Midnight Blood- Book One in the Tale of Shadow

[Monkey Monk]

Prolouge

Mark Cortes was an average man. He stood about five foot ten. His hair was a pitch black, darker than the night sky, which showed his hispanic lineage. Vivid grey-green eyes gazed around at everything. By day he was a detective at the French PD. Just an every day white collar boy fresh from the academy. At night he worked out a bit and then took a shower before bed. Mark Cortes was an average man. Yet all that was about to change with one not so normal night.

[Monkey Monk]

Chapter 1

The clock in the corner office stuck the toll of ten. Sound from the bustling streets below were muffled by the glass of the PD. Mark sat at his desk. The desk was cluttered with cards from celebrating his recent twenty-third birthday. His feet rested atop the broken keyboard. A black Spaniard hat with a single Raven feather was pulled low over his eyes. The man's chest rose and fell with the rhythm of slumber. It was a slow night.
Suddenly the crackle and blare of the dispatch on his radio caused Mark to stir. He sat up and listened closely. Probably just another chase.

"Attention all units, we have a 3-72 in progress. I repeat code 3-72. Suspect is a white male and is armed and dangerous. Suspect is held up on Main. Permission to use force is granted."

"Nope, not another chase." Muttered Mark to himself.
Quickly the detective leapt up. He checked his two pistols in their chest holsters before throwing on his heavy trench coat. He dashed to the elevator as quick as he could. Before his fingers could reach the button an 'Out of Order' sigh caught his attention.
"Damn!"
Those curiously colored eyes flew to the stairwell and he was off again. The excited man took the steps two at a time. He even took the whole last flight by leaping over the edge. He landed in a crouch and sprinted off. The trainers at the academy had been amazed at Mark's ability to take such falls with stride. He had already earned the nick-name 'rabbit'.
The sound of his shoes echoed in the empty hall as Mark dashed to the parking lot. Briefly he scanned the few squad cars before going to his Harley Davidson. The bike had taken both the lives of his stepbrother and adoptive father. Now Mark had no family at all. It didn't matter. He had been on his own for a while.
With the sharp squeal of rubber on tar and the roar of the engine the detective was off. His trench coat billowed behind him like the cape of a medieval knight riding his steed into battle. The bike and it's rider became a blur of metal, cloth, and flesh. Crashing now would surely kill Mark. Yet he liked the speed, the feel of power. Besides, he had nothing to loose.
The detective weaved through traffic like a needle through cloth. Soon the squad cars could be seen forming a half circle around some hidden scene. With the screech of tires, Mark skidded to a stop. With a brisk pace he jogged to the lieutenant.
"John, what's up?"
The officer looked up grimly.
"Well Rookie," He spoke slowly as he was obviously thinking. "The perp has a woman hostage. He's got a Mac and two nines. The sicko wants a helicopter with enough fuel to get to Canada."
"Have you tried negotiation yet?"
"Yeah but this dude won't budge."
Mark didn't wait for the conversation to go further. He walked quickly through the crowd of police, ignoring John's protests.
"Rabbit! Get back here! The guy will kill you!"
Still Mark went on. Adrenaline surged though the rivers of blood that flowed through him. Finally he broke through the crowd and gazed at the fugitive. He looked anxious, on the edge. The girl he had hostage looked terrified. Quickly the fugitive spoke to Mark. His finger twitched on the trigger of the small machine gun in his hand.
"Stay back!"
"Relax," Mark threw his coat and guns at the man's feet. "I just want to talk."
The fugitive looked to Mark warily but didn't object to talking. For the moment at least.
"How about you let the girl go?"
Before the fugitive could speak the sound of a helicopter was heard. A maniacal grin formed on the man's face and Mark realized what the man was about to do. Mark had barely enough time to drop to the ground before all hell broke loose.
The fugitive thrust the girl forward. In a high state of confusion the police opened fire. Bullets filled the air and pumped into the girl. Mark looked up and saw the man run down an alley. The detective scrambled up and grabbed his heavy coat, just missing his guns. Without noticing this he ran on.
The two mean dashed through alleys, jumped fences, and crossed streets. The pursued began to tire quicker than his pursuer. In a desperate attempt to loose his chaser the fugitive climbed over a heavy iron fence into a graveyard. There was a sickening crunch as the fugitive landed the wring way. Quickly he hobbled into the dark rows of graves.
Just a few seconds later Mark landed with a thud in the graveyard. Cautiously he rose and went to take out his pistols. When he noticed them missing he swore under his breath. Quickly he bent down and took a small revolver from an ankle holster. He cocked the gun and began to look within the maze of tombstones.
A few minutes into his search he heard the click of a gun hammer. Mark waited a second before dropping to the ground. Plaster and stone filled the air as a bullet shot to where Mark's head had been but a second ago. Quickly the detective crawled to behind a tall statue of an angel. Bullets peppered the stone, sending up a dense could of dust.
Mark peeked around the corner, trying to figure out where his assailant was. Soon his eyes found him crouched behind a mossy tombstone. He looked at the crumbling stone and aimed parallel to the man's heart. With a loud crack the bullet was sent and the opposing automatic fire ceased. With another shot from Mark the Mac was sent flying into the shadows.
Slowly Mark walked to the felled villain. He peered over the stone to see the man sprawled on the ground, coughing up blood. The stone had slowed the bullet but it had still been deadly. The dieing man laughed maniacally, causing Mark to scowl.
"Shut up." Mark spat venomously.
The fugitive grinned and raised a pistol shakily. 'You first."
With a loud bang and a spurt of blood, the bullet passed through Mark's heart. With a cry of pain he raised his revolver and shot once, twice, thrice, and then the fourth followed by several clicks into the man's head.
There was a clatter as Mark's gun fell onto the pile of debris. Gasping for breath the detective limped to the statue of the angel. There was a clash of thunder and lightning overhead and the heavens cried their tears unto the lands. Mark Cortes slumped down and leaned against the pedestal of the statue. He coughed up a wave of blood and smiled.
"At last....I did something right..."
His eyes slowly closed as consciousness slipped from his grasp. Mark laid there in a puddle of his blood mixed with rain.

From the shadows came a single slim figure. A black cloak hid their face as they looked to the dead man and then the dieing one. The scene told a story to this figure who calmly went to Mark's dieing body. Gingerly the figure stroked a lock of Mark's hair from his face, their skin was pale as the moon. With unusual strength they picked him up and carried him into the shadows. There they disappeared without a trace.

[Deleted]

-applauds- veyr nice, Monkeh. Especially good for me, seeing as I want to into Law Enforcement.

[Relairah]

Oooo, I love it! Another great story with excitement, action, suspense and all that ^_^ *is excited* I can't wait for the rest of it!!!

[Monkey Monk]

Thanks ^^ I'm writing the second chapter right now. Once it's done I'll be sure to type it on here for you guys.

[Relairah]

YAY! Okees, take your time, no rush LOL, but I am excited! xD

[/size]

[Warlock]

I love it! Can't wait for the next chapter!

[Felypsa]

Nice beginning, Monkey...just one thing I thought I'd mention...

Now, I'm no biology expert, but isn't it true that once a bullet enters a human's heart, the heart stops, and the human's dead? So when Mark was shot in the heart, I expected him to die right away. I could be wrong, though. In the possibility of my being right, however, I'd suggest you have Mark shot elsewhere, that will undeniably be a fatal shot, yet will give him a few more minutes, as you need. The stomach, perhaps, or the chest (away from the heart).

If I end up being wrong, I apologize for my nitpicky-ness. It just seemed wrong to me.

Nevertheless, an interesting start, I hope you keep working on it.

[Monkey Monk]

Acually you are completely right ^^ But all I have to say is that you have to be alive to die. I won't say a word more. You'll just have to wait for chapter two which explains alot.

[Monkey Monk]

((And now for the long awaited and excruciating drawn out arrival of Chapter 2))

Chapter 2

The loud chime of a grandfather clock striking ten woke Mark. With great confusion he looked to th dark night sky through a luxurious French window. As memory returned to him, he put a hand to his unbroken flesh over his heart. He looked down and to his surprise there was no wound, only a white scar.
"What the...?"
After a few moments, the detective examined the elegantly furnished room, the four post bed, and a chair beside the bed in which he was laying. Black clothes were draped over the back of the chair along with his trench coat and hat.
Mark got up and took note of his lack of clothes. Quickly he flushed at the thought of some stranger seeing him in such a state. Yet whoever it was had saved him, somehow. Quickly he dressed into the clothes and pulled on his hat out of habit. He was slightly frustrated that their were no shoes or socks, but he set that aside for now. The pants were silky and loose, but very comfortable. The shirt was of the same material but clung to his muscled chest tightly.
Once dressed, he left the room. Slowly Mark explored the house, knocking on each door before opening it. Soon he figured out he was in a sort of dormitory. There were seven bedrooms. Aside from his, it seemed none of them had been used in a while. Soon Mark took note of the lack of city noise. He had to be in the country somewhere. Further exploration of the house showed a kitchen, dining room, den, living room, an armory, and a locked door. When he was looking at the armory he dared not enter through the door less opening. There was an assortment of weapons as he could see. Mark felt as if he had to enter that armory but instead he turned away and returned to the den.
After but only a few minutes of sitting on the plush sofa, he rose and went back to that room of weapons. He paced at the entrance for a moment before entering. Whilst he had been searching the house he had an uncanny feeling that he had been in this house before. Like a forgotten dream trying to bubble back into his mind. Soon he sighed and entered the room. Light gleamed off the sharpened blades, the polished pistols, and the greased armor. He looked through the room, gaping in astonishment. A table was in the center of the room, an old book lying on it. Slowly Mark walked to the book, resting his hand on it. Ancient runes were engraved into the old leather cover. Gingerly he picked up the book. Just as he was about to open it a sweet voice rang out from behind him.
"It's about time you woke up."
With a slam Mark dropped the book and spun about. He was about to blurt out his apology when he gazed at the owner of the voice, loosing all speech himself.
The one who had crept up on him was a woman. Her eyes seemed so soft and his figure was very comely. Through her hair were signs of age that seemed so foreign compared to the rest of her young being. A black dress covered her body. This stranger was very beautiful. Finally Mark found his voice.
"E-excuse me?"
"I said, it's about time you woke up. You've been asleep for so very long." A warm smile came to her face as she took a step forward. "But that is to be expected. Being with those vile people so long must have nullified your being.."
Mark tilted his head. He watched warily as the woman approached him. When she reached forth he flinched. Yet all she did was stroke a lock of his black hair away.
"W-who are you?"
The woman took her hand away and looked solemn. Her smile melted away as she looked down. It took a while for her to answer.
"I am your mother. And you are Shadow, son of Lucio."
Mark looked at her with disbelief. This woman had him mixed up with someone, or she was crazy.
"I'm sorry ma'am but I'm Mark and my parents died in a fire. I was rescued from the fire and put up for adoption.
"No. You were stolen from your crib when you were but a child. Your father and I searched for you for so long."
Mark ran his finger through his soft hair. This woman was stark raving mad. She was senile.
"B-but..who are you?"
The woman smiled and looked into his eyes. "My name is Chloe. You know your father wanted to name you Shadow. And your sister...she got very agitated with us when we looked for you."
Mark's look at her showed his thoughts. Chloe had to be crazy she just had to be. His look caused Chloe to frown slightly and take his hand.
"If you don't believe me then come."
Before Mark could protest she was dragging him through the house. She brought him to the family room and stood in the center. Her pale hand pointed out to a picture on the wall.
"That is your father. See how much you two look alike."
To prove her point more she thrust a mirror into his hands. Mark looked at her for a moment and decided to play along, if only just to calm her madness. He put the mirror up next to the picture and let loose a gasp. Mark was very much indeed like the man in that picture. The resemblance was astonishing. Chills went up his back. Yet he saw something else. The hat he wore was exactly like the one the man wore in the picture.
"Your father gave you that hat...just before...before they took you." The woman seemed to have been reading his thoughts almost. She was on the verge of tears. Silently she pulled back to go and still her sobs with a tissue.
Mark paced around the room, looking at the paintings. In one was that man and Chloe together, two babies in their arms. Another showed a child almost exactly like Chloe but with the man's eyes. He presumed that was his 'sister'. Could it be? Could Chloe's story be the truth. Had he been stolen as a child.
Suddenly his thoughts were cut short as there was the sound of a shutting door. It was silent yet so loud. He heard the light footsteps of an unknown person approaching, the sound of their breathing, even their heartbeat?
"Mom...I'm home. I couldn't find Da-"
The girl he had seen from the photo in front of him entered the room. Mark spun to look at her. She seemed to be his age and extremely pretty. His grey-green eyes looked at her with disbelief that she returned.
"Mom...who's that man? It feels as if I should know him..."
Chloe looked at the girl and smiled. Her gaze darted between the two. A smile formed upon her lips.
"You two recognize each other don't you. You should. Twins tend to share a bond."
The girl looked at Chloe with disbelief. Her eyes alight.
"It's him?" A nod answered her question.
Quickly the girl dashed over to Mark. She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tight. Meanwhile he was surprised, uncertain of what was going on. Yet before he could try and figure it out the girl back away from him and gazed at him coldly. With such great anger she slapped his face and stormed from the room.
Mark put a hand to his burning cheek and stared dumbly at the doorway. What the hell was going on. He looked to Chloe for an explanation.
"You'll have to excuse Tempest. She blames you for what happened to your father.."
Mark tilted his head and tried to figure it all out. His whole world was tumbling down on him. Who was he, Mark Cortes or this Shadow? What had happened to his father? Where was he? What was he? It was all to overwhelming to the detective had to sit down, holding his face in his hands.
Chloe looked at Mark softly and went over to him. She placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "It's alright. All will be explained."
He sighed and looked at the wood floor. He could hear that Tempest girl in the other room, huffing angrily as she sat on the couch. A fly buzzed through the corridor, searching for food. There was a beat that he soon found to be Chloe's heartbeat. Something clicked into Mark's mind. He wasn't human but if he wasn't human...
"What am I?"
Chloe looked down at her son, understanding perfectly the question. She seemed reluctant to answer.
"I asked what I am?!" Mark's frustration was overwhelming. He needed answers and now.
Chloe sighed and spoke softly. "Shadow. You are a vampire."

[Monkey Monk]

Chapter 3

Mark, or now to be known as Shadow, simply sat there in disbelief. Things were going weird, this Chloe had barely been believable at first, but now? She was a nut-job! Shadow shook his head once and raised his brow.
"A-a what?"
"A vampire. Shadow, you, like everyone in your true family, are a vampire."
Things were getting too strange for his confused mind. There was no way he could be what this woman claiming to be his mother said.
"But how did I.."
"Age? Born vampires age until they mature and then stay like that for the rest of their life."
"But how come.."
"You never had the thirst? Do you take any medications?"
Shadow again felt himself confused. He did take a pill three times a day with meals. It made the food taste like ash. He had never questioned why he took it though.
"Yes I do but..."
"It's probably a thirst represant. I bet your food tastes pretty nasty."
"H-How did you know?"
It seemed to Shadow that either Chloe's insanity was contagious or she was telling the truth. He found himself starting to believe. Yet there were so many unexplained things. All he had was a jumbled up collage of what was the truth. Slowly he ran his fingers through the silky strands of his night colored hair.
"Alright. Start from the beginning."
Chloe nodded and complied. She took a deep breath before beginning her story.
"One night I found your father in the same graveyard as I found you. He was under the exact same statue as you were. He was a familiar, a servant to a vampire. But his master was killed and he was left to die. I took him to this house and healed him like I did you. He began to fall in love with me, but there was another. Lucio swore his fealty to me. One day I had to send him to Mr James' school for vampires. I hated leaving him there in such pain. Yet he found his calling and began partaking in the training spars. He excelled at fighting. Your father always was the one to fight before talking. When he returned there were several confrontations between him and Derrik, the other man who wished to have me, before me and Lucio got married. We had you and your sister. Yet while I was pregnant with you two, Lucio underwent something strange. He would burst into flames uncontrollably. I was worried so much for him. Yet again, with the help of Mr. James, he overcame that obstacle and harnessed the energy. A bit after your father disappeared Mr. James found out that it was some sort of experiment Lucio's master had been performing on him. When you two were barely a year old the slayers came and took you. Lucio chased after them and killed all but one car full. The car you were in. For years we searched for you. The slayers even sent us pictures of you. One day your sister made friends with a Russian boy. It turned out he was the nephew to one of the slayers. He nearly died and we turned him into a vampire. With one of the slayers dead, your father went after the rest. The last I saw of him, he was running across roof tops..."
Shadow blinked a few times, processing this story within his mind. Indeed it filled in a lot of blanks, yet there seemed to be more.
"Is that all?"
Chloe looked at her son in silence for a moment. After a moment she shook her head.
"No. But the rest is not for you to know yet."
Shadow tapped the table before him for a moment. His mind turned over every aspect of this new information. The habit of doing this how he became a detective. After a moment he rose and stretched. Chloe watched him for a moment. Her lips opened to speak but Shadow beat her to it.
"I need to go see this Mr. James. And I need to talk to this Derrik fellow too."
"Why?"
Shadow looked at her and smiled.
"Why you ask? Why else would you tell me all this. It's obvious you want me to go and find dad. And I intend to do that."
She went to speak but Shadow was already in the corridor. Chloe followed her son hurriedly to the study where all the weapons were. Upon her arrival, Shadow was strapping two guns and a sword to his person.
"Shadow stop! I don't want you to get hurt. You just came back into this family!"
He paused for a moment before going over to the older vampiress and hugging her gently. After the embrace he backed up and held her shoulders.
"You say my father would fight first ask questions later? Well I guess I'm a chip off the old block. But I'm better, because I won't disappear. Now where is this school."
Again Chloe went to protest but after seeing the look in Shadow's eyes she sighed and managed a small smile.
"It's ten miles down the road westward."
Shadow returned the smile and thrust three daggers into his cloak. Finally he pulled his hat on and hugged his newly found mother one more time.
"I'll come back with dad. I promise."
With that he turned and left the room. On his way out he saw Tempest leaning against the wall. When he went to speak to her, she simply turned and walked away. Shadow frowned and continued on his way. He saw through a window a garage filled with cars. Slowly he entered the garage and flicked on the lights. At least a score of vehicles were parked within. Yet one caught his eye. Shadow walked over to a covered car and pulled back the tarp. What he saw made him grin. Quickly he got in the car and turned the keys. A loud, thunderous roar filled the garage. He revved the engine several times, getting a chill as the engine would roar then purr like great beast. He looked over the seat as the garage door folded up and he backed out. Out came Shadow in his new toy. It was a black Shelby Mustang. It's racing stripes were a deep red and a blower popped through the hood. With another loud roar, the young vampire zoomed down the road.

[Monkey Monk]

Chapter 4

Shadow soon saw the top of a large building over the tree line. It wasn't long before he could see the entire school before him. The building was colossal. Tall towers reached for the sky and the entire building was lit with light. Slowly he pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. After shutting the door, he walked toward the giant doors; the gravel crunching under his boots. The iron door knockers were a piece of art in their own. They were shaped like large fangs. Shadow's hand gripped one and he slammed it against the wood several times. All there was now to do was wait.
After several tense minutes, one of the doors opened and Shadow was met with a rather tall person. He looked up into the face of the tall being and smiled while tipping his hat.
"I'm here to see Mr. James."
The large man lifted his lip, showing pointed fangs. He was indeed a vampire. Shadow raised a brow as he awaited some sort of words to answer his demand.
"No one is to see the Headmaster."
"Well tell him that the son of Chloe and Lucio is here to see him."
The larger vampire raised a brow and opened the door fully. He looked at Shadow as if he expected him to be a liar.
"Follow me."
Shadow followed in the trail of the creature. His gray-green eyes gazed around at everything in wonder. Vampires of many different cultures roamed the halls in their groups. Some paused in their conversations to look at him, but paid little attention to the new comer into their home. Soon the larger vampire left him at an elegantly carved door without a word. Shadow looked around, trying to find some sort of hint as of what to do. When he found nothing he simply knocked on the door. After a moment a voice came to his ears.
"Come in."
Shadow shrugged and turned the doorknob. What met his eyes was a wonderfully decorated office. Many trinkets from the centuries cluttered shelves along with old books. A tall leather chair had it's back to him as he entered the room. Slowly Shadow made his way to the desk.
"Er, Mr. James I presume?"
"Yes, what is it?"
The chair swiveled around to face Shadow. Sitting in a relaxed state was a vampire who looked near to the age of Chloe. His clothes were of a wondrous make. The older vampire looked at Shadow closely and spoke calmly.
"Lucio? You have returned? How are you old friend?"
Shadow shook his head and raised a tanned hand. Politely he removed his hat.
"I am not Lucio. I'm his son Shadow."
Mr. James raised his brow in curiosity. He leaned over his desk rather expectantly.
"Really now? Have you seen your mother? Does she know of your return?"
Shadow nodded quickly. Rather quickly he began to explain of the things that had transpired. During the whole story, the older vampire listened intently.
"..So you see sir. I've come here to seek out help so that I can find my father."
Mr. James sat in his chair with his fingertips together. For a time he seemed to contemplate the story that had been recited to him. After many moments the elder spoke.
"Naturally you are welcome to stay here and learn skills that will help you rescue your father. But might I recommend that you be taught privately by a certain person we have here. He knew your father also. His name is Uri. He keeps himself locked up in his room. Some bad things went on between him and your sister."
Shadow looked at the headmaster and bowed his head.
"Can you take me to this Uri?"
"Indeed I can. But beware. I do not know the state of his mind."
It was with that the two vampires left the office and again Shadow found himself walking the halls. It was a short walk to this Uri's room. The door was a plain one. Mr. James rapped his knuckles on the wood.
"Uri. Someone is here to see you."
There was the sounds of something moving within the room. After several moments the door opened and they were met with a vampire as was to be expected. This creature had short blond hair and icy blue eyes. His clothes were of the blackest silk. Blue and red leather gloves clung tightly to his hands. Yet that was not the oddest thing about this being. From beneath the gloves his veins leaving his hands were a brilliant blue. Yet the anomaly ended at his elbows. Those cold blue eyes studied Shadow for a moment.
"I knew you would come."
Mr. James smiled slightly and looked at the two young vampires studying each other as warriors would. His eyes sparkled as he patted Shadow on the shoulder.
"I'll leave you two to get to know each other. Uri, I want you to help Shadow learn to fight so he can break free his father."
The blond vampire nodded and bowed to Mr. James before they left. Once the two were alone, Uri opened his door to Shadow.
"Come in. We have much to discuss..."
Shadow stepped into the room and looked around. The room was small and rather cramped. There was a bed that looked like it was never used. Also there resided two plush chairs and a bookshelf. On the shelves was only one book and a large assortment of knives. He sat in one of the two chairs. Uri grabbed the book off the shelf before sitting himself. The text looked to be old, maybe even borderline ancient. Shadow was so intently studying the outside of the cover, which was covered in ancient runes, that he was startled when Uri spoke.
"So you are Shadow..."
Shadow looked up and nodded. Uri was indeed a strong looking fellow. His arms were sinewy and looked to be rock hard. Uri extended a friendly hand which Shadow took and shook. Again Uri spoke, yet this time in full sentences.
"We have a lot in common you know. We were both raised by slayers. Except I was born to them and you were kidnapped. But I was the odd duck. I never liked the idea of killing vampires. So with the help of your family I escaped them."
Shadow knew not of what this vampire wanted him to say. Again Uri spoke, but this time it was after he handed Shadow the heavy book.
"This is your father's. It is very helpful when you learn the language. It is full of spells and fighting techniques. Mr. James says that I am to help you learn to save your father, so I help you by giving you that."
"Thankyou.."
Shadow spoke this rather absent-mindedly as he opened the cover and looked at the words. He couldn't believe what he saw. It was the exact same language he had made up as a child to talk to his friends in code.
"Is this some kind of joke?"
Uri tilted his head curiously.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that I know this language. I made up this language as a kid."
Uri let out a laugh and shook his head.
"No this is no joke. As to how it is the same language I can not explain. But I can tell you that if you can read that whole book, you will have a much easier time finding your father."
Shadow again drifted off. He became rather caught by a part that told of a spell to control the element of ice. His eyes peered over the picture in the book to Uri's arms.
"Is this how your arms got that way?"
Uri looked down and smiled.
"Yes, yes it is. But I don't recommend using that spell. I have to wear these gloves to keep control. Anyways, you're welcome to stay the day here. Use the bed, I don't sleep there anyways. I recommend going to bed now. We need to get up at sun down so you can begin reading that book."
Shadow nodded to the other vampire and shut the book. After replaces it on the shelf along with his assortment of weapons, he went and sat on the edge of the bed. As he went to take off his boots Uri chuckled.
"Please, keep your boots on. I don't want you stinking up me room."
Shadow stared at the other for a moment before laughing out loudly. After a moment he calmed down and laid on the bed. Silently he put his hat over his eyes and began to go to sleep. Suddenly he noticed something. That was the first time he had truly laughed in quite some time.

[Monkey Monk]

Chapter 5

Smoke billowed in swirling patterns across the room. The green neon light outside the window flashing across the thin cloud. The entire room was dimly lit. The only things providing light was the earlier mentioned sign, the silent static of the television, and the ember of the cigarette. Sitting in a chair sat a human, or it seemed to be at the least. Within their hand was an automatic pistol, hung limply toward the floor. The hand that held it was pale and motionless. If one was to look up they would see a most curious person. Theirs arms were covered in odd tattoos. Depictions of creatures and gory scenes of battle along with odd swirls in between each image. Further up one would see the being's face. Their hair was a sharp blond, nearly white. Their dark blue eyes looked down at the burning cigarette in silence. A long scar ran over the man's nose.
For several more moments the man sat in his eerie silence. Yet the serenity was soon broken by the sharp ring of a cell phone. Lazily the man's hand reached to the side table. He picked up the little phone and flipped it open. After a moment to be sure of the connection, he spoke.
"Speak."
Due to the silence, if one was listening in, they could hear a voice disguised by a machine speak out.
"The pup has returned to the den. Time for master to retrieve his pet."
"The master is coming for his leash."
And with that the man rose. He looked to the window and opened it silently. Without seemingly disturbing the very air, the man crept from the motel. He leaped down to the ground and walked along sidewalk for a bit. After but only a few moments, he hailed a taxi. As the vehicle drove up, he tucked his gun back into it's holster. Once it was stopped alongside him, the man with the whitish hair climbed in. After a few moments of a murmured conversation, the taxi drove off quickly.
After a rather long ride through the city, they finally stopped before a tall building. The man got out and paid the driver who zoomed off to find another customer. Meanwhile, the man walked slowly through the thick glass doors. He was faced with two guards and a tall metal detector. With that same lazy attitude, the being walked through the archway which almost immediately began to screech out in protest. The guards cam over to him but before they could make any demands, he held out a card and they waved him on.
Slowly he made his way through the marble entrance hall. He was soon faced with the metal doors of an elevator which slid open to permit him in. Without turning, he hit a button on the panel next to the door. His curiously colored eyes looked at the mirror opposite from the door almost expectantly. All of a sudden the elevator ground to a halt and the mirror slid open. If anyone had happened to accompany this being on his trip, they would see a long marble hall that end to a pair of richly colored doors.
The man's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he trekked forth. His hands pushed at the doors which flung open to let him in. Inside was a dark room. Thirteen lights fell from the ceiling at a different spot around a half circle table. The hands and occasional beard of the congregation could be seen in the lights. A voice boomed out as the man entered the dark area.
"Dante..you have been brought here-"
"Yeah yeah I know," the man cut him off shorty. "Just get to the part where you give me a mission. Skip all this formality crud."
The voice went silent as another took it's place.
"As you have been informed, the project has leaked out. The child has grown and also has reunited with his mother and sister. Our sources say he went to that accursed school. And you know what that means."
The man, or as he had been called Dante, remained silent for quite some time. Of course he knew what that meant. The experiment had gone bad just like last time and just like last time he needed to solve the problem, permanently.
"Dante, do whatever you can to contain this. Last thing we need is a repeat of '87. That was terrible. I doubt we could fool the press again."
Dante merely grunted in a knowing way before turning on his heel. He was about to stride from the room before he paused.
"Sirs, do you think he will come for his father's body?"
"Most definitely Dante, use whatever means necessary to keep this under wraps."
A smirk played across the man's face before he left the hall. Again he walked down that marble hall and entered the elevator. Slowly he descended to the ground floor and walked to the front parking lot. Those deep blue eyes scanned the rows of vehicles before he found his. It was a simple black American made car. It was fast but homely and blended in well. Once inside the vehicle he turned the key and it roared to life, he had a small drive ahead of himself. There was a crackle and the radio came on, playing a loud heavy metal tune. With a rather loud squeal of tires, Dante drove off to his first stop rather quickly.

[Monkey Monk]

Chapter 6

Outside the house of Shadow's parents shadows stirred silently. Several figures crept up toward the building and paused for a moment, as if they were waiting for something. It wasn't long before the thing of which they awaited arrived. Dante walked slowly toward the front door. His knuckles rapped over the wood door as he knocked. For a moment he waited silently before the door opened. There stood Chloe. She looked at him quizzically as he smirked.
"Is Mark home?"
Chloe suddenly scowled at him. She lifted her hand to grab the man and sink her fangs into his flesh. Yet his gun raised to her face and she paused. Suddenly there was the sound of breaking glass as the figures broke windows and climbed in. Tempest's yells of anger could b heard. All Dante did was continue to smile Vilely and motioned for Chloe to sit on the couch. As she did as she was commanded to silently, Tempest was brought in by several men in black suits with their faces covered and forced to sit alongside her mother. Dante went to the soda across from the two vampires and put his feet up on the coffee table. His gun remained pointed at Chloe as he spoke.
"Lovely house you have here."
"Just tell me why you're here!"
Chloe spat these words out angrily. Innocently Dante put his free hand to his chest in mock offense.
"What? Can't an old friend stop by for tea? Oh by the way my dear. Did you enjoy that picture of your son?"
The older vampire's eyes went wide with shock for a moment before a look of deep hatred filled her gaze.
"You monster. You're the one who took my son!"
"Yes and you're husband is the one that killed mine! Your vile family is a curse on my own. My boy went missing a few years ago. People say they saw you kill my brother in his shop!"
Dante took a deep breath and regained his composure. Whilst he had been venting a vein over his temple had protruded angrily. Yet now as he calmed, it too relaxed. His gaze looked over to the bound Tempest and smirked.
"Well well, you're daughter has grown. I contemplated taking her but your son has served our purposes just as well. Now, tell me why Mark has gone to that accursed school?"
Chloe snarled at him defiantly and rose to her feet. She shook her head angrily as she spoke..
"Never!"
Dante shrugged and waved the gun airily.
"Suit yourself."
There was an audible crack as the gun went off. The silver bullet pierced the flesh somewhere in her chest. Instantly the vampire fell to the floor and Dante watched as Tempest struggled to get free.
"YOU BASTARD! HOW COULD YOU SHOOT HER?!"
Dante chuckled at the younger vampire's anger. He looked at his gun as if truly thinking about her words.
"Well you see. I pointed the gun at her chest and pulled the trigger. Rather simple really, I guess your parents never taught you anything. Pity they're both dead now."
Tempest thrashed violently. She'd kill him. Once she had killed this slayer and all his henchmen she'd kill her brother too. It was all his fault, everything was his fault. Dante looked at her and watched as she began to calm down. Her thrashing ceased as a cruel smirk came to her lips.
"My brother went to the school to learn to save my father."
"Don't you listen? Your father is dead."
"And don't you know anything? I can feel that my father is still alive..."
Dante rose and looked at the glare he received from Tempest. With a lazy wave of his gun, the men released her. In a flash they were all out the ways they had come, leaving Tempest to quickly go to her mother and hold her tightly, tears running freely from her eyes.

Meanwhile at Mr James' school, Shadow and Uri were out in the woods. Over the weeks Shadow had greatly improved his skills at the arts withing the old book. The trees towered over the two as they fought each other madly, not truly wishing to kill one another. Shadow struck out at Uri who deflected the blow with ease. Yet the attack had been a mere rouse as Shadow's leg swept out and knocked Uri onto the ground. The blond vampire blinked for a moment before both of them laughed good naturedly. Shadow helped his new friend up and they began to walk to the school.
On their way up they saw several cars pull into the driveway. Several people got out of the vehicles and the two vampires quickly went to hide in the bushes. Uri cursed as he saw a man get out of one such vehicle. Their hair was a bright blond just visible from beneath a black hood. Uri muttered a single word.
"Slayers.."
Shadow looked between his friend and the group of people. The man with the bright hair was knocking at the door. All Shadow could do was watch as when that tall vampire opened the door, the man drew out a gun and shot them square between the eyes. Instantly the men who had gotten out of the cars flooded into the school. Shadow spotted his own hot rod parked beneath the trees and grabbed Uri, leading him through the shadows.
As the two drew closer to their get away vehicle, one of the slayers shouted out for them to stop. Instantly the two got up and ran toward the car. Bullets flew through the air as Shadow drew his own twin pistols. The world seemed to slow down for him as he shot at the slayers. His bullets rarely missing as he continued to run for the car. Yet Shadow failed to notice one crucial thing. The man with the bright hair had come out to investigate the shots. When he spotted Shadow and Uri, he drew out his gun and started shooting at them. One of the bullets found it's mark in Shadow's shoulder, yet he kept going. Uri let Shadow get in the car, taking the guns and shooting off without any particular skill. When they man with the bright blond hair saw Uri, his jaw dropped and his gun ceased fire. Uri looked back at him coldly before shooting once and getting into the American muscle car. With a roar of the engine, the car shot off down the road. The slayers went to pursue but the blond haired man raised a hand for them to stop. Quickly the group of people got into their vehicles and drove off in the opposite direction Shadow and Uri had taken.

Shadow and Uri pulled over after they were sure they had not been followed. Shadow climbed out of the car, nursing his wounded shoulder. Quickly he tore the bullet from the wound and winced as it began to heal itself. Uri got out slowly, running his fingers through his hair. Shadow looked at his friend for a moment before sitting on the hood of the car. He took the ammo clips out of his guns and reloaded them. Silence captivated the area as Shadow dared not to ask Uri what had happened and apparently Uri did not want to say unless asked.
Yet one had to make the first move, and being the ever impatient one it was Shadow who did so. He holstered his gun and looked at his friend.
"Uri, Who was that blond guy."
Uri looked off as in a dream. His bright blue eyes were glazed over as he put his gloved hands into his pockets. After a few more moments of silence he sighed.
"His name is Dante."
"Why did he stop shooting at you though?"
Uri shrugged and went silent again. It was obvious he didn't want to talk anymore about the subject. The night was ending and they needed to find a place to rest safely.
"Come on Shadow. Let's go before the sun rises."
Over the time that his true nature had returned, Shadow had learned that he could not be in the sunlight. He rather missed watching the giant ball of fire rise over the hills and bathe the lands in it's warm rays. But he had learned to get used to the nocturnal life. Slowly the two got into the car and took off down the road again, not saying a word as they drove.

Dante walked rather angrily down the marble hall. His hands pushed open the doors so that he was faced with the council of slayers.
"Dante, back so soon?"
The angry man raised his gun at the one who had spoken and growled angrily.
"Shut up you old windbag."
With that the slayer directed his attention to the seat at the head of the half circle table. He let his gun go back into it's holster before walking over to the hidden man in the seat. His fists slammed down on the table.
"Why didn't you tell me Uri was alive!?"
"Because Dante, it was important you did not know."
It was obvious that something was bother Dante. How could these old men say that it was important he not know of Uri's living. He had a right to know. It was his right to know. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the edge of the table tightly and yelled out angrily.
"Damn it he's my son!"

[Monkey Monk]

Chapter 7

The ding heralding the opening of the elevator doors echoed down a dark hall. Slowly Dante exited the small chamber and walked toward a pair of thick metal doors. His boots thumped on the tiled floor with each quick step. The slayer's temper was still burning after his meeting with the Council. Roughly he pushed open the doors and glared at the scene before him.
The room was completely dark except for a bright light shining down unto the center of the area. The beams of light shone over a cage of thick bars. Sparks flew between the metal poles, showing that the metal was electrified. Sitting on the floor in the center of the cage was a man. His black hair was untidy and long, covering his eyes as he looked down to the floor. A torn black cloak was around his body like a pool of darkness. As Dante approached, the man lifted his head to glare at them. The man's eyes were of a deep green. His pupils glowed with an unseen fire behind their lenses. A roar of rage came from the man as he leaped to his feet. From his hand came forth a sphere of rolling fire which he flung at his tormentor. Yet the ball of flame bounced off the balls and dissipated quickly. Dante smirked at the captive and slowly circled the cage.
"Now now Lucio. You shouldn't be that way when one comes to bring good news."
"What news could you bring that I could find remotely good!?"
The slayer chuckled and got close to the edge of the cage. His eyes sparkled cruelly as he looked at his fingernails.
"Why my dear friend, news of your son."
Lucio snarled loudly and thrust his hand at the slayer. There was a loud crack and the smell of burning flesh filled the air as the vampire removed his electrified hand. Dante chuckled and looked up at the glaring man.
"You should know that your son and my own are trying to rescue you."
Lucio grinned as he brought his face as close to the bars as he dared.
"Oh? You found out your son is a vampire did you? You know he asked to become one. I don't see how the son of such a pitiful bastard could turn out so well."
The vampire chuckled coldly at his mortal enemy who tightened his jaw and glared sourly. Without a word, Dante turned and left the room, Lucio's laughs echoing around him. With a loud boom, the metal doors slammed shut. The captive lowered his gaze and returned to where he had been.
Outside in the hall, Dante shook angrily. His blond hair shone in the moonlight that now cascaded past the clouds and through a window. Suddenly his nose wrinkled as a disgusting stench flooded his senses. Quickly the slayer covered his face with a cloth.
"I thought I told you not to see me unless I called upon you?"
Slowly the slayer turned and faced the source of the smell. Before him stood a most horrid creature. It looked to have been a man. Yet the being had no hair and a white porcelain mask concealed his face. The figure wore pitch black clothes that helped him to hide within the shadows. When he spoke his voice was calm and sinister.
"I jussst thought you might want my help. Sssseing assss your ssssson hassss turned to the other sssside."
Dante shivered visibly as he glared at the being with disgust. He waved a hand and nodded.
"Fine, go and kill them. That is if you can. Just don't ever show your melted face around me unless I call on you again."
A cold laugh escaped the creature as he slid back into the shadows. His body swirled within the darkness and slowly faded away. Soon there was nothing left of the creature that had stood there moments ago.

Far away from that tall building in which the slayers made their headquarters. Deep in a forest in which nearly no creatures stirred, Shadow and Uri were sitting by a fire. The two vampires were completely silent as Uri absently poked at the embers. After a while Uri threw his stick into the flames and stretched his arms slowly.
"I'm going to turn in Shadow."
The black haired vampire nodded silently. His eyes gazed at the fire silently as he ran over everything in his mind. Where could his father be held. Something inside told him that he was still alive. Yet that feeling failed to help him to solve the problem of finding the older vampire. After perhaps hours of thinking things over, Shadow sighed and curled up on the ground near the fire. He tipped his hat over his eyes and soon his breathing slowed down. The thick trees over them would stop the sunlight from attacking them whilst they slumbered. Both young vampires were lured into a sense of safety as they slept in the open. Yet neither had noticed the fading firelight shining off something white in the shadows.