There they were sitting in the park all alone watching the sunset. They were waiting for nightfall to begin their hunt. They got a tip saying that this was a prime spot for the beasts to come out and play. His name is Alexander and his partner's name is Dracude. No one knows Dracude's real name. He refuses to tell them anything. However, when it comes to information gathering and trapping he is the best there is. Although, nobody could tell where he gets his information, he is probably the biggest mystery of all of the hunters.
They all have different backgrounds though all of them know not to ask about them. Therefore, as for Alexander he is the best of the best. He has seen and killed more werewolves than any of his fellows. Dracude may not have killed any, but he is very skilled at trapping them. It is for this reason that he and Alexander have teamed up for all the big hunts. Night is almost upon them and the first of the wolves have come out of hiding. They continued to wait for their leader to arrive. Then before he knew it, Dracude has ducked down and a wolf flew over where his head had been seconds before. Alexander knew that there was something wrong the moment that he felt blood running down his left arm. Dracude being the expert trapper managed to grab his partner and took off. They had left the park in top speed even though they are being followed by the pack that they were hunting. The hunted became the hunter. Dracude was a fast thinker. He knew all the routes back to their base of operations and knew which ones that the werewolves could never travel. He chose the closet one to where he was and when he looked back, they had fallen behind. They had very nearly escaped them.
Once he got to the safety of the base, he gave the signal and his comrades immediately helped them. They took him to the infirmary so that he may be treated but no one was willing to believe that he would be cured.
"Please let me try something if you don't mind." Dracude asked of the assistant.
She nodded and left him to work alone. Dracude was working as quickly as he could to apply salve after salve of ointments. He tried everything that he could think of but his body was aching and he needed rest. The only thing left to do now is to wait. If Dracude hated waiting then he would have been aggravated to no end. However, seeing as to how he is a trapper he had an exceptional sense of patience. He knew that time would tell if his friend would be cured from the bite he had received. His friend, he was surprised to count any one a friend. He had been a loner for as long as he could remember. He only knew loneliness. Though now that he is aiding the hunters he has come to rely on them as they have come to rely on him. As the hours passed, Dracude grew more tired. He needed to sleep but he would not. He needed to be awake in case of an emergency. As the hours past, he could not continue to keep awake. Therefore, he decided that he would just take a little nap so he could be alert for any thing that was out of the ordinary. He awoke when he heard footsteps approaching his door.
"Dracude, its Vance, Let me in please."
"Vance what word is there on my friend?"
"It's not good. He is starting to show signs of being one of them. What we need to do is put him in a cell to protect the rest of us. Hopefully he won't change, but all we can do is wait till night fall."
"I understand." said Dracude shaking his head. Vance rested his hand on the man's shoulder before he left.
That afternoon Malachi, a tall portly man with long brown hair, approached Dracude at the infirmary and told him that his presence was required at the town hall. Dracude knew that this was coming so he nodded his head and allowed the man to lead him to the town hall. It was a short walk from the infirmary so that when they got there they were told to wait. Ten minutes later Dracude was summoned inside the main chamber.
"Dracude, my name is Raven. To my right is Christine and to my left is Paula. You are here, as you are undoubtedly aware, because your partner, Alexander, was injured on a hunt and was bitten in the process. What we what to know was how and why."
"Ok. I had gotten a tip that told us that there was a large pack of werewolves terrorizing the park. Therefore, when I returned I had informed Vance Ventura about it. He said to team up with Alexander. So I went at once to find my friend and tell him that we were to head out that night."
"Did it occur to you that the werewolves usually mate on the full moon, and that they are even more aggressive and deadly at that time?" asked Christine.
"Honestly, no it did not. I only heard that they change at the full moon."
"It appears that you were sadly mistaken. Please, continue." invited Paula.
"Thank you. We got to the park just before sunset. We sat in one of the benches and waited. It was turning out to be a normal hunt for the both of us. Some of the lower ranked members of the pack were showing themselves. Then I sensed that something was not quite right, that was when I smelled the ones behind us. I ducked down as one lunged for my head. It was then that I realized that their leader turned to Alexander. I pushed him to try to get him out of the line of the attack. However, I was not fast enough. It still managed to scratch his left arm. No one could feel near as bad as I do. So after that I grabbed him and put his arm around my shoulder and proceeded back here."
"I see. Therefore, you thought that by bringing him back here you could possibly save him when there is currently no possible way to treat a werewolf bite. Is there anything else that you would like to add before we decide on both of your fates?" asked Raven.
"Yes, I do have one more thing. I have recently heard that if the one that contaminates a person is killed then all that were bitten by that wolf will be cured. I believe that if I could take a group of the best, excluding Alexander, I could track him down and kill him and reverse what has happened and save more people from being attacked."
"Very well, we will assign you with four people. Nikita Jones, who is an ally to us, Meier O'Riley, who is a master tracker, Jacque Fallan, who is a friend of Alexander's and another of the best hunter, and Malachi. You will have them to help and guide you. Nakita will also train you in combat. It is you who must kill the one who bit Alexander, if not then you are revoked from this clan, and Alexander will be killed regardless if you succeed or not. That is my ruling and that is final. You are dismissed." Raven ended.
Dracude felt that things could have gone better than they had but it was unexpected. Therefore, he set off to find Jacque Fallan. He would have talked to Malachi but he was gone by the time he got out. Dracude knew roughly were to find Jacque so he went to the Inn that he was staying at.
By the time that Dracude got to the inn, he found that Jacque was not there. He asked the Inn manager, Raphael, if he knew where to find him. Raphael said that Jacque was in his room on the second floor. Dracude went up to the second floor and found that Malachi was already there with Jacque.
"I see that I have come at the right time. The both of you need to get prepared to leave immediately. Be at the front gates in twenty minutes time." Dracude ordered.
"Hold on, who died and made you the boss? I am not going anywhere. This is your fight not mine." Malachi said.
"You are going, or would you like me to go back and report to Raven that you are refusing her orders?"
"Fine, but how are you going to find the other two? Meier is out on a mission and Nakita is in another town." Malachi questioned.
"You don't need to worry about that. I know where Meier is and they do not call me the master of information gathering for nothing. So again I say get prepared and meet at the front gates in twenty minutes, please," he asked.
Without argument, Jacque and Malachi left to get ready. Dracude waited for a few minutes then left to find out how to find Nakita. He went back to find Raven but he found Christine instead. He walked up to her and asked about the whereabouts of Nakita. She told him she did not know but the one he need to seek is the one he did not have with him yet. Nakita is almost as good as he is at concealment. He thanked her for the tip and went to get ready himself. He went to the armory and talked to Molly.
"Hello Molly. How are you?" He asked her.
"Worried about Alexander to be honest, how is he?"
"Not good. He is starting to show signs and they have gone and put him in a cell. I hope that my team and I will be able to cure him. We are after the one that did this to him. So what will it take to get armor to fit me, and how long will it take?"
"Three days at the best. I need your measurements. I am guessing that you will need it to be as light as possible too." Molly asked.
Dracude nodded his head and told her that he would have some one come for it and to make it so that it would be easy to transport. She nodded that she understood and started to take his measurements. When she finished she wished him all the best luck and to return safely. It took him fifteen minutes to get the rest of his gear and get to the front gates.
"Do you think it wise to send him with Dracude? Also, will you really carry out what you said about Alexander?" Paula asked.
"Of course I did not. What good is it to have a trapper that does not kill? Besides, I only said that because I knew that he would want to get revenge for what happened and not let anyone steal that away from him. So now, the matter of the double crosser, yes when the time comes Dracude or one of the others will most likely kill him for us. I just hope that none of them will be hurt. Is that answer enough?" said Raven.
"Ok I just worry that's all. You know that I am the mind of reason. I just want to be sure that no one else is killed because of him."
"I know."
Dracude had to wait for a few minutes longer than he would have liked but he knew that he could not afford to act out of haste. For the sheer fact that those who act out of haste are the ones who make the most fatal of mistakes. He needs the element of surprise if he is to succeed as well as to keep everyone alive. In addition, there was something bothering him about the way Malachi acted back at the Inn. He needed to keep an eye on him. Now that the other two had joined him, they set out to find Meier, for Meier was the one that could take them to find Nakita.
"So how are you going to find Meier and Nakita?" Jacque asked out of curiosity.
"Simple, he will find us. I know that we go south for three hundred yards. I also know that he only left a half hour ago. Therefore, he did not get that far ahead of us. We should catch up to him quickly," replied Dracude.
Jacque nodded that he understood. He took the lead and headed out. Malachi followed and Dracude brought up the rear. They kept an eye out for Meier but Dracude knew that if Meier knew he was being followed he would hide his tracks. The company went about a hundred yards when Dracude called for them to halt. He knew that they were being followed but he did not know by what. All he knew was that they were in trouble if it was a pack of werewolves. Then he heard something move from his right. He caught a glimpse of a person walking just beyond the light of the trail they were on.
"MEIER! Are you out there? It's me Dracude!"
"Will you keep it down for crying out loud? You three are being followed by a couple of beasts. I was trying to get them off your tail." Meier hissed.
"Sorry about that. Have you heard about what happened to Alexander?"
"Yeah I have. I am sorry that it happened. He was the one that helped me get revenge for my parents."
"I see I'm sorry. I need your help. Raven said you are assigned to help me."
"What is that you need help with?"
"Getting revenge on the wolf that contaminated Alexander. Though it was my fault that he wound up that way."
Meier saw that Dracude had clenched his fists and saw the anger burning in his eyes. He reminded Dracude that what they need is calm determination and patience. He also asked if anyone else was supposed to go with them. Malachi said that they had to find Nakita Jones.
"You looking for me young man?" said a voice so silky that it was dangerous.
"Ah, I find one and I get both. That is excellent. Nevertheless, my question is what are the two of you doing together? I heard that you were in another town," said Dracude.
"I was but I heard that you were going for revenge. How can I be of assistance?"
"I will need you to train me."
"I see is that all? I think that I could be a great help to you in the long run if you allow me to go with you."
"That is exactly what I was thinking."
They went and returned to the task at hand, getting to another village so that Dracude could be trained in combat. This is something that he has refused to do for many years. He never was into killing. Therefore, he always found ways to minimize the fatality rate. Even when he was with Alexander, he never let him kill when he did not have to. Dracude was a sincere man. However, now with what happened to his friend he would allow things to change. When he finds the leader, he will not show any mercy.
As they left, following behind Nakita, they wanted to know what happened to land Alexander in the state that he is in. They traveled all that day. That night they rested and had food and drink. They talked and discussed what course of action that would be needed. When Jacque fell asleep, they agreed to have two lookouts. Nakita and Meier took the first watch. They sat watching the others. Then Meier heard something, something that sounded large.
"Wait here and don't move or say anything. I will be right back." Meier warned.
"What is the matter?" Nakita asked but Meier just shook his head.
Meier then got up and walked out of sight. Nakita, left alone to wonder what he had heard, did not have long to find out. He had returned followed by a rider on horse back. The rider appeared to be carrying something large. When Meier and the rider arrived inside the light of the fire, she noticed that the rider was delivering a nice set of armor.
"Is Dracude around? I need to give him this armor." The rider said.
"He is but right now he is sound as...."
"The only way I could sleep with this entire racket is if I was dead."
"Ah, Dracude, I have brought your armor. I was informed that you have already paid for this exquisite equipment."
"Yes, and thank you very much for this, Nakita before he departs us would you help me put it on?"
She agreed and took nearly twenty minutes. When he looked, he was amazed. He could hardly feel the weight of the armor. He looked back at the rider that brought his armor and told him to let the armorer know that the armor was perfect. The equestrian nodded and set off. Now that Dracude was awake, he told Meier to get some sleep. He and Nakita talked about the kind of training that Dracude would have to go through. They discussed the use of differing kinds of weapons. Dracude wanted something that was light and could be used with ease. He did not want something that would tire him out quickly. She nodded and told him that his best choices would be knives, rapiers, wing knives, katanas, or sabers. He asked about the wing knives. Nakita explained that they are a very tricky weapon to wield, but not impossible. She informed him that they would be in her hometown by evening the next day and that they would start to train after they get there and find lodgings for every one. He told her to get Jacque and for her to get some rest. Once Jacque was with him, he started to discuss what they would be doing.
"Jacque, we will be at Nakita's home town by tomorrow evening. When we get there, I am going to get all of us some place to stay. What I need you to do is gather information for me. I know that you are one of the top ones, behind me, at getting the information needed for a mission. Tell no one the information that you gather but me. I believe that we have a double-crosser in our midst. I will take care of that problem when the time comes, unless they were the one that betrayed Alexander to the wolves then I will kill him before he has a chance to do any more harm."
"Who do you think it is? I know that it is not me. Though I think I know who you are talking about. I will keep an eye out for you. I will do as you have asked. I will help you make plans of attack with what I find out. You can trust me."
Dracude was relieved that Jacque had grasped things so easily. However, he wonders how Jacque gets his information. He supposes it is the same way that he gets his.
When dawn broke, they set off for the town that Nakita is from. As they walked, Dracude started to smell a foul stench. He realized what it was. It was the smell of the wolves. Nakita shook her head said that Meier was already on it. Dracude nodded and just kept walking. He knew that Meier would take care of those that were following them. However, the smell was getting worse by the second. He asked the others if they could smell what he did but they all just shook their heads. He could never understand why he was the only one to be able to smell them luckily though; the armor he was wearing had a mask to take care of the smell. He was grateful that Molly had thought to include the mask. Everyone that he knows knew that he could easily smell things that others could not. He never knew why that was. When he asked no one would tell him. That was fine because he felt that he would not like the answer.
Meier was back and said that there were a few werewolves up ahead about fifteen yards. They were certain that if they were there that it could be a trap. Dracude had them all stop and wait. He went on a head but before he could Nakita made him take her rapier. He said that he would not need it but she said that he should have it on him incase he needed to protect himself. He thanked her then left them to wait.
"Do you think that he will be ok?" Malachi asked.
"Yeah he may be awhile but he will be fine. If that armor was made by Molly then you can believe that it will only help his kind." Meier replied.
"What do you mean 'his kind'?" Jacque asked.
"Everything that I am about to tell you must never get back to him! Have you ever wondered why he could sense things that happen before the rest of us? Or why he can smell things the rest of us can't before it is too late?" asked Meier of Jacque.
"Yeah."
"That is because he is a half vampire. He has no clue. His mother was a vampire. She brought him to us before he was born and requested that only those that went with him on a hunt know. She also requested that he never know until the time is right. I assume that you know that he has always managed to work and live alone. It was a few years ago that the council ordered him to work with Alexander. He was not at all happy about it but did as they said. He would never talk no matter how hard Alexander tried. Then on their third mission, Alexander saved Dracude's life. Since then they have always been teamed together. Dracude has saved his life more times than any one can count. That is why Dracude pleaded the council to let him do this. They knew that Dracude would refuse the help so we were assigned to help him in any way possible. I know that if Dracude had his way he would be doing this alone."
"But why, why do this alone?"
"Because Dracude feels that he is responsible for what happened. He would risk his own life to get the job done. He probably feels that he will not have full concentration if there are others." Meier explained.
Dracude left his team behind. He knew that they would only get in his way. However, why he felt this way he does not know. Then without warning an almighty thirst that he has never experienced before comes over him. He starts to smell the scent of blood. He gets even more worried when he feels two of his teeth lengthen. He takes the rapier out of its scabbard and swings it. He swings so fast that he has it sheathed before he realizes it. Then he sees the tree he is standing next to start to fall in his direction. He moves out of the way, as it falls. His thirst is getting to be more than he can bear. He smells the werewolves getting closer. He removes the mask that he is wearing and goes to his prey. He sees them before they see him. He bares his teeth then attacks. He breaks one neck then the other. With out thinking he bites the neck of the one he just killed and feels his teeth puncture the skin with ease. Then the taste of blood fills his mouth. The taste is one that he is not used to, but he realizes that his thirst is going away. He has drained the one and feels even stronger than before. He stands and goes back to the others. He knows that they will be worried about him. Before he turns back he feels liquid running down the side of his mouth, he pulls the rapier out of its sheath again, looks into the blade, and sees blood covering his whole mouth. Dracude then goes in search of water so that he can clean up. He walks for a little while and finds a pond. He looks into the surface and notices that he has fangs. Then watched, as they grew shorter. Then he plunges his head in the pond and pulls it out again. He looks at his reflection on the water and sees that his face is clean and his teeth are back to normal. After that, he heads back to the others.
They saw Dracude walking back to where he left them. Jacque is the first to see that he is wet but then feels a hand on his shoulder warning him not to say anything. Therefore, Jacque asked what happened and Dracude said that he took care of the wolves. They all nodded and finished the trip to Nakita's town. Dracude suddenly realized that they did not know the name of the village they were heading toward. Therefore, Dracude asked Nakita and she told them that she was from La Terre de Mort Vivant. They looked at one another then back to her. She told them that they would rather not know. They just shrugged and continued to follow her. The sun was almost down when the gates to the city appeared. They were relieved to see them. Nakita was indifferent and went on ahead toward the Inn. She entered and went straight to the Innkeeper. She said that they needed three normal rooms. The man nodded and handed over the keys. They went to the rooms and took showers. After they showered, they went to get food. Nakita led them to a pub and got them all a table. She then proceeded to order for them. They all understood why, except for Dracude.
"Ok Nakita I have a few questions to ask you." Dracude stated.
"Let me guess. You want to know why I asked for three 'normal' rooms and why I am ordering for everyone. Am I right?" Nakita asked.
Dracude nodded.
"Well that is simple enough to explain. The name of this town means the land of the living dead. Do you understand why that is Dracude?"
"No I do not."
"That is because, with the exception of your team, we are all vampires. Just about, everything that we have here is made for our use. Is there anything that you want to know?"
"As a matter of fact there is. Why is it that I can smell and hear everything that others cannot? Why can I see better at night like the beasts that we hunt?" Dracude asked.
"That is because you are a half breed, Dracude. You are a half vampire. We were told not to say anything and to try and allow you to find out on your own." Meier answered.
"Why?"
"Well as you know we have been allies with vampires and half vampires for as long as any of us can remember. I am one of the few that knows this secret. I was the one of the few people that was present at the time of your birth. Your mother told us that she was raped. We knew that she was a true vampire because she helped us build our community. When it came time for you to be born she instructed us not to divulge this information."
"And I can't believe that my confidences were for not." a woman's voice from the bar behind them. "Dracude will you please come with me."
Dracude looked at the others and Meier nodded his head that it was ok. Dracude was nervous but went with the woman. She led him out to the front of the pub.
"Why are you here? Why were they telling you about when you were born? Answer me NOW!" she demanded.
"Who are you and why do you care?" Dracude asked in return.
"You answer mine and I will answer yours."
"Fine, I am here so Nikita can train me to fight so I can get revenge for what happened to my friend. Meier told me because I wanted answers. Nevertheless, I know that you were listening to our conversation. Therefore, I do not need to go into the details. Now it is your turn." Dracude stated.
"My name is Cassandra, Call me Cassie for short. I care because I was the one that told them not to tell you. I am your mother. In addition, Nikita is your sister."
Dracude just stood there dumb founded. He did not know what to say. Cassandra was watching him closely. She knew that whatever he was expecting it certainly was not this. He turned from her and went back inside. He sought out his companions, found them and sat down. They looked at him and thought that something had happened to him. The only one that did not look concerned was Malachi. He was impossible to read.
"Are you ok Dracude?" Jacque asked.
"I am fine Jacque. I just need time to think. I am going to my room I will see you in the morning Nakita." Dracude got up bid them good night and left.
The Following morning Dracude awoke at dawn. He set out to the pub to get an early morning drink. He got there pretty quick and found to his delight that it was still open. He went inside and sat at the bar. The bar tender came up to him and asked him what he wanted to drink. He told the man he wanted something very stiff, like whiskey or bourbon. The bar man nodded and got him his drink. Dracude heard someone walk in but did not see who it was.
"Good morning Dracude. How are you this morning?" Nakita asked eyeing the whiskey in front of him.
"Did you know who my mother was?" he asked.
"Yes and no. I knew that a was raped and she left here to give birth to a son about twenty-thirty years ago but I did not know that it was you. I always wanted to meet my older brother though. If that makes you feel any better." She replied.
He gave a non-committal nod but did not say anything. Nakita was worried so she suggested that they go and start their training. Dracude nodded swallowed the rest of his drink in one gulp and got up.
Nakita led Dracude to the training field. It was a twenty-minute walk from the bar. When they got there, Dracude was impressed by the size of the place. It was about the size of a football field and twice as wide. There were weapons lining the whole length of every wall. The ceiling was tall enough to fit a two-story house with room to spare. He walked the length to find the weapons that he would be training with. He picked up various ones trying their weight and feel. He finally found the weapons that he was looking for. The wing blades, when held, curve back along the arm.
"I see that you are going to be using the wing blades." Nakita commented.
"I am they seem to be the easiest to wield."
"You would think that was the case but it is not. They are different than anything that you may be used to using or seeing."
"Believe this or not, but I have never used a weapon of any kind before." When she looked disbelieving, he continued. "I have always used the martial arts. I have never killed before until yesterday."
"Ok let's see how you handle them then." She replied.
He used them fairly well but their weight was what was making it hard for him to get used to them. He knew that the only way to get better, was the reason that Nakita was here, was to train. So that was what they did. They trained all morning and afternoon. When they were done for the day, it was nearly dark. Nakita was thoroughly pleased with how fast Dracude learned how to handle his weapons. The two of them went back to the pub to meet up with the others and to get something to eat. He saw the others and went to join them.
"How was the training Dracude?"
"Intense, Meier, Nakita really knows how to use her weapons. I just wander how long it will take."
As everyone finished eating, they started to head back to their individual rooms, leaving Dracude and Nakita alone at their table.
"You know I think I will have some one help us in your training. That way you can get used to having more than one opponent."
"Ok, that's fine with me. The more the merrier."
They continued to talk for several hours. Nakita stood up, bid Dracude good night, and left him alone to think. He thought about what Cassandra told him the day before. He still had some misgivings about why she would have those he worked with not to tell him about why he did not really know who his parents were.
The following morning Dracude got up dressed and went to the training area. He was surprised to see Meier, Malachi, and even Cassandra. He asked why they were there when Nakita walked up behind them. She explained that they were to help with his training. When Dracude looked like he was about to protest. Nakita reminded him that he said the more the merrier. He nodded his agreement but he still protested.
"I do not want those two to be apart of my training. I do not want them to get hurt."
"Dracude, this is our choice. we want to help you while we are here." said Malachi.
Dracude sighed in a resigned defeat. He knew that there was no point in arguing with them. They went to get themselves their preferred weapons. Malachi a set of daggers. Meier a short sword. And Cassandra a pair of wing blades. Nakita was standing off to one side while the others got started. Dracude was watching as they started to circle him. Meier was the first to make a move. Dracude was fending him off with ease when he blocked Cassandra's attack. The three of them were going back and forth for several minutes before Malachi threw his first dagger. Dracude fended of the dagger. All four of them were attacking and defending each other. Dracude was not tiring but the others were. Nakita noticed that Dracude was just barely able to keep the others off of him. Then with a stroke of brilliance, Dracude dropped Malachi. Nakita picked up her weapon and joined the group. Dracude was just barely able to parry the attack. He was being forced into a corner. He knew that if were trapped he would have to concede defeat. They kept driving Dracude into the corner. Once Dracude realized what had happened he surrendered.
"You did well Dracude. I am impressed. Though you are a far way off from being able to handle those. You cannot give up ground the way you did. Giving up that much ground is a very easy way to be killed." Nakita informed him slightly winded and he nodded.
So that evening they rested and talked. Dracude noticed that Jacque was not there. He looked around to see if he could spot him but to no avail. So Dracude decided to wait till later to find him.
A few weeks have passed since and Dracude was able to knock all four of them out with out giving up that much ground. After that afternoon's practice, they made their way to the pub and found that they had food waiting for them at their normal table. That evening Jacque found Dracude. When Dracude asked where he had been Jacque shook his head and led Dracude to his room.
"So where were you Jacque?"
"I had gathered some disturbing information. I thought that you would rather me not say it in front of the others. I found out that we have a spy in our midst. And you are not going to like who it is." Jacque replied.
Jacque told Dracude who it was and was surprised that Dracude was not surprised. He asked Dracude why that was but Dracude just shook his head. Dracude left the room and went in search of Meier. Meier was in his room with Malachi.
"Can I have a quick word with you Meier?"
"Of course." He stepped outside the room and closed the door. "What's the matter? You look worried."
"I am. Malachi is our traitor."
Meier looked like he was ready to go in and kill Malachi but Dracude waved him down. "Look I want him dead too but he may still have his uses. besides, I want to kill him my self. If I need to I can do it in our last training session with out any problem."
Meier knew only too well that Dracude was increasing in ways that were beyond belief. Meier knew that if he wanted Dracude could take care of the spy without any one knowing what happened. He was just glad that he was on Dracude's side.
The following day Dracude finished his last practice when he noticed that he was experiencing the same thirst that he had the day before they arrived in the town. he told Nakita this and she nodded her understanding. She got up and walked off. She was gone for a few minutes. When she returned, she had a bag full of a dark red liquid that he was unwary of. She told him that he needed to drink it or the thirst would be too much for him to handle. He knew that he would have continued to ignore it if it were not for the fangs that had grown when he saw the unit. He accepted it and raised it to his mouth. He placed his teeth against it and the blood ran into his mouth. he drank hungrily. It was enough to quench the thirst but now he was just as hungry. They all looked alarmed when he stated this. He knew that they were expecting the thirst of a vampire but the hunger was something new. They did not know what to do. He asked if he could get some fresh meat, uncooked. They nodded and went out to find it. The best that they could do was a cow. They were on the ground before they new what had happened. Cassandra, who appeared to be the only one that was still standing, looked over at Dracude and saw that he was already half way through the cow before the rest of them even got to their feet. When the rest got to their feet, he was finishing the cow. He stood up shortly afterward, saw the looks on their faces and saw that they were afraid. But what got to Dracude most was that Malachi looked more afraid than the rest, Dracude also noticed that Jacque was looking at him with mild interest.
Dracude went to get cleaned up before looking for Meier. Twenty minutes later, he found Meier. Meier was slightly apprehensive but listened to what Dracude was saying. Dracude told him what he noticed and Meier was looking more apprehensive.
"Do you honestly believe that? I have known Jacque for many years now, longer than I have known you." Meier stated.
"You know that I do not make assumptions. I remembered that every time that anyone went on a mission Jacque always wished them luck, even Alexander and myself. He even went with the two of us on a hunt, to test him on his intelligence gathering. After that mission, I have noticed that he started to become colder towards me and Alexander. And after my little feast, I am certain that he has also seen true werewolves feast."
Meier pondered this information and realized that he could either believe him or not. This decision, he knew, could not be made lightly. He decided to wait and watch.
Jacque watched as Dracude devoured the entire cow. If he had not seen it done before he would have been sick. Though he knew that he had to let his boss know what he has seen, but he needs to do so as soon as possible. They will want to know so that they can get prepared.
After their discussion, Dracude and Meier went to find the others. They found them at the pub talking about where to go. Dracude suggested that they go east.
As they leave the east gate Dracude calls them to a halt.
"Before we go any farther I should inform you that we have a traitor among us. I do not know who it is."
"How do you know?" Jacque asked.
"Because I pay very close attention to everyone. I read people's body language." Dracude add because Jacque looked confused.
They all looked at each other suspiciously. Dracude told them to let him know if they see anything out of the ordinary. They nodded and started to head out again.
Dracude was wearing the armor that Molly made him as well as the wing blades the he had mastered over the last few weeks Nakita was wearing a set of armor similar to Dracude's. She is also carrying a pair of katanas. Meier was wearing a full set of leather armor and a short sword. Malachi was not wearing any armor. However, he did have an arsenal of daggers. Jacque also elected not to wear any armor. He had throwing stars as his weapons.
Dracude knew that telling everyone about a spy was a wise decision. It would put everyone on his or her guard. He hoped that Jacque would get nervous, though he knew that Jacque would be calm at first, but time will wear him down. When Jacque starts to breakdown Dracude will make his move.
Dracude was starting to tire out. He had them walking until dawn with out even realizing it. Dracude called for a stop so that they could rest and eat. They all ate and slept. The group decided on two lookouts. This way no one could get the drop on them, Dracude and Meier took the first watch.
"Do you think it wise for them to know?" asked Meier.
"Yes, I do. It will force him, in time, to make mistakes. And when he does I'll offer him a choice." Dracude replied.
"What kind of choice?" Meier asked although he thought that he already knew the answer.
"Life or death."
Dracude had Meier get Nakita to take his place. Nakita sat down by Dracude a few minutes later. The two of them talked for a little while before Dracude got up and had Malachi take his place.
The following morning, after breakfast, they set out once again.
Dracude noticed that Jacque was not himself. He was rather subdued. Dracude was glad to see this. He knew that Jacque had over heard his and Meier's conversation. That afternoon Dracude had them stop for lunch.
Jacque had asked Dracude if they could talk in private. Dracude nodded and led Jacque away from the others.
"What is it Jacque?" Dracude asked with concern.
"You know ho the traitor is, do you not?"
"So do you I take it."
"Yes, I do. You see I am the one," when Dracude said nothing he continued. "I want to take you to the lair of the beasts that contaminated Alexander."
"That is fine. Now let me ask you this, why did you decide to help us? Why not kill us or run and save your own skin?" Dracude asked.
"Because Cassie is following us to make sure that I did no such thing." Jacque replied.
Dracude nodded and headed back to the camp. He told the others what Jacque had said and reassured them that he would not flee, but lead them to their destination. Jacque came back unnoticed by Meier or Malachi. Nakita saw him and went to unsheathe one of her katanas when Dracude shook his head and pointed behind her. She turned and saw her mother standing feet behind her.
"Mother what are you doing here?"
"Keeping an eye on your friend over there," she said as she nodded toward Jacque.
They noticed that she had a hand on the hilt of one of her own wing blades. They all figured that she was the reason that Jacque was still with them. She explained the she knew which who to keep an eye on because Raven had told her that Dracude would most likely be going to La Terre de Mort Vivant, that he was going to have three other people with him, and one was a double crosser. Dracude had the feeling that Raven was hoping that Dracude would kill Jacque himself.
Before he knew it, he was overwhelmed by an intense anger. He was so angry that he wanted to rip out Cassandra's throat like an animal. He could feel himself begin to change.
He awoke to find that the back of his head aching and that he was lying on the ground. He could hear people arguing nearby and could tell that some one was standing over top f him. When his eyes focused, he saw that Nakita and Cassandra were arguing.
"You might have killed him mother!" Nakita exclaimed.
"I did not hit him that hard my dear daughter," Cassandra replied calmly.
"Will everyone SHUT UP!"
They all jumped. Malachi was on the verge of asking what was wrong. However, Dracude just shook his head.
His senses were sharper than Nakita's were and Cassandra's were. He heard something approaching them. He knew by the smell that what were approaching them were werewolves. Dracude was on his feet in seconds and went off to see how many there were. When he could smell them as though they were right beside him, he put his mask in place so it could block their scent. When he was in sight of them he had his weapons ready and was on the wolves before they knew what happened. He had 2 of them killed and the third he had severely injured with his blade to its neck.
"Why are you here?" Dracude demanded.
"To kill you and your party. Why else?" the wolf responded.
"How did you know that we were going this way? Did Jacque inform you? And if so what else has he told you?"
"No one told us anything! How dare you to treat me this way. Just kill me and get it over with."
"So you are making demands now are you? Well incase you missed it you are in no position to be making demands. You are my prisoner and I will treat you as such unless you cooperate. Now tell me how you knew we were coming this way and I may put you out of your misery." Dracude replied.
The wolf saw that he had no choice. He knew that he would die from his wounds and he was in pain. So he told Dracude everything he wanted to know. Including that the only way to cure a werewolf bite was to indeed kill the one that bit the victim.
Dracude knew that there was no other information to gain from the wolf and had removed his mask. Dracude had started to gain a small thirst and saw this as an opportunity to deal with it before he was overcome by it. So he bent his mouth close to his prey's neck and saw the fear in his eyes. That was the only thing that would have stopped him but he was in a rather bad mood about the information that he had received.
It took him twenty minutes to return to the others but they were not worried, except for Jacque. He was already scared about him making it back but he saw the hatred in Dracude's eyes and knew that the only way he could make his last move for freedom was to try to kill him first.
Dracude saw what was coming before the others even had a clue. And before they knew it Jacque's head was laying in the dirt at their feet. They all backed away from Dracude except for Cassie.
"Just so you all know those wolves that were ahead of us were waiting to kill us when we slept. Jacque was the reason for it. Also if you look you will see three of his shiruken in the near by tree. He was going to kill me in order to flee in the confusion. But he had misjudged my skills. And I thank you Nakita for the intense training that you had put me through." Dracude informed them.
They looked at the tree he mentioned and were surprised to see that there were indeed three of Jacques throwing stars imbedded half way into its trunk. They were sorry that they could not have saved him but they were not sorry that he was dead. Though they all knew it was never easy to decapitate someone but Dracude had done it very easily. They all decided it was best to move on before the sun went down.
They traveled fast and far. In the matter of hours the had traveled several miles and the were not even tired. That is except for Meier. He was getting on in his years but he was always out on expaditions. And Dracude knew this. He was hoping to get several more miles traveled before they stopped and rested but he was concerned about Meier. Meier knew what Dracude was doing and nodded his head appreciatively. And that was when Dracude noticed the mark on Meier's neck.
"Meier may I ask that you join me in searching the area?" Dracude asked.
"Yes of course."
They walked a perimeter around the campsite and as soon as they were out of earshot of the rest of their companions Dracude stopped Meier.
"How are you feeling Meier?"
"I am not as young as I once was but I am grateful for the rest." He replied.
"May I ask you something?" Dracude questioned, and Meier just nodded his head in consent. "How did you get that mark on your neck?"
They all have different backgrounds though all of them know not to ask about them. Therefore, as for Alexander he is the best of the best. He has seen and killed more werewolves than any of his fellows. Dracude may not have killed any, but he is very skilled at trapping them. It is for this reason that he and Alexander have teamed up for all the big hunts. Night is almost upon them and the first of the wolves have come out of hiding. They continued to wait for their leader to arrive. Then before he knew it, Dracude has ducked down and a wolf flew over where his head had been seconds before. Alexander knew that there was something wrong the moment that he felt blood running down his left arm. Dracude being the expert trapper managed to grab his partner and took off. They had left the park in top speed even though they are being followed by the pack that they were hunting. The hunted became the hunter. Dracude was a fast thinker. He knew all the routes back to their base of operations and knew which ones that the werewolves could never travel. He chose the closet one to where he was and when he looked back, they had fallen behind. They had very nearly escaped them.
Once he got to the safety of the base, he gave the signal and his comrades immediately helped them. They took him to the infirmary so that he may be treated but no one was willing to believe that he would be cured.
"Please let me try something if you don't mind." Dracude asked of the assistant.
She nodded and left him to work alone. Dracude was working as quickly as he could to apply salve after salve of ointments. He tried everything that he could think of but his body was aching and he needed rest. The only thing left to do now is to wait. If Dracude hated waiting then he would have been aggravated to no end. However, seeing as to how he is a trapper he had an exceptional sense of patience. He knew that time would tell if his friend would be cured from the bite he had received. His friend, he was surprised to count any one a friend. He had been a loner for as long as he could remember. He only knew loneliness. Though now that he is aiding the hunters he has come to rely on them as they have come to rely on him. As the hours passed, Dracude grew more tired. He needed to sleep but he would not. He needed to be awake in case of an emergency. As the hours past, he could not continue to keep awake. Therefore, he decided that he would just take a little nap so he could be alert for any thing that was out of the ordinary. He awoke when he heard footsteps approaching his door.
"Dracude, its Vance, Let me in please."
"Vance what word is there on my friend?"
"It's not good. He is starting to show signs of being one of them. What we need to do is put him in a cell to protect the rest of us. Hopefully he won't change, but all we can do is wait till night fall."
"I understand." said Dracude shaking his head. Vance rested his hand on the man's shoulder before he left.
That afternoon Malachi, a tall portly man with long brown hair, approached Dracude at the infirmary and told him that his presence was required at the town hall. Dracude knew that this was coming so he nodded his head and allowed the man to lead him to the town hall. It was a short walk from the infirmary so that when they got there they were told to wait. Ten minutes later Dracude was summoned inside the main chamber.
"Dracude, my name is Raven. To my right is Christine and to my left is Paula. You are here, as you are undoubtedly aware, because your partner, Alexander, was injured on a hunt and was bitten in the process. What we what to know was how and why."
"Ok. I had gotten a tip that told us that there was a large pack of werewolves terrorizing the park. Therefore, when I returned I had informed Vance Ventura about it. He said to team up with Alexander. So I went at once to find my friend and tell him that we were to head out that night."
"Did it occur to you that the werewolves usually mate on the full moon, and that they are even more aggressive and deadly at that time?" asked Christine.
"Honestly, no it did not. I only heard that they change at the full moon."
"It appears that you were sadly mistaken. Please, continue." invited Paula.
"Thank you. We got to the park just before sunset. We sat in one of the benches and waited. It was turning out to be a normal hunt for the both of us. Some of the lower ranked members of the pack were showing themselves. Then I sensed that something was not quite right, that was when I smelled the ones behind us. I ducked down as one lunged for my head. It was then that I realized that their leader turned to Alexander. I pushed him to try to get him out of the line of the attack. However, I was not fast enough. It still managed to scratch his left arm. No one could feel near as bad as I do. So after that I grabbed him and put his arm around my shoulder and proceeded back here."
"I see. Therefore, you thought that by bringing him back here you could possibly save him when there is currently no possible way to treat a werewolf bite. Is there anything else that you would like to add before we decide on both of your fates?" asked Raven.
"Yes, I do have one more thing. I have recently heard that if the one that contaminates a person is killed then all that were bitten by that wolf will be cured. I believe that if I could take a group of the best, excluding Alexander, I could track him down and kill him and reverse what has happened and save more people from being attacked."
"Very well, we will assign you with four people. Nikita Jones, who is an ally to us, Meier O'Riley, who is a master tracker, Jacque Fallan, who is a friend of Alexander's and another of the best hunter, and Malachi. You will have them to help and guide you. Nakita will also train you in combat. It is you who must kill the one who bit Alexander, if not then you are revoked from this clan, and Alexander will be killed regardless if you succeed or not. That is my ruling and that is final. You are dismissed." Raven ended.
Dracude felt that things could have gone better than they had but it was unexpected. Therefore, he set off to find Jacque Fallan. He would have talked to Malachi but he was gone by the time he got out. Dracude knew roughly were to find Jacque so he went to the Inn that he was staying at.
By the time that Dracude got to the inn, he found that Jacque was not there. He asked the Inn manager, Raphael, if he knew where to find him. Raphael said that Jacque was in his room on the second floor. Dracude went up to the second floor and found that Malachi was already there with Jacque.
"I see that I have come at the right time. The both of you need to get prepared to leave immediately. Be at the front gates in twenty minutes time." Dracude ordered.
"Hold on, who died and made you the boss? I am not going anywhere. This is your fight not mine." Malachi said.
"You are going, or would you like me to go back and report to Raven that you are refusing her orders?"
"Fine, but how are you going to find the other two? Meier is out on a mission and Nakita is in another town." Malachi questioned.
"You don't need to worry about that. I know where Meier is and they do not call me the master of information gathering for nothing. So again I say get prepared and meet at the front gates in twenty minutes, please," he asked.
Without argument, Jacque and Malachi left to get ready. Dracude waited for a few minutes then left to find out how to find Nakita. He went back to find Raven but he found Christine instead. He walked up to her and asked about the whereabouts of Nakita. She told him she did not know but the one he need to seek is the one he did not have with him yet. Nakita is almost as good as he is at concealment. He thanked her for the tip and went to get ready himself. He went to the armory and talked to Molly.
"Hello Molly. How are you?" He asked her.
"Worried about Alexander to be honest, how is he?"
"Not good. He is starting to show signs and they have gone and put him in a cell. I hope that my team and I will be able to cure him. We are after the one that did this to him. So what will it take to get armor to fit me, and how long will it take?"
"Three days at the best. I need your measurements. I am guessing that you will need it to be as light as possible too." Molly asked.
Dracude nodded his head and told her that he would have some one come for it and to make it so that it would be easy to transport. She nodded that she understood and started to take his measurements. When she finished she wished him all the best luck and to return safely. It took him fifteen minutes to get the rest of his gear and get to the front gates.
"Do you think it wise to send him with Dracude? Also, will you really carry out what you said about Alexander?" Paula asked.
"Of course I did not. What good is it to have a trapper that does not kill? Besides, I only said that because I knew that he would want to get revenge for what happened and not let anyone steal that away from him. So now, the matter of the double crosser, yes when the time comes Dracude or one of the others will most likely kill him for us. I just hope that none of them will be hurt. Is that answer enough?" said Raven.
"Ok I just worry that's all. You know that I am the mind of reason. I just want to be sure that no one else is killed because of him."
"I know."
Dracude had to wait for a few minutes longer than he would have liked but he knew that he could not afford to act out of haste. For the sheer fact that those who act out of haste are the ones who make the most fatal of mistakes. He needs the element of surprise if he is to succeed as well as to keep everyone alive. In addition, there was something bothering him about the way Malachi acted back at the Inn. He needed to keep an eye on him. Now that the other two had joined him, they set out to find Meier, for Meier was the one that could take them to find Nakita.
"So how are you going to find Meier and Nakita?" Jacque asked out of curiosity.
"Simple, he will find us. I know that we go south for three hundred yards. I also know that he only left a half hour ago. Therefore, he did not get that far ahead of us. We should catch up to him quickly," replied Dracude.
Jacque nodded that he understood. He took the lead and headed out. Malachi followed and Dracude brought up the rear. They kept an eye out for Meier but Dracude knew that if Meier knew he was being followed he would hide his tracks. The company went about a hundred yards when Dracude called for them to halt. He knew that they were being followed but he did not know by what. All he knew was that they were in trouble if it was a pack of werewolves. Then he heard something move from his right. He caught a glimpse of a person walking just beyond the light of the trail they were on.
"MEIER! Are you out there? It's me Dracude!"
"Will you keep it down for crying out loud? You three are being followed by a couple of beasts. I was trying to get them off your tail." Meier hissed.
"Sorry about that. Have you heard about what happened to Alexander?"
"Yeah I have. I am sorry that it happened. He was the one that helped me get revenge for my parents."
"I see I'm sorry. I need your help. Raven said you are assigned to help me."
"What is that you need help with?"
"Getting revenge on the wolf that contaminated Alexander. Though it was my fault that he wound up that way."
Meier saw that Dracude had clenched his fists and saw the anger burning in his eyes. He reminded Dracude that what they need is calm determination and patience. He also asked if anyone else was supposed to go with them. Malachi said that they had to find Nakita Jones.
"You looking for me young man?" said a voice so silky that it was dangerous.
"Ah, I find one and I get both. That is excellent. Nevertheless, my question is what are the two of you doing together? I heard that you were in another town," said Dracude.
"I was but I heard that you were going for revenge. How can I be of assistance?"
"I will need you to train me."
"I see is that all? I think that I could be a great help to you in the long run if you allow me to go with you."
"That is exactly what I was thinking."
They went and returned to the task at hand, getting to another village so that Dracude could be trained in combat. This is something that he has refused to do for many years. He never was into killing. Therefore, he always found ways to minimize the fatality rate. Even when he was with Alexander, he never let him kill when he did not have to. Dracude was a sincere man. However, now with what happened to his friend he would allow things to change. When he finds the leader, he will not show any mercy.
As they left, following behind Nakita, they wanted to know what happened to land Alexander in the state that he is in. They traveled all that day. That night they rested and had food and drink. They talked and discussed what course of action that would be needed. When Jacque fell asleep, they agreed to have two lookouts. Nakita and Meier took the first watch. They sat watching the others. Then Meier heard something, something that sounded large.
"Wait here and don't move or say anything. I will be right back." Meier warned.
"What is the matter?" Nakita asked but Meier just shook his head.
Meier then got up and walked out of sight. Nakita, left alone to wonder what he had heard, did not have long to find out. He had returned followed by a rider on horse back. The rider appeared to be carrying something large. When Meier and the rider arrived inside the light of the fire, she noticed that the rider was delivering a nice set of armor.
"Is Dracude around? I need to give him this armor." The rider said.
"He is but right now he is sound as...."
"The only way I could sleep with this entire racket is if I was dead."
"Ah, Dracude, I have brought your armor. I was informed that you have already paid for this exquisite equipment."
"Yes, and thank you very much for this, Nakita before he departs us would you help me put it on?"
She agreed and took nearly twenty minutes. When he looked, he was amazed. He could hardly feel the weight of the armor. He looked back at the rider that brought his armor and told him to let the armorer know that the armor was perfect. The equestrian nodded and set off. Now that Dracude was awake, he told Meier to get some sleep. He and Nakita talked about the kind of training that Dracude would have to go through. They discussed the use of differing kinds of weapons. Dracude wanted something that was light and could be used with ease. He did not want something that would tire him out quickly. She nodded and told him that his best choices would be knives, rapiers, wing knives, katanas, or sabers. He asked about the wing knives. Nakita explained that they are a very tricky weapon to wield, but not impossible. She informed him that they would be in her hometown by evening the next day and that they would start to train after they get there and find lodgings for every one. He told her to get Jacque and for her to get some rest. Once Jacque was with him, he started to discuss what they would be doing.
"Jacque, we will be at Nakita's home town by tomorrow evening. When we get there, I am going to get all of us some place to stay. What I need you to do is gather information for me. I know that you are one of the top ones, behind me, at getting the information needed for a mission. Tell no one the information that you gather but me. I believe that we have a double-crosser in our midst. I will take care of that problem when the time comes, unless they were the one that betrayed Alexander to the wolves then I will kill him before he has a chance to do any more harm."
"Who do you think it is? I know that it is not me. Though I think I know who you are talking about. I will keep an eye out for you. I will do as you have asked. I will help you make plans of attack with what I find out. You can trust me."
Dracude was relieved that Jacque had grasped things so easily. However, he wonders how Jacque gets his information. He supposes it is the same way that he gets his.
When dawn broke, they set off for the town that Nakita is from. As they walked, Dracude started to smell a foul stench. He realized what it was. It was the smell of the wolves. Nakita shook her head said that Meier was already on it. Dracude nodded and just kept walking. He knew that Meier would take care of those that were following them. However, the smell was getting worse by the second. He asked the others if they could smell what he did but they all just shook their heads. He could never understand why he was the only one to be able to smell them luckily though; the armor he was wearing had a mask to take care of the smell. He was grateful that Molly had thought to include the mask. Everyone that he knows knew that he could easily smell things that others could not. He never knew why that was. When he asked no one would tell him. That was fine because he felt that he would not like the answer.
Meier was back and said that there were a few werewolves up ahead about fifteen yards. They were certain that if they were there that it could be a trap. Dracude had them all stop and wait. He went on a head but before he could Nakita made him take her rapier. He said that he would not need it but she said that he should have it on him incase he needed to protect himself. He thanked her then left them to wait.
"Do you think that he will be ok?" Malachi asked.
"Yeah he may be awhile but he will be fine. If that armor was made by Molly then you can believe that it will only help his kind." Meier replied.
"What do you mean 'his kind'?" Jacque asked.
"Everything that I am about to tell you must never get back to him! Have you ever wondered why he could sense things that happen before the rest of us? Or why he can smell things the rest of us can't before it is too late?" asked Meier of Jacque.
"Yeah."
"That is because he is a half vampire. He has no clue. His mother was a vampire. She brought him to us before he was born and requested that only those that went with him on a hunt know. She also requested that he never know until the time is right. I assume that you know that he has always managed to work and live alone. It was a few years ago that the council ordered him to work with Alexander. He was not at all happy about it but did as they said. He would never talk no matter how hard Alexander tried. Then on their third mission, Alexander saved Dracude's life. Since then they have always been teamed together. Dracude has saved his life more times than any one can count. That is why Dracude pleaded the council to let him do this. They knew that Dracude would refuse the help so we were assigned to help him in any way possible. I know that if Dracude had his way he would be doing this alone."
"But why, why do this alone?"
"Because Dracude feels that he is responsible for what happened. He would risk his own life to get the job done. He probably feels that he will not have full concentration if there are others." Meier explained.
Dracude left his team behind. He knew that they would only get in his way. However, why he felt this way he does not know. Then without warning an almighty thirst that he has never experienced before comes over him. He starts to smell the scent of blood. He gets even more worried when he feels two of his teeth lengthen. He takes the rapier out of its scabbard and swings it. He swings so fast that he has it sheathed before he realizes it. Then he sees the tree he is standing next to start to fall in his direction. He moves out of the way, as it falls. His thirst is getting to be more than he can bear. He smells the werewolves getting closer. He removes the mask that he is wearing and goes to his prey. He sees them before they see him. He bares his teeth then attacks. He breaks one neck then the other. With out thinking he bites the neck of the one he just killed and feels his teeth puncture the skin with ease. Then the taste of blood fills his mouth. The taste is one that he is not used to, but he realizes that his thirst is going away. He has drained the one and feels even stronger than before. He stands and goes back to the others. He knows that they will be worried about him. Before he turns back he feels liquid running down the side of his mouth, he pulls the rapier out of its sheath again, looks into the blade, and sees blood covering his whole mouth. Dracude then goes in search of water so that he can clean up. He walks for a little while and finds a pond. He looks into the surface and notices that he has fangs. Then watched, as they grew shorter. Then he plunges his head in the pond and pulls it out again. He looks at his reflection on the water and sees that his face is clean and his teeth are back to normal. After that, he heads back to the others.
They saw Dracude walking back to where he left them. Jacque is the first to see that he is wet but then feels a hand on his shoulder warning him not to say anything. Therefore, Jacque asked what happened and Dracude said that he took care of the wolves. They all nodded and finished the trip to Nakita's town. Dracude suddenly realized that they did not know the name of the village they were heading toward. Therefore, Dracude asked Nakita and she told them that she was from La Terre de Mort Vivant. They looked at one another then back to her. She told them that they would rather not know. They just shrugged and continued to follow her. The sun was almost down when the gates to the city appeared. They were relieved to see them. Nakita was indifferent and went on ahead toward the Inn. She entered and went straight to the Innkeeper. She said that they needed three normal rooms. The man nodded and handed over the keys. They went to the rooms and took showers. After they showered, they went to get food. Nakita led them to a pub and got them all a table. She then proceeded to order for them. They all understood why, except for Dracude.
"Ok Nakita I have a few questions to ask you." Dracude stated.
"Let me guess. You want to know why I asked for three 'normal' rooms and why I am ordering for everyone. Am I right?" Nakita asked.
Dracude nodded.
"Well that is simple enough to explain. The name of this town means the land of the living dead. Do you understand why that is Dracude?"
"No I do not."
"That is because, with the exception of your team, we are all vampires. Just about, everything that we have here is made for our use. Is there anything that you want to know?"
"As a matter of fact there is. Why is it that I can smell and hear everything that others cannot? Why can I see better at night like the beasts that we hunt?" Dracude asked.
"That is because you are a half breed, Dracude. You are a half vampire. We were told not to say anything and to try and allow you to find out on your own." Meier answered.
"Why?"
"Well as you know we have been allies with vampires and half vampires for as long as any of us can remember. I am one of the few that knows this secret. I was the one of the few people that was present at the time of your birth. Your mother told us that she was raped. We knew that she was a true vampire because she helped us build our community. When it came time for you to be born she instructed us not to divulge this information."
"And I can't believe that my confidences were for not." a woman's voice from the bar behind them. "Dracude will you please come with me."
Dracude looked at the others and Meier nodded his head that it was ok. Dracude was nervous but went with the woman. She led him out to the front of the pub.
"Why are you here? Why were they telling you about when you were born? Answer me NOW!" she demanded.
"Who are you and why do you care?" Dracude asked in return.
"You answer mine and I will answer yours."
"Fine, I am here so Nikita can train me to fight so I can get revenge for what happened to my friend. Meier told me because I wanted answers. Nevertheless, I know that you were listening to our conversation. Therefore, I do not need to go into the details. Now it is your turn." Dracude stated.
"My name is Cassandra, Call me Cassie for short. I care because I was the one that told them not to tell you. I am your mother. In addition, Nikita is your sister."
Dracude just stood there dumb founded. He did not know what to say. Cassandra was watching him closely. She knew that whatever he was expecting it certainly was not this. He turned from her and went back inside. He sought out his companions, found them and sat down. They looked at him and thought that something had happened to him. The only one that did not look concerned was Malachi. He was impossible to read.
"Are you ok Dracude?" Jacque asked.
"I am fine Jacque. I just need time to think. I am going to my room I will see you in the morning Nakita." Dracude got up bid them good night and left.
The Following morning Dracude awoke at dawn. He set out to the pub to get an early morning drink. He got there pretty quick and found to his delight that it was still open. He went inside and sat at the bar. The bar tender came up to him and asked him what he wanted to drink. He told the man he wanted something very stiff, like whiskey or bourbon. The bar man nodded and got him his drink. Dracude heard someone walk in but did not see who it was.
"Good morning Dracude. How are you this morning?" Nakita asked eyeing the whiskey in front of him.
"Did you know who my mother was?" he asked.
"Yes and no. I knew that a was raped and she left here to give birth to a son about twenty-thirty years ago but I did not know that it was you. I always wanted to meet my older brother though. If that makes you feel any better." She replied.
He gave a non-committal nod but did not say anything. Nakita was worried so she suggested that they go and start their training. Dracude nodded swallowed the rest of his drink in one gulp and got up.
Nakita led Dracude to the training field. It was a twenty-minute walk from the bar. When they got there, Dracude was impressed by the size of the place. It was about the size of a football field and twice as wide. There were weapons lining the whole length of every wall. The ceiling was tall enough to fit a two-story house with room to spare. He walked the length to find the weapons that he would be training with. He picked up various ones trying their weight and feel. He finally found the weapons that he was looking for. The wing blades, when held, curve back along the arm.
"I see that you are going to be using the wing blades." Nakita commented.
"I am they seem to be the easiest to wield."
"You would think that was the case but it is not. They are different than anything that you may be used to using or seeing."
"Believe this or not, but I have never used a weapon of any kind before." When she looked disbelieving, he continued. "I have always used the martial arts. I have never killed before until yesterday."
"Ok let's see how you handle them then." She replied.
He used them fairly well but their weight was what was making it hard for him to get used to them. He knew that the only way to get better, was the reason that Nakita was here, was to train. So that was what they did. They trained all morning and afternoon. When they were done for the day, it was nearly dark. Nakita was thoroughly pleased with how fast Dracude learned how to handle his weapons. The two of them went back to the pub to meet up with the others and to get something to eat. He saw the others and went to join them.
"How was the training Dracude?"
"Intense, Meier, Nakita really knows how to use her weapons. I just wander how long it will take."
As everyone finished eating, they started to head back to their individual rooms, leaving Dracude and Nakita alone at their table.
"You know I think I will have some one help us in your training. That way you can get used to having more than one opponent."
"Ok, that's fine with me. The more the merrier."
They continued to talk for several hours. Nakita stood up, bid Dracude good night, and left him alone to think. He thought about what Cassandra told him the day before. He still had some misgivings about why she would have those he worked with not to tell him about why he did not really know who his parents were.
The following morning Dracude got up dressed and went to the training area. He was surprised to see Meier, Malachi, and even Cassandra. He asked why they were there when Nakita walked up behind them. She explained that they were to help with his training. When Dracude looked like he was about to protest. Nakita reminded him that he said the more the merrier. He nodded his agreement but he still protested.
"I do not want those two to be apart of my training. I do not want them to get hurt."
"Dracude, this is our choice. we want to help you while we are here." said Malachi.
Dracude sighed in a resigned defeat. He knew that there was no point in arguing with them. They went to get themselves their preferred weapons. Malachi a set of daggers. Meier a short sword. And Cassandra a pair of wing blades. Nakita was standing off to one side while the others got started. Dracude was watching as they started to circle him. Meier was the first to make a move. Dracude was fending him off with ease when he blocked Cassandra's attack. The three of them were going back and forth for several minutes before Malachi threw his first dagger. Dracude fended of the dagger. All four of them were attacking and defending each other. Dracude was not tiring but the others were. Nakita noticed that Dracude was just barely able to keep the others off of him. Then with a stroke of brilliance, Dracude dropped Malachi. Nakita picked up her weapon and joined the group. Dracude was just barely able to parry the attack. He was being forced into a corner. He knew that if were trapped he would have to concede defeat. They kept driving Dracude into the corner. Once Dracude realized what had happened he surrendered.
"You did well Dracude. I am impressed. Though you are a far way off from being able to handle those. You cannot give up ground the way you did. Giving up that much ground is a very easy way to be killed." Nakita informed him slightly winded and he nodded.
So that evening they rested and talked. Dracude noticed that Jacque was not there. He looked around to see if he could spot him but to no avail. So Dracude decided to wait till later to find him.
A few weeks have passed since and Dracude was able to knock all four of them out with out giving up that much ground. After that afternoon's practice, they made their way to the pub and found that they had food waiting for them at their normal table. That evening Jacque found Dracude. When Dracude asked where he had been Jacque shook his head and led Dracude to his room.
"So where were you Jacque?"
"I had gathered some disturbing information. I thought that you would rather me not say it in front of the others. I found out that we have a spy in our midst. And you are not going to like who it is." Jacque replied.
Jacque told Dracude who it was and was surprised that Dracude was not surprised. He asked Dracude why that was but Dracude just shook his head. Dracude left the room and went in search of Meier. Meier was in his room with Malachi.
"Can I have a quick word with you Meier?"
"Of course." He stepped outside the room and closed the door. "What's the matter? You look worried."
"I am. Malachi is our traitor."
Meier looked like he was ready to go in and kill Malachi but Dracude waved him down. "Look I want him dead too but he may still have his uses. besides, I want to kill him my self. If I need to I can do it in our last training session with out any problem."
Meier knew only too well that Dracude was increasing in ways that were beyond belief. Meier knew that if he wanted Dracude could take care of the spy without any one knowing what happened. He was just glad that he was on Dracude's side.
The following day Dracude finished his last practice when he noticed that he was experiencing the same thirst that he had the day before they arrived in the town. he told Nakita this and she nodded her understanding. She got up and walked off. She was gone for a few minutes. When she returned, she had a bag full of a dark red liquid that he was unwary of. She told him that he needed to drink it or the thirst would be too much for him to handle. He knew that he would have continued to ignore it if it were not for the fangs that had grown when he saw the unit. He accepted it and raised it to his mouth. He placed his teeth against it and the blood ran into his mouth. he drank hungrily. It was enough to quench the thirst but now he was just as hungry. They all looked alarmed when he stated this. He knew that they were expecting the thirst of a vampire but the hunger was something new. They did not know what to do. He asked if he could get some fresh meat, uncooked. They nodded and went out to find it. The best that they could do was a cow. They were on the ground before they new what had happened. Cassandra, who appeared to be the only one that was still standing, looked over at Dracude and saw that he was already half way through the cow before the rest of them even got to their feet. When the rest got to their feet, he was finishing the cow. He stood up shortly afterward, saw the looks on their faces and saw that they were afraid. But what got to Dracude most was that Malachi looked more afraid than the rest, Dracude also noticed that Jacque was looking at him with mild interest.
Dracude went to get cleaned up before looking for Meier. Twenty minutes later, he found Meier. Meier was slightly apprehensive but listened to what Dracude was saying. Dracude told him what he noticed and Meier was looking more apprehensive.
"Do you honestly believe that? I have known Jacque for many years now, longer than I have known you." Meier stated.
"You know that I do not make assumptions. I remembered that every time that anyone went on a mission Jacque always wished them luck, even Alexander and myself. He even went with the two of us on a hunt, to test him on his intelligence gathering. After that mission, I have noticed that he started to become colder towards me and Alexander. And after my little feast, I am certain that he has also seen true werewolves feast."
Meier pondered this information and realized that he could either believe him or not. This decision, he knew, could not be made lightly. He decided to wait and watch.
Jacque watched as Dracude devoured the entire cow. If he had not seen it done before he would have been sick. Though he knew that he had to let his boss know what he has seen, but he needs to do so as soon as possible. They will want to know so that they can get prepared.
After their discussion, Dracude and Meier went to find the others. They found them at the pub talking about where to go. Dracude suggested that they go east.
As they leave the east gate Dracude calls them to a halt.
"Before we go any farther I should inform you that we have a traitor among us. I do not know who it is."
"How do you know?" Jacque asked.
"Because I pay very close attention to everyone. I read people's body language." Dracude add because Jacque looked confused.
They all looked at each other suspiciously. Dracude told them to let him know if they see anything out of the ordinary. They nodded and started to head out again.
Dracude was wearing the armor that Molly made him as well as the wing blades the he had mastered over the last few weeks Nakita was wearing a set of armor similar to Dracude's. She is also carrying a pair of katanas. Meier was wearing a full set of leather armor and a short sword. Malachi was not wearing any armor. However, he did have an arsenal of daggers. Jacque also elected not to wear any armor. He had throwing stars as his weapons.
Dracude knew that telling everyone about a spy was a wise decision. It would put everyone on his or her guard. He hoped that Jacque would get nervous, though he knew that Jacque would be calm at first, but time will wear him down. When Jacque starts to breakdown Dracude will make his move.
Dracude was starting to tire out. He had them walking until dawn with out even realizing it. Dracude called for a stop so that they could rest and eat. They all ate and slept. The group decided on two lookouts. This way no one could get the drop on them, Dracude and Meier took the first watch.
"Do you think it wise for them to know?" asked Meier.
"Yes, I do. It will force him, in time, to make mistakes. And when he does I'll offer him a choice." Dracude replied.
"What kind of choice?" Meier asked although he thought that he already knew the answer.
"Life or death."
Dracude had Meier get Nakita to take his place. Nakita sat down by Dracude a few minutes later. The two of them talked for a little while before Dracude got up and had Malachi take his place.
The following morning, after breakfast, they set out once again.
Dracude noticed that Jacque was not himself. He was rather subdued. Dracude was glad to see this. He knew that Jacque had over heard his and Meier's conversation. That afternoon Dracude had them stop for lunch.
Jacque had asked Dracude if they could talk in private. Dracude nodded and led Jacque away from the others.
"What is it Jacque?" Dracude asked with concern.
"You know ho the traitor is, do you not?"
"So do you I take it."
"Yes, I do. You see I am the one," when Dracude said nothing he continued. "I want to take you to the lair of the beasts that contaminated Alexander."
"That is fine. Now let me ask you this, why did you decide to help us? Why not kill us or run and save your own skin?" Dracude asked.
"Because Cassie is following us to make sure that I did no such thing." Jacque replied.
Dracude nodded and headed back to the camp. He told the others what Jacque had said and reassured them that he would not flee, but lead them to their destination. Jacque came back unnoticed by Meier or Malachi. Nakita saw him and went to unsheathe one of her katanas when Dracude shook his head and pointed behind her. She turned and saw her mother standing feet behind her.
"Mother what are you doing here?"
"Keeping an eye on your friend over there," she said as she nodded toward Jacque.
They noticed that she had a hand on the hilt of one of her own wing blades. They all figured that she was the reason that Jacque was still with them. She explained the she knew which who to keep an eye on because Raven had told her that Dracude would most likely be going to La Terre de Mort Vivant, that he was going to have three other people with him, and one was a double crosser. Dracude had the feeling that Raven was hoping that Dracude would kill Jacque himself.
Before he knew it, he was overwhelmed by an intense anger. He was so angry that he wanted to rip out Cassandra's throat like an animal. He could feel himself begin to change.
He awoke to find that the back of his head aching and that he was lying on the ground. He could hear people arguing nearby and could tell that some one was standing over top f him. When his eyes focused, he saw that Nakita and Cassandra were arguing.
"You might have killed him mother!" Nakita exclaimed.
"I did not hit him that hard my dear daughter," Cassandra replied calmly.
"Will everyone SHUT UP!"
They all jumped. Malachi was on the verge of asking what was wrong. However, Dracude just shook his head.
His senses were sharper than Nakita's were and Cassandra's were. He heard something approaching them. He knew by the smell that what were approaching them were werewolves. Dracude was on his feet in seconds and went off to see how many there were. When he could smell them as though they were right beside him, he put his mask in place so it could block their scent. When he was in sight of them he had his weapons ready and was on the wolves before they knew what happened. He had 2 of them killed and the third he had severely injured with his blade to its neck.
"Why are you here?" Dracude demanded.
"To kill you and your party. Why else?" the wolf responded.
"How did you know that we were going this way? Did Jacque inform you? And if so what else has he told you?"
"No one told us anything! How dare you to treat me this way. Just kill me and get it over with."
"So you are making demands now are you? Well incase you missed it you are in no position to be making demands. You are my prisoner and I will treat you as such unless you cooperate. Now tell me how you knew we were coming this way and I may put you out of your misery." Dracude replied.
The wolf saw that he had no choice. He knew that he would die from his wounds and he was in pain. So he told Dracude everything he wanted to know. Including that the only way to cure a werewolf bite was to indeed kill the one that bit the victim.
Dracude knew that there was no other information to gain from the wolf and had removed his mask. Dracude had started to gain a small thirst and saw this as an opportunity to deal with it before he was overcome by it. So he bent his mouth close to his prey's neck and saw the fear in his eyes. That was the only thing that would have stopped him but he was in a rather bad mood about the information that he had received.
It took him twenty minutes to return to the others but they were not worried, except for Jacque. He was already scared about him making it back but he saw the hatred in Dracude's eyes and knew that the only way he could make his last move for freedom was to try to kill him first.
Dracude saw what was coming before the others even had a clue. And before they knew it Jacque's head was laying in the dirt at their feet. They all backed away from Dracude except for Cassie.
"Just so you all know those wolves that were ahead of us were waiting to kill us when we slept. Jacque was the reason for it. Also if you look you will see three of his shiruken in the near by tree. He was going to kill me in order to flee in the confusion. But he had misjudged my skills. And I thank you Nakita for the intense training that you had put me through." Dracude informed them.
They looked at the tree he mentioned and were surprised to see that there were indeed three of Jacques throwing stars imbedded half way into its trunk. They were sorry that they could not have saved him but they were not sorry that he was dead. Though they all knew it was never easy to decapitate someone but Dracude had done it very easily. They all decided it was best to move on before the sun went down.
They traveled fast and far. In the matter of hours the had traveled several miles and the were not even tired. That is except for Meier. He was getting on in his years but he was always out on expaditions. And Dracude knew this. He was hoping to get several more miles traveled before they stopped and rested but he was concerned about Meier. Meier knew what Dracude was doing and nodded his head appreciatively. And that was when Dracude noticed the mark on Meier's neck.
"Meier may I ask that you join me in searching the area?" Dracude asked.
"Yes of course."
They walked a perimeter around the campsite and as soon as they were out of earshot of the rest of their companions Dracude stopped Meier.
"How are you feeling Meier?"
"I am not as young as I once was but I am grateful for the rest." He replied.
"May I ask you something?" Dracude questioned, and Meier just nodded his head in consent. "How did you get that mark on your neck?"