic. The ladies loved him, but he was all mouth, your bitch of a mother..."
"Don't call her that!" Viona shouted mid sentence.

Diablo didn't listen he just raised a hand for silence. "Your bitch of a mother was a money queen, always had to have the best, eventually it bankrupted him and he was forced to do... Other things. Cheat, lie steal..." Diablo grinned that sickening grin. "Kill..."

Viona could feel her eyes starting to well up, she loved her family, all she could remember was how good they a family they where. "You're lying you basterd."
"Why do I need to, I have what I want and I think it's about time you knew the truth, isn't that what you always wanted, what you where always told."

Viona let a tear escape and run down her face. This pleased Diablo; who decided to push her further. "Anyhow, life for your father returned to normal, his whore got what she wanted and he pretended that he could provide for her. Well that all changed one day, you see your father came home and found your mother in bed with another man." He stopped and waited for the reaction. He didn't get one; Viona was too much in shock and rage. He had her where he wanted her. "You can imagine your Father's reaction, wow, I didn't expect that, I understand where you got you're strength from. I had a shiner for week after that."

"You..." Her face had turned scarlet "You!!!!"

"Oh calm down dear, it wasn’t that big a deal, in fact I was doing you father a favour. He could see how much of a whore she really was. Well... like I said your father didn't take it very well and decided to take matters into his own hand, he used his charisma and wormed his way into the boss mans' wife’s underwear." Diablo shook his head slightly "I don't understand why he would do something so stupid after all, the black hand had no idea I was fucking your mother for nearly a year - it was none of their concern. As you can imagine, that didn't go down well. He was caught, tortured and then ripped to pieces; I think you recall that you and her were made to watch.

Viona pulled her berretta from out of her jeans and pointed it Diablo's head, the gun was shaking and tears where falling from her eyes. "You basterd, you fucking basterd, so this is all your fault, all these years I though you were just looking out me and you did all of this, you put me in that hell house, you killed my mother and you killed my father.

"No I believe four cars killed your father, as for your mother? Why would I want to kill her, once she was in the Hoare house, I could have her whenever I wanted and do whatever I wanted." The sick smile re-emerged.

A bullet sailed past Diablo's head, he didn't even flinch. The screams of the gun holder echoed in his head "I'll kill you, I'll kill you, I'll kill you."

"Anyhow if your done screaming I have other matters to attend to. I am so glad to say that I have the pleasure to be the one to put you out of you're misery." He pulled a Beretta from the side of the back holster. "But first, I'm gonna have some fun."

Diablo pulled the trigger and the gas chamber exploded a lead round tipped bullet left the chamber. Viona Winsted as the pullet penetrated her abdomen, blood burst out from her back and splattered the wall. She slumped slightly grabbing the wall for support. She had to get out of there or Diablo would kill her. Another shooting pain exploded in her brain, this time the bullet entered her left shoulder, more blood hit the wall.

'Oh my dear little sweet, you mother was so kind' again he pulled the trigger, this time the bullet hit her left, he watched her drop to the ground. "You know my dear, I don't think you ever really knew me, you see where Vampires are concerned I'm very much like the bullets that have passed your pretty little body, home-made, fast, angry and full of hatred for your kind." Another pull of the trigger and wound inflicted on his intended target.

Viona double over grabbing her stomach as the pain tore through her. She didn't know how she was going to survive this, maybe she didn't, she stabbed Raziel in the back without knowing the full facts. Condemned him to his death at the hands of this madman all because of her blind rage.

"You know Viona, you mother screamed in much the same way when I used to tease her. Like mother like daughter as they say. Both of you whores, fucked by society for fun."

Viona felt the rage and seething hatred in her erupt, she still had hold of the Beretta, using all her strength, she pulled herself up and looked him straight in the eyes. "Go fuck yourself!" And pulled the trigger. To Viona the bullet sailed in slow motion, the bullet carried all her hate and malice that she wanted the target to feel.
The bullet hit clothing and flesh, blood spurted out as it tore through the body just under the breast plate, passing in between the lungs before exiting the back of the body and impacting the far fall.

Diablo dropped to one knee, blood flowing through his fingers as he tried to stem the flow of blood, twice in one night someone had got the better of him. He looked for Viona and caught her disappearing out the door. He could ignore the pain, not the first time he's taken a bullet. Luck must have been on his side, that shot should have killed him. For now the wound would have to wait e had a stubborn little bitch to kill. The Hunt was on.

Viona limped down the hall, she moved as fast as she could, sort of a half run, half hop sort of movement. She looked behind her, he was there, she had shot him square in the chest and he still lived. She had to get away, she quickly ran the options though her head, the elevator would be a death trap and too slow, she could try a window and jump, as a vampire she might be able to survive a fall of that height - then again, it could also just as easily kill her. That would make Diablo's job a whole lot easier. Look like the stair was the answer.

There was only one way to take down a Vampire, well actually there where a lot of ways, but this one was a good one. Covering one hand over his would, he pulled the Uzi out, he could see her down the corridor - near the end a sign for the stairs, if she reached them it would be game over, he couldn't follow and let Raziel get away. Hopefully he would still be out cold for at least another couple of hours.
He raised the Uzi and pulled the trigger.

Plaster drywall shower Viona as the bullets impacted overhead. "Shit!" She could move any faster but needed some more time, quickly glancing at Diablo she noticed a fire extinguisher on the wall no more the twenty feet in front of him. Raising the Beretta she took aim, another hail bullets tore in the wall, more dust poured over Viona.

She pulled the trigger.

Diablo shielded his eyes as the compression gas in the extinguisher exploded sending fire dampening powder everywhere. Diablo couldn't see, a white shield blocked his vision. He was now had enough. He pushed though the powder wall and came to the hall clearing; Viona had just about made it.

"Time to take out the trash." Diablo slid the Beretta back into place, from two indented sections in the back plate Diablo slid a metal pole with handle grips and a trigger as well as a metal shoulder piece. Diablo wasn't smiling this time, the snapped the two pieces together at high speed. Diablo reached into his jacket and opened an internal zip and produced a long oval shaped steel casing devised that slid into the top of the weapon. He mounted the shoulder piece on the top of his shoulder and gripped the handles firmly. Not really the way he wanted to kill her, but hey something you don’t get what you want.

Viona reached the exit door and breathed a sigh of relief, the bullets had stopped and she was free, Diablo would risk following her.

She heard a voice, Diablo's, it was a hoarse laughter, she took one glance over at him and then panicked.

Diablo pulled the trigger, flames emitted from the rear of the weapon as the rocket grenade was send hurtling down the corridor.

Viona rushed to pushed the door open, and jumped towards the concrete stairway as the rocket impacted the wall.

The detonation was deafening, a fireball blew though the opened doorway and blew Viona against the far wall, she connected with a sickening thud as the back of her head and shoulders came to a sudden halt against the cold concrete. Blood splattered and a loud crack followed from the broken shoulder. Viona bounced of the wall, rolled down another flight of stairs and came to lay motionless.

Diablo looked at his handy work. The wall the rocket impacted has dissipated allowing the streetlights from outside to shine in. Debris littered the hallway and small fires had broken out.

He didn't say a word; he quietly turned around walked back into the flat and slammed the door shut. One of the ones on the door fell to the ground.

= Chapter 20 =

Sarah collapsed against the cold brick wall down the small alleyway, the torrent of rain masking the tears streaming down her eyes, the claps of thunder silencing the uncontrolled sobbing. She kept her face in her hands so no one could see her. She hadn't been home for nearly three days, however it didn't matter Aria was being looked after by her grandparents.

The night had already set in and Sarah really didn't know how long she had been crying there, for all she knew it was for the three days. She tried to stop more times then she could count, but there was something, maybe a saying or a picture and she would just burst into floods of tears again.

She was where she belonged, in the trash, down some small back alley. This whole thing was her fault if only she had realized instead of looking at that stupid dress in the window.

Sarah could hear the busy traffic drive by, the passers of people as they went about their daily business, these people didn't care about her, they had their own problems to deal with. She was just another person to avoid, like the tramp on the street, you stare at them, but never raise a finger to help them get out of their situation.

Then he arrived.

Sarah's salvation.

She could hear footsteps walking down towards her in the alleyway, she didn't really care what the person wanted, all she cared about was that they left her alone, or kill her quickly, either one would work for her. The footsteps grew louder as they approached, the steps where solid, unified, heal toe, heal toe, he walked gracefully.

The noise of the footsteps stopped just in front of her.

"Can I help you in anyway young lady?" The voice was soft, angelic

Sarah just shook her head, she really didn't want this conflict, she just wanted to feel the tears run down her face.

"Please allow me to help you, I can offer your food, drink a place to stay."

"Why would you do that for me?" Her voice was rasp and quiet. "None of these other people would want to help me, so why you, what do you want out of the eh?"

"I do not want anything from you, I just want to make sure that everyone on the street is provided for."

"Yeah whatever, then what lure back to your home, bed me for the night and kick me back out again, what kind of sick fuck are you?"

If the man took any kind of offence he didn't show it. "I think you have me all wrong, perhaps if you looked at me things would become clear."

Sarah lifted her elbow slightly so she could see his shoes from underneath her arms. She was slightly shocked when the man talking to her wore a pair of jet black highly polished Prada shoes. She pulled her head up above her arms and followed his tight tailored trousers up past his black belt with a silver buckle, to a jet-black shirt and a small black jacket fell over his shoulders. This didn't really convince Sarah that his man was anything but honest, however, the dog collar did.

"You're from the church?"

"Is it that obvious?"

Sarah didn't want to look at his face, it was hard enough just speaking to someone, but talking to a man of god would be a bit too much at the moment.

"Come on, you can't spend all night here, you'll catch your death."

Sarah was about to respond but the Vicar beat her to it. "And I won't take no for an answer."

She pondered this for a second, he soft angelic voice entered her head, he seemed to have a pull, a seduction in his voice that called out to her.

"Fine." it was said as whisper.

"Good, come on we need to get you back to the Church. Get some food and drink in you."

With the vicars' help she arose and steadied herself, she finally looked at him. He was young, she guessed at no more then twenty-four, maybe twenty-five at push. His long blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail, his vibrant blue eyes and deep thin red lips and contrasted against his very white pale skin.

"The name's Artoir. Yours?"

"Sarah."

The two walked back out of the alley, walking down Main Street being the only way back to the church, the main street Sarah desperately wanted to avoid. He huddled in close to Artoir, she didn't really understand why, she just felt safe.

The Church stood for nearly one hundred years, stone built. Smooth stone stairs led up towards the big wooden double doors. The large stain glassed window loomed high over the doors, twin spires rose from the front corners. The expanse on the building was huge, this wasn't a church, it was a Cathedral.

Artoir climbed the stair, inserted a large iron key and unlocked the front door. Sarah looked at him strangely

"I thought the house of god was always open."

"It is, when I'm here."

Sarah followed on behind, as she passed the threshold she had to stop and stare at the magnificence of the place. The stone arched ceiling expanded over fifty foot high. Intricate designs of hand painted artwork will the crevasse. Large stone pillars were rowed upon rowed. Oak wood pews lined all the way down to the large golden cross.

"You live here?"

"Yeah, up there." He flicked his hands towards an iron spiral staircase that led to a small wooden door. "I though it would be best to sit in the living room, more comfortable then these wooden Pugh’s.

"Yeah, fine." this could have been a trap, he still could have been an attacker waiting for an opportunity, Sarah however didn't really care, if he was to kill her, she would welcome it.

He followed him up the spiral staircase and in through the door, his 'flat' was open plan, a large studio style living room, dining room and kitchen. There was a small door leading to a single bedroom and next to it another door leading to the bathroom.

Artoir headed over the modern style black and whine vinyl kitchen. "Tea?"

"Sorry?"

"Tea."

"Oh yeah please."

Artoir flicked the kettle and pulled out two white cups. This gave Sarah a change to take a quick glance round the surroundings. The flat was immaculate and very modern. One thing Sarah had learn whilst being with her husband was an appreciation for high quality. The two black corner sofas looked to be made out of soft Italian leather, she remembered looking at one similar, but really couldn't justify the fifteen thousand logo price tag.

In front of the sofas sat a gunmetal and glass table, sitting on a intricate black and cream design rug. There was no television, but there was a stereo, as with the rest of the flat, it was top of the line and over the top expensive.

She heard the footsteps of Artoir drawing nearer, the oak wooden floorboards giving a slight creek.

"Here."

"Thanks."

The vicar motioned for Sarah to sit on one of the large sofas, she thanked him and sat down. She was right about the Italian leather. She sipped the tea and looked at him, what could she say, if anything.

Artoir was the first to speak "So Sarah, why don't we star with what happened."

Sarah didn't really know where to begin, she though of books, didn't know why, but it just popped into her head and like all books she started from the beginning.

She poured her heart and soul out to him, perhaps it was the fact he was a man of god, maybe of was the fact that he was a complete stranger and would have no judgements on her.

Minutes became hours, she laughed and cried and then cried some more, Artoir had moved closer onto her sofa offering her a hand and a handkerchief. He listened intensely, hanging on every word spoken out of her mouth. By then end even he held a tear in his eye.

"Thank you." Sarah spoke, it was soft and kind.

"I'm always here to lend an ear."

Sarah rapped her arms around him in an embracing hug, like a daughter to a father. Artoir could feel her pain, her suffering. She had something taken from her then no life could ever give back. In the short time that he had met this girl, she had take hold of him and his attraction for her. Perhaps she would stay with him. A bold statement he thought, but one he was willing to try, but not like this, she would have to share him to understand that.

Artoir looked out the window, he looked at the full moon arising, a slight tint of red stained the white craters object.

"Don't worry Sarah, everything will be fine. I promise."

Artoir look at the reflection in the window, he could see her smooth skin, he could smell her aroma, a subtle seduction calling him. He blinked and looked back at the window, he could see himself, his pale skin and deep blue eyes, and the whites of his eyes, that where no longer white, but crimson red, he opened his mouth, his canines now fangs.

He whispered in her ear once more "I promise." And brought his fangs down into her slender neck.

A pain surged though her body, she felt her life ebbing away, this was a trap and she was the victim, but she suddenly felt calm, she was going to die and this didn't bother her at all, in fact she smiled, the pain ceased and turned to what could only be called pleasurable. She rested her head against his shoulder and allowed him to continue to end her life.

Artoir bit harder and he felt the venom escape his body and infect this new body. A new harbinger for the afterlife. A new partner for him for all eternity.

Once again a pain shot through Sarah, but this time it was agonising, it felt like all her organs where about ready to explode, she tried to rip herself away from him, but he just held her tighter, she wanted to scream, call out, her closed eyes shot open in terror, this was it, this was the end.

The gulls flew over the boardwalk and sailed out over the murky coloured sea. Sarah looked at the people on the beach. She remembers when she spent all day there working on her tan. She held Stephen's hand tightly, he had to turn her wedding ring slightly to avoid the solitaire stabbing him.

The two had been married for nearly two years know and decided after they came back off honeymoon that they would buy a place in Los Angeles. The coast was always lovely, always hot and the people always friendly. They found themselves a little spot on the edge of a sky rise. it was only two bedroom, more then enough for what they needed.

"Mummy, Mummy"

In her other hand was Aria, who had just turned three and Stephen and Sarah where taking her into town to buy her some gift for her belated birthday party.

"Yes darling?" Not the first time Aria had wanted something today, in fact Sarah had lost count of the number of times her daughter wanted something.

"Play beach"

"Not today darling, maybe next week, but we have to get things for your birthday party tomorrow."

"Play beach. Play beach!" Aria stomped her feet

Stephen stepped in "Aria No! Mummy said we can go to the beach next week."

Aria looked at Stephen with her bid brown eyes, her bottom lip fell and started to tremble. Both parents knew what this meant. Aria eyes welled up and she burst out crying. Sarah gave Stephen a look, one that said quite clearly that he didn't have to be so harsh on her.

Stephen picked her up said sorry and hugged her. He put her down and she started to skip of down the boardwalk as though nothing had happened.

They arrived into the city square, the road ran down the middle of Main Street and all the high street shops where either side. Stephen needed to look for some supplies for his new job. Another mechanics job.

Sarah was occupied with the shops, designer dresses going for more money then she would ever have. One dress in particular caught her eye, long, flowing and deep red. It was beautiful - it was also thirty eight thousand logo. 'Oh well' she though she could dream.

"Come on Aria, take Mommy by the hand."

Silence.

"Aria?" Sarah turned around and panicked, she couldn't see her. Hoards of people walked in front of her. She looked up and down the sidewalk frantically.

Nothing.

A gap in the words of people gave Sarah the biggest panic yet. She could see Aria crossing the road, Sarah pushed though the crowd, sending the people scattering in all directions.

"Aria!"

Her daughter didn't hear her.

"Aria!!!" Again nothing.

Sarah looked up the road to see a truck approaching at high speed. The truck driver slammed the brake and the truck tires screamed trying to stick to the pavement underneath.

"NO!!!" She turned away in fright, she couldn't reach her in time. Then silence followed by hundreds of screaming people. Sarah felt her stomach reaching as though she wanted to be sick. Her daughter, he only daughter.

"Mummy!" A tearful scream shouted.

Sarah turned around, there was Aria, her knees and elbows cut and scrapped. Sarah ran to her and embraced her in the biggest hug possible. A police officer came to see if she was alright.

"I'm fine officer, thank you. My daughter's safe, I'm fine."

"Well ma'am I would say you need to thank that man who saved her, but I'm sorry to say he gave his life for her."

Sarah looked in front of the truck and her heart stopped, her slipped away from Aria's, she wanted to cry, but nothing came out. then all of her feelings exploder on one loud cry.

"STEHPEN!!!"

She tried to run towards his broken body, pushing people out of her way like a crazy maniac.

She pushed though and ran her body collapsed beside him, she turned him over, his face was bloodied and broken, his jaw crushed sideways, he eyes wide open and starring into space.

"NOOOOOO!!!" Sarah fell on top of him and cried, she screamed at the paramedics to bring him back, but to no avail. She struck out at anyone who wanted to take him away, she wasn't letting the one person go who had accepted her for who she was. He was her husband and more importantly they loved each other.

The policy agreed to take Aria back to her grand parents house, Sarah was too distraught and hysterical to look after her. The people in the high street could help but stair as she would either cry quietly or sob her heart out, no one however would stop to make sure she was alright. They just went about their business.

Sarah felt disgusted with herself, if she hadn't been so vain, Stephen would still be alive and she would still be happy. She was trash and deserved to be treated as such. She came across an alley was off the main straight and walked down into the darkness.

Sarah awoke with a panicking scream, she remembered the vicar, was it a dream?, did she imagine it all? she wasn't sure. letting her mind come into focus she could feel satin sheet covering her now nearly naked body, she was wearing only her undergarments.

The young blonde walked into the room, a look of delight on his face.

"Ahh. you have awoken. I was starting to think that you would not. You have been out cold for nearly a week now. I wasn't sure that the venom hadn't comatose you."

She was confused, what had he done. she looked at the window, the drawn blinds showed no sign of sunlight. She sat up pulling the sheet over her breasts to hide them from the captor. What did he mean by venom, had he poisoned her?

"Who are you?" There was an almost scared tone in her voice.

"The same person you met over a week ago, but my full name if Artoir Von Twooh - like the number - two. After hearing your story I took pity on you. I too understand something about being lonely and emptiness that cannot be fulfilled. I can change that.

Sarah felt weak, a hunger that could not seem to be controlled, she looked at him, his same smile on his neck. A feeling came over her, for all her hunger she felt powerful, she could snap this little prick's neck. Sarah double back this though, what was she thinking, she wasn't a violent person, she never had any feeling to hurt anyone and this scared her.

Artoir saw this hunger in her eyes. He produced a plasma pouch and threw it t her.

"Here drink this."

"What it is?" She had an inkling but wanted him to say it.

"Your life source."

As if through instinct she ripped the top of the plastic bag and started to devour the contents. Blood ran down the sides of her lips and flowed down on the white sheets staining them a deep maroon. She finished the bag and threw it in disgust.

"What have you made me?"

"More powerful then you have ever known my dear."

Sarah pulled the covers back, the dried stain of blood on the edges of her lips. She pulled the curtain back to reveal the pitch-black night sky. She was no longer scared. She felt alive, changed, her past no longer mattered to her.

"Am I dead?"

Artoir pondered his answer carefully "Sort of. you are a creature of the night, a hunter, a being of immense power and I will be here to show you the world of the night Sarah.

Sarah looked at Artoir and smiled, her past seemed like a distance memory, her daughter would be well cared for and didn't require her. This man gave her a gift. A gift of death, it was one that she welcomed. She glanced back at the plasma pack. This is what she was now, a killer.

"Sarah is dead, she died in your arms as your poisoned her with your infection, I am a tainted with wanting of blood, a blood maiden for the damned and that is what I shall know be known as."

Artoir was a little surprise to what he created, this woman appeared devoid of any feelings, everything she lived for was taken away including her. He wondered for the first time if her had done the right thing."

Sarah walked over to his wardrobe and sifted thought his clothes, she grabbed a full-length crimson red dress, one that matched her hair and slipped it on.

She headed out of the bedroom to the exit.

She turned and smiled at him, her feeling of desire quire clear for him. "So long honey, I think it time I look at this world the way it was meant to be looked at, though the eyes of the damned. She grabbed the door handle to leave the flat.

"Who are you?" Artoir said

"Why darling you of all people should know that. I am a maiden of blood, a blood masked maiden if you will."

She curled the edge of her lip to a sickening smile.

"But you can call me Maiden for short." The door slammed closed and left Artoir standing their contemplating what he had done.

= Chapter 21 =

"How much longer do we have to walk for?" the comments carried an almost whinging complaint.
"That’s the third time you have asked me that in the last five minutes. " Maiden took a deep breath in "Nearly there."
"But you said that last time."
"And I'll keep saying it every time you ask."
"Oh, you're no fun." Elfinlied perked up "I know lets play a game. Eye spy with my little eye..."
"A girl who is going to get a smack round the back of the head if you don't shut up." The response was stern, maybe a little too stern.
"Meenie. Not taking to you now."
"At last, peace and quiet."
The two walked down a single dirt track road. The night sky was clear and Elfinlied looked up at the constellations. The moon shauwn it's light intensely allowing them to see without the help of any aided illumination.
"Are we nearly there yet?"
If there was ever a time for justifiably homicide, Maiden felt she could quite easily claim it. She looked up over the black forest, the countering lighter black of the sky giving definitive lines and shapes to the tree line.
Only a quick cut through the trees and she would reach scyanide and hopefully get a few answers as to what was happening.
"Come on please tell me, are we nearly there yet?"

***

Mortis studied the map of the city, various pins of different colours noting the difference places that the Dark Brotherhood as been last seen. He was pleased with the last battle knowing that several members of his opposition had been given their final rest.
He allowed his dark hair to flow over his useless eye. He would need to wait for the recon team to return before another strike could be orchestrated.
A slender young lady walked into the plain grey room of the two-story building that housed the main operation for the Brotherhood of Steel.
"Eve? What can I do for you?"
Eve took another steep forward allowing her dark brown hair to fall over her shoulders. She gazed at her this man with her deep brown eyes, not as someone how was in love with this man, more of a fatherly look. She had known Mortis for longer then she care to remember, she had brought her up and taught her the street smarts that allowed her to survive.
In return she had been not only a loyal follower, she has been Mortis confidant and general for the field troops, her prowess in battle was second to none.
"We may have a problem." She said
"Go on?"
"The Brotherhood have vanished off any of our radars, none of the recon teams could find them.”
"None of them?"
"No sir."
"Then that isn't a problem - it's a blessing, it means we have finally rid the world of the scumbag fanatics that have been causing us problems all these year. In fact this is great news, send word that the war is finally over."
Eve stared at Mortis, he wasn't usually this jovial, nor was she convinced that this war had truly ended.
"Mortis..." Her words where cut short as the main gate of some of the brickwork wall surrounding the compound exploded inwards.

***

Raziel shook his head to try and clear the blurred vision caused by the tazer, he was still groggy, he could remember the fire fight with Diablo and then Viona stabbing him in the back, he twisted face full of hatred, but why? He didn't know, he had done nothing to her in fact the only connection between the two was a pimp buy the name of shade.
He raised his hand to clear his eyes, only he couldn't, his arms where bound by his side, feeling started to flow back into his body, his vision started to return, the grey blur in front of him was actually cold grey stone, the grouting between the stone slowly fading away through the eons of time.
As well as his arms, his legs and upper torso were bound. He found himself on an upright table; a small window to his right gave a small amount of illumination from the moon.
"You're awake, good."
Raziel knew the voice "Diablo, what the hell."
"Oh come now, you should thank that hoare of a companion for putting you in the state your in."
"Indeed, I really need to thank her properly for that."
"Sorry, I already did that."
"Seems you're taking the credit again for something someone else did."
"Maybe, but what’s even funnier is that she zapped you and you didn't even do anything. Same old you, tell someone the cold hearted truth rather then the full tale." Diablo smiled and walked into the moonlight revealing himself. "Did you know that she actually thought you killed her father?"
Raziel look at him coldly and allowed him to continue, not that he really had another choice.
"You see my dear nemesis, if you had told her the tale of your plight rather then you where given a mission to kill someone, if you had actually gave the full history, I'm sure I would still be in your apartment with a bullet between my eyes."
"Yeah, shame, why don't you let me go so I can amend that."
Diablo laughed "Funny, that was actually really funny, I didn't know you actually had a sense of humour."
"Regular bag of laughs me, so you gonna actually put me out of my misery, or am I gonna be bored to death by your voice, either way get it over with quickly please, I really do not know how much more of this I can take."
Diablo's fist connected with Raziel's mouth.
"Damn that felt good, lets try that again."
Another fist connected breaking the skin on his lip. Diablo watched as blood started to flow down Raziel's chin.
"You and I are gonna have some fun, you're not gonna die by my hand, trust me on that. Like I said before, I have to give you to Patris."
The sick grin returned "But he didn't said that you where to be given to him untouched."
Diablo drew one of his sawed-off's flipped the gun so he held the barrel and swung.

***

The darkened sky was lit by a flash of red and orange followed quickly by a large explosion. Maiden felt the shockwave of the blast push her back slightly. Over the top of the trees flames and smoke could be seen.
Maiden cursed as she knew this location, with the Bloody Kingdom's base of operation and at the minute looked like it had been destroyed.
The two picked up their pace, turned direction and headed straight into the forest. The light from the blaze allowed for them to see where they needed to be. It would only be a short cut though and Maiden really hoped that she was wrong.
The two-story barn was completely ablaze, the outside timber frame had either been blown or burnt away leaving exposed the core beams. These wouldn't hold long. Bodies littered the area and Maiden took a quick head count.
Fifteen and Scyanide was nowhere to been seen in amoungst this flaming carnage.
"Shit, looks like were too late. I didn't think anyone would bother with these guys, not exactly you biggest pain in the arses. Take a look around and I hope I don't need to remind you to be careful.

***

Raziel clenched his teeth as the burning metal stake was removed from his shoulder. He wanted to shout, give off some emotion of agony, but this would only let Diablo know that we was succeeding in his torture.
Diablo happily whistled to himself as he pulled another burning rod, this time from his opponent’s leg. He watched to see his reaction, nothing.
"Come on Raziel, give me something to work with, a little flicker of pain; maybe even a small smile to know that I bested you."
"Really, I though Viona got the better of me, if I recall I had the gun at your head."
Diablo ripped a third rod sideways from his mid section. Blood flowed out from the wound.
"Oh dear, look what you made me do, now that wasn't suppose to happen, can't have you dying on me know, can I?"
He threw the rod over to one side and picked up an acetylene torch. Diablo flicked the gas on and gave that evil haunting smile. Reaching into his pocket he revealed a small lighter.
"Just so you know, this might hurt a little bit." And flicked the flint on the lighter, causing a flame to ignite. He held of the naked flame to the torch and the torch ignited a blazing blue fireball, before settling to a blue jet of roaring flame.
"Actually." Diablo yelled over the roar. "This might hurt a hell of a lot and God I hope it does."
The tip of the flame connected with Raziel bloody skin. He finally gave in and screamed in pain.
All Diablo could do was smile.

***

Gunfire echoed round the courtyard, Mortis glanced out the window at the on coming onslaught. Twenty, maybe even thirty men poured in, they wore dark green suits of Kevlar body armour, most came equipped with either two Beretta’s or hunting rifles. He watched as his men and women engaged the enemy with great speed and precision. The enemy taking bullet wounds, stab wounds and slashings. Mortis always maintained that humans where good for two things, food and fodder. Something didn't add up to him though and then it clicked.
These where shock troops, army drafted, but only one man had control of these people - Patris. Why would he make a move against the Brotherhood, it made no sense? Patris would have to know that his troops would fall against a clan full of vampires. Mortis controlled the East sector and he found it more then annoying to understand that someone had come to relieve him of that position.
The battle raged for a few more minutes, the shock troops trying to push their way through the main gate. More then fifteen had met their final fate. Another wave pushed through, however, this wave contained people that took Mortis by surprise.
It was the Dark Brotherhood.

***

Maiden look deeply disturbed, she had found Scyanide, and she was strapped to a large wooden cross. She hardly reconnonised her old associate, most of her once long jet black hair looked to have ripped out. One of her eyes had been gouged; she looked at the ground not wanting to see what further tortured this vampire had endured.
On the ground lay a large screwdriver, it's metallic rod came to a point at the end showing that it was a flat head screwdriver. Blood was encrusted from the tip up to the top of the yellow handle.
Maiden forced herself to once again look at Scyanide and realised that this weapon is what tore out her eyeball. Blood had dried on Scyanide's cracked and split lips and she noticed that his had run down to her fractured jaw.
Her body suffered the shame sort of trauma. Maiden could tell that her chest was slightly concave, suggesting that all of her ribs had been shattered, a part of her dark clothing stuck to the stuck to the side where her abdomen should have been. Blood was still dripping from the bottom of the shirt.
Maiden followed Scyanide's cut and bruised arms and hands. Two of her fingers had been cut off; the other had been bent backwards and broken.
Maiden closed her eyes not wanting to look at her anymore, the sight was just too horrific, she had too many questions to ask and no answers, the main one being who had done this.
"Maiden..."
Maiden opened her eyes, her name was called almost as a whisper, and she looked at Scyanide. She saw her mouth open again.
"Maiden... Sorry..."
Maiden grabbed on of her knives and slit the ropes binding her to the cross. She fell and Maiden grabbed her on the way. The two collapsed on the ground and Maiden held her in her arms.
"Shh. Kept quiet. I'll get you some help."
"No...I'm...Already..." She coughed slightly and fresh blood appeared from the edge of her mouth. "Dead..."
"Don't be silly, you'll be fine."
"No..." her voice was faint almost non-existent. "I'm...Gone..."
"Who did this?" Maiden decided to change tact.
Another cough followed by more blood. "Brotherhood... Patris... Raziel..." Her eyes closed.
"Stay with me!"
Scyanide re-opened her eyes.
"What does Raziel have to do with this?"
"Everything... Need... Flat...They...Know..."
"What do you mean? I don't understand."
"Save...Brother... Steel...Mor...tis...Danger."
Maiden could feel Scyanide starting to slip but Maiden how had an idea who was being the initial attack, she still didn't know why, but she did know she had to get back to Raziel and warn him he was in danger.
Scyanide raised her hand and grabbed Maiden round the front of her dress and began to pull Maiden towards her. She raised her hand slightly trying to whisper something in her ear.
Maiden looked at her with a sympathetic look as Scyanide lost all her strength.
"I can't..." She paused for breath "You'll be fine."
For the first time since she met Scyanide she saw he give what could almost resemble a smile. She had accepted her fate. "Please... I... Sun... Live...Burn...No... Please...No..."
Scyanide's hand dropped to the ground, her hand almost pointing, Maiden looked across and saw Scyanides' Magnum lying on the ground.
"Please...Please..." Her voice had changed it she was nearly begging Maiden. Maiden proper her up against the wooden cross and then stood up and walked over to the Magnum. Picking it up she pondered whether she was going the right thing. She didn't want to leave Scyanide to the Sun, having your skin slowly burn you to death was more torture then she had already endured. Perhaps her fallen comrade wasn't asking for too much after all.
She walked back over to Scyanide and looked at her. What did she say, usually she never had any problems killing someone, why was this any different? She didn't have any answer, only more questions.
"It's...Ok...Do...It..."
"I'm sorry. I'll avenge you I promise."
"I...Know..."
Maiden pulled the trigger.

***

Vampires from the Dark Brotherhood started leaping over the shock troops; the combined force quickly took down the defence wall formed by the Brotherhood of Steel.
The twin tower turrets that housed the thirty-millimetre assault cannons that gave the main protection to the internal defences were quickly taken out with rocket grenades. The ensuring blast killing the two members loading them up for another barrage of bullets against the enemy.
Mortis could only watch helplessly as Eve refused to let him enter the battle saying that he was too well connected to be killed. She convinced him that everything would be fine and the Brotherhood could handle themselves in a fight. Reluctely he agreed with her and watched as Nix and Demandred where killed in the defence towers.
Illania was the next to fall as three shock troops and two members of the brotherhood singled her out as her went into for a full hand to hand assault, she was mowed how with relentless gunfire. Mortis said a small prayer for her.
The Brotherhood of steel started to re-take control from protected areas of the compound. Several members of the Dark Brotherhood where taken down by Makavelli and his AK-47.
The shock troops started to retreat, quickly followed by the remaining Dark Brotherhood members. The compound went eerily quiet for a few moments, followed by a loud cheer as the survivors of the onslaught celebrated their victory.
Mortis crossed his arms and smiled in confidence his brethren has banded together and defended their home like he taught them. He would lay his dead to rest and offer a prayer for their souls. It was times like this he wished that Artoir were here. He enjoyed his council and his faith in what Artoir called the almightily. But he was off somewhere in Eastern Europe trying to 'find himself'.
One of the new recruits, a young man named Erebes stood in the middle of the courtyard. "I love this place. We are invincible. Together no one stop us."
His screams of joy so turned to scream of pain and anguish and suddenly as he was filed full of holes, his body become a pincushion for the torrent of bullets that impacted him. Blood dispersed in all direction. When the bullets finally stop firing the young recruit fell to the ground, unrecognisable.
Mortis stayed silent, there was no hand held weapon that could cause that damage, the only thing he had ever heard off what the stuff of legends, and this creature didn't exist.
A loud roar emanated from the gate and slowly started to walk in. Mortis's fears were soon confirmed. A mutant of legends, a genetic experiment gone wrong. This creature didn't have a name; it had a code, what its makers labelled it before it slaughtered them. It's code - XR-12yv.
The rest of the members opened fire; the shell just seemed to bounce off hits hard green grey leathery scales. The creature returned fire from hit two fifty millimetre miniguns attached to it shoulders. The bullets stopped and the cannon whirred around for a minute to cool the cambers down from it maximum temperature of three thousand degrees.
After the first volley both Phenom and Lako had perished, sustaining bullet wounds to the face and chest. Each bullet ripping three-inch holes through the flesh and bone of hit victim.
Mortis stood from his window and watched as more of his men where mowed down. He desperately wanted to get involved and help them, but then, he would have to get though Eve and she would only remind of him of his duties to not only to the clan but to the Council as well. This also explained why the shock troops and the Dark Brotherhood moved out. The XR-12yv could not be controlled, once let loose it had one objective, kill anything around it. Should any of the assailants be in the vicinity when this thing was near, it would tear them to sheds as well.
Mortis was too deep in thought to realise that the creature has spread another volley of bullets, this time in his direction. Eve grabbed his and threw him to the floor. He felt her land next to him; he looked over to her and his eyes widened in horror. Her head had been torn from her body by the force of bullets. Blood flowed from the neck and started to pool round Mortis face.
Mortis let out a scream of rage, enough pussy footing, it was time to end things. He looked at her corpse once again and whispered a prayer for her soul and ran towards to the armoury that was located two floors down, in the basement.
Mortis could hear the screams of his followers, as the mutant seemed to ploughs it's way though. The XR-12yv wasn't the fastest moving object, its short stocky legs could only carry it so fast, and its long tail also allowed it stability from the recoil of the miniguns.
Mortis reached the staircase; a smashed window allowed him a quick glance as to the status of his men. He could see Makavelli still holding strong, firing round upon round from his AK 47. He could also see the bodies of some of his closest generals, people he had come to rely on should his life need be. Sparkx, Kherat, Daniel and Vlade all lay slain.
He heard a scream come from one of the buildings; it was his second in command, Blodsugare. Mortis couldn't see any guns on him, all that was strapped to his back was a katana and he could also see a pair of thunderfists attached to his wrists. Mortis couldn't believe it, Blodsugare was going to take this thing on hand-to-hand, and he had to marvel at his courage.
Blodsugare slid under the barrage intended to take him out, he drove his fist into the gut of the creature, he penetrated he scale armour and drew blood. He ripped the weapon from the creature’s body, blue blood oozed from the wound. He howled in a scream of pain and swung his minigun like a club. The swing connected hit Blodsugare's face and sent him spiralling across the dirt.
Again the creature opened fire, Blodsugare dived and rolled out of the way of the volley and ran in again, this time he managed to connect two swings and an uppercut, more blood flew and more holes appeared him the creatures flesh. The final uppercut however, broke the blades to his thunderfist.
Another swing of the creature’s huge arms and another connection, this time in the mid-section, Blodsugare flew through the air and hit the ground hard. He pulled himself up and rolled quickly to the left to avoid another barrage of bullets. Pulling the Katana from his back, Blodsugare attacked again, this time ramming the blade into one of the miniguns. A large spark followed and the gun whirred for a couple of seconds and then stopped.
Pulling the Katana from the minigun, Blodsugare hit the creature with another strike across the chest and a further strike in the creature's leg. Blodsugare had the advantage and came back round for a final attack.
The creature threw it's arm round in a downward arc looking to split the skull of hid adversary, however Blodsugare manage to easily evade the blow, he however didn't see the long jagged tail come round and hit him of the side of the head.
Blodsugare's body hit the ground even harder then before, Mortis watch as a small object rolled his way and come to lay still; it was Blodsugare's head. The XR-12yv took pleasure in pumping the dead corpse with a torrent of bullets.
Mortis couldn't believe what he had been, he had seen Blodsugare run to the marshlands and take out an Aranche single handedly. He couldn't believe he would be gone. Anther member Mortis would swear to avenge.
Mortis bursted through the double doors that led to the basement, he charged down the long corridor and stopped outside another set of double doors. This set however was at least ten inches thick and make of solid steel. A retinal scan and fingerprint was needed to open the door.
The double doors opened and Mortis walked inside, he was greeting with row upon rows of steel shelves, on each shelf were all sorts of weaponry. Mortis was quick to grab two grenade launchers, two Uzi nine millimetres, two MPK5's and an assault rifle. Mortis felt it was time to show people once again why he was in charge of this troupe.
He charged back through the armoury door, back up the stairs and out into the courtyard where the XR-12yv stood waiting. Mortis could smell the stench of blood and could see the bodies of his clan mates. The XR-12yv turned to face his new rival; so far none had bested him.
Mortis ran toward the evil abomination a full speed; he spun in the air, dodging though spray of bullets. Whipping out the two grenade launchers, he pulled the triggers. The grades bounced near the XR-12yv and exploded. The creatures reeled back and countered with another hail of bullets.
Mortis rolled on the ground to avoid the same fate as most of his comrades. Holstering to grade launchers, he pulled round the Assault rifle and opened fire. Most of the bullets bounced off its hide, some entered the creature from the previous wound that Blodsugare had inflicted, it cried out in pain.
Mortis saw the creature’s weakness and was going to make sure that he took full advantage of the situation. He threw the Assault rifle to the ground and brought both the grenade launchers back round. Mortis kicked off a large metal box and flipped though the air, again avoiding another storm of ammunition.
Mortis came into close combat with the monster, the XR-12yv, raised its arm to crush Mortis, he jumped out of the way and rammed his launchers into the wound of the creature.
Mortis starred it straight into the eyes. "Blow this mother fucker!" and pulled the triggers. Mortis ran for cover and slid legs first behind a large metal create as the grenades exploded. Mortis heard the minigun land right next to him. Looking at the creature, all that was left was a tail and a pair of legs; the rest of it was been torn to pieces from the blast. Blue blood now covering most of the forecourt.
Mortis panted with exhaustion and looked at the surrounding to his home, bodies were everywhere, he was able to count all of them... all of them except one, Tiger-Claw.
"Why can't you just die like the rest of your clan?" A harsh deep voice called out to him.
"Tiger-Claw why? Why all this?"
"Why? Oh that’s simple, Lysandra asked me to, for years I have had to listen to your crap about a peaceful solution to this world, there is no peace in this place and it will never happen, the sooner you learn that the better, which for you will be about thirty seconds.
Tiger-Claw pulled a shotgun round and pointed it at Mortis's head. "Just think you did all this for nothing."
Mortis closed his eyes and waited for the sound of the shot-gun to end his life, all that work for nothing, it wasn't all bad, he would at least be with his clan.
Mortis heard a shot, but not that of a shot-gun, it was far too quiet for that, he opened his eyes to find Tiger-Claw standing in front of him, the front of his face had disappeared and all that remained was a gapping hole.
"You need to be more careful my friend." Mortis instantly recognised the American-Eastern European accent.
Mortis called back out across the courtyard "Artoir, your times in impeccable as always."
Artoir flipped his sniper rifle over his shoulder and walked to wards his friend that he had know more nearly eighty years. "Well, It might have helped if I had managed to get here earlier, I might have been able to save a few more people."
Mortis didn't really have an answer for that, Artoir and Mortis shook hands and decided best to go inside and talk about what had happened over the course of the last twelve months.

***

Raziel strained to opens his battered eyes and look out the window. The moon was in full shine, it's beams shinny dully on Raziel's face. For the first time in over seven hundred years, Raziel wished he could see the sun, feel its warmth and glow. That was something that would never happen, to see the sun would bring about an agonising painful death.
Being locked up for with the good possibility of never seeing the light of night on his own terms allowed him to reflect on his past.
He recalled the fact that he was on death's doorstep when he was turned; he never knew who she was, nor anything about her, absolutely nothing. It kind of saddened Raziel. Something that should have been so important in his life and he couldn't remember.
He reflected on the women in his life, he remember the blonde from the renaissance age, an inspired life model, he ended up learning how to paint for her, he was useless at it, but she somehow had the work look beautiful, and yet he never told her. She always made her smile, but never showed it. Was he so dead inside that he lost the ability to even give the simplest of feelings?
The words stuck in him, the fact that we had devoid of anything, not even hatred or anger, he scrapped that last though, he had hatred and anger, hatred towards Patris for pushing into this position, anger to himself for allowing it happen.
He even wanted to feel a seething hatred toward Viona and Diablo, but again there was nothing. Viona was only acting on impulse, not know the full fact and still being young corrupted her mind to thinking that he was her target and Diablo... Diablo was only following orders, a puppet for Patris. He still had to wonder though; who was playing whom?
His mind wandered back into the past, this time he remember the dark haired beauty singer from the nineteen thirties, he remembered the deep red dress she wore and the way it swayed against her hips as she moved. Her hair long hair bunched into a bun and her emerald green eyes... He smiled at himself, she was lovely, a fiery little character, actually it reminded him of Maiden in some respects.
Reality once again had to remind him of the fact that his singer left him to the lack of emotion he didn't show. She said he was heartless and that he would remain alone until he found away to over come his 'issues'.
Then there was Maiden; he found it hard to believe that she travelled with him for eleven years. He found her easier to deal with; there was no feelings, both vampiric creatures of the night. They travelled the world and seemed to enjoy each other company.
Raziel always felt that him and Maiden where like an old married couple in the end, all they seemed to do was argue, mainly about him, he had grown darker and more reserved, he slowly stopped trying to feel. He wished he knew why, but only came across more questions rather then answers.
He was alone, and had been for nearly five hundred years, he had been with people, but never really 'with' them, it hurt to thing that after all this time all the people he knew, no one would come for him and he would end up dying to some megalomaniac with a power ego trip and no one could come to save him.
Raziel looked at the moon and for the first time cursed at it for making him what he was. He wished in some degree he had died all those years ago. Maybe Diablo would do him a favour, then again, being put though his torchurable way would be unbearable and Raziel knew he would have to endure it again shortly.
Maybe it was time for a change, if he got though this, he promised to make a change and he would start by clearing the air with an adversary, no, not adversary, a woman that he had deeply hurt when he just got up and walked away in the early hours of the morning, leaving her in bed, expecting him to come home.
The Door to his cell open and Diablo walked in, still holding that same cheesy grin.
"Ah Raziel I see you are awake. Are you ready for round two?"

= Chapter 22 =

Lysandra scanned the ballroom room of her nineteenth century mansion. The intricate decrotive alcoving had been restored with pin point accurancy. Something Le Stat enjoyed doing even if it did take nearly eighty years to finish this this one room.

The twins acquired this location shortly after the first atomic blast back in the early part of the twenty first century. The Mansion was externally was in good shape. A few holes here and there and only the back corner of the building had collpsed. Luckly for the twins they had been brought up to be able to fix such minor details.

Lysandra still retained the knowledge that her father had taught her, not to mention a few trick she herself picked up along the way. Bricks where not really a problem, these could be found lying around in vast quantities. The mortar to hold them together was a lot more difficult. As Mortar was a man made substance it would require heavy machinery to able to operate them. This was the problem the twins faced; Most of the machines in the city had been vaporised in the blast.

This was overcome with Lysandra's sheer intellegnce and ingiunity. Limestone could be easily crushed down, mixed with water and turned into a paste. Le Stat had the brute strength when needed and Lysandra was able to uncover in the old city a doctor's surgery that had fake hair. A little courser then real hair, it almost minicked that of horsehair. Horsehair would have been Lysandra's perferred binding agent, but this woud have to make do.

Lysandra again gazed upon Le Stat handywork. She hay have been his sister and had to be impressed. But if truth was to be told, she really genuinly loved what he had done. The mansion took nearly two handred year to finish. But in the end it was worth it.

Lysandra's thoughts where disrupted by the sight of one of her clan members. Dressed in a tight light black near see though top and a pair of leather trousers with high heeled knee high boots. Auriga was in her typical assassin's gear. Her long sniper rifle was thrown over her shoulder with one hand, in the other, a young man of no more then seventeen.

"What the hell?"

Auriga turned an faced her boss. "What? We all got bored waiting for you here, you been gone for two days and do I also still need to remind you of your responsibility to this clan?"

Lysandra looked at the trail of blood that followed Auriga's play toy now dripping blood from the gapping hole in it's chest. No doubt to be used as a new target practise devise.

Auriga looped her neck lenght dark brown hair over one of her ears. There where no words passed between each other. Auriga knew that Lysandra was pretty pissed off with her for leaving the mansion when she should have be training to the other members in the art of warfair. However the same could be said for Lysandra.

Dropping the matter to one of those things. She allowed Aruiga to be one her way. Her cold dark eyes trying to figure her trusted general out.

Too much shit had happened over the pased two days for lysandra too take in and she did not want her own clan members to go against her.

***

Artoir sat on a piece of fallen wall kicking his feet back and forth like a little school boy. He looked around to take in the damage that was caused by the Dark Brotherhood and Patris's shock troop.

He felt an a sadness, not only to the place he once called home, but also a sadness to his friend how had lost everything he had ever know. His family as he would call it.

Artoir listened as Mortis spoke about the battle that had occured. The valient fight his clan members put up to stop the infernal Dark Brotherhood. The single handed fight that Blodsugare had attempted against the abomination that was the VR-12Xv. Even though he paid for it with his life. The double crossing of Tiger Claw, One of his most trusted generals.

Artoir listened with great intergatiy only offering a few words when the time was right. The most heart felt was the sacrifice of Eve. Giving her life to save Mortis's. A lady that Mortis raised from a young fledliging when she had been turned into one of the creatures of the darkness.

Mortis turned to his old friend and looked at him. He wanted to say something, anything to take his off his mind of the massacre that had just occured. The only he could feel ws a deep burning hatred for the Dark Brotherhood. But that was nothing new he had always loathed and despised them.

In fact the war had lasted so long Mortis had actually forgot what started the conflict. All he knew was that he wanted then dead. All of them. However Mortis felt a new feeling, it was still hatred, but this a seething hatred, a wanting to kill, main and murder. This feeling made his blood boil. And this feeling was not aimed at the Dark Brotherhood. No. This was aimed at the man or orchristraited this.

Patris.

***

Maiden wasn't really in a talking mood, even after she warned Elfinlied to shut her mouth on more then one occation. She felft snappy and angry. She didn't mean to take it out on her friend, but still found that she did it anyway. It was one of those thing wrog place wrong time moment.

Elfinlied on her part for once listened to her friend and stayed quiet, however felt the need to hold Maiden's hand as though the pair of them needed extra support.

She understood that puttng a bullet into an old acquintance could not be easy, but Elfinlied couldn't understand why Maiden was so upset about it. Afterall, she did Scyanide a favour, otherwise it would be a slow and painful death at the hands of the sun. Elfinlied shuddered at that thought. To slowly be cooked alive. Actually being able to watch your skin burn and your flesh deteriorate and then fall off. Elfinlied shook her head and tried to forget all thoughts about it.

The two passed the iner limit city sign and Maiden took another glance back at the light glow eminating over the tree. The flames would still be gone by the morning no doubt and with it all knowledge that the Bloody Kingdom and those she knew within it where gone forever.

Maiden was a bit surprised at how much she cared for that clan or more importanly how much she cared for Scyanide. She couldn't have met her more then a dozen times and each time she acted more as a referee to stop Raziel and Scyanide from tearing each other apart and yet for all their arguing she missed it.

They were simpler times. There was never a need to duck and run for cover. No back stabbing, no being hunted by people you had no idea who they were or in fact if you were the intended target.

Maiden looked up at the buildings. A few hundred years ago these buildings would have been occupied. She would have been able to hear the laughing of school children in the streets. The car honking their horns at each other. Now... Now there eas only silence. The building in this section of town were in ruin and disrepair.

The city officals desided that there was no need to re-built the south sector as there were plenty of homes in the other three. This saddened Maiden. This entire area left to waste. Left to the crackheads and lowlifes of society. This would soon change as they entered the East sector and meet back up with Raziel and the others.

***

"Patris, good new." Icon's voice rang clear in his head "Diablo had managed to capture Raziel. He's holding up about twenty miles east of the city in the Branendel Castle. He says he waiting but will not wait long for you to deliver your end of the bargain."

"Excellent. Finally some decent news." Patris stood up from his chair and peered out of his window and over his city. The flickering light breaking the perpetual darkness that overshadowed the west end.

He contemplated his soon to be new found power. What would he do first? He managed to wipe out the brotherhood of steel. Even though this broke a good business deal it was a necessity. He could have Mortis suppling weapons to the very people he was trying to kill. Also Patris was bored of it.

The next step would be the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood. They had proven useful to Patris in the past and like lap dogs, they were always loyal to him. However with this obnipitent power he would have very little need for them and they could pose a problem later on.

"Icon?"

"What?"

"When I raze this infernal shit hole to the ground, enslave it's people and re-build the city in my image. Is there anything you want?"

The question confused Icon, he knew nothing about Patris wanting to destroy the city. Could his friend be losing it? "I'm not sure, why?"

"Why?... Why? That easy, I still need generals to run this city. You know ... People I can trust. People who won't stab me in the back. I want people who look up to me and think there is a god I can come to love."

Icon stood stunned. He didn't know what Patris was saying, in fact he was starting to doubt his sanity. The overwelming power that Patris would control. Would he be safe?

Partis continued. "I know my friend, that stuned look in your eye, you're in awestruck of my glorius plan. But you have to wait cause the best it yet to come. Anyhow come Icon we must make haste. There is no telling what that overactive egomaniac of a hunter will do to our cargo should we leave him to long."

He slapped Icon hard of the back and walked out of the room with a slight bounce to his step. Icon followed slowly behind wondering what he was going to get himself into.

***

"Holy Shit!" Fregillion blurted out. They stood in amazement to the caraged that had been laid down in front of them. Blood had now seaped across most of the granite tiled floor and was pooling in small resivoirs. Bullet holes shattered the marble tiles behind receiption and tore chucks of farbic from the leather seats.

"What the hell...?" Fregillion then remembered thereason for being here "Shit Raziel!"

The two ran towrad the elevator jumping over any dead bodies that might stand in their way. They reached the elevator and was met by wires and pulley strew accross the ground.

"Looks like the elevator's out of action. Quickly the stairs." Fregillion called out to his friend who nodded with out saying a sound.

The double doors slammed open as Fregillion and Flash charged up the flight of stairs toward level eleven. Towards Raziel's Flat and towards any futher carnage that might meet them.

Fregillion could help but think the worst. Raziel had been killed or captured and killed or captured left out to the sun and killed. Either way all of his thoughts revolved around Raziel and some kind of death.

The passed level seven.

Flash kept his mind blank, or at least he tried to. He kept casing his mind back though the last six moths and all the thing that had happened. Starting with the death of his partner at the hands of Lysandra. Once again Flash felt that burning rage. Once again that reason for pushing himself through the pain was with him. Once again...

His thoughts where cut short as Fregillion shouted in concerning surprise "Viona! Oh Shit." He flew up the stairs and collapsed next to her.

Viona was laying face down, the blood has pooled from her mouth, tangling in her blonde hair and starting to slowly dribble down the concrete staircase. Her right arm had twisted and broken. Fregillion lay his hand over her mouth. She was still breathing.

"Flash! Get over here quick!"

Flash legged it up the remaining flights of stairs and gazed at the bloody mess of the young blonde. He looked at the various cuts, grazes and gashes across her face, her white shirt partly charred around the bottom. Her leather boots has been ripped and torn. Flash also noticed small holes in the back of the t-shirt.

"She been shot and more then once bu the looks of it. Damn it man we need to help her now." Flash had never really shown any kind of concern over the past months, but something inside wanted him to care for her.

Fregillion just nooded and motioned to Flash to help. Fregillion gently turned Viona over. "Aw shit man. Who the fuck did this to you girl." He muttered.

Flash slid one hand under her neck and the other under the knees and gently picked her up. Flash's muscles flexed slightly under her light weight and for the first time Fregillion got to the see just how much damage he felt Flash could really do if he wanted to.

"Where to?"

"Level 11. Raziel flat should be at the end of the corridor."

He looked up to the floor level and noted the slight debris on the concrete stair. He looked back and Flash and Viona. Her white shirt dried stained a deep maroon. Her flesh exposed underneath, she had nearly healed. Luckilly enough for her she was still alive and needed to regain strength. Who ever did this was not that interested in her.

'Damn it Raziel you had better still be alive.' With that final thought he continued to walk up the stairs with Flash and Viona in tow.

***

The soft tone of classical music span round the room. The octive of the notes rising and falling through the piece. The man pictured the notes as people dancing a slow waltz, twisting and turning. Embraced in a lullibye of pure bliss.

The music allow him to escape the world to which he hated. The ignorance of the every day person sickened him. He could never understand why the people of this world could not open their eyes to the horrors that behold them. Was it that they wanted to remain blind to this image? He wans't sure.

He threw another log onto the fire that was encased in the large stone surround. The gentle flame licking around the glowing embers releasing it's warn onto the large oak panelled sitting room.

He sat in a deep red leather clair. Brass clips help the stretched material in place and the deep mahogany wood inished off the vaneer. The chair was dated circa eighteenth century. A real classic costing him over three million logo to buy. Hard earned savings and well worth the money.

The music stopped and the man looked over to the machine producing the music. He stood up and walked over to the black cased machine. Button and symbols littered the top of the devise. He pressed a botton and the front opened. He took out the a disc and replaced it with another one.

Pressing play on the disc player, he stood and listened again to the symphony that echo around him. Soon it would be time to re-enter the world he despised. He looked out of the double length windows at the black rolling meadows. The large full moon illuninated the countryside and he could still hear the lapping of the ocean and in the distance he could make out the Ridge Valley Cliffs.

Walking back to the fire the man expelled a deep breath. reaching to ward the fire he pulled out three red hot firery pokers. The time had once again come to show the evil in this world why he was to be fear. Why he was the earths savior to these abominations.

He placed his hand on the top of a locked and chained desk. Inside stood the only known copy of the Sanguine Codex. It was something he treasured for the last thirty one years.

The man kissed his hand and placed it against his forehead and offered a prayer for the crimes against god that he must commit. He concidered himself a holy warrior. The last real hunter alive.

With pokers in hand Diablo turned from the fire and away from the music and headed back to resume his purfication on the vampire that inspired him. It was time once again to meet with Raziel.

Maybe this time he could convince him that the path to god was the only true path.

***

"Good News Sis I've heard from our scout team and they have confirmed that Raziel has indeed been captured by Diablo. Patris is enroute and should be taking him shortly."

Lysandra glanced over to his brother. He blonde hair still ruffled and bedrangled. She wanted to smile but for some reason she felt more sadness then anything.

Like coming to the end of a good book that you couldn't put down. In her heart she never really thought that Diablo could catch Raziel. She wanted the final showdown with him. She had admired Raziel for years. It was lust but not in a sexual way.

"What's wrong Sis? I thought that you would be happy. We get paid. Whatever debt you had will now be called off. Everyones a winner."

"Maybe... Yeah. I suppose your right."

"You don't sound convinced?"

"Oh god no. Don't get me wrong I'm gald this fewd will be over. I have never liked having Patris having a handle over me. In fact I have never liked owing anyone anything. I have survived this long on my own..." She looked at her brother who just frowned at her. "Present company included. I... We have never needed to rely on help so yeah I am glad."

"Are you sure?"

Lysandra knew he was pressing. Somethig he did really well, in fact a little too well. He always knew which buttons to press and get a responce out of her and once again he was appling this trade. It never failed.

"Yeah I am glad..." Doubt started to set in "I am glad..." Again more doubt. "I...I... Oh fuck it! God damn you Le Stat I had nearly convinced myself and again you had to push. Now I'm not alright with it It's pissing me off that Diablo managed to catch him. I have been following the trail of that Vampire for nearly five hundred years. Everytime we have crossed paths in the past I have always wondered when we would next meet and it's annoying the hell out of me. Icould be the one to kill him not some poxy human that thinks he's some god and certainly not Patris who is an over demented, over egotistical, stuck up asshole!!!"

"Feel better?"

"No." It came with a five year old pout. She still didn;t like the idea that she was not the one to finish off Raziel but getting it off her chest helped.

"I have an idea Sis. After this is over lets get out of here for good. Somewhere warm or cultured. I was thinking India or maybe Tibet. I hear the Everest is looking wonderful this time of year."

'To get away from it all for a few hundred years might be a welcome change' The thought entered her mind and she knew Le Stat was right. Once Raziel was dead her passion for him would be leave her a little empty.

She needed a new start and a new home. She would take the Family of Darkness with her.

As much as they strived on blood and carnage most of the time even they where looking a little haggarded and in need of rest. The battle for her was over and the debt repaid she could go on about her life and not worry anymore.

"Lysandra." A man appreared at the door way to the dinning room where Lysandra and Le Stat sat. He was five ten not overly muscular, Lysandra always thought of him as toned more then anything else. The dark brown skin mixed with his brown and beige combats and contrasted agaist his bright white t-shirt.

He has served as a marine in the golf war that took place in the late twentyth Century. He was turned by the mayor's daughter in one of the small towns outside Bagdad and was anounced MIA on the offical report.

He had served Lysandra faithfully now for more then eightly years and also came to took apon the twins as his closet friend and ally.

"Whats up Nemazis?"

Namazis was this man's human name, one that was not used by anyone except the twins nor did he allow anyone except for the twin to call him that; to everyone else that met him he's purely know as Deathjam or DJ for short.

"Just had a runner arrive with an envelope for you. Wouldn't say what it was about handed this to me turned around got back into the car and drove off."

He handed the envelope to Lysandra. She ran her long purple nails accross the top ripping the paper open in the process. She pulled the letter out and read it to herself. There where only a few words written.

'You failed in you the one job that I gave you. You had a whole clan at your desposal and could not do that just one man managed.

Your debt to will is stil outstanding and there is nothing you can now do to ever break it. Try to run and I will make sure that you are hunted down and killed slowly and painfully under the light of the sun.

You now serve me

Patris.

Lysandra read the piece more then a dozen times. The words 'You know serve me' forever stuck in her head. It felt like someone took a branding iron and slammed it deep in her brain.

Slowly, she lowered the piece of paper and pushed it across to Le Stat for him to take a look at. Le Stat's reaction was a little less subtle.

"That cock sucking, muther fucking, shit pushing, low life piece of crap. Sis I think it's time we show that little fucking ego tripping arsehole why it is not wise to fuck with the family."

Lysandra could not into word any better the Le Stat. For once is crassness of the human language suited her feeling down her very core.

"Nemazis. Tell the Family to get ready. Partis will have to collect Raziel by car and if I remember correctly there is only one road in and one road out. We will place your forces on the Ridge Valley Cliffs and from there I plan to take down Patris once and for all."

A grin passed DJ's face. It had been a while since he saw the tides of battle and he needed some exercise to loosen the joints. "Of course. I'll tell Auriga and make sure all the necessaries are arranged."

With that final comment he turned and left the room. Leaving Lysandra and Le Stat to deal with the battle plans.

***

The vision of the Diablo burned into her mind. She could still remember the pain of the bullets entering her tiny body. Still rember the taste of blood from her mouth. The haunting laughter as the trigger was pulled again and again. She could remember the explosion of the rocket launcher and the debris tearing into her flesh. The collision with the wall.

Viona openned her eyes and bolted upright with a scream. She quickly looked around to find herself back in the her room. The single squeeky bed and the small dank window. The light from the neon sign casting it gentle light in the room.

She was back in the brothel. Raziel, Fregillion, everyone, had it been a dream? She looked around the room for any signs of blood, there was nothing. The furniture should have been broken, but was back to it's orginal form.

She always remembered from her mother that if you pinch yourself and it hurt it was not a dream and so she did just that.

"Ow." The reply was quiet and soft.

This had to be a dream. She looked down at her pale naked body and quickly openned the waredrob and threw on a tight white t-shirt and her tight jean shorts.

There came a knock at the door followed by a man in a white suit. Fear immiatly took hold of her. It was blaze.

"My lovely Viona is something wrong?"

"No Sir. I couldn't sleep."

"Thats ok I have someone downstairs who needs some company, as your up..." He glared up and down her body. "You might as well do some work for me. Have fun Viona I know you always do." With a slimey smirk on his face he slowly closed the door.

A few minute later Viona hear the footfall of a man approaching. Once again it would be time to put her 'talents' to use. The door was slowly pushed open and Viona let out a scream.

"Come on now Viona there is not need for that."

"How the fuck did you find me?"

"Not hard. You've been since you where fifteen and you really are just like your mother. The pair of you nothing more then a couple of hoares. Fucked by society for fun.

With that Diablo brought round her beretta and pulled the trigger.

Viona bolted up and Screamed. A strong pair of arms rapped around her telling her everything was ok. She reconnised the vioce. It was Fregillion.

"Shh... Come on Viona you need to rest ,come on lay back down." He lower her gently back onto the soft pillow. She looked at him and then turned away.

"I'm sorry."

"No need to be. Patris has an army at his desposal I'm sure there was nothing you could have done and by the state of you, I think they got more then they deserved."

Viona struggled to catch her voice, it seemed to rise and fall with each breath. "No..." Another tear fell. "There was just one man."

"One man?"

"His name is Diablo. A ruthless hate filled hunter. He has no feeling for anything as far as he cares if it's not human and it can walk and talk, then it needs to be eliminated."

Fregillion stroked his goatee, his two fingers meeting to the middle of his chin and repeated the process over and over. His mind was working out the name. He had heard it before but couldn't remember where. Then it hit him.

"Thats fucking impossible. I remember now. My sire told me about him. She said that if I was a naughty vampire and not naughty in a nice way then I would be thrown out for Diablo to deal with me. It can't be him. it's just a myth."

"No..." Viona turned her head to face Fregillion. She looked him straight in the eyes. "Diablo is real. He..." More tears fell. "I have nown him most of my life. He worked for the black hand as a sort of mercenary for higher along with Raziel. The two know each other. I..."

"Take it easy."

"No... We have to save Raziel. Diablo plans to give him over to Patris."

"But you just said..." He was cut short.

"Diablo works on the basis that the if you pay enought he will overlook certain things. Patris is paying him more money then even Diablo knows what to do with it."

"Who do you know all of this..."Fregillion looked like a light bulb had gone off in his brain." Diablo did this to you didn't he."

Viona nooded "He told me everything."

"Then why didn't Raziel do anything to stop him."

The final question as one too far and she burst out crying. "It was my fault. it was all my fault Raziel couldnt save me because..." She swalled hard. " I shot him with a tazer and took him down."

Fregillion looked at her in awe. A wave of dumbfoundedness spread over him. he wanted to know why but had a feeling that he would find out soon enough.

Viona continued through her guilt raked sobs. "I didn't know, I promise you I didn't know. When I killed Blaze - my pimp he had the word Raziel in his hands and when I questioned him about it he never denided it. In fact he had said he had done some work for him a while ago. I thought he was talking about my family. They where killed by the Black hand at the time Raziel was working for them. But..."

"He didn't kill them did he."

She shook her head in agreement. "He took out a hacker and Blaze had another job lined up for him if he was willing to accept. It was Diablo that killed my family. I shot Raziel and I didn;t even know the full fact."

Fregillion was stunned as was Flash who had walked in and heard everything. Neither really knew what to say. Fregillion was mad for the stupidity of this little girl, but could also at the same time simpatize with her.

Suddenly Viona bolted upright and grabbed Fregillion round the collar of his shirt. "Please believe me..." Her grip loosen. "Please... I'm sorry... I'm so so sorry."

"Stop blaming yourself; that man has a serious tendency to leave out half a conversation and leave you fitting piece to the puzzle that don't match the original picture."

The vioce was female and everyine looked over Flash to find Maiden and Elfinlied standing there.

"You're not the first person that he had not been completely open with, in fact I have had more scrapes because of that man then I care to remember. So save your tears. I will say you should have told us about rthis earlier. Raziel maybe many thing but even he had morals."

Vioan wiped the moisten residue away from her cheeks. For the first time she reallised that she was under the covers in a large kings size bed drapped in dark purple velvet sheets. The room was large. with dark green wallpaper and centuries old furniture worth a small fortune.

Maiden continued. "However we do need to get him back by the sound of things otherwise."

"I don't know what Patris whats but whatever it is. It can't be good. Diablo has a mansion past the Ridge Valley Cliffs. An old castle that he has lived in for a number of years. It was a run down place that he said had been gutted by a fire before the third world war. It was one of his masterpiece trophies."

"Branendel Castle." Fregillion piped up.

"You know this place?" The questions came with a surprise from Viona.

Fregillion nodded his head. "I started the fire that gutted the place nearly two hundred years ago. I was throwing one of my wild parties..."

.........

"There a shock." Elfinlied piped.

Fregillion let that one go. "The castle was my fathers. He was away on business and I threw a party there and one thing led to another and I was was high on drug and smashed on alcohol. I had four ladies all wanting me. And I wasn;t paying attention when I said I could cook profrssionally. Lets just say that brandy showing off in the living room near the draps and a naked flame do not mix well. Either way I caused so much damage to the house we had to leave."

"The Ridge Valley Cliffs are over twenty miles out side of town. We will need transport if we are to reach the place before sunrise"

Everyone looked at each other dumb founded. Flash had a truck but now had both a coolent and oil leak after hitting Fregillion with the truck.

The answer came from a unspected voice through from the destroyed living room. "I can sort that out."

Everyone turned to see what the answer came from. Two men stood infront of them. Fregillion smiled. Maiden gasped in disbelief.

With the back of an MPK5 held against his neck and a small smile of resolve on his face he had made his decision. He had something they wanted and needed help from them knowing he could not do it alone.

He looked at his friend who seemed to be staring at Maiden for reasns he did not know why.

The other man could not take his gaze off of Maiden. He knew her like a shadow from the past. He could not believe that she was still alive. Ususally someone with that much hatred for the world usually ended up dead.

His eupoean accent came though thick and clear. "Sarah?"

Everyone turned to Maiden. Waiting for an answer to this puzzleing question. It didn't take long. "Hello Artior. I would say it's nice to see you again, but I do believe the last time we met, you killed me."

"It was to save you from a live worse then death. Was I not wrong?"

"Perhaps. Maybe I would have taken my own life if you had not inferred. Then again I may have rised from the ashed like a Pheonix and taken control of my life again."

"I am sorry Sarah. May God forgive me."

"God wants nothing to do with us. How you can keep that pretense up after what you are?"

"Sarah..." He paused for a second. "We all have to pay for our sins."

"You believe in what you want." She turner her back to him, facing the wardrobe. What she said next came with a conviction. A true belief in her comment to Artior. "And I told you all those years ago, Sarah is dead. She died by your hand." She spun around and faced him again. "I told you then I will tell you know. I am purely know as Maiden and that is how you will address me."

"I'm still sorry for the pain I have caused."

Silence answered him as Maiden walked of towards Viona. Fregillion was next to pipe up. "Mortis! What the fuck brings you round here? Should you be looking over the Brotherhood of Steel? I know they told you to take a holiday. Get away from it all."

Artior was in the background behind mortis shaking his head vigerously trying to warn Fregillion to shut him mouth. It made no impact as Fregillion continued. "I know I know... They want to ged of you so they can throw a surpise party in your honour. In fact I'm sure..."

"Their dead..." Mortis replied somberly. "Everyone I know and care for. Murdered. I have no clan. The Brotherhood of Steel is no more."

If there was ever a time Fregillion wanted to disapprear into the darkness. Now was the time. Luckily for him Mortis still seemed to oversome by shock to really take it in. "Oh fuck man I am so sorry. Oh man fuck me and stupid mouth."

"Wow he finally admits he has a problem!" Another snipe by the spikey punk. Fregillion again let this go. Maybe he deserved it. He wasn't sure.

Mortis continued. "We were attacked by the Dark Brotherhood and Patris's shock troops. We held out for as long as we could and we seemed to be holding them back. But them..." He paused the reality of it all starting to set in. "A monster from hell appreared brought in from the wastelands I have never seen anything like it. I had heard throught the grapevine that these things existed but I never wanted to believe it."

He stopped to take a quick breath and watched as the faces of all those around linted intensly. "The creature seemed unstoppable. It tore throught my men and took round after round after round..." Once again Mortis seemed to enter that trance. He recalled the battle that took place with Blodsugare. The injury he inflicted and the final destruction of the monstrosity.

"After that I couldn't believe it. I found how we lost it all. One of my closest generals Tiger Claw, a man who had been with me for nearly ten years. Turns out he was actually working for Lysandra."

"Did he managed to get away then?" Elfinlied said.

"No. I made sure of that." The responce came from Artoir.

"Anyhow..." Mortis pushed in . "I decided to take down the person who started all of this. Patris. However I can't do it alone and I know you are looking to take him down. From what I understand he has managed to capture Raziel?"

The series of nods confirmed his questions. "Fine then we all have a working goal. I'll provide enought ammo and a set of wheels to get us to the Ridge Valley Cliffs. From there we proceed by foot. Enter the castle from the rear. I believe if my sources are right there is a hidden entrance?"

Fregillion nodded. "Leads to the cellar, from there we can make ou way thought pantry and into the kichen."

"Good. I would suggest splitting into two teams. One will track down and lay siege to Diablo and his forces. That force will be lead by me. Maiden will lead the other to rescue Raziel. Are we clear?"

Everyone nodden in agreement. "Then it is settle I would suggest meeting here in one hour and then we will make our way forward."

Without even hearing another comment Mortis motioned his hand at Artior to join him and the left the apartment.

All was silent, most of them taking in what had just occured. Seems like that traded one leader for another and this one had a taste for blood and revenge. But he would be their best chance at getting Raziel out alive and they all knew it.

Viona was the one to finally break the silence. "Guys if you don't mind. I need to get into something a little less charred."

One by one they left the room and headed to the living room. Maiden stood at the shattered window.

"Raziel you had better still be alive. If your not I promise to god I will kick you bony little ass into hades."

The illunination of the streets below gave off a gentle yet disturbing glow that Maiden had never noticed. Maybe the star from the night sky they saw enroute to Scyinide captivated her more then she though.

The moon tonight carried a faint hint of red as it cast it's light over the world below. Soon the blood moon would be upon them.

Maiden for the first time in her life gave a small prayer that they come out of this in one piece.

= Chapter 23 =

The young man wandered through the cobbled paving in-between the narrow alleyways. The tall three story houses showed signs of disrepair. The straw and mortar on the side of the roof was starting to deteriorate and the stone brickwork decaying with each passing storm.

He thought how nice it would be to have the money to be able to patch this area of town up, after all this was his home.

Money was always a problem. He did whatever work he could for the few pennies that he earned. It allowed him to buy food and water and a little straw to keep the house patched up.

Exiting the alleyway, he turned left and wandered aimlessly along the main street. Hundred of people crowded the streets and wooden market stall laden the sides of the road. All had their own callings.

The young man of no more then twenty-five, occasionally dipped his hand into peoples pockets and pulled out whatever change he could find. This allowed him to actually buy a beer or two.

There was a slight wind in the air, warm and arid. He gazed up at the summer sun and allowed the heat of the rays to comfort him. The bright blue sky being slightly obscured by the few white clouds rolling in.

His hand picketed another pocket. Snap. A mousetrap. This was used by some people to stop exactly what he was doing. This man knew someone had just tried to rob him.

The young man stood there frozen, unsure of where to turn. He had never been caught before and people just seemed to form a wall of which there was no escape.
The man he just tried to rob turned around to face him. The man wore a large brown-rimmed hat that obscured the top of his head and a red scarf covered his nose and mouth, leaving a pair of radiant light blue eyes staring at him.

His voice was sharp and careless. "You should know better then to try to take me on. You know you will always lose."

Fear took over the young man's body and barged his way though the crowd of on looking people. He darted back down the alleyway and back into the darkness. Stopping for a minute he looked down to the other end, he had to carry on. That man would be on him any second now.

"You can't escape from me I know who you are."

That voice, he knew the coldness was the same man that he robbed and he was now looking at him at the other end of the alleyway. He was confused. It's wasn't possible. This was the only connecting alleyways for blocks. There was no way he could be at the other end.

The young man ran out the same way he had come in. The people had dispersed and the stall where gone. Dark grey clouds covered the sky and the first drops of rain caressed across his face.

He didn't have time to think, he just had to run.

His feet slammed against the cobbled paving. In the background he could still hear that voice over and over. The hideous bone chilling laughter. "You can run boy, but you can't hid. I will find you and you will pay for your crimes against humanity."

The building started to spin and he felt a large hand grab him by the scruff of the neck and tear him into a nearby building.

"Shhh. He won't find you in here. Your safe."

The young man did as he was told. His pursuer never seemed to arrive. Perhaps he was never really being followed.

"Good he's gone. You'll be safe now."

"Thank you." He turned to face his saviour.

He had long black hair that covered his one good deep brown eye, the other obtain a long deep gash caused by some edged weapon. The pupil was white, the nerves long ago died. He was tall over six foot four inches. His thin frame did nothing to hide his muscular body. Dressed all in black and caring a sword across his back.

"Don't worry about it. What I suggest is you stay low until sunset, then make your way back to the nearest pub."

The man turned to face the door, just to make sure that no one was really there. He turned back to respond to the man's question. But he had gone.

The young man looked out the window. Night had fallen. Time to leave. He opened the door and walked out into the night. The large moon shown it's slight down the road. Candlelight could be seen out of the small windows. The sky was clear and the numerous stars twinkled with a brilliance that the young man had never noticed before.

As directed, he walked to the inn. He could hear the bustling place full of lowlife, thieves and prostitutes. He had always avoided this place for fear that this would be the death of him.

He looked up at the sign to the pub. The Black Flag was etched into the wood with a crude picture of a black flag painted on it.

He pushed open the doors. The pub was empty devoid of all people except for the bar tender and a woman sitting in the corner.

"What do you want?" The loud gruff voice came across the room. "If you're looking for trouble. Then get out."

"Hmm. I'll take an ale please."

He strolled over to the bar. Taking in the surroundings. The place was dusty and most of the tables were battered and the seats in the booths surrounding the outer walls where all torn, ripped or shredded, rubbish was strewn round the place and there were rats in the far corner, scurrying, looking for any food that may be laying around. He took a sit at the bar.

A large tankard was slammed down in front of him. "That'll be a penny."

He handed the bar tender a small brass coin. The bar tender bit it. Spun it in the air and pocketed it.

He took a small sip. It was warm. Too warm in fact and the moss in the bottom of tankard confirm that the tableware was just as bad as the tables.

He didn't know how long he had to sit here for, or in fact what to do. Maybe that man would come and find him. He really wasn't sure.

He watched the bar tender walk over to the tables, wipe them down with a dirty rag and then throw the rag over his shoulder.

The barman at least six and half feet high, and at least that wide, his bald head showed the reflection of the ceiling lights, his one good eye was staring straight at the thin man, the other housed a large scar that flowed from the top of his forehead down to his square jaw.

The Barman finished his so called cleaning and then disappeared into the back. Most like a kitchen of some sorts.

The young man looked around. The only other person here was the young woman. She was extremely pretty. Deep brown eyes and long red fiery hair. She wore a jet-black dress that hugged her curves.

She looked up at him and smiled seductively.

The young man wasn't too sure of her intent. Was she a prostitute? He wasn't too sure. No one dressed like that unless they where looking for attention.

She rose to her feet and walked over to him. In her hand a glass of red wine. She sat on a stool next to him. Took and sip and asked for a refill.

"He'll pay." She turned to the young man. "Thanks for the drink."

He really didn't know how to respond. He had never seen anyone this beautiful and if he had, they would not have stopped to take to him.

"That's ok." He mumbled.

"Oh dear. Poor little baby. You are so shy." She started to run his hands through his dark brown hair. She stared into his hazel eyes. No thoughts. Just stares.
To say that the young man felt a little uncomfortable was an understatement. He had no idea who this woman was or why she even bothered to approach him in the first place.

She leaned forward and placed her mouth at the side of his ear. "You have no need to worry. I don't bit... Much." She brought her back round and again locked eyes. She has a small smile across her face.

"What... What do you want?" His voice was a whisper. He wanted to break away and run, but those eyes had him transfixed. He wanted to move away, but couldn't.
"That's easy my little shy guy. I want you."

"Me? I'm nobody. I'm a sewer rat."

"No. You are much more. You are my pet and as my pet you will do what I say. Come know little plaything. You will don't do as you are. We need to get you cleaned up and looking decent."

She took him by the hand and led him out of the pub. The two headed towards an alley that would lead them out of the town.

"Where are we going?"

"Not for you to need to know my little pet." She gave him a tug and he lurched forward. Halfway down the alley she stopped and started to look at either end.

"There is one more thing my little pet. I can't have you as you are. You're far too much..." She swayed slightly thinking of the right words. "Alive."

The young man filled with terror and this woman suddenly branded fangs. He tried to run but her hold was just too strong. Her sank her teeth in his neck. He could feel the warmth of his blood flow down his body. This was it. This was the end.
He screamed, as a pain he never knew could exist take hold of him. He collapsed to the ground, writhing and screeching. His legs kicked and convulsed. Then... Nothing. He lay still on the ground.

The woman looked down on him. "That’s better. Now come on I need you to stay with me for a little longer. Just whilst I get you back home."

His eyes darted open. Red slightly swollen and bloodshot. He felt strange. Strong and yet over powering hungry.

"I told you. You can run but you cannot hide."

That voice drove thought the young man like a heated dagger. He looked to the entrance of the alleyway and there he was. That man. The one who wanted to kill him or so he thought.

Behind him he could make out torches and people. It was as if the whole town was after them. He could hear their calls for death. The cheering and shouting for his blood. All this for a pickpocket?

A hand grabbed his. "Come on we have to get out of here quickly. I'll explain everything to you later." What had she done to him? He tightened his grip on her hand, trusting in her knowledge. That and the fact that he had no one else to turn to except this woman.

He looked her straight in her purple eyes. Her long purple and black hair waiving in the wind. That little black dress she was wearing earlier still hugging that accentuating figure.

They ran to the end of the alleyway and turned to head out of the town. The young man could see form a large mansion on the top of a hill.

"Where are we headed?"

"Branendel Castle. We will be save there. I promise my little pet."

The two glanced back. The screams of the angry mob headed by the man in a hat still chasing them.

The young man couldn’t remember the journey up the large hill, or in fact if they had actually run there. She pushed open the large wooden doors and quickly motioned him inside. She had a quick glance at the mob slowly making its way up the hill. She slammed the door shut.

"What’s going on?"

The young man turned to face another beautiful young lady. She had magnificent long blonde hair and sharp radiant blue eyes.

"We have to get him some food and in a safe place. We will have company soon and we need to make sparse. There is a Vampire hunter with them.

"My lady." She took the young man by the hand and let his up the grand wooden staircase. The purple haired woman following shortly afterwards.

"The young man really didn't understand what was going on so he said the first thing that came to his mind. "Didn't you have red hair when I first met you?" His speech was slightly slurred, like he was drunk.

"We have to get him some food and quickly or we will end up as his meal."

The blonde woman nodded and picked up her pace. They entered a large bedchamber. Standing there was a young naked girl. No more then sixteen or seventeen. Her long dark auburn hair covering most of her lower back. Her dark brown eyes seemed pitiful. She had been crying. Most likely wanting to go home.
Holding onto to the girl arm was a second girl, about the same age. Her multi coloured spiky hair took his attention away from everything.

"Elisa we have to hind this young man. We have company and I do not want him involved in the bloodshed."

"Of course my lady." She opened up a hatch that was next to the bed and motioned for the young man to head down. She assured her it would be safe but he would have to stay quiet and feed himself. She assured her he would know what to do.

He headed down into a secret compartment located between the floors. Light creep in though some of the cracks in the wood. He felt faint. A hunger was taking him like he never knew. He felt he had not eaten for a hundred years.

He heard a scream and the young brunette joined him in the hole. Tossed in like a piece of meat. He rushed to help her up. He may have been a pickpocket, but he still had manner.

Stood accepted his help and looked at him pleadingly. She asked how they where going to get out of this. But he couldn't hear her. All he could hear her heart beating. That rapid pulse of boom boom boom. He could see the vein in her neck clearly. He could feel his mouth salivating.

He didn't the high-pitched scream at he plunged his newly acquired fangs in her neck. She went quiet, not dead, just given... up on life.

The door to the bedroom burst open and in walked the man in the hat and scarf. Behind him was the rest of the mob. Torches still alight, pitchforks, axes and clubs still in hand.

"Where is his?"

"Not hear."

"You're lying to me."

"No really. Now get out of my home."

"Can't do that I'm afraid. See you are a spawn of the devil and it is now time for you to beg the divine forgiveness and pray he give absolution for your departed soul."

"Like hell you will." With that she grabbed the man with the hat and sank her teeth into his neck before he had a chance to react. She ripped her head away tearing flesh, vein and sinew. Blood spurted out covering the local mob who where too busy screaming at the sight to even notice.

She threw him to the two other vampires. "Elisa, Kari take care of this for me."

The two smiled at the thought of killing a vampire hunter. Kari grabbed him by the neck and twisted it one hundred and eighty degree. The body slumped to the floor.
"Come on girls. Feeding time."

Panic ensued as the villagers desperately tried to run from the mansion. All their terrified efforts however where for vane. They desperately tried to tear at the door hoping it would open. Again with no success. The three vampires bore down on them. Sick and twisted smiles passing their lips. A whole village to feed on and not one would stand against them.

Elisa was the first to leap in. She flew threw the air, her target a scarred teenager boy. Her arms outstretched ready to feast. Then a reflection of light. The teenager opened his eyes and fainted. Elisa head rolled from his grasp and along the floor.
"You die now. Spans of satin you are evil for sure." The accent was thick and the English barely pronounceable.

Everyone turned to where the voice had come from. Standing there with a silver blade in hand stood a man. Light seems to shine on his tight tailored trousers up past his black belt to a jet-black shirt and a small black jacket fell over his shoulders.

"Evil spawns. I never imagined that you would terrorize this town. I agreed to leave you in peace Ariana. Now for you to pervert, corrupt or kill the these people."

"We have done nothing of the sort. I believe that it was that man with the brimmed hat that gathered the people to kill us."

"You are wrong Ariana for sure. We have noticed several disappearances over the past several months for sure. You I warned you and you still disobeyed me."

"Hold your tongue knave. You will not speak to our lady in such an insolent tone. I will show you the true power of darkness."

Kari became a blurring flash as she went to attack the foreign man. He stood his ground watching her moves. Even though her speed was blinding, if was not the first time he had seen this trick. She changed forward and he thrust his short up under her chin. Breaking though her mouth, up through her brain and the tip of the sword slicing through the top of her head.

He ripped his sword forward splitting her face in two and watched her collapse on the ground. "Two down for sure, now lady Ariana you will come peacefully or for sure I will strike you down."

"Fine, you win."

He grabbed her by the arm and led her through the crowd of people. It only took one of them to gain a little bit of courage. He raised his club over his head and brought it down on hers.

Ariana collapsed to her knees and the villages in unison all seem to gain this courage. One of the other they continued to beat, stab and pulverize her body. The Hunter was pushed aside and could not help protect the only person here who acted with any reason.

One of the large windows where smashed in the attack and it allowed for the villagers to escape. They dragged the body of Lady Ariana towards the town.
The young man huddled the brunette. She was blue and most of her blood had been drained. He did not know how long he had been there but all the noise had stopped.

He tried to push the latch and it came away easily. He peered out cautiously and made his way out of the Mansion. He had to head towards town; he needed to tell people that he was all right.

He reached the market square. He needed to tell people what had happened and maybe they had a cure for him.

The moon was full and light it emanated allowed the young man to see perfectly. What he saw not only shocked him, but also made him want to reach. It was the smell of burning flesh. In the centre of the market on a cross were the charred remains of a body. But there were no logs underneath, any signs that a fire had been lit. On the ground he recognised some of the clothing that must have come away.

It was the one he met at the pub. The one who lead him to the Mansion.

"I told you before Raziel. You can run, but you can never hide." The man with the hat stood next to him. The cool steel end of a gun pointed against the young mans temple.

"Better luck in the next life." With that he pulled the trigger.

Everything went black.

= Chapter 24 =

Raziel awoke with a startle. His head was still limped over and he was to week to lift it. He opened his puffy and swollen eyes. The soreness make this all the more painful.

He tried to look around, but everything came as a blur. He could hear music, Classical overtones of Basch and the sound of a creaking chair. The smell of tobacco hung in the air.

Diablo sat in a rocking chair, gentle rocking back and forth. In his hand was a book about the civil war, Circa eighteen sixty. He looked up and his beaten and bruiser captive.

"What where you dreaming about?"

The reply came in a sort of dream like speech. "Home... Long ago."

"Really, tell me about it. Tell me about you?"

"I robbed... to survive... People where there... Shouldn't have been there. You where there... Many others... Not what happened..."

"What didn't happen. You have to tell me."

"Chased... No... Never chased... Ariana not there... Wait... Yes... Was there... That was true..."

"Intertesting. Not Patris is on his way, but we still have plenty of time. You do not have to worry. I will bring no more harm to you. Instead I just want to talk. You seem to be a facination of everyone. Now why is that?"

"Don't know... Want to be left alone..."

"You must have done something? Anything? Tell me something that no one else would ever know."

"Order of the Sun..."

"Go on." He stopped reading his book and looked at Raziel Intently.

"I was... the one... who brought it down."

"How very interesting. It was always believed that the Order of the Sun was taken down from the inside. If was always believed that there was no way the Vampires could prepare for the invasion. Now we know the truth. What else?"

"The Vampire Handbook..." The faintest edges of Raziel's face curled like he was trying to smile. "I...I...

"You what? Don't fade out on me. You have to tell me."

Raziel's final breaths before collaping unconcious again surprised Diablo. Everything that he had come to believe was destroyed by this one phrase. He collapsed back in his chair with shock and awe. Like a knife through the heart. He was stunned.

That final message rang clearer then day in his head.

"I created it."

***

A dull cloud cover obsured the full moon. Mortis gripped the wheel of the large truck tightly. The pebble stone path crunching under the tyres.

They had talked about stratagy before they left Raziel's flat and everyone was now suited and armed up for the conflict.

The truck came to slow halt just out of site of the Castle. The needed to make their way along the Ridge Valley Cliffs, this was the only secret way as it faced the North side of the castle. There where no windows or doors. The only way Diablo would know if anyone was coming would be if he would at the top spire looking down on them.

Fregillion, Flash and Artior jumped out of the back. Maiden and Elfinlied jumped out the back cab and Mortis and Viona departed from the front. They pushed the truck into some nearby hedges to make sure that it was still there when they returned.

The Ridge Valley Cliffs wasn't a straight ridge. The hils of the countryside gave a rise and fall effect. This would give then an advantage as they could use the dips in the hills to hide.

As they crossed the third hill a voice called out to them from the darkness.

"Leave Raziel and you can keep you life." The tone was sharp and offensive.Flash reconised that voice anywhere.

"Lysandra!"

"I though I told you that I do not talk to play things. This is none of your concern so I suggest that you go home and hind in whatever little hovel you came from abd leave Diablo and Raziel to me."

Maiden was quick to respond. "I don't think so. I've been thought too much over the last couple of days to just hand him over to you. Why don't you leave Diablo and Raziel to us.

"Really. Such insolance from someone so young. You really think that Raziel would want anything to do with something as low bred as you."

Le stat appreared by her side, closely behind her stood another eight members of her clan. The Family of Darkness. "Tell you what my sister's not gonna say it but I will. Take a hike or we will take you down."

"You gotta be having a fucking laught you stupid little shit." Fregillion pulled round his two beretta's. "You want to fucking dance then let's go, just you and me."

Le Stat pulled his two handed reversed serrated sword. "Come on then. Those little pistols will do fuck all to me."

The sounds of unsheathed weaponscould be heard from both sides. They stood there facing each other. Not a word mentioned.

The wind whistles gently across the peoples faces. The radient moon had shown itself as the clouds broke. The two sides coudl see each other facial features. The hatred. The anger and the wanting for a fight. One goal was on the others mind. To win this fight and carry on to either capture to rescue Raziel.

The stand off lasted over ten minutes, neither side wanting to show the their hand, neither wanted to be the one to start the fight, they just wanted to end it. Another breeze, this one a little more fierce. The wind shot up Le Stats nose and he sneezed.

Nemazis jumped and pulled the trigger to his magum. The bullet flew out the chamber and impacted into the edge of Fregillion's shoulder. Fregillion reeled in pain, drew up his guns and opened fire.

The Family spread in all directions trying to avoid the storm that was approaching them. One of the members took a bullet straight the nose. The back of his head exploding and showing some ofthe other members.

Auriga called out in dispair. "Daniel. You fucking basterd." She charged up the nearly hill her long brown hair tied up in a bun. He long grey leather coat trailing in the wind. She was gonna show them that she was not screwed around with.

Maiden told the others to split and try to take them on on by one. She pulled her twin dagger and changed straight towards Lysandra. If she could take her down. The rest would soon follow.

Lysandra glared at her. 'What insolence. I'll show her the true meaning of fear.' She brought her arms from around her back and drew forth a magnificent scythe. The pole was made out of ebony and the diamond edge blade shimmered in the moonlight.

She raised the blade high and charged at Maiden.

Fregillion ran after Nemazis. His berettas poised for action. smoke eminated from the barrells indicating he had already fired off a couple of shots. Nemazis dissapearred behind a nearby tree, stuck his gun around and opened fire. Another bullet grazed Fregillion leg and collasped on the ground. His Beretta scattered in several directions.

***

Viona pumped the barrel of the shotgun took aim and fired again. Her target; a pink haired wonder known as Vilya. One of Lysandra generals. The blast impacted the dirt next to her sending debris into her pale coloured face.

Vilya closed the gap, jumped in the air and roundhoused Viona. Blood dribbled out of her mouth. Viona's attacked was quick to follow this up with a series of punches to the stomach and chest. Each punch caused more blood and more pain. The brass knuckles she was wearing making short owrk of Viona's internals.

Another Kick. Viona grabbed her ankle and slammed her to the ground. Her bare fist followed along with a scream of seething hatred. Blow followed blow. Vilya face was being turned into a bloddy mess.

Another fist came in and Vilya was able to grab her knuckles. She rammed her feet into Viona's lower mid section and kicked her off. Vilya flipped to her feet. The eyes still hungry for more action. Viona was only too happy to oblige.

***

Sasuke eyed up the hulk of his opponant. His massive fram would make in slow and the four headed flail would be more the easy to dodge. He drew his Katana from his back and used the shadow of the night to obsure his movement. He was quiet. Stealthy. He was the night. The was nothing he couldn't do.

He had been alive for nearly two hundred year. A sameria by training. An Assassin for pay. He had never lost a fight. No man could match his speed and prowness in battle.

He was the tiger and his victim was in his sight. The giant injury wilder beast that needed putting down. He was cautious through the grass. The trees gave him the perfect cover. He would soon strike.

The man turned his back to his enemy and Sasuke saw the oppertunity to strike. He ran fromthe tree he was hiding behind and charged. His feet hardly touching the ground. His long hair flowing graceously behind him.

He lept in the air. His Katana high in the air.

Elfinlied gave Flash the signal and Flash swund his flail round and connected with his attackers head. Blood, Skull and brain splattered against flash's clothes and he hacked and spat some of the contents out of his mouth.

He looked down at the headless body of Sasuka and wanted to smile. This however was not Lysandra and until she was dead he would not allow himself the satifactory of being happy.

***

Bullets impacted the picnic bench that Mortis flipped up. He has his two MPK5's by his side. He popped up and let another round of bullets off. They either impacted the tree where his assailent was, or whizzed carelessly by into the night.

Mortis ducked again as another hail of bullets flew by. He needed to do something soon or he was gonna run out. Two clips left. He needed to think fast. He again rose up and let off another stream of metal fragments. All othem spinning in the air.

Mortis used this last barrage of bullet to look abound his surrounding. He took it all in an ducked again. Another torrent impacted the wood. A couple more siled over his head. Another second of studding and he would have been dead.

One more clip. He scoured his mind for any clues. He smiled. Jumping up he pulled the trigger of one of the MPK5's and empltied the clip and contined to keep his finger on the trigger whilst he dropped the other. He pulled off his back his granade launcher and pulled the trigger.The MPK5 still giving off a clicking noise. Still trying to fire bullets that where not there.

His opposition. A young looking man of no more then twenty. spun round the tree, a look of trimph on his face. The main man. Mortis of all people. Out of bullets and just standing in the open. This was his lucky day.

'Teron. The Family will talk about you forever. You will have song in your great name for the kill of the great Mortis. I though he was suppose to be a great tactician. He's nothing more then a gun happy idiot.'

The was about to pull the triggers when he heard a loud whistle noise. He looked up just intime to see the granade impact his chest.

"Shit!"

The exposion tore Teron to pieces. The tree next to him turned maroon. Mortis smiled happily to himself. 'These young ones will never learn.'

***

Artior flipped over Le stat and came down in his knees and sweeped his legs. Le Stat came crashing down. Artior followed this up with a stomp to the head. This was easily blocked and Le stat swisted Artior's leg atempting to break it.

Artior spun with the motion and landed face first on the ground. Le stat grabbed him by the head and started to smash him on the nearby rock. Artior could feel his teeth break and his jaw shatter under the intense strength Le Stat could bring.

His head was raised another time. Artior howled and threw Le Stat over his head. He landed on the feet, turned and jumped back towards Artior. Artior flipped backwards and connected his foot with Le Stat jaw.

Le Stat hit the ground hard. Artior produced a large dagger. "Time for you to head back to whatever hell you believe in. He raised his dagger to strike. A sharp pain hit him and the back of his lower left rib cage exploded. Artior staggered backwards.

Another explosion of pain this time in his shoulder. The back of his shoulder blade now missing.

Mortis looked around to see if he could help anyone. To his horror he saw Artior on his knees. Blood flowing from his mouth. Wounds through his stomach, shoulder and knee.

Another blast of red exited Artior body. The red mist straying behind him. Mortis started to scour the area for the culprit. He heard a shout from his friend.

"As I have lived for the brotherhood. I shall die for the brotherhood. My soul is prepared." He turned and faced Mortis. "My friend I am sorry to leave you like this. I must now depart for a new adventure. Whatever becomes of me. Promise me you will avenge my death."

Mortis saw the breifest of flashes from the top of the hill. The left side of Artior's face desintagrated as the bullet exploded. The force of the shell tore Artior from his knelt down stance, sent time ten yards through the air, landed, rolled and finally laid to rest.

***

Fregillion lay on the ground. He could feel the blood leaving his body slowly. The was no pain as the adreniline was making sure of that. Nemazis was around here somewhere. He pulled himself to his knees and took an intack of the area.

His enemy was still behind the tree. He could hear the clicks of his gun reloading. Problem with the Magnum. Six shots and your done for. Fregillion's Guns where deep in the thick undergrowth. If he went looking for them he would be dead.

He decided on a seperate tactic. He manuvered himself against the tree and waited for his barrell of the gun to pop back round. He didn't have to wait long. He yanked the gun from Nemazis's hands pulling his advorary along with it.

Fregillion saw the brief opening he was looking for. He swung the Magnum in and upward arch and connected it with Deathjam's face. The blow sent his realling skyward. He hit the ground hard; a dazed look on his face.

He looked up to see the smile of Fregillion look back at him. His own Magnum now being pointed at him.

"Cock Sucking piece of Shit." Fregillion emptied the chamber in Deathjam's face. Each shot convulsed his body. The final shot allowing to lay still. Fregillion threw the gun on him.

There was more fighting to be done and he would have to worry about the injuries later.

***

"Why won't you die!" The scream from Lysandra come out loud and clear. Maiden landed on he feet after back flipping to avoid a swipe of the blade. She had to hand it to Lysandra. She knew how to fight.

"Because I refuse to let Raziel be handed over to some silly stuck up bitch." Maiden changed back in. She had ignored the gashed across her body from the connecting hits that Lysandra had given her. The blood freely flowed from her noce and mouth from repeated punches to the face.

Lysnadra wasn't fairing much better. Maiden came in hard. She dagger allowing her to be fast paced. Lysandra dodges to the left, fainted right, blocked the third hit and took the foruth across the arm. She didn't even realise that the blood was flowing down past her fingers.

She returned the blow with one of her own. Her scythe arching in an upwards direction. Maiden spun sideways to avoid the blow. Lysandra then piroetted and with one brought her weapon from around her; back into the air. Her other hand met and she brought in down with a diagonal slice.

Maiden grabbed the wooden handle of the weapon and kick Lysandra in the side of the knee cap to off balence her. If didn't work. It allowed Lysandra to bring her head down on the bridge of Maiden's nose. More blood blasted out and again the injury was ignored.

Maided only had enough time to compose herself before having to drop to the ground to avoid losing her hear. She rolled sideways and the scythe came crashing down on the previous location. Maiden using her hands as a spring planted her feet in Lysandra chest causing her to stagger.

Maiden was back on her feet. Exausted but still fighting. Her opponant was unreal. She had taken pleant of people down before but every attack she tried. It was parryed. Every assult either blocked or avoided. She managed a few small hits but nothing to deadly. She felt she owed her life to luck rather then skill.

***

"Mother Fucker!!!" The scream came out of fregillion mouth as he was send realling backwards. The shell of a long tipped bullet exploding taking the back of his shoulder off.

Mortis screamed to anyone. "Someone get that fucking sniper before we all taken down!"

Mortis saw another flash from the hill. He knew the target was the previous victim. Fregillion.

The bullet impacted the tree right where Fregillion stood. On top of him was Elfinlied.

"I always knew you have a thing for me. Must have been the way we argued "

"No. I pretty sure that was you just being a cocky arsehole. But hey; even the worst of us need saving eh?"

Fregillion chuckled. He couldn't believe it. They where in the heat of a battle and little punk still had to make jokes."

Elfinlied glanced above his head. The berretta that Fregiilion was using. She knew her target and grabbed the gun.

Auriga looked through the scope for the next target. "Hmm. looks like you get to live for another few minutes. She zoomed left and then zoomed back to the right. She could see a bright zone of colour. Her next target. She zoomed in on the spiry haired punk girl. She was just standing there. Looking at her potision and smiling.

Auriga gave a smile of her own. She aimed the cross hairs of her sniper rifle directly inbetween Elfinlied eyes. "Goodnight sweetheart."

Auriga's eyes then opened wide. The punk had a gun smoking gun. She could see the bullet in slow motion coming towards her and she was powerless to do anything.

The lens of her sniper rifle shattered as the bullet entered directly through the lens. The bullet pierced Auriga's eye passed through her brain and detonated upon impact at the back of her skull. She collapsed on top of her sniper rifle. Blood stain the dark grass.

"Yes!" Take that mother fucker." She danced into the grounds. People where still fighting all around her but know she knew they where winning. They had killed most of the brotherhood.

Viona was pulling her hands around her victim; a loud crack confirmed what Elfinlied hoped. Another member of the Family dead onthe ground.

"Like Fregillion said I bet you really didn't want to fuck with us!"

She could contain her excitement. She could see Maiden standing over Lysandra ready to finish her off too. This battle was nearly over. The excitement was just too much and she began jumping wildly on the stop.

"Yeah Well show you what a fight really is. Eh! You people couldn't even fight a blind, dumb and deaf man." She let the taunting continue as she started to wander towards Maiden. "Look at the pompous bitch on the floor. I'll bet she..."

Her voice was cut short and she reached and coughed. Blood appreared. Lot of blood. She could feel a sharp pain and she looked down. The reversed serrated blade was rammed through her chest. Blood soaked the blade and she could feel the warmth leave her body.

"Not so cocky now are we bitch." Le Stat's voice rained down on her. He grabbed the handle of his sword and wrenched it upwards. She gave another gasp and more blood spurted from her mouth.

He laughed as he torn the blade from her body, ripping the organs and tissue in the process. She looked straight at Maiden and opened her mouth to speak. Only blood came out.

She wanted Maiden. She could do something. She could make the pain go away. She could save her. She wanted to form the only words that would get her attention. This time the words appreared loud and clear.

"Mommy. Please Mommy help me." A tear fell from eye.

Maiden hear the shout as she was about to deliver the killing blow. She looked over to the middle of the field. Elfinled stood there, blood soaked. Her bright clothes now a deep maroon. Le Stat was still there smiling.

"No!" Tears started to well in her eyes. "No... ARIA! NO!!!"

Her attention to Lysandra was no longer an issue. She had to reach her daughter. She Le Stat stood in the middle of them a sick smirk on his face. Maiden could see Elfinlied inthe distance collapse on the ground.

"Wow didn't expect that. See that is why you don't invite cocky little shits to the party. They die." He spat the final words out.

Maiden didn't hear them. Rage filled her. A absolute hatred she never felt before. She could feel the heat of her blood. Her eyes went bloodshot. This man would die.

She could hear voives in her head. A latin phrase she knew and was taught. The phrase repeated it self over and over again. Maiden looked at Le Stat. The stupid grin. The one who took her only daughter. He was going to pay. She closed her eyes.

"From the God I call. Grant me your eternal power of damnation. From Hades wrath I command your burning hatred. From the Heavans of my soul I command you to bring forth your vengeance. I call for everlasting pain. I call forth the power of the ages. I call for this power."

Maiden opened her eyes. They had become jet black her voice became deeped like a possessed maniac. Ther final words where spat with seathing anger.

She raised her hand, her arm outstretched, the palm open and finalised the incantation.

"Aestuo Cruor."

Le Stat stopped laughing. His eyes widened and he started screaming in pain. He could feel his blood start to overheat like he was stuck in a microwave. Blood started to gush out of every available oraphus. He grabed his eyes in agony as the heat of the blood was burning his eyes.His mouth, nose and skin when the blood came in contact blistered and burnt.

Mainden managed to slightly come to her senses to realise what was happening to Le Stat. She grinned through tearful eyes. She pulled her daggers to her side and charged towards his.

Le Stat managed to gain some sight. He watched at Maiden charged towards him. We wanted to move but was to weak to do so. He just stood there and swayed slightly. In his eyes the images of Maiden leading in the air. Her daggers drawn.

She brought them down straight through Le Stats eye sockets. The blades imbedded themselfs deep in his brain. Maiden twisted the daggers in her hand and pulled them sideways. They split through his skull. Le Stat still stood there motionless.

Maiden picked up his sword and looked over to where Lysandra was starting to pull herself up. Maiden called over to her. "You fucking bitch. You're little hoare of a brother took something special from me. Now I plan to do the same to you."

Lysandra could only watch in horror as Maiden swung the sword round her body and with one massive heave connected the blade with Le Stat's neck. The serrated blade was so sharp that his head actaully stayed on his body. Maiden threw the sword to the ground and round housed his head off his shoulders.

Le Stat's head flew towards Lysandra; rolled and came to rest at her feet.

"No. Please god no. Why? What did I do to drag you down. Why?!" Lysandra screamed the last part. tears falling down from her face. She looked directly at Maiden. "I swear to you. If it's the last thing I do I promise..." She speach was cut short.

"This is for my partner you bitch." Flash brought the Medusa's head round and connected all four heads against Lysandra's body. She was sent spiraling through the air. She hit the ground hard and continued to roll over the edge of the cliff. Flash felt a sense of relief.

"Sleep now my precious. I have avenged you." He whispered.

Flash turned round to Maiden to find her on the ground Elfinlied in her arms. Elfinlied's body was limp her arms dangling down by her side. Flash really didn't feel that this was now worth any price. Vengeance was not worth it.

Maiden's tears fell of Elfinlied's face. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I'm so sorry. I always wanted you near me. You where always so happy. I couldn't let you go."

Elfinlied opened her eyes slightly. "Mommy. I'm sorry... This... is... my fault." She wheezed the statement."

Maiden put a finger to her blood soaked lips. "No... I... should have been more careful. I love you with all my heart. I caould let you go the first time. Please try to hang on."

"I have to go soon... I can feel it... I'm so glad you did what you did... For me... Otherwise what life... Would I have lived. All the places... I have seem. All the people I have met... You showed them to me. As Maiden... Not my mother."

Maiden stayed silent. There was so much she wanted to say but no words would form. Elfinlied continued talking. "I want... I want one thing... Please be my mother again before I die. I remember... A song you used to sing... A child's song...Please sing it to me one last time."

Maiden chocked onthe words she try to form. "Hush little baby don't say a word, mama's gonna buy you a mocking bird." More tears fell. "And if that mocking bird don't sing And if that mockingbird won't sing, Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turns brass, Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass. And if that looking glass gets broke, Mama''s gonna buy you a billy goat. And if that billy goat won't pull, Mama''s gonna buy you a cart and bull. And if that cart and bull fall down, You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town."

Elfinlied smiled and closed her eyes. her hand slipped from Maiden's hand and fell down by her side.

"Aria?"

No responce.

"Oh God No. Please Aria."

Again nothing. Fregillion laid a hand on her. His eyes, like the rest that got to know her where wet from tears. Maiden looked at him pleasdingly.

"Oh God No!" Maiden grabbed her daughter in her arms and rocked her back and forth. Screaming sobs of saddness racking her body. "No... Please No. Please do something. Anything. I don't want to let you go. Please don't leave me...Please."

Nothing her daughter remained motionless. Her soul passed onto whatever after life she believed in. Fregillion knelt down next to her and kept his hand on her shoulder.

"We have to go." His responce was a mush as a plea as it was a known statement.

"No. I can't. She's not gone I know she not. She will wake up. I just know it." She looked up at him. Her swollen red eyes begging him that everything was alright. He responce in his eyes told her everything. She looked around at the others. The looks where all the same. Tearful. But resolved that she was gone.

Mortis carried the body of Artior over. and laid him next to Elfinlied. "At the very least we could give them a proper send off."

"Mortis?" He voice carried concern.

"He made his peace before he died. His sacrifice allowed us to survive and I for one will not let his death fall in vein. Use this strength and target it towards the person that caused it."

"Why? Lysandra and Le Stat are no more. "

"That's not what I meant."

"Diablo and Patris."

"I plan to exact my revenge. I was hoping that you would be able to join me. Too many people have lost their lives. Too much death. Even for someone has battle scared as me."

...........

Everyone helped find logs, sticks, leaves and what every they could find to make a bed for the their two dead comerades. It took the majority of the night but by the end they had a bed made. Four foot high and six foot long. Made of leaves and branches that had been soaked in petrol from the nearby truck.

Maiden rested her daughter on one side and Mortis laid his best friend on the other. The other's gathered round.

Fregillion was the first to speak. "Hey kid. You know I never meant half of those things I said." He wiped his eyes. "Fuck. If it wasn't for you I'd be dead. A fucking bullet through the brain. Hey look that doesn't matter. I was just getting to like you. Why did you have to go and do something so stupid. You and you're fucking big mouth."

Anther tear rolled down his cheek. "You where never scared of anyone. You soke you mind. Ah. Fuck I really respected you for that. Even if I never showed it. You where one of the gang and you always will be. Where ever you are going. You will need this. Always be prepared." He placed one of his beretta's in her hand. The same one that took Auriga down.

Viona was the next to imerge. "I suppose I should really speak to both of you. Elfinlied or Aria. You always had that life is great outlook to life. I always smiled when you where were around. I don't know. I guess you had a radience that most of us forgot a long time ago."

She turned her attention to Artior. "My foreign friend. We really never got the change to propertly talk. I would have loved to hear what you had to say on the outlock to life. I guess I found it funny that you should be a man of god concidering what you are."

Next was Flash. "What do I say. I really don't know. I have seen too many people I care about acsent to the next plane of existance. I swore to avenge my partner's death. But I feel even saddered then before. I was so filled in vengence that I couldn;t see anything else. Where ever you are. God speed."

Mortis rested his hand on Artior's shoulder. "How long had we known each other. I lost count after three hundred years. I always remember what you said to me about death. Unfortuantely, it happens to the best of us. I suppose until now I never really believed you. But you where right. I suppose that makes me wrong." Mortis gave a slight chuckle. "Funny. You save my life and yet I'm not allowed to return the favour. Not much justice in that is there."

"Mortis quickly glanced around to the other. They gave him the nod that they still had time. He carried on. "Do you know what I'm gonna miss the most. You damn arse way of telling me everything is gonna be fine. Even when I lost the Brotherhood of Steel. You sat on that wall and made me believe that everything would be alright. You selfish basted. You go and die on me. I'll miss you. Don't worry. I promise to deliver your final message personally."

Mortis looked at Maiden. A sort of it was time look. Maiden ran her finger's along her daughter face. "I'm not sure where to begin. Do I apologies for doing what I did all those years ago. No I can't you are my daughter and I have loved you since the day you came into my life. It's funny Stephen and I married just moths before you where born. The wedding was beautiful but nothing compared you."

Maiden wiped her eyes. She didn't want to cry; but she couldn't help it. "I never really knew wher that radiance of yours came from. You where always the happy go lucky. I'm sorry I told you to shut up so many times. I guess I never though I was ever going to lose you. I don;t know what I'm going to do now. I will never get to hear that sweet voice of yours again. How do I say goodbye to the one thing that really meant anything to me?"

Maiden glanced over her shoulder. She could see the other's trying their best to fight back the sadness to offer support to the one how needed it most.

"I think I know what I must do. Kill patris and Diablo. Those two I promise you now will die. I also have to save Raziel. If we can't then all this is for nothing."

Maiden kiss Elfinlied on the forehead. "Goodbye Aria. Goodbye my daughter. One day I will see you soon. Until then. Keep your father company. He's waited a long time to see you."

Maiden and Mortis both took torches that had be made earlier that night and lit them. They cover the length of the wooden bed ad everyone stood there watching it burn. All of them saying their goodbyes.

Mortis resitied passages from the bible that Artior teached him. It was funny. It was only until now he could actually remember them. Once the bodies had been cremated and the wooden structure burn to the ground did they finally leave to head toward the castle and finish what they started. Dawn would be rising soon and they needed to complete the mission before the sun fully rose in the sky.

The small dark cove thats was built into the side of the cliff's washed up something. Beaten, shredded and bruised. Lysandra crawled out of the murky waters and collapsed on the rocky ledge. She laid on her back contemplating the recource of tonight. She mainly thought of her brother. The shrills of her lonely crying echoed round the cove and no one came to comfort her in her darkest hour of need.

= Chapter 25 =

The limo pulled up at the large double doors of the Mansion. The back doors opened and the perfectly tailored man jumped out.

Patris gave a quick tug to his jacket and turned to Icon. "Lets get this over with."

Icon nodded in agreement as the two men walked up the large stone stairway to the from entrance.

Icon went to ring the door bell, however the door already started opening. An old gray haired man wearing a grey suit and jet black shined shoes greeted them.

"I believe Lord Diablo is expecting you." The voice was soft and slightly croaky. It had been a long time since this man had any need to entertain guests and he found a slight relief in doing so.

"He is." Patris answered back. He really could care who this person was. Another lackey to serve his master. Partis couldn't help but think that soon everyone would serve him.

The old man lead them slowly through the great hallway and into the drawing room. He lead them to a couple of antique chairs and gestured them to sit. Icon obliged as did Partis unwillingly. He really didn't see the point in all of this.

"Can I get either of you a drink?"

"No but I will drink you if you don't tell Diablo that we are fucking waiting for him!"

The mans demeanour never changed. Most people would have at the very least shown a little sign of anger. He was too use to these kind of people. He polity told them that Lord Diablo would be on his way shortly. He then turned around and left the room.

Icon took in the size of the great drawing room. He guessed an area at least forty foot long. Three large fifteen foot windows allowed for the moon to throw it's light against the glass. Walls where adorn with book upon book upon books.

The vast majority of the light emanated from the fireplace. The roaring flames disappearing behind the stone and marble surround. Icon could help but take in the natural splendor of this place.

"Who the Fuck do you think he is eh?" Patris had risen to his feet and started pacing. "Well Icon? This is a matter of urgency and he just keeps us waiting like some second rate guest."

"I'm sure he is coming. This seems to be a big place and it might just take a little..." He was cut short.

"Yeah I'm sure. Like I'm sure the fucking moron..."

The doors to the drawing room opened and in walked Diablo. Partis's face changed in an instant.

"Diablo. I must say well done of apprehending Raziel."

"It's wasn't hard. In fact I fail to see what all the fuss was about."

"I thought the exact same. Now where is he?"

"If you want to follow me and I will take you to him."

The three men left the drawing room went through the hall and into the kitchen. Icon took in the intricate detail of the hardwood stairs that lead up to the second floor.

"Seventeenth century from a place that was called France. In fact it was owned by one of the monarch's that rules at the time. I had it shipped over when it was found."

Diablo led the men through the Kitchen and into the pantry. At the back of the room was a small wooden door then down into the cellars.

"Come on; he's down here." Diablo grabbed a torch from the side of the wall. "There no lighting on the stairway. Don't want you to slip and break you neck."

"I'm sure you don't."

The men dissappeared down a small and narrow circular stairway. The light of the torch dissapprearing into the darkness.

***

The silence of the other member came across all to loudly in Fregillion mind. Maiden and Mortis had lost someone close. He too felt like he had lost something. If it hadn't been for that pointy haired punk he would be kissing ash at this present minute.

He owed her one and he wanted to hate that. But he would take his revenge in the form of Diablo and Patris.

Maiden didn't want to think. Every time a thought entered her head it had something to do with Aria. Instead her thoughts turned to Raziel and freeing him from the castle.

They reached the north wall. The faceless wall showing no signs of entry. The group looked towards Maiden for guidance. For once she wish they didn't.

"I leave this to Fregillion to decide after all he was the one who used to live here."

"Me? Fuck that. Do you have any fucking idea how long it has been since I last lived here. for all I know everything been change and moved."

"He won't be. It will be exactly as you remembered it. Trust me I should know. Diablo is one of those people that reveal in nostalgia. His home will be more like a museum." Viona said

"Please Fregillion we could storm the place, it could all be for nothing. I need you to please help us and remember." The sympathetic plea from Maiden was evident.

"Come on bud. We have a score to settle."

The words from his friend rang out loud and clear. There has been to much going on in the last few days for him to even stop and think about anything.

Patris has set him up and drew him in to a conflict he really didn't want to know. But had it not been for him he would have never met this person whom he considered a good friend. Infact has it not been for Patris all these people whom he had now banded together with would not have occurred.

Now it was down to him to help them all out in this situation. His resolved firmed. "There used to be a secret passage along the back wall. You need to press a series of pressure bricks in the right order. This will lead us to the servant quarters behind the master dining room."

Fregillion silently led the other passed the back wall. They kept low and kept to the shadows to avoid the security cameras.

Fregillion remember the days when he would be out back, smoking and drinking and doing other things that brought a small smile to his face.

He apporched the brick wall, to the other it look ordinary, but Fregillion knew it's secrets. he pushed a few bricks and the wall started to shake slightly. A section of the wall broke away and swung open to reveal a passage way into the house.

The party lead by fregilion disappeared into the darkness as the door slid closed once again hiding is secrets to the outside world.

***

A knock came at the door. Diablo muttered something about not disturbing him when he is with guests, but after a reply of it's extremely urgent. Diablo gave in and allowed his servant to enter.

"I thought it best that you should know the mansion has been compromised. A group of people have entered thought the passage at the back of the house. Do you want me to make the necessary procedures sire?"

Diablo nodded his head in agreement and the elderly servant gave a bow and left, closing the heavy oak door gently behind him.

"Sooner then I expected. You two need to be on your way. You have what you came for now I would suggest that you leave. Not that I am expecting too much trouble from the riff raff, but you never know what rats can do when corned."

Patris and Icon looked and each other and shrugged. They weren't quite sure what had just happened but felt that if Diablo was asking them to leave then he would oblige as he had what they came for. A veil of Raziel's blood.

The followed Diablo out from the basement and back thought the pantry. Diablo showed the two the door and motioned them through it.

He then proceeded through another secret passage that lead to his armoury. This room he installed about ten years ago to house his arsenal. He knew there would be a fight. Albeit it a simple one. He really didn't want to take the risk of being unprepared.

Re-equipping his back plate and upholstering his guns, he leave the room via a set of stairs that lead into his master bedroom. Exiting the room he turned down the corridor ready to face the might of Raziel's crew.

Sure enough he didn't have to wait long. He could hear the footsteps of his assailants slowly waling through the corridor and into the main hall. He stood at the top of the grand staircase and waited for them to come into view.

"My dear Viona. You survived."

The group looked to the direction of the stairway. Diablo stood at the top, his long brown trench coat hanging loosely. His brown brimmed hat neatly on his head. His was playing with the guns that where holstered by his sides.

"Diablo I presume?" Maiden asked the obvious question.

The easy answer was sidetracked as he really didn't think he needed to answer.

"Whats the next question? Where is Raziel? What have you done with him? He had better be alive?" He started to parade across the top of the balcony occasionally leaning over to mock the next question. "We let me answer that then. Raziel is alive as Patris needs him that way. I have haven't done much with him apart from the obvious. Tough nut to crack though I tell you that. But they all give in eventually, they always do. I got to learn some interesting things."

Diablo wandered back over towards the staircase. "Did you know that he caused the downfall to the Order of the Sun?" The apparent blank look on most of the faces answered his question. "Imbeciles all of you. Cultural imbeciles."

"Don't you be calling us fucking imbeciles or I'll tear you fucking head of your fucking shoulders."

"My My, such horrible language. Is there any need to be so rude. I presume you lead your group through the secret passage then." He waited for puzzled looks to appear on their faces. "Oh wait, did you not think that I wouldn't know about the secret passageway. I found that after a week of buying the place. I has the door alarmed just in case. Now you will have to excuse me as I have some matters to attend to."

Diablo turned his back and was about to walk down the hallway that lead away from the grand hall. He glanced back briefly to leave his final message. "I will leave you in the company of my minions and please don;t give me suck a dumb look that I would not have thought to protect myself. Have fun and try not to die to quickly. I would love the temptation to kill you all myself, but I grow bored of you and have other matters to attend to."

Diablo walked down the hallway out of sight of the party.

"Come back here you fucking coward."

"Fregillion thats enough. I'm more worried about what we are about to face." The anticipation on Mortis's face was clear.

"I pray the rumors about him are wrong. God please be wrong."

Maiden turned to Viona. "What rumors?"

"Diablo is also a keen scientist. He found a way to keep the body alive long after the brain died. His work was discredited as evil and unnatural and he was kicked from the university where he worked."

A moan and a shuffling noise could be heard coming down the corridors.

Viona continued whilst unclipping her berretta. "Rumor has it that he carried on in secret capturing people and turning them into a following. Diablo's own personal army."

Another set of moaning, this time the shuffling of feet could be hear from upstairs.

"Creatures that need to be sent to the wasteland. Monstrosities of evil. They feel nothing. No pain, No fear. All they live for is death."

The first of the creatures came into view. Humanoid beings. at least twenty of them to begin with and more could be heard in the background. Some where dragging one of their legs, other had only one arm, however, all of their faces were twisted, their skin seared and deformed. Their blood red eyes gave only hatred.

"Diablo's army of ghouls. A damnation to this society. If we want Raziel then we must deal with them."

The ghouls came from all directions surrounding the group.

Flash raised his flail above his head. "If he have to go through them, then thats fine with me."

He charged the nearest ghoul and brought his flail down on it head shattering the skull. It fell to the ground twitched for a second and lay motionless.

"Time to take out the trash." Fregillion said

He aimed his gun and opened fire. The battle for Raziel had begun.

= Chapter 26 =

"How many more of these fucking things does that arsehole have?" By now Fregillon had run out of bullets and resorted to bashing the Ghouls on the head with the butt of his berretta.

Three waves of over thirty ghouls where hammering down the rescue troupe. Slow and dim-witted they where no real match individually for the group. The current problem was that they had been fighting well over an hour and after the recent battle with Lysandra. The fatigue was starting to set in. As where the injuries.

“How many more can there be?" Flash asked whilst sending another ghoul over the railings. Fregillon watched and could help but think of the quick backfire that Elfinlied would have given. Some thing along the lines of 'Home Run'. Danced around and he smirked gently. A set of teeth sank into his arm.

"Argh! You little fucker." The ghoul eventually let go after having it's head smashed in with a berretta handle.

Maiden removed her daggers from the final ghoul in that wave. "This is ridiculous. We can not stay here and be bested by a bunch of slow witted brainless monstrosities."

More moaning could be heard from around the wooden panelled wall that lead to the main dining room. Another set could also be heard from the top of the stairs and again from the drawing room that lead to the main hall.

Mortis looked towards the kitchen. The route was at least empty. "We need to head for the kitchen. However we also need to take care of the trash otherwise we will be knee deep in shit."

"How do you fuck do we do that then. Ask them nicely to fuck off."

"Hardly." Mortis reaching to his trenchcoat and produced a couple grenades. "However; I'm sure these guys can ask nicely."

Mortis tossed the Grenade to Fregillon. "You take the stair and I'll deal with the corridor. Make sure you aim for the wall. We may not be able to take out all this scum. But at least we can stop them from reaching us.

Fregillon was stunned. His mouth slight open. When at least he did manage to speak thirty seconds later he carried a slight touch of anger. "Why the fuck did you not tell us you had those three like three fucking waves ago!"

"Mortis pulled the pin from the top of the grenade and lobbed it down the corridor. "I wanted to save them. I kept thinking that this wave would be the last."

The grenade impacted one of the hall walls and bounced to the other. The ghouls where starting to enter the great hall when the devised detonated. Debris and body parts flew in all directions. The side of the wall and the ceiling had been collapsed stopping any point of entry.

"Now that’s what I'm talking about." Fregillon proceeded to pull the second pin from his incendiary and lobbed it up the stairs. Once again the same effect happened.

"Two down, one room left. Mortis any clever suggestions of this one as there is no way in hell that you will be able to bring down enough wall and ceiling to block anything entering.

Mortis pondered this. Fregillon was correct as the large thick Oak double doors where just far too large to enclose. 'Looks like we may have to fight this out after all.'

The two girls look at each other. Viona winked and smiled and Maiden understood what she needed to do. The pair of them ran up to the double door sand with a large heave closed them. Viona turned the large brass key locking the doors.

"See you just need a woman's touch." Maiden said

"Always looking for the violent way out of things. Typical men. If you can't blow it up. It's not worth thinking about." Viona finished.

The three men looked at each other and shrugged an indifferent shrug. The girls where correct in the fact that they didn't even conceder closing the doors. But then again what was the fun in that.

Maiden turned to face Fregillon. "Where would they hold Raziel?"

He had to think about this for a minute. "Viona, just how anal is Diablo?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you said that he needed everything to be exact."

"Oh god yes. He would have made sure that this place was exactly as it was when it was first built. I mean he spent over two years looking for a 17th century chair. That might be the best way to describe his analness."

"Ok. So quick recap. He human and he anal. So upstairs would be out of the question. I can't see him boarding the windows up for the darkness. You said he's human as well so there would no need for him to hide away from the sun."

Fregillon stopped to have a quick ponder.

"Again, you can rules out the main and secondary dining rooms... The ballroom is too exposed as is the sitting room and main living room..." Fregillon cursed. "Oh what a stupid fuck I am." He half expected a quick retort from a certain spiky haired lady. "Damn you kid. Now your in my head."

"What was that?" asked Maiden.

"Nothing... It's nothing. My father started work on cellar. It was going to be a mass underground extension covering half the house. He could then work from home and spend more time with us. He never finished though." Fregillon shrugged. "I suppose burning the house down really didn't help. However, he did start the work and managed to get a small amount done. A couple of room nothing more also there would be no windows either so it would be a perfect place to say... Hide a vampire."

"Please tell me you remember where your father started the work. Please. Raziel's life may well depend on it."

"Yeah. If I remember correctly we need to go through the kitchen and through into the pantry. There's a door there and a spiral staircase that leads to the basement. Come one follow me."

The party headed towards the kitchen and through the pantry. The flimsy wooden door had been left open and the flickering of firelight could be seen bouncing off the cold damp stone.

Fregillon pressed his finger to his lips to tell the others to stay quiet as he slowly descended. As he reached the bottom he caught the distinct whiff of cigarette smoke. Glancing to the left he caught sight of a single guard. His back was turned to him and he was leaning crossed armed again the grey concrete wall.

Fregillon carefully crept up behind the man as he took another intake of nicotine. The guard felt a strong pair of hand quickly grab him around the neck. A quick and quiet snap confirmed to Fregillon what he wanted. He carefully lowered the guard to the floor.

Fregillon rose and turned around. His eyes widen and one thought passed his mind 'Oh fuck me.' The guard pulled the trigger to his semi automatic.

Another single shot followed after the three round burst. The element of surprise was gone and Maiden and the others charged downstairs. They where met by two dead guards on the floor.

"Aw fuck me man. Oh shit. Now this fucking hurts." Fregillon had taken the three shots to his mid section, arm and upper leg. Blood was pooling to the middle of the floor.

"What can we do?" Flash asked urgently and caringly.

"Well for one don't ask suck a stupid fucking question, secondly find something to bandage me up."

Flash was more frantic then helpful. "There's nothing around here!"

'If I could move properly I'd fucking slap that stupidity out of you, you great oaf'. Fregillon took a quick glance of the area. The others looked like they had moved on ahead and Flash to it.

Flash was a giant statue. Standing there in the middle of the corridor occasionally moving his head from side to side looking for something to help his friend.

"There's nothing here."

"How about the guards? They’re clothing... That'll work."

Flash took two large strides across the semi-circled brick enclosure and to the bullet-ridden guards. He reached down and tore the sleeves off of the shirts. Another large step and Flash was back with his friend.

"Right, now what do I do?"

"You're fucking with me aren’t ya?"

"No, funny enough I've never had to bandage up gun shot wounds before."

"Shit - give them here and sit down and actual learn something of the real world." Fregillon proceed to rap the bandages round his arm and waist pulling them hard to stem the blood flow. He winced a little from the pain.

"There I'll live. Now give me a hand and lets get the fuck out of here. We need to catch up to Maiden and Mortis."

Flash grabbed Fregillon by the arms and allowed his friend to use him for support as they slowly made their way down the passage.

***

Maiden pointed to Mortis at the strong oak wooden door now barricading their way forward. The door had been locked and to have Mortis blow the door could cause more attention then they already had.

"Don't suppose anyone had a key?" Viona asked as a joke.

"Funny. Seriously though we need to get through and I don't have the right equipment with me."

"Perhaps there is another route. We'll double back and have another look, but we need to be quick about it. Don't want Diablo on our tales again."

Viona and Mortis nodded in agreement and started the march back. They reached the end of the corridor when they ran into Flash and Fregillon.

"Thank for leaving us." Came the sarcastic reply.

Mortis answered with the same tone. "We knew you could handle yourself. Now if you have finished your bitchin' we need to get through that door. Any Suggestions?"

"Yeah - That’s an easy problem to solve."

Fregillon quickly grabbed Mortis's Grenade launcher from his belt, pointed it at the door and pulled the trigger. The grenade sailed through the air, bounced on the ground twice and then exploded. The energy of the blast knocking them off their feet.

"You fucking idiot!" Mortis grabbed his launcher. "Do you have any idea what you have done!"

"No one can hear us you fucking twat. This house is fitted with Soundproofing, Basement included. The only people that would have hear it would have been us and the dead fucking guards back there. I think I know my fucking house thank you."

Everyone picked themselves up and dusted themselves down. Mortis spun around and looked that gapping hole and destroyed masonry that remained from the blast.

"See. All clear."

Mortis brought his fist round and connected it with Fregillon’s face. Fregillon’s head jerked round, but he held his footing meaning Mortis was giving him a warning.

"You ever do anything that stupid again and next time I'll make sure I use a bullet."

Fregillon rubbed his jaw, but said nothing and followed the others though the doorway.

Maiden was the first to enter the large circular room. The last reminisce of a fire burnt away in the fireplace and the shelves of books where covered in the dust of the explosion.

She then spotted what they had come for, what she has lost her daughter for. Chained against the walled, slumped, bleeding and unconscious was Raziel.

= Chapter 27 =

"Raziel!" If the call from Maiden was suppose to stir some sort of consciousness from Raziel, it didn't work. Another shout again falling of deaf ears.

"Fuck sake man, do not be dead on us. I did not come all this fucking way for you to be dead."

Viona stared at him, her mind racing a hundred thoughts a minute. 'This was all my fault.' Came the first thing to enter her mind followed by 'I'm so sorry. Please forgive me.'

Mortis looked over to the wall where the chains where attached. Pointing over to the other side of the wall, Flash understood what Mortis was trying to do. He hurried over to the other chain, pulled the flail from off his back and took a massive swing,

The heads connected with the eye of ring imbedded into the wall. A large clink and a few sparks and the chain shattered. Mortis had done something similar to the other chain and the two women caught Raziel as he fell.

Fregillon felt rather useless propped up against the wall. He wished he was able to help out, however, the wounds where still causing a lot of pain. Something he could have done without. He let a small smile pass his lips. 'Last time I let those little fuckers get the better of me.'

Maiden and Viona carefully and gently placed Raziel of the floor. Viona placed the back of her hand over Raziel's mouth. She could feel the a slight breeze against her skin. She nodded an approval over to Maiden.

Good so he is alive, Now we need to get him out of here. Mortis, Can you and Flash carry him?"

"Great I'll fucking drag myself with my lips then shall I?"

"I've got Raziel." Viona piped up, "All things considering, It's the least I could do. Flash, I suggest you see to your Fregillon."

Flash gave his agreement and again allowed Fregillon to use him as a crutch.
"Mai...den..."

"Raziel?" Surprise took her more then anything. "Keep quiet, you need to save your strength.

"No... You must reach...The temple of the Rising Sun."

"I don't understand. What Temple?"

"The Temple of the Rising Sun... You need to be there... Stop Patris..."

"Ok we will do, but first we need to get you out of here."

"No... Leave me... Go to Japan... Stop Patris."

"No way. I have lost far to much to just leave you here. You're coming with us whether you like it or not. I am sick of your bloody stubbornness."

Raziel went quiet and gave a slight nod. Viona and Mortis followed the other out of the room, back through the corridor and back up the stair.

They reached the grand hallway. The bodies of the Ghouls still littered around the floor. The door to the drawing room still barred and the sounds to moaning and groaning echoing through the sense oak.

"We need to get out of here. Now." Mortis shouted the command at the others.
Fregillon was quick to respond. "Really, hadn't really fucking noticed."

Maiden quickly ran to the front door and tried the handle. "It's locked."

"Did you think I was just going to let you walk out of here alive?"

Everyone turned to around. At the top of the stair stood Diablo. His trench coat dangling by his sides. his favourite Uzis in hand.

"Well. You really think I would let you walk in here and take Raziel?"

The others didn't really have any kind of retort. Various responses passed through each of their minds, but no one said anything.

Diablo stood there with puzzling look of his face. He had questions and for once he really didn't want answers. He also had answers to questions that the ones standing on front of him could only wish they would ask. He pondered briefly before deciding to share a little. After all no one was leaving here alive.

"You know I have to worry abut Patris..." Diablo turned and started to stroll aimlessly across the mezzanine. "No actually I don't, but the outcome could be fun. I'm really not sure what that boy is getting himself into."

"Yeah, when I get that little fucker, I'll give him something to worry about."
Diablo leaned causally against one of the pillars that ran through upper floor. "My dear party boy, you have no idea. You are a pathetic little flea compared to what Patris will do should he succeed. Personally I look forward to it."

"What will happen?" Viona asked a small amount of worry accented in her voice.
"Oh my little blonde beauty, why do you think I'm going to tell you?" Diablo swung his body round the pillar and relocked his gaze on Viona. "Well?"

Viona stayed silent.

"I though as much. You see with my nature I want to tell you everything. I'm a nice guy like that. But you know, you come into my house, destroy my things and steal my objects. I just don't feel like sharing."

"Please cut the fucking bullshit or give me a gun so I can top you myself. Man I never realised what a self obsessed little prick you are."

"For once I actually agree with the mouth over here." Mortis said pulling out an MPK5. "I have a message for you from a friend of mine."

Mortis pulled the trigger and unleashed a hail of bullets at his intended victim. The other ran under the mezzanine for some protection.

Diablo used the pillar for protection as the bullets either stuck the marble or sailed passed him harmlessly. He spun back round and unleashed a torrent of his own.
Mortis dived forward and rolled out of the sprays way. The parquet flooring being torn up by the stream.

Mortis pulled a grenade from his belt, pulled the pin and threw it over then ledge.
"Shit!." Diablo ran from the ensuing blast. He was blown off his feet and came to rest on his face. A small cut appear from his forehead and he could feel the warmth of his blood run down his face.

Mortis darted to the other for some safety and a quick breather. Maiden ran out holding taking Fregillon berretta from his. Diablo was heading down the stairs when they glanced at each other.

He smiled and she returned the favour. "Because of you I lost my reason to live. It's only fitting I do the same by killing you."

Diablo pulled round his shotguns, took aim and opened fire. Maiden easily darted and avoided the shells. She ran towards the stairs pulling the trigger and watching as she missed with every single shot.

Diablo continued to make is way down the stairs, occasionally stopping to let a bullet whiz by. He turned to face her. She was gone. 'That's not possible.'

A scream from above and a quick jump to the left allow Diablo to narrowly avoid her blades. 'So that was you plan. Get in close. Very good.'

Maiden attacked once again. She was now in close quarters. A fighting style she was both use to and preferred. Her blades glistened against the artificial light as she took two quick swings followed by a roundhouse.

Diablo blocked them all and countered with a fist to her chest. She staggered slightly and Diablo continued the onslaught with another left right combo followed with a reverse elbow to the side of her head.

Maiden dropped to one knee then rolled quickly out of way of Diablo's foot. She spun her legs round for a sweep that was easily avoided then spun on her hands and kept her legs out in the split. The first and second kick caught Diablo in the side, followed by a double foot kick in the mid section and a reverse cartwheel kick to the chin.

Diablo was sent sprawling backwards. He hit the ground hard but was able to keep his wits about him. He pulled out one of his Beretta’s and sent a single bullet Maiden's way.

The shot caught her in the mid section and she dropped to her knees. The pain exploding through her body. Diablo aimed his gun for a second a time. Directly for her head.

What was intended to the best head shot turned into a dodging frenzy as Flash came in, flail swinging. Diablo ducked the first swing and rolled from the next. Flash brought his weight down for a third swing and could do nothing as Diablo jumped out of the way.

Diablo struck Flash round the face several times with the butt of his gun. He was too close to be able to send a bullet before Flash would tear his head off. This was followed with a series of knees to the chest and finally a roundhouse to the face.

Flash staggered. Blood dripped from his mouth and all he could feel as anger and hatred. He felt the same rage burn throughout his body as he did the other day. He could feel the lines of his shirt tearing.

He looked Diablo straight in the eyes. "You're mine."

He reached out with this honking arms and grabbed Diablo round the head and lifted him clean off the floor. Diablo tried for a series of kicks, but to no avail. lash lost all feelings of pain. He could see the burning fire in Flash's eyes.
Flash brought his arms back toward him as hard as he could dragging Diablo with him. once in range a split second later, Flash brought his head down on the bridge of his adversaries nose.

A sickening crunch followed by an explosion of blood confirmed that he has shattered Diablo nose. Flash locked his fingers together as one big fist and swung it like baseball bat.

Diablo flew through the air and crumpled on the marble floor. He could feel the throbbing pain from his dislocated cheek and decided that how was the time to run, otherwise it would be the death of him.

A quick glance was all he needed. The way back to the basement was clear, if he would make it then he could reach the underground cavern he created and with that an exit that lead to the shores.

He made a charge down the hall and towards the basement door. Mortis ran over to start of the hallway. "We have to catch him!"

"I don't fucking think so." He grabbed one of Mortis's grenade launchers from off his back. It had one final shot left and one was all Fregillon wanted. Mortis pulled the other one round. In his own mind he wanted to take Diablo down and refused to let Fregillon take all the credit.

The two pulled the trigger and sent the grenades bouncing down the hallway. Diablo slide feet first down the stairs, knowing nothing of the people he left behind, hopefully they would have more concerns getting Raziel to safety. Something he would deal with another time.

He came to rest at the bottom of the stair, a little out of breath, but no real noises except for two metallic object bouncing down the stairs.

There was no need to guess, though this years of weapons training he knew.

He knew he was defeated.

"Bravo people. Bravo."

A small smirk passed his lips as the grenades detonated sending everything to black.

= Chapter 28 =

Smoke and dust filled the doorway. The pale grey covering all it touched. Fregillon and Mortis looked at each other both with that look of triumph and disappointment.
Both of them wanted the privilege of killing Diablo and now no one person could lay to this claim.

Mortis tore the grenade launcher from Fregillon's hands. "I though I told you to leave my stuff alone."

"Fuck that shit!" Came to response. "We got the job done didn't we?"

Mortis said nothing and turned to head back to the other who had gathered in the centre of the grand hallway. A few thoughts entered Mortis's mind, but at the end of the day he knew Fregillon was right. They had done what they came to do."

Maiden was the first to meet up with Mortis. As much as she wanted to smile that Diablo lay underneath a ton of rubble, the loss of her daughter was still weighted heavily on her shoulders.

Flash wandered over to his mate and placed an arm over him and smiled. "Nice job."

"Wow. What you so fucking happy about?"

"You know, to be honest I'm not sure, perhaps for the first time I have that closure I wanted. You know everything that has happened to me over the last six months."

"You ain't seen shit yet. Just wait till we reach Japan. Then we get to work on the hard stuff. This..." He swung his arm to indicate everything in the mansion. "This was just fucking child's play."

"Please tell me your screwing with me."

"Fregillon let loose a loud chuckle. "Oh course I'm fuckin' with ya. You think I wanna go through this fucking shit again. No fucking way!"

Flash let out a breath of relief and laughed at Fregillon. He wasn’t sure why he was laughing, but it felt good either way.

Viona was helping Raziel limp towards Maiden and Mortis. For her too much had gone on and she still felt that his who scenario that they just played out was all her fault.

She could help but feel ashamed. She wished she could turn the clock back and re-done it all again. Then she reminded herself that what is done is done and there was nothing she could do to change it. The only thing she could do was to move forward.

Mortis came over to give a hand. "We need to get out of here and head for Japan as Raziel suggested. I can get us a boat, but the journey will take some time."

"What ever it takes us will take Patris just as long, but I do agree we need to get a move on. However the doors locked and I don't really want to carry Raziel back through the passage. That is of course Diablo didn't shut and lock it."

"I would be disappointed if he didn't."

Maiden walked over to the entranceway. The main solid oak double doors locked with a couple of large bolts. She could see through the keyhole to the outside world. The faint rays of the red sun starting to bring the light to the world.
Fregillon called over to her. "Can't we blow the fucking door off?"

Mortis was quick to answer. "What with? We used the last of the grenades we had taking down Diablo."

"Aw for fuck sake. This is all we need. Trapped in a house with no fucking exit whilst some jumped up little prick is off right now to either end or rule the world." Fregillon kicked the nearby wall. "Great! This is really just so fucking great!"

"Got it!" Maiden cried.

"What the fuck have you got, hopefully the way out of here."

Maiden pulled the handled on the oak doors and pulled. They opened easily and for the first time in what seemed like days, they gazed upon the outdoors. Mortis truck was still parked out on the drive. Completely untouched.

"Wow guess neither Patris or Diablo even contemplated that we would actually win. Come on let go."

The team carrying Raziel left the mansion and headed down towards the truck. They all clambered in with the exception of Fregillon who grabbed a lighter from the centre console.

"Be right back."

"What the...?" Mortis replied.

Fregillon interrupted. "Trust me." He said it with a smile.

"Never in a million years."

"I wouldn't have it any other fucking way."

Mortis gave a slight laugh. He was starting to understand Fregillon's impulse a little more and he began to also understand why for all his brashness and profanity, why people like him.

Fregillon ran back up the stone stairs he mind racing faster then his legs. So many memories here. He recalled the party he once had for one of his birthdays. So many people. So many good times. His best mate Dave bringing him coke and prostitutes to keep his going for the evening.

He remembered his father face when he returned home, the house trashed, food, glasses and beer cans littered everywhere. Men and women collapsed on the floor. The amount of arguments he had.

He had always told people that a fire destroyed the house as a result of one of the parties, but Fregillon remembered what really happened.

It was after a row with his father. He said a few things he shouldn't have said expecting the usual from his dad. A fist to the round the back of the face, the your such a disappointment speech. But this time none of that. Instead he found himself out on the streets with no clothes, no money. Nothing. He had been kicked out.

It was that night that Fregillon through a Molotov cocktail through one of the open windows and set the fire that gutted the original house.

He remembered the screams of his father from the upstairs bedroom. He remembered his father looking right at him as the realization of what he had done to his son has set in. Fregillon remembered his pleads of help falling on deaf ears as he walked away from the mansion.

Fregillon final thoughts came down to the police turning up and he sat there on the charred remains of the stone steps with forced tears running from his eyes as he told the police about the horrific attack from a gang of youths and how he vowed to bring them to justice for the death of his father.

Fregillon entered the mansion once again. The lighter in hand and looking for something he could set alight. He pondered the curtains, but there was always the possibility that the fire would not spread through the entire house.

The thought finally hit him, he ran to the stainless steel work topped kitchen. Fregillon hated this place, always reminded him of the hospital. He moved to the stove and turned on all the gas hobs to maximum.

With that done, he paced back to the grand hallway and proceeded to light all fours sets of curtains. It took a while for the material to light, however once lit he knew they would not go out. Once done he left the mansion one again to join the others.

Fregillon bounded down the stone steps across the gravel drive and hopped back into the front seat of the truck. He looked behind to see everyone else crammed in the back.

He looked at Raziel, his eyes where open but he still did not seem coherent. Fregillon thought it best to leave him for the time being and let him recuperate.
He turned to Mortis, who had control of the vehicle. "Lets get the fuck out of here and fast."

"Why? What have you done?"

"Lets just say I've taken care of the ghoul problem. Or I will have in a few minutes."

Mortis looked out the window to see the fire flickering against the windowpanes. He turned back to Fregillon. "What have you done?"

"For fuck sake move before we are all fucked! I've turned the fucking gas on, so go go go!"

"You stupid little..." Maiden cut Mortis short.

"Ok he been a bit of a prick, but hmm... lets talk about this at a later time please. I have no wish to be dead just yet."

As much as Mortis wanted to continue the argument he knew he would have plenty of time to box Fregillon ears on the boat. He rammed the stick to D and hit his foot hard on the gas.

The wheel of the truck spun on the gravel for a few second before it picked up the grip and sped off down the lane.

Maiden looked over at the Ridge Valley Cliffs. The wind has picked up slightly and she could see the ash of Elfinlied and Artoir dissipate over the water. She couldn’t help feel the moisture of a tear roll down her cheek.

'Good-bye and I love you. I always have and I always will.'

The mansion exploded with such ferocity, that stone, wood and ghoul part where scattered over a large area and a fireball was sent hurtling skywards.

Fregillon stuck his head out the window and managed to get a glance at his handiwork. The popped his head back in the car and smiled.

The only thought to cross his mind 'One down, one to go'

The truck rolled over the crest of a hill and disappeared. Their destination, the port in New LA and then onwards to Japan to stop whatever horrors Patris had to throw at them.

= Chapter 29 =

Raziel stood at the back of the boat watching the wake disperse into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. He pondered his thoughts for a while on how this wake seemed to tell his life. He found himself saddened at the thought that now confronted him.

This wake started close, full of power. The white of the waves churned out from the propellers bringing an almost electric force to the water.

Then the further down the line the displacement moved, the more it dissipated into the background of the vast existence.

He had never really thought about his actions, only that no matter what, it was always better to be alone. That way you had no one to worry about when they needed help. No one who relied on you when they were hard up. No one to have to listen when they were feeling down.

Before Diablo went to work on him, having to rely on people seemed unnecessary and a waste of time.

Yet for all his previous thoughts, Diablo made sure that he saw things in a new light. He found out from Viona one night when it was her 'shift' to watch over him as he recuperated from his injuries about Elfinlied. About how she was Maiden's daughter.

He listened to Viona nearly breakdown in tears over what she did to him and the fact that all of this was all her fault. He wanted to say something at the time but was still too weak to say anything.

Raziel looked at the night sky. The starts where out in full force with not a cloud to be seen. The wind was calm, only the soft hum from the engines reminded him that there was life around him.

So many nights he looked at the stars and thought that these must be the loneliest objects he could ever think and he lost count of the amount of times he compared himself to these starts. He wasn't so sure now. Too many people risked everything for him. For once he wanted answers, but didn't know what questions to ask. This troubled him.

If there were other thought running through his head they where interrupted by the sounds of footfalls approaching him. He needed not turn around to know who was standing behind him. Her smell alone gave her away.

"Maiden."

"Raziel."

Raziel wasn't sure what to say. Normally he would have said nothing. Maybe a sarcastic remark. This time he really didn't want to. He wanted this talk. The one he knew when he first spoke to her on that rooftop they would have to discuss.

Maiden placed her arms on the railing and leaned over the edge of the boat. She had a million and one questions. But didn't want to ask them.

When she first started looking for him she was hell bent on destroying him. When she then saw him, she really wanted to hurt him. Now, she really didn't know.

"How you feeling?" She asked.

'What the hell am I saying? How are you feeling? God could I ask such a stupid question.'

"As well as could be expected. You?" Raziel responded.

'Why the small talk Maiden? It's not like you to not get straight to the point.'

"Same."

The two stood and gazed at the stars for another couple of minutes.

"I'm sorry to hear about your daughter."

'I really am. I don't know what it would be like to lose someone you love. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.'

"I wish I could tell you that after being three weeks at sea I was over it. I would be lying though. It still hurts like hell. Second time I've lost her.

'How do you say goodbye to something you love more than life itself?'

"Second time? Do you want to talk about it?"

'I suppose I owe this to her. I am the one who inadvertently caused her death.'

"You want to know more about my daughter?"

'What the hell happened to you? You've never taken an interest in anything I've ever said or done. What did Diablo do you?'

Raziel turned his head and looked back down the boat. He followed the fake wooden deck to the main hub. A steel mounted container in the middle of the deck. The stairs to the lower deck and the entry to the bridge could be found in here. He turned back to the water.

"When I was being tortured by Diablo. I didn't think that anyone would come for me. Let’s be honest here I not exactly Mr. Likable. Anyhow, it was on one of those nights that I tried to remember anything about my past. Trouble was too much came back and let’s just say I didn't like what I saw. I suppose everyone has their breaking point and Diablo found mine."

Raziel stopped to take a breath. He stared at the full moon and pondered what to say next. Did he continue down his current choice of path or should he just end the conversation now and return to his former life. The latter option seemed the easiest yet he would himself wanting the first option.

"I've been in this world for so long and I have seem so much death and destruction that after a while thats all you think about. I lost myself to this world and never even thought about the people I hurt along the way. You're not the first I've walked away from. Until that night I never even gave it much thought. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry. I'm not really sure what I should be sorry for, just that I am."

'I wish I knew what I was apologising for. If I'm honest with myself I don't know. Prehaps it for all the misery I have caused. Not just to you but to everyone.'

"You're sorry? If this was the old you I would have said you where taking the piss. I don’t know why but I believe you. Whatever happened to you in that dungeon changed you."

'Oh Raziel, what happened to you? There has to be more then you are telling me. I know you and I know you are not saying these words lightly.'

Maiden looked for the right words to say. Nothing seemed to fit so she decided it was best to come clean with her feelings. Something Elfinlied always tried to teach her.

"I met you what? Two hundred years ago, give or take."

Raziel nodded.

"You have to understand, I had only just been turned. I didn’t know what I was or who I was. I knew that my former live was no more. Did I ever tell you my name was Sarah? And that I was married? I can't remember."

Raziel shook his head and continued to say nothing.

"All that was taken from me. My husband was killed protecting my daughter and for some reason or another I found myself in the arms of a Vicar named Artoir and it was he who converted me. Funny and quite Ironic, know I think about it. He was a man of god. If you can't trust them who can you trust?"

Maiden let out a slight chuckle.

"Anyhow. After that incident I met you. You opened the world to me and you showed me almost everything I know today about being a Vampire. How to blend, how to fight and how to feed. Who are my friends and my enemies? You have to understand back then I fell absolutely in love with you. I worshipped you and everything that you stood for."

Maiden was quick to wipe the tear that managed to escape her eye.

"How many placed did you show me. I mean remember the time we joined up with Scyanide and took on that hunters nest in Berlin?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"You and Scyanide didn't stop arguing the entire trip. I swear I could have banged both of your heads together. Now I can see the funny side of it. Then we came back here. I remember the first flat we used to share. It was huge. It must have been at least three times the size of my old house. To you it was a crash pad."

She looked over to Raziel for a response. She didn't get one, but she knew he was listening and not brushing it off like normal.

"Then there was this darkness you had. I don't know how to explain it, but you had this power over people, like you could have commanded an army. People would just follow you on your say so. I wish I knew how you did that. But if I know you, I'll wager that even you don't know, right?"

"Yeah."

'You're right you know. I really have no idea why people did what I asked. I always wanted to be left alone and yet where ever I went people always followed.'

"I was happy. I knew in some little part of my mind that you didn't care for me. Even though for over ten years we shared the same bed. I may have loved you, but you didn't love anything back. And I was fine pretending that you did.”

'Was I fine with that? Looking back on it I lost count the number of times you walked out the door and left me a crying heap on the ground. Is it no wonder I was looking for revenge when you came back into my life.'

“Then one day you disappeared. No note, no phone call, nothing. I was devastated. Everything I knew fell apart and I ended up wandering the streets for another couple of years. I suppose I had street smarts now. I was always able to find a place to stay. I was ever able to make some good money. But nothing replaced you."

Raziel was starting to feel uncomfortable. He never realized or gave any thought to Maiden's genuine feelings. For him those eleven years was just a chapter in his life. Another person come and gone when he decided it was time to move on.

'Sorry won't cut it will it Maiden. I need to let you know how I felt about that night I left and tell you everything that I did from there on. I owe that to you, don't I?'

"Sorry."

"For some reason I believe you. You wanted to know about Aria? My daughter."

Maiden took a deep breath.

"After you left me, it must have been a couple of years. I can't quite remember. I ran into a young sixteen year old punk. I don't need to describe her as I think you can guess what she would look like.

She never changed even when she was turned. Anyhow, she was so happy and I must have been having a down turn at that point cause she found me in a bar, drink in hand. Well if I have to be honest I think it was my tenth.

She wouldn't leave me alone, something about recognizing me from somewhere. She got me talking. Funny that I found out that her father was killed protecting her when she was three and her mother ran off somewhere never to be seen again."

Another pause.

"I realized right then and there that she was Aria. But rather then tell her who I was. I decided that I should play along and be her friend. Honestly I don't think she would have believed me anyhow as I still looked as I did thirteen years ago."

"What happened to your daughter then if you where looking out for her?"

Maiden chocked at little at the start. The memory still a little painful.

"Two years later, we went out clubbing, I was enjoying my life. She made it fun and exciting. There was something about her that gave you a wanting to carry on. An excitement, I can't put my finger on it.

Something happened in that club with her boyfriend at the time. She ran outside crying. I have never seen her cry over a bloke. A torn jacket maybe, when her favorite teddy lost an arm, she cried for a week. But for a man, never.

'At least I thought never. We can all be wrong sometimes.'

Raziel looked at her with intent as she carried on.

"I knew she had been seeing this guy for a while now, I guess we all grow up a little when we are that age and we all fall for someone I suppose. Turns out that she did indeed love this guy, he however, didn't reciprocate. In fact she found him kissing another girl; he laughed in her face and told her she was nothing.

I tried to comfort her, but I knew what she really wanted at the point was a parent to tell her everything was going to be ok.

So I told her who I was. Big mistake. She called me some rather unpleasant names and then wanted to know how I could be so cruel as I knew how much the loss of her parent really affected her. She told me she never wanted to see me again and ran off."

'I should have run after her. I should have made her see some sense, then what happened next would never of happened.'

"Then what? I presume she came round to her senses?"

"Not exactly. I decided that this connection was a bad idea and started walking home with all the intent of never seeing her again. I'm not sure if I would call it luck or a nightmare that was about to begin. I heard a scream from one of the alleys. I didn't have to second guess. I knew it was her.

By the time I got to her, she had been raped and stabbed repeatedly. Aria collapsed on the floor blood everywhere and her breathing was getting weaker by the minute. I knew if I turned her, she would have a fighting change. If I did nothing, she would have died in my arms."

'Looking back now, I was so selfish but can you blame me for what I did? Aria I hope where ever you are you can forgive me.'

"So I turned her. One of the good things about being a best friend to her was I knew all her secrets. I also knew where this ex-boyfriend of her would be and I knew my daughter would be hungry for blood.

I carried her round to the house, by this time the blood rage had kicked in and most of her more serious injuries had healed. I told her to have some fun and shall we say; I opened the door for her.

For the next ten minutes I listened with a smile on my face as her ex and the woman he was sleeping with screamed in terror as her tore the life from both of them. Once the screaming stopped I went in to find her.

She was cuddling both of them like a lion cuddled his victim to make sure no one else could have it. I told her it was ok. They were hers to enjoy and to talk to me in the living room when she was ready.

So I waited about half an hour and down came by daughter. I told her to sit down and to my surprise she did exactly what I told her to do. I then told her the truth about me and what happened that night thirteen years ago.

In the end both of us agreed that we needed a new start. She asked me why I called my self Maiden and I explained. It took her the rest of the night, but in the end she choose the name Elfinlied. I got the excuse that it sounded happier then Aria. The real reason. I guess I will never know. We both agreed though that our pasts where indeed dead. We agreed that the route of being friends seemed the most appropriate and the rest is history.

So that explains what happened with me and my daughter. does that satisfy you're curiosity?"

"Yeah. thank you."

'I wish I never asked. Those where personal to you. So why did you just tell me all of that. After everything I've done and you still want to trust me? I suppose I still have a lot to learn.'

"I have a question for you. I know what I thought all those years ago, but now I'm not so sure. Did I love you?"

"I'm not sure. Some part of you may have done, I think it's more the fact you loved the darkness. You fell in love with what I am rather than who I am and you were prepared to over look the rest."

"Perhaps."

Maiden pushed off the rails and gave Raziel a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you for listening to me. Anyhow we need to get back below and start to formulate a plan. Getting to Japan is one thing. Finding and taking down Patris and Icon is something else."

"I'll be there is a second."

"Ok, but only a second otherwise I'll send Fregillon out to get you." Raziel was sure that Maiden was smiling at him.

"I'll be down. Promise."

With the promise that Raziel would follow, she turned on her heals, entered the cabin and shut the door behind her.

Raziel turned back to the sea. 'I have leant more about you in the last ten minutes then I have known about you in the last two hundred years, all because you trust me. Maybe it's time for a change.'

Raziel honored his promised to Maiden and headed for the door that lead down to the hold where the other where waiting for him.

He looked back at the moon. Its white light had faded a dull rust red as the blood moon started to settle in. Raziel knew the final fight would soon be coming to a close and he hoped that he had the strength to finish off what he had started.

= Chapter 30 - The Tokyo Flow =

= Chapter 31 - Temple of the Golden Sun =

= Chapter 32 - The Angels of Death =

= Epilogue =

The II Act

2013-03-28T16:34:28Z

DemonDude:

<center><font size="250" face="gothic">ACT II</font></center>

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">

=== Moving into Act II ===

You can advance to Act II once you:
* Reach level 50
* Complete all Act I Pilgrimages

''' !! You cannot revert back to Act I once you move into Act II !! '''

</div>
<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 80%;">

== Act II Quests ==

Just like Act I, after completing all the quests in one location you will be able to progress onto the quests further away from the city. <br>
However in Act II only '''the Vicinity of the City''' quests can be completed in any sequence. '''Far Journeys''' and '''Pilgrimages to the Wastelands''' are done like Pilgrimages in Act I and have to be completed '''one after another'''.

</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">

== Vicinity of the City ==

* Maximum chance of success = 80%
* 1 stat point = +3% success
* 5 luck = +2% success
* Duration = 300 seconds
** 100 seconds with '''Shortening'''
*** 60 seconds with '''Quest Delux'''
* Quality of drops available are Normal and Good
* Number of dropped items is the same as on medium difficulty in Act I
* Experience points is more than if on medium difficulty in Act I
* Chance for prefix and/or suffix as well as "good" quality is the same as on medium difficulty in Act I
* A very slight chance of finding a legendary item

</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">

== Far Journeys ==

* Maximum chance of success = 70%
* 1 stat point = +1% success
* 5 luck = +1% success
* Duration = 600 seconds
** 200 seconds with '''Shortening'''
*** 120 Seconds with '''Quest Delux'''
* Quality of drops available are Normal, Good and Perfect
* Number of dropped items is the same as on hard difficulty in Act I
* Experience points is more than on hard difficulty in Act I
* Chance for prefix and/or suffix as well as "good" and "perfect" quality is the same as on hard difficulty in Act I
* A slightly better chance of finding a legendary item than on easy quests

</div>
<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 80%;">

== Pilgrimages into the Wastelands ==

* Maximum chance of success = 65%
* 1 stat point = +1% success
* 5 luck = +1% success
* Duration = 1800 seconds
** 600 seconds with '''Shortening'''
*** 180 Seconds with '''Quest Delux'''
* Quality of drops available are Normal, Good and Perfect
* Number of dropped items is more than on hard difficulty in Act I
* Experience points is more than Act II Far Journey
* Chance for prefix and/or suffix as well as "good" and "perfect" quality is the same as on hard difficulty in Act I
* Chance of finding a legendary item is much higher than on easy and medium quests.
* '''Pilgrimages in the Act II have an additional modifier which makes them more difficult than Far Journeys in A2'''
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 25%;">
==== Sequence of Far Journeys ====

* Knowledge
* Reputation
* Strength
* Charisma
* Perception
* Toughness
* Appearance
* Agility
* Intelligence

</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 70%; background:">

==== Sequence of Pilgrimages ====

* Knowledge
* Agility
* Strength
* Reputation
* Appearance
* Charisma
* Intelligence
* Perception
* Toughness

</div>

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 80%;">

== Act II Expeditions ==

In Act II the enemies are much stronger but this also means that you will earn more experience from defeating them.<br>
If Act II players join an Act I players expo then the power of the opponents will be increased in proportion to the sum of the levels of the players from Act II. '''The weaker the monster, the greater the modifier.'''

The chance of finding an item or stones is the same as in Act I. However, in Act II there is also a chance of finding legendary items and the chance of it happening is equal to half of the monster <span style="color: red;">number</span> rounded down. <span style="color: red;">( what does number stand for, order on the map? HP? number of mobs? )</span>

On Necropolis, level 60+ Act II characters have the reduced experience restriction of being too low in level removed.

</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">
== Attacks in Act II ==

You'll get '''2 x more experience''' for defeating a player who is in Act II that a player who is from Act I, no matter what Act you are in.
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 55%;">
== Tasks in Act II ==

Tasks not completed in Act II roll over into Act II as well.

</div>

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 80%;">
== Legendary Items ==

In Act II you may find a new type of item, the '''Legendary Items'''. It's a kind of a prefix that sits infront of the item name ''e.g. Legendary Perfect Demonic Knife of Agility''.

Legendary items may only be '''found''' and '''equipped''' by players in Act II.

On Underworld type realms legendary items cannot be placed into the the Clan Armoury.
</div>
<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 80%;">
== Stats ==

Items with the sub-prefix '''legendary''' will have the following modifiers:

* On '''Necropolis'''
** Effects increased by 35% and requirements increased by 20%.
* On '''Underworld'''
** Requirements lowered by 20%,
** 1h Guns - +30% Damage, +27% chance to hit
** 2h Guns - +20% Damage, +1 attack per round,
** 1h Melee - +10% chance for critical hit, +5% chance to dodge
** 2h Melee - +25% chance for critical hit, +25% chance to hit
** Light & Heavy Ranged - +15% Damage, +30% chance to hit, -45% chance for critical strike

The legendary percentage modifiers stack with other modifiers.
</div>
<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 80%;">
== Drop and trade ==
Legendary items may be found on any type of quest in Act II. The chance of finding one depends of the difficulty of the quest.
Legendary items can be traded however Legendary items can only be merged only with other legendary items.

Legendary items won't be duplicated in an auction.
</div>
<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 80%;">
== Changes to Vampire Races ==
----
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 40%;">

==== New Race - Cursed one ====

Race bonus:
* +10% blood points
* Chance to hit with all weapons +30

A race of vampires that originated from the Carpathian Mountains.

Legends has it that the founder of this bloodline was Vlad Drakos, a romanian reeve, who wanted to hide his hideous appearance by living in the wilderness where he was changed by one of the ancient vampires.

Every one of his offspring inherited the strange changes that transform them into abominable beasts.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 55%;">
[[Arcana]] specialization: '''Curses'''
* Night Hunter
** Increases [[parameters|'''perception''']], +1 per level, costs 30 [[regeneration|blood points]] <br>

* Breath of Death
** When your HP is below 35%: +5 damage % -3 agility per level, +3% (R1) +2%(R2)dodge, costs 40 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>

* Horror
** Blocks the attack of an opponent in the first round of an ambush, Blocks the attacks of a random opponent in the second round of a siege or expedition, costs 225 [[regeneration|blood points]]

</div>

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 100%;">

==== Additional arcana for the other races ====
----
After advancing to the II Act vampires gain new magical abilities.<br>
These arcana won't be available through any items sets!
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 50%;">

== Beastmaster ==

'''Shadow of the Beast''' - you gain an additional attack with every melee weapon.
* maximum 1 level.
Cost - '''225 bp'''.

</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">

== Absorber ==

'''Power of Blood''' - increases luck and the chance for critical hit.
* effect: +2 luck, +0,75% chance for critical hit / 1 level.
Cost - '''25 bp / level'''.

</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 50%;">

== Cultist ==

'''Searing blood''' - random opponent recieves damage in every round of combat, this attack ignores defense and

chance to hit.
The damage is dealt in the moment when your char does the first attack in the round. Because of this if your attacks are blocked for example by the Punishment suffix you will not attack with Searing Blood this round.
* effect: 10 damage / level.
Cost - '''14 bp / level'''.

</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
== Thoughtcatcher ==

'''Majesty''' - overtakes the opponent's agent during an ambush, increases HP during a siege or expedition.
* effect: in ambush takes over 1 agent / 1 level, in siege or expedition gives +5% HP and +1 weapon damage per level.
Cost - '''40 bp / level.'''.
</div>

== Easiness bonus ==

Every character in Act II level 60+ gains
* 1% easiness for every 2 levels beyond 60 and 1% easiness for every 1 level beyond level 70
* The maximum easiness is 50%

__NOTOC__

Sieges

2013-03-20T22:54:21Z

DemonDude:

= What are Sieges =
The BloodWars universe is built up of many different clans all vying for control of the city. With the most beneficial zones being so hard to come by, it perpetually results in Clan Warfare over the limited resources contained such as the hospitals located in zone 3.

Their are two types of sieges
* Clan Vs Clan sieges were they fight over resources and honour
* City sieges were one clan fights another clan over ownership of a square

== Starting and Joining Sieges ==

As long as you meet the level requirements for that zone, you lay siege on any [[the structure of the city|square in any zone]].

If you lay siege to an empty square, you invade immediately however you will have to construct all [[buildings]] anew and there is no coming back, your old square will fall into ruin.

In the event of laying siege to an occupied square, their are 2 phases, the organization and declaration phase in which all members of both clans are informed about it and are given time to get ready for battle and the combat phase in which the battle begins and no other actions may take place until this phase ends.

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
== First phase ==

In the preparation phase of siege the following actions are possible:

* The clan leader, the deputy and the person who initiated the siege of the attacking clan may cancel the siege at any time. In case of cancellation, [[regeneration|blood points]] spent are not returned.
* Members of attacking and defending [[clans]] are able to join the siege to a maximum of 50 members from each warring party.
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
== Second phase ==

Duration of second phase depends on distance between attacking and defending player. It may last from 10 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour.

During the second phase the siege cannot be canceled any more, no one else can join it and everyone who joined it can't perform any actions such as [[Quests]], armoury changes and [[ambush|Ambushes]] until the end of the siege (no matter what side of conflict they are on).
</div>
== Restrictions ==

A character may initiate a siege once every per 2 days, or once a day for [[premium account|premium account]] characters. This restriction is still in effect if a siege is canceled whether it was canceled by you or your [[clans|clan's leader]].

The player, whose square is besieged, can't begin a siege on another player and must participate in the siege against him.

Players may be besieged once every 24 hours. <br>
If a siege is canceled against a player, another one may begin 1 hour after the cancellation.

After taking over new a square, a player is protected from sieges for 24 hours. It applies for besieging empty square and a takeover siege that overtakes an opponent's square, however this doesn't apply for the defeated player.

== Battle ==

Like an ambush, combat carries on for 10 rounds until only one Clan remains. If both sides are still alive after 10 rounds, the siege is tied and nothing changes.

Every contestant uses their [[arcana]] at the beginning of combat and their effect remains until the end of the siege. In case of an [[races|Absorber's]]) Bloodmagic [[arcana]], the player they attack first is the one who is affected by their arcana.

Each players [[initiative|Initiative]] decides who attacks first,

When player A attacks player B, the chance to start an attack is factored on the difference between both players [[Parameters|perception]].
If they pass the test then player A strikes player B. In case of a negative test, player A's attack is dropped to the end of the attack queue and takes place at the end of that round.
This situation is repeated for each attack for every player in a siege and targets are choosen at random each time.

For example:
* If you have 4 attacks with 1h melee weapons, 2 strikes hit a player with lower perception and are dealt normally and the other 2 are factored against a player with greater [[parameters|perception]] and are dropped to the end of the round. However this attack may not be the end in the round as another player with lower initiative may attack after you and his attacks may get bumped to bottom making them take place after yours, however this test will take place again for those attacks.

[[Damage]] is dealt as in [[ambush|normal combat]].

The only [[buildings|building]] that can affect players during this combat is the graveyard. Dead players don't participate in further combat, they can't attack or be attacked.

Death of the character who initiated the siege or the player who is being sieged results in a 10% damage reduction for his entire clan. Similarly death of the clan leader or his absence during the siege, lowers damage done by that clan's members by an additional 10%.

== Winning and looting ==

during a Clan Vs Clan siege, the Winning party loots 20% of the collective resources of all the participating opponents. That loot is divided among every player of the winning side with the organizer getting double that amount.

In case of overtaking opponent's square and victory of the aggressor, exchange of terrains takes place but no looting occurs.

Every vampire may be the owner of only one square.

'''Warning! When you move from one square to another all NOT completed constructions will be automatically canceled for both players. The resources are looted by the new inhabitants of the squares.'''
== Protection period after the siege ==
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;"> '''Take Over Siege''' The attacker wins:
* Attacker - 24h since the end of the second phase
* Defender - 24h since the end of the second phase
</div><div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 30%;">'''Take Over Siege''' The attacker loses:
* Attacker - NONE
* Defender - NONE
</div>

'''Clan Vs Clan Siege'''
* After the siege is complete there is NO protection period.

__NOTOC__

Server Events

2013-03-20T20:50:59Z

DemonDude:

<font size="5" face="gothic">''. . The Great War led to the awakening of Ancient Creatures with godlike power . . . . ''

<center>'' . . . . the battle raging between them is changing the world of BloodWars . . . . ''</center><br>
<p align="right">'' . . . . all creatures, great and small are effected by these influences . . ''</p></font>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:400px;">
=== Types of events: ===

* '''Night of Ancient Gods''' +15 Toughness
* '''Night of Long Knives''' +10 Damage to all weapons
* '''Night of Heroes''' Buildings bonuses apply during sieges and expedition.
* '''Fresh Blood''' -50% Cost of regeneration
* '''Plague''' +200% Cost of regeneration
* '''Night of Bloody Gods''' +100% HP during attack
* '''Earthquake''' - construction time +500%
* '''Curse of Gods''' Decrease % for successful quest
* '''Stroke of Misfortune''' Decreased chance for a successful quest
* '''Stroke of Luck''' Increased chance for a successful quest
* '''Dark Fears''' Effects of buildings do not apply during ambushes
* '''Cursed Moon''' +100% to HP resulting from Police Station
* '''Grace of the Lord of Darkness''' The minimum number of enemies possible is summoned during King of the Hill expeditions
* '''Wrath of the Lord of Darkness''' The maximum number of enemies possible is summoned during King of the Hill expeditions
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 50%; height:100px;">

Server events randomly appear from time to time and have no fixed duration, theyve been known to last for a few minutes to a few days. They occur entirely at random as an effect of mana flow or nanites activity on the planet.<br>

During an event an icon appears on the screen in upper left corner of the resources window representing what type of event it is. When you hover your cursor over it, you'll get information on the effects of the event.<br>

Depending on the gods, events may be beneficial, neutral or detrimental.
</div>

<p align="right">''And may the gods smile upon you, as their wrath is thusly infernal.'' <br>
Quotation: I book of the City obliteration. </p>

Tasks

2013-03-20T19:46:53Z

DemonDude:

The Lord of Darkness issues a set of tasks to all vampires who take up residence in his city, not only does this help his residents gain power but it also allows him to keep track of the power of all those who seek it.

Completing tasks gives Points of Progress rewards as well as [[Well of Souls|stones]] on Underworld.

Only a handful of tasks are available at the start of the game, some are unlocked as you complete other tasks and others are locked to specific zones. Tasks for 1 zone can only be completed in that zone.

The game checks if tasks conditions are met at particular moments so the following situations tend to occur for certain tasks:
* Reaching required level, i.e. Level 10
** Reaching level 10 before the task is revealed resulting in you needing to gain another level past 10 to complete it
* Taking over a square with buildings upgraded to level higher than or equal to those required for a task
** Upgrade that building to its next level, or downgrade and re-upgrade if the costs are too high for you
* All quests are completed but no longer in correct zone.
** i.e. first pilgrimage was done in zone 4, the Zone 5 pilgrimage task cannot be completed until returning to zone 5 and doing another pilgrimage

Listed below are the tasks for each zone. And the [http://forum.bloodwars.net/thread.php?threadid=3162threadid=3452 Building Requirements] are located elsewhere on the tutorial

<table>
<tr>

<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Zone</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Desciption</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Breakdown</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Underworld Rewards</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Necropolis Rewards</th>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Your poverty is of great concern to us, Apprentice. Your task is to upgrade your Brothel to level 3</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Upgrade your brothel to level 3 </center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Blood is the source of our power. Upgrade your Slaughterhouse to level 5</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Upgrade your slaughterhouse level 5 </center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach Level 10</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach Level 10</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Dangerous mutant broke through from the outer zone, you have to find and stop it before more damage is done. You can track it in the Vicinity of the City</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Do easy quests till you come across the mob</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Explore the Vicinity of the City</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Complete all Vicinity of the City quests</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Every highly esteemed vampire needs a collection of artefacts. Complete all Far Quests</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Complete all Far Journey Quests</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Only the best of the best are worth this task and only they possess items of Power.</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Complete a Pilgrimage to the Wastelands</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>A pack or werewolves is ravaging our square. You have to kill them by attacking them in your own shelter</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Lay siege to your own square to combat the werewolves</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Achieve stability by upgrading Brothel to level 8 and Taxicab to level 2.<span style="color: red;">Only on Underworld</span></center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Upgrade Brother to level 8 and Taxicab to level 2 </center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>You were born to advance. Prove it by moving to IV Zone</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Move into a square in Zone 4</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Expand your influences in the world of darkness by acquiring a vassal</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Get someone to create a character using your reference link</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 5'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Money and arms trade are the factors that will let you survive. Achieve stability by upgrading your Brothel to level 10 and building Old Market <span style="color: red;">Only on Necropolis</span></center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Upgrade your Brother to level 10 and build an Old Market</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

</table>

<table>
<tr>

<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Zone</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Desciption</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Breakdown</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Underworld Rewards</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Necropolis Rewards</th>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>There are a couple of ways to gain respect in the world of the undead. One of them is possessing powerful artefact's</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Complete four Pilgrimages to the Wastelands</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=43003327&key=28ace2189f Exp ~1,700 Stones ~1BS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>You have money and know how to get it. Now you have to gain reputation among the Herd</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Upgrade your Employment Agency to level 15</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>The leader of a local pack of werewolves swore to avenge his brothers killed in your square. The best you can do is to find his hideout somewhere Far from the City and end his miserable existence</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Do normal quests until you come across him</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>A strange disease began to spread in your square. Your spies suggest that you should seek the answer in the Vicinity of the City</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Do easy quests until you come across this mob</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 35</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 35</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>When you were on a quest a vampire-usurper took over your seat. Retake it with members of your clan</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Lay siege to your own square. [http://r1.bloodwars.net/?a=msg&do=view&mid=10375405&type=2 Example]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Build all zone IV buildings</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Build a Garrison, Arms Shop, Sirgery and a Pawn Shop. Building the next level of a building also counts</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Power!! Move to III zone and seat yourself in the Inner Circle</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Move into a square in zone 3</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>VIPs have many enemies so they need extra protection</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Upgrade your Police Station and Vagrants` Shelter to level 18</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>When you woke up in the evening you found a strange letter on your desk. It was stained with blood and there were only three words on it: `Help`, `Prisoner` and `Far`, written in haste in different parts of the scroll. What does it mean?</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center><span style="color: red;">Make a far quest and the chance of success is the average test agility and intelligence ?????</span></center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=26129106&key=ab7f3127e4 Exp ~6800 Stones ~1HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Show your courage. Only then you will be able to rally experienced hunters to your cause</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Complete a far Journey</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=26198254&key=fd32e59549 Exp ~6300 Stones ~1HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>The vampire tradition requires that every recently appointed Inquisitor prepare a feast for all the people in the city. A vampire of your rank must prove that he is rich and generous enough</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Collect 5,000,000 Lgo and make an offering of 10% via task panel</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=33080405&key=0f139467a6 Exp ~11,000 Stones ~2HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Your scouts have informed you that something strange is happening in the Great Steppe. They suggest that you discover what is going on before it`s too late</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Encounter and kill the spirit of Elizabeth during an expedition to the Great Step</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=44452098&key=41f7f45924 Exp ~22,000 Stones ~3HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>More massacred bodies, people gutten and flayed, headless corpses. What is happening?</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Send spies into your own square</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=44613881&key=8862c12ddd Exp ~5,400 Stones ~1HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 4'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>The information obtained from a young man lead to an inn on the outskirts of the City. Gather your friends and check what is going on in there</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Lay siege to your own square. [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=45866117&key=c8b58e2380 Example]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=45866087&key=0c5968de9f Exp ~19,000 Stones ~2HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

</table>

<table>
<tr>

<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Zone</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Desciption</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Breakdown</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Underworld Rewards</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Necropolis Rewards</th>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Complete all Pilgrimages to the Wastelands</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Complete all Pilgrimages to the Wastelands or another Pilgrimage if all are already complete</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>In the unknown parts of the Wastelands the Wolf King gathers his packs to slaughter you. Sneak into his hideout and shorten his life. Legend has it that he may be killed only with a silver bullet... </center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Find and defeat the werewolf when on a Pilgrimage to the Wastelands. [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=22949902&key=c116114d54 Example] </center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=19123012&key=d8071520e0 Exp~1500 Stones~3BS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 50</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 50</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Construct all zone III buildings</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Build the next level of the Hospital and Daily Newspaper "Night shift"</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>It is a well known truth that an attack is the best defence</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Upgrade your Arm shop to level 5</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Your enemies seem to be better anticipating things than you</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Upgrade your Daily Newspaper to level 4 or above</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Your agents discovered a hideout of a hostile spy ring. They live in one of the tenement houses in your square. Organize a siege and smash them like cockroaches</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Lay siege to your own square</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Since the very beginning you have known that this moment would come. Admit yourself to the Council by moving to II zone!</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Advance to a square in Zone 2</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>It is a duty of every high rank vampire to offer servants to the Cathedral</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Gather 500,000 people and make an offering of 10% of them via task panel</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center> [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=46269147&key=113f9a589a Exp~34,000 Stones~4hs]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Influences, power, splendour... to be able to maintain what you have you need money. To cover your new expenses you need to increase your income</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Upgrade your Brothel to level 14</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=44783702&key=1dcca1cc3a Exp~6,700 Stones~2hs]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Your rank, fame and wealth made you one of the most influential vampires in the City. One of the members of the Council has asked you to help him destroy a gang of mutants who ravage the trade routes to the City</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Defeat an outcast or a ringleader when on a Far Journey. [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=49097937&key=709917836a Sarge] or [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=27635732&key=8431f01022 Outcast]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Accomplish a feat of strength. Only this will rally powerful vampires to your cause</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Complete all Pilgrimages, then complete another 1</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 3'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Many days have passed since your son started off on a journey into the unknown and you still didn`t hear from him. Apprehensive, you decided to look for him</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center><span style="color: red;">Make a pilgrimage, where the chance of success is the average test of perception and intelligence ?????</span></center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

</table>

<table>
<tr>

<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Zone</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Desciption</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Breakdown</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Underworld Rewards</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Necropolis Rewards</th>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 80</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 80</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Prove that you have business acuman</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Construct Graveyard and Blood Bank</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Win the hearts and the minds of your people</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach 50 charisma without disposable items</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=32309472&key=429366001b Exp ~11,000 Stones ~2HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Saint Benedict's Order sent an assassin to kill you</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Find him in the Vicinity of the City</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=29648928&key=80b1ffc43d Exp ~4,000 Stones ~1HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Become the ruler of all the dark alleys in the City</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach 55 Reputation without disposable items</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=38450143&key=e572f1b412 Exp ~12,000 Stones ~2HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Your square has been invaded by the Saint Benedict's Order. And yet it is here where the ultimate battle of Light and Darkness will befall...</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Lay siege to your own square. [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=14501523&key=9058ad814e Example]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=29794786&key=c939831f2a Exp ~8,000 Stones ~1HS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>The Grand Master of the Order managed to escape from the last battle. You can find him somewhere in the Wastelands. Find him and let him meet his god...</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Do Pilgrimages to the Wasteland until you encounter [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=15793266&key=708411f648 The Grandmaster]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>The Lord of Darkness requires that there always be enough blood in his Cathedral. As a member of the Inner Circle you are required to make an offering</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Gather 800 000 liters of blood and make an offering of 10% of that via the task panel</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Real experience can only be gained by travelling dangerous paths</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Complete 15 successful pilgrimages</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>You have heard rumours of a strange anomaly somewhere in the wastelands. Find it and explain the mysterious sighting</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Make a pilgrim where the chance of success is the average test of knowledge and intelligence</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Your men have informed you that a letter was found on a thief killed somewhere in the vicinity of the City. The letter says that your grand-daughter Anhala is imprisoned somewhere in the Hatchery. Organise a rescue mission</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Random chance to encounter on any expedition</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>The whole City looks up to the members of the Inner Circle. Give them a sign of your greatness and provide more blood for your subjects</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Upgrade your Hospital to level 7 and your Slaughterhouse to level 22</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 2'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 84</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 84</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=38151831&key=28614e493c Exp~15,000 Stones~1LS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

</table>

<table>
<tr>

<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Zone</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Desciption</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Breakdown</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Underworld Rewards</th>
<th style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ff3d3a;">Necropolis Rewards</th>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 1'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Prestige among vampires means more than wealth and power. Only great warrior may gain true respect</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Win 15 consecutive ambushes. Defenses do not count</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 1'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Despite your advisors` warnings you still sometimes stroll alone through the vicinity of the City. It reminds you of times when you yourself were a novice in the world of vampires, seeking fame and power</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Do Vicinity of the City quests until you encounter the Assassin</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>'''Zone 1'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 89</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>Reach level 89</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffc587;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>'''Zone 1'''</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>All the mysterious happenings have become clear. An army of powerful mages stands at the gates of the City. They have only one objective: to obliterate the City and "free" all the people oppressed by the vampires. The time has come for all the vampires to unite and face the common enemy</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>Lay siege to yourself and defeat the Brotherhood. [http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=44026776&key=c197ce254e | Example]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>[http://r1.bloodwars.net/showmsg.php?mid=44026739&key=0eb9a25b95 Exp ~250,000 Stones ~3SS]</center></td>
<td style="border:1px solid black; style="background-color:#ffead4;"><center>---</center></td>

</tr>

__NOTOC__

Quests

2013-03-20T16:49:48Z

DemonDude:

You can embark on Quests to explore the world of BloodWars. This action will gain you [[experience]] or unique [[items]] from wandering across desolated lands in search for [[items|Artifacts]] of the ancestors.

== Quests difficulty ==

Their are 3 different locations you can quest to. Each location is further away from the city but is also harder to pass as the items and challenges are harder to find, but are also better. Below is an at a glance look at how this system works.

<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>The Vicinity of the City</th>
<th>A Far Away Journey</th>
<th>A Pilgrimage to the wastelands</th>
<tr>
<td><center>'''Underworld'''</center></td>
<td><center>Normal or slightly upgraded items</center></td>
<td><center>Slightly upgraded items</center></td>
<td><center>Considerably upgraded items</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>'''Necropolis'''</center></td>
<td><center>Normal items </center></td>
<td><center>Normal and good items</center></td>
<td><center>Normal, Good and Perfect items</center></td>
</tr>
</table>

You unlock the next set of quests once you have completed all quests of the previous set. <br>
This means that you are unable to Normal or Hard quests if you have not completed all Easy quests.

== Hard Quests ==

When completing quests for the first time, the Quest order you complete them in are randomly assigned may be done in any order. However hard quests have a set order to allow you to equip better gear to increase your chances to pass that specific quest. Their is also a chance that you may not find the task at all when out exploring during a quest resulting in peace and quiet resulting in a lot of rinse an repeat procedures to pass all hard quests. Once you pass all hard quests you begin to do them randomly

== Sequence of Quests ==

The order of quests for each act is below:
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 12%; background: #FFE9D2; border: #F8EABA">
'''Act 1 Pilgrimages'''

* 1st - Agility
* 2nd - Appearance
* 3rd - Toughness
* 4th - Charisma
* 5th - Reputation
* 6th - Perception
* 7th - Strength
* 8th - Knowledge
* 9th - Intelligence
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 12%; background: #F8EABA; border: #FFE9D2">

'''Act 2 Far Journeys'''

* 1st - Knowledge
* 2nd - Reputation
* 3rd - Strength
* 4th - Charisma
* 5th - Perception
* 6th - Toughness
* 7th - Appearance
* 8th - Agility
* 9th - Intelligence
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 12%; background: #FFE9D2; border: #F8EABA">

''' Act 2 Pilgrimages'''

* 1st - Knowledge
* 2nd - Agility
* 3rd - Strength
* 4th - Reputation
* 5th - Appearance
* 6th - Charisma
* 7th - Intelligence
* 8th - Perception
* 9th - Toughness
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 12%; background: #F8EABA; border: #F8EABA">

''' Act 3 Vicinity'''

* 1st - Agility
* 2nd - Toughness
* 3rd - Charisma
* 4th - Reputation
* 5th - Appearance
* 6th - Knowledge
* 7th - Intelligence
* 8th - Perception
* 9th - Strength
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 12%; background: #FFE9D2; border: #F8EABA">

''' Act 3 Far Journey'''

* 1st - Perception
* 2nd - Charisma
* 3rd - Strength
* 4th - Knowledge
* 5th - Appearance
* 6th - Reputation
* 7th - Toughness
* 8th - Intelligence
* 9th - Agility
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 12%; background: #F8EABA; border: #F8EABA">

''' Act 3 Pilgrimages'''

* 1st - Knowledge
* 2nd - Strength
* 3rd - Agility
* 4th - Toughness
* 5th - Reputation
* 6th - Appearance
* 7th - Perception
* 8th - Intelligence
* 9th - Charisma
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 50%;">
== Chance of success ==

'''Your chance of successful quests depends on:'''

* Your [[experience|level]],
* Trained [[parameters|parameter]] related to experience level
* Amount of luck

Quests' difficulty scales to your level preventing situations where all quests are too easy.<br>
Chance of successful chance to pass a quest can be increased with disposable [[items]] and item sets.
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 35%;">
== Maximum % of success per quest ==
<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Easy</th>
<th>Normal</th>
<th>Hard</th>
<tr>
<td><center>'''Act 1'''</center></td>
<td><center>90%</center></td>
<td><center>80%</center></td>
<td><center>80%</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>'''Act 2'''</center></td>
<td><center>80%</center></td>
<td><center>70%</center></td>
<td><center>65%</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>'''Act 3'''</center></td>
<td><center>80%</center></td>
<td><center>70%</center></td>
<td><center>65%</center></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

== Quest Duration Times ==

Time in seconds how long it takes to pass each quest including premium options
<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th>Premium Option</th>
<th>Vicinity of the City</th>
<th>Far Journeys</th>
<th>Pilgrimages into the Wastelands</th>
<tr>
<td><center>'''-'''</center></td>
<td><center>300</center></td>
<td><center>600</center></td>
<td><center>1800</center></td>

</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>'''Shortening'''</center></td>
<td><center>100</center></td>
<td><center>200</center></td>
<td><center>600</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>'''Quests deluxe'''</center></td>
<td><center>60</center></td>
<td><center>120</center></td>
<td><center>180</center></td>
</tr>
</table>

== Number of quests ==

The max amount of quests and attacks a player can have depends on account type.

* Normal accounts have 12 quests and gain 1 quest every 2 hours
* Premium accounts have 24 quests and gain 1 quest every hour

=== Caravan ===

Once you reach level 30 you unlock the option to do a Caravan of quests. This will allow you do multiple quests linked together without having to start each one individually. Below are the basic rulings of caravans:

* [[resources|Money]] for every quest is taken in advance
* Time of caravan is a sum of the time of all quests involved
* Caravan can't be canceled
* Cost of next quest is equal to 1.75*basic cost of quest
* For every zone and difficulty level there is 75% chance of finding one [[items|Item]] per quest and 25% of finding none. It means that with 10 quests you may get 0 to 10 items,
* [[Experience]] and [[resources|Blood]] gained on caravan is equal to 80% for 2 quests -5% for every subsequent quest to minimum of 50%
* Chance of a particular quest, completing it successfully and all other basic chances of items are not changed no matter how many quests
* Premium Option: '''Caravan deluxe'''
** Increases exp gain % from 80% to 90%
** Can use Disposable Items during each quest of caravan
** Gain items as if doing quests manually

<span style="color: red;">'''WARNING! The game system counts the chance of success when you do something on your account, e.g. if you remain inactive during a caravan then the chance of success will be counted according to your parameters at the time of your next action.'''</span>

__NOTOC__

Espionage

2013-03-20T16:32:02Z

DemonDude:

One of the easiest ways to gain more experience is to [[ambush|attack]] other players. It allows you to gain not only experience, but also resources for expanding your own domain however some times your opponent may have no resources to offer you which can become quite frustrating when you are looking for people targets to start a new [[expedition|expedition]] The best way to find out who has whatever you need is not to attack at random and hope for the best but rather to use some of those people you have sitting in your city and send them on reconnaissance missions. It lets you use your [[ambush|attack actions]] more effectively and progress faster.

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 100%;">
== Requirements ==
To start your spying career you first need to build a [[buildings|“Vagrants' Shelter”]]. <br>
Every consecutive level of the shelter will increase your chance for a successful espionage attempt. Another building which affects spying is the [[buildings|“Daily Newspaper”]], but it isn't available until you move into zone three.
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
== Costs of Spying ==

You need to cover the costs of: training, equipment, deployment, bribes and many, many other costs connected with sending in an agent. Also the further away from your square you send him, the bigger the costs become.
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
== Duration of operation ==

Similarly to costs of the operation, depends on distance between both squares and on how many details you want to get.

</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
== Scope of spying ==

You are able to charge your spies with four different types of missions. The more detailed reconnaissance missions have a higher chance for your spies to be caught. They are:

* Photographic reconnaissance: informs you about opponent's level, his resources and blood and hit points
* Scour waste baskets: informs you about levels of buildings.
* Take prisoners for questioning: informs you about exact opponent's stats.
* Bring me his/her blood: informs you about his/her items, alongside with possibility to check their parameters.

'''Every consecutive mission includes all the benefits of the previous missions.'''
</div>
<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%;">
== Chance of success ==

Depends on:

* [[Parameters|Reputation]] of your character increases chance to pass
* Opponent's [[Parameters|Charisma]] is counted against your Reputation to lower the chance of success
* Level of [[buildings|Vagrants' shelter]], [[buildings|Daily newspaper]] and [[buildings|Police station]]
* Number of spies sent
* Type of espionage mission
</div>
__NOTOC__

Races

2013-03-20T16:24:02Z

DemonDude:

== Races & Arcana ==
At the beginning of the game you can choose from the following four races.

Each [[races|race]] has developed a unique set of special powers called [[arcana|'''arcana''']]. By concentrating and using up a lot of [[resources|blood]] a vampire is able to cast [[arcana|arcanum]]. Depending on the level of complication the demand for [[resources|blood]] increases in order to achieve a greater effect.

There are also sets of [[jewlery_sets|Jewellery]] that let you use the [[arcana|arcanum]] of other [[races]]. Familiarize yourself with each [[races|Races]] descriptions to prepare yourself, for the time will come when you must clash against a member of every race.

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:220px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
== Thoughtcatcher ==

This race originates from Italy where they, thanks to their natural abilities to rig the world of politics and business, created an empire that was obliterated during the Third World War.

Racial trait:<br>
*Underworld: '''Luck +10'''<br>
*Necropolis: '''Luck +10, +10% dodge against all weapons'''

</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:220px; background: #FFE9D2; border: 1px solid #FFBC79;">
== Arcana ==

[[Arcana]] specialization: '''Manipulations'''<br>
* ''Mask of Adonis'' <br>
** Increases [[parameters|'''charisma''']], costs 12/10 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
* ''Mask of Caligula'' <br>
** Increases [[parameters|'''reputation''']], costs 12/10 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
* Act 2: ''Majesty''
** In ambush's takes over 1 agent per 1 level. In sieges and expeditions it gives +5% HP and +1 weapon damage per level, Cost 40 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:220px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
== Beastmaster ==

The most primitive and savage of all bloodlines. These vampires have never been a threat due to lack of manpower and inhabitation of unattractive regions of Siberia. This marginal importance let them survive through war.

[[Arcana]] specialization: '''Beast Lore'''<br>
*Racial trait: '''HP +20%, Chance to hit with mellee weapons +20'''<br>

</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:220px; background: #FFE9D2; border: 1px solid #FFBC79;">

== Arcana ==

[[Arcana]] specialization: '''Beast Lore'''<br>
* ''Bloodfrenzy'' <br>
** Increases [[parameters|'''strength''']], costs 13 [[regeneration|blood points]] <br>
* ''Beast's Hide'' <br>
** Increases [[parameters|'''toughness''']], costs 20 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
* Act 2: ''Shadow of the Beast''
** you gain an additional attack with every melee weapon, maximum of 1 level, costs 225 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:240px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
== Cultist ==

Bloodline that originates from African prairies, where not so long ago shamans used to summon rain or bring famine upon neighbouring tribes using their rituals.

Racial traits: <br>
*Underworld: '''Luck +5, BP +10%'''<br>
*Necropolis: '''Luck +5, BP +10%, +5% critical strike chance'''

</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:240px; background: #FFE9D2; border: 1px solid #FFBC79;">
== Arcana ==

[[Arcana]] specialization: '''Rituals'''<br>

*''Blood of Life'' <br>
** Regenerates [[regeneration|hit points]] during combat 0,5% in every round per level of arcanum, costs 25/20 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
*''Cats Paths'' <br>
** Increases [[parameters|'''agility''']], costs 20/15 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
* Act 2: ''Searing Blood'' <br>
** Am additional one time attack every round, 10 damage per level, costs 14/15 [[regeneration|blood points]] Underworld/Necropolis<br>
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:200px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">

== Absorber ==

Little is known about origin of this bloodline. Maybe except for one thing: they're new to the world of vampires. They appeared on territory of former China, when the war was almost over. Many suspect, that they're product of Chinese experiments.

Racial traits: <br>
* Underworld: '''HP +10% BP +10% [[effects|easiness]] +5%'''<br>
* Necropolis: '''HP +10% BP +10% [[effects|easiness]] +5%, all weapons damage +5'''

</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:200px; background: #FFE9D2; border: 1px solid #FFBC79;">
== Arcana ==

[[Arcana]] specialization: '''Bloodmagic'''<br>

*''Silence of blood'' <br>
** Blocks effect of enemy's arcana, cost 15 [[regeneration|blood points]]
*''Absorb power'' <br>
** Absorbs enemy's arcana, cost 30 [[regeneration|blood points]]
* Act 2: ''Power of Blood'' <br>
** +2 luck, +0,75% chance for critical hit per level, costs 25 [[regeneration|blood points]]
</div>

<div style="padding: 10px 8px; width: 45%; height:100px; clear: both; background: #FFFFFF; ">
== Evolution ==
At level 50 you have the option of morphing into a Cursed One. It plays very differently to any other Race and you should think carefully before you make the choice. Once you unlock it you will always have the option of turning into a Cursed One, but once you change, you wont be able to turn back.
</div>

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; height:260px; background: #F9F9F9; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
== Cursed one ==
A race of vampires that originates from the Carpathian Mountains. Legend has it that the founder of this bloodline was Vlad Drakos, a croatian reeve, who wanted to hide his hideous appearance by living in the wilderness where he was changed by one of the ancient vampires. Every one of his offspring inherited the strange changes that transform them into abominable beasts.

You can't choose this race at the beginning. You'll be able to change into Cursed One after completing all the pilgrimages in Act II.

Racial traits: '''BP +10%, hit with all weapons +30'''

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== Arcana ==

[[Arcana]] specialization: '''Curses''' <br>
* ''Night Hunter'' <br>
** Increases [[parameters|'''perception''']], costs 30 [[regeneration|blood points]] <br>
* ''Breath of Death'' <br>
** when your HP is below 35%: +5 damage, -3 agility per level, dodge by 3%(R1) 2%(R2) costs 40 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
* ''Horror''
** Blocks the attack of an opponent in the first round of an ambush, Blocks the attacks of a random opponent in the second round of a siege or expedition, costs 225 [[regeneration|blood points]]<br>
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__NOTOC__

Items

2013-03-17T13:00:47Z

DemonDude:

There are following types of equipment in [[BloodWars]]:

<table border="0" cellspacing="15" >
<tr>
<th>Armour</th>
<th>Weapons</th>
<tr>
<td><center>Head Gear</center></td>
<td><center>One-handed melee weapons (1h)</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>Chest Gear</center></td>
<td><center>Two-handed melee weapons (1h)</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>Leg Gear</center></td>
<td><center>Guns (1h)</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>Hand Jewelery</center></td>
<td><center>Guns (2h)</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><center>Neck Jewelery</center></td>
<td><center>Ranged weapons (1h + 2h)</center></td>
</tr>
</table>

== Item Quality ==

Items differ in quality. Their are currently 3 levels in game; normal, good and perfect. <br>
The further you go on [[Quests]] and the higher [[the structure of the city|Zone]] you dwell in, the more powerful items you will find.<br>
You are also able to buy basic equipment in the shop, however you can find items on quests and expeditions that have been endowed with magical power in the form of Prefixes and Suffixes.

On Underworld you can upgrade an items level. Each quality has 5 subclasses ranging from +0 to +5, when you upgrade from +5 you move to the next quality level. You cannot upgrade past perfect +5.

== Equipment ==

You can equip two one-handed weapons or one two-handed weapon.<br>
You have room for 1 piece of Armour for each body part, up to 2 weapons, 2 rings and 1 neck item.

== Sets ==

Item sets are sets of Prefixes on Armour and Jewelery. Once you have a full set equipped you gain special bonuses. In order to make a full set you need:

* Armour Sets:
** Head Piece, Chest Piece and Leg Piece
* Jewlery
** Two rings and an Amulet

Their are many different types of bonuses from [[item_sets|Item Sets]]such as stat boosts, damage modifiers, etc.
There are also eight sets of jewelery that let you use the [[Arcana]] of another [[races|Race]].

A Prefix is what tells you what item belongs to a set, for example: Shamanistic Helmet, Good Shamanistic Trousers and Shamanistic Cape. Note that the level of the item influences how strong the bonus stats are.

== Disposable items ==

(Option only available for Underworld type realms)

In the shop you can buy Disposable Items, which are not found on quests.
Every character may buy a disposable items in ANY moment.

Disposable item is used automatically at the beginning of next:

* [[quests|Quest]]
* [[Ambush]]
* [[sieges|Siege]]
* Expedition
* King of the Hill
* Arena

''For example: if you buy a disposable item and go on a quest and you are attacked in the meantime, then the item will be used during combat.''

Disposable items do NOT influence:

* Requirements of other [[items]]
* Requirements of [[buildings]]

Status

2013-03-17T11:50:26Z

DemonDude:

== Player's status ==

On the [[User_interface|City overview]] or on a player's profile you can spot their status in relation to you. <br>
The following statuses are possible:

<div style="float: left; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; background: #a19fff; border:">
* <b style="color: lime;">Weaker</b> – a clearly weaker vampire. You cannot begin an [[Ambush|Ambush]] or a [[Sieges|Siege]] against a weaker vampire.
* <b style="color: red;">Stronger</b> – a clearly more powerful vampire. You cannot begin an [[Ambush|Ambush]] or a [[Sieges|Siege]] against a stronger vampire.
* <b style="color: aliceblue;">Equal</b> – a vampire that is more or less equal to you. You can attack and besiege him, but he's able to do the same to you.
* <b style="color: gray;">Vacation</b> – a player that has entered vacation mode. You can't attack, besiege or spy on these players. When on this mode a player cannot perform any actions.
</div>

<div style="float: right; padding: 10px 8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 45%; background: #a19fff; border:">
* <b style="color: #FFCCFF;">Banned</b> – a player whose account has been banned temporary or permanently, most probably due to not obeying the regulations of the game. Such player is completely inactive. You can't spy, attack or besiege him without the use of clan buildings.
* <b style="color: #FFEEAA;">Unavailable</b> - a player with that status has the same IP number as you, that player will see the same status for you. Such players can't be spied on, attacked or besieged.
</div>

Resources

2013-03-17T11:24:42Z

DemonDude:

The economy of BloodWars is made of 3 key resources. After a successful [[ambush|Ambush]], you proceed through the defeated city and ransack a percentage of its resources, note that each resource has its own looting limitations.

( ------ = no new building for that zone)

== Blood ==

Measured in litres, it is used to [[regeneration|regenerate]] [[regeneration|hit points]] and [[regeneration|blood points]].<br>
Buildings that effect blood income:

<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th>Zone 5</th>
<th>Zone 4</th>
<th>Zone 3</th>
<th>Zone 2</th>
<th>Zone 1</th>
<tr>
<td><center>Slaughter House</center></td>
<td><center>Surgery</center></td>
<td><center>Hospital</center></td>
<td><center>?</center></td>
<td><center>?</center></td>
</tr>
</table>

== Money ==

Measured in Lgo, it is used for most actions you can make. It lets you construct new [[buildings|Buildings]], finance your [[espionage|Spies]], embark on [[quests|Quests]] and buy items from the shop. You get it from other players through [[ambush|ambushes]]) as well as selling unwanted [[Items]].<br>
Buildings that effect blood income:

<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th>Zone 5</th>
<th>Zone 4</th>
<th>Zone 3</th>
<th>Zone 2</th>
<th>Zone 1</th>
<tr>
<td><center>Brothel</center></td>
<td><center>Pawnshop</center></td>
<td><center>-------</center></td>
<td><center>?</center></td>
<td><center>?</center></td>
</tr>
</table>

== People ==

As a vampire overlord, you have many uses for the people in your city. You work them to death during the construction of new [[buildings|Buildings]], you use them as [[espionage|Spies]] and you sacrifice them in the thousands at the [[Expeditions|Ritual of Sacrifice]]. <br>
Buildings that effect blood income:

<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tr>
<th>Zone 5</th>
<th>Zone 4</th>
<th>Zone 3</th>
<th>Zone 2</th>
<th>Zone 1</th>
<tr>
<td><center>Employment Agency</center></td>
<td><center>-------</center></td>
<td><center>-------</center></td>
<td><center>?</center></td>
<td><center>?</center></td>
</tr>
</table>

== Junk ==

As you explore the world of BloodWars you will inexorably accumulate a large cash of Lgo. In order to stop van invading vampire from stealing all your hard earned money you can buy Junk from the shop, it has a direct Lgo value and can be resold back for the same price on Underworld or half the bought price on Necropolis. <br>
Junk sits in your shop and doesn't require any space in the armory.
* Underworld Junk
** Costs 20,000 Lgo
** Alternatively costs 2 Blood Stones
* Necropolis Junk
** Costs 20,000 - Sells for 10,000
** Can be traded as currency to other players
*** Average trade price of junk ranges from XX - XXX

== Increment of Resources ==

On the top bar you will notice a + X /h, this is the increase of resources you gain per hour. The main source of that increment comes from your [[buildings]].

This increment is always in effect whether you are logged in or not.

Parameters

2013-03-15T11:46:56Z

DemonDude:

There are 9 basic parameters, which you have direct influence on, that every [[vampire]] in [[BloodWars]] is described by.

=== STRENGTH ===

''Allows you to lift heavy items''<br>
* Increases [[damage]] of [[items|melee weapons]] <br>
* Many items require a lot of strength to equip

=== AGILITY ===

''No matter how strong you strike, it matters whether you hit...''<br>
* Influences [[hitting|chance to hit]] and chance to dodge strikes from [[items|melee]] weapons and [[items|ranged]] weapons
* Higher value influences [[initiative|initiative]] during each round of combat

=== TOUGHNESS ===

''How hard you need to be struck to at least feel anything?''
* Lowers amount of damage you take
* More on this parameter in the [[Hitting]] and [[Damage]] sections of the tutorial

=== APPEARANCE ===

''Interesting, how many people would look back at you? Some wear expensive jewelery, while other should hood their faces....''
* Most items require a high level of appearance to equip
* Also very useful when constructing buildings

=== CHARISMA ===

''The thing, that makes people want to stand between you and a bullet...''
* Helps you in defence against [[ambush|attacks]] and [[espionage|spies]].

=== REPUTATION ===

''There are charismatic nobles, admired by ordinary folk and there are... ones like you, kidnapping children to make their parents do WHAT YOU WANT.''
* This parameter is a measure of your knowledge of the underworld and ability to “influence” people's decisions
* It is crucial for a successful [[espionage]] attempt
* Your Reputaion factored against your opponents Perception during an [[ambush|attacks]] influences your chance to reach the target

=== PERCEPTION ===

''Tells you how fast you perceive changes. Can you see that man in a funny hat that follows you? Can you hit a thrown up coin with your firearm?''
* High perception gives you the ability to avoid [[ambush|ambushes]]
* Increases chance to hit with guns and ranged weapons
* Higher value influences [[initiative|initiative]] during each round of combat

=== INTELLIGENCE ===

''Measures your ability to think creatively''
* Lets you construct better [[buildings]] and equip stronger items

=== KNOWLEDGE ===

''Represents your knowledge of the environment''
* Crucial parameter for construction of [[buildings]] and equip stronger items
* 1/3 adds towards gun damage

The structure of the city

2013-03-15T10:54:25Z

DemonDude:

=== Lord of Darkness ===

This city was reconstructed in the shape of a circle. The name of the first vampire to move into the city had been lost to time, however everyone knows him by the sinister moniker, the ''Lord of Darkness''.

Many others sought to be by his side, craving his adoration, respect and more than anything else, his power. These immortals fought to be by his side and eventually twelve leaders of the most powerful clans erected their strongholds around his citadel.

Afterwards, once the ''Lord of Darkness'' had created the protective barrier surrounding the city, more and more vampires began to flock to his city and started to build their abodes following the circular pattern the of the previous habitants.

=== Breakdown of the City ===

Therefore the city was broken down into heavily guarded zones, created in order to distinguish the most powerful vampires from the newcomer dregs seeking protection from the ''Lord of Darkness'' and the other powerful clans that follow him.

* The first zone, the center of the city was always the zone ''Lord of Darkness'' resided in, the greatest struggles for influence occurred there with other immortals seeking to take his power for their own.

* The second zones, those the closest to the center of the city belong to members of ''the Council'' – the twelve most powerful leaders of the clans.

* The third zone has become known as ''the Inner Circle'' which contains the territory for one hundred and forty four of the most trusted members of the council clans. To ensure relative peace, the third zone is divided into sectors, twelve squares each. Each member of the council takes on the task of overseer and keeps watch of their designated zone three.

* The population of the city is ever growing, larger and larger. Thus the fourth zone was created. ''The Outer Circle'', as it was named, is inhabited by 1728 vampires which are scattered in sectors around the third zone.

* Recently the fifth zone came into being, which was called ''the Suburbs'', and constantly growing population of young vampires lives there, those who are too weak to fight for survival further in the city.

=== Statistics of Each Zone ===

* First zone - the Lord of Darkness's abode
** Number of sectors 1 – Number of squares 1

* Second zone – the Council
** Number of sectors 1 – Number of squares 12

* Third zone – the Inner Circle
** Number of sectors 12 – Number of squares 144

* Fourth zone – the Outer Circle
** Number of sectors 144 – Number of squares 1728

* Fifth zone – the Suburbs
** Number of sectors 1728 – Number of squares 20,736

''' The maximum space for vampires in the City is 22,621.'''

Realm kinds

2013-03-14T17:43:50Z

DemonDude:

BloodWars is divided into two different types of servers we call "Realms". These Realms have many differences in rules and game dynamics.<br>
There are currently two types of Realms:
* Underworld (also known as R1UK) - opened on 1.03.2007
* Necropolis (also known as R2UK or Necro) - opened on 17.02.2009
==Underworld Only Features==
* [[Well_of_Souls|Upgrade system]] to improve item quality
* [[Tattoos|Tattoo]] system to spec your character into a weapon archetype
* [[Stones|Stones]] - used in [[Auctions|Auctions]] and Upgrading.
* Disposable items for a 1 time boost to your stats

==Necropolis Only Features==
* [[Trade|Direct trading]]
* Equipment from Clan Armoury works during expedition fights and ambushes.
* To equip an item you only need to meet the requirements during equipping. Items aren't unequipped when you don't meet the requirements.
* You loose money when you buy Junk (20,000 Lgo to buy - 10,000 to sell)

User:DemonDude

2013-03-14T17:40:46Z

DemonDude: Created page with "underworld player =]"

underworld player

=]