#that's meant to be a loose castlevania reference... but also i just think them having a vine whip would be cool ( and kinda hot )

[flowerakatsuka]

[thenightling]

Dracula The Vampire’s “Origin”

Now that Hotel Transylvania 3 and Castlevania have popularized two very distinctly different incarnations of Dracula there has been some question to what his origin is.  Well, there are several answers.   This post will discuss some of them, including some favorites and some... not so favorites.

There are many contemporary stories on how Vladislaus Drakulya (archaic: Wladislaus Dragulya) AKA Vlad III (the third) of Wallachia AKA Vlad Țepeș ( Țepeș means The impaler) became the vampire of Bram Stoker’s famous novel.

(Continue reading under the cut.)

First... Vlad the Impaler:

The first implication that Dracula’s backstory is that if Vlad the Impaler comes from the novel itself. “He must indeed be the Voivode Dracula who won his name against the Turk.” - Doctor Abraham Van Helsing in the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Vlad the Impaler never answered to Țepeș as that literally just means ”Impaler.”  He called himself Vladislaus Drakulya (Dracula) because of his and his father’s membership to The order of the Dragon.  In modern Romanian Dracula means son of the Devil but in the fifteenth century it meant Son of the Dragon or Little Dragon.  The root word was the Latin Draco.

This was his chosen surname as a means to distance himself from the cousins whom he blamed for his father and older brother’s deaths. 

The first people to call him Vlad The Impaler were The Ottoman Turks, who were his sworn enemy, as they had held him and his brother, Raduk prisoner as children, and later demanded tribute of gold and boy slaves (which Dracula would not abide). The Ottomans called him Kaziklu Bey meaning (Impaler Prince or Impaler Lord).  This later evolved to the Romanian Țepeș but only after Vlad’s death. 

Though Dracula, the vampire, can grow older or younger (based on how much blood he consumes in the novel) it would seem his “base” (default or youngest) age is about forty-five or forty-six-years-old, the age Vlad the Impaler would have been at the time of his mortal death in late 1476 or early 1477.

Further comment: There is NO lore where the vampiric Dracula’s fangs are “straws.”   Often he is described as not only craving blood and needing it to maintain his strength, but also enjoying the taste. This would be exceedingly difficult to savor if he’s slurping up the blood with his teeth-straws. (God, that idea is so stupid...)   As far as I know he still uses the human digestive tract but burns all the components of the blood and therefore does not produce waste and this is why he “does not sup” (quote from the novel), as his body probably cannot process human food.

Many people got “bored” with the idea of Count Dracula being the historic Vlad the Impaler so they latched on to the historical inaccuracies of the novel, and the fact that the name was chosen late into the writing of the novel, as proof to argue that the vampire was not him, or they would pretend it was another relation of Vlad the Impaler even though Vlad the Impaler is the only Voivode (General or Warrior Prince) who won his name against the Turks.  And he chose his own surname of Dracula because he resented his own cousins, whom he held accountable for his father’s death.  Vlad The Impaler’s father answered to Dracul.  The “a” at the end is important as it implies “Son of”.

The fictional story by Bram Stoker loosely implies that after his death in 1476 (or early 1477) the historic Dracula rose from his grave as the infamous vampire.  There is no specific story in the original Stoker novel explaining how Dracula became the vampire, only a vague reference to his possible attendance of Scholomance (Folkloric school of magic.  Think darker Hogwarts.)

Many recent (within the last thirty years) fictions came up with stories to explain how Dracula became a vampire.

Examples of modern origin ideas:

The 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula claims he renounced God after he was told his wife was probably damned for committing suicide.  He then... stabbed a giant stone cross that bled and during his tantrum he drank the blood that poured out...  I like the movie but I’m not a fan of this origin for the vampire, I tend to ignore that part when watching the movie.

The film Dracula 2000 took another extreme approach and claimed Dracula was Judas.   Claiming that this is why he’s repulsed by silver (since he was paid in silver) and why he’s weaker by day (because he hung himself at dusk), and why he is repulsed by crosses. I don’t really like this version because it ignores all the events of Vlad the Impaler’s very obviously human life pre-vampirism. It’s also weird to imply that a Middle Eastern Jewish man somehow became an early renaissance Romanian Eastern (Greek) Orthodox who later converted to Catholicism.  

 I don’t think this particular origin is clever at all as it’s used far too often.  It became a trend to make Dracula or the first vampire into a Biblical figure.

Note: Dracula is NOT the longest lived / oldest vampire in the lore of the Bram Stoker novel.  That is never claimed.  He’s just a powerful vampire.  The idea that he is the king of the vampires was invented in the films and or is a self-given title.

Anyway, thanks to Dracula 2000 a trend started. DC Comics decided to attempt making Cain the first vampire during New 52, and the 2013 film Dracula: The Dark Prince (2013 film not to be confused with Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula, which is a far superior film, or even the Hammer Dracula: Prince of Darkness.) had it that Dracula was Abel and only a descendant of Cain could kill him... for some reason...  Honestly, I got tired of the idea of Dracula being a Biblical figure really quickly as this was just a result of people being “bored” with the idea of him being Vlad the Impaler post-Death.     The TV show Dracula (2013) that aired on NBC (not to be confused with the more enjoyable 1990 TV series of the same name), claimed that Dracula was turned into a vampire by The Order of The Dragon after they murdered his wife, to punish him for putting science before religion.   As... You know... it totally makes sense to turn your enemy into a powerful immortal who can rip your throats out...  (I’m not a fan of this show AT ALL!)  

The film Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula (2000) told a slightly loose retelling of the historic Dracula’s life story and implied that he became a vampire because he was murdered as in many old legends someone with unfinished business or whom was murdered (or commited suicide) might return as a vampire.

The film Dracula: Untold (2014) told an even looser (and far less respectful) version of the historic Dracula’s backstory.  (I feel Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula did it better).  This one had an ancient vampire hiding out in a cave transform Vlad into his heir by feeding him his blood.  A human victim being fed the blood of a vampire is a common method of vampiric transformation in modern fiction.  Anne Rice uses it, and in the original Dracula novel by Bram Stoker, Mina had described being forcibly fed Dracula’s blood.    

The graphic novel series called Dracula: The Company of Monsters indicated that much like in Stoker’s novel, Dracula practiced Magick during his human life, and that the mixture of honey and herbs used to preserve his head when it was delivered to the Sultan of the Ottoman empire, was actually part of an arcane process (that he orchestrated to bring about his own vampiric immortality.    

The manga and anime Hellsing (and Hellsing OVA Ultimate) gives yet another origin and it’s one of the few to remember he had been decapitated during or after his assassination.  

The Castlevania video game franchise gave yet another origin to Dracula. Also note that Lords of Shadow is considered an AU (Alternate universe).  I’m not a big fan of this origin though I love the current Castlevania animated series on Netflix.   Despite what some viewers have theorized, yes, in the franchise he was originally human.  He was not born a vampire. Don’t expect any historical accuracy in Castlevania but it does have a great portrayal of Dracula, nevertheless. 

   Also note:  He bites a major artery.  No need for illogical and idiotic “straw” (I still can’t get over that there are people on Tumblr who like that idea) teeth.  You rupture the carotid artery and there will be a major torrent of blood and probable death. I’m sorry for harping on this but I still can’t grasp that there are people who “Like” the stupid fan idea that vampire teeth are straws.  Go home, you anatomically-confused children of mosquitos.  

Favorite origin for Dracula:

There are many recent stories invented to tell the origin of Dracula the vampire.   But my personal favorite is the one told in Fred Saberhagen’s Dracula book series.  Fred Saberhagen’s Dracula books (Sometimes called the New Tales of Dracula or The New Dracula, or The Dracula sequence) retell the novel Dracula from Dracula’s point of view and then tell further adventures.  It entails ten novels starting with The Dracula Tape and three short stories.  The sixth book in the series is called “A Matter of Taste” and it includes Dracula’s vampiric origin.

The story covers his death in historically accurate and graphic detail but after his death his body (and severed head) are retrieved by loyalists who spirit away his body and severed head (leaving behind a fallen soldier who resembled him).  They tend to his body for burial and as they do the candles keep going out and the head seems to be re-attaching to the neck.  Growing nervous they hastily bury him at a crossroads with the intention of retrieving him later for a proper burial.  The head of the false Dracula corpse was delivered to the Sultan in 1477, matching the historic record.   

After some time Dracula heals in this grave and rises as a vampire.  Where most vampires are created via a blood exchange in this book series (a human bitten and then drinking the blood of a vampire) Dracula claims to have never been bitten by another vampire, nor did he drink another vampire’s blood, making him unusual to the other vampires of the book series. 

He convinces himself it was a transition of will that he refused to die and so became the vampire but the reality is he actually has no idea how it happened and I kind of like that a lot. 

 It’s an explanation and a non-explanation while being respectful to the history and not undoing or changing any of the events of the human man’s life.  It just deals with posthumous unlife.

Also, contrary to popular modern beliefs, Dracula does have a soul in the original Bram Stoker novel and the heroes even became convinced they could save him (spiritually) after Mina scolded them about talking about Hell.  She said the better part of him might still be saved and ascend and that he should be pitied.  At the end of the novel they were relieved by the look of peace on his face when they destroyed him, implying that yes, despite all that he had done as a vampire, yes, he had been forgiven and had gone on to Heaven.

Fred Saberhagen also had an interesting theory as to why symbols of faith hurt vampires.  He believed it was psychosomatic.  That a vampire is easily influenced by the beliefs of those around him because his is naturally psychic he’ll pick up on the beliefs of those around him and if a believe is strong enough it can plant a suggestion that has a physical manifestation.  This also accounts for why you need faith for the symbol to actually work in such films as Fright Night (original 1985 film). 

An interesting thing to note is that in 1931, when they really dug up where Vlad the Impaler was supposed to have been buried, all they found were animal bones.  

In the book and documentary (narrated by Christopher Lee) “In Search of Dracula” it was suggested that his body may have been relocated to under the altar of the chapel where he had been buried.   This remains unconfirmed.  

[misterewrites]

Marco Ubaldo Van Diaz (Monster Hunter AU/starcoween) part 1

Hey everyone, Mr.E here and I finally did it! I finally made my own writing blog  on tumblr! woo *throws confetti* I finally decided to just put my stories in one place so it’s easier for people to read. I felt weird about the idea to be honest but i decided it was for the best.

Story prompt of the day: Marco Diaz is a fledgling monster hunter. While on his latest contract, he stumbles into trouble and needs help to fend off another monster. However, is he willing to accept it from what lurks deep in the woods?

I love me my gothic horror. I love me my Castlevania, the witcher and van helsing, Dracula, old movie monsters and of course the curse of strahd dnd campaign  I’m doing. So what better for starcoween, my totally made up holiday i missed anyway? write my own version.  This is based on a few things. Dnd, van helsing, castlevania etc etc (the big bad is actually a reference to the curse of strahd) so there’s not really one source in here. Also it is darker than my usual stuff but i did still add comedic because that’s what I like.

So that’s it for me. I hope you all enjoy. I plan to get my stories on this blog asap  so they’re easy to find if you ever want to reread them. Also this second part will be a little late because I have birthday gifts to give out. So the next story I’ll do is spatz pirates au part 3. Also, let me know whatcha think of a certain character I have written for for the first time. have a great week! 

“I am here to witness your passing” the young man said, kneeing before the loose circle of candles that flickered back and forth with a hypnotic sway.

He was strangely dressed for these neck of the woods: A elegant black coat with a well kept red vest and white collared shirt. A black ascot tie wrapped snugly around his neck and a simple brown riding cloak draped over his shoulders. His boots were caked with mud from his travels though he carried a strange assortment of baggage: Two sheathed blades hung on his back, a bag slung around his shoulder with random pouches sewed onto his belt.  

“I beseech you: Move on from this world and lay your grudges to rest”

The crackling of the flames were the only response he received.

“Your spirit is weary, your anger is great.” Marco murmured gently under his breath, clutching the small doll in his hands carefully “I will put you to rest.”

He stood to full height, the icy breeze playfully tugging at his ponytail as he held his lantern close. With one swift movement, the doll caught ablaze and was flung directly into circle.

Marco’s face remained stony and indifferent as an inhuman shriek broke the quiet of the night. A blackish, oily smoke rose from the burning toy yet instead of rising to the sky, it remained, growing in size while humanoid shapes formed within. Hands clasping at empty air, long dark hair billowing through the haze, faces shifting between unparalleled joy and furious anger.

“Do not resist” Marco calmly spoke to the entity “I know it’s scary but you must let go or you will harm many.”

The shriek grew and grew, echoing through the darkened forest. The smoke began to form into a ghostly shade: a young woman with dark hair and tatter clothing. Her eyes gleamed with an ailing yellow glow, her skin was cracked and sickly, her teeth were sharp and curved like fangs. Her fingers shifted between human and beastly talons.

She focused on the lone man, hissing angrily under her breath but Marco remained unmoved by her threat. He patiently kept his gaze, refusing to break contact with the specter.

Without warning, she lashed out. Raising her arms, she lunged forward, hands tensed to wrap themselves against an unsuspecting throat.

The flames from the candles burned orange for a moment before blazing a righteous blue and as the ghostly shade approached Marco, a fiery torrent rose. Her hands scraped at the fire but it stung far worse than any flame she had ever known in life. White smoke curled off her body as the flames shrank but still glowed a pale blue.

“Sorry” Marco gave an unapologetic shrug “Holy candles and a magic circle tends to do that. Because you’re corrupted and all.”

The shade glanced downwards realizing she had been tricked. Beneath the burning doll was a circular chalk outline of complex runes and symbols that glimmered with the faint trace of magic now that they held a wayward spirit.

The ghostly woman thrashed but each time she drew closer to the candles, the fires rose, towering above her in warning. She tried smothering the flames that burnt her childhood treasure but nothing could halt the fire as it consumed the toy slowly.

Marco remained still until the doll was burnt to ash and a gentle wind scattered the remains.

The ghost began to gleam with a pure white light. Her skin cleared, her eyes now a pleasant green, fangs retracted until they became human once more. The clothing mended itself until it was pristine and elegant.

A woman no older than Marco replaced the vicious shade and looked gratefully upon him. He gave a polite, understanding nod as the woman vanished into dozens of tiny lights that quickly ascend into the night sky. The flames went out at once, the candles now waxy puddles as the magic circle’s glow faded.

Marco fished out a scroll from one of the pouches. What once contained unreadable magical runes he could never hope to decipher or read was now blank, its surface empty and bare.

“Another successful contract” Marco sighed appreciatively.

Marco had been training to be a hunter all his life and while his natural talent had gotten him far, he still was new to this line of work. Up to now, all he had really done was help rest some wayward spirits and stopped the occasional zombie horde. The wraith was the first real threat the Guild entrusted to him and while he was happy another soul was now at peace, he did not feel accomplished at his task.

“Hunters do not seek fame and glory” Marco recited the Guild’s manta “but it really does help getting jobs.”

Marco sighed while he began cleaning up the site, brushing the chalk away with his gloved hands and covering the dried wax with dirt when a scream rang out from the darkness. Not a ghastly haunted one but a very real, very helpless living cry for help.

Marco raced through the thickets and foliage of the forest, adrenaline surging into his tired body.

He broke through the bushes and nearly fell off a previously unseen hill in his haste. He flailed wildly, shifting his weight back and forth while trying to regain his balance.

“Okay!” Marco scolded himself “Don’t go running blindly through the forest, it might be a bad idea….”

His voice trailed off when he finally noticed the burning village below, battle cries, crackling flames and terrified screams filled the night in a macabre symphony.

“well shit that’s not good!” Marco cried as he raced forward, one hand reaching for his blade, the other grasping the air in an attempt to steady his footing making his way down to the hill.

He was roughly halfway through his heroic charge when his foot caught a grass clump and took a less than refined spill downhill. He tumbled for a moment or two before being flung through the air straight into a thick fuzzy body and knocking them both onto the scratchy dirt floor.

Marco groaned unhappily, covering his mouth as his stomach churned nauseously.

“Ugh, I hate motion sickness.” Marco gave an ungentlemanly burp before turning to the poor soul he crashed into “You okay?”

A chill ran down his spine as a deep, hungry growl responded to his question. What he mistook for hay was actually dark bluish gray fur that smelt of blood. He gulped nervously as the figure dug their sharp nails into effortlessly the earth. The face was not one of a friend or even human but a wolf’s with murder singing in its red eyes.

“Werewolf” Marco said matter of fact before snapping into action. With one fluent motion, he unsheathed his blade and swung for the beast’s neck.

Marco flinched as the blade bounced harmlessly off the creature. He glanced at his weapon and let out a frustrated moan upon realizing his mistake

“I grabbed the wrong one!” He scolded himself but there was no time to smack himself. The werewolf took advantage of the novice mistake and swiped angrily at the hunter. Marco caught the attack with the flat of his blade but the beast’s strength knocked him back onto the balls of his feet. The creature’s eyes narrowed in excitement as it prepared for one final lunge.

That was its mistake. Marco reached into his coat pocket, pulling out his hand crossbow  and sent its payload into the charging werewolf. It howled in pain, the slivered arrow head piercing its thick hide and burying itself deep into its body. It feebly tried to pull the bolt free but the sliver burned, intensifying the pain that coursed through its body.

Marco sheathed the steel blade he accidentally pulled and drew out the sliver one he meant to. The werewolf’s gaze fell upon the weapon, its polished blade gleaming in the moonlight.

For a moment, the world ceased to exist as the two combatants stared the other down, waiting for the moment to strike.

The werewolf broke the stalemate, dropping onto all fours and attempting to blindside Marco with its speed.

Marco scoffed as he brought down his sword into the creature, whispering a prayer as it fell dead at his feet.

Marco wiped the sweat off his brow when the world came crashing back in. What he thought was the werewolf’s primal animistic snarls thundering in his ears were actually echoing all around him.

“It’s a pack” Marco realized “A pack of werewolves.”

Marco pulled the bolt from the dead werewolf and broke into a run, a fearful thought nestling into his mind. He had never fight a werewolf before and this village was at the mercy of a bloodthirsty pack of them. He hadn’t the slightest idea how many were running around or if the town’s guard were ready to deal with such a threat.

Marco felt his desperation rising as he ran through city streets blindly. Fallen bodies, buildings ransacked or destroyed, the living scattered while the hungry howls of wolves came from all directions.

“A hunter out in public? Strange to see one not lurking in the shadows. Perhaps you’ve all grown a backbone.”

Marco skidded to a stop. His skin crawled as a thick, seductive magic blanketed the icy night and weighed heavily on his body.

The young hunter gripped his sliver blade tightly, searching for the owner of the voice but none could be found.

“Here hunter. Above your squishy mortal coil.”

Marco’s eyes hardened at the sight of the man perched lazily on a nearby rooftop: He was hardly much older than Marco with a handsomeness that was too perfect to be human. His raven hair short yet well kept. His pale red eyes glimmered with a dangerous charisma. He wore fine clothing, the kind Marco had only seen nobles or kings flaunt carelessly. His lean frame was draped in black cape with blood red lining that looked like it was dripping free of the fabric.

“Tell me hunter.” the man said with a conversational tone as he slid across the roof tiling “Are you a brave man? Or simply foolish?”

Marco resisted the urge to take a step back: whatever this man was, he was a threat and one that could not be taken lightly.

“Based on your reaction to my presence” The man sneered playfully “You were not sent to hunt me, were you?”

Marco remained silent.

“Hmm” The man stroked his chin thoughtfully “Interesting. I am Count Rictavio von Zarovich, local lord of the area. You can see my castle in the distance.”

Marco glanced where the man gestured and sure enough he could see a small piece of a tower peeking above the treeline.

“I was under the impression the castle had long since been abandoned” Marco replied. He thought frantically of ways to shift the situation in his favor but if he was facing what he thought he was facing, he would be lucky to escape unharmed.

“Ah mortals” Rictavio’s voice took on a longing tone “Your memory is so small.”  

“Well” Marco shrugged, eyes locked with von Zarovich “We all can’t be vampires, can we?”

“No” the Count smirked as two long pointed fangs slid down “We can’t.”

Marco’s body tensed as he tried urgently to recall all he could remember about the vampiric undead but before he could gather his thoughts, a howl scattered his thoughts.

He reached madly dove into his pouches, his hands agitated in a mad search for the one item that could protect him.

Another howl screeched even closer than before and out of the corner of his eye, Marco could see large shadows quickly darting out of the forest menacingly.

“Come on” Marco muttered to himself “Come on!”

Rictavio smiled joyfully which Marco wasn’t sure was a good or bad thing.

Marco didn’t stop even as impossibly large black wolves slowly drew closer, their red eyes alive with an unceasing hunger towards the hunter.

Marco nearly sobbed with relief as he pulled free the old, nearly destroyed scroll. He held it triumphantly and with a calm voice, Marco spoke the ancient language written on the paper. it crumbled in his hands while the magic it held took effect.

A shining translucent bubble formed all around him at once, shielding him from the pack and their vampire lord.

One wolf tried biting at the encased hunter but pulled away as a holy energy burnt at its jaw. The other wolves snarled and began circling him once more.

Rictavio looked amused “I have never seen such a shoddy protection spell before. You hunters are so uneducated.”

Marco twitched anxiously. Rictavio was spouting out knowledge about hunters like it was the weather. Most hunters didn’t have a drop of magic in them and magical scrolls and items tended to be rare personal possessions.

What made Marco nervous, however, was how the vampire knew how helpless he truly was: Head to head fights were often ill advised. Monsters and creatures were physically superior to even the fittest hunter. That’s why most usually study their prey, setting up ambushes and waiting for when the situation favored them. Even a hunter’s toolkit was prepared for battling a specific creature which is how Rictavio knew Marco was no threat to him. He was here for a wraith, not a vampire and his pet werewolves.

“The night is young” The Count spoke with an air of confidence “and that spell won’t last forever. This, my dear hunter, is where you die.”

“Well” Marco tried to muster a tone of assurance “You should probably keep count of how many wolves I’m going to kill. I got one earlier so the current count is one. Obviously”

“Humor is all your have now.”

“No” Marco disagreed “I got denial too. Really helps keep the edge off.”

“Your jokes are as terrible as your hunting.”

“Why don’t you come closer and find out?”

Rictavio made a motion to sneer again when, without warning, a warm gentle light basked the area in its illumination.

Marco was fine aside from his eyes readjusting for a moment from the sudden shift in lighting.

His foes were not so lucky.

Steam rolled off the wolves as they writhed in pain, their forms switching between their four legged and their heinous werebeast shapes. Whatever what was going was not what they signed up for and in droves they bolted and escaped into the darkness of the forest.

Rictavio lasted a few moments longer: His skin bruised and flaked under what felt like sunlight but he seemed unconcerned by the new development.

“Run hunter” he mocked with a toothy grin “and let’s see what remains when you return.”

And flourish of his cape, the vampire had vanished and in his place was a gigantic, monstrous bat escaping into the night.

The sphere of protection cracked and broke a few seconds later. The crackling of flames, sobs of sorrow and shouts for help were all that remained of the monsters.

Marco glanced where the strange light came from and found a cloaked figure standing near some trees, her hand outstretched still.

“Who are you?” Marco called, turning to face his savior.

The figure straightened up at once, her hand slipping under her riding cloak as she looked around.

“Who, me?” the figure gestured to herself.

“Umm…yeah” Marco nodded in confirmation “you’re the only one there. Who else would I be talking to?”

“That’s not true” the figure countered childishly “This tree is here. You should really apologize to mister tree.”

“I’m sorry mister tree.”

“Thank you!”

“Now, how did you do that?”

“Oh, you hear that?” the figure nudged the fallen corpse that lay near her feet “He’s talking to you. You should answer. Welp, it looks like you’re having a rather serious conversation so I’ll just get going. Okaythanksbye!”

and just like that, the figure ran, swallowed whole by the looming forest.

Marco frowned: part of him wanted to chase after her not only to properly thank her but also perhaps work out a deal about creating a new protection scroll. She was clearly a powerful spellcaster and her timing was perfect.

But he couldn’t just leave yet, not with the village so devastated. He needed to help the best he could and in any way possible. Guilt bit at him as his failure to repel the attack weighed heavily on his mind.  

The damage wasn’t as bad as he initially feared but that didn’t lessen the horrors remained. 12 villagers had died during the attack, a few were bitten but it was unclear if the lycanthropy curse had been passed on to them and some were missing, currently thought to have been carried off by the pack. Many buildings were severely damaged to the point of near collapse and those that weren’t still needed desperate repairs.

“Things look grim” the captain bluntly told Marco “the guard consists of twenty people and we can’t be everywhere at once. We don’t even have enough slivered weapons to properly fight off the pack and we still have the vamprye to content with.”

Marco scratched his chin thoughtfully “It is rather strange a vampire would be able to gain the loyalty of a pack of werewolves.”

“Is it? Such an alliance would be beneficial to both parties” The captain replied “The vamprye gets blood and the wolves meat…..”

“How long ago did he appear? Current rumors stated the castle was abandoned centuries ago.”

“About a month now.” the captain rubbed his eyes tiredly “He appeared without warning but at first it was simply that undead fiend. In his weakened state, he was far easier to fend off. But the next week he came with the wolves. It was a smaller pack then but we were unprepared. Since then, he has come once every week, terrorizing our simple village though I suspect he will return sooner than later.”

“My guild is three days away” Marco said thoughtfully “even if I leave now, I would still have to convince them to pool the resources together to fight this threat and travel back. At a very minimum I return in a week but why do you believe he will attack soon?”

“You, my dear hunter, are a toy to him” The captain spoke simply “He is a cruel and manipulative creature. He would slaughter us to draw you to his castle and quicken your return.”

“I should’ve never came” Marco murmured guiltily

The captain placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder “You did not know. You cannot fault yourself for such a thing. We can only do what we must.”

“Is there anyone who can assist me? I wasn’t exactly prepared to fight a vampire lord.”

“My guard are strong, brave warriors but we cannot leave the town undefended and I doubt the villagers would be so eager to wield weapons against the dead.”

The silence was thick, thoughts swirled in Marco’s head. A vampire count would be an undertaking of its own but a pack of werewolves…..

“Are you prepared to sell your soul hunter?”

Marco stared quizzically at the captain

The captain shifted uneasily “…There are two….women…in the forest that may be able to assist you…for a price.”

Marco caught the subtle contempt laced in the man’s voice “Not a fan I take it?”

“Witches” the captain said straight to the point “They live deep in the forest. Unholy beings with unnatural magic. We avoid them at all costs but if you wish to rid this place of the vampyre, they may be your only hope.”

“I’ve worked with stranger” Marco admitted “and I take it since everyone avoids these witches, everyone knows where to find them?”

The captain clenched his fist tightly.

“That is more homey than I’d expected” Marco told himself as he stood in front of the witches hut.

It was a simple hut made of wood and straw. A cozy light slipped out of the door frame as strange charms hung from the roof, swaying gently in the breeze.

As the young hunter made his way closer, the door swung open invitingly almost like it knew he was coming.

“Well…that’s not foreboding at all” Macro shook his head while he made his way inside “not in the slightest.”

“It wasn’t meant to be dearie but you’ve had a long night.” A friendly older voice called out to him.

“One you seem to be well aware of.” Marco answered as he finally entered the abode.

The interior of the hut was small but loving. A fire place in the corner, kitchen opposite side. A desk with several blank scrolls and books, strange, foreign plants and materials kept away in small drawers near a large cauldron and through the cracked door leading to another room, Marco spotted two humble beds.

The woman sat by the roaring fire place, a leather bound book sitting in her lap as she peered at Marco through her reading glasses.

She was a tiny woman, shorter than he to be sure. Her eyes were grayish purple color that gleamed kindly. Her skin was pale and her long poofy teal hair ran down her back. Two red spades graced her cheeks (witch marks Marco remembered). She wore a long purple dress with gray gloves and simple black footwear with purple socks. She looked more like someone’s mother than a powerful spell caster but Marco was not fooled.

“Take a seat.” The woman gestured to the chair across from her.

“Thank you” Marco nodded amicably as he dropped into the chair ungracefully

“Would you fancy a bit of tea? Or perhaps some coffee?”

Marco shook his head “I rather not.”

“Wary I see.”

“offended?”

The woman chuckled “not at all! It is expected when one wanders the forest. Dark, dangerous things live out here.”

“Since you know all about me, why don’t you introduce yourself?”

“of course. My name is Eclipsa.” the woman revealed “I am humble witch and nothing more Mr. Diaz.”

“How long have you been watching me?” Marco asked politely.

“Since you entered the forest of course.” Eclipsa gave a friendly smile “Can’t have strange man wandering about especially a hunter. Thank for you easing Nora. She was a good woman.”

“I was doing my job. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“So your words say yet your heart speaks otherwise. Helping a village is rather sweet of you.”

“It was foolhardy” Marco replied bitterly.

“Nevertheless sweet.” Eclipsa pressed “One does not cancel the other. Actions can be a multitude of things.”

Marco glanced about the home “The villagers don’t like or trust you.”

Eclipsa gasped mockingly “I would’ve never guessed such a thing! I kid of course. I am well aware of the villagers hatred of me but I wouldn’t harm them. Not like that vampiric friend of yours.”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t paid you a visit.”

“He tried.” the witch sipped her tea “But he quickly found out that was a very unwise choice. He’s avoided me since though I suspect he’s planning his revenge.”

Marco opened his mouth to continued when the door opened once again and a cheerful voice called out “Granny, I’m back!”

In walked the cloaked figure from before, a basket of colorful flowers hanging from her arm as she pulled back her hood. A long, flowing blonde braided mane tumbled free and Marco was momentarily awestruck by the young woman.

Her eyes were a sky blue with childish and rather endearing skulls as her witchmarks. She wore a black short sleeve blouse with pink trim and long flowing black skirt that stopped at her ankles. She wore practical mud covered work boots and the typical witches hat with a conical crown and wide brim. Hanging off the tip of her headgear was a home made stitched heart that gave her a rather adorable quality.

She took one step in, took notice of their guest (he knew she recognized him based on how wide her eyes had gotten) but never skipped a step as she nervously greeted Marco.

“Hello stranger I’ve never seen before!” Star gave a tense bow “W-what brings you to our humble…”

“Star” Eclipsa cut in “I know you went to the village.”

“Whaaaaaat?” the woman replied in a deadpanned, not so convincing tone “Me? The village? Nooookay I’m sorry but there was a fire. Screams! And they weren’t directed at us for once”

“Star, we’ve talked about this.”

“I know but….”

Eclipsa sighed “I know you want to go but it’s safer for you here. Now, we have a guest.”

“Right….oh. Oh!” Star pivoted on her heels and faced the hunter “May I offer you some food? Perhaps a drink?”

“No thanks” Marco softly waved his hand “Your grandmother offered me but thank you all the same.”

“You are welcome.”

“And thank you for saving my life.”

Star’s cheeks took on a pink hue as she gave a casual smirk “It was my pleasure. I mean I couldn’t just let them eat you! Well I guess I could’ve but it didn’t seem right.”

“Admittedly it wouldn’t have been a good day for me. Not fond of being a chew toy.” Marco chuckled.

Star giggled cutely “I don’t think anyone is.”

The two shared a small smile before a cough knocked them out of their stupor.

“Mr. Diaz.” Eclipsa gave a knowing grin at Marco’s reddened cheeks “I am aware why you have come and I am afraid I cannot assist you.”

Marco’s shoulders sagged in defeat “Without your help, I won’t be able to kill the vampire.”

“Perhaps but I am not a fan of needless conflict. I am just an old woman who wishes to live in peace.”

Marco sighed tiredly.

“Star, on the other hand, will be more than eager to join your quest.”

“Yeah!” Star nodded in agreement “I totally would.” She paused, finally processing what was said “Wait, I would? I mean yeah but you never…”

“I never let you go unsupervised my dear” Eclipsa explained “You are quite reckless.”

“For the last time that sprite startled me! The fire was not my fault.” Star quickly chimed in.

“Regardless how a fire did or did not spontaneously burst into existence matters not.” The older witch ignored Star’s comments “You will guide Marco and assist in his quest. You were planning on doing so anyway.”

The younger witch said nothing

“I know you dislike Rictavio far more than I but you cannot simply just attack a vampire. They are not like other creatures and to recklessly assault one will not end well. So better to send you with a trained hunter than have you unwisely sneak off on your own and get yourself killed or worse, turned.”

“Me? Killed? Turned?” Star scoffed at the idea “C'mon granny, I can handle myself.”

“Your grandmother is right.” Marco spoke up as he rose to his feet “Vampires are not to be trifled with so casually.”

“Actually she is my ninth great granddaughter” Eclipsa corrected Marco “It’s simply easier to call me Granny Eclipsa.”

Marco stared in disbelief “Just rolls off the tongue huh?”

Eclipsa let out a small laugh “You say great nine times and see how eager you are to do so again. So Mr. Hunter, I shall allow my Star to guide you. In exchange, you must ensure her safe return to me.”

“You have my promise.”

“Don’t you want to hear an or else? For dramatic effect?” Eclipsa rose an eyebrow.

“You are a powerful and educated witch. I am well aware what will happen if I do not fulfill my promise.”

Eclipsa gave a joyful smile “It is so refreshing to talk in such a straight forward manner. I do hope you survive. Such a nice lad. Well off with you two.”

Marco and Star looked at one another “What?”

Marco and Star stood outside with the same shell shock expression on their faces as the hut door closed behind them.

“So…is this what getting kicked out of a house is like?” Star joked.

“It feels familiar” Marco admitted “though most of the time I’m being tossed out a window. It’s nice to go through the door for once.”

“I don’t think that’s what windows are for….”

Marco shrugged “I would like to point out I never said I went willingly.”

“Why would you?” Star nudged him playfully “That’s way too much work.”

Marco tried to suppress a smile but it ended up spilling onto his face anyway.

“So, ready to take down a vampire?” Star asked curiously

“Not really but lead on witchy woman.”

“Okay but only because you would get so loooooost.”

Marco and Star stumbled out of the bushes. Marco wildly slashed and thrust his blade into whatever was chasing them as Star let out a frantic battle cry, flames pouring out of her palms.

The creature snarled in annoyance, taking one last swipe at the witch.

“Watch out!” Marco cried, pushing Star out of the way just in time for a large scaly  claw to narrowly miss her head.

“Back! BACK I SAY!” Star yelled, arcane energy crackling between her fingers.

The creature knew better than to pursue. It snorted before retreating into the thicket.

Marco and Star laid on the ground, her head on his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her frame.

“I told you it was a dragon.” Marco scolded gently.

“Nah” Star shook her head “its got to be a salamander. Those things get huuuuge out here.”

“It breathed fire!”

“And your point is?”

“It wasn’t on fire. Fire salamanders always set themselves on fire!”

“What? No, that’s not how they work”

“I studied them! I fought one! I know how they work.”

“Psst, clearly your books are wrong.”

“Clearly you can’t tell a salamander from a dragon!”

“Aren’t they in the same family?”

Marco opened his mouth before stopping dead in his tracks “I…don’t know actually.”

“We should find out.” Star jumped to her feet and offered a hand to Marco.

He shook his head as he gripped it tightly and allowed his partner to lift him to his feet.

“So this is the castle….” Marco whispered “Well fuck.”

The castle stood high above their heads surrounded by cliffs. While it towered in the distance when Marco first saw it, now it loomed over them, impossibly large. Time ravaged banners fluttered helplessly in the winds, the ancient stone still sturdy and well built and a lonely road spiraled around the mountain was the only visible path. Any hopes of catching the count unaware were an impossibility.

“…Looks like we’re going to have to walk up” Marco murmured to himself, still lost in his thoughts. There must’ve been a way to some how reach the castle unnoticed.

“Well duh” Star rolled her eyes “It leads to the front door! How else are we supposed to get in? A window? Psst, those are waaaay too high up.”

“I was kinda hoping to get in unseen” Marco said “I don’t like the idea of Rictavio having time to set up for us. Can’t you fly us up or something?”

“I am a witch, not a bird. Besides the spell would only last ten minutes if I use it on the both of us and there’s no way we’re going all the way up there in that time. Come on, just take the path before you. The sooner we kick this vampire’s ass, the sooner everyone is safe.”

“Star” Marco shook his head “I don’t think you’re understanding the problem here. Vampires are powerful creatures. Even magic would have a hard time piercing their unearthly nature. We can’t just walk up to him and go ‘hey we’re here to kill you! Stand still please.'”

“Sure we can” Star waved off Marco’s comment “I’ll just sunbeam him and that’ll be that.”

“We need to be more discreet” Marco argued

“We need to launch an all out attack!” Star countered

“Recklessly charging is going to get us killed!”

“Recklessly charging has always worked for me!”

“How?!”

“I’m a witch!”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

“You don’t make any sense!”

“Star, that literally makes no sense.”

“Well” Star turned on her heel and faced Marco directly “Make sense then!”

“Fine!” Marco shouted “Duck now!”

Star blinked in confusion “Wait, what?”

Marco dropped low to the ground, pulling Star downwards with him as a massive wolf leapt at them from the shadows, his jaw biting into thin air.

Marco drew his sliver sword but Star was faster on the uptake. She gestured to the wolf, her skulls glowing with magical energy.

The wolf struggled against some unseen force, muscles stiffening as they were frozen in place by Star’s spell.

Marco quietly stabbed the still, silent creature, holding his blade until it fell limp before him.

“Whew. Good acting Star.” Marco gave a grateful smile.

“Umm….” Star looked back and forth uneasily “yeah…was totally aware he was there.”

“Hey, you didn’t tell me you could restrain monsters.”

“Well you didn’t tell me…umm…..yeah!”

Marco shook his head as his eyes fell upon the wolf’s corpse, began forming in his mind.

“Hey Star…..can you make disguises?”